JP6406026B2 - Condenser - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a condenser that condenses the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outside air.

  The condenser used as a part of the refrigeration cycle is a heat exchanger for cooling the refrigerant sent from the compressor by heat exchange with the outside air, condensing it into a liquid phase refrigerant, and sending it to the evaporator side.

  The condenser is provided with a modulator tank that separates and stores the gas-liquid refrigerant flowing out to the evaporator side. The modulator tank is provided on the side of the header tank of the condenser so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction (gravity direction) of the header tank. After entering the condenser, the refrigerant is cooled by exchanging heat with the outside air through the condenser tube and supplied from the header tank of the condenser to the modulator tank. Although the refrigerant supplied to the modulator tank may be in a gas-liquid mixed state, it is gas-liquid separated in the modulator tank. For example, the liquid refrigerant is further cooled by heat exchange with the outside air through the subcool portion of the condenser, and is sent to the evaporator side in a stable liquid phase state.

  In recent years, further downsizing of the air conditioner for vehicles has been required due to the restriction of the installation space in the vehicle. However, since the modulator tank requires a certain volume, it has been difficult to sufficiently downsize the entire condenser. Further, even if only the components other than the modulator tank are downsized, the modulator tank cannot be reduced for the above-described reason, and the dead space around the modulator tank is relatively increased. The space inside could not be used effectively.

  As a countermeasure, the present applicant has proposed a condenser having a configuration in which the modulator tank is divided into a plurality of tanks instead of a single tank (Patent Document 1 below). With such a configuration, a sufficient volume of the entire modulator tank can be ensured while reducing the size of each modulator tank. For this reason, it becomes possible to reduce the size of the entire condenser including the modulator tank without degrading the performance of the refrigeration cycle.

JP 2001-108331 A

  The heat generated from the internal combustion engine is transferred to the air flowing inside the vehicle, and flows as hot air inside the vehicle. The high temperature region by hot air inside the vehicle varies depending on the shape of the grill opening of the vehicle, the arrangement of various components arranged in the vehicle, and the like. Hot hot air generated at various locations has a significant effect when the vehicle is stopped, particularly when idling stops.

  When the hot air reaches the vicinity of the condenser and directly hits the modulator tank, the refrigerant stored in the liquid phase is heated by the hot air, and a part of the refrigerant is vaporized. As a result, the pressure in the modulator tank rises. For example, when A / C is restarted, the refrigerant is supplied from the compressor (compressor), and the liquid refrigerant condensed by heat exchange in the condenser can enter the modulator tank. Instead, it stagnates in the condenser and the system increases the compressor speed to derive the same performance, resulting in a high pressure inlet.

  The condenser described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a pair of modulator tanks are arranged on both the left and right sides of a region in which a plurality of tubes are arranged (hereinafter, the region is also referred to as a “core portion”). It has become. For this reason, when a condenser is installed in a vehicle where hot air reaches the part, it is impossible to prevent the modulator tank from being heated. Although it is conceivable to arrange each modulator tank at a position sufficiently away from the core portion, in that case, the entire condenser is increased in size, which is not desirable.

  Thus, the condenser described in Patent Document 1 has room for further improvement in optimizing the shape and arrangement of the modulator tank.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the object thereof is to optimize the arrangement of the modulator tank, thereby preventing the modulator tank from being heated and increasing the overall size. It is to provide a condenser that does not endure.

  In order to solve the above problems, the condenser according to the present invention is a condenser that condenses the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the outside air, and is disposed in a stacked manner on the upper and lower sides, and the flow path through which the refrigerant flows. (310) a plurality of tubes (300) formed therein, a first header tank (110) extending in the direction in which the tubes are stacked, and having one end of each tube connected thereto, and tubes The second header tank (120) to which the other end of each tube is connected, and the first header so that the refrigerant from the first header tank can flow in. And a modulator tank (200) communicating with the inside of the tank.

Further, the modulator tank extends along the direction in which the tubes are stacked, and extends along the first modulator tank (210) disposed along the first header tank and the longitudinal direction of the tubes. The second modulator tank (220) is disposed at a position sandwiched from above and below by the tube and communicates with the inside of the first modulator tank . The internal space of the second modulator tank communicates with the internal space of the first modulator tank via the internal space (112, 113) of the first header tank, and the first space that divides the internal space of the first header tank vertically. A separator (101), and a second separator (102) that further divides a space below the first separator among the internal spaces of the first header tank into upper and lower sides, and the interior of the second modulator tank The space communicates with the internal space of the first modulator tank via the space between the first separator and the second separator in the internal space of the first header tank, and among the internal space of the first header tank, The space (111) above the first separator communicates with the space (115) below the second separator in the internal space of the first header tank. Connection pipe (PI) is provided.

  That is, the modulator tank is divided into two parts, a first modulator tank and a second modulator tank, and the respective internal spaces communicate with each other. Thereby, it is possible to secure the volume of the entire modulator tank while reducing the size of each of the first modulator tank and the second modulator tank.

  The first modulator tank extends along the direction in which the tubes are stacked. Thereby, the gas-liquid separability of a modulator tank is fully ensured.

  The second modulator tank extends along the longitudinal direction of the tube and is disposed at a position sandwiched from above and below by the tube. The “position sandwiched from above and below by the tube” is a position lower than the tube disposed at the uppermost position and a position higher than the tube disposed at the lowermost position. That is, it is a position that is sandwiched from above and below by a pair of adjacent tubes.

  Generally, hot air tends to easily reach the upper part or the lower part of the core part at and near the place where the condenser is installed in the interior space of the vehicle. In the present invention, since the second modulator tank is arranged avoiding such a position, it is possible to prevent the second modulator tank from being heated.

  A case where hot air is most likely to reach the central part in the vertical direction of the core part is also conceivable. In the case where the condenser is installed in such a vehicle, the second modulator tank may be arranged at any position above or below the central portion of the core portion. For example, what is necessary is just to arrange | position a 2nd modulator tank in the position which becomes between the tube arrange | positioned uppermost and the tube arrange | positioned one below.

  Thus, by arranging the second modulator tank at an optimal position in the range excluding the upper end and the lower end of the core portion, it is possible to prevent the second modulator tank from being heated by hot air. . Moreover, since the second modulator tank is not disposed at a position away from the core portion but is disposed at a position between the tubes, the entire condenser is not increased in size.

  According to the present invention, by optimizing the arrangement of the modulator tank, it is possible to provide a condenser that prevents the modulator tank from being heated while preventing the modulator tank from being heated.

It is a perspective view which shows the condenser which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the 2nd modulator and its vicinity among the condensers shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the inside of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows the A1 part of FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows the A2 part of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically distribution of the refrigerant | coolant in the inside of the condenser shown in FIG. 1 (no heat damage). It is a figure for demonstrating the comparison with a conventional product by which the modulator tank was reduced in size. It is a figure which shows typically distribution of the refrigerant | coolant in the inside of the condenser shown in FIG. 1 (thermal damage exists). It is a figure which shows typically the path | route where high temperature air reaches | attains a condenser inside a vehicle. It is a graph which shows the filling characteristic of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the filling characteristic of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the inside of the condenser which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which expands and shows the A3 part of FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows the A4 part of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the inside of the condenser which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which expands and shows the A5 part of FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the inside of the condenser which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which expands and shows the A6 part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows another example with the structure of a 1st modulator among the condensers shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the separator of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically the inside of the condenser which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the filling characteristic of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the vicinity of a 2nd modulator among the condensers concerning 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the AA cross section in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows another example about the structure of the connection part of a 1st modulator and a 2nd modulator. It is a figure which shows another example about the structure of the connection part of a 1st modulator and a 2nd modulator. It is a figure which shows another example about the structure of the connection part of a 1st modulator and a 2nd modulator. It is a figure which shows typically the inside of the condenser which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which expands and shows the A7 part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the condenser shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a 2nd modulator. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of a 2nd modulator. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of a 2nd modulator. It is a figure which shows the other structural example of a 2nd modulator.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  The condenser 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is a heat exchanger which makes a part of refrigeration cycle comprised as a vehicle air conditioner. The condenser 10 cools the refrigerant sent from a compressor (not shown) by heat exchange with air (outside air), changes the gas from liquid to liquid, and then sends it out to the evaporator (not shown). . As shown in FIG. 1, the condenser 10 includes a header tank 100, a tube 300, a corrugated fin 400, and a modulator tank 200.

