US20240328729A1 - Refrigerant distributor, heat exchanger, and refrigeration cycle apparatus - Google Patents

Refrigerant distributor, heat exchanger, and refrigeration cycle apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240328729A1
US20240328729A1 US18/557,806 US202118557806A US2024328729A1 US 20240328729 A1 US20240328729 A1 US 20240328729A1 US 202118557806 A US202118557806 A US 202118557806A US 2024328729 A1 US2024328729 A1 US 2024328729A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
plate
passages
refrigerant
projections
passage
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Abandoned
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US18/557,806
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English (en)
Inventor
Atsushi Takahashi
Tsuyoshi Maeda
Satoru Yanachi
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION reassignment MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TAKAHASHI, ATSUSHI, MAEDA, TSUYOSHI, YANACHI, SATORU
Publication of US20240328729A1 publication Critical patent/US20240328729A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
    • F28F9/026—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits
    • F28F9/028—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits by using inserts for modifying the pattern of flow inside the header box, e.g. by using flow restrictors or permeable bodies or blocks with channels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B39/00—Evaporators; Condensers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
    • F25B41/40—Fluid line arrangements
    • F25B41/42—Arrangements for diverging or converging flows, e.g. branch lines or junctions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
    • F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
    • F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
    • F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
    • F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
    • F28D1/0535—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
    • F28D1/05366—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
    • F28D1/05391—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators with multiple rows of conduits or with multi-channel conduits combined with a particular flow pattern, e.g. multi-row multi-stage radiators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
    • F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
    • F28F9/026—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits
    • F28F9/0278—Header boxes; End plates with static flow control means, e.g. with means for uniformly distributing heat exchange media into conduits in the form of stacked distribution plates or perforated plates arranged over end plates

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a refrigerant distributor that distributes refrigerant to plural heat transfer tubes, a heat exchanger including the refrigerant distributor, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat exchanger.
  • the diameter of a heat transfer tube in a heat exchanger used for an air-conditioning apparatus has been increasingly reduced to reduce a refrigerant amount and to increase the performance of the heat exchanger.
  • the diameter of a heat transfer tube is reduced, it is required to suppress an increase in pressure loss during the passage of refrigerant through the heat transfer tube.
  • the number of paths that is the number of branches of the heat exchanger is increased.
  • a heat exchanger usually includes a multibranch refrigerant distributor that distributes and supplies the refrigerant flowing in from one inlet flow passage, to plural paths.
  • a compact-size refrigerant distributor that can suppress an uneven flow of refrigerant into each of the paths is required to maintain the heat exchange performance.
  • Patent Literature 1 discloses, as such a refrigerant distributor, one configured by stacking a plate-like member having a through groove for dividing refrigerant into two branches and a plate-like member having a through hole for causing refrigerant to flow through the through groove.
  • the plate-like member having the through groove is sandwiched between other plate-like members for the through groove formed in the plate-like member to have effect as a flow passage.
  • the refrigerant distributor of Patent Literature 1 further includes two plate-like members having only openings in which flat tubes are inserted, to ensure the insertion spaces of the flat tubes.
  • the refrigerant distributor of Patent Literature 1 includes many plate-like members having no function of distributing refrigerant, thereby having a large size.
  • the present disclosure has been made to solve such an above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide a downsized refrigerant distributor, a heat exchanger, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat exchanger.
  • a refrigerant distributor in which a refrigerant pipe and a plurality of heat transfer tubes are connected, and refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe is caused to flow through flow passages formed inside to thereby cause the refrigerant to be distributed to the plurality of the heat transfer tubes, includes a first plate-like member, a second plate-like member and a third plate-like member arranged in a first direction, the first plate-like member being a member to which the refrigerant pipe is connected and the third plate-like member being a member to which the plurality of the heat transfer tubes are connected.
  • the first plate-like member includes an inflow passage formed so as to penetrate in the first direction and into which refrigerant flows from the refrigerant pipe, and a plurality of return flow passages that cause the refrigerant flowing from the second plate-like member side to make a return-flow to the second plate-like member side.
  • the second plate-like member includes a plurality of through passages formed so as to penetrate in the first direction.
  • the third plate-like member includes a plurality of projections that project in a direction opposite to the second plate-like member. Each of the plurality of the through passages is communicated with the inflow passage or one of the plurality of the return flow passages.
  • the plurality of the projections each have, in its inside, a space that is communicated with the plurality of the through passages.
  • the flow passages are partially formed in the projections of the third plate-like member to which flat tubes are connected.
  • the refrigerant distributor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is downsized by reducing the plate-like members that are required to form part of the flow passages.
  • FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an indoor heat exchanger 7 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a refrigerant distributor 7 b according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first plate-like member 10 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a back view of a third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory figure of flow passages according to Embodiment 1,
  • FIG. 9 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a third plate-like member 30 A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1,
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a third plate-like member 30 B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates schematically a refrigerant distributor 7 Ab according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 15 is an explanatory figure of flow passages according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates schematically a refrigerant distributor 7 Bb according to Embodiment 3.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 3.
  • FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 3.
  • FIG. 19 is an explanatory figure of flow passages according to Embodiment 3.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates schematically a refrigerant distributor 7 Cb according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 23 is an explanatory figure of flow passages according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 24 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1.
  • the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes an outdoor unit 2 , an indoor unit 3 , and a refrigerant pipe 4 .
  • the outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 5 , a flow-switching valve 6 , an expansion valve 8 , an outdoor heat exchanger 9 , and an outdoor fan 9 a .
  • the indoor unit 3 includes an indoor heat exchanger 7 and an indoor fan 7 a .
  • the refrigerant pipe 4 is a pipe that connects the compressor 5 , the flow-switching valve 6 , the indoor heat exchanger 7 , the expansion valve 8 , and the outdoor heat exchanger 9 to one another and inside which refrigerant flows.
  • the refrigerant pipe 4 and each of the devices connected to the refrigerant pipe 4 constitute a refrigerant circuit.
  • the compressor 5 sucks refrigerant in a low-temperature and low-pressure state, compresses the sucked refrigerant to bring the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure state, and discharges the refrigerant.
  • the flow-switching valve 6 switches flowing directions of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit and is, for example, a four-way valve.
  • the expansion valve 8 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand the refrigerant and is, for example, an electronic expansion valve.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air and is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger 9 operates as a condenser during a cooling operation and operates as an evaporator during a heating operation.
  • the outdoor fan 9 a is a device that sends the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 9 .
  • the indoor heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat between indoor air and the refrigerant.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 7 operates as an evaporator during the cooling operation and operates as a condenser during the heating operation.
  • the indoor fan 7 a is a device that sends the indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 7 and is, for example, a cross-flow fan.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 7 includes a refrigerant distributor 7 b .
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b is provided on the inflow side through which the refrigerant in a liquid phase rich state flows when the indoor heat exchanger 7 operates as an evaporator.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger 9 includes a refrigerant distributor 9 b .
  • the refrigerant distributor 9 b is provided on the inflow side when the outdoor heat exchanger 9 operates as an evaporator.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b and the refrigerant distributor 9 b will be described later.
  • the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 performs the cooling operation by switching the flow-switching valve 6 such that the discharge side of the compressor 5 and the outdoor heat exchanger 9 are connected.
  • the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 5 is compressed by the compressor 5 , and the refrigerant that has turned into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas state is discharged from the compressor 5 .
  • the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure gas state that has been discharged from the compressor 5 passes through the flow-switching valve 6 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 9 operating as a condenser.
  • the refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat with the outdoor air sent by the outdoor fan 9 a and is thus condensed to be liquefied.
  • the refrigerant in a liquid state flows into the expansion valve 8 and is reduced in pressure and expanded to turn into a low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid state.
  • the refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7 operating as an evaporator.
  • the refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat with the indoor air sent by the indoor fan 7 a and is thus evaporated to be gasified. At this time, the indoor air is cooled, and air cooling is thus performed in the room. Subsequently, the evaporated refrigerant in a low-temperature and low-pressure gas state passes through the flow-switching valve 6 and is sucked into the compressor 5 .
  • the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 performs the heating operation by switching the flow-switching valve 6 such that the discharge side of the compressor 5 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 are connected to one another.
  • the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 5 is compressed by the compressor 5 , and the refrigerant that has turned into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas state is discharged from the compressor 5 .
  • the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure gas state that has been discharged from the compressor 5 passes through the flow-switching valve 6 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7 operating as a condenser.
  • the refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 7 exchanges heat with the indoor air sent by the indoor fan 7 a and is thus condensed to be liquefied. At this time, the indoor air is heated, and air heating is thus performed in the room.
  • the refrigerant in a liquid state flows into the expansion valve 8 and is reduced in pressure and expanded to turn into a low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid state.
  • the refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 9 operating as an evaporator.
  • the refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 9 exchanges heat with the outdoor air sent by the outdoor fan 9 a and is thus evaporated to be gasified. Subsequently, the evaporated refrigerant in a low-temperature and low-pressure gas state passes through the flow-switching valve 6 and is sucked into the compressor 5 .
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor heat exchanger 7 according to Embodiment 1.
  • Embodiment 1 the configuration of the heat exchanger 7 is referred to as an example.
  • the outdoor heat exchanger 9 and the refrigerant distributor 9 b of the outdoor heat exchanger 9 have configurations similar to the configurations of the indoor heat exchanger 7 and the refrigerant distributor 9 b of the indoor heat exchanger 7 , and the descriptions thereof are thus omitted.
  • the contents of the present disclosure may be applied to only any one of the indoor heat exchanger 7 with the refrigerant distributor 9 b and the outdoor heat exchanger 9 with the refrigerant distributor 9 b .
