Heat exchangers, indoor units of air conditioners

Abstract

This heat exchanger comprises: heat transfer pipes (60) through which a heat medium flows; and a header (80) in which are formed connection ports (21, 22) to which the heat transfer pipes (60) are connected, and to which piping from a heat source side is connected, and a flow path of the heat medium allowing the connection ports (21, 22) and the heat transfer pipes (60) to communicate. The header (80) of the heat exchanger includes a first member (40) in which are formed insertion holes in which the heat transfer pipes (60) are inserted, and a first seal member installation groove which is formed around the insertion holes and in which a first seal member is press-fitted between the first seal member installation groove and the heat transfer pipes (60), and a second member (50) in which are formed a groove portion (23c) for forming the connection ports (21, 22) and the flow path, and a storage recess (30a) for storing the first member (40). Wide-diameter portions (60b) for preventing the first seal member from falling out are formed on ends of the heat transfer pipes (60) inserted into the insertion holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and an indoor unit of an air conditioner including the heat exchanger.

Background Art

[0002] When water is used as the heat medium flowing through the heat exchanger, it is known that if the flow velocity is high, the heat transfer pipes of the heat exchanger will be corroded. Therefore, in order to suppress the flow velocity, a multi-pass configuration with a large number of electric heat pipes is adopted. On the other hand, when ensuring high pressure resistance performance for a multi-pass heat exchanger with a complicated connection part, the space for connecting piping components tends to be large. Patent Document 1 discloses connection means that can ensure relatively space-saving and relatively high pressure resistance performance at the connection part between the heat transfer pipe and the header.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the connection means for the heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Document 1 is formed from specially designed and manufactured connectors, seal members, and sheet-like packings, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is high. Further, in order to maintain the compressed state of the seal member when internal pressure is applied, tightening with a screw is necessary. Therefore, a space for arranging the screw is required, and there is a limit to miniaturization.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a space-saving heat exchanger that suppresses manufacturing costs while ensuring pressure resistance performance, and an indoor unit of an air conditioner including this heat exchanger.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The heat exchanger according to this disclosure comprises a heat transfer pipe through which a heat transfer medium flows, a connection port to which the heat transfer pipe is connected and to which a pipe from the heat source side is connected, and a header having a flow path for the heat transfer medium that connects the connection port and the heat transfer pipe. The header comprises a first member having an insertion hole through which the heat transfer pipe is inserted, a connection port, a groove that forms a flow path, and Planar shape The device comprises a second member having a receiving recess that fits the first member and accommodates the first member, and a retaining member that sandwiches the first member and the second member to prevent the first member housed in the second member from coming out of the receiving recess. The depth of the receiving recess is approximately the same as the thickness of the first member to be received, and the first member can be inserted and fitted into the receiving recess. A second sealing member, which ensures airtightness between the first member and the second member, is provided in a second sealing member installation groove formed in the first member, and is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the housing recess and the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member installation groove. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a heat transfer pipe is inserted through a header comprising a first member and a second member that houses the first member. The second sealing member is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the receiving recess formed in the second member and the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member installation groove formed in the first member. As a result, even if internal pressure acts on the header, the second sealing member is pushed toward the inner circumferential surface by the outer circumferential surface, resulting in high watertightness. This simple component configuration allows for reduced manufacturing costs and space savings while ensuring pressure resistance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Perspective view of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Perspective view of a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Enlarged view of Part III enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a diagram of the heat exchanger as seen in the direction of arrow IV. [Figure 5A] This is a perspective view of the header of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1, and shows the header viewed from the same direction as in Figure 3. [Figure 5B] This is a perspective view of the header of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1, showing the header as viewed from the direction of arrow b in Figure 5A. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the header as seen from section line VI-VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the header. [Figure 8] Enlarged view of section VIII enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 7. [Figure 9A] Figure 8 shows how the first plate-shaped member is connected to the heat transfer piping. [Figure 9B] This diagram shows how the first plate-shaped member shown in Figure 8 is connected to the heat transfer piping, and is a continuation of the diagram from Figure 9A. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram focusing on the connection between the first member of the heat exchanger and the heat transfer piping according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing how the first sealing member is provided on the peripheral edge of the first member of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, heat exchangers and indoor units of air conditioners according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In describing each embodiment, a Cartesian coordinate system defined by the X and Y axes extending horizontally and the Z axis extending vertically perpendicular to the X and Y axes, as shown in Figure 1, will be referred to as appropriate. The XY plane is parallel to the ceiling of the room, the +Z direction is upward, and the -Z direction is downward.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 1 comprises an outdoor unit 2 located outdoors, an indoor unit 3 embedded in the ceiling of a room with a heat exchanger 10 and a blower 11 installed inside, and a relay unit 4 connected to the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 via heat transfer fluid piping 5. This air conditioner 1 is a so-called multi-split air conditioner for buildings. In Figure 1, multiple pipes for circulating the heat transfer fluid between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 are schematically shown as a single heat transfer fluid pipe 5.

