KR102491528B1 - A heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

The heat exchanger according to one aspect may include a partition portion dividing an inner space of the header into the first flow path and the second flow path; and a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet coupled to the header, wherein the header includes a front wall, two side walls, and a rear wall, and the first passage includes the rear wall, the two side walls, and the compartment. The second flow path is defined by the front wall, the two side walls, and the partition, and the refrigerant outlet unit discharges the refrigerant of the second flow path to the outside of the header. It is coupled to a front wall, and the refrigerant inlet may be coupled to a side wall or a rear wall of the header other than the front wall to allow the refrigerant to flow into the first flow path.

Description

Heat exchanger {A heat exchanger}

This specification relates to heat exchangers.

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

Such a heat exchanger is largely classified 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 circular or similar tubes penetrating the fins, and the microchannel type heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes through which refrigerant flows and the plurality of flat tubes. It includes a fin provided between the tubes.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, a 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, a 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). In addition, 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.

The first header 2 includes a refrigerant inlet 5 through which refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 1 and a refrigerant outlet 6 through which the refrigerant heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger 1 flows out. is formed Further, a branching portion 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 branches may be provided corresponding to the branching paths.

The refrigerant branched from the branching part is introduced into the first header 2 through the refrigerant inlet part 5, and is divided into a plurality of refrigerant tubes 4 to flow. At this time, the branched refrigerant is heat exchanged while flowing 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, and is combined in the first header 2 through the refrigerant outlet. It is discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (1).

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

In addition, there are problems in that the manufacturing cost increases due to the increase in the volume of the heat exchanger and the efficiency of heat exchange decreases because the heat transfer area of the refrigerant is small compared to the installation area of the header.

The information of the prior art literature on the heat exchanger is as follows.

Publication number (publication 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 outlet in a header without a separate installation space.

The heat exchanger according to one aspect includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes provided with a front tube and a rear tube arranged in front and rear; a header in which a first passage communicating with the rear tube and a second passage communicating with the front tube are formed; a partition section dividing the inner space of the header into the first flow path and the second flow path; a baffle coupled to the partition and partitioning the first flow path; and a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet coupled to the header, wherein the header includes a front wall, two side walls, and a rear wall, and the first passage includes the rear wall, the two side walls, and the compartment. The second flow path is defined by the front wall, the two side walls and the partition, and the refrigerant outlet is coupled to the front wall of the header and directly communicates with the second flow path, The refrigerant inlet may be coupled to a side wall or a rear wall of the header other than the front wall so as not to pass through the partition to directly communicate with the first flow path.

According to the proposed invention, the overall volume of the heat exchanger can be reduced 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 in that the heat exchange action of the refrigerant can be efficiently performed.

In addition, since the refrigerant inlet is installed through or bypassing the header, there is an advantage in that manufacturing cost is reduced due to 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 showing the 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 a 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 showing the configuration of a first header according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first header according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view showing the 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 showing the configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a view showing the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to the 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 showing the configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a view showing the 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 showing the configuration of a first header according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a view showing the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

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

Also, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe components of an embodiment of the present invention. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, order, or order of the corresponding component is not limited by the term. When an element is described as being “connected,” “coupled to,” or “connected” to another element, that element may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but there may be another element between the elements. It should be understood that may be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

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

2 and 4, the heat exchanger 10 according to the present embodiment includes headers 120 and 130 extending horizontally by a predetermined length, and refrigerant tubes coupled to the headers 120 and 130 and extending vertically. A plurality of flat tubes 110 as , 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.

Since the headers 120 and 130 extend in the horizontal direction, it may be called a "horizontal header". However, the extending 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 guide the flow of the refrigerant and can change the flow direction of the refrigerant.

In other words, inside the first header 120 and the second header 130, a refrigerant flow space is defined. 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 flow into the first header 120 or the first header 120. 2 Header 130 can be redirected.

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

The flat tubes 110 are arranged in two rows in front and rear. As shown in FIG. 4, when the heat exchanger 10 is viewed from the side, the flat tube 110 includes a front tube 110a positioned at the front and a rear tube positioned at the rear of the front tube 110a. A rear tube (110b) is included. Of course, a plurality of front tubes 110a and rear tubes 110b are provided and coupled to the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively.

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

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 . Therefore, 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 to the heat exchanger 10. ) leaked out of

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

A partition 121 is provided inside the first header 120 to divide the inner space of the first header 120 into front and rear directions. The partition part 121 extends from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first header 120 . Thus, in the inner space of the first header 120, the first flow path 120a and the second flow path 120b are formed by the dividing portion 121. A first through hole 126 through which the refrigerant inlet 140 passes is formed in the compartment 121 .

