KR102365553B1 - A heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first refrigerant tube that acts as an evaporator and extends in the vertical direction to allow the flow of the refrigerant; a second refrigerant tube provided in the front-rear direction with the first refrigerant tube to allow the refrigerant to flow; a first header coupled to the lower end of the first and second refrigerant tubes and having a plurality of outer walls to define a flow space of the refrigerant; a second header coupled to upper ends of the first and second refrigerant tubes; a partition unit dividing the flow space into a first flow path communicating with the first refrigerant tube and a second flow path communicating with the second refrigerant tube; a refrigerant inlet provided in the first header and configured to introduce a refrigerant into the first flow path; and a refrigerant outlet provided in the first header and discharging the refrigerant from the second flow path.

Description

heat exchanger {A heat exchanger}

This specification relates to a heat exchanger.

In general, a heat exchanger is a component constituting a heat exchange cycle, and operates as a condenser or an evaporator to exchange heat with a refrigerant flowing therein and an external fluid.

Such a heat exchanger is largely divided into a fin-and-tube type and a microchannel type according to its shape. The fin and tube type heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins and a tube having a circular or similar shape penetrating the fins, and the microchannel type heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes through which a refrigerant flows and the plurality of flat tubes. It includes a fin provided between the tubes.

And, in both of the fin-and-tube type heat exchanger and the microchannel type heat exchanger, a refrigerant flowing inside the tube or flat tube and an external fluid exchange heat, and the fin is an inside of the tube or flat tube. It serves to increase the heat exchange area between the refrigerant flowing through the air and the external fluid.

1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the prior art;

As shown in FIG. 1 , the conventional microchannel type heat exchanger 1 includes headers 2 and 3 coupled to a plurality of refrigerant tubes 4 . The headers 2 and 3 are provided in plurality, and among the plurality of headers 2 and 3, the first header 2 is coupled to one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 4, and the second header 3 is It is coupled to the other side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes (4). And, between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 4, a heat dissipation fin (not shown) is included to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and external air.

In the first header (2), a refrigerant inlet (5) through which the refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger (1), and a refrigerant outlet (6) through which the refrigerant exchanged in the heat exchanger (1) flows out. is formed In addition, a branch portion for branching the refrigerant flowing into the first header 2 into a plurality of paths is provided on one side of the first header 2 . A plurality of the branch portions may be provided to correspond to the branching path.

The refrigerant branched in the branch is introduced into the first header 2 through the refrigerant inlet 5 , and is divided and flows through a plurality of refrigerant tubes 4 . At this time, heat exchange is performed while the branched refrigerant flows along the same number of refrigerant tubes (4).

The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 4 is returned from the second header 3 and flows toward the first header 2, is merged in the first header 2 and passes through the refrigerant outlet. It flows out of the heat exchanger (1).

According to the conventional heat exchanger 1 described above, the refrigerant inlet 5 and the refrigerant outlet 6 are connected to the first header so that the refrigerant passes through the plurality of refrigerant tubes 4 uniformly. It is installed on the side of (2). Accordingly, as shown, a separate installation space 7 for installation of the refrigerant outlet 6 is required on one side of the first header 2, so that the volume of the heat exchanger increases.

In addition, there is a problem in that the manufacturing cost increases due to an increase in the volume of the heat exchanger, and the heat transfer area of the refrigerant is small compared to the installation area of the header, so that the efficiency of heat exchange is lowered.
Information in the prior art literature on the heat exchanger is as follows.
Publication number (disclosure date): 10-2012-0044851 (May 8, 2012)

An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger capable of increasing heat exchange efficiency by installing a refrigerant inlet and an outlet in a header without a separate installation space.

