WO2025062640A1 - Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents

Abstract

A heat exchanger according to an embodiment has: a main heat exchange unit having a plurality of main refrigerant flow paths through which a refrigerant flow; and an auxiliary heat exchange unit through which the refrigerant flows between the main heat exchange unit and the auxiliary heat exchange unit. The auxiliary heat exchange unit has a plurality of heat transfer tubes having auxiliary refrigerant flow paths through which the refrigerant flows, and a header connected to the heat transfer tubes. The header has: a first plate material to which a refrigerant flow pipe for guiding the refrigerant is connected; one or a plurality of intermediate plate materials in which a space flow path into which the refrigerant is introduced is formed; and a second plate material to which the heat transfer tubes are connected. The space flow path has a merging part that merges the plurality of auxiliary refrigerant flow paths.

Description

Heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device.

Heat exchangers are used in air conditioning equipment, refrigeration equipment, and the like. For example, a heat exchanger may have a main heat exchange section and an auxiliary heat exchange section. In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant may flow through the auxiliary heat exchange section and then the main heat exchange section. When the auxiliary heat exchange section has multiple refrigerant flow paths, there is a possibility that the heat exchange performance in the main heat exchange section may be reduced due to the effects of factors such as the flow rate difference and pressure loss of the refrigerant in the multiple flow paths.

International Publication No. 2015/133626

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle device that can suppress the deterioration of heat exchange performance in the main heat exchange section.

The heat exchanger of the embodiment has a main heat exchange section having multiple main refrigerant flow paths through which a refrigerant flows, and an auxiliary heat exchange section through which the refrigerant flows between the main heat exchange section. The auxiliary heat exchange section has multiple heat transfer tubes having auxiliary refrigerant flow paths through which the refrigerant flows, and a header connected to the heat transfer tubes. The header has a first plate material to which a refrigerant flow path that guides the refrigerant is connected, one or more intermediate plate materials in which a spatial flow path into which the refrigerant is introduced is formed, and a second plate material to which the heat transfer tubes are connected. The spatial flow path has a junction section that joins the multiple auxiliary refrigerant flow paths.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the auxiliary heat exchange unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of an auxiliary heat exchange section in a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a structure of an auxiliary heat exchanger in a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of an auxiliary heat exchange section in a third embodiment.

The heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle device of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes a compressor 2, a four-way valve 3, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 4, an expansion device 5, and an indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 6. The components of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 are connected by piping 7. In Fig. 1, the flow direction of the refrigerant (heat medium) during cooling operation is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow direction of the refrigerant during heating operation is indicated by dashed arrows.

The compressor 2 comprises a compressor body 2A and an accumulator 2B. The compressor body 2A compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant taken in to produce high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The accumulator 2B separates the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and supplies the gas refrigerant to the compressor body 2A.

The four-way valve 3 reverses the flow direction of the refrigerant to switch between cooling and heating operation. During cooling operation, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 2, four-way valve 3, outdoor heat exchanger 4, expansion device 5, and indoor heat exchanger 6 in that order. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser. The indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as an evaporator.

During heating operation, the refrigerant flows through the compressor 2, four-way valve 3, indoor heat exchanger 6, expansion device 5, and outdoor heat exchanger 4 in that order. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 6 functions as a condenser. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.

The condenser converts the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 into high-pressure liquid refrigerant by condensing it through heat transfer to the outside air. The expansion device 5 reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent from the condenser, converting it into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The evaporator converts the low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant sent from the expansion device 5 into a low-pressure gas refrigerant by absorbing heat from the outside air and vaporizing it.

In the refrigeration cycle device 1, the refrigerant, which is the working fluid, circulates while changing phase between gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant releases heat during the phase change from gaseous refrigerant to liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat during the phase change from liquid refrigerant to gaseous refrigerant. The refrigeration cycle device 1 uses the heat release or absorption of the refrigerant to perform heating, cooling, defrosting, etc.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat exchanger according to an embodiment. For example, the heat exchanger according to the embodiment is used as one or both of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6 (see FIG. 1) of the refrigeration cycle device 1. Below, an example will be described in which the heat exchanger according to the embodiment is used as the outdoor heat exchanger 4 (see FIG. 1) of the refrigeration cycle device 1. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 will be simply referred to as "heat exchanger 4."

First Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchanger 4 according to the first embodiment includes a main heat exchange section 100, an auxiliary heat exchange section 200, and a piping unit 70 connecting the main heat exchange section 100 and the auxiliary heat exchange section 200.

The main heat exchange section 100 has a plurality of first refrigerant flow paths 101 (main refrigerant flow paths) through which the refrigerant flows, and a plurality of second refrigerant flow paths 102 (main refrigerant flow paths). The piping unit 70 has distributors 71 and 72. The first refrigerant flow path 101 is connected to the first distributor 71. The second refrigerant flow path 102 is connected to the second distributor 72. The two distributors 71 and 72 are connected to the auxiliary heat exchange section 200.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the auxiliary heat exchange section 200. As shown in FIG.
The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined as follows: The Z direction is the longitudinal direction of the first header. The Z direction is the height direction. For example, the Z direction is the vertical direction. +Z is upward. -Z is downward. The X direction is the central axis direction (extension direction) of the heat transfer tube. The X direction is perpendicular to the Z direction. For example, the X direction is the horizontal direction. +X is the direction from the heat transfer tube toward the first header. -X is the opposite direction to +X.

The Y direction is perpendicular to the X and Z directions. The Y direction is the left-right direction. +Y is one direction of the Y direction. -Y is the other direction of the Y direction. For example, the Y direction is the horizontal direction. The Y direction is the width direction of the first header. The Y direction is the first direction. The X direction is the second direction. The Z direction is the third direction. The YZ plane is the plane formed by the Y and Z directions.

As shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary heat exchange section 200 has a first header 10, a plurality of heat transfer tubes 30 (heat transfer section), and a second header (not shown). A refrigerant can flow between the auxiliary heat exchange section 200 and the main heat exchange section 100 (see FIG. 2). The first header 10 is connected to the +X side end (one end) of the heat transfer tubes 30. The second header is connected to the -X side end (one end) of the heat transfer tubes 30.

The first header 10 is formed in a flat plate shape parallel to the YZ plane. For example, when viewed from the X direction, the first header 10 is rectangular. The shape of the first header 10 is a rectangle whose longitudinal direction is along the Z direction. The first header 10 is formed from a material with high thermal conductivity and low specific gravity. For example, the first header 10 is formed from a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The first header 10 (header) comprises a first plate material 11, a first intermediate plate material 12, a second intermediate plate material 13, a third intermediate plate material 14, and a second plate material 15. The first plate material 11, the first intermediate plate material 12, the second intermediate plate material 13, the third intermediate plate material 14, and the second plate material 15 are stacked in this order.

The first intermediate plate 12 is placed on the -X side surface of the first plate 11. The second intermediate plate 13 is placed on the -X side surface of the first intermediate plate 12. The third intermediate plate 14 is placed on the -X side surface of the second intermediate plate 13. The second plate 15 is placed on the -X side surface of the third intermediate plate 14. The first plate 11, the first intermediate plate 12, the second intermediate plate 13, the third intermediate plate 14 and the second plate 15 are generally rectangular when viewed from the thickness direction (X direction). The first intermediate plate 12, the second intermediate plate 13 and the third intermediate plate 14 can be collectively referred to as "intermediate plate materials 12 to 14". The intermediate plate materials 12 to 14 are examples of "intermediate plate materials".

The -Y side of the first header 10 is the first side 10a. The +Y side of the first header 10 is the second side 10b.

The first plate material 11 is formed in a flat plate shape. A first connection port 50 and a second connection port 51 are formed in the first plate material 11. A first refrigerant port 52 (refrigerant flow pipe) is connected to the first connection port 50. A second refrigerant port 53 (refrigerant flow pipe) is connected to the second connection port 51. The first refrigerant port 52 and the second refrigerant port 53 are attached to the first plate material 11. The first refrigerant port 52 and the second refrigerant port 53 have flow paths through which the refrigerant flows. For example, the first refrigerant port 52 and the second refrigerant port 53 are perpendicular to the first plate material 11.

A spatial flow path 16 is formed in the intermediate plate members 12 to 14. The spatial flow path 16 has communicating spaces 17, 18 formed in the first intermediate plate member 12, connecting spaces 21 to 24 formed in the second intermediate plate member 13, and separate chambers 26 to 29 formed in the third intermediate plate member 14.

