U.S. patent application number 12/527364 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-15 for heat exchanger.
Invention is credited to Hou Gaku, Takayuki Hyoudou, Haruo Nakata, Hideo Ohya, Yutaka Shibata.
Application Number | 20100089562 12/527364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39738304 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100089562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shibata; Yutaka ; et
al. |
April 15, 2010 |
HEAT EXCHANGER
Abstract
The heat exchanger includes heat transfer tubes 12, heat
transfer fins 13a, which are arranged along a direction
perpendicular to axes of the heat transfer tubes 12, cut-and-raised
pieces 14, which are provided on a heat transfer surface of each
heat transfer fin 13a. A cut, which extends along the lengthwise
direction, is provided at the lower end or at the upper and lower
ends of each cut-and-raised piece 14. The cuts guide condensed
water generated on the surfaces of the heat transfer fins.
Inventors: |
Shibata; Yutaka; (Sakai-shi,
JP) ; Gaku; Hou; (Sakai-shi, JP) ; Nakata;
Haruo; (Sakai-shi, JP) ; Ohya; Hideo;
(Sakai-shi, JP) ; Hyoudou; Takayuki; (Sakai-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
39738304 |
Appl. No.: |
12/527364 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 6, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/054072 |
371 Date: |
August 14, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/181 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 17/005 20130101;
F24F 1/0059 20130101; F24F 1/0007 20130101; F24F 13/30 20130101;
F28F 1/325 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/181 |
International
Class: |
F28F 1/12 20060101
F28F001/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 2007 |
JP |
2007-056648 |
Feb 29, 2008 |
JP |
2008-050600 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger comprising a heat transfer tube, a plurality of
heat transfer fins arranged along a direction perpendicular to an
axis of the heat transfer tube to be parallel to each other, and a
cut-and-raised piece provided on a heat transfer surface of each
heat transfer fin, the heat exchanger being characterized in that:
a linear portion is provided at the lower end of each
cut-and-raised piece, wherein the linear portion extends downward
and guides condensed water generated on the heat transfer surface
downward.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that a
linear portion, which extends upward and guides condensed water
downward, is provided at the upper end of each cut-and-raised
piece.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in
that each cut-and-raised piece is split into an upper part and a
lower part, and the linear portion, which extends along a
lengthwise direction and guides the condensed water downward, is
provided between the upper part and the lower part.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
each linear portion communicates with the interior of the
associated cut-and-raised piece.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
an upper end and a lower end of each cut-and-raised piece are
inclined, and the linear portions are provided at narrow angle
portions of the upper end and the lower end of each cut-and-raised
piece.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
an upper end and a lower end of each cut-and-raised piece are
inclined, and the linear portion at the upper end of each
cut-and-raised piece is provided at a wide angle portion of the
cut-and-raised piece.
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
the linear portion is provided at the center of the end portions of
each cut-and-raised piece.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
the linear portions extend along a step pitch of the heat transfer
fins
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
the linear portion at the upper end or the lower end of each
cut-and-raised piece extends diagonally to avoid a fin collar in
which the heat transfer tube is inserted.
10. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized by a
drainage rib, which is located along a front edge or a rear edge of
the heat transfer fins, wherein the drainage rib is located close
to or connected to the linear portion at the lower end of each
cut-and-raised piece.
11. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
the linear portions are linear cuts.
12. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
the linear portions are linear grooves.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
the cut-and-raised pieces are louvers.
14. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that
the heat exchanger is a heat exchanger for an air conditioner
indoor unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the structure of a heat
exchanger for an air conditioner indoor unit.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A fin coil type air heat exchanger is generally employed as
a heat exchanger for an air conditioner indoor unit. In this type
of heat exchanger, condensed water generated on the surface of the
heat exchanger (evaporator) during cooling operation flows down
along the fin surfaces of the heat exchanger by its own weight.
Then, the condensed water collects in a drain pan located below the
heat exchanger, and is discharged outside of the room (for example,
refer to Patent Document 1).
[0003] Conventional air conditioner indoor units including such a
heat exchanger is shown in FIGS. 21 and 23. The air conditioner
indoor unit 1 includes an air heat exchanger 32, which is folded to
form a .lamda.-shape, and a cross-flow fan 31. The indoor unit 1
draws in the air from the upper surface and the front surface of
the indoor unit 1, and blows out the air diagonally downward from
the bottom surface of the indoor unit 1. Also, the indoor unit 1
includes a cassette type main casing 20. The main casing 20 is
installed on the wall with the back panel abut against the wall
surface.
[0004] An inlet port 25 for drawing in the air is formed in the
front surface and the upper surface of the main casing 20. The air
heat exchanger 32 and the cross-flow fan 31 are located in the main
casing 20. The air heat exchanger 32 is configured by a front heat
exchanging section 32a and a rear heat exchanging section 32b. The
cross-flow fan 31 is located below the front heat exchanging
section 32a and the rear heat exchanging section 32b. The
cross-flow fan 31 blows out the conditioned air diagonally downward
through a scroll-type flow duct 30 and an outlet port 29 of the
main casing 20. The lower ends of the front heat exchanging section
and the rear heat exchanging section 32a, 32b are secured to and
supported by drain pans 28a, 28b, respectively.
