JP2020046113A - Heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger capable of exhibiting necessary heat exchange capacity even in a case where an installation space is limited.SOLUTION: A pair of headers 30 is provided so as to extend in an air circulation direction, and a plurality of heat exchange units 10 is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the air circulation direction. Consequently, a flat tube 20 having a large width dimension can be connected to the header 30 without increasing the radial dimension of the header 30, so that the ratio of the header 30 occupied in an air flow passage can be minimized, and thus necessary heat exchange capacity can be exhibited even when the installation space is limited.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to, for example, a heat exchanger used for a vehicle air conditioner.

  Conventionally, this type of heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes through which a first fluid flows, a pair of headers to which both ends of the plurality of flat tubes are connected, and a first fluid flowing through the flat tubes. A device that exchanges heat with a second fluid flowing outside a flat tube is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In the heat exchanger, the plurality of flat tubes and the pair of headers are arranged so as to extend in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the second fluid.

  In the heat exchanger, in the flow path of the second fluid having a limited cross-sectional area, in order to improve the heat exchange capacity between the first fluid and the second fluid, the dimension of the second fluid in the flow direction is increased. It is possible to do. That is, in order to improve the heat exchange ability in the flow path of the second fluid having a limited cross-sectional area, the width of the flat tube is increased so that the first fluid and the second fluid in the flat tube can be separated. It is necessary to increase the heat exchange area.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 03-32944

  When the flat tube is formed to have a large dimension in the width direction, the radial dimension of the header to which the flat tube is connected increases, and the thickness of the header in order to satisfy the pressure resistance performance when the radial dimension of the header is increased. Must be formed large. Therefore, when the width dimension of the flat tube is increased, the ratio of the header in the flow path of the second fluid increases, and the flow path of the second fluid that exchanges heat with the first fluid in the flat tube is sufficiently increased. Can not be secured.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger capable of exhibiting a necessary heat exchange capability even when the installation space is limited.

  The heat exchanger of the present invention includes a plurality of heat exchange units each including a flat tube through which a first fluid flows, and a pair of headers connected to both ends of the flat tube, and a first heat flow unit flowing through the flat tube. A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a fluid and a second fluid flowing outside the flat tube, wherein the flat tube is provided so that a longitudinal direction of a cross section is directed to a flow direction of the second fluid, and a pair of headers is provided. Each of the heat exchange units is provided so as to extend in the flow direction of the second fluid, and the plurality of heat exchange units are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the second fluid.

  With this, the flat tube is connected to the header with the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the flat tube facing the direction in which the header extends, so that the flat tube having a large width dimension without increasing the radial dimension of the header. The tube can be connected to the header.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to connect a flat tube having a large width dimension to the header without increasing the radial dimension of the header. Can be minimized, and the required heat exchange ability can be exhibited even when the installation space is limited.

1 is an overall perspective view of a heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of a heat exchanger. It is the figure which looked at the heat exchanger from the air distribution direction upstream. It is a side view of a heat exchanger. It is an exploded side view of a header and a header communication member. It is an exploded plan view of a header and a flat tube. It is an exploded side view of a header and a header communication member of a heat exchanger showing a second embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded plan view of a header and a flat tube. It is the figure which looked at the heat exchanger which shows a 3rd embodiment of the present invention from the upstream of the distribution direction of air. It is an exploded front view of a header and a flat tube. It is an exploded plan view of a header and a flat tube. It is a figure showing other examples of a heat exchanger.

  1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention.

  The heat exchanger 1 of the present invention is provided, for example, for each of a plurality of seats provided in a vehicle cabin of a vehicle, and blows air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted to an occupant seated on the seat. It is used for.

  This vehicle air conditioner includes an air conditioning unit in which devices such as a compressor, a heat exchanger 1, and an expansion valve are integrally formed. The air-conditioning unit is arranged, for example, below the seat, at the ceiling of the vehicle compartment, at the door trim, under the armrest at the center in the width direction of the vehicle compartment, and the like. The air supplied from the air conditioning unit into the passenger compartment is blown out from outlets provided in the seat back, the seat surface, the lower part of the seat, the ceiling of the passenger compartment, the B pillar of the vehicle, and the like.

