Heat exchanger and clothing treatment apparatus including same

Abstract

A heat exchanger and a clothing treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure comprise: a first header and a second header; and a plurality of flat tubes connecting the first header with the second header and including a plurality of channels through which a refrigerant flows, wherein each of the flat tubes includes a first flat portion connected to the first header, a second flat portion connected to the second header, and a curved portion positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion, and further includes a plurality of first pins arranged between the first flat portions adjacent to each other in a first direction, and a plurality of second pins arranged between the second flat portions adjacent to each other in the first direction, wherein some of the first pins protrude from the first flat portions toward the second flat portions, and some of the second pins protrude from the second flat portions toward the first flat portions.

Description

Heat exchanger and garment treatment device including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger capable of further securing heat exchange performance, increasing heat exchange volume, and improving power consumption, and to clothing including the same.

[0002] In general, a heat exchanger can be used as a condenser or evaporator in a refrigeration cycle device consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator.

[0003] Additionally, heat exchangers are installed in vehicles, refrigerators, clothes processors, etc. to exchange heat between refrigerant and air.

[0004] In general, a clothes treatment device is a device that dries laundry by blowing hot air generated by a heater into the inside of a drum to evaporate the moisture contained in the laundry.

[0005] Garment treatment devices can be classified into exhaust type garment treatment devices and condensation type garment treatment devices depending on the method of treating the moist air that passes through the drum after drying the laundry.

[0006] An exhaust type garment treatment device exhausts the humid air passing through the drum to the outside of the garment treatment device, and a condensing type garment treatment device circulates the humid air passing through the drum without exhausting it to the outside of the garment treatment device, and cools the humid air to below the dew point temperature through a condenser to condense the moisture contained in the humid air.

[0007] Condensing-type garment treatment devices heat the condensate from the condenser before resupplying it to the drum, then introduce heated air into the drum. During the condensation process, the humid air cools, resulting in a loss of thermal energy. A separate heater, etc., is required to heat the air to the temperature necessary for drying.

[0008] Exhaust-type garment treatment devices also need to exhaust hot, humid air and bring in room-temperature outside air, heating it to the required temperature using heaters or other devices. In particular, as drying progresses, the humidity of the air exhausted from the drum outlet decreases, resulting in heat loss in the air that is not used to dry the items in the drum and is then exhausted to the outside, reducing thermal efficiency.

[0009] Therefore, recently, a garment treatment device having a heat pump cycle that can increase energy efficiency by recovering energy discharged from the drum and using it to heat the air flowing into the drum has been introduced.

[0010] The condensing type clothing treatment device of Patent Document 1 includes a drum (1) into which a drying material is introduced, a circulation duct (2) providing a path for air to circulate through the drum (1), a circulation fan (3) for flowing the circulating air along the circulation duct (2), and a heat pump cycle (4) having an evaporator (5) and a condenser (6) installed in series in the circulation duct (2) so that the air circulating along the circulation duct (2) passes therethrough.

[0011] The heat pump cycle (4) may be equipped with a circulation pipe that forms a circulation path so that the refrigerant circulates through the evaporator (5) and the condenser (6), and a compressor (7) and an expansion valve (8) installed in the circulation pipe between the evaporator (5) and the condenser (6).

[0012] The heat pump cycle (4) configured as described above transfers the heat energy of air passing through the drum (1) to the refrigerant through the evaporator (5), and then transfers the heat energy of the refrigerant to the air flowing into the drum (1) through the condenser (6).

[0013] Here, both the evaporator and the condenser use a general heat exchanger, which has the disadvantage of reducing heat exchange efficiency and increasing the manufacturing cost and manufacturing difficulty of the heat exchanger.

[0014] In the case of patent document 2, it discloses a header (20) on both sides, a plurality of tubes (30) connected to the header, and a plurality of pins (4) connecting the tubes.

[0015] Patent Document 2 discloses a microchannel heat exchanger, but since the tubes are arranged in multiple rows, a structure such as multiple headers and connecting tubes connecting the headers is required to increase heat exchange capacity. However, using multiple headers and connecting tubes requires multiple additional components, and the manufacturing process for connecting them is complex.

[0016]

[0017] [Prior Art Literature]

[0018] [Patent Document]

[0019] Patent Document 1 - Korean Publication No. 2016-0069333

[0020] Patent Document 2 - Korean Publication No. 2018-0040330

[0021]

[0022] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger that improves heat exchange efficiency by using a microchannel type heat exchanger as a condenser of a garment treatment device, and a garment treatment device including the same.

[0023] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger having a simple manufacturing process and reduced manufacturing cost, and a garment treatment device including the same, while using a multi-row microchannel type heat exchanger as a condenser of the garment treatment device.

[0024] Another problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger and a clothes treatment device including the same that reduces the flow resistance of a refrigerant by using only two headers and flat tubes and fins connecting them.

[0025] Another problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger and a garment treatment device including the same, which increases the condensation heat capacity and improves power consumption through the size relationship between the flat tube, fins, and curved portions.

[0026] Another problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a clothes treatment device that controls the distance between the evaporator and the condenser within the air passage of the machine room to an optimal distance, thereby preventing condensate generated in the evaporator from splashing onto the evaporator, thereby lowering the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator and lowering the efficiency of the clothes treatment device.

[0027] The tasks of the present disclosure are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0028]

[0029] A heat exchanger and a clothes treatment device according to the present disclosure include a first header and a second header; and a plurality of flat tubes connecting between the first header and the second header and including a plurality of channels through which a refrigerant flows, wherein each of the flat tubes includes a first flat portion connected to the first header, a second flat portion connected to the second header, and a curved portion positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion, and further includes a plurality of first fins positioned between the first flat portions that are adjacent to each other in the first direction; and a plurality of second fins positioned between the second flat portions that are adjacent to each other in the first direction, wherein a portion of the first fins protrudes from the first flat portion toward the second flat portion, and a portion of the second fins protrudes from the second flat portion toward the first flat portion.

[0030] The above curved portion may include a first twist section, a second twist section, and a connecting section between the first twist section and the second twist section.

[0031] The radius of curvature of the first twist section and the second twist section may be greater than the radius of curvature of the connecting section.

[0032] When viewed from the first direction, the planar areas of the first twist section and the second twist section may be larger than the planar area of ​​the connecting section.

[0033] One end of the first twist section can be connected to the first flat portion, and one end of the second twist section can be connected to the second flat portion.

[0034] Some of the first twist section and the second twist section may have a straight shape.

[0035] The width of the first twist section as viewed in the first direction may become smaller as it goes from the first flat portion to the connection section.

[0036] The inclination angle formed by the largest surface of the first twist section and the largest surface of the first flat portion may increase from the first flat portion to the connection section.

[0037] The inclination angle formed by the largest surface of the second twist section and the largest surface of the second flat portion may increase from the second flat portion to the connection section.

[0038] The length of the outer edge of the first twist section may be longer than the length of the inner edge of the first twist section.

[0039] A part of the outer edge of the first twist section has a straight shape, a part of the inner edge of the first twist section has a straight shape of the outer edge, and a length of the straight shape of the inner edge may be longer than a length of the straight shape of the outer edge.

[0040] The above connecting section may include a short edge and a long edge having a length longer than the short edge.

[0041] The radius of curvature of the above long edge may be greater than the radius of curvature of the above short edge.

[0042] The above connecting section includes a first horizontal end connected to the first twist section and a second horizontal end connected to the second twist section, and an inclination angle formed by a largest surface of the connecting section and a largest surface of the first flat portion may be maximum between the first horizontal end and the second horizontal end, and minimum between the first horizontal end and the second horizontal end.

