U.S. patent application number 13/480948 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for condenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Keihin Thermal Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to Kouta Arino, Tatsuya Hanafusa, Kazumi Tokizaki.
Application Number | 20120305228 13/480948 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47173564 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120305228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arino; Kouta ; et
al. |
December 6, 2012 |
CONDENSER
Abstract
A condenser includes first and second header tanks provided at
one end thereof such that the latter is located on the outer side
of the former. First heat exchange tubes forming a first heat
exchange path provided in a condensation part are connected to the
first header tank. Second heat exchange tubes forming a second heat
exchange path provided in a super-cooling part are connected to the
second header tank. The first header tank has one communication
section which communicates with the second header tank through a
communication part and to which all the heat exchange tubes forming
the first heat exchange path are connected. The communication part
is provided at a height below the uppermost heat exchange tube
among all the heat exchange tubes connected to the communication
section. The upper end of the first header tank is located above
the lower end of the second header tank.
Inventors: |
Arino; Kouta; (Oyama-shi,
JP) ; Tokizaki; Kazumi; (Oyama-shi, JP) ;
Hanafusa; Tatsuya; (Oyama-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
Keihin Thermal Technology
Corporation
Oyama-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
47173564 |
Appl. No.: |
13/480948 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 1/05391 20130101;
F28F 9/268 20130101; F25B 2339/0442 20130101; F25B 2339/0446
20130101; F25B 2339/0444 20130101; F28D 2021/0084 20130101; F25B
39/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/173 |
International
Class: |
F28F 9/02 20060101
F28F009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 30, 2011 |
JP |
2011-119903 |
Claims
1. A condenser which has a condensation part and a super-cooling
part provided such that the condensation part is located above the
super-cooling part and which comprises a plurality of heat exchange
tubes disposed in parallel such that their length direction
coincides with a left-right direction and they are spaced apart
from one another in a vertical direction; and header tanks which
are disposed such that their length direction coincides with the
vertical direction and to which left and right end portions of the
heat exchange tubes are connected, each of the condensation part
and the super-cooling part including at least one heat exchange
path formed by a plurality of heat exchange tubes successively
arranged in the vertical direction, the condenser configured such
that all refrigerant having flowed through the heat exchange tubes
of the condensation part flows into the heat exchange tubes of the
super-cooling part, wherein a first header tank to which all the
heat exchange tubes of the condensation part are connected and a
second header tank to which all the heat exchange tubes of the
super-cooling part are connected are provided at one of left and
right ends of the condenser; the first header tank has one
communication section which communicates with the second header
tank through a communication part and to which all the heat
exchange tubes forming one heat exchange path are connected; the
communication part is provided at a height below the uppermost heat
exchange tube among all the heat exchange tubes connected to the
communication section; the second header tank is disposed on the
outer side of the first header tank with respect to the left-right
direction; an upper end of the second header tank is located above
a lower end of the first header tank; the second header tank has a
function of separating gas and liquid from each other and storing
the separated liquid; and all the refrigerant having passed through
the heat exchange tubes of the condensation part flows into the
communication section of the first header tank and flows into the
second header tank through the communication part.
2. A condenser according to claim 1, wherein the condensation part
has one heat exchange path; the first header tank has one
communication section to which all the heat exchange tubes forming
the heat exchange path of the condensation part are connected; and
the communication part establishes a refrigerant communication
between the second header tank and a portion of the communication
section of the first header tank, the portion extending downward
from an approximate center of the communication section with
respect to the vertical direction.
3. A condenser according to claim 1, wherein the condensation part
has two or more heat exchange paths; the condenser is configured
such that refrigerant flows from a heat exchange path at one end
with respect to the vertical direction toward a heat exchange path
at the other end with respect to the vertical direction; the first
header tank has one communication section to which all the heat
exchange tubes forming a furthest downstream heat exchange path of
the condensation part are connected; and the communication part
establishes a refrigerant communication between the second header
tank and a portion of the communication section of the first header
tank, the portion extending downward from an approximate center of
the communication section with respect to the vertical direction.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a condenser suitable for
use in, for example, a car air conditioner mounted on an
automobile.
[0002] Herein and in the appended claims, the upper side, lower
side, left-hand side, and right-hand side of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be
referred to as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right,"
respectively.
[0003] A condenser for a car air conditioner is known (see Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 2001-33121). The known
condenser has a condensation part and a super-cooling part provided
such that the former is located above the latter. The condenser
includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes disposed in parallel
such that their length direction coincides with the left-right
direction and they are spaced apart from one another in the
vertical direction; fins each disposed between adjacent heat
exchange tubes; and header tanks which are disposed such that their
length direction coincides with the vertical direction and to which
left and right end portions of the heat exchange tubes are
connected, respectively. All the heat exchange tubes have the same
length. One heat exchange path formed by a plurality of heat
exchange tubes successively arranged in the vertical direction is
provided in each of the condensation part and the super-cooling
part. The heat exchange path provided in the condensation part
serves as a refrigerant condensation path for condensing
refrigerant, and the heat exchange path provided in the
super-cooling part serves as a refrigerant super-cooling path for
super-cooling the refrigerant. The two header tanks, to which all
the heat exchange tubes are connected, are provided at the left and
right ends of the condenser such that one header tank is provided
at each of the left and right ends of the condenser. The interior
of each of the two header tanks is divided into upper and lower
header sections by a partition provided at a vertical position
between the refrigerant condensation path and the refrigerant
super-cooling path. Left and right end portions of the heat
exchange tubes of the refrigerant condensation path are connected
to the upper header sections of the two header tanks, and left and
right end portions of the heat exchange tubes of the refrigerant
super-cooling path are connected to the lower header sections of
the two header tanks. A refrigerant inlet is provided at the upper
header section of one header tank, and a refrigerant outlet is
provided at the lower header section of the header tank. A liquid
receiver which separates gas and liquid from each other and stores
the liquid is joined to the other header tank, and a refrigerant
communication is established between the interior of the liquid
receiver and the interiors of the upper and lower header sections
of the other header tank. In operation, refrigerant flows into the
liquid receiver from the upper header section of the other header
tank, and the gas and liquid portions of the refrigerant are
separated from each other in the liquid receiver. After that, the
liquid portion; i.e., liquid-predominant mixed phase refrigerant,
flows into the lower header section of the other header tank.
[0004] However, in the condenser disclosed in the above-mentioned
publication, all the heat exchange tubes have the same length; the
interior of each of the two header tanks is divided into upper and
lower header sections by a partition provided at a vertical
position between the refrigerant condensation path and the
refrigerant super-cooling path; the left and right end portions of
the heat exchange tubes of the refrigerant condensation path are
connected to the upper header sections of the two header tanks; and
the left and right end portions of the heat exchange tubes of the
refrigerant super-cooling path are connected to the lower header
sections of the two header tanks. Thus, the condensation part and
the super-cooling part have the same length as measured in the
left-right direction. Therefore, in the case where the dimensions
of the condenser, including the liquid receiver, as measured in the
vertical direction and the left-right direction are fixed to
certain dimensions, the areas of the heat exchange portions of the
condensation part and the super-cooling part become insufficient,
and further improvement of the refrigerant condensation efficiency
and the refrigerant super-cooling efficiency cannot be
attained.
