Heat exchanger and air handling unit

Abstract

Provided is a heat exchanger that makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of corrosion in a portion of a heat transfer pipe that is not covered with heat transfer fins. The heat exchanger (21) comprises a plurality of flat tubes (211), heat transfer fins (212), and covering members (215). The flat tubes (211) are arranged along a first direction (D1). The heat transfer fins (212) are provided between adjacent flat tubes (211). The covering members (215) cover part of the flat tubes (211). Each of the plurality of flat tubes (211) has a first portion (211a), a second portion (211b), and a connection portion (211c). The connection portion (211c) connects the first portion (211a) and the second portion (211b) so that the angle between the direction in which the first portion (211a) extends and the direction in which the second portion (211b) extends is less than 180°. The heat transfer fins (212) are fixed to the first portions (211a) and the second portions (211b). The covering members (215) cover at least part of the plurality of connection portions (211c).

Description

Heat Exchangers and Air Handling Units

[0001] This invention relates to a heat exchanger and an air handling unit.

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1 (US Pat. No. 5,904,053), an air handling unit is known that includes a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air.

[0003] In heat exchangers made of aluminum, corrosion can occur in components such as heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins exposed to airflow. In fin-and-tube heat exchangers, the portions of the heat transfer tubes that are not covered with heat transfer fins are particularly susceptible to corrosion compared to other portions (portions covered with heat transfer fins) because the heat transfer fins do not function as sacrificial materials.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger that can suppress the occurrence of corrosion in the portions of the heat transfer tubes that are not covered by the heat transfer fins.

[0005] In a first aspect of the heat exchanger, the heat exchange unit exchanges heat between air carried by an airflow and a refrigerant. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes, heat transfer fins, and a covering member. The flat tubes are arranged along a first direction, have a refrigerant flowing through them, and are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The heat transfer fins are provided between adjacent flat tubes and are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The covering member covers at least a portion of the flat tubes.

[0006] Each of the flat tubes has a first portion, a second portion, and a connecting portion. The first portion extends in a predetermined direction when viewed from a first direction. The second portion extends in a predetermined direction different from the direction in which the first portion extends when viewed from the first direction. The connecting portion connects the first portion and the second portion such that the angle between the direction in which the first portion extends and the direction in which the second portion extends is less than 180 degrees when viewed from the first direction.

[0007] The heat transfer fins are fixed to the first and second parts. The covering member covers at least a portion of the plurality of connecting portions.

[0008] The connection portions of the flat tubes are not covered by heat transfer fins, and therefore may be corroded by chloride ions contained in the air if exposed to airflow. In particular, flat tubes may be formed with thinner walls than tubular heat transfer tubes, and therefore, when corrosion occurs, the refrigerant flowing therethrough is more likely to leak than with tubular heat transfer tubes. In the heat exchanger of the first aspect, the covering member prevents at least a portion of the connection portions from being exposed to airflow. This allows the heat exchanger of the first aspect to prevent corrosion from occurring at the connection portions, which are portions of the flat tubes not covered by heat transfer fins.

[0009] A heat exchanger according to a second aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first aspect, wherein the covering member is made of a non-metallic material.

[0010] When different types of metals are brought into contact with each other, there is a risk of galvanic corrosion occurring in one of the metals. By using a non-metallic material for the covering member, the heat exchanger of the second aspect can suppress the occurrence of galvanic corrosion.

[0011] A heat exchanger according to a third aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first or second aspect, wherein the covering member is made of a resin.

[0012] By using a resin as the material for the corrosion-resistant member, the heat exchanger according to the third aspect can suppress the occurrence of galvanic corrosion and can also suppress an increase in weight.

[0013] A heat exchanger of a fourth aspect is a heat exchanger of any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, and has a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section, each of which has a plurality of flat tubes, heat transfer fins, and a covering member.

[0014] The second heat exchange section has a plurality of connecting portions located between a first tube row formed by the plurality of first portions of the first heat exchange section and a second tube row formed by the plurality of second portions of the first heat exchange section, the first tube row formed by the plurality of first portions of the second heat exchange section facing the first tube row of the first heat exchange section, and the second tube row formed by the plurality of second portions of the second heat exchange section facing the second tube row of the first heat exchange section.