[0043] The short edge of any one of the plurality of flat tubes may be positioned to overlap with the long edge of any other adjacent one of the plurality of flat tubes.

[0044] The length of the above curved portion may be equal to or greater than the height of the above curved portion.

[0045] The width of the above pin may be greater than the width of the above flat tube.

[0046] Additionally, the present disclosure may further include an inlet pipe connected to the first header and an outlet pipe connected to the second header.

[0047] The above inlet pipe may be positioned higher than the above outlet pipe.

[0048] The above pin may include a plurality of penetration portions formed by penetrating a portion of the pin, and a plurality of louvers covering a portion of the penetration portions.

[0049] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat exchanger includes a first header, a second header, and a plurality of flat tubes stacked in a first direction extending from the first header, the first header and the second header connecting the first header and the second header and including a plurality of channels through which a refrigerant flows, each of the flat tubes including: a first flat portion connected to the first header; a second flat portion connected to the second header; a third flat portion and a fourth flat portion positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion; and a plurality of curved portions positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion, the first fins positioned between the first flat portions being adjacent to each other in the first direction; a second fin positioned between the second flat portions being adjacent to each other in the first direction; a third fin positioned between the third flat portions being adjacent to each other in the first direction; And further comprising a fourth pin disposed between the fourth flat portions adjacent to each other in the first direction, wherein a part of the first pin protrudes from the first flat portion toward the second flat portion, and a part of the second pin protrudes from the second flat portion toward the first flat portion.

[0050] The third pin may not be exposed to the outside of the third flat portion when viewed in the first direction, and the fourth pin may not be exposed to the outside of the fourth flat portion when viewed in the first direction.

[0051] Meanwhile, a part of the third pin may protrude from the third flat portion toward the first flat portion, and a part of the fourth pin may protrude from the fourth flat portion toward the second flat portion.

[0052]

[0053] The heat exchanger and clothing treatment device of the present disclosure have one or more of the following effects.

[0054] First, the present disclosure has the advantages of configuring a plurality of flat tubes having multiple channels in a multi-row arrangement by bending the middle of a plurality of flat tubes arranged between two headers so as to intersect the direction of air movement, thereby facilitating connection between the header and the refrigerant tube and the header and the connecting tube, simplifying the structure, facilitating manufacturing, reducing manufacturing costs, and reducing the flow resistance of the refrigerant.

[0055] Second, the present disclosure has the advantage of reducing manufacturing costs and facilitating bending of flat tubes by not arranging pins between a plurality of flat tubes in the portion where the flat tubes are bent.

[0056] Third, the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to bend a flat tube at once using a single rod when the widest surface of the flat tube is parallel to the horizontal direction and the flat tube is spaced apart in the vertical direction when bent on the horizontal plane, and can easily bend a flat tube having a longitudinal shape by twisting the curved portion when bending.

[0057] Fourth, the present disclosure utilizes microchannels and is configured in multiple rows to provide a condenser that requires a large amount of heat to reheat the air in the air passage and supply it into the tub, so that the temperature of the air supplied into the tub can be easily controlled and a counterflow configuration can be easily achieved, thereby providing the advantage of improved heat exchange performance.

[0058] Fifth, the present disclosure has the advantage of minimizing the length of the refrigerant pipe connecting the condenser and the evaporator to the compressor and the expansion valve, and reducing the increase in flow resistance due to the refrigerant pipe by arranging the condenser in a multi-row arrangement in a machine room with a narrow space, by arranging the pipe supplying the refrigerant to the condenser and the pipe through which the refrigerant flows out from the condenser in the same direction, and by arranging the refrigerant pipe in the same direction as the condenser.

[0059] Sixth, the present disclosure uses a microchannel heat exchanger as a condenser and a fin-tube heat exchanger as an evaporator in the machine room of a garment treatment device, so that the evaporator uses a fin-tube heat exchanger with a low manufacturing cost because it requires relatively little energy, and the condenser uses a microchannel heat exchanger because it requires a lot of heat to reheat the air in the air passage and supply it into the tub, thereby improving heat exchange performance, reducing airflow resistance, and lowering the manufacturing cost.

[0060] Seventh, since the present disclosure comprises both the evaporator and the condenser made of aluminum, it has the advantage of improving corrosion resistance in the air path of a clothing treatment device with a high moisture content, improving the reliability of the clothing treatment device, and preventing galvanic corrosion that occurs when copper and aluminum are mixed.

[0061]

[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air and refrigerant in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] This is a drawing showing a machine room and an air passage portion of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure of FIG. 3.

[0065] Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating the evaporator and condenser illustrated in Figure 3.

[0066] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the condenser illustrated in Figure 3.

[0067] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating the condenser illustrated in Figure 3.

[0068] Figure 7 is a front view showing the condenser illustrated in Figure 3.

[0069] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 6.

[0070] Figure 9 is a side view of the condenser illustrated in Figure 3.

[0071] Fig. 10 is a side view of the condenser shown in Fig. 3.

[0072] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11' of Figure 8.

[0073] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 11.

[0074] Fig. 13 is a front view of a part of Fig. 11.

[0075] FIGS. 14 to 16 are drawings illustrating a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the evaporator illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0077] FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a condenser according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a condenser according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079]

[0080] The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure that the disclosure of the present disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0081] Spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," and "upper" can be used to easily describe the relationship between one component and another, as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms should be understood to include different orientations of the components during use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings. For example, if a component depicted in the drawings were flipped over, a component described as "below" or "beneath" another component could end up "above" the other component. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both the above and below orientations. Components can also be oriented in other directions, and thus spatially relative terms can be interpreted based on their orientation.

[0082] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, and / or operations.

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in their common sense to those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0084] The thickness and size of each component in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity. Furthermore, the size and area of ​​each component do not entirely reflect its actual size or area.

[0085] Additionally, the angles and directions mentioned in the process of describing the structure of the embodiment are based on those described in the drawings. If the reference points and positional relationships for angles are not clearly mentioned in the description of the structure forming the embodiment in the specification, the relevant drawings should be referenced.

[0086] The present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0087] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air and refrigerant in a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a clothing treatment device (100) according to the invention is an example of a drum-type dryer, and may be configured to include a cabinet (110), a drum (130), a driving unit (not shown), a blower fan (170), and a heat pump (160), and the air of the drum (130) is connected to the heat pump (160) by an air passage (150).

[0089] Here, the cabinet (110) may be provided with a door (112) that forms the exterior of the product and is provided for loading clothes in the front, and a base (114) on which the internal configuration of the clothes handling device (100) is installed.

[0090] Meanwhile, the drum (130) can rotate around a rotation axis that is positioned horizontally or inclined at a certain angle inside the cabinet. Meanwhile, the drum (130) has a hollow cylindrical shape and provides a receiving space for placing and drying clothing, which is an object to be dried.

[0091] The drum (130) is formed in a cylindrical shape with the front and rear open. The drum (130) has a front support member (132) that rotatably supports the drum (130) at the front. In addition, the drum (130) has a rear support member (133) that rotatably supports the drum (130) at the rear.

[0092] Additionally, front rollers (142) and rear rollers (143) in the form of rollers that rotatably support the drum (130) may be additionally provided at the front and rear lower portions of the drum (130). That is, the front support portion (132) and the rear support portion (133) block the front and rear of the drum (130) to form a drying space for the object to be dried, and at the same time, they serve to support the front and rear ends of the drum (130).

[0093] Meanwhile, an inlet (132b) is formed in the front support member (132) for inserting a drum (130) into which a drying target is to be inserted, and the inlet is selectively opened and closed by a door (112). In addition, an air outlet (132a) is located at the lower portion of the front support member (132) to which an air path (150) to be described later is connected. An intake path (151) of an air path (150) to be described later is provided to communicate with the air outlet (132a).