  The header tank 100 is a tank for temporarily receiving refrigerant supplied to the tube 300 described later and refrigerant after passing through the tube 300. The header tank 100 is composed of two tanks (a first header tank 110 and a second header tank 120) formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The first header tank 110 and the second header tank 120 are both arranged apart from each other with their longitudinal directions aligned with the vertical direction.

  In FIG. 1, the y-axis is set with the horizontal direction and the direction from the first header tank 110 to the second header tank 120 as the y direction. Also, the x axis is set with the x direction as the direction that is horizontal and perpendicular to the y direction. Further, the z-axis is set with the direction going vertically upward as the z direction. In the subsequent drawings, the x axis, the y axis, and the z axis are similarly set.

  The second header tank 120 is formed with an inlet connector 130 that is an inlet of refrigerant supplied from the compressor to the condenser 10 and an outlet connector 140 that is an outlet of refrigerant from the condenser 10 toward the evaporator. The inlet connector 130 is formed in the vicinity of the upper end portion of the second header tank 120. The outlet connector 140 is formed near the lower end of the second header tank 120. The inlet connector 130 and the outlet connector 140 are both open toward the −x direction side. One end of a pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle passes is connected to the inlet connector 130 and the outlet connector 140, respectively. A path through which the refrigerant supplied from the inlet connector 130 flows through the condenser 10 will be described later.

  The tube 300 is a multi-hole tube having a flat cross section (see FIG. 2), and a plurality of tubes 300 are arranged along the vertical direction. Each tube 300 is arranged such that the normal direction of the flat main surface is along the vertical direction. Each tube 300 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is along the y-axis, and one end is connected to the first header tank 110 and the other end is connected to the second header tank 120. Inside the tube 300, a plurality of through holes 310 formed along the longitudinal direction (y-axis) are formed so as to be arranged in the x direction.

  The end portion on the −y direction side of the tube 300 is disposed in the internal space of the first header tank 110. Further, the end portion on the y direction side of the tube 300 is disposed in the internal space of the second header tank 120. For this reason, the internal space of the first header tank 110 and the internal space of the second header tank 120 are communicated with each other through the through hole 310 of the tube 300. The through hole 310 is a flow path through which the refrigerant passes. The refrigerant flows from the first header tank 110 to the second header tank 120 or from the second header tank 120 to the first header tank 110 through the through hole 310 of the tube 300.

  The corrugated fin 400 is a fin arranged so that heat exchange between the air passing through the condenser 10 in the x direction and the refrigerant passing through the inside of the tube 300 is efficiently performed, and between the adjacent tubes 300. Are arranged over substantially the whole. The heat of the refrigerant passing through the through hole 310 of the tube 300 is not only directly transmitted to the air from the outer surface of the tube 300 but also transmitted to the air via the corrugated fins 400. That is, the corrugated fin 400 has a large contact area with air, and heat exchange between the refrigerant and air is performed efficiently.

  The modulator tank 200 is a tank for temporarily storing the refrigerant that has been cooled in the condenser 10 and turned into a liquid. The modulator tank 200 is composed of two tanks (a first modulator 210 and a second modulator 220).

  The first modulator 210 is a substantially cylindrical tank, and is arranged on the −y direction side of the first header tank 110 in a state where the longitudinal direction thereof is along the vertical direction. The first modulator 210 is attached and fixed to the first header tank 110 by an unillustrated attachment mechanism (for example, a fastening mechanism).

  The second modulator 220 is a tank having a rectangular cross section (see FIG. 2), and is arranged with its longitudinal direction along the y-axis. In this embodiment, the 2nd modulator 220 is arrange | positioned in the position which becomes a substantially center along the z direction among the condensers 10, and is arrange | positioned in the position which becomes between the adjacent tubes 300 in the said part. . That is, it is arranged at a position such that it is sandwiched between the two tubes 300 from above and below.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the end of the second modulator 220 on the y direction side is connected to the second header tank 120. The end is sealed with a lid 221 and is disposed in the internal space of the second header tank 120. An end of the second modulator 220 on the −y direction side (first modulator 210 side) is connected to the first header tank 110. The end portion is an open end and is disposed in the internal space of the first header tank 110. As a result, the internal space of the second modulator 220 and the internal space of the first header tank 110 are connected.

  The second modulator 220 is connected to the second header tank 120 by inserting the second modulator 220 into an opening (not shown) formed in the second header tank 120, and the edge of the opening and the outer periphery of the second modulator 220. This is done by brazing between the surfaces. For this reason, the junction part of the 2nd modulator 220 and the 2nd header tank 120 is watertight, and a refrigerant | coolant does not leak from the said junction part. Other joints such as a joint between the tube 300 and the first header tank 110 are also joined in the same manner.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a joining plate 503 is disposed between the second modulator 220 and the corrugated fin 400 disposed immediately above the second modulator 220. The upper surface of the bonding plate 503 is in contact with the lower end of the corrugated fin 400, and the lower surface thereof is in contact with the upper surface of the second modulator 220.

  Further, a joining plate 504 is disposed between the second modulator 220 and the corrugated fin 400 disposed immediately below the second modulator 220. The upper surface of the bonding plate 504 is in contact with the lower surface of the second modulator 220, and the lower surface thereof is in contact with the upper end of the corrugated fin 400.

  The joining plate 503 and the joining plate 504 are rectangular metal plates formed so as to be substantially the same as the second modulator 220 in the dimension along the x direction. The joining plate 503 and the joining plate 504 are both joined at the −y-direction end to the first header tank 110, and the y-direction end is joined to the second header tank 120.

  Note that the corrugated fins 400 may be brought into direct contact with the upper and lower sides of the second modulator 220 without providing the joining plate 503 and the joining plate 504, respectively. In the following description and drawings, the illustration of the joining plate 503 and the joining plate 504 is omitted as appropriate.

  A pipe 211 extending from the first modulator 210 toward the first header tank 110 is disposed at a position that is substantially the same height as the second modulator 220 in the first modulator 210. The internal space of the first modulator 210 and the internal space of the first header tank 110 are communicated by the pipe 211. As a result, the internal space of the first modulator 210 and the internal space of the second modulator 220 are connected to each other via the internal space (space 112) of the first header tank 110 and the piping 211. That is, the modulator tank 200 is composed of two tanks as described above, but its internal space is connected to one.

  A side plate 501 is disposed further above the corrugated fin 400 disposed at the uppermost position. The side plate 501 is a metal plate attached so as to connect the upper end of the first header tank 110 and the upper end of the second header tank 120. The side plate 501 is press-molded so that the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the y-axis is substantially U-shaped, thereby increasing the rigidity.

  A side plate 502 is disposed further below the corrugated fin 400 disposed at the lowermost position. The side plate 502 is a metal plate attached so as to connect the lower end of the first header tank 110 and the lower end of the second header tank 120. Similar to the side plate 501, the side plate 502 is press-molded so that the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the y-axis is substantially U-shaped, thereby increasing the rigidity.

  By attaching such side plate 501 and side plate 502, deformation of the plurality of tubes 300 and corrugated fins 400 is suppressed.

  The condenser 10 is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle, and is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of the tube 300 is perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle. Air (outside air) that flows in from the front grille of the vehicle and flows toward the rear side flows along the x direction in FIG. 1 and passes between the tubes 300 and the corrugated fins 400.

  A specific configuration inside the condenser 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. In FIG. 3, the individual tubes 300 and the corrugated fins 400 are not shown, and only the pair of tubes 300 and the corrugated fins 400 disposed above and below the second modulator 220 are illustrated.

  A separator 104 and a separator 105 are arranged inside the second header tank 120. These are all horizontal metal plates and are arranged so as to divide the internal space of the second header tank 120 into upper and lower parts.

