WO2024085405A1 - Heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat exchanger may comprise: a plurality of refrigerant tubes provided to allow refrigerant to flow; and headers coupled to ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes. The header may comprise: a header housing disposed on one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes; an inlet pipe that penetrates the header housing to be connected to one of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, and forms a flow path through which refrigerant is introduced into the refrigerant tube; and a plurality of distribution baffles that are disposed inside the header housing, so that the refrigerant introduced into the refrigerant tube from the inlet pipe flows out from the refrigerant tube and is distributed in both directions inside the header housing.

Description

heat exchanger

The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger with a header of improved structure.

Generally, a heat exchanger is a device used in a refrigeration cycle and functions as a condenser or evaporator.

A heat exchanger is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outside air, including a refrigerant tube in which the refrigerant flows inside and exchanges heat with the outside air, and a heat exchange fin that contacts the refrigerant tube to expand the heat dissipation area.

This refrigerant tube may include a bent portion to allow the refrigerant to flow reciprocally, and may have an end open toward one side of the heat exchanger.

At this time, a separate structure is needed to transfer refrigerant between adjacent refrigerant tubes.

One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a heat exchanger in which refrigerant can be easily transferred between a plurality of refrigerant tubes through a header of an improved structure.

A heat exchanger according to one aspect of the disclosed invention may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes through which refrigerant flows. The heat exchanger may include a header coupled to ends of a plurality of refrigerant tubes.

The header may include a header housing disposed on one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes. The header may include an inlet pipe that penetrates the header housing and is connected to one of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, forming a flow path for introducing refrigerant into the refrigerant tube. The header may include a plurality of distribution baffles disposed inside the header housing so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube from the inlet pipe flows out of the refrigerant tube and is distributed in both directions within the header housing.

The inlet pipe may include a refrigerant inlet located outside the header housing and a refrigerant outlet located inside the header housing and connected to the refrigerant tube.

The header is connected to the refrigerant tube coupled with the refrigerant outlet of the inlet pipe to recover the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube to the header, and further includes a connecting pipe extending from the header housing to the inside of the header housing. It can be included.

The plurality of distribution baffles may include a first distribution baffle disposed on a side of the inlet pipe and in which a first baffle hole is formed, and a second distribution baffle disposed to be spaced apart from the first distribution baffle and in which a second baffle hole is formed. You can.

The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube through the inlet pipe is recovered to the header, flows in a first direction through the first baffle hole of the first distribution baffle, and passes through the second baffle hole of the second distribution baffle. It may flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The refrigerant that has passed through the first baffle hole of the first distribution baffle may pass through a connection space formed between the inlet pipe and the header housing and flow into another refrigerant tube.

The header housing may include a first header housing and a second header housing that is covered by the first header housing and is coupled to the first header housing inside the first header housing.

The second header housing may include an inlet through hole through which the inlet pipe penetrates the inside of the second header housing.

The second header housing may further include a plurality of partition baffles and a plurality of refrigerant flow spaces formed by the plurality of partition baffles and connecting two refrigerant tubes disposed adjacently to each other.

The header housing may include a connecting hole formed in a base portion of the header housing to allow the plurality of refrigerant tubes to be inserted into the header housing.

The header may further include a connection space formed between the inlet pipe, a refrigerant tube connected to the inlet pipe, and the header housing.

The header includes a first row and a second row parallel to the first row, some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes coupled to the first row, and some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes coupled to the second row. Refrigerant tubes may be provided to communicate with each other inside the header housing.

The header may include a first row to which the inlet pipe is coupled and a second row parallel to the first row, and may further include an outlet pipe coupled to the second row to discharge refrigerant on which heat exchange has been completed.

The header may further include a bending pipe coupled to the header housing to connect some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged along the first row and some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged along the second row. You can.

The header may further include a sensor holder brazed to the header housing to accommodate a sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant.

A heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes through which refrigerant flows, and a header coupled to one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes.

The header may include a header housing. The header may include an inlet pipe that penetrates the header housing and is connected to one of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, forming a flow path for introducing refrigerant into the refrigerant tube. The header may include a first distribution baffle disposed inside the header housing so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube flows out of the refrigerant tube and flows in a first direction inside the header housing. The header may include a second distribution baffle disposed inside the header housing and spaced apart from the first distribution baffle such that the refrigerant flowing out of the refrigerant tube flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The header is a connection space formed between the inlet pipe and the header housing so that the refrigerant passing through the first distribution baffle is separated from the refrigerant flowing inside the inlet pipe and flows into another refrigerant tube adjacent to the refrigerant tube. may include.

