Heat exchanger

Abstract

This heat exchanger comprises: a plurality of heat exchange tubes partitioned into a plurality of tube groups including front-row tubes and rear-row tubes; an upper header, which is connected to the upper ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes, is partitioned to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, and includes a plurality of front-row upper chambers corresponding to the front-row tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear-row upper chambers corresponding to the rear-row tubes of the plurality of tube groups; a lower header, which is connected to the lower ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes, is partitioned to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, and includes a plurality of front-row lower chambers corresponding to the front-row tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear-row lower chambers corresponding to the rear-row tubes of the plurality of tube groups; a refrigerant inlet pipe which is disposed on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of front-row lower chambers, and into which a refrigerant flows; and a refrigerant outlet pipe which is disposed in parallel to the refrigerant inlet pipe on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of rear-row lower chambers, and through which the refrigerant is discharged. The refrigerant inlet pipe includes a plurality of distribution holes corresponding to the plurality of front-row lower chambers of the lower header.

Description

heat exchanger

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger, and more specifically to a header structure of a heat exchanger.

[0002] Generally, a heat exchanger is a device that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant and external air by comprising a tube through which a refrigerant flows and exchanges heat with external air, heat exchange fins that contact the tube to increase the heat dissipation area, and a header that connects both ends of the tube.

[0003] The heat exchanger can be used as an evaporator or a condenser, and together with a compressor that compresses the refrigerant and an expansion valve that expands the refrigerant, it can form a refrigeration cycle device.

[0004] The heat exchanger has a refrigerant inlet through which refrigerant is introduced from the outside, and the refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant inlet can be distributed to a plurality of heat exchange tubes via a header. To increase heat exchange efficiency, a plurality of tubes can be arranged in two rows.

[0005] To increase the thermal capacity of the heat exchanger, the number of tubes performing heat exchange can be increased. When the number of tubes is increased, it is necessary to distribute the refrigerant evenly among the tubes.

[0006] A heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of heat exchange tubes divided into a plurality of tube groups including a front column tube and a rear column tube; an upper header connected to the upper end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and divided to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, and including a plurality of front column upper chambers corresponding to the front column tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear column upper chambers corresponding to the rear column tubes of the plurality of tube groups; a lower header connected to the lower end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and divided to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, and including a plurality of front column lower chambers corresponding to the front column tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear column lower chambers corresponding to the rear column tubes of the plurality of tube groups; a refrigerant inlet pipe disposed on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of front column lower chambers, through which a refrigerant is introduced; and a refrigerant outlet pipe disposed parallel to the refrigerant inlet pipe on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of rear column lower chambers, through which a refrigerant is discharged. The refrigerant inlet pipe may include a plurality of distribution holes corresponding to the plurality of front column lower chambers of the lower header.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant outlet pipe.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe may be 1.15 to 5 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower header may include an intermediate wall partitioning the plurality of front row lower chambers and the plurality of rear row lower chambers. The refrigerant discharge pipe may be arranged to overlap with the intermediate wall.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower header may include an intermediate wall partitioning the plurality of front row lower chambers and the plurality of rear row lower chambers. The center of the refrigerant discharge pipe may be located closer to the center plane of the intermediate wall than the center of the refrigerant inlet pipe.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower header may include: a lower header cover on which the lower ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes are installed; a lower header body installed below the lower header cover; and an intermediate wall extending vertically from the center of the lower header body to the lower header cover. The refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe may be installed in the lower header body.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe may be formed integrally with the lower header body.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerant inlet pipe may be formed to have the same cross-sectional area with the same shape throughout its entire length.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerant discharge pipe may be formed to have the same cross-sectional area with the same shape throughout its entire length.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerant discharge pipe may include a plurality of communication holes corresponding to the plurality of rear row lower chambers of the lower header.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger may further include a plurality of sub-baffles dividing each of the plurality of rear row lower chambers into two front row sub-chambers and two rear row sub-chambers; and a plurality of through holes connecting one of the two front row sub-chambers and one of the two rear row sub-chambers.

[0017] A heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of heat exchange tubes divided into a plurality of tube groups including a front row tube and a rear row tube; an upper header connected to the upper end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and divided to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, and comprising a plurality of front row upper chambers corresponding to the front row tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear row upper chambers corresponding to the rear row tubes of the plurality of tube groups; a lower header connected to the lower end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and divided to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, and comprising a plurality of front row lower chambers corresponding to the front row tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear row lower chambers corresponding to the rear row tubes of the plurality of tube groups; and a refrigerant inlet pipe disposed on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of front row lower chambers, and comprising a plurality of distribution holes corresponding to the plurality of front row lower chambers of the lower header, and formed to distribute an incoming refrigerant to the plurality of front row lower chambers. and may include a refrigerant discharge pipe disposed parallel to the refrigerant inlet pipe on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of rear row lower chambers, and collecting the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of rear row lower chambers. The cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower header includes an intermediate wall partitioning the plurality of front row lower chambers and the plurality of rear row lower chambers, and the refrigerant discharge pipe may be positioned to penetrate the intermediate wall.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the lower header comprises: a lower header cover on which the lower ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes are installed; a lower header body installed below the lower header cover; and an intermediate wall extending vertically from the center of the lower header body to the lower header cover; wherein the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe may be installed in the lower header body.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe may be formed to have the same cross-sectional area and the same shape throughout their entire lengths.

[0021] The above-described or other aspects, features, and benefits of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 1, cut along line AA.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part A of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 3.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 1, cut along line BB.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part B of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 5.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 1, cut along line CC.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an upper header of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a lower header of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the distribution hole and the communication hole of the lower header of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a through hole (35) of a lower header of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the front heat tube of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the flow of refrigerant in the rear heat tube of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a conceptual drawing illustrating the refrigerant flow of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part C of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 15.

