JP7267076B2 - Headers for heat exchangers, heat exchangers, and air conditioners - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a header for a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger provided with the header, and an air conditioner provided with the heat exchanger.

2. Description of the Related Art A heat exchanger used in an air conditioner or the like includes a plurality of laminated flat tubes, fins thermally coupled to the tubes, and a pair of headers communicating with the plurality of tubes. Refrigerant that has flowed into one header from the refrigerant circuit is heat-exchanged with air while flowing through each tube along a predetermined path set between the pair of headers, and flows out from one of the headers into the refrigerant circuit.

When the refrigerant is distributed from a section in the header to a plurality of tubes communicating with the section according to the refrigerant path, the refrigerant tends to flow into the tubes with small flow loss (bending loss and friction loss). Since it is difficult for the refrigerant to flow into the tubes, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each tube tends to be uneven.
In particular, when a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger, if the liquid refrigerant concentrates in some tubes, the heat transfer area around the tubes with less liquid refrigerant cannot sufficiently contribute to heat exchange. Therefore, the performance of the heat exchanger as a whole is degraded.

In order to evenly distribute the refrigerant to a plurality of tubes, there has been proposed a heat exchanger provided with a laminated header consisting of a plurality of plates each having a branch flow path (Patent Document 1). The branch channels are grooves that extend upward and downward along the gravitational direction from the inflow position through sections that intersect the gravitational direction, and are formed vertically symmetrically.
The coolant that has flowed into the laminated header flows through grooves of equal length upward and downward from the inflow position on each plate, and flows from the end of the groove into the next-stage branch flow path. The header as a whole divides into multiple streams, with a coolant stream entering each tube.

Patent No. 6012857

According to the laminated header described in Patent Document 1, since the refrigerant is branched from the same inflow position by vertically symmetrical grooves, the influence of gravity on refrigerant distribution is suppressed, contributing to uniform refrigerant distribution. However, the pressure loss applied to the coolant flowing along the grooves is large. Therefore, in the refrigerant circuit, it becomes difficult to ensure a predetermined refrigerant flow rate in circuit elements downstream of the heat exchanger provided with the laminated header, such as expansion valves.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a header, a heat exchanger, and an air conditioner that are capable of evenly distributing the refrigerant to a plurality of tubes while suppressing pressure loss of the refrigerant.

The present invention relates to a header for a heat exchanger that distributes refrigerant to a plurality of stacked tubes, comprising a header body provided with a header inlet through which refrigerant flows from the outside of the header, and a header inlet formed in the header body. and one or more stages of distribution channels connectable between the tube and the plurality of tubes.
The distribution channels include a first channel through which the coolant passes, a plurality of second channels separated at least vertically from the first channel and positioned at approximately the same height, and a plurality of second channels extending from the first channel. a distribution space contiguous to
The distribution space extends over a range including respective positions of the first path and the plurality of second paths.
The refrigerant distributed from the first passage to the plurality of second passages and flowing out from the plurality of second passages can flow into the first passage of the distribution passage in the next stage.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, the distribution space preferably extends both vertically and horizontally.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, the tube communication spaces distributed at the positions of the plurality of tubes are formed in the header body, and the plurality of tubes are connected through the corresponding tube communication spaces to the final-stage distribution flow path. It preferably communicates with the second path.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, a single stage of distribution passages includes one first passage, two second passages to which refrigerant is distributed from one first passage, and two second passages from one first passage. It is preferable that the main body of the header as a whole is provided with two or more stages of distribution channels.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, the header body includes a first header member and a second header member that are stacked in a predetermined header stacking direction. are formed in the second header member, and a second path at the same stage as the first path and the distribution space formed in the first header member, and a first path and the distribution space at the next stage are formed. is preferred.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, the header body includes a first header member and a second header member that are stacked in a predetermined header stacking direction. It is preferable that the header member has a distribution space and a second path at the same stage as the first path formed in the first header member, and a first path and a distribution space at the next stage.

The heat exchanger header of the present invention includes a final header member laminated with the first header member and the second header member in the header lamination direction, and the final header member includes tube communication spaces distributed at positions of a plurality of tubes. , and a final-stage second path distributed at the positions of a plurality of tubes.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of distribution spaces in the same stage exist in the same cross section of the header body.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of distribution spaces in the same stage exist in different cross sections in the header body.

It is preferable that the heat exchanger header of the present invention includes a tube mounting portion formed with insertion holes into which a plurality of tubes are respectively inserted, and the tube communication space is closed by the tube mounting portion.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, the distribution passage includes a non-distribution stage in which no refrigerant is distributed, and the non-distribution stage is located in the first passage and a position different from the first passage, through which the refrigerant passes. and a non-distributed space continuous from the first passage to the passage.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, the distribution space includes a horizontal portion extending horizontally from the position of the first path, and a distribution extending vertically and horizontally from the vicinity of the end of the horizontal portion toward the second path. It is preferable to include a part and a.

In the heat exchanger header of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one channel cross-sectional area among the plurality of second paths is different from the other channel cross-sectional areas.

A heat exchanger of the present invention is characterized by comprising the heat exchanger header described above, a plurality of tubes, and fins thermally coupled to the tubes.