The communicating spaces 17, 18 formed in the first intermediate plate material 12 penetrate the first intermediate plate material 12 in the thickness direction. The communicating spaces 17, 18 are the first communicating space 17 (first junction, junction) and the second communicating space 18 (second junction, junction). The communicating spaces 17, 18 are elliptical when viewed from the X direction. The major axis direction of the communicating spaces 17, 18 is parallel to the Z direction. The major axes of the communicating spaces 17, 18 are the same as each other. The minor axes of the communicating spaces 17, 18 are the same as each other.

The first communication space 17 is located on the -Y side of the center of the first intermediate plate 12 in the Y direction. The first communication space 17 is formed at a position closer to the first side portion 10a (one side portion) than the center of the first header 10 in the Y direction (width direction). The center of the first communication space 17 is located lower than the center of the first intermediate plate 12 in the Z direction. The center of the first communication space 17 is located in a position that overlaps with the opening of the first refrigerant port 52.

The second communication space 18 is located on the +Y side of the center in the Y direction of the first intermediate plate 12. The second communication space 18 is formed at a position closer to the second side 10b (the other side) than the center in the Y direction (width direction) of the first header 10. The second communication space 18 is located on the +Y side compared to the first communication space 17. The center of the second communication space 18 is located higher than the center of the first communication space 17. The center of the second communication space 18 is located higher than the center in the Z direction of the first intermediate plate 12. The center of the second communication space 18 is located in a position that overlaps with the opening of the second refrigerant port 53.

The contact spaces 21 to 24 formed in the second intermediate plate 13 penetrate the second intermediate plate 13 in the thickness direction. The contact spaces 21 to 24 are the first contact space 21, the second contact space 22, the third contact space 23, and the fourth contact space 24. The contact spaces 21 to 24 are formed in a circular shape when viewed from the X direction. The diameters of the contact spaces 21 to 24 are the same.

The first communication space 21 and the third communication space 23 are located on the -Y side of the center in the Y direction of the second intermediate plate material 13. The first communication space 21 and the third communication space 23 are separated in the Z direction. The third communication space 23 is located on the +Z side of the first communication space 21. The first communication space 21 is located in communication with the first communication space 17. For example, the first communication space 21 is located so as to overlap the lower end of the first communication space 17. The third communication space 23 is located in communication with the first communication space 17. For example, the third communication space 23 is located so as to overlap the upper end of the first communication space 17.

The second communication space 22 and the fourth communication space 24 are located on the +Y side of the center in the Y direction of the second intermediate plate material 13. The second communication space 22 and the fourth communication space 24 are separated in the Z direction. The fourth communication space 24 is located on the +Z side of the second communication space 22. The second communication space 22 is located in communication with the second communication space 18. For example, the second communication space 22 is located in a position overlapping the lower end of the second communication space 18. The fourth communication space 24 is located in communication with the second communication space 18. For example, the fourth communication space 24 is located in a position overlapping the upper end of the second communication space 18.

The sub-chambers 26 to 29 formed in the third intermediate plate 14 penetrate the third intermediate plate 14 in the thickness direction. The sub-chambers 26 to 29 are a first sub-chamber 26, a second sub-chamber 27, a third sub-chamber 28, and a fourth sub-chamber 29. The sub-chambers 26 to 29 are elliptical when viewed from the X direction. The major axis direction of the sub-chambers 26 to 29 is parallel to the Y direction. The major axes of the sub-chambers 26 to 29 are the same as each other. The minor axes of the sub-chambers 26 to 29 are the same as each other.

The compartments 26 to 29 are spaced apart in the Z direction. The second compartment 27 is on the +Z side of the first compartment 26. The third compartment 28 is on the +Z side of the second compartment 27. The fourth compartment 29 is on the +Z side of the third compartment 28.

The first compartment 26 is positioned so as to overlap the first communication space 21. For example, the -Y side end of the first compartment 26 is positioned so as to overlap the first communication space 21. The second compartment 27 is positioned so as to overlap the second communication space 22. For example, the +Y side end of the second compartment 27 is positioned so as to overlap the second communication space 22. The third compartment 28 is positioned so as to overlap the third communication space 23. For example, the -Y side end of the third compartment 28 is positioned so as to overlap the third communication space 23. The fourth compartment 29 is positioned so as to overlap the fourth communication space 24. For example, the +Y side end of the fourth compartment 29 is positioned so as to overlap the fourth communication space 24.

