U.S. patent application number 16/627550 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-09 for heat exchanger and refrigeration cycle apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mitsubishi Electric Corporation The University of Tokyo. Invention is credited to Ryota AKAIWA, Chaobin DANG, Shinya HIGASHIIUE, Eiji HIHARA, Akira ISHIBASHI, Yuta KOMIYA, Jiyang LI, Tsuyoshi MAEDA, Shigeyoshi MATSUI.
Application Number | 20200217588 16/627550 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65232484 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200217588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOMIYA; Yuta ; et
al. |
July 9, 2020 |
HEAT EXCHANGER AND REFRIGERATION CYCLE APPARATUS
Abstract
Provided is a heat exchanger, including a plurality of heat
exchange members arranged in a first direction so as to be spaced
apart from each other. Each of the plurality of heat exchange
members includes: a heat transfer pipe extending in a second
direction intersecting with the first direction; and a heat
transfer plate provided to the heat transfer pipe along the second
direction. The heat transfer plate includes extending portions
extending away from the heat transfer pipe in a third direction
intersecting with each of the first direction and the second
direction. The heat transfer plate is formed separately from the
heat transfer pipe.
Inventors: |
KOMIYA; Yuta; (Tokyo,
JP) ; HIGASHIIUE; Shinya; (Tokyo, JP) ; MAEDA;
Tsuyoshi; (Tokyo, JP) ; AKAIWA; Ryota; (Tokyo,
JP) ; MATSUI; Shigeyoshi; (Tokyo, JP) ;
ISHIBASHI; Akira; (Tokyo, JP) ; HIHARA; Eiji;
(Tokyo, JP) ; DANG; Chaobin; (Tokyo, JP) ;
LI; Jiyang; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
The University of Tokyo |
Tokyo
Tokyo |
|
JP
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
65232484 |
Appl. No.: |
16/627550 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
August 3, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/028257 |
371 Date: |
December 30, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 2275/04 20130101;
F28D 1/024 20130101; F28F 13/12 20130101; F28D 1/05383 20130101;
F28F 1/20 20130101; F28D 1/03 20130101; F28D 2021/0068 20130101;
F25B 39/00 20130101; F28F 1/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F28D 1/02 20060101
F28D001/02; F28D 1/03 20060101 F28D001/03; F25B 39/00 20060101
F25B039/00 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger, comprising a plurality of heat exchange
members arranged in a first direction so as to be spaced apart from
each other, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchange members
includes: a heat transfer pipe extending in a second direction
intersecting with the first direction; and a heat transfer plate
provided to the heat transfer pipe along the second direction,
wherein the heat transfer plate includes an extending portion
extending away from the heat transfer pipe in a third direction
intersecting with each of the first direction and the second
direction, wherein the heat transfer plate is a member formed
separately from the heat transfer pipe, and wherein the heat
transfer pipe is a flat pipe.
2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the heat
transfer plate is joined to the flat pipe through a joining member
therebetween.
3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the heat
transfer plate has a curved portion configured to cover an outer
peripheral surface of the flat pipe, and wherein the extending
portion extends from an end of the curved portion.
4. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the extending
portion has a heat resistance portion configured to suppress heat
conduction through the extending portion.
5. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising
header tanks to which the plurality of heat exchange members are
connected, wherein ends of the heat transfer pipe of each of the
plurality of heat exchange members project from the heat transfer
plate in the second direction, and wherein the ends of the heat
transfer pipe, which project from the heat transfer plate, are
inserted into spaces inside the header tanks, respectively.
6. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the plurality
of heat exchange members include: a plurality of first heat
exchange members arranged in a first line; and a plurality of
second heat exchange members arranged in a second line located at a
position distant from the first line in the third direction,
wherein, when viewed along the third direction, each of the
plurality of second heat exchange members is arranged between
adjacent ones of the plurality of first heat exchange members.
7. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a
heat transfer fin connected between adjacent ones of the plurality
of heat exchange members.
8. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a
vortex generator arranged on a windward side of the plurality of
heat exchange members in the third direction.
9. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein the vortex
generator is arranged so as to be apart from the plurality of heat
exchange members.
10. A refrigeration cycle apparatus, comprising the heat exchanger
of claim 1.
11. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the flat pipe
has a long axis and a short axis on a cross section orthogonal to
the second direction, wherein the heat transfer plate includes a
heat transfer plate main body portion overlapping a portion of an
outer peripheral surface of the flat pipe along a direction of the
long axis, and wherein the extending portion extends from the heat
transfer plate main body portion.
12. The heat exchanger according to claim 11, wherein the heat
transfer plate main body portion has a curved portion configured to
cover an outer peripheral surface of the flat pipe, and wherein the
extending portion extends from an end of the curved portion.
13. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a thickness
direction of the flat heat transfer pipe matches with the first
direction, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the flat pipe
includes a first thickness-direction end surface and a second
thickness-direction end surface, which are opposed to each other in
the thickness direction of the flat pipe, wherein the heat transfer
plate has a heat transfer plate main body portion overlapping the
first thickness-direction end surface, wherein the heat transfer
plate main body portion has a curved portion configured to cover
the outer peripheral surface of the flat pipe, wherein the
extending portion extends from an end of the curved portion, and
wherein the extending portion is arranged in alignment with a
position of the second thickness-direction end surface in the
thickness direction of the flat pipe.
14. A heat exchanger, comprising a plurality of heat exchange
members arranged in a first direction so as to be spaced apart from
each other, wherein each of the plurality of heat exchange members
includes: a heat transfer pipe extending in a second direction
intersecting with the first direction; and a heat transfer plate
provided to the heat transfer pipe along the second direction,
wherein the heat transfer plate includes an extending portion
extending away from the heat transfer pipe in a third direction
intersecting with each of the first direction and the second
direction, wherein the heat transfer plate is formed separately
from the heat transfer pipe, and wherein the heat exchanger further
comprises a vortex generator arranged on a windward side of the
plurality of heat exchange members in the third direction.
15. A refrigeration cycle apparatus, comprising the heat exchanger
of claim 14.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger including
a plurality of heat transfer pipes, and a refrigeration cycle
apparatus including the heat exchanger.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There has hitherto been known a heat exchanger having the
following configuration for improving heat exchange efficiency
between refrigerant flowing through heat transfer pipes and an
outside air. Specifically, a plurality of heat transfer pipes each
having a flat shape are arranged so that a width direction thereof
extends along a direction of an air stream, and projecting portions
project along the direction of the air stream from both ends of
each of the heat transfer pipes in the width direction (see, for
example, Patent Literature 1).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0003] [PTL 1] JP 2008-202896 A
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0004] In the related-art heat exchanger disclosed in Patent
Literature 1, however, the heat transfer pipe and the projecting
portion are formed of an integrated single member. Thus, an
integrated shape of the heat transfer pipe and the projecting
portion is complicated, with the result that time and effort are
required for manufacturing work for the heat transfer pipes and the
projecting portions.
[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problem
described above, and has an object to provide a heat exchanger,
which can be improved in heat exchange performance and can easily
be manufactured.
Solution to Problem
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a heat exchanger, including a plurality of heat
exchange members arranged in a first direction so as to be spaced
apart from each other, wherein each of the plurality of heat
exchange members includes: a heat transfer pipe extending in a
second direction intersecting with the first direction; and a heat
transfer plate provided to the heat transfer pipe along the second
direction, wherein the heat transfer plate includes extending
portions extending away from the heat transfer pipe in a third
direction intersecting with each of the first direction and the
second direction, and wherein the heat transfer plate is a member
formed separately from the heat transfer pipe.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0007] With the heat exchanger and the refrigeration cycle
apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, a
heat transfer area of each of the heat exchange members to be
brought into contact with an air stream can be increased with the
presence of the extending portion to thereby improve heat exchange
performance of the heat exchanger. Further, the heat transfer pipe
and the heat transfer plate can be manufactured separately, and
hence a shape of the heat transfer pipe and a shape of the heat
transfer plate can be simplified. As a result, the heat exchanger
can easily be manufactured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram for illustrating
an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for illustrating an outdoor
heat exchanger of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which heat exchange members of FIG. 2 are cut.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat
exchange members of FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for illustrating a lower part
of a heat exchanger main body of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view for illustrating the
lower part of the heat exchanger main body of FIG. 5.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of
FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a front view for illustrating a state in which dew
condensation water adheres to the heat exchange members of FIG.
