WO2020136913A1

WO2020136913A1 - Fin using in a heat exchanger, heat exchanger having the fins, and refrigeration cycle device having the heat exchanger

Info

Publication number: WO2020136913A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/048612
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dennis VAN DER VEEN
Original assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.; Daikin Europe N.V.
Priority date: 2018-12-28
Filing date: 2018-12-28
Publication date: 2020-07-02
Also published as: JP2022515413A; EP3903058A1; EP3903058B1; JP7190579B2; PL3903058T3

Abstract

The heat transfer fin (66) is provided with a main body (660) having a plurality of notches (67) and the rear tabs (100). Notches are arranged apart from each other along the first direction (D1) and each notch receives the heat transfer tube along the second direction (D2). The main body has the rear edge (660a) at one end and the front edge (660b) at the other end in the second direction. Each rear tab has a connecting portion (110) connected with the main body and extends from the connecting portion in the third direction (D3) which is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The rear tab is disposed closer to the rear edge of the main body than the front edge of the main body. When seen along the first direction, each part of the rear tab is arranged on the imaginary straight line (ILa1) or closer to the rear edge of the main body compared with the imaginary straight line. The imaginary straight line extends in the third direction through the front end (110a) of the connecting portion, which is an end located closest to the front edge of the main body.

Description

FIN USING IN A HEAT EXCHANGER, HEAT EXCHANGER HAVING THE FINS, AND REFRIGERATION CYCLE DEVICE HAVING THE HEAT EXCHANGER

The present disclosure relates to a fin used in a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger having the fins, and a refrigeration cycle device having the heat exchanger.

In heat exchangers, fins are often used to increase a heat exchange area between a medium flowing in heat transfer tubes and air flowing through the heat exchanger and thereby improve the heat exchange performance as shown in Patent Document 1 (JP2016-84976A). Each of these fins has a main body having a heat transfer surface. The main body of the fin also has a plurality of notches, arranged in a row at a distance from each other, to receive a plurality of heat transfer tubes therein. In the heat exchangers having these fins, a plurality of fins are attached to the heat transfer tubes so that these fins are arranged along the heat transfer tubes.

To increase the heat exchange area, it is preferable that the fins are arranged along the heat transfer tubes with narrow gaps between the fins. However, if the gaps between fins are too narrow, there is a possibility that air flow through the gaps is restricted and heat exchange efficiency rather deteriorates. Therefore, each of the fins often has tabs which extend from the main body in a fin arrangement direction along which the plurality of fins are arranged, as shown in Patent Document 1 (JP2016-84976A). These tabs of the fins regulate a distance between the fins. Conventionally, an inner edge of each tab of the fin extends inwardly from the main body of the fin as shown in FIG. 9 of the Patent Document 1 (JP2016-84976A) when the fin is seen along a first direction in which the plurality of notches are arranged. The first direction is perpendicular to the fin arrangement direction.

The manufacturing process of the heat exchangers having fins usually includes a process to align the plurality of fins along the fin arrangement direction, as shown in FIG. 16, before the fins are attached to the heat transfer tubes. The tab with the conventional shape disclosed in the Patent Document 1 (JP2016-84976A) tend to get unsuitably hook to an edge of the main body of the adjacent fin as shown in FIG. 17 and 18 during the process to align the fins along the fin arrangement direction. Further, the conventional shape of the tab requires relatively long time to unhook the tab from the main body of the adjacent fin once that tab gets unsuitably hooked to it.

It is therefore required to provide a fin that can reduce the time to suitably align the fins when aligning the fins along the fin arrangement direction.

A fin according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is used in a heat exchanger. The fin is provided with a main body and at least one tab. The main body has a heat transfer surface and a plurality of notches. The plurality of notches are arranged apart from each other along a first direction. Each of the plurality of notches receives a heat transfer tube along a second direction. The main body has a first edge at one end and a second edge at the other end in the second direction. At least one tab has a connecting portion connected with the main body. The tab extends from the connecting portion in a third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The tab includes a first tab disposed closer to the first edge of the main body than the second edge of the main body. When the first tab is seen along the first direction, each part of the first tab is arranged on a first imaginary straight line or closer to the first edge of the main body compared with the first imaginary straight line. The first imaginary straight line extends in the third direction through a first end of the connecting portion of the first tab. The first end of the connecting portion of the first tab is an end located closest to the second edge of the main body.

The configuration of the first tab of the fin according to the first aspect reduces the possibility that the first tab gets hooked to an adjacent fin when a plurality of fins are aligned along the third direction in a manufacturing process of the heat exchanger. Further, the configuration of the first tab improves the detachability of the first tab hooked to the adjacent fin. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time to suitably align the fins when aligning the fins along the fin arrangement direction.

The fin according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is the fin according to the fin according to the first aspect, wherein when the first tab is seen along the first direction, the first tab is arranged closer to the first edge of the main body compared to the first imaginary straight line except for the first end of the connecting portion of the first tab.

With this configuration, it is possible to further reduce the time to suitably align the fins when aligning the fins along the fin arrangement direction.

The fin according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is the fin according to the fin according to the second aspect, wherein when the first tab is seen along the first direction, a first verge of the first tab approaches to the first edge of the main body as the first verge of the first tab goes away from the main body in the third direction. The first verge of the first tab is located at a near side of the second edge of the main body in the second direction.

The fin according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the fin according to the fin according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein when the first tab is seen along the first direction, a length of a first brim of the first tab in the second direction is longer than a length of the connecting portion of the first tab in the second direction. The first brim of the first tab is located at a distal side relative to the main body in the third direction.

The fin according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the fin according to the fin according to the fourth aspect, wherein when the first tab is seen along the first direction, a part of the first tab is arranged closer to the first edge of the main body compared to a second imaginary straight line. The second imaginary straight line extends in the third direction through a second end of the connecting portion of the first tab. The second end of the connecting portion of the first tab is located closest to the first edge of the main body.

The fin according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the fin according to the fin according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first tab has a tip portion and a farthest portion. The tip portion is located at a distal end relative to the connecting portion of the first tab. The farthest portion is located at the farthest from the main body of the first tab in the third direction. The tip portion of the first tab is located closer to the main body than the farthest portion of the first tab.

Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the friction between the first tab and the adjacent fin. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time to suitably align the fins when aligning the fins along the fin arrangement direction.

The fin according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the fin according to the fin according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the tab includes a second tab disposed closer to the second edge of the main body than the first edge of the main body. When the second tab is seen along the first direction, each part of the second tab is arranged on a third imaginary straight line or closer to the second edge of the main body compared to the third imaginary straight line. The third imaginary straight line extends in the third direction through a first end of the connecting portion of the second tab. The first end of the connecting portion of the second tab is located closest to the first edge of the main body.

By arranging at least the first and second tabs along the second direction, it is easier to keep a proper distance between the tabs.

Further, the configuration of the second tab of the fin reduces the possibility that an adjacent fin gets hooked to the second tab when a plurality of fins are aligned along the third direction in a manufacturing process of the heat exchanger. Also, the configuration of the second tab improves the detachability of the fin hooked to the second tab. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time to suitably align the fins when aligning the fins along the fin arrangement direction.

The fin according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the fin according to the fin according to the seventh aspect, wherein when the first tab and the second tab are seen along the second direction, the first tab and the second tab are misaligned.

A heat exchanger according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is provided with a plurality of fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes. Each of the fins is the fin according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. The plurality of heat transfer tubes are inserted into the notches of the fins.

Usage of the fins according to any one of the first to eighth aspects in the heat exchanger can reduce the manufacturing time and manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger.

A refrigeration cycle device according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is provided with the heat exchanger according to the ninth aspect.

