KR20210044757A - A heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention that acts as an evaporator includes: a first refrigerant tube extending in the vertical direction to allow the flow of 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; and a second header coupled to the upper end of the first and second refrigerant tubes, wherein the first header extends in a left and right direction to intersect the first and second refrigerant tubes, and a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet may be located eccentrically with respect to the center line of the first header.

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 heat exchangers are largely divided into fin-and-tube type and micro-channel type according to their shape. The fin-and-tube type heat exchanger includes a plurality of fins and a circular or similar shape tube passing through 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 the fin-and-tube type heat exchanger and the micro-channel type heat exchanger are both heat-exchanged with a refrigerant flowing inside the tube or flat tube and an external fluid, and the fin is inside the tube or flat tube. It serves to increase the heat exchange area between the refrigerant flowing in 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 plural, the first header 2 of the plurality of headers 2 and 3 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, a heat dissipation fin (not shown) is included between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 4 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 refrigerant heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger 1 flows out. Is formed. Further, at one side of the first header 2, a branching portion for branching the refrigerant flowing into the first header 2 into a plurality of paths is provided. A plurality of branches may be provided corresponding to the path to be branched.

The refrigerant branched from the branch portion flows into the first header 2 through the refrigerant inlet portion 5 and is divided into a plurality of refrigerant tubes 4 to flow. At this time, the branched refrigerant flows along the same number of refrigerant tubes 4 to perform heat exchange.

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 joined by the first header 2 to pass 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 provided with the first header so that the refrigerant evenly passes through the plurality of refrigerant tubes (4). It is installed on the side of (2). Accordingly, 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 is increased.

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 exchange efficiency is lowered because the heat transfer area of the refrigerant is small compared to the installation area of the header.

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 an aspect includes: a refrigerant tube through which a refrigerant flows and having first and second tubes arranged in the front and the rear; A header coupled to at least one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes and including a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet; A partition unit dividing the inner space of the header into a first flow passage and a second flow passage; A baffle coupled to the partition portion and guiding a flow of the refrigerant from the first flow path to the second flow path is included.

The coolant inlet part passes through any one of the front, side and rear surfaces of the header to communicate with the first flow path of the header, and the coolant outlet part penetrates the front surface of the header to communicate with the second flow path.

The heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a first refrigerant tube that acts as an evaporator and extends in an up-down direction to allow the flow of refrigerant; A second refrigerant tube provided in a front-rear direction with the first refrigerant tube to allow the refrigerant to flow; A first header coupled to a 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 portion partitioning 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 part provided in the first header and configured to introduce a refrigerant into the first flow path; It is provided in the first header, and may include a refrigerant outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the second flow path.

The heat exchanger is provided in the first header, the baffle dividing the first flow path into two spaces; And a communication hole formed in the partition portion and fluidly connecting the first and second flow paths.

The first header may extend in a horizontal direction to cross the first and second refrigerant tubes, and the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet may be eccentrically positioned with respect to a center line of the first header.

The coolant inlet may be provided on a first wall of a plurality of outer walls of the first header, and the coolant outlet may be provided on a second wall of a plurality of outer walls of the first header.

The plurality of outer walls include a front wall and a rear wall spaced apart in the front-rear direction, a lower wall connecting the front wall and the rear wall, and a side wall connecting the side surfaces of the front power and the rear wall, and the first wall May form the front wall, and the second wall may form the lower wall.

The plurality of outer walls may further include an upper wall to which the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube is coupled, and the partition may connect the lower wall to the upper wall.

The first refrigerant tube includes a front tube connected to a front part of the upper wall to communicate with the first flow path, and the second refrigerant tube is connected to a rear part of the upper wall to communicate with the second flow path. It may include a rear tube.

The baffle is connected to the partition and extends forward, and may be connected to the front wall.

The baffle may be positioned on a center line of the first header with respect to an extension direction of the first header.

