JP2015055414A - Heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily secure the pressure resistance of connection members each connecting two flat tubes.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger (23) includes: an upwind tube array (50) and a downwind tube array (90) constituted of a plurality of flat tubes (31, 61) arrayed in parallel, respectively, and laid side by side in the flowing direction of air; fins (32, 62) jointed to the flat tubes (31, 61); and connection members (200). The connection members (200) connect the ends of the flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube array (50) and the ends of the flat tubes (61) constituting the downwind tube array (90) on a one-to-one basis. Inside the connection members (200), a plurality of fluid passages (201) are formed to communicate the flat tubes (31) with the flat tubes (61), respectively.

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat exchanger having flat tubes and fins for exchanging heat between refrigerant and air.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, heat exchangers that have flat tubes and fins and exchange heat with air flowing through the flat tubes are known. Patent Document 1 (see FIG. 2) discloses a heat exchanger having a two-row structure having two tube rows made of arranged flat tubes. In the heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Document 1, two tube rows are formed by arranging individual flat tubes in two rows. Moreover, in the heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Document 1, a header is connected to an end portion of the flat tube, and the refrigerant flowing into the header flows into a plurality of flat tubes.

Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2005-510689

  By the way, in the heat exchanger of patent document 1, the end part of the some flat tube which comprises one pipe row, and the end part of the some flat tube which comprises the other pipe row are connected in the space in one header. Instead of the structure to be connected, one connecting member (specifically, a circular tube) connects one end of one flat tube constituting one tube row and one end of one flat tube constituting the other tube row. A structure in which the connection is made through a cable is conceivable. However, in such a structure, since the circular tube is provided only with the peripheral wall that forms its outer shape, it is difficult to improve the structural strength of the connecting member. Therefore, when the connection member that connects the two flat tubes included in the two tube rows is formed of a circular tube, it is difficult to ensure the pressure resistance strength of the connection member. That is, when the connecting member is constituted by a circular pipe, the internal pressure of the connecting member is supported only by the peripheral wall that forms the outer shape of the circular pipe, so it is difficult to ensure the pressure resistance strength of the connecting member.

  Then, this invention aims at providing the heat exchanger which can make easy ensuring of the proof pressure strength in the connection member which connects two flat tubes.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, an upwind tube row (50) and a leeward tube row (90), each of which is constituted by a plurality of flat tubes (31, 61) arranged in parallel and arranged in the air flow direction, and the above-described flat tubes A fin (32, 62) joined to (31, 61), the end of the flat tube (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) and the downwind tube row ( 90) of the flat tubes (61) constituting the 90) are connected one-to-one, and the flat tubes (31) of the upwind tube row (50) and the flat tubes (61) of the downwind tube row (90) And a connecting member (200) formed with a plurality of fluid passages (201) communicating with each other.

  In the first invention, the connection member (200) is provided with a structure (for example, a partition wall) for partitioning the internal space of the connection member (200) into a plurality of fluid passages (201). . Therefore, the structural strength of the connection member (200) can be improved as compared with the case where the connection member (200) is formed of a circular pipe. That is, the internal pressure of the connecting member (200) can be supported not only by the portion forming the outer shape of the connecting member (200) but also by the structure formed inside the connecting member (200).

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, the connection member (200) is formed with a plurality of fluid passages (201) extending in the extending direction therein, and the plurality of fluid passages (201) are formed at both end faces. Connected open flat tube (300) bent in U shape, end of flat tube (31) constituting upwind tube row (50) and one end of connected flat tube (300) And connecting the hollow first connecting member (301) to be communicated, the end of the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) and the other end of the connecting flat tube (300). It is a heat exchanger characterized by being comprised by the hollow 2nd connection member (302) connected.

  In the second aspect of the invention, the connecting member (200) is formed by a circular pipe by configuring the connecting member (200) by the connecting flat tube (300), the first connecting member (301), and the second connecting member (302). The thickness of the connecting member (200) (specifically, the length in the arrangement direction of the flat tubes (31, 61)) can be made shorter than in the case of the configuration. As a result, n (n is an integer of 2 or more) flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) and n flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). When n connecting members (200) that are connected one-to-one are provided, the arrangement interval of the connection members (200) (specifically, the interval in the arrangement direction of the flat tubes (31, 61)) is reduced. Can do.

  According to a third invention, in the first invention, the connection member (200) is constituted by a laminated member (400) including two plate-like members (401) which are overlapped and joined to each other, and the laminated member The member (400) has a communication path extending in a U shape between two plate-like members (401) constituting the laminated member (400) and having both ends opened on one side surface of the laminated member (400) ( 402), and a plurality of partition walls that divide the communication passage (402) into a plurality of fluid passages (201) in an intermediate portion (402c) of the communication passage (402) formed in the laminated member (400). (403) is provided, and at one end (402a) of the communication passage (402) formed in the laminated member (400), the end of the flat tube (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) is provided. Inserted into the other end (402b) of the communication passage (402) formed in the laminated member (400) is the end of the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) There is a heat exchanger, characterized in that it is inserted.

  In the third aspect of the invention, the connecting member (200) is constituted by the circular member comprising the laminated member (400) composed of the two plate-like members (401) which are overlapped and joined to each other. The thickness of the connecting member (200) (specifically, the length in the arrangement direction of the flat tubes (31, 61)) can be made shorter than the case where the connecting member (200) is configured. Thus, n connections for connecting the n flat tubes (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and the n flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) on a one-to-one basis. When the member (200) is provided, the arrangement interval of the connecting members (200) (specifically, the interval in the arrangement direction of the flat tubes (31, 61)) can be reduced.

  According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, the number of fluid passages (201) formed in the connection member (200) is formed in the flat tube (31, 61). The number of the fluid passages (175) is the same as that of the heat exchanger.

  In the fourth aspect, the behavior of the refrigerant in the connecting member (200) can be made closer to the behavior of the refrigerant in the flat tube (31, 61).

  According to the first invention, since the structural strength of the connecting member (200) can be improved, it is possible to easily ensure the withstand pressure strength of the connecting member (200).

  According to the second and third inventions, the arrangement interval of the connecting members (200) can be reduced, so that the arrangement interval of the flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) and the leeward tube row ( 90), the arrangement interval of the flat tubes (61) can be reduced, and as a result, the heat exchanger (23) can be reduced in size.

  According to the fourth invention, since the behavior of the refrigerant in the connecting member (200) can be brought close to the behavior of the refrigerant in the flat tube (31, 61), the control of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (23) (for example, flat Control of the mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe (31, 61) can be facilitated.

FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an air conditioner including the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 disassembled into an upwind heat exchanger unit and a downwind heat exchanger unit, and the refrigerant in the case where the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. It shows the flow. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the heat exchanger of Embodiment 1 in an exploded manner as an upwind heat exchanger unit and a downwind heat exchanger unit, and the refrigerant in the case where the heat exchanger functions as a condenser. It shows the flow. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the wind heat exchanger unit according to the first embodiment when viewed from the front. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the leeward heat exchanger unit of the first embodiment when viewed from the front. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger unit showing a part of the AA cross section of FIG. 5 and a part of the BB cross section of FIG. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the upwind heat exchanger unit according to the first embodiment when viewed from the front. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the connection member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the connection member into which the flat tube is inserted from above, and FIG. 10B is the flat tube. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member inserted from the front, FIG. 10C shows the CC cross section of FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10D is the DD of FIG. 10A. A cross section is shown. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a connection member and a flat tube according to a modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the connection member into which the flat tube is inserted as viewed from above. (B) is a cross-sectional view of the connecting member into which the flat tube is inserted as viewed from the front, FIG. 11 (C) shows a CC cross section of FIG. 11 (A), and FIG. 11 (D) is FIG. The DD cross section of A) is shown. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view showing the configuration of the laminated member constituting the connecting member of Embodiment 2, and FIG. 13 (A) is a plan view of the laminated member with the flat tube inserted as seen from above, and FIG. FIG. 13B is a front view of the laminated member into which the flat tube is inserted as viewed from the front, and FIG. 13C is a side view of the laminated member as viewed from the left. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 of a heat exchanger according to another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, the embodiments and modifications described below are essentially preferable examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its application, or its use.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of an air conditioner (10) provided with a heat exchanger (23) according to the first embodiment. In this example, the heat exchanger (23) is used as an outdoor heat exchanger. The air conditioner (10) includes an outdoor unit (11) and an indoor unit (12). The outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) are connected to each other via a liquid side connecting pipe (13) and a gas side connecting pipe (14). In the air conditioner (10), a refrigerant circuit (20) is formed by the outdoor unit (11), the indoor unit (12), the liquid side connecting pipe (13), and the gas side connecting pipe (14).