Usage of the heat exchanger according to ninth aspect in the refrigeration cycle device can reduce manufacturing cost of the refrigeration cycle device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration drawing of an air conditioner having a heat source heat exchanger with heat transfer fins according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a heat source unit of the air conditioner according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the heat source unit according to FIG. 2 in which a top plate of a casing of the heat source unit is removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the heat source unit according to FIG. 2 in which the top plate, front plates, and side plates of the casing of the heat source unit are removed. FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of a heat-source-side heat exchanger of the heat source unit according to FIG. 2, which shows a flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat-source-side heat exchanger during the heating operation with arrows. FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of a heat-source-side heat exchanger of the heat source unit according to FIG. 2, which shows a flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat-source-side heat exchanger during the cooling operation with arrows. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the heat exchange portion of heat-source-side heat exchanger according to FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view showing the heat exchange portion according to FIG. 6 as seen from a direction along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube. FIG. 8 is a view showing a main part of the heat transfer fin. FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of the heat transfer fin taken in the direction of an arrow IX-IX of FIG. 8. FIG. 10A is a partially enlarged view within an oval XA of FIG. 9. FIG. 10B is a partially enlarged view within an oval XB of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view taken in the direction of an arrow XI-XI of FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view taken in the direction of an arrow XII-XII of FIG. 8. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the heat transfer fins which are aligned in the manufacturing process of the heat-source-side heat exchanger viewed along a first direction in which notches of each of the heat transfer fin are arranged. FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of a first tab and its surrounding of a heat transfer fin according to an example of Modifications B viewed along the first direction. FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of a first tab and its surrounding of a heat transfer fin according to another example of Modification B viewed along the first direction. FIG. 14C is an enlarged view of a first tab and its surrounding of a heat transfer fin according to Modification C viewed along the first direction. FIG. 15 is a fragmentary view of a conventional heat transfer fin viewed along the direction in which notches of the heat transfer fin are arranged. FIG. 16 is a schematic view of the conventional heat transfer fins which are aligned in the manufacturing process of the heat source heat exchanger viewed along the direction in which notches of the heat transfer fin are arranged. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing a state that a conventional heat transfer fin is hooked on the other conventional heat transfer fin. FIG. 18 is another schematic view showing a state that a conventional heat transfer fin is hooked on the other conventional heat transfer fin.

Embodiments of a fin used in a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger having the fins, and a refrigeration cycle device having the heat exchanger, and modifications thereof according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the specific configurations of the fin, the heat exchanger, and the refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure are not limited to the following embodiments and modifications thereof, and can be modified without departing from the gist of the disclosure.

(1) Overview of the Air Conditioner
FIG.1 is a schematic configuration drawing of an air conditioner 1 having a heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 using heat transfer fins 66. The heat transfer fin 66 is a fin according to an exemplified embodiment of the present disclosure. The heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger according to an exemplified embodiment of the present disclosure. The air conditioner 1 is a refrigeration cycle device according to an exemplified embodiment of the present disclosure.

The air conditioner 1 mainly has a heat source unit 2 and a usage unit 4. Although the air conditioner 1 has one heat source unit 2 and one usage unit 4 in this embodiment, it should be appreciated that the numbers of the heat source unit 2 and the usage unit 4 are not limited thereto. The air conditioner 1 may have multiple heat source units 2. The air conditioner 1 may have multiple usage units 4.

The air conditioner 1 cools or heats air in an air conditioned space by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioned space is a space in which the usage unit 4 is arranged. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 is capable of both cooling and heating of the air in the air conditioned space, but the air conditioner 1 may be used only for cooling the air or used only for heating the air.

The heat source unit 2 and the usage unit 4 are connected via a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 6. A vapor compression refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1 is formed by connecting the heat source unit 2 and the usage unit 4 with the refrigerant connection pipes 5, 6 (refer to FIG.1). A refrigerant, such as hydrofluorocarbon, circulates in the refrigerant circuit 10.

(1-1) Usage Unit
The usage unit 4 is installed in the air conditioned space. For example, the usage unit 4 is installed in a room of a building. The usage unit 4 is a wall type in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto. For example, the usage unit 4 may be, a ceiling embedded type, a ceiling suspended type, or a floor type.

The usage unit 4 mainly includes a usage-side heat exchanger 41 and a usage-side fan 42 (refer to FIG.1).

The usage-side heat exchanger 41 functions as the evaporator of the refrigerant and cools the air in the air conditioned space during the cooling operation. The usage-side heat exchanger 41 functions as the radiator of the refrigerant and heat the air in the air conditioned space during the heating operation. A liquid side of the usage-side heat exchanger 41 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 and a gas side of the usage-side heat exchanger 41 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6.

The usage-side fan 42 is a mechanism for sucking air from the air conditioned space into the usage unit 4 and supplying it to the usage-side heat exchanger 41 of the usage unit 4. The air supplied to the usage-side heat exchanger 41 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the usage-side heat exchanger 41. The air exchanged heat with the refrigerant blows off from the usage unit 4. The usage-side fan 42 is a sirocco fan in this embodiment, but the type of the usage-side fan 42 is not limited thereto. The usage-side fan 42 is driven by a motor 42a.

(1-2) Heat source Unit
The heat source unit 2 is located outside of the air conditioned space. For example, the heat source unit 2 is located outdoors.

The heat source unit 2 mainly has a compressor 21, a refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, an expansion mechanism 24, a liquid-side shutoff valve 25, a gas-side shutoff valve 26, and a heat-source-side fan 36 (refer to FIG.1).

The compressor 21 compresses the refrigerant and increase the pressure of the refrigerant from a low pressure of the refrigeration cycle to a high pressure of the refrigeration cycle. For example, the compressor 21 has a positive-displacement type compression element (not shown) such as a rotary type or a scroll type. The compression element is driven by a motor 21a. The compressor 21 is a hermetic compressor. The compressor 21 has a suction side to which the suction pipe 31 is connected and a discharge side to which the discharge pipe 32 is connected. The suction pipe 31 is a refrigerant pipe connecting the suction side of the compressor 21 and the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22. The discharge pipe 32 is a refrigerant pipe connecting the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22.

The refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 is a mechanism for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10. In this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 is a four-way switching valve, but the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 may be configured from refrigerant pipes and motor operated valves so that the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 functions as described herein.

In the cooling operation, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 sets its state to a cooling cycle state so that the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 functions as the radiator for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 21 and the usage-side heat exchanger 41 functions as the evaporator for the refrigerant radiated in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. That is, in the cooling operation, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 connects the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the gas side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 also connects the suction side of the compressor 21 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 in the cooling operation. More specifically, in the cooling operation, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 connects the discharge pipe 32 and a first gas refrigerant pipe 33 and also connects the suction pipe 31 and a second gas refrigerant pipe 34 (see solid line in the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 in FIG. 1). The first gas refrigerant pipe 33 is a refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 and the gas side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. The second gas refrigerant pipe 34 is a refrigerant pipe connecting the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 and the gas-side shutoff valve 26.

In the heating operation, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 sets its state to a heating cycle state so that the usage-side heat exchanger 41 functions as the radiator for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 21 and the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 functions as the evaporator for the refrigerant radiated in the usage-side heat exchanger 41. That is, in the cooling operation, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 connects the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6. The refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 also connects the suction side of the compressor 21 and the gas side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 in the cooling operation. More specifically, in the heating operation, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 connects the discharge pipe 32 and the second gas refrigerant pipe 34 and also connects the suction pipe 31 and the first gas refrigerant pipe 33 (see broken line in the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 in FIG. 1).

The heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 functions as the radiator of the refrigerant during the cooling operation. The heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 functions as the evaporator of the refrigerant during the heating operation. A liquid side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is connected to a liquid refrigerant pipe 35 and the gas side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is connected to the first gas refrigerant pipe 33. The liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is a refrigerant pipe connecting the liquid side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 side. More specifically, the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 connects the liquid side of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 and the liquid-side shutoff valve 25.

The expansion mechanism 24 is arranged in the liquid refrigerant pipe 35. The expansion mechanism 24 reduces pressure of the refrigerant, which has radiated heat in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, from the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle in the cooling operation. The expansion mechanism 24 reduces pressure of the refrigerant, which has radiated heat in the usage-side heat exchanger 41, from the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle, in the heating operation. The expansion mechanism 24 is an electric expansion valve in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto. The expansion mechanism 24 may be a capillary or a thermostatic expansion valve.

The liquid-side shutoff valve 25 is a valve to which the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is connected at one side and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 is connected at the other side. The gas-side shutoff valve 26 is a valve to which the second gas refrigerant pipe 34 is connected at one side and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 is connected at the other side.

The heat-source-side fan 36 is a mechanism for sucking air, which is used for a heat source, into the heat source unit 2 and supplying it to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 of the heat source unit 2. The air supplied to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. After the heat exchange, the air blows off from the heat source unit 2. The heat-source-side fan 36 is a propeller fan in this embodiment, but the type of the heat-source-side fan 36 is not limited thereto. The heat-source-side fan 36 is driven by a motor 36a.