[0038] FIG. 17 is a conceptual drawing illustrating the refrigerant flow of a heat exchanger according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of said embodiments.

[0040] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0041] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0043] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0044] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0045] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0046] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0047] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0048] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0049] Additionally, terms such as 'front end', 'rear end', 'upper part', 'lower part', 'upper part', and 'lower part' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0050] The present disclosure aims to provide a heat exchanger capable of improving heat exchange efficiency by minimizing the variation in the amount of refrigerant supplied to a plurality of heat exchange tubes even when the number of a plurality of heat exchange tubes increases.

[0051] Hereinafter, a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 1 cut along line AA. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part A of the heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 1 cut along line BB. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part B of the heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 1 cut along line CC. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an upper header (20) of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a lower header (30) of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a distribution hole and a communication hole of a lower header (30) of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a through hole (35) of a lower header (30) of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10), an upper header (20), and a lower header (30).

[0054] A plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be formed to have a refrigerant flowing inside and to exchange heat with external air. A plurality of microchannels through which the refrigerant flows may be formed inside the plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be formed as flat tubes.

[0055] According to one embodiment, a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be arranged in two rows, namely a front row and a rear row. For example, a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be arranged in an up-and-down direction. For example, a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be extruded from aluminum material.

[0056] According to one embodiment, heat exchange fins (3) may be disposed between a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The heat exchange fins (3) may be installed to contact the heat exchange tubes (10) to increase the heat transfer surface area with the outside air. For reference, in FIG. 1, only a part of the heat exchange fins (3) is shown for convenience of illustration.

[0057] Various types of heat exchange fins (3), such as corrugated fins, can be used. The heat exchange fins (3) can be formed from aluminum and brazed to the heat exchange tube (10).

[0058] A plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be divided into a plurality of tube groups (11, 12, 13) including a front heat tube and a rear heat tube.

[0059] According to one embodiment, a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be divided into three tube groups (11, 12, 13). In other words, a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be divided into a first tube group (11), a second tube group (12), and a third tube group (13).

[0060] The first tube group (11) may include a first front heat tube (111) and a first rear heat tube (112). The first rear heat tube (112) may be positioned behind (in the Y direction) the first front heat tube (111). The first front heat tube (111) and the first rear heat tube (112) may each include a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The first tube group (11) may form a refrigerant flow path.

[0061] A second tube group (12) is positioned on one side (-X direction) of the first tube group (11) and may include a second front column tube (121) and a second rear column tube (122). The second rear column tube (122) may be positioned behind (Y direction) the second front column tube (121). The second front column tube (121) and the second rear column tube (122) may each include a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The second tube group (12) may form a refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path formed by the second tube group (12) may be independent of the refrigerant flow path formed by the first tube group (11).

[0062] A third tube group (13) is positioned on one side (-X direction) of the second tube group (12) and may include a third front row tube (131) and a third rear row tube (132). The third tube group (13) may be positioned on one side of the second tube group (12) opposite to the first tube group (11). The third rear row tube (132) may be positioned behind (Y direction) the third front row tube (131). The third front row tube (131) and the third rear row tube (132) may each include a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The third tube group (13) may form a refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path formed by the third tube group (13) may be independent of the refrigerant flow paths formed by the first tube group (11) and the second tube group (12).

[0063] The upper header (20) and the lower header (30) may be spaced apart from each other at a certain distance. A plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) may be arranged between the upper header (20) and the lower header (30). The upper header (20) may be positioned above (Z direction) the plurality of heat exchange tubes (10), and the lower header (30) may be positioned below (-Z direction) the plurality of heat exchange tubes (10).

[0064] An inlet pipe (5) and an outlet pipe (6) may be installed on one side of the lower header (30). Refrigerant may flow into the lower header (30) through the inlet pipe (5). Refrigerant from the lower header (30) may be discharged to the outside through the outlet pipe (6).

[0065] The upper header (20) may be installed to communicate with a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The upper header (20) may include a front row upper chamber communicating with a plurality of front row tubes (111, 121, 131) and a rear row upper chamber communicating with a plurality of rear row tubes (112, 122, 132). The front row upper chamber may be divided into a plurality of front row upper chambers corresponding to a plurality of tube groups (11, 12, 13). The rear row upper chamber may be divided into a plurality of rear row upper chambers corresponding to a plurality of tube groups (11, 12, 13). The front row upper chamber and the rear row upper chamber may be divided into a plurality of front row upper chambers and a plurality of rear row upper chambers by a plurality of upper partition baffles (29).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the upper header (20) may include a first front row upper chamber (201) and a first rear row upper chamber (211) communicating with a first tube group (11), a second front row upper chamber (202) and a second rear row upper chamber (212) communicating with a second tube group (12), and a third front row upper chamber (203) and a third rear row upper chamber (213) communicating with a third tube group (13).

[0067] The upper header (20) may include an upper header body (21) and an upper header cover (23). When the upper header cover (23) and the upper header body (21) are combined, a front row upper chamber and a rear row upper chamber may be formed.

[0068] The upper header body (21) may include an intermediate wall (22) and a pair of coupling grooves (21a). The intermediate wall (22) may extend vertically from the center of the upper header body (21). The intermediate wall (22) may extend to the upper header cover (23). For example, the intermediate wall (22) may extend vertically downward from the center of the lower surface (-Z direction) of the upper header body (21) to the upper header cover (23). A pair of coupling grooves (21a) may be formed adjacent to both sides of the upper header body (21). For example, a pair of coupling grooves (21a) may be formed adjacent to both sides of the lower surface of the upper header body (21). Both ends of the upper header cover (23) may be inserted into the pair of coupling grooves (21a).

[0069] The upper header cover (23) can be installed below (in the -Z direction) the upper header body (21). The upper header cover (23) can be formed in a roughly wide U-shape. Both ends of the upper header cover (23) can be inserted into a pair of coupling grooves (21a) of the upper header body (21).