  The heat exchanger 1 is used in an air conditioning unit as a condenser for condensing a refrigerant as a first fluid discharged from a compressor, and as an evaporator for evaporating a refrigerant decompressed by an expansion valve after flowing out of the condenser. Can be

  As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 1 divides a plurality of heat exchange units 10 in a flow direction of air as a second fluid that exchanges heat with a refrigerant (indicated by a white arrow in the figure, hereinafter, an air flow direction). (In this embodiment, in the vertical direction). Further, the heat exchanger 1 is provided between the plurality of heat exchange units 10 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction and outside the heat exchange units 10 located on both outer sides, as described later. It has a plurality of heat transfer fins 100 fixed in contact with the outer surface of the tube.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plurality of heat exchange units 10 each include a plurality of flat tubes 20 through which a refrigerant flows, and a pair of headers 30 connected to both ends of the plurality of flat tubes 20. Have.

  The plurality of flat tubes 20 are formed of flat tube members, and the inside is partitioned into a plurality of spaces in the longitudinal direction of the cross section by inner fins (not shown). Each of the plurality of flat tubes 20 extends in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction, and a longitudinal direction of the cross section is directed to the air flow direction. In addition, the plurality of flat tubes 20 are respectively arranged in the air flow direction. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, four flat tubes 20 are connected to a pair of headers 30.

  Each of the pair of headers 30 is formed of a cylindrical member having both ends closed, and has a central axis directed in the air flow direction. The ends of the plurality of flat tubes 20 are connected to the pair of headers 30 along the respective central axes.

  The plurality of heat exchange units 10 allow the headers 30 of the adjacent heat exchange units 10 to communicate with each other, and partition the inside of the header 30 in the central axis direction, thereby forming a refrigerant flow path in the heat exchanger 1.

  Here, the pair of headers 30 are, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, a cylindrical member 31, a pair of closing members 32 for closing both ends of the cylindrical member 31, and the inside of the cylindrical member 31. And a plurality of partition members 33 for partitioning in the axial direction.

  The tubular member 31 is provided as a long hole extending in the central axis direction, and is provided as a plurality of tube connection holes 31 a for connecting the ends of the flat tubes 20 and the long hole extending in the circumferential direction. And a plurality of header communication holes 31c formed in a circular shape and communicating the headers 30 of the adjacent heat exchange units 10 with each other. Have been.

  The closing member 32 is formed of a columnar member, and closes both ends of the tubular member 31 while being inserted into both ends of the tubular member 31.

  The partition member 33 has a half in the circumferential direction having the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the cylindrical member 31, and the other half in the circumferential direction has the same outer diameter as the inner diameter of the cylindrical member 31. It is formed in dimensions. The partition member 33 partitions the inside of the tubular member 31 in the axial direction by inserting a portion having a small outer diameter into the partition member insertion hole 31b of the tubular member 31.

  The headers 30 of the heat exchange units 10 adjacent to each other are communicated via the header communication member 34. The header communication member 34 has a plate-shaped portion 34a formed in a rectangular shape, and a pair of cylindrical portions 34b arranged in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped portion 34a and penetrating the plate-shaped portion 34a. The header communication member 34 is inserted into the header communication hole 31c of the tubular member 31 with both ends of the pair of tubular portions 34b being sandwiched between the tubular members 31 adjacent to each other. Is done.

  The heat transfer fins 100 are corrugated fins obtained by bending a metal plate into a corrugated shape. The heat transfer fins 100 are formed such that the apexes of the corrugations are formed in a planar shape and are in surface contact with the flat tube 20.

  The heat exchanger 1 integrates all members of the plurality of flat tubes 20, the plurality of headers 30 (the tubular member 31, the closing member 32, the partition member 33), the plurality of header communication members 34, and the plurality of heat transfer fins 100. In this state, they are fixed to each other by brazing.