(1-3) Refrigerant Connection Pipes

Refrigerant connection pipes

5, 6 are refrigerant pipes connected on site when the air conditioner 1 is installed at its installation site. Lengths and diameters of the refrigerant connection pipes are selected according to installation conditions such as the installation locations of the heat source unit 2 and the usage unit 4 and specification of the heat source unit 2 and the usage unit 4.

(2) Basic Operation of Air Conditioner
The basic operation of the air conditioner 1 is described with reference to FIG.1. The air conditioner 1 performs a cooling operation and a heating operation as the basic operation.

(2-1) Cooling Operation
During the cooling operation, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 switches its state to the cooling cycle state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1). Note that “high-pressure” means high pressure of the refrigerant cycle and “low-pressure” means low pressure of the refrigerant cycle in the following explanation.

In the refrigerant circuit 10, the low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 21. The compressor 21 compresses the gas refrigerant so that the low-pressure gas refrigerant turns into the high-pressure gas refrigerant and discharge the high-pressure gas refrigerant. The high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 flows to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 through the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22.

The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the air supplied by the heat-source-side fan 36. During the cooling operation, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 works as the radiator and the refrigerant flowing in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 radiates its heat. The high-pressure gas refrigerant which exchanged heat with the air in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 turns to high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows to the expansion mechanism 24. The expansion mechanism 24 depressurizes the high-pressure liquid refrigerant and turns the high-pressure liquid refrigerant into the low -pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows to the usage-side heat exchanger 41 through the liquid-side shutoff valve 25 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5.

The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent to the usage-side heat exchanger 41 exchanges heat with the air supplied by the usage-side fan 42. During the cooling operation, the usage-side heat exchanger 41 works as the evaporator and the refrigerant flowing in the usage-side heat exchanger 41 evaporates by taking heat from the air supplied by the usage-side fan 42. In other word, during the cooling operation, the air supplied to the usage-side heat exchanger 41 is cooled at the usage-side heat exchanger 41 by exchanging heat with the refrigerant. The air cooled at the usage-side heat exchanger 41 is supplied to the air conditioned space. The low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the usage-side heat exchanger 41 is sucked into the compressor 21 again through the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6, the gas-side shutoff valve 26, and the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22.

(2-2) Heating Operation
During the heating operation, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22 switches its state to the heating cycle state (the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 1).

In the refrigerant circuit 10, the low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 21. The compressor 21 compresses the gas refrigerant so that the low-pressure gas refrigerant turns into the high-pressure gas refrigerant and discharge the high-pressure gas refrigerant. The high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 flows to the usage-side heat exchanger 41 through the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22, the gas-side shutoff valve 26, and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6.

The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the usage-side heat exchanger 41 exchanges heat with the air supplied by the usage-side fan 42. During the heating operation, the usage-side heat exchanger 41 works as the radiator and the refrigerant flowing in the usage-side heat exchanger 41 apply heat to the air supplied by the usage-side fan 42. The air heated at the usage-side heat exchanger 41 is supplied to the air conditioned space. The high-pressure gas refrigerant which exchanged heat with the air in the usage-side heat exchanger 41 turns to high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows to the expansion mechanism 24 through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 and the liquid-side shutoff valve 25. The expansion mechanism 24 depressurizes the high-pressure liquid refrigerant and turns the high-pressure liquid refrigerant into the low -pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23.

The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the air supplied by the heat-source-side fan 36. During the heating operation, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 works as the evaporator and the refrigerant flowing in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 evaporates by taking heat from the air supplied by the heat-source-side fan 36. The low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is sucked into the compressor 21 again through the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22.

(3) Overview about the Structure of Heat Source Unit
The structure of the heat source unit 2 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the heat source unit 2. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the heat source unit 2 in which a top plate 57 of a casing 51 of the heat source unit 2 is removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the heat source unit 2 in which the top plate 57,

front plates

55, 56, and

side plates

53, 54 of the casing 51 are removed.

In the description about the structure of heat source unit 2, terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "side", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom" may be used to indicate the position and orientation. Unless otherwise mentioned, these terms correspond to the arrows shown in FIG. 2 to 4.

The heat source unit 2 has a casing 51 (refer to FIG. 2). The casing 51 mainly accommodates the compressor 21, the refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, the expansion mechanism 24, the liquid-side shutoff valve 25, the gas-side shutoff valve 26, the refrigerant pipes 31 to 35 and the heat-source-side fan 36. In this embodiment, the casing 51 has rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the casing 51 may have another shape. Interior of the casing 51 is partitioned into a fan chamber S1 and a machine chamber S2 by a partition plate 58 extending in the vertical direction (refer to FIG.2). In this embodiment, the fan chamber S1 is arranged on the left side and the machine chamber S2 is arranged on the right side. However, in another embodiment, the fan chamber S1 may be arranged on the right side and the machine chamber S2 may be arranged on the left side.

In the fan chamber S1, heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 and heat-source-side fan 36 are mainly arranged (refer to FIG.3). When the heat-source-side fan 36 is operated, air is taken into the fan chamber S1 from rear side and left side of the casing 51. The air taken from the outside of the casing 51 then flows through the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 and finally blows off from front side of the casing 51.

In the machine chamber S2, the compressor 21 is mainly arranged (refer to FIG.3). The refrigerant flow path switching mechanism 22, the expansion mechanism 24, the liquid-side shutoff valve 25, and the gas-side shutoff valve 26 are also arranged in the machine chamber S2.

The casing 51 mainly includes a bottom plate 52, a fan-chamber-side side plate 53, a machine-chamber-side side plate 54, a fan-chamber-side front plate 55, a machine-chamber-side front plate 56, and the top plate 57.

The bottom plate 52 serves as the bottom surface portion of the casing 51.

The fan-chamber-side side plate 53 is arranged adjacent to the fan chamber S1. The fan-chamber-side side plate 53 serves as a left side surface of the casing 51. The lower end of the fan-chamber-side side plate 53 is fixed to the bottom plate 52. An air inlet 53a is formed on the fan-chamber-side side plate 53 for taking air from the outside of the casing 51 when the heat-source-side fan 36 operates.

The machine-chamber-side side plate 54 is arranged adjacent to the machine chamber S2. The machine-chamber-side side plate 54 serves as a rear part of the right side surface and a rear right surface of the casing 51. The lower end of the machine-chamber-side side plate 54 is fixed to the bottom plate 52. An air inlet 53b is formed between the rear end of the fan-chamber-side side plate 53 and the left end of the machine-chamber-side side plate 54 for taking air from the outside of the casing 51 into the fan chamber S1 when the heat-source-side fan 36 operates.

The fan-chamber-side front plate 55 is arranged adjacent to the fan chamber S1. The fan-chamber-side front plate 55 serves as a front left side surface of the casing 51. The fan-chamber-side front plate 55 defines a boundary of the fan chamber S1 at the front side. The lower end of the fan-chamber-side front plate 55 is fixed to the bottom plate 52. The left end of the fan-chamber-side front plate 55 is connected to the front end of the fan-chamber-side side plate 53. In this embodiment, the fan-chamber-side side plate 53 and the fan-chamber-side front plate 55 are integrally formed. However, in another embodiment, the fan-chamber-side front plate 55 may be formed as a member separated from the fan-chamber-side side plate 53. An air outlet 55a is formed on the fan-chamber-side front plate 55 for blowing off the air from the fan chamber S1 when the heat-source-side fan 36 operates. A fan grill 55b is arranged in front of the fan-chamber-side front plate 55 to cover the air outlet 55a.

The machine-chamber-side front plate 56 is arranged adjacent to the machine chamber S2. The machine-chamber-side front plate 56 serves as a front part of the right side surface and a front right surface of the casing 51. The left end of the machine-chamber-side front plate 56 is fixed to the right end of the fan-chamber-side front plate 55. The rear end of the machine-chamber-side front plate 56 is fixed to the front end of the machine-chamber-side side plate 54.

The top plate 57 serves as the top surface of the casing 51. The top plate 57 is fixed to the fan-chamber-side side plate 53, the machine-chamber-side side plate 54, and the fan-chamber-side front plate 55.

The partition plate 58 is a plate fixed to the bottom plate 52 and extending in the vertical direction from the bottom plate 52 toward the top plate 57. The partition plate 58 forms the fan chamber S1 and the machine chamber S2 by dividing the inside of the casing 51 into left and right parts. The front end of the partition plate 58 is fixed to the machine-chamber-side front plate 56. The partition plate 58 extends rearward from the machine-chamber-side front plate 56 to a vicinity of a right end of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23.