[0070] When the upper header cover (23) and the upper header body (21) are combined, the space formed by the upper header cover (23) and the upper header body (21) by the intermediate wall (22) can be divided into a front row upper chamber and a rear row upper chamber. The upper header cover (23) and the upper header body (21) can be brazed together.

[0071] The upper header cover (23) may include a plurality of tube holes (231) into which a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) are inserted. The plurality of tube holes (231) may be formed at regular intervals. The upper header cover (23) may include a coupling hole (232) into which a coupling projection (222) of the middle wall (22) of the upper header body (21) is coupled. The coupling hole (232) may be formed longitudinally at the center of the upper header cover (23).

[0072] The upper header (20) may include a plurality of upper compartment baffles (29). The upper header (20) may be divided into a plurality of upper header chambers by the plurality of upper compartment baffles (29).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the upper header (20) may include four upper section baffles, namely a first upper section baffle (291), a second upper section baffle (292), a third upper section baffle (293), and a fourth upper section baffle (294). The first upper section baffle (291) may be installed at one end of the upper header (20). The fourth upper section baffle (294) may be installed at the other end of the upper header (20). The second upper section baffle (292) and the third upper section baffle (293) may be installed at a certain interval between the first upper section baffle (291) and the fourth upper section baffle (294).

[0074] The portion of the upper header body (21) and the portion of the upper header cover (23) between the first upper section baffle (291) and the second upper section baffle (292) can form the first front row upper chamber (201) and the first rear row upper chamber (211). The portion of the upper header body (21) and the portion of the upper header cover (23) between the second upper section baffle (292) and the third upper section baffle (293) can form the second front row upper chamber (202) and the second rear row upper chamber (212). The portion of the upper header body (21) and the portion of the upper header cover (23) between the third upper section baffle (293) and the fourth upper section baffle (294) can form the third front row upper chamber (203) and the third rear row upper chamber (213).

[0075] A lower header (30) may be installed below a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The lower header (30) may be installed to communicate with a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The lower header (30) may include a front row lower chamber communicating with a plurality of front row tubes and a rear row lower chamber communicating with a plurality of rear row tubes. The front row lower chamber may be divided into a plurality of front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303) corresponding to a plurality of tube groups (11, 12, 13). The rear row lower chamber may be divided into a plurality of rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313) corresponding to a plurality of tube groups (11, 12, 13). A plurality of front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303) and a plurality of rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313) of the lower header (30) may be formed to correspond to a plurality of front row upper chambers (201, 202, 203) and a plurality of rear row upper chambers (211, 212, 213) of the upper header (20).

[0076] The front row lower chamber and the rear row lower chamber can be divided into a plurality of front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303) and a plurality of rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313) by a plurality of lower partition baffles (39).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the lower header (30) may include a first front row lower chamber (301) communicating with a first tube group (11), a second front row lower chamber (302) communicating with a second tube group (12), and a third front row lower chamber (303) communicating with a third tube group (13).

[0078] The lower header (30) may include a lower header body (31) and a lower header cover (33). When the lower header cover (33) and the lower header body (31) are combined, a front row lower chamber and a rear row lower chamber may be formed.

[0079] The lower header body (31) may include an intermediate wall (32) and a pair of connecting grooves (31a). The intermediate wall (32) may extend vertically from the center of the lower header body (31). The intermediate wall (32) may extend to the lower header cover (33). For example, the intermediate wall (32) may extend vertically upward (in the Z direction) from the center of the upper surface of the lower header body (31) to the lower header cover (33).

[0080] A pair of coupling grooves (31a) may be formed adjacent to both sides of the lower header body (31). For example, a pair of coupling grooves (31a) may be formed adjacent to both sides of the upper surface of the lower header body (31). Both ends of the lower header cover (33) may be inserted into the pair of coupling grooves (31a).

[0081] The lower header cover (33) can be installed on the upper side (Z direction) of the lower header body (31). The lower header cover (33) can be formed in a roughly wide U-shape. Both ends of the lower header cover (33) can be inserted into a pair of coupling grooves (31a) of the lower header body (31).

[0082] When the lower header cover (33) and the lower header body (31) are combined, the space formed by the lower header cover (33) and the lower header body (31) by the intermediate wall (32) can be divided into a front row lower chamber and a rear row lower chamber. The lower header cover (33) and the lower header body (31) can be brazed together.

[0083] The lower header cover (33) may include a plurality of tube holes (331) into which a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) are inserted. The plurality of tube holes (331) may be formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the lower header cover (33). The lower header cover (33) may include a coupling hole (332) into which a coupling projection (322) of the intermediate wall (32) of the lower header body (31) is coupled. The coupling hole (332) may be formed in the longitudinal direction (X direction) at the center of the lower header cover (33).

[0084] The lower header (30) may include a plurality of lower compartment baffles (39). The lower header (30) may be divided into a plurality of lower header chambers by the plurality of lower compartment baffles (39).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the lower header (30) may include four lower section baffles (39), namely, a first lower section baffle (391), a second lower section baffle (392), a third lower section baffle (393), and a fourth lower section baffle (394). The first lower section baffle (391) may be installed at one end of the lower header (30). The fourth lower section baffle (394) may be installed at the other end of the lower header (30). The second lower section baffle (392) and the third lower section baffle (393) may be installed at a certain interval between the first lower section baffle (391) and the fourth lower section baffle (394).

[0086] The portion of the lower header body (31) and the portion of the lower header cover (33) between the first lower section baffle (391) and the second lower section baffle (392) can form the first front row lower chamber (301) and the first rear row lower chamber (311). The portion of the lower header body (31) and the portion of the lower header cover (33) between the second lower section baffle (392) and the third lower section baffle (393) can form the second front row lower chamber (302) and the second rear row lower chamber (312). The portion of the lower header body (31) and the portion of the lower header cover (33) between the third lower section baffle (393) and the fourth lower section baffle (394) can form the third front row lower chamber (303) and the third rear row lower chamber (313).