[0011] In the heat exchanger 10 provided in the indoor unit 3, warm or cold heat generated in the outdoor unit 2, which is a heat source unit, is supplied via the relay unit 4. The heat exchanger 10 adjusts the temperature of the interior by performing heat exchange between the heat medium flowing inside and the indoor air.

[0012] The blower 11 is disposed at the center of the indoor unit 3 and is surrounded by the heat exchanger 10 on all four sides. The blower 11 is, for example, a turbo fan, and by sending indoor air in four directions, it promotes heat exchange by the heat exchanger 10.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 10 includes a header 80 in which an inlet 21 through which the heat medium flows in and an outlet 22 through which the heat medium flows out are formed, a plurality of heat transfer pipes 60 both ends of which are connected to the header 80, and a plurality of fins 70 attached to the heat transfer pipes 60. The heat exchanger 10 is bent and has a square shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In FIGS. 1 to 4, the plurality of fins 70 are schematically shown as one unit and are illustrated as a wall body that is bent into a square shape. In FIG. 2, one fin 70 is schematically shown.

[0014] The heat transfer pipe 60 is, for example, a copper pipe, and a flow path through which the heat medium flows is formed inside. The heat medium flowing through the heat transfer pipe 60 is, for example, water. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat transfer pipe 60 has a start end 61 as an inflow end portion connected to the header 80 through which the heat medium flows in and a terminal end 62 as an outflow end portion connected to the header 80 through which the heat medium flows out. The start end 61 and the terminal end 62 of the heat transfer pipe 60 project from the same fin 70, and a folded-back portion 63 is provided at an intermediate portion between the start end 61 and the terminal end 62. The ranges between the start end 61 and the folded-back portion 63 and between the terminal end 62 and the folded-back portion 63 are bent into a square shape, and the start end 61, the terminal end 62, and the folded-back portion 63 are located at the same corner of this square shape. The heat transfer pipe 60 extends mainly in directions parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0015] The fins 70 are flat plate-shaped components designed to increase heat exchange efficiency by increasing the contact area with air. Multiple fins 70 are attached to the heat transfer pipes 60, and as shown in Figure 2, they are installed perpendicular to the extension direction of the heat transfer pipes 60. The material of the fins 70 is, for example, a clad material in which brazing material is rolled and bonded to the surface of an aluminum plate.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, the header 80 has a first member 40 and a second member 50. The second member 50 is formed by joining the first joining member 20 and the second joining member 30.

[0017] The first joining member 20 is made of synthetic resin with a heat resistance temperature of 150 degrees Celsius or higher, and has a rectangular flat plate portion 23 with its longitudinal direction in the Z-axis direction, and a cylindrical inlet 21 and outlet 22 provided on one surface of the flat plate portion 23 facing the -Y direction. The inlet 21 is a connection port to which the heat transfer medium piping 5 that carries the heat transfer medium from the outdoor unit 2 to the indoor unit 3, as shown in Figure 1, is connected. On the other hand, the outlet 22 is a connection port to which the heat transfer medium piping 5 that carries the heat transfer medium from the indoor unit 3 to the outdoor unit 2, as shown in Figure 1, is connected. On the upper and lower parts of one surface of the flat plate portion 23, notches 23a for attaching retaining members 51 are formed, as shown in Figure 5A. On the other surface of the flat plate portion 23, as shown in Figure 4, an inlet groove 23b and an outlet groove 23c that extend in the Z-axis direction and are aligned in the X-axis direction are formed. The inlet hole 21a formed in the inlet 21 penetrates the flat plate portion 23 and reaches the inlet groove 23b. Similarly, the outlet hole 22a formed in the outlet 22 penetrates the flat plate portion 23 and reaches the outlet groove 23c. The inlet groove 23b forms an inlet channel for distributing the heat transfer medium flowing in from the inlet 21 to each heat transfer pipe 60. In this way, the channel formed by the inlet groove 23b connects the inlet 21 and the heat transfer pipe 60. The outlet groove 23c forms a channel that combines the heat transfer medium flowing out from each heat transfer pipe 60 and guides it to the outlet 22. In this way, the outlet channel formed by the outlet groove 23c connects the outlet 22 and the heat transfer pipe 60.