  The separator 104 is disposed at a position higher than the second modulator 220 and below the inlet connector 130. The separator 105 is disposed at a position lower than the second modulator 220 and above the outlet connector 140. The internal space of the second header tank 120 is divided into a space 121 above the separator 104, a space 122 between the separator 104 and the separator 105, and a space 123 below the separator 105. The outer periphery of each of the separators 104 and 105 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second header tank 120 over the entire periphery. As a result, the refrigerant cannot go directly across the separators 104 and 105 between the space 121, the space 122, and the space 123.

  Separators 101, 102, and 103 are arranged inside the first header tank 110. Like the separators 104 and 105, these are both horizontal metal plates and are arranged so as to divide the internal space of the first header tank 110 into upper and lower parts.

  The separator 101 is disposed at a position below the separator 104 in the second header tank 120. Moreover, it arrange | positions at the height which becomes between the 2nd modulator 220 and the tube 300 on it. The separator 102 is disposed at a position below the separator 101. Moreover, it arrange | positions at the height which becomes between the 2nd modulator 220 and the tube 300 just under it.

  The separator 103 is disposed on the lower side of the separator 102 and at the same height as the separator 105 in the second header tank 120.

  The internal space of the first header tank 110 includes a space 111 above the separator 101, a space 112 between the separator 101 and the separator 102, a space 113 between the separator 102 and the separator 103, and the separator 103. Is also divided into a lower space 114. The outer peripheries of the separators 101, 102, and 103 are all in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first header tank 110 over the entire periphery. As a result, the refrigerant cannot go back and forth directly across the separators 101, 102, and 103 between the space 111, the space 112, the space 113, and the space 114.

  A pipe 212 extending from the first modulator 210 toward the first header tank 110 is arranged at a height position between the separator 102 and the separator 103 in the first modulator 210. The piping 212 communicates the internal space of the first modulator 210 with the space 113 of the first header tank 110.

  Similarly, a pipe 213 extending from the first modulator 210 toward the first header tank 110 is disposed at a position below the separator 103 in the first modulator 210. The piping 213 communicates the internal space of the first modulator 210 and the space 114 of the first header tank 110.

  Next, the flow of the refrigerant in the condenser 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle by the power of the compressor is first supplied from the inlet connector 130 into the space 121 of the second header tank 120. At this time, the temperature of the refrigerant is higher than the condensation temperature, and all of the supplied refrigerant is in a gaseous state.

  The refrigerant flows from the space 121 into the through hole 310 of the tube 300 and flows in the − direction in the tube 300. Note that the tube 300 through which the refrigerant flows is a tube 300 disposed above the separator 104 (above the dotted line DL1 in FIG. 3) among the plurality of tubes 300. Since the refrigerant is deprived of heat by heat exchange with the air passing through the condenser 10, the temperature gradually decreases while flowing in the tube 300. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the space 111 of the first header tank 110.

  The refrigerant flows downward in the space 111, and then flows in the y direction in the tube 300 disposed between the separator 104 (dotted line DL1) and the second modulator 220. Due to heat exchange with air, the refrigerant further lowers its temperature. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the space 122 of the second header tank 120.

  The refrigerant flows downward in the space 122 and then flows in the −y direction in the tube 300 disposed between the separator 102 and the separator 103. Due to heat exchange with air, the refrigerant further lowers its temperature. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the space 113 of the first header tank 110 and flows into the first modulator 210 through the pipe 212.

  When the refrigerant flows into the first modulator 210, the temperature of the refrigerant has decreased to around the condensation temperature, and a part of the refrigerant has condensed and is in a liquid state. That is, the refrigerant flows into the first modulator 210 in a gas-liquid mixed state.

  The refrigerant that is in a liquid state is temporarily accumulated in a lower portion of the first modulator 210. Since the first modulator 210 is arranged with its longitudinal direction along the vertical direction, the position of the liquid level of the stored refrigerant is a relatively high position. In the present embodiment, the shape of the first modulator 210 and the amount of refrigerant circulating (filling amount) are adjusted so that the liquid level is always higher than that of the separator 103.

  The liquid refrigerant accumulated in the first modulator 210 flows into the space 114 of the first header tank 110 through the pipe 213. Thereafter, the gas flows in the y direction in the tube 300 disposed below the separator 103. At this time, although the refrigerant is in a liquid state, the temperature is further lowered by heat exchange with air while flowing through the tube 300.

  The refrigerant flows into the space 123 of the second header tank 120 through the tube 300 and is discharged from the outlet connector 140. Then, it is supplied to the evaporator through a pipe (not shown). When the refrigerant flows into the space 123, the refrigerant is in a state that is sufficiently lower than the condensation temperature (subcool state). For this reason, it is supplied to the evaporator in a stable state as a liquid.

  In the following description, the region between the first header tank 110 and the second header tank 120, that is, the entire region in which the plurality of tubes 300 and the corrugated fins 400 are arranged is also referred to as “core portion CP”. . In addition, a portion of the core portion CP that is higher than the separator 103 and the separator 105 is also referred to as a “main cooling portion MC”. Further, a portion of the core portion CP that is lower than the separator 103 and the separator 105 is also referred to as a “subcool portion SC”.

  In a normal operation state, the refrigerant flowing through the main cooling part MC is in a gas or gas-liquid mixed state. Moreover, all the refrigerant | coolants which flow through the subcool part SC are in a liquid state.

  In the process in which the refrigerant circulates through the entire refrigeration cycle, moisture and foreign matter (such as dust) may be mixed into the refrigerant. Therefore, for the purpose of removing these, a desiccant 610 and a foreign matter filter 620 are disposed inside the second modulator 220.

  The desiccant 610 is disposed in the second modulator 220 at a position where at least a part thereof is below the liquid level of the refrigerant. As the desiccant 610, zeolite (molecular sieve) or silica gel having high adsorption performance even in a state where the moisture concentration in the refrigerant is low can be employed.

  The foreign matter filter 620 is a filter that suppresses the passage of foreign matters such as dust and allows only the refrigerant to pass therethrough, and is disposed in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the second modulator 220. The refrigerant temporarily accumulated in the second modulator 220 passes through the foreign matter filter 620 and then is supplied to the pipe 213.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the distribution of the refrigerant (liquid) inside the condenser 10. In FIG. 6, the distribution of the refrigerant in the liquid state among the refrigerants present in the first modulator 210 and the core portion CP is indicated by hatching. In FIG. 6, illustration of some components such as the second modulator 220 is omitted.

  A dotted line DL2 in FIG. 6 indicates the position (height) of the separator 103. As shown in FIG. 6, the height of the coolant level RS accumulated in the first modulator 210 is higher than the height of the separator 103 at least during normal operation (when no thermal damage described later occurs). It is high.

  By the way, the compressor that sends the refrigerant to the condenser 10 is driven by the rotation of the engine of the vehicle. For this reason, the flow rate of the refrigerant sent to the condenser 10 varies with a change in the engine speed. For example, immediately after the engine rotation starts from the idle stop state, the liquid level RS in the second modulator 220 temporarily rises due to a large amount of refrigerant being sent into the condenser 10. Conversely, when the engine speed decreases, the flow rate of the refrigerant supplied to the condenser 10 decreases, and the liquid level RS in the second modulator 220 temporarily drops. When the liquid level RS decreases and becomes lower than the separator 103 (dotted line DL2), the refrigerant in the gaseous state passes through a part of the subcool portion SC, and a part of the refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator as a gas. It will be. Such a phenomenon is undesirable because it reduces the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

  The fluctuation in the height of the liquid level RS increases as the overall volume of the modulator tank 200 that stores the refrigerant that has become liquid decreases. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure the entire volume of the modulator tank 200 so that the liquid level RS is always higher than the height of the separator 103.