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor heat exchanger 7 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 7 includes the refrigerant distributor 7 b , plural heat transfer tubes 50 , and a gas header (not illustrated).
  • FIG. 2 illustrates, the refrigerant pipe 4 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 and the plural heat transfer tubes 50 are connected to the refrigerant distributor 7 b .
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b causes the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe 4 to flow through the flow passages formed inside the refrigerant distributor 7 b to thereby cause the refrigerant to be distributed to the plural heat transfer tubes 50 .
  • Each of the heat transfer tubes 50 is, for example, a flat tube having plural flow passages or a circular tube.
  • the heat transfer tube 50 is made of, for example, copper or aluminum.
  • An end portion of the heat transfer tube 50 on the refrigerant distributor 7 b side is inserted in the refrigerant distributor 7 b .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a case of eight heat transfer tubes 50 , the number of the heat transfer tubes is not limited thereto.
  • a flow of refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 7 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.
  • the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 4 flows into the refrigerant distributor 7 b and is caused to be distributed to and to flow out into the plural heat transfer tubes 50 when, for example, the indoor heat exchanger 7 functions as an evaporator
  • the refrigerant in the plural heat transfer tubes 50 exchanges heat with, for example, the air supplied by the indoor fan 7 a .
  • Portions of the refrigerant flowing through the plural heat transfer tubes 50 flow into the gas header to merge with one another and flow out into the refrigerant pipe 4 .
  • the refrigerant flows in the reverse direction when the indoor heat exchanger 7 functions as a condenser.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates schematically the refrigerant distributor 7 b according to Embodiment 1.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b is developed, and the parts thereof are arranged in a line.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b is formed by stacking a first plate-like member 10 , a second plate-like member 20 , a third plate-like member 30 , and a fourth plate-like member 40 that each have, for example, a rectangular shape.
  • the first plate-like member 10 , the second plate-like member 20 , the fourth plate-like member 40 , and the third plate-like member 30 are arranged in this order in the X-axis direction of FIG. 3 .
  • the X-axis direction is referred to as a stacking direction.
  • the stacking direction is equivalent to a first direction.
  • a width direction of the refrigerant distributor 7 b that is equivalent to the Y-axis direction of FIG. 3 is referred to simply as a width direction.
  • An arrangement direction of the plural heat transfer tubes 50 that is equivalent to the Z-axis direction of FIG. 3 is referred to simply as an arrangement direction.
  • the first plate-like member 10 , the second plate-like member 20 , the fourth plate-like member 40 , and the third plate-like member 30 are joined into one body by, for example, brazing.
  • the first plate-like member 10 , the second plate-like member 20 , the fourth plate-like member 40 , and the third plate-like member 30 are processed by, for example, presswork or cutting.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first plate-like member 10 according to Embodiment 1.
  • the observing point of FIG. 4 is positioned opposite to the observing point of FIG. 3 in the stacking direction.
  • the first plate-like member 10 includes two lying-astride projections 12 a and four lying-astride projections 12 b .
  • the lying-astride projections 12 a and the lying-astride projections 12 b project in a direction opposite to the second plate-like member 20 .
  • the lying-astride projections 12 a are each formed so as to lie astride two heat transfer tubes 50 inserted in the refrigerant distributor 7 b .
  • the lying-astride projections 12 b are each formed so as to lie astride one heat transfer tube 50 inserted in the refrigerant distributor 7 b.
  • a return flow passage 13 a is formed inside each of the lying-astride projections 12 a .
  • the return flow passage 13 a causes the refrigerant flowing from a through passage 21 b of the second plate-like member 20 , which will be described later, to make a return-flow to a through passage 21 c of the second plate-like member 20 .
  • a return flow passage 13 b is formed inside each of the lying-astride projections 12 b .
  • the return flow passage 13 b causes the refrigerant flowing from a through passage 21 d of the second plate-like member 20 , which will be described later, to make a return-flow to a through passage 21 e of the second plate-like member 20 .
  • the first plate-like member 10 includes an inflow passage 11 .
  • the inflow passage 11 is formed so as to penetrate the first plate-like member 10 in the stacking direction.
  • the refrigerant pipe 4 is connected to the first plate-like member 10 , and the inside space of the refrigerant pipe 4 is communicated with the inflow passage 11 .
  • the inflow passage 11 , the return flow passages 13 a , and the return flow passages 13 b constitute the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 b,
  • the second plate-like member 20 includes a through passage 21 a , two through passages 21 b , two through passages 21 c , four through passages 21 d , and four through passages 21 e formed so as to penetrate in the stacking direction.
  • the through passage 21 a is substantially circular and is formed at substantially the center of the second plate-like member 20 .
  • the through passage 21 a is communicated with the inflow passage 11 of the first plate-like member 10 and a first communication passage 41 a of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later.
  • each of the through passages 21 b is substantially circular and is formed adjacent to the through passage 21 a in the width direction.
  • Each of the through passages 21 b is communicated with the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 and a first communication passage 41 b of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later.