[0015] A heat exchanger of a fifth aspect is a heat exchanger of the fourth aspect, in which the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are arranged so that their connection portions are aligned along a second direction, which is the direction in which the bisector of the angle formed by the direction in which the first section extends and the direction in which the second section extends.

[0016] The heat transfer fins of the first heat exchange unit are not located between the connection unit and the position where two straight lines parallel to the second direction passing through both end portions of the covering member of the second heat exchange unit in a third direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the second direction when viewed from the first direction, and the outer edge of the first heat exchange unit in the third direction intersect.

[0017] In the heat exchanger of the fifth aspect, the cost of providing heat transfer fins is reduced by not providing heat transfer fins in advance in areas where a desirable airflow may be obstructed, and therefore the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger of the fifth aspect is reduced.

[0018] An air handling unit according to a sixth aspect includes the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fifth aspects and a blower unit that generates an airflow.

[0019] 1 is a side view of the interior of air handling unit 10 according to the embodiment, as viewed from a first direction D1. FIG. 2 is a side view of the interior of air handling unit 10 according to the embodiment, as viewed from a third direction D3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the periphery of covering member 215 of heat exchange unit 20 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view of heat exchange unit 20 according to modification A, as viewed from the first direction D1.

[0020] -Embodiment- (1) Overall Configuration of Air Handling Unit 10 Air handling unit 10 includes a casing 11, a support member 12, a heat exchange unit 20, and a blower unit 30. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, air handling unit 10 is installed upright with the longitudinal direction of casing 11 aligned vertically. The internal space of casing 11 is divided by support member 12 into a heat exchange chamber 17 and a blower chamber 18. Heat exchange chamber 17 is located above blower chamber 18. Heat exchange unit 20 is installed in heat exchange chamber 17. Blower unit 30 is installed in blower chamber 18.

[0021] An intake port 13 is formed on the upper surface 11a of the casing 11. An exhaust port 14 is formed on the lower surface 11b of the casing 11. An intake duct 15 is connected above the intake port 13. An exhaust duct 16 is connected below the exhaust port 14. The intake port 13 is connected to the intake duct 15 and a heat exchange chamber 17. The exhaust port 14 is connected to the exhaust duct 16 and an air blowing chamber 18. The heat exchange chamber 17 communicates with the air blowing chamber 18.

[0022] The blower unit 30 has a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan and a motor that drives the centrifugal fan. By driving the centrifugal fan, the blower unit 30 generates an airflow that flows from the suction port 13 through the heat exchange chamber 17 and the blower chamber 18 toward the outlet 14. The airflow flows vertically downward through the internal space of the casing 11 from the suction port 13 toward the outlet 14. The air carried by the airflow is heat exchanged by the heat exchange unit 20 as it passes through the heat exchange chamber 17. The air handling unit 10 draws air through the suction port 13 and blows out the air from the outlet 14 after having its temperature adjusted by heat exchange in the heat exchange unit 20.

[0023] (2) Detailed Configuration of Heat Exchange Unit 20 The heat exchange unit 20 includes a heat exchanger 21 and a drain pan 22 .

[0024] (2-1) Heat Exchanger 21 The heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air carried by the airflow generated by the blower unit 30. The heat exchanger 21 includes a plurality of flat tubes 211, heat transfer fins 212, a first header 213, a second header 214, and a covering member 215. The heat exchanger 21 constitutes part of a refrigerant circuit (not shown) that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0025] 1, 4, and 5, for convenience, a portion of the heat transfer fins 212 is shown through a portion of the flat tubes 211, and a portion of the covering member 215 is shown through a portion of the covering member 215.

[0026] (2-1-1) Multiple Flat Tubes 211 The multiple flat tubes 211 are heat transfer tubes made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, through which a refrigerant flows. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the multiple flat tubes 211 are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the multiple flat tubes 211 are arranged is referred to as a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is parallel to the horizontal direction. A refrigerant that exchanges heat with air passing through the heat exchange chamber 17 flows inside each of the multiple flat tubes 211. A first header 213 and a second header 214 are connected to both ends of the multiple flat tubes 211.