  On the other hand, in order to effectively use the space in the vehicle, the condenser 10 is required to be as small as possible as a whole. Due to recent technological innovations, the thickness dimensions (dimensions along the x-axis) of the header tank 100, the tube 300, and the corrugated fin 400 have been reduced. However, since the modulator tank 200 needs a certain volume as described above, it has been difficult to reduce the size.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the modulator tank 200 is not a single tank, but is divided into a plurality of tanks (the first modulator 210 and the second modulator 220). As a result, while the first modulator 210 and the second modulator 220 are both reduced in size, the volume of the entire modulator tank 200 is sufficiently secured, and the liquid level RS in the second modulator 220 is lower than the separator 103. It is surely prevented that it falls.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the vicinity of the second modulator 210 and the first header tank 110 in the condenser 10. If the second modulator 220 is not provided and the modulator tank 200 is configured only by the first modulator 210, the size of the first modulator 210 is secured in order to secure the entire volume of the modulator tank 200. Must be enlarged. A dotted line DL3 in FIG. 7 indicates a necessary size of the first modulator 210 when the second modulator 220 does not exist (in the case of a conventional product).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the diameter DI <b> 2 of the first modulator 210 in the absence of the second modulator 220 needs to be much larger than the diameter DI <b> 1 of the actual first modulator 210. As a result, in the condenser 10, only the first modulator 210 protrudes to the x direction side, so that a dead space is generated around the core portion CP.

  In other words, in this embodiment, the modulator tank 200 is divided into the first modulator 210 and the second modulator 220, and these thickness dimensions (dimensions along the x-axis) are set to the first header tank 110. It has succeeded in making it as small as the same thickness dimension.

  The performance deterioration (thermal damage) of the condenser 10 caused by the high temperature air (hot air) reaching the condenser 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The condenser 10 is installed in a space in the vehicle. For this reason, in an internal combustion engine or the like provided in a vehicle, heat generated from these is transmitted to the air flowing inside the vehicle, and the air flows as hot air inside the vehicle. As a result, the hot air may reach the condenser 10 and a part of the condenser 10 may be heated by the air.

  FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6, and shows the distribution of the refrigerant in the liquid state among the refrigerants present in the first modulator 210 and the core portion CP by hatching. FIG. 8 schematically shows a state in which high-temperature air has reached the modulator tank 200 directly.

  When hot air directly reaches the first modulator 210 or the second modulator 220 (not shown in FIG. 8) and they are heated, the refrigerant stored in the liquid state inside them is heated, and partly May expand into a gas phase. When such a phenomenon (heat damage) occurs, the pressure in the modulator tank 200 increases with an increase in the volume of the refrigerant. For example, when trying to supply the refrigerant from the compressor (compressor) when the A / C is restarted, The liquid refrigerant condensed by heat exchange in the condenser 10 cannot enter the modulator tank 200. As a result, as indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 8, the inside of the tube 300 is filled with the liquid refrigerant over a wide range of the core portion CP, and the heat exchange performance of the condenser 10 is significantly reduced. It becomes.

  Further, if the internal pressure of the condenser 10 becomes high, the system increases the rotational speed of the compressor in order to derive the same performance, so that the inlet portion of the condenser 10 becomes further high pressure, and the inlet connector 130. Makes it difficult for the refrigerant to flow in. For this reason, it becomes necessary to increase the driving force of the compressor. As a result, there arises a problem that the operation efficiency of the entire refrigeration cycle is lowered.

  In order to prevent such a phenomenon, it is desirable to arrange the first modulator 210 and the second modulator 220 so as to avoid a place where hot air reaches in the interior of the vehicle. In particular, for the second modulator 220 disposed in a part of the core portion CP into which the outside air flows, there is a high possibility that hot air will reach directly. For this reason, the arrangement must be carefully considered.

  FIG. 9 schematically shows the air flow particularly in the front side (left side in FIG. 9) portion of the interior of the vehicle. FIG. 9A shows the opening OP1 of the grill only in the lower part of the vehicle body BD and the air reaching the condenser 10 when no opening is formed in the upper part. It is a flow. When the condenser 10 is installed in such a vehicle, most of the air flowing into the vehicle mainly reaches the lower side of the condenser 10 (core portion CP) and reaches the upper side. Hateful. As a result, the upper portion (the range indicated by the dotted line) of the core portion CP is not cooled by air, so that there is a high possibility that the portion will be at a high temperature.

  FIG. 9B shows the flow of air reaching the condenser 10 when the grille openings (OP2, OP3) are formed in a wide range from the upper side to the lower side of the vehicle body BD. It is. When the condenser 10 is installed in such a vehicle, the air that has flowed into the vehicle reaches the entire core portion CP of the condenser 10. However, even in such a case, the high-temperature air (hot air) heated by the internal combustion engine installed on the rear side of the vehicle flows toward the front side along the bottom surface of the vehicle body BD, and from the opening OP3. There are cases where the core portion CP directly hits while being drawn in by the flow of outside air flowing in. In FIG. 9B, the flow of such hot air is indicated by an arrow AR1. In this case, the hot air reaches the lower part of the core part CP, and there is a high possibility that the part will become high temperature.

  Thus, hot air tends to reach the upper part or the lower part of the core part CP in the interior of the vehicle, particularly on the vehicle front side where the condenser 10 is installed. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, if the second modulator 220 is disposed avoiding such a portion (substantially at the central portion along the vertical direction), the hot air directly hits the second modulator 220. Can be prevented.

  Note that hot air is likely to reach the upper part or the lower part of the core part CP as described above. However, the location where the hot air actually reaches is determined by the shape of the vehicle body BD or the arrangement of components inside the vehicle. Varies depending on etc. Depending on the vehicle, hot air may reach the central portion of the core portion CP. FIG. 9C shows an example of such a vehicle.

  In the vehicle body BD shown in FIG. 9C, outside air is introduced from both the opening OP4 formed on the upper side and the opening OP5 formed on the lower side, and passes through the core portion CP. In this example, a bumper reinforcement RF extending from the rear side to the front side (−y direction side) along the inner side surface of the vehicle body BD is disposed at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction. As a result, high-temperature air (hot air) heated by the internal combustion engine installed on the rear side of the vehicle flows forward along the bumper reinforcement RF and is drawn in by the flow of outside air flowing in from the opening OP5 and the like. It directly hits the central part of the core part CP. In FIG. 9C, such a flow of hot air is indicated by an arrow AR2.

  As in this example, there may be a case where hot air is most likely to reach the central portion in the vertical direction of the core portion CP. In the case where the condenser 10 is installed in such a vehicle, the second modulator 220 may be arranged at any position above or below the center portion of the core portion CP. For example, the 2nd modulator 220 should just be arrange | positioned in the position between the tube 300 arrange | positioned at the uppermost part, and the tube 300 arrange | positioned one by one.

  In other words, depending on the configuration of the vehicle on which the condenser 10 is mounted, if the second modulator 220 is disposed at an optimal position (a position where hot air does not easily reach) in the range excluding the upper end and the lower end of the core portion CP, It is possible to prevent the second modulator 220 from being heated by hot air, and to prevent the heat damage as described with reference to FIG. The second modulator 220 is not disposed at a position away from the core portion CP, but is disposed at a position between the tubes 300 in the core portion CP, so that the entire condenser 10 is increased in size. There is no.

  Next, “filling characteristics” of the condenser 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The charging characteristic is the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the condenser 10 when the total amount of refrigerant circulating through the entire refrigeration cycle including the condenser 10 (hereinafter also referred to as “refrigerant charging amount”) is changed. It is a characteristic that shows how the changes. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the charging characteristics of the condenser 10.

  The horizontal axis of the graph represents the refrigerant charging amount. The vertical axis of the graph represents a value obtained by subtracting the temperature (unit: ° C) of the refrigerant discharged from the outlet connector 140 from the condensation temperature (unit: ° C) when the refrigeration cycle is operated (at the refrigerant charge amount) ( Hereinafter, it is also referred to as “subcool degree”.

  For example, a subcool degree of 10 means that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the outlet connector 140 is 10 ° C. lower than the condensation temperature. In this case, if the condensation temperature is, for example, 50 ° C., the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the outlet connector 140 is 40 ° C. The subcool degree of 0 means that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the outlet connector 140 is equal to the condensation temperature.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the refrigeration cycle is operated in a state where the refrigerant filling amount is small (a state smaller than the filling amount FF1 in FIG. 10), the subcool degree is relatively small. Further, as the refrigerant charging amount is increased, the subcooling degree tends to increase in proportion thereto.

