EP4080150A1 - Heat exchanger, heat exchanger unit, and refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents
Heat exchanger, heat exchanger unit, and refrigeration cycle device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4080150A1 EP4080150A1 EP19956213.3A EP19956213A EP4080150A1 EP 4080150 A1 EP4080150 A1 EP 4080150A1 EP 19956213 A EP19956213 A EP 19956213A EP 4080150 A1 EP4080150 A1 EP 4080150A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- heat exchange
- header
- exchange element
- heat exchanger
- heat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 title claims description 24
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 83
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 83
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 58
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 36
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 36
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003628 erosive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/0535—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
- F28D1/05366—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
- F28D1/05383—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators with multiple rows of conduits or with multi-channel conduits
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/02—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular
- F28F1/025—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular with variable shape, e.g. with modified tube ends, with different geometrical features
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
- F28F1/12—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element
- F28F1/14—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending longitudinally
- F28F1/16—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending longitudinally the means being integral with the element, e.g. formed by extrusion
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0246—Arrangements for connecting header boxes with flow lines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/02—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular
- F28F1/022—Tubular elements of cross-section which is non-circular with multiple channels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
- F28F1/12—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element
- F28F1/14—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending longitudinally
- F28F1/16—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending longitudinally the means being integral with the element, e.g. formed by extrusion
- F28F1/18—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending longitudinally the means being integral with the element, e.g. formed by extrusion the element being built-up from finned sections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2275/00—Fastening; Joining
- F28F2275/04—Fastening; Joining by brazing
- F28F2275/045—Fastening; Joining by brazing with particular processing steps, e.g. by allowing displacement of parts during brazing or by using a reservoir for storing brazing material
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger unit including the heat exchanger, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus, and more particularly, relates to a structure of an insertion part of a heat exchange element that is inserted into a header.
- a known heat exchanger includes a heat exchange element including a fin and a heat transfer tube.
- the fin extends along the axis of the heat transfer tube.
- an end portion of the heat exchange element is inserted into a header.
- the whole of an end face of the fin abuts or is spaced apart from the header (refer to, for example, Patent Literature 1).
- Patent Literature 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-155479
- a part of each fin that is in contact with or joined to a header has a long length.
- a brazing material enters a space between the fin and the header due to capillary action.
- the part, of each fin, to be in contact with or joined to the header has a long length, it is necessary to increase the amount of brazing material to be supplied to the space between the fin and the header.
- the heat exchange element may be damaged by, for example, erosion.
- an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger with little or no damage to a heat transfer tube caused by joining a heat exchange element to a header, a heat exchanger unit, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus.
- a heat exchanger includes a heat exchange element extending in a first direction and a header to which the heat exchange element is connected.
- the heat exchange element includes at least one heat transfer tube extending in the first direction and a fin provided on part of an edge portion of the at least one heat transfer tube in a second direction crossing orthogonally with the first direction.
- An end portion in the first direction of the heat exchange element includes an insertion part being inserted into an interior of the header, an abutment part abutting the header in a part other than the insertion part, and a spaced-apart part being spaced apart from the header in a part other than the insertion part.
- a heat exchanger unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the above-described heat exchanger.
- a refrigeration cycle apparatus includes the above-described heat exchanger unit.
- the fin of the heat exchange element is joined to the header such that a joint between the fin and the header has an appropriate length.
- appropriate joining is achieved with less brazing material used to join the heat exchange element to the header, resulting in little or no damage to the heat exchange element in the heat exchanger.
- a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1, a heat exchanger unit, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings, for example.
- the relationship between the relative dimensions, the forms, and other conditions of components in the following figures including Fig. 1 may differ from those of actual ones.
- components designated by the same reference signs in the following figures are the same components or equivalents. This applies to the entire description herein.
- terms representing directions, such as “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, and “rear”, will be used as appropriate. These terms are used herein only for the purpose of convenience of description and are not intended to restrict the arrangement and orientations of devices or parts.
- the positional relationship between components, a direction in which each component extends, and a direction in which the components are arranged described herein are provided in principle in a state where the heat exchanger is placed in position ready for use.
- Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 including a heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- broken-line arrows represent a direction in which refrigerant flows through a refrigerant circuit 110 in a cooling operation
- solid-line arrows represent a direction in which the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 110 in a heating operation.
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 including the heat exchanger 100 will now be described with reference to Fig. 1 .
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 is used for refrigeration or air conditioning and can be used as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a vending machine, an air-conditioning apparatus, a refrigeration apparatus, or a water heater.
- the illustrated refrigerant circuit 110 is an example.
- components of the circuit are not limited to those described in Embodiment 1, and can be appropriately changed within a technical scope of Embodiment 1.
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 includes the refrigerant circuit 110 in which a compressor 101, a flow switching device 102, an indoor heat exchanger 103, a pressure reducing device 104, and an outdoor heat exchanger 105 are connected sequentially by refrigerant pipes.
- the heat exchanger 100 which will be described later, is used as at least one of the outdoor heat exchanger 105 and the indoor heat exchanger 103.
- the refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 includes an outdoor unit 106 and an indoor unit 107. Units having therein a heat exchanger, such as the outdoor unit 106 and the indoor unit 107, may be referred to as heat exchanger units.
- the outdoor unit 106 contains the compressor 101, the flow switching device 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 105, the pressure reducing device 104, and an outdoor fan 108, which provides outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 105.
- the indoor unit 107 includes the indoor heat exchanger 103 and an indoor fan 109, which provides air to the indoor heat exchanger 103.
- the outdoor unit 106 and the indoor unit 107 are connected by two extension pipes 111 and 112, which are parts of the refrigerant pipes.
- the compressor 101 is a piece of fluid machinery that sucks, compresses, and discharges the refrigerant.
- the flow switching device 102 is, for example, a four-way valve, and switches between a refrigerant passage for the cooling operation and a refrigerant passage for the heating operation under the control of a controller (not illustrated).
- the indoor heat exchanger 103 is a heat exchanger that causes heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant flowing through an interior of the heat exchanger and the indoor air provided by the indoor fan 109.
- the indoor heat exchanger 103 operates as a condenser in the heating operation and operates as an evaporator in the cooling operation.
- the pressure reducing device 104 is, for example, an expansion valve, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant.
- Examples of the pressure reducing device 104 include an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjusted under the control of the controller.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 105 is a heat exchanger that causes heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant flowing through an interior of the heat exchanger and the air provided by the outdoor fan 108.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 105 operates as an evaporator in the heating operation and operates as a condenser in the cooling operation.
- the low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger 105, where the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air provided by the outdoor fan 108 and thus evaporates.
- the evaporated refrigerant which is in a low-pressure gas state, is sucked into the compressor 101.
- the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 110 in a direction opposite to that in the heating operation.
- high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 101 flows through the flow switching device 102 and then enters the outdoor heat exchanger 105, where the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air provided by the outdoor fan 108 and thus condenses.
- the condensed refrigerant which is in a high-pressure liquid state, flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 105 and is then turned into a low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid state by the pressure reducing device 104.
- the low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger 103, where the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air provided by the indoor fan 109 and thus evaporates.
- the evaporated refrigerant which is in a low-pressure gas state, is sucked into the compressor 101.
- Fig. 2 shows three views of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1 illustrating essential components of the heat exchanger.
- Fig. 2(a) is a front view of the heat exchanger 100.
- Fig. 2(b) is a side view of the heat exchanger 100.
- Fig. 2(c) is a bottom view of the heat exchanger 100.
- each arrow RF represents the flow of the refrigerant flowing into or out of the heat exchanger 100.
- the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2 .
- the heat exchanger 100 includes a plurality of heat exchange elements 10, a first header 30, and a second header 40, which are connected to opposite ends of the heat exchange elements 10 in a y direction.
- the heat exchange elements 10 are arranged side by side in an x direction.
- the heat exchange elements 10, which extend in the y direction, are arranged such that the axes thereof extend in the y direction.
- the y direction is parallel to the direction of gravity.
- the placement of the heat exchanger 100 is not limited only to the above example.
- the heat exchanger 100 may be placed such that the y direction is inclined relative to the direction of gravity.
- the heat exchange elements 10 are evenly spaced or arranged at predetermined intervals in the x direction.
- the axial direction of the heat exchange elements 10, or the y direction may be referred to as a first direction.
- a widthwise direction of the heat exchange elements 10, or a z direction may be referred to as a second direction.
- the direction in which the heat exchange elements 10 are arranged side by side, or the x direction may be referred to as a third direction.
- the heat exchange elements 10 have first end portions 13a in the axial direction that are connected to the first header 30.
- the heat exchange elements 10 have second end portions 13b in the axial direction that are connected to the second header 40.
- the first header 30 and the second header 40 are arranged such that each header has a length in the direction in which the heat exchange elements 10 are arranged.
- the length of the first header 30 is parallel to that of the second header 40.
- the first header 30 and the second header 40 may be collectively referred to as headers 2.
- heat exchange elements 10 parts of the end portions 13a and 13b are inserted into interiors of the headers 2 and are joined to the headers 2 by a joining process, such as brazing, or with a joining material, such as adhesive. Parts of the heat exchange elements 10 other than the parts inserted into the headers 2 will be referred to as heat exchange parts 10f.
- the heat exchange parts 10f of the heat exchange elements 10 are located between an upper surface of the first header 30 and a lower surface of the second header 40.
- the heat exchanger 100 is a finless heat exchanger, and does not have, for example, corrugated fins, which are to connect side faces 11a of heat transfer tubes 11 of the heat exchange elements 10, between the heat exchange elements 10. Specifically, the heat exchange elements 10 are connected only by the headers 2. The heat exchange elements 10 that are adjacent to each other have a space between the side faces thereof. The spacing between the side faces of the heat exchange elements 10 is set to be narrow to enhance the efficiency of heat exchange.
- Fig. 3 shows three views of the heat exchange element 10 in Embodiment 1.
- Fig. 3(a) is a front view of the heat exchange element 10.
- Fig. 3(b) is a side view of the heat exchange element 10.
- Fig. 3(c) is a top view of the heat exchange element 10.
- the heat exchange elements 10 each include the heat transfer tube 11, which is a flat tube extending in the y direction, and fins 12 each extending in the z direction from part of an edge portion 14 of the heat transfer tube 11.
- the heat transfer tube 11 has therein refrigerant passages 18, through which the refrigerant flows.
- the heat exchange elements 10 each extend between the first header 30 and the second header 40.
- the heat exchange elements 10 are arranged such that the side faces 11a face each other. Two adjacent heat exchange elements 10 of the heat exchange elements 10 have a space between these two adjacent heat exchange elements, and the space serves as an air passage.
- the direction in which the heat exchange elements 10 are arranged is a horizontal direction.
- the direction in which the heat exchange elements 10 are arranged is not limited to the horizontal direction, and may be a vertical direction or a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction.
- the axial direction of the heat exchange elements 10 in the heat exchanger 100 is the vertical direction.
- the direction in which the heat exchange elements 10 extend is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be the horizontal direction or a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction.