[0027] Each flat tube 211 has one first portion 211a, one second portion 211b, and one connecting portion 211c. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the first portion 211a extends in a predetermined direction as viewed from the first direction D1. The second portion 211b extends in a predetermined direction different from the direction in which the first portion 211a extends as viewed from the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 4, the connecting portion 211c connects the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b such that the smaller angle α or β between the direction in which the first portion 211a extends and the direction in which the second portion 211b extends is less than 180 degrees as viewed from the first direction D1. The connecting portion 211c may connect the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b so that the angles α and β are 90 degrees or less when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0028] One end of the first portion 211a is connected to the first header 213. The other end of the first portion 211a is connected to the connection portion 211c. One end of the second portion 211b is connected to the second header 214. The other end of the second portion 211b is connected to the connection portion 211c. The multiple flat tubes 211 are arranged such that the connection portion 211c is located above the first header 213 and the second header 214. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the multiple flat tubes 211 have a V-shape rotated 180 degrees when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0029] The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are flat multi-hole pipes having a plurality of passages (not shown) through which the refrigerant passes. The passages in the first portion 211a are aligned along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first portion 211a when viewed from the first direction D1. The passages in the second portion 211b are aligned along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second portion 211b when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0030] The connecting portion 211c is a flat multi-hole pipe that connects the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b and has a plurality of passages (not shown) that communicate with the plurality of passages in the first portion 211a and the plurality of passages in the second portion 211b. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portion 211c is partially curved so that the angle α, β (the smaller angle) between the direction in which the first portion 211a extends and the direction in which the second portion 211b extends is less than 180 degrees when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0031] For convenience, the direction in which the bisector L of the angle between the extension direction of the first portion 211a and the extension direction of the second portion 211b extends will be referred to as the second direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the bisector L when viewed from the first direction D1 will be referred to as the third direction. In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, the second direction D2 is parallel to the direction of the airflow generated by the blower unit 30. The third direction D3 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0032] 1 to 4, the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are arranged such that their main surfaces are aligned with the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are arranged at a predetermined interval along the first direction D1 that is perpendicular to the main surfaces.

[0033] (2-1-2) Heat Transfer Fins 212 The heat transfer fins 212 promote heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the flat tubes 211 and the air carried by the airflow generated by the blower unit 30. The heat transfer fins 212 are corrugated fins. The heat transfer fins 212 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The heat transfer fins 212 are not shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0034] The heat transfer fins 212 are fixed to the first portions 211a and the second portions 211b between adjacent flat tubes 211 along the first direction D1. More specifically, the heat transfer fins 212 are provided between adjacent first portions 211a along the first direction D1. The heat transfer fins 212 are fixed to the first portions 211a by fixing the peaks of the corrugations to the main surfaces of the first portions 211a. The heat transfer fins 212 are also provided between adjacent second portions 211b along the first direction D1. The heat transfer fins 212 are fixed to the second portions 211b by fixing the peaks of the corrugations to the main surfaces of the second portions 211b. As a result, the first portions 211a and the second portions 211b of the flat tubes 211, excluding the connection portions 211c, are covered with the heat transfer fins 212.

[0035] (2-1-3) First Header 213 and Second Header 214 The first header 213 and the second header 214 are connected to both ends of the plurality of flat tubes 211. The first header 213 and the second header 214 are arranged to extend in the first direction D1. The first header 213 and the second header 214 are located above the drain pan 22. The first header 213 and the second header 214 are connected to an external refrigerant circuit via refrigerant piping (not shown).

[0036] (2-1-4) First Heat Exchange Section 41 and Second Heat Exchange Section 42 The heat exchanger 21 has a first heat exchange section 41 and a second heat exchange section 42. The first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 each have a plurality of flat tubes 211, heat transfer fins 212, one first header 213, one covering member 215, and one second header 214. The first heat exchange section 41 is connected to the second heat exchange section 42 via a refrigerant pipe (not shown).

[0037] 4, in the heat exchange unit 20, the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 are arranged along the second direction D2 in which the airflow flows. More specifically, the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 are arranged so that their connecting portions 211c are aligned along the second direction D2 in which the airflow flows. The first heat exchange section 41 is arranged upwind of the second heat exchange section 42.