[0018] The second joining member 30 is made of synthetic resin with a heat resistance temperature of 150 degrees Celsius or higher, and has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction in the Z-axis direction. The second joining member 30 is joined to the first joining member 20 by heat welding. On the surface of the second joining member 30 facing the +Y direction, there is a rectangular receiving recess 30a for accommodating the first member 40, and a return recess 30b for guiding the heat transfer medium flowing out from the end 62 of the heat transfer pipe 60 to the starting end 61 of another heat transfer pipe 60. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the receiving recess 30a is a recess that matches the first member 40, and its depth is about the same as the thickness of the first member 40. The return recess 30b is elliptical and has a bottom as shown in Figure 7, so that the heat transfer medium flowing out from the end 62 of the heat transfer pipe 60 can be returned within the second joining member 30.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the second connecting member 30 has a plurality of inlet through-holes 30c arranged in the Z-axis direction, and a plurality of outlet through-holes 30d also arranged in the Z-axis direction. The outlet through-holes 30d are formed on the +X side of the inlet through-holes 30c. The inlet through-holes 30c are through-holes that connect the inlet channel formed by the inlet groove 23b shown in Figure 4 to the starting end 61 of the heat transfer pipe 60 shown in Figure 3. This allows the heat transfer medium that flows in from the inlet 21 and is distributed in the inlet channel formed by the inlet groove 23b to flow into the heat transfer pipe 60 from the starting end 61. The outlet through-holes 30d are through-holes that connect the outlet channel formed by the outlet groove 23c shown in Figure 4 to the end 62 of the heat transfer pipe 60 shown in Figure 3. This allows the heat transfer medium that has flowed out of the heat transfer pipe 60 to merge in the outlet channel formed by the outlet groove 23c and flow out from the outlet 22.

[0020] The first member 40 is made of synthetic resin with a heat resistance temperature of 150 degrees Celsius or higher, and is formed from a rectangular plate-shaped member having a longitudinal direction in the Z-axis direction. As described above, the first member 40 is formed in a shape and size that matches the receiving recess 30a shown in Figure 4 formed in the second joining member 30. As shown in Figure 3, the first member 40 has a total of 20 insertion holes 40a through which the starting end 61 and ending end 62 of the heat transfer pipe 60 are inserted.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 7, the first member 40 has a second seal member installation groove 40b formed around its outer edge, which is stepped down from the surface facing the second joining member 30. That is, the second seal member installation groove 40b is a groove formed when a second flat plate portion 42, which is smaller than the first flat plate portion 41, is superimposed on the surface facing the -Y direction of the first flat plate portion 41. The second seal member 75, which serves as the second seal member as shown in Figure 7, is fitted into this second seal member installation groove 40b. The second seal member 75 is, for example, an O-ring with a heat resistance temperature of 150 degrees Celsius or higher. The second seal member 75 is compressed between the second joining member 30 and the first member 40 as the first member 40 is housed in the receiving recess 30a of the second joining member 30, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 6. At this time, the second sealing member 75 is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface 31 of the receiving recess 30a formed in the second joining member 30 and the outer circumferential surface 43 of the second sealing member installation groove 40b of the first member 40. The inner circumferential surface 31 and the outer circumferential surface 43 are opposite to each other and are parallel in the Y-axis direction. The second sealing member 75, compressed in this manner, ensures watertightness between the second joining member 30 and the outer edge of the first member 40.

[0022] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the connection between the through-hole 40a formed in the first member 40 and the heat transfer pipe 60 inserted through this through-hole 40a will be described. Note that the structural details of this connection are not shown in Figures 6 and 7. The through-hole 40a formed in the first member 40 is located in the center of a recess that is indented in the +Y direction. This recess is a first seal member installation groove 40c into which a first seal member 45 is installed when the heat transfer pipe 60 is inserted through the through-hole 40a. The first seal member installation groove 40c is formed corresponding to each of the multiple through-holes 40a, and the first seal member 45 is press-fitted after the heat transfer pipe 60 is inserted through the through-hole 40a. The first seal member 45 is, for example, an O-ring with a heat resistance temperature of 150 degrees Celsius or higher. As a result, the first sealing member 45 is compressed between the inner circumferential surface 44 of the first sealing member installation groove 40c of the first member 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the heat transfer pipe 60. The inner circumferential surface 44 of the first member 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the heat transfer pipe 60 are opposite each other and parallel in the Y-axis direction. The watertightness between the heat transfer pipe 60 and the first member 40 is ensured by the first sealing member 45 compressed in this manner. An expanded section 60b is formed at the end of the heat transfer pipe 60 inserted through the insertion hole 40a. The expanded section 60b, which has an enlarged outer diameter, prevents the first sealing member 45, which is press-fitted into the first sealing member installation groove 40c, from falling out.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5B, the header 80 is formed by attaching retaining members 51 to both ends in the Z direction, i.e., at two locations, top and bottom, of a second member 50 that houses the first member 40 inside. The retaining members 51 have a groove-shaped cross-section and prevent the first member 40 from coming out of the second member 50 by sandwiching the second member 50 and the first member 40 housed in the second member 50.