The second plate material 15 has a plurality of outlets 41 to 44 formed therein. The outlets 41 to 44 penetrate the second plate material 15 in the thickness direction. The outlets 41 to 44 are a first outlet 41, a second outlet 42, a third outlet 43, and a fourth outlet 44. The outlets 41 to 44 are slit-shaped and extend along the Y direction.

The outlets 41 to 44 are spaced apart in the Z direction. The second outlet 42 is on the +Z side of the first outlet 41. The third outlet 43 is on the +Z side of the second outlet 42. The fourth outlet 44 is on the +Z side of the third outlet 43.

The first outlet 41 is positioned so as to overlap the first compartment 26. The second outlet 42 is positioned so as to overlap the second compartment 27. The third outlet 43 is positioned so as to overlap the third compartment 28. The fourth outlet 44 is positioned so as to overlap the fourth compartment 29.

The heat transfer tube 30 is a flat tube formed in a flat shape. The heat transfer tube 30 has a larger outer dimension (outer diameter) in the Y direction than the outer dimension (outer diameter) in the Z direction. For example, the outer diameter of the heat transfer tube 30 in the Y direction is at least twice the outer diameter in the Z direction. For example, the shape of the cross section (YZ cross section) of the heat transfer tube 30 perpendicular to the length direction is approximately oval or approximately elliptical.

One or more refrigerant flow paths 31 (auxiliary refrigerant flow paths) are formed inside the heat transfer tube 30. Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow paths 31. In the internal space of the heat transfer tube 30, multiple refrigerant flow paths 31 arranged in the Y direction (width direction) may be formed by one or more partition walls. The heat transfer tube 30 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity and low specific gravity. For example, the heat transfer tube 30 is formed of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The multiple heat transfer tubes 30 include a first heat transfer tube 32, a second heat transfer tube 33, a third heat transfer tube 34, and a fourth heat transfer tube 35. The first heat transfer tube 32 is connected to a first outlet 41. The second heat transfer tube 33 is connected to a second outlet 42. The third heat transfer tube 34 is connected to a third outlet 43. The fourth heat transfer tube 35 is connected to a fourth outlet 44.

The first heat transfer tube 32, the second heat transfer tube 33, the third heat transfer tube 34, and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 are located at different heights. The first heat transfer tube 32, the second heat transfer tube 33, the third heat transfer tube 34, and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 are arranged at intervals in the Z direction. The second heat transfer tube 33 is located adjacent to the first heat transfer tube 32 on the +Z side. The third heat transfer tube 34 is located adjacent to the second heat transfer tube 33 on the +Z side. The fourth heat transfer tube 35 is located adjacent to the third heat transfer tube 34 on the +Z side.

The first heat transfer tube 32 can circulate the refrigerant between the first compartment 26. The second heat transfer tube 33 can circulate the refrigerant between the second compartment 27. The third heat transfer tube 34 can circulate the refrigerant between the third compartment 28. The fourth heat transfer tube 35 can circulate the refrigerant between the fourth compartment 29.

Between adjacent heat transfer tubes 30 (32-35) vertically, an outside air flow path is formed along the Y direction. For example, the heat exchanger 4 circulates outside air (external gas) through the outside air flow path by a blower fan (not shown) or the like. F indicates the flow direction of the outside air. The heat exchanger 4 can exchange heat between the outside air flowing through the outside air flow path and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 31. The heat exchange is performed indirectly via the heat transfer tubes 30.

The flow of the refrigerant will be described in detail below. Fig. 3 shows the flow of the refrigerant when the heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.
As shown in Fig. 3, the refrigerant that flows into the first header 10 of the auxiliary heat exchange section 200 through the second refrigerant port 53 is introduced into the second communication space 18. The refrigerant that flows into the second communication space 18 is divided into the -Z side and the +Z side. The refrigerant divided into the -Z side flows into the second compartment 27 through the second communication space 22. The refrigerant flows from the second compartment 27 to the second heat transfer tube 33. The refrigerant divided into the +Z side flows into the fourth compartment 29 through the fourth communication space 24. The refrigerant flows from the fourth compartment 29 to the fourth heat transfer tube 35.