The first header may include a left portion of the header and a right portion of the header centering on the baffle, and the communication hole may be formed on a left portion of the header.

The refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet may be provided on the right side of the header.

The side wall of the first header forms the same surface as the side end of the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube, or does not protrude further laterally than the side end of the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube. It can be configured not to.

The side wall of the first header may protrude laterally than a side end of the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube, and the protruding length may be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the refrigerant outlet.

The first and second refrigerant tubes each include a plurality of tubes spaced apart in a left and right direction, and a side wall of the first header protrudes laterally than a side end of the first or second refrigerant tube, the The protruding length may be formed to be smaller than the spaced distance of the plurality of tubes.

The refrigerant inlet portion may include a bent pipe, and the bent pipe may be bent at a front wall of the first header to extend upward along an extension direction of the first refrigerant tube.

The refrigerant outlet portion may include a bent pipe, and the bent pipe may be bent at a lower end wall of the first header to extend upward along an extension direction of the first refrigerant tube.

The refrigerant outlet portion is supported by the first header and further includes a support member forming an inner space, the refrigerant outlet portion is coupled to the support member, and the support member may be coupled to a lower wall of the first header. have.

A flow path pipe provided in the inner space of the support member may be further included, and the flow path pipe may be connected to a communication hole formed in a lower wall of the first header and a coupling hole formed in the support member.

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 to the header without a separate installation space, thereby reducing the space for installing 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 equally, there is an advantage that the heat exchange action of the refrigerant can be efficiently performed.

In addition, since the refrigerant inlet portion is installed through or bypassing the header, there is an advantage in that the manufacturing cost is reduced due to a reduction in the volume 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 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.
5 is a view showing a flow of a refrigerant 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 a configuration of a first header according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first header according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view showing the flow of refrigerant 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 a configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a view showing a flow of a refrigerant 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 showing a configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a view showing the flow of refrigerant 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 below according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a cross-sectional view of a first header viewed from a side according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a cross-sectional view showing a 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 an embodiment of the present invention according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a view showing the flow of refrigerant 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 elements of each drawing, it should be noted that the same elements are assigned the same numerals as possible, even if they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing an embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with an understanding of an embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the constituent elements of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are for distinguishing the constituent element from other constituent elements, and the nature, order, or order of the constituent element is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but another component between each component It should be understood that may 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. Is a perspective view showing the configuration of a 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 in a horizontal direction by a predetermined length, and a refrigerant tube coupled to the headers 120 and 130 and extending in a vertical direction. A plurality of flat tubes 110 and a plurality of radiating fins (not shown) arranged at predetermined intervals 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 referred to as 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 guide the flow of the refrigerant and may change the flow direction of the refrigerant.

In other words, inside the first header 120 and the second header 130, a flow space of the refrigerant is defined. The refrigerant inside the first header 120 or the second header 130 may be introduced into the flat tube 110, and the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube 110 is 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 and flows 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 tubes 110 are arranged in two rows at the front and rear. As shown in FIG. 4, when the heat exchanger 10 is viewed from the side, the flat tube 110 has a front tube 110a positioned in front and a front tube 110a positioned at 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 and are coupled to the first header 120 and the second header 130, respectively.

The first header 120 is provided 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 coolant inlet 140 and the coolant 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 into the heat exchanger 10 through the refrigerant outlet 150 from the first header 120. ) To the outside.

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.

In the interior of the first header 120, a partition unit 121 is provided that divides the inner space of the first header 120 in the front and rear directions. The partition portion 121 extends from an upper surface to a lower surface of the first header 120. Accordingly, the first flow path 120a and the second flow path 120b are formed by the partition unit 121 in the inner space of the first header 120. In addition, a first through hole 126 through which the refrigerant inlet 140 passes is formed in the partition portion 121.