[0024] Next, the assembly procedure for the header 80 will be described. First, as shown in Figure 3, the first member 40 is attached to the multiple heat transfer pipes 60 to which the fins 70 are attached. Since the insertion holes 40a of the first member 40 are formed to correspond to the ends of the heat transfer pipes 60, all the corresponding heat transfer pipes 60 are inserted through the insertion holes 40a of the first member 40, as shown in Figure 9A.

[0025] Next, as shown in Figure 9B, the first seal member 45 is press-fitted into the first seal member installation groove 40c formed around the heat transfer pipe 60. The first seal member 45 is, for example, an O-ring.

[0026] Next, the end of the heat transfer pipe 60 inserted through the insertion hole 40a is forcibly expanded to form the expanded pipe section 60b shown in Figure 8. This prevents the first seal member 45 installed in the first seal member installation groove 40c from falling out.

[0027] Next, the second seal member 75 is fitted into the second seal member installation groove 40b formed in the first member 40 shown in Figure 7. The second seal member 75 is, for example, an O-ring.

[0028] Next, the first joining member 20 and the second joining member 30 are heat-welded together to form a single unit.

[0029] Next, the first member 40, with the second sealing member 75 attached, is placed in the receiving recess 30a formed in the second joining member 30.

[0030] Finally, the retaining member 51 is attached to sandwich the first member 40 and the second member 50. This prevents the first member 40 from coming off the second member 50.

[0031] According to this embodiment, the expanded portion 60b formed at the end of the heat transfer piping 60 prevents the first seal member 45 from falling out of the first seal member installation groove 40c. This prevents water leakage even when internal pressure acts on the header 80, and ensures the pressure resistance performance of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the pressure resistance performance of the heat exchanger can be ensured with a simple component configuration, thus saving space.

[0032] Furthermore, a recessed first seal member installation groove 40c is formed in the first member 40 around the inserted heat transfer pipe 60, and the first seal member 45 is press-fitted between the inner circumferential surface 44 of the first seal member installation groove 40c and the outer circumferential surface of the heat transfer pipe 60. As a result, even if internal pressure from the heat transfer medium acts on the heat transfer pipe 60, the radially expanding heat transfer pipe 60 further compresses the first seal member 45, thereby achieving higher watertightness.

[0033] Furthermore, the first sealing member 45 is compressed by the inner circumferential surface 44 of the first member 40, which is parallel to the Y-axis, and the outer circumferential surface of the heat transfer pipe 60. As shown in Figure 7, this Y-axis direction is the direction in which the receiving recess 30a formed in the second joining member 30 opens. Therefore, when internal pressure from the heat transfer medium acts on the header 80, the first member 40 tries to deform in the direction that will cause it to move out of the receiving recess 30a, i.e., in the +Y direction. However, the direction in which the first member 40 deforms is perpendicular to the direction in which the first sealing member 45 is compressed by the inner circumferential surface 44 of the first member 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the heat transfer pipe 60. Therefore, even if internal pressure acts on the header 80 and the first member 40 deforms, the compressed state of the first sealing member 45 does not loosen, and watertightness can be maintained.

[0034] Furthermore, the second seal member 75 is installed in the second seal member installation groove 40b, which is stepped down from the surface of the first member 40 facing the second joining member 30. As shown in Figure 6, it is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface 31 of the receiving recess 30a formed in the second joining member 30 and the outer circumferential surface 43 of the second seal member installation groove 40b of the first member 40. As a result, when internal pressure from the heat transfer medium acts on it, the heat transfer pipe 60 expands radially, and the second seal member 75 is further pushed toward the inner circumferential surface 31 by the outer circumferential surface 43. This internal pressure acting on the header 80 allows the second seal member 75 to exhibit higher watertightness.

[0035] Furthermore, the second sealing member 75 is compressed in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis by surfaces parallel to the Y-axis, such as the inner circumferential surface 31 of the receiving recess 30a and the outer circumferential surface 43 of the second sealing member installation groove 40b. On the other hand, the direction in which the first member 40 tends to deform or move due to the internal pressure from the heat transfer medium acting on the header 80 is, as mentioned above, parallel to the Y-axis, and not in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis that would reduce the compressive force acting on the second sealing member 75. In this way, even if internal pressure is applied to the header 80 by the heat transfer medium, the compression of the second sealing member 75 is not loosened, and watertightness can be maintained.