3.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which heat exchange members of an outdoor heat exchanger according
to a second embodiment of the present invention are cut.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat
exchange members of FIG. 9.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which heat exchange members of an outdoor heat exchanger according
to a third embodiment of the present invention are cut.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat
exchange members of FIG. 11.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a sectional view for illustrating a flow of an
air stream passing between the plurality of heat exchanger members
of FIG. 12.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a sectional view for illustrating another example
of the heat exchange members of the outdoor heat exchanger
according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a sectional view for illustrating heat exchange
members of an outdoor heat exchanger according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which heat exchange members of an outdoor heat exchanger according
to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are cut.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat
exchange members of FIG. 16.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which the heat exchange members of another example of the outdoor
heat exchanger according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention are cut.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat
exchange members of FIG. 18.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which the heat exchange members of another example of the outdoor
heat exchanger according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention are cut.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat
exchange members of FIG. 20.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a sectional view for illustrating heat exchange
members of an outdoor heat exchanger according to a sixth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 23 is a front view for illustrating a main part of a
heat exchanger main body of an outdoor heat exchanger according to
a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a perspective view for illustrating an outdoor
heat exchanger according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention are
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram for illustrating
a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a first embodiment of
the present invention. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle
apparatus is used as an air conditioning apparatus 1. The air
conditioning apparatus 1 includes a compressor 2, an outdoor heat
exchanger 3, an expansion valve 4, an indoor heat exchanger 5, and
a four-way valve 6. In this example, the compressor 2, the outdoor
heat exchanger 3, the expansion valve 4, and the four-way valve 6
are provided to an outdoor unit. The indoor heat exchanger 5 is
provided to an indoor unit.
[0034] The compressor 2, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the
expansion valve 4, the indoor heat exchanger 5, and the four-way
valve 6 are connected to each other through refrigerant pipes to
form a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant can
circulate. In the air conditioning apparatus 1, a refrigeration
cycle in which the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 2,
the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the expansion valve 4, and the indoor
heat exchanger 5 while being changed in phase is performed by drive
of the compressor 2.
[0035] An outdoor fan 7 configured to force an outdoor air to pass
through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is provided to the outdoor
unit. The outdoor heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between an air
stream of the outdoor air, which is generated by an operation of
the outdoor fan 7, and the refrigerant. An indoor fan 8 configured
to force an indoor air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger 5
is provided to the indoor unit. The indoor heat exchanger 5
exchanges heat between an air stream of the indoor air, which is
generated by an operation of the indoor fan 8, and the
refrigerant.
[0036] An operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1 can be
switched between a cooling operation and a heating operation. The
four-way valve 6 is an electromagnetic valve configured to switch a
refrigerant flow passage in accordance with the switching between
the cooling operation and the heating operation of the air
conditioning apparatus 1. The four-way valve 6 guides the
refrigerant from the compressor 2 to the outdoor heat exchanger 3
and the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger 5 to the
compressor 2 during the cooling operation, and guides the
refrigerant from the compressor 2 to the indoor heat exchanger 5
and the refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 3 to the
compressor 2 during the heating operation. In FIG. 1, a direction
of a flow of the refrigerant during the cooling operation is
indicated by the broken-line arrow, and a direction of a flow of
the refrigerant during the heating operation is indicated by the
solid-line arrow.
[0037] During the cooling operation of the air conditioning
apparatus 1, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 2 is sent
to the outdoor heat exchanger 3. In the outdoor heat exchanger 3,
the refrigerant rejects heat to the outdoor air and is condensed.