A heat exchanger according to one aspect includes: a heat exchanger acting as an evaporator in which a liquid refrigerant is introduced and vaporized into a gaseous refrigerant, the front tube extending in the vertical direction to allow the flow of the refrigerant; a rear tube provided at the rear of the front tube to allow the flow of refrigerant; a first header coupled to the lower end of the front tube and the rear tube, the first header having a plurality of outer walls to define a flow space of the refrigerant; a second header coupled to upper ends of the first and second refrigerant tubes; a partition unit dividing the flow space into a first flow path communicating with the first refrigerant tube and a second flow path communicating with the second refrigerant tube; a refrigerant inlet provided in the first header and configured to introduce a refrigerant into the first flow path; a refrigerant outlet provided in the first header and configured to discharge the refrigerant from the second flow path; a baffle provided in the first header and partitioning the first flow path into two spaces; and a communication hole formed in the partition part and fluidly connecting the first and second flow passages.
The plurality of outer walls of the first header includes a top wall to which the front tube and the rear tube are coupled, a front wall extending downward from the front end of the top wall, and a rear wall extending downward from the rear end of the top wall. and a lower wall connecting lower ends of the front wall and the rear wall and two side walls provided on both sides of the upper wall.
The first header may further include a support member protruding downward from the bottom wall to support the coolant outlet.
The refrigerant outlet may be connected to the lower wall so that the refrigerant flowing downward from the front tube or the rear tube toward the first header may be discharged to a lower side of the first header.

The refrigerant inlet may be connected to a wall other than the bottom wall and the side wall among the plurality of outer walls so that the refrigerant inlet is fluidly separated from the refrigerant outlet and does not protrude to the side of the first header.
The refrigerant inlet may be connected to a front wall of the first header.
The partition portion may extend from the top wall of the first header to the bottom wall to separate the first and second flow paths forward and backward.
The compartment may connect the two side walls.
The side wall of the first header may be configured such that it forms the same surface as the side end of the front tube or the rear tube, or does not protrude further laterally than the side end of the front tube or the rear tube.
A side wall of the first header may protrude laterally than a side end of the front tube or the rear tube, and the protruding length may be smaller than a tube diameter of the refrigerant outlet.
The front tube and the rear tube each include a plurality of tubes spaced apart in the left and right directions, and the side wall of the first header protrudes laterally than the side end of the front tube or the rear tube, and the protruding length is the It may be formed to be smaller than the spaced distance of a plurality of tubes.
The support member may include: a housing forming an inner space; and a refrigerant outlet passage provided in the inner space of the housing and configured to transmit the refrigerant in the first header to the refrigerant outlet.
The refrigerant outlet flow path may include: a vertical flow path protruding downward from the first header; and a horizontal flow path bent in the vertical flow path and coupled to the housing.
The baffle is connected to the compartment to extend forward, and may be connected to the front wall.
The front tube may be connected to a front portion of the top wall to communicate with the first flow passage, and the rear tube may be connected to a rear portion of the top wall to communicate with the second flow passage.
The refrigerant inlet may include a bent pipe, and the bent pipe may be bent at the front wall of the first header to extend upward in an extension direction of the front tube.
The refrigerant outlet may include a bent pipe, and the bent pipe may be bent at a lower end wall of the first header to extend upward in an extension direction of the front tube.

The front tube and the rear tube may include flat tubes.

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

delete

According to the proposed invention, it is possible to reduce the overall volume of the heat exchanger by installing the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet in the header without a separate installation space, thereby reducing the installation space of the heat exchanger.

In addition, since the installation area of the header of the heat exchanger and the actual heat transfer area of the refrigerant are formed to be the same, there is an advantage that the heat exchange action of the refrigerant can be performed efficiently.

In addition, since the refrigerant inlet is installed through or bypassing the header, there is an advantage in that the manufacturing cost is reduced due to the volume reduction of the heat exchanger.