[0036] Furthermore, the main components of the header 80 are the first member 40 and the second member 50 formed by joining the first joining member 20 and the second joining member 30, which is fewer than the number of components in a conventional heat exchanger. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger 10 can be reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, O-rings, which are general-purpose components, can be used for the first sealing member 45 and the second sealing member 75 that ensure the watertightness of the header 80. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger 10.

[0038] Furthermore, the header 80 is sandwiched between retaining members 51 having a groove-shaped cross-section. This prevents the first member 40 from detaching from the second member 50 even if internal pressure from the heat transfer medium acts on the box-shaped header 80.

[0039] (Embodiment 2) Next, the heat exchanger and indoor unit of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, there are many components in common with Embodiment 1 described above. Therefore, components common to both embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0040] In Embodiment 1, an expanded section 60b was formed at the end of the heat transfer pipe 60 to prevent the first sealing member 45 from falling out. However, in Embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 10, a locally expanded diameter bead 160a is formed at the end of the heat transfer pipe 160 to prevent the first sealing member 45 from falling out. The bead 160a is formed by locally expanding and buckling the heat transfer pipe 160 with an expansion punch.

[0041] According to the configuration of Embodiment 2, the first sealing member 45 can be prevented from falling out by using other metalworking methods without having to prepare a pipe expander to expand the end of the heat transfer piping. In addition, to form an enlarged diameter portion in the heat transfer piping, processing may be performed to cause the pipe wall to protrude in the direction of increasing diameter, for example, by dimple formation. In this way, a processing method for preventing the first sealing member 45 from falling out can be selected from among several, and the productivity of the heat exchanger can be increased. The other effects are the same as those of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0042] (Embodiment 3) Furthermore, although the first member 40 and the second member 50 were described as being made of synthetic resin in the above embodiment, they may be formed from other materials. In the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 3, the heat transfer piping 60 shown in Figure 3 is made of copper, the first joining member 20 and the second joining member 30 forming the second member 50 are made of synthetic resin, and the first member 40 is made of brass.

[0043] According to the configuration of Embodiment 3, by using brass, which is similar to the copper material of the heat transfer piping 60, for the material of the first member 40, corrosion of the heat transfer piping 60 and the header 80 is suppressed even when water is used as the heat transfer medium. Therefore, water leakage due to corrosion of the header 80 and damage to the header 80 when subjected to internal pressure load can be prevented.

[0044] Furthermore, since the first component 40 is made of brass, it can be brazed to the copper heat transfer piping 60, increasing the options for connecting the heat transfer piping 60 and the first component 40. This improves the productivity of the heat exchanger and enhances the effect of preventing water leakage from the joint between the heat transfer piping 60 and the first component 40, as well as damage to the header 80 under internal pressure load.

[0045] (Embodiment 4) In Embodiment 3, only the first member 40 of the header 80 is made of brass, but the other members of the header 80 can also be made of brass. In the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 4, not only the first member 40, but also the first joining member 20 and the second joining member 30 that form the second member 50 are made of brass.

[0046] According to the configuration of Embodiment 4, by using brass, which is similar to the copper material of the heat transfer piping 60, for the components of the header 80, corrosion of the heat transfer piping 60 and the header 80 is suppressed even when water is used as the heat transfer medium.

[0047] Furthermore, brazing can be used to join the first joining member 20 and the second joining member 30 that form the second member 50, expanding the range of choices for the header manufacturing method. In addition, it is possible to enhance the effect of preventing water leakage from the joint between the first joining member 20 and the second joining member 30, and preventing damage to the header 80 when subjected to internal pressure load.

[0048] (Embodiment 5) Next, the configuration of Embodiment 5 will be described. In the heat exchanger according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, a concave seal member installation groove 140a is formed around the circumferential surface 140b of the first member 140, and a second seal member 175 is mounted in this seal member installation groove 140a as a second seal member. The seal member installation groove 140a is formed in the central part of the thickness direction of the first member 140 on the circumferential surface 140b. The second seal member 175 is, for example, an O-ring. The second seal member 175 is compressed between the second joining member 30 and the first member 140 when the first member 140 is accommodated in the receiving recess 30a of the second joining member 30 shown in Figure 4. This ensures watertightness between the second joining member 30 and the outer edge of the first member 140.