[0005] As shown in Fig, 22, the heat exchanging sections 32a, 32b
each include heat transfer tubes 12, heat transfer fins 13a,
cut-and-raised pieces 14, and tube plates, which are not shown. The
heat transfer tubes 12 are arranged in two rows in upstream and
downstream of air flow F to be displaced from each other. The heat
transfer fins 13a are arranged at a predetermined pitch along the
axis of the heat transfer tubes 12, and are arranged parallel to
each other. The cut-and-raised pieces 14 are formed of slits or
louvers, and are provided on the heat transfer surface of each heat
transfer fin 13a on the upper side and the lower side of each heat
transfer tube 12.
[0006] Each cut-and-raised piece 14 is formed of four rows of slits
or louvers, which are arranged from upstream to downstream of the
airflow F (from the left side to the right side of FIG. 22). Among
the cut-and-raised pieces 14, cut-and-raised pieces 14a located in
the vicinity of the side edges of each heat transfer fin 13a, 13b
are longer than cut-and-raised pieces 14b located at the center of
the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b.
[0007] According to the above structure, for example, if the
cross-flow fan 31, which is blowing means, is actuated during
cooling operation or warming operation, the air in the room is
drawn in via the inlet port 25. Then, conditioned air (cool air or
warm air) that has low pressure drop and has been subjected to even
heat exchange is blown out from the outlet port 29 of the main
casing 20 via the .lamda.-shaped heat exchanger 32 that has a large
heat exchange area and a wide air intake area. The conditioned air
that is blown out in this manner flows downward so that comfortably
cooled or warmed indoor environment is achieved.
[0008] In such an indoor unit of a wall-mounted type air
conditioner, moisture in the air is condensed on the surface of the
heat transfer fins 13a, 13b during cooling operation when the heat
exchanger 32 functions as an evaporator. Then, drops of water
collect between the fins and on the cut-and-raised pieces 14 and
remain there.
[0009] Thus generated condensed water tends to remain on the fins
and the cut-and-raised pieces 14 after the operation is stopped.
Then, the remaining water causes adhesion of environmental
suspended matter on the fin surface, breeding of bacteria, and
corrosion of fins, and results in deterioration of the fin surface
hydrophilicity or generation of smell.
[0010] As apparent from FIG. 21, the front and rear heat exchanging
sections 32a, 32b are arranged substantially along the vertical
direction. That is, the heat exchanging sections 32a, 32b are
arranged at extremely small inclination angle with respect to the
vertical axis. Thus, the condensed water generated in the heat
exchanger flows downward along the fin surfaces by its own weight,
and collects in the drain pans 28a, 28b.
[0011] However, since the fin pitch of the heat transfer fins 13a,
13b is actually narrow, and due to, for example, decrease in the
hydrophilicity of the fin surface, the condensed water is kept
retained on the fins and the cut-and-raised pieces and is hindered
from flowing downward although the heat exchanger is substantially
arranged along the vertical direction.
[0012] Furthermore, depending on the type of the air conditioner
indoor unit, for example, a main portion 42a of a heat exchanger 42
is tilted downward by a large amount with respect to the vertical
axis as shown in FIG. 23. In such a case, the gravity does not act
along the longitudinal direction of the fins and the cut-and-raised
pieces. In addition, the direction of the gravity and the direction
of wind are opposite from each other. Thus, the behavior of the
condensed water tends to become unstable, and water tends to
spatter from the outlet port 49.
[0013] FIG. 23 shows the air conditioner indoor unit 1, a ceiling
3, a flow duct 40, a cross-flow fan 41, the main portion 42a of the
heat exchanger 42, an upper end portion 42b of the heat exchanger
42, a ceiling panel 44, an air inlet port 45, an air outlet port
49, a main casing 50, and first to third drain pans 48a to 48c.
[0014] The above-mentioned problem occurs exactly in the same
manner even if the cut-and-raised pieces 14a located in the
vicinity of the side edges of each heat transfer fin 13a, 13b are
split into an upper part and a lower part as shown in FIG. 24.
[0015] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.
2004-353914
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a heat exchanger suitable for an air conditioner indoor
unit, which heat exchanger promotes downward flow of condensed
water by a linear portion that are provided on the lower end of or
on the upper and lower ends of cut-and-raised pieces to extend
along the lengthwise direction.
[0017] To achieve the above objective, a first aspect of the
present invention provides a heat exchanger including a heat
transfer tube, heat transfer fins arranged along a direction
perpendicular to an axis of the heat transfer tube to be parallel
to each other, and a cut-and-raised piece provided on a heat
transfer surface of each heat transfer fin. A linear portion is
provided at the lower end of each cut-and-raised piece. The linear
portion extends downward and guides condensed water generated on
the heat transfer surface downward.