The air conditioner of the present invention includes a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, the above-described heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air that is a heat source and the refrigerant, a pressure reducing section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and a heat load of the air and the refrigerant. and a heat exchanger that heat-exchanges the

According to the present invention, the refrigerant is distributed from the first passage to the plurality of second passages via the distribution space, and the plurality of second passages are positioned at approximately the same height, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the refrigerant. While suppressing the variation in gas-liquid distribution due to the influence of gravity, the refrigerant is evenly distributed from the first path to the plurality of second paths, and the refrigerant is supplied to the plurality of tubes through these second paths. can be evenly distributed.
Therefore, the entire heat transfer region of the heat exchanger can sufficiently contribute to heat exchange, thereby improving the heat exchange performance, and the flow rate of the refrigerant can be sufficiently secured downstream of the heat exchanger.

(a) is a side view showing the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment. (b) is a partially enlarged view of the header shown in (a). (II-1) to (II-9) are schematic diagrams of the forms at positions II-1 to II-9 of the header shown in FIG. 1(b). It is a figure which shows an example of the refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining second paths positioned at approximately the same height; It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of division lamination of a header of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing another divided lamination example of the header of the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the configuration at different positions VII-1 to VII-7 between the header inlet and the tubes of the heat exchanger header according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the configuration at different positions VIII-1 to VIII-8 between the header inlet and the tubes of the heat exchanger header according to the modification of the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a configuration at different positions IX-1 to IX-7 between the header inlet and the tubes of a heat exchanger header according to another modification of the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the configuration at different positions X-1 and X-2 between the header inlet and the tubes of the heat exchanger header according to the first modification of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the configuration at different positions XI-1, XI-2 between the header inlet and the tubes of the heat exchanger header according to the second modification of the present invention;

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[First embodiment]
A heat exchanger 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.
A heat exchanger 10 shown in FIG. 1A constitutes, for example, a refrigerant circuit 1 of an air conditioner shown in FIG.
The refrigerant circuit 1 (FIG. 3) includes a compressor 2 that compresses the refrigerant, a heat exchanger 10 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 and outdoor air (heat source), and the heat exchanger 10. It has a decompression section 4 such as an expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and an indoor heat exchanger 5 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has passed through the decompression section 4 and indoor air (heat load).

As shown in FIG. 1( a ), the heat exchanger 10 includes a plurality of flat tubes 31 through which a refrigerant flows, a plurality of fins 32 provided on the plurality of tubes 31 , and a first tube communicating with the plurality of tubes 31 . It has a header 11 and a second header 12 .
The tubes 31 extend horizontally between the first header 11 and the second header 12 and are stacked in the vertical direction D1 (vertical direction). Note that depending on the dimensions of members, assembly tolerances, the installation posture of the heat exchanger 10, etc., the direction in which the tubes 31 extend may be slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, or the direction in which the tubes 31 are stacked may be the vertical direction. Even if it is slightly inclined with respect to D1, it is allowed.

The tube 31 may be formed in a straight line from the first header 11 to the second header 12, or may be formed so as to be folded back and forth between the first header 11 and the second header 12 one or more times. may be When formed in a straight line, the opening at one end of the tube 31 communicates with the first header 11 and the opening at the other end communicates with the second header 12 .

The fins 32 are formed in a plate shape and arranged at predetermined intervals so as to be perpendicular to the tube 31 . Fins 32 may be of any shape capable of thermally coupling to tubes 31 to increase the heat transfer area of heat exchanger 10 . For example, the fins 32 may be wavy and arranged between the tubes 31 adjacent in the vertical direction D1.

The refrigerant that has flowed into the first header 11 from the inlet 10A of the heat exchanger 10 flows inside the tubes 31 along the path set between the first header 11 and the second header 12, and is driven by a fan (not shown). 1(a) is heat-exchanged with the air sent in the direction crossing the page of FIG.
In this embodiment, the inlet 10A is provided in the first header 11 and the outlet 10B is provided in the second header 12 .

Each of the tube 31, the fins 32, the first header 11 and the second header 12 is typically formed using an aluminum alloy, and is integrally assembled by joining together with brazing material.

The first header 11 includes a header main body 110 provided with a header inlet 11A through which the refrigerant flows from the outside of the first header 11, and distribution channels 20 formed in the header main body 110. As shown in FIG. One or more stages of distribution channels 20 can be connected between the header inlet 11A and the plurality of tubes 31 . Header inlet 11A corresponds to inlet 10A of heat exchanger 10 .

When a coolant flows into the header inlet 11A from a coolant pipe (not shown), the coolant flow is divided into a plurality of channels by the distribution channels 20 formed in the first header 11, so that the coolant is distributed to the tubes 31. In this embodiment, the refrigerant flowing into the header main body 110 from the header inlet 11A is repeatedly branched by the distribution channel 20 to be divided into eight flows, and at the final stage of the distribution channel 20, eight tubes distributed in the vertical direction D1. distributed over 31 apertures.
According to the distribution flow path 20, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant whose liquid distribution is likely to be unevenly distributed is distributed to the plurality of tubes 31 at a uniform flow rate in a state where the gas phase and the liquid phase are mixed at a uniform ratio. can be distributed.