After that, the refrigerant is sent to the expansion valve 4. After
being decompressed by the expansion valve 4, the refrigerant is
sent to the indoor heat exchanger 5. Then, after the refrigerant
takes heat from the indoor air and evaporates in the indoor heat
exchanger 5, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 2. Thus,
during the cooling operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1,
the outdoor heat exchanger 3 functions as a condenser, and the
indoor heat exchanger 5 functions as an evaporator.
[0038] During the heating operation of the air conditioning
apparatus 1, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 2 is sent
to the indoor heat exchanger 5. In the indoor heat exchanger 5, the
refrigerant rejects heat to the indoor air and is condensed. After
that, the refrigerant is sent to the expansion valve 4. After being
decompressed by the expansion valve 4, the refrigerant is sent to
the outdoor heat exchanger 3. Then, after the refrigerant takes
heat from the outdoor air and evaporates in the outdoor heat
exchanger 3, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 2. Thus,
during the heating operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1,
the outdoor heat exchanger 3 functions as an evaporator, and the
indoor heat exchanger 5 functions as a condenser.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for illustrating the outdoor
heat exchanger 3 of FIG. 1. The outdoor heat exchanger 3 includes a
heat exchanger main body 11 through which an air stream A generated
by the operation of the outdoor fan 7 passes. The heat exchanger
main body 11 includes a first header tank 12, a second header tank
13, and a plurality of heat exchange members 14, which connect the
first header tank 12 and the second header tank 13 to each other.
In the heat exchanger main body 11, one of a refrigerant pipe from
the expansion valve 4 and a refrigerant pipe from the four-way
valve 6 is connected to the first header tank 12, and another one
is connected to the second header tank 13.
[0040] Each of the first header tank 12 and the second header tank
13 is horizontally arranged. Further, the second header tank 13 is
arranged above the first header tank 12. The first header tank 12
and the second header tank 13 are arranged so as to be parallel to
each other along a z direction of FIG. 2, which is a first
direction.
[0041] The plurality of heat exchange members 14 are arranged so as
to be spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of
each of the first header tank 12 and the second header tank 13,
specifically, in the z direction of FIG. 2. Further, the plurality
of heat exchange members 14 are arranged in parallel to each other.
A longitudinal direction of the plurality of heat exchange members
14 matches with a second direction intersecting with the z
direction of FIG. 2, which is the first direction. In this example,
the second direction is a y direction of FIG. 2, which is
orthogonal to the z direction of FIG. 2. The longitudinal direction
of each of the heat exchange members 14 is orthogonal to the
longitudinal direction of each of the first header tank 12 and the
second header tank 13. In this example, arrangement of a member in
a space between the plurality of heat exchange members 14 is
prohibited. With the arrangement described above, in this example,
connection of a member to surfaces of adjacent ones of the heat
exchange members 14, which are opposed to each other, is
avoided.
[0042] The air stream A generated by the operation of the outdoor
fan 7 passes between the plurality of heat exchange members 14. In
this example, the air stream A passes between the plurality of heat
exchange members 14 along a direction orthogonal to the
longitudinal direction of the first header tank 12 and the second
header tank 13 and the longitudinal direction of each of the heat
exchange members 14, specifically, along an x direction of FIG.
2.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which the heat exchange members 14 of FIG. 2 are cut. FIG. 4 is a
sectional view for illustrating the heat exchange members 14 of
FIG. 3. Each of the plurality of heat exchange members 14 includes
a heat transfer pipe 15, a heat transfer plate 16, and a joining
member 17. The heat transfer pipe 15 extends in the y direction
being the second direction. The heat transfer plate 16 is provided
to the heat transfer pipe 15 along a longitudinal direction of the
heat transfer pipe 15, specifically, the second direction. The
joining member 17 is provided between the heat transfer pipe 15 and
the heat transfer plate 16, and is configured to join the heat
transfer plate 16 to the heat transfer pipe 15.