The connection space may be formed outside the inlet pipe.

The inlet pipe includes a refrigerant inlet located outside the header, a refrigerant outlet located inside the header, and an inlet body provided between the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet and disposed inside the header housing. can do.

The header is connected to the refrigerant tube coupled with the inlet pipe to recover the refrigerant that flows into the refrigerant tube and exchanges heat to the header, and is separated from the header housing between the first distribution baffle and the second distribution baffle. It may further include a connecting pipe extending inside the header housing.

The refrigerant that has passed through the first distribution baffle may flow through the connection space to pass through the outside of the inlet body.

The structure of the heat exchanger can be simplified by implementing the refrigerant transfer structure between the plurality of refrigerant tubes as a header type.

Since the inlet pipe is directly connected to the refrigerant tube and the refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant tube is distributed inside the header, there is no need for a separate distribution structure outside the header.

By applying a refrigerant transfer structure using a header, space utilization on the side of the heat exchanger can be increased.

1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the header of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2 from the inside.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2 from the side.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2 from the outside.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the header taken along line A-A' in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the header taken along line B-B' in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the header taken along line C-C' in FIG. 5.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the refrigerant tube and header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 10 separated.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 10.

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and at the time of filing this application, there may be various modifications that can replace the embodiments and drawings in this specification.

In addition, the same reference numbers or symbols shown in each drawing of this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

Additionally, the terms used herein are used to describe embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or limit the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. The existence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not excluded in advance.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second”, etc. used in this specification may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms It is used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first component may be named a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and similarly, the second component may also be named a first component. The term “and/or” includes any of a plurality of related stated items or a combination of a plurality of related stated items.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 1 may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes 30 through which the refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins 10 disposed on the outside of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30. .

The interior of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30 may be open so that the refrigerant, which is a fluid, can flow, thereby forming a passage through which the refrigerant flows.

The plurality of refrigerant tubes 30 may be micro-channel refrigerant tubes. Microchannel refrigerant tubes can be defined as tubes with a hydraulic diameter of 3 mm or less. Hydraulic diameter is the cross-sectional area of the tube divided by the circumference of the tube.

The refrigerant may flow along the flow path formed in the refrigerant tube 30 and compress or expand to emit heat to the surroundings or absorb heat from the surroundings. In order for the refrigerant to compress or expand and efficiently release or absorb heat, heat exchange fins 10 may be coupled to the refrigerant tube 30.

The heat exchange fin 10 shown in FIG. 1 is not a single configuration, but schematically shows a plurality of heat exchange fins 10. Accordingly, a plurality of heat exchange fins 10 of the heat exchanger 1 according to the disclosed invention may be provided.

A plurality of heat exchange fins 10 may be arranged at regular intervals in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the refrigerant tube 30 extends. The heat exchange fin 10 may include an aluminum alloy material with high thermal conductivity.

The heat exchange fin 10 may be bonded to the outer surface of the refrigerant tube 30 to substantially expand the heat exchange area of the refrigerant tube 30 with external air.

The narrower the spacing at which the heat exchange fins 10 are stacked, the more heat exchange fins 10 can be arranged. However, if the gap between the heat exchange fins 10 becomes too narrow, the heat exchange fins 10 may act as resistance to the flow of external air flowing into the heat exchanger 1.

Therefore, the spacing of the heat exchange fins 10 can be appropriately adjusted to minimize pressure loss.

Heat exchanger 1 may include a support plate 20.

The support plate 20 may be provided so that connecting pipes 130 and 140 connected to the refrigerant tube 30 are mounted. The support plate 20 may be disposed on one side of the refrigerant tube 30 to support the open end of the refrigerant tube 30.

Refrigerant tubes 30 may be arranged in multiple rows.

For example, the refrigerant tube 30 is a part through which refrigerant flows and may be arranged side by side along one side of the support plate 20.

Headers 100 are coupled to ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30, so that refrigerant exchange between adjacent refrigerant tubes 30 can be performed.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the header of the heat exchanger shown in Figure 1. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2 from the inside. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2 from the side. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2 from the outside.

2 to 5, the header 100 may include header housings 110 and 120.

The header housings 110 and 120 may be disposed on one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30. The header housing may form the exterior of the header 100.

The header housings 110 and 120 may include a first header housing 110 and a second header housing 120 .

The first header housing 110 and the second header housing 120 may be coupled to each other. The first header housing 110 may be disposed outside the second header housing 120. The second header housing 120 may be disposed inside the first header housing 110.