[0094] In addition, an air inlet (133a) formed with a plurality of through holes is formed in the rear support member (133) to supply air to the drum (130). An exhaust path (152) of an air path (150) to be described later is provided to communicate with the air inlet (133a).

[0095] Here, in order to efficiently dry the clothing, which is the object of drying, a lifter (131a) for tumbling the clothing being loaded may be further provided on the inner surface of the drum (130).

[0096] In addition, the driving unit provides rotational power using a motor (not shown), and the output shaft of the motor and the drum (130) are connected by a power transmission means such as a belt, and the rotational power of the motor is transmitted to the drum (130), thereby rotating the drum (130).

[0097] In addition, the air passage (150) can be connected to the drum (130) to form a closed loop for air circulation. For example, the air passage (150) can be formed in a duct shape. An intake passage (151) for air discharge is formed at the lower portion of the front support portion (132) of the drum (130), and an exhaust passage (152) for air supply is formed at the rear support portion (133) of the drum (130).

[0098] Meanwhile, the blower fan (170) may be installed inside an air passage (150) extending from an intake passage (151) to an evaporator (300) of a heat pump (160) or an air passage (150) extending from a condenser (400) of a heat pump (160) to an exhaust passage (152).

[0099] Here, the blower fan (170) can be driven by a separate fan motor, and can energize the air to pass through the inside of the drum (130), and circulate the air discharged from the drum (130) back into the drum (130).

[0100] Additionally, a lint filter (162) (see FIG. 3) for filtering lint in the circulating air is installed in the suction path (151). The lint filter (162) can capture lint contained in the air as the air sucked from the drum (130) into the suction path (151) passes therethrough.

[0101] Accordingly, the clothing (also called 'cloth') evaporates moisture by the hot air supplied into the drum (130), and the air passing through the drum (130) is discharged from the drum (130) with the moisture evaporated from the clothing. The hot and humid air discharged from the drum (130) moves along the air passage (150), receives heat from the heat pump (160), is heated, and then is circulated to the drum (130).

[0102] Meanwhile, the heat pump (160) is configured to include an evaporator (300), a compressor (163), a condenser (400), and an expansion valve (164). The heat pump (160) can use a refrigerant as a working fluid. The refrigerant moves along a refrigerant pipe (165), and the refrigerant pipe (165) forms a closed loop for circulation of the refrigerant. The evaporator (300), the compressor (163), the condenser (400), and the expansion valve (164) are connected by the refrigerant pipe (165), so that the refrigerant passes through the evaporator (300), the compressor (163), the condenser (400), and the expansion valve (164) in sequence.

[0103] Here, the evaporator (300) is installed in the air passage (150) so as to be in communication with the drum outlet, and heat-exchanges the air discharged from the drum outlet with the refrigerant, thereby recovering the heat of the air discharged from the drum (130) without discharging it to the outside of the dryer.

[0104] And, the condenser (400) is installed in the air passage (150) so as to be in communication with the drum inlet, and exchanges heat between the air passing through the evaporator (300) and the refrigerant, thereby releasing the heat of the refrigerant absorbed in the evaporator (300) to the air to be introduced into the drum (130).

[0105] The compressor (163) compresses the refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator (300) to create a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, and moves the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to the condenser (400) along the refrigerant pipe (165). The compressor (163) may be an inverter-type compressor (163) capable of varying the frequency to control the discharge amount of the refrigerant.

[0106] The expansion valve (164) is installed in a refrigerant pipe (165) extending from the condenser (400) to the evaporator (300), and expands the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (400) to make it a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and transfers it to the evaporator (300).

[0107] Looking at the movement path of the refrigerant according to the configuration, the refrigerant enters the compressor (163) in a gaseous state and becomes high temperature and high pressure by compression of the compressor (163). The high temperature and high pressure refrigerant enters the condenser (400) and changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state as heat is released to the air in the condenser (400).

[0108] Next, the liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion valve (164) and changes into low temperature and low pressure by the throttling action of the expansion valve (164) (or including a capillary tube, etc.), and the low temperature and low pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator (300) and absorbs heat from the air in the evaporator (300), thereby evaporating the refrigerant from the liquid state into a gaseous state.

[0109] In this way, the heat pump (160) repeatedly circulates the refrigerant in the order of the compressor (163), condenser (400), expansion valve (164), and evaporator (300), and provides a heat source to the air circulated to the drum (130).

[0110] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (100) according to the present disclosure can supply pressurized air into the interior of the drum (130) separately from the circulation supply of heated air by the heat pump (160) to impact the drying object inside the drum (130) and change the movement path of the heated air inside the drum (130).

[0111] That is, in the case of the object to be dried being fed into the drum (130), various types of moisture may be included depending on the material of the object to be dried, and by supplying pressurized air, moisture of a relatively large size included in the object to be dried can be removed from the object to be dried, or broken down into moisture of a relatively small size, thereby accelerating the drying of moisture by heated air.

[0112] In addition, in the case of the heated air supplied to the drum (130), it moves from the air inlet (133a) at the rear of the drum (130) to the air outlet (132a) at the front of the drum (130), dries the object to be dried inside the drum (130), passes through the air path (150), and circulates through the drum (130) and the heat pump (160). In the case of the movement path of the heated air, the dryness of the object to be dried can be improved as the heated air comes into contact with the object to be dried over a large area and for a long time. Here, in the case of the pressurized air supplied separately from the heated air, it is supplied at a higher pressure than the heated air through a different location and different path from the heated air, thereby applying an impact to the object to be dried and at the same time changing the path along which the heated air moves inside the drum (130), thereby drying the moisture by the heated air more quickly.

[0113] Meanwhile, a pressure air generating unit (200) that generates pressure air to supply pressure air into the interior of the drum (130) and a pressure air nozzle (301) that sprays the pressure air generated from the pressure air generating unit (200) into the interior of the drum (130) may be provided.

[0114] Below, the arrangement of the evaporator (300) and the condenser (400) is described in detail.

[0115] A drawing showing a machine room and an air passage portion of a garment treatment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an evaporator (300) and a condenser (400) shown in FIG. 3.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the evaporator (300) and the condenser (400) can be installed inside the air passage (150). The evaporator (300) can be connected to the drum outlet, and the condenser (400) can be connected to the drum inlet.

[0117] Meanwhile, the present disclosure may include a machine room (161) in which a compressor (163), an expansion valve, and a refrigerant pipe (165) are located. The machine room (161) may be arranged next to an air passage (150).

[0118] The high temperature and humid air discharged from the drum (130) has a higher temperature than the refrigerant in the evaporator (300). Therefore, as it passes through the evaporator (300), the heat of the air is taken away by the refrigerant in the evaporator (300), thereby condensing and generating condensate. Accordingly, the high temperature and humid air has its moisture removed by the evaporator (300), and the condensed condensate can be collected and drained into a separate condensate tank (not shown).

[0119] Meanwhile, the heat source of the air absorbed in the evaporator (300) is moved to the condenser (400) via the refrigerant, and a compressor (163) may be positioned between the evaporator (300) and the condenser (400) to move the heat source from the evaporator (300) (low heat source section) to the condenser (400) (high heat source section).

[0120] Meanwhile, the evaporator (300) may be a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger. The fin-and-tube type has a plurality of flat-plate fins attached to a hollow tube, and the refrigerant flows along the inside of the tube, and air passes between the plurality of fins attached to the tube, thereby allowing the refrigerant and air to exchange heat with each other. Here, the fins are used to expand the heat exchange area between the air and the refrigerant.

