Heat exchanger, and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A heat exchanger according to an embodiment comprises a plurality of heat transfer pipes, a first header, and a second header. The heat transfer pipes have coolant passages through which a coolant circulates. The heat transfer pipes have a flattened shape. The heat transfer pipes are arranged in parallel. The first header is connected to end portions of the plurality of heat transfer pipes. The second header is connected to other end portions of the plurality of heat transfer pipes. The first header has a first intermediate plate, a first inner end plate, and a first outer end plate. One or more first space passages communicated with the coolant passages of adjacent heat transfer pipes are formed at the first intermediate plate. The second header has a second intermediate plate, a second inner end plate, and a second outer end plate. One or more second space passages communicated with the coolant passages of adjacent heat transfer pipes are formed at the second intermediate plate. The coolant passages, the first space passages, and the second space passages form a plurality of composite passages. The composite passages are formed by end portions and other end portions of the coolant passages of the plurality of heat transfer pipes being communicated with each other in an alternating pattern by the first space passages and the second space passages.

Description

Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0002] Heat exchangers are used in air conditioners, refrigeration equipment, and the like. For example, a heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes and a header. The heat exchange tubes have refrigerant flow paths. The header is provided at the end of the heat exchange tubes.

[0003] The heat exchanger having the above structure may have low heat exchange efficiency.

[0004] International Publication No. 2015 / 037641

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device that are capable of efficient heat exchange.

[0006] The heat exchanger of the embodiment has a plurality of heat transfer tubes, a first header, and a second header. The heat transfer tubes have refrigerant flow paths through which a refrigerant flows. The heat transfer tubes have a flat shape. The heat transfer tubes are arranged in parallel. The first header is connected to one end of the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The second header is connected to the other end of the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The first header has a first intermediate plate, a first inner end plate, and a first outer end plate. The first intermediate plate has one or more first spatial flow paths that communicate with the refrigerant flow paths of adjacent heat transfer tubes. The first inner end plate and the first outer end plate sandwich the first intermediate plate in the thickness direction. The second header has a second intermediate plate, a second inner end plate, and a second outer end plate. The second intermediate plate has one or more second spatial flow paths that communicate with the refrigerant flow paths of adjacent heat transfer tubes. The second inner end plate and the second outer end plate sandwich the second intermediate plate in the thickness direction. The refrigerant flow path, the first spatial flow path, and the second spatial flow path constitute a plurality of combined flow paths, which are formed by alternately connecting one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow paths of the plurality of heat transfer tubes with the first spatial flow path and the second spatial flow path.

[0007] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device of an embodiment; 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a heat exchanger of a first embodiment; 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment; 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the heat exchanger of the first embodiment; 5 is an overall configuration diagram of a heat exchanger of a second embodiment; 6 is an overall configuration diagram of a heat exchanger of a third embodiment; 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first modified example of a header; 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a second modified example of a header; 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of a third modified example of a header; 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fourth modified example of a header;

[0008] Hereinafter, a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes a compressor 2, a four-way valve 3, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 4, an expansion device 5, and an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 6. The components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 are connected by piping 7. In Fig. 1, the flow direction of the refrigerant (heat medium) during cooling operation is indicated by solid arrows. The flow direction of the refrigerant during heating operation is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0010] The compressor 2 includes a compressor main body 2A and an accumulator 2B. The compressor main body 2A compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant taken in to produce high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The accumulator 2B separates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and supplies the gas refrigerant to the compressor main body 2A.

[0011] The four-way valve 3 reverses the flow direction of the refrigerant to switch between cooling and heating operation. During cooling operation, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 2, the four-way valve 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the expansion device 5, and the indoor heat exchanger 6 in this order. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator.

[0012] During heating operation, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 2, four-way valve 3, indoor heat exchanger 6, expansion device 5, and outdoor heat exchanger 4 in this order. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

[0013] The condenser converts the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 into high-pressure liquid refrigerant by condensing it through heat transfer to the outside air. The expansion device 5 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the condenser to convert it into low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The evaporator converts the low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant sent from the expansion device 5 into low-pressure gas refrigerant by absorbing heat from the outside air and vaporizing it.

[0014] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the refrigerant, which is the working fluid, circulates while changing phases between gas and liquid. The refrigerant releases heat during the phase change from gas to liquid. The refrigerant absorbs heat during the phase change from liquid to gas. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 performs heating, cooling, defrosting, etc. by utilizing the heat release or absorption of the refrigerant.