[0087] The lower header (30) may further include a plurality of sub-baffles (38). The plurality of sub-baffles (38) may be formed to divide each of the plurality of lower header chambers into two sub-chambers. The plurality of sub-baffles (38) may be formed to divide each of the plurality of front row lower chambers and the plurality of rear row lower chambers into two front row sub-chambers and two rear row sub-chambers.

[0088] According to one embodiment, a plurality of sub-baffles (38) may include a first sub-baffle (381), a second sub-baffle (382), and a third sub-baffle (383).

[0089] The first sub-baffle (381) may be positioned between the first lower section baffle (391) and the second lower section baffle (392). The first sub-baffle (381) may divide the first front row lower chamber (301) into the first front row sub-chamber (3011) and the second front row sub-chamber (3012). Additionally, the first sub-baffle (381) may divide the first rear row lower chamber (311) into the first rear row sub-chamber (3111) and the second rear row sub-chamber (3112).

[0090] The second sub-baffle (382) may be positioned between the second lower section baffle (392) and the third lower section baffle (393). The second sub-baffle (382) may divide the second front row lower chamber (302) into the third front row sub-chamber (3021) and the fourth front row sub-chamber (3022). Additionally, the second sub-baffle (382) may divide the second rear row lower chamber (312) into the third rear row sub-chamber (3121) and the fourth rear row sub-chamber (3122).

[0091] The third sub-baffle (383) may be positioned between the third lower section baffle (393) and the fourth lower section baffle (394). The third sub-baffle (383) may divide the third front row lower chamber (303) into the fifth front row sub-chamber (3031) and the sixth front row sub-chamber (3032). Additionally, the third sub-baffle (383) may divide the third rear row lower chamber (313) into the fifth rear row sub-chamber (3131) and the sixth rear row sub-chamber (3132).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the lower header (30) may include a plurality of through holes (35) formed in the intermediate wall (32). The plurality of through holes (35) may be formed to connect the front row sub-chamber and the rear row sub-chamber. The plurality of through holes (35) may be formed to connect one of the two front row sub-chambers of the front row lower chamber and one of the two rear row sub-chambers of the rear row lower chamber. The through holes (35) may be formed to connect the front row sub-chamber and the rear row sub-chamber facing each other with the intermediate wall (32) of the lower header (30) in between. Each of the plurality of through holes (35) may include a plurality of holes formed in the intermediate wall (22).

[0093] For example, the lower header (30) may include three through holes (35) corresponding to three tube groups (11, 12, 13). In other words, the lower header (30) may include a first through hole (351) provided in the first tube group (11), a second through hole (352) provided in the second tube group (12), and a third through hole (353) provided in the third tube group (13).

[0094] The first through hole (351) may be formed to connect the first front row lower chamber (301) and the first rear row lower chamber (311). For example, the first through hole (351) may be formed to connect the first front row sub-chamber (3011) of the first front row lower chamber (301) and the first rear row sub-chamber (3111) of the first rear row lower chamber (311).

[0095] The second through hole (352) may be formed to connect the second front row lower chamber (302) and the second rear row lower chamber (312). For example, the second through hole (352) may be formed to connect the third front row sub-chamber (3021) of the second front row lower chamber (302) and the third rear row sub-chamber (3121) of the second rear row lower chamber (312).

[0096] The third through hole (353) may be formed to connect the third front row lower chamber (303) and the third rear row lower chamber (313). For example, the third through hole (353) may be formed to connect the fifth front row sub-chamber (3031) of the third front row lower chamber (303) and the fifth rear row sub-chamber (3131) of the third rear row lower chamber (313).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the lower header (30) may further include a refrigerant inlet pipe (40) through which refrigerant is introduced and a refrigerant outlet pipe (50) through which refrigerant is discharged. The refrigerant inlet pipe (40) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (50) may be arranged parallel to each other on the lower surface (-Z direction) of the lower header (30). The refrigerant inlet pipe (40) may be arranged on the lower surface of the lower header (30) below (-Z direction) a plurality of front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303). The refrigerant outlet pipe (50) may be arranged on the lower surface of the lower header (30) below (-Z direction) a plurality of rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313).

[0098] An inlet pipe (5) may be connected to one end of the refrigerant inlet pipe (40). The refrigerant inlet pipe (40) may be formed to distribute the refrigerant introduced through the inlet pipe (5) as evenly as possible to a plurality of front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) may include a plurality of distribution holes (41, 42, 43) corresponding to a plurality of front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303). For example, the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) may include three distribution holes corresponding to three front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303), namely a first distribution hole (41), a second distribution hole (42), and a third distribution hole (43).

[0100] The first distribution hole (41) may be in communication with the first front row lower chamber (301), the second distribution hole (42) may be in communication with the second front row lower chamber (302), and the third distribution hole (43) may be in communication with the third front row lower chamber (303). For example, the first distribution hole (41) may be in communication with the second front row sub-chamber (3012) of the first front row lower chamber (301), the second distribution hole (42) may be in communication with the fourth front row sub-chamber (3022) of the second front row lower chamber (302), and the third distribution hole (43) may be in communication with the sixth front row sub-chamber (3032) of the third front row lower chamber (303).

[0101] Accordingly, the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) through the inlet pipe (5) can be distributed to the multiple front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303) of the lower header (30) through the multiple distribution holes (41, 42, 43).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may include a plurality of communication holes (51, 52, 53) corresponding to a plurality of rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313). For example, the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may include three communication holes corresponding to three rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313), namely a first communication hole (51), a second communication hole (52), and a third communication hole (53).