  • the through passages 21 c are each substantially circular, are formed at equal intervals from the through passage 21 a , and are each formed at substantially the center in the width direction.
  • Each of the through passages 21 c is communicated with the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 and a first communication passage 41 c of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later.
  • each of the through passages 21 d is substantially circular and is formed adjacent to the through passage 21 c in the width direction.
  • Each of the through passages 21 d is communicated with the return flow passage 13 b of the first plate-like member 10 and a first communication passage 41 d of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later.
  • the through passages 21 e are each substantially circular and are formed alternately with the through passage 21 a and the two through passages 21 c in the arrangement direction.
  • the through passages 21 e are formed at equal intervals in the arrangement direction.
  • Each of the through passages 21 e is communicated with the return flow passage 13 b and a second communication passage 42 of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later.
  • the through passage 21 a , the two through passages 21 b , the two through passages 21 c , the four through passages 21 d , and the four through passages 21 e constitute the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 b.
  • FIG. 5 is a back view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 1.
  • the observing points of FIGS. 5 and 6 are positioned opposite to the observing point of FIG. 3 in the stacking direction.
  • the third plate-like member 30 includes 15 pieces of projections 31 that project in a direction opposite to the second plate-like member 20 .
  • Each of the projections 31 projects substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the third plate-like member 30 on the opposite side from the second plate-like member 20 .
  • projections 31 eight projections 31 each have, in an end portion thereof, an insertion opening 32 in which the heat transfer tube 50 is inserted.
  • another projection 31 includes a branch passage 34 a in its inside.
  • Other two projections 31 each include a branch passage 34 b in its inside.
  • the other four projections 31 each include a branch passage 34 c in its inside.
  • the projections 31 having the insertion openings 32 are provided alternately with the projections 31 each including any one of the branch passage 34 a , the branch passage 34 b , and the branch passage 34 c.
  • the projection 31 including the branch passage 34 a is provided at substantially the center of the third plate-like member 30 in the arrangement direction.
  • the branch passage 34 a causes the first communication passage 41 a and the first communication passages 41 b of the fourth plate-like member 40 to be communicated.
  • the projections 31 including the branch passages 34 b are provided at equal intervals from the projection 31 including the branch passage 34 a in the arrangement direction.
  • Each of the branch passage 34 b causes the first communication passage 41 c and the first communication passages 41 d of the fourth plate-like member 40 to be communicated.
  • the projections 31 including the branch passages 34 c are provided alternately with the projection 31 including the branch passage 34 a and the two projections 31 including the branch passages 34 b in the arrangement direction.
  • the projections 31 including the branch passages 34 c are formed at equal intervals in the arrangement direction.
  • Each of the branch passages 34 c causes a first communication passage 41 e and the second communication passages 42 of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later, to be communicated.
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates enlarged three projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 that are positioned at an end portion on the +side in the arrangement direction, in a section of the refrigerant distributor 7 b cut at the center in the width direction and cut in the arrangement direction, that is, A-A section of FIG. 5 .
  • the projections 31 having the insertion openings 32 each have an insertion space 33 in its inside.
  • the insertion space 33 includes a space equivalent to the thickness of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the insertion space 33 ranges from the face of the third plate-like member 30 on the second plate-like member 20 side to the downstream-side end face inside the projection 31 .
  • a distal end portion of a corresponding heat transfer tube 50 is positioned.
  • each of the branch passage 34 a , the branch passage 34 b , and the branch passage 34 c includes a space equivalent to the thickness of the third plate-like member 30 , In other words, in the stacking direction, each of the branch passage 34 a , the branch passage 34 b , and the branch passage 34 c ranges from the face of the third plate-like member 30 on the second plate-like member 20 side to the downstream-side end face inside the projection 31 .
  • the insertion spaces 33 , the branch passage 34 a , the branch passages 34 b , and the branch passages 34 c constitute the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 b.
  • the fourth plate-like member 40 includes the first communication passage 41 a , two first communication passages 41 b , two first communication passages 41 c , four first communication passages 41 d , four first communication passages 41 e , and eight second communication passages 42 formed so as to penetrate in the stacking direction.
  • the first communication passage 41 a is substantially circular and is formed at substantially the center of the second plate-like member 20 .
  • the first communication passage 41 a is communicated with the through passage 21 a of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 . That is, the through passage 21 a of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 are communicated through the first communication passage 41 a.
  • each of the first communication passages 41 b is substantially circular and is formed adjacent to the first communication passage 41 a in the width direction.
  • Each of the first communication passages 41 b is communicated with the through passage 21 b of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 . That is, the through passage 21 b of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 are communicated through the first communication passage 41 b .
  • the first communication passages 41 c are each substantially circular, are formed at equal intervals from the first communication passage 41 a , and are each formed at substantially the center in the width direction.
  • Each of the first communication passages 41 c is communicated with the through passage 21 c of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 . That is, the through passage 21 c of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 are communicated through the first communication passage 41 c.
