FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
HEAT EXCHANGER AND REFRIGERATION CYCLE APPARATUS
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED AND
EXISTING UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3,
MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION
AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
2
DESCRIPTION
Technical Field
[0001]
The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger that causes heat exchange
5 to be performed between refrigerant and air, and also relates to a refrigeration cycle
apparatus.
Background Art
[0002]
Heat exchangers have been known that cause heat exchange to be performed
10 between refrigerant and air. These heat exchangers include a finless heat
exchanger that has been known as not being provided with fins in the alignment
direction of heat transfer tubes. Due to the absence of the fins, the finless heat
exchanger does not have means to restrain the heat transfer tubes in their alignment
direction. Thus, the heat transfer tubes are more likely to be bent by a thermal
15 stress and assembly errors. This makes it difficult for the adjacent heat transfer
tubes to have a uniform pitch between them. If the adjacent heat transfer tubes
have a region with a smaller pitch than the other region, this causes an uneven air
flow, which leads to an increase in the airflow resistance. Thus, the region with a
smaller pitch is more likely to be clogged with dust and frost formed thereon.
20 [0003]
For the purpose of solving the above problems, Patent Literature 1 discloses a
heat exchanger provided with an auxiliary member. The auxiliary member has a
shape like comb teeth extending between the adjacent heat transfer tubes along the
alignment direction of refrigerant flow passages. With this configuration, Patent
25 Literature 1 is intended to maintain the adjacent heat transfer tubes at a uniform pitch.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0004]
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
30 2018-162953
3
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0005]
The heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is intended to maintain the
5 adjacent heat transfer tubes at a uniform pitch. However, due to the absence of the
fins, this heat exchanger has relatively low heat transfer property of the heat transfer
tubes.
[0006]
The present disclosure has been achieved to solve the above problems, and it
10 is an object of the present disclosure to provide a heat exchanger that improves heat
transfer property of heat transfer tubes, while having a uniform pitch between the heat
transfer tubes, and to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus.
Solution to Problem
[0007]
15 A heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
includes: a first header being configured to collect and deliver refrigerant and
extending in a first direction; a second header being configured to collect and deliver
refrigerant, being disposed at a position facing the first header and extending in the
first direction; and a plurality of heat transfer components each extending from the
20 first header to the second header and being provided at intervals along the first
direction, wherein the heat transfer components each includes a plurality of heat
transfer tubes each extending from the first header to the second header and allowing
refrigerant to flow in its inside; and an extension portion being provided in each of the
heat transfer tubes and configured to promote heat transfer property of the heat
25 transfer tubes, and wherein the extension portion includes a base portion extending
from the heat transfer tube in a second direction in which air that flows between the
plurality of heat transfer tubes flows; and a spacer portion extending from the base
portion in the first direction and abutting the adjacent heat transfer component.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
30 [0008]
4
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat exchanger
includes the heat transfer components each including the heat transfer tubes and the
extension portion. The extension portion includes the spacer portion extending from
the base portion in the first direction and abutting the adjacent heat transfer
5 component. The spacer portion abuts the adjacent heat transfer components, so
that the heat transfer tubes can have a uniform pitch between them. The extension
portion further includes the base portion extending from the heat transfer tube in the
second direction, so that this improves heat transfer property of the heat transfer tube.
In this manner, the heat exchanger can improve heat transfer property of the heat
10 transfer tubes, while having a uniform pitch between the heat transfer tubes.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0009]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus
according to Embodiment 1.
15 [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger according to
Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a front view illustrating the heat exchanger according to
Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a top view illustrating the heat exchanger according to
20 Embodiment 1 with its first header removed.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a side view illustrating a method of manufacturing the heat
exchanger according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger according to a first
modification of Embodiment 1 with its first header removed.
25 [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger according to a second
modification of Embodiment 1 with its first header removed.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger according to a third
modification of Embodiment 1 with its first header removed.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger according to
30 Embodiment 2 with its first header removed.
5
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a side view illustrating a method of manufacturing the heat
exchanger according to Embodiment 2.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a side view illustrating a heat exchanger according to
Embodiment 3.
5 [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a top view illustrating the heat exchanger according to
Embodiment 3 with its first header removed.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a side view illustrating a heat exchanger according to a first
modification of Embodiment 3.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a top view illustrating the heat exchanger according to the
10 first modification of Embodiment 3 with its first header removed.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a side view illustrating a heat exchanger according to a
second modification of Embodiment 3.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a top view illustrating the heat exchanger according to the
second modification of Embodiment 3 with its first header removed.
15 [Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger according to
Embodiment 4 with its first header removed.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger according to a
modification of Embodiment 4 with its first header removed.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a front view illustrating a heat exchanger according to
20 Embodiment 5.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a front view illustrating a heat exchanger according to a
modification of Embodiment 5.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a front view illustrating a heat exchanger according to
Embodiment 6.
25 [Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a front view illustrating a heat exchanger according to a
modification of Embodiment 6.