1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to the prior art;
2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first header according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first header according to an embodiment of the present invention according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first header according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a first header according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a perspective view of a first header viewed from the bottom according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a cross-sectional view of a first header viewed from the side according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first header according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a first header according to an embodiment of the present invention according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in a heat exchanger according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the elements from other elements, and the essence, order, or order of the elements are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component is between each component. It will be understood that may also be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first header according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an embodiment of the present invention It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first header according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 and 4, in the heat exchanger 10 according to the present embodiment, headers 120 and 130 extending by a predetermined length in the horizontal direction, and refrigerant tubes coupled to the headers 120 and 130 and extending in the vertical direction A plurality of flat tubes 110 as a furnace, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (not shown) arranged at a predetermined interval between the headers 120 and 130 and penetrated by the flat tube 110 are included.

Since the headers 120 and 130 extend in the horizontal direction, it may be called a “horizontal header”. However, the extension direction of the header is not limited thereto, and may extend in a vertical direction, and in this case, the flat tube 110 may extend in a horizontal direction.

In detail, the headers 120 and 130 include a first header 120 to which one end of the flat tube 110 is coupled and a second header 130 to which the other end of the flat tube 110 is coupled. The first header 120 and the second header 130 may guide the flow of the coolant and change the flow direction of the coolant.

In other words, a refrigerant flow space is defined in the first header 120 and the second header 130 . The refrigerant inside the first header 120 or the second header 130 may flow into the flat tube 110 , and the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube 110 may be supplied to the first header 120 or the second header 130 . 2 The direction can be changed in the header 130 .

For example, the refrigerant flowing upward through the flat tube 110 is changed in direction in the second header 130 to flow downward, and the refrigerant flowing downward through the flat tube 110 is the first The direction may be changed in the header 120 to flow upward. Accordingly, the first header 120 or the second header 130 may be referred to as a “return header”.

The flat tube 110 is arranged in two rows at the front and rear. 4, when the heat exchanger 10 is viewed from the side, the flat tube 110 has a front tube 110a located in the front, and a front tube 110a located in the rear of the front tube 110a. A rear tube 110b is included. Of course, a plurality of the front tube 110a and the rear tube 110b are provided to be coupled to the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively.

In the first header 120 , a refrigerant inlet 140 through which refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger and a refrigerant outlet 150 through which the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger 10 flows out are formed.

In detail, the refrigerant inlet 140 and the refrigerant outlet 150 are formed adjacent to each other on the front surface of the first header 120 . Accordingly, the refrigerant flows into the first header 120 through the refrigerant inlet 140 , and the introduced refrigerant flows from the first header 120 through the refrigerant outlet 150 through the heat exchanger 10 . ) out of the

A plurality of flat tubes 110 may be provided between the first header 120 and the second header 130 , and the plurality of flat tubes 110 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

A partition 121 is provided inside the first header 120 to partition the inner space of the first header 120 forward and backward. The partition part 121 extends from an upper surface to a lower surface of the first header 120 . Accordingly, in the inner space of the first header 120 , a first flow path 120a and a second flow path 120b are formed by the partition part 121 . In addition, a first through hole 126 through which the refrigerant inlet 140 passes is formed in the partition 121 .

In addition, the refrigerant inlet 140 passes through the first through hole 126 of the front surface of the first header 120 and the partition unit 121 from the front of the first header 120 to provide the first It is connected to the flow path 120a, and the refrigerant outlet 150 penetrates the front surface of the first header 120 and is connected to the second flow path 120b.

Conventionally, since the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are connected to the side of the header for a uniform flow of the refrigerant, a separate installation space is required on the side of the heat exchanger, thereby limiting the installation of the heat exchanger. Therefore, in this embodiment, the refrigerant inlet 140 and the refrigerant outlet 150 are installed on the front side of the first header 120, so that the heat exchanger can be easily installed. In addition, since the flat tube 110 can extend upwardly of the first header 120 by the horizontal length of the first header 120 , the heat transfer area can be widened.

In addition, the refrigerant inlet 140, which requires a tube having a relatively small inner diameter, passes through the partition 121, and the refrigerant outlet 150 passes through the front surface of the first header 120, The manufacturing process becomes easy.