The refrigerant that flows through the second heat transfer tube 33 and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 circulates within the auxiliary heat exchange section 200, then turns around, for example, through the second header (not shown), and flows into the first heat transfer tube 32 and the third heat transfer tube 34. The refrigerant flows through the first heat transfer tube 32 and the third heat transfer tube 34 and into the spatial flow path 16 of the first header 10.

The refrigerant from the first heat transfer tube 32 (refrigerant flow path 31) is introduced into the first communication space 17 through the first compartment 26 and the first communication space 21. The refrigerant from the third heat transfer tube 34 (refrigerant flow path 31) is introduced into the first communication space 17 through the third compartment 28 and the third communication space 23.

The refrigerant from the first communication space 21 and the refrigerant from the third communication space 23 merge in the first communication space 17 (merging section). The refrigerant is discharged from the first refrigerant port 52 toward the main heat exchange section 100 (see Figure 2).

The refrigerant flow path 31, the first sub-chamber 26, and the first communication space 21 of the first heat transfer tube 32 form a first auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path 31, the third sub-chamber 28, and the third communication space 23 of the third heat transfer tube 34 form a third auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The first communication space 17 joins the two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths (the first auxiliary refrigerant flow path and the third auxiliary refrigerant flow path). The first communication space 17 is a junction that joins the refrigerant flow path 31 of the first heat transfer tube 32 and the refrigerant flow path 31 of the third heat transfer tube 34.

When the heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to when the heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator (see FIG. 3). The first side 10a of the first header 10 is located upstream of the flow direction F of the outside air.

The refrigerant flow path 31, the second sub-chamber 27, and the second communication space 22 of the second heat transfer tube 33 form a second auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path 31, the fourth sub-chamber 29, and the fourth communication space 24 of the fourth heat transfer tube 35 form a fourth auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The second communication space 18 merges the two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths (the second auxiliary refrigerant flow path and the fourth auxiliary refrigerant flow path).

In the heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment, a first communication space 17 (confluence portion) is formed in the first header 10, which merges the refrigerant flow path of the first heat transfer tube 32 and the refrigerant flow path of the third heat transfer tube 34 when used as an evaporator. In the heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment, a second communication space 18 (confluence portion) is formed in the first header 10, which merges the refrigerant flow path of the second heat transfer tube 33 and the refrigerant flow path of the fourth heat transfer tube 35 when used as a condenser. This allows the refrigerant flow path structure to be simplified. Therefore, compared to when the confluence portion is provided outside the header, the effects of the flow rate difference and pressure loss of the refrigerant in the multiple flow paths can be reduced. This allows the deterioration of heat exchange performance in the main heat exchange section 100 (see FIG. 1) to be suppressed.

The heat exchanger 4 requires less piping than when the junction is located outside the header. This reduces the number of parts. This allows the heat exchanger 4 to be made more compact (smaller).

The first communication space 17 (confluence portion) is formed in a position close to the first side portion 10a on the upstream side of the outside air flow direction F in the first header 10. Therefore, when the heat exchanger 4 is used as a condenser and heat exchange with the outside air is performed in the heat transfer tube 30, a large amount of refrigerant can be flowed to a position close to the upstream side of the heat transfer tube 30 in the flow direction F. Since the temperature difference between the outside air and the refrigerant is large on the upstream side of the outside air flow direction F, the amount of heat exchange can be increased. Therefore, the heat exchange performance in the auxiliary heat exchange section 200 can be improved.

Second Embodiment
4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the auxiliary heat exchange section 300 in the heat exchanger according to the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for the common components with the heat exchanger according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 3), and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the auxiliary heat exchange section 300 has a first header 310 and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 30 .
The first header 310 includes a first plate material 11, a first intermediate plate material 112, a second intermediate plate material 113, a third intermediate plate material 114, and a second plate material 15. The first plate material 11, the first intermediate plate material 112, the second intermediate plate material 113, the third intermediate plate material 114, and the second plate material 15 are stacked in this order.