In addition, the refrigerant inlet 140 penetrates the front surface of the first header 120 and the first through hole 126 of the partition 121 at the front of the first header 120 to cool the first header 120 . It is connected to the flow path 120a, and the refrigerant outlet 150 passes through 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 have to be connected to the side of the header for uniform flow of refrigerant, a separate installation space is required on the side of the heat exchanger, which inevitably restricts the installation of the heat exchanger. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the refrigerant inlet 140 and the refrigerant outlet 150 are installed on the front surface of the first header 120, the installation of the heat exchanger is easy. In addition, since the flat tube 110 can be extended upward of the first header 120 by the length of the first header 120 in the horizontal direction, the heat transfer area can be widened.

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

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 in a heat exchange process, and the second flow path 120b is the heat exchanger. A passage through which the refrigerant heat-exchanged in (10) flows to the refrigerant outlet 150 is formed.

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

The first flow path 120a includes a first flow path portion 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 passage part 125 coupled to the other side of the baffle 123 is included. Referring to FIG. 3 , the left space of the baffle 123 becomes the first flow path part 124 and the right space of the baffle 123 becomes the second flow path part 125 .

The baffle 123 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the first flow path 120a. Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing into the first flow path 120a of the first header 120 through the flat tube 110 is guided to flow 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 flows into the flat tube 110 without flowing from the second flow path part 125 to the first flow path part 124 by the baffle 123. and flows to the second header 130. Also, the refrigerant flowing from the second header 130 to the first header 120 through the flat tube 110 is removed by the baffle 123 inside the first flow path 124. The flow to the second 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 portion 124 may flow into the second flow path 120b through the communication hole 122 .

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

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

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 and performs a heat exchange action. After the refrigerant passes through all of the flat tubes 110, it flows in a direction approaching 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 passage 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.

Also, the flow direction of the refrigerant introduced into the second header 130 is changed 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 flowing into the first header 120 is guided by the baffle 123 and flows from the first flow path 124 to the second flow path 120b through the communication hole 122 formed in the partition 121. Fluid. And, it can flow toward the refrigerant outlet 150 along the second flow path 120b. Also, some of the refrigerant in the second flow path 120b flows to the second header 130 along the front tube 110a corresponding to the “B” area. The refrigerant of the second header 130 flows downward along the front tube 110a corresponding to the area “A” and flows into the second flow path 120b of the first header 120. The refrigerant in the second passage 120b may flow toward the refrigerant outlet 150 .

According to the proposed invention, the overall volume of the heat exchanger can be reduced 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 in that the heat exchange action of the refrigerant can be efficiently performed.

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

In this embodiment, a case in which the heat exchanger acts as an evaporator has been described as an example. However, when the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the specific volume of the refrigerant may decrease during heat exchange, and thus the number of refrigerant tubes passing through the refrigerant may gradually decrease during heat exchange. And, the size of the inflow pipe into which the refrigerant flows may be formed larger than the size of the outflow 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 the 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 the 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, but there is a difference in the refrigerant inlet. Therefore, in the following, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described, and the first embodiment will be used for the same parts as 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 passing through the first flow path 123. A first horizontal portion 241 extending to the outside of, and a first vertical portion 242 having one end connected to the other end of the first horizontal portion 241 and the other end extending upward of the heat exchanger 10, and , One end connected to the other end of the first vertical part 242 and a second horizontal part 243 extending forward of the heat exchanger 10, one end connected to the other end of the second horizontal part 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 and communicates with the side surface of the first flow path 123 .

The refrigerant inlet 240 is installed with the vertical and horizontal portions 241, 242, 243, and 244 extended and bent while being 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 not required.

The refrigerant flows into the side of the first flow path 120a through the refrigerant inlet 240, and the subsequent flow process is the same as that of 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 the first header according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a view showing the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, but there is a difference in the refrigerant inlet. Therefore, in the following, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described, and the first embodiment will be used for the same parts as 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 to the rear of the heat exchanger 10. It includes an extended third horizontal portion 341 and a fourth horizontal portion 342 that is curved at an end of the third horizontal portion 341 and extends forward of the heat exchanger 10 .

Also, a third through hole 340a through which the refrigerant inlet 340 passes is formed at a rear surface of the first header 120 . The refrigerant inlet 340 passes through the third through hole and communicates with the first flow path 120a.

The refrigerant inlet 340 may contact 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 not required.