The first flow path 120a forms a flow path through which the refrigerant introduced into the first header 120 through the refrigerant inlet 140 flows during heat exchange, and the second flow path 120b is the heat exchanger. In (10), the heat exchanged refrigerant forms a flow path to the refrigerant outlet (150).

In addition, a baffle 123 is provided inside the first flow path 120a to guide the refrigerant to be introduced into the second flow path 120b from the first flow path 120a. The baffle 123 may be disposed to partition left and right spaces of the first flow path 120a.

The first flow path 120a has a first flow path part 124 provided inside the first flow path 120a and coupled to one side of the baffle 123 and provided inside the first flow path 120a. A second flow path part 125 coupled to the other side of the baffle 123 is included. Referring to FIG. 3 , the space on the left side of the baffle 123 becomes the first flow path part 124 , and the space on the right side of the baffle 123 becomes the second flow path part 125 .

The baffle 123 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to a horizontal direction that is a longitudinal direction of the first flow path 120a. Accordingly, the refrigerant introduced into the first flow path 120a of the first header 120 through the flat tube 110 is guided to be introduced into the second flow path 120b.

In other words, with reference to FIG. 2 , the first flow path 120a is divided into a first flow path part 124 and a second flow path part 125 by the baffle 123 . The refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant inlet pipe 140 does not flow from the second flow path part 125 to the first flow path part 124 by the baffle 123 but flows into the flat tube 110 . and flows to the second header 130 . In addition, the refrigerant flowing from the second header 130 to the first header 120 through the flat tube 110 is transferred to the first header 120 by the baffle 123 inside the first flow path part 124 . 2 The flow to the flow path part 125 is blocked.

A communication hole 122 is formed in the partition 121 provided inside the first flow path 124 to allow the refrigerant to flow forward or backward of the partition 121 . That is, the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path part 124 may flow to the second flow path 120b through the communication hole 122 .

Accordingly, the refrigerant introduced from the second header 130 into the first flow path part 124 flows to the second flow path 120b through the communication hole 122 .

5 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5 , a case in which the heat exchanger 10 acts as an evaporator will be exemplified and the flow of the refrigerant will be described.

The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 10 through the refrigerant inlet 140 flows in a direction away from the refrigerant inlet 140 and the refrigerant outlet 150 to perform a heat exchange action. And, after the refrigerant passes through the flat tube 110 , it flows in a direction closer to the refrigerant inlet 140 and the refrigerant outlet 150 , and the heat exchange through the refrigerant outlet 150 . discharged from the group (10).

In detail, the refrigerant introduced into the first flow path 120a of the first header 120 through the refrigerant inlet 140 is guided by the baffle 123 and flows into the flat tube 110 . At this time, it flows to the second header 130 through the flat tube 110 corresponding to the “A” area among the plurality of flat tubes 110 .

Then, the refrigerant flowing into the second header 130 changes the flow direction and passes through the flat tube 110 again. At this time, it flows to the first header 120 through the flat tube 110 corresponding to the "B" area among the plurality of flat tubes 110 .

The refrigerant introduced into the first header 120 is guided by the baffle 123 from the first flow path part 124 to the second flow path 120b through the communication hole 122 formed in the partition part 121 . flow And, it is possible to flow toward the refrigerant outlet 150 along the second flow path (120b). In addition, some of the refrigerants in the second flow path 120b flow to the second header 130 along the front tube 110a corresponding to the “B” region. The refrigerant of the second header 130 flows downward along the front tube 110a corresponding to the “A” region and flows into the second flow path 120b of the first header 120 . The refrigerant in the second flow path 120b may flow toward the refrigerant outlet 150 .

According to the proposed invention, it is possible to reduce the overall volume of the heat exchanger by installing the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet in the header without a separate installation space, thereby reducing the installation space of the heat exchanger.

