Heat exchanger and air conditioner employing same

Abstract

An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises a tube in the form of a flat tube and fins provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the tube. The fins have a plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tube. A first fin provided on the upper surface of the tube has a downward protrusion that protrudes from the valley toward the lower surface of the tube and is in contact with one end of the tube in a fluid flow direction. A second fin provided on the lower surface of the tube has an upward protrusion that protrudes from the crest toward the upper surface of the tube and is in contact with the one end of the tube.

Description

Heat exchanger and air conditioner employing the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and an air conditioner employing the same.

[0002] An air conditioner is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger is equipped with heat transfer tubes through which the refrigerant flows, and heat dissipation fins that come into contact with the heat transfer tubes to secure a heat exchange surface area between the refrigerant and the air. During the heat exchange process, moisture in the air may condense, generating condensation water. If the condensation water is not drained from the heat exchanger and remains on the surface of the heat transfer tubes, the surface of the heat dissipation fins, etc., the heat exchange efficiency may decrease. Taking this into account, a drainage structure is provided in the heat exchanger to discharge the condensation water.

[0003] Chinese Utility Model Publication No. CN221259600U, Japanese Published Patent No. 2013-124808, International Publication No. 2009 / 153985, Japanese Published Patent No. Hei 09-101092, etc. disclose technologies for forming a drainage path for condensation water using heat dissipation fins.

[0004] A heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first header, a second header, and a flat tube. A refrigerant introduced from the first header flows along the tube and exits to the second header. Fins are provided on an upper surface parallel to the direction of fluid flow of the tube and on a lower surface opposite thereto. Each of the fins has a peak and a valley arranged alternately along the length of the tube. The fins may include a first fin provided on the upper surface of the tube and a second fin provided on the lower surface of the tube. The first fin may have a downward projection that protrudes from the valley toward the lower surface of the tube and contacts one end of the tube in the direction of fluid flow. The second fin may have an upward projection that protrudes from the peak toward the upper surface of the tube and contacts one end of the tube.

[0005] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger. At least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger may include the aforementioned heat exchanger.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a pin according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a fin manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 4 being applied to a heat exchanger.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example in which a fin manufactured by the manufacturing method illustrated in FIG. 4 is applied to a heat exchanger.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view showing an example of a fin manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 4 being applied to a heat exchanger.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a pin according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a fin manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 8 being applied to a heat exchanger.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a fin manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 8 being applied to a heat exchanger.

[0016] Figure 11 is a side view showing an example of a drainage path of a heat exchanger.

[0017] FIG. 12 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a side view showing an example of the drainage path of the heat exchanger illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0019] 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 substitutions of said embodiments.

[0020] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] 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.

[0023] For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" may include one of A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. For example, the phrase "at least one of A or B" may include one of A, B, and A and B.

[0024] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] An air conditioner according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor"), and means a device having at least one of these functions.

[0031] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling or heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed in a single housing that forms the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings that form a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, or a system air conditioner.

[0032] An air conditioner comprising a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected via refrigerant pipes to two or more indoor units. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0033] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be entered through an input interface provided on the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0034] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0035] An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0036] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted, stand-type, and wall-mounted units depending on how they are placed. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified into 4-way, 1-way, and duct-type units depending on the method of air discharge.

[0037] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air by utilizing the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger, it can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the room can be cooled by blowing the cooled indoor air as it passes through the cooled indoor heat exchanger. Additionally, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the indoor air, and the room can be heated by blowing the heated indoor air as it passes through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger.

[0038] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of a refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger; to facilitate this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can draw in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0039] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0040] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0041] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant may flow to multiple indoor units through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units may be combined and circulated back to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units may each be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0042] Multiple indoor units can each operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the multiple indoor units can operate in cooling mode while others operate in heating mode simultaneously. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into each indoor unit in a selectively high-pressure or low-pressure state along a designated circulation path via a flow path switching valve to be described later, and to be discharged and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0043] For example, when two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from multiple outdoor units may be combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then branch out again at some point to flow into multiple indoor units.

[0044] Multiple outdoor units may all be driven or at least some may not be driven, depending on the operating load corresponding to the operating amount of multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be arranged to flow into and circulate to the outdoor units that are selectively driven through a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit or inside the outdoor unit, or it may be placed in both.

[0045] For example, an expansion device can lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by utilizing a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that can reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passing through the orifice can be lowered.

[0046] The expansion device can be implemented, for example, as an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the partially open state to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path in the fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0047] The air conditioner may further include a flow switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation path. The flow switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow switching valve can determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow switching valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0048] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0049] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when the refrigerant mixed with the refrigerant gas is introduced, and supply the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0050] An outdoor fan may be provided near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan can blow outdoor air onto the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0051] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environment sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for instance, a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0052] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. Based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, flow path switching valve, accumulator, or outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by the outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0053] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the housing.

[0054] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can be drawn into the interior of the housing through the intake port.

[0055] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter configured to filter foreign substances in the air entering the housing through the intake port.

[0056] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0057] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade located above the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the discharge airflow. The airflow guide may be omitted, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, positioned on the path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0059] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial fan, a mixed-flow fan, a cross-flow fan, or a centrifugal fan.

[0060] The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from the air entering through the intake or transfer heat to the air entering through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0061] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate contained in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0062] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or touch pads. The user can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, setting of operating mode for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, setting of outlet selection, and / or setting of airflow) through the input interface.

[0063] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location within the indoor space (e.g., a part of a wall). The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. Additionally, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0064] Additionally, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control the components of the air conditioner to execute functions corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, namely to an outdoor unit or a server, through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0065] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module can be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0066] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor placed in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors placed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, intermediate, and / or outlet temperatures of a refrigerant pipe passing through an indoor heat exchanger.