[0121] For example, the evaporator (300) may include a plurality of evaporative refrigerant tubes (310) through which refrigerant flows, and evaporative fins (320) that conduct heat of the evaporative refrigerant. The evaporator (300) may include an evaporative inlet pipe (391) that supplies refrigerant to the evaporative refrigerant tubes (310), and an evaporative outlet pipe (392) through which refrigerant flows out of the evaporative refrigerant tubes (310).

[0122] The evaporator inlet pipe (391) is connected to the expansion valve (164) and the evaporator refrigerant tube (310), and the evaporator outlet pipe (392) is connected to the compressor (163) and the evaporator refrigerant tube (310). The detailed structure of the evaporator (300) is described later in Fig. 10.

[0123] The condenser (400) may include a microchannel type heat exchanger. The condenser (400) includes a flat tube (410) including a plurality of channels (50a) through which refrigerant flows, condensing fins (420) that conduct heat of the flat tube (410), and first and second headers positioned at both ends of the flat tube (410). The condensing fins (420) may also be referred to as fins.

[0124] The condenser (400) may include a condensation inlet pipe (491) for supplying refrigerant to a flat tube (410), and a condensation outlet pipe (492) for discharging refrigerant from the flat tube (410). The condensation inlet pipe (491) is connected to the compressor (163) and the flat tube (410), and the condensation outlet pipe (492) is connected to the expansion valve (164) and the flat tube (410). The condensation inlet pipe (491) may be used interchangeably as an inlet pipe, and the condensation outlet pipe (492) may be used interchangeably as an outlet pipe. The condensation inlet pipe (491) may be connected to a first header, and the condensation outlet pipe (492) may be connected to a second header.

[0125] The detailed structure of the condenser (400) is described later in FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0126] When a micro-channel type heat exchanger is used as the condenser (400), the temperature of the air passing through the condenser (400) can be increased compared to when a fin-tube heat exchanger is used, and the air can be heated to the target temperature in a much shorter heat exchange time. Therefore, when a micro-channel type heat exchanger is used as the condenser (400), the drying efficiency of the clothing treatment device can be improved.

[0127] Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​each channel (50a) of the refrigerant tube of the condenser (400) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant tube of the evaporator (300). In the case of the evaporator (300), a fin tube heat exchanger is used rather than a microchannel heat exchanger because a large heat exchange amount is not required.

[0128] The air flowing in the air passage (150) exchanges heat with the evaporator (300) and then flows into the condenser (400). At this time, if the evaporator (300) and the condenser (400) are placed too close together, the condensate generated in the evaporator (300) flows into the condenser (400), thereby lowering the heat exchange efficiency of the condenser (400).

[0129] In order to prevent condensate generated in the evaporator (300) from flowing into the condenser (400), the distance (D1) between the evaporator (300) and the condenser (400) may be greater than the width (W1) of the air flow direction of the evaporator (300).

[0130] The width (W1) of the evaporator (300) in the air flow direction may be greater than the width (W2) of the condenser (400) in the air flow direction. The height (H1) of the evaporator (300) may be smaller than the height (H2) of the condenser (400).

[0131] Preferably, the separation distance (D1) of the condenser (400) may be greater than the sum of the width (W1) of the evaporator (300) in the air flow direction and the width (W2) of the condenser (400) in the air flow direction.

[0132] More preferably, the separation distance (D1) of the condenser (400) may be 100 mm to 250 mm.

[0133] If the separation distance (D1) of the condenser (400) is greater than the sum of the width (W1) of the evaporator (300) in the air flow direction and the width (W2) of the condenser (400) in the air flow direction, the condensate generated in the evaporator (300) by the air flow falls into the space between the condenser (400) and the evaporator (300).

[0134] The condensation inlet pipe (491) and the condensation outlet pipe (492) may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the flat tube (410). Specifically, the condensation inlet pipe (491) and the condensation outlet pipe (492) may extend from the flat tube (410) toward the machine room.

[0135] More specifically, if the direction of air flow is defined as forward-backward (FR), the condensation inlet pipe (491) and the condensation outlet pipe (492) extend to the right from the flat tube (410).

[0136] When the condensation inlet pipe (491) and the condensation outlet pipe (492) are positioned in the same direction with respect to the flat tube (410), the space for arranging the refrigerant pipe can be reduced, the length of the refrigerant pipe can be reduced, and sufficient space for the air flow path (150) can be secured.

[0137] The evaporator inlet pipe (391) and the evaporator outlet pipe (392) may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the evaporator refrigerant tube (310). Specifically, the evaporator inlet pipe (391) and the evaporator outlet pipe (392) may extend from the evaporator refrigerant tube (310) toward the machine room.

[0138] More specifically, the evaporation inlet pipe (391) and the evaporation outlet pipe (392) extend to the right from the evaporation refrigerant tube (310).

[0139] When the evaporation inlet pipe (391) and the evaporation outlet pipe (392) are positioned in the same direction with respect to the evaporation refrigerant tube (310), the space for arranging the refrigerant pipe can be reduced, the length of the refrigerant pipe can be reduced, and sufficient space for the air flow path (150) can be secured.

[0140] Preferably, the evaporation inlet pipe (391), the evaporation outlet pipe (392), the condensation inlet pipe (491), and the condensation outlet pipe (492) can extend in the same direction from the air passage (150). The evaporation inlet pipe (391), the evaporation outlet pipe (392), the condensation inlet pipe (491), and the condensation outlet pipe (492) extend in the right direction from the air passage (150).

[0141]

[0142] Hereinafter, the structure of the condenser (400) will be described in detail. The condenser (400) includes the heat exchanger of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the description of the condenser (400) is the same as the description of the heat exchanger.

[0143] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the condenser (400) shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the condenser (400) shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 is a front view showing the condenser (400) shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a portion of FIG. 6, FIG. 9 is a side view of the condenser (400) shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 10 is another side view of the condenser (400) shown in FIG. 3.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the condenser (400) is a microchannel type heat exchanger. The condenser (400) is formed of aluminum.

[0145] The condenser (400) can have a plurality of flat tubes (50) positioned in the air flow direction. That is, the condenser (400) includes a plurality of flat tubes (50) stacked in a vertical direction intersecting the air flow direction, and a first header (431) and a second header (433) at both ends of the plurality of flat tubes (50) in the horizontal direction, and the plurality of flat tubes (50) are bent in the middle, so that the plurality of flat tubes (50) can form a plurality of rows along the air flow direction.

[0146] Specifically, a plurality of flat tubes (50) are arranged in a first row, a second row, a third row, and a fourth row on a path through which external air flows, and the external air can be heat-exchanged primarily with the fourth row, secondarily with the third row, thirdly with the third row, and finally with the first row.

[0147] The first header (431) and the second header (433) extend in the first direction. Specifically, the first header (431) and the second header (433) can extend upward. An inlet pipe (491) is connected to the first header (431) to allow refrigerant to flow in, and an outlet pipe (492) is connected to the second header (433).

[0148] The flat tube (50) may include an upper surface (51a) facing each other, a lower surface (51b), and opposite surfaces (51c, 51d) connecting the ends of the upper surface (51a) and the lower surface (51b). The upper surface (51a) and the lower surface (51b) may have larger areas than the opposite surfaces (51c, 51d). Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (50) may be a horizontally elongated rectangle. Preferably, the upper surface (51a) and the lower surface (51b) may be arranged parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0149] Each flat tube (50) may include a first flat portion (551), a second flat portion (552), and a curved portion (500) positioned between the first flat portion (551) and the second flat portion (552).

[0150] Each flat tube (50) may include a third flat portion (553) and a fourth flat portion (554) positioned between the first flat portion (551) and the second flat portion (552) and a plurality of curved portions (500).