[0038] More specifically, the second heat exchange section 42 is disposed relative to the first heat exchange section 41 such that each section has the following positional relationship: The multiple connection sections 211c of the second heat exchange section 42 are located between the first tube row 41a and the second tube row 41b of the first heat exchange section 41. The first tube row 42a of the second heat exchange section 42 faces the first tube row 41a of the first heat exchange section 41. The second tube row 42b of the second heat exchange section 42 faces the second tube row 41b of the first heat exchange section 41.

[0039] Here, the first tube row 41a is a tube row formed by the plurality of first portions 211a of the first heat exchange section 41, and the second tube row 41b is a tube row formed by the plurality of second portions 211b of the first heat exchange section 41. Furthermore, the first tube row 42a is a tube row formed by the plurality of first portions 211a of the second heat exchange section 42, and the second tube row 42b is a tube row formed by the plurality of second portions 211b of the second heat exchange section 42.

[0040] (2-1-5) Covering Member 215 The covering member 215 covers at least a portion of the flat tubes 211. The covering member 215 prevents at least a portion of the flat tubes 211 from being exposed to (contacting) the airflow generated by the blower unit 30. More specifically, the covering member 215 covers (covers) the multiple connecting portions 211c of the flat tubes 211 so as to prevent at least a portion of the connecting portions 211c of the flat tubes 211 from being exposed to the airflow. In this embodiment, the covering member 215 covers all of the multiple connecting portions 211c arranged in the first direction D1. The covering member 215 is made of a non-metallic material such as resin. The covering member 215 has a strip shape that is plastic and long in the first direction D1.

[0041] The covering member 215 includes a first covering member 215a and a second covering member 215b. The first covering member 215a is fixed to the connecting portions 211c of the first heat exchanger 41 so as to cover the connecting portions 211c of the second heat exchanger 42. The second covering member 215b is fixed to the connecting portions 211c of the second heat exchanger 42 so as to cover the connecting portions 211c of the second heat exchanger 42.

[0042] The first covering member 215a is fixed to the multiple connecting portions 211c so as to cover the multiple connecting portions 211c of the first heat exchanger 41 from both ends in the vertical direction and the first direction D1.

[0043] The second covering member 215b is fixed to the multiple connecting portions 211c so as to cover the multiple connecting portions 211c of the second heat exchange section 42 from both ends in the vertical direction and the first direction D1.

[0044] The covering member 215 is fixed to the plurality of connecting portions 211c by being wrapped around the covering member 215 along the first direction D1, for example.

[0045] Connection portion 211c is prevented from being exposed to air currents by being covered with covering member 215. In order to prevent the portion of connection portion 211c covered with covering member 215 from being exposed to air currents as much as possible, covering member 215 is preferably fixed so as to be in close contact with connection portion 211c.

[0046] In FIG. 3, the first covering member 215a and the second covering member 215b are shown partially see-through in order to show the connection portion 211c of the first heat exchanger 41.

[0047] (2-2) Drain Pan 22 The drain pan 22 receives condensed water from the heat exchanger 21. The condensed water is water that is generated on the surfaces of the flat tubes 211, the heat transfer fins 212, the first header 213, and the second header 214 due to heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the flat tubes 211 and the air passing through the heat exchange chamber 17. The generated condensed water flows down due to its own weight along the surfaces of the flat tubes 211, the heat transfer fins 212, the first header 213, and the second header 214, and is received in the drain pan 22. The drain pan 22 is fixed to the support member 12.

[0048] The condensed water received by the drain pan 22 is discharged as drain water from a drain outlet (not shown) provided in the drain pan 22.

[0049] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the drain pan 22 is shown partially see-through in order to show the first header 213 and the second header 214.

[0050] (3) Features (3-1) The heat exchanger 21 performs heat exchange between air carried by an airflow and a refrigerant. The heat exchanger 21 includes a plurality of flat tubes 211, heat transfer fins 212, and a covering member 215. The flat tubes 211 are aligned along a first direction D1, and are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy through which a refrigerant flows. The heat transfer fins 212 are provided between adjacent flat tubes 211 and are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The covering member 215 covers at least a portion of the flat tubes 211.