  The reason will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, a range where the refrigerant exists in a liquid state in the first modulator 210 and the core portion CP is indicated by hatching.

  When the refrigerant charging amount is small, as shown in FIG. 11A, the liquid refrigerant stored in the first modulator 210 is also small, and the liquid level RS is lower than the separator 103 (dotted line DL2). . For this reason, in the tubes 300 included in the subcool portion SC, the liquid refrigerant passes through only the lower tube 300, and the refrigerant passing through the upper tube 300 is not in a liquid state. Since there is little refrigerant that passes through the subcooling section SC in the liquid state and reaches the outlet connector 140 after being sufficiently cooled, the subcooling degree is relatively small.

  As the refrigerant charge amount increases, the liquid level RS in the second modulator 220 increases accordingly. In addition, among the tubes 300 included in the subcool portion SC, the number of tubes 300 through which the liquid refrigerant passes increases (from the lower side toward the upper side). The amount of refrigerant that reaches the outlet connector 140 after being sufficiently cooled after passing through the subcool portion SC in the liquid state increases as the refrigerant charging amount increases. For this reason, in a range where the refrigerant filling amount is smaller than the filling amount FF1, the subcooling degree increases as the refrigerant filling amount increases.

  When the refrigerant filling amount becomes larger than the filling amount FF1, the subcool degree becomes substantially constant regardless of the refrigerant filling amount (range from the filling amount FF1 to the filling amount FF3 in FIG. 10). This is because, as shown in FIG. 11B, all the refrigerant passing through the tube 300 included in the subcool section SC is in a liquid state, so even when the refrigerant charging amount is increased, the refrigerant passes through the subcool section SC. This is because the amount of decrease in the temperature of the refrigerant does not change. In other words, the number of tubes 300 through which the refrigerant passes in the liquid state does not increase even if the refrigerant filling amount is increased, and therefore the subcooling degree is substantially constant in the range from the filling amount FF1 to the filling amount FF3.

  By the way, when the refrigerant filling amount is increased, the liquid level RS in the first modulator 210 is increased accordingly. However, in the pipe 211 connecting the first modulator 210 and the first header tank 110, there is a refrigerant flow (in a gas-liquid mixed state) from the main cooling unit MC toward the first modulator 210. For this reason, even if liquid level RS becomes high like FIG.11 (B), it is suppressed that the liquid refrigerant flows back from the 1st modulator 210 to the main cooling part MC. That is, the number of tubes 300 through which the refrigerant passes in the liquid state does not increase not only in the subcool section SC but also in the main cooling section MC. As a result, in the range from the filling amount FF1 to the filling amount FF3, the subcool degree does not substantially change even if the refrigerant filling amount is increased.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the refrigerant charging amount becomes larger than the charging amount FF3, the subcool degree again increases in proportion to the refrigerant charging amount. As shown in FIG. 11C, this is because the liquid refrigerant flows through the tube 300 included in the main cooling section MC as a result of an excessive amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle. It is done. In this case, the refrigerant that has become liquid also in a part of the main cooling part MC is cooled. That is, a part of the main cooling part MC also functions as the subcooling part SC. Since such a region expands with an increase in the refrigerant charging amount, the subcooling degree increases in proportion thereto.

  It is desirable that the heat exchange performance in the condenser 10 be exhibited as stably as possible. In other words, even if the refrigerant charging amount varies or the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle decreases with time, it is not desirable that the subcooling degree fluctuates accordingly. In view of this point, it is desirable that the range in which the subcool degree is substantially constant in the graph shown in FIG. 10 (the range from the filling amount FF1 to the filling amount FF3 in FIG. 10) be as wide as possible. Furthermore, in the condenser 10 in which such a range is ensured widely, there is an advantage that even if the flow rate of the refrigerant fed from the compressor varies, the variation in the subcooling degree is easily suppressed.

  For example, as shown by the dotted line DL3 in FIG. 7, if the modulator tank 200 (first modulator 210) is formed as a large tank, it is possible to ensure a wide range of refrigerant charge amount so that the subcool degree is substantially constant. It is relatively easy. On the other hand, according to an experiment conducted by the present inventors, when the modulator tank 200 is downsized or its longitudinal direction is changed, the refrigerant charging amount range in which the subcooling degree is substantially constant. Has been found to tend to narrow.

  On the other hand, in the charging characteristics in the condenser 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a sufficiently wide range of the refrigerant charging amount is secured so that the subcooling degree is substantially constant. The filling characteristics shown in FIG. 10 substantially coincide with the filling characteristics when the modulator tank 200 is a single large tank (when the inner diameter of the first modulator 210 is increased by eliminating the second modulator 220). It is. That is, in this embodiment, the entire condenser 10 including the modulator tank 200 has been successfully downsized without deteriorating the filling characteristics.

  In the filling characteristics of this embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the subcooling degree is completely constant in the first half of the range from the filling amount FF1 to the filling amount FF3 (the range from the filling amount FF1 to the filling amount FF2). However, it increases slightly with the increase in the refrigerant charge amount. The reason and countermeasures for this will be described later.

  A condenser 10A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The condenser 10A is different from the condenser 10 in that the second modulator 220 is disposed at the lowermost part of the main cooling part MC, that is, at a position directly above the subcooling part SC. Is substantially the same as the condenser 10.

  In the condenser 10 </ b> A, the end of the second modulator 220 on the −y direction side is connected to the space 113 instead of the space 112. The separator 102 is disposed at a position between the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 immediately above the second modulator 220. Further, the separator 103 is disposed at a position between the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 immediately below the second modulator 220. The internal space of the second modulator 220 is connected to the internal space of the first modulator 210 via the space 113 and the pipe 212.

  In the present embodiment, the separator in the second header tank 120 is located between the separator 104 and the separator 105, specifically, between the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 immediately above it. 106 is arranged. In the space 124 between the separator 106 and the separator 105, the end of the second modulator 220 on the y direction side is disposed.

  In the present embodiment, the y-direction side end of the second modulator 220 is an open end, and the space 124 is connected to the internal space of the second modulator 220. That is, the space 124 also functions as a part of the modulator tank 200. As is clear from a comparison between FIG. 3 and FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to send the refrigerant that has flowed into the space 122 to the lower side than the second modulator 220. For this reason, the space 124 formed below the space 122 can be a part of the modulator tank 200 as described above.

  In the present embodiment, the second modulator 220 is disposed on the relatively lower side. For example, as shown in FIG. 9C, such a configuration is applied to a vehicle in which hot air reaches the central portion in the height direction of the core portion CP, and the entire central portion and a higher range. This can be employed when a condenser is mounted on a vehicle that reaches hot air.

  A condenser 10B according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the condenser 10 </ b> B, the positions of the second modulator 220, the pipe 211, and the separators 101 and 102 are slightly above the respective positions in the condenser 10. Further, the separator 107 is disposed in the first header tank 110 at a position between the separator 102 and the separator 103 (and above the pipe 212). A space 115 exists between the separator 102 and the separator 107.

  A pipe PI is arranged inside the first header tank 110. The pipe PI is a circular pipe arranged such that its longitudinal direction is along the vertical direction. The pipe PI passes vertically through an opening (not shown) formed in the separator 101, and the edge of the opening and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe PI are brazed over the entire circumference. Similarly, the pipe PI passes through an opening (not shown) formed in the separator 102 in the vertical direction, and the edge of the opening and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe PI are brazed over the entire circumference. Yes.

  The upper end of the pipe PI is an open end and is disposed in the space 111. Further, the lower end of the pipe PI is also an open end and is disposed in the space 115. As a result, the space 111 and the space 115 are communicated by the pipe PI.