In this embodiment, the heat-source-side fan 36 is a propeller fan having a plurality of blades. The heat-source-side fan 36 is arranged in the fan chamber S1 so that the heat-source-side fan 36 faces the fan-chamber-side front plate 55 (the air outlet 55a). As shown in FIG. 3, the motor 36a for driving the fan 36 is disposed between the heat-source-side fan 36 and the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 in the front-rear direction. The motor 36a is supported by a motor support base 36b fixed to the bottom plate 52.

The heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is placed on the bottom plate 52. The heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 has a substantially L shape in plan view (refer to FIG. 3). The heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 extends rearward from a vicinity of a front left corner of the casing 51 along the fan-chamber-side side plate 33 to a vicinity of a rear left corner of the casing 51 and further extend rightward from the vicinity of the rear left corner of the casing 51 to a vicinity of a rear right corner of the casing 51. Detail of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 will be described below.

(4) Detailed Configuration of the Heat-Source-Side Heat Exchanger
The detailed configuration of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic perspective views of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. In FIG. 5A, a flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 during the heating operation is depicted with arrows. In FIG. 5B, a flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 during the cooling operation is depicted with arrows. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of a heat exchange portion 60 of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23.

In this section illustrating about the detailed configuration of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, the terms indicating the position and orientation correspond to the arrows shown in FIG. 2 to 6. Further, in the following explanation, the terms “upwind” and “downwind” are used with reference to an air flow direction generated by the heat-source-side fan 36.

The heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 mainly includes a heat exchange portion 60, a refrigerant distributor 70, an inlet/outlet header 71, an intermediate header 72, intermediate pipes 73, and a connection header 74. In this heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, all of the heat exchange portion 60, the refrigerant distributor 70, the inlet/outlet header 71, the intermediate header 72, the intermediate pipes 73, and the connection header 74 are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. These parts of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 are connected with brazing.

(4-1) Heat exchange portion
The heat exchange portion 60 includes an upwind heat exchange portion 61 and a downwind heat exchange portion 62 (refer to FIG. 6). The upwind heat exchange portion 61 is disposed upstream of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 in the wind direction. The upwind heat exchange portion 61 and the downwind heat exchange portion 62 are arranged along the wind direction. The upwind heat exchange portion 61 is arranged closer to the outer edge of the casing 51 (refer to FIG.3). In other words, the upwind heat exchange portion 61 is arranged closer to the

air inlets

53a, 53b than the downwind heat exchange portion 62. When the heat-source-side fan 36 is operated, air passes through the upwind heat exchange portion 61 and then passes through the downwind heat exchange portion 62. The upwind heat exchange portion 61 and the downwind heat exchange portion 62 extend in a direction intersecting the wind direction. The upwind heat exchange portion 61 and the downwind heat exchange portion 62 extend in parallel each other.

The upwind heat exchange portion 61 includes an upwind main heat exchange section 61a and an upwind sub heat exchange section 61b disposed under the upwind main heat exchange section 61a. The downwind heat exchange portion 62 includes a downwind main heat exchange section 62a and a downwind sub heat exchange section 62b disposed under the downwind main heat exchange section 62a.

The heat exchange portion 60 is a fin-insertion type heat exchange portion. The heat exchange portion 60 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 and a plurality of heat transfer fins 66 (refer to FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the heat transfer tubes 63 are flat tubes. A plurality of notches 67 are formed in each of the plurality of heat transfer fins 66. The plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 are inserted into the notches 67 of the heat transfer fins 66.

Each of the heat transfer tube 63 has two flat surfaces 64 (refer to FIG. 6). The flat surfaces 64 serve as heat transfer surfaces. Each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 extends generally on a plane. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 extends generally on a horizontal plane so that the two flat surfaces 64 are arranged top and bottom. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, Each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 extends along the rear surface of the casing 51 and left side surface from a first end 63a (right end in this embodiment) to a second end 63b (left front end in this embodiment). Each of the heat transfer tube 63 is connected to the inlet/outlet header 71 or the intermediate header 72 at the first end 63a and is connected to the connection header 74 at the second end 63b (refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B). A plurality of small internal flow paths 65 are formed in each of the heat transfer tubes 63 (refer to FIG. 6). The plurality of internal flow paths 65 extends along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tubes 63 from the first end 63a to the second end 63b. The refrigerant flows through these internal flow paths 65.

In each of the

heat exchange portions

61, 62, the plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 are arranged in a plurality of stages at an predetermine interval along a certain direction so that the flat surface 64 of the heat transfer tube 63 faces the flat surface 64 of the adjacent heat transfer tube 63 (refer to FIG.6). In this embodiment, the plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 are arranged in a plurality of stages at an predetermine interval along the vertical direction so that the upper flat surface 64 of the heat transfer tube 63 faces the lower flat surface 64 of the adjacent heat transfer tube 63.

The plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 are divided into a heat transfer tube group constituting the upwind main heat exchange section 61a, a heat transfer tube group constituting the upwind sub heat exchange section 61b, a heat transfer tube group constituting the downwind main heat exchange section 62a, and a heat transfer tube group constituting the downwind sub heat exchange section 62b.

Each of the heat transfer fins 66 extends in a certain direction intersecting a direction along which the heat transfer tubes 63 extend. In this embodiment, each of the heat transfer fins 66 extends in the vertical direction. The plurality of notches 67 are formed at a predetermined interval in the direction along which the heat transfer fins 66 extends. Each notch 67 extends in an insertion direction of the heat transfer tubes 63 which is perpendicular to the direction along which the heat transfer fins 66 extends and the direction along which the heat transfer tubes 63 extends. In each of the notches 67, one of the heat transfer tubes 63 is inserted. Detailed configuration of the heat transfer fin 66 will be explained in more detail

(4-2) Refrigerant Distributor
The refrigerant distributor 70 is connected to the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 and the lower portion of the inlet/outlet header 71. The refrigerant distributor 70 distributes the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant distributor 70 through the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 and supply the distributed refrigerant to the lower part of the inlet/outlet header 71. The refrigerant distributor 70 merges the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant distributor from the lower part of the inlet/outlet header 71 and lead the merged refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant pipe 35

(4-3) Inlet/Outlet Header
The inlet/outlet header 71 is arranged on a first end 61c side of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 of the heat exchange portion 60 (refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B). In this embodiment, the inlet/outlet header 71 is arranged on the right end side of the upwind heat exchange portion 61. The first end 63a of the heat transfer tube 63 of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 is connected to the inlet/outlet header 71. The inlet/outlet header 71 extends in the vertical direction. The internal space of the inlet/outlet header 71 is divided into an upper part and a lower part in the vertical direction with a baffle (not shown). The heat transfer tube 63 of the upwind main heat exchange section 61a of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 communicates with the upper internal space of the inlet/outlet header 71 at the first end 63a side. The heat transfer tube 63 of the upwind sub heat exchange section 61b of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 communicates with the lower internal space of the inlet/outlet header 71 at the first end 63a side. The first gas refrigerant pipe 33 is connected to the upper portion of the inlet/outlet header 71. The refrigerant flows between the upwind main heat exchange section 61a and the first gas refrigerant pipe 33 via the upper part of the inlet/outlet header 71. The lower part of the inlet/outlet header 71 is connected to the refrigerant distributor 70. The refrigerant flows between the upwind sub heat exchange section 61b and the refrigerant distributor 70 via the lower part of the inlet/outlet header 71.

(4-4) Intermediate Header
The intermediate header 72 is arranged on a first end 62c side of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 of the heat exchange portion 60 (refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B). In this embodiment, the intermediate header 72 is arranged on the right end side of the downwind heat exchange portion 62. The first end 63a of the heat transfer tube 63 of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 is connected to the intermediate header 72. The intermediate header 72 extends in the vertical direction. The internal space of the intermediate header 72 is divided into an upper part and a lower part in the vertical direction with a baffle (not shown). The heat transfer tube 63 of the downwind main heat exchange section 62a of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 communicates with the upper internal space of the intermediate header 72 at the first end 63a side. The heat transfer tube 63 of the downwind sub heat exchange section 62b of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 communicates with the lower internal space of the intermediate header 72 at the first end 63a side. The upper space and the lower space of the intermediate header 72 are also divided into a plurality of spaces by baffles (not shown). The upper space and the lower space of the intermediate header 72 are connected to each other through intermediate connecting pipes 73 or the like. The refrigerant flows between the downwind main heat exchange section 62a and the downwind sub heat exchange section 62b via the intermediate header 72.