[0018] With this structure, the condensed water smoothly flows down
via the linear portions without being retained between the heat
transfer fins, in particular, between the cut-and-raised pieces of
the heat transfer fins. Thus, adhesion of environmental suspended
matter on the fin surfaces, breeding of bacteria, and corrosion of
fins are prevented. Furthermore, since drainage during cooling
operation is also improved, the cooling performance is improved,
the ventilation resistance is reduced, and spattering of water is
prevented.
[0019] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, a linear portion,
which extends upward and guides condensed water downward, is
preferably provided at the upper end of each cut-and-raised
piece.
[0020] With this structure, the condensed water smoothly enters the
cut-and raised piece without being retained between the heat
transfer fins, and in particular, at the upper end of the
cut-and-raised piece. The condensed water then smoothly flows down
via the linear portion, which extends downward from the lower end
of the cut-and-raised piece. Thus, adhesion of environmental
suspended matter on the fin surfaces, breeding of bacteria, and
corrosion of fins are more effectively prevented. Furthermore,
since drainage during cooling operation is also improved, the
cooling performance is improved, the ventilation resistance is
reduced, and spattering of water is prevented.
[0021] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the cut-and-raised
piece is split into an upper part and a lower part, and the linear
portion, which extends along a lengthwise direction and guides the
condensed water downward, is preferably provided between the upper
part and the lower part.
[0022] With this structure, the condensed water is guided downward
by the linear portion also between the upper part and the lower
part of the split cut-and-raised piece. Thus, even if the split
cut-and-raised piece is employed, the condensed water is
effectively discharged.
[0023] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, each linear portion
is preferably connected to the inside of the associated
cut-and-raised piece.
[0024] With this configuration, the condensed water that flows
along the linear portions smoothly enters the cut-and-raised
pieces. Furthermore, the condensed water smoothly flows downward
and out of the cut-and-raised piece and falls downward of the heat
transfer fin. Thus, the condensed water is further efficiently
discharged from the cut-and-raised piece.
[0025] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, an upper end and a
lower end of each cut-and-raised piece are inclined, and the linear
portions are preferably provided at narrow angle portions of the
upper end and the lower end of each cut-and-raised pieces.
[0026] According to the conventional structure, the inclination
angle at the upper end and the lower end of the slit is large, and
the upper end and the lower end are formed along the arc around
each heat transfer tube. Thus, the condensed water that flows down
to the slits tends to be retained in the vicinity of the upper end
surface of the slits, and does not flow down for a long time after
the operation of the air-conditioner is stopped.
[0027] In this respect, with this structure, the condensed water in
the vicinity of the upper ends of the cut-and-raised pieces
smoothly flows into the cut-and-raised pieces from the narrow angle
portions of the cut-and-raised pieces, and the condensed water in
the cut-and-raised pieces smoothly flows down from the narrow angle
portions at the lower ends of the cut-and-raised pieces.
[0028] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, an upper end and a
lower end of each cut-and-raised piece are inclined, and the linear
portion at the upper end of each cut-and-raised piece is preferably
provided at a wide angle portion of the cut-and-raised piece.
[0029] Even if the linear portion at the upper end of each
cut-and-raised piece is provided at the wide angle portion,
substantially the same advantage is provided as the case where the
linear portion is provided at the narrow angle portion.
[0030] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the linear portion is
preferably provided at the center of the end portions of each
cut-and-raised piece.
[0031] Even if the linear portion is provided at the center of the
end portions of each cut-and-raised piece, substantially the same
advantage as the above structure is provided. Furthermore, when the
linear portion is a cut, since the position of the cut-and-raised
line of the slit is displaced from the position of the cut line,
the precision of the working of the cut-and-raised piece is
improved and deformation of the fin surface is inhibited.
[0032] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the linear portions
preferably extend along a step pitch of the heat transfer fins.
[0033] In this manner, when the linear portions are provided to
extend along the step pitch of the heat transfer fins, the
condensed water is linearly guided along the longitudinal
direction. Thus, the discharge efficiency of the condensed water is
improved.
[0034] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the linear portion at
the upper end or the lower end of each cut-and-raised piece
preferably extends diagonally to avoid a fin collar in which the
heat transfer tube is inserted.
[0035] With this structure, since the linear portions are apart
from the fin collar, interference between a mold used for press
molding the fin collar and the linear portions is eliminated.
[0036] The above-mentioned heat exchanger preferably includes a
drainage rib, which is located along a front edge or a rear edge of
the heat transfer fins. The drainage rib is located close to or
connected to the linear portion at the lower end of each
cut-and-raised piece.
[0037] With this structure, the condensed water is guided to the
drainage rib by the linear portion at the lower end of each
cut-and-raised piece, and the condensed water is further
efficiently discharged via the drainage rib.
[0038] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the linear portions
are preferably linear cuts.
[0039] With this configuration, the condensed water that flows
along the linear cuts smoothly enters the cut-and-raised pieces.