Description of Embodiments
[0010]
Embodiments of a heat exchanger and a refrigeration cycle apparatus of the
30 present disclosure will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. Note
6
that the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments described below. In
addition, the relationship of sizes of the components in the drawings described below
including Fig. 1 may differ from that of actual ones. In the descriptions below, terms
that represent directions are appropriately used for the sake of easily understanding
5 the present disclosure. However, these terms are used merely for description
purposes, and the present disclosure is not limited by these terms. Examples of the
terms that represent directions include "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", and
"rear".
[0011]
10 Embodiment 1
Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according
to Embodiment 1. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is, for example, an airconditioning device that conditions air in a room, and includes an outdoor unit 2 and
an indoor unit 3 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The outdoor unit 2 is provided with, for
15 example, a compressor 6, a flow switching device 7, a heat exchanger 8, an outdoor
fan 9, and an expansion unit 10. The indoor unit 3 is provided with, for example, an
indoor heat exchanger 11 and an indoor fan 12.
[0012]
The compressor 6, the flow switching device 7, the heat exchanger 8, the
20 expansion unit 10, and the indoor heat exchanger 11 are connected by refrigerant
pipes 5 to form a refrigerant circuit 4. The compressor 6 suctions refrigerant in a
low-temperature low-pressure state, compresses the sucked refrigerant into a hightemperature high-pressure state, and discharges the compressed refrigerant. The
flow switching device 7 changes the flow direction of refrigerant in the refrigerant
25 circuit 4, and is, for example, a four-way valve. For example, the heat exchanger 8
causes heat exchange to be performed between outside air and refrigerant. The
heat exchanger 8 functions as a condenser during cooling operation, or functions as
an evaporator during heating operation. The outdoor fan 9 is a device to deliver
outside air to the heat exchanger 8.
30 [0013]
7
The expansion unit 10 is a pressure reducing valve or an expansion valve to
reduce the pressure of refrigerant and expand the refrigerant. The expansion unit 10
is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjusted.
For example, the indoor heat exchanger 11 causes heat exchange to be performed
5 between room air and refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an
evaporator during cooling operation, or functions as a condenser during heating
operation. The indoor fan 12 is a device to deliver room air to the indoor heat
exchanger 11. Note that refrigerant may be water or antifreeze.
[0014]
10 Operating mode, cooling operation
Next, the operating mode of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is described.
First, cooling operation is described. During cooling operation, refrigerant sucked
into the compressor 6 is compressed by the compressor 6 into a high-temperature
high-pressure gas state and then discharged. The refrigerant in the high15 temperature high-pressure gas state discharged from the compressor 6 passes
through the flow switching device 7, and flows into the heat exchanger 8 that
functions as a condenser. In the heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant exchanges heat
with outside air delivered by the outdoor fan 9, and condenses into liquid.
[0015]
20 The refrigerant having condensed into a liquid state flows into the expansion
unit 10, and is expanded and reduced in pressure in the expansion unit 10, so that
the refrigerant is brought into a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid
state. The refrigerant in the two-phase gas-liquid state flows into the indoor heat
exchanger 11 that functions as an evaporator. In the indoor heat exchanger 11, the
25 refrigerant exchanges heat with room air delivered by the indoor fan 12, and
evaporates into gas. At this time, the room air is cooled and thus cooling is
performed in the room. The refrigerant having evaporated into a low-temperature
low-pressure gas state passes through the flow switching device 7 and is sucked into
the compressor 6.
30 [0016]
8
Operating mode, heating operation
Next, heating operation is described. During heating operation, refrigerant
sucked into the compressor 6 is compressed by the compressor 6 into a hightemperature high-pressure gas state and then discharged. The refrigerant in the
5 high-temperature high-pressure gas state discharged from the compressor 6 passes
through the flow switching device 7 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 11 that
functions as a condenser. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 11
causes heat exchange to be performed between room air delivered by the indoor fan
12, and condenses into liquid in the indoor heat exchanger 11. At this time, the
10 room air is heated and thus heating is performed in the room.
[0017]
The refrigerant having condensed into a liquid state flows into the expansion
unit 10, and is expanded and reduced in pressure in the expansion unit 10, so that
the refrigerant is brought into a low-temperature low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid
15 state. The refrigerant in the two-phase gas-liquid state flows into the heat exchanger
8 that functions as an evaporator. In the heat exchanger 8, the refrigerant
exchanges heat with outside air delivered by the outdoor fan 9, and evaporates into
gas. The refrigerant having evaporated into a low-temperature low-pressure gas
state passes through the flow switching device 7 and is sucked into the compressor 6.