  The refrigerant circuit (20) includes a compressor (21), a four-way switching valve (22), an outdoor heat exchanger (that is, a heat exchanger (23)), an expansion valve (24), and an indoor heat exchanger. (25) is provided. The compressor (21), the four-way switching valve (22), the heat exchanger (23), and the expansion valve (24) are accommodated in the outdoor unit (11). The outdoor unit (11) is provided with an outdoor fan (15) for supplying outdoor air to the heat exchanger (23). On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger (25) is accommodated in the indoor unit (12). The indoor unit (12) is provided with an indoor fan (16) for supplying room air to the indoor heat exchanger (25).

  The refrigerant circuit (20) is a closed circuit filled with a refrigerant. In the refrigerant circuit (20), the compressor (21) has a discharge pipe connected to the first port of the four-way switching valve (22) and a suction pipe connected to the second port of the four-way switching valve (22). Has been. Further, in the refrigerant circuit (20), the heat exchanger (23), the expansion valve (24), and the indoor heat exchanger (in order) from the third port to the fourth port of the four-way switching valve (22). 25) and are arranged. In this refrigerant circuit (20), the heat exchanger (23) is connected to the expansion valve (24) via the pipe (17), and is connected to the third port of the four-way switching valve (22) via the pipe (18). Connected to.

  The compressor (21) is a scroll type or rotary type hermetic compressor. The four-way switching valve (22) includes a first state (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1) in which the first port communicates with the third port and the second port communicates with the fourth port; The port is switched to a second state (state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) in which the port communicates with the fourth port and the second port communicates with the third port. The expansion valve (24) is a so-called electronic expansion valve.

  The heat exchanger (23) exchanges heat between the outdoor air and the refrigerant. The configuration of the heat exchanger (23) will be described later. On the other hand, the indoor heat exchanger (25) exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger (25) is constituted by a so-called cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger provided with a heat transfer tube which is a circular tube.

<Operation of air conditioner>
Next, the operation of the air conditioner (10) will be described. The air conditioner (10) selectively performs a cooling operation and a heating operation.

  In the refrigerant circuit (20) during the cooling operation, the refrigeration cycle is performed with the four-way switching valve (22) set to the first state. In this state, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the heat exchanger (23), the expansion valve (24), and the indoor heat exchanger (25), the heat exchanger (23) functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger (25 ) Functions as an evaporator. In the heat exchanger (23), the gas refrigerant flowing from the compressor (21) dissipates heat to the outdoor air and condenses, and the condensed refrigerant flows out toward the expansion valve (24).

  In the refrigerant circuit (20) during the heating operation, the refrigeration cycle is performed with the four-way switching valve (22) set to the second state. In this state, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the indoor heat exchanger (25), the expansion valve (24), and the heat exchanger (23), the indoor heat exchanger (25) functions as a condenser, and the heat exchanger (23 ) Functions as an evaporator. The refrigerant that has expanded into a gas-liquid two-phase state flows into the heat exchanger (23) when passing through the expansion valve (24). The refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger (23) absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates, and then flows out toward the compressor (21).

<Configuration of heat exchanger>
Next, the configuration of the heat exchanger (23) will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”, and “rear” used in the following description indicate directions when the heat exchanger (23) is viewed from the upstream side of the air flow direction. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger (23) is a two-row air heat exchanger, and the upwind heat exchanger unit (30), the downwind heat exchanger unit (60), and the connection unit (100). And. The windward heat exchanger unit (30) and the leeward heat exchanger unit (60) overlap in the direction of the air flow passing through the heat exchanger (23). In the flow direction of the air passing through the heat exchanger (23), the upwind heat exchanger unit (30) is arranged on the upstream side of the leeward heat exchanger unit (60).

《Configuration of upwind heat exchanger unit》
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the upwind heat exchanger unit (30) includes one first upwind header collecting pipe (40), a large number of flat tubes (31), and a large number of fins (32). And. The first upwind header collecting pipe (40), the flat pipe (31), and the fin (32) are all made of an aluminum alloy and are joined to each other by brazing.

  The first upwind header collecting pipe (40) is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape whose both ends are closed. In FIG. 5, the first upwind header collecting pipe (40) is installed in a standing state at the left end of the upwind heat exchanger unit (30). That is, the first upwind header collecting pipe (40) is installed in a state where the axial direction is the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the flat tube (31) is a heat transfer tube whose cross-sectional shape is a flat oval. As shown in FIG. 5, in the upwind heat exchanger unit (30), the plurality of flat tubes (31) have their respective axial directions in the left-right direction, and flat portions (flat portions) of the respective side surfaces face each other. It is arranged in the state to do. In addition, the plurality of flat tubes (31) are arranged side by side at regular intervals and their axial directions are substantially parallel to each other. One end of each flat tube (31) is inserted into the first upwind header collecting pipe (40), and the other end is connected to the connection unit (100) (specifically, a second upwind header collecting pipe (45 described later)). )) Is inserted. The flat tubes (31) provided in the upwind heat exchanger unit (30) constitute an upwind tube row (50).

  As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of fluid passages (175) are formed in each flat tube (31). Each fluid passage (175) is a passage extending in the axial direction of the flat tube (31), and is arranged in a line in the width direction of the flat tube (31, 61). Each fluid passage (175) opens to both end faces of the flat tube (31). The refrigerant supplied to the upwind heat exchanger unit (30) exchanges heat with air while flowing through the fluid passage (175) of the flat tube (31).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the fin (32) is a vertically long plate-like fin formed by pressing a metal plate. The fin (32) is formed with a number of elongated notches (186) extending from the front edge of the fin (32) (that is, the windward edge) in the width direction of the fin (32). In the fin (32), a plurality of notches (186) are formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the fin (32). The portion closer to the lee of the notch (186) constitutes the tube insertion portion (187). The flat tube (31) is inserted into the tube insertion portion (187) of the fin (32) and joined to the peripheral portion of the tube insertion portion (187) by brazing. In addition, a louver (185) for promoting heat transfer is formed on the fin (32). The plurality of fins (32) are arranged at regular intervals in the axial direction of the flat tube (31).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the upwind heat exchanger unit (30) is divided into two heat exchange areas (35, 37) on the top and bottom, and the upper heat exchange area is the upwind main heat exchange. It becomes a region (35), and the lower heat exchange region is the windward auxiliary heat exchange region (37).

  The flat tube (31) provided in the upwind heat exchanger unit (30) is located in the upwind main heat exchange area (35) and constitutes the upwind main row section (51). What is located in the exchange region (37) constitutes the windward auxiliary row portion (54). That is, part of the flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) constitutes the windward auxiliary row portion (54), and the rest constitutes the windward main row portion (51). As will be described in detail later, the number of flat tubes (31) constituting the windward auxiliary row portion (54) is smaller than the number of flat tubes (31) constituting the windward main row portion (51).

  The upwind main heat exchange area (35) is divided into six upwind main heat exchange sections (36a to 36f). On the other hand, the upwind auxiliary heat exchange region (37) is divided into three upwind auxiliary heat exchange sections (38a to 38c). The numbers of the upwind main heat exchange units (36a to 36f) and the upwind auxiliary heat exchange units (38a to 38c) shown here are merely examples.

  In the upwind main heat exchange area (35), the first upwind main heat exchange section (36a), the second upwind main heat exchange section (36b), and the third upwind A main heat exchange section (36c), a fourth upwind main heat exchange section (36d), a fifth upwind main heat exchange section (36e), and a sixth upwind main heat exchange section (36f) are formed. ing. Each of the upwind main heat exchange units (36a to 36f) is provided with twelve flat tubes (31).

  The twelve flat tubes (31) provided in the first upwind main heat exchange section (36a) constitute the first upwind main row block (52a). The twelve flat tubes (31) provided in the second upwind main heat exchange section (36b) constitute the second upwind main row block (52b). The twelve flat tubes (31) provided in the third upwind main heat exchange section (36c) constitute the third upwind main row block (52c). The twelve flat tubes (31) provided in the fourth upwind main heat exchange section (36d) constitute the fourth upwind main row block (52d). The twelve flat tubes (31) provided in the fifth upwind main heat exchange section (36e) constitute the fifth upwind main row block (52e). The twelve flat tubes (31) provided in the sixth upwind main heat exchange section (36f) constitute a sixth upwind main row block (52f). In addition, the number of the flat tubes (31) which comprise each upwind main row block (52a-52f) does not need to correspond mutually.

  The first upwind main row block (52a) and the second upwind main row block (52b) constitute a first upwind main row block group (53a). The third upwind main row block (52c) and the fourth upwind main row block (52d) constitute a second upwind main row block group (53b). The fifth upwind main row block (52e) and the sixth upwind main row block (52f) constitute a third upwind main row block group (53c).

  In the upwind auxiliary heat exchange region (37), the first upwind auxiliary heat exchange section (38a), the second upwind auxiliary heat exchange section (38b), and the third upwind An auxiliary heat exchange part (38c) is formed. Each of the upwind auxiliary heat exchange units (38a to 38c) is provided with three flat tubes (31).