  • each of the first communication passages 41 d is substantially circular and is formed adjacent to the first communication passage 41 c in the width direction.
  • Each of the first communication passages 41 d is communicated with the through passage 21 d of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 . That is, the through passage 21 d of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 are communicated through the first communication passage 41 d .
  • the first communication passages 41 e are each substantially circular and are formed alternately with the first communication passage 41 a and the two first communication passages 41 c .
  • the first communication passages 41 e are formed at equal intervals in the arrangement direction. Each of the first communication passages 41 e is communicated with the through passage 21 e of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 . That is, the through passage 21 e of the second plate-like member 20 and the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 are communicated through the first communication passage 41 e.
  • each of the second communication passages 42 is substantially L-shaped and is formed so as to surround the first communication passage 41 e .
  • Each of the second communication passages 42 is communicated with the branch passage 34 c and the insertion space 33 of the third plate-like member 30 . That is, the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 and the insertion space 33 of the third plate-like member 30 are communicated through the second communication passage 42 .
  • the through passage 21 e of the second plate-like member 20 and the insertion space 33 of the third plate-like member 30 are communicated through the first communication passage 41 e , the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 , and the second communication passage 42 .
  • the first communication passage 41 a , the two first communication passages 41 b , the two first communication passages 41 c , the four first communication passages 41 d , the four first communication passages 41 e , and the eight second communication passages 42 constitute the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 b.
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 9 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 1.
  • the flow passages illustrated in FIG. 9 are continued from the flow passages illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • the flow passages according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 . Note that all of the branches of the flow passages are not described here, and, of the plural branches of the flow passages, one branch through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe 4 flows out into one of the heat transfer tubes 50 will be described as a representative branch.
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 9 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 1.
  • the flow passages illustrated in FIG. 9 are continued from the flow passages illustrated in FIG. 8 .
  • the flow passages according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS
  • the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe 4 flows, in a straight line, through the inflow passage 11 of the first plate-like member 10 , through the through passage 21 a of the second plate-like member 20 , and through the first communication passage 41 a of the fourth plate-like member 40 and reaches the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 is divided into flows and makes a return-flow to the fourth plate-like member 40 side.
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow passes through the first communication passage 41 b of the fourth plate-like member 40 and the through passage 21 b of the second plate-like member 20 , reaches the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 , and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant that has made such a return-flow passes through the through passage 21 c of the second plate-like member 20 and the first communication passage 41 c of the fourth plate-like member 40 and reaches the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 is divided into flows and makes a return-flow to the fourth plate-like member 40 side.
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow passes through the first communication passage 41 d of the fourth plate-like member 40 and the through passage 21 d of the second plate-like member 20 , reaches the return flow passage 13 b of the first plate-like member 10 , and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant that has made such a return-flow then passes through the through passage 21 e of the second plate-like member 20 and the first communication passage 41 e of the fourth plate-like member 40 and reaches the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 is divided into flows and makes a return-flow to the fourth plate-like member 40 side.
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow passes through the second communication passage 42 of the fourth plate-like member 40 and makes a return-flow to the third plate-like member 30 side.
  • the refrigerant that has made such a return-flow reaches the insertion space 33 of the third plate-like member 30 and flows out into one of the heat transfer tubes 50 .
  • the insertion spaces 33 , the branch passage 34 a , the branch passages 34 b , and the branch passages 34 c that is, some parts of the flow passages are formed in the projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 to which the heat transfer tubes 50 are connected.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b of Embodiment 1 is downsized by reducing the plate-like members that are required to form parts of the flow passages.
  • the insertion space 33 is required to have predetermined dimensions with which the refrigerant does not build up.
  • the insertion space 33 is formed in the plate-like member, dimensions such as the thickness or the width of the entire plate-like member need to be increased to satisfy the required dimensions.
  • the insertion space 33 is formed in the projection 31 of the third plate-like member.
  • the branch passage 34 a , the branch passage 34 b , and the branch passage 34 c are also required to have predetermined dimensions with which the refrigerant does not build up, to cause refrigerant to be smoothly divided thereinto.
  • the branch passage 34 a , the branch passage 34 b , and the branch passage 34 c are formed in the projections 31 of the third plate-like member.
  • the mounting areas of the heat transfer tubes 50 are ensured, and the heat exchange performance can be improved.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b and the indoor heat exchanger 7 can thus be reduced in weight.
  • the return flow passages 13 a and the return flow passages 13 b that is, some parts of the flow passages are formed in the lying-astride projections 12 a and the lying-astride projections 12 b of the first plate-like member 10 .
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b of Embodiment 1 is downsized by reducing the plate-like members that are required to form parts of the flow passages.
  • the first plate-like member 10 including the return flow passage 13 a and the return flow passage 13 b can cause the refrigerant that has made a round-trip between the first plate-like member 10 and the third plate-like member 30 to flow again to the third plate-like member 30 side.