20 [0018]
Heat exchanger 8
Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the heat exchanger 8 according to
Embodiment 1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the heat exchanger 8 includes a first header
20, a second header 30, and heat transfer components 40. In Fig. 2 and the
25 subsequent drawings, the direction in which the first header 20 and the second
header 30 extend is described as "first direction", the direction in which air flows is
described as "second direction", and the direction of gravitational force is described
as "third direction". In the present Embodiment 1, the direction of gravitational force
is defined as the third direction, however, the direction of gravitational force may be
30 defined as the first direction or the second direction. Note that the present
9
Embodiment 1 exemplifies a case where the heat exchanger 8 applies to an outdoor
heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit 2. However, the heat exchanger 8 may
apply to the indoor heat exchanger 11 provided in the indoor unit 3. The heat
exchanger 8 in the present Embodiment 1 can be used to function as a condenser or
5 an evaporator.
[0019]
First header 20
The first header 20 is a cuboid member extending in the first direction and
allowing refrigerant to flow in its inside. The first header 20 is configured to collect
10 and deliver refrigerant. Note that the first header 20 is not limited to being formed in
a cuboid shape, but may be formed in a cylindrical shape or other shape. The first
header 20 distributes refrigerant entering from the refrigerant pipe 5 to heat transfer
tubes 50 of the heat transfer components 40, and also collects refrigerant having
flowed out of the heat transfer tubes 50 to allow the refrigerant to flow out to the
15 refrigerant pipe 5.
[0020]
Second header 30
The second header 30 is disposed at a position facing the first header 20.
The second header 30 is a cuboid member extending in the first direction and
20 allowing refrigerant to flow in its inside. The second header 30 is configured to
collect and deliver refrigerant. Note that the second header 30 is not limited to being
formed in a cuboid shape, but may be formed in a cylindrical shape or other shape.
The second header 30 distributes refrigerant entering from the refrigerant pipe 5 to
the heat transfer tubes 50 of the heat transfer components 40, and also collects
25 refrigerant having flowed out of the heat transfer tubes 50 to allow the refrigerant to
flow out to the refrigerant pipe 5.
[0021]
Heat transfer member 40
Fig. 3 is a front view illustrating the heat exchanger 8 according to Embodiment
30 1. Fig. 4 is a top view illustrating the heat exchanger 8 according to Embodiment 1
10
with its first header 20 removed. The heat transfer components 40 are configured to
transfer heat. As illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, and 4, the heat transfer components 40
extend from the first header 20 to the second header 30, and are provided at intervals
along the first direction. A plurality of the heat transfer components 40 are provided.
5 Each of the heat transfer components 40 includes a heat transfer tube 50 and
extension portions 60.
[0022]
Heat transfer tube 50
The heat transfer tube 50 is a flat tube in which a plurality of flow passages 51
10 are formed. The heat transfer tube 50 may be a circular tube. The heat transfer
tube 50 is a member extending in the third direction from the first header 20 to the
second header 30. Refrigerant having entered from the first header 20 or the
second header 30 flows through the plurality of flow passages 51. The heat transfer
tube 50 is made of, for example, aluminum, but may be made of a different kind of
15 metal.
[0023]
Extension portion 60
The extension portions 60 are provided to the heat transfer tube 50 and
configured to promote heat transfer property of the heat transfer tube 50. The
20 extension portions 60 extend along the second direction from the edges of opposite
end portions of the heat transfer tube 50 in the second direction. The extension
portions 60 extend in opposite directions away from each other. That is, two
extension portions 60 are provided to one heat transfer tube 50. In Fig. 2, a single
extension portion 60 has a length in the second direction that is slightly smaller than
25 the length of the heat transfer tube 50 in the second direction. However, a single
extension portion 60 may have a length equal to, or greater than, that of the heat
transfer tube 50. The extension portions 60 are made of, for example, aluminum,
but may be made of a different kind of metal. In addition, the extension portions 60
may be formed integrally with the heat transfer tube 50 by extrusion. Furthermore,
30 the extension portions 60 may be formed separately from the heat transfer tube 50,
11
and thereafter may be joined to the heat transfer tube 50. Each of the extension
portions 60 includes a base portion 61 and a spacer portion 62.
[0024]
Base portion 61
5 The base portion 61 is a plate-like member extending from the heat transfer
tube 50 in the second direction in which air that flows between the plurality of heat
transfer tubes 50 flows. The base portion 61 makes up the majority of the extension
portion 60, and serves the majority of the function of promoting heat transfer property
of the heat transfer tube 50.
10 [0025]
Spacer portion 62
The spacer portion 62 is a member extending from the base portion 61 in the
first direction. The spacer portion 62 is a portion of the base portion 61 that is bent
to extend in the first direction. In the present Embodiment 1, the spacer portion 62 is
15 provided at the upper end portion of the base portion 61 in the third direction, and
adjacent to the first header 20. Note that the spacer portion 62 may be provided at
the lower end portion of the base portion 61 in the third direction, or may be provided
at a different position. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the spacer portion 62 is connected at
its base end to the heat transfer tube 50, and is bent to extend along the first direction
20 with its tip end bent to extend along the second direction. A pair of spacer portions
62 is provided at opposite end portions of the heat transfer tube 50. The tip ends of
the spacer portions 62 extend along the second direction such that the tip ends face
each other. The spacer portions 62 extend in the first direction by a length that is set
equal to the distance between the adjacent heat transfer tubes 50, that is, a pitch
25 between the adjacent heat transfer tubes 50.