Then, the condensed water in the cut-and-raised pieces smoothly
flows down from the cut-and-raised pieces, and falls downward of
the heat transfer fins. Thus, the condensed water is further
effectively discharged from the cut-and-raised piece. Furthermore,
the ventilation resistance is reduced as compared to the case where
the linear portions are grooves.
[0040] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the linear portions
are preferably grooves.
[0041] With this configuration, the condensed water that flows
along the linear grooves smoothly enters the cut-and-raised pieces.
Then, the condensed water in the cut-and-raised pieces smoothly
flows down from the cut-and-raised pieces, and falls downward of
the heat transfer fins. Thus, the condensed water is further
effectively discharged from the cut-and-raised pieces.
[0042] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the cut-and-raised
pieces are preferably louvers.
[0043] With this configuration, the condensed water smoothly flows
down via the linear portions, which extend from the upper end and
the lower end of each cut-and-raised piece without being retained
between the heat transfer fins, in particular, in the
cut-and-raised piece formed of louvers. Thus, adhesion of
environmental suspended matter on the fin surfaces, breeding of
bacteria, and corrosion of fins are prevented. Furthermore, since
drainage is also improved during cooling operation, the cooling
performance is improved, the ventilation resistance is reduced, and
spattering of water is prevented.
[0044] In the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is
preferably a heat exchanger for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0045] According to the structure of the above inventions, in the
heat exchanger for an air-conditioner indoor unit, in which
condensation easily occurs on the surfaces of the heat transfer
fins, condensed water generated between the heat transfer fins and
in the cut-and-raised pieces during cooling operation is smoothly
discharged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view
illustrating the main part of the air heat exchanger;
[0048] FIG. 3 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view
illustrating the main part of the air heat exchanger;
[0050] FIG. 5 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 6 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0052] FIG. 7 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 8 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0054] FIG. 9 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention;
[0055] FIG. 10 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 11 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a ninth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0057] FIG. 12 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0058] FIG. 13 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to an eleventh embodiment of the present
invention;
[0059] FIG. 14 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a twelfth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0060] FIG. 15 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0061] FIG. 16 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0062] FIG. 17 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0063] FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c) are enlarged partial cross-sectional
views illustrating the main part of the air heat exchanger;
[0064] FIG. 19 is a partial front view illustrating an air heat
exchanger according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0065] FIGS. 20(a) to 20(e) are enlarged partial cross-sectional
views illustrating the main part of the air heat exchanger that is
common to the embodiments;
[0066] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an air
conditioner indoor unit including a first conventional air heat
exchanger;
[0067] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the
main part of the air heat exchanger;
[0068] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an air
conditioner indoor unit including a second conventional air heat
exchanger; and
[0069] FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the
main part of a third conventional air heat exchanger.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0070] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the structure and operation of an air
heat exchanger according to a first embodiment of the present
invention suitable for an air conditioner indoor unit (refer to
FIGS. 21 and 23).
[0071] An air heat exchanger 32 (32b) is configured by heat
transfer tubes 12, heat transfer fins 13a, 13b, cut-and-raised
pieces 14, and tube plates, which are not shown. The heat transfer
tubes 12 are arranged in two rows in upstream (front side) and
downstream (rear side) of the airflow F, and are displaced from
each other. The heat transfer fins 13a, 13b are arranged at a
predetermined pitch along the axes of the heat transfer tubes 12,
and are parallel to each other. The cut-and-raised pieces 14
include slits 14a, 14b and are located on the heat transfer surface
of each heat transfer fin 13a on the upper side and the lower side
of each heat transfer tube 12. The tube plates are located in the
vicinity of the ends in the arrangement direction of the heat
transfer fins 13a, 13b.
[0072] Each cut-and-raised piece 14 includes four rows of slits
14a, 14b, which are arranged from upstream to downstream of the
airflow F (from the left side to the right side in the drawing).
Among the cut-and-raised pieces 14, the cut-and-raised pieces 14b
located in the vicinity of the side edges of each heat transfer fin
13a, 13b are longer than the cut-and-raised pieces 14a located at
the center of the heat transfer fin 13a, 13b.
[0073] In the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b, the slits 14a, 14b of
the cut-and-raised pieces 14 include an upper end and a lower end
having a predetermined inclination angle. Linear portions, which
extend upward or downward, are provided along the front edge of the
slits 14a, 14b at the upper end and the lower end of the front two
rows of slits 14a, 14b. Linear portions, which extend upward and
downward, are also provided along the rear edge of the slits 14a,
14b at the upper end and lower end of the rear two rows of slits
14b, 14a. The linear portions guide the condensed water downward by
capillary action. More specifically, the linear portions are linear
cuts (a cut portion shown in FIG. 20(a)) a, b, and are connected to
the inside of the slits 14a, 14b.