In this embodiment, the coolant flows from the header inlet 11A into the distribution channel 20 in the direction in which the tubes 31 extend, and gradually approaches the tubes 31 while being branched by the distribution channel 20 .
However, the direction in which the coolant flows into the distribution channel 20 is not limited to this, and may be another direction. For example, after the refrigerant flows into the distribution channel 20 from a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. You may be comprised so that a refrigerant|coolant may flow toward.

The second header 12 of this embodiment includes, for example, a cylindrical space, and the distribution flow path 20 is not formed in the second header 12 .
The distribution channels 20 may be formed in the second header 12 as well, not limited to the present embodiment. In that case, in both the first header 11 and the second header 12 , the flow flows into the distribution channel 20 through one or more stages of the distribution channel 20 between the inlets of each header 11 and 12 and the plurality of tubes 31 . Refrigerant is distributed to the plurality of tubes 31 .

Depending on the path of the refrigerant set in the heat exchanger 10, in the first header 11, there may be a region in which the distribution channel 20 is formed and a region in which the distribution channel 20 is not formed, for example, a cylindrical space. and may be present. In that case, the outlet of the heat exchanger 10 may be provided in a region where the distribution channel 20 is not formed.
The second header 12 may also have a region in which the distribution channels 20 are formed and a region in which the distribution channels 20 are not formed, for example, a cylindrical space.

The configuration of the distribution channel 20 of the first header 11 will be described below.
The header body 110 of the first header 11 can be integrally formed as in this embodiment, or can be divided into a plurality of header members as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which will be described later. .
When the header main body 110 is integrally formed, for example, fused layered manufacturing using metal powder can be adopted. According to fused additive manufacturing, for example, slice data including a two-dimensional shape as shown in FIG. 2 is used, and metal powder is melted by irradiation with a laser or the like, and then solidified to integrally mold the header body 110. can do.

Each figure of (II-1) to (II-9) shown in FIG. 2 represents the form at each position of II-1 to II-9 of the header main body 110 shown in FIG. 1(b). (II-1) shows the form of the header main body 110 at the position where the header inlet 11A and the distribution channel 20 are connected. From (II-1) to the position (II-9) where it is connected to the tube 31, at positions gradually approaching the tube 31 from the header inlet 11A, along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the tube 31 extends FIG. 2 shows a fracture surface when the header body 110 is fractured. In addition, illustration of hatching representing a fractured surface is omitted.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, three stages (A1 to A3) of distribution channels 20 are connected. As a whole of these distribution channels 20, one flow of the refrigerant is divided into two routes, which is repeated three times for each flow, thereby obtaining eight flows corresponding to the number of tubes 31 to be distributed. can be done.

A single stage configuration of the distribution channel 20 will be described. A single stage, for example, as shown in II-1 to II-3 in FIG. and one distribution space 23 (II-2) continuous from the first path 21 to the second paths 22, 22.
The number of second paths 22 in a single stage is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

The first path 21 extends for a predetermined length in the direction in which the tube 31 extends (the direction orthogonal to the plane of FIG. 2) and communicates with the distribution space 23 . The refrigerant that has passed through the first path 21 is distributed to the second paths 22, 22 via the distribution space 23, as the image of the flow is schematically shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. The second paths 22, 22 through which the refrigerant is distributed extend for a predetermined length in the direction in which the tube 31 extends, and each of the second paths 22, 22 communicates with the next first path 21. there is
Note that when the distribution channel 20 consists of only one stage, there is no next stage. In that case, the refrigerants distributed to the second paths 22 and 22 can flow into the tubes 31 respectively.

In the example shown in (II-1) to (II-3) of FIG. 2, the first path 21 is positioned near the lower end of the header body 110, and the second paths 22, 22 extend vertically in the header body 110. Although it is located in the middle of D1, it is not limited to this.
Further, the first path 21 and the second path 22 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2, and may extend in a direction that is inclined with respect to the direction in which the tube 31 extends.

As shown in (II-3) and (II-4) of FIG. 2, the first path 21 (21-2) in the next stage and the distribution space 23 (23-2) are connected to the second paths 22, 22 in the previous stage. There are two corresponding to each.

Both the first channel 21 and the second channel 22 present a circular cross-section. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the diameter of the first path 21 and the diameter of the second path 22 are the same. The respective diameters of the second paths 22, 22 are also the same.
However, the first route 21 and the second route 22 shown in FIG. The diameter may be different from the diameter of the second path 22 .

Both the second paths 22, 22 are separated from the first path 21 at least in the vertical direction D1 and positioned at substantially the same height. These second paths 22 are arranged horizontally.
In the example shown in FIG. 2(II-2), the second paths 22, 22 are located above the first path 21, but the second paths 22, 22 are located below the first path 21. may be located in

As shown in II-2 of FIG. 2, the "substantially the same height" means the exact same height, that is, the vertical direction D1 of one of the two second paths 22, 22 of the second path 22 and the position of the other second path 22 in the up-down direction D1. In addition, as shown in FIG. , and the state of being shifted by the diameter of the opening in the vertical direction D1.