[0049] According to the configuration of Embodiment 5, since the seal member installation groove 140a is formed in a concave shape on the surrounding surface 140b of the first member 140, the second seal member 175 is easily fitted into the seal member installation groove 140a. This makes it easier to manufacture the header 80 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0050] Furthermore, as with the second seal member 75 shown in Figure 6, when internal pressure is applied by the heat transfer medium, the heat transfer pipe 60 expands radially, further pressing the second seal member 175. Also, the direction in which the second seal member 175 is compressed is perpendicular to the Y-axis, as with the second seal member 75 shown in Figure 6. Therefore, even if internal pressure is applied to the header 80 by the heat transfer medium, the compression of the second seal member 175 will not be loosened. Other effects can also be obtained in the same way as in the above embodiment.

[0051] This disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. In the first joining member 20, as shown in Figure 3, the cylindrical portion located in the lower left of the figure is described as the inlet 21, and the cylindrical portion located in the upper right of the figure is described as the outlet 22. However, in a heat exchanger, it is also possible to change the direction of flow of the heat transfer medium to the opposite direction to that described above, in which case the location that was the inlet becomes the outlet, and the location that was the outlet becomes the inlet.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the second joining member 30 has two folded recesses 30b to accommodate insufficient heat exchange, allowing the heat transfer medium to pass through the heat transfer pipe 60 again for two round trips. However, if one round trip is sufficient for heat exchange across the entire flow path, the second joining member 30 with the folded recesses 30b can be omitted. In this case, the second joining member 30 can be omitted by forming a structure in the first joining member 20 that corresponds to the receiving recess 30a formed in the second joining member 30, and housing the first member 40 in the first joining member 20. In this case, the first joining member corresponds to the second member 50.

[0053] Furthermore, the first member 40 is prevented from coming off by clamping the header 80 with a retaining member 51 having a groove-shaped cross-section, but the retaining member may be in other forms. For example, the members of the header 80 may be integrated by tightening bolts, or the header 80 may be clamped with clips.

[0054] Furthermore, the method for forming the enlarged diameter portion to prevent the first sealing member from falling out is not limited to the method described above. For example, the enlarged diameter portion may be formed by dripping welding metal to create a protrusion on the outer surface of the heat transfer pipe. Also, the pipe expansion method is not limited to flared pipe expansion. The enlarged diameter portion may be formed by parallel pipe expansion.

[0055] Furthermore, although the heat transfer medium flowing through the heat exchanger in the above embodiment was described as water, the above configuration can be used even when other heat transfer mediums are employed. Other heat transfer mediums include oil, air, gas, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, the first and second sealing members are not limited to O-rings. For example, a rubber sealing member having a rectangular cross-section, or a silicone-based sealing member, may be installed in the sealing member installation groove.

[0057] Furthermore, the characteristic parts of each of the above embodiments can be appropriately combined to construct the indoor unit of the heat exchanger and air conditioner. For example, the first member 40 can be made of resin or metal, the first joining member 20 and the second joining member 30 can be made of resin or metal, the end portion of the heat transfer pipe 60 that prevents the first sealing member 45 from coming off can be processed by expanding the pipe or by buckling it while locally expanding it with an expansion punch, or the sealing member installation groove formed in the first member can be made stepped or concave, and the optimal combination can be selected from among various options.