A spatial flow path 116 is formed in the intermediate plate members 112 to 114. The spatial flow path 116 has a communication space 117 and a connecting space 118 formed in the first intermediate plate member 112, separate chambers 121, 122 and a connecting space 123 formed in the second intermediate plate member 113, and separate chambers 126, 127 and a connecting space 128 formed in the third intermediate plate member 114.

The contact space 117 formed in the first intermediate plate material 112 is formed in a circular shape. The contact space 117 is located on the +Y side of the center of the first intermediate plate material 112 in the Y direction.

The communication space 118 is located on the -Y side of the center in the Y direction of the first intermediate plate material 112. The communication space 118 is located on the -Y side compared to the contact space 117. The communication space 118 has an elliptical shape. The long diameter direction of the communication space 118 is parallel to the Z direction.

The compartments 121, 122 formed in the second intermediate plate 113 are the first compartment 121 and the second compartment 122. The compartments 121, 122 are elliptical in shape. The major axis direction of the compartments 121, 122 is parallel to the Y direction. The compartments 121, 122 are formed at an interval in the Z direction. The second compartment 122 is on the +Z side of the first compartment 121. The compartments 121, 122 are located in a position that communicates with the communication space 118.

The communication space 123 is circular. The communication space 123 is on the +Z side of the first compartment 121 and on the -Z side of the second compartment 122. The communication space 123 is located in a position that communicates with the communication space 117.

The compartments 126, 127 formed in the third intermediate plate 114 are a first compartment 126 and a second compartment 127. The compartments 126, 127 are elliptical in shape. The major axis direction of the compartments 126, 127 is parallel to the Y direction. The compartments 126, 127 are formed at an interval in the Z direction. The second compartment 127 is on the +Z side of the first compartment 126. The first compartment 126 is located in communication with the first compartment 121. The second compartment 127 is located in communication with the second compartment 122.
Additionally, the first outlet 41 of the second plate member 15 is positioned so as to overlap the first compartment 126. The fourth outlet 44 of the second plate member 15 is positioned so as to overlap the second compartment 127.

The communication space 128 (junction) is generally rectangular (rounded square). The communication space 128 is located on the +Z side of the first compartment 126 and on the -Z side of the second compartment 127. The communication space 128 is located in communication with the connection space 123.
Additionally, the second outlet 42 and the third outlet 43 of the second plate member 15 are positioned to overlap the communication space 128 .

The flow of the refrigerant is shown when the heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the refrigerant that flows into the first header 310 of the auxiliary heat exchange section 300 through the second refrigerant port 53 flows through the contact space 117, the contact space 123, and the communication space 128 to the second heat transfer tube 33 and the third heat transfer tube 34.

The refrigerant that flows through the second heat transfer tube 33 and the third heat transfer tube 34 circulates within the auxiliary heat exchange section 300, then turns around, for example, through the second header (not shown), and flows from the first heat transfer tube 32 and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 into the spatial flow path 116 of the first header 310.

The refrigerant from the first heat transfer tube 32 (refrigerant flow path 31) is introduced into the communication space 118 via the first compartment 126 and the first compartment 121. The refrigerant from the fourth heat transfer tube 35 (refrigerant flow path 31) is introduced into the communication space 118 via the second compartment 127 and the second compartment 122. The refrigerant from the first heat transfer tube 32 and the refrigerant from the fourth heat transfer tube 35 join in the communication space 118. The refrigerant is discharged from the first refrigerant port 52 toward the main heat exchange section 100 (see FIG. 2).

The refrigerant flow path 31, the first sub-chamber 126, and the first sub-chamber 121 of the first heat transfer tube 32 form a first auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path 31, the second sub-chamber 127, and the second sub-chamber 122 of the fourth heat transfer tube 35 form a fourth auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The communication space 118 merges the two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths (the first auxiliary refrigerant flow path and the fourth auxiliary refrigerant flow path).

When the heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to when the heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator (see FIG. 4). The first side 10a of the first header 10 is located upstream of the flow direction F of the outside air.

The refrigerant flow path 31 of the second heat transfer tube 33 is the second auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path 31 of the third heat transfer tube 34 is the third auxiliary refrigerant flow path. The communication space 128 merges the two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths (the second auxiliary refrigerant flow path and the third auxiliary refrigerant flow path).