The first header housing 110 may cover one open surface of the second header housing 120. An inlet pipe 150, an outlet pipe 160, a bending pipe 180, and a sensor holder 170 may be coupled to the first header housing 110.

The second header housing 120 may be covered by the first header housing 110. The second header housing 120 may be connected to the connecting pipes 130 and 140.

Details regarding the first header housing 110 and the second header housing 120 will be described later.

Header 100 may include connecting pipes 130 and 140.

Connecting pipes 130 and 140 may extend from the header housing to the inside of the header housing.

For example, the connecting pipes 130 and 140 may extend from the second header housing 120 to the inside of the second header housing 120 .

The connecting pipes 130 and 140 and the second header housing 120 may be joined by welding. However, the method of coupling the connecting pipes 130 and 140 and the second header housing 120 is not limited to this.

The first connecting pipe 130 is a refrigerant tube 30 coupled to the refrigerant outlet 152 of the inlet pipe 150 to recover the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30 from the inlet pipe 150 to the header 100. ) can be connected to.

This first connecting pipe 130 may be arranged parallel to the inlet pipe 150. In FIG. 2, the refrigerant tube 30 connected to the first connecting pipe 130 is omitted.

Alternatively, other connecting pipes 130 and 140 may connect the header 100 and the refrigerant tube 30 to transfer the refrigerant from the header 100 to the refrigerant tube 30.

A plurality of connecting pipes 130 and 140 may be provided and connected to a plurality of refrigerant tubes 30, respectively.

The connecting pipes 130 and 140 may include a first connecting pipe 130 and a second connecting pipe 140.

The header 100 of the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention may include a first column (L1) and a second column (L2).

The first row (L1) and the second row (L2) may be arranged side by side. The first column (L1) and the second column (L2) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the header 100.

The inlet pipe 150 may be coupled to the first row (L1) of the header 100, and the outlet pipe 160 may be coupled to the second row (L2) of the header 100.

The refrigerant tube 30 may be disposed along the first row L1 of the header 100. Additionally, the refrigerant tube 30 may be disposed along the second row L2 of the header 100.

The first row (L1) and the second row (L2) may correspond to the front and rear of the heat exchanger (1) based on the direction shown in FIG. 1. However, depending on the arrangement direction of the heat exchanger 1, the reference directions of the first row (L1) and the second row (L2) may vary.

The first connecting pipe 130 may be disposed in the first row (L1) of the header 100. The second connecting pipe 140 may be disposed in the second row (L2) of the header 100.

Header 100 may include an inlet pipe 150 and an outlet pipe 160.

The inlet pipe 150 may pass through the header housings 110 and 120 and be connected to one refrigerant tube 30 among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30 . The inlet pipe 150 may form a flow path through which refrigerant flows into the refrigerant tube 30. The inlet pipe 150 may be coupled to the first row (L1) of the header 100.

The inlet pipe 150 may include a refrigerant inlet 151, a refrigerant outlet 152, and an inlet body 153.

The refrigerant inlet 151 may be located outside the header housings 110 and 120. The refrigerant outlet 152 is located inside the header housings 110 and 120 and may be connected to the refrigerant tube 30.

The inlet body 153 may be provided between the refrigerant inlet 151 and the refrigerant outlet 152 and may be provided to penetrate the inside of the header housings 110 and 120. A portion of the inlet body 153 may be disposed inside the header housings 110 and 120.

The outlet pipe 160 may be coupled to the second row L2 of the header 100 to discharge the refrigerant on which heat exchange has been completed to the outside of the heat exchanger.

Header 100 may include a sensor holder 170.

The sensor holder 170 may be coupled to the first header housing 110. The sensor holder 170 may be provided to accommodate a sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant. Alternatively, the sensor holder 170 may be provided to support the sensor.

The sensor holder 170 may be joined to the first header housing 110 by brazing. However, the method of combining the sensor holder 170 and the header housing is not limited to this.

For example, the sensor holder 170 may be coupled to the first header housing 110. The sensor holder 170 may be coupled to the outside of the first header housing 110 to support or accommodate the sensor.

Header 100 may include a bending pipe 180.

The bending pipe 180 is a header to connect some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30 arranged along the first row (L1) and some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30 arranged along the second row (L2) with each other. It may be coupled to the housings 110 and 120.

For example, two bending pipes 180 may be provided at both ends of the header 100.

The bending pipe 180 includes a refrigerant tube 30 disposed on the outermost side of the header 100 among the refrigerant tubes 30 in the first row (L1) and a header ( It may be provided to connect the refrigerant tubes 30 disposed on the outermost side of 100 to each other.