[0067] For example, each environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later, or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0068] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0069] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a Near Field Communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0070] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0071] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby access points (APs). The access point (AP) can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls the indoor unit's components, such as a blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls the outdoor unit's components, such as a compressor. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0072] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to switch the direction of refrigerant circulation. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including a compressor, a flow path switching valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger.

[0073] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0074] The indoor unit control unit can acquire user input from a user device, including a mobile device, through the indoor unit communication unit, and can acquire user input directly or through a remote controller via an input interface. The indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0075] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to user input selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation, it can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0076] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0077] The memory can store / remember various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data. Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) for long-term data storage.

[0078] The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. As hardware, the processor may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals according to the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0079] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as the operating mode, airflow direction, airflow volume, and temperature selected by user input may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0080] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker can output various sounds as an acoustic device. The display may display information entered by the user or information provided to the user as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include an LCD panel (Liquid Crystal Display Panel), an LED panel (Light Emitting Diode Panel), an OLED panel (Organic Light Emitting Diode Panel), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0081] In a heat exchanger, a flat-tube type heat transfer tube equipped with a number of microchannels may be used as a heat transfer tube, and corrugated fins may be used as heat dissipation fins. Condensation water tends to accumulate on the upper surface of the flat tube and in the peaks and valleys of the corrugated fins, which can degrade the heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger. Since the dimensions of the heat transfer tubes, heat dissipation fins, etc., and the installation configuration of the heat exchanger vary depending on the product to which the heat exchanger is applied, it is not easy to enable the drainage of condensation water in all installation configurations.

[0082] The present disclosure aims to provide a heat exchanger capable of ensuring drainage of condensation water and an air conditioner employing the same. The present disclosure aims to provide a heat exchanger capable of ensuring drainage in various application forms. However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0083] Hereinafter, embodiments of a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure and an air conditioner employing the same will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0084] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment may include an outdoor unit (10), an indoor unit (20), and piping (30).

[0085] The outdoor unit (10) is installed, for example, outdoors of a building. The outdoor unit (10) may be equipped with a heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger) (11), a fan (12), an expansion valve (13), a four-way switching valve (14), an accumulator (15), and a compressor (16). The four-way switching valve (14) is connected to the heat exchanger (11), the accumulator (15), and the compressor (16) by piping (30), respectively. The heat exchanger (11) and the expansion valve (13), and the accumulator (15) and the compressor (16) are also connected to each other by piping (30). Additionally, the outdoor unit (10) is equipped with a control device (17).

[0086] A heat exchanger (11) is a device that transfers heat from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object. A fan (12) facilitates the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air by increasing the airflow passing through the heat exchanger (11). An expansion valve (13) expands the condensed liquid refrigerant to achieve low pressure and low temperature. A flow control valve (14) switches the flow path of the refrigerant according to the operating mode of the air conditioner (1). Figure 1 shows the state when cooling operation is performed as a switching connection state of the flow control valve (14). In this case, the refrigerant flows from the flow control valve (14) along the path shown by the solid line. An accumulator (15) filters out the liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant introduced into the outdoor unit (10) and supplies the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor (16). The compressor (16) compresses the refrigerant. The control device (17) controls the operation of the fan (12), expansion valve (13), compressor (16), etc., and the switching of the switch valve (14). The control device (17) is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer. The above description regarding the outdoor unit and the outdoor unit control unit may be applied to the outdoor unit (10) and the control device (17).

[0087] The indoor unit (20) is installed, for example, in each room within a building. In FIG. 1, two indoor units (20) are connected to one outdoor unit (10), but one or three or more indoor units (20) may be connected to one outdoor unit (10). The indoor unit (20) may be equipped with a heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger) (21), a fan (22), and an expansion valve (23).

[0088] The heat exchanger (21) is a device that transfers heat from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object. The fan (22) generates an airflow through the heat exchanger (21) to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. The expansion valve (23) expands the condensed refrigerant liquid supplied from the outdoor unit (10) to a low pressure and low temperature.

[0089] The piping (30) is connected between the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20) to form a circulation path for the refrigerant between the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (20). The piping (30) may be provided with a liquid refrigerant piping (31) and a gas refrigerant piping (32). Liquefied refrigerant flows through the liquid refrigerant piping (31). The liquid refrigerant piping (31) forms a flow path for the refrigerant between the expansion valve (23) of the indoor unit (20) and the expansion valve (13) of the outdoor unit (10). Gas refrigerant flows through the gas refrigerant piping (32). The gas refrigerant piping (32) forms a flow path for the refrigerant between the gas side of the heat exchanger (21) of the outdoor unit (10) and the outdoor unit (10). The above description regarding the indoor unit may be applied to the indoor unit (20).

[0090] FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an indoor unit (20) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. An indoor unit as one embodiment of the indoor unit (20) is denoted by reference numeral 20a. The indoor unit (20a) of this embodiment is a four-way ceiling cassette type indoor unit. Referring to FIG. 2, the indoor unit (20a) according to one embodiment is equipped with a heat exchanger (21a) and a fan (22a). An airflow is generated in the direction indicated by the arrow F1 by the rotation of the fan (22a), and the airflow passes through the heat exchanger (21a). Heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant is performed in the heat exchanger (21a). The indoor unit (20a) may be equipped with other general components of the indoor unit (20), such as the expansion valve (23) shown in FIG. 1.

[0091] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger (21a) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the heat exchanger (21a) is positioned so that the downstream side of the air flow is facing forward with respect to the direction (F1). FIG. 3 shows the case where the heat exchanger (21a) is used as an evaporator. However, it is not limited thereto, and the heat exchanger (21a) may be a heat exchanger having other forms of use where the generation of condensation water may be a problem. The heat exchanger (21a) may be equipped with a heat exchange section (200), a liquid side header (first header) (500), and a gas side header (second header) (600).