In the heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment, a communication space 118 (junction) is formed in the first header 310 to join the refrigerant flow path of the first heat transfer tube 32 and the refrigerant flow path of the fourth heat transfer tube 35 when used as an evaporator. In the heat exchanger 4 of this embodiment, a communication space 128 (junction) is formed in the first header 310 to join the refrigerant flow path of the second heat transfer tube 33 and the refrigerant flow path of the third heat transfer tube 34 when used as a condenser. This allows the refrigerant flow path structure to be simplified. Therefore, compared to when the junction is provided outside the header, the effects of the flow rate difference and pressure loss of the refrigerant in the multiple flow paths can be reduced. This allows the deterioration of heat exchange performance in the main heat exchange section 100 (see FIG. 1) to be suppressed.

The heat exchanger 4 requires less piping than when the junction is located outside the header. This reduces the number of parts. This allows the heat exchanger 4 to be made more compact (smaller).

The communication space 118 is formed in a position close to the first side portion 10a on the upstream side of the outside air flow direction F in the first header 310. Therefore, when the heat exchanger 4 is used as a condenser and heat exchange with the outside air is performed in the heat transfer tube 30, a large amount of refrigerant can be flowed to a position close to the upstream side of the heat transfer tube 30 in the flow direction F. Since the temperature difference between the outside air and the refrigerant is large on the upstream side of the outside air flow direction F, the amount of heat exchange can be increased. Therefore, the heat exchange performance in the auxiliary heat exchange section 300 can be improved.

In this embodiment, the compartments 121, 122 formed in the second intermediate plate 113 are elliptical, but the shape of the compartments 121, 122 is not limited to this and may be circular. In this case, when the heat exchanger 4 is used as a condenser and heat exchange with the outside air is performed in the heat transfer tube 30, more refrigerant can be flowed to a position closer to the upstream side of the flow direction F.

Third Embodiment
Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing the structure of the auxiliary heat exchange section 400 in the heat exchanger according to the third embodiment. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the auxiliary heat exchange section 400. The same reference numerals are used for the common components with the heat exchangers according to the other embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

5, the auxiliary heat exchange section 400 has a first header 410, a plurality of heat transfer tubes 30, and a third header 420. The heat transfer tubes 30 may be serpentine tubes.
6, the first header 410 includes a first plate material 411, an intermediate plate material 414, and a second plate material 415. The first plate material 411, the intermediate plate material 414, and the second plate material 415 are stacked in this order.

The first header 410 has a spatial flow path 216. The spatial flow path 216 has a communication space 128 formed in the intermediate plate material 414. The second plate material 415 has a second outlet 42 and a third outlet 43.

FIG. 6 shows the flow of refrigerant when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.
5 and 6, the refrigerant that flows into the third header 420 of the auxiliary heat exchange section 400 through the second refrigerant port (not shown) branches and flows into the first heat transfer tube 32 and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 (see FIG. 4). The refrigerant that flows into the first heat transfer tube 32 and the fourth heat transfer tube 35 circulates within the auxiliary heat exchange section 400, and then turns back, for example, through the second header (not shown), and flows into the spatial flow path 216 of the first header 410 through the second heat transfer tube 33 and the third heat transfer tube 34.

The refrigerant from the second heat transfer tube 33 (refrigerant flow path 31) and the refrigerant from the third heat transfer tube 34 (refrigerant flow path 31) are introduced into the communication space 128 (junction) and merge. The refrigerant is discharged from the first refrigerant port 52 toward the main heat exchange section 100 (see Figure 2).

In the heat exchanger of this embodiment, a communication space 128 (junction) is formed in the first header 410, which joins the refrigerant flow path of the second heat transfer tube 33 and the refrigerant flow path of the third heat transfer tube 34. This allows the refrigerant flow path structure to be simplified. This reduces the effects of refrigerant flow rate differences and pressure losses in multiple flow paths compared to when the junction is provided outside the header. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration of heat exchange performance in the main heat exchange section 100 (see FIG. 1).