The refrigerant flows into the rear surface of the first flow path 120a through the refrigerant inlet 240, and the subsequent flow process is the same as that of 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 the first header according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a view showing the refrigerant flow in the heat exchanger according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

In addition, the refrigerant outlet 450 is a sixth horizontal portion (one end communicating with the second flow path 120b and the other end extending rearward of the heat exchanger 10 at the front of the heat exchanger 10) ( 451), and a seventh horizontal portion 452, one end of which is bent at the other end of the sixth horizontal portion 451 and the other end extends to the rear of the heat exchanger 10. Accordingly, the overall shape of the refrigerant outlet 450 is formed in a U-shape.

Also, the refrigerant outlet 450 surrounds the outer circumference of the first header 120 and is provided in close contact with the first header 120 . Therefore, as in the first embodiment, a separate space for installing the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet is not required.

The refrigerant flows into the side of the first flow path 120a through the refrigerant inlet 440, and the subsequent flow process is the same as that of 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 viewed from the bottom according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a first header according to a fifth 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. to be.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other parts, but there is a difference in the coupling structure of the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet. Therefore, in the following, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described, and the first embodiment will be used for the same parts as the first embodiment.

18 to 22, the heat exchanger 20 according to the present embodiment includes headers 120 and 130 extending by a predetermined length in the horizontal direction and coupled to the headers 120 and 130 to extend in the vertical direction. A plurality of flat tubes 110 as extending 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 guide the flow of the refrigerant and can change the flow direction of the refrigerant.

In other words, inside the first header 120 and the second header 130, a refrigerant flow space is defined. 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 flow into the first header 120 or the first header 120. 2 Header 130 can be redirected.

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

The flat tubes 110 are arranged in two rows in 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 positioned at the front and a rear tube positioned at the rear of the front tube 110a. A rear tube (110b) is included. Of course, a plurality of front tubes 110a and rear tubes 110b are provided and coupled to the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively.

In the first header 120, a refrigerant inlet 510 through which refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 20 and a flow path 535 are formed therein and coupled to the lower surface of the first header 120 A support member 530 and a refrigerant outlet 520 coupled to communicate with the refrigerant outlet passage 535 of the support member 530 and allowing the refrigerant heat-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 on the front surface of the first header 120 . To this end, a hole (not shown) may be formed in the front surface of the first header 120 to insert the refrigerant inlet 510 therein. Thus, 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 bent and extended upward from an end extending forward.

The support member 530 is coupled to the lower surface of the first header 120 . The support member 530 may be formed such that an upper surface thereof corresponds to a shape of a lower surface of the first header, and may be coupled to the lower surface of the first header 120 and a part of the side surface.

Further, a refrigerant outlet channel 535 is formed inside the support member 530, one end of which communicates with the second flow path 120b and the other end of which the end of the refrigerant outlet 520 is inserted. One end of the refrigerant outlet passage 535 is coupled to a communication hole 534 formed on the lower surface of the first header 120 to communicate with the second passage 120b inside the support member 530. And, the other end of the refrigerant outlet passage 535 is formed on the front surface of the support member 530, and the end of the refrigerant outlet 520 is inserted.

In other words, the refrigerant outlet passage 535 extends from the lower surface of the first header 120 to the front surface of the support member 530 in the inside of the support member 530, and extends from the second passage 120b to the front surface of the support member 530. It serves to transfer the outflowing refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet 520. As shown in FIG. 19, in some cases, the refrigerant outlet passage 535 is connected to a vertical passage 536 communicating with the lower surface of the first header 120, and the support from the end of the vertical passage 536. It may be configured as a horizontal passage 538 extending to the front of the member 530.

In addition, the refrigerant outlet 520 is coupled with the support member 530 by fitting an end portion into a coupling hole 532 formed to communicate with the refrigerant outlet passage 535 on the front surface of the support member 530. . A packing member 537 may be provided around the coupling hole 532 where the refrigerant outlet 520 and the support member 530 are coupled so that the refrigerant does not leak. 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.

Therefore, the support member 530 according to the present embodiment has the refrigerant outflow passage 535 communicating with the second passage 120b therein so that the refrigerant flows out, and the refrigerant outlet 520 ) can serve to support the refrigerant outlet 520 by inserting one end of the coupling hole 532 into the coupling hole 532 .

In the present embodiment, the refrigerant outlet passage 535 for flowing the refrigerant is formed inside the support member 530 as an example, but the refrigerant outlet passage 535 is formed in the inside of the support member 530. It may be configured through a separate refrigerant outlet pipe to discharge the refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet 520, and at this time, the refrigerant outlet pipe has the same shape as the refrigerant outlet passage 535 inside the support member 530. And it may have a bonding structure.