[0092] The heat exchanger (200) is provided with a plurality of tubes (300) and a plurality of fins (400) that are alternately stacked. The tubes (300) are refrigerant pipes formed with a plurality of flow paths through which refrigerant flows. Refrigerant introduced into the tubes (300) from the liquid-side header (500) passes through the tubes (300) and flows out to the gas-side header (600). The tubes (300) may be flat tubes, for example, in which both ends in the air flow direction (F1) are round in shape, for example, arc-shaped.

[0093] A fin (400) may be provided on an upper surface (first surface) parallel to the airflow direction (F1) of the tube (300) and on a lower surface (second surface) opposite to it. A fin (400) provided on the upper surface of the tube (300) is an example of a first fin, and a fin (400) provided on the lower surface of the tube (300) is an example of a second fin. For example, the fin (400) may be a corrugated fin with alternating peaks and valleys.

[0094] With this configuration, heat exchange is performed in the heat exchanger (200) between the refrigerant passing through the flow path of the tube (300) and the air passing between the fins (400). Additionally, the target for heat exchange with the refrigerant may be a fluid other than air. Since the following describes a heat exchanger applied to an air conditioner (1), air is used as an example for heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0095] The liquid-side header (500) is connected to one end of a plurality of tubes (300) constituting the heat exchanger (200). A space is formed inside the liquid-side header (500) that communicates with the flow paths of the plurality of tubes (300). A refrigerant that performs heat exchange with a fluid, such as air, is introduced through the liquid-side header (500).

[0096] The gas-side header (600) is connected to the other end of a plurality of tubes (300) constituting the heat exchanger (200). A space is formed inside the gas-side header (600) that communicates with the flow path of the plurality of tubes (300). Refrigerant that has passed through the plurality of tubes (300) flows out to the gas-side header (600).

[0097] Hereinafter, various forms of the pin (400) are described. One embodiment of the pin (400) is referred to as pin (410), and another embodiment as pin (420). In the following description, it is assumed that the peaks and valleys of the pin (410) and pin (420) are horizontal planes, but this is not limited thereto. The peaks and valleys of the pin (410) and pin (420) may be horizontal curved surfaces.

[0098] FIG. 4 is a drawing for illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a pin (410) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, the pin (410) according to one embodiment is manufactured from a plate-shaped member, for example, a metal plate (710).

[0099] Reference numerals L11 to L14 represent imaginary bend lines. The pin (410) can be manufactured by bending the metal plate (710) along the imaginary bend lines (L11 to L14).

[0100] Specifically, the metal plate (710) is folded in a crest fold at the bending lines (first and second bending lines) (L11, L12). Then, the area (711) between the first and second bending lines (L11, L12) forms the horizontal portion of the crest of the pin (410). Additionally, the metal plate (710) is folded in a valley fold at the bending lines (third and fourth bending lines) (L13, L14). Then, the area (712) between the third and fourth bending lines (L13, L14) forms the horizontal portion of the valley of the pin (410). As a result, the pin (410) becomes a shape in which the crest and valley portions are repeated along the longitudinal direction of the tube (300).

[0101] The metal plate (710) is also provided with slit lines (L15~L18). A protrusion is formed on the pin (410) by the action of the slit lines (L15~L18).

[0102] Specifically, the cutting line (first cutting line) (L15) is a line extending from a point (first point) (P11) on the first bending line (L11) through the second bending line (L12) to a point (second point) (P12) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the metal plate (710). The first point (P11) may not be a point on the first bending line (L11). In this case, the first point (P11) may be a point on the opposite side of the second bending line (L12) with respect to the first bending line (L11). The second point (P12) may be a point on the second bending line (L12). The cutting line (second cutting line) (L16) is a line extending from the second point (P12) to a point (third point) (P13) which is the foot of a perpendicular line drawn to one side of the metal plate (710). When the metal plate (710) is folded in a crest fold at the first and second bending lines (L11, L12), the area (713) enclosed by the first and second cutting lines (L15, L16), the first bending line (L11), and the side of the metal plate (710) forms an upward protrusion (second protrusion) that protrudes upward from the crest of the pin (410).

[0103] Additionally, the cutting line (third cutting line) (L17) is a line extending from a point (fourth point) (P14) on the third bend line (L13) through the fourth bend line (L14) to a point (fifth point) (P15) parallel to the length direction of the metal plate (710). The fourth point (P14) may not be a point on the third bend line (L13). In this case, the fourth point (P14) may be a point on the opposite side of the fourth bend line (L14) with respect to the third bend line (L13). The fifth point (P15) may be a point on the fourth bend line (L14). The cutting line (fourth cutting line) (L18) is a line extending from the fifth point (P15) to a point (sixth point) (P16), which is the foot of a perpendicular line drawn to one side of the metal plate (710). When the metal plate (710) is folded into a valley fold at the third and fourth bend lines (L13, L14), the area (714) enclosed by the third and fourth sheath lines (L17, L18), the third bend line (L13), and the side of the metal plate (710) forms a downward protrusion (first protrusion) that protrudes downward from the valley portion of the pin (410).