[0015] 2 is an overall configuration diagram of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. The heat exchanger according to the embodiment is used as one or both of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 (see FIG. 1) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. Hereinafter, a case where the heat exchanger according to the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 (see FIG. 1) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 will be described as an example. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 will be simply referred to as the "heat exchanger 4."

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the heat exchanger 4 includes a plurality of heat exchangers 104. The plurality of heat exchangers 104 includes a first heat exchanger 104A, a second heat exchanger 104B, and a third heat exchanger 104C. Note that Fig. 2 shows a simplified structure of the heat exchanger 104.

[0017] The heat exchangers 104 are connected to an inlet flow path 101 and an outlet flow path 102. The inlet flow path 101 includes a supply flow path 111, a distributor 112, a first inlet flow path 113, a second inlet flow path 114, and a third inlet flow path 115. The supply flow path 111 branches into three flow paths (the first inlet flow path 113, the second inlet flow path 114, and the third inlet flow path 115). The distributor 112 distributes the refrigerant from the supply flow path 111 to the first inlet flow path 113, the second inlet flow path 114, and the third inlet flow path 115.

[0018] The first inlet flow path 113 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. The second inlet flow path 114 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 104B. The third inlet flow path 115 is connected to the inlet of the third heat exchanger 104C. In this embodiment, the inlets are openings of the first refrigerant port connected to the first through-hole 42 communicating with the spatial flow path 16A (see FIG. 3).

[0019] The outlet flow path 102 includes a first outlet flow path 123, a second outlet flow path 124, a third outlet flow path 125, and a collecting flow path 121. One end of the first outlet flow path 123 is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. One end of the second outlet flow path 124 is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger 104B. One end of the third outlet flow path 125 is connected to the outlet of the third heat exchanger 104C. In this embodiment, the outlet is an opening of a second refrigerant port connected to a second through-hole 43 communicating with the spatial flow path 16E (see FIG. 3 ).

[0020] The other ends of the first outlet flow path 123, the second outlet flow path 124, and the third outlet flow path 125 are connected to the collecting flow path 121. Therefore, the refrigerant discharged from the first outlet flow path 123, the second outlet flow path 124, and the third outlet flow path 125 can be collected in the collecting flow path 121 and discharged to the outside of the system.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger 104. The X, Y, and Z directions are defined as follows: The Z direction is the longitudinal direction (extension direction) of the first and second headers. For example, the Z direction is the vertical direction. The +Z direction is the upward direction. The X direction is the central axial direction (extension direction) of the heat exchange tubes. For example, the X direction is the horizontal direction. The +X direction is the direction from the second header to the first header. The Y direction is the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions. The YZ plane is the plane formed by the Y and Z directions.

[0022] 3, the heat exchanger 104 has a first header 10, a second header 20, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes (heat transfer tubes) 30. The first header 10 is connected to the ends (one ends) of the heat exchange tubes 30 in the +X direction. The second header 20 is connected to the ends (other ends) of the heat exchange tubes 30 in the −X direction.

[0023] The first header 10 and the second header 20 are formed in the shape of a flat plate parallel to the YZ plane. In this embodiment, the first header 10 and the second header 20 are rectangular when viewed in the X direction. The first header 10 and the second header 20 are shaped like a rectangle with the longitudinal direction along the Z direction. The first header 10 and the second header 20 are formed from a material with high thermal conductivity and low specific gravity. Examples of materials with high thermal conductivity and low specific gravity include metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger 104. As shown in FIG. 4, the first header 10 includes a first inner end plate 11, a first intermediate plate 14, and a first outer end plate 17. The first inner end plate 11 and the first outer end plate 17 sandwich the first intermediate plate 14 in the thickness direction. The first inner end plate 11 is disposed on the inner surface (second surface) of the first intermediate plate 14. That is, the first inner end plate 11 overlaps the surface (second surface) of the first intermediate plate 14 on the −X direction side. The first outer end plate 17 is disposed on the outer surface (first surface) of the first intermediate plate 14. That is, the first outer end plate 17 overlaps the surface (first surface) of the first intermediate plate 14 on the +X direction side. The first inner end plate 11, the first intermediate plate 14, and the first outer end plate 17 are rectangular.