  The three flat tubes (31) provided in the first upwind auxiliary heat exchange section (38a) constitute the first upwind auxiliary row block (55a). The three flat tubes (31) provided in the second upwind auxiliary heat exchanger (38b) constitute a second upwind auxiliary row block (55b). The three flat tubes (31) provided in the third upwind auxiliary heat exchange section (38c) constitute the third upwind auxiliary row block (55c). In addition, the number of the flat tubes (31) which comprise each upwind auxiliary row block (55a-55c) does not need to correspond mutually.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the internal space of the first upwind header collecting pipe (40) is vertically divided by a partition plate (41), and the space above the partition plate (41) is the upper space (42). Thus, the space below the partition plate (41) is the lower space (43).

  The upper space (42) communicates with all the flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind main row portion (51). A gas side connecting pipe (102) is connected to a portion of the first upwind header collecting pipe (40) that forms the upper space (42). A pipe (18) constituting the refrigerant circuit (20) is connected to the gas side connection pipe (102).

  The liquid side connection pipe (101) is connected to the portion forming the lower space (43) in the first upwind header collecting pipe (40). A pipe (17) constituting the refrigerant circuit (20) is connected to the liquid side connection pipe (101). Although mentioned later in detail, the part which forms lower space (43) among the 1st upwind header collecting pipes (40) is for distributing a refrigerant to three upwind auxiliary heat exchange parts (38a-38c). Configure the shunt (150).

<Configuration of leeward heat exchanger unit>
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the leeward heat exchanger unit (60) includes one first leeward header collecting pipe (70), a number of flat tubes (61), and a number of fins (62). I have. The first leeward header collecting pipe (70), the flat pipe (61), and the fin (62) are all made of an aluminum alloy and are joined to each other by brazing.

  The first lee header collecting pipe (70) is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape whose both ends are closed. In FIG. 6, the first leeward header collecting pipe (70) is installed in a standing state at the left end of the leeward heat exchanger unit (60). That is, the first leeward header collecting pipe (70) is installed in a state where its axial direction is the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the flat tube (61) is a heat transfer tube having the same shape as the flat tube (31) of the upwind heat exchanger unit (30). The refrigerant supplied to the leeward heat exchanger unit (60) exchanges heat with air while flowing through the fluid passage (175) of the flat tube (61).

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the leeward heat exchanger unit (60), the plurality of flat tubes (61) are arranged in the same manner as the flat tubes (31) of the windward heat exchanger unit (30). One end of each of the flat tubes (61) arranged vertically is inserted into the first leeward header collecting tube (70), and the other end is connected to the connection unit (100) (specifically, a second leeward header assembly described later). Tube (80)). The flat tube (61) provided in the leeward heat exchanger unit (60) constitutes the leeward tube row (90). The number of flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) is equal to the number of flat tubes (31) constituting the leeward tube row (50).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the fin (62) is a vertically long plate-like fin formed by pressing a metal plate. The shape of the fin (62) is the same as the fin (32) of the upwind heat exchanger unit (30). That is, the notch (186) is formed in the fin (62), and the flat tube (61) is joined to the tube insertion part (187) which is a part of the notch (186). Further, a louver (185) for promoting heat transfer is formed on the fin (62). The plurality of fins (62) are arranged at regular intervals in the axial direction of the flat tube (61).

  3 and 6, the leeward heat exchanger unit (60) is divided into two upper and lower heat exchange regions (65, 67), and the upper heat exchange region is the leeward main heat exchange region ( 65), and the lower heat exchange area is the leeward auxiliary heat exchange area (67).

  In the flat tube (61) provided in the leeward heat exchanger unit (60), the one located in the leeward main heat exchange region (65) constitutes the leeward main row portion (91), and the leeward auxiliary heat exchange region (67 ) Constitutes the lee auxiliary column (94). That is, part of the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) constitutes the leeward auxiliary row portion (94), and the rest constitutes the leeward main row portion (91). As will be described in detail later, the number of flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward auxiliary row portion (94) is smaller than the number of flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward main row portion (91). Further, the number of flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward main row portion (91) is equal to the number of flat tubes (31) constituting the leeward main row portion (51), and the leeward auxiliary row portion (94) is The number of the flat tubes (61) to configure is equal to the number of the flat tubes (31) forming the upwind auxiliary row portion (54).

  The leeward main heat exchange region (65) is vertically divided into six leeward main heat exchange sections (66a to 66f). On the other hand, the leeward auxiliary heat exchange region (67) is vertically divided into three leeward auxiliary heat exchange units (68a to 68c). Note that the numbers of the leeward main heat exchange units (66a to 66f) and the leeward auxiliary heat exchange units (68a to 68c) shown here are merely examples. However, the number of leeward main heat exchangers (66a to 66f) is the same as that of the leeward main heat exchangers (36a to 36f), and the leeward auxiliary heat exchangers (68a to 68c) are the same as the windward auxiliary heat exchangers (38a to 38c). ).

  In the leeward main heat exchange region (65), the first leeward main heat exchange part (66a), the second leeward main heat exchange part (66b), and the third leeward main heat exchange part in order from bottom to top. (66c), a fourth leeward main heat exchange part (66d), a fifth leeward main heat exchange part (66e), and a sixth leeward main heat exchange part (66f) are formed. Each of the leeward main heat exchange units (66a to 66f) is provided with twelve flat tubes (61).

  The twelve flat tubes (61) provided in the first leeward main heat exchange section (66a) constitute a first leeward main row block (92a). The twelve flat tubes (61) provided in the second leeward main heat exchange part (66b) constitute the second leeward main row block (92b). The twelve flat tubes (61) provided in the third leeward main heat exchange section (66c) constitute the third leeward main row block (92c). The twelve flat tubes (61) provided in the fourth leeward main heat exchange section (66d) constitute the fourth leeward main row block (92d). The twelve flat tubes (61) provided in the fifth leeward main heat exchange section (66e) constitute the fifth leeward main row block (92e). The twelve flat tubes (61) provided in the sixth leeward main heat exchange section (66f) constitute a sixth leeward main row block (92f).

  In addition, the number of the flat tubes (61) which comprise each leeward main row block (92a-92f) does not need to correspond mutually. However, even if the number of flat tubes (61) constituting each leeward main row block (92a to 92f) does not match each other, the flat tubes (61) constituting the first leeward main row block (92a) The number of flat tubes (31) constituting the first leeward main row block (52a) is the same as the number of flat tubes (61) constituting the second leeward main row block (92b). The number of flat tubes (31) constituting the third leeward main row block (92c) is equal to the number of flat tubes (31) constituting the third leeward main row block (52c). The number of flat tubes (61) constituting the fourth leeward main row block (92d) is the same as the number of flat tubes (31) constituting the fourth leeward main row block (52d), and the fifth leeward main row block (92d). The number of flat tubes (61) constituting the row block (92e) is the same as the number of flat tubes (31) constituting the fifth upwind main row block (52e), and the sixth downwind main row block Flat tubes constituting the click (92f) (61) is desirably equal flat tubes (31) constituting the sixth windward main column block (52f).

  The first leeward main row block (92a) and the second leeward main row block (92b) constitute a first leeward main row block group (93a). The third leeward main row block (92c) and the fourth leeward main row block (92d) constitute a second leeward main row block group (93b). The fifth leeward main row block (92e) and the sixth leeward main row block (92f) constitute a third leeward main row block group (93c).

  In the leeward auxiliary heat exchange region (67), in order from bottom to top, the first leeward auxiliary heat exchange unit (68a), the second leeward auxiliary heat exchange unit (68b), and the third leeward auxiliary heat exchange unit (68c) is formed. Each of the lee auxiliary heat exchangers (68a to 68c) is provided with three flat tubes (61).

  The three flat tubes (61) provided in the first lee auxiliary heat exchanger (68a) constitute the first lee auxiliary column block (95a). The three flat tubes (61) provided in the second leeward auxiliary heat exchanger (68b) constitute a second leeward auxiliary row block (95b). The three flat tubes (61) provided in the third lee auxiliary heat exchanger (68c) constitute a third lee auxiliary column block (95c).

  In addition, the number of the flat tubes (61) which comprise each lee auxiliary row block (95a-95c) does not need to correspond mutually. However, even if the number of flat tubes (61) constituting each leeward auxiliary row block (95a to 95c) does not match each other, the flat tubes (61) constituting the first leeward auxiliary row block (95a) The number of flat tubes (31) constituting the first upwind auxiliary row block (55a) is the same as the number of flat tubes (61) constituting the second upwind auxiliary row block (95b). ) And the same number of flat tubes (31) constituting the third leeward auxiliary row block (95c) are provided by the flat tubes (31) constituting the third upwind auxiliary row block (55c). It is desirable to have the same number.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the internal space of the first leeward header collecting pipe (70) is partitioned vertically by the partition plate (71), and the space above the partition plate (71) becomes the upper space (72). The space below the partition plate (71) is the lower space (73).