If the second passages 22, 22 are positioned at different heights, the liquid phase ratio of the refrigerant flowing into one of the second passages 22, which is positioned relatively lower, will increase due to the influence of gravity. This tends to be higher than the liquid phase fraction of the refrigerant entering path 22. On the other hand, if the second paths 22, 22 are positioned at substantially the same height, the gravity will be the same for the flows from the first path 21 to the one second path 22 and the other second path 22, respectively. Therefore, the refrigerant can be distributed at a uniform flow rate from the first path 21 to the second paths 22, 22 in a state where the gas phase and the liquid phase are mixed at a uniform ratio.

The dimension of the interval (horizontal distance) between the second paths 22, 22 located at approximately the same height can be determined appropriately. The spacing may be narrower or wider than the example shown in FIG. When three or more second paths 22 are arranged at approximately the same height, the second paths 22 do not necessarily have to be arranged at regular intervals.

The distribution space 23 extends over a range including the positions of the first path 21 and the two second paths 22, 22, as shown in (II-2) of FIG. Therefore, the distribution space 23 has a cross-sectional area larger than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the openings of the first path 21 and the second paths 22 , 22 .
The first path 21 shown in (II-1) is located on the front side of the distribution space 23 shown in (II-2) on the paper surface, and the first path 21 shown in (II-1) is located on the back side of the distribution space 23 shown in (II-2) on the paper surface. , the second path 22 shown in (II-3) is located. In addition, in FIG. 2(II-2), the respective positions of the first path 21 and the second paths 22, 22 within the range of the distribution space 23 are indicated by dashed lines.
The distribution space 23 has a depth in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG.

The first path 21 is positioned near the lower end of the distribution space 23, and the second paths 22, 22 are positioned near the upper end. The distribution space 23 has at least a width necessary for arranging the second paths 22, 22 at substantially the same height, and extends in both the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction.

Even if the volume of the header main body 110 is limited, the distribution space 23 is provided with appropriate dimensions in the in-plane direction and the depth direction of the paper surface of FIG. A large volume can be secured. In other words, by adjusting the dimensions of the distribution space 23, the pressure loss in the header 11 can be adjusted.

The distribution space 23 may be formed in a rectangular shape with a constant width from the lower end where the first path 21 is located to the upper end where the second paths 22, 22 are located. , 22 may be formed by excluding an unnecessary range. The distribution space 23 shown in (II-2) of FIG. 2 is formed in a rectangular shape with chamfered corners on both sides of the first path 21 .

As shown in (II-4) of FIG. 2, when a plurality of distribution spaces 23 (23-2) exist in the same cross section of the header main body 110, the region of the same cross section is divided into a plurality of distribution spaces 23-2. It is advisable to give an appropriate volume to each of the These distribution spaces 23-2 are separate spaces, and are separated by a wall 111 separating the second paths 22-2, 22-2 which are aligned at approximately the same height. and upper left area. The wall 111 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction D1.
From the viewpoint of equalizing the refrigerant pressure loss, it is basically preferable that the plurality of distribution spaces 23-2, 23-2 have the same volume, but this is not the only option.

As shown in (II-4) of FIG. 2, a plurality of distribution spaces 23-2 of the same stage are formed in the same cross section of the header body 110, so that the distribution spaces 23-2 are efficiently distributed in the header body 110. Since it can be arranged, the volume of the header main body 110 can be suppressed. Further, when the header body 110 is divided into a plurality of header members as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the number of header members can be reduced.

Referring to (II-1) to (II-9) in FIG. 2, the process of refrigerant distribution over multiple stages will be described.
Since the first stage A1 shown in II-1 to II-3 is the first stage in the header body 110, the refrigerant flows into the first path 21-1 from the header inlet 11A (FIG. 1(b)). The refrigerant that has passed through the first path 21-1 (II-1) and flowed into the distribution space 23-1 (II-2) flows through the distribution space 23-1 and flows through the second path positioned at approximately the same height. 22-1, 22-1 (II-3), and from the second paths 22-1, 22-1 to the next first path 21-2 (II-3). Here, by interposing the distribution space 23-1 between the first path 21-1 and the second paths 22-1, 22-1, pressure loss is suppressed, and the pressure from the first path 21 to the second path 22 is reduced. , 22 can be distributed.

In subsequent stages, the distribution of the refrigerant is repeated by the distribution flow path 20 composed of the first path 21, the second paths 22, 22, and the distribution space 23 for each distributed flow.
In other words, from the first path 21-2 (R) on the right side of the two first paths 21-2 shown in (II-3) of FIG. The refrigerant that has flowed into the distribution space 23-2(R) flows through the distribution space 23-2(R) and passes through two second paths 22-2(R) and 22 shown near the lower end of (II-5). −2(R).
In parallel with the above flow, from the first path 21-2 (L) on the left side shown in (II-3) of FIG. L) flows through the distribution space 23-2(L) to two second paths 22-2(L) and 22-2(L) shown near the upper end of (II-5). and distributed.