[0151] Here, the first flat portion (551), the second flat portion (552), the third flat portion (553), and the fourth flat portion (554) may be non-banding regions. The first flat portion (551), the second flat portion (552), the third flat portion (553), and the fourth flat portion (554) may extend parallel to the horizontal direction. The first flat portion (551), the second flat portion (552), the third flat portion (553), and the fourth flat portion (554) may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0152] Each column of the above-described flat tube (50) may be defined by a first flat portion (551), a second flat portion (552), a third flat portion (553), and a fourth flat portion (554).

[0153] The first flat portion (551), the second flat portion (552), the third flat portion (553), and the fourth flat portion (554) can be positioned to overlap in the air flow direction. Specifically, the first flat portion (551), the second flat portion (552), the third flat portion (553), and the fourth flat portion (554) can be positioned to overlap in the front-back direction.

[0154] The third flat portion (553) may be positioned closer to the first flat portion (551) than the second flat portion (552), and the fourth flat portion (554) may be positioned closer to the second flat portion (552) than the first flat portion (551).

[0155] The curved portion (500) is a portion where the flat tube (50) is bent. The curved portion (500) can be positioned between the first flat portion (551) and the second flat portion (552). The curved portion (500) can connect one end of the first flat portion (551) and one end of the second flat portion (552). At least a portion of the curved portion (500) can include a curved shape.

[0156] Of course, a plurality of curved portions (500) can be positioned between the first flat portion (551) and the second flat portion (552).

[0157] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the flat tube (50) may be configured in four rows, including three curved portions (500) between the first header (431) and the second header (433), and a first flat portion (551), a second flat portion (552), a third flat portion (553), and a fourth flat portion (554). At this time, each curved portion (500) may be arranged alternately on the left and right from the front to the rear.

[0158] The curved portion (500) may include a first curved portion (511) connecting the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553), a second curved portion (512) connecting the third flat portion (553) and the fourth flat portion (554), and a third curved portion (513) connecting the fourth flat portion (554) and the second flat portion (552).

[0159] A plurality of fins (60) may be arranged in one area of ​​the flat tubes (50) adjacent to each other. Specifically, the plurality of fins (60) may include a first fin (641) arranged between adjacent first flat portions (551), a second fin (642) arranged between adjacent second flat portions (552), a third fin (643) arranged between adjacent third flat portions (553), and a fourth fin (644) arranged between adjacent fourth flat portions (554).

[0160] Specifically, the refrigerant tube (50) located at the top is defined as the first refrigerant tube (50, 51), the refrigerant tube (50) located below the first refrigerant tube (50, 51) is defined as the second refrigerant tube (50, 52), and in this manner, the n-th refrigerant tube and the n-th stage fin (60) can be defined. The first stage fin (60, 61) can be arranged between the first flat portion (551) of the first refrigerant tube (50, 51) and the first flat portion (551) of the second refrigerant tube (50, 52), and the first stage fin (60, 61) can be arranged between the second flat portion (552) of the first refrigerant tube (50, 51) and the second flat portion (552) of the second refrigerant tube (50, 52).

[0161] A plurality of pins (60) are not arranged between the curved portions (500) of the flat tubes (50) adjacent to each other. Since a plurality of pins (60) are not arranged between the curved portions (500), a space can be secured for the flat tubes (50) to twist while being bent. The detailed structure of the pins (60) will be described later.

[0162] A portion of the first fin (641) may protrude from the first flat portion (551) toward the second flat portion (552). That is, a portion of the first fin (641) may be positioned so as not to overlap the first flat portion (551) when viewed from above. The width of the first fin (641) may be greater than the width of the first flat portion (551). A portion of the first fin (641) may protrude downward from the first flat portion (551).

[0163] A portion of the second fin (642) may protrude from the second flat portion (552) toward the first flat portion (551). That is, a portion of the second fin (642) may be positioned so as not to overlap the second flat portion (552) when viewed from above. The width of the second fin (642) may be greater than the width of the second flat portion (552). A portion of the second fin (642) may protrude upward from the second flat portion (552).

[0164] A portion of the third pin (643) may protrude from the third flat portion (553) toward the first flat portion (551). That is, a portion of the third pin (643) may be positioned so as not to overlap the third flat portion (553) when viewed from above. The width of the third pin (643) may be greater than the width of the third flat portion (553). A portion of the third pin (643) may protrude upward from the third flat portion (553).

[0165] A portion of the fourth pin (644) may protrude from the fourth flat portion (554) toward the second flat portion (552). That is, a portion of the fourth pin (644) may be positioned so as not to overlap the fourth flat portion (554) when viewed from above. The width of the fourth pin (644) may be greater than the width of the fourth flat portion (554). A portion of the fourth pin (644) may protrude downward from the fourth flat portion (554).

[0166] As described above, if the fins protrude toward the adjacent flat portions of the flat tube, there is an advantage in that there is less risk of the fins being broken when bending the flat tube around the curved portion, and the problem of water being difficult to drain due to the surface tension between the fins can be solved.

[0167]

[0168] Below, the structure of the curved portion (500) is described in detail.

[0169] In particular, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the curved portion (500) may include a first twist section (533), a second twist section (534), and a connecting section (540).

[0170] The curved portion (500) is located between the first flat portion (551) and the second flat portion (552) and is a banded portion.

[0171] The curved portion (500) may be a banded portion that connects one end of the longitudinal direction of the first flat portion (551) and the second flat portion (552) to each other (see FIG. 18).

[0172] The curved portion (500) may be a banded portion while connecting one end of the longitudinal direction of the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) to each other. The curved portion (500) may be a banded portion while connecting one end of the longitudinal direction of the third flat portion (553) and the fourth flat portion (554) to each other.

[0173] Hereinafter, the description will be made based on the curved portion (500) connecting the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553), but the description also applies to the curved portion (500) connecting other flat portions.

[0174] A plurality of flat tubes (50) can be bent at once with a single bar around a vertically parallel bending axis (C2). However, when bending is performed with the vertically parallel bending axis (C2) as the central axis, the upper surface (51a), which is a wide surface of the flat tube (50), and the lower surface (51b) are parallel to the horizontal direction, so there is a problem that one surface of the flat tube (50) is greatly deformed and damaged during bending.

[0175] Accordingly, the curved portion (500) is bent with the bending axis (C2) parallel to the vertical direction as the central axis, but the curved portion (500) is twisted with respect to the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553), so that the upper surface (51a) and the lower surface (51b) of the curved portion (500) are mainly deformed, so that the stress generated in the bending of the flat tube (50) can be reduced.

[0176] Here, being twisted may mean that the first flat portion (551), the upper surface (51a), and the upper surface of the curved portion (500) are deformed to have an angle with each other.

[0177] One end of the first twist section (533) is connected to the first flat portion (551), and the other end of the first twist section (533) is connected to the connecting section (540). One end of the second twist section (534) is connected to the third flat portion (553), and the other end of the second twist section (534) is connected to the connecting section (540).

[0178] The first twist section (533) and the second twist section (534) are areas where the flat tube (50) is twisted to increase the deformation of the connecting section (540).

[0179] Part of the first twist section (533) and part of the second twist section (534) may have a straight shape. Specifically, a part of the first twist section (533) closer to the first flat portion (551) may have a straight shape, and a part of the second twist section (534) closer to the third flat portion (553) may have a straight shape.

[0180] Specifically, the first twist section (533) may include a first outer edge (535) and a first inner edge (537). The first outer edge (535) is positioned further from the bending axis (C2) than the first inner edge (537). The first outer edge (535) may be connected to one surface (51d) of the first flat portion (551), and the first inner edge (537) may be connected to the other surface (51c) of the first flat portion (551).