[0025] The first intermediate plate 14 has a plurality of spatial flow paths 16 (16A to 16E) (first spatial flow paths). The spatial flow paths 16 serve as flow paths for the refrigerant. The spatial flow paths 16 are formed by through holes that penetrate the first intermediate plate 14 in the thickness direction. The openings on the inner surface side of the spatial flow paths 16 are closed by the first inner end plate 11. The openings on the outer surface side of the spatial flow paths 16 are closed by the first outer end plate 17.

[0026] The multiple spatial channels 16 include spatial channels 16A to 16E. The spatial channel 16A has an elliptical shape when viewed from the X direction. The "elliptical shape" is a shape formed by two straight lines that are parallel to and face each other, and curved, convex lines (e.g., semicircular, elliptical arc, etc.) connecting the ends of the two straight lines. The major axis direction of the spatial channel 16A is parallel to the Y direction.

[0027] The spatial flow paths 16B to 16D are rectangular when viewed from the X direction. For example, the spatial flow paths 16B to 16D are rounded quadrangles (rectangles with rounded corners). The spatial flow path 16E is oval when viewed from the X direction. The major axis direction of the spatial flow path 16E is parallel to the Y direction.

[0028] The spatial flow channels 16A to 16E are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The spatial flow channel 16A is at the highest position among the spatial flow channels 16A to 16E (i.e., located furthest in the +Z direction). The spatial flow channel 16E is at the lowest position among the spatial flow channels 16A to 16E (i.e., located furthest in the −Z direction).

[0029] The first inner end plate 11 has one through hole 41 formed in a position corresponding to spatial flow path 16A. The first inner end plate 11 has two through holes 41, 41 formed in positions corresponding to spatial flow paths 16B to 16D, respectively. The two through holes 41, 41 are formed with an interval in the Z direction. The first inner end plate 11 has one through hole 41 formed in a position corresponding to spatial flow path 16E.

[0030] The through-holes 41 are slit-shaped along the Y direction. The +X-direction ends of the heat exchanger tubes 30 are inserted into the through-holes 41. The +X-direction ends of the heat exchanger tubes 30 open to the spatial flow paths 16 of the first intermediate plate 14.

[0031] A first through-hole 42 is formed in the first outer end plate 17 at a position corresponding to the spatial flow path 16A. For example, the first through-hole 42 is circular. A tubular first refrigerant port is inserted into the first through-hole 42. The first refrigerant port has a flow passage through which the refrigerant flows. An end of the first refrigerant port opens into the spatial flow path 16A. This opening serves as an inlet (inlet) for introducing the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 104 or an outlet (outlet) for discharging the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 104.

[0032] A second through-hole 43 is formed in the first outer end plate 17 at a position corresponding to the spatial flow path 16E. For example, the second through-hole 43 is circular. A tubular second refrigerant port is inserted into the second through-hole 43. The second refrigerant port has a flow passage through which the refrigerant flows. An end of the second refrigerant port opens into the spatial flow path 16E. This opening serves as an inlet for introducing the refrigerant into the heat exchanger 104 or an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the heat exchanger 104.

[0033] When the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger 104 through the first refrigerant port, the spatial flow path 16A serves as an inlet spatial flow path through which the refrigerant is introduced. When the refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger 104 through the first refrigerant port, the spatial flow path 16A serves as an outlet spatial flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged. When the refrigerant is introduced into the heat exchanger 104 through the second refrigerant port, the spatial flow path 16E serves as an inlet spatial flow path through which the refrigerant is introduced. When the refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger 104 through the second refrigerant port, the spatial flow path 16E serves as an outlet spatial flow path through which the refrigerant is discharged.

[0034] The second header 20 includes a second inner end plate 21, a second intermediate plate 24, and a second outer end plate 27. The second inner end plate 21 and the second outer end plate 27 sandwich the second intermediate plate 24 in the thickness direction. The second inner end plate 21 is disposed on the inner surface of the second intermediate plate 24. That is, the second inner end plate 21 is superimposed on the surface of the second intermediate plate 24 on the +X direction side. The second outer end plate 27 is disposed on the outer surface of the second intermediate plate 24. That is, the second outer end plate 27 is superimposed on the surface of the second intermediate plate 24 on the −X direction side. The second inner end plate 21, the second intermediate plate 24, and the second outer end plate 27 are rectangular.

[0035] The second intermediate plate 24 has a plurality of spatial flow paths 26 (26A to 26D) (second spatial flow paths). The spatial flow paths 26 serve as flow paths for the refrigerant. The spatial flow paths 26 are formed by through holes that penetrate the second intermediate plate 24 in the thickness direction. The openings on the inner surface side of the spatial flow paths 26 are closed by the second inner end plate 21. The openings on the outer surface side of the spatial flow paths 26 are closed by the second outer end plate 27.