(4-5) Connection Header
The connection header 74 is arranged on

second ends

61d, 62d side of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 and the downwind heat exchange portion 62 of the heat exchange portion 60 (refer to FIGS. 5A and 5B). In this embodiment, the connection header 74 is arranged on the left front ends side of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 and the downwind heat exchange portion 62. The second end 63b of the heat transfer tube 63 of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 and the downwind heat exchange portion 62 is connected to the connection header 74. The connection header 74 extends in the vertical direction. The connection header 74 defines a communication space thorough which the second end 63b of the heat transfer tube 63 of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 communicates with the second end 63b of the heat transfer tube 63 of the downwind heat exchange portion 62. The refrigerant flows between the upwind heat exchange portion 61 and the downwind heat exchange portion 62 via the connection header 74.

(4-6) Flow of the Refrigerant in Heat-Source-Side Heat Exchanger
The refrigerant flow in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is illustrated.

During the heating operation of the air conditioner 1, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 functions as the evaporator. As shown in FIG.5A, the refrigerant flowing the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 flows into the upwind sub heat exchange section 61b of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 through the refrigerant distributor 70 and the lower part of the inlet/outlet header 71. After flowing the upwind sub heat exchange section 61b, the refrigerant flows into the downwind sub heat exchange section 62b of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 through the lower part of the connection header 74. After flowing the downwind sub heat exchange section 62b, the refrigerant flows into the downwind main heat exchange section 62a of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 through the intermediate header 72 and intermediate connecting pipes 73. After flowing the downwind main heat exchange section 62a, the refrigerant flows into the upwind main heat exchange section 61a of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 through the upper part of the connection header 74. The refrigerant that has passed through the upwind main heat exchange section 61a flows out to the first gas refrigerant pipe 33 through the upper part of the inlet/outlet header 71. When the refrigerant flows in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 in this way, the refrigerant evaporates by exchanging heat with the air.

During the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 functions as a radiator. As shown in FIG.5B, the refrigerant flowing first gas refrigerant pipe 33 flows into the upwind main heat exchange section 61a of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 through the upper part of the inlet/outlet header 71. After flowing the upwind main heat exchange section 61a, the refrigerant flows into the downwind main heat exchange section 62a of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 through the upper part of the connection header 74. After flowing the downwind main heat exchange section 62a, the refrigerant flows into the downwind sub heat exchange section 62b of the downwind heat exchange portion 62 through the intermediate header 72 and intermediate connecting pipes 73. After flowing the downwind sub heat exchange section 62b, the refrigerant flows into the upwind sub heat exchange section 61b of the upwind heat exchange portion 61 through the lower part of the connection header 74. The refrigerant that has passed through the upwind sub heat exchange section 61b flows out to the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 through the lower part of the inlet/outlet header 71 and the refrigerant distributor 70. When the refrigerant flows in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 in this way, the refrigerant radiates by exchanging heat with the air.

(5) Detailed Configuration of Heat Transfer Fin
Next, the detailed configuration of the heat transfer fin 66 is described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 12. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view showing the heat exchange portion 60 of heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 as seen from a direction along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube 63. FIG. 8 is a view showing a main part of the heat transfer fin 66. FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of the heat transfer fin 66 taken in the direction of an arrow IX-IX of FIG. 8. FIG. 10A is a partially enlarged view within an oval XA of FIG. 9. FIG. 10B is a partially enlarged view within an oval XB of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view of the heat transfer fin 66 taken in the direction of an arrow XI-XI of FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view of the heat transfer fin 66 taken in the direction of an arrow XII-XII of FIG. 8.

Each of the heat transfer fin 66 primary has a main body 660 and

tabs

100, 200. The main body 660 includes heat transfer surfaces 660s that contact with the air supplied by the heat-source-side fan 36. The

tabs

100, 200 include rear tabs 100 and front tabs 200. The rear tabs 100 have connecting portion 110 connected with the main body 660. The front tabs 200 have connecting portion 210 connected with the main body 660.

The main body 660 is an elongated plate-shaped portion extending in a direction (this direction is referred as the first direction D1 below). In this embodiment, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 is disposed in the heat source unit 2 so that the first direction D1 generally corresponds with the vertical direction. The heat transfer fin 66 may be made from a flat plate by press working.

A large number of notches 67 are formed in the heat transfer fin 66 so that notches 67 are arranged apart from each other along the first direction D1. Notches 67 are arranged with a predetermined interval along the first direction D1. Each of the notch 67 includes a tube insertion portion 80. The tube insertion portion 80 has a width W1 in the first direction D1 which generally corresponds with a thickness T1 of the heat transfer tube 63 between two flat surfaces 64 (refer to FIGS. 7 and 8). The heat transfer tube 63 is inserted into the tube insertion portion 80 of the notches 67 along a second direction D2. In other words, the tube insertion portion 80 of the notch 67 receives the heat transfer tube 63 along the second direction D2. The direction along which the heat transfer tube 63 is inserted is referred as a tube insertion direction hearinafter. The main body 660 extends from a rear edge 660a to a front edge 660b in the second direction D2 (refer to FIG.9). The notches 67 extend from the rear edge 660a toward the front edge 660b (refer to FIG.8). When the heat transfer fins 66 are used in the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, the rear edge 660a is disposed at the upstream of an air flow direction generated by the heat-source-side fan 36 and the front edge 660b is disposed at the downstream of the air flow direction generated by the heat-source-side fan 36 (refer to FIG.7). The second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. A peripheral portion of the tube insertion portion 80 protrudes from a base surface 66a of the heat transfer fin 66 toward one side in a third direction D3. The base surface 66a of the heat transfer fin 66 refers to a surface of the heat transfer fin 66 before the respective portions including the tube insertion portion 80 is formed on the heat transfer fin 66. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third direction D3 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube 63 which is inserted into the tube insertion portion 80.

In the manufacturing process of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, heat transfer fins 66 are aligned in the third direction D3 and the heat transfer tubes 63 are inserted into the notches 67 of the heat transfer fins 66 along the second direction D2 so that the heat transfer tubes 63 fit into the tube insertion portions 80 of the notches 67. The heat transfer tubes 63 are then joined to the peripheral edge portion of the tube insertion portion 80 by brazing. After that, the heat transfer tubes 63 are bended in generally L shape as shown in FIG.3.

The main bodies 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 have a plurality of fin intermediate portions 81 located between the tube insertion portions 80. The heat transfer fins 66 also have rear portions 82 and forward portions 83. The rear portion 82 extends in the reverse direction of the tube insertion direction from an edge of the fin intermediate portion 81 on the rear edge 660a side. The fin front portion 83 extends in the tube insertion direction from an edge of the fin intermediate portion 81 on the front edge 660b side.

The fin intermediate portion 81 includes a pedestal portion 84 which projects with respect to the base surface 66a in the third direction D3. The pedestal portion 84 includes a flat surface 85. The pedestal portion 84 is located at the middle portion of the tube insertion portion 80 in the second direction D2. The flat surface 85 is disposed at a position away from the base surface 66a in the third direction D3. The flat surface 85 is disposed further away from the base surface 66a in the third direction D3 compared with the tube insertion portion 80.

The main bodies 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 have the rear rib portions 92 on the rear side of the pedestal portions 84 in the tube insertion direction. The main bodies 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 also have the front rib portions 96 on the front side of the pedestal portions 84 in the tube insertion direction. The rear rib portions 92 and the front rib portions 96 project with respect to the base surface 66a in the third direction D3.

Each of the rear rib portions 92 has U-shape when viewed along the third direction D3. The rear rib portion 92 includes a first part 93 and a second part 94 extending in the second direction D2 and a third part 95 extending in the first direction D1. The first part 93 and the second part 94 of the rear rib portions 92 extend in the second direction D2 across the intermediate portion 81 and the rear portion 82. The third part 95 of the rear rib portions 92 extends in the first direction D1 from an end of the first part 93 of the rear rib portions 92 locating adjacent to the intermediate portion 81 to an end of the second part 94 of the rear rib portions 92 locating adjacent to the intermediate portion 81.