In addition, since the installation area of the header of the heat exchanger and the actual heat transfer area of the refrigerant are formed to be the same, there is an advantage that the heat exchange action of the refrigerant can be performed efficiently.

In addition, since the refrigerant inlet is installed through or bypassing the header, there is an advantage in that the manufacturing cost is reduced due to the volume reduction of the heat exchanger.

In this embodiment, the case in which the heat exchanger acts as an evaporator has been described as an example. However, in contrast to this, when the heat exchanger acts as a condenser, the specific volume may be reduced in the process of heat exchange with the refrigerant, and thus the number of refrigerant tubes passing through the process of heat exchange with the refrigerant may gradually decrease. And, the size of the inlet pipe through which the refrigerant flows may be formed to be larger than the size of the outlet pipe.

6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first header according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first header according to the second embodiment. 9 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in the refrigerant inlet. Therefore, in the following, only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be referred to in the first embodiment.

6 to 9 , the refrigerant inlet 240 according to the present embodiment has one end passing through one side of the first flow path 123 of the first header 120 and the other end of the first flow path 123 . a first horizontal part 241 extending to the outside of the , a second horizontal portion 243 having one end connected to the other end of the first vertical portion 242 and extending forward of the heat exchanger 10 , and one end connected to the other end of the second horizontal portion 243 . and a second vertical portion 244 extending downward of the heat exchanger 10 .

A second through hole 240a passing through the refrigerant inlet 240 is formed on a side surface of the first header 120 . Accordingly, the refrigerant inlet 240 passes through the second through hole 240a to communicate with the side surface of the first flow path 123 .

The refrigerant inlet 240 is installed by extending and bending the vertical and horizontal portions 241.242, 243, 244 in a state in close contact with the first header 120 as much as possible. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, a separate space for installing the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet is unnecessary.

The refrigerant flows into the side surface of the first flow path 120a through the refrigerant inlet 240 , and a subsequent flow process is the same as in the first embodiment.

10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in a heat exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in the refrigerant inlet. Therefore, in the following, only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be referred to in the first embodiment.

10 to 13 , the refrigerant inlet 340 according to the present embodiment communicates with the first flow path 120a from the rear surface of the first header 120 toward the rear of the heat exchanger 10 . It includes a third horizontal portion extending 341 and a fourth horizontal portion 342 curved at an end of the third horizontal portion 341 and extending forward of the heat exchanger 10 .

A third through hole 340a through which the refrigerant inlet 340 passes is formed on the rear surface of the first header 120 . The refrigerant inlet 340 passes through the third through hole to communicate with the first flow path 120a.

The refrigerant inlet 340 may be in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the first header 120 . Therefore, as in the first embodiment, a separate space for installing the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet is unnecessary.

The refrigerant flows into the rear surface of the first flow path 120a through the refrigerant inlet 240 , and a subsequent flow process is the same as in the first embodiment.

14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in a heat exchanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet. Therefore, in the following, only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be referred to in the first embodiment.

14 to 17 , the refrigerant inlet 440 according to the present embodiment has a second end that communicates with the first flow path 120a from the rear surface of the first header 120 and the other end extends rearward. A fifth horizontal part 441 and a third vertical part 442 having one end communicating with the other end of the fifth horizontal part 441 and the other end extending upward of the heat exchanger 10 are included.

In addition, the refrigerant outlet 450 is a sixth horizontal part ( 451 , and a seventh horizontal part 452 having one end curved at the other end of the sixth horizontal part 451 and the other end extending to the rear of the heat exchanger 10 . Accordingly, the overall shape of the refrigerant outlet 450 is formed in a U-shape.

In addition, the refrigerant outlet 450 is provided in close contact with the first header 120 while surrounding the outer periphery of the first header 120 . Therefore, as in the first embodiment, a separate space for installing the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet is unnecessary.