[0005] In view of the above, the present applicant has proposed a
condenser for a car air conditioner which can further improve the
refrigerant condensation efficiency and the refrigerant
super-cooling efficiency (see the pamphlet of WO2010/047320). The
proposed condenser has a condensation part and a super-cooling part
provided such that the former is located above the latter. The
condenser includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes disposed in
parallel such that their length direction coincides with the
left-right direction and they are spaced apart from one another in
the vertical direction; and header tanks which are disposed such
that their length direction coincides with the vertical direction
and to which left and right end portions of the heat exchange tubes
are connected, respectively. Three heat exchange paths each formed
by a plurality of heat exchange tubes successively arranged in the
vertical direction are provided such that the heat exchange paths
are juxtaposed in the vertical direction. The condensation part has
a first tube group composed of two heat exchange paths each serving
as a refrigerant condensation path. The super-cooling part has a
second tube group located below the first tube group and composed
of a single heat exchange path serving as a refrigerant
super-cooling path. A first header tank and a second header tank
are provided at one of the left and right ends of the condenser,
and a third header tank is provided at the other of the left and
right ends of the condenser. The heat exchange tubes of the
refrigerant condensation paths, excluding the refrigerant
condensation path located furthest downstream with respect to the
refrigerant flow direction, are connected to the first header tank.
The heat exchange tubes of the refrigerant condensation path
located furthest downstream with respect to the refrigerant flow
direction and the heat exchange tubes of the refrigerant
super-cooling path are connected to the second header tank. All the
heat exchange tubes are connected to the third header tank. The
second header tank is disposed on the outer side of the first
header tank with respect to the left-right direction, and the upper
end of the second header tank is located above the lower end of the
first header tank. The second header thank has a function of
separating gas and liquid from each other and storing the
liquid.
[0006] According to the condenser disclosed in the pamphlet, the
portions of the heat exchange tubes connected to the second header
tank, the portions being located on the side toward the second
header tank, have projection portions which project outward in the
left and right direction in relation to the ends of the heat
exchange tubes connected to the first header, the ends being
located on the side toward the first header tank, and fins are
disposed between adjacent projection portions. Thus, a heat
exchange section is formed by the projection portions of the
exchange tubes connected to the second header tank and the fins
disposed between adjacent projection portions. Accordingly, the
area of the heat exchange section increases as compared with the
heat exchanger disclosed in the publication, and refrigerant
condensation efficiency and refrigerant super-cooling efficiency
are improved.
[0007] Incidentally, a condenser is generally required to have a
wide stable range which appears when refrigerant is charged into
the condenser and in which a constant degree of super cooling is
attained such that the condenser has a super-cooling characteristic
which is more stable against load fluctuation and/or leakage of
refrigerant. Therefore, even the condenser which is disclosed in
the pamphlet and which has improved refrigerant condensation
efficiency and refrigerant super-cooling efficiency as compared
with the heat exchanger disclosed in the publication is required to
increase the width of the stable range in which a constant degree
of super cooling is attained.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the above-described circumstances, an object of
the present invention is to provide a condenser which can increase
the width of the stable range while securing its performance to the
greatest degree.
[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention comprises
the following modes.
[0010] 1) A condenser which has a condensation part and a
super-cooling part provided such that the condensation part is
located above the super-cooling part and which comprises a
plurality of heat exchange tubes disposed in parallel such that
their length direction coincides with a left-right direction and
they are spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction; and
header tanks which are disposed such that their length direction
coincides with the vertical direction and to which left and right
end portions of the heat exchange tubes are connected, each of the
condensation part and the super-cooling part including at least one
heat exchange path formed by a plurality of heat exchange tubes
successively arranged in the vertical direction, the condenser
configured such that all refrigerant having flowed through the heat
exchange tubes of the condensation part flows into the heat
exchange tubes of the super-cooling part,
[0011] wherein a first header tank to which all the heat exchange
tubes of the condensation part are connected and a second header
tank to which all the heat exchange tubes of the super-cooling part
are connected are provided at one of left and right ends of the
condenser; the first header tank has one communication section
which communicates with the second header tank through a
communication part and to which all the heat exchange tubes forming
one heat exchange path are connected; the communication part is
provided at a height below the uppermost heat exchange tube among
all the heat exchange tubes connected to the communication section;
the second header tank is disposed on the outer side of the first
header tank with respect to the left-right direction; an upper end
of the second header tank is located above a lower end of the first
header tank; the second header tank has a function of separating
gas and liquid from each other and storing the separated liquid;
and all the refrigerant having passed through the heat exchange
tubes of the condensation part flows into the communication section
of the first header tank and flows into the second header tank
through the communication part.
[0012] 2) A condenser according to par. 1), wherein the
condensation part has one heat exchange path; the first header tank
has one communication section to which all the heat exchange tubes
forming the heat exchange path of the condensation part are
connected; and the communication part establishes a refrigerant
communication between the second header tank and a portion of the
communication section of the first header tank, the portion
extending downward from an approximate center of the communication
section with respect to the vertical direction.
[0013] 3) A condenser according to par. 1), wherein the
condensation part has two or more heat exchange paths; the
condenser is configured such that refrigerant flows from a heat
exchange path at one end with respect to the vertical direction
toward a heat exchange path at the other end with respect to the
vertical direction; the first header tank has one communication
section to which all the heat exchange tubes forming a furthest
downstream heat exchange path of the condensation part are
connected; and the communication part establishes a refrigerant
communication between the second header tank and a portion of the
communication section of the first header tank, the portion
extending downward from an approximate center of the communication
section with respect to the vertical direction.
[0014] According to a condenser according to pars. 1) to 3), a
first header tank to which all the heat exchange tubes of the
condensation part are connected and a second header tank to which
all the heat exchange tubes of the super-cooling part are connected
are provided at one of left and right ends of the condenser; the
first header tank has one communication section which communicates
with the second header tank through a communication part and to
which all the heat exchange tubes forming one heat exchange path
are connected; the communication part is provided at a height below
the uppermost heat exchange tube among all the heat exchange tubes
connected to the communication section; the second header tank is
disposed on the outer side of the first header tank with respect to
the left-right direction; an upper end of the second header tank is
located above a lower end of the first header tank; the second
header tank has a function of separating gas and liquid from each
other and storing the separated liquid; and all the refrigerant
having passed through the heat exchange tubes of the condensation
part flows into the communication section of the first header tank
and flows into the second header tank through the communication
part. Thus, when refrigerant within the communication section of
the first header tank reaches the communication part during
charging thereof, the refrigerant flows into the second header tank
through the communication part and then flows into the heat
exchange tubes of the refrigerant super-cooling path. Therefore, as
compared with the case where the refrigerant within the
communication section flows into the second header tank after
reaching the uppermost heat exchange tube among all the heat
exchange tubes connected to the communication section, the
interiors of the heat exchange tubes forming the refrigerant
super-cooling path can be filled with liquid-phase refrigerant at
an early stage. Therefore, the width of a stable range within which
a constant degree of super cooling is attained; i.e., the width of
a range regarding the refrigerant charge amount within which a
constant degree of super cooling is attained, increases. As a
result, a super-cooling characteristic which is more stable against
load fluctuation and/or leakage of refrigerant can be attained, and
the performance of a car air conditioner using this condenser can
be maintained for a long period of time.