The two distribution channels 20 described above, that is, the distribution channel 20 consisting of the first route 21-2 (R), the distribution space 23-2 (R), and the second route 22-2 (R), The distribution channel 20 consisting of the first channel 21-2(L), the distribution space 23-2(L), and the second channel 22-2(L) shall be collectively referred to as the second stage A2.
As described above, the refrigerant that has flowed into the first path 21-1 of the first stage A1 is divided into four flows in the entire header body 110 at the time when it finishes the second stage A2 as shown in (II-5).

Furthermore, two lines starting from the two first routes 21-3 and 21-3 shown at the upper end of (II-5) and the two first routes 21-3 and 21 shown at the lower end of (II-5) -3 as a starting point and two systems in total, the distribution flow path 20 of the third stage A3 consisting of a total of four systems, the first path 21-3 to the second path 22 with a distribution space 23-3 interposed for each system Refrigerant distribution to -3 is performed. For example, taking one system in the third stage A3 as an example, the refrigerant that has passed through the first path 21-3 (A) shown in the upper left of (II-5) is distributed Through space 23-3(A), it is distributed to two second paths 22-3(A) shown in (II-7). The same applies to the other three lines.

According to the four systems of the third stage A3, a total of eight refrigerant streams exiting from the second paths 22-3 shown in (II-7) are obtained. It is preferable that the second paths 22-3 are distributed in the vertical direction D1 so that these refrigerant flows can easily flow into the tubes 31 distributed in the vertical direction D1.
In the example shown in (II-7), a pair of second paths 22-3, 22-3 located at approximately the same height are distributed at four locations in the header body 110 in the vertical direction D1. A total of four second paths 22-3 located at two upper locations among the four locations have the first paths 21-3 and 21-3 located at approximately the same height near the upper end of (II-5), respectively. Refrigerant is distributed from the
Here, due to the difference in the position of the second path 22-3, which is the distribution destination, in the vertical direction D1, as shown in (II-6), each of the distribution spaces 23-3 and 23-3 adjacent to each other in the left and right direction The lengths in the vertical direction D1 are different.

The same applies to the second paths 22-3 located at two lower positions in the header main body 110, and the first paths 21-3 and the distribution space 23-3 that form the same stage as the second paths 22-3. A total of four second paths 22-3 located at two locations on the lower side carry the refrigerant from each of the first paths 21-3 and 21-3 located at approximately the same height near the lower end of (II-5). distributed.

In order to let the refrigerant flow through the third stage A3 flow into each of the tubes 31, as shown in FIG. ing. The tube communication space 112 extends over a range including the tube 31 and the tube communication space 112 located near the tube 31 . The tube communication spaces 112, 112 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction D1 are partitioned by a wall 113 inclined with respect to the vertical direction D1.
The second path 22-3 of the third stage A3, which is the final stage, communicates with the tube 31 individually via the corresponding tube communication space 112. As shown in FIG. The plurality of tube communication spaces 112 are closed by tube attachment portions 110X joined to the ends of the plurality of tubes 31 . Insertion holes 110Y into which the plurality of tubes 31 are respectively inserted are formed in the tube attachment portion 110X.

The number of tubes 31 and the number of final-stage second paths 22-3 do not necessarily match and may differ. For example, the openings of 16 tubes 31 may be distributed in the vertical direction D1, and each of the eight second paths 22-3 in the final stage may correspond to two tubes 31. FIG. That is, the refrigerant is distributed to each opening of the two tubes 31 from one second path 22-3.

According to the heat exchanger header 11 of the present embodiment, the pressure loss of the refrigerant is transferred from the first path 21 through the distribution space 23 to the second path 22 at substantially the same height at each stage of the distribution flow path 20. Since the refrigerant can be evenly distributed at a uniform flow rate without imbalance in the liquid phase, the refrigerant can be evenly distributed to each tube 31 in the end. Therefore, the entire heat transfer area including the tubes 31 and the fins 32 of the heat exchanger 10 can sufficiently contribute to heat exchange to improve the heat exchange performance and improve the performance of the air conditioner provided with the heat exchanger 10. In addition, a sufficient refrigerant flow rate can be ensured downstream of the heat exchanger 10 without concern about choke.

As shown in (II-1) of FIG. 2, the multi-stage distribution flow path 20 of the present embodiment firstly flows into the first stage A1 from a position near the end of the header body 110 in the vertical direction D1. Refrigerant is distributed from the first path 21 to the second paths 22, 22 positioned at the center in the vertical direction D1 as shown in (II-2), and further to the header body 110 as shown in (II-4). Refrigerant is distributed from the next-stage first path 21-2 to the second path 22-2 in the upper half area and the lower half area with respect to the central portion. Finally, as shown in (II-6), the refrigerant is distributed from the first path 21-3 to the second path 22-3 according to the distribution positions of the tubes 31. FIG.
By setting a series of refrigerant paths in this way, the paths 21 and 22 and the distribution space 23 can be efficiently distributed over the entire header body 110, so that the volume of the header body 110 can be suppressed and the heat can be reduced. The exchanger 10 can be miniaturized.