- the heat exchanger 100 While the heat exchanger 100 is operating as an evaporator of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 50, the refrigerant flows through an interior of each of the heat exchange elements 10 from a first end face 19a of the heat exchange element 10 in the y direction to a second end face 19b thereof. While the heat exchanger 100 is operating as a condenser of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 50, the refrigerant flows through the interior of each of the heat exchange elements 10 from the second end face 19b of the heat exchange element 10 in the y direction to the first end face 19a.
- each heat exchange element 10 includes the heat transfer tube 11 and the fins 12.
- the heat transfer tube 11 of the heat exchange element 10 is a flat multi-hole tube whose cross-section has a shape that is flat in one direction, such as an oblong shape.
- each of the fins 12 extends from part of the edge portion 14 in a direction along the major axis of a cross-section of the heat transfer tube 11 that is perpendicular to the y direction.
- the edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11 include parts each having no fin 12.
- the parts, of the edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11, having no fin 12 in the heat exchange element 10 are to be inserted into the interiors of the first header 30 and the second header 40.
- the parts of the end portions 13a and 13b are inserted into the first header 30 and the second header 40, so that the heat exchange element 10 communicates between the first header 30 and the second header 40.
- Each of the end portions 13a and 13b of the heat exchange element 10 includes a plurality of parts defined by imaginary division in the z direction.
- the parts are non-insertion parts 10a and an insertion part 10b defined by division with imaginary lines along the axis of the tube of the heat exchange element 10.
- the boundary between each non-insertion part 10a and the insertion part 10b will be referred to as a transition 10c.
- the heat transfer tube 11 corresponds to the insertion part 10b
- the fins 12 correspond to the non-insertion parts 10a.
- the insertion part 10b is a part of the end portion in the y direction of the heat exchange element 10 that is to be inserted into the interior of the header 2.
- each of the fins 12, serving as the non-insertion parts 10a includes a spaced-apart part 10d and an abutment part 10e at its end face in the y direction.
- the abutment part 10e is to abut the header 2 in a part other than the insertion part 10b.
- the spaced-apart part 10d is to be spaced apart from the header 2 in a part other than the insertion part 10b.
- the spaced-apart part 10d and the abutment part 10e form the end face in the y direction of the fin 12.
- the abutment part 10e is located closer to the end face 19a or 19b of the heat exchange element 10 than the spaced-apart part 10d. In other words, the abutment part 10e is located closer to the header 2 than the spaced-apart part 10d and is located between the spaced-apart part 10d and the insertion part 10b in the z direction.
- Fig. 4 shows three views of the first header 30 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- Fig. 4(a) is a front view of the first header 30.
- Fig. 4(b) is a side view of the first header 30.
- Fig. 4(c) is a top view of the first header 30.
- the first header 30 and the second header 40 are configured to cause the refrigerant to flow through the interior of the header, and can be connected to the heat exchange elements 10. As illustrated in Fig. 2 , for example, the refrigerant enters one end of the first header 30 in a direction represented by the arrow RF.
- the refrigerant is distributed to the heat exchange elements 10, so that streams of the refrigerant pass through the heat exchange elements 10. Then, the streams of the refrigerant join together in the second header 40. The refrigerant flows out of one end of the second header 40.
- each header 2 has a rectangular cuboid outer shape.
- the header 2 may have any other shape.
- the outer shape of the header 2 may be a cylinder or an elliptic cylinder.
- the cross-sectional shape of the header 2 can be changed as appropriate.
- a cylinder having opposite closed ends or a stack of plates having slits can be used.
- the first header 30 has a refrigerant port 33, through which the refrigerant can flow into or out of the header.
- the second header 40 has a refrigerant port 43, through which the refrigerant can flow into or out of the header.
- the first header 30 includes a first outer casing 31, which defines a header upper surface 34a, and a second outer casing 32, which defines a bottom portion.
- the first outer casing 31 and the second outer casing 32 are combined to form a rectangular cuboid shape of the first header 30.
- the refrigerant port 33 is located at an end of the second outer casing 32 in a direction opposite to the x direction.
- the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30 has a plurality of insertion holes 31a.
- the insertion holes 31a are arranged in the x direction in one-to-one correspondence with the heat exchange elements 10.
- the insertion holes 31a are holes into which the insertion parts 10b of the heat exchange elements 10 can be inserted, and extend through the first outer casing 31 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface.
- the second header 40 has the same structure as the first header 30.
- Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 10 and the first header 30 in the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- the heat transfer tube 11, serving as the insertion part 10b of each of the end portions 13a and 13b of the heat exchange element 10, is inserted into the insertion hole 31a of the first header 30.
- the insertion hole 31a has a shape that matches the shape of a peripheral surface of the insertion part 10b.
- the insertion part 10b is joined to the insertion hole 31a by, for example, brazing, to prevent leakage of the refrigerant flowing through the interior of the heat exchanger 100.
- the abutment part 10e of each fin 12, serving as the non-insertion part 10a abuts the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30.
- the spaced-apart part 10d of the fin 12, serving as the non-insertion part 10a, is spaced apart from the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30.
- the abutment part 10e it is only required that at least one part of a face of the fin 12 facing the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30 be in contact with the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30.
- the spaced-apart part 10d be a part of the face of the fin 12 facing the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30 in the y direction.
- side edges of the fins 12 are aligned with side faces 35 of the header 2. Even if the side edges of the fins 12 protrude farther than the side faces 35 of the header 2, the spaced-apart parts 10d can be arranged to face the first header 30 in the y direction.
- Such a configuration of the heat exchanger 100 determines a unique positional relationship between the heat exchange elements 10 and the headers 2. This facilitates positioning of the heat exchange elements 10 relative to the headers 2.
- the heat exchange elements 10 can be readily positioned by merely combining the heat exchange elements 10 with the headers 2 without any step of positioning the heat exchange elements 10 relative to the headers 2 and any jig. This facilitates the manufacture of the heat exchanger 100.
- the non-insertion part 10a is a part of each fin 12.
- the abutment part 10e is included in the end face in the y direction of the fin 12 and is located closer to the header 2 than the spaced-apart part 10d.
- Such a configuration of the heat exchange element 10 facilitates shaping of the heat exchange element 10 because the spaced-apart part 10d is formed by forming a cut in the fin 12, which can be readily cut.
- Figs. 6 and 7 are top views of the heat exchange element 10 in Embodiment 1 illustrating modifications of the fins 12.
- Fig. 6 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 3(c) .
- the fins 12 of the heat exchange element 10 are not limited to those integrated with the heat transfer tube 11.
- each fin 12 may be formed by curving a plate and joining the curved plate to a flat multi-hole tube.
- the heat exchange element 10 of Fig. 6 is formed by interposing the heat transfer tube 11, which is a flat multi-hole tube, between plates such that the plates cover the opposite side faces 11a of the heat transfer tube 11.
- the plates are arranged along the peripheral surface of the heat transfer tube 11. Portions of the plates that protrude from the heat transfer tube 11 in the z direction are joined together, thus forming the fins 12.
- the heat exchange element 10 of Fig. 7 is formed by joining a plate to one side face 11a of the heat transfer tube 11.
- the plate is curved to fit the one side face 11a of the heat transfer tube 11 and arc-shaped end portions in the z direction of the heat transfer tube 11, and is joined to the heat transfer tube 11 along the shape of the heat transfer tube 11. Portions of the plate that protrude from the heat transfer tube 11 in the z direction form the fins 12.
- the form of the plate is not limited to that curved along the shape of the heat transfer tube 11.
- the plate may remain flat and be joined to the side face 11a of the heat transfer tube 11.
- Fig. 8 shows three views of a heat exchange element 10A, which is a modification of the heat exchange element 10 in Embodiment 1.
- the heat exchange element 10A which is the modification, differs from the heat exchange element 10 in the shape of each fin 12, serving as the non-insertion part 10a.
- the abutment part 10e of the fin 12 is provided adjacent to the heat transfer tube 11 in the z direction as in the heat exchange element 10, and the spaced-apart part 10d is provided adjacent to the side edge of the fin 12.
- a commonality between the heat exchange element 10A and the heat exchange element 10 is that the abutment part is located between the insertion part 10b and the spaced-apart part 10d in the z direction.
- the spaced-apart part 10d is a sloping face that slopes toward the side edge of the fin 12 away from the header 2.
- Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 10A of Fig. 8 and the first header 30.
- the heat transfer tube 11 serving as the insertion part 10b of each of the end portions 13a and 13b of the heat exchange element 10A, is inserted into the insertion hole 31a of the first header 30.
- the spaced-apart part 10d slopes away from the heat transfer tube 11 and away from the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30, and is located apart from the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30.
- Such a configuration of the heat exchange element 10A allows the heat exchanger 100 including the heat exchange element 10A to have the same advantages as those of the heat exchanger including the heat exchange element 10.
- an edge 12c of an end portion in the y direction of the fin 12 can have an obtuse angle.
- the fin 12 of the heat exchange element 10A can have a simpler shape and higher strength than the fin of the heat exchange element 10.
- Fig. 10 shows three views of a heat exchange element 10B, which is a modification of the heat exchange element 10 in Embodiment 1.
- Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 10B of Fig. 10 and the first header 30.
- the heat transfer tube 11 serving as the insertion part 10b of each of the end portions 13a and 13b of the heat exchange element 10B, is inserted into the insertion hole 31a of the first header 30.
- the abutment part 10e of each fin 12 operating as the non-insertion part 10a, abuts the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30.
- the abutment part 10e is located remoter from the heat transfer tube 11 than the spaced-apart part 10d in the z direction.
- the spaced-apart part 10d is located between the insertion part 10b and the abutment part 10e in the z direction.
- the spaced-apart part 10d is provided next to the heat transfer tube 11 in the z direction.
- the non-insertion part 10a includes the spaced-apart part 10d to be spaced apart from the first header 30 in a part of the end face of the fin 12 that is adjacent to the heat transfer tube 11.
- the fins 12 extend from the two edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11 in the z direction.
- the abutment parts 10e are located adjacent to the side edges of the two fins 12, or remote from the heat transfer tube 11. For each abutment part 10e, it is only required that at least one part of a face of the fin 12 facing the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30 be in contact with the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30.
- Such a configuration of the heat exchange element 10B allows the heat exchanger 100 including the heat exchange element 10B to have the same advantages as those of the heat exchanger including the heat exchange element 10.
- the heat exchange element 10B includes the abutment part 10e located adjacent to the edge 12c of an end portion in the y direction of each fin 12.
- the distance between the two abutment parts 10e, which are to be in contact with the header upper surface 34a of the first header 30, of the heat exchange element 10B in the z direction is longer than that in the heat exchange element 10. This improves the accuracy of positioning the heat exchange element 10B relative to the headers 2 in manufacture of the heat exchanger 100.
- the heat exchanger 200 includes a heat exchange element 210A instead of the heat exchange element 10 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- the heat exchange element 210A has a shape different from that of the heat exchange element 10.
- Components and elements having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference signs, and a description thereof is omitted.
- Fig. 12 shows three views of the heat exchange element 210A in Embodiment 2.
- Fig. 12(a) is a front view of the heat exchange element 210A.
- Fig. 12(b) is a side view of the heat exchange element 210A.
- Fig. 12(c) is a top view of the heat exchange element 210A.