For example, the upper bending pipe 180 includes the refrigerant tube 30 disposed on the upper outer side of the header 100 among the refrigerant tubes 30 in the first row (L1) and the refrigerant tube in the second row (L2). (30) It may be provided to connect the refrigerant tubes 30 disposed on the upper outer side of the header 100 to each other. The lower bending pipe 180 is one of the refrigerant tubes 30 in the first row (L1) disposed on the lower outer side of the header 100 and the refrigerant tubes 30 in the second row (L2). It may be provided to connect the refrigerant tubes 30 disposed on the lower outer side of the header 100 to each other.

Through this, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30 through the inlet pipe 150 coupled to the first column (L1) moves to the second column (L2) and the outlet pipe coupled to the second column (L2) It can be discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (1) through 160).

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 2.

The detailed configuration of the header 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first header housing 110 may include an inlet connection part 111, an outlet connection part 112, a bending pipe insertion part 113, and a sensor mounting part 114.

The inlet connection portion 111 may be provided by cutting a portion of the first header housing 110 so that the inlet pipe 150 penetrates the first header housing 110. The inlet pipe 150 passing through the inlet connection portion 111 passes through the first header housing 110 and extends inside the second header housing 120 and may be connected to the refrigerant tube 30 .

The outlet connection portion 112 may be provided by cutting a portion of the first header housing 110 so that the outlet pipe 160 penetrates the first header housing 110. The outlet pipe 160 passing through the outlet connection portion 112 passes through the first header housing 110 and extends inside the second header housing 120, and its end is accommodated inside the second header housing 120. It can be.

The bending pipe insertion portion 113 may be provided by cutting a portion of the first header housing 110 to allow the bending pipe 180 to be inserted. For example, the bending pipe insertion portion 113 may be provided to be inserted into both ends of the bending pipe 180.

In addition, since the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention includes two bending pipes 180 as shown in FIG. 6, the bending pipe 180 insertion portion is installed on both sides of the header 100. Can be arranged in pairs.

The sensor mounting portion 114 may be provided by cutting a portion of the first header housing 110 so that the sensor holder 170 can be attached to it.

The second header housing 120 may include a base portion 124, an inlet through hole 125, and a bending pipe through hole 126.

The base portion 124 may form one side of the second header housing 120. For example, the base portion 124 may be provided to connect the connecting pipes 130 and 140. The base portion 124 may be provided in a long plate shape so that the connecting pipes 130 and 140 pass therethrough.

The inlet through hole 125 may be provided by cutting a portion of the base portion 124 so that the inlet pipe 150 passes through it. The bending pipe through hole 126 may be formed by cutting a portion of the base portion 124 so that the bending pipe 180 passes through it.

The inlet through hole 125 may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling position of the inlet pipe 150. The bending pipe through hole 126 may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling position of the bending pipe 180.

The inlet pipe 150 and the bending pipe 180 can respectively penetrate the header housing and be directly coupled to the refrigerant tube 30 through the inlet through hole 125 and the bending pipe through hole 126.

The second header housing 120 may include a plurality of distribution baffles 121 and 122.

The plurality of distribution baffles 121 and 122 are disposed inside the header housing so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30 from the inlet pipe 150 flows out of the refrigerant tube 30 and is distributed in both directions inside the header housing. It can be.

For example, the plurality of distribution baffles 121 and 122 may be disposed on the base portion 124 to be spaced apart from each other with the first connecting pipe 130 interposed therebetween.

The plurality of distribution baffles 121 and 122 may include a first distribution baffle 121 and a second distribution baffle 122 .

The first distribution baffle 121 may be disposed on a side of the inlet pipe 150 and include a first baffle hole 1211. The first distribution baffle 121 is disposed inside the header housing so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30 connected to the inlet pipe 150 flows out of the refrigerant tube 30 and flows in the first direction inside the header housing. It can be.

The second distribution baffle 122 is disposed to be spaced apart from the first distribution baffle 121 and may include a second baffle hole 1221. The second distribution baffle 122 is disposed inside the header housing so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30 connected to the inlet pipe 150 flows out of the refrigerant tube 30 and flows in a second direction inside the header housing. It can be.

The refrigerant recovered to the header 100 through the first connecting pipe 130 disposed between the first distribution baffle 121 and the second distribution baffle 122 flows in the first direction through the first distribution baffle 121. and may flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction through the second distribution baffle 122.

The second header housing 120 may include a plurality of partition baffles 123 and a refrigerant flow space 127.