[0026]
The spacer portions 62 abut the adjacent heat transfer components 40. In the
present Embodiment 1, the spacer portions 62 abut the heat transfer tubes 50 of the
heat transfer components 40.
30 [0027]
12
Manufacturing method
Fig. 5 is a side view illustrating a method of manufacturing the heat exchanger
8 according to Embodiment 1. Next, a method of manufacturing the spacer portions
62 is described. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the spacer portions 62 are formed by giving
5 cuts 63 to the base portions 61 in the second direction. That is, the spacer portions
62 are formed by bending a portion of the base portions 61, separated along the cuts
63 in the second direction, toward the first direction.
[0028]
According to the present Embodiment 1, the heat exchanger 8 includes the
10 heat transfer components 40 each including the heat transfer tube 50 and the
extension portions 60, and each of the extension portions 60 includes the spacer
portion 62 extending from the base portion 61 in the first direction and abutting the
adjacent heat transfer member 40. The spacer portions 62 abut the adjacent heat
transfer components 40, so that the heat transfer tubes 50 can have a uniform pitch
15 between them. Each of the extension portions 60 further includes the base portion
61 extending from the heat transfer tube 50 in the second direction, so that this
improves the heat transfer property of the heat transfer tube 50. In this manner, the
heat exchanger 8 can improve heat transfer property of the heat transfer tubes 50,
while having a uniform pitch between the heat transfer tubes 50. Furthermore, in a
20 case where the spacer portions 62 are provided at the center of the base portions 61
in the third direction, the spacer portions 62 can further minimize the variations in the
pitch between the heat transfer tubes 50 in the third direction. The heat exchanger 8
allows the heat transfer tubes 50 to have a uniform pitch between them, and thus can
minimize an uneven air flow and minimize the increase in power of the outdoor fan 9.
25 [0029]
Each of the spacer portions 62 is a portion of the base portion 61 that is bent to
extend in the first direction. This brings the spacer portions 62 into surface contact
with the heat transfer components 40, not into line contact with the heat transfer
components 40, and thus can ensure a stable pitch between the heat transfer tubes
30 50. Furthermore, the spacer portions 62 abut the heat transfer tubes 50. In this
13
manner, the spacer portions 62 abut the heat transfer tubes 50 of high rigidity, and
thus can ensure a stable pitch between the heat transfer tubes 50.
[0030]
A related-art heat exchanger provided with an auxiliary member has been
5 disclosed, in which the auxiliary member has a shape like comb teeth extending
between the adjacent heat transfer tubes along the alignment direction of refrigerant
flow passages. However, in this related-art technique, since the auxiliary member is
provided separately from the heat transfer tubes, this leads to an increase in the
number of parts. Since the related-art technique involves a process of assembling
10 the auxiliary member, this also leads to an increase in the number of manufacturing
processes. In contrast to this, in the present Embodiment 1, the heat transfer tube
50 can be formed integrally with the extension portions 60. This can reduce the
number of parts, and accordingly reduce the number of manufacturing processes.
[0031]
15 First modification
Fig. 6 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger 108 according to a first
modification of Embodiment 1 with its first header 20 removed. In the first
modification as illustrated in Fig. 6, there are a plurality of the heat transfer tubes 50
disposed along the second direction. The first modification exemplifies a case where
20 two heat transfer tubes 50 are disposed along the second direction. However, three
or more heat transfer tubes 50 may be disposed. The base portions 61 of the
extension portions 60 are provided at three locations including one end side (on the
left side in Fig. 6) of one (on the left side in Fig. 6) of the heat transfer tubes 50, the
other end side (on the right side in Fig. 6) of the other heat transfer tube 50 (on the
25 right side in Fig. 6), and the middle between one and the other of the heat transfer
tubes 50. Note that only one or two base portions 61 may be provided, or four or
more base portions 61 may be provided. The first modification also achieves the
same effects as those achieved in Embodiment 1.
[0032]
30 Second modification
14
Fig. 7 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger 208 according to a second
modification of Embodiment 1 with its first header 20 removed. Fig. 7 illustrates only
two adjacent heat transfer components 40 among many heat transfer components 40
arranged in line. In the second modification as illustrated in Fig. 7, spacer portions
5 262 abut the adjacent extension portions 60. The second modification also achieves
the same effects as those achieved in Embodiment 1.
[0033]
Third modification
Fig. 8 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger 308 according to a third
10 modification of Embodiment 1 with its first header 20 removed. Fig. 8 illustrates only
two adjacent heat transfer components 40 among many heat transfer components 40
arranged in line. In the third modification as illustrated in Fig. 8, spacer portions 362
are formed in an embossed shape extending in the first direction and then bent back.