- a plurality of heat exchange elements 210A in Embodiment 2 each include the heat transfer tube 11, which is a flat tube, and the fins 12 each extending from part of the edge portion 14 of the heat transfer tube 11 in the z direction.
- the heat transfer tube 11 has therein the refrigerant passages 18, through which the refrigerant flows.
- the heat exchange elements 210A each extend between the first header 30 and the second header 40.
- the heat exchange elements 210A are arranged such that the side faces 11a face each other.
- Two adjacent heat exchange elements 210A of the heat exchange elements 210A have a space, serving as an air passage, therebetween.
- the edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11 in the heat exchange element 210A include parts each having no fin 12. Sections of the parts, of the edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11, having no fin 12 in the heat exchange element 210A are to be inserted into the interiors of the first header 30 and the second header 40. The sections, or parts of the end portions 13a and 13b of the heat exchange element 210A are inserted into the first header 30 and the second header 40, so that the heat exchange element 210A communicates between the first header 30 and the second header 40.
- a part of the end portion 13a that has no fins 12 on the edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11 includes sloping parts 14a such that the width in the z direction of the heat transfer tube 11 decreases toward the end face 19a of the heat transfer tube 11.
- the insertion part 10b has a tapered shape and gradually diminishes toward the end face in the y direction of the heat transfer tube 11 of the heat exchange element 210A.
- the end portion 13b of the heat exchange element 210A has the same structure as the end portion 13a.
- Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 210A and the first header 30 in the heat exchanger 200 according to Embodiment 2.
- Each of the end portions 13a and 13b of the heat exchange element 210A includes a plurality of parts defined by imaginary division in the z direction. The parts are the non-insertion parts 10a and the insertion part 10b defined by division with imaginary lines along the axis of the tube of the heat exchange element 210A. The boundary between each non-insertion part 10a and the insertion part 10b is referred to as the transition 10c.
- a middle part of the heat transfer tube 11 in the z direction corresponds to the insertion part 10b, and the end portions in the z direction of the heat transfer tube 11 and the fins 12 correspond to the non-insertion parts 10a.
- the insertion part 10b is the middle part between the boundaries, each of which is located part of the way toward the end face 19a from the fin 12 on the sloping part 14a.
- the heat exchange element 210A includes the abutment parts 10e, each of which is included in the sloping part 14a.
- the abutment part 10e is located between the insertion part 10b and the spaced-apart part 10d in the z direction.
- the heat exchange element 210A in Embodiment 2 includes the abutment parts 10e included in the heat transfer tube 11.
- the heat exchanger 200 has a configuration in which the heat transfer tube 11 abuts the headers 2 and is thus positioned.
- the heat exchanger 200 according to Embodiment 2 with such a configuration has the same advantages as those of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- the heat transfer tube 11, which is included in the heat exchange element 210A and is relatively highly rigid is in contact with the headers 2, thus positioning the heat exchange element 210A.
- the heat exchange element 210A of the heat exchanger 200 can be firmly positioned, thus further improving the accuracy of positioning.
- the edge portions 14, which face in the z direction, of the insertion part 10b each include the sloping part 14a, so that the heat exchange element 210A can be readily inserted into the insertion hole 31a of the header 2, thus improving the manufacturability of the heat exchanger 200.
- Fig. 14 shows three views of a heat exchange element 210B in Embodiment 2.
- Fig. 14(a) is a front view of the heat exchange element 210B.
- Fig. 14(b) is a side view of the heat exchange element 210B.
- Fig. 14(c) is a top view of the heat exchange element 210B.
- the heat exchange element 210B is a modification of the heat exchange element 210A in Embodiment 2.
- the heat exchange element 210B differs from the heat exchange element 210A in the shape of each of the non-insertion parts 10a and the insertion part 10b.
- the edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11 include parts each having no fin 12.
- Sections of the parts, of the edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11, having no fin 12 in the heat exchange element 210B are to be inserted into the interiors of the first header 30 and the second header 40.
- the sections, or parts of the end portions 13a and 13b of the heat exchange element 210B are inserted into the first header 30 and the second header 40, so that the heat exchange element 210B communicates between the first header 30 and the second header 40.
- the part of the end portion 13a having no fins 12 on the edge portions 14 of the heat transfer tube 11 has steps, each of which is located part of the way toward the fin 12 from the end face 19a of the heat transfer tube 11.
- the abutment part 10e is a face of each of the steps that faces the header 2.
- a portion of the heat transfer tube 11 that is adjacent to the end face 19a is narrower than a portion of the heat transfer tube 11 that has the fins 12.
- the part, of the end portion 13a of the heat exchange element 210B, having no fins 12 has the following shape.
- a portion of the heat transfer tube 11 that is located between the steps, which extend from the spaced-apart parts 10d located at the end faces of the fins 12 toward the end face 19a of the heat transfer tube 11, has the same width in the z direction as that of the portion, of the heat transfer tube 11, having the fins 12.
- the portion, of the heat transfer tube 11, adjacent to the end face 19a has a smaller width in the z direction than the portion, of the heat transfer tube 11, having the fins 12.
- the end portion 13b of the heat exchange element 210B has the same structure as the end portion 13a.
- Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 210B and the first header 30 in the heat exchanger 200 according to Embodiment 2.
- Each of the end portions 13a and 13b of the heat exchange element 210B includes a plurality of parts defined by imaginary division in the z direction. The parts are the non-insertion parts 10a and the insertion part 10b defined by division with imaginary lines along the axis of the tube of the heat exchange element 210B. The boundary between each non-insertion part 10a and the insertion part 10b is referred to as the transition 10c.
- a middle part of the heat transfer tube 11 corresponds to the insertion part 10b, and the end portions in the z direction of the heat transfer tube 11 and the fins 12 correspond to the non-insertion parts 10a.
- the insertion part 10b includes the narrow portion of the heat transfer tube 11.
- the edge portions 14, which face in the z direction, of the narrow portion of the heat transfer tube 11 serve as edge end faces 15 facing in the z direction.
- the edge end faces 15 are provided within a predetermined distance from the end face 19a and are to fit the insertion hole 31a of the header 2.
- the heat exchange element 210B includes the abutment parts 10e included in the end portions 13a and 13b. Unlike the heat exchange element 10 in Embodiment 1, the heat exchange element 210B in Embodiment 2 includes the abutment parts 10e included in the heat transfer tube 11.
- the heat exchanger 200 has a configuration in which the heat transfer tube 11 abuts the headers 2 and is thus positioned.
- the heat exchanger 200 according to Embodiment 2 with such a configuration has the same advantages as those of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- the heat transfer tube 11, which is included in the heat exchange element 210B and is relatively highly rigid is in contact with the headers 2, thus positioning the heat exchange element 210B.
- the heat exchange element 210 of the heat exchanger 200 can be firmly positioned, thus further improving the accuracy of positioning.
- the heat exchange element 210B may have a configuration in which the edge end faces 15 are inclined to the end faces 19a and 19b such that the end portions of the heat exchange element gradually diminish toward the end faces.
- Such a configuration of the heat exchange element 210B facilitates insertion into the insertion holes 31a of the headers 2 because the edge end faces 15 of the insertion parts 10b are inclined to the end faces 19a and 19b such that the end portions gradually diminish toward the end faces, thus improving the manufacturability of the heat exchanger 200.
- the heat exchanger 300 includes a header 302 instead of the header 2 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- the header 302 has a shape different from that of the header 2.
- Components and elements having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference signs, and a description thereof is omitted.
- Fig. 16 shows three views of the header 302 of the heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3.
- Fig. 16(a) is a front view of the header 302.
- Fig. 16(b) is a side view of the header 302.
- Fig. 16(c) is a top view of the header 302.
- the header 302 is used as a first header 330 or a second header 340 in the heat exchanger 300.
- the first header 330 and the second header 340 each extend in the x direction, and are configured to cause the refrigerant to flow through the interior of the header.
- the header 302 is used in place of the first header 30 or the second header 40 illustrated in Fig. 2 .
- the refrigerant enters one end of the first header 330 in the direction represented by the arrow RF.
- the refrigerant is distributed to heat exchange elements 310, so that streams of the refrigerant pass through the heat exchange elements 310. Then, the streams of the refrigerant join together in the second header 340.
- the refrigerant flows out of one end of the second header 340.
- each header 2 in Embodiment 1 has a rectangular cuboid outer shape, the header may have any other shape.
- the header 302 in Fig. 16 has an outer shape having sloping faces 36 located at edges on opposite sides in the z direction of the header upper surface 34a having the insertion holes 31a to receive the heat exchange elements 310. As illustrated in Fig. 16(b) , each of the sloping faces 36 is a face that slopes away from the heat exchange elements 310 in the z direction or a direction opposite to the z direction.
- Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 310 and the first header 330 in the heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3.
- the first header 330 has the sloping faces 36 on the opposite sides of the header upper surface 34a in the z direction. This ensures that the fins 12 are spaced apart at a sufficient distance from the header 2 even though, unlike the fins 12 of the heat exchange element 10A illustrated in, for example, Fig. 8 , each of the fins 12 includes no sloping part, which slopes away from the header 302, in the end portion adjacent to the header 2. This reduces the amount of cut in each fin 12 when viewed in the x direction, thus inhibiting a reduction in heat transfer area in the heat exchange element 310.
- Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 310 and a first header 330B, which is a modification of the first header 330, in the heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3.
- the header upper surface 34a may have any shape other than that of the header upper surface 34a of the header 302 illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 .
- the header upper surface 34a of the first header 330B has protrusions and depressions.
- the abutment parts 10e of the heat exchange element 310 abut protrusions 37a located closest to the heat transfer tube 11 in the z direction.
- Protrusions 37b located remoter from the heat transfer tube 11 than the protrusions 37a are spaced apart from the spaced-apart parts 10d, each of which is a part of the end face of each fin 12.
- the protrusions and the depressions of the header upper surface 34a of the header 302 define spaces with the spaced-apart parts 10d.
- Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 310 and a first header 330C, which is a modification of the first header 330, in the heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3.
- the header upper surface 34a of the first header 330C has fine protrusions and fine depressions.
- the abutment parts 10e of the heat exchange element 310 abut the tips of some of the protrusions of the header upper surface 34a.
- the spaced-apart parts 10d are spaced apart from the tips of the protrusions.
- the first headers 330B and 330C which are the modifications, contribute to a reduction in the amount of cut in each fin 12 when viewed in the x direction to inhibit a reduction in heat transfer area, and allow a change in area of joints between the fins 12 and the header upper surface 34a as necessary, thus enhancing the strength of joints between the heat exchange element 310 and the header 302.
- Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of a connection between a heat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of the heat exchange element 310, and a first header 330A, which is a modification of the first header 330, in the heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3.
- the fins 12 have no cuts.
- Parts of the fins 12 of the heat exchange element 310A that face the header upper surface 34a serve as the abutment parts 10e.
- Parts of the fins 12 of the heat exchange element 310A that face the sloping faces 36 of the header 330A in the y direction serve as the spaced-apart parts 10d.
- the sloping faces 36 of the header 330A provide the spaced-apart parts 10d even though the fins 12 of the heat exchange element 310A have no cuts in the end portions adjacent to the header 2.