In addition, the refrigerant inlet 140 passes through the front surface of the first header 120 and the first through hole 126 of the partition unit 121 from the front of the first header 120 to the first 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, the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet have to be connected to the side of the header for uniform flow of the refrigerant, and therefore, a separate installation space is required on the side of the heat exchanger, thus limiting the installation of the heat exchanger. Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the refrigerant inlet 140 and the refrigerant outlet 150 are installed on the front surface of the first header 120, it is easy to install a heat exchanger. In addition, since the flat tube 110 can be extended upwards of the first header 120 by the length of the first header 120 in the horizontal direction, the heat transfer area can be formed to be wide.

In addition, the refrigerant inlet 140, which requires a tube having a relatively small inner diameter, passes through the partition unit 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 a heat exchange process, and the second flow path 120b is the heat exchanger. A flow path through which the refrigerant heat-exchanged in (10) flows to the refrigerant outlet 150 is formed.

In addition, a baffle 123 that guides the refrigerant to flow into the second flow path 120b from the first flow path 120a is provided inside 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 includes a first flow path part 124 provided inside the first flow path 120a and coupled to one side of the baffle 123 and 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, a space on the left side of the baffle 123 is a first flow path part 124, and a space on the right side of the baffle 123 is a 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 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, based on 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 controlled by the baffle 123 in the first flow path part 124. 2 The flow to the flow path 125 is blocked.

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

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

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

The refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger 10 through the refrigerant inlet 140 flows away from the refrigerant inlet 140 and the refrigerant outlet 150 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 140 and the refrigerant outlet 150, and the heat exchange through the refrigerant outlet 150 It is discharged from the machine 10.

In detail, the refrigerant flowing 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.

In addition, the refrigerant flowing into the second header 130 is switched, 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 and 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, it is possible to flow toward the refrigerant outlet 150 along the second flow path 120b. That is, the second flow path 120b is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows after passing through all of the plurality of flat tubes 110.

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 to the header without a separate installation space, thereby reducing the space for installing 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 equally, there is an advantage that the heat exchange action of the refrigerant can be efficiently performed.

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

This embodiment has been described by taking the case where the heat exchanger acts as an evaporator as an example. However, when the heat exchanger acts as a condenser, however, the specific volume may decrease during the heat exchange of the refrigerant, and thus the number of refrigerant tubes passing through the heat exchange of the refrigerant may gradually decrease. In addition, the size of the inlet pipe through which the refrigerant flows may be larger than the size of the outlet pipe.

6 is a perspective view showing a 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. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first header according to an embodiment. 9 is a view showing the flow of refrigerant 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 portion. Therefore, hereinafter, only the 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 part 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 portion 241 extending outward of the first horizontal portion 241, 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 , One end is connected to the other end of the first vertical part 242 and a second horizontal part 243 extending forward of the heat exchanger 10, and 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 penetrating the coolant inlet 240 is formed on a side surface of the first header 120. Accordingly, the refrigerant inlet part 240 passes through the second through hole 240a to communicate with the side surface of the first flow path 123.

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

The refrigerant is introduced to the side of the first flow path 120a through the refrigerant inlet 240, and the flow process thereafter is the same as in the first embodiment.

10 is a perspective view showing a 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. A perspective view showing a configuration of a first header according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a view showing a flow of a refrigerant 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 portion. Therefore, hereinafter, only the 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 to the rear of the heat exchanger 10. And a third horizontal portion 341 extending and a fourth horizontal portion 342 curved at an end of the third horizontal portion 341 and extending forward of the heat exchanger 10.

In addition, 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 and communicates with the first flow path 120a.

The refrigerant inlet 340 may contact the outer peripheral surface of the first header 120. Accordingly, as in the first embodiment, a separate space for installing the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet is unnecessary.

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

14 is a perspective view showing a 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. A perspective view showing a configuration of a first header according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a view showing a flow of a refrigerant 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, hereinafter, 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 one end in communication with the first flow path 120a at the rear of the first header 120 and the other end extends rearward. 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 extending upward of the heat exchanger 10 are included.