[0074] This structure inhibits the operation in which the condensed
water flows into the slits 14a, 14b without flowing around the
upper end surface of the slits 14a, 14b after the condensed water
generated on the fin surfaces of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b
concentrates in the cuts a that extend from the upper end of the
slits 14a, 14b. Thereafter, the condensed water smoothly flows
toward the lower ends of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b via cuts b
that extend from the lower ends of the slits 14a, 14b. The
condensed water then flows into drain pans (refer to 28a, 28b in
FIG. 5) located below the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b through the
heat transfer fins 13a, 13b.
[0075] Thus, between the fin surfaces of the heat transfer fins
13a, 13b, the condensed water is not retained at the upper end
surface and the lower end surface of the cut-and-raised pieces 14.
Thus, adhesion of environmental suspended matter on the fin
surfaces, breeding of bacteria, and corrosion of fins are
prevented. Furthermore, drainage is improved during cooling
operation, thus improving the cooling performance, reducing the
ventilation resistance, and preventing spattering of water.
[0076] As a result, the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger
suitable for the air conditioner indoor unit as shown in FIGS. 21
and 23 is easily manufactured with low costs. The heat exchanger
prevents adhesion of environmental suspended matter on the fin
surfaces, breeding of bacteria, and corrosion of fins, and has
excellent drainage during cooling operation, thus improving the
cooling performance, reducing the ventilation resistance, and
preventing spattering of water.
[0077] Instead of the slits 14a, 14b, the cut-and-raised pieces 14
may be formed using, for example, louvers. Also, the shape and the
number of the slits 14a, and the number of rows of the slits 14a
may be changed. Furthermore, the cuts a, b may be changed to linear
grooves that are shallow and narrow. Unlike the grooves, the cuts
have no projecting surfaces, which is advantageous in that the
ventilation resistance is hardly generated.
Second Embodiment
[0078] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a second embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0079] In the present embodiment, the split type slits 14a are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the vicinity of
the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b like the
conventional example of FIG. 24 in the cross fin coil type air heat
exchanger that is the same as the first embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 4, linear cuts (linear portions) a, b, c that extend along the
lengthwise direction and have a predetermined length are provided
at the upper end and the lower end of the slits 14a, 14b, and at
the center of the slits 14a. Here, the cut b located between the
split slits 14a is connected to the cut c extending downward and
the cut a extending upward. In this case also, the condensed water
that flows down along the fin surfaces enter the slits 14a, 14b via
the linear portions a, b, and the condensed water smoothly flows
downward and out of the slits 14a, 14b via the cuts b, c. Thus, the
condensed water is not retained in the slits 14a, 14b, and promptly
flows downward. That is, the condensed water is smoothly discharged
like the first embodiment.
Third Embodiment
[0080] FIG. 5 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a third embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0081] In the present embodiment, the split type slits 14a are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 like the second
embodiment. Unlike the second embodiment, however, the split
surfaces of the split part of the slits are not inclined but extend
along the horizontal direction. Linear cuts (linear portions) a, b,
c that extend along the lengthwise direction and have a
predetermined length are provided at the upper end and the lower
end of the slits 14a, 14b, and at the center of the slits 14a.
Here, the cut b located between the split slits 14a is connected to
the cut c extending downward and the cut b extending upward. In
this case also, the condensed water that flows down along the fin
surfaces enter the slits 14a, 14b via the linear portions a, b, and
the condensed water smoothly flows downward and out of the slits
14a, 14b via the cuts b, c. Thus, the condensed water is not
retained in the slits 14a, 14b, and promptly flows downward. Thus,
the condensed water is smoothly discharged like the second
embodiment.
Fourth Embodiment
[0082] FIG. 6 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0083] In the present embodiment, in the slits 14a, 14b of the
cross fin coil type air heat exchanger according to the third
embodiment, linear cuts, that is, linear portions d, e, f that
extend along the lengthwise direction and have a predetermined
length are further provided between the laterally adjacent slits
14a, 14b.
[0084] Among the four rows of slits 14a, 14b arranged from upstream
to downstream of the airflow, the linear portions d, e are provided
between the first row of the split type slit 14a and the second row
of the integrated slit 14b. The linear portions d, e are provided
separately at two positions, which are the upper section and the
lower section. Also, the linear portion f is provided between the
second row of the integrated slit 14b and the third row of the
integrated slit 14b. The linear portion f is formed by a single
line that continues from the upper end to the lower end.
Furthermore, the linear portions d, e are also provided between the
third row of the integrated slit 14b and the fourth row of the
split type slit 14a. The linear portions d, e are provided
separately at two positions, which are the upper section and the
lower section. The linear portions d, e, f all extend along the
lengthwise direction. Like the third embodiment, the condensed
water that flows down along the fin surfaces enter the slits 14a,
14b via the linear portions a, b, and the condensed water smoothly
flows downward and out of the slits 14a, 14b via the cuts b, c.