A plurality of partition baffles 123 may be disposed on the base portion 124 of the second header housing 120. The plurality of partition baffles 123 may define a plurality of refrigerant flow spaces 127. The plurality of refrigerant flow spaces 127 may be provided to connect adjacent refrigerant tubes 30 among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30 to each other.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the header taken along line A-A' in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the header taken along line B-B' in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the header taken along line C-C' in FIG. 5.

7 to 9, the flow of refrigerant inside the header 100 of the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described. 7 to 9, the refrigerant tube 30 is omitted. The portion indicated by a dotted line in FIGS. 7 and 8 indicates the refrigerant flow inside the refrigerant tube 30.

FIG. 7 shows the refrigerant flow in the first row (L1) of the header 100, and FIG. 8 shows the refrigerant flow in the second row (L2) of the header 100.

As shown in FIG. 7, refrigerant may flow into the heat exchanger 1 through the inlet pipe 150.

The refrigerant inlet 151 of the inlet pipe 150 may be disposed on the outside of the header 100, and the refrigerant outlet 152 of the inlet pipe 150 may be disposed on the inside of the header 100. Additionally, a portion of the inlet body 153 of the inlet pipe 150 may be disposed inside the header 100. That is, the inlet pipe 150 may be arranged to penetrate the header housings 110 and 120.

The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30 through the inlet pipe 150 may flow into the first connecting pipe 130. At this time, the refrigerant flowing into the first connecting pipe 130 disposed between the first distribution baffle 121 and the second distribution baffle 122 is connected to the first baffle hole 1211 of the first distribution baffle 121. It may flow in a first direction through and may flow in a second direction through the second baffle hole 1221 of the second distribution baffle 122.

At this time, the first direction may mean the right side with respect to FIG. 7 and the second direction may mean the left side with respect to FIG. 7 .

The refrigerant that has passed through the first baffle hole 1211 of the first distribution baffle 121 passes through the connection space S1 formed between the inlet pipe 150 and the header housings 110 and 120 to the inlet pipe 150. ) may flow into the first connecting pipe 130 disposed on one side and flow into the refrigerant tube 30 connected to the first connecting pipe 130.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9 , the connection space S1 may be formed by the inlet pipe 150, the first header housing 110, and the second header housing 120. The connection space (S1) is a refrigerant tube 30 adjacent to the refrigerant tube 30 connected to the inlet pipe 150, where the refrigerant passing through the first distribution baffle 121 is divided from the refrigerant flowing inside the inlet pipe 150. It can be arranged to flow into (30).

The connection space S1 may be formed outside the inlet pipe 150. The refrigerant that has passed through the first distribution baffle 121 may flow through the connection space S1 to pass through the outside of the inlet body 153.

Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30 through the inlet pipe 150 may be distributed in both directions by the plurality of distribution baffles 121 and 122 inside the header 100.

Thereafter, the refrigerant may sequentially flow through each refrigerant flow space 127 formed by the partition baffle 123 of the header 100 through different refrigerant tubes 30 arranged adjacently.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the refrigerant flowing in both directions through the plurality of distribution baffles 121 and 122 flows through the first row L1 of the header 100 through the bending pipe 180 and then flows into the header ( It can flow along the second column (L2) of 100).

The refrigerant introduced into the second column L2 of the header 100 through the bending pipe 180 may flow from the outside of the header 100 toward the outlet pipe 160. The refrigerant may sequentially flow through the different refrigerant tubes 30 arranged adjacently through each refrigerant flow space 127 formed by the partition baffle 123 of the header 100.

Finally, the refrigerant for which heat exchange has been completed may be collected in the refrigerant flow space 127 connected to the outlet pipe 160 and discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger 1 through the outlet pipe 160.

In the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention, the structure of the heat exchanger can be simplified by implementing the refrigerant transfer structure between the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30 in the header 100 type.

In addition, the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention has an inlet pipe directly connected to the refrigerant tube, and the refrigerant recovered from the refrigerant tube is distributed inside the header 100, so that it is separated from the outside of the header 100. There is no need for a distribution structure.

In addition, the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention can increase space utilization on the side of the heat exchanger by applying a refrigerant transfer structure using the header 100.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the refrigerant tube and header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 10 separated. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of the header of the heat exchanger shown in FIG. 10.

The heat exchanger 1a according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the heat exchanger 1a includes a plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a through which the refrigerant flows, and a heat exchange fin 10a disposed outside the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a. may include.

A plurality of heat exchange fins 10a may be arranged at regular intervals in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the refrigerant tube 30a extends. The heat exchange fin 10a may include an aluminum alloy material with high thermal conductivity.