  • refrigerant can flow through the same plate-like member multiple times, and required plate-like members are thereby reduced.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a third plate-like member 30 A according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates, in a section of the third plate-like member 30 A equivalent to A-A section of FIG. 5 , enlarged three projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 A that are positioned at an end portion on the +side in the arrangement direction.
  • a downstream region of the inside of each of the projections 31 has an arc shape.
  • the projection 31 is formed such that the dimension thereof in the arrangement direction decreases toward the distal end portion thereof. Note that, as with Embodiment 1, the projection 31 may project substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the third plate-like member 30 A on the opposite side form the second plate-like member 20 .
  • the arc-shaped downstream region of the inside of the projection 31 can prevent the refrigerant flowing through the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 b from being concentrated in one place in the downstream region of the inside of the projection 31 .
  • the pressure resistance of the third plate-like member 30 A is increased. Accordingly, the thickness can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost can thereby be reduced.
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a third plate-like member 30 B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates, in a section of the third plate-like member 30 B equivalent to A-A section of FIG. 5 , enlarged three projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 B that are positioned at an end portion on the +side in the arrangement direction.
  • parts, facing the projections 31 , of the face of the third plate-like member 30 B on the second plate-like member 20 side each have a tapered shape.
  • the projection 31 is formed such that the dimension thereof in the arrangement direction decreases toward the distal end portion thereof.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates schematically a refrigerant distributor 7 Ab according to Embodiment 2.
  • Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the fourth plate-like member 40 is omitted, and the insertion space 33 and the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 are formed so as to be communicated.
  • the first plate-like member 10 and the second plate-like member 20 have the same shapes as the first plate-like member 10 and the second plate-like member 20 of Embodiment 1. Note that, in the following description, the parts common to those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 Ab will be described while differences from Embodiment 1 are focused.
  • the through passage 21 a is communicated with the inflow passage 11 of the first plate-like member 10 and the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • Each of the through passages 21 b is communicated with the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 and the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • Each of the through passages 21 c is communicated with the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 and the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • Each of the through passages 21 d is communicated with the return flow passage 13 b of the first plate-like member 10 and the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • Each of the through passages 21 e is communicated with the return flow passage 13 b of the first plate-like member 10 and the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 2.
  • the observing point of FIG. 13 is positioned opposite to the observing point of FIG. 12 in the stacking direction.
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate, in the third plate-like member 30 , two projections 31 having the insertion spaces 33 and the projection 31 including the branch passage 34 c are formed as one body. In addition, the two insertion spaces 33 and the branch passage 34 c are communicated.
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates enlarged three projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 that are positioned at an end portion on the +side in the arrangement direction, in a section of the refrigerant distributor 7 Ab cut at the center in the width direction and cut in the arrangement direction, that is, a section of the refrigerant distributor 7 Ab equivalent to A-A section of FIG. 5 .
  • the insertion space 33 and the branch passage 34 c each range, in the stacking direction, from the face of the third plate-like member 30 on the second plate-like member 20 side to the downstream-side end face inside the projection 31 .
  • the insertion spaces 33 , the branch passage 34 a , the branch passages 34 b , and the branch passages 34 c also constitute the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 Ab.
  • FIG. 15 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 2.
  • the flow passages according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 15 .
  • all of the branches of the flow passages are not described here, and, of the plural branches of the flow passage, one branch through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe 4 flows out into one of the heat transfer tubes 50 will be described as a representative branch.
  • FIG. 15 illustrates, the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe 4 passes through the inflow passage 11 of the first plate-like member 10 and the through passage 21 a of the second plate-like member 20 and reaches the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the branch passage 34 a of the third plate-like member 30 is divided into flows and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow passes through the through passage 21 b of the second plate-like member 20 , reaches the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 , and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant that has made such a return-flow passes through the through passage 21 c of the second plate-like member 20 and reaches the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the branch passage 34 b of the third plate-like member 30 is divided into flows and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow passes through the through passage 21 d of the second plate-like member 20 , reaches the return flow passage 13 b of the first plate-like member 10 , and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant that has made such a return-flow then passes through the through passage 21 e of the second plate-like member 20 and reaches the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 is divided into the insertion spaces 33 of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow flows out into one of the heat transfer tubes 50 .
  • the insertion spaces 33 , the branch passage 34 a , the branch passages 34 b , and the branch passages 34 c that is, some parts of the flow passages are formed in the projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 to which the heat transfer tubes 50 are connected.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 Ab of Embodiment 2 is downsized by reducing the plate-like members that are required to form parts of the flow passages.
  • FIG. 16 illustrates schematically a refrigerant distributor 7 Bb according to Embodiment 3.
  • Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the projections 31 including the branch passage 34 a , the branch passage 34 b , and the branch passage 34 c are omitted, and all of the projections 31 have the insertion spaces 33 in their insides.
  • the first plate-like member 10 and the second plate-like member 20 have the same shapes as the first plate-like member 10 and the second plate-like member 20 of Embodiment 1. Note that, in the following description, the parts common to those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • a flow passage of the refrigerant distributor 7 Bb will be described while differences from Embodiment 1 are focused.