[0036] The plurality of spatial channels 26 include spatial channels 26A to 26D. The spatial channels 26A to 26D are rectangular when viewed from the X direction. For example, the spatial channels 26A to 26D are rounded quadrangles (rectangles with rounded corners).

[0037] The spatial flow channels 26A to 26D are arranged side by side in the Z direction. The spatial flow channel 26A is at the highest position among the spatial flow channels 26A to 26D (i.e., located furthest in the +Z direction). The spatial flow channel 26D is at the lowest position among the spatial flow channels 26A to 26D (i.e., located furthest in the −Z direction).

[0038] Two through holes 41, 41 are formed in the second inner end plate 21 at positions corresponding to the spatial flow paths 26A to 26D. The two through holes 41, 41 are formed with a gap in the Z direction. The through holes 41 are slit-shaped and extend along the Y direction. The −X direction ends of the heat exchange tubes 30 are inserted into the through holes 41. The −X direction ends of the heat exchange tubes 30 open into the spatial flow paths 26 of the second intermediate plate 24.

[0039] The heat exchange tube 30 is a flat tube formed into a flat shape. The heat exchange tube 30 has a larger outer dimension (outer diameter) in the Y direction than the outer dimension (outer diameter) in the Z direction. The heat exchange tube 30 has a larger inner dimension (inner diameter) in the Y direction than the inner dimension (inner diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the heat exchange tube 30 in the Y direction is at least twice the inner dimension (inner diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the inner dimension (inner diameter) of the heat exchange tube 30 in the Y direction is at least twice the inner dimension (inner diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the cross section (YZ cross section) of the heat exchange tube 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is oval.

[0040] The heat exchange tube 30 extends in the X direction. A refrigerant flow path 34 is formed inside the heat exchange tube 30. A refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path 34. The heat exchange tube 30 is made of a material that has high thermal conductivity and a low specific gravity. Examples of "a material that has high thermal conductivity and a low specific gravity" include metals such as aluminum and aluminum alloys.

[0041] The heat exchange tubes 30 are arranged in parallel at intervals in the Z direction. The +X-direction ends of the heat exchange tubes 30 are inserted into through-holes 41 formed in the first header 10. As a result, the +X-direction ends of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30 open to the spatial flow paths 16 of the first header 10. Therefore, the spatial flow paths 16 communicate with the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30.

[0042] The −X direction ends of the heat exchange tubes 30 are inserted into the through holes 41 formed in the second header 20. As a result, the −X direction ends of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30 open to the spatial flow paths 26 of the second header 20. Therefore, the spatial flow paths 26 communicate with the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30.

[0043] The gap between the first header 10 and the heat exchange tubes 30 is sealed by, for example, brazing, etc. The gap between the second header 20 and the heat exchange tubes 30 is sealed by, for example, brazing, etc.

[0044] An outside air flow path is formed along the Y direction between adjacent heat exchange tubes 30 in the vertical direction. The heat exchanger 4 circulates outside air through the outside air flow path using a blower fan (not shown) or the like. The heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat between the outside air flowing through the outside air flow path and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 34. The heat exchange is performed indirectly via the heat exchange tubes 30.

[0045] 1 performs cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser. In this case, the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the compressor 2 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The gaseous refrigerant radiates heat to the outside air and condenses while flowing through the heat exchange tubes 30. The condensed refrigerant becomes a liquid refrigerant and flows out of the system.

[0046] 1 performs heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to the above. The liquid refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 4. As the liquid refrigerant flows through the heat exchange tubes 30, a portion of the liquid refrigerant evaporates, becoming a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that flows out of the system.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 3, the refrigerant flows into the first header 10 from one of the first refrigerant port and the second refrigerant port. When the refrigerant is introduced from the first refrigerant port, the refrigerant that flows from the first refrigerant port into the spatial flow paths 16A flows through the heat exchange tubes 30 (30A) in the -X direction and into the upper part of the spatial flow paths 26A of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows from the lower part of the spatial flow paths 26A through the heat exchange tubes 30 (30B) in the +X direction and into the upper part of the spatial flow paths 16B of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows from the lower part of the spatial flow paths 16B through the heat exchange tubes 30 (30C) in the -X direction and into the upper part of the spatial flow paths 26B of the second header 20.