  The upper space (72) is partitioned into six main communication spaces (75a to 75f) by five partition plates (74). That is, on the upper side of the partition plate (71) in the first leeward header collecting pipe (70), in order from bottom to top, the first main communication space (75a), the second main communication space (75b), A third main communication space (75c), a fourth main communication space (75d), a fifth main communication space (75e), and a sixth main communication space (75f) are formed.

  Twelve flat tubes (61) constituting the first leeward main row block (92a) communicate with the first main communication space (75a). Twelve flat tubes (61) constituting the second leeward main row block (92b) communicate with the second main communication space (75b). Twelve flat tubes (61) constituting the third leeward main row block (92c) communicate with the third main communication space (75c). Twelve flat tubes (61) constituting the fourth leeward main row block (92d) communicate with the fourth main communication space (75d). Twelve flat tubes (61) constituting the fifth leeward main row block (92e) communicate with the fifth main communication space (75e). Twelve flat tubes (61) constituting the sixth leeward main row block (92f) communicate with the sixth main communication space (75f).

  The lower space (73) is partitioned into three auxiliary communication spaces (77a to 77c) by two partition plates (76). That is, on the lower side of the partition plate (71) in the first leeward header collecting pipe (70), the first auxiliary communication space (77a) and the second auxiliary communication space (77b) are sequentially arranged from the bottom to the top. A third auxiliary communication space (77c) is formed.

  Three flat tubes (61) constituting the first leeward auxiliary row block (95a) communicate with the first auxiliary communication space (77a). Three flat tubes (61) constituting the second leeward auxiliary row block (95b) communicate with the second auxiliary communication space (77b). Three flat tubes (61) constituting the third leeward auxiliary row block (95c) communicate with the third auxiliary communication space (77c).

  Three connection pipes (110, 120, 130) are attached to the first leeward header collecting pipe (70). Each of the connection pipes (110, 120, 130) includes one main pipe part (111, 121, 131) and two branch pipe parts (112a, 112b, 122a, 122b, 132a, 132b) connected to the ends of the main pipe parts (111, 121, 131). ing.

  The first connection pipe (110) connects the first leeward auxiliary row block (95a) and the first leeward main row block group (93a). Specifically, in the first connection pipe (110), the open end of the main pipe portion (111) communicates with the first auxiliary communication space (77a), and the open end of one branch pipe portion (112a) is the first. The main communication space (75a) communicates, and the open end of the other branch pipe (112b) communicates with the second main communication space (75b). Accordingly, the first auxiliary communication space (77a) includes the first main communication space (75a) corresponding to the first leeward main row block (92a) and the second main communication space corresponding to the second leeward main row block (92b). Connected to both spaces (75b).

  The second connection pipe (120) connects the second leeward auxiliary row block (95b) and the second leeward main row block group (93b). Specifically, in the second connection pipe (120), the open end of the main pipe portion (121) communicates with the second auxiliary communication space (77b), and the open end of one branch pipe portion (122a) is the third. The main communication space (75c) communicates, and the open end of the other branch pipe portion (122b) communicates with the fourth main communication space (75d). Accordingly, the second auxiliary communication space (77b) includes the third main communication space (75c) corresponding to the third leeward main row block (92c) and the fourth main communication space corresponding to the fourth leeward main row block (92d). Connected to both of the spaces (75d).

  The third connection pipe (130) connects the third leeward auxiliary row block (95c) and the third leeward main row block group (93c). Specifically, in the third connecting pipe (130), the open end of the main pipe portion (131) communicates with the third auxiliary communication space (77c), and the open end of one branch pipe portion (132a) is the fifth. The main communication space (75e) communicates, and the open end of the other branch pipe (132b) communicates with the sixth main communication space (75f). Therefore, the third auxiliary communication space (77c) includes the fifth main communication space (75e) corresponding to the fifth leeward main row block (92e) and the sixth main communication space corresponding to the sixth leeward main row block (92f). Connected to both space (75f).

<Configuration of shunt>
Next, the configuration of the flow divider (150) will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the portion forming the lower space (43) in the first upwind header collecting pipe (40) constitutes the flow divider (150). When the heat exchanger (23) functions as an evaporator, the shunt (150) converts the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant supplied to the heat exchanger (23) into three upwind auxiliary heat exchange units ( 38a-38c).

  In the lower space (43), two horizontal partition plates (160, 162) and one vertical partition plate (164) are provided. The lower space (43) is divided into three communication chambers (151 to 153), one mixing chamber (154), two chambers by two horizontal partition plates (160, 162) and one vertical partition plate (164). Divided into intermediate chambers (155,156).

  Specifically, each horizontal partition plate (160, 162) is disposed so as to cross the lower space (43), and partitions the lower space (43) vertically. The lower lateral partition plate (160) is disposed between the first upwind auxiliary row block (55a) and the second upwind auxiliary row block (55b), and the upper lateral partition plate (162) Arranged between the auxiliary row block (55b) and the third upwind auxiliary row block (55c). The vertical partition plate (164) is an elongated rectangular plate-shaped member. The vertical partition plate (164) is disposed along the axial direction of the first upwind header collecting pipe (40), and the lower space (43) is arranged on the flat pipe (31) side and the liquid side connecting pipe (101) side. Partition.

  Of the lower space (43), the lower portion of the lower horizontal partition plate (160) is separated by the vertical partition plate (164) into the first communication chamber (151) on the flat tube (31) side and the liquid side connection tube. It is partitioned into a lower intermediate chamber (155) on the (101) side. The first communication chamber (151) communicates with the three flat tubes (31) constituting the first upwind auxiliary row block (55a).

  In the lower space (43), a portion between the lower horizontal partition plate (160) and the upper horizontal partition plate (162) is separated by a vertical partition plate (164) into the second communication chamber on the flat tube (31) side ( 152) and the mixing chamber (154) on the liquid side connecting pipe (101) side. The second communication chamber (152) communicates with the three flat tubes (61) constituting the second upwind auxiliary row block (55b). The mixing chamber (154) communicates with the liquid side connecting pipe (101).

  A portion of the lower space (43) above the upper horizontal partition plate (162) is separated by a vertical partition plate (164) from the third communication chamber (153) on the flat tube (31) side and the liquid side connection tube ( 101) partitioned into an upper intermediate chamber (156) on the side. The third communication chamber (153) communicates with the three flat tubes (31) constituting the third upwind auxiliary row block (55c).

  One communication hole (165a, 165b) is formed in the upper part and the lower part of the vertical partition plate (164). Each communication hole (165a, 165b) is a horizontally long rectangular through hole. The communication hole (165b) at the lower part of the vertical partition plate (164) is formed near the lower end of the lower part of the vertical partition plate (164) than the lower horizontal partition plate (160), and the first communication chamber ( 151) is in communication with the lower intermediate chamber (155). The upper communicating hole (165a) of the vertical partition plate (164) is formed near the lower end of the upper part of the vertical partition plate (164) above the upper horizontal partition plate (162), and the third communication chamber (153) Is in communication with the upper intermediate chamber (156).

  The lower horizontal partition plate (160) has a flow rate adjusting hole (161) formed in a portion facing the mixing chamber (154). The first communication chamber (151) communicates with the mixing chamber (154) through the flow rate adjusting hole (161). The upper horizontal partition plate (162) has a flow rate adjusting hole (163) formed in a portion facing the mixing chamber (154). The third communication chamber (153) communicates with the mixing chamber (154) through the flow rate adjusting hole (163). The vertical partition plate (164) has a flow rate adjusting hole (166) formed in the vicinity of the lower end of the portion facing the mixing chamber (154). The second communication chamber (152) communicates with the mixing chamber (154) through the flow rate adjusting hole (166).

  In the flow divider (150), the flow rate adjustment hole (161) of the lower horizontal partition plate (160), the flow rate adjustment hole (163) of the upper horizontal partition plate (162), and the flow rate adjustment hole of the vertical partition plate (164) (166) is a circular through-hole having a relatively small diameter. The flow divider (150) has an opening area (specifically, a diameter) of the flow rate adjusting holes (161, 163, 166) so that the refrigerant is distributed to each upwind auxiliary row block (55a to 55c) at a predetermined ratio. Is set.

<Connection unit configuration>
Next, the configuration of the connection unit (100) will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIGS. 10 (A) to 10 (D). In addition, in FIG. 10 (A) and FIG. 10 (B), illustration of the cross section of a flat tube (31, 61) is abbreviate | omitted.

  The connection unit (100) is provided adjacent to the ends (in this example, the right end) of the windward heat exchanger unit (30) and the leeward heat exchanger unit (60), and the windward heat exchanger unit (30 ) Of the n flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) and the n flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) of the leeward heat exchanger unit (60) Connect the end of the. In this example, the connection unit (100) is composed of n connection members (200). The n connecting members (200) are formed of the ends of the n flat tubes (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and the n flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). The ends are connected one to one. Specifically, the n connecting members (200) are arranged vertically in the end portion (right end) of the windward heat exchanger unit (30) and the leeward heat exchanger unit (60). The connecting member (200) of the k-th stage (1 ≦ k ≦ n) includes the k-th flat tube (31) of the windward pipe row (50) and the k-th stage of the leeward pipe row (90). Connected to the flat tube (61) of the eye. In addition, in each connection member (200), there are a plurality of fluids that connect the flat tubes (31) that constitute the windward tube row (50) and the flat tubes (61) that constitute the leeward tube row (90). A passage (201) is formed. The plurality of fluid passages (201) extend in parallel to each other from the flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) to the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90).