  • the through passage 21 a is communicated with the inflow passage 11 of the first plate-like member 10 and a first sub-branch passage 43 a of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later.
  • Each of the through passages 21 b is communicated with the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 and the first sub-branch passage 43 a of the fourth plate-like member 40 .
  • Each of the through passages 21 c is communicated with the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 and a first sub-branch passage 43 b of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later.
  • Each of the through passages 21 d is communicated with the return flow passage 13 b of the first plate-like member 10 and the first sub-branch passage 43 b of the fourth plate-like member 40 .
  • Each of the through passages 21 e is communicated with the return flow passage 13 b of the first plate-like member 10 and a second sub-branch passage 44 of the fourth plate-like member 40 , which will be described later.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 3.
  • the observing point of FIG. 17 is positioned opposite to the observing point of FIG. 16 in the stacking direction.
  • the third plate-like member 30 includes eight projections 31 that project in a direction opposite to the second plate-like member 20 .
  • Each of the eight projections 31 has, in end portions thereof, the insertion opening 32 in which the heat transfer tube 50 is inserted.
  • FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 3.
  • FIG. 18 illustrates enlarged two projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 that are positioned at an end portion on the +side in the arrangement direction, in a section of the refrigerant distributor 7 Bb cut at the center in the width direction and cut in the arrangement direction, that is, a section of the refrigerant distributor 7 Bb equivalent to A-A section of FIG. 5 .
  • each of the projections 31 having the insertion openings 32 has the insertion space 33 in its inside.
  • the insertion space 33 includes a space equivalent to the thickness of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the insertion space 33 ranges from the face of the third plate-like member 30 on the second plate-like member 20 side to the downstream-side end face inside the projection 31 .
  • a distal end portion of a corresponding heat transfer tube 50 is positioned in the insertion space 33 .
  • a downstream region of the inside of each of the projections 31 has an arc shape.
  • the projection 31 is formed such that the dimension thereof in the arrangement direction decreases toward an end portion thereof.
  • the insertion spaces 33 also constitute the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 Bb.
  • the fourth plate-like member 40 includes the first sub-branch passage 43 a , two second sub-branch passages 44 , and four second sub-branch passages 44 formed so as to penetrate in the stacking direction.
  • the first sub-branch passage 43 a has a linear shape and is formed at substantially the center of the second plate-like member 20 .
  • the first sub-branch passage 43 a is communicated with the through passage 21 a of the second plate-like member 20 and the two through passages 21 b of the second plate-like member 20 .
  • the first sub-branch passages 43 b When viewed in the stacking direction, the first sub-branch passages 43 b each have a linear shape and are formed at equal intervals from the first sub-branch passage 43 a . Each of the first sub-branch passages 43 b is communicated with the through passage 21 c of the second plate-like member 20 and two through passages 21 d of the second plate-like member 20 .
  • the second sub-branch passages 44 are each substantially S-shaped and are formed alternately with the first sub-branch passage 43 a and the two first sub-branch passages 43 b .
  • the second sub-branch passages 44 are formed at equal intervals in the arrangement direction.
  • Each of the second sub-branch passages 44 is communicated with the through passage 21 e of the second plate-like member 20 and two insertion spaces 33 of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the first sub-branch passage 43 a , the two second sub-branch passages 44 , and the four second sub-branch passages 44 constitute the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 Bb.
  • FIG. 19 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 3. Note that all of the branches of the flow passages are not described here, and, of the plural branches of the flow passages, one branch through which the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe 4 flows out into one of the heat transfer tubes 50 will be described as a representative branch.
  • the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe 4 passes through the inflow passage 11 of the first plate-like member 10 and the through passage 21 a of the second plate-like member 20 and reaches the first sub-branch passage 43 a of the fourth plate-like member 40 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the first sub-branch passage 43 a of the fourth plate-like member 40 is divided into flows and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow passes through the through passage 21 b of the second plate-like member 20 , reaches the return flow passage 13 a of the first plate-like member 10 , and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant that has made such a return-flow passes through the through passage 21 c of the second plate-like member 20 and reaches the first sub-branch passage 43 b of the fourth plate-like member 40 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the first sub-branch passage 43 b of the fourth plate-like member 40 is divided into flows and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow passes through the through passage 21 d of the second plate-like member 20 , reaches the return flow passage 13 b of the first plate-like member 10 , and makes a return-flow to the second plate-like member 20 side.
  • the refrigerant that has made such a return-flow then passes through the through passage 21 e of the second plate-like member 20 and reaches the second sub-branch passage 44 of the fourth plate-like member 40 .
  • the refrigerant that has reached the second sub-branch passage 44 of the fourth plate-like member 40 is divided into two insertion spaces 33 of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the refrigerant of one divided flow flows out into one of the heat transfer tubes 50 .