[0048] The refrigerant flows from the lower part of the spatial flow path 26B through the heat exchange tube 30 (30D) in the +X direction and into the upper part of the spatial flow path 16C of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows from the lower part of the spatial flow path 16C through the heat exchange tube 30 (30E) in the -X direction and into the upper part of the spatial flow path 26C of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows from the lower part of the spatial flow path 26C through the heat exchange tube 30 (30F) in the +X direction and into the upper part of the spatial flow path 16D of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows from the lower part of the spatial flow path 16D through the heat exchange tube 30 (30G) in the -X direction and into the upper part of the spatial flow path 26D of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows from the lower part of the spatial flow path 26D through the heat exchange tube 30 (30H) in the +X direction and into the spatial flow path 16E of the first header 10. The coolant flows out from the spatial flow path 16E through the second coolant port.

[0049] When the refrigerant is introduced from the second refrigerant port, the refrigerant that flows from the second refrigerant port into the spatial flow path 16E flows through the heat exchange tubes 30 (30H) in the −X direction and flows into the lower part of the spatial flow path 26D of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows from the upper part of the spatial flow path 26D through the heat exchange tubes 30 (30G) in the +X direction and flows into the lower part of the spatial flow path 16D of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows from the upper part of the spatial flow path 16D through the heat exchange tubes 30 (30F) in the −X direction and flows into the lower part of the spatial flow path 26C of the second header 20.

[0050] The refrigerant flows from the upper part of the spatial flow path 26C through the heat exchange tube 30 (30E) in the +X direction and into the lower part of the spatial flow path 16C of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows from the upper part of the spatial flow path 16C through the heat exchange tube 30 (30D) in the -X direction and into the lower part of the spatial flow path 26B of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows from the upper part of the spatial flow path 26B through the heat exchange tube 30 (30C) in the +X direction and into the lower part of the spatial flow path 16B of the first header 10. The refrigerant flows from the upper part of the spatial flow path 16B through the heat exchange tube 30 (30B) in the -X direction and into the lower part of the spatial flow path 26A of the second header 20. The refrigerant flows from the upper part of the spatial flow path 26A through the heat exchange tube 30 (30A) in the +X direction and into the spatial flow path 16A of the first header 10. The coolant flows out from the spatial flow path 16A through the first coolant port.

[0051] The spatial flow paths 16 (first spatial flow paths) of the first header 10, the spatial flow paths 26 (second spatial flow paths) of the second header 20, and the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30 constitute a combined flow path 40. The combined flow path 40 is a serpentine flow path that travels back and forth between the first header 10 and the second header 20.

[0052] The combined flow path 40 is configured by the spatial flow paths 16 and the spatial flow paths 26 alternately connecting one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 30. Specifically, the spatial flow paths 16 connect the +X direction ends (one end) of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30. The spatial flow paths 26 connect the −X direction ends (other end) of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of two adjacent heat exchange tubes 30.

[0053] The spatial flow paths 16 connecting two refrigerant flow paths 34 and the spatial flow paths 26 connecting these two refrigerant flow paths 34 are arranged alternately in the arrangement direction (Z direction) of the heat exchange tubes 30. For example, the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30A and 30B are connected at one end by the spatial flow path 26. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30B and 30C are connected at the other end by the spatial flow path 16. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30C and 30D are connected at one end by the spatial flow path 26. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30D and 30E are connected at the other end by the spatial flow path 16. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30E and 30F are connected at one end by the spatial flow path 26. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30F and 30G are connected at the other end by the spatial flow path 16. The refrigerant flow paths 34 of the heat exchange tubes 30G, 30H are connected at one end by the spatial flow path 26. In this way, the combined flow path 40 is a serpentine flow path because one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow paths 34 are alternately connected.

[0054] The combined flow path may have a structure in which the refrigerant flow paths of the first and second heat exchange tubes among the first to third heat exchange tubes are connected by a spatial flow path in one header, and the refrigerant flow paths of the second and third heat exchange tubes are connected by a spatial flow path in the other header. Specifically, for example, the combined flow path 40 may have a structure in which the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the first and second heat exchange tubes 30A, 30B are connected at one end by a spatial flow path 26, and the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the second and third heat exchange tubes 30B, 30C are connected at the other end by a spatial flow path 16.