[0051] Each of the flat tubes 211 has a first portion 211a, a second portion 211b, and a connecting portion 211c. The first portion 211a extends in a predetermined direction as viewed from the first direction D1. The second portion 211b extends in a predetermined direction different from the direction in which the first portion 211a extends as viewed from the first direction D1. The connecting portion 211c connects the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b so that the angle between the direction in which the first portion 211a extends and the direction in which the second portion 211b extends is less than 180 degrees as viewed from the first direction D1. The connecting portion 211c may also connect the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b so that the angles α and β are 90 degrees or less as viewed from the first direction D1.

[0052] The heat transfer fins 212 are fixed to the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b. The covering member 215 covers at least a portion of the plurality of connecting portions 211c.

[0053] The connection portions 211c of the flat tubes 211 are not covered with the heat transfer fins 212, and therefore may corrode due to the influence of chloride ions contained in the air if exposed to airflow. In particular, the flat tubes 211 may be formed with a thinner wall than tubular heat transfer tubes, and therefore, if corrosion occurs, the refrigerant flowing therethrough is more likely to leak than with tubular heat transfer tubes. In the heat exchanger 21, the covering member 215 prevents at least a portion of the connection portions 211c from being exposed to airflow. This allows the heat exchanger 21 to prevent corrosion from occurring at the connection portions 211c, which are portions of the flat tubes 211 that are not covered with the heat transfer fins 212.

[0054] (3-2) The covering member 215 is made of a non-metallic material.

[0055] When different types of metals are brought into contact with each other, there is a risk of galvanic corrosion occurring in one of the metals. By using a non-metallic material for the covering member 215, the heat exchanger 21 can suppress the occurrence of galvanic corrosion.

[0056] (3-3) The covering member 215 is made of resin.

[0057] Since the covering member 215 is made of resin, the heat exchanger 21 can suppress the occurrence of galvanic corrosion and can also suppress an increase in weight.

[0058] (3-4) The heat exchanger 21 has a first heat exchange section 41 and a second heat exchange section 42 each having a plurality of flat tubes 211 , heat transfer fins 212 , and a covering member 215 .

[0059] In the second heat exchange section, the plurality of connecting portions 211c are located between a first tube row 41a formed by the plurality of first portions 211a of the first heat exchange section 41 and a second tube row 41b formed by the plurality of second portions 211b of the first heat exchange section 41. Furthermore, a first tube row 42a formed by the plurality of first portions 211a of the second heat exchange section 42 faces the first tube row 41a of the first heat exchange section 41. Furthermore, a second tube row 42b formed by the plurality of second portions 211b of the second heat exchange section 42 faces the second tube row 41b of the first heat exchange section 41.

[0060] -Modifications- (1) Modification A In a heat exchanger 21 according to Modification A, as shown in Fig. 5 , the heat transfer fins 212 of the first heat exchange unit 41 are not provided in a region a (see Fig. 5 ) between a position Lb where two straight lines La and the outer edge 41 e of the first heat exchange unit 41 in the third direction D3 intersect and the connection portion 41 c, as viewed from the first direction D1. The two straight lines La are straight lines parallel to the second direction, as viewed from the first direction, that pass through both end portions 215 c in the third direction D3 of the second covering member 215 b of the second heat exchange unit 42. As viewed from the first direction D1, the position Lb is a line segment whose one end is tangent to the intersection of the straight lines La and the outer edge 41 e and that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first portion 211 a or the second portion 211 b.

[0061] A portion of the vertically downward airflow along the second direction D2 generated by the blower unit 30 comes into contact with the second covering member 215b of the second heat exchange section 42 as it passes through the heat exchanger 21. The airflow that comes into contact with the second covering member 215b is obstructed from flowing along the second direction D2. For this reason, the airflow upstream of the second covering member 215b of the second heat exchange section 42 is obstructed compared to other portions, making efficient heat exchange difficult.

[0062] In the heat exchanger 21 according to the modification A, the heat transfer fins 212 are not provided in the region a, and therefore the cost of providing the heat transfer fins 212 is reduced compared to when the heat transfer fins 212 are provided over the entire first portion 211 a and the second portion 211 b. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger 21 according to the modification A is reduced.