[0044] A sectional shape of the heat transfer pipe 15 cut along a
plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer
pipe 15 is a flat shape having a long axis and a short axis. Thus,
when a long axis direction of a cross section of the heat transfer
pipe 15 is set as a width direction of the heat transfer pipe 15,
and a short axis direction of the cross section of the heat
transfer pipe 15 is set as a thickness direction of the heat
transfer pipe 15, a dimension of the heat transfer pipe 15 in the
width direction is larger than a dimension of the heat transfer
pipe 15 in the thickness direction. Each of the heat transfer pipes
15 is arranged in a state in which the thickness direction of the
heat transfer pipe 15 matches with a direction in which the
plurality of heat transfer pipes 15 are arranged, specifically, the
z direction, and the width direction of the heat transfer pipe 15
matches with a direction of the air stream A, specifically, the x
direction.
[0045] A plurality of refrigerant flow passages 18 through which
the refrigerant flows are arranged inside the heat transfer pipe 15
along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer pipe 15. The
plurality of refrigerant flow passages 18 are arranged side by side
in the width direction of the heat transfer pipe 15. In the heat
exchange member 14, heat is exchanged between the air stream A
passing between the plurality of heat exchange members 14 and the
refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow passages 18.
[0046] The heat transfer pipe 15 is made of a metal material having
heat conductivity. As the material for forming the heat transfer
pipe 15, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a
copper alloy is used. The heat transfer pipe 15 is manufactured by
extrusion for extruding a heated material through a hole of a die
to form the cross section of the heat transfer pipe 15. The heat
transfer pipe 15 may be manufactured by drawing for drawing a
material through a hole of a die to form the cross section of the
heat transfer pipe 15.
[0047] The heat transfer plate 16 is a member formed separately
from the heat transfer pipe 15. Further, the heat transfer plate 16
is arranged along a third direction, which intersects with the z
direction being the first direction and the y direction being the
second direction. In this example, the third direction is the x
direction orthogonal to each of the z direction and the y
direction. The heat transfer plate 16 is a flat plate arranged
along the x direction. The heat exchanger main body 11 is arranged
so that the direction of the air stream A matches with the x
direction. A dimension of the heat transfer plate 16 in the
thickness direction is smaller than a dimension of the heat
transfer pipe 15 in the thickness direction. The heat transfer
plate 16 is made of a metal material having heat conductivity. As
the material for forming the heat transfer plate 16, for example,
aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy is used.
[0048] The heat transfer plate 16 includes one extending portion
162, another extending portion 163, and a heat transfer plate main
body portion 161. The one extending portion 162 and the another
extending portion 163 extend away from the heat transfer pipe 15 on
both sides of the heat transfer pipe 15 in the x direction being
the third direction. The heat transfer plate main body portion 161
is continuous with the one extending portion 162 and the another
extending portion 163. The heat transfer plate main body portion
161 overlaps an outer peripheral surface of the heat transfer pipe
15. The one extending portion 162 extends from the heat transfer
plate main body portion 161 toward an upstream side of the air
stream A with respect to the heat transfer pipe 15. The another
extending portion 163 extends from the heat transfer plate main
body portion 161 toward a downstream side of the air stream A with
respect to the heat transfer pipe 15. In this example, a dimension
of the extending portion 162 on the upstream side is larger than a
dimension of the extending portion 163 on the downstream side in
the x direction.
[0049] The heat transfer plate main body portion 161 overlaps a
portion of the outer peripheral surface of the heat transfer pipe
15, which extends along the width direction of the heat transfer
pipe 15, through the joining member 17 therebetween. The extending
portion 162 on the upstream side and the extending portion 163 on
the downstream side are present outside a region of the heat
transfer pipe 15 in the width direction of the heat transfer pipe
15 when viewed along the thickness direction of the heat transfer
pipe 15, specifically, the z direction.