[0015] Also, since the length of the heat exchange tubes of all the
heat exchange paths of the super-cooling part becomes greater than
the length of the heat exchange tubes of all the heat exchange
paths of the condensation part, as compared with the condenser
disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, the area of the heat
exchange section increases, and the refrigerant super-cooling
efficiency increases.
[0016] In the case where the first header tank to which all the
heat exchange tubes of the condensation part are connected and the
second header tank to which all the heat exchange tubes of the
super-cooling part are connected are provided at one of the left
and right ends as in the condenser of par. 1), if a refrigerant
communication is not established between the first header tank and
the second header tank via the communication part, it is impossible
to separate gas and liquid in the second header tank and fill the
interiors of the heat exchange tubes of the super-cooling part with
the obtained liquid-predominant mixed phase refrigerant as in the
condenser described in the above-mentioned pamphlet. However, even
in such a case, if communication is established between the first
header tank and the second header tank via the communication part,
it becomes possible to separate gas and liquid in the second header
tank and fill the interiors of the heat exchange tubes of the
super-cooling part with the obtained liquid-predominant mixed phase
refrigerant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view specifically showing the overall
structure of a first embodiment of a condenser according to the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the condenser
of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a main
portion of the condenser of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a first
modification of a communication part;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a communication member
of the communication part of FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a
second modification of the communication part;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a communication member
of the communication part of FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a third
modification of the communication part;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of
a condenser which includes the communication part of FIG. 9;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a
fourth modification of the communication part;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a
fifth modification of the communication part;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a
sixth modification of the communication part;
[0030] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of
a condenser which includes the communication part of FIG. 13;
[0031] FIG. 15 is a front view schematically showing a second
embodiment of the condenser according to the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 16 is a front view schematically showing a third
embodiment of the condenser according to the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a front view schematically showing a fourth
embodiment of the condenser according to the present invention;
and
[0034] FIG. 18 is a front view schematically showing a fifth
embodiment of the condenser according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will next be described
with reference to the drawings.
[0036] In the following description, the reverse side of the sheet
on which FIG. 1 is drawn will be referred to as the "front," and
the opposite side as the "rear."
[0037] The term "aluminum" as used in the following description
encompasses aluminum alloys in addition to pure aluminum.
[0038] Like portions and components are denoted by like reference
numerals throughout the drawings, and they will not be described
redundantly.
[0039] FIG. 1 specifically shows the overall structure of a first
embodiment of a condenser according to the present invention. FIG.
2 schematically shows the condenser of FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 show
the structure of a main portion of the condenser of FIG. 1. In FIG.
2, individual heat exchange tubes are not illustrated, and
corrugate fins, side plates, a refrigerant inlet member, and a
refrigerant outlet member are also not illustrated.
[0040] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a condenser 1 has a condensation part 1A
and a super-cooling part 1B provided such that the former is
located above the latter. The condenser 1 includes a plurality of
flat heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B formed of aluminum, three header
tanks 3, 4, 5 formed of aluminum, corrugate fins 6A, 6B formed of
aluminum, and side plates 7 formed of aluminum. The heat exchange
tubes 2A, 2B are disposed such that their width direction coincides
with an air passage direction, their length direction coincides
with a left-right direction, and they are spaced from one another
in a vertical direction. The header tanks 3, 4, 5 are disposed such
that their length direction coincides with the vertical direction,
and left and right end portions of the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B
are brazed to the header tanks 3, 4, 5. Each of the corrugate fins
6A, 6B is disposed between and brazed to adjacent heat exchange
tubes 2A, 2B, or is disposed on the outer side of the uppermost or
lowermost heat exchange tube 2A, 2B and brazed to the corresponding
heat exchange tube 2A, 2B. The side plates 7 are disposed on the
corresponding outer sides of the uppermost and lowermost corrugate
fins 6A, 6B, and are brazed to these corrugate fins 6A, 6B.
[0041] Each of the condensation part 1A and super-cooling part 1B
of the condenser 1 includes at least one (only one in the present
embodiment) heat exchange path P1, P2 formed by a plurality of heat
exchange tubes 2A, 2B successively arranged in the vertical
direction. The heat exchange path P1 provided in the condensation
part 1A serves as a refrigerant condensation path. The heat
exchange path P2 provided in the super-cooling part 1B serves as a
refrigerant super-cooling path. The flow direction of refrigerant
is the same among all the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form the
respective heat exchange paths P1, P2. The flow direction of
refrigerant in the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form a certain
heat exchange path is opposite the flow direction of refrigerant in
the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form another heat exchange
path adjacent to the certain heat exchange path. The heat exchange
path P1 of the condensation part 1A will be referred to as the
first heat exchange path, and the heat exchange path P2 of the
super-cooling part 1B will be referred to as the second heat
exchange path.
[0042] The first header tank 3 and the second header tank 4 are
individually provided at the left end of the condenser 1. Left end
portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2A, which form the first
heat exchange path P1 provided in the condensation part 1A, are
connected to the first header tank 3 through brazing. Left end
portions of the heat exchange tubes 2B, which form the second heat
exchange path P2 provided in the super-cooling part 1B, are
connected to the second header tank 4 through brazing. The upper
end of the second header tank 4 is located above the lower end of
the first header tank 3. In the present embodiment, the upper end
of the second header tank 4 is located at substantially the same
height as the upper end of the first header tank 3. The lower end
of the second header tank 4 is located below the lower end of the
first header tank 3. The heat exchange tubes 2B, which form the
second heat exchange path P2, are brazed to a portion of the second
header tank 4 located below the first header tank 3. The inner
volume of the second header tank 4 is determined such that a
portion of gas-liquid mixed phase refrigerant having flowed into
the second header tank 4; i.e., liquid-predominant mixed phase
refrigerant, accumulates in a lower region within the second header
tank 4 because of gravitational force, and the gas phase component
of the gas-liquid mixed phase refrigerant accumulates in an upper
region within the second header tank 4 because of gravitational
force, whereby gas and liquid are separated from each other.
Accordingly, the second header tank 4 serves as a liquid receiving
section which separates gas and liquid from each other through
utilization of gravitational force and stores the liquid.