  In the heat exchanger 1 configured as described above, as shown by a solid arrow in FIG. 1, the refrigerant is a downstream end of one header 30 of the heat exchange unit 10 located at the lowermost side in the air flow direction. And flows out from the end on the upstream side in the air flow direction of one header 30 of the heat exchange unit 10 located at the lowermost side.

  Specifically, the refrigerant flowing from the downstream side of one of the headers 30 of the lowermost heat exchange unit 10 in the air circulation direction sequentially passes through the flat tubes 20 located at the most downstream side in the air circulation direction of each heat exchange unit 10. It circulates upward. In addition, the refrigerant that has flowed to the most downstream side in the air circulation direction of one header 30 of the uppermost heat exchange unit 10 sequentially passes through the second flat tubes 20 from the most downstream side in the air circulation direction of each heat exchange unit 10 to the lower side. Distribute toward. The refrigerant flowing into one header 30 of the lowermost heat exchange unit 10 flows upward through the third flat tubes 20 from the most downstream side in the air flow direction of each heat exchange unit 10 in order. The refrigerant that has flowed into one header 30 of the uppermost heat exchange unit 10 flows downward through the flat tubes 20 on the most upstream side in the air flow direction of each heat exchange unit 10, and flows out of the heat exchanger 1. I do.

  At this time, the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube 20 from one header 30 to the other header 30 of the heat exchange unit 10 flows through the flat tube 20 of the heat exchange unit 10 adjacent to the upper side or the lower side. The flat tubes flow from the other header 30 to the one header 30. As described above, the refrigerant flowing vertically in the heat exchanger 1 flows meandering between the pair of headers 30.

  As described above, according to the heat exchanger of the present embodiment, the pair of headers 30 are provided so as to extend in the air circulation direction, and the plurality of heat exchange units 10 are arranged in directions perpendicular to the air circulation direction. Have been.

  Thereby, the flat tube 20 having a large width dimension can be connected to the header 30 without increasing the radial dimension of the header 30, so that the ratio of the header 30 in the air flow path is minimized. The required heat exchange ability can be exhibited even when the installation space is limited.

  Heat transfer fins 100 are provided on the outer surface of the flat tube 20.

  Accordingly, heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the flat tube 20 and the air flowing outside the flat tube 20 can be promoted by the heat transfer fins 100, and the heat exchange ability can be improved.

  Further, the flow path of the refrigerant is formed by connecting the adjacent headers 30 of the plurality of heat exchange units 10, and the refrigerant flows from one header 30 to the other header 30 in one heat exchange unit 10. The plurality of heat exchange units 10 are arranged by circulating the flat tubes 20 and circulating the flat tubes 20 from the other header 30 to the one header 30 in the heat exchange unit 10 adjacent to one heat exchange unit 10. It circulates in a meandering direction.

  This makes it possible to circulate the refrigerant so as to meander in a direction orthogonal to the air circulation direction, and it is possible to reliably perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

  In addition, a plurality of flat tubes 20 are connected to the pair of headers 30 in the direction of air flow, and the flow path of the refrigerant is formed by partitioning the inside of the header 30 by the partition member 33 in the direction of air flow. After flowing through the flat tube 20 located on the downstream side in the air flow direction in the heat exchange unit 10, the flat tube 20 located on the upstream side flows.

  This makes it possible to circulate the refrigerant in a direction opposite to the air circulating direction, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the air.

  The partition member 33 is positioned by being inserted into a partition member insertion hole 31b provided on the outer peripheral portion of the header 30.

  Thereby, when assembling the heat exchanger 1 before the plurality of components are fixed to each other by brazing, the partition member 33 can be easily positioned with respect to the tubular member 31.

  Each of the pair of headers 30 has a tubular member 31 extending in the air flow direction, and a closing member 32 for closing both ends of the tubular member 31, and the tubular member 31 includes a flat tube. A tube connection hole 31a into which the end of the tube 20 is fitted is formed.

  Thus, the flat tube 20 can be easily positioned with respect to the tubular member 31 when assembling the heat exchanger 1 before the plurality of components are fixed to each other by brazing.