[0050] The joining member 17 is made of a metal material having
heat conductivity. As the material for forming the joining member
17, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper
alloy is used. In this example, a brazing filler metal is used for
the joining member 17. A melting point of the material for forming
the joining member 17 is set lower than a melting point of the
material for forming the heat transfer pipe 15 and a melting point
of the material for forming the heat transfer plate 16.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for illustrating a lower part
of the heat exchanger main body 11 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a
longitudinal sectional view for illustrating the lower part of the
heat exchanger main body 11 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a sectional view
taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 6. The first header tank 12
has a plurality of insertion holes 121 passing through an upper
wall portion of the first header tank 12. The second header tank 13
has a plurality of insertion holes (not shown) passing through a
lower wall portion of the second header tank 13. The plurality of
insertion holes 121 formed in the first header tank 12 and the
second header tank 13 are formed so as to be matched with positions
of the plurality of heat exchange members 14.
[0052] In each of the heat exchange members 14, both end portions
15a of the heat transfer pipe 15 in the longitudinal direction
project from the heat transfer plate 16. One end portion 15a of the
heat transfer pipe 15 in the longitudinal direction is inserted
into a space inside the first header tank 12 in a state of being
inserted through the insertion hole 121 of the first header tank
12, and another end portion 15a of the heat transfer pipe 15 in the
longitudinal direction is inserted into a space inside the second
header tank 13 in a state of being inserted through the insertion
hole of the second header tank 13. Specifically, only the one end
portion 15a of the heat transfer pipe 15 of the heat exchange
member 14 in the longitudinal direction is inserted into the space
inside the first header tank 12, and only the another end portion
15a of the heat transfer pipe 15 of the heat exchange member 14 in
the longitudinal direction is inserted into the space inside the
second header tank 13. In this manner, the space inside the first
header tank 12 and the space inside the second header tank 13, and
the refrigerant flow passages 18 of the heat transfer pipes 15 are
brought into communication with each other. Each of the heat
transfer pipes 15 is connected to the first header tank 12 and the
second header tank 13 by, for example, brazing or welding. A
refrigerant B flows through the first header tank 12, the
refrigerant flow passages 18, and the second header tank 13 in the
started order or through the second header tank 13, the refrigerant
flow passages 18, and the first header tank 12 in the started order
in accordance with the cooling operation and the heating
operation.
[0053] In the heat exchanger main body 11, heat is exchanged
between the air stream A generated by the operation of the outdoor
fan 7 and the refrigerant B flowing through the refrigerant flow
passages 18 of the heat transfer pipes 15. Thus, heat exchange
performance of the heat exchanger main body 11 is improved as an
area of each of the heat exchange members 14, with which the air
stream A comes into contact, increases.
[0054] When the outdoor heat exchanger 3 functions as a condenser,
the refrigerant B having a temperature higher than a temperature of
the air stream A flows through the refrigerant flow passages 18.
Thus, when the outdoor heat exchanger 3 functions as a condenser,
heat is rejected from the refrigerant B to the air stream A.
[0055] When the outdoor heat exchanger 3 functions as an
evaporator, the refrigerant B having a temperature lower than a
temperature of the air stream A flows through the refrigerant flow
passages 18. Thus, when the outdoor heat exchanger 3 functions as
an evaporator, heat is taken from the air stream A into the
refrigerant B. On this occasion, dew condensation water is
sometimes generated on a surface of the heat exchange member
14.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a front view for illustrating a state in which dew
condensation water adheres to the heat exchange members 14 of FIG.
3. Dew condensation water 10 adhering to the surface of each of the
heat exchange members 14 moves downward by its own weight along the
surface of each of the heat exchange members 14. On this occasion,
no member is connected to the surface of each of the heat exchange
members 14, and hence the downward movement of the dew condensation
water 10 is not inhibited by a member. As a result, the dew
condensation water 10 is easily discharged downward.