(Example of split stacking)
The header body 110 of the first embodiment can also be divided into a plurality of header members 110A to 110D and tube attachment members 110E, as shown in FIG. 5, for example. The header members 110A to 110D and the tube mounting member 110E can be formed by press working or the like using a metal plate material.
In FIG. 5, II-1 and the like are added to indicate that the positions correspond to those in FIG. The same applies to FIG. 6 as well.

The header members 110A to 110D and the tube mounting member 110E are stacked in a predetermined direction (header stacking direction D2) and joined by an appropriate method such as brazing or diffusion joining to form the header main body 110 shown in FIG. integrated in the same way.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the header stacking direction D2 corresponds to the direction in which the tubes 31 extend.

The header body 110 shown in FIG. 5 includes two first header members 110A, 110C, one second header member 110B, one final header member 110D, and one tube attachment member 110E.
A first path 21-1 of the first stage A1 and a distribution space 23-1 of the first stage A1 are formed in the first header member 110A. The distribution space 23-1 is defined between a recess recessed from the tube 31 side surface of the first header member 110A and the surface of the second header member 110B facing the bottom of the recess. The first path 21-1 opening at the bottom of this recess penetrates the first header member 110A in the thickness direction. The first path 21-1 communicates with the second path 22-1 opened on the surface of the second header member 110B through the distribution space 23-1.

A second path 22-1 of the first stage A1, a first path 21-2 of the second stage A2 and a distribution space 23-2 are formed in the second header member 110B. The distribution space 23-2 is formed similarly to the distribution space 23-1 described above, and the first path 21-2 is also formed similarly to the first path 21-1 described above.

A first path 21-3 of the third stage A3 and a distribution space 23-3 of the third stage A3 are formed in the first header member 110C. The first path 21-3 of the third stage A3 continues to the second path 22-2 of the second stage A2, which is the previous stage.
The final header member 110D is formed with the second path 22-3 of the third stage A3 and the tube communication spaces 112 distributed at the positions of the plurality of tubes 31. As shown in FIG. The second path 22-3 is distributed at multiple tube 31 locations.

The tube mounting member 110E is formed in a plate shape, and is joined to each tube 31 inserted into the insertion hole 110Y in the same manner as the above-described tube mounting portion 110X (FIG. 2). Further, the tube communication space 112 is closed by the tube mounting member 110E.

According to the divided lamination example shown in FIG. 5, concave portions forming the distribution space 23 or the tube mounting member 110E are formed on one surface of each of the header members 110A to 110D and the tube mounting member 110E on the tube 31 side. are closed by opposing members (header members 110B-110D or tube mounting member 110E).

Instead of splitting the entire header body 110 as shown in FIG. 5, only a portion of the header body 110 may be split and the remaining portion may be integrally molded.
For example, the header members 110A to 110D may be integrally molded, and a separate tube attachment member 110E may be joined to the integrally molded header members 110A to 110D.

FIG. 6 shows another divided lamination example of the header body 110 of the first embodiment. The following description will focus on matters that are different from the configuration shown in FIG.
The header body 110 shown in FIG. 6 includes two plate-like first header members 110P and 110R, a second header member 110Q, a final header member 110S, and a tube attachment member 110E. In the example shown in FIG. 6, distribution spaces 23 are formed on both sides in the thickness direction of the second header member 110Q.

The first path 21-1 of the first stage A1 is formed through the first header member 110P in the thickness direction.
The distribution space 23-1 and the second path 22-1 of the first stage A1 and the first path 21-2 and the distribution space 23-2 of the next stage are formed in the second header member 110Q.
The distribution space 23-1 is defined between a recess recessed from one surface of the first header member 110Q and the first header member 110P facing the bottom of the recess. The second path 22-1 opened at the bottom of the recess communicates with the first path 21-1 of the first header member 110P through the distribution space 23-1.

The distribution space 23-2 is also defined between a recess recessed from the other surface of the first header member 110Q and the surface of the first header member 110R facing the bottom of the recess. The first path 21-2 of the second stage A2, which is connected to the second path 22-1 of the first stage A1, opens at the bottom of this recess. The first path 21-2 and the second path 22-2 opened on the surface of the first header member 110R communicate through the distribution space 23-2.

The final header member 110S has a distribution space 23-3 into which the refrigerant flows from the first path 21-3 of the third stage A3 connected to the second path 22-2, and an opening at the bottom of the recess forming the distribution space 23-3. A second path 22-3 and a tube communication space 112 for allowing the flow of the refrigerant distributed to the plurality of second paths 22-3 to flow into each tube 31 are formed.

Besides the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the header body 110 can be divided at appropriate positions.
Also, the number of header members can be increased or decreased to branch the refrigerant flow any number of times to match the number of distributions required.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a heat exchanger header according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. A header body 200 of the heat exchanger header shown in FIG. 7 is configured in the same manner as the header body 110 of the first embodiment except that the number of stages of the distribution channels 20 is different from that of the header body 110 of the first embodiment. there is Similarly to the first embodiment, the heat exchange header of the second embodiment can evenly distribute the refrigerant to the plurality of tubes 31 while suppressing the pressure loss of the refrigerant.
The header body 200 of the second embodiment can be integrally molded, or can be composed of a plurality of stacked header members, similar to the examples shown in FIGS.