  • the insertion spaces 33 that is, some parts of the flow passage are formed in the projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 to which the heat transfer tubes 50 are connected.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 Bb is also downsized by reducing the plate-like members that are required to form parts of the flow passages.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates schematically a refrigerant distributor 7 Cb according to Embodiment 4.
  • Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the projections 31 having the insertion spaces 33 are omitted, and all of the projections 31 each have, in its inside, any one of the branch passage 34 a , the branch passage 34 b , and the branch passage 34 c .
  • the first plate-like member 10 , the second plate-like member 20 , and the fourth plate-like member 40 have the same shapes as the first plate-like member 10 , the second plate-like member 20 , and the fourth plate-like member 40 of Embodiment 1. Note that, in the following description, the parts common to those of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 4.
  • the observing point of FIG. 21 is positioned opposite to the observing point of FIG. 20 in the stacking direction.
  • the third plate-like member 30 includes seven projections 31 that project in a direction opposite to the second plate-like member 20 .
  • One of the projections 31 includes the branch passage 34 a in its inside.
  • Other two projections 31 include the branch passages 34 b in their insides.
  • the other four projections 31 include the branch passages 34 c in their insides.
  • Eight insertion openings 32 are formed alternately with the projections 31 each including any one of the branch passage 34 a , the branch passage 34 b , and the branch passage 34 c.
  • the positions where the projections 31 including the branch passage 34 a , the branch passages 34 b , and the branch passages 34 c are formed are the same as those of Embodiment 1.
  • the flow passages from the inflow passage 11 of the first plate-like member 10 to the second communication passage 42 of the fourth plate-like member 40 are also the same as those of Embodiment 1.
  • the branch passage 34 a , the branch passages 34 b , and the branch passages 34 c also constitute the flow passages of the refrigerant distributor 7 Cb.
  • the insertion openings 32 are formed in a planar part of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • the second communication passage 42 of the fourth plate-like member 40 is communicated with the branch passage 34 c of the third plate-like member 30 and the insertion opening 32 of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the third plate-like member 30 according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 22 illustrates enlarged three projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 that are positioned at an end portion on the +side in the arrangement direction, in a section of the refrigerant distributor 7 Cb cut at the center in the width direction and cut in the arrangement direction, that is, a section of the refrigerant distributor 7 Cb equivalent to A-A section of FIG. 5 .
  • a downstream region of the inside of the projection 31 has an arc shape.
  • the projection 31 is formed such that the dimension thereof in the arrangement direction decreases toward an end portion thereof.
  • the fourth plate-like member 40 is omitted in FIG. 22 , a distal end of the heat transfer tube 50 inserted in the refrigerant distributor 7 Cb passes through the insertion opening 32 and is positioned in the second communication passage 42 .
  • FIG. 23 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 4.
  • FIG. 24 is an explanatory figure of the flow passages according to Embodiment 1.
  • the flow passages illustrated in FIG. 24 are continued from the passages illustrated in FIG. 23 .
  • the flow passages according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 .
  • the flow passages from the inflow passage 11 of the first plate-like member 10 to the second communication passage 42 of the fourth plate-like member 40 are the same as those of Embodiment 1, thereby being omitted.
  • FIG. 24 illustrates, the refrigerant that has passed through the second communication passage 42 of the fourth plate-like member 40 flows out into one of the heat transfer tubes 50 inserted in the insertion openings 32 .
  • the branch passage 34 a , the branch passages 34 b , and the branch passages 34 c that is, some parts of the flow passages are formed in the projections 31 of the third plate-like member 30 to which the heat transfer tubes 50 are connected.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 Cb is also downsized by reducing the plate-like members that are required to form parts of the flow passages.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 7 or the outdoor heat exchanger 9 may have plural fins joined to the heat transfer tubes 50 .
  • the fins are made of, for example, aluminum.
  • the refrigerant distributor 7 b with eight branches is described in Embodiments 1 to 4, this is not the only option, and the number of such branches may be changed to a number other than eight by changing the number of the branch passages.
  • Embodiments 1 to 4 there is described a case in which, in the first plate-like member 10 , the return flow passage 13 a is formed inside the lying-astride projection 12 a , and the return flow passage 13 b is formed inside the lying-astride projection 12 b .
  • the return flow passage 13 a and the return flow passage 13 b may each serve as a flow passage by being formed as grooves penetrating the first plate-like member 10 and being closed by another plate-like member.
  • the return flow passage 13 a and the return flow passage 13 b may each be a groove having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first plate-like member 10 . In such cases, the refrigerant distributor 7 b can still be downsized as long as a part of the flow passages is formed in the projection 31 of the third plate-like member 30 .
  • Embodiment 2 may also be combined with Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, and a downstream region of the inside of the projection 31 may have an arc shape.
  • Embodiment 2 may also be combined with Modification 2 of Embodiment 1, and the face of the third plate-like member 30 on the second plate-like member 20 side may have a tapered shape.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heat-Exchange Devices With Radiators And Conduit Assemblies (AREA)
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