[0057] The heat exchanger main body 11 is manufactured by heating
an assembled body including the heat transfer pipes 15, the heat
transfer plates 16, the first header tank 12, and the second header
tank 13 in a furnace. A brazing filler metal is applied in advance
to the surface of each of the heat transfer pipes 15 and the
surface of each of the heat transfer plates 16. The heat transfer
pipes 15, the heat transfer plates 16, the first header tank 12,
and the second header tank 13 are fixed to each other with the
brazing filler metal molten by heating in the furnace. The brazing
filler metal is provided as the joining member 17 between each pair
of the heat transfer pipe 15 and the heat transfer plate 16.
[0058] In the outdoor heat exchanger 3 described above, each of the
heat transfer plates 16 includes the extending portions 162 and
163, which extend away from the heat transfer pipe 15 in the x
direction being the third direction. Thus, a heat transfer area of
each of the heat exchange members 14, which is brought into contact
with the air stream A, can be increased with the presence of the
extending portions 162 and 163. Thus, the heat exchange performance
of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 can be improved. Further, the heat
transfer plate 16 is a member formed separately from the heat
transfer pipe 15. Thus, the heat transfer pipe 15 and the heat
transfer plate 16 can be manufactured separately from each other.
Thus, a shape of the heat transfer pipe 15 and a shape of the heat
transfer plate 16 can be simplified. In this manner, each of the
heat transfer pipe 15 and the heat transfer plate 16 can easily be
manufactured. Thus, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 can easily be
manufactured.
[0059] The end portions 15a of the heat transfer pipe 15 in the
longitudinal direction project from the heat transfer plate 16.
Further, the end portions 15a of the heat transfer pipe 15 in the
longitudinal direction are inserted into the space inside the first
header tank 12 and the space inside the second header tank 13,
respectively. Accordingly, a shape of each of the insertion holes
121 through which the heat exchange members 14 are inserted can be
formed so as to be matched with a shape of the outer peripheral
surface of each of the heat transfer pipes 15. As a result,
complication of the shape of each of the insertion holes 121 can be
prevented. In this manner, connection work for the heat exchange
members 14 to the first header tank 12 and the second header tank
13 can easily be performed. Thus, the heat exchanger main body 11
can more easily be manufactured.
Second Embodiment
[0060] In the first embodiment, the flat pipe having the flat
sectional shape is used as the heat transfer pipe 15. However, a
circular pipe having a circular sectional shape may be used as the
heat transfer pipe 15.
[0061] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which the heat exchange members 14 of the outdoor heat exchanger 3
according to a second embodiment of the present invention are cut.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat exchange
members 14 of FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the sectional shape of
each of the heat transfer pipes 15 is circular. Further, in this
embodiment, one refrigerant flow passage 18 is formed in one heat
transfer pipe 15. Other configurations are the same as those of the
first embodiment.
[0062] As described above, even when the circular pipes, each
having the circular sectional shape, are used as the heat transfer
pipes 15, as in the first embodiment, a heat transfer area of each
of the heat exchange members 14 can be increased with the presence
of the extending portions 162 and 163. Thus, the heat exchange
performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 can be improved.
Further, the heat transfer plate 16 is a member formed separately
from the heat transfer pipe 15. Thus, as in the first embodiment,
the shape of the heat transfer pipe 15 and the shape of the heat
transfer plate 16 can be simplified. As a result, the outdoor heat
exchanger 3 can easily be manufactured.
Third Embodiment
[0063] FIG. 11 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which the heat exchange members 14 of the outdoor heat exchanger 3
according to a third embodiment of the present invention are cut.
FIG. 12 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat exchange
members 14 of FIG. 11. An outer peripheral surface of each of the
heat transfer pipes 15 includes a first thickness-direction end
surface 151, a second thickness-direction end surface 152, an
upstream-side end surface 153, and a downstream-side end surface
154. The first thickness-direction end surface 151 and the second
thickness-direction end surface 152 are opposed to each other in
the thickness direction of the heat transfer pipe 15. The
upstream-side end surface 153 and the downstream-side end surface
154 are opposed to each other in the width direction of the heat
transfer pipe 15. The heat transfer pipe 15 is arranged so that the
upstream-side end surface 153 is oriented toward an upstream side
of the air stream A with respect to the downstream-side end surface
154.