  In the condenser 10B having such a configuration, a part of the refrigerant flowing into the space 111 flows in the y direction in the tube 300 disposed between the separator 104 and the second modulator 220, and 2 flows into the space 122 of the header tank 120. On the other hand, the other part of the refrigerant flowing into the space 111 flows into the space 115 through the pipe PI, and then flows in the y direction in the tube 300 disposed between the second modulator 220 and the separator 107. And flows into the space 122 of the second header tank 120.

  Comparing FIG. 3 and FIG. 15, in the condenser 10B according to the present embodiment, the refrigerant is configured to flow in the same direction on both the upper and lower sides of the second header tank 120. Different from the condenser 10 shown in FIG.

  As described above, even in the configuration in which the connection between the first modulator 210 and the second modulator 220 is performed through the space (space 112) in the first header tank 110, the flow path of the refrigerant flowing through the core portion CP is not routed. It is possible to design freely without any restrictions. That is, the space of the portion of the first header tank 110 to which the second modulator 220 is connected needs to be divided by the separator 101 and the separator 102, but the space (space 112) as shown in FIG. The flow direction of the refrigerant can be made different on both the upper and lower sides, or the flow directions can be matched as shown in FIG.

  A condenser 10C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the condenser 10 </ b> C, the connection between the space 111 and the space 115 is made not by the pipe PI disposed inside the first header tank 110 but by the connection member 250 disposed outside the first header tank 110. In this respect, it differs from the condenser 10B.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the connection member 250 is formed integrally with the first modulator 210. The connection member 250 has a base 251 and a curved portion 252. The base portion 251 is a portion formed so as to protrude from the side surface of the first modulator 210 toward the y-direction side (first header tank 110 side). The curved portion 252 is a plate-like portion formed along the outer peripheral surface of the first header tank 110 from the tip of the base portion 251. The surface BS on the y direction side of the curved portion 252 is curved in a concave shape so that substantially the entire surface BS is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first header tank 110.

  In the curved portion 252, separator receiving portions 253 and 254, a communication groove 255, and a through hole 256 are formed.

  The separator receiving portion 253 is a groove formed so as to retract a part of the surface BS in the −y direction, and a portion of the separator 101 that protrudes outside the first header tank 110 (protruding portion 101b: FIG. 20). The groove is formed to avoid interference with the reference.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the separator 101 includes a main portion 101a formed so as to substantially match the cross-sectional shape of the space in the first header tank 110 in a top view, and a −y direction side (first 1 modulator 210 side). The protruding portion 101 b is inserted into a groove (not shown) on the slit formed in the first header tank 110, and the tip portion protrudes outside the first header tank 110. The reason why a part of the separator 101 protrudes to the outside of the first header tank 110 is to make it possible to confirm the presence of the separator 101 and its attached state from the outside. The other separators have the same shape.

  The separator receiving portion 254 is a groove formed so as to retract a part of the surface BS to the −y direction side, and is a portion of the separator 102 that protrudes outside the first header tank 110 (protruding portion 102b). It is a groove formed to avoid interference. Since the separator receiving portions 253 and 254 are formed, the curved portion 252 and the protruding portions 101b and 102b do not interfere with each other, and substantially the entire surface BS is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the first header tank 110. It is possible to contact.

  The communication groove 255 is a groove formed so that a part of the surface BS is retracted in the −y direction. The communication groove 255 is formed to extend vertically on the −x direction side from the separator receiving portions 253 and 254. The upper end of the communication groove 255 is above the separator receiving portion 253, and the lower end of the communication groove 255 is below the separator receiving portion 254.

  When the surface BS is brought into contact with the side surface of the first header tank 110, a through hole HL1 is formed at a position facing the vicinity of the upper end portion of the communication groove 255 in the first header tank 110. The interior of the communication groove 255 and the space 111 are communicated with each other through the through hole HL1. Similarly, a through hole HL2 is formed in the first header tank 110 at a position facing the vicinity of the lower end of the communication groove 255. The interior of the communication groove 255 and the space 115 are communicated with each other through the through hole HL2.

  With such a configuration, the space 111 and the space 115 are communicated with each other by the communication groove 255. That is, the communication groove 255 in this embodiment has the same function as the pipe PI in the condenser 10B. As described above, the connection between the space 111 and the space 115 may be performed not on the inside of the first header tank 110 but on the outside.

  Note that the refrigerant passes through the space defined by the communication groove 255 and the outer surface of the first header tank 110. In this case, in order to prevent the refrigerant from leaking to the outside of the communication groove 255, A sealing material (not shown) (for example, an O-ring) is disposed around the communication groove 255.

  The through hole 256 is a hole formed so as to penetrate the connecting member 250 along the y axis. The through hole 256 is formed at a position closer to the x direction than the separator receiving portions 253 and 254 and between the separator receiving portion 253 and the separator receiving portion 254 in the vertical direction.

  A through hole HL3 is formed at a position facing the through hole 256 in the first header tank 110 when the surface BS is brought into contact with the side surface of the first header tank 110. The inside of the through hole 256 and the space 112 are communicated with each other by the through hole HL3. With such a configuration, the inside of the first modulator 210 and the space 112 are communicated with each other through the through hole 256 and the through hole HL3. That is, the connecting member 250 has the same function as the pipe 211 in addition to the same function as the pipe PI in the condenser 10B.

  In the present embodiment, the connection member 250 is formed integrally with the first modulator 210, but the connection member 250 formed as a separate body may be attached to the first modulator 210. However, in view of the reduction in the number of parts and the simplification of the assembly process, it is desirable to have a configuration formed integrally as in the present embodiment.

  A condenser 10D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the condenser 10D, the corrugated fin 400 is disposed between the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 disposed immediately above the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 disposed immediately below the second modulator 220. It has not been. The condenser 10D is different from the condenser 10 only in this point, and the other configurations are the same as the condenser 10.

  With such a configuration, spaces GP are formed above and below the second modulator 220, respectively. Heat transfer between the second modulator 220 and the tubes 300 above and below the second modulator 220 is suppressed by the space GP. That is, these spaces GP function as heat transfer suppression units.

  During operation of the refrigeration cycle, when the liquid level RS of the refrigerant in the first modulator 210 is lower than that of the second modulator 220, the inside of the second modulator 220 is filled with a gaseous refrigerant. At this time, if the corrugated fin 400 exists between the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 directly above or below it (like the condenser 10), the second modulator 220 is cooled by the core portion CP. As a result, some of the refrigerant may condense inside the second modulator 220 and become liquid.

  The liquid refrigerant generated in the second modulator 220 flows into the first modulator 210. At this time, since the liquid level RS of the refrigerant in the first modulator 210 is at a low position, the liquid refrigerant flowing from the second modulator 220 falls toward the liquid level RS. As a result, the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the lower part of the first modulator 210 entangles the gas refrigerant inside the liquid surface RS when the liquid level RS is disturbed (wavy). That is, gas-liquid separation is insufficient.

  When the gas-liquid separation is in an insufficient state, the heat exchange performance of the condenser changes, and the subcooling degree slightly decreases. In FIG. 10, the reason why the subcool degree is not completely constant in the range from the filling amount FF1 to the filling amount FF2 is considered to be due to the phenomenon as described above.

  Therefore, in the condenser 10D according to the present embodiment, the second modulator 220 is prevented from being cooled by providing the heat transfer suppression portions (space GP) above and below the second modulator 220 as described above. Yes.

  FIG. 22 is a graph showing the charging characteristics of the condenser 10D. 22 and FIG. 10 are compared, in this embodiment, the change in the subcooling degree is completely constant in the range from the filling amount FF1 to the filling amount FF3. As described above, by providing the heat transfer suppression portions above and below the second modulator 220, it is possible to realize even better filling characteristics.

  A condenser 10E according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The condenser 10E is such that a reinforcing member 710 is disposed between the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 immediately above it, and between the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 immediately below it (space GP). It is different from the condenser 10D.

  As shown in FIG. 24, the reinforcing member 710 is a metal plate having a U-shaped cross section formed by press molding. The reinforcing members 710 are respectively disposed along the upper and lower surfaces of the second modulator 220 with the U-shaped open portion facing the second modulator 220 side.