Each of the front rib portions 96 has U-shape when viewed along the third direction D3. The front rib portion 96 includes a first part 97 and a second part 98 extending in the second direction D2 and a third part 99 extending in the first direction D1. The first part 97 and the second part 98 of the front rib portion 96 extend in the second direction D2 across the intermediate portion 81 and the front portion 83. The third part 99 of the front rib portion 96 extends in the first direction D1 from an end of the first part 97 of the front rib portion 96 locating adjacent to the intermediate portion 81 to an end of the second part 98 of the front rib portion 96 locating adjacent to the intermediate portion 81.

Next, the rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 are illustrated in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13.

(5-1) Rear Tabs and Front Tabs
In the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 having the heat transfer fins 66, the heat transfer fins 66 are arranged in the third direction D3 so that the heat transfer fins 66 abut the next heat transfer fins 66 as shown in FIG. 13. The rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 are provided to the heat transfer fins 66 to keep a distance between the main bodies 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 abutting each other. Specifically, the rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 extend from the main bodies 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 in the third direction D3. The rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 extend further away from the base surface 66a of the main bodies 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 in the third direction D3 compared to the other portion such as the

rib portions

92, 96. The rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 of the heat transfer fin 66 contact with the main bodies 660 of the adjacent heat transfer fin 66 and thereby maintains the distance between the main bodies 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 abutting each other.

The rear tabs 100 are formed on the main body 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 by cutting and raising work. Specifically, the rear tabs 100 are formed as follows.

The main body 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 are cut so that holes 100a (refer to FIG. 8) are formed on the main body 660. In this embodiment, the main body 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 are cut so that generally quadrilateral holes 100a are formed on the main body 660. Specifically, three edges of the quadrilateral hole 100a are cut on the main body 660 and the cut piece which is connected to the main body 660 at the connecting portion 110 is raised in the third direction D3 and bended so that the rear tab 100 is formed into a configuration described below.

The rear tab 100 is disposed closer to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 than the front edge 660b of the main body 660. The rear tab 100 is arranged at a space which is surrounded by the first part 93, the second part 94 and the third part 95 of the rear rib portion 92 when viewed from the third direction D3. The rear tab 100 is disposed in the vicinity of the center of the space, which is surrounded by the first part 93, the second part 94 and the third part 95 of the rear rib portion 92, in the first direction D1, but the rear tab 100 (the connecting portion 110) is located closer to the second part 94 of the rear rib portion 92 compare to the first part 93 of the rear rib portion 92. The connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100 extends generally along the second direction D2. The rear tabs 100 are arranged over the intermediate portion 81 and the rear portion 82 in the second direction D2.

The front tabs 200 are formed on the main body 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 by cutting and raising work. Specifically, the rear tabs 200 are formed as follows.

The main body 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 are cut so that holes 200a (refer to FIG. 8) are formed on the main body 660. In this embodiment, the main body 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 are cut so that generally quadrilateral holes 200a are formed on the main body 660. Specifically, three edges of the quadrilateral hole 200a are cut on the main body 660 and the cut piece which is connected to the main body 660 at the connecting portion 210 is raised in the third direction D3 and bended so that front tabs 200 is formed into a configuration described below.

The front tab 200 is disposed closer to the front edge 660b of the main body 660 than the rear edge 660a of the main body 660. The front tab 200 is located at a space which is surrounded by the first part 97, the second part 98 and the third part 99 of the front rib portion 96 when viewed from the third direction D3. The front tab 200 is disposed in the vicinity of the center of the space, which is surrounded by the first part 97, the second part 98 and the third part 99 of the front rib portion 96, in the first direction D1, but the front tab 200 (the connecting portion 210) is located closer to the first part 97 of the front rib portion 96 compare to the second part 98 of the front rib portion 96. When the front tab 200 and the rear tab 100 are seen along the second direction D2, the front tab 200 and the rear tab 100 are misaligned. The connecting portion 210 of the front tab 200 extends generally along the second direction D2. The front tabs 200 are arranged over the intermediate portion 81 and the front portion 83 in the second direction D2.

With reference to FIG. 10A, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100 has a front end 110a and a rear end 110b. The front end 110a is an end located closest to the front edge 660b of the main body 660 of the heat transfer fin 66. The rear end 110b is an end located closest to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 of the heat transfer fin 66. When the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, each part of each of the rear tab 100 is arranged on a rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1 or closer to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 compared with the rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1. The rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1 extends in the third direction D3 through the front end 110a of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100.

Preferably, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, the rear tab 100 is arranged closer to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 compared to the first imaginary straight line IL except for the front end 110a of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100 (refer to FIG. 10A).

Preferably, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, a front verge 120 of the rear tab 100 approaches to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 as the front verge 120 of the rear tab 100 goes away from the main body 660 in the third direction D3 as shown in FIG. 10A. The front verge 120 of the rear tab 100 is a verge which is located at a near side of the front edge 660b of the main body 660 in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the front verge 120 is a straight line when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1 and the angle α between the front verge 120 and the main body 660 is larger than 90 degree when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1 (refer to FIG. 10A). For example, the angle α may be larger than 90 degree and smaller than 110 degree.

Further, preferably, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, a length La1 of a first brim 130 of the rear tab 100 in the second direction D2 is longer than a length La2 (La2<La1) of the connecting portion 110 of rear tab 100 in the second direction D2 (refer to FIG. 10A). In other words, an edge of the quadrilateral hole 100a which extends in the second direction D2 neat the first part 93 of the rear rib portion 92 is longer than an edge of the quadrilateral hole 100a which extends in the second direction D2 neat the second part 94 of the rear rib portion 92. The first brim 130 of the rear tab 100 is located at the distal side relative to the main body 660 in the third direction D3 when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1.

Preferably, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, a part of the rear tab 100 is arranged closer to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 compared to a rear-side second imaginary straight line ILa2 as shown in FIG. 10A. The rear-side second imaginary straight line ILa2 extends in the third direction D3 through the rear end 110b of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100.

Further, the rear tab 100 has a tip portion 150 and a farthest portion 140. The tip portion 150 is a portion located at the distal end relative to the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100 The farthest portion 140 is a portion located at the farthest from the main body 660 of the rear tab 100 in the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 11, the tip portion 150 of the rear tab 100 is preferably located closer to the main body 660 than the farthest portion 140 of the rear tab 100.

With reference to FIG. 10B, when the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1, the connecting portion 210 of the front tab 200 has a rear end 210b and a front end 210a. The front end 210a is an end located closest to the front edge 660b of the main body 660 of the heat transfer fin 66. The rear end 210b is an end located closest to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 of the heat transfer fin 66. When the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1, each part of each of the front tab 200 is arranged on a front-side first imaginary straight line ILb1 or closer to the front edge 660b of the main body 660 compared with the front-side first imaginary straight line ILb1. The front-side first imaginary straight line ILb1 extends in the third direction D3 through the rear end 210b of the connecting portion 210 of the front tab 200.

Preferably, when the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1, the front tab 200 is arranged closer to the front edge 660b of the main body 660 compared to the front-side first imaginary straight line ILb1 except for the rear end 210b of the connecting portion 210 of the front tab 200 (refer to FIG. 10B).

Preferably, when the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1, a rear verge 220 of the front tab 200 approaches to the front edge 660b of the main body 660 as the rear verge 220 of the front tab 200 goes away from the main body 660 in the third direction D3 as shown in FIG. 10B. The rear verge 220 of the front tab 200 is a verge which is located at a near side of the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 in the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the rear verge 220 is a straight line when the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1, and the angle β between the rear verge 220 and the main body 660 is larger than 90 degree when the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1 (refer to FIG. 10B). For example, the angle β may be larger than 90 degree and smaller than 110 degree.

Further, preferably, when the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1, a length Lb1 of a first brim 230 of the front tab 200 in the second direction D2 is longer than a length Lb2 (Lb2<Lb1) of the connecting portion 210 of front tab 200 in the second direction D2 (refer to FIG. 10B). In other words, an edge of the quadrilateral hole 200a which extends in the second direction D2 neat the second part 98 of the front rib portion 96 is longer than an edge of the quadrilateral hole 200a which extends in the second direction D2 neat the first part 97 of the front rib portion 96. The first brim 230 of the front tab 200 is located at the distal side relative to the main body 660 in the third direction D3 when the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1.

Preferably, when the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1, a part of the front tab 200 is arranged closer to the front edge 660b of the main body 660 compared to a front-side second imaginary straight line ILb2 as shown in FIG. 10B. The front-side second imaginary straight line ILb2 extends in the third direction D3 through the rear end 210b of the connecting portion 210 of the front tab 200.