[0063] In the heat exchanger 21 according to variant A, in order to suppress corrosion of the area a that is not covered by the heat transfer fins 212, the first covering member 215a is provided so as to cover not only the connection portion 211c but also the area a.

[0064] (2) Modification B In the above-described embodiment, the respective connection portions 211c of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 are covered with different covering members 215 (the first covering member 215a and the second covering member 215b). However, the respective connection portions 211c of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 may be covered with a single covering member 215.

[0065] (3) Modification C In the above-described embodiment, the airflow flows vertically downward. However, the direction of the airflow is not limited to this, and may be, for example, vertically upward.

[0066] (4) Modification D The covering member 215 does not have to be a strip-shaped member having plasticity as long as it covers the plurality of connecting portions 211 c so as to prevent at least a portion of the plurality of connecting portions 211 c from being exposed to the airflow. The covering member 215 may be realized, for example, by painting or coating that covers at least a portion of the plurality of connecting portions 211 c.

[0067] - Conclusion - Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0068] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Air handling unit 20: Heat exchange unit 21: Heat exchanger 211: Flat tube 211a: First part 211b: Second part 211c: Connection part 211ca: Curved part (first heat exchange part) 211cb: Curved part (second heat exchange part) 212: Heat transfer fin 213: First header 214: Second header 215: Covering member 215a: First covering member 215b: Second covering member 215c: End part 24: Drain pan 30: Blower unit 41: First heat exchange part (heat exchange part) 41e: Outer edge of first heat exchange part 42: Second heat exchange part (heat exchange part) D1: First direction D2: Second direction D3: Third direction L : bisector of the angle formed by the extension direction of the first portion and the extension direction of the second portion La: straight line passing through both end portions of the covering member of the second heat exchange portion Lb: position where the straight line La and the outer edge of the first heat exchange portion intersect

[0069] U.S. Patent No. 5,904,053

Claims

1. A heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between air carried by an air current and a refrigerant, comprising: a plurality of flat tubes (211) arranged along a first direction (D1) through which a refrigerant flows, the plurality of flat tubes being made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; heat transfer fins (212) made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and provided between adjacent flat tubes; and a covering member (215) covering at least a portion of the flat tubes, wherein each of the plurality of flat tubes has: a first portion (211a) extending in a predetermined direction as viewed from the first direction; a second portion (211b) extending in a predetermined direction different from the direction in which the first portion extends as viewed from the first direction; and a connecting portion (211c) connecting the first portion and the second portion such that an angle between the direction in which the first portion extends and the direction in which the second portion extends is less than 180 degrees as viewed from the first direction; and the heat transfer fins are A heat exchanger (21) connected to the first part and the second part, wherein the covering member covers at least a portion of a plurality of connecting parts.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the covering member is made of a non-metallic material.

3. A heat exchanger as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the covering member is made of a resin.

4. A heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a first heat exchange section (41) and a second heat exchange section (42) each having a plurality of the flat tubes, the heat transfer fins, and the covering member, wherein the second heat exchange section has a plurality of connection sections positioned between a first tube row constituted by the plurality of first sections of the first heat exchange section and a second tube row constituted by the plurality of second sections of the first heat exchange section, the first tube row constituted by the plurality of first sections of the second heat exchange section faces the first tube row of the first heat exchange section, and the second tube row constituted by the plurality of second sections of the second heat exchange section faces the second tube row of the first heat exchange section.

5. The heat exchanger as described in claim 4, wherein the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are arranged such that their connection portions 211c are aligned along a second direction (D2) which is the direction in which a bisector (L) of an angle between the extension direction of the first section and the extension direction of the second section extends, and the heat transfer fins of the first heat exchange section are not provided between the connection portion and a position (Lb) where two straight lines (La) parallel to the second direction passing through both end portions (215c) of the covering member of the second heat exchange section in a third direction which is a direction perpendicular to the second direction as viewed from the first direction and an outer edge (41e) of the first heat exchange section in the third direction intersect.

6. An air handling unit (10), comprising: a heat exchanger (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and a blower unit (30) for generating the airflow.

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