In addition, the refrigerant outlet 450 is a sixth horizontal portion (one end communicates with the second flow path 120b) at the front surface of the heat exchanger 10 and the other end extends to the rear of the heat exchanger 10 ( 451 and a seventh horizontal portion 452 whose one end is curved at the other end of the sixth horizontal portion 451 so that 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.

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

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

18 is a perspective view showing a 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 below, and FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to the 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 the configuration of a first header according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first header according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention to be.

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, hereinafter, only the 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, and coupled to the headers 120 and 130 in the vertical direction. A plurality of flat tubes 110 as extending refrigerant tubes, and a plurality of radiating fins (not shown) arranged at predetermined intervals between the headers 120 and 130 and penetrated by the flat tube 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 may change the flow direction of the refrigerant.

In other words, inside the first header 120 and the second header 130, a flow space of the refrigerant is defined. The refrigerant inside the first header 120 or the second header 130 may be introduced into the flat tube 110, and the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube 110 is 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 and flows 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 tubes 110 are 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 has a front tube 110a positioned in front, and a front tube 110a positioned at 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 and are 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, 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 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 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 be formed in a shape that extends from the front side of the first header 120 to the front, and is bent upward from an end extended to the front to extend.

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

In addition, a refrigerant outlet passage 535 is formed in the support member 530 at one end in communication with the second passage 120b and the other end in which the end portion of the refrigerant outlet 520 is fitted. One end of the refrigerant outflow passage 535 is coupled to a communication hole 534 formed on the lower surface of the first header 120 so as to communicate with the second passage 120b inside the support member 530. In addition, the other end of the refrigerant outlet passage 535 is formed on the front surface of the support member 530, and an end portion of the refrigerant outlet portion 520 is fitted.

In other words, the refrigerant outflow passage 535 extends from the lower surface of the first header 120 to the front surface of the support member 530 within the support member 530 and from the second passage 120b. It serves to deliver the outflowing refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet 520. As shown in FIG. 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 the end of the vertical flow path 536. It may be configured as a horizontal flow path 538 extending to the front of the member 530.

In addition, the refrigerant outlet 520 is coupled to the support member 530 by inserting an end of the refrigerant outlet 520 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 to prevent leakage of the refrigerant flowing out. Meanwhile, the refrigerant outlet 520 includes a horizontal portion 521 extending forward from the front of the support member 530 and a vertical portion 522 bent upward at an end of the horizontal portion 521. can do.

Accordingly, the support member 530 according to the present embodiment has the refrigerant outflow passage 535 provided under the first header 120 and communicated with the second passage 120b therein. Not only does the refrigerant easily flow downward from the first header 120, but also serves to support the refrigerant outlet 520 by inserting one end of the refrigerant outlet 520 into the coupling hole 532. You can do it.

In the present embodiment, a refrigerant outlet passage 535 through which refrigerant flows out of the support member 530 is formed as an example, but the refrigerant outlet passage 535 is formed in the support member 530. It may be configured through a separate refrigerant outlet pipe to discharge the refrigerant to the refrigerant outlet 520, in which case 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 extending downward through the lower surface of the first header 120, a horizontal portion bent forward from an end of the vertical portion and extending upward, and an upper portion of the horizontal portion. It may be provided 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 and may be supported by the support member 530.

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

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 passed through all of the flat tube 110, the refrigerant 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 ( It is discharged from the heat exchanger 20 through 535 and the refrigerant outlet 520.

In detail, the refrigerant flowing 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.

In addition, the refrigerant flowing into the second header 130 is switched, 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 and 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 in the second flow path 120b flows into the refrigerant outflow path 535 through the communication hole 534 formed on the bottom surface of the first header 120, and passes through the refrigerant outflow path 535. Thus, it is discharged from the heat exchanger 20 through the refrigerant outlet 520. That is, the second flow path 120b is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows after passing through all of the plurality of flat tubes 110.