The heat exchange fin (10a) is bonded to the outer surface of the refrigerant tube (30a) and may serve to substantially expand the heat exchange area of the refrigerant tube (30a) with the external air.

The narrower the spacing at which the heat exchange fins 10a are stacked, the more heat exchange fins 10a can be arranged. However, if the gap between the heat exchange fins 10a becomes too narrow, the heat exchange fins 10a may act as resistance to the flow of external air flowing into the heat exchanger 1a.

Therefore, the spacing of the heat exchange fins 10a can be appropriately adjusted to minimize pressure loss.

Heat exchanger 1a may include a support plate 20a.

The support plate 20a may be disposed on one side of the refrigerant tube 30a to support the end of the refrigerant tube 30a.

The refrigerant tubes 30a may be arranged in multiple rows.

For example, the refrigerant tube 30a is a part through which refrigerant flows and may be arranged side by side along one side of the support plate 20a.

Headers 100a are coupled to ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a, so that refrigerant exchange can be performed between adjacent refrigerant tubes 30a.

The header 100a of the heat exchanger 1a according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 has separate connecting pipes 130 and 140, unlike the header 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. may not include. The header 100a of the heat exchanger 1a according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 can be implemented in such a way that a plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a are directly inserted into the interior of the header 100a. there is.

Header 100a may include header housings 110a and 120a.

The header housings 110a and 120a may be disposed on one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a. The header housings 110a and 120a may form the exterior of the header 100a.

The header housings 110a and 120a may include a first header housing 110a and a second header housing 120a.

The first header housing 110a and the second header housing 120a may be coupled to each other. The first header housing 110a may be disposed outside the second header housing 120a. The second header housing 120a may be disposed inside the first header housing 110a.

The first header housing 110a may cover one open surface of the second header housing 120a. An inlet pipe 150a, an outlet pipe 160a, and a sensor holder 170a may be coupled to the first header housing 110a.

The second header housing 120a may be covered by the first header housing 110a.

The header 100a of the heat exchanger 1a according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention may include a first column L1 and a second column L2.

The first row (L1) and the second row (L2) may be arranged side by side. The first column (L1) and the second column (L2) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the header (100a).

The inlet pipe 150a may be coupled to the first column L1 of the header 100a, and the outlet pipe 160a may be coupled to the second column L2 of the header 100a.

The refrigerant tube 30a may be disposed along the first row L1 of the header 100a. Additionally, the refrigerant tube 30a may be disposed along the second row L2 of the header 100a.

The first row (L1) and the second row (L2) may correspond to the front and rear of the heat exchanger (1a) based on the direction shown in FIG. 12. However, the reference directions of the first row (L1) and the second row (L2) may vary depending on the arrangement direction of the heat exchanger (1a).

The header housings 110a and 120a may include a connecting hole formed in the base portion 124a of the header housings 110a and 120a to allow the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a to be inserted into the header housings 110a and 120a. There can be multiple connecting holes.

The connecting hole may include a first connecting hole 130a and a second connecting hole 140a. The first connecting hole 130a may be arranged along the first row L1 of the header 100a. The second connecting hole 140a may be arranged along the second row L2 of the header 100a.

Header 100a may include an inlet pipe 150a and an outlet pipe 160a.

The inlet pipe 150a may pass through the header housings 110a and 120a and be connected to one refrigerant tube 30a among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a. The inlet pipe 150a may form a flow path for introducing refrigerant into the refrigerant tube 30a. The inlet pipe 150a may be coupled to the first row L1 of the header 100a.

The inlet pipe 150a may include a refrigerant inlet 151a, a refrigerant outlet 152a, and an inlet body 153a.

The refrigerant inlet 151a may be located outside the header housings 110a and 120a. The refrigerant outlet 152a is located inside the header housings 110a and 120a and may be connected to the refrigerant tube 30a.

The inlet body 153a may be provided between the refrigerant inlet 151a and the refrigerant outlet 152a and may be provided inside the header housings 110a and 120a.

The outlet pipe 160a may be coupled to the second row L2 of the header 100a to discharge the heat-exchanged refrigerant to the outside of the heat exchanger 1a.

Header 100a may include a sensor holder 170a.

The sensor holder 170a may be coupled to the header housings 110a and 120a. The sensor holder 170a may be provided to accommodate a sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant. Alternatively, the sensor holder 170a may be provided to support the sensor.

The sensor holder 170a may be joined to the header housings 110a and 120a by brazing. However, the method of combining the sensor holder 170a and the header housings 110a and 120a is not limited to this.