[0104] In this way, the starting points of the first and third cutting lines (L15, L17) can be set on the first and third bending lines (L11, L13), respectively, or as points opposite to the second and fourth bending lines (L12, L14) based on the first and third bending lines (L11, L13), and the ending points of the first and third cutting lines (L15, L17) can be set on the second and fourth bending lines (L12, L14), respectively, or as points opposite to the first and third bending lines (L11, L13). Accordingly, the lengths of the upward protrusion protruding upward from the pin (410) and the downward protrusion protruding downward from the pin (410) can be extended. In addition, in FIG. 4, the first to fourth cutting lines (L15~L18) are formed such that the lengths of the second and fourth bend lines (L12, L14) of the upward and downward protrusions are longer than the lengths of the first and third bend lines (L11, L13), but are not limited thereto. The first to fourth cutting lines (L15~L18) may also be formed such that the lengths of the first and third bend lines (L11, L13) of the upward and downward protrusions are longer than the lengths of the second and fourth bend lines (L12, L14). In air conditioning equipment such as a household air conditioner or a multi-air conditioner for buildings to which the heat exchanger of the present embodiment can be applied, the tube (300) may have various thicknesses. According to the fin (410) of the present embodiment, drainage can be secured without impairing productivity in a heat exchanger (21a) using tubes (300) of various thicknesses.

[0105] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example in which a fin (410) manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 4 is applied to a heat exchanger. For example, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of area B of FIG. 3.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 5, a pin (410) is inserted between two tubes (300). The pin (410) has a plurality of peaks (411) and a plurality of valleys (412) that are repeatedly arranged along the length of the tubes (300). The peaks (411) are formed by folding the metal plate (710) shown in FIG. 4 into peaks at first and second bending lines (L11, L12). The valleys (412) are formed by folding the metal plate (710) shown in FIG. 4 into valleys at third and fourth bending lines (L13, L14).

[0107] On the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1) of the pin (410), an upward protrusion (413) protruding upward from the mountain portion (411) and a downward protrusion (414) protruding downward from the valley portion (412) are arranged. The upward protrusion (413) is formed by the action of the first and second sheath lines (L15, L16) of the metal plate (710) shown in FIG. 4. The downward protrusion (414) is formed by the action of the third and fourth sheath lines (L17, L18) of the metal plate (710) shown in FIG. 4.

[0108] A notch (415) is formed adjacent to a valley (412) on the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1) of the pin (410), and a notch (416) is formed adjacent to a peak (411). Specifically, the notch (415) is formed on the surface facing the face where the downward protrusion (414) protrudes from the pin (410). This is due to the region (714) in the metal plate (710) shown in FIG. 4 extending past the fourth bend line (L14). Additionally, the notch (416) is formed on the surface facing the face where the upward protrusion (413) protrudes from the pin (410). This is due to the region (713) in the metal plate (710) shown in FIG. 4 extending past the second bend line (L12).

[0109] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example in which a fin (410) manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 4 is applied to a heat exchanger. FIG. 6 is a front view of the fin (410) in area B of FIG. 3 viewed from the downstream side in the direction of air flow (F1).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6, pins (410) are disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of each tube (300). The arrangement of the tube (300) and the pins (410) is described by way of example using the tube (300a) and the pins (410U, 410L) disposed on its upper and lower surfaces, respectively. The description of the tube (300a) and the pins (410U, 410L) applies equally to other tubes (300) and pins (410). The pin (410U) may be referred to as the first pin, and the pin (410L) as the second pin.

[0111] An upward protrusion (413) protrudes upward from the peak (411) of the pin (410L) on the lower side of the tube (300a). Additionally, a downward protrusion (414) protrudes downward from the valley (412) of the pin (410U) on the upper side of the tube (300a). Here, the pin (410L) on the lower side of the tube (300a) and the pin (410U) on the upper side of the tube (300a) are arranged offset from each other along the length of the tube (300a). Accordingly, the upward protrusion (413) and the downward protrusion (414) are also arranged offset from each other along the length of the tube (300a). Furthermore, the upward protrusion (413) and the downward protrusion (414) overlap each other when viewed from the length of the tube (300a).

[0112] In the following, the principle of improved drainage is explained by overlapping the upward protrusion (413) and the downward protrusion (414) when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tube (300a).

[0113] In the general case where the pin (410) is hydrophilic, water is sent downward along the downward protrusion (414) of the upper pin (410U).

[0114] Consider a general case where the cross-sectional shape of the tube (300a) has rounded ends in the width direction (air flow direction (F1)), for example, an arc shape. In this case, the downward protrusion (414) of the upper fin (410U) needs to be connected in a line to the upward protrusion (413) of the lower fin (410L) at the center of the upper / lower direction (thickness direction: a direction perpendicular to the length direction and the air flow direction (F1)) of the tube (300a) to secure a drainage path. That is, the upward protrusion (413) of the lower fin (410L) needs to protrude up to the center position of the tube (300a).

[0115] Meanwhile, the downward protrusion (414) of the upper pin (410U) may not be sufficient to extend to the center position of the tube (300a). Considering the amount of longitudinal misalignment due to manufacturing errors, assembly errors, etc., of the tube (300a) and the downward protrusion (414), and deformation during transport, the risk of not securing a drainage path increases if the downward protrusion (414) protrudes to the center position of the tube (300). In other words, the robustness of the drainage may be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable that the downward protrusion (414) of the upper pin (410U) protrudes beyond the center position of the tube (300a), and it needs to overlap with the upward protrusion (413) of the lower pin (410L) when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tube (300a).

[0116] Additionally, when draining, the water is pulled downward from the downward protrusion (414) and forms an interface in which it remains upward in other places. Therefore, if the downward protrusion (414) is made too long, the surface tension of the water acts in a direction that returns the interface on the side where the notch (416) of the valley (412) is formed to upward rather than downward. Thus, when considering the drainage of the entire heat exchanger (21a), the longer the downward protrusion (414) of the upper fin (410U), the stronger the force of draining water downward.

[0117] In this way, when both ends in the width direction of the tube (300a) are rounded, the downward protrusion (414) of the upper pin (410U) can extend beyond the center in the vertical direction of the tube (300a). Generalizing this, the downward protrusion (414) can extend beyond the most protruding part in the width direction of the tube (300a).

[0118] Additionally, the downward protrusion (414) may extend beyond the lower surface of the tube (300). This is because water can easily reach the lower surface of the tube (300a) or the fin (410L) on the lower side (411).