The refrigerant flows into the side surface of the first flow path 120a through the refrigerant inlet 440, and a subsequent flow process is the same as in the first embodiment.

18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a first header according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the bottom, and FIG. 20 is a first embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first header viewed from the side according to the embodiment. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a first header according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first header according to an embodiment of the present invention according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention am.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, except that there is a difference in the coupling structure of the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet. Therefore, in the following, only characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described, and the same parts as those of the first embodiment will be referred to in the first embodiment.

18 to 22 , in the heat exchanger 20 according to the present embodiment, headers 120 and 130 extending by a predetermined length in the horizontal direction are coupled to the headers 120 and 130 in the vertical direction. A plurality of flat tubes 110 as extended refrigerant tubes, and a plurality of heat dissipation fins (not shown) arranged at predetermined intervals between the headers 120 and 130 and penetrated by the flat tubes 110 are included.

In detail, the headers 120 and 130 include a first header 120 to which one end of the flat tube 110 is coupled and a second header 130 to which the other end of the flat tube 110 is coupled. The first header 120 and the second header 130 may guide the flow of the coolant and change the flow direction of the coolant.

In other words, a refrigerant flow space is defined in the first header 120 and the second header 130 . The refrigerant inside the first header 120 or the second header 130 may flow into the flat tube 110 , and the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube 110 may be supplied to the first header 120 or the second header 130 . 2 The direction can be changed in the header 130 .

For example, the refrigerant flowing upward through the flat tube 110 is changed in direction in the second header 130 to flow downward, and the refrigerant flowing downward through the flat tube 110 is the first The direction may be changed in the header 120 to flow upward. Accordingly, the first header 120 or the second header 130 may be referred to as a “return header”.

The flat tube 110 is arranged in two rows at the front and rear. As shown in FIG. 20 , when the heat exchanger 10 is viewed from the side, the flat tube 110 includes a front tube 110a located in the front, and a front tube 110a located in the rear of the front tube 110a. A rear tube 110b is included. Of course, a plurality of the front tube 110a and the rear tube 110b are provided to be coupled to the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively.

In the first header 120 , a refrigerant inlet 510 for allowing refrigerant to flow into the heat exchanger 20 , a flow path 535 is formed therein, and is coupled to a lower surface of the first header 120 . A support member 530 and a coolant outlet 520 coupled to communicate with the coolant outflow passage 535 of the support member 530 and allowing the coolant exchanged in the heat exchanger 20 to flow out are provided.

In detail, the refrigerant inlet 510 is provided to communicate with the first flow path 120a at the front of the first header 120 . To this end, a hole (not shown) may be formed in the front surface of the first header 120 so that the refrigerant inlet 510 is inserted. Accordingly, the refrigerant flows into the first flow path 120a of the first header 120 through the refrigerant inlet 510 . In some cases, the refrigerant inlet 510 may extend forward from the front surface of the first header 120 , and may be formed to extend by bending upwardly from the forwardly extending end thereof.

The support member 530 is coupled to a lower surface of the first header 120 . The upper surface of the support member 530 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the lower surface of the first header, and may be coupled to surround a portion of the lower surface and side surfaces of the first header 120 .

In addition, a refrigerant outlet flow path 535 having one end communicating with the second channel 120b and the other end fitting the end of the refrigerant outlet 520 is formed in the support member 530 . One end of the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 is coupled to a communication hole 534 formed in the lower surface of the first header 120 so as to communicate with the second flow path 120b inside the support member 530 . The other end of the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 is formed on the front surface of the support member 530 , and the end of the refrigerant outlet 520 is fitted thereinto.

In other words, the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 extends from the lower surface of the first header 120 to the front surface of the support member 530 inside the support member 530 and extends from the second flow path 120b. It serves to transfer the leaking refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet (520). 19, in some cases, the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 is supported by a vertical flow path 536 communicating with the lower surface of the first header 120, and an end of the vertical flow path 536. It may be configured as a horizontal flow path 538 extending toward the front of the member 530 .