For example, the sensor holder 170a may be coupled to the first header housing 110a. The sensor holder 170a may be coupled to the outside of the first header housing 110a to support or accommodate the sensor.

The heat exchanger 1a according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 may be prepared not to include a separate bending pipe, unlike the heat exchanger 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.

Accordingly, the heat exchanger 1a according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 includes some refrigerant tubes 30a among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a coupled to the first row L1 and the first heat exchanger 1a. Some of the refrigerant tubes 30a among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a coupled to the second row (L2) may be provided to communicate with each other inside the header housing.

For example, the header housings 110a and 120a include a refrigerant tube 30a disposed on the outermost side of the header 100a among the refrigerant tubes 30a in the first row L1 and a refrigerant tube in the second row L2. It may be provided to connect the refrigerant tubes 30a disposed on the outermost side of the header 100a among (30a) to each other.

For example, the header housings 110a and 120a include a refrigerant tube 30a disposed on the upper outer side of the header 100a among the refrigerant tubes 30a in the first row L1 and a refrigerant tube in the second row L2. It may be provided to connect the refrigerant tubes 30a disposed on the upper outer side of the header 100a (30a) to each other. The header housings (110a, 120a) are one of the refrigerant tubes (30a) in the first row (L1) disposed on the lower outer edge of the header (100a) and the refrigerant tubes (30a) in the second row (L2). It may be provided to connect the refrigerant tubes 30a disposed on the lower outer side of the header 100a to each other.

Through this, the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube (30a) through the inlet pipe (150a) coupled to the first row (L1) moves to the second row (L2) and the outlet pipe ( It can be discharged to the outside of the heat exchanger (1a) through 160a).

The first header housing 110a may include an inlet connection part 111a, an outlet connection part 112a, a bending pipe insertion part, and a sensor mounting part 114a.

The inlet connection portion 111a may be provided by cutting a portion of the first header housing 110a so that the inlet pipe 150a penetrates the first header housing 110a. The inlet pipe 150a passing through the inlet connection portion 111a passes through the first header housing 110a, extends inside the second header housing 120a, and may be connected to the refrigerant tube 30a.

The outlet connection portion 112a may be provided by cutting a portion of the first header housing 110a so that the outlet pipe 160a penetrates the first header housing 110a. The outlet pipe 160a passing through the outlet connection portion 112a passes through the first header housing 110a and extends inside the second header housing 120a, and its end is accommodated inside the second header housing 120a. It can be.

The sensor mounting portion 114a may be provided by cutting a portion of the first header housing 110a so that the sensor holder 170a can be attached to it.

The second header housing 120a may include a base portion 124a.

The base portion 124a may form one side of the second header housing 120a. For example, connecting holes 130a and 140a may be provided in the base portion 124a.

The second header housing 120a may include a plurality of distribution baffles 121a and 122a.

A plurality of distribution baffles (121a, 122a) are in the header so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube (30a) from the inlet pipe (150a) flows out of the refrigerant tube (30a) and is distributed in both directions inside the header housing (110a, 120a). It may be placed inside the housings 110a and 120a.

For example, the plurality of distribution baffles 121a and 122a may be disposed on the base portion 124a to be spaced apart from each other with the first connecting hole 130a therebetween.

The plurality of distribution baffles 121a and 122a may include a first distribution baffle 121a and a second distribution baffle 122a.

The first distribution baffle 121a is disposed on the side of the inlet pipe 150a and may include a first baffle hole 1211a. The first distribution baffle 121a is a header so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30a connected to the inlet pipe 150a flows out of the refrigerant tube 30a and flows in the first direction inside the header housings 110a and 120a. It may be placed inside the housings 110a and 120a.

The second distribution baffle 122a is disposed to be spaced apart from the first distribution baffle 121a and may include a second baffle hole 1221a. The second distribution baffle 122a is a header so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube 30a connected to the inlet pipe 150a flows out of the refrigerant tube 30a and flows in the second direction inside the header housings 110a and 120a. It may be placed inside the housings 110a and 120a.

The refrigerant recovered to the header 100a through the first connecting hole 130a disposed between the first distribution baffle 121a and the second distribution baffle 122a flows in the first direction through the first distribution baffle 121a. and may flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction through the second distribution baffle 122a.

The heat exchanger 1a according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 may include a connection space S2 in the same way as the heat exchanger 1a shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.

The refrigerant that has passed through the first baffle hole 1211a of the first distribution baffle 121a passes through the connection space S2 formed between the inlet pipe 150a and the header housing to one side of the inlet pipe 150a. It may flow into the first connecting hole 130a and flow into the refrigerant tube 30a connected to the first connecting hole 130a.