Although the heat exchanger and the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the embodiment have been described above, the configurations of the embodiments are not limited to the above examples.
For example, in the heat exchanger 4 shown in Fig. 3, the first header 10 has three intermediate plates 12 to 14, but the number of intermediate plates may be one or more (any number equal to or greater than two). That is, the number of intermediate plates may be one or more. In the first and second embodiments, flat tubes are used as the heat transfer tubes 30, but serpentine tubes may also be used as the heat transfer tubes 30. In the first and second embodiments, the diameters of the communication spaces are the same, but the diameters of the communication spaces do not have to be the same.

In addition, in this embodiment, the piping unit 70 has two distributors 71, 72, which distribute the refrigerant to the two refrigerant flow paths 101, 102 (see FIG. 2), but the flow path structure is not limited to this. For example, the flow path may be structured such that one distributor distributes the refrigerant to the two refrigerant flow paths 101, 102.

In this embodiment, the junction unit joins two auxiliary refrigerant flow paths, but the number of auxiliary refrigerant flow paths joined by the junction unit may be multiple (any number greater than or equal to two). For example, the junction unit may join three or more auxiliary refrigerant flow paths.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, a junction section that joins multiple auxiliary refrigerant flow paths is formed in the header. This allows the refrigerant flow path structure to be simplified. Therefore, compared to when the junction section is provided outside the header, the effects of refrigerant flow rate differences and pressure losses in multiple flow paths can be reduced. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in heat exchange performance in the main heat exchange section.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

1 Refrigeration cycle device 4 Heat exchanger 10, 310, 410 First header (header)
10a First side portion (one side portion)
11,411 First plate material 12,112 First intermediate plate material (intermediate plate material)
13,113 Second intermediate plate material (intermediate plate material)
14,114 Third intermediate plate material (intermediate plate material)
15, 415 Second plate material 16, 116, 216 Spatial flow passage 17 First communication space (junction)
18,118 Second communication space (merging part)
26 1st branch room (branch room)
28 3rd branch office (branch room)
30 Heat transfer tube 31 Refrigerant flow path (auxiliary refrigerant flow path)
32 First heat transfer tube (heat transfer tube)
33 Second heat transfer tube (heat transfer tube)
34 Third heat transfer tube (heat transfer tube)
35 Fourth heat transfer tube (heat transfer tube)
52 First refrigerant port (refrigerant flow pipe)
53 Second refrigerant port (refrigerant flow pipe)
100 Main heat exchange section 101 First refrigerant flow path (main refrigerant flow path)
102 Second refrigerant flow path (main refrigerant flow path)
128 Communication space (merging part)
200,300,400 Auxiliary heat exchange section 414 Intermediate plate material

Claims (5)

a main heat exchange unit having a plurality of main refrigerant flow paths through which a refrigerant flows;
an auxiliary heat exchange unit through which the refrigerant flows between the main heat exchange unit and the auxiliary heat exchange unit;
The auxiliary heat exchange section includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes having an auxiliary refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows;
a header connected to the heat transfer tube,
The header includes:
A first plate member to which a refrigerant flow pipe for guiding the refrigerant is connected;
One or more intermediate plates having spatial flow paths through which the coolant is introduced;
A second plate member to which the heat transfer tube is connected;
Equipped with
The spatial flow path has a junction portion where the plurality of auxiliary refrigerant flow paths join together.
Heat exchanger. the plurality of heat transfer tubes include a first heat transfer tube, a second heat transfer tube adjacent to the first heat transfer tube in a vertical direction, and a third heat transfer tube adjacent to the second heat transfer tube in a vertical direction,
The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the junction portion joins the auxiliary refrigerant flow passage of the first heat transfer tube and the auxiliary refrigerant flow passage of the third heat transfer tube. the plurality of heat transfer tubes include a first heat transfer tube, a second heat transfer tube adjacent to the first heat transfer tube in a vertical direction, and a third heat transfer tube adjacent to the second heat transfer tube in a vertical direction,
The heat exchanger according to claim 1 , wherein the junction portion joins the auxiliary refrigerant flow passage of the second heat transfer tube and the auxiliary refrigerant flow passage of the third heat transfer tube. The joining portion is formed at a position close to one side portion with respect to a center in a width direction of the header,
The side portion is located upstream in a flow direction of the external gas when heat exchange between the external gas and the heat transfer tube is performed.
2. The heat exchanger of claim 1. A refrigeration cycle device equipped with a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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