[0119] Here, the length of the portion of the tube (300a) below the upper surface of the downward protrusion (414) of the pin (410U) is “FP-Ft”, where FP is the pitch of the pin (410U) and Ft is the thickness of the pin (410). This is because, in FIG. 4, the distance between the first bend line (L11) and the second bend line (L12) is FP, and there is a valley portion (412) with a thickness (Ft) below the branching point from the upper pin (410U) to the downward protrusion (414). Therefore, if Tt is the thickness of the tube (300a), it is effective for ensuring drainage when “Tt > FP-Ft”.

[0120] The length of the downward protrusion (414) of the upper pin (410U) and the length of the upward protrusion (413) of the lower pin (410L) may be the same, but are not limited thereto. For example, the length of the upward protrusion (413) may be shorter than the length of the downward protrusion (414). A hydrophilic coating may be applied to the pin (410). Then, if the upward protrusion (413) is shorter than the downward protrusion (414), it is easier for water to reach the lower surface of the tube (300a) or the ridge (411) of the lower pin (410L). However, since the amount of overlap between the upward protrusion (413) and the downward protrusion (414) is reduced, it may be difficult for water to be delivered to the lower pin (410L). Meanwhile, if the upward protrusion (413) is longer than the downward protrusion (414), the upward pulling force of the water is applied, so the speed at which water is delivered to the lower surface of the tube (300a) or the lower part (411) of the pin (410L) may be reduced.

[0121] FIG. 7 is a side view showing an example in which a fin (410) manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 4 is applied to a heat exchanger. FIG. 7 is a side view of the fin (410) seen from the liquid-side header (500) side.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, the fin (410) has a downward protrusion (414) on the downstream side of the airflow direction (F1). Also, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the fin (410) also has an upward protrusion (413) on the downstream side of the airflow direction (F1), but this is omitted in the side view of FIG. 7.

[0123] In the above-described embodiment, the downward protrusion (414) and the upward protrusion (413) are provided on the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1), but are not limited thereto. The downward protrusion (414) and the upward protrusion (413) may also be provided on the upstream side of the air flow direction (F1). That is, the downward protrusion (414) and the upward protrusion (413) may be provided at one end of the two ends of the air flow direction (F1) of the tube (300).

[0124] If downward protrusions (414) and upward protrusions (413) are provided at both ends of the air flow direction (F1) of the tube (300), the width of the tube (300) is shortened. Accordingly, pressure loss within the tube (300) increases, which may degrade the performance of the heat exchanger. Additionally, the contact area between the tube (300) and the fin (410) is reduced, which may degrade the performance of the heat exchanger.

[0125] The downward protrusion (414) and the upward protrusion (413) may come into contact with one end of the air flow direction (F1) of the tube (300). In this case, it is necessary to bring water close to the downward protrusion (414) and the upward protrusion (413). Thus, the downward protrusion (414) and the upward protrusion (413) may come into close contact with the tube (300) at the part that contacts the tube (300). In FIG. 7, the downward protrusion (414) is in close contact with the short side of the tube (300).

[0126] With the above configuration, condensation water can be bridged between the upper pin (410U) and the lower pin (410L) of the tube (300).

[0127] FIG. 8 is a drawing for illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a pin (420) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the pin (420) according to one embodiment is manufactured from a plate-shaped member, for example, a metal plate (720).

[0128] Reference numerals L21 to L24 represent imaginary bend lines. The pin (420) can be manufactured by bending the metal plate (720) along the imaginary bend lines (L21 to L24).

[0129] Specifically, the metal plate (720) is folded in a crest fold at the bending lines (first and second bending lines) (L21, L22). Then, the area (721) between the first and second bending lines (L21, L22) forms the horizontal portion of the crest of the pin (420). Additionally, the metal plate (720) is folded in a valley fold at the bending lines (third and fourth bending lines) (L23, L24). Then, the area (722) between the third and fourth bending lines (L23, L24) forms the horizontal portion of the valley of the pin (420). As a result, the pin (420) becomes a shape in which the crest and valley portions are repeated along the longitudinal direction of the tube (300).

[0130] The metal plate (720) is also provided with slit lines (L25~L28). A protrusion is formed on the pin (420) by the action of the slit lines (L25~L28).

[0131] Specifically, the cutting line (first cutting line) (L25) is a line extending from a point (first point) (P21) on the first bending line (L21) through the second bending line (L22) to a point (second point) (P22) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the metal plate (720). The first point (P21) may not be a point on the first bending line (L21). In this case, the first point (P21) may be a point on the opposite side of the second bending line (L22) with respect to the first bending line (L21). The second point (P22) may be a point on the second bending line (L22). The sheath line (second sheath line) (L26) is a line extending from the second point (P22) to the point (third point) (P23), which is the intersection of at least one side of the metal plate (720) and the first bend line (L21). When the metal plate (720) is folded by a ridge fold at the first and second bend lines (L21, L22), the area (723) enclosed by the first and second sheath lines (L25, L26) and the first bend line (L21) forms an upward protrusion that protrudes upward from the ridge of the pin (420).

[0132] Additionally, the cutting line (third cutting line) (L27) is a line extending from a point (fourth point) (P24) on the third bend line (L23) through the fourth bend line (L24) to a point (fifth point) (P25) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the metal plate (720). The fourth point (P24) may not be a point on the third bend line (L23). In this case, the fourth point (P24) may be a point on the opposite side of the fourth bend line (L24) with respect to the third bend line (L23). The fifth point (P25) may be a point on the fourth bend line (L24). The cutting line (fourth cutting line) (L28) is a line extending from the fifth point (P25) to a sixth point (P26), which is the intersection point of at least one side of the metal plate (720) and the third bend line (L23). When the metal plate (720) is folded into a valley at the third and fourth bend lines (L23, L24), the area (724) enclosed by the third and fourth sheath lines (L27, L28) and the third bend line (L23) forms a downward protrusion that protrudes downward from the valley portion of the pin (420).