[0058] This disclosure allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from its broad spirit and scope. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. That is, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent significance of the disclosure are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) Heat transfer piping through which the heat transfer medium flows, The header comprises a connection port to which the heat transfer piping is connected and to which piping from the heat source side is connected, and a flow path for a heat transfer medium that connects the connection port and the heat transfer piping, The aforementioned header is, A first member having an insertion hole through which the heat transfer piping is inserted, and a first seal member installation groove formed around the insertion hole, in which a first seal member is press-fitted between the first seal member and the heat transfer piping, A second member having the connection port, the groove forming the flow path, and the receiving recess for accommodating the first member, It has, An enlarged portion is formed at the end of the heat transfer pipe inserted through the insertion hole to prevent the first sealing member from falling out. heat exchanger. (Note 2) The enlarged diameter portion is formed at the end of the heat transfer pipe by a process of expanding the pipe, forming a bead by buckling, or creating a dimple. The heat exchanger described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) A second sealing member for ensuring airtightness between the first member and the second member is provided in a second sealing member installation groove formed in the first member. The heat exchanger described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The second sealing member installation groove is formed around the outer edge of the first member and is formed with a step down from the surface facing the second member. The heat exchanger described in Appendix 3. (Note 5) The second sealing member installation groove is a recess formed around the circumference of the first member. The heat exchanger described in Appendix 3. (Note 6) The second member further includes a retaining member that prevents the first member housed in the second member from coming out of the housing recess. A heat exchanger as described in any one of the notes 1 through 5. (Note 7) The retaining member has a groove-shaped form that sandwiches the first member and the second member. The heat exchanger described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The heat transfer piping has a folded portion, and the inlet end through which the heat transfer medium flows in and the outlet end through which the heat transfer medium flows out are inserted into the insertion hole. The second member includes, The aforementioned connection port is formed with an inlet through which the heat transfer medium flows in from the heat source side and an outlet through which the heat transfer medium flows out to the heat source side. The groove portion forming the flow path includes an inlet groove that forms an inlet flow path connecting the inlet and the inlet end, and an outlet groove that forms an outlet flow path connecting the outlet and the outlet end. A heat exchanger as described in any one of the notes 1 through 7. (Note 9) The second member has a first joining member and a second joining member that are joined together overlapping each other. The first joining member has the connection port and the groove formed therein. The second joining member has an inlet through-hole that connects the inlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the inlet channel, an outlet through-hole that connects the outlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the outlet channel, and a folded recess that connects the outlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the inlet end. The heat exchanger described in Appendix 8. (Note 10) The first sealing member is an O-ring. A heat exchanger as described in any one of the notes 1 through 9. (Note 11) The second sealing member is an O-ring. A heat exchanger as described in any one of the notes 3 to 5. (Note 12) The first and second members are made of synthetic resin. A heat exchanger as described in any one of the notes 1 through 11. (Note 13) The first member is made of brass, The second member is made of synthetic resin. A heat exchanger as described in any one of the notes 1 through 11. (Note 14) A heat exchanger described in any one of the appendices 1 to 13, The system includes a blower that supplies indoor air to the heat exchanger and promotes heat exchange between the heat transfer medium flowing inside the heat transfer piping and the indoor air. Indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0059] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-046912, filed on 23 March 2022. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-046912 are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1 Air conditioner, 2 Outdoor unit, 3 Indoor unit, 4 Repeater, 5 Heat transfer medium piping, 10 Heat exchanger, 11 Blower, 20 First joint member, 21 Inlet, 21a Inlet hole, 22 Outlet, 22a Outlet hole, 23 Flat plate section, 23a Notch, 23b Inlet groove, 23c Outlet groove, 30 Second joint member, 30a Retaining recess, 30b Folded recess, 30c Inlet through hole, 30d Outlet through hole, 31 Inner circumferential surface, 40 First member, 40a Through hole, 40b Second seal member installation groove, 40c First seal member installation groove, 41 First flat plate section, 42 Second flat plate section, 43 Outer circumferential surface, 44 Inner circumferential surface, 45 First seal member, 50 Second member, 51 Retaining member, 60 Heat transfer piping, 60b Expanded section, 61 starting end, 62 ending end, 63 folded section, 70 fin, 75 second sealing member, 80 header, 140 first member, 140a sealing member installation groove, 140b surrounding surface, 160 heat transfer piping, 160a bead, 175 second sealing member.

Claims

1. Heat transfer piping through which the heat transfer medium flows, The header comprises a connection port to which the heat transfer piping is connected and to which piping from the heat source side is connected, and a flow path for a heat transfer medium that connects the connection port and the heat transfer piping, The aforementioned header is, A first member having an insertion hole through which the heat transfer piping is inserted, A second member having the aforementioned connection port, groove portion forming the flow path, and receiving recess portion having a planar shape that matches the first member and accommodates the first member, To prevent the first member housed in the second member from coming out of the housing recess, a retaining member is provided to sandwich the first member and the second member, It has, The depth of the receiving recess is approximately the same as the thickness of the first member to be received. The first member can be inserted into and fitted into the receiving recess, A second sealing member for ensuring airtightness between the first member and the second member is provided in a second sealing member installation groove formed in the first member, and is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the housing recess and the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member installation groove. heat exchanger.

2. The first member has a first seal member installation groove formed around the insertion hole, into which the first seal member is press-fitted between the heat transfer pipe and the first member. An enlarged portion is formed at the end of the heat transfer pipe inserted through the insertion hole to prevent the first sealing member from falling out. The enlarged diameter portion is formed at the end of the heat transfer pipe by a process of expanding the pipe, forming a bead by buckling, or creating a dimple. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

3. The second sealing member installation groove is formed around the outer edge of the first member and is formed with a step down from the surface facing the second member. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

4. The second sealing member installation groove is a recess formed around the circumference of the first member. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

5. The retaining member has a groove-shaped form that sandwiches the first member and the second member, and contacts the first member and the second member from the direction in which the receiving recess opens at one flange portion, and contacts the second member from the opposite direction at the other flange portion, thereby preventing the first member from coming out of the receiving recess. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