  Each reinforcing member 710 is in contact with the second modulator 220. That is, the second modulator 220 is not only held at both ends in the longitudinal direction as in the condenser 10D (FIG. 21), but is also held from above and below by the reinforcing member 710. For this reason, it is prevented that a large local stress is applied to a part of the second modulator 220, and the core rigidity of the condenser 10E is improved.

  Since the reinforcing member 710 is a metal plate having a U-shaped cross section as described above, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x-axis) is substantially rectangular, and the inside thereof is It is hollow. Heat transfer between the second modulator 220 and the tube 300 is suppressed by the hollow portion. That is, the reinforcing member 710 also has a function for suppressing heat transfer between the second modulator 220 and the tubes 300 above and below it, like the space GP in the condenser 10D (FIG. 21).

  The reinforcing member 710 is formed with a plurality of ventilation holes 711 formed so as to be cut out in a rectangular shape from the end on the second modulator 220 side so as to be aligned along the longitudinal direction thereof. As shown in FIG. 24, the vent holes 711 are formed on both the −x direction side and the x direction side of the reinforcing member 710. For this reason, the air supplied toward the core portion CP flows in the x direction (direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction of the tube 300 and the longitudinal direction of the first modulator 210) through the vent hole 711. It becomes. For this reason, the air flow in the vicinity of the second modulator 220 is prevented from being disturbed or disturbed by the reinforcing member 710.

  The shape of the reinforcing member 710 need not be limited to that shown in FIG. 24, and various shapes can be adopted. FIG. 25 shows the shape of a reinforcing member 710a that is a modified example thereof. The reinforcing member 710a has a contact portion 712a parallel to the upper surface (and the lower surface) of the second modulator 220 by bending the vicinity of the end portion on the second modulator 220 side inward. Such a contact portion 712a increases the contact area between the reinforcing member 710a and the second modulator 220. As a result, the second modulator 220 can be held more firmly. The ventilation holes 711a are rectangular openings formed so as to penetrate substantially the center in the height direction of the reinforcing member 710a in the x direction, and are formed in a plurality along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member 710a. .

  FIG. 26 shows the shape of a reinforcing member 710b, which is another modification of the reinforcing member 710. The reinforcing member 710b is configured by a metal plate whose cross section is formed in a square shape instead of a square shape. The ventilation holes 711b are rectangular openings formed so as to penetrate substantially the center in the height direction of the reinforcing member 710b in the x direction, and are formed in a plurality along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member 710b. . The vent holes 711b are formed on both the −x direction side and the x direction side of the reinforcing member 710b. The reinforcing member 710b abuts on the second modulator 220 on the entire surface on the second modulator 220 side. For this reason, the contact area between the reinforcing member 710b and the second modulator 220 is further increased, and the second modulator 220 is held more firmly.

  By the way, the ventilation resistance received when air passes through the reinforcing member 710 is smaller than the ventilation resistance received when air passes through the other part (corrugated fin 400) of the core portion CP. For this reason, in the whole flow of the air which passes the core part CP, it is possible that a little disturbance will arise in the vicinity of the reinforcement member 710. FIG.

  In order to suppress such air turbulence, the ventilation resistance in the reinforcing member 710 may be adjusted to approach the ventilation resistance in the corrugated fins 400. As a specific method, for example, as shown in FIG. 27, the porous body 800 is arranged inside each hollow member 710 (hollow portion), and the ventilation resistance received by the air passing through the vent hole 711 is increased. It is possible.

  Another configuration example of the connecting portion between the first modulator 210 and the second modulator 220 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the first header tank 110 is divided into upper and lower parts. That is, a portion between the separator 101 and the separator 102 in the first header tank 110 is removed, and the first header tank 110 is divided into an upper portion 110A and a lower portion 110B. A portion of the second modulator 220 is disposed between the upper portion 110A and the lower portion 110B, and an end (open end) on the −y direction side is directly connected to the first modulator 210. Yes.

  In the example shown in FIG. 29, a pipe 229 that penetrates the first header tank 110 along the y-axis is disposed. The pipe 229 is a metal circular pipe, and both ends thereof are open ends. The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 229 when viewed along the y-axis is substantially equal to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the second modulator 220.

  An end of the pipe 229 on the −y direction side is disposed in the internal space of the first modulator 210. An end of the pipe 229 on the y direction side is connected to the second modulator 220. Specifically, the end of the pipe 229 on the y-direction side protrudes from the outer surface of the first header tank 110 to the y-direction side, and the second modulator 220 is in a state where the protruding portion of the pipe 229 is housed therein. The end on the −y direction side is in contact with the first header tank 110. That is, in this configuration example, the first modulator 210 and the second modulator 220 are connected by the pipe 229.

  In the example shown in FIG. 30, the second modulator 220 is disposed in a state of penetrating the first header tank 110 along the y direction. In addition, an end (opening end) on the −y direction side of the second modulator 220 is directly connected to the first modulator 210. Thus, the first modulator 210 and the second modulator 220 can be directly connected without the first header tank 110 being divided into two.

  A condenser 10F according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. FIG. The condenser 10 </ b> F is different from the condenser 10 in that the modulator tank 200 further includes a third modulator 230.

  Similar to the second modulator 220, the third modulator 230 is a tank arranged with its longitudinal direction along the y-axis. The third modulator 230 is installed on the upper surface of the side plate 501. That is, it arrange | positions in the position which becomes further higher than the tube 300 arrange | positioned uppermost among core part CP. The third modulator 230 has an end (open end) on the −y direction side connected to the vicinity of the upper end of the first modulator 210. Note that the upper end position of the first header tank 110 is lower than that of the third modulator 230. For this reason, the interference between the first header tank 110 and the third modulator 230 is prevented.

  The entire modulator tank 200 is substantially F-shaped, and the volume of the internal space is further increased. With such a configuration, the filling characteristics of the condenser 10F can be further improved.

  Even if the upper end position of the first header tank 110 is at a relatively high position and substantially coincides with the upper end position of the first modulator 210, for example, the third modulator 230 as described above may be provided. it can. FIG. 33 shows a modification in such a case.

  In this modification, a pipe 239 that passes through the first header tank 110 along the y-axis is disposed. The pipe 239 is a metal circular pipe, and both ends thereof are open ends. The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 239 when viewed along the y-axis is substantially equal to the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the third modulator 230.

  An end of the pipe 239 on the −y direction side is disposed in the internal space of the first modulator 210. The end of the pipe 239 on the y direction side is connected to the third modulator 230. Specifically, the end of the pipe 239 on the y direction protrudes from the outer surface of the first header tank 110 to the y direction, and the third modulator 230 stores the protruding portion of the pipe 239 therein. Thus, the end on the −y direction side is in contact with the first header tank 110. That is, in this configuration example, the connection between the third modulator 230 and the second modulator 220 is performed by the pipe 239.

  As already described with reference to FIG. 2, the second modulator 220 is a tank having a rectangular cross section. Such a second modulator 220 can be formed by extrusion molding, but can also be formed by joining a plurality of press-formed (bending) metal plates by welding or the like.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, two metal plates 223 and 224 having a U-shaped cross section can be joined and formed. As shown in FIG. 35, a metal plate 225 having a U-shaped cross section and a metal plate 226 that is a flat plate may be joined. Further, as shown in FIG. 36, two metal plates 227 and 228 having a L-shaped cross section may be joined to form.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 37, a multi-hole tube 300A having the same shape as the tube 300 and a second modulator 220A having a configuration in which a plurality of tubes are stacked in the vertical direction may be used. In the example shown in FIG. 35, four multi-hole tubes 300A are vertically stacked with spacers 400A interposed therebetween, and these are joined together by brazing. The spacer 400A is a diverted member that constitutes the corrugated fin 400, and has a shape in which the thickness of the corrugated fin 400 (dimension along the z-axis) is reduced. The second modulator 220A having such a configuration can be produced at low cost by diverting the members constituting the tube 300 and the corrugated fin, respectively.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F: condenser 100: header tank 110: first header tank 120: second header tank 300: tube 200: modulator tank 210: first modulator tank 220: second modulator Tank 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107: Separator 250: Connection member