  Note that n is an integer of 2 or more, and corresponds to the number of flat tubes (31, 61) paired in a one-to-one relationship. In this example, the connection unit (100) includes the ends of all the flat tubes (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and the ends of all the flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). The units are connected in a one-to-one relationship and communicated. That is, in this example, all the flat tubes (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and all the flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) are in a one-to-one pair. , N corresponds to the number of all the flat tubes (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) (or all the flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90)).

  Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 (A) to 10 (D), in this example, each connecting member (200) includes a connecting flat tube (300), a first connecting member (301), It is comprised by the 2nd connection member (302). The connecting flat tube (300), the first connecting member (301), and the second connecting member (302) are all made of an aluminum alloy and are joined to each other by brazing.

−Connected flat tube−
The connecting flat tube (300) is a heat transfer tube whose cross-sectional shape is a flat oval. A plurality of fluid passages (201) are formed in the connecting flat tube (300). Each fluid passage (201) is a passage extending in the extending direction of the connecting flat tube (300), and is arranged in a line in the width direction of the connecting flat tube (300). Each fluid passage (201) is open to both end faces of the connecting flat tube (300). The connecting flat tube (300) is bent in a U shape. In this example, the connecting flat tube (300) is formed by bending a straight flat tube into a U shape. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting flat tube (300) is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). It has become. That is, in this example, the number of fluid passages (201) formed in the connecting flat tube (300) is the same as the number of fluid passages (175) formed in the flat tube (31, 61).

-1st connection member-
The first connecting member (301) is a hollow member, and is an end portion (right end in this example) of the flat tube (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) and one end portion of the connecting flat tube (300). To communicate with each other. In this example, the first connecting member (301) is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. Moreover, the 1st slit (301a) in which the edge part of a flat tube (31) is inserted is formed in the side surface (1st side surface) of the 1st connection member (301) facing the edge part of a flat tube (31). The second slit (301b) into which one end of the connecting flat tube (300) is inserted into the side surface (second side surface) of the first connecting member (301) facing one end of the connecting flat tube (300). Is formed.

  In this example, the opening shape of the first slit (301a) is a flat oval shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (31), and the opening shape of the second slit (301b) is It has a flat oval shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (300). In addition, the flat tube (31) and the connecting flat tube (300) have the first slit (301a) and the second slit of the first connecting member (301) so that their tips protrude into the internal space of the first connecting member (301). Each is inserted into the slit (301b).

-Second connecting member-
The second connecting member (302) is a hollow member, and is an end (right end in this example) of the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) and the other end of the connecting flat tube (300). To communicate with each other. In this example, the second connecting member (302) is formed in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape. Moreover, the 1st slit (302a) in which the edge part of a flat tube (61) is inserted is formed in the side surface (1st side surface) of the 2nd connection member (302) facing the edge part of a flat tube (61). The second slit (second side surface) of the second connecting member (302) facing the other end of the connecting flat tube (300) is inserted with the other end of the connecting flat tube (300). 302b) is formed.

  In this example, the opening shape of the first slit (302a) is a flat oval shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (61), and the opening shape of the second slit (302b) is It has a flat oval shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (300). In addition, the flat tube (61) and the connecting flat tube (300) have the first slit (302a) and the second slit of the second connecting member (302) so that their tips protrude into the internal space of the second connecting member (302). Each is inserted into the slit (302b).

《Join each part in connecting member》
The first connecting member (301) has the first slit (301a) joined to the end of the flat tube (31) by brazing, and the second slit (301b) is connected to one end of the connecting flat tube (300). Joined by brazing. The second connecting member (302) has the first slit (302a) joined to the end of the flat tube (61) by brazing, and the second slit (302b) is the other end of the connecting flat tube (300). And are joined by brazing. In this example, a brazing material is bonded to the inner surface of the first connecting member (301) and the inner surface of the second connecting member (302). That is, each connecting member (301, 302) is made of a clad material in which a brazing material made of metal having a melting point lower than that of the base material is bonded to the surface of the base material made of metal. Then, the end of the flat tube (31) and the one end of the connecting flat tube (300) are inserted into the first slit (301a) and the second slit (301b) of the first connecting member (301), respectively, and the second With the end of the flat tube (61) and the other end of the connecting flat tube (300) inserted into the first slit (302a) and the second slit (302b) of the connecting member (302), the heat exchanger ( 23) into the furnace, the brazing material is melted and bonded to the inner surface of the first connecting member (301) and the inner surface of the second connecting member (302), and the first connecting member ( 301), the first slit (301a) and the second slit (301b), the end of the flat tube (31) and the one end of the connecting flat tube (300) are joined to each other, and the second connecting member (302) First slit (302a) and second slit (302b) and the end of the flat tube (61) And the other end portion of the connecting flat tubes (300) are respectively bonded.

<Flow of refrigerant in heat exchanger / Evaporator>
Next, the flow of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (23) during the heating operation will be described. During the heating operation of the air conditioner (10), the heat exchanger (23) functions as an evaporator. The refrigerant that has expanded into a gas-liquid two-phase state when passing through the expansion valve (24) is supplied to the heat exchanger (23) through the pipe (17). As shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant supplied from the pipe (17) to the liquid side connecting pipe (101) is composed of a flat pipe (31) constituting the windward auxiliary row portion (54) and a leeward auxiliary row portion (94 ), The flat tube (61) constituting the leeward main row portion (91), and the flat tube (31) constituting the leeward main row portion (51) in order, It flows out to the pipe (18) through the gas side connection pipe (102). Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant in each part of the heat exchanger (23) will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the mixing chamber (154) from the liquid side connecting pipe (101) is distributed to the three communication chambers (151 to 153), and then It flows into the flat tube (31) of the upwind auxiliary row block (55a to 55c) corresponding to the communication chamber (151 to 153). The refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes (31) of the upwind auxiliary row blocks (55a to 55c) exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied to the heat exchanger (23).

  As shown in FIG. 9 (A) and FIG. 9 (B), each flat tube (31) of the windward auxiliary row block (55a to 55c) and each flat tube (61) of the leeward auxiliary row block (95a to 95c) Are individually connected to each other via the connecting member (200). Therefore, the refrigerant that has passed through the nine flat tubes (31) that constitute the three upwind auxiliary row blocks (55a to 55c) passes through the nine connecting members (200), and the three upwind auxiliary row blocks. It individually flows into the nine flat tubes (61) constituting (95a to 95c).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube (61) of the leeward auxiliary column block (95a to 95c) exchanges heat with the outdoor air that has passed through the upwind auxiliary heat exchange region (37). The refrigerant that has passed through the three flat tubes (61) of each leeward auxiliary row block (95a to 95c) communicates with the auxiliary communication of the first leeward header collecting pipe (70) corresponding to each leeward auxiliary row block (95a to 95c). Enter the space (77a-77c) and join.

  A part of the refrigerant that has flowed from the first auxiliary communication space (77a) into the main pipe portion (111) of the first connection pipe (110) passes through one branch pipe portion (112a) (the first main communication space ( The remainder flows into the second main communication space (75b) through the other branch pipe section (112b). A part of the refrigerant that has flowed from the second auxiliary communication space (77b) into the main pipe portion (121) of the second connection pipe (120) passes through one branch pipe portion (122a) to form the third main communication space ( 75c), and the remainder flows into the fourth main communication space (75d) through the other branch pipe portion (122b). A part of the refrigerant that has flowed from the third auxiliary communication space (77c) into the main pipe portion (131) of the third connection pipe (130) passes through one branch pipe portion (132a) (the fifth main communication space ( 75e) and the remainder flow into the sixth main communication space (75f) through the other branch pipe portion (132b).

  The refrigerant flowing into each main communication space (75a to 75f) of the first lee header collecting pipe (70) is twelve in the lee main row block (92a to 92f) corresponding to each main communication space (75a to 75f). Into the flat tube (61). The refrigerant flowing through the flat tube (61) of the leeward main row block (92a to 92f) exchanges heat with the outdoor air that has passed through the leeward main heat exchange region (35).

  As shown in FIG. 9 (A) and FIG. 9 (B), each flat tube (31) of the leeward main row block (52a to 52f) and each flat tube (61) of the leeward main row block (92a to 92f) Are individually connected to each other via the connecting member (200). Therefore, the refrigerant that has passed through the 72 flat tubes (61) constituting the six leeward main row blocks (92a to 92f) passes through the 72 connecting members (200), It individually flows into the 72 flat tubes (31) constituting the upper main row blocks (52a to 52f).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube (31) of the upwind main row block (52a to 52f) exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied to the heat exchanger (23). The refrigerant that has passed through the flat pipe (31) of the upwind main row block (52a to 52f) enters the upper space (42) of the first upwind header collecting pipe (40) and joins it, and then the gas side connecting pipe It flows out of the heat exchanger (23) through (102).