Further, the front tab 200 has a tip portion 250 and a farthest portion 240. The tip portion 250 is a portion located at the distal end relative to the connecting portion 210 of the front tab 200 The farthest portion 240 is a portion located at the farthest from the main body 660 of the front tab 200 in the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 12, the tip portion 250 of the front tab 200 is preferably located closer to the main body 660 than the farthest portion 240 of the front tab 200.

(6) Features
Here, features of the fin 66 are explained using the rear tab 100 as an example of the first tab and the front tab 200 as an example of the second tab. It should be understood that the rear tab 100 can be as an example of the second tab and the front tab 200 can be as an example of the second tab.

(6-1)
The heat transfer fin 66 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used in a heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. The heat transfer fin 66 is provided with a main body 660 and at least one tab. In this embodiment, the heat transfer fin 66 at least includes the rear tabs 100. The main body 660 includes heat transfer surfaces 660s and a plurality of notches 67. The plurality of notches 67 are arranged apart from each other along the first direction D1. Each of the plurality of notches 67 receives the heat transfer tube 63 along the second direction D2. The main body 660 has the rear edge 660a at one end and the front edge 660b at the other end in the second direction D2. The rear edge 660a is an example of the first edge. The front edge 660b is an example of the second edge. Each of the rear tab 100 has a connecting portion 110 connected with the main body 660. The rear tab 100 extends from the connecting portion 110 in the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The rear tab 100 is disposed closer to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 than the front edge 660b of the main body 660. When the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, each part of the rear tab 100 is arranged on the rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1 or closer to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 compared with the rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1. The rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1 is an example of the first imaginary straight line. The rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1 extends in the third direction D3 through the front end 110a of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100. The front end 110a is an example of a first end. The front end 110a of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100 is an end located closest to the front edge 660b of the main body 660.

In the manufacturing process of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, heat transfer fins 66 are aligned in the third direction D3 so that the rear tabs 100 of the each heat transfer fin 66 contact with the main body 660 of the adjacent heat transfer fins 66. For example, the heat transfer fins 66 are aligned in the third direction D3 so that the second direction D2 corresponds with the vertical direction and the rear tabs 100 are arranged at the upper side and the front tabs 200 are arranged at the lower side. It should be understood that the heat transfer fins 66 may be arranged in the third direction D3 so that the second direction D2 correspond with the vertical direction and the rear tabs 100 are arranged at the lower side and the front tabs 200 are arranged at the upper side upward. Regarding the alignment process, conventional heat transfer fins have a following problem.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary view of the conventional heat transfer fin 66’ viewed from the direction being same with the sight direction of FIG. 9. In FIG. 15, similar reference symbols are used to indicate the similar portion, part, and element of the heat transfer fin 66 of the present disclosure. Conventionally, an inner edge of rear tab 100’ of the heat transfer fin 66’, which corresponds to the rear tab 100 of the heat transfer fin 66 of present embodiment, extends inwardly from the main body 660’of the heat transfer fin 66’ as shown in Figure 15. In other words, when the rear tab 100’ is seen along the first direction D1, at least part of the rear tab 100’ is arranged farther to the rear edge 660a’ of the main body 660 compared with the rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1’ which corresponds to the rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1 of the present embodiment. When these heat transfer fin 66’ are aligned as shown in FIG. 16, the rear tabs 100’ with the conventional shape tend to get unsuitably hook to the rear edge 660a’of the main body 660’ of the adjacent heat transfer fin 66’ as shown in FIG. 17. Further, the conventional shape of the heat transfer fins 66’ requires relatively long time to release the hooked heat transfer fins 66’ from the main body 660’ of the adjacent heat transfer fins 66’ once rear tabs 100’ gets unsuitably hooked to the main body 660’ of the adjacent heat transfer fins 66’.

On the contrary, the configuration of the rear tab 100 of the heat transfer fin 66 of the present disclosure can reduce the possibility that the rear tab 100 gets hooked to an adjacent heat transfer fin 66 when a plurality of heat transfer fins 66 are aligned along the third direction D3 in a manufacturing process of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. Further, the configuration of the rear tab 100 improves the detachability of the first tab hooked to the adjacent heat transfer fin 66, since the configuration does not require lift-up motion to take off the hooked heat transfer fin 66. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time to suitably align the heat transfer fins 66 when aligning the heat transfer fins 66 along the third direction D3.

(6-2)
When the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, the rear tab 100 is arranged closer to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 compared to the rear-side first imaginary straight line ILa1 except for the front end 110a of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100.

With this configuration, it is possible to further reduce the time to suitably align the heat transfer fins 66 when aligning the heat transfer fins 66 along the third direction D3.

(6-3)
When the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, the front verge 120 of the rear tab 100 preferably approaches to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 as the front verge 120 of the rear tab 100 goes away from the main body 660 in the third direction D3. The front verge 120 of the rear tab 100 is located at the near side of the front edge 660b of the main body 660 in the second direction D2.

Preferably, the front verge 120 is a straight line when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1. The angle α between the front verge 120 and the main body 660 is larger than 90 degree when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1.

(6-4)
When the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, the length La1 of the first brim 130 of the rear tab 100 in the second direction D2 is longer than the length La2 of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100 in the second direction D2. The first brim 130 of the rear tab 100 is located at the distal side relative to the main body 660 in the third direction D3.

If the length La1 of the first brim 130 of the rear tab 100 in the second direction D2 is smaller than the length La2 of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100 in the second direction D2, the relatively short first brim 130 tends to plunge into the hole 100a of the adjacent heat transfer fin 66 during the alignment process of the heat transfer fins 66.

On the contrary, the configuration of the rear tab 100 of the heat transfer fin 66 according to the present embodiment can reduce the possibility that the rear tab 100 is unsuitably plunged into the hole 100a formed to make the rear tab 100 on the main body 660 of the adjacent heat transfer fin 66.

(6-5)
When the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, a part of the rear tab 100 is arranged closer to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 compared to the rear-side second imaginary straight line ILa2. The rear-side second imaginary straight line ILa2 extends in the third direction D3 through the rear end 110b of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100. The rear end 110b of the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100 is located closest to the first edge of the main body 660.

This configuration of the rear tab 100 of the heat transfer fin 66 can reduce the possibility that the rear tab 100 is unsuitably plunged into the hole 100a formed to make the first tab on the main body 660 of the adjacent heat transfer fin 66.

(6-6)
The rear tab 100 has the tip portion 150 and the farthest portion 140. The tip portion 150 is located at the distal end relative to the connecting portion 110 of the rear tab 100. The farthest portion 140 of the rear tab 100 is located at the farthest from the main body 660 in the third direction D3. The tip portion 150 of the rear tab 100 is located closer to the main body 660 than the farthest portion 140 of the rear tab 100.

This configuration makes it possible to reduce the friction between the rear tab 100 and the adjacent heat transfer fins 66. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time to suitably align the heat transfer fins 66 when aligning the heat transfer fins 66 along the third direction D3.

(6-7)
The heat transfer fin 66 has the front tabs 200 which are disposed closer to the front edge 660b of the main body 660 than the rear edge 660a of the main body 660. When the front tab 200 is seen along the first direction D1, each part of the front tab 200 is arranged on the front-side first imaginary line ILb1 or closer to the front edge of the main body 660 compared to the front-side first imaginary line ILb1. The front-side first imaginary line ILb1a is an example of the third imaginary straight line. The front-side first imaginary line ILb1 extends in the third direction D3 through the rear end 210b of the connecting portion 210 of the front tab 200. The rear end 210b of the connecting portion 210 of the front tab 200 is located closest to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660.

By arranging at least the rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 along the second direction D2, it is easier to keep a proper distance between the heat transfer fins 66. It should be understood more than three tabs may be arranged along the second direction D2.

Further, if the conventional heat transfer fins 66’ are used, during the alignment process of the heat transfer fins 66’, there is a relatively high possibility that the adjacent heat transfer fin 66’ get on the front tabs 200’ of the heat transfer fin 66’ as shown in FIG. 18.

On the contrary, the configuration of the front tab 200 of the heat transfer fin 66 reduces the possibility that an adjacent heat transfer fin 66 gets hooked to the front tab 200 when a plurality of heat transfer fins 66 are aligned along the third direction D3 in a manufacturing process of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. Also, the configuration of the front tab 200 improves the detachability of the heat transfer fin 66 hooked to the front tab 200. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the time to suitably align the heat transfer fins 66 when aligning the heat transfer fins 66 along the third direction D3.