Thus, not only the condensed water promptly flows downward without
being retained in the slits 14a, 14b, the condensed water that
remains on the fin surfaces between the slits 14a, 14b also
smoothly flows down by the cuts d, e, f located between the slits
14a, 14b. Thus, the condensed water is further smoothly discharged
as compared to the third embodiment.
Fifth Embodiment
[0085] FIG. 7 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0086] In the present embodiment, the linear cuts a that extend
from the upper ends of the slits 14a, 14b of the cross fin coil
type air heat exchanger according to the third embodiment are not
provided at the narrow angle portions, but are provided at the wide
angle portions. As is known, the condensed water on the fin
surfaces tends to concentrate in a lower portion of the center of
each fin collar in which the associated heat transfer tube 12 is
inserted. Thus, providing the linear cuts a at the wide angle
portions of the upper ends of the slits 14a, 14b is advantageous in
smoothly discharging the condensed water concentrating in a lower
portion of the fin collars.
Sixth Embodiment
[0087] FIG. 8 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0088] Unlike the third embodiment, in which the linear cuts a, b,
c are provided at the narrow angle portions and at the split
portions of the slits 14a, 14b, the cuts a, b, c are provided at
the upper end center and the lower end center of the slits 14a, 14b
as shown in FIG. 8 in the present embodiment.
[0089] In this case also, the condensed water that flows down along
the fin surfaces enter the slits 14a, 14b via the linear portions
a, and the condensed water smoothly flows downward and out of the
slits 14a, 14b via the cuts b, c. Thus, the condensed water is not
retained in the slits 14a, 14b, and promptly flows downward.
Therefore, the condensed water is smoothly discharged like the
third embodiment.
[0090] In this case, when forming the cuts at the upper end center
and lower end center of the slits 14a, 14b, the cuts a, b, c can be
formed at positions separate from the cut positions of the fins
forming the slits. This adds to the flexibility of the working,
prevents deformation of the fin surfaces caused when forming the
slits, and inhibits increase in the ventilation resistance.
Seventh Embodiment
[0091] FIG. 9 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0092] In the present embodiment, the integrated slits 14a, 14b are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the vicinity of
the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. In the cross fin
coil type air heat exchanger according to the first embodiment, in
which the cuts a, b are provided at the upper ends and the lower
ends of the slits 14a, 14b, the cuts a at the upper ends of the
slits are omitted.
[0093] Although this structure inhibits, as compared to the first
embodiment, the operation in which the condensed water generated on
the fin surfaces flow into the slits 14a, 14b without flowing
around the upper end surfaces of the slits 14a, 14b, the condensed
water is inhibited from flowing in from the top of the slits since
the cuts are not formed at the upper ends of the slits 14a, 14b.
Also, when forming the fin collars or the like, at least the upper
cuts a do not interfere with fin collars 15 in which the heat
transfer tubes 12 are inserted.
Eighth Embodiment
[0094] FIG. 10 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0095] In the present embodiment, diagonal split type slits 14a are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the vicinity of
the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. The cuts a at
the upper ends of the slits are omitted from the structure of the
cross fin coil type air heat exchanger according to the second
embodiment, in which the linear cuts (linear portions) a, b, c that
extend along the lengthwise direction and have a predetermined
length are provided at the upper ends and the lower ends of the
slits 14a, 14b and at the center of the slits 14a.
[0096] Although this structure inhibits, as compared to the second
embodiment, the operation in which the condensed water flows into
the slits 14a, 14b without flowing around the upper end surfaces of
the slits 14a, 14b after the condensed water generated on the fin
surfaces concentrates in the upper cuts a of the slits 14a, 14b,
the condensed water is inhibited from flowing in from the top of
the slits since the cuts are not formed at the upper ends of the
slits 14a, 14b. Also, when forming the fin collars or the like, at
least the upper cuts a do not interfere with the fin collars 15 in
which the heat transfer tubes 12 are inserted. Also, since the
split section of the slits is formed diagonally, the condensed
water is promoted to flow from the upper part to the lower part of
the split section.
Ninth Embodiment
[0097] FIG. 11 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0098] In the present embodiment, parallel split type slits 14a are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the vicinity of
the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. Like the seventh
embodiment, the cuts a at the upper ends of the slits are omitted
from the structure of the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger
according to the third embodiment, in which the linear cuts (linear
portions) a, b, c that extend along the lengthwise direction and
have a predetermined length are provided at the upper ends and the
lower ends of the slits 14a, 14b and the center of the slits
14a.
[0099] Although this structure inhibits, as compared to the third
embodiment, the operation in which the condensed water flows into
the slits 14a, 14b without flowing around the upper end surfaces of
the slits 14a, 14b after the condensed water generated on the fin
surfaces concentrates at the cuts a at the upper side of the slits
14a, 14b, the condensed water is inhibited from flowing in from the
top of the slits. Also, when forming the fin collars or the like,
at least the upper cuts a do not interfere with the fin collars 15
in which the heat transfer tubes 12 are inserted.