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

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

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 and performs a heat exchange action. After the refrigerant passes through all of the flat tubes 110, it flows in a direction closer to the refrigerant inlet 510 and the refrigerant outlet 520, and the refrigerant outlet passage of the support member 530 ( 535) and the refrigerant is discharged from the heat exchanger 20 through the outlet 520.

In detail, the refrigerant introduced into the first passage 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.

Also, the flow direction of the refrigerant introduced into the second header 130 is changed 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 flowing into the first header 120 is guided by the baffle 123 and flows from the first flow path 124 to the second flow path 120b through the communication hole 122 formed in the partition 121. Fluid. The refrigerant in the second flow path 120b flows into 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 discharge flow path 535. and is discharged from the heat exchanger 20 through the refrigerant outlet 520. Also, some of the refrigerant in the second flow passage 120b flows 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 components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined or operated as one, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the object of the present invention, all of the components may be selectively combined with one or more to operate. In addition, terms such as "comprise", "comprise" or "having" described above mean that the corresponding component may be present unless otherwise stated, and thus exclude other components. 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 a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless defined otherwise. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in the present invention, they are not interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning.

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

A plurality of refrigerant tubes in which refrigerant flows and provided with a front tube and a rear tube arranged forward and backward;
a header having a first flow path fluidly connected to the rear tube and a second flow path fluidly connected to the front tube;
a partition section dividing the inner space of the header into the first flow path and the second flow path; and
It includes a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet coupled to the header,
The header includes a front wall, two side walls provided on both sides of the front wall, and a rear wall provided to face the front wall,
The first flow path is defined by the rear wall, the two side walls and the partition, and the second flow path is defined by the front wall, the two side walls and the partition,
The refrigerant outlet is coupled to the front wall of the header to discharge the refrigerant of the second flow path to the outside of the header,
The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the refrigerant inlet unit is coupled to the rear wall of the header to introduce the refrigerant into the first flow path and extends forward along the side wall of the header so as to be adjacent to the side wall of the header. According to claim 1,
The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the dividing portion partitions the first flow path and the second flow path in a front-back direction so that the first flow path is formed at a rear side of the second flow path. delete delete delete According to claim 1,
The refrigerant inlet includes one horizontal portion extending along a side wall of the header and another horizontal portion bent from the one horizontal portion and extending along a rear wall of the header;
The other horizontal part is bent toward the rear wall of the header, and the rear wall of the header forms a through hole to which the other horizontal part is coupled. delete delete According to claim 1,
Liquid refrigerant is introduced through the refrigerant inlet, and gaseous refrigerant evaporated while passing through the plurality of refrigerant tubes is discharged through the refrigerant outlet,
A heat exchanger in which a pipe diameter of the refrigerant outlet is larger than a pipe diameter of the refrigerant inlet. According to claim 1,
Further comprising a baffle extending from the partition and connected to a rear wall of the header to divide the first flow path into a first flow path portion and a second flow path portion;
The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the partition divides the inner space of the header into front and rear portions, and the baffle divides the first flow path into left and right directions. According to claim 10,
The first flow path portion is defined by a rear wall and one side wall of the header, the baffle, and the partition,
The second flow passage is defined by the rear wall and the other side wall of the header, the baffle, and the partition,
A heat exchanger having a communication hole through which the refrigerant can flow from the first flow path to the second flow path is formed in the partition defining the first flow path. According to claim 10,
The header includes a first header coupled to lower ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes and a second header coupled to upper ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes,
The refrigerant inlet, the refrigerant outlet, and the baffle are provided in the first header. A plurality of refrigerant tubes in which refrigerant flows and provided with a front tube and a rear tube arranged forward and backward;
a header having a first flow path fluidly connected to the rear tube and a second flow path fluidly connected to the front tube;
a partition section dividing the inner space of the header into the first flow path and the second flow path;
a refrigerant inlet coupled to the header and introducing refrigerant into the first flow path;
It is coupled to the header and includes a refrigerant outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the second flow path,
The header includes a front wall, two side walls provided on both sides of the front wall, a rear wall provided to face the front wall, and a bottom wall provided at lower ends of the two side walls,
The refrigerant outlet is coupled to the front wall of the header so as not to penetrate the partition,
The refrigerant inlet is coupled to the rear wall of the header so as not to penetrate the partition,
The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the refrigerant outlet part includes one horizontal part coupled to a front wall of the header and another horizontal part bent from the one horizontal part and extending backward along a lower surface wall of the header. delete delete According to claim 13,
The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the refrigerant outlet portion extends adjacent to the bottom wall of the header so as not to protrude outside the side wall of the header. 17. The method of claim 16,
The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the refrigerant inlet extends from the rear of the header toward the header so as not to protrude outside the sidewall of the header and is coupled to the rear wall of the header.

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