The header body 200 has a total of two stages of distribution flow paths 20 , a first stage A<b>1 and a second stage A<b>2 , and is capable of distributing the refrigerant to the four tubes 31 . A brief description will be given below.
Note that both the header body 110 of the first embodiment capable of distributing the refrigerant to the eight tubes 31 and the header body 200 of the second embodiment capable of distributing the refrigerant to another four tubes 31 are used as elements. It is also possible to obtain a heat exchange header comprising:

The first stage A1, as shown in (VII-1) to (VII-3) of FIG. It consists of a distribution space 23-1 continuous from 21-1 to the second paths 22-1, 22-1.
The second stage A2, as shown in (VII-3) to (VII-5) of FIG. of distribution channels 20. Each system consists of a first path 21-2, a distribution space 23-2, and a second path 22-2.
As shown in (VII-5), the flow of the refrigerant distributed to the four second paths 22-2 is inserted into the insertion hole 110Y through the tube communication space 112 as shown in (VII-6). It flows into the four tubes 31 individually.

A modification of the second embodiment will be described below. The configurations shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are also applicable to the first embodiment.
FIG. 8 shows an example in which the path along which the refrigerant moves is different from that in FIG. The configuration shown in FIG. 8 is also the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 7 in that the refrigerant flowing into the header body 210 is distributed to the four tubes 31 .
In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the distribution space 23-1 of the first stage A1 is formed longer in the vertical direction D1 than in the first embodiment (FIG. 2). Also, the respective distribution spaces 23-2 of the two systems of the second stage A2 are arranged in different cross sections in the header body 210. As shown in FIG.

When the refrigerant flows from the inlet of the header (not shown) into the first path 21-1 located near the lower end of the header body 210 as shown in (VIII-1) of FIG. Refrigerant flows through the distribution space 23-1 to the vicinity of the upper end of 210 and is distributed to two second paths 22-1 located in the vicinity of the upper end. Since the distance from the first path 21-1 to the second path 22-1 is long, the gas-liquid ratio and flow rate of the refrigerant distributed to the second path 22-1 become more uniform. This can contribute to improving the uniformity of refrigerant distribution. In particular, it is preferable to secure a distance from the first path 21 to the second path 22 in the upstream stage.

After the refrigerant is distributed to the two second paths 22-1, the refrigerant is distributed by the first system of the second stage A2 connected to the second path 22-1 shown on the right side of (VIII-3), and ( VIII-3), the refrigerant is distributed by the second system of the second stage A2 connected to the second path 22-1 shown on the left side of VIII-3).

As shown in (VIII-4), from the first route 21-2 (A) of the first system connected to the second route 22-1, two second routes 22- through the distribution space 23-2 (A) 2(A) to distribute the refrigerant. These second paths 22-2(A) communicate with the tube communication space 112 as shown in (VIII-7).
The second route 22-1 shown on the left side of (VIII-3) is connected to the first route 21-2 (B) of the second system shown in (VIII-5). From this first path 21-2(B), as shown in (VIII-6), the refrigerant is distributed to two second paths 22-2(B) via the distribution space 23-2(B). be. The distribution space 23-2(B) is separated from the second path 22-2(A) of the first system by a pipe wall 114. As shown in FIG.
As shown in (VIII-7), the refrigerant distributed to the second path 22-2(A) and the second path 22-2(B) of the first system and the second system of the second stage A2, respectively flows into each tube 31 through the tube communication space 112 .

The distribution channel 20 may include non-distribution stages in which no refrigerant is distributed, as shown in FIG.
The non-distribution stage shown in FIG. 9 can also be applied to the first embodiment.
(IX-1) to (IX-3) shown in FIG. 9 are the same as (VII-1) to (VII-3) shown in FIG. Refrigerant is distributed from the first path 21-2 shown on the left side of (IX-4) in FIG. -4), the refrigerant moves from the first path 21-2 shown on the right side to one passage path 24-2 via the non-distribution space 25-2. The non-distribution stage is composed of these first path 21-2, passage path 24-2, and non-distribution space 25-2.

The refrigerant can be distributed to the three tubes 31 via the three tube communication spaces 112 from the three paths shown in (IX-5), that is, the second paths 22-2, 22-2 and the passing path 24-2. can.
Therefore, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 9, for example, it is possible to cope with the case where the tubes 31 are arranged at uneven intervals due to, for example, an uneven wind speed distribution of the wind sent to the heat exchanger 10 by the fan.
The non-distribution stage shown in FIG. 9 can also be applied to the first embodiment.

Moreover, the first and second modifications of the present invention described below can be applied to both the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Also, the first and second modifications can be applied to any stage of the distribution channel 20 .

[First modification]
The distribution space 23-1 shown in (X-2) of FIG. 10 includes a horizontal portion 23A extending horizontally from the position of the first path 21-1, and a horizontal portion 23A extending from the vicinity of the end of the horizontal portion 23A to the second path 22-1. and a distribution portion 23B extending in the vertical direction D1 and in the horizontal direction.