In addition, the coolant outlet 520 is coupled to the support member 530 by having an end fitted into a coupling hole 532 formed to communicate with the coolant outlet flow path 535 on the front surface of the support member 530 . . A packing member 537 may be provided around the coupling hole 532 to which the coolant outlet 520 and the support member 530 are coupled to prevent leakage of the coolant. Meanwhile, the refrigerant outlet 520 includes a horizontal portion 521 extending forward from the front surface of the support member 530 and a vertical portion 522 bent upward from an end of the horizontal portion 521 . can do.

Accordingly, the support member 530 according to the present embodiment includes the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 provided at the lower side of the first header 120 and communicating with the second flow path 120b therein. In addition to easily draining the refrigerant downward from the first header 120 , by inserting one end of the refrigerant outlet 520 into the coupling hole 532 , it serves to support the refrigerant outlet 520 . can be done

In this embodiment, the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 for the refrigerant to flow out is formed in the support member 530 as an example, but the refrigerant outlet flow channel 535 is formed inside the support member 530 It may be configured through a separate refrigerant outlet pipe to discharge the refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet 520 , wherein the refrigerant outlet pipe has the same shape as the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 inside the support member 530 . and a bonding structure.

In other words, the refrigerant outlet pipe includes a vertical portion extending downwardly through the lower surface of the first header 120 , a horizontal portion extending by bending forward from an end of the vertical portion, and an upper portion at the end of the horizontal portion It may be provided by including another vertical portion that is bent and extended. In this case, a portion of the vertical portion and the horizontal portion may be accommodated in the support member 530 to be supported by the support member 530 .

23 is a view showing a refrigerant flow in a heat exchanger according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 23 , a case in which the heat exchanger 20 acts as an evaporator will be exemplified and the flow of the refrigerant will be described.

The refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger 20 through the refrigerant inlet 510 flows in a direction away from the refrigerant inlet 510 and the support member 530 to perform heat exchange. And, after the refrigerant has all passed through the flat tube 110 , it flows in a direction closer to the refrigerant inlet 510 and the refrigerant outlet 520 , and the refrigerant outlet flow path of the support member 530 ( 535 ) and the refrigerant outlet 520 is discharged from the heat exchanger 20 .

In detail, the refrigerant introduced into the first flow path 120a of the first header 120 through the refrigerant inlet 510 is guided by the baffle 123 and flows into the flat tube 110 . At this time, it flows to the second header 130 through the flat tube 110 corresponding to the “A” area among the plurality of flat tubes 110 .

Then, the refrigerant flowing into the second header 130 changes the flow direction and passes through the flat tube 110 again. At this time, it flows to the first header 120 through the flat tube 110 corresponding to the "B" area among the plurality of flat tubes 110 .

The refrigerant introduced into the first header 120 is guided by the baffle 123 from the first flow path part 124 to the second flow path 120b through the communication hole 122 formed in the partition part 121 . flow In addition, the refrigerant of the second flow path 120b flows to the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 through the communication hole 534 formed on the bottom surface of the first header 120 , and passes through the refrigerant outlet flow path 535 . Thus, it is discharged from the heat exchanger 20 through the refrigerant outlet 520 . In addition, some of the refrigerants in the second flow path 120b flow to the second header 130 along the rear tube 110b corresponding to the “B” region. The refrigerant of the second header 130 flows downward along the rear tube 110b corresponding to the "A" area and flows into the second flow path 120b of the first header 120, and the refrigerant outlet It is discharged from the heat exchanger 20 through 520 .