- Such a configuration of the heat exchanger 300 allows the fins 12 to have a maximum heat transfer area, allows the spaced-apart parts 10d of the fins 12 to be spaced apart from the header 330A, increases the area of joints between the fins 12 and the header upper surface 34a, and also enhances the accuracy of positioning the heat exchange element 310A.
- the whole of each abutment part 10e does not have to abut the header upper surface 34a.
- a section of the abutment part 10e may abut the header upper surface 34a depending on the accuracy of dimensions of parts and the accuracy of positions of the parts.
- Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of the heat exchange element 310, and the first header 330B, which is a modification of the first header 330, in the heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3.
- the header upper surface 34a of the first header 330B has the protrusions and the depressions.
- Parts of the fins 12 of the heat exchange element 310A that face the protrusions 37a and 37b of the header upper surface 34a in the y direction serve as the abutment parts 10e.
- Parts of the fins 12 of the heat exchange element 310A that face the depressions of the header upper surface 34a in the y direction serve as the spaced-apart parts 10d.
- Such a combination of the heat exchange element 310A and the first header 330B offers the same advantages as those of the combination illustrated in Fig. 20 .
- Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of a connection between the heat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of the heat exchange element 310, and the first header 330C, which is a modification of the first header 330, in the heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. Since the header upper surface 34a of the first header 330C has the fine protrusions and the fine depressions, parts of the fins 12 of the heat exchange element 310A that face the tips of the protrusions of the header upper surface 34a in the y direction serve as the abutment parts 10e, and parts of the fins 12 that face the depressions of the header upper surface 34a in the y direction serve as the spaced-apart parts 10d.
- Such a combination of the heat exchange element 310A and the first header 330B offers the same advantages as those of the combination illustrated in Fig. 20 .
- the area of joints between the fins 12 and the header upper surface 34a can be changed as necessary. This sufficiently enhances the strength of joints between the heat exchange elements 310 and the headers 320 in the heat exchanger 300.
- Fig. 23 is an enlarged view of a connection between a heat exchange element 310B, which is a modification of the heat exchange element 310, and the first header 330A, which is a modification of the first header 330, in the heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3.
- the heat exchange element 310B which is the modification, has a shape different from that of the heat exchange element 310A in Fig. 20 .
- the fins 12 and the heat transfer tube 11 of the heat exchange element 310B are partly removed by, for example, pressing.
- the heat exchange element 310B has the edge end faces 15 located on opposite sides of the insertion part 10b in the z direction.
- Each abutment part 10e of the heat exchange element 310B is formed by the end face of each fin 12 and a step face of the heat transfer tube 11.
- Such a configuration of the heat exchanger 300 allows the fins 12 to have a maximum heat transfer area, allows the spaced-apart parts 10d of the fins 12 to be spaced apart from the header 330A, and also increases the area of joints between the fins 12 and the header upper surface 34a.
- Each of the abutment parts 10e is formed by not only the fin 12 but also the step face of the heat transfer tube 11. This improves the rigidity of the abutment part 10e as well as the accuracy of positioning.
- the heat exchanger 400 includes a heat exchange element 410 including a plurality of heat transfer tubes 411, which differ in number and shape from the heat transfer tube 11 of the heat exchange element 10 of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- the heat transfer tubes 411 are connected by fins 412. Components and elements having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference signs, and a description thereof is omitted.
- Fig. 24 shows three views of the heat exchange element 410 in Embodiment 4.
- Fig. 24(a) is a front view of the heat exchange element 410.
- Fig. 24(b) is a side view of the heat exchange element 410.
- Fig. 24(c) is a top view of the heat exchange element 410.
- the heat exchange element 410 includes three heat transfer tubes 411, which are arranged in the z direction and are parallel to each other.
- the heat transfer tubes 411 have a circular cross-sectional shape at any position in the y direction.
- each of the fins 412 is disposed between the adjacent heat transfer tubes 411.
- the heat transfer tubes 411 serve as the insertion parts 10b, and the fins 12 and 412 serve as the non-insertion parts 10a.
- end faces of the fins 12 and 412 that are adjacent to the headers 2 include the spaced-apart parts 10d and the abutment parts 10e.
- the heat exchange element 410 can include the heat transfer tubes 411 having a circular cross-sectional shape instead of the heat transfer tube 11, which is a flat multi-hole tube.
- the insertion holes 31a of the headers 2 included in the heat exchanger 400 have a circular shape that fits the heat transfer tube 411.
- the heat transfer tubes 411 are not limited to flat multi-hole tubes.
- the heat exchanger 400 including the heat transfer tubes having any other shape offers the same advantages as those of the heat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1.
- the heat exchanger 500 includes a heat exchange element 510 including a plurality of heat transfer tubes 511, which differ in number and shape from the heat transfer tube 11 of the heat exchange element 210 of the heat exchanger 200 according to Embodiment 2.
- the heat transfer tubes 511 are connected by fins 512.
- Components and elements having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 2 are designated by the same reference signs, and a description thereof is omitted.
- Fig. 25 shows three views of the heat exchange element 510 of the heat exchange element 510 according to Embodiment 5.
- Fig. 25(a) is a front view of the heat exchange element 510.
- Fig. 25(b) is a side view of the heat exchange element 510.
- Fig. 25(c) is a top view of the heat exchange element 510.
- the heat transfer tubes 511 of the heat exchange element 510 have a circular cross-sectional shape.
- Each of the heat transfer tubes 511 has steps in its end portions.
- the non-insertion parts 10a of the heat exchange element 510 include the fins 12 and 512 and parts of the heat transfer tubes 511.
- Such a configuration of the heat exchanger 500 according to Embodiment 5 allows the heat transfer tubes 511, which are relatively highly rigid, to abut the header 2.
- the heat exchange element 510 of the heat exchanger 500 can be firmly positioned relative to the headers 2. This improves the accuracy of positioning and the manufacturability.
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger unit including the heat exchanger, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus, and more particularly, relates to a structure of an insertion part of a heat exchange element that is inserted into a header.
- A known heat exchanger includes a heat exchange element including a fin and a heat transfer tube. The fin extends along the axis of the heat transfer tube. In such a heat exchanger, an end portion of the heat exchange element is inserted into a header. The whole of an end face of the fin abuts or is spaced apart from the header (refer to, for example, Patent Literature 1).
- Patent Literature 1:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-155479 - For a heat exchange element disclosed in
Patent Literature 1, a part of each fin that is in contact with or joined to a header has a long length. A brazing material enters a space between the fin and the header due to capillary action. In a case where the part, of each fin, to be in contact with or joined to the header has a long length, it is necessary to increase the amount of brazing material to be supplied to the space between the fin and the header. In a heat exchanger including such a heat exchange element, the heat exchange element may be damaged by, for example, erosion. - In view of the above issue, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger with little or no damage to a heat transfer tube caused by joining a heat exchange element to a header, a heat exchanger unit, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus.
- A heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a heat exchange element extending in a first direction and a header to which the heat exchange element is connected. The heat exchange element includes at least one heat transfer tube extending in the first direction and a fin provided on part of an edge portion of the at least one heat transfer tube in a second direction crossing orthogonally with the first direction. An end portion in the first direction of the heat exchange element includes an insertion part being inserted into an interior of the header, an abutment part abutting the header in a part other than the insertion part, and a spaced-apart part being spaced apart from the header in a part other than the insertion part.
- A heat exchanger unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the above-described heat exchanger.
- A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the above-described heat exchanger unit.
- According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the fin of the heat exchange element is joined to the header such that a joint between the fin and the header has an appropriate length. Thus, appropriate joining is achieved with less brazing material used to join the heat exchange element to the header, resulting in little or no damage to the heat exchange element in the heat exchanger.
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Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of arefrigeration cycle apparatus 50 including aheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. - [
Fig. 2] Fig. 2 shows three views of theheat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1 illustrating essential components of the heat exchanger. - [
Fig. 3] Fig. 3 shows three views of aheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1. - [
Fig. 4] Fig. 4 shows three views of afirst header 30 of theheat exchanger 100 according to Embodiment 1. - [
Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 10 and thefirst header 30 in theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. - [
Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a top view of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1 illustrating modifications offins 12. - [
Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a top view of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1 illustrating modifications of thefins 12. - [
Fig. 8] Fig. 8 shows three views of aheat exchange element 10A, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1. - [
Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 10A ofFig. 8 and thefirst header 30. - [
Fig. 10] Fig. 10 shows three views of aheat exchange element 10B, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1. - [
Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 10B ofFig. 10 and thefirst header 30. - [
Fig. 12] Fig. 12 shows three views of aheat exchange element 210A in Embodiment 2. - [
Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 210A and thefirst header 30 in aheat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2. - [
Fig. 14] Fig. 14 shows three views of aheat exchange element 210B in Embodiment 2. - [
Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 210B and thefirst header 30 in theheat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2. - [
Fig. 16] Fig. 16 shows three views of a header 302 of aheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. - [
Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a connection between aheat exchange element 310 and a first header 330 in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. - [
Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310 and afirst header 330B, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. - [
Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310 and afirst header 330C, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. - [
Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of a connection between aheat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 310, and afirst header 330A, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. - [
Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 310, and thefirst header 330B, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. - [
Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 310, and thefirst header 330C, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. - [
Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310B, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 310, and thefirst header 330A, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. - [
Fig. 24] Fig. 24 shows three views of aheat exchange element 410 in Embodiment 4. - [
Fig. 25] Fig. 25 shows three views of a heat exchange element 510 of a heat exchanger 500 according to Embodiment 5. - A heat exchanger according to
Embodiment 1, a heat exchanger unit, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings, for example. Note that the relationship between the relative dimensions, the forms, and other conditions of components in the following figures includingFig. 1 may differ from those of actual ones. Furthermore, note that components designated by the same reference signs in the following figures are the same components or equivalents. This applies to the entire description herein. For the sake of easiness in understanding, terms representing directions, such as "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", and "rear", will be used as appropriate. These terms are used herein only for the purpose of convenience of description and are not intended to restrict the arrangement and orientations of devices or parts. The positional relationship between components, a direction in which each component extends, and a direction in which the components are arranged described herein are provided in principle in a state where the heat exchanger is placed in position ready for use. -
Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of arefrigeration cycle apparatus 50 including aheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. InFig. 1 , broken-line arrows represent a direction in which refrigerant flows through arefrigerant circuit 110 in a cooling operation, and solid-line arrows represent a direction in which the refrigerant flows through therefrigerant circuit 110 in a heating operation. Therefrigeration cycle apparatus 50 including theheat exchanger 100 will now be described with reference toFig. 1 . Although an air-conditioning apparatus is illustrated as an example of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 50 inEmbodiment 1, therefrigeration cycle apparatus 50 is used for refrigeration or air conditioning and can be used as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a vending machine, an air-conditioning apparatus, a refrigeration apparatus, or a water heater. The illustratedrefrigerant circuit 110 is an example. For example, components of the circuit are not limited to those described inEmbodiment 1, and can be appropriately changed within a technical scope ofEmbodiment 1. - The
refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 includes therefrigerant circuit 110 in which acompressor 101, aflow switching device 102, anindoor heat exchanger 103, apressure reducing device 104, and anoutdoor heat exchanger 105 are connected sequentially by refrigerant pipes. Theheat exchanger 100, which will be described later, is used as at least one of theoutdoor heat exchanger 105 and theindoor heat exchanger 103. Therefrigeration cycle apparatus 50 includes anoutdoor unit 106 and anindoor unit 107. Units having therein a heat exchanger, such as theoutdoor unit 106 and theindoor unit 107, may be referred to as heat exchanger units. Theoutdoor unit 106 contains thecompressor 101, theflow switching device 102, theoutdoor heat exchanger 105, thepressure reducing device 104, and anoutdoor fan 108, which provides outdoor air to theoutdoor heat exchanger 105. Theindoor unit 107 includes theindoor heat exchanger 103 and anindoor fan 109, which provides air to theindoor heat exchanger 103. Theoutdoor unit 106 and theindoor unit 107 are connected by twoextension pipes - The
compressor 101 is a piece of fluid machinery that sucks, compresses, and discharges the refrigerant. Theflow switching device 102 is, for example, a four-way valve, and switches between a refrigerant passage for the cooling operation and a refrigerant passage for the heating operation under the control of a controller (not illustrated). - The
indoor heat exchanger 103 is a heat exchanger that causes heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant flowing through an interior of the heat exchanger and the indoor air provided by theindoor fan 109. Theindoor heat exchanger 103 operates as a condenser in the heating operation and operates as an evaporator in the cooling operation. - The
pressure reducing device 104 is, for example, an expansion valve, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. Examples of thepressure reducing device 104 include an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjusted under the control of the controller. - The
outdoor heat exchanger 105 is a heat exchanger that causes heat exchange to be performed between the refrigerant flowing through an interior of the heat exchanger and the air provided by theoutdoor fan 108. Theoutdoor heat exchanger 105 operates as an evaporator in the heating operation and operates as a condenser in the cooling operation. - Exemplary operations of the
refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 will now be described with reference toFig. 1 . In the heating operation of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 50, high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from thecompressor 101 flows through theflow switching device 102 and then enters theindoor heat exchanger 103, where the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air provided by theindoor fan 109 and thus condenses. The condensed refrigerant, which is in a high-pressure liquid state, flows out of theindoor heat exchanger 103 and is then turned into a low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid state by thepressure reducing device 104. The low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant enters theoutdoor heat exchanger 105, where the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air provided by theoutdoor fan 108 and thus evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant, which is in a low-pressure gas state, is sucked into thecompressor 101. - In the cooling operation of the
refrigeration cycle apparatus 50, the refrigerant flows through therefrigerant circuit 110 in a direction opposite to that in the heating operation. Specifically, in the cooling operation of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 50, high-pressure and high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from thecompressor 101 flows through theflow switching device 102 and then enters theoutdoor heat exchanger 105, where the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air provided by theoutdoor fan 108 and thus condenses. The condensed refrigerant, which is in a high-pressure liquid state, flows out of theoutdoor heat exchanger 105 and is then turned into a low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid state by thepressure reducing device 104. The low-pressure, two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant enters theindoor heat exchanger 103, where the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air provided by theindoor fan 109 and thus evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant, which is in a low-pressure gas state, is sucked into thecompressor 101. -
Fig. 2 shows three views of theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1 illustrating essential components of the heat exchanger.Fig. 2(a) is a front view of theheat exchanger 100.Fig. 2(b) is a side view of theheat exchanger 100.Fig. 2(c) is a bottom view of theheat exchanger 100. InFig. 2 , each arrow RF represents the flow of the refrigerant flowing into or out of theheat exchanger 100. Theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1 will now be described with reference toFig. 2 . - The
heat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1 includes a plurality ofheat exchange elements 10, afirst header 30, and a second header 40, which are connected to opposite ends of theheat exchange elements 10 in a y direction. Theheat exchange elements 10 are arranged side by side in an x direction. Theheat exchange elements 10, which extend in the y direction, are arranged such that the axes thereof extend in the y direction. InEmbodiment 1, the y direction is parallel to the direction of gravity. The placement of theheat exchanger 100 is not limited only to the above example. Theheat exchanger 100 may be placed such that the y direction is inclined relative to the direction of gravity. Theheat exchange elements 10 are evenly spaced or arranged at predetermined intervals in the x direction. The axial direction of theheat exchange elements 10, or the y direction may be referred to as a first direction. A widthwise direction of theheat exchange elements 10, or a z direction may be referred to as a second direction. The direction in which theheat exchange elements 10 are arranged side by side, or the x direction may be referred to as a third direction. - The
heat exchange elements 10 havefirst end portions 13a in the axial direction that are connected to thefirst header 30. Theheat exchange elements 10 havesecond end portions 13b in the axial direction that are connected to the second header 40. Thefirst header 30 and the second header 40 are arranged such that each header has a length in the direction in which theheat exchange elements 10 are arranged. The length of thefirst header 30 is parallel to that of the second header 40. In the following description, thefirst header 30 and the second header 40 may be collectively referred to asheaders 2. - For the
heat exchange elements 10, parts of theend portions headers 2 and are joined to theheaders 2 by a joining process, such as brazing, or with a joining material, such as adhesive. Parts of theheat exchange elements 10 other than the parts inserted into theheaders 2 will be referred to asheat exchange parts 10f. Theheat exchange parts 10f of theheat exchange elements 10 are located between an upper surface of thefirst header 30 and a lower surface of the second header 40. - The
heat exchanger 100 is a finless heat exchanger, and does not have, for example, corrugated fins, which are to connect side faces 11a ofheat transfer tubes 11 of theheat exchange elements 10, between theheat exchange elements 10. Specifically, theheat exchange elements 10 are connected only by theheaders 2. Theheat exchange elements 10 that are adjacent to each other have a space between the side faces thereof. The spacing between the side faces of theheat exchange elements 10 is set to be narrow to enhance the efficiency of heat exchange. -
Fig. 3 shows three views of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1.Fig. 3(a) is a front view of theheat exchange element 10.Fig. 3(b) is a side view of theheat exchange element 10.Fig. 3(c) is a top view of theheat exchange element 10. InEmbodiment 1, theheat exchange elements 10 each include theheat transfer tube 11, which is a flat tube extending in the y direction, andfins 12 each extending in the z direction from part of anedge portion 14 of theheat transfer tube 11. Theheat transfer tube 11 has therein refrigerantpassages 18, through which the refrigerant flows. Theheat exchange elements 10 each extend between thefirst header 30 and the second header 40. Theheat exchange elements 10 are arranged such that the side faces 11a face each other. Two adjacentheat exchange elements 10 of theheat exchange elements 10 have a space between these two adjacent heat exchange elements, and the space serves as an air passage. - In the
heat exchanger 100, the direction in which theheat exchange elements 10 are arranged is a horizontal direction. The direction in which theheat exchange elements 10 are arranged is not limited to the horizontal direction, and may be a vertical direction or a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction. Similarly, the axial direction of theheat exchange elements 10 in theheat exchanger 100 is the vertical direction. The direction in which theheat exchange elements 10 extend is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be the horizontal direction or a direction inclined relative to the vertical direction. - While the
heat exchanger 100 is operating as an evaporator of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 50, the refrigerant flows through an interior of each of theheat exchange elements 10 from afirst end face 19a of theheat exchange element 10 in the y direction to asecond end face 19b thereof. While theheat exchanger 100 is operating as a condenser of therefrigeration cycle apparatus 50, the refrigerant flows through the interior of each of theheat exchange elements 10 from thesecond end face 19b of theheat exchange element 10 in the y direction to thefirst end face 19a. - As illustrated in
Fig. 3 , eachheat exchange element 10 includes theheat transfer tube 11 and thefins 12. Theheat transfer tube 11 of theheat exchange element 10 is a flat multi-hole tube whose cross-section has a shape that is flat in one direction, such as an oblong shape. In theheat exchange element 10, each of thefins 12 extends from part of theedge portion 14 in a direction along the major axis of a cross-section of theheat transfer tube 11 that is perpendicular to the y direction. - In the
heat exchange element 10, theedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11 include parts each having nofin 12. The parts, of theedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11, having nofin 12 in theheat exchange element 10 are to be inserted into the interiors of thefirst header 30 and the second header 40. The parts of theend portions first header 30 and the second header 40, so that theheat exchange element 10 communicates between thefirst header 30 and the second header 40. - Each of the
end portions heat exchange element 10 includes a plurality of parts defined by imaginary division in the z direction. The parts arenon-insertion parts 10a and aninsertion part 10b defined by division with imaginary lines along the axis of the tube of theheat exchange element 10. The boundary between eachnon-insertion part 10a and theinsertion part 10b will be referred to as atransition 10c. In each of theend portions heat exchange element 10 inFig. 3 , theheat transfer tube 11 corresponds to theinsertion part 10b, and thefins 12 correspond to thenon-insertion parts 10a. Theinsertion part 10b is a part of the end portion in the y direction of theheat exchange element 10 that is to be inserted into the interior of theheader 2. - The
non-insertion parts 10a are parts of each end portion in the y direction of theheat exchange element 10 that are other than theinsertion part 10b. InEmbodiment 1, each of thefins 12, serving as thenon-insertion parts 10a, includes a spaced-apartpart 10d and anabutment part 10e at its end face in the y direction. Theabutment part 10e is to abut theheader 2 in a part other than theinsertion part 10b. The spaced-apartpart 10d is to be spaced apart from theheader 2 in a part other than theinsertion part 10b. The spaced-apartpart 10d and theabutment part 10e form the end face in the y direction of thefin 12. Theabutment part 10e is located closer to theend face heat exchange element 10 than the spaced-apartpart 10d. In other words, theabutment part 10e is located closer to theheader 2 than the spaced-apartpart 10d and is located between the spaced-apartpart 10d and theinsertion part 10b in the z direction. -