Claims (22)

A heat exchanger of a refrigeration cycle that condenses the refrigerant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air,
A plurality of tubes (300) that are stacked one above the other and that have a flow path (310) through which the refrigerant flows;
A first header tank (110) that extends along a direction in which the tubes are stacked and to which one end of each tube is connected;
A second header tank (120) that extends along the direction in which the tubes are stacked and to which the other end of each tube is connected;
A modulator tank (200) communicating with the inside of the first header tank so that the refrigerant from the first header tank can flow in,
The modulator tank is
A first modulator tank (210) extending along the direction in which the tubes are stacked and disposed along the first header tank;
A second modulator tank (220) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the tube, is disposed at a position sandwiched from above and below by the tube, and communicates with the inside of the first modulator tank ;
The internal space of the second modulator tank communicates with the internal space of the first modulator tank via the internal space (112, 113) of the first header tank,
A first separator (101) that divides the internal space of the first header tank into upper and lower portions;
A second separator (102) that further divides the space below the first separator in the internal space of the first header tank into upper and lower parts,
The internal space of the second modulator tank communicates with the internal space of the first modulator tank through a space between the first separator and the second separator in the internal space of the first header tank. And
Of the internal space of the first header tank, the space above the first separator (111), Of the internal space of the first header tank, the space below the second separator (115), A condenser having a connection pipe (PI) for communicating with each other.   The condenser according to claim 1, wherein the first modulator tank is attached to the first header tank. A connecting member (250) is disposed between the first modulator tank and the first header tank,
Via said connecting member through-hole formed (256), the internal space of the inner space and the second modulator tank of said first modulator tank is equal to or in communication with, claim 1 Condenser. A first separator (101) that divides the internal space of the first header tank into upper and lower portions;
A second separator (102) that further divides the space below the first separator in the internal space of the first header tank into upper and lower parts,
The internal space of the second modulator tank is a space (112) formed between the first separator and the second separator in the internal space of the first header tank, and the through hole. The condenser according to claim 3 , wherein the condenser communicates with an internal space of the first modulator tank. A heat exchanger of a refrigeration cycle that condenses the refrigerant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air,
A plurality of tubes (300) that are stacked one above the other and that have a flow path (310) through which the refrigerant flows;
A first header tank (110) that extends along a direction in which the tubes are stacked and to which one end of each tube is connected;
A second header tank (120) that extends along the direction in which the tubes are stacked and to which the other end of each tube is connected;
A modulator tank (200) communicating with the inside of the first header tank so that the refrigerant from the first header tank can flow in,
The modulator tank is
A first modulator tank (210) extending along the direction in which the tubes are stacked and disposed along the first header tank;
A second modulator tank (220) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the tube, is disposed at a position sandwiched from above and below by the tube, and communicates with the inside of the first modulator tank;
The internal space of the second modulator tank communicates with the internal space of the first modulator tank via the internal space (112, 113) of the first header tank,
A connecting member (250) is disposed between the first modulator tank and the first header tank,
The internal space of the first modulator tank and the internal space of the second modulator tank communicate with each other through a through hole (256) formed in the connection member,
A first separator (101) that divides the internal space of the first header tank into upper and lower portions;
A second separator (102) that further divides the space below the first separator in the internal space of the first header tank into upper and lower parts,
The internal space of the second modulator tank is a space (112) formed between the first separator and the second separator in the internal space of the first header tank, and the through hole. Communicates with the interior space of the first modulator tank,
A connecting flow path that communicates a space above the first separator in the internal space of the first header tank and a space below the second separator in the internal space of the first header tank. (255) is, condenser coagulation you characterized in that it is formed in the connecting member. The connecting member is formed with recesses (253, 254) for avoiding interference with portions (101b, 102b) of the first separator and the second separator that protrude outward from the first header tank. The condenser according to claim 5 , wherein The condenser according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the connection member is formed integrally with the first modulator tank. The heat transfer suppression part (GP) is provided in order to suppress heat transfer between the second modulator tank and the tube, according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . Condenser. A heat exchanger of a refrigeration cycle that condenses the refrigerant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air,
A plurality of tubes (300) that are stacked one above the other and that have a flow path (310) through which the refrigerant flows;
A first header tank (110) that extends along a direction in which the tubes are stacked and to which one end of each tube is connected;
A second header tank (120) that extends along the direction in which the tubes are stacked and to which the other end of each tube is connected;
A modulator tank (200) communicating with the inside of the first header tank so that the refrigerant from the first header tank can flow in,
The modulator tank is
A first modulator tank (210) extending along the direction in which the tubes are stacked and disposed along the first header tank;
A second modulator tank (220) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the tube, is disposed at a position sandwiched from above and below by the tube, and communicates with the inside of the first modulator tank;
In order to suppress heat transfer between the second modulator tank and the tube, a heat transfer suppression part (GP) is provided,
In the heat transfer suppression unit, the second modulator tank is held by the reinforcing members (710, 710a, 710b) arranged along the upper surface and the lower surface of the second modulator tank, and the core rigidity is improved. condenser coagulation characterized in that there. 10. The condenser according to claim 9 , wherein the reinforcing member has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second modulator tank, and the inside thereof is hollow. . The reinforcing member includes
Ventilation holes (711, 711a, 711b) are formed so that air passes along a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction of the tube and the longitudinal direction of the first modulator tank. The condenser according to claim 9 or 10 . The condenser according to claim 11 , wherein a resistance member (800) for adjusting a resistance received by the passing air is disposed inside the vent hole. The condenser according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the second modulator tank includes a plurality of members (300A) having the same shape as the tube. The said 2nd modulator tank is comprised by the several member (223,224,225,226,227,228) formed by press molding, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 12 characterized by the above-mentioned. The condenser as described in. The modulator tank is
A third modulator tank (230) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the tube and is disposed at a position that is further above the uppermost tube;
The internal space of the first modulator tank and the internal space of the third modulator tank communicate with each other at an end of the third modulator tank on the first header tank side. The condenser of any one of thru | or 14 . The condenser according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein an adsorbent (610) for removing moisture from the refrigerant is accommodated in the first modulator tank. The condenser according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein a filter (620) for removing foreign substances from the refrigerant is housed in the first modulator tank. A heat exchanger of a refrigeration cycle that condenses the refrigerant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and outside air,
A plurality of tubes (300) that are stacked one above the other and that have a flow path (310) through which the refrigerant flows;
A first header tank (110) that extends along a direction in which the tubes are stacked and to which one end of each tube is connected;
A second header tank (120) that extends along the direction in which the tubes are stacked and to which the other end of each tube is connected;
A modulator tank (200) communicating with the inside of the first header tank so that the refrigerant from the first header tank can flow in,
The modulator tank is
A first modulator tank (210) extending along the direction in which the tubes are stacked and disposed along the first header tank;
A second modulator tank (220) that extends along the longitudinal direction of the tube, is disposed at a position sandwiched from above and below by the tube, and communicates with the inside of the first modulator tank;
The first header tank is divided into two parts, and a part of the second modulator tank is arranged at a position between the two first header tanks. that coagulation condenser. A first through pipe (229) passing through the first header tank is provided;
One end of the first through pipe is disposed inside the first modulator tank , and the second modulator tank is connected to the other end of the first through pipe. Item 18. The condenser according to any one of Items 1 to 17 . The second modulator tank penetrates the first header tank, wherein the one end of the second modulator tank is directly connected to said first modulator tank, any one of claims 1 to 17 The condenser as described in. The modulator tank is
Extends along the longitudinal direction of the tube, the first being connected in the vicinity of an upper end portion of the modulator tank to said first modulator tank, further a third modulator tank connected (230) to the inside of the first modulator tank The condenser according to any one of claims 1 to 20 , wherein the condenser is provided. A second through pipe (239) penetrating the first header tank is provided;
One end of the second through pipe is disposed inside the first modulator tank , and the other end of the second through pipe is connected to the third modulator tank. Item 22. The condenser according to Item 21 .

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