6. A heat transfer pipe through which a heat transfer medium flows, The header comprises a connection port to which the heat transfer piping is connected and to which piping from the heat source side is connected, and a flow path for a heat transfer medium that connects the connection port and the heat transfer piping, The aforementioned header is, A first member having an insertion hole through which the heat transfer piping is inserted, A second member having the connection port, the groove that forms the flow path, and the receiving recess that matches the first member and accommodates the first member, To prevent the first member housed in the second member from coming out of the housing recess, a retaining member is provided to sandwich the first member and the second member, It has, A second sealing member for ensuring airtightness between the first member and the second member is provided in a second sealing member installation groove formed in the first member, and is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the housing recess and the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member installation groove. The heat transfer piping has a folded portion, and the inlet end, which is the end of the heat transfer piping into which the heat transfer medium flows, and the outlet end, which is the end of the heat transfer piping into which the heat transfer medium flows out, are inserted into the insertion hole. The second member includes, The aforementioned connection port is formed with an inlet through which the heat transfer medium flows in from the heat source side and an outlet through which the heat transfer medium flows out to the heat source side. The groove portion forming the flow path includes an inlet groove that forms an inlet flow path connecting the inlet and the inlet end, and an outlet groove that forms an outlet flow path connecting the outlet and the outlet end. heat exchanger.

7. Heat transfer piping through which the heat transfer medium flows, The header comprises a connection port to which the heat transfer piping is connected and to which piping from the heat source side is connected, and a flow path for a heat transfer medium that connects the connection port and the heat transfer piping, The aforementioned header is, A first member having an insertion hole through which the heat transfer piping is inserted, and a first seal member installation groove formed around the insertion hole, in which a first seal member is press-fitted between the heat transfer piping and the first member, A second member having the connection port, the groove forming the flow path, and the receiving recess for accommodating the first member, It has, An enlarged portion is formed at the end of the heat transfer pipe inserted through the insertion hole to prevent the first sealing member from falling out. The heat transfer piping has a folded portion, and the inlet end through which the heat transfer medium flows in and the outlet end through which the heat transfer medium flows out are inserted into the insertion hole. The second member includes, The aforementioned connection port is formed with an inlet through which the heat transfer medium flows in from the heat source side and an outlet through which the heat transfer medium flows out to the heat source side. The groove portion forming the flow path includes an inlet groove that forms an inlet flow path connecting the inlet and the inlet end, and an outlet groove that forms an outlet flow path connecting the outlet and the outlet end. The second member has a first joining member and a second joining member that are joined together overlapping each other. The first joining member has the connection port and the groove formed therein. The second joining member has an inlet through-hole that connects the inlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the inlet passage, an outlet through-hole that connects the outlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the outlet passage, and a folded recess that connects the outlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the inlet end. heat exchanger.

8. Heat transfer piping through which the heat transfer medium flows, The header comprises a connection port to which the heat transfer piping is connected and to which piping from the heat source side is connected, and a flow path for a heat transfer medium that connects the connection port and the heat transfer piping, The aforementioned header is, A first member having an insertion hole through which the heat transfer piping is inserted, A second member having the connection port, the groove forming the flow path, and the receiving recess for accommodating the first member, It has, A second sealing member for ensuring airtightness between the first member and the second member is provided in a second sealing member installation groove formed in the first member, and is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the housing recess and the outer circumferential surface of the second sealing member installation groove. The heat transfer piping has a folded portion, and the inlet end through which the heat transfer medium flows in and the outlet end through which the heat transfer medium flows out are inserted into the insertion hole. The second member includes, The aforementioned connection port is formed with an inlet through which the heat transfer medium flows in from the heat source side and an outlet through which the heat transfer medium flows out to the heat source side. The groove portion forming the flow path includes an inlet groove that forms an inlet flow path connecting the inlet and the inlet end, and an outlet groove that forms an outlet flow path connecting the outlet and the outlet end. The second member has a first joining member and a second joining member that are joined together overlapping each other. The first joining member has the connection port and the groove formed therein. The second joining member has an inlet through-hole that connects the inlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the inlet passage, an outlet through-hole that connects the outlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the outlet passage, and a folded recess that connects the outlet end of the heat transfer pipe to the inlet end. heat exchanger.

9. The first sealing member is an O-ring. The heat exchanger according to claim 2.

10. The second sealing member is an O-ring. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

11. The first and second members are made of synthetic resin. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

12. The first member is made of brass, The second member is made of synthetic resin. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

13. The inner circumferential surface of the receiving recess and the outer circumferential surface of the second seal member installation groove are parallel to each other. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

14. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The system includes a blower that supplies indoor air to the heat exchanger and promotes heat exchange between the heat transfer medium flowing inside the heat transfer piping and the indoor air. Indoor unit of an air conditioner.

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