Fig. 4 shows three views of thefirst header 30 of theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1.Fig. 4(a) is a front view of thefirst header 30.Fig. 4(b) is a side view of thefirst header 30.Fig. 4(c) is a top view of thefirst header 30. Thefirst header 30 and the second header 40, each of which extends in the x direction, are configured to cause the refrigerant to flow through the interior of the header, and can be connected to theheat exchange elements 10. As illustrated inFig. 2 , for example, the refrigerant enters one end of thefirst header 30 in a direction represented by the arrow RF. The refrigerant is distributed to theheat exchange elements 10, so that streams of the refrigerant pass through theheat exchange elements 10. Then, the streams of the refrigerant join together in the second header 40. The refrigerant flows out of one end of the second header 40. - In
Figs. 2 and4 , eachheader 2 has a rectangular cuboid outer shape. Theheader 2 may have any other shape. For example, the outer shape of theheader 2 may be a cylinder or an elliptic cylinder. The cross-sectional shape of theheader 2 can be changed as appropriate. For the structure of theheader 2, for example, a cylinder having opposite closed ends or a stack of plates having slits can be used. Thefirst header 30 has arefrigerant port 33, through which the refrigerant can flow into or out of the header. The second header 40 has arefrigerant port 43, through which the refrigerant can flow into or out of the header. - As illustrated in
Fig. 4 , thefirst header 30 includes a firstouter casing 31, which defines a headerupper surface 34a, and a secondouter casing 32, which defines a bottom portion. The firstouter casing 31 and the secondouter casing 32 are combined to form a rectangular cuboid shape of thefirst header 30. Therefrigerant port 33 is located at an end of the secondouter casing 32 in a direction opposite to the x direction. The headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30 has a plurality ofinsertion holes 31a. The insertion holes 31a are arranged in the x direction in one-to-one correspondence with theheat exchange elements 10. The insertion holes 31a are holes into which theinsertion parts 10b of theheat exchange elements 10 can be inserted, and extend through the firstouter casing 31 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface. The second header 40 has the same structure as thefirst header 30. -
Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 10 and thefirst header 30 in theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. Theheat transfer tube 11, serving as theinsertion part 10b of each of theend portions heat exchange element 10, is inserted into theinsertion hole 31a of thefirst header 30. Theinsertion hole 31a has a shape that matches the shape of a peripheral surface of theinsertion part 10b. Theinsertion part 10b is joined to theinsertion hole 31a by, for example, brazing, to prevent leakage of the refrigerant flowing through the interior of theheat exchanger 100. Theabutment part 10e of eachfin 12, serving as thenon-insertion part 10a, abuts the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30. The spaced-apartpart 10d of thefin 12, serving as thenon-insertion part 10a, is spaced apart from the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30. For theabutment part 10e, it is only required that at least one part of a face of thefin 12 facing the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30 be in contact with the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30. Furthermore, it is only required that the spaced-apartpart 10d be a part of the face of thefin 12 facing the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30 in the y direction. InFig. 5 , side edges of thefins 12 are aligned with side faces 35 of theheader 2. Even if the side edges of thefins 12 protrude farther than the side faces 35 of theheader 2, the spaced-apart parts 10d can be arranged to face thefirst header 30 in the y direction. - Such a configuration of the
heat exchanger 100 determines a unique positional relationship between theheat exchange elements 10 and theheaders 2. This facilitates positioning of theheat exchange elements 10 relative to theheaders 2. In manufacture of theheat exchanger 100, theheat exchange elements 10 can be readily positioned by merely combining theheat exchange elements 10 with theheaders 2 without any step of positioning theheat exchange elements 10 relative to theheaders 2 and any jig. This facilitates the manufacture of theheat exchanger 100. A reduction in dimension of the parts of theheat exchange elements 10 in contact with eachheader 2, or dimension of thefins 12 of theheat exchange elements 10 in contact with the headerupper surface 34a of theheader 2, reduces the amount of brazing material used to join theheat exchange elements 10 to theheader 2. This leads to a lower manufacturing cost while the sealing performance and strength of joints between theheat exchange elements 10 and theheaders 2 are enhanced. In addition, a reduction in the amount of brazing material used to join theheat exchange elements 10 to theheaders 2 in theheat exchanger 100 results in little or no damage to the heat transfer tubes caused by erosion. - In
Embodiment 1, thenon-insertion part 10a is a part of eachfin 12. Theabutment part 10e is included in the end face in the y direction of thefin 12 and is located closer to theheader 2 than the spaced-apartpart 10d. Such a configuration of theheat exchange element 10 facilitates shaping of theheat exchange element 10 because the spaced-apartpart 10d is formed by forming a cut in thefin 12, which can be readily cut. -
Figs. 6 and 7 are top views of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1 illustrating modifications of thefins 12.Fig. 6 is a diagram corresponding toFig. 3(c) . Thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 10 are not limited to those integrated with theheat transfer tube 11. For example, eachfin 12 may be formed by curving a plate and joining the curved plate to a flat multi-hole tube. Theheat exchange element 10 ofFig. 6 is formed by interposing theheat transfer tube 11, which is a flat multi-hole tube, between plates such that the plates cover the opposite side faces 11a of theheat transfer tube 11. The plates are arranged along the peripheral surface of theheat transfer tube 11. Portions of the plates that protrude from theheat transfer tube 11 in the z direction are joined together, thus forming thefins 12. - The
heat exchange element 10 ofFig. 7 is formed by joining a plate to oneside face 11a of theheat transfer tube 11. The plate is curved to fit the oneside face 11a of theheat transfer tube 11 and arc-shaped end portions in the z direction of theheat transfer tube 11, and is joined to theheat transfer tube 11 along the shape of theheat transfer tube 11. Portions of the plate that protrude from theheat transfer tube 11 in the z direction form thefins 12. The form of the plate is not limited to that curved along the shape of theheat transfer tube 11. The plate may remain flat and be joined to theside face 11a of theheat transfer tube 11. -
Fig. 8 shows three views of aheat exchange element 10A, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1. Theheat exchange element 10A, which is the modification, differs from theheat exchange element 10 in the shape of eachfin 12, serving as thenon-insertion part 10a. In theheat exchange element 10A, theabutment part 10e of thefin 12 is provided adjacent to theheat transfer tube 11 in the z direction as in theheat exchange element 10, and the spaced-apartpart 10d is provided adjacent to the side edge of thefin 12. In other words, a commonality between theheat exchange element 10A and theheat exchange element 10 is that the abutment part is located between theinsertion part 10b and the spaced-apartpart 10d in the z direction. In theheat exchange element 10A, the spaced-apartpart 10d is a sloping face that slopes toward the side edge of thefin 12 away from theheader 2. -
Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 10A ofFig. 8 and thefirst header 30. As in theheat exchange element 10, theheat transfer tube 11, serving as theinsertion part 10b of each of theend portions heat exchange element 10A, is inserted into theinsertion hole 31a of thefirst header 30. Theabutment part 10e of eachfin 12, serving as thenon-insertion part 10a, abuts the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30. For theabutment part 10e, it is only required that at least one part of a face of thefin 12 facing the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30 be in contact with the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30. The spaced-apartpart 10d of thefin 12, serving as thenon-insertion part 10a, extends at an angle from an edge of theabutment part 10e that is remote from theheat transfer tube 11. The spaced-apartpart 10d slopes away from theheat transfer tube 11 and away from the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30, and is located apart from the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30. Such a configuration of theheat exchange element 10A allows theheat exchanger 100 including theheat exchange element 10A to have the same advantages as those of the heat exchanger including theheat exchange element 10. Furthermore, anedge 12c of an end portion in the y direction of thefin 12 can have an obtuse angle. Thus, thefin 12 of theheat exchange element 10A can have a simpler shape and higher strength than the fin of theheat exchange element 10. -
Fig. 10 shows three views of aheat exchange element 10B, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1.Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 10B ofFig. 10 and thefirst header 30. As in theheat exchange element 10, theheat transfer tube 11, serving as theinsertion part 10b of each of theend portions heat exchange element 10B, is inserted into theinsertion hole 31a of thefirst header 30. In theheat exchange element 10B, theabutment part 10e of eachfin 12, operating as thenon-insertion part 10a, abuts the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30. Theabutment part 10e is located remoter from theheat transfer tube 11 than the spaced-apartpart 10d in the z direction. In other words, the spaced-apartpart 10d is located between theinsertion part 10b and theabutment part 10e in the z direction. The spaced-apartpart 10d is provided next to theheat transfer tube 11 in the z direction. In other words, thenon-insertion part 10a includes the spaced-apartpart 10d to be spaced apart from thefirst header 30 in a part of the end face of thefin 12 that is adjacent to theheat transfer tube 11. Thefins 12 extend from the twoedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11 in the z direction. Theabutment parts 10e are located adjacent to the side edges of the twofins 12, or remote from theheat transfer tube 11. For eachabutment part 10e, it is only required that at least one part of a face of thefin 12 facing the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30 be in contact with the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30. Such a configuration of theheat exchange element 10B allows theheat exchanger 100 including theheat exchange element 10B to have the same advantages as those of the heat exchanger including theheat exchange element 10. Theheat exchange element 10B includes theabutment part 10e located adjacent to theedge 12c of an end portion in the y direction of eachfin 12. Therefore, the distance between the twoabutment parts 10e, which are to be in contact with the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 30, of theheat exchange element 10B in the z direction is longer than that in theheat exchange element 10. This improves the accuracy of positioning theheat exchange element 10B relative to theheaders 2 in manufacture of theheat exchanger 100. - A
heat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2 will be described. Theheat exchanger 200 includes aheat exchange element 210A instead of theheat exchange element 10 of theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. Theheat exchange element 210A has a shape different from that of theheat exchange element 10. Components and elements having the same functions and effects as those inEmbodiment 1 are designated by the same reference signs, and a description thereof is omitted. -
Fig. 12 shows three views of theheat exchange element 210A inEmbodiment 2.Fig. 12(a) is a front view of theheat exchange element 210A.Fig. 12(b) is a side view of theheat exchange element 210A.Fig. 12(c) is a top view of theheat exchange element 210A. A plurality ofheat exchange elements 210A inEmbodiment 2 each include theheat transfer tube 11, which is a flat tube, and thefins 12 each extending from part of theedge portion 14 of theheat transfer tube 11 in the z direction. Theheat transfer tube 11 has therein therefrigerant passages 18, through which the refrigerant flows. Theheat exchange elements 210A each extend between thefirst header 30 and the second header 40. Theheat exchange elements 210A are arranged such that the side faces 11a face each other. Two adjacentheat exchange elements 210A of theheat exchange elements 210A have a space, serving as an air passage, therebetween. - As illustrated in
Fig. 12 , theedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11 in theheat exchange element 210A include parts each having nofin 12. Sections of the parts, of theedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11, having nofin 12 in theheat exchange element 210A are to be inserted into the interiors of thefirst header 30 and the second header 40. The sections, or parts of theend portions heat exchange element 210A are inserted into thefirst header 30 and the second header 40, so that theheat exchange element 210A communicates between thefirst header 30 and the second header 40. In theheat exchange element 210A, a part of theend portion 13a that has nofins 12 on theedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11 includes slopingparts 14a such that the width in the z direction of theheat transfer tube 11 decreases toward theend face 19a of theheat transfer tube 11. In other words, theinsertion part 10b has a tapered shape and gradually diminishes toward the end face in the y direction of theheat transfer tube 11 of theheat exchange element 210A. Theend portion 13b of theheat exchange element 210A has the same structure as theend portion 13a. -
Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 210A and thefirst header 30 in theheat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2. Each of theend portions heat exchange element 210A includes a plurality of parts defined by imaginary division in the z direction. The parts are thenon-insertion parts 10a and theinsertion part 10b defined by division with imaginary lines along the axis of the tube of theheat exchange element 210A. The boundary between eachnon-insertion part 10a and theinsertion part 10b is referred to as thetransition 10c. In each of theend portions heat exchange element 210A inFig. 12 , a middle part of theheat transfer tube 11 in the z direction corresponds to theinsertion part 10b, and the end portions in the z direction of theheat transfer tube 11 and thefins 12 correspond to thenon-insertion parts 10a. Theinsertion part 10b is the middle part between the boundaries, each of which is located part of the way toward theend face 19a from thefin 12 on thesloping part 14a. - As illustrated in
Fig. 13 , theheat exchange element 210A includes theabutment parts 10e, each of which is included in thesloping part 14a. A section of thesloping part 14a that is adjacent to thefin 12 and the end face of thefin 12 forming the spaced-apartpart 10d. In other words, theabutment part 10e is located between theinsertion part 10b and the spaced-apartpart 10d in the z direction. Unlike theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1, theheat exchange element 210A inEmbodiment 2 includes theabutment parts 10e included in theheat transfer tube 11. Theheat exchanger 200 has a configuration in which theheat transfer tube 11 abuts theheaders 2 and is thus positioned. Theheat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2 with such a configuration has the same advantages as those of theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. In theheat exchanger 200, theheat transfer tube 11, which is included in theheat exchange element 210A and is relatively highly rigid, is in contact with theheaders 2, thus positioning theheat exchange element 210A. Thus, theheat exchange element 210A of theheat exchanger 200 can be firmly positioned, thus further improving the accuracy of positioning. Furthermore, theedge portions 14, which face in the z direction, of theinsertion part 10b each include thesloping part 14a, so that theheat exchange element 210A can be readily inserted into theinsertion hole 31a of theheader 2, thus improving the manufacturability of theheat exchanger 200. -
Fig. 14 shows three views of aheat exchange element 210B inEmbodiment 2.Fig. 14(a) is a front view of theheat exchange element 210B.Fig. 14(b) is a side view of theheat exchange element 210B.Fig. 14(c) is a top view of theheat exchange element 210B. Theheat exchange element 210B is a modification of theheat exchange element 210A inEmbodiment 2. Theheat exchange element 210B differs from theheat exchange element 210A in the shape of each of thenon-insertion parts 10a and theinsertion part 10b. In theheat exchange element 210B, theedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11 include parts each having nofin 12. Sections of the parts, of theedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11, having nofin 12 in theheat exchange element 210B are to be inserted into the interiors of thefirst header 30 and the second header 40. The sections, or parts of theend portions heat exchange element 210B are inserted into thefirst header 30 and the second header 40, so that theheat exchange element 210B communicates between thefirst header 30 and the second header 40. - In the
heat exchange element 210B, the part of theend portion 13a having nofins 12 on theedge portions 14 of theheat transfer tube 11 has steps, each of which is located part of the way toward thefin 12 from theend face 19a of theheat transfer tube 11. Theabutment part 10e is a face of each of the steps that faces theheader 2. A portion of theheat transfer tube 11 that is adjacent to theend face 19a is narrower than a portion of theheat transfer tube 11 that has thefins 12. In other words, the part, of theend portion 13a of theheat exchange element 210B, having nofins 12 has the following shape. A portion of theheat transfer tube 11 that is located between the steps, which extend from the spaced-apart parts 10d located at the end faces of thefins 12 toward theend face 19a of theheat transfer tube 11, has the same width in the z direction as that of the portion, of theheat transfer tube 11, having thefins 12. The portion, of theheat transfer tube 11, adjacent to theend face 19a has a smaller width in the z direction than the portion, of theheat transfer tube 11, having thefins 12. Theend portion 13b of theheat exchange element 210B has the same structure as theend portion 13a. -
Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 210B and thefirst header 30 in theheat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2. Each of theend portions heat exchange element 210B includes a plurality of parts defined by imaginary division in the z direction. The parts are thenon-insertion parts 10a and theinsertion part 10b defined by division with imaginary lines along the axis of the tube of theheat exchange element 210B. The boundary between eachnon-insertion part 10a and theinsertion part 10b is referred to as thetransition 10c. In each of theend portions heat exchange element 210B inFig. 14 , a middle part of theheat transfer tube 11 corresponds to theinsertion part 10b, and the end portions in the z direction of theheat transfer tube 11 and thefins 12 correspond to thenon-insertion parts 10a. Theinsertion part 10b includes the narrow portion of theheat transfer tube 11. Theedge portions 14, which face in the z direction, of the narrow portion of theheat transfer tube 11 serve as edge end faces 15 facing in the z direction. The edge end faces 15 are provided within a predetermined distance from theend face 19a and are to fit theinsertion hole 31a of theheader 2. - As illustrated in
Fig. 15 , theheat exchange element 210B includes theabutment parts 10e included in theend portions heat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1, theheat exchange element 210B inEmbodiment 2 includes theabutment parts 10e included in theheat transfer tube 11. Theheat exchanger 200 has a configuration in which theheat transfer tube 11 abuts theheaders 2 and is thus positioned. Theheat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2 with such a configuration has the same advantages as those of theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. In theheat exchanger 200, theheat transfer tube 11, which is included in theheat exchange element 210B and is relatively highly rigid, is in contact with theheaders 2, thus positioning theheat exchange element 210B. Thus, the heat exchange element 210 of theheat exchanger 200 can be firmly positioned, thus further improving the accuracy of positioning. - The
heat exchange element 210B may have a configuration in which the edge end faces 15 are inclined to the end faces 19a and 19b such that the end portions of the heat exchange element gradually diminish toward the end faces. Such a configuration of theheat exchange element 210B facilitates insertion into theinsertion holes 31a of theheaders 2 because the edge end faces 15 of theinsertion parts 10b are inclined to the end faces 19a and 19b such that the end portions gradually diminish toward the end faces, thus improving the manufacturability of theheat exchanger 200. - A
heat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Theheat exchanger 300 includes a header 302 instead of theheader 2 of theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. The header 302 has a shape different from that of theheader 2. Components and elements having the same functions and effects as those inEmbodiment 1 are designated by the same reference signs, and a description thereof is omitted. -
Fig. 16 shows three views of the header 302 of theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3.Fig. 16(a) is a front view of the header 302.Fig. 16(b) is a side view of the header 302.Fig. 16(c) is a top view of the header 302. The header 302 is used as a first header 330 or a second header 340 in theheat exchanger 300. The first header 330 and the second header 340 each extend in the x direction, and are configured to cause the refrigerant to flow through the interior of the header. The header 302 is used in place of thefirst header 30 or the second header 40 illustrated inFig. 2 . For example, the refrigerant enters one end of the first header 330 in the direction represented by the arrow RF. The refrigerant is distributed to heatexchange elements 310, so that streams of the refrigerant pass through theheat exchange elements 310. Then, the streams of the refrigerant join together in the second header 340. The refrigerant flows out of one end of the second header 340. - Although each
header 2 inEmbodiment 1 has a rectangular cuboid outer shape, the header may have any other shape. The header 302 inFig. 16 has an outer shape having sloping faces 36 located at edges on opposite sides in the z direction of the headerupper surface 34a having theinsertion holes 31a to receive theheat exchange elements 310. As illustrated inFig. 16(b) , each of the sloping faces 36 is a face that slopes away from theheat exchange elements 310 in the z direction or a direction opposite to the z direction. -
Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310 and the first header 330 in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. As illustrated inFig. 16 , the first header 330 has the sloping faces 36 on the opposite sides of the headerupper surface 34a in the z direction. This ensures that thefins 12 are spaced apart at a sufficient distance from theheader 2 even though, unlike thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 10A illustrated in, for example,Fig. 8 , each of thefins 12 includes no sloping part, which slopes away from the header 302, in the end portion adjacent to theheader 2. This reduces the amount of cut in eachfin 12 when viewed in the x direction, thus inhibiting a reduction in heat transfer area in theheat exchange element 310. -
Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310 and afirst header 330B, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. The headerupper surface 34a may have any shape other than that of the headerupper surface 34a of the header 302 illustrated inFigs. 16 and 17 . As illustrated inFig. 18 , the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 330B has protrusions and depressions. Theabutment parts 10e of theheat exchange element 310abut protrusions 37a located closest to theheat transfer tube 11 in the z direction.Protrusions 37b located remoter from theheat transfer tube 11 than theprotrusions 37a are spaced apart from the spaced-apart parts 10d, each of which is a part of the end face of eachfin 12. In other words, the protrusions and the depressions of the headerupper surface 34a of the header 302 define spaces with the spaced-apart parts 10d. -
Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310 and afirst header 330C, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. The headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 330C has fine protrusions and fine depressions. Theabutment parts 10e of theheat exchange element 310 abut the tips of some of the protrusions of the headerupper surface 34a. The spaced-apart parts 10d are spaced apart from the tips of the protrusions. Thefirst headers fin 12 when viewed in the x direction to inhibit a reduction in heat transfer area, and allow a change in area of joints between thefins 12 and the headerupper surface 34a as necessary, thus enhancing the strength of joints between theheat exchange element 310 and the header 302. -
Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of a connection between aheat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 310, and afirst header 330A, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. In theheat exchange element 310A, which is the modification, unlike thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 310, thefins 12 have no cuts. Parts of thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 310A that face the headerupper surface 34a serve as theabutment parts 10e. Parts of thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 310A that face the sloping faces 36 of theheader 330A in the y direction serve as the spaced-apart parts 10d. In other words, the sloping faces 36 of theheader 330A provide the spaced-apart parts 10d even though thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 310A have no cuts in the end portions adjacent to theheader 2. Such a configuration of theheat exchanger 300 allows thefins 12 to have a maximum heat transfer area, allows the spaced-apart parts 10d of thefins 12 to be spaced apart from theheader 330A, increases the area of joints between thefins 12 and the headerupper surface 34a, and also enhances the accuracy of positioning theheat exchange element 310A. For theabutment parts 10e, the whole of eachabutment part 10e does not have to abut the headerupper surface 34a. A section of theabutment part 10e may abut the headerupper surface 34a depending on the accuracy of dimensions of parts and the accuracy of positions of the parts. -
Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 310, and thefirst header 330B, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. The headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 330B has the protrusions and the depressions. Parts of thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 310A that face theprotrusions upper surface 34a in the y direction serve as theabutment parts 10e. Parts of thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 310A that face the depressions of the headerupper surface 34a in the y direction serve as the spaced-apart parts 10d. Such a combination of theheat exchange element 310A and thefirst header 330B offers the same advantages as those of the combination illustrated inFig. 20 . -