[0043] Herein, the heat exchange tubes 2A connected to the first
header tank 3 will be referred to as the first heat exchange tubes,
and the heat exchange tubes 2B connected to the second header tank
4 will be referred to as the second heat exchange tubes. The
corrugate fins 6A disposed between the adjacent first heat exchange
tubes 2A, that between the uppermost first heat exchange tube 2A
and the upper side plate 7, and that between the lowermost first
heat exchange tube 2A and the uppermost second heat exchange tube
2B will be referred to as the first corrugate fins. The corrugate
fins 6B disposed between the adjacent second heat exchange tubes
2B, and that between the lowermost second heat exchange tube 2B and
the lower side plate 7 will be referred to as the second corrugate
fins.
[0044] The third header tank 5 is disposed at the right end of the
condenser 1. Right end portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2A,
2B which form the first and second heat exchange paths P1, P2 are
connected to the third header tank 5. The third header tank 5 has a
transverse cross-sectional shape identical with that of the first
header tank 3.
[0045] The interior of the third header tank 5 is divided into an
upper header section 9 and a lower header section 11 by an aluminum
partition plate 8 provided at a height between the first heat
exchange path P1 and the second heat exchange path P2. A
refrigerant inlet 12 is formed in the upper header section 9 of the
third header tank 5 at a vertically middle position, and a
refrigerant outlet 13 is formed in the lower header section 11. A
refrigerant inlet member 14 communicating with the refrigerant
inlet 12 and a refrigerant outlet member 15 communicating with the
refrigerant outlet 13 are joined to the third header tank 5.
[0046] The first header tank 3 has one communication section 17 to
which all the first heat exchange tubes 2A of the first heat
exchange path P1 provided in the condensation part 1A are connected
and which communicates with the second header tank 4 via a
communication part 16. That is, the entire interior of the first
header tank 3 serves as the communication section 17. The
communication part 16 is provided at a height below the uppermost
first heat exchange tube 2A among all the first heat exchange tubes
2A connected to the communication section 17 (in the present
embodiment, at a position which is below the vertically middle
position of the communication section 17 and close to the lower end
thereof.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the communication part 16
includes a through hole 18 formed in the circumferential wall of
the first header tank 3, a through hole 19 formed in the
circumferential wall of the second header tank 4, and a
communication member 21 formed of aluminum. The communication
member 21 is disposed between the first header tank 3 and the
second header tank 4, is brazed to the two header tanks 3, 4, and
has a flow channel 22 for establishing a refrigerant communication
between the through hole 18 of the first header tank 3 and the
through hole 19 of the second header tank 4. The communication
member 21 has a first concave arcuate surface 21a which is provided
on its right side surface and which matches the outer
circumferential surface of the first header tank 3, and a second
concave arcuate surface 21b which is provided on its left side
surface and which matches the outer circumferential surface of the
second header tank 4. Opposite ends of the flow channel 22 are open
to the two concave arcuate surfaces 21a and 21b.
[0048] The condenser 1 is manufactured by brazing all the
components thereof together.
[0049] The condenser 1 constitutes a refrigeration cycle in
cooperation with a compressor, an expansion valve (pressure
reducer), and an evaporator; and the refrigeration cycle is mounted
on a vehicle as a car air conditioner.
[0050] In the condenser 1 having the above-described structure, gas
phase refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure compressed
by the compressor flows into the upper header section 9 of the
third header tank 5 through the refrigerant inlet member 14 and the
refrigerant inlet 12. The gas phase refrigerant is condensed while
flowing leftward within the first heat exchange tubes 2A of the
first heat exchange path P1, and flows into the communication
section 17 of the first header tank 3. The refrigerant having
flowed into the communication section 17 of the first header tank 3
flows into the second header tank 4 through the through hole 18 of
the first header tank 3, the flow channel 22 of the communication
member 21, and the through hole 19 of the second header tank 4,
which constitute the communication part 16.
[0051] The refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4
is gas-liquid mixed phase refrigerant. A portion of the gas-liquid
mixed phase refrigerant; i.e., liquid-predominant mixed phase
refrigerant, accumulates in a lower region within the second header
thank 4 because of gravitational force, and flows into the second
heat exchange tubes 2B of the second heat exchange path P2.
[0052] The liquid-predominant mixed phase refrigerant having flowed
into the second heat exchange tubes 2B of the second heat exchange
path P2 is super-cooled while flowing rightward within the second
heat exchange tubes 2B. After that, the super-cooled refrigerant
enters the lower header section 11 of the third header tank 5, and
flows out through the refrigerant outlet 13 and the refrigerant
outlet member 15. The refrigerant is then fed to the evaporator via
the expansion valve.
[0053] Meanwhile, the gas phase component of the gas-liquid mixed
phase refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4 stays
in an upper region of the second header tank 4.
[0054] FIGS. 5 to 14 show modifications of the communication part
for establishing a refrigerant communication between the
communication section 17 of the first header tank 3 and the second
header tank 4.
[0055] A communication part 30 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes the
through hole 18 formed in the circumferential wall of the first
header tank 3, the through hole 19 formed in the circumferential
wall of the second header tank 4, and a communication member 31
formed of aluminum and having the shape of a cylindrical tube. The
communication member 31 is brazed to the first header tank 3 and
the second header tank 4, and has a flow channel 32 for
establishing a refrigerant communication between the through hole
18 of the first header tank 3 and the through hole 19 of the second
header tank 4. The communication member 31 has an annular bead 33
which is formed at a center portion of the communication member 31
with respect to the length direction and is located between the two
header tanks header tanks 3 and 4. A first insertion portion 34
inserted into the through hole 18 of the first header tank 3 is
provided on the right side of the annular bead 33 of the
communication member 31, and a second insertion portion 35 inserted
into the through hole 19 of the second header tank 4 is provided on
the left side of the annular bead 33 of the communication member
31.
[0056] A communication part 40 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes the
through hole 18 formed in the circumferential wall of the first
header tank 3, the through hole 19 formed in the circumferential
wall of the second header tank 4, and a communication member 41
formed of aluminum. The communication member 41 is disposed between
the first header tank 3 and the second header tank 4, is brazed to
the two header tanks 3 and 4, and has a flow channel 42 for
establishing a refrigerant communication between the through hole
18 of the first header tank 3 and the through hole 19 of the second
header tank 4. The communication member 41 has a first concave
arcuate surface 41a which is provided on its right side surface and
which matches the outer circumferential surface of the first header
tank 3, and a second concave arcuate surface 41b which is provided
on its left side surface and which matches the outer
circumferential surface of the second header tank 4. Opposite ends
of the flow channel 42 are open to the two concave arcuate surfaces
41a and 41b.
[0057] A first extension portion 43 is provided at a lower half
portion of the communication member 41. The first extension portion
43 extends in one of the air flow directions and along the outer
circumferential surface of the first header tank 3, and is brazed
to the first header tank 3. A second extension portion 44 is
provided at an upper half portion of the communication member 41.