As shown in (X-1) of FIG. 10, the first path 21-1 is shifted to one side with respect to the central portion of the header body in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant that has flowed into the horizontal portion 23A of the distribution space 23-1 through the first path 21-1 flows horizontally through the horizontal portion 23A, collides with the wall 115 of the header body at the end of the horizontal portion 23A, and reaches the distribution portion. 23B and is distributed to two second paths 22-1 positioned near the upper end of the distribution portion 23B. Note that when the distribution portion 23B extends downward with respect to the horizontal portion 23A, the refrigerant is directed downward from the vicinity of the end of the horizontal portion 23A.

When the refrigerant collides with the wall 115, the liquid phase and the gas phase of the refrigerant are mixed, so that the refrigerant is distributed to the second path 22-1 at a more uniform gas-liquid ratio and flow rate. Uniform distribution of the refrigerant to the plurality of tubes 31 can be promoted.
It should be noted that a distribution space with a horizontal portion and a distribution portion can also be provided in the second stage A2 or the third stage A3.

[Second modification]
As shown in (XI-2) of FIG. 11, the channel cross-sectional areas of the second paths 22-1, 22-1 can also be made different. By doing so, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant distributed from the first path 21-1 and flowing through the second paths 22-1 and 22-1. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the case where the flow rate of each tube 31 needs to be changed due to, for example, the bias of the wind speed distribution.

In addition to the above, it is possible to select the configurations described in the above embodiments or to change them to other configurations as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

1 Refrigerant circuit 2 Compressor 4 Pressure reducing unit 5 Indoor heat exchanger 10 Heat exchanger 10A Inlet 10B Outlet 11, 12 Header for heat exchanger 11A Header inlet 20 Distribution flow path 21 First path 22 Second path 22X, 22X Opening center 23 Distribution space 23A Horizontal portion 23B Distribution portion 24 Passing path 25 Non-distribution space 31 Tube 32 Fins 110, 200, 210 Header main bodies 110A, 110C First header member 110B Second header member 110D Final header member 110E Tube mounting members 110P, 110R First header member 110Q Second header member 110S Final header member 110X Tube mounting portion 110Y Insertion holes 111, 113, 115 Wall 112 Tube communication space 114 Tube wall A1 First stage A2 Second stage A3 Third stage D1 Vertical direction D2 Header lamination direction

Claims (12)

A header for a heat exchanger that distributes refrigerant to a plurality of stacked tubes, comprising:
a header body provided with a header inlet through which the refrigerant flows from the outside of the header;
one or more stages of distribution channels formed in the header body and connectable between the header inlet and the plurality of tubes;
The distribution channel is
a first path through which the refrigerant passes;
a plurality of second paths separated from the first path at least in the vertical direction and positioned at substantially the same height;
a distribution space contiguous from the first path to the plurality of second paths;
The distribution space extends over a range including respective positions of the first path and the plurality of second paths,
the refrigerant distributed from the first path to the plurality of second paths and flowing out from the plurality of second paths can flow into the first path of the distribution path in the next stage;
A heat exchanger, wherein a first header member provided with the first path, a second header member provided with the distribution space, and a third header member provided with the second path are laminated. header. The distribution space is
extending in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction;
The heat exchanger header according to claim 1. The header body is formed with tube communication spaces distributed at positions of the plurality of tubes,
The plurality of tubes are in communication with the second route of the distribution channel at the final stage via the corresponding tube communication spaces,
The heat exchanger header according to claim 1 or 2. The single stage of the distribution channel comprises:
one said first path;
two of the second paths through which the refrigerant is distributed from one of the first paths;
and one distribution space continuous from one of the first paths to two of the second paths,
The header body as a whole comprises two or more stages of the distribution channels,
A heat exchanger header according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a plurality of the distribution spaces on the same stage exist on the same cross section of the header body,
A heat exchanger header according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . the plurality of distribution spaces on the same stage exist in different cross sections in the header body,
A heat exchanger header according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . A tube mounting portion having insertion holes into which the plurality of tubes are respectively inserted,
the tube attachment portion closes the tube communication space;
The heat exchanger header according to claim 3 . the distribution channel includes a non-distribution stage in which the refrigerant is not distributed;
The non-distribution stage includes:
the first route;
a passage path through which the refrigerant passes, located at a position different from the first path;
a non- distributed space continuous from the first path to the passage path;
A heat exchanger header according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The distribution space is
a horizontal portion extending horizontally from the position of the first path;
a distribution portion extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction from the vicinity of the end of the horizontal portion toward the second path;
A heat exchanger header according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . At least one channel cross-sectional area of the plurality of second paths is different from other channel cross-sectional areas,
A heat exchanger header according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . a heat exchanger header according to any one of claims 1 to 10 ;
the plurality of tubes;
fins thermally coupled to the tube;
A heat exchanger characterized by: a compressor that compresses a refrigerant;
The heat exchanger according to claim 11 , which exchanges heat between air as a heat source and the refrigerant;
a decompression unit that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant;
and a heat exchanger that heat-exchanges air, which is a heat load, and the refrigerant,
An air conditioner characterized by:

Images