Fig. 22 is an enlarged view of a connection between theheat exchange element 310A, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 310, and thefirst header 330C, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. Since the headerupper surface 34a of thefirst header 330C has the fine protrusions and the fine depressions, parts of thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 310A that face the tips of the protrusions of the headerupper surface 34a in the y direction serve as theabutment parts 10e, and parts of thefins 12 that face the depressions of the headerupper surface 34a in the y direction serve as the spaced-apart parts 10d. Such a combination of theheat exchange element 310A and thefirst header 330B offers the same advantages as those of the combination illustrated inFig. 20 . For theheat exchanger 300 illustrated in each ofFigs. 20 to 22 , the area of joints between thefins 12 and the headerupper surface 34a can be changed as necessary. This sufficiently enhances the strength of joints between theheat exchange elements 310 and the headers 320 in theheat exchanger 300. -
Fig. 23 is an enlarged view of a connection between aheat exchange element 310B, which is a modification of theheat exchange element 310, and thefirst header 330A, which is a modification of the first header 330, in theheat exchanger 300 according to Embodiment 3. Theheat exchange element 310B, which is the modification, has a shape different from that of theheat exchange element 310A inFig. 20 . Thefins 12 and theheat transfer tube 11 of theheat exchange element 310B are partly removed by, for example, pressing. Theheat exchange element 310B has the edge end faces 15 located on opposite sides of theinsertion part 10b in the z direction. Eachabutment part 10e of theheat exchange element 310B is formed by the end face of eachfin 12 and a step face of theheat transfer tube 11. Such a configuration of theheat exchanger 300 allows thefins 12 to have a maximum heat transfer area, allows the spaced-apart parts 10d of thefins 12 to be spaced apart from theheader 330A, and also increases the area of joints between thefins 12 and the headerupper surface 34a. Each of theabutment parts 10e is formed by not only thefin 12 but also the step face of theheat transfer tube 11. This improves the rigidity of theabutment part 10e as well as the accuracy of positioning. - A heat exchanger 400 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The heat exchanger 400 includes a
heat exchange element 410 including a plurality ofheat transfer tubes 411, which differ in number and shape from theheat transfer tube 11 of theheat exchange element 10 of theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. Theheat transfer tubes 411 are connected byfins 412. Components and elements having the same functions and effects as those inEmbodiment 1 are designated by the same reference signs, and a description thereof is omitted. -
Fig. 24 shows three views of theheat exchange element 410 in Embodiment 4.Fig. 24(a) is a front view of theheat exchange element 410.Fig. 24(b) is a side view of theheat exchange element 410.Fig. 24(c) is a top view of theheat exchange element 410. Theheat exchange element 410 includes threeheat transfer tubes 411, which are arranged in the z direction and are parallel to each other. Theheat transfer tubes 411 have a circular cross-sectional shape at any position in the y direction. In theheat exchange element 410, each of thefins 412 is disposed between the adjacentheat transfer tubes 411. - In the
heat exchange element 410, theheat transfer tubes 411 serve as theinsertion parts 10b, and thefins non-insertion parts 10a. Like the end faces of thefins 12 of theheat exchange element 10 inEmbodiment 1, end faces of thefins headers 2 include the spaced-apart parts 10d and theabutment parts 10e. As described above, theheat exchange element 410 can include theheat transfer tubes 411 having a circular cross-sectional shape instead of theheat transfer tube 11, which is a flat multi-hole tube. The insertion holes 31a of theheaders 2 included in the heat exchanger 400 have a circular shape that fits theheat transfer tube 411. As in the heat exchanger 400 according to Embodiment 4, theheat transfer tubes 411 are not limited to flat multi-hole tubes. The heat exchanger 400 including the heat transfer tubes having any other shape offers the same advantages as those of theheat exchanger 100 according toEmbodiment 1. - A heat exchanger 500 according to Embodiment 5 will be described. The heat exchanger 500 includes a heat exchange element 510 including a plurality of
heat transfer tubes 511, which differ in number and shape from theheat transfer tube 11 of the heat exchange element 210 of theheat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2. Theheat transfer tubes 511 are connected byfins 512. Components and elements having the same functions and effects as those inEmbodiment 2 are designated by the same reference signs, and a description thereof is omitted. -
Fig. 25 shows three views of the heat exchange element 510 of the heat exchange element 510 according to Embodiment 5.Fig. 25(a) is a front view of the heat exchange element 510.Fig. 25(b) is a side view of the heat exchange element 510.Fig. 25(c) is a top view of the heat exchange element 510. As in theheat exchange element 410 in Embodiment 4, theheat transfer tubes 511 of the heat exchange element 510 have a circular cross-sectional shape. Each of theheat transfer tubes 511 has steps in its end portions. In other words, as in the heat exchange element 210 inEmbodiment 2, thenon-insertion parts 10a of the heat exchange element 510 include thefins heat transfer tubes 511. Such a configuration of the heat exchanger 500 according to Embodiment 5 allows theheat transfer tubes 511, which are relatively highly rigid, to abut theheader 2. Thus, as in theheat exchanger 200 according toEmbodiment 2, the heat exchange element 510 of the heat exchanger 500 can be firmly positioned relative to theheaders 2. This improves the accuracy of positioning and the manufacturability. - Although the embodiments have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited only to the above-described embodiments. For example, the embodiments may be combined. In other words, various modifications, applications, and uses made by those skilled in the art as needed may be within the technical scope.
- 2: header, 10: heat exchange element, 10A: heat exchange element, 10B: heat exchange element, 10a: non-insertion part, 10b: insertion part, 10c: transition, 10d: spaced-apart part, 10e: abutment part, 10f: heat exchange part, 11: heat transfer tube, 11a: side face, 12: fin, 12c: edge, 13a: end portion, 13b: end portion, 14: edge portion, 14a: sloping part, 15: edge end face, 18: refrigerant passage, 19a: end face, 19b: end face, 30: first header, 31: first outer casing, 31a: insertion hole, 32: second outer casing, 33: refrigerant port, 34: upper surface, 34a: header upper surface, 36: sloping face, 37a: protrusion, 37b: protrusion, 40: second header, 50: refrigeration cycle apparatus, 100: heat exchanger, 101: compressor, 102: flow switching device, 103: indoor heat exchanger, 104: pressure reducing device, 105: outdoor heat exchanger, 106: outdoor unit, 107: indoor unit, 108: outdoor fan, 109: indoor fan, 110: refrigerant circuit, 111: extension pipe, 112: extension pipe, 200: heat exchanger, 210: heat exchange element, 210A: heat exchange element, 210B: heat exchange element, 300: heat exchanger, 302: header, 310: heat exchange element, 310A: heat exchange element, 310B: heat exchange element, 330: first header, 330B: first header, 330C: first header, 340: second header, 400: heat exchanger, 410: heat exchange element, 411: heat transfer tube, 412: fin, 500: heat exchanger, 510: heat exchange element, 511: heat transfer tube, 512: fin, RF: arrow
Claims (10)
- A heat exchanger comprising:a heat exchange element extending in a first direction; anda header to which the heat exchange element is connected,the heat exchange element includingat least one heat transfer tube extending in the first direction, anda fin provided on part of an edge portion of the at least one heat transfer tube in a second direction crossing orthogonally with the first direction,wherein an end portion in the first direction of the heat exchange element includesan insertion part being inserted into an interior of the header,an abutment part abutting the header in a part other than the insertion part, anda spaced-apart part being spaced apart from the header in a part other than the insertion part.
- The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the abutment part is located between the insertion part and the spaced-apart part in the second direction.
- The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the spaced-apart part is located between the insertion part and the abutment part in the second direction.
- The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the abutment part is a part of an end face in the first direction of the fin.
- The heat exchanger of claim 1 or 2, wherein the abutment part is a part of the at least one heat transfer tube and abuts the header in the first direction.
- The heat exchanger of claim 5,wherein the end portion of the heat exchange element has a tapered shape and gradually diminishes toward an end face of the one heat transfer tube in the first direction, andwherein the abutment part is a part of the tapered shape.
- The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the header has a surface to which the heat exchange element is connected, and the surface has protrusions and depressions.
- The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one heat transfer tube is a flat multi-hole tube.
- A heat exchanger unit comprising the heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 8.
- A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising the heat exchanger unit of claim 9.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/JP2019/049152 WO2021124390A1 (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2019-12-16 | Heat exchanger, heat exchanger unit, and refrigeration cycle device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4080150A1 true EP4080150A1 (en) | 2022-10-26 |
EP4080150A4 EP4080150A4 (en) | 2022-12-28 |
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ID=76478580
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP19956213.3A Withdrawn EP4080150A4 (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2019-12-16 | Heat exchanger, heat exchanger unit, and refrigeration cycle device |
Country Status (4)
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US (1) | US20220373264A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4080150A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7330294B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021124390A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3391732A (en) * | 1966-07-29 | 1968-07-09 | Mesabi Cores Inc | Radiator construction |
AT335672B (en) * | 1974-08-07 | 1977-03-25 | Iwet Anstalt | LINK RADIATOR MADE FROM ALUMINUM FOR CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS |
US5048602A (en) * | 1989-05-22 | 1991-09-17 | Showa Aluminum Kabushiki Kaisha | Heat exchangers |
JPH07112095B2 (en) * | 1989-06-30 | 1995-11-29 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Ultrashort optical pulse generator |
JPH0396574A (en) * | 1989-09-09 | 1991-04-22 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Bathroom unit |
JP2506076Y2 (en) * | 1989-12-21 | 1996-08-07 | 昭和アルミニウム株式会社 | Heat exchanger |
JP2517872Y2 (en) * | 1989-12-29 | 1996-11-20 | 昭和アルミニウム株式会社 | Heat exchanger |
JPH08327276A (en) * | 1995-05-30 | 1996-12-13 | Sanden Corp | Multi-tube type heat exchanger |
JP3797717B2 (en) * | 1996-10-11 | 2006-07-19 | 昭和電工株式会社 | End drawing method of flat porous tube |
JP3829494B2 (en) * | 1998-09-07 | 2006-10-04 | 株式会社デンソー | Heat exchanger |
JP2001059692A (en) * | 1999-06-17 | 2001-03-06 | Marunaka:Kk | Pipe for heat exchanger and coupling structure of pipe for heat exchanger to tube |
US7422054B2 (en) * | 1999-07-16 | 2008-09-09 | Dierbeck Robert F | Heat exchanger assembly for a charge air cooler |
US20030094260A1 (en) * | 2001-11-19 | 2003-05-22 | Whitlow Gregory Alan | Heat exchanger tube with stone protection appendage |
JP4107051B2 (en) * | 2002-02-19 | 2008-06-25 | 株式会社デンソー | Heat exchanger |
KR20040099497A (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2004-12-02 | 한라공조주식회사 | Heat Exchanger for an Air Conditioning System of a Car |
WO2015037097A1 (en) * | 2013-09-12 | 2015-03-19 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Laminated header, heat exchanger, and heat pump device |
WO2015136501A1 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2015-09-17 | Fondital S.P.A. | Connection device for connecting a heating radiator to a plumbing system |
JP2016099096A (en) * | 2014-11-26 | 2016-05-30 | サンデンホールディングス株式会社 | Heat exchanger |
JP6514996B2 (en) * | 2015-09-04 | 2019-05-15 | 株式会社ケーヒン・サーマル・テクノロジー | Heat exchanger |
JP7068574B2 (en) * | 2017-03-16 | 2022-05-17 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Heat exchanger with heat transfer tube unit |
JP2018155479A (en) | 2017-03-16 | 2018-10-04 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Heat exchanger having heat transfer pipe unit |
CN108592663B (en) * | 2018-02-12 | 2020-02-21 | 深圳易信科技股份有限公司 | Gas-liquid heat exchange device |
-
2019
- 2019-12-16 US US17/769,949 patent/US20220373264A1/en active Pending
- 2019-12-16 JP JP2021565162A patent/JP7330294B2/en active Active
- 2019-12-16 EP EP19956213.3A patent/EP4080150A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2019-12-16 WO PCT/JP2019/049152 patent/WO2021124390A1/en unknown
Also Published As
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JPWO2021124390A1 (en) | 2021-06-24 |
US20220373264A1 (en) | 2022-11-24 |
JP7330294B2 (en) | 2023-08-21 |
WO2021124390A1 (en) | 2021-06-24 |
EP4080150A4 (en) | 2022-12-28 |
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