<Refrigerant flow in heat exchanger / condenser>
Next, the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger (23) during the cooling operation will be described. During the cooling operation of the air conditioner (10), the heat exchanger (23) functions as a condenser. The gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is supplied to the heat exchanger (23) through the pipe (18). As shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerant supplied from the pipe (18) to the gas side connecting pipe (102) is composed of a flat pipe (31) constituting the upwind main row portion (51) and a leeward main row portion (91). ), The flat tube (61) constituting the leeward auxiliary row portion (94), and the flat tube (31) constituting the upwind auxiliary row portion (54), in that order, It flows out to the pipe (17) through the liquid side connection pipe (101). Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant in each part of the heat exchanger (23) will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the gas single-phase refrigerant that has flowed from the gas side connection pipe (102) into the upper space (42) of the first upwind header collecting pipe (40) flows into the upwind main row block (52a to 52a). 52f) is divided into the flat pipe (31) and flows into it. The refrigerant flowing through the flat tube (31) of the upwind main row block (52a to 52f) exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied to the heat exchanger (23).

  As shown in FIG. 9 (A) and FIG. 9 (B), each flat tube (31) of the leeward main row block (52a to 52f) and each flat tube (61) of the leeward main row block (92a to 92f) Are individually connected to each other via the connecting member (200). Therefore, the refrigerant that has passed through the 72 flat tubes (31) constituting the six upwind main row blocks (52a to 52f) passes through the 72 connecting members (200), It individually flows into the 72 flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward main row blocks (92a to 92f).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube (61) of the leeward main row block (92a to 92f) exchanges heat with the outdoor air that has passed through the upwind main heat exchange region (35). The refrigerant that has passed through the twelve flat tubes (61) of each leeward main row block (92a to 92f) is the main refrigerant of the first leeward header collecting pipe (70) corresponding to each leeward main row block (92a to 92f). Enter and join the communication space (75a to 75f).

  The refrigerant in the first main communication space (75a) and the second main communication space (75b) flows into the first auxiliary communication space (77a) through the first connection pipe (110). The refrigerant in the third main communication space (75c) and the fourth main communication space (75d) flows into the second auxiliary communication space (77b) through the second connection pipe (120). The refrigerant in the fifth main communication space (75e) and the sixth main communication space (75f) flows into the third auxiliary communication space (77c) through the third connection pipe (130).

  The refrigerant that has flowed into the auxiliary communication spaces (77a to 77c) of the first leeward header collecting pipe (70) flows into the three leeward auxiliary column blocks (95a to 95c) corresponding to the auxiliary communication spaces (77a to 77c). Divides into the flat tube (61) and flows. The refrigerant flowing through the flat tube (61) of the leeward auxiliary row block (95a to 95c) exchanges heat with the outdoor air that has passed through the upwind auxiliary heat exchange region (37).

  As shown in FIG. 9 (A) and FIG. 9 (B), each flat tube (31) of the windward auxiliary row block (55a to 55c) and each flat tube (61) of the leeward auxiliary row block (95a to 95c) Are individually connected to each other via the connecting member (200). Therefore, the refrigerant that has passed through the nine flat tubes (61) that constitute the three leeward auxiliary row blocks (95a to 95c) passes through the nine connecting members (200), and then reaches the three windward auxiliary row blocks. It individually flows into the nine flat tubes (31) constituting (55a to 55c).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube (31) of the upwind auxiliary row block (55a to 55c) exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied to the heat exchanger (23). The refrigerant that has passed through the flat tubes (31) of the upwind auxiliary row blocks (55a to 55c) enters and merges with the communication chambers (151 to 153) corresponding to the upwind auxiliary row blocks (55a to 55c). The refrigerant in the communication chambers (151 to 153) enters the mixing chamber (154) and merges, and then flows out from the heat exchanger (23) through the liquid side connection pipe (101).

<Contrast of this embodiment and comparative example>
As a structure for connecting the flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90), instead of the connection unit (100), The following structure (comparative example) can be considered. That is, the end portions of the n flat tubes (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and the end portions of the n flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) are individually separated. Instead of connecting to each other, a structure in which the ends of all the flat tubes (31, 61) are commonly communicated with one space formed in one header is conceivable. However, when this structure is adopted, when the refrigerant flows from one of the windward tube row (50) and the leeward tube row (90) to the other, a plurality of flat tubes (50, 90) constituting the one tube row (50, 90) ( After the refrigerant passing through 31, 61) once joins, the refrigerant flows into the plurality of flat tubes (61, 31) constituting the other tube row (90, 50). Therefore, the mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the plurality of flat tubes (61, 31) constituting the other tube row (90, 50) may be uneven.

  On the other hand, in the heat exchanger (23) according to the first embodiment, n flat tubes (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and n flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). Are connected individually one by one via n connecting members (200) constituting the connecting unit (100), so that the windward tube row (50) and the leeward tube row (90) (specifically When the refrigerant flows from one of the n flat tubes (31) and the n flat tubes (61) to the other, a plurality of flat tubes (31, 31) constituting one tube row (50, 90) are provided. The refrigerant that has passed 61) flows individually into the plurality of flat tubes (61, 31) constituting the other tube row (90, 50) without joining together.

<Effects of Embodiment 1>
As described above, in the heat exchanger (23) according to the first embodiment, the windward tube row (50) and the leeward tube row (90) (specifically, the n flat tubes (31) and the n flat tubes) When the refrigerant flows from one of the tubes (61)) to the other, the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of flat tubes (31, 61) constituting the one tube row (50, 90) once joins and the other tube row ( 61, 31), the plurality of flat tubes (61, 31) do not flow separately. That is, the refrigerant merges between the windward tube row (50) and the leeward tube row (90) (specifically, between the n flat tubes (31) and the n flat tubes (61)). No shunting occurs. Therefore, rather than the case where the heat exchanger (23) is configured as in the above comparative example (a structure in which the ends of all the flat tubes (31, 61) are commonly communicated with one space), the heat exchanger ( The number of times the refrigerant is distributed to the plurality of flat tubes (31, 61) in the refrigerant flow path in 23) can be reduced. Thereby, equalization of the mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each flat tube (31, 61) can be facilitated.

  In addition, n sets of flat tubes (31, 61) each composed of one flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and one flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). Since n connecting members (200) are individually connected to each of the combinations, if a connection failure occurs in any of the n connection members (200), the connection failure occurs. By replacing the connecting member (200), the connection failure can be eliminated. Thus, maintenance of the heat exchanger (23) can be facilitated.

  In addition, a plurality of fluid passages (201) are provided inside the connecting member (200) (specifically, the connecting flat tube (300)). That is, a structure (partition wall) for partitioning the internal space of the connection member (200) into a plurality of fluid passages (201) is provided inside the connection member (200). Therefore, the structural strength of the connection member (200) can be improved as compared with the case where the connection member (200) is formed of a circular pipe. That is, the internal pressure of the connecting member (200) can be supported not only by the portion forming the outer shape of the connecting member (200) but also by the structure formed inside the connecting member (200). Thus, since the structural strength of the connection member (200) can be improved, it is possible to easily ensure the pressure resistance strength of the connection member (200).

  Further, the connecting member (200) is configured by the connecting flat tube (300), the first connecting member (301), and the second connecting member (302), so that the connecting member (200) is configured by a circular pipe. The thickness of the connecting member (200) (specifically, the length in the arrangement direction of the flat tubes (31, 61)) can be shortened. Thereby, the arrangement | positioning space | interval (specifically the space | interval in the arrangement direction of a flat tube (31,61)) of a connection member (200) can be narrowed. Therefore, the arrangement interval of the flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) (in this example, the vertical interval) and the arrangement interval of the flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) (this example) Then, the vertical interval) can be narrowed, and the heat exchanger (23) can be miniaturized.

  The number of fluid passages (201) formed in the connecting member (200) (specifically, the connecting flat tube (300)) is formed in the flat tube (31) (or flat tube (61)). Since the number is the same as the number of fluid passages (175), the behavior of the refrigerant in the connection member (200) can be brought close to the behavior of the refrigerant in the flat tube (31, 61). Thereby, control of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (23) (for example, control of the mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes (31, 61)) can be facilitated. The number of fluid passages (201) formed in the connecting flat tube (300) is different from the number of fluid passages (201) formed in the flat tube (31) (or flat tube (61)). There may be.

  In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting flat tube (300) is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). Thus, the connecting flat tube (300) can be manufactured by the same manufacturing process as the flat tube (31, 61). Thereby, manufacturing cost can be reduced. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting flat tube (300) may be different from the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (31, 61).