Tenth Embodiment
[0100] FIG. 12 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0101] In the present embodiment, the parallel split type slits 14a
are employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the
vicinity of the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. The
linear cuts a at the upper end of the slits are omitted from the
structure of the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger according
to the sixth embodiment, in which the linear cuts (linear portions)
a, b, c that extend along the lengthwise direction and have a
predetermined length are provided at the upper ends and the lower
ends of the slits 14a, 14b and at the center of the slits 14a.
[0102] Although this structure inhibits, as compared to the sixth
embodiment, the operation in which the condensed water flows into
the slits 14a, 14b without flowing around the upper end surface of
the slits 14a, 14b after the condensed water generated on the fin
surfaces concentrates in the cuts a on the upper side of the slits
14a, 14b, the condensed water is inhibited from flowing in from the
top of the slits. Also, when forming the fin collars or the like,
at least the upper cuts a do not interfere with the fin collars 15
in which the heat transfer tubes 12 are inserted.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0103] FIG. 13 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention
suitable for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0104] In the present embodiment, the integrated slits 14b are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located at the center of
the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b, and the parallel split type slits
14a are employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the
vicinity of the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. All
the cuts a, b, c except the cuts b at the center of the parallel
split type slits 14a extend diagonally to avoid the fin collars 15
in which the heat transfer tubes 12 are inserted in the structure
of the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger according to the
second embodiment, in which the linear cuts (linear portions) a, b,
c that extend along the lengthwise direction and have a
predetermined length are provided at the narrow angle portions of
the upper ends and the lower ends of the slits 14a, 14b and at the
center of the split portion of the slits 14a.
[0105] Like the second embodiment, regardless of the existence of
the fin collars 15, when the cut portions a, b, c that extend along
the lengthwise direction are provided in the heat transfer fins
13a, 13b, a mold used for press molding the fin collars 15 might
interfere with the cuts a, b, c.
[0106] According to the present embodiment, since the distance
between the cuts a, b, c and the fin collars 15 is sufficient, the
interference between the cuts and the mold is prevented. Thus, the
flexibility in the working of the fins is improved, and the molding
accuracy is also improved. Also, as is known, the condensed water
on the fin surfaces tends to concentrate in a lower portion of the
center of the fin collars 15. In this respect, according to the
present embodiment, since the cuts a on the upper ends of the slits
14a, 14b are inclined, the condensed water is easily collected by
the cuts a, and the condensed water easily flows into the slits
14a, 14b.
Twelfth Embodiment
[0107] FIG. 14 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention suitable
for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0108] In the present embodiment, the integrated slits 14b are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located at the center of
the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b, and the parallel split type slits
14a are employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the
vicinity of the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. All
the cuts a, b, c except the cuts b at the center of the parallel
split type slits 14a extend diagonally to avoid the fin collars 15
in which the heat transfer tubes 12 are inserted in the structure
of the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger according to the
third embodiment, in which the linear cuts (linear portions) a, b,
c that extend along the lengthwise direction and have a
predetermined length are provided at the upper ends and the lower
ends of the slits 14a, 14b and at the center of the slits 14a.
[0109] Like the third embodiment, regardless of the existence of
the fin collars 15, when the cut portions a, b, c that extend along
the lengthwise direction are provided in the heat transfer fins
13a, 13b, the mold used when press molding the fin collars 15 might
interfere with the cuts a, b, c.
[0110] According to the present embodiment, since the distance
between the cuts a, b, c and the fin collars 15 is sufficient, the
interference between the cuts and the mold is prevented. Thus, the
flexibility in the working of the fins is improved, and the molding
accuracy is also improved. Also, as is known, the condensed water
on the fin surfaces tends to concentrate in a lower portion of the
center of the fin collars 15. In this respect, according to the
present embodiment, since the cuts a at the upper ends of the slits
14a, 14b are inclined, the condensed water is easily trapped by the
cuts a, and the condensed water easily flows into the slits 14a,
14b.
Thirteenth Embodiment
[0111] FIG. 15 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention
suitable for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0112] In the present embodiment, the integrated slits 14b are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located at the center of
the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b, and the diagonal split type slits
14a are employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the
vicinity of the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. The
cuts a at the upper ends of the slits are omitted in the structure
of the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger according to the
eleventh embodiment, in which, while the linear cuts (linear
portions) a, b, c that extend along the lengthwise direction and
have a predetermined length are provided at the upper ends and the
lower ends of the slits 14a, 14b and at the center of the slits
14a, all the cuts a, b, c except the cuts at the center of the
split type slits 14a extend diagonally to avoid the fin collars
15.
[0113] Although this structure inhibits, as compared to the tenth
embodiment, the operation in which the condensed water flows into
the slits 14a, 14b without flowing around the upper end surfaces of
the slits 14a, 14b after the condensed water generated on the fin
surfaces concentrates in the upper cuts a of the slits 14a, 14b,
the mold used in press molding the fin collars 15 does not
interfere with the cuts a.