[0103] The first communication hole (51) may be in communication with the first rear row lower chamber (311), the second communication hole (52) may be in communication with the second rear row lower chamber (312), and the third communication hole (53) may be in communication with the third rear row lower chamber (313). For example, the first communication hole (51) may be in communication with the second rear row sub-chamber (3112) of the first rear row lower chamber (311), the second communication hole (52) may be in communication with the fourth rear row sub-chamber (3122) of the second rear row lower chamber (312), and the third communication hole (53) may be in communication with the sixth rear row sub-chamber (3132) of the third rear row lower chamber (313).

[0104] Accordingly, the refrigerant in the multiple rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313) can be discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the multiple connecting holes (51, 52, 53). The refrigerant discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) can be discharged to the outside through the outlet pipe (6).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) and the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be installed in the lower header body (31). For example, the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) and the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be formed integrally with the lower header body (31). The lower header body (31), the refrigerant inlet pipe (40), and the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be formed as a single body through extrusion.

[0106] The refrigerant inlet pipe (40) can be formed to have the same cross-sectional area with the same shape throughout its entire length. For example, the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) can be formed in the shape of a circular pipe having the same cross-sectional area over its entire length. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) can be formed to be approximately 60 mm² to approximately 80 mm².

[0107] The refrigerant discharge pipe (50) can be formed to have the same cross-sectional area with the same shape throughout its entire length. For example, the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) can be formed in the shape of a circular pipe having the same cross-sectional area over its entire length.

[0108] The refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be positioned to protrude downward (in the -Z direction) from the lower surface of the lower header (30). For example, the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be positioned such that the lower area (50b) of the refrigerant discharge pipe (50), which is located below the lower surface (30a) of the lower header (30), is equal to or larger than the upper area (50a) which is located above the lower surface (30a) of the lower header (30) (see FIG. 10).

[0109] The refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be formed to have a wider cross-sectional area than the refrigerant inlet pipe (40). In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) may be narrower than the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe (50). For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be about 1.15 to about 5 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe (40).

[0110] If the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) is made narrower than the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe (50), the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) increases, so the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) can be evenly distributed to the multiple front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303) through the multiple distribution holes (41, 42, 43).

[0111] If the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) is made larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe (40), the resistance applied to the refrigerant discharged into the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the connecting holes (51, 52, 53) can be reduced. However, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) is smaller than 1.15 times or larger than 5 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe (40), the resistance applied to the refrigerant discharged into the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the connecting holes (51, 52, 53) may increase.

[0112] The refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be positioned closer to the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30) than the refrigerant inlet pipe (40). For example, the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be positioned to overlap with the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30). In other words, the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be positioned to penetrate the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30). At this time, the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be positioned to overlap with the middle wall (32) to the extent that its outer surface does not protrude into the front row lower chamber (301).

[0113] The refrigerant discharge pipe (50) can be positioned such that the point where the inner circumference of the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) meets a virtual straight line passing through the center (C2) of the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) and parallel to the lower surface (30a) of the lower header (30) is closer to the center plane (CP) of the intermediate wall (22) than to one side of the intermediate wall (32). Here, the center plane (CP) of the intermediate wall (22) refers to a virtual plane that bisects the intermediate wall (32) of the lower header (30) in the longitudinal direction.

[0114] Alternatively, the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) may be positioned such that the center (C2) of the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) is closer to the center plane (CP) of the middle wall (22) of the lower header (30) than the center (C1) of the refrigerant inlet pipe (40).

[0115] For example, the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) can be installed so as not to come into contact with the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30).

[0116] In this way, if the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) is installed closer to the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30) than the refrigerant inlet pipe (40), the resistance to the refrigerant discharged into the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the plurality of connecting holes (51, 52, 53) can be reduced.

[0117] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a heat exchanger (1) having a refrigerant inlet pipe (40) and a refrigerant outlet pipe (50) having the above-described structure, the variation in the amount of refrigerant supplied to the plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) can be minimized even if the number of the plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) increases, so the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger (1) can be improved.

[0118] Hereinafter, the refrigerant flow of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0119] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the refrigerant flow in the front heat tube of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the refrigerant flow in the rear heat tube of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a conceptual drawing showing the refrigerant flow of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, the refrigerant can be introduced into the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) of the lower header (30) through the inlet pipe (5).

[0121] The refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) flows along the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) and can be distributed and introduced into the first distribution port (41), the second distribution port (42), and the third distribution port (43). Hereinafter, the refrigerant introduced into the first distribution port (41) is referred to as the first distributed refrigerant (R1), the refrigerant introduced into the second distribution port (42) is referred to as the second distributed refrigerant (R2), and the refrigerant introduced into the third distribution port (43) is referred to as the third distributed refrigerant (R3).

[0122] The first distribution refrigerant (R1) passing through the first distribution port (41) can flow into the second front row sub-chamber (3012) of the first front row lower chamber (301). The first front row sub-chamber (3011) and the second front row sub-chamber (3012) of the first front row lower chamber (301) are blocked by the first sub-baffle (381). Therefore, the first distribution refrigerant (R1) flowing into the second front row sub-chamber (3012) can move to the first front row upper chamber (201) of the upper header (20) through a part of the first front row tube (111) of the first tube group (11) that is in communication with the second front row sub-chamber (3012).

[0123] The first distribution refrigerant (R1) can flow along the first front row upper chamber (201) and move to the first front row sub-chamber (3011) through the remaining part of the first front row tube (111) of the first tube group (11) which is in communication with the first front row sub-chamber (3011) of the first front row lower chamber (301) of the lower header (30).

[0124] The first distribution refrigerant (R1) introduced into the first front row sub-chamber (3011) can be introduced into the first rear row sub-chamber (3111) of the first rear row lower chamber (311) through the first through hole (351) provided in the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30). The space between the first rear row sub-chamber (3111) and the second rear row sub-chamber (3112) of the first rear row lower chamber (311) is blocked by the first sub-baffle (381).