  In addition, the communicating portion that connects the adjacent headers 30 in the plurality of heat exchange units 10 has a plate-shaped portion 34a located between the adjacent headers 30 and the adjacent headers 30 that penetrate the plate-shaped portion 34a. A header communication member having a cylindrical portion b communicating with the header communication member is provided.

  This makes it possible to easily maintain the state in which the headers 30 are communicated with each other by the header communication member 34 before the plurality of parts are fixed to each other by brazing.

  7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention.

  The tubular member 31 ′ of the header 30 of the present embodiment includes a tube connection slit 31 ′ a extending in the axial direction in which the end of the flat tube 20 can be inserted, a plurality of partition member insertion holes 31 ′ b, and a plurality of headers. A communication hole 31'c is formed. The tubular member 31 'is formed into a tubular shape by bending after forming the partition member insertion hole 31'b and the header communication hole 31'c in the metal plate.

  Further, a pair of closing members 32 'for closing both ends of the tubular member 31' is formed with a projection 32'a located in the tube connection slit 31'a of the tubular member 31 '. The plurality of partition members 33 'for partitioning the inside of the cylindrical member 31' in the axial direction are formed with protrusions 33'a located in the tube connection slit 31'a of the cylindrical member 31 '.

  As described above, according to the heat exchanger of the present embodiment, the flat tube 20 having a large width dimension can be connected to the header 30 without increasing the radial dimension of the header 30 as in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the ratio of the header 30 occupied in the air flow path can be minimized, and the necessary heat exchange ability can be exhibited even when the installation space is limited.

  Each of the pair of headers 30 includes a tubular member 31 ′ extending in the air flow direction and a closing member 32 ′ for closing both ends of the tubular member 31 ′. Has a tube connection slit 31'a into which the end of the flat tube 20 is inserted in the axial direction.

  Accordingly, a slit for inserting the end of the flat tube 20 is formed when the tubular member 31 'is formed by bending, and the number of processing steps can be reduced.

  9 to 11 show a third embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the heat exchanger 1 of the present embodiment includes a pair of header units 40 integrally formed with a plurality of headers that are adjacently arranged on both sides of the flat tube 20 of the plurality of heat exchange units 10. Have.

  Each of the pair of header units 40 includes a semi-cylindrical member 41 in which a plurality of semi-cylindrical portions 41a are integrally formed, a closing plate 42 for closing an internal space of the semi-cylindrical member 41, and both ends of each semi-cylindrical portion 41a. And a partitioning member 44 that partitions the semi-cylindrical portion 41a in the axial direction.

  The semi-cylindrical member 41 has a communicating portion 41b extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the semi-cylindrical portion 41a extends. The communicating portion 41b communicates between the internal spaces of the adjacent semi-cylindrical portions 41a between the semi-cylindrical member 41 and the closing plate 42.

  The closing plate 42 is provided so as to extend parallel to the direction in which the semi-cylindrical portion 41a of the semi-cylindrical member 41 extends, and has a plurality of tube connection slits 42a to which the flat tubes 20 are connected.

  The closing member 43 is formed of a semi-cylindrical member, and is inserted into both ends of the internal space of the semi-cylindrical portion 41a.

  The partitioning member 44 has a projection 44a formed on the tube connection slit 42a of the closing plate 42.

  Thus, according to the heat exchanger of the present embodiment, similarly to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to connect the flat tube 20 having a large width dimension to the header without increasing the radial dimension of the header. Therefore, the ratio of the header in the air flow path can be minimized, and even when the installation space is limited, the necessary heat exchange ability can be exhibited.

  In addition, a pair of header units 40 are integrally formed with a plurality of headers that are adjacently arranged on both sides of the flat tubes 20 of the plurality of heat exchange units 10 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction.

  Thereby, since the headers of the plurality of heat exchange units 10 are integrally formed, it is possible to reduce the number of connection points by brazing, and to reduce the number of assembly steps.

  In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger of the present invention is applied to an air conditioner for a vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to an air conditioner in a room of a building, a heat exchanger used for a freezing showcase, a refrigerated showcase, and the like.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between water or antifreeze and air.