[0055] The heat exchanger 4 (see FIG. 2 ) of this embodiment includes a plurality of heat exchangers 104 (104A to 104C), and therefore a plurality of combined flow paths 40. The combined flow paths 40 are configured by alternately connecting one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow paths 34 of the plurality of heat exchange tubes 30 with the spatial flow paths 16 and the spatial flow paths 26. Heat exchange is efficiently performed in the process of refrigerant flow in the combined flow path 40. In the heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant is divided into a plurality of parts, and each part flows through the combined flow path 40, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0056] In the heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment (see FIG. 2), outlets of the multiple combined flow paths 40 are connected to a common collecting flow path 121 via outlet flow paths 123, 124, and 125. This allows the refrigerant from the multiple combined flow paths 40 to be collectively discharged to the outside of the system. This simplifies the configuration of the flow paths.

[0057] 5 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a heat exchanger 204 according to the second embodiment. Components common to the heat exchanger 4 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0058] 5, in the heat exchanger 204, the first headers 10 of the heat exchangers 104A to 104C are integrated with one another. The second headers 20 of the heat exchangers 104A to 104C are also integrated with one another. Therefore, the heat exchanger 204 can be handled collectively. Therefore, the heat exchanger 204 is excellent in terms of ease of handling.

[0059] 6 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a heat exchanger 304 according to the third embodiment. Components common to the other embodiments are given the same reference numerals and will not be described further.

[0060] 6, the heat exchanger 304 includes a first heat exchanger 104A and a second heat exchanger 304B. An inlet flow path 301 and an outlet flow path 302 are connected to the heat exchangers 104A and 304B. The inlet flow path 301 includes a supply flow path 111, a distributor 112, a first introduction flow path 113, and a second introduction flow path 114. The supply flow path 111 branches into two flow paths (the first introduction flow path 113 and the second introduction flow path 114).

[0061] The first inlet flow path 113 is connected to the inlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. The inlet is an opening of a first refrigerant port connected to the first through-hole 42 that communicates with the spatial flow path 16A (see FIG. 3). The second inlet flow path 114 is connected to the inlet of the second heat exchanger 304B. The inlet is an opening of a second refrigerant port that is connected to the second through-hole 43 that communicates with the spatial flow path 16E (see FIG. 3).

[0062] The outlet flow path 302 includes a first outlet flow path 123, a second outlet flow path 124, and a collecting flow path 121. One end of the first outlet flow path 123 is connected to the outlet of the first heat exchanger 104A. The outlet is an opening of a second refrigerant port connected to the second through-hole 43 that communicates with the spatial flow path 16E (see FIG. 3). One end of the second outlet flow path 124 is connected to the outlet of the second heat exchanger 304B. The outlet is an opening of a first refrigerant port that is connected to the first through-hole 42 that communicates with the spatial flow path 16A (see FIG. 3).

[0063] In the heat exchanger 304, the outlet of the first heat exchanger 104A is located at a low position. The outlet of the second heat exchanger 304B is located at a high position. This allows the lengths of the outlet flow paths 123 and 124 connected to the outlet holes to be shortened. This simplifies the configuration of the outlet flow path 102.

[0064] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a first modified example of a header. Components common to other embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again. As shown in Figure 7, in a header 410, an intermediate plate 414 has a plurality of spatial flow paths 416 (416A, 416B). A plurality of through holes 41 are formed in the inner end plate 11. The four through holes 41 shown in Figure 7 are referred to as through holes 41A, 41B, 41C, and 41D, from top to bottom.

[0065] The spatial flow path 416A encompasses the uppermost through-hole 41A and the third-highest through-hole 41C, and therefore connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41A with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41C.

[0066] The spatial flow path 416B includes the second through-hole 41B from the top and the fourth through-hole 41D from the top, and therefore connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41B with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41D.

[0067] The header 410 can increase the degree of freedom in the flow path configuration by using a spatial flow path 416 that includes a plurality of through holes 41 that are spaced apart. The header 410 can be used as at least one of a first header and a second header.

[0068] 8 is a schematic diagram of a second modified example of the header. Components common to other embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 8, the header 510 has an intermediate plate 514 having a plurality of spatial flow paths 516 (516A, 516B).

[0069] The spatial flow path 516A encompasses the uppermost through-hole 41A and the fourth-highest through-hole 41D, and therefore connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41A with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41D.

[0070] The spatial flow path 516B includes the second through-hole 41B from the top and the third through-hole 41C from the top, and therefore connects the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41B with the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchange tube 30 inserted into the through-hole 41C.