[0181] The first twist section (533) may include an upper surface connecting the top of the first outer edge (535) and the top of the first inner edge (537), and a lower surface connecting the bottom of the first outer edge (535) and the bottom of the first inner edge (537).

[0182] A portion of the first inner edge (537) is linear, and another portion of the first inner edge (537) is curved. A portion of the first outer edge (535) is linear, and another portion of the first outer edge (535) is curved.

[0183] A portion adjacent to the first flat portion (551) in the first inner edge (537) is linear, and another portion adjacent to the connection section (540) in the first inner edge (537) is curved. A portion adjacent to the first flat portion (551) in the first outer edge (535) is linear, and another portion adjacent to the connection section (540) in the first outer edge (535) is curved.

[0184] The length of the first outer edge (535) is longer than the length of the first inner edge (537). In the first outer edge (535), the length of the curved shape may be longer than the length of the straight shape, and in the first inner edge (537), the length of the straight shape may be longer than the length of the curved shape.

[0185] The width of the first twist section (533) viewed in the vertical direction becomes smaller as it goes from the first flat portion (551) to the connecting section (540).

[0186] The inclination angle formed by the largest surface of the first twist section (533) and the largest surface of the first flat portion (551) may increase from the first flat portion (551) to the connection section (540). The inclination angle (A1) formed by the upper surface (51a) of the first twist section (533) and the upper surface of the first flat portion (551) may increase from the first flat portion (551) to the connection section (540).

[0187] The height of the first twist section (533) may increase from the first flat portion (551) to the connecting section (540).

[0188]

[0189] The second twist section (534) can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first twist section (533) with respect to the connecting section (540).

[0190] Specifically, the second twist section (534) may include a second outer edge (536) and a second inner edge (538). The second outer edge (536) is positioned further from the bending axis (C2) than the second inner edge (538). The second outer edge (536) may be connected to one surface of the third flat portion (553), and the second inner edge (538) may be connected to the other surface of the third flat portion (553).

[0191] The second twist section (534) may include an upper surface connecting the top of the second outer edge (536) and the top of the second inner edge (538), and a lower surface connecting the bottom of the second outer edge (536) and the bottom of the second inner edge (538).

[0192] A portion of the second inner edge (538) is linear, and another portion of the second inner edge (538) is curved. A portion of the second outer edge (536) is linear, and another portion of the second outer edge (536) is curved.

[0193] A portion adjacent to the third flat portion (553) in the second inner edge (538) is a straight line, and another portion adjacent to the connecting section (540) in the second inner edge (538) is a curved line. A portion adjacent to the third flat portion (553) in the second outer edge (536) is a straight line, and another portion adjacent to the connecting section (540) in the second outer edge (536) is a curved line.

[0194] The length of the second outer edge (536) is longer than the length of the second inner edge (538). In the second outer edge (536), the length of the curved shape may be longer than the length of the straight shape, and in the second inner edge (538), the length of the straight shape may be longer than the length of the curved shape.

[0195] The width of the second twist section (534) viewed in the vertical direction becomes smaller as it goes from the third flat portion (553) to the connecting section (540).

[0196] The inclination angle formed by the largest surface of the second twist section (534) and the largest surface of the third flat portion (553) may increase from the third flat portion (553) to the connecting section (540). The inclination angle (A1) formed by the upper surface (51a) of the second twist section (534) and the upper surface (51a) of the third flat portion (553) may increase from the third flat portion (553) to the connecting section (540).

[0197] The height of the second twist section (534) may increase from the third flat portion (553) to the connecting section (540).

[0198]

[0199] The connecting section (540) is positioned between the first twist section (533) and the second twist section (534). One end of the connecting section (540) is connected to the first twist section (533), and the other end of the connecting section (540) is connected to the second twist section (534).

[0200] The connecting section (540) includes a short edge (541) and a long edge (542) having a length longer than the short edge (541). The long edge (542) is positioned further from the banding axis (C2) than the short edge (541).

[0201] The rear end of the long edge (542) is connected to the first outer edge (535) of the first twist section (533), and the front end of the long edge (542) is connected to the second outer edge (536) of the second twist section (534). The rear end of the short edge (541) is connected to the first inner edge (537) of the first twist section (533), and the front end of the short edge (541) is connected to the second inner edge (538) of the second twist section (534).

[0202] The radius of curvature of the long edge (542) is larger than the radius of curvature of the short edge (541). The short edge (541) may be positioned higher than the long edge (542).

[0203] The connecting section (540) includes a first horizontal section (543) connected to the first twist section (533) and a second horizontal section (544) connected to the second twist section (534). The first horizontal section (543) is the rear end of the connecting section (540), and the second horizontal section (544) is the front end of the connecting section (540).

[0204] The inclination angle (A2) formed by the largest surface of the connecting section (540) and the largest surface of the first flat portion (551) is maximum between the first horizontal section (543) and the second horizontal section (544), and minimum between the first horizontal section (543) and the second horizontal section (544).

[0205] The inclination angle formed by the largest surface of the connecting section (540) and the upper surface (51a) of the first flat portion (551) is maximum between the first horizontal section (543) and the second horizontal section (544), and minimum between the first horizontal section (543) and the second horizontal section (544).

[0206] The inclination angle (A2) formed by the largest surface of the connecting section (540) and the upper surface (51a) of the first flat portion (551) may be greater than the inclination angle (A1) formed by the first twist section (533) and the upper surface (51a) of the first flat portion (551) and the inclination angle formed by the second twist section (534) and the upper surface (51a) of the first flat portion (551).

[0207] Preferably, the inclination angle (A2) formed by the largest surface of the connecting section (540) and the upper surface (51a) of the first flat portion (551) may be less than 90 degrees and greater than 80 degrees.

[0208] The radius of curvature of some areas of the first twist section (533) and the second twist section (534) may be greater than the radius of curvature (R2) of the connecting section (540). The radius of curvature (R2) of the connecting section (540) may be an average value of the radii of curvature of the long edge (542) and the short edge (541).

[0209] The radius of curvature (R1) of the first outer edge (535) of the first twist section (533) and the second outer edge (536) of the second twist section (534) may be greater than the radius of curvature of the long edge (542) and the radius of curvature of the short edge (541) of the connecting section (540).

[0210] A portion of a curved portion (500) of one flat tube (50) may be positioned to overlap horizontally with a curved portion (500) of another flat tube (50) that is positioned adjacent to one flat tube (50).

[0211] The short edge (541) of one of the plurality of flat tubes (50) can be positioned to overlap with the long edge (542) of another adjacent one. The long edge (542) of the first flat tube (50) is positioned to overlap with the short edge (541) of the second flat tube (50) in the horizontal direction.

[0212] When viewed from above in the first direction, the planar areas of the first twist section (533) and the second twist section (534) may be larger than the planar area of ​​the connecting section (540).

[0213] Among the flat tubes (50), the flat tube (51) located at the uppermost end may have only the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) without the curved portion (500). An upper bent portion (59) may be formed in the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) of the flat tube (51) located at the uppermost end of the flat tube (50). The upper bent portion (59) is formed by bending one end of the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) in one direction. The upper bent portion (59) may be formed by bending one end of the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) downward.

[0214] Among the flat tubes (50), the flat tube (50) located at the lowest end may have only the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) without the curved portion (500). A lower bent portion (58) may be formed in the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) of the flat tube (50) located at the lowest end among the flat tubes (50). The lower bent portion (58) is formed by bending one end of the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) in one direction. The lower bent portion (58) may be formed by bending one end of the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) upward.