The second extension portion 44 extends in the same direction as
the extension direction of the first extension portion 43 and along
the outer circumferential surface of the second header tank 4, and
is brazed to the second header tank 4. A first protrusion 46 is
formed on the right side surface of the first extension portion 43,
and is fitted into a blind hole 45 formed on the outer
circumferential surface of the first header tank 3. A second
protrusion 48 is formed on the left side surface of the second
extension portion 44, and is fitted into a blind hole 47 formed on
the outer circumferential surface of the second header tank 4.
[0058] A communication part 50 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes the
through hole 18 formed in the circumferential wall of the first
header tank 3, the through hole 19 formed in the circumferential
wall of the second header tank 4, and a tubular portion 51 which is
integrally formed on the circumferential wall of the second header
tank 4 such that the tubular portion 51 surrounds the through hole
19 and projects outward. The tubular portion 51 is inserted into
the through hole 18 of the first header tank 3, and is brazed to
the first header tank 3. The interior of the tubular portion 51
serves as a flow channel 52 for establishing a refrigerant
communication between the through holes 18 and 19 of the two header
tanks 3 and 4.
[0059] A communication part 55 shown in FIG. 11 includes the
through hole 18 formed in the circumferential wall of the first
header tank 3, the through hole 19 formed in the circumferential
wall of the second header tank 4, and a tubular portion 56 which is
integrally formed on the circumferential wall of the first header
tank 3 such that the tubular portion 56 surrounds the through hole
18 and projects outward. The tubular portion 56 is inserted into
the through hole 19 of the second header tank 4, and is brazed to
the second header tank 4. The interior of the tubular portion 56
serves as a flow channel 57 for establishing a refrigerant
communication between the through holes 18 and 19 of the two header
tanks 3 and 4.
[0060] A communication part 60 shown in FIG. 12 includes the
through hole 18 formed in the circumferential wall of the first
header tank 3, the through hole 19 formed in the circumferential
wall of the second header tank 4, a first tubular portion 61 which
is integrally formed on the circumferential wall of the first
header tank 3 such that the first tubular portion 61 surrounds the
through hole 18 and projects outward, and a second tubular portion
62 which is integrally formed on the circumferential wall of the
second header tank 4 such that the second tubular portion 62
surrounds the through hole 19 and projects outward. The second
tubular portion 62 is fitted onto the circumference of the first
tubular portion 61 of the first header tank 3, and is brazed to the
first tubular portion 61. The interiors of the two tubular portions
61 and 62 serve as flow channels 63 and 64 for establishing a
refrigerant communication between the through holes 18 and 19 of
the two header tanks 3 and 4.
[0061] A communication part 65 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 includes
the through hole 18 formed in the circumferential wall of the first
header tank 3, an outward bulging portion 66 formed on the
circumferential wall of the second header tank 4 and brazed to the
first header tank 3, and a through hole 67 formed in the bulging
top wall of the outward bulging portion 66 and communicating with
the through hole 18 of the first header tank 3. A concave arcuate
surface 66a which fits the outer circumferential surface of the
first header tank 3 is provided on the outer surface of the bulging
top wall of the outward bulging portion 66.
[0062] FIGS. 15 to 18 show other embodiments of the condenser of
the present invention. Each of FIGS. 15 to 18 schematically shows a
condenser, and shows none of the individual heat exchange tubes,
the corrugate fins, the side plates, the refrigerant inlet member,
and the refrigerant outlet member.
[0063] In the case of a condenser 70 shown in FIG. 15, a
condensation part 70A and a super-cooling part 70B are provided
such that the former is located above the latter. The condensation
part 70A includes at least one heat exchange path formed by a
plurality of heat exchange tubes 2A successively arranged in the
vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the condensation
part 70A includes three heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3 which are
juxtaposed in the vertical direction. The super-cooling part 70B
includes at least one heat exchange path formed by a plurality of
heat exchange tubes 2B successively arranged in the vertical
direction. In the present embodiment, the super-cooling part 70B
includes one heat exchange path P4. The heat exchange paths P1, P2,
P3 provided in the condensation part 70A serve as refrigerant
condensation paths. The heat exchange path P4 provided in the
super-cooling part 70B serves as a refrigerant super-cooling path.
The flow direction of refrigerant is the same among all the heat
exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form the respective heat exchange paths
P1, P2, P3, P4. The flow direction of refrigerant in the heat
exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form a certain heat exchange path is
opposite the flow direction of refrigerant in the heat exchange
tubes 2A, 2B which form another heat exchange path adjacent to the
certain heat exchange path. The three heat exchange paths provided
in the condensation part 70A will be referred to as the first,
second, and third heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3 from the upper
side. The heat exchange path P4 of the super-cooling part 70B will
be referred to as the fourth heat exchange path P4. Left end
portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2A, which form the first to
third heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3, are connected to the first
header tank 3 through brazing. Left end portions of all the heat
exchange tubes 2B, which form the fourth heat exchange path P4, are
connected to a portion of the second header tank 4 through brazing,
the portion being located below the first header tank 3. Herein,
the heat exchange tubes 2A connected to the first header tank 3
will be referred to as the first heat exchange tubes, and the heat
exchange tubes 2B connected to the second header tank 4 will be
referred to as the second heat exchange tubes.
[0064] The interior of the first header tank 3, which is disposed
at the left end of the condenser 70 and to which left end portions
of all the heat exchange tubes 2A of the first through third heat
exchange paths P1, P2, P3 provided in the condenser section 70A are
connected through brazing, is divided into an upper header section
72 and a lower header section 73 by an aluminum partition plate 71
provided at a height between the second heat exchange path P2 and
the third heat exchange path P3.
[0065] The interior of the third header tank 5, which is disposed
at the right end of the condenser 70 and to which right end
portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B of the first through
fourth heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3, P4 are connected through
brazing, is divided into an upper header section 76, an
intermediate header section 77, and a lower header section 78 by
aluminum partition plates 74, 75 provided at a height between the
first heat exchange path P1 and the second heat exchange path P2
and a height between the third heat exchange path P3 and the fourth
heat exchange path P4, respectively. The refrigerant inlet 12 is
formed in the upper header section 76 of the third header tank 5,
and the refrigerant outlet 13 is formed in the lower header section
78 of the third header tank 5. A refrigerant inlet member (not
shown) communicating with the refrigerant inlet 12 and a
refrigerant outlet member (not shown) communicating with the
refrigerant outlet 13 are joined to the third header tank 5.