[0071] The header 510 can increase the degree of freedom in the flow path configuration by using a spatial flow path 516 that includes a plurality of through holes 41 that are spaced apart. The header 510 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0072] 9 is a schematic diagram of a third modified example of the header. Components common to the other embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 9 , in the header 610, it is preferable that at least a portion of the opening 51 a (outlet) of the first refrigerant port 51 connected to the first through-hole 42 communicating with the spatial flow path 16A is located lower than the opening 34 a of the refrigerant flow path 34 of the heat exchanger tube 30 inserted in the through-hole 41.

[0073] With this configuration, the liquid refrigerant introduced into the spatial flow path 16A by the heat exchange tubes 30 can easily flow from the openings 51a into the first refrigerant ports 51. This can prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by backflow of the liquid refrigerant, etc. The header 610 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0074] 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth modified example of the header. Components common to the other embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 10 , in the header 710, the first through-hole 42 and the second through-hole 43 are formed at different positions in the Y direction. For example, in FIG. 10 , the first through-hole 42 and the second through-hole 43 are positioned at different positions in the left-right direction.

[0075] With this configuration, the first refrigerant port connected to the first through-hole 42 and the second refrigerant port connected to the second through-hole 43 can be positioned offset in the Y direction (width direction of the heat exchange tube 30). This allows the inlet and outlet to be positioned offset in the Y direction. This reduces interference between the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path. The header 710 can be used as at least one of the first header and the second header.

[0076] The above describes the heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the embodiment, but the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the above example. For example, the number of spatial flow paths formed in the head is not particularly limited. The number of spatial flow paths can be one or more (any number greater than or equal to two). In the first header 10 and the second header 20 shown in FIG. 4, the number of intermediate plates is one, but the number of intermediate plates is not particularly limited. The number of intermediate plates can be one or more. The first header 10 and the second header 20 have a structure in which one intermediate plate and two end plates are stacked, but the number of end plates may be one.

[0077] In the heat exchanger shown in Fig. 4, the refrigerant inlet and outlet are formed only in the first outer end plate, but the refrigerant inlet and outlet may be formed in the second outer end plate, or the refrigerant inlet and outlet may be formed in either the first outer end plate or the second outer end plate.

[0078] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the refrigerant is divided into a plurality of parts and each part is caused to flow through the combined flow path, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

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

[0080] 1...refrigeration cycle device, 4, 204, 304...heat exchanger, 10...first header, 11...first inner end plate, 14...first intermediate plate, 16...spatial flow path (first spatial flow path), 17...first outer end plate, 20...second header, 21...second inner end plate, 24...second intermediate plate, 26...spatial flow path (second spatial flow path), 27...second outer end plate, 30...heat exchange tube (heat transfer tube), 34...refrigerant flow path, 34a...opening, 40...composite flow path, 51a...opening (outlet), 121...collecting flow path.

Claims

1. A plurality of flat heat transfer tubes each having a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant flows and arranged in parallel to form a row; a first header connected to one end of the plurality of heat transfer tubes; a second header connected to the other end of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, the first header includes a first intermediate plate having one or a plurality of first spatial flow paths formed therein and communicating with the refrigerant flow paths of adjacent heat transfer tubes, and a first inner end plate and a first outer end plate sandwiching the first intermediate plate in a thickness direction; the second header includes a second intermediate plate having one or more second spatial flow paths formed therein and communicating with the refrigerant flow paths of adjacent heat transfer tubes, and a second inner end plate and a second outer end plate sandwiching the second intermediate plate in a thickness direction; the refrigerant flow path, the first spatial flow path, and the second spatial flow path constitute a plurality of composite flow paths, the combined flow path is configured by alternately connecting one end and the other end of the refrigerant flow path of the plurality of heat transfer tubes, the first spatial flow path and the second spatial flow path, The first header and the second header correspond to each other in a one-to-one manner. heat exchanger.

2. The outlets of the multiple combined flow paths are connected to a common collecting flow path.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1.

3. an outlet of the composite flow path is located at a lower position than an opening of the refrigerant flow path with which the outlet is in communication; 2. The heat exchanger of claim 1.

4. an inlet and an outlet of the combined flow path are formed in one of the first outer end plate and the second outer end plate; The inlet and the outlet are formed at different positions in the width direction of the heat transfer tube.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1.

5. A refrigeration cycle device comprising the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.