[0133] In this way, the starting points of the first and third cutting lines (L25, L27) can be set on the first and third bending lines (L21, L23), respectively, or as points opposite to the second and fourth bending lines (L22, L24) based on the first and third bending lines (L21, L23), and the ending points of the first and third cutting lines (L25, L27) can be set on the second and third bending lines (L22, L24), respectively, or as points opposite to the first and third bending lines (L21, L23). Accordingly, the lengths of the upward protrusion protruding upward from the pin (420) and the downward protrusion protruding downward from the pin (420) can be extended. Additionally, in FIG. 8, the first to fourth cutting lines (L25~L28) are formed such that the lengths of the second and fourth bend lines (L22, L24) of the upward and downward protrusions are longer than the lengths of the first and third bend lines (L21, L23), but are not limited thereto. The first to fourth cutting lines (L25~L28) may also be formed such that the lengths of the first and third bend lines (L21, L23) of the upward and downward protrusions are longer than the lengths of the second and fourth bend lines (L22, L24). In air conditioning equipment such as a household air conditioner or a multi-air conditioner for buildings, to which the heat exchanger of the present embodiment can be applied, the tube (300) may have various thicknesses. According to the fin (420) of the present embodiment, drainage can be secured without impairing productivity in a heat exchanger (21a) using tubes (300) of such various thicknesses.

[0134] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example in which a fin (420) manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 8 is applied to a heat exchanger. For example, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of area B of FIG. 3.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 9, a pin (420) is inserted between two tubes (300). The pin (420) has a plurality of peaks (421) and a plurality of valleys (422) that are repeatedly arranged along the length of the tubes (300). The peaks (421) are formed by folding the metal plate (720) shown in FIG. 8 into peaks at first and second bending lines (L21, L22). The valleys (422) are formed by folding the metal plate (720) shown in FIG. 8 into valleys at third and fourth bending lines (L23, L24).

[0136] On the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1) of the pin (420), an upward protrusion (423) protruding upward from the mountain portion (421) and a downward protrusion (424) protruding downward from the valley portion (422) are arranged. The upward protrusion (423) is formed by the action of the first and second sheath lines (L25, L26) of the metal plate (720) shown in FIG. 8. The downward protrusion (424) is formed by the action of the third and fourth sheath lines (L27, L28) of the metal plate (720) shown in FIG. 8.

[0137] On the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1) of the pin (420), an uncut portion (425) is formed in the valley portion (422), and an uncut portion (426) is formed in the peak portion (421). Specifically, the uncut portion (425) is formed on the surface facing the side where the downward protrusion (424) protrudes from the upper pin (420). This is because the region (724) in the metal plate (720) shown in FIG. 8 extends past the fourth bend line (L24). Additionally, the uncut portion (426) is formed on the surface facing the side where the upward protrusion (423) protrudes from the pin (420). This is because the region (723) in the metal plate (720) shown in FIG. 8 extends past the second bend line (L22).

[0138] A front view of a fin (420) applied to a heat exchanger according to one embodiment is the same as in FIG. 6. In this case, the fin (410) in FIG. 6 is replaced with the fin (420), the upper fin (410U) with the upper fin (420U), the lower fin (410L) with the lower fin (420L), the peak (411) with the peak (421), the valley (412) with the valley (422), the upward protrusion (413) with the upward protrusion (423), and the downward protrusion (414) with the downward protrusion (424). The principle of improved drainage by a configuration in which the upward protrusion (423) and the downward protrusion (424) are arranged to overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tube (300) is also the same as described above. The effective conditions for the length of the downward protrusion (424) and the thickness of the tube (300) are also the same as described above. In addition, the relationship between the length of the downward protrusion (424) and the length of the upward protrusion (423) is the same as described above.

[0139] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of a fin (420) manufactured by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 8 being applied to a heat exchanger. FIG. 10 is a side view of the fin (420) seen from the liquid-side header (500) side.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 10, the fin (420) has a downward protrusion (424) on the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1). Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the fin (420) also has an upward protrusion (423) on the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1), but this is omitted in the side view of FIG. 10. As previously mentioned, the downward protrusion (424) and the upward protrusion (423) may be provided at one end of the two ends of the air flow direction (F1) of the tube (300). Also, as previously mentioned, the downward protrusion (424) and the upward protrusion (423) may come into contact with one end of the air flow direction (F1) of the tube (300) and may be in close contact with the surface.

[0141] With the above configuration, condensation water can be bridged between the upper pin (420) and the lower pin (420) of the tube (300).

[0142] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of a drainage path of a heat exchanger (21a). The heat exchanger (21a) is positioned in area A1 of the indoor unit (20a) shown in FIG. 2, for example, in the same direction as shown in FIG. 11.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 11, an upward protrusion (403) and a downward protrusion (404) are provided on the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1) of the heat exchanger (21a). Here, the upward protrusion (403) corresponds to the upward protrusion (413) of FIGS. 4 to 7 or the upward protrusion (423) of FIGS. 8 to 10. Also, the downward protrusion (404) corresponds to the downward protrusion (414) of FIGS. 4 to 7 or the downward protrusion (424) of FIGS. 8 to 10. Accordingly, as indicated by arrow W1, a drainage path is formed on the downstream side of the air flow direction (F1) of the heat exchanger (21a), that is, on the leeward side.

[0144] FIG. 12 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an indoor unit (20) of an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. An indoor unit as one embodiment of the indoor unit (20) is denoted by reference numeral 20b. FIG. 13 is a side view showing an example of a drainage path of a heat exchanger (21b) shown in FIG. 12. The heat exchanger (21b) is positioned in area A2 of the indoor unit (20b) shown in FIG. 12, for example, in the same direction as shown in FIG. 13.