  In the first and second embodiments, the header is formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the header may have a semi-cylindrical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape extending in the air flow direction. Good. In the third embodiment, a plurality of semi-cylindrical headers are integrally formed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a header extending in the air flow direction may have a plurality of cylindrical headers. Alternatively, a rectangular or tubular header may be integrally formed.

  In the first embodiment, the refrigerant flows through the flat tube 20 from one header 30 to the other header 30 in one heat exchange unit 10 and one heat exchange unit adjacent to one heat exchange unit 10. In the exchange unit 10, the flat tube 20 is circulated from the other header 30 toward the one header 30, so that the exchange tube 10 circulates while meandering in the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange units 10 are arranged. However, it is not limited to this. In the case of a meandering direction in which the plurality of heat exchange units 10 are arranged, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the refrigerant is transferred from one header 30 to the other header 30 in the adjacent heat exchange units 10. The flat tubes 20 are circulated toward the heat exchange units 10, and the flat tubes 20 are circulated from the other header 30 to the one header 30 in the adjacent heat exchange units 10. Is also good.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the header 30 is formed, both ends of the tubular member 31 are closed by the closing member 32. However, the tubular portion, and both ends of the tubular portion, are formed. The header may be formed by one member having a closed portion located at the portion.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Heat exchanger, 10 ... Heat exchange unit, 20 ... Flat tube, 30 ... Header, 31, 31 '... Cylindrical member, 31a ... Tube connection hole, 31'a ... Tube connection slit, 31b ... Partition member insertion hole , 32, 32 '... closing member, 33 ... partition member, 40 ... header unit, 100 ... heat transfer fin.

Claims (9)

A plurality of heat exchange units having a flat tube through which the first fluid flows and a pair of headers connected to both ends of the flat tube are provided, and the first fluid flowing through the flat tube and flowing outside the flat tube. A heat exchanger for exchanging heat with a second fluid,
The flat tube is provided such that the longitudinal direction of the cross section is oriented in the flow direction of the second fluid,
The pair of headers are provided so as to extend in the flow direction of the second fluid, respectively.
A heat exchanger, wherein the plurality of heat exchange units are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the second fluid flows. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a heat transfer fin is provided on an outer surface of the flat tube. The flow path of the first fluid is formed by connecting adjacent headers of the plurality of heat exchange units,
The first fluid flows through the flat tube from one header to the other header in one or more adjacent heat exchange units, and one or more adjacent one or more adjacent heat exchange units with respect to one or more adjacent heat exchange units. The heat exchange according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flat tubes flow from the other header toward the one header in the heat exchange unit, thereby meandering in the direction in which the plurality of heat exchange units are arranged. vessel. A plurality of flat tubes are connected to the pair of headers in the flow direction of the second fluid,
The first fluid flow path is formed by partitioning the inside of the header in the flow direction of the second fluid by a partition member,
The heat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first fluid flows through the flat tube located on the downstream side in the flow direction of the second fluid in the heat exchange unit, and then flows through the flat tube located on the upstream side. Exchanger. The heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein the partition member is positioned by being inserted into a hole provided in an outer peripheral portion of the header. Each of the pair of headers has a tubular portion extending in the flow direction of the second fluid, and a closing portion for closing both ends of the tubular portion,
The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tubular portion has an elongated hole into which an end of the flat tube fits. Each of the pair of headers has a tubular portion extending in the flow direction of the second fluid, and a closing portion for closing both ends of the tubular portion,
The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a slit into which the end of the flat tube is inserted in the axial direction is formed in the cylindrical portion. The communication portion that connects the adjacent headers in the plurality of heat exchange units has a plate-shaped portion located between the adjacent headers, and a tubular portion that penetrates the plate-shaped portion and communicates the adjacent header. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a header communication member. 5. A pair of header units each integrally formed with a plurality of headers adjacently arranged on both sides of the flat tubes of the plurality of heat exchange units arranged in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the second fluid. 6. A heat exchanger according to any one of the above.

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