  Further, the slits (301a, 301b) of the first connecting member (301) are formed by making the cross-sectional shape of the slits (301a, 301b) of the first connecting member (301) correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (31, 300). ) And the flat tube (31,300). Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant leak at the junction part of a 1st connection member (301) and a flat tube (31,300) can be prevented. Similarly, the second connecting member (302) and the flat tube are formed by making the cross-sectional shape of the slit (302a, 302b) of the second connecting member (302) corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (61, 300). It is possible to prevent refrigerant leakage at the junction with (61,300).

  Further, the end of the flat tube (31,300) is inserted into the slit (301a, 301b) of the first connecting member (301) so that the tip of the flat tube (31,300) protrudes into the internal space of the first connecting member (301). Thereby, the end surface of the flat tube (31, 300) can be separated from the inner surface of the first connecting member (301). Thus, when the brazing material bonded to the inner surface of the first connecting member (301) melts, the melted brazing material flows into the fluid passage (175, 201) opened at the end face of the flat tube (31,300). Can be prevented. Similarly, the end of the flat tube (61,300) is inserted into the slit (302a, 302b) of the second connecting member (302) so that the tip of the flat tube (61,300) protrudes into the internal space of the second connecting member (302). By inserting, the end surface of the flat tube (61, 300) can be separated from the inner surface of the second connecting member (302). As a result, when the brazing material bonded to the inner surface of the second connecting member (302) melts, the melted brazing material flows into the fluid passageway (175, 201) opened at the end face of the flat tube (61, 300). Can be prevented.

[Modification of Embodiment 1]
In addition, as shown to FIG. 11 (A)-FIG. 11 (D), in the flat part (flat part among the side surfaces of a flat pipe (31)) of the flat pipe (31) which comprises a leeward pipe row | line | column (50). The protrusion (31a) may be formed. When the flat tube (31) is inserted to a predetermined position in the internal space of the first connecting member (301), the protruding portion (31a) is connected to the first side surface of the first connecting member (301) (the flat tube (31) and It is arranged at a predetermined distance from the end surface of the flat tube (31) so as to abut the opposite surface. Moreover, the protrusion part (61a) may be formed in the flat part of the flat pipe (61) which comprises a leeward pipe row | line | column (90). When the flat tube (61) is inserted to a predetermined position in the internal space of the second connecting member (302), the protruding portion (61a) is connected to the first side surface of the second connecting member (302) (the flat tube (61) and The flat tube (61) is disposed at a predetermined distance from the end surface so as to abut the opposite surface. In addition, a first protrusion (300a) is formed on the flat portion at one end of the connecting flat tube (300), and a second protrusion (300b) is formed on the flat portion at the other end of the connecting flat tube (300). It may be. The protrusions (300a, 300b) are formed on the second side surface (flat tube (31, 61)) of the connecting member (301, 302) when the connecting flat tube (300) is inserted to a predetermined position in the internal space of the connecting member (301, 302). Are arranged at a predetermined distance from both end faces of the connecting flat tube (300) so as to abut against each other. The protrusions (31a, 61a, 300a, 300b) constitute a positioning part.

  Moreover, the flat tube (31) which comprises the connection flat tube (300) shown in FIG. 11 (A)-FIG. (61), the first connecting member (301), and the second connecting member (302) may be connected as follows. That is, the end of the flat tube (31) is moved to the first slit (first connection member (301)) until the protrusion (31a) of the flat tube (31) contacts the first side surface of the first connection member (301). 301a), and insert the end of the flat tube (61) into the second connecting member (302) until the projection (31a) of the flat tube (61) contacts the first side surface of the second connecting member (302). Insert one end of the connecting flat tube (300) into the first slit (302a) until the first protrusion (300a) of the connecting flat tube (300) contacts the second side of the first connecting member (301). Inserted into the second slit (301b) of the first connecting member (301) and connected flat until the second protrusion (300b) of the connecting flat tube (300) contacts the second side surface of the second connecting member (302). The flat tube (31, 61, 300) and the connecting member (301, 302) may be connected by inserting the other end of the tube (300) into the second slit (302b) of the second connecting member (302). As described above, the protrusion (31a, 61a, 300a, 300b) of the flat tube (31, 61, 300) can be used for positioning of the flat tube (31, 61, 300), so that the heat exchanger (23) is assembled. Can be made easier.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of the heat exchanger (23) according to the second embodiment. In the heat exchanger (23) according to the second embodiment, the connection unit (100) is configured by n laminated members (400). That is, in this example, each connection member (200) is configured by a laminated member (400). Other configurations are the same as the configuration of the heat exchanger (23) of the first embodiment.

<Configuration of laminated member>
Next, the configuration of the laminated member (400) will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 (A) to 13 (C). For simplification of illustration, in FIG. 13C, a boundary (two plate-like members (401 described later) between the laminated members (400) visible from two openings formed on the side surface of the laminated member (400). )) Is not shown.

  The laminated member (400) is composed of two plate-like members (401) that are overlapped and joined to each other. In this example, the plate member (401) is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. Further, a communication path (402) is formed in the laminated member (400). The communication path (402) extends in a U-shape between the two plate-like members (401) constituting the laminated member (400), and both ends thereof are arranged on one side surface of the laminated member (400) (flat tube (31, 61) Open to the opposite surface.

  Further, one end portion (402a) of the communication passage (402) formed in the laminated member (400) has a laminated member (400 of the n flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50). ) Is inserted into the end (in this example, the right end) of the flat tube (31). The other end (402b) of the communication path (402) formed in the laminated member (400) is connected to the laminated member (400) among the n flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). The end (in this example, the right end) of the corresponding flat tube (61) is inserted.

  In addition, a plurality of partition walls (403) that divide the communication path (402) into a plurality of fluid paths (201) are provided in an intermediate portion (402c) of the communication path (402) formed in the laminated member (400). It has been. Each fluid passage (201) is a passage (passage extending in a U-shape) extending in the extending direction of the communication passage (402), and is aligned in the width direction of the communication passage (402). In this example, the number of fluid passages (201) formed in the laminated member (400) is the same as the number of fluid passages (175) formed in the flat tubes (31, 61).

  In this example, the opening shape of both ends (402a, 402b) of the communication path (402) formed in the laminated member (400) is a flat ellipse corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (31, 61). It has a shape. Further, the communication passage (402) has an opening cross-sectional area at both ends (402a, 402b) narrower than an opening cross-sectional area at the intermediate part (402c). Specifically, in the cross section (plan view cross section) when the laminated member (400) is viewed from above, the opening widths of both end portions (402a, 402b) of the communication path (402) are intermediate portions (402) of the communication path (402). 402c) is wider than the opening width (see FIG. 13A). Furthermore, a first step portion (402d) and a second step portion (402e) are formed between both end portions (402a, 402b) and the intermediate portion (402c) of the communication path (402). The first stepped portion (402d) has a stepped surface that protrudes inward from the end of the inner surface of the one end (402a) and is connected to the end of the inner surface of the intermediate portion (402c). The second stepped portion (402e) has a stepped surface that protrudes inward from the end of the inner surface of the other end (402b) and is connected to the end of the inner surface of the intermediate portion (402c).

  In this example, a communication groove (404) for forming the communication path (402) is formed on the joint surface of each plate-like member (401). The communication groove (404) is formed in a U shape on the joint surface of the plate-like member (401), and both ends thereof are on one side surface (a surface facing the flat tube (31, 61)) of the plate-like member (401). It is open. In addition, a plurality of ridges for forming a plurality of partition walls (403) each extending in a U shape are formed on the bottom surface of the intermediate portion of the communication groove (404). The plurality of protrusions formed on the bottom surface of the intermediate portion of the communication groove (404) extend in a U shape from one end portion to the other end portion of the communication groove (404) at a predetermined interval. . For example, the communication groove (404) is formed by deforming the plate-like member (401) by pressing. The communication path (402) is configured by overlapping the joining surfaces of the two plate-like members (401) so that the communication grooves (404) formed in each plate-like member (401) overlap.

  In this example, a plurality (five in this example) of engaging portions (405) are formed on each of the two plate-like members (401) constituting the laminated member (400). The engaging portion (405) of each plate-like member (401) is one when the joining surfaces of each plate-like member (401) are overlapped so that the communication groove (404) of each plate-like member (401) overlaps. The engaging portion (405) of the plate-like member (401) is arranged to engage with the engaging portion (405) of the other plate-like member (401). For example, the engaging portion (405) of one plate-like member (401) is formed in a convex shape protruding from the joint surface, and the engaging portion (405) of the other plate-like member (401) is one plate It is formed in a concave shape that can be engaged with the engaging portion (405) of the shaped member (401).