[0145] In the indoor unit (20b), the heat exchanger (21b) is positioned at an angle. In this embodiment, the indoor unit (20b) is exemplified as a one-way ceiling cassette type indoor unit, but the indoor unit (20b) may be another type of indoor unit, such as a duct indoor unit. Referring to FIG. 12, the indoor unit (20b) is equipped with a heat exchanger (21b) and a fan (22b). By rotating the fan (22b), an airflow is generated in the direction indicated by the arrow F2, and the airflow passes through the heat exchanger (21b). Heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant is performed in the heat exchanger (21b). The indoor unit (20b) may be equipped with other general components of the indoor unit (20), such as the expansion valve (23) of FIG. 1.

[0146] An example of the configuration of the heat exchanger (21b) is as shown in FIG. 3. However, unlike FIG. 3, the upstream side of the heat exchanger (21a) in the air flow direction (F2) is the front. The method of manufacturing the fin (400) is as described with reference to FIG. 4 or FIG. 8. The configuration of the fin (400) is as shown in FIG. 5 to 7, or FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. Accordingly, the description regarding the fin (410) or the fin (420) applies equally to the fin (400). However, an upward protrusion (403) and a downward protrusion (404) are provided on the upstream side of the air flow direction (F2) of the fin (400).

[0147] As described above, an upward protrusion (403) and a downward protrusion (404) are arranged on the upstream side of the air flow direction (F2) of the heat exchanger (21b). Accordingly, as indicated by the arrow W2, a drainage path is formed on the upstream side of the air flow direction (F2) of the heat exchanger (21b), that is, on the windward side. Here, the upstream side of the air flow direction (F2) is approximately the lower side of the gravity direction indicated by the arrow G. Therefore, water naturally moves in the direction of gravity along the drainage path indicated by the arrow W2. Accordingly, since water can easily reach the upward protrusion (403) from the downward protrusion (404), smooth drainage is possible even if the amount of overlap between them is relatively small.

[0148] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger. At least one of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger comprises: a first header into which a refrigerant performing heat exchange with a fluid is introduced; a second header into which the refrigerant is discharged; a flat tube in the form of a tube that discharges the refrigerant introduced from the first header to the second header; and fins provided on an upper surface parallel to the direction of fluid flow of the tube and on a lower surface opposite thereto, and having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The fins include a first fin provided on the upper surface of the tube and a second fin provided on the lower surface of the tube. The first fin has a downward protrusion that protrudes from the valley portion toward the lower surface of the tube and contacts one end of the tube in the direction of fluid flow. The second fin has an upward protrusion that protrudes from the peak portion toward the upper surface of the tube and contacts one end of the tube.

[0149] In one embodiment, the downward protrusion may be in close contact with the surface of one end of the tube, and the upward protrusion may be in close contact with the surface of one end of the tube.

[0150] In one embodiment, the first pin and the second pin may be arranged such that the downward protrusion of the first pin and the upward protrusion of the second pin are offset in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0151] In one embodiment, the downward protrusion of the first pin and the upward protrusion of the second pin may overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0152] In one embodiment, the downward protrusion may extend beyond the most protruding portion in the direction of fluid flow of the one end of the tube.

[0153] In one embodiment, the downward protrusion may extend beyond the lower surface of the tube.

[0154] In one embodiment, the length of the downward protrusion may be longer than the length of the upward protrusion.

[0155] In one embodiment, one end of the tube may have a round shape.

[0156] In one embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger and at least one of the outdoor heat exchangers may be arranged at an angle with respect to the direction of gravity. One end of the tube may be the lower end in the direction of gravity.

[0157] A heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first header into which a refrigerant performing heat exchange with a fluid is introduced; a second header into which the refrigerant is discharged; a tube in the form of a flat tube that discharges the refrigerant introduced from the first header to the second header; and fins provided on an upper surface parallel to the direction of fluid flow of the tube and on a lower surface opposite thereto, and having a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The fins include a first fin provided on the upper surface of the tube and a second fin provided on the lower surface of the tube. The first fin has a downward protrusion that protrudes from the valley portion toward the lower surface of the tube and contacts one end of the tube in the direction of fluid flow. The second fin has an upward protrusion that protrudes from the peak portion toward the upper surface of the tube and contacts one end of the tube.

[0158] In one embodiment, the downward protrusion may be in close contact with the surface of one end of the tube, and the upward protrusion may be in close contact with the surface of one end of the tube.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first pin and the second pin are arranged such that the downward protrusion of the first pin and the upward protrusion of the second pin are offset in the longitudinal direction of the tube, and the downward protrusion of the first pin and the upward protrusion of the second pin may overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

[0160] In one embodiment, the downward protrusion may extend beyond the most protruding portion in the direction of fluid flow of the one end of the tube.

[0161] In one embodiment, the downward protrusion may extend beyond the lower surface of the tube.

[0162] In one embodiment, the length of the downward protrusion may be longer than the length of the upward protrusion.

[0163] A heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first header for introducing a refrigerant to which heat exchange is performed with a fluid; a second header to which the refrigerant is discharged; a flat tube for discharging the refrigerant introduced from the first header to the second header; a first fin having alternating peaks and valleys provided on a first surface of the flat tube parallel to the direction of fluid flow; and a second fin having alternating peaks and valleys provided on a second surface of the flat tube opposite to the first surface. The first fin has a first protrusion protruding from its valley toward the side of the second surface, and the second fin has a second protrusion protruding from its peak toward the side of the first surface.