[0066] The lower header section 73 of the first header tank 3 has
one communication section 79 to which all the first heat exchange
tubes 2A of the third heat exchange path P3 are connected and which
communicates with the second header tank 4 via the communication
part 16. Of the first through third heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3
provided in the condensation part 70A, the third heat exchange path
P3 is located furthest downstream with respect to the refrigerant
flow direction. The communication part 16 is provided at a height
below the uppermost first heat exchange tube 2A among all the first
heat exchange tubes 2A of the third heat exchange path P3 connected
to the communication section 79 (in the present embodiment, at a
position which is below the vertically middle position of the
communication section 79 and close to the lower end thereof).
[0067] The structure of the remaining portion is identical with
that of the condenser shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0068] In the condenser 70 having the above-described structure,
gas phase refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure
compressed by the compressor flows into the upper header section 76
of the third header tank 5 through the refrigerant inlet member and
the refrigerant inlet 12. The gas phase refrigerant is condensed
while flowing leftward within the first heat exchange tubes 2A of
the first heat exchange path P1, and flows into the upper header
section 72 of the first header tank 3. The refrigerant having
flowed into the upper header section 72 of the first header tank 3
is condensed while flowing rightward within the first heat exchange
tubes 2A of the second heat exchange path P2, and flows into the
intermediate header section 77 of the third header tank 5. The
refrigerant having flowed into the intermediate header section 77
of the third header tank 5 is condensed while flowing leftward
within the first heat exchange tubes 2A of the third heat exchange
path P3, and flows into the communication section 79 of the lower
header section 73 of the first header tank 3. The refrigerant
having flowed into the communication section 79 of the lower header
section 73 of the first header tank 3 flows into the second header
tank 4 through the through hole 18 of the first header tank 3, the
flow channel 22 of the communication member 21, and the through
hole 19 of the second header tank 4, which constitute the
communication part 16.
[0069] The refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4
is gas-liquid mixed phase refrigerant. A portion of the gas-liquid
mixed phase refrigerant; i.e., liquid-predominant mixed phase
refrigerant, accumulates in a lower region within the second header
thank 4 because of gravitational force, and flows into the second
heat exchange tubes 2B of the fourth heat exchange path P4.
[0070] The liquid-predominant mixed phase refrigerant having flowed
into the second heat exchange tubes 2B of the fourth heat exchange
path P4 is super-cooled while flowing rightward within the second
heat exchange tubes 2B. After that, the super-cooled refrigerant
enters the lower header section 78 of the third header tank 5, and
flows out through the refrigerant outlet 13 and the refrigerant
outlet member. The refrigerant is then fed to the evaporator via
the expansion valve.
[0071] Meanwhile, the gas phase component of the gas-liquid mixed
phase refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4 stays
in an upper region of the second header tank 4.
[0072] In the case of a condenser 80 shown in FIG. 16, a
condensation part 80A and a super-cooling part 80B are provided
such that the former is located above the latter. The condensation
part 80A includes at least one heat exchange path formed by a
plurality of heat exchange tubes 2A successively arranged in the
vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the condensation
part 80A includes three heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3 which are
juxtaposed in the vertical direction. The super-cooling part 80B
includes at least one heat exchange path formed by a plurality of
heat exchange tubes 2B successively arranged in the vertical
direction. In the present embodiment, the super-cooling part 80B
includes one heat exchange path P4. The heat exchange paths P1, P2,
P3 provided in the condensation part 80A serve as refrigerant
condensation paths. The heat exchange path P4 provided in the
super-cooling part 80B serves as a refrigerant super-cooling path.
The flow direction of refrigerant is the same among all the heat
exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form the respective heat exchange paths
P1, P2, P3, P4. The flow direction of refrigerant in the heat
exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form a certain heat exchange path is
opposite the flow direction of refrigerant in the heat exchange
tubes 2A, 2B which form another heat exchange path adjacent to the
certain heat exchange path. The three heat exchange paths provided
in the condensation part 80A will be referred to as the first,
second, and third heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3 from the lower
side. The heat exchange path P4 of the super-cooling part 80B will
be referred to as the fourth heat exchange path P4. Left end
portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2A, which form the first to
third heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3, are connected to the first
header tank 3 through brazing. Left end portions of all the heat
exchange tubes 2B, which form the fourth heat exchange path P4, are
connected to a portion of the second header tank 4 through brazing,
the portion being located below the first header tank 3. Herein,
the heat exchange tubes 2A connected to the first header tank 3
will be referred to as the first heat exchange tubes, and the heat
exchange tubes 2B connected to the second header tank 4 will be
referred to as the second heat exchange tubes.
[0073] The interior of the first header tank 3, which is disposed
at the left end of the condenser 80 and to which left end portions
of all the heat exchange tubes 2A of the first through third heat
exchange paths P1, P2, P3 provided in the condenser section 80A are
connected through brazing, is divided into a lower header section
82 and an upper header section 83 by an aluminum partition plate 81
provided at a height between the second heat exchange path P2 and
the third heat exchange path P3.
[0074] The interior of the third header tank 5, which is disposed
at the right end of the condenser 80 and to which right end
portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B forming the first
through fourth heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3, P4 are connected
through brazing, is divided into an intermediate header section 86,
an upper header section 87, and a lower header section 88 by
aluminum partition plates 84, 85 provided at a height between the
first heat exchange path P1 and the second heat exchange path P2
and a height between the first heat exchange path P1 and the fourth
heat exchange path P4, respectively. The refrigerant inlet 12 is
formed in the intermediate header section 86 of the third header
tank 5, and the refrigerant outlet 13 is formed in the lower header
section 88 of the third header tank 5. A refrigerant inlet member
(not shown) communicating with the refrigerant inlet 12 and a
refrigerant outlet member (not shown) communicating with the
refrigerant outlet 13 are joined to the third header tank 5.
[0075] The upper header section 83 of the first header tank 3 has
one communication section 89 to which all the first heat exchange
tubes 2A of the third heat exchange path P3 are connected and which
communicates with the second header tank 4 via the communication
part 16. Of the first through third heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3
provided in the condensation part 80A, the third heat exchange path
P3 is located furthest downstream with respect to the refrigerant
flow direction. The communication part 16 is provided at a height
below the uppermost first heat exchange tube 2A among all the first
heat exchange tubes 2A of the third heat exchange path P3 connected
to the communication section 89 (in the present embodiment, at a
position which is below the vertically middle position of the
communication section 89 and close to the lower end thereof).
[0076] The structure of the remaining portion is identical with
that of the condenser shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0077] In the condenser 80 having the above-described structure,
gas phase refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure
compressed by the compressor flows into the intermediate header
section 86 of the third header tank 5 through the refrigerant inlet
member and the refrigerant inlet 12. The gas phase refrigerant is
condensed while flowing leftward within the first heat exchange
tubes 2A of the first heat exchange path P1, and flows into the
lower header section 82 of the first header tank 3. The refrigerant
having flowed into the lower header section 82 of the first header
tank 3 is condensed while flowing rightward within the first heat
exchange tubes 2A of the second heat exchange path P2, and flows
into the upper header section 87 of the third header tank 5. The
refrigerant having flowed into the upper header section 87 of the
third header tank 5 is condensed while flowing leftward within the
first heat exchange tubes 2A of the third heat exchange path P3,
and flows into the communication section 89 of the upper header
section 83 of the first header tank 3. The refrigerant having
flowed into the communication section 89 of the upper header
section 83 of the first header tank 3 flows into the second header
tank 4 through the through hole 18 of the first header tank 3, the
flow channel 22 of the communication member 21, and the through
hole 19 of the second header tank 4, which constitute the
communication part 16.