In the above, even though all the components constituting the embodiment of the present invention are described as being combined or operated in combination as one, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. That is, within the scope of the object of the present invention, all of the components may operate by selectively combining one or more. In addition, terms such as "comprises", "comprises" or "have" described above mean that the corresponding component may be inherent, unless otherwise specified, excluding other components. Rather, it should be construed as being able to further include other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Terms commonly used, such as those defined in the dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related art, and are not interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical spirit of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (15)

In the heat exchanger acting as an evaporator in which liquid refrigerant flows in and vaporizes into gaseous refrigerant,
a front tube extending in the vertical direction to allow the flow of refrigerant;
a rear tube provided at the rear of the front tube to allow the flow of refrigerant;
a first header coupled to the lower end of the front tube and the rear tube, the first header having a plurality of outer walls to define a flow space of the refrigerant;
a second header coupled to upper ends of the first and second refrigerant tubes;
a partition unit dividing the flow space into a first flow path communicating with the first refrigerant tube and a second flow path communicating with the second refrigerant tube;
a refrigerant inlet provided in the first header and configured to introduce a refrigerant into the first flow path;
a refrigerant outlet provided in the first header and configured to discharge the refrigerant from the second flow path;
a baffle provided in the first header and partitioning the first flow path into two spaces; and
It is formed in the partition and includes a communication hole for fluidly connecting the first and second flow paths,
The plurality of outer walls of the first header includes a top wall to which the front tube and the rear tube are coupled, a front wall extending downward from the front end of the top wall, and a rear wall extending downward from the rear end of the top wall. and a lower wall connecting lower ends of the front wall and the rear wall and two side walls provided on both sides of the upper wall,
Further comprising a support member protruding downward from the lower wall of the first header to support the refrigerant outlet,
The refrigerant outlet is connected to the bottom wall so that the refrigerant flowing downward from the rear tube toward the first header can be discharged to the lower side of the first header,
The refrigerant inlet is fluidly separated from the refrigerant outlet and is connected to a wall other than the bottom wall and the side wall among the plurality of outer walls so as not to protrude laterally of the first header. The method of claim 1,
The refrigerant inlet is connected to the front wall of the first header. 3. The method of claim 2,
The partition portion extends from the top wall of the first header to the bottom wall to separate the first and second flow paths forward and backward. 4. The method of claim 3,
The compartment is a heat exchanger connecting the two side walls. 5. The method of claim 4,
The side wall of the first header comprises:
A heat exchanger configured to form the same surface as a side end of the front tube or the rear tube, or not protrude further laterally than a side end of the front tube or the rear tube. 5. The method of claim 4,
The side wall of the first header protrudes laterally than the side end of the front tube or the rear tube,
The protruding length of the heat exchanger is formed smaller than the tube diameter of the refrigerant outlet. 5. The method of claim 4,
The front tube and the rear tube each include a plurality of tubes spaced apart in the left and right directions,
The side wall of the first header protrudes laterally than the side end of the front tube or the rear tube,
The protruding length of the heat exchanger is formed smaller than the spaced distance of the plurality of tubes. delete The method of claim 1,
The support member is
a housing defining an interior space; and
The heat exchanger is provided in the inner space of the housing and includes a refrigerant outlet passage for transferring the refrigerant in the first header to the refrigerant outlet. 10. The method of claim 9,
The refrigerant outlet flow path,
a vertical flow path protruding downward from the first header; and
and a horizontal flow path bent in the vertical flow path and coupled to the housing. The method of claim 1,
The baffle is connected to the compartment and extends forward, and the heat exchanger is connected to the front wall. The method of claim 1,
The front tube is connected to the front portion of the upper wall to communicate with the first flow path,
and the rear tube is connected to the rear portion of the top wall to communicate with the second flow passage. The method of claim 1,
The refrigerant inlet includes a bent pipe,
The bent pipe is bent at the front wall of the first header and extends upward along an extension direction of the front tube. The method of claim 1,
The refrigerant outlet includes a bent pipe,
The bent pipe is bent at a bottom wall of the first header and extends upward along an extension direction of the front tube. The method of claim 1,
wherein the front tube and the rear tube include flat tubes.

Images