(6-8)
When the rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 are seen along the second direction D2, the rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 are misaligned.

(7) Modifications
(7-1) Modification A
The locations of the

tabs

100, 200 in the above embodiment are merely an example. It should be understood that the locations of the

tabs

100, 200 can be changed variously without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

(7-2) Modification B
In the above embodiment, the front verge 120 is a straight line when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1.

However, the front verge may be a curved line, as shown as the front verge 120a in FIG. 14A, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1. Regarding the front verge 120a, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, the front verge 120a of the rear tab 100 approaches to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 as the front verge 120a of the rear tab 100 goes away from the main body 660 in the third direction D3.

In another example, the front verge may include a curved line portion and a straight line portion, as shown as the front verge 120b in FIG. 14B, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1.

(7-3) Modification C
In the above embodiment, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, the front verge 120 of the rear tab 100 approaches to the rear edge 660a of the main body 660 as the front verge 120 of the rear tab 100 goes away from the main body 660 in the third direction D3.

However, as shown in FIG. 14C, the front verge 120c of the rear tab 100 may be a straight line extending in the third direction D3 when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1. In other word, when the rear tab 100 is seen along the first direction D1, the angle γ between the front verge 120 and the main body 660 may be 90 degree. This configuration of the rear tab 100 can improve the detachability of the first tab hooked to the adjacent heat transfer fin 66, since the configuration does not require lift-up motion to take off the hooked heat transfer fin 66.

(7-4) Modification D
In the above embodiment, the

holes

100a, 200a formed to make the rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 have generally quadrilateral shape. However, the shape of the

holes

100a, 200a are not limited to the quadrilateral shape as long as the rear tabs 100 and the front tabs 200 can be formed in the configurations such as exemplarily disclosed.

(7-5) Modification E
In the above embodiment, the rear tabs 100 and front tabs 200 are formed on the main body 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 by cutting and raising work. However, the rear tabs 100 and front tabs 200 may be formed by another method. For example, separate elements may be attached to the main body 660 of the heat transfer fins 66 to form the rear tabs 100 and front tabs 200.

(7-6) Modification F
In the above embodiment, the tip portion 150 of the rear tab 100 is located closer to the main body 660 than the farthest portion 140 of the rear tab 100. Although it is preferable that the tip portion 150 is located closer to the main body 660 than the farthest portion 140, the tip portion 150 of the rear tab 100 may be located at the farthest from the main body 660 in the third direction D3.

(7-7) Modification G
The structure of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 in the above embodiment is illustrated as mere an example. It should be understood that the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 can have various modification without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, the number of the row of the heat exchange portion 60 of the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 may be one or more than three. Further, it is not necessary that the

heat exchange portions

61, 62 are divided in to the main

heat exchange sections

61a, 62a and the sub

heat exchange sections

61b, 62b. Further, it is not necessary that the heat exchange portion 60 has a generally L-shape and the heat exchange portion 60 may have another shape such as straight shape or U-shape.

(7-8) Modification H
In the above embodiment, the heat transfer fins 66 are used for the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. However, the heat transfer fins 66 may be used for the usage-side heat exchanger 41.

(7-9) Modification I
In the above embodiment, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 using the heat transfer fins 66 are used for the air conditioner 1. But, the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 may be used another type of the refrigeration cycle device such as a water heater.

<Note>
The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above for mere examples. It should be understood that various changes in configuration and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

1 Air Conditioner (Refrigeration Cycle Device)
23 Heat-Source-Side Heat Exchanger (Heat Exchanger)
63 Heat Transfer Tube
66 Heat Transfer Fin (Fin)
67 Notch
100 Rear Tab (First Tab, Second Tab)
110 Connecting Portion
110a Front End (First End of Connecting Portion of the First Tab, First End of Connecting Portion of the Second Tab)
110b Rear End (Second End)
120 First Verge
130 First Brim
140 Farthest Portion
150 Tip Portion
200 Front Tab (Second Tab, First Tab)
210 Connecting Portion
210a Front End (Second End)
210b Rear End (First End of Connecting Portion of the Second Tab, First End of Connecting Portion of the First Tab)
220 First Verge
230 First Brim
240 Farthest Portion
250 Tip Portion
660 Main Body
660a Rear Edge (First Edge, Second Edge)
660b Front Edge (Second Edge, First Edge)
660s Heat Transfer Surface
D1 First Direction
D2 Second Direction
D3 Third Direction
ILa1 Rear-Side First Imaginary Straight Line (First Imaginary Straight Line, Third Imaginary Straight Line)
ILa2 Rear-Side Second Imaginary Straight Line (Second Imaginary Straight Line)
ILb1 Front-Side First Imaginary Straight Line (Third Imaginary Straight Line, First Imaginary Straight Line)
ILb2 Front-Side Second Imaginary Straight Line (Second Imaginary Straight Line)
La1 Length of First Brim of Rear Tab (Length of First Brim of First Tab)
Lb1 Length of First Brim of Front Tab (Length of First Brim of First Tab)
La2 Length of Connecting Portion of Rear Tab (Length of Connecting Portion of First Tab)
Lb1 Length of Connecting Portion of Front Tab (Length of Connecting Portion of Second Tab)

[PATENT LITERATURE 1] Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2016-84976

Claims

A fin (66) used in a heat exchanger (23), comprising:
a main body (660) having a heat transfer surface (660s) and a plurality of notches (67), the plurality of notches being arranged apart from each other along a first direction (D1), each of the plurality of notches receiving a heat transfer tube (63) along a second direction (D2), the main body having a first edge (660a, 660b) at one end and a second edge (660b, 660a) at the other end in the second direction; and
at least one tab (100, 200) having a connecting portion (110, 210) connected with the main body, the tab extending from the connecting portion in a third direction (D3) being perpendicular to both the first and second directions,
wherein
the tab includes a first tab (100, 200) disposed closer to the first edge of the main body than the second edge of the main body, and
when the first tab is seen along the first direction, each part of the first tab is arranged on a first imaginary straight line (ILa1, ILb1) or closer to the first edge of the main body compared with the first imaginary straight line, the first imaginary straight line extending in the third direction through a first end (110a, 210b) of the connecting portion of the first tab which is located closest to the second edge of the main body.
The fin according to claim 1, wherein
when the first tab is seen along the first direction, the first tab is arranged closer to the first edge of the main body compared to the first imaginary straight line except for the first end of the connecting portion of the first tab.
The fin according to claim 2, wherein
when the first tab is seen along the first direction, a first verge (120, 220) of the first tab located at a near side of the second edge of the main body in the second direction approaches to the first edge of the main body as the first verge of the first tab goes away from the main body in the third direction.
The fin according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
when the first tab is seen along the first direction, a length (La1, Lb1) of a first brim (130, 230) of the first tab, which is located at a distal side relative to the main body in the third direction, in the second direction, is longer than a length (La2, Lb2) of the connecting portion of the first tab in the second direction.
The fin according to claim 4, wherein
when the first tab is seen along the first direction, a part of the first tab is arranged closer to the first edge of the main body compared to a second imaginary straight line (ILa2, ILb2), the second imaginary straight line extending in the third direction through a second end (110b, 210a) of the connecting portion of the first tab which is located closest to the first edge of the main body.
The fin according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
the first tab has a tip portion (150, 250) which is located at a distal end relative to the connecting portion of the first tab and a farthest portion (140, 240) which is located at the farthest from the main body of the first tab in the third direction, and
the tip portion of the first tab is located closer to the main body than the farthest portion of the first tab.
The fin according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein
the tab includes a second tab (200, 100) disposed closer to the second edge of the main body than the first edge of the main body, and
when the second tab is seen along the first direction, each part of the second tab is arranged on a third imaginary straight line (ILb1, ILa1) or closer to the second edge of the main body compared to the third imaginary straight line, the third imaginary straight line extending in the third direction through a first end (210b, 110a) of the connecting portion of the second tab which is located closest to the first edge of the main body.
The fin according to claim 7, wherein
when the first tab and the second tab are seen along the second direction, the first tab and the second tab are misaligned.
An heat exchanger (23) comprising:
a plurality of fins (66), each of the fins being the fin according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and
a plurality of heat transfer tubes (63) inserted into the notches (67) of the fins.
An refrigeration cycle device (1) comprising:
the heat exchanger according to claim 9.