The connection space (S2) is another refrigerant tube adjacent to the refrigerant tube 30a connected to the inlet pipe 150a, where the refrigerant passing through the first distribution baffle 121a is divided from the refrigerant flowing inside the inlet pipe 150a. It can be arranged to flow into (30a).

The connection space S2 may be formed outside the inlet pipe 150a. The refrigerant that has passed through the first distribution baffle 121a may flow through the connection space S2 to pass through the outside of the inlet body 153a.

The second header housing 120a may include a plurality of partition baffles 123a and a refrigerant flow space 127a.

A plurality of partition baffles 123a may be disposed on the base portion 124a of the second header housing 120a. The plurality of partition baffles 123a may define a plurality of refrigerant flow spaces 127a. The plurality of refrigerant flow spaces 127a may be provided to connect adjacent refrigerant tubes 30a among the plurality of refrigerant tubes 30a.

Therefore, unlike the heat exchanger 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, the heat exchanger 1a according to an embodiment of the disclosed invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 has a header ( A refrigerant delivery structure can be implemented through the connecting hole without forming a separate connecting pipe in 100a).

Additionally, a refrigerant transfer structure from the first row (L1) to the second row (L2) can be implemented through the header housings (110a, 120a) without forming a separate bending pipe in the header (100a).

In the above, specific embodiments are shown and described. However, it is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various changes without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the invention as set forth in the claims below. .

Claims (15)

a plurality of refrigerant tubes through which the refrigerant flows; and It includes a header coupled to the end of the plurality of refrigerant tubes. The header is a header housing disposed on one side of the plurality of refrigerant tubes; an inlet pipe that penetrates the header housing and is connected to one of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, forming a flow path for introducing refrigerant into the refrigerant tube; and A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of distribution baffles disposed inside the header housing so that the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube from the inlet pipe flows out of the refrigerant tube and is distributed in both directions within the header housing. According to paragraph 1, The inlet pipe is a refrigerant inlet located outside the header housing; and A heat exchanger comprising a refrigerant outlet located inside the header housing and connected to the refrigerant tube. According to paragraph 2, The header is A connecting pipe connected to the refrigerant tube coupled to the refrigerant outlet of the inlet pipe to recover the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube to the header, and extending from the header housing to the inside of the header housing; further comprising a. heat exchanger. According to paragraph 1, The plurality of distribution baffles are a first distribution baffle disposed on a side of the inlet pipe and having a first baffle hole; and A heat exchanger including a second distribution baffle disposed to be spaced apart from the first distribution baffle and having a second baffle hole. According to clause 4, The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant tube through the inlet pipe is recovered to the header, flows in a first direction through the first baffle hole of the first distribution baffle, and passes through the second baffle hole of the second distribution baffle. A heat exchanger that flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction. According to clause 5, A heat exchanger in which the refrigerant that has passed through the first baffle hole of the first distribution baffle passes through a connection space formed between the inlet pipe and the header housing and flows into another refrigerant tube. According to paragraph 1, The header housing is first header housing; and A second header housing covered by the first header housing and coupled to the first header housing inside the first header housing. In clause 7, The second header housing includes an inlet through hole through which the inlet pipe penetrates the inside of the second header housing. In clause 7, The second header housing is multiple compartment baffles; and A heat exchanger further comprising a plurality of refrigerant flow spaces formed by the plurality of partition baffles and connecting two refrigerant tubes disposed adjacently to each other. According to paragraph 1, The header housing is A connecting hole formed in a base portion of the header housing to allow the plurality of refrigerant tubes to be inserted into the header housing. According to clause 10, The header is A heat exchanger further comprising a connection space formed between the inlet pipe, a refrigerant tube connected to the inlet pipe, and the header housing. According to clause 10, The header is Comprising a first row and a second row parallel to the first row, A heat exchanger wherein some of the refrigerant tubes of the plurality of refrigerant tubes coupled to the first row and some refrigerant tubes of the plurality of refrigerant tubes coupled to the second row are provided to communicate with each other inside the header housing. According to paragraph 1, The header is It includes a first row where the inlet pipe is coupled and a second row parallel to the first row, A heat exchanger further comprising an outlet pipe coupled to the second row and provided to discharge the refrigerant on which heat exchange has been completed. According to clause 13, The header further includes a bending pipe coupled to the header housing to connect some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged along the first row and some of the plurality of refrigerant tubes arranged along the second row. heat exchanger. According to paragraph 1, The header is A heat exchanger further comprising a sensor holder brazed to the header housing to accommodate a sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant.

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