[0078] The refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4
is gas-liquid mixed phase refrigerant. A portion of the gas-liquid
mixed phase refrigerant; i.e., liquid-predominant mixed phase
refrigerant, accumulates in a lower region within the second header
thank 4 because of gravitational force, and flows into the second
heat exchange tubes 2B of the fourth heat exchange path P4.
[0079] The liquid-predominant mixed phase refrigerant having flowed
into the second heat exchange tubes 2B of the fourth heat exchange
path P4 is super-cooled while flowing rightward within the second
heat exchange tubes 2B. After that, the super-cooled refrigerant
enters the lower header section 88 of the third header tank 5, and
flows out through the refrigerant outlet 13 and the refrigerant
outlet member. The refrigerant is then fed to the evaporator via
the expansion valve.
[0080] Meanwhile, the gas phase component of the gas-liquid mixed
phase refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4 stays
in an upper region of the second header tank 4.
[0081] In the case of a condenser 90 shown in FIG. 17, a
condensation part 90A and a super-cooling part 90B are provided
such that the former is located above the latter. The condensation
part 90A includes at least one heat exchange path formed by a
plurality of heat exchange tubes 2A successively arranged in the
vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the condensation
part 90A includes two heat exchange paths P1, P2 which are
juxtaposed in the vertical direction. The super-cooling part 90B
includes at least one heat exchange path formed by a plurality of
heat exchange tubes 2B successively arranged in the vertical
direction. In the present embodiment, the super-cooling part 90B
includes one heat exchange path P3. The heat exchange paths P1, P2
provided in the condensation part 90A serve as refrigerant
condensation paths. The heat exchange path P3 provided in the
super-cooling part 90B serves as a refrigerant super-cooling path.
The flow direction of refrigerant is the same among all the heat
exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form the respective heat exchange paths
P1, P2, P3. The flow direction of refrigerant in the heat exchange
tubes 2A, 2B which form a certain heat exchange path is opposite
the flow direction of refrigerant in the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B
which form another heat exchange path adjacent to the certain heat
exchange path. The two heat exchange paths provided in the
condensation part 90A will be referred to as the first and second
heat exchange paths P1, P2 from the upper side. The heat exchange
path P3 provided in the super-cooling part 90B will be referred to
as the third heat exchange path P3. Left end portions of all the
heat exchange tubes 2A, which form the first and second heat
exchange paths P1, P2, are connected to the first header tank 3
through brazing. Left end portions of all the heat exchange tubes
2B, which form the third heat exchange path P3, are connected to a
portion of the second header tank 4 through brazing, the portion
being located below the first header tank 3. Herein, the heat
exchange tubes 2A connected to the first header tank 3 will be
referred to as the first heat exchange tubes, and the heat exchange
tubes 2B connected to the second header tank 4 will be referred to
as the second heat exchange tubes. The first and second heat
exchange paths P1, P2 serve as refrigerant condensation paths, and
the third heat exchange path P3 serves as a refrigerant
super-cooling path.
[0082] The interior of the first header tank 3, which is disposed
at the left end of the condenser 90 and to which left end portions
of all the heat exchange tubes 2A of the first and second heat
exchange paths P1, P2 provided in the condenser section 90A are
connected through brazing, is divided into an upper header section
92 and a lower header section 93 by an aluminum partition plate 91
provided at a height between the first heat exchange path P1 and
the second heat exchange path P2. The upper end of the first header
tank 3 is located below the upper end of the second header tank 4,
which is disposed at the left end of the condenser 90 and to which
left end portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2B of the third
heat exchange path P3 provided in the super-cooling part 90B are
connected through brazing. The refrigerant inlet 12 is formed in a
portion of the upper header section 92 of the first header tank 3,
the portion projecting upward in relation to the second header tank
4. A refrigerant inlet member (not shown) communicating with the
refrigerant inlet 12 is joined to the first header tank 3.
[0083] The interior of the third header tank 5, which is disposed
at the right end of the condenser 90 and to which right end
portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B of the first through
third heat exchange paths P1, P2, P3 are connected through brazing,
is divided into an upper header section 95 and a lower header
section 96 by an aluminum partition plate 94 provided at a height
between the second heat exchange path P2 and the third heat
exchange path P3. The refrigerant outlet 13 is formed in the lower
header section 96 of the third header tank 5. A refrigerant outlet
member (not shown) communicating with the refrigerant outlet 13 is
joined to the third header tank 5.
[0084] The lower header section 93 of the first header tank 3 has
one communication section 97 to which all the first heat exchange
tubes 2A of the second heat exchange path P2 are connected and
which communicates with the second header tank 4 via the
communication part 16. Of the first and second heat exchange paths
P1, P2 provided in the condensation part 90A, the second heat
exchange path P2 is located furthest downstream with respect to the
refrigerant flow direction. The communication part 16 is provided
at a height below the uppermost first heat exchange tube 2A among
all the first heat exchange tubes 2A of the second heat exchange
path P2 connected to the communication section 97 (in the present
embodiment, at a position which is below the vertically middle
position of the communication section 97 and close to the lower end
thereof).
[0085] The structure of the remaining portion is identical with
that of the condenser shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0086] In the condenser 90 having the above-described structure,
gas phase refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure
compressed by the compressor flows into the upper header section 92
of the first header tank 3 through the refrigerant inlet member and
the refrigerant inlet 12. The gas phase refrigerant is condensed
while flowing rightward within the first heat exchange tubes 2A of
the first heat exchange path P1, and flows into the upper header
section 95 of the third header tank 5. The refrigerant having
flowed into the upper header section 95 of the third header tank 5
is condensed while flowing leftward within the first heat exchange
tubes 2A of the second heat exchange path P2, and flows into the
communication section 97 of the lower header section 93 of the
first header tank 3. The refrigerant having flowed into the
communication section 97 of the lower header section 93 of the
first header tank 3 flows into the second header tank 4 through the
through hole 18 of the first header tank 3, the flow channel 22 of
the communication member 21, and the through hole 19 of the second
header tank 4, which constitute the communication part 16.
[0087] The refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4
is gas-liquid mixed phase refrigerant. A portion of the gas-liquid
mixed phase refrigerant; i.e., liquid-predominant mixed phase
refrigerant, accumulates in a lower region within the second header
thank 4 because of gravitational force, and flows into the second
heat exchange tubes 2B of the third heat exchange path P3.