Specifically, each of the spacer portions 362 is connected at its base end to the heat
15 transfer tube 50, then bent at a right angle to extend along the first direction, and then
bent at a right angle to extend along the second direction. Then, each of the spacer
portions 362 is bent at a right angle to extend back toward the direction opposite to
the first direction mentioned above, and then bent at a right angle to extend along the
second direction. In the manner as described above, each of the spacer portions
20 362 includes a protruding portion 362a. The protruding portion 362a abuts the
adjacent extension portion 60. In this manner, instead of the tip end of the spacer
portion 362, the protruding portion 362a of the spacer portion 362 abuts the extension
portion 60, so that this increases the rigidity of the spacer portion 362.
[0034]
25 Embodiment 2
Fig. 9 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger 408 according to Embodiment
2 with its first header 20 removed. Fig. 9 illustrates only two adjacent heat transfer
components 40 among many heat transfer components 40 arranged in line. The
heat exchanger 408 in the present Embodiment 2 is different in the shape of spacer
30 portions 462 from the heat exchangers in Embodiment 1. In the present
15
Embodiment 2, the components in common with Embodiment 1 are denoted by the
same reference signs, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. The differences
from Embodiment 1 are mainly described below.
[0035]
5 As illustrated in Fig. 9, each of the spacer portions 462 is a portion of the base
portion 61 that is bent to extend in the first direction. The spacer portions 462 are
different from the spacer portions in Embodiment 1 in that the spacer portions 462
have a planar shape in top view.
[0036]
10 Manufacturing method
Fig. 10 is a side view illustrating a method of manufacturing the heat exchanger
408 according to Embodiment 2. Next, a method of manufacturing the spacer
portions 462 is described. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the spacer portions 462 are
formed by giving the cuts 63 to the base portions 61 in the third direction. That is,
15 the spacer portions 462 are formed by bending a portion of the base portions 61,
separated along the cuts 63 in the third direction, toward the first direction. With this
method, the spacer portions 462 have a planar shape in top view as illustrated in Fig.
9. Note that Embodiment 2 exemplifies a case where the spacer portions 462 are
provided at both the upper end and the lower end of the base portions 61. However,
20 the spacer portions 462 may be provided at either the upper end or the lower end, or
may be provided at a different position.
[0037]
According to the present Embodiment 2, the spacer portions 462 are formed by
bending a portion of the base portions 61, separated along the cuts 63 in the third
25 direction, toward the first direction. With this configuration, when the heat exchanger
408 functions as an evaporator, the spacer portions 462 can receive condensed
water flowing down the heat transfer tubes 50. Therefore, this can help prevent
interference with drainage of the condensed water from the heat exchanger 408.
[0038]
30 Embodiment 3
16
Fig. 11 is a side view illustrating a heat exchanger 508 according to
Embodiment 3. The heat exchanger 508 in the present Embodiment 3 is different in
the shape of spacer portions 562 from the heat exchangers in Embodiments 1 and 2.
In the present Embodiment 3, the components in common with Embodiments 1 and 2
5 are denoted by the same reference signs, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted.
The differences from Embodiments 1 and 2 are mainly described below.
[0039]
As illustrated in Fig. 11, each of the spacer portions 562 is a portion of the base
portion 61 that is cut and raised to extend in the first direction. The spacer portions
10 562 are formed by giving the cuts 63 to the base portions 61 in the second direction.
The spacer portions 562 are provided on the upper portion of the base portions 61 in
the third direction. However, the spacer portions 562 may be provided on the lower
portion or the central portion of the base portions 61 in the third direction.
[0040]
15 Fig. 12 is a top view illustrating the heat exchanger 508 according to
Embodiment 3 with its first header 20 removed. Fig. 12 illustrates two adjacent heat
transfer components 40 among many heat transfer components 40 arranged in line.
As illustrated in Fig. 12, the spacer portions 562 are disposed at a position except at
the edge portion of the base portions 61, so that in top view, the spacer portions 562
20 are disposed in between the base portions 61.
[0041]
According to the present Embodiment 3, each of the spacer portions 562 is a
portion of the base portion 61 that is cut and raised to extend in the first direction.
This decreases the area of the spacer portions 562, and results in an increased area
25 of the base portions 61 accordingly. Therefore, the effective heat transfer area can
still be maintained in the extension portions 60 in their entirety.
[0042]
First modification
Fig. 13 is a side view illustrating a heat exchanger 608 according to a first
30 modification of Embodiment 3. In the first modification as illustrated in Fig. 13,
17
spacer portions 662 are formed by giving the cuts 63 to the base portions 61 in the
third direction in which the heat transfer tubes 50 extend. The spacer portions 662
are provided on the upper portion of the base portions 61 in the third direction.
However, the spacer portions 662 may be provided on the lower portion or the central
5 portion of the base portions 61 in the third direction.
[0043]
Fig. 14 is a top view illustrating the heat exchanger 608 according to the first
modification of Embodiment 3 with its first header 20 removed. Fig. 14 illustrates
only two adjacent heat transfer components 40 among many heat transfer
10 components 40 arranged in line. As illustrated in Fig. 14, the spacer portions 662
are disposed at a position except at the edge portion of the base portions 61, so that
in top view, the spacer portions 662 are disposed in between the base portions 61.