[0125] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first distribution refrigerant (R1) introduced into the first rear column sub-chamber (3111) can move to the first rear column upper chamber (211) of the upper header (20) through a part of the first rear column tube (112) of the first tube group (11) that is in communication with the first rear column sub-chamber (3111).

[0126] The first distribution refrigerant (R1) can flow along the first rear column upper chamber (211) and move to the second rear column sub-chamber (3112) through the remaining part of the first rear column tube (112) of the first tube group (11) which is in communication with the second rear column sub-chamber (3112) of the first rear column lower chamber (311) of the lower header (30).

[0127] The first distribution refrigerant (R1) introduced into the second rear row sub-chamber (3112) of the first rear row lower chamber (311) of the lower header (30) can be discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the first connecting hole (51).

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, the second distributed refrigerant (R2) passing through the second distribution port (42) can flow into the fourth front row sub-chamber (3022) of the second front row lower chamber (302). The space between the third front row sub-chamber (3021) and the fourth front row sub-chamber (3022) of the second front row lower chamber (302) is blocked by the second sub-baffle (382). Thus, the second distributed refrigerant (R2) flowing into the fourth front row sub-chamber (3022) can move to the second front row upper chamber (202) of the upper header (20) through a part of the second front row tube (121) of the second tube group (12) that is in communication with the fourth front row sub-chamber (3022).

[0129] The second distribution refrigerant (R2) can flow along the second front row upper chamber (202) and move to the third front row sub-chamber (3021) through the remaining part of the second front row tube (121) of the second tube group (12) which is in communication with the third front row sub-chamber (3021) of the second front row lower chamber (302) of the lower header (30).

[0130] The second distribution refrigerant (R2) introduced into the third front row sub-chamber (3021) can be introduced into the third rear row sub-chamber (3121) of the second rear row lower chamber (312) through the second through hole (352) provided in the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30). The third rear row sub-chamber (3121) and the fourth rear row sub-chamber (3122) of the second rear row lower chamber (312) are blocked by the second sub-baffle (382).

[0131] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the second distribution refrigerant (R2) introduced into the third rear column sub-chamber (3121) can move to the second rear column upper chamber (212) of the upper header (20) through a part of the second rear column tube (122) of the second tube group (12) that is in communication with the third rear column sub-chamber (3121).

[0132] The second distribution refrigerant (R2) can flow along the second rear column upper chamber (212) and move to the fourth rear column subchamber (3122) through the remaining part of the second rear column tube (122) of the second tube group (12) which is connected to the fourth rear column subchamber (3122) of the second rear column lower chamber (312) of the lower header (30).

[0133] The second distribution refrigerant (R2) introduced into the fourth rear row sub-chamber (3122) of the second rear row lower chamber (312) of the lower header (30) can be discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the second connecting hole (52).

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, the third distribution refrigerant (R3) passing through the third distribution port (43) can flow into the sixth front row sub-chamber (3032) of the third front row lower chamber (303). The space between the fifth front row sub-chamber (3031) and the sixth front row sub-chamber (3032) of the third front row lower chamber (303) is blocked by the third sub-baffle (383). Thus, the third distribution refrigerant (R3) flowing into the sixth front row sub-chamber (3032) can move to the third front row upper chamber (203) of the upper header (20) through a part of the third front row tube (131) of the third tube group (13) that is in communication with the sixth front row sub-chamber (3032).

[0135] The third distribution refrigerant (R3) can flow along the third front row upper chamber (203) and move to the fifth front row sub-chamber (3031) through the remaining part of the third front row tube (131) of the third tube group (13) which is connected to the fifth front row sub-chamber (3031) of the third front row lower chamber (303) of the lower header (30).

[0136] The third distribution refrigerant (R3) introduced into the fifth front row sub-chamber (3031) can be introduced into the fifth rear row sub-chamber (3131) of the third rear row lower chamber (313) through the third through hole (353) provided in the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30). The fifth rear row sub-chamber (3131) and the sixth rear row sub-chamber (3132) of the third rear row lower chamber (313) are blocked by the third sub-baffle (383).

[0137] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the third distribution refrigerant (R3) introduced into the fifth rear column sub-chamber (3131) can move to the third rear column upper chamber (213) of the upper header (20) through a part of the third rear column tube (132) of the third tube group (13) that is in communication with the fifth rear column sub-chamber (3131).

[0138] The third distribution refrigerant (R3) can flow along the third rear column upper chamber (213) and then move to the sixth rear column subchamber (3132) through the remaining part of the third rear column tube (132) of the third tube group (13) which is connected to the sixth rear column subchamber (3132) of the third rear column lower chamber (313) of the lower header (30).

[0139] The third distribution refrigerant (R3) introduced into the sixth rear row sub-chamber (3132) of the third rear row lower chamber (313) of the lower header (30) can be discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the third connecting hole (53).

[0140] The first distributed refrigerant (R1) discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the first connecting hole (51), the second distributed refrigerant (R2) discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the second connecting hole (52), and the third distributed refrigerant (R3) discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the third connecting hole (53) can flow along the refrigerant discharge pipe (50), be mixed, and discharge to the outside through the outlet pipe (6).

[0141] As described above, in a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a first refrigerant flow path through which a first distributed refrigerant (R1) flows, a second refrigerant flow path through which a second distributed refrigerant (R2) flows, and a third refrigerant flow path through which a third distributed refrigerant (R3) flows may be configured independently so as not to interfere with each other. Refrigerant may be distributed and supplied to the first refrigerant flow path, the second refrigerant flow path, and the third refrigerant flow path through a refrigerant inlet pipe (40), and the refrigerant discharged from the first refrigerant flow path, the second refrigerant flow path, and the third refrigerant flow path may be collected in a refrigerant discharge pipe (50) and discharged to the outside through an outlet pipe (6).