[0215] The reason why the upper bend (59) and the lower bend (58) are necessary is to solve the problem that when the heat exchanger is placed upright, the curved part (500) interferes with the floor or ceiling of the machine room and cannot stand upright.

[0216] In addition, due to the lower bend (58), when water fills the lower portion, the curved portion (500) is not submerged, which has the advantage of protecting the curved portion (500) from corrosion. In addition, when the curved portion (500) protrudes upward, it is bent, which prevents the curved portion (500) from being submerged, which has the advantage of protecting the curved portion (500) from corrosion.

[0217] The length (J2) of the curved portion (500) may be equal to or greater than the height (J1) of the curved portion (500). This is because if the length (J2) of the curved portion (500) is less than the height (J1) of the curved portion (500), the bending occurs at an excessively short distance, thereby increasing stress on the curved portion (500).

[0218] The width (W2) of the fin (60) may be larger than the width (W1) of the flat tube (50). This is because drainage is easy, as described below.

[0219] The value obtained by dividing the length (J2) of the curved portion (500) by the height (J1) of the curved portion (500) satisfies the following relationship 1.

[0220]

[0221] <Relationship 1>

[0222] Here, H1 is the height of the fin (60) and H2 is the height of the flat tube (50).

[0223]

[0224] Below, the structure of the pin (60) is described in detail.

[0225] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11' of Fig. 8, Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 11, and Fig. 13 is a front view of a portion of Fig. 11.

[0226] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the plurality of pins (60) include an inner portion (610) positioned to overlap with the plurality of flat tubes (50) when viewed in a first direction, which is an extension direction of the first header (431), and an outer portion (620) positioned to not overlap with the plurality of flat tubes (50) when viewed in the first direction.

[0227] The fins (60) can partially protrude outside the flat tube (50) to prevent water from flowing in from the outside and to allow water collected in the space between the fins (60) to be easily discharged to the outside.

[0228] In addition, the fins (60) can be partially protruded outward from the flat tube (50), and the lower end protruding outward extends downward, thereby preventing water from flowing in from the outside and allowing water collected in the space between the fins (60) to be easily discharged to the outside.

[0229]

[0230] The inner part (610) connects adjacent flat tubes (50). The upper end of the inner part (610) is connected to the lower end of the flat tube (50) positioned above the inner part (610), and the lower end of the inner part (610) is connected to the upper end of the flat tube (50) positioned below the inner part (610).

[0231] The inner part (610) is positioned to overlap the flat tube (50) in the vertical direction.

[0232] Specifically, the outer portion (620) is connected to the rear end of the inner portion (610) and is positioned rearward of the inner portion (610). No flat tube (50) is positioned below and above the outer portion (620).

[0233] The front-back length of the inner part (610) may be longer than the front-to-back length of the outer part (620). This is because if the length of the inner part (610) becomes shorter than that of the outer part (620), the area for heat exchange with the flat tube (50) decreases. Even if the heat of the flat tube (50) is transferred to the fin (60) in the inner part (610) and external water flows in from the outer part (620), since the lower part of the outer part (620) is not blocked by the tube, the surface tension becomes weaker than gravity and the water falls.

[0234] The water located in the space between the fins (60) in the inner part (610) spreads out horizontally due to surface tension, and some of the water spread out falls downward in the outer part (620), and the water in the inner part (610) moves to the outer part (620) due to surface tension and viscosity, and the water moved to the outer part (620) falls again due to gravity, so there is an advantage in that it is easy to discharge the water collected in the space between the fins (60) to the outside.

[0235] The front-to-back width of the outer portion (620) may be smaller than the spacing between adjacent flat tubes (50). This is because, if the front-to-back width of the outer portion (620) becomes larger than the spacing between adjacent tubes, the heat exchange area decreases, resulting in lower heat exchange efficiency and no improvement in the ability to suppress water inflow.

[0236] The outer portion (620) is positioned so as not to overlap the flat tube (50) in the front-rear direction.

[0237] The inner portion (610) is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of one of the flat tubes (50) in the forward-backward direction. Specifically, the inner portion (610) may overlap at least a portion of the flat tube (50) positioned below the pin (60) on which the inner portion (610) is positioned in the forward-backward direction.

[0238]

[0239] The pin (60) may be formed by bending a plurality of bodies in a zigzag pattern. For example, the pin (60) may include a plurality of first bodies (611, 621) extending in the vertical direction, a plurality of second bodies (613, 623) extending in the vertical direction and positioned between the plurality of first bodies (611, 621), an upper body (615, 625) connecting the upper ends of the adjacent first bodies (611, 621) and the upper ends of the second bodies (613, 623), and a lower body (617) connecting the lower ends of the adjacent first bodies (611, 621) and the lower ends of the second bodies (613, 623).

[0240] Of course, depending on the embodiment, the first body (611, 621) and the second body (613, 623) may have an inclination in the up-down direction.

[0241] The first body (611, 621) and the second body (613, 623) are arranged facing each other and can be arranged parallel to each other.

[0242] The upper body (615, 625) is connected to the lower end of the flat tube (50) located at the upper end among the adjacent flat tubes (50), and the lower body (617) is connected to the upper end of the flat tube (50) located at the upper end among the adjacent flat tubes (50).

[0243] A part (615) of the upper body of the first stage pin (60, 61) is connected to the lower end of the first flat tube (50) (51), and a part (617) of the lower body of the first stage pin (60, 61) is connected to the upper end of the second flat tube (50) (52).

[0244] The upper body (615, 625) is positioned so as not to overlap with the lower body (617) in the vertical direction. The upper body (615, 625) and the lower body (617) are positioned alternately in the left-right direction.

[0245] The first body (611, 621), the second body (613, 623), the upper body (615, 625), and the lower body (617) extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the flat tube (50). Specifically, the first body (611, 621), the second body (613, 623), the upper body (615, 625), and the lower body (617) extend in the front-back direction.

[0246] The first body (611, 621) and the second body (613, 623) can define a surface intersecting the left and right directions.

[0247] The first body (611, 621) may include a first inner body (611) positioned in the inner part (610) and a first outer body (621) positioned in the outer part (620), the second body (613, 623) may include a second inner body (613) positioned in the inner part (610) and a second outer body (623) positioned in the outer part (620), the upper body (615, 625) may include an upper inner body (615) positioned in the inner part (610) and an upper outer body (625) positioned in the outer part (620), and the lower body (617) may include a lower inner body (617) positioned in the inner part (610).

[0248] That is, the inner part (610) may include a first inner body (611), a second inner body (613), an upper inner body (615), and a lower inner body (617), and the outer part (620) may include a first outer body (621), a second outer body (623), and an upper outer body (625).

[0249] The first inner body (611) extends in the vertical direction, and the second inner body (613) extends in the vertical direction and is positioned between the plurality of first inner bodies (611). The fin (60) may include a plurality of penetration portions formed by penetrating a portion of the inner portion (610), and a plurality of louvers (651) covering a portion of the penetration portions. The penetration portions and the louvers may be formed in the first inner body (611) and / or the second inner body (613).

[0250] The upper inner body (615) connects the upper end of the adjacent first inner body (611) and the upper end of the second inner body (613), and is in contact with one of the plurality of flat tubes (50).

[0251] The lower inner body (617) connects the lower end of the adjacent first inner body (611) and the lower end of the second inner body (613), and is in contact with another flat tube (50) among the plurality of flat tubes (50).

[0252] The upper inner body (615) is positioned so as not to overlap with the lower inner body (617) in the vertical direction. The upper inner body (615) and the lower inner body (617) are arranged alternately along the left-right direction.

[0253] Of course, in other embodiments where the first inner body (611) and the second inner body (613) are inclined with respect to the vertical direction, the center of the upper inner body (615) is positioned so as not to overlap with the center of the lower inner body (617) in the vertical direction.