  In addition, the two plate-like members (401) constituting the laminated member (400) are joined to each other by brazing, and both ends of the communication path (402) of the laminated member (400) are flat tubes (31, 61). ) And brazing. In this example, a plurality of ridges formed in the connecting surface of each plate-like member (401) where the communication groove (404) is not formed, both ends of the communication groove (404), and the communication groove (404). A brazing material is bonded to the protruding end surface of the part. That is, each plate member (401) is made of a clad material. Then, the two plate-like members (401) so that the engaging portion (405) of one plate-like member (401) and the engaging portion (405) of the other plate-like member (401) are engaged with each other. Are stacked to form a laminated member (400), and the heat exchanger (23) is inserted with the ends of the flat tubes (31, 61) inserted into both ends of the communication path (402) of the laminated member (400). Put it in the furnace. As a result, the brazing material bonded to the joint surface of each plate-like member (401) and the projecting end surfaces of the plurality of ridges formed in the communication groove (404) is melted, and the melted brazing material Two plate-like members (401) constituting the laminated member (400) are joined to each other. Also, the brazing material bonded to both ends of the communication groove (404) of each plate-like member (401) melts, and the melted brazing material causes both ends of the communication path (402) of the laminated member (400) to The ends of the flat tubes (31, 61) are joined.

<Effects of Embodiment 2>
As described above, the n flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50), the n flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90), and the n laminated members (400). By connecting individually one by one, it is possible to easily equalize the mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each flat tube (31, 61).

  In addition, n sets of flat tubes (31, 61) each composed of one flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and one flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). Since n laminated members (400) are individually connected to each of the combinations, if a connection failure occurs in any of the n laminated members (400), the connection failure occurs. The defective connection can be eliminated by replacing the laminated member (400). Thus, maintenance of the heat exchanger (23) can be facilitated.

  In addition, a plurality of partition walls (403) for partitioning the communication path (402) of the stacked member (400) into a plurality of fluid paths (201) are provided inside the stacked member (400). Therefore, the structural strength of the connection member (200) can be improved as compared with the case where the connection member (200) is formed of a circular pipe. That is, the internal pressure of the connecting member (200) (in this example, the laminated member (400)) is formed not only in the portion forming the outer shape of the connecting member (200) but also in the connecting member (200). Can also be supported. Thus, since the structural strength of the connection member (200) can be improved, it is possible to easily ensure the pressure resistance strength of the connection member (200).

  Further, by forming the connecting member (200) by the laminated member (400) made up of two plate-like members (401) that are overlapped and joined to each other, the connecting member (200) is made of a circular pipe. In addition, the thickness of the connecting member (200) (specifically, the length in the arrangement direction of the flat tubes (31, 61)) can be shortened. Thereby, the arrangement | positioning space | interval (specifically the space | interval in the arrangement direction of a flat tube (31,61)) of a connection member (200) can be narrowed. Therefore, the arrangement interval of the flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) (in this example, the vertical interval) and the arrangement interval of the flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) (this example) Then, since the space | interval of an upper and lower side can be narrowed, a heat exchanger (23) can be reduced in size.

  Further, since the number of fluid passages (201) formed in the laminated member (400) is the same as the number of fluid passages (175) formed in the flat tube (31) (or flat tube (61)), The behavior of the refrigerant in the laminated member (400) can be brought close to the behavior of the refrigerant in the flat tube (31, 61). Thereby, control of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (23) (for example, control of the mass flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes (31, 61)) can be facilitated. The number of fluid passages (201) formed in the laminated member (400) is different from the number of fluid passages (201) formed in the flat tube (31) (or flat tube (61)). May be.

  Further, by opening the both ends of the communication passage (402) formed in the laminated member (400) to a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the flat tube (31, 61), both ends of the communication passage (402) It is possible to improve the adhesion between the opening shape and the flat tube (31, 61). Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant leak at the junction part of a laminated member (400) and a flat tube (31, 61) can be prevented.

  Further, by forming the engaging portion (405) on each plate-like member (401) constituting the laminated member (400), it is possible to facilitate superposition (that is, positioning) of the plate-like members (401). it can. Accordingly, it is easy to configure the laminated member (400) by stacking the two plate members (401) so that the communication path (402) is formed between the two plate members (401). Can be.

  In addition, the flat member (31) which comprises the lamination | stacking member (400) shown in FIG.13 (A)-FIG.13 (C), an upwind tube row | line | column (50), and the flat tube which comprises an leeward tube row | line | column (90) ( 61) may be connected as follows. That is, the end portion of the flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) is laminated until the end portion of the flat tube (31) contacts the first step portion (402d) of the communication path (402). 400) is inserted into one end (402a) of the communication passage (402), and the leeward tube row (90) until the end of the flat tube (61) contacts the second stepped portion (402e) of the communication passage (402). By inserting the end of the flat tube (61) that constitutes the other end (402b) of the communication path (402) of the laminated member (400), the laminated member (400) and the flat tube (31, 61) May be connected. Thus, since the step part (403d, 402e) formed in the communication path (402) of the laminated member (400) can be used for positioning of the flat tube (31, 61), the heat exchanger (23) Assembling work can be facilitated.

[Other Embodiments]
As shown in FIG. 14, the heat exchanger (23) according to each of the above embodiments includes the flat tube (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). ) May be joined to a single fin (180). In other words, in the heat exchanger (23) of the present modification, the upwind is taken up by the tube insertion portion (187) of each fin (180) arranged at regular intervals in the axial direction of the flat tubes (31, 61). Both the flat tube (31) constituting the tube row (50) and the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) are arranged.

  The heat exchanger (23) according to each of the above embodiments may be provided with corrugated fins instead of the plate-like fins (32, 62, 180). These fins are so-called corrugated fins, and are formed in a wavy waveform that snakes up and down. The corrugated fins are arranged one by one between the flat tubes (31, 61, 170) adjacent to each other in the vertical direction.

  In each of the above embodiments, all the flat tubes (31) constituting the windward tube row (50) and all the flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) are connected one-to-one. The case where n is equivalent to the number of all the flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) has been described as an example, but the upwind tube row (50) is formed. All the flat tubes (31) and all the flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) may not be connected one-to-one. For example, the number of flat tubes (31, 61) connected in a one-to-one manner by the connection unit (100) (ie, n) is the number of all flat tubes (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) ( Or it may be less than the number of all the flat tubes (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90)). In this case, the flat tubes (31, 61) that are not connected by the connection unit (100) may be connected by another connection structure (for example, a header).

  In each of the above embodiments, the case where the heat exchanger (23) is used as an outdoor heat exchanger has been described as an example. However, the heat exchanger (23) is used as an indoor heat exchanger (25). May be.

  As described above, the above-described heat exchanger is useful as a heat exchanger provided in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air conditioner 23 Heat exchanger 30 Upwind heat exchanger unit 31 Flat tube 32 Fin 50 Upwind tube row 60 Downwind heat exchanger unit 61 Flat tube 62 Fin 90 Downwind tube row 100 Connection unit 200 Connection member 201 Fluid passage 300 Connecting flat tube 301 First connecting member 302 Second connecting member 400 Laminated member 401 Plate member 402 Communication path 403 Partition wall

Claims (4)

The upwind tube row (50) and the downwind tube row (90), each of which is constituted by a plurality of flat tubes (31,61) arranged in parallel and arranged in the air flow direction, and the above-mentioned flat tubes (31,61) A heat exchanger comprising joined fins (32, 62),
The end of the flat tube (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) and the end of the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90) are connected in a one-to-one relationship, A connecting member (200) having a plurality of fluid passages (201) communicating the flat tube (31) of the upper tube row (50) and the flat tube (61) of the leeward tube row (90); A heat exchanger characterized by that. In claim 1,
The connecting member (200)
A plurality of fluid passages (201) extending in the extending direction are formed therein, the plurality of fluid passages (201) are opened at both end faces, and a connecting flat tube (300) bent into a U shape,
A hollow first connecting member (301) for connecting and communicating the end of the flat tube (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) and the one end of the connecting flat tube (300);
It is comprised by the hollow 2nd connection member (302) which connects and connects the edge part of the flat tube (61) which comprises the said leeward pipe row | line | column (90), and the other end part of the said connection flat tube (300). A heat exchanger characterized by that. In claim 1,
The connecting member (200) is constituted by a laminated member (400) composed of two plate-like members (401) which are overlapped and joined to each other.
The laminated member (400) extends in a U-shape between two plate-like members (401) constituting the laminated member (400), and both ends are open on one side surface of the laminated member (400). A communication path (402) is formed,
A plurality of partition walls (403) that divide the communication passage (402) into a plurality of fluid passages (201) are provided in an intermediate portion (402c) of the communication passage (402) formed in the laminated member (400). And
The end of the flat tube (31) constituting the upwind tube row (50) is inserted into one end (402a) of the communication passage (402) formed in the laminated member (400),
The other end (402b) of the communication passage (402) formed in the laminated member (400) is inserted with the end of the flat tube (61) constituting the leeward tube row (90). Heat exchanger. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The number of fluid passages (201) formed in the connecting member (200) is the same as the number of fluid passages (175) formed in the flat tube (31, 61). Exchanger.

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