[0044]
According to the first modification, each of the spacer portions 662 is a portion
15 of the base portion 61 that is cut and raised to extend in the first direction. This
decreases the area of the spacer portions 662, and results in an increased area of the
base portions 61 accordingly. Therefore, similarly to Embodiment 3, the effective
heat transfer area can still be maintained in the extension portions 60 in their entirety.
The spacer portions 662 are formed by bending a portion of the base portions 61,
20 separated along the cuts 63 in the third direction, toward the first direction. With this
configuration, the spacer portions 662 can receive condensed water flowing down the
heat transfer tubes 50. Therefore, this can help prevent interference with drainage
of the condensed water from the heat exchanger 608.
[0045]
25 Second modification
Fig. 15 is a side view illustrating a heat exchanger 708 according to a second
modification of Embodiment 3. In the second modification as illustrated in Fig. 15,
spacer portions 762 are formed in a burring shape by punching holes 64 in the base
portions 61. The spacer portions 762 are provided on the upper portion of the base
18
portions 61 in the third direction. However, the spacer portions 762 may be provided
on the lower portion or the central portion of the base portions 61 in the third direction.
[0046]
Fig. 16 is a top view illustrating the heat exchanger 708 according to the
5 second modification of Embodiment 3 with its first header 20 removed. Fig. 16
illustrates only two adjacent heat transfer components 40 among many heat transfer
components 40 arranged in line. As illustrated in Fig. 16, the spacer portions 762
are disposed at a position except at the edge portion of the base portions 61, so that
in top view, the spacer portions 762 are disposed in between the base portions 61.
10 [0047]
According to the second modification, each of the spacer portions 762 is a
portion of the base portion 61 that is cut and raised to extend in the first direction.
This decreases the area of the spacer portions 762, and results in an increased area
of the base portions 61 accordingly. Therefore, similarly to Embodiment 3, the
15 effective heat transfer area can still be maintained in the extension portions 60 in their
entirety.
[0048]
Embodiment 4
Fig. 17 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger 808 according to
20 Embodiment 4 with its first header 20 removed. The heat exchanger 808 in the
present Embodiment 4 is different in the shape of spacer portions 862 from the heat
exchangers in Embodiments 1 to 3. In the present Embodiment 4, the components
in common with Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference signs, and
thus descriptions thereof are omitted. The differences from Embodiments 1 to 3 are
25 mainly described below.
[0049]
Fig. 17 illustrates only one of many heat transfer components 40 arranged in
line. As illustrated in Fig. 17, two spacer portions 862 are provided and disposed at
positions symmetrical to the center of the heat transfer tube 50, and the cuts 63 are
30 given to the base portions 61 in the second direction. That is, one of the spacer
19
portions 862 on one end side of the heat transfer tube 50 extends toward one
adjacent heat transfer member 40, while the other spacer portion 862 on the other
end side of the heat transfer tube 50 extends toward another adjacent heat transfer
member 40.
5 [0050]
According to the present Embodiment 4, two spacer portions 862 are provided
and disposed at positions symmetrical to the center of the heat transfer tube 50.
Due to this configuration, when the heat transfer tubes 50 are aligned with each other
during the process of assembling the heat exchanger 808, even though the front and
10 back sides of the heat transfer tube 50 are reversed, the shape of the spacer portions
862 remains unchanged regardless of orientation. Therefore, when the heat
exchanger 808 is assembled, it is unnecessary to orient a plurality of heat transfer
tubes 50 toward the same direction. This simplifies the process of aligning the heat
transfer tubes 50 with each other. Note that the spacer portions 862 may be formed
15 by bending a portion of the base portions 61, or may be formed by cutting and raising
a portion of the base portions 61.
[0051]
Modification
Fig. 18 is a top view illustrating a heat exchanger 908 according to a
20 modification of Embodiment 4 with its first header 20 removed. Fig. 18 illustrates
only one of many heat transfer components 40 arranged in line. In the modification
as illustrated in Fig. 18, two spacer portions 962 are provided and disposed at
positions symmetrical to the center of the heat transfer tube 50, and the cuts 63 are
given to the base portions 61 in the third direction in which the heat transfer tubes 50
25 extend.
[0052]
According to the modification, the two spacer portions 962 are provided and
disposed at positions symmetrical to the center of the heat transfer tube 50. Due to
this configuration, when the heat transfer tubes 50 are aligned with each other during
30 the process of assembling the heat exchanger 908, even though the front and back
20
sides of the heat transfer tube 50 are reversed, the shape of the spacer portions 962
remains unchanged regardless of orientation. Therefore, when the heat exchanger
908 is assembled, it is unnecessary to orient a plurality of heat transfer tubes 50
toward the same direction. This simplifies the process of aligning the heat transfer
5 tubes 50 with each other. The spacer portions 962 are formed by bending a portion
of the base portions 61, separated along the cuts 63 in the third direction, toward the
first direction. With this configuration, the spacer portions 962 can receive
condensed water flowing down the heat transfer tubes 50. Therefore, this can help
prevent interference with drainage of the condensed water from the heat exchanger
10 908.