[0142] Here, the first refrigerant flow path, the second refrigerant flow path, and the third refrigerant flow path refer to parts of the heat exchanger (1) through which the first distributed refrigerant (R1), the second distributed refrigerant (R2), and the third distributed refrigerant (R3) flow, respectively. In other words, the first refrigerant flow path may include the first front row lower chamber (301) and the first rear row lower chamber (311) of the lower header (30), the first tube group (11), and the first front row upper chamber (201) and the first rear row upper chamber (211) of the upper header (20). The second refrigerant flow path may include the second front row lower chamber (302) and the second rear row lower chamber (312) of the lower header (30), the second tube group (12), and the second front row upper chamber (202) and the second rear row upper chamber (212) of the upper header (20). The third refrigerant flow path may include the third front row lower chamber (303) and the third rear row lower chamber (313) of the lower header (30), the third tube group (13), and the third front row upper chamber (203) and the third rear row upper chamber (213) of the upper header (20).

[0143] In the above embodiment, the case in which three refrigerant flow paths are connected to one refrigerant inlet pipe (40) was described, but the heat exchanger (1) according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when a large heat exchange capacity is required, four or more refrigerant flow paths can be connected to one refrigerant inlet pipe (40) to form a heat exchanger (1).

[0144] In the heat exchanger (1) according to the above-described embodiment, a plurality of through holes (35) are formed in the middle wall (32) of the lower header (30). However, the heat exchanger (1) according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a plurality of through holes (35) may be formed in the middle wall (22) of the upper header (20).

[0145] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion C of the heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure of FIG. 15.

[0146] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10), an upper header (20), and a lower header (30).

[0147] Since the plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) are identical to the plurality of heat exchange tubes (10) of the heat exchanger (1) according to the above-described embodiment, a redundant description is omitted.

[0148] An upper header (20) may be installed on the upper side of a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The upper header (20) may include an upper header body (21), an upper header cover (23), and an intermediate wall (22).

[0149] The middle wall (22) of the upper header (20) may include a plurality of through holes (35). For example, the plurality of through holes (35) may include a first through hole (351) connecting the first front row upper chamber (201) and the first rear row upper chamber (211), a second through hole (352) connecting the second front row upper chamber (202) and the second rear row upper chamber (212), and a third through hole (353) connecting the third front row upper chamber (203) and the third rear row upper chamber (213). The structure of the upper header (20) other than that described above is identical to the upper header (20) of the heat exchanger (1), so a redundant description is omitted.

[0150] A lower header (30) may be installed on the lower side of a plurality of heat exchange tubes (10). The lower header (30) may include a lower header body (31), a lower header cover (33), an intermediate wall (32), a refrigerant inlet pipe (40), and a refrigerant outlet pipe (50).

[0151] The intermediate wall (32) of the lower header (30) may not include a plurality of through holes (35). The lower header (30) may not include a plurality of sub-baffles (38) that divide a plurality of front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303) and a plurality of rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313) into two sub-chambers each. Accordingly, each of the plurality of front row lower chambers (301, 302, 303) of the lower header (30) may not be divided into two front row sub-chambers. Additionally, each of the plurality of rear row lower chambers (311, 312, 313) of the lower header (30) may not be divided into two rear row sub-chambers. The structure of the lower header (30) other than that is identical to the lower header (30) of the heat exchanger (1) according to the above-described embodiment, so a redundant description is omitted.

[0152] Hereinafter, the refrigerant flow of the heat exchanger (1) illustrated in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 17.

[0153] FIG. 17 is a conceptual drawing showing the refrigerant flow of a heat exchanger (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 17, the refrigerant can be introduced into the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) of the lower header (30) through the inlet pipe (5).

[0155] The refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) flows along the refrigerant inlet pipe (40) and can be distributed and introduced into the first distribution port (41), the second distribution port (42), and the third distribution port (43). Hereinafter, the refrigerant introduced into the first distribution port (41) is referred to as the first distributed refrigerant (R1), the refrigerant introduced into the second distribution port (42) is referred to as the second distributed refrigerant (R2), and the refrigerant introduced into the third distribution port (43) is referred to as the third distributed refrigerant (R3).

[0156] The first distributed refrigerant (R1) that has passed through the first distribution port (41) can be introduced into the first front row lower chamber (301). The first distributed refrigerant (R1) introduced into the first front row lower chamber (301) can be moved to the first front row upper chamber (201) of the upper header (20) through the first front row tube (111) of the first tube group (11).

[0157] The first distribution refrigerant (R1) introduced into the first front row upper chamber (201) can be introduced into the first rear row upper chamber (211) through the first through hole (351) provided in the middle wall (22) of the upper header (20).

[0158] The first distribution refrigerant (R1) introduced into the first rear column upper chamber (211) can move to the first rear column lower chamber (311) of the lower header (30) through the first rear column tube (112) of the first tube group (11).

[0159] The first distribution refrigerant (R1) introduced into the first rear row lower chamber (311) of the lower header (30) can be discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the first connecting hole (51).

[0160] The second distribution refrigerant (R2) that has passed through the second distribution port (42) can flow into the second front row lower chamber (302). The second distribution refrigerant (R2) that has flowed into the second front row lower chamber (302) can move to the second front row upper chamber (202) of the upper header (20) through the second front row tube (121) of the second tube group (12).

[0161] The second distribution refrigerant (R2) introduced into the second front row upper chamber (202) can be introduced into the second rear row upper chamber (212) through the second through hole (352) provided in the middle wall (22) of the upper header (20).

[0162] The second distribution refrigerant (R2) introduced into the second rear column upper chamber (212) can move to the second rear column lower chamber (312) of the lower header (30) through the second rear column tube (122) of the second tube group (12).