[0088] The liquid-predominant mixed phase refrigerant having flowed
into the second heat exchange tubes 2B of the third heat exchange
path P3 is super-cooled while flowing rightward within the second
heat exchange tubes 2B. After that, the super-cooled refrigerant
enters the lower header section 96 of the third header tank 5, and
flows out through the refrigerant outlet 13 and the refrigerant
outlet member. The refrigerant is then fed to the evaporator via
the expansion valve.
[0089] Meanwhile, the gas phase component of the gas-liquid mixed
phase refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4 stays
in an upper region of the second header tank 4.
[0090] In the case of a condenser 100 shown in FIG. 18, a
condensation part 100A and a super-cooling part 100B are provided
such that the former is located above the latter. The condensation
part 100A includes at least one heat exchange path formed by a
plurality of heat exchange tubes 2A successively arranged in the
vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the condensation
part 100A includes two heat exchange paths P1, P2 which are
juxtaposed in the vertical direction. The super-cooling part 100B
includes at least one heat exchange path formed by a plurality of
heat exchange tubes 2B successively arranged in the vertical
direction. In the present embodiment, the super-cooling part 100B
includes one heat exchange path P3. The heat exchange paths P1, P2
provided in the condensation part 100A serve as refrigerant
condensation paths. The heat exchange path P3 provided in the
super-cooling part 100B serves as a refrigerant super-cooling path.
The flow direction of refrigerant is the same among all the heat
exchange tubes 2A, 2B which form the respective heat exchange paths
P1, P2, P3. The flow direction of refrigerant in the heat exchange
tubes 2A, 2B which form a certain heat exchange path is opposite
the flow direction of refrigerant in the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B
which form another heat exchange path adjacent to the certain heat
exchange path. The two heat exchange paths provided in the
condensation part 100A will be referred to as the first and second
heat exchange paths P1, P2. The heat exchange path P3 of the
super-cooling part 100B will be referred to as the third heat
exchange path P3. Left end portions of all the heat exchange tubes
2A, which form the first and second heat exchange paths P1, P2, are
connected to the first header tank 3 through brazing. Left end
portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2B, which form the third
heat exchange path P3, are connected to a portion of the second
header tank 4 through brazing, the portion being located below the
first header tank 3. Herein, the heat exchange tubes 2A connected
to the first header tank 3 will be referred to as the first heat
exchange tubes, and the heat exchange tubes 2B connected to the
second header tank 4 will be referred to as the second heat
exchange tubes. The first and second heat exchange paths P1, P2
serve as refrigerant condensation paths, and the third heat
exchange path P3 serves as a refrigerant super-cooling path.
[0091] The interior of the first header tank 3, which is disposed
at the left end of the condenser 100 and to which left end portions
of all the heat exchange tubes 2A of the first and second heat
exchange paths P1, P2 provided in the condenser section 100A are
connected through brazing, is divided into a lower header section
102 and an upper header section 103 by an aluminum partition plate
101 provided at a height between the first heat exchange path P1
and the second heat exchange path P2. The refrigerant inlet 12 is
formed in the lower header section 102 of the first header tank 3.
A refrigerant inlet member (not shown) communicating with the
refrigerant inlet 12 is joined to the first header tank 3.
[0092] The interior of the third header tank 5, which is disposed
at the right end of the condenser 100 and to which right end
portions of all the heat exchange tubes 2A, 2B of the first through
third exchange paths P1, P2, P3 are connected through brazing, is
divided into an upper header section 105 and a lower header section
106 by an aluminum partition plate 104 provided at a height between
the first heat exchange path P1 and the third heat exchange path
P3. The refrigerant outlet 13 is formed in the lower header section
106 of the third header tank 5. A refrigerant outlet member (not
shown) communicating with the refrigerant outlet 13 is joined to
the third header tank 5.
[0093] The upper header section 103 of the first header tank 3 has
one communication section 107 to which all the first heat exchange
tubes 2A of the second heat exchange path P2 are connected and
which communicates with the second header tank 4 via the
communication part 16. Of the first and second heat exchange paths
P1, P2 provided in the condensation part 100A, the second heat
exchange path P2 is located furthest downstream with respect to the
refrigerant flow direction. The communication part 16 is provided
at a height below the uppermost first heat exchange tube 2A among
all the first heat exchange tubes 2A of the second heat exchange
path P2 connected to the communication section 107 (in the present
embodiment, at a position which is below the vertically middle
position of the communication section 107 and close to the lower
end thereof).
[0094] The structure of the remaining portion is identical with
that of the condenser shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.
[0095] In the condenser 100 having the above-described structure,
gas phase refrigerant of high temperature and high pressure
compressed by the compressor flows into the lower header section
102 of the first header tank 3 through the refrigerant inlet member
and the refrigerant inlet 12. The gas phase refrigerant is
condensed while flowing rightward within the first heat exchange
tubes 2A of the first heat exchange path P1, and flows into the
upper header section 105 of the third header tank 5. The
refrigerant having flowed into the upper header section 105 of the
third header tank 5 is condensed while flowing leftward within the
first heat exchange tubes 2A of the second heat exchange path P2,
and flows into the communication section 107 of the upper header
section 103 of the first header tank 3. The refrigerant having
flowed into the communication section 107 of the upper header
section 103 of the first header tank 3 flows into the second header
tank 4 through the through hole 18 of the first header tank 3, the
flow channel 22 of the communication member 21, and the through
hole 19 of the second header tank 4, which constitute the
communication part 16.
[0096] The refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4
is gas-liquid mixed phase refrigerant. A portion of the gas-liquid
mixed phase refrigerant; i.e., liquid-predominant mixed phase
refrigerant, accumulates in a lower region within the second header
thank 4 because of gravitational force, and flows into the second
heat exchange tubes 2B of the third heat exchange path P3.
[0097] The liquid-predominant mixed phase refrigerant having flowed
into the second heat exchange tubes 2B of the third heat exchange
path P3 is super-cooled while flowing rightward within the second
heat exchange tubes 2B. After that, the super-cooled refrigerant
enters the lower header section 106 of the third header tank 5, and
flows out through the refrigerant outlet 13 and the refrigerant
outlet member. The refrigerant is then fed to the evaporator via
the expansion valve.
[0098] Meanwhile, the gas phase component of the gas-liquid mixed
phase refrigerant having flowed into the second header tank 4 stays
in an upper region of the second header tank 4.
[0099] In the case of the condensers 70, 80, 90, 100 shown in FIGS.
15 to 18 as well, in stead of the communication part 16, any of the
communication parts 30, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65 shown in FIGS. 5 to 14
may be used in order to establish a refrigerant communication
between the communication section 79, 89, 97, 107 of the first
header tank 3 and the second header tank 4.
[0100] In the condensers 1, 70, 80, 90, 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4
and FIGS. 15 to 18, a desiccant or a filter may be disposed in the
second header tank 4.
* * * * *