[0053]
Embodiment 5
Fig. 19 is a front view illustrating a heat exchanger 1008 according to
Embodiment 5. The heat exchanger 1008 in the present Embodiment 5 is different
15 from the heat exchangers in Embodiments 1 to 4 in that spacer portions 1062 abut
the first header 20 and the second header 30. In the present Embodiment 5, the
components in common with Embodiments 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference
signs, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. The differences from Embodiments
1 to 4 are mainly described below.
20 [0054]
As illustrated in Fig. 19, the spacer portions 1062 abut the first header 20 and
the second header 30, and the cuts 63 are given to the base portions 61 in the
second direction. Specifically, the spacer portions 1062 provided at the upper end
portion of the base portions 61 abut the first header 20, while the spacer portions
25 1062 provided at the lower end portion of the base portions 61 abut the second
header 30. The present Embodiment 5 exemplifies a case where the spacer
portions 1062 abut the first header 20 and the second header 30. However, the
spacer portions 1062 may abut either the first header 20 or the second header 30.
[0055]
21
According to the present Embodiment 5, the spacer portions 1062 abut the first
header 20 or the second header 30. Opposite end portions of the heat transfer
tubes 50 protrude from the spacer portions 1062 by a length equal to the length of
insertion margin S of the heat transfer tubes 50 in the third direction. That is, when
5 the heat transfer tubes 50 are inserted into the first header 20 or the second header
30, the spacer portions 1062 function as a guide for a worker to check the length of
the insertion margin S in the third direction. The spacer portions 1062 are located at
the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the base portions 61. This can
help prevent the spacer portions 1062 from interfering with an air flow.
10 [0056]
Modification
Fig. 20 is a front view illustrating a heat exchanger 1108 according to a
modification of Embodiment 5. In the modification as illustrated in Fig. 20, spacer
portions 1162 abut the first header 20 and the second header 30. The spacer
15 portions 1162 are formed by giving the cuts 63 to the base portions 61 in the third
direction in which the heat transfer tubes 50 extend, and then bending a portion of the
base portions 61 corresponding to the cuts 63 toward the first direction.
[0057]
According to the modification, the spacer portions 1162 abut the first header 20
20 or the second header 30. Opposite end portions of the heat transfer tubes 50
protrude from the spacer portions 1162 by a length equal to the length of the insertion
margin S of the heat transfer tubes 50 in the third direction. That is, when the heat
transfer tubes 50 are inserted into the first header 20 or the second header 30, the
spacer portions 1162 function as a guide for a worker to check the length of the
25 insertion margin S in the third direction. The spacer portions 1162 are located at the
upper end portion and the lower end portion of the base portions 61. This can help
prevent the spacer portions 1162 from interfering with an air flow. Furthermore, the
spacer portions 1162 are formed by bending a portion of the base portions 61,
separated along the cuts 63 in the third direction, toward the first direction. With this
30 configuration, the spacer portions 1162 can receive condensed water flowing down
22
the heat transfer tubes 50. Therefore, this can help prevent interference with
drainage of the condensed water from the heat exchanger 1108.
[0058]
Embodiment 6
5 Fig. 21 is a front view illustrating a heat exchanger 1208 according to
Embodiment 6. The heat exchanger 1208 in the present Embodiment 6 is different
from the heat exchangers in Embodiments 1 to 5 in that a plurality of spacer portions
1262 are provided along the third direction. In the present Embodiment 6, the
components in common with Embodiments 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference
10 signs, and thus descriptions thereof are omitted. The differences from Embodiments
1 to 5 are mainly described below.
[0059]
As illustrated in Fig. 21, the plurality of spacer portions 1262 are provided and
located at equal intervals along the third direction in which the heat transfer tubes 50
15 extend. The spacer portions 1262 are formed by giving the cuts 63 to the base
portions 61 in the third direction in which the heat transfer tubes 50 extend.
[0060]
According to the present Embodiment 6, the spacer portions 1262 that may
slightly interfere with an air flow are located at equal intervals along the third direction.
20 This can result in equal pressure loss in the third direction in its entirety. Thus, an
uneven air flow can be minimized in the third direction in its entirety. Therefore, the
increase in power of the outdoor fan 9 can be minimized.
[0061]
Modification
25 Fig. 22 is a front view illustrating a heat exchanger 1308 according to a
modification of Embodiment 6. In the modification as illustrated in Fig. 22, a plurality
of spacer portions 1362 are provided, in which the number of the spacer portions
1362 is greater on the downstream side of the heat transfer tube 50 than on the
upstream side thereof. The spacer portions 1362 are formed by giving the cuts 63 to
30 the base portions 61 in the third direction in which the heat transfer tubes 50 extend.