[0254]

[0255] The first outer body (621) extends in the vertical direction and is connected to the first inner body (611). The first outer body (621) is connected to the rear end of the first inner body (611).

[0256] The second outer body (623) extends in the vertical direction, is positioned between a plurality of first outer bodies (621), and is connected to the second inner body (613). The second outer body (623) is connected to the rear end of the second inner body (613).

[0257] The upper outer body (625) connects the upper end of the adjacent first outer body (621) and the upper end of the second outer body (623). The upper outer body (625) does not contact the flat tube (50). The upper outer body (625) is connected to the upper inner body (615).

[0258]

[0259]

[0260] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an evaporator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0261] FIGS. 14 to 16 are drawings illustrating a manufacturing process of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0262] Referring to Fig. 14, a plurality of flat tubes (50) having a straight shape are prepared, and a first header (431) and a second header (433) are connected to both ends of the plurality of flat tubes (50). Pins (60) are arranged between adjacent first flat portions (551), between adjacent second flat portions (552), between adjacent third flat portions (553), and between adjacent third flat portions (553).

[0263] Referring to Fig. 15, a banding pole (700) is placed on a curved portion (500) and a flat tube (50) is banded.

[0264] Referring to Fig. 16, when the first flat portion (551) and the third flat portion (553) become almost parallel, the banding pole (700) is removed.

[0265]

[0266] Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the evaporator (300) illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 17, an evaporator (300) according to one embodiment includes a plurality of evaporation flat tubes (310) through which refrigerant flows, and evaporation fins (320) connected to each evaporation flat tube (310) to radiate heat transferred from the evaporation flat tube (310).

[0268] Of course, the evaporator (300) further includes a plurality of collars (42) that surround at least a portion of the outer surface of each evaporation flat tube (310), and at this time, the evaporation fins (320) can be connected to the plurality of collars (42).

[0269] The evaporation flat tube (310) provides a space through which the refrigerant flows. The evaporation flat tube (310) may be formed as a single pipe or as a plurality of pipes. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0270] The evaporation flat tube (310) and the evaporation pin (320) may include aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0271]

[0272] FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating a condenser (400') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0273] Referring to FIG. 18, a condenser (400') according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present disclosure has a difference in that, compared to the embodiment (first embodiment) of FIG. 6, the third flat portion (553) and the fourth flat portion (554) are omitted, and one end of the first flat portion (551) and the second flat portion (552) is connected by a curved portion (500).

[0274] Hereinafter, parts of the second embodiment that are not specifically described are considered to be the same as the first embodiment.

[0275] Each flat tube (50) may include a first flat portion (551), a second flat portion (552), and a curved portion (500) positioned between the first flat portion (551) and the second flat portion (552).

[0276] The first header (431) is connected to the first flat portion (551), and the second header (433) is connected to the second flat portion (552).

[0277] A portion of the first fin (641) may protrude from the first flat portion (551) toward the second flat portion (552). That is, a portion of the first fin (641) may be positioned so as not to overlap the first flat portion (551) when viewed from above. The width of the first fin (641) may be greater than the width of the first flat portion (551). A portion of the first fin (641) may protrude downward from the first flat portion (551).

[0278] A portion of the second fin (642) may protrude from the second flat portion (552) toward the first flat portion (551). That is, a portion of the second fin (642) may be positioned so as not to overlap the second flat portion (552) when viewed from above. The width of the second fin (642) may be greater than the width of the second flat portion (552). A portion of the second fin (642) may protrude upward from the second flat portion (552).

[0279]

[0280] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a condenser (400'') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0281] Referring to FIG. 19, a condenser (400'') according to another embodiment (third embodiment) of the present disclosure has differences in the structures of the third fin (643) and the fourth fin (644) compared to the embodiment (first embodiment) of FIG. 6.

[0282] Hereinafter, parts of the third embodiment that are not specifically described are considered to be the same as the first embodiment.

[0283] The third pin (643) may not be exposed to the outside of the third flat portion (553) when viewed from the first direction (upper).

[0284] That is, the third pin (643) can completely overlap with the third flat portion (553) when viewed from above, and the width of the third pin (643) can be smaller than or equal to the width of the third flat portion (553).

[0285] The fourth pin (644) may not be exposed to the outside of the fourth flat portion (554) when viewed from the first direction (upper).

[0286] The fourth pin (644) may be completely overlapped with the fourth flat portion (554) when viewed from above, and the width of the fourth pin (644) may be smaller than or equal to the width of the fourth flat portion (554).

[0287]

[0288]

[0289] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be manufactured in various different forms, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will understand that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive.

[0290]

[0291]

Claims

1. First header and second header; and It includes a plurality of flat tubes that are connected between the first header and the second header, include a plurality of channels through which refrigerant flows, and are stacked in a first direction that is the extension direction of the first header, Each of the above flat tubes, A first flat portion connected to the first header, A second flat portion connected to the second header, including a curved portion positioned between the first flat portion and the second flat portion, A plurality of first pins positioned between the first flat portions adjacent to each other in the first direction; Further comprising a plurality of second pins arranged between the second flat portions adjacent to each other in the first direction, A part of the first pin protrudes from the first flat portion toward the second flat portion, A heat exchanger in which a portion of the second fin protrudes from the second flat portion toward the first flat portion.

2. In claim 1, The above curved part is, A heat exchanger comprising a first twist section, a second twist section, and a connecting section between the first twist section and the second twist section.

3. In claim 2, A heat exchanger wherein the radius of curvature of the first twist section and the second twist section is greater than the radius of curvature of the connecting section.

4. In claim 2, A heat exchanger in which, when viewed from the first direction, the planar areas of the first twist section and the second twist section are larger than the planar area of ​​the connecting section.

5. In claim 2, One end of the first twist section is connected to the first flat portion, A heat exchanger in which one end of the second twist section is connected to the second flat portion.

6. In claim 5, A heat exchanger wherein a portion of the first twist section and the second twist section have a straight shape.

7. In claim 5, A heat exchanger in which the width of the first twist section as viewed in the first direction becomes smaller as it goes from the first flat section to the connection section.

8. In claim 5, A heat exchanger in which the angle of inclination formed by the largest surface of the first twist section and the largest surface of the first flat portion increases from the first flat portion to the connection section.

9. In claim 5, A heat exchanger in which the angle of inclination formed by the largest surface of the second twist section and the largest surface of the second flat portion increases from the second flat portion to the connection section.

10. In claim 5, A heat exchanger in which the length of the outer edge of the first twist section is longer than the length of the inner edge of the first twist section.

11. In claim 5, A portion of the outer edge of the above first twist section is a straight shape, A part of the inner edge of the above first twist section is a straight shape of the outer edge, A heat exchanger in which the length of the straight shape of the inner edge is longer than the length of the straight shape of the outer edge.

12. In claim 2, The above connection section is, It includes a short edge and a long edge having a length longer than the short edge, A heat exchanger in which the radius of curvature of the long edge is greater than the radius of curvature of the short edge.

13. In claim 12, The above connection section is, A first horizontal section connected to the first twist section, comprising a second horizontal section connected to the second twist section; A heat exchanger in which the inclination angle formed by the largest surface of the above-mentioned connecting section and the largest surface of the above-mentioned first flat portion is maximum between the first horizontal end and the second horizontal end, and minimum between the first horizontal end and the second horizontal end.

14. In claim 12, A heat exchanger in which the short edge of one of the plurality of flat tubes is positioned to overlap the long edge of another adjacent one of the plurality of flat tubes.

15. In claim 1, A heat exchanger in which the length of the above curved portion is equal to or greater than the height of the above curved portion.

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