[0163] The second distribution refrigerant (R2) introduced into the second rear row lower chamber (312) of the lower header (30) can be discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the second connecting hole (52).

[0164] The third distribution refrigerant (R3) that has passed through the third distribution port (43) can flow into the third front row lower chamber (303). The third distribution refrigerant (R3) that has flowed into the third front row lower chamber (303) can move to the third front row upper chamber (203) of the upper header (20) through the third front row tube (131) of the third tube group (13).

[0165] The third distribution refrigerant (R3) introduced into the third front row upper chamber (203) can be introduced into the third rear row upper chamber (213) through the third through hole (353) provided in the middle wall (22) of the upper header (20).

[0166] The third distribution refrigerant (R3) introduced into the third rear column upper chamber (213) can move to the third rear column lower chamber (313) of the lower header (30) through the third rear column tube (132) of the third tube group (13).

[0167] The third distribution refrigerant (R3) introduced into the third rear row lower chamber (313) of the lower header (30) can be discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the third connecting hole (53).

[0168] The first distributed refrigerant (R1) discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the first connecting hole (51), the second distributed refrigerant (R2) discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the second connecting hole (52), and the third distributed refrigerant (R3) discharged to the refrigerant discharge pipe (50) through the third connecting hole (53) can flow along the refrigerant discharge pipe (50), be mixed, and discharge to the outside through the outlet pipe (6).

[0169] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described above with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

1. A plurality of heat exchange tubes partitioned into a plurality of tube groups including a front column tube and a rear column tube; An upper header connected to the top of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and partitioned to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, comprising a plurality of front row upper chambers corresponding to the front row tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear row upper chambers corresponding to the rear row tubes of the plurality of tube groups; A lower header connected to the lower end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and partitioned to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, comprising a plurality of front row lower chambers corresponding to the front row tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear row lower chambers corresponding to the rear row tubes of the plurality of tube groups; A refrigerant inlet pipe disposed on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of front row lower chambers, through which refrigerant is introduced; and It includes a refrigerant discharge pipe disposed parallel to the refrigerant inlet pipe on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of rear row lower chambers, through which the refrigerant is discharged; A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of distribution holes corresponding to the plurality of front row lower chambers of the lower header, wherein the above refrigerant inlet pipe comprises a plurality of distribution holes.

2. In Paragraph 1, A heat exchanger in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant outlet pipe.

3. In Paragraph 2, A heat exchanger in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe is 1.15 to 5 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe.

4. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The lower header includes an intermediate wall that partitions the plurality of front row lower chambers and the plurality of rear row lower chambers, and A heat exchanger in which the refrigerant discharge pipe is positioned to overlap with the intermediate wall.

5. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The lower header includes an intermediate wall that partitions the plurality of front row lower chambers and the plurality of rear row lower chambers, and A heat exchanger in which the center of the refrigerant discharge pipe is located closer to the center plane of the intermediate wall than the center of the refrigerant inlet pipe.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above lower header is, A lower header cover on which the lower ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes are installed; A lower header body installed below the lower header cover; and It includes an intermediate wall extending vertically from the center of the lower header body to the lower header cover; and A heat exchanger in which the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe are installed in the lower header body.

7. In Paragraph 6, A heat exchanger in which the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe are integrally formed with the lower header body.

8. In Paragraph 1, A heat exchanger in which the above-mentioned refrigerant inlet pipe is formed to have the same cross-sectional area with the same shape throughout its entire length.

9. In Paragraph 1, A heat exchanger in which the above-mentioned refrigerant discharge pipe is formed to have the same cross-sectional area with the same shape throughout its entire length.

10. In Paragraph 1, A heat exchanger in which the above refrigerant discharge pipe includes a plurality of communication holes corresponding to the plurality of rear row lower chambers of the above lower header.

11. In Paragraph 1, A plurality of sub-baffles dividing each of the plurality of front row lower chambers and the plurality of rear row lower chambers into two front row sub-chambers and two rear row sub-chambers; and A heat exchanger further comprising a plurality of through holes connecting one of the two front row sub-chambers and one of the two rear row sub-chambers.

12. A plurality of heat exchange tubes partitioned into a plurality of tube groups including a front column tube and a rear column tube; An upper header connected to the top of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and partitioned to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, comprising a plurality of front row upper chambers corresponding to the front row tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear row upper chambers corresponding to the rear row tubes of the plurality of tube groups; A lower header connected to the lower end of the plurality of heat exchange tubes and partitioned to correspond to the plurality of tube groups, comprising a plurality of front row lower chambers corresponding to the front row tubes of the plurality of tube groups and a plurality of rear row lower chambers corresponding to the rear row tubes of the plurality of tube groups; A refrigerant inlet pipe disposed on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of front row lower chambers, comprising a plurality of distribution holes corresponding to the plurality of front row lower chambers of the lower header, and formed to distribute the introduced refrigerant to the plurality of front row lower chambers; and It includes a refrigerant discharge pipe that is disposed parallel to the refrigerant inlet pipe on the lower surface of the lower header below the plurality of rear row lower chambers and collects the refrigerant discharged from the plurality of rear row lower chambers. A heat exchanger in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant discharge pipe is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant inlet pipe.

13. In Paragraph 12, The lower header includes an intermediate wall that partitions the plurality of front row lower chambers and the plurality of rear row lower chambers, and A heat exchanger in which the above refrigerant discharge pipe is positioned to penetrate the above intermediate wall.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above lower header is, A lower header cover on which the lower ends of the plurality of heat exchange tubes are installed; A lower header body installed below the lower header cover; and It includes an intermediate wall extending vertically from the center of the lower header body to the lower header cover; and A heat exchanger in which the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe are installed in the lower header body.

15. In Paragraph 12, A heat exchanger in which the refrigerant inlet pipe and the refrigerant outlet pipe are formed to have the same shape and the same cross-sectional area along their entire lengths.

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