[0164] The first protrusion and the second protrusion are, on a plate-shaped member, a virtual first bend line; a virtual second bend line; a first cut line extending from a first point on the first bend line opposite to the second bend line or on the first bend line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped member to a second point on the second bend line opposite to the first bend line or on the second bend line; a second cut line extending from the second point to a third point on the side of the plate-shaped member, a virtual third bend line, a virtual fourth bend line; and a third cut line extending from a fourth point on the third bend line opposite to the fourth bend line or on the third bend line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped member to a fifth point on the fourth bend line opposite to the third bend line or on the fourth bend line; A fourth cut line extending from the fifth point to the sixth point on the side of the plate-shaped member is provided; and the plate-shaped member can be formed by folding the first and second fold lines in a valley fold and folding the third and fourth fold lines in a mountain fold.

[0165] A heat exchanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first header for introducing a refrigerant to which heat exchange is performed with a fluid; a second header to which the refrigerant is discharged; a flat tube for discharging the refrigerant introduced from the first header to the second header; a first fin having alternating peaks and valleys provided on a first surface of the flat tube parallel to the direction of fluid flow; and a second fin having alternating peaks and valleys provided on a second surface of the flat tube opposite to the first surface. The first fin has a first protrusion protruding from its valley toward the side of the second surface, and the second fin has a second protrusion protruding from its peak toward the side of the first surface.

[0166] When the first pin and the second pin are unfolded into a plate-shaped member in which the peak and the valley portion are not formed, the plate-shaped member comprises: a virtual first bend line and a second bend line that formed the valley portion by being folded by a valley fold; a first cut line extending from a first point on the first bend line opposite to the second bend line or on the first bend line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped member to a second point on the second bend line opposite to the first bend line or on the second bend line; and a second cut line extending from the second point to a third point on the side of the plate-shaped member. A virtual third bend line and a fourth bend line that form a mountain portion by being folded by a mountain fold, a third cut line extending from a fourth point on the third bend line opposite to the fourth bend line or on the third bend line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped member to a fifth point on the fourth bend line opposite to the third bend line or on the fourth bend line; and a fourth cut line extending from the fifth point to a sixth point on the side of the plate-shaped member.

[0167] According to the above configuration, the drainage capability of the heat exchanger can be secured. In addition, a heat exchanger with secured drainage capability that can be applied to various devices, including air conditioners, can be realized.

[0168] The technical effects intended to be achieved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description in this document.

[0169] As described above, although the heat exchanger of the present disclosure and the air conditioner employing it have been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications are possible within the scope without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an outdoor heat exchanger (11) and an indoor heat exchanger (21), wherein at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger (11) and the indoor heat exchanger (21) is, A first header (500) into which a refrigerant is introduced to perform heat exchange with a fluid; A second header (600) through which the above refrigerant is discharged; A flat tube (300) that discharges the refrigerant introduced from the first header to the second header; Pins (400) provided on an upper surface parallel to the fluid flow direction of the tube and on a lower surface opposite thereto, and having a plurality of peaks (411) and valleys (412) alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tube; wherein the pins include a first pin (410U) provided on the upper surface of the tube and a second pin (410L) provided on the lower surface of the tube. The first pin has a downward protrusion (414) that protrudes from the valley portion toward the lower surface of the tube and contacts one end of the fluid flow direction of the tube. The air conditioner having an upward protrusion (413) that protrudes from the above-mentioned second pin toward the upper surface of the tube and contacts one end of the tube.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above downward protrusion is in close contact with the surface of one end of the tube, and The above upward protrusion is an air conditioner that is in close contact with the surface of one end of the tube.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, An air conditioner in which the first pin and the second pin are arranged such that the downward protrusion of the first pin and the upward protrusion of the second pin are offset in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, An air conditioner in which the downward protrusion of the first pin and the upward protrusion of the second pin overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above downward protrusion is an air conditioner that extends beyond the most protruding part in the direction of fluid flow of one end of the tube.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above downward protrusion is an air conditioner that extends beyond the lower surface of the above tube.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, An air conditioner in which the length of the above downward protrusion is longer than the length of the above upward protrusion.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, An air conditioner in which one end of the above tube is round in shape.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, At least one of the above outdoor heat exchangers and the above outdoor heat exchangers is arranged at an angle with respect to the direction of gravity, and One end of the above tube is an air conditioner that is the lower end in the direction of gravity.

10. A first header (500) into which a refrigerant that performs heat exchange with a fluid is introduced; A second header (600) through which the above refrigerant is discharged; A flat tube (300) that discharges the refrigerant introduced from the first header to the second header; Pins (400) provided on an upper surface parallel to the fluid flow direction of the tube and on a lower surface opposite thereto, and having a plurality of peaks (411) and a plurality of valleys (412) alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tube; The above pins include a first pin (410U) provided on the upper surface of the tube and a second pin (410L) provided on the lower surface of the tube, The first pin has a downward protrusion (414) that protrudes from the valley portion toward the lower surface of the tube and contacts one end of the fluid flow direction of the tube. A heat exchanger having an upward protrusion (413) that protrudes from the above-mentioned second pin toward the upper surface of the tube and contacts one end of the tube.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above downward protrusion is in close contact with the surface of one end of the tube, and The above upward protrusion is a heat exchanger that is in close contact with the surface of one end of the tube.

12. In Paragraph 10 or 11, The first pin and the second pin are arranged such that the downward protrusion of the first pin and the upward protrusion of the second pin are offset in the longitudinal direction of the tube, A heat exchanger in which the downward protrusion of the first pin and the upward protrusion of the second pin overlap when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

13. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 12, The above downward protrusion is a heat exchanger that extends beyond the most protruding portion in the direction of fluid flow of one end of the tube.

14. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 13, The above downward protrusion is a heat exchanger extending beyond the lower surface of the tube.

15. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 14, A heat exchanger in which the length of the downward protrusion is longer than the length of the upward protrusion.

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