Fourteenth Embodiment
[0114] FIG. 16 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention
suitable for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0115] In the present embodiment, the integrated slits 14b are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located at the center of
the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b, and the parallel split type slits
14a are employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the
vicinity of the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. The
cuts a at the upper end of the slits are omitted from the structure
of the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger according to the
twelfth embodiment, in which, while the linear cuts (linear
portions) a, b, c that extend along the lengthwise direction and
have a predetermined length are provided at the upper ends and the
lower ends of the slits 14a, 14b and at the center of the slits
14a, all the cuts a, b, c except the cuts at the center of the
split type slits 14a extend diagonally to avoid the fin collars
15.
[0116] Although this structure inhibits, as compared to the
eleventh embodiment, the operation in which the condensed water
flows into the slits 14a, 14b without flowing around the upper end
surfaces of the slits 14a, 14b after the condensed water generated
on the fin surfaces concentrates in the upper cuts a of the slits
14a, 14b, the mold used for press molding the fin collars 15 does
not interfere with the cuts a.
Fifteenth Embodiment
[0117] FIG. 17 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention
suitable for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0118] In the present embodiment, the integrated slits 14b are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located at the center of
the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b, and the diagonal split type slits
14a are employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the
vicinity of the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b.
Drainage ribs 16a, 16b are provided along the front edge of the
front row of the fins 13a and along the rear edge of the rear row
of the fins 13b in the structure of the cross fin coil type air
heat exchanger according to the thirteenth embodiment, in which the
linear cuts (linear portions) b, c that extend diagonally downward
are provided only at the narrow angle portions at the lower ends of
the slits 14a, 14b. The ribs 16a, 16b have a recess on one of the
fin surfaces and a projection on the other fin surface.
Furthermore, the linear cuts c that extend from the narrow angle
portions at the lower ends of the slits 14a, 14b are connected or
close to the ribs 16a, 16b.
[0119] In this case, as the ribs 16a, 16b, for example, ribs having
a semicircular cross-section shown in FIG. 18(a), ribs having a
triangular cross-section shown in FIG. 18(b), or ribs having a
rectangular cross-section shown in FIG. 18(c) may be employed. With
this structure, the interference between the mold used for press
molding the fin collars and the cuts is eliminated, and the
condensed water in the slits 14a located in the vicinity of the
side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b is smoothly
discharged downward via grooves of the ribs 16a, 16b.
Sixteenth Embodiment
[0120] FIG. 19 shows the structure of an air heat exchanger
according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention
suitable for an air conditioner indoor unit.
[0121] In the present embodiment, the integrated slits 14b are
employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located at the center of
the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b, and the parallel split type slits
14a are employed as the cut-and-raised pieces 14 located in the
vicinity of the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b. The
drainage ribs 16a, 16b are provided along the front edge of the
front row of the fin 13a and along the rear edge of the rear row of
the fin 13b in the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger according
to the fourteenth embodiment, in which the linear cuts (linear
portions) c, b that extend diagonally downward to avoid the fin
collars 15 and has a predetermined length are provided only at the
narrow angle portions at the lower ends of the slits 14a, 14b. The
ribs 16a, 16b have a recess on one of the fin surfaces and a
projection on the other fin surface. The linear cuts that extend
from the narrow angle portions at the lower ends of the slits 14a,
14b are connected or close to the ribs 16a, 16b.
[0122] In this case, as the drainage ribs 16a, 16b, for example,
ribs having a semicircular cross-section shown in FIG. 18(a), ribs
having a triangular cross-section shown in FIG. 18(b), or ribs
having a rectangular cross-section shown in FIG. 18(c) are
employed. With this structure, the interference between the mold
used for press molding the fin collars and the cuts is eliminated,
and the condensed water in the slits 14a located in the vicinity of
the side edges of the heat transfer fins 13a, 13b is smoothly
discharged downward via the grooves of the ribs 16a, 16b.
(Other Modifications of Linear Portions That Improve Inflow and
Discharge of Condensed Water)
[0123] Besides the cut shown in FIG. 20(a), for example, a minute
space shown in FIG. 20(b), a marked microgroove shown in FIG.
20(c), a microslit shown in FIG. 20(d), or a microlouver shown in
FIG. 20(e) may be employed as the linear portions a to c of the
above embodiments. In these cases, minute gaps draw in the
surrounding condensed water by capillary phenomenon, and the
condensed water is smoothly discharged.
(Various Types of Applications)
[0124] The heat exchangers of the above embodiments are optimal
for, for example, the cross fin coil type air heat exchanger for an
air conditioner indoor unit shown in FIGS. 21 and 23. More
specifically, the air conditioner indoor unit is easily
manufactured with low costs that prevents adhesion of environmental
suspended matter on the surfaces of the heat transfer fins,
breeding of bacteria, and corrosion of the fins, improves drainage
during cooling operation, improves the cooling performance, reduces
ventilation resistance, and prevents spattering of water. The heat
exchangers of the present invention may be applied to other cooling
apparatuses.
* * * * *