23
The modification exemplifies a case where two of the spacer portions 1362 are
disposed on the upstream side of the heat transfer tube 50, while four of the spacer
portions 1362 are disposed on the downstream side of the heat transfer tube 50.
However, the numbers of the spacer portions 1362 on the upstream side and on the
5 downstream side can be appropriately changed. Note that the spacer portions 1362
on the upstream side of the heat transfer tube 50 may be omitted.
[0062]
According to the modification, a plurality of the spacer portions 1362 are
provided, in which the number of the spacer portions 1362 is greater on the
10 downstream side of the heat transfer tubes 50 than on the upstream side thereof.
When the heat exchanger 1308 functions as an evaporator, there is a higher
probability that frost is formed on the upstream side of the heat transfer tubes 50
compared to on the downstream side thereof. In the modification, a plurality of the
spacer portions 1362 are provided, in which the number of the spacer portions 1362
15 is greater on the downstream side of the heat transfer tubes 50 than that on the
upstream side thereof. Thus, the amount of frost accumulating on the spacer
portions 1362 in their entirety can be reduced.
Reference Signs List
[0063]
20 1: refrigeration cycle apparatus , 2: outdoor unit, 3: indoor unit, 4: refrigerant
circuit, 5: refrigerant pipe, 6: compressor, 7: flow switching device, 8: heat exchanger,
9: outdoor fan, 10: expansion unit, 11: indoor heat exchanger, 12: indoor fan, 20: first
header, 30: second header, 40: heat transfer member, 50: heat transfer tube, 51: flow
passage, 60: extension portion, 61: base portion, 62: spacer portion, 63: cut, 64: hole,
25 108: heat exchanger, 208: heat exchanger, 262: spacer portion, 308: heat exchanger,
362: spacer portion, 362a: protruding portion, 408: heat exchanger, 462: spacer
portion, 508: heat exchanger, 562: spacer portion, 608: heat exchanger, 662: spacer
portion, 708: heat exchanger, 762: spacer portion, 808: heat exchanger, 862: spacer
portion, 908: heat exchanger, 962: spacer portion, 1008: heat exchanger, 1062:
24
spacer portion, 1108: heat exchanger, 1162: spacer portion, 1208: heat exchanger,
1262: spacer portion, 1308: heat exchanger, 1362: spacer portion
25
WE CLAIM:
[Claim 1]
A heat exchanger comprising:
a first header being configured to collect and deliver refrigerant and extending
5 in a first direction;
a second header being configured to collect and deliver refrigerant, being
disposed at a position facing the first header and extending in the first direction; and
a plurality of heat transfer components each extending from the first header to
the second header and being provided at intervals along the first direction, wherein
10 the heat transfer components each includes
a plurality of heat transfer tubes each extending from the first header to the
second header and allowing refrigerant to flow in its inside; and
an extension portion being provided in each of the heat transfer tubes and
configured to promote heat transfer property of the heat transfer tubes, and wherein
15 the extension portion includes
a base portion extending from the heat transfer tube in a second direction in
which air that flows between the plurality of heat transfer tubes flows; and
a spacer portion extending from the base portion in the first direction and
abutting the adjacent heat transfer component.
20 [Claim 2]
The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the spacer portion is a portion of the
base portion that is bent to extend in the first direction.
[Claim 3]
The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein the spacer portion is formed by giving
25 a cut to the base portion in the second direction.
[Claim 4]
The heat exchanger of claim 2 or 3, wherein the spacer portion is formed by
giving a cut to the base portion in a third direction in which the heat transfer tube
extends.
30
26
[Claim 5]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spacer portion is a
portion of the base portion that is cut and raised to extend in the first direction.
[Claim 6]
5 The heat exchanger of claim 5, wherein the spacer portion is formed by giving
a cut to the base portion in the second direction.
[Claim 7]
The heat exchanger of claim 5 or 6, wherein the spacer portion is formed by
giving a cut to the base portion in a third direction in which the heat transfer tube
10 extends.
[Claim 8]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the spacer portion is
formed in a burring shape by punching a hole in the base portion.
[Claim 9]
15 The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a plurality of the
spacer portions are provided and disposed at positions symmetrical to a center of the
heat transfer tube.
[Claim 10]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the spacer portion
20 abuts the heat transfer tube.
[Claim 11]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the spacer portion
abuts the extension portion.
[Claim 12]
25 The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the spacer portion
abuts the first header or the second header.
[Claim 13]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a plurality of the
spacer portions are provided and located at equal intervals along a third direction in
30 which the heat transfer tube extends.
27
[Claim 14]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein
a plurality of the spacer portions are provided, and
a number of the spacer portions is greater on a downstream side of the heat
5 transfer tube than on an upstream side thereof.
[Claim 15]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the spacer portion is
formed in an embossed shape extending in the first direction and then bent back.
[Claim 16]
10 The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a plurality of the heat
transfer tubes are provided along the second direction.
[Claim 17]
A refrigeration cycle apparatus, wherein the heat exchanger of any one of
claims 1 to 16 functions as a condenser or an evaporator.