In the above, even if all the constituent elements constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined into one or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the object of the present invention, all the constituent elements may be selectively combined with one or more to operate. In addition, terms such as "include", "consist of" or "have" described above mean that the corresponding component may be present unless otherwise stated, excluding other components. It should not 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, unless otherwise defined, to which the present invention belongs. Terms generally used, such as terms defined in the dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the meaning of the context of the related technology, and are not interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain the technical idea, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection 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 a heat exchanger acting as an evaporator in which a liquid refrigerant flows in and vaporizes into a gaseous refrigerant,
A first refrigerant tube extending in the vertical direction to allow the flow of the refrigerant;
A second refrigerant tube provided in a front-rear direction with the first refrigerant tube to allow the refrigerant to flow;
A first header coupled to a 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 portion partitioning 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 part 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 refrigerant from the second flow path;
A baffle provided in the first header and dividing the first flow path into two spaces; And
It is formed in the partition and includes a communication hole fluidly connecting the first and second flow paths,
The first header extends in a left and right direction so as to intersect with the first and second refrigerant tubes,
The coolant inlet and the coolant outlet are eccentrically positioned with respect to the center line of the first header,
The refrigerant inlet portion is provided on a first wall of a plurality of outer walls of the first header, and the refrigerant outlet portion is provided on a second wall of a plurality of outer walls of the first header. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of outer walls include a front wall and a rear wall spaced apart in the front-rear direction, a lower wall connecting the front wall and the rear wall, and a side wall connecting the side surfaces of the front side and the rear wall,
The first wall forms the front wall, and the second wall forms the lower wall. The method of claim 2,
The plurality of outer walls further include a top wall to which the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube is coupled,
The partition part is a heat exchanger connecting the upper wall to the lower wall. The method of claim 3,
The first refrigerant tube includes a front tube connected to a front portion of the upper wall to communicate with the first flow path,
The second refrigerant tube includes a rear tube connected to a rear portion of the upper wall to communicate with the second flow path. The method of claim 2,
The baffle is connected to the partition and extends forward, and the heat exchanger is connected to the front wall. The method of claim 5,
The baffle,
A heat exchanger positioned on a center line of the first header based on the extending direction of the first header. The method of claim 5,
The first header includes a header left portion and a header right portion around the baffle,
The communication hole is a heat exchanger formed on the left side of the header. The method of claim 7,
The refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet are provided on the right side of the header. The method of claim 2,
The side wall of the first header,
A heat exchanger configured to form the same surface as the side end portion of the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube, or not to protrude further laterally than the side end portion of the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube. The method of claim 2,
The side wall of the first header protrudes laterally than a side end of the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube,
The protruding length of the heat exchanger is formed to be smaller than the pipe diameter of the refrigerant outlet. The method of claim 2,
The first and second refrigerant tubes each include a plurality of tubes spaced apart from each other in a left and right direction,
The side wall of the first header protrudes laterally than a side end of the first refrigerant tube or the second refrigerant tube,
The protruding length of the heat exchanger is formed to be smaller than the spaced distance of the plurality of tubes. The method of claim 2,
The refrigerant inlet portion includes a bent pipe,
The bent pipe is bent at the front wall of the first header to extend upward along the extending direction of the first refrigerant tube. The method of claim 2,
The refrigerant outlet includes a bent pipe,
The bent pipe is bent at the lower end wall of the first header and extends upward along the extending direction of the first refrigerant tube. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a support member for supporting the refrigerant outlet portion to the first header and forming an inner space,
The refrigerant outlet portion is coupled to the support member, and the support member is coupled to a lower wall of the first header. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising a flow path pipe provided in the inner space of the support member,
The flow path pipe is a heat exchanger connected to a communication hole formed in a lower wall of the first header and a coupling hole formed in the support member.

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