[0064] The heat transfer plate main body portion 161 overlaps the
first thickness-direction end surface 151 of the heat transfer pipe
15. An end portion of the heat transfer plate main body portion 161
on the upstream side in a direction of the air stream A is a curved
portion 161a that covers the outer peripheral surface of the heat
transfer pipe 15. Thus, the curved portion 161a of the heat
transfer plate main body portion 161 covers the upstream-side end
surface 153 of the heat transfer pipe 15. The joining member 17 is
provided between the first thickness-direction end surface 151 and
the heat transfer plate main body portion 161 and between the
upstream-side end surface 153 of the heat transfer pipe 15 and the
heat transfer plate main body portion 161. The curved portion 161a
of the heat transfer plate main body portion 161 is more gently
inclined than the upstream-side end surface 153 of the heat
transfer pipe 15 with respect to the direction of the air stream
A.
[0065] The second thickness-direction end surface 152 and the
downstream-side end surface 154 of the heat transfer pipe 15 are
exposed to the outside. The extending portion 162 of the heat
transfer plate 16 on the upstream side extends from an end of the
curved portion 161a toward the upstream side of the air stream A.
The extending portion 162 of the heat transfer plate 16 on the
upstream side is arranged in alignment with a position of the
second thickness-direction end surface 152 of the heat transfer
pipe 15 in the thickness direction of the heat transfer pipe
15.
[0066] FIG. 13 is a sectional view for illustrating a flow of the
air stream A passing between the plurality of heat exchange members
14 of FIG. 12. The air stream A passing between the plurality of
heat exchange members 14 flows along surfaces of the heat exchange
members 14 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13. Thus, the air
stream A, which has reached the heat transfer plate main body
portion 161 from the extending portion 162 on the upstream side,
smoothly flows along a surface of the curved portion 161a without
colliding against the upstream-side end surface 153 of the heat
transfer pipe 15. Further, the air stream A, which has reached the
second thickness-direction end surface 152 of the heat transfer
pipe 15 from the extending portion 162 on the upstream side,
directly flows along the second thickness-direction end surface
152. As a result, a resistance to the flow of the air stream A when
the air stream A passes between the plurality heat exchange members
14 is reduced. Other configurations are the same as those of the
first embodiment.
[0067] In the outdoor heat exchanger 3, each of the heat transfer
plates 16 has the curved portion 161a that covers the outer
peripheral surface of the heat transfer pipe 15. The extending
portion 162 on the upstream side extends from the end of the curved
portion 161a. Thus, the air stream A can smoothly flow along the
curved portion 161a. In this manner, the resistance to the flow of
the air stream A passing between the plurality of heat exchange
members 14 can be reduced. In addition, a heat transfer area
between the outer peripheral surface of the heat transfer pipe 15
and the heat transfer plate main body portion 161 can be increased.
Thus, the heat exchange performance of the outdoor heat exchanger 3
can be further increased. Further, when the heat transfer pipe 15
and the heat transfer plate 16 are combined, a position of the heat
transfer plate 16 with respect to the heat transfer pipe 15 can
easily be specified based on a position of the curved portion 161a.
In this manner, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 can more easily be
manufactured.
[0068] In the example described above, the extending portion 162 on
the upstream side is arranged in alignment with the position of the
second thickness-direction end surface 152 of the heat transfer
pipe 15 in the thickness direction of the heat transfer pipe 15.
However, the extending portion 162 on the upstream side may be
arranged so as to be shifted in the thickness direction of the heat
transfer pipe 15 with respect to the position of the second
thickness-direction end surface 152 of the heat transfer pipe 15.
Even with the arrangement described above, the air stream A can
smoothly flow along the curved portion 161a. Thus, the resistance
to the flow of the air stream A passing between the plurality of
heat exchange members 14 can be reduced.
[0069] In the example described above, only the end portion of the
heat transfer plate main body portion 161 on the upstream side in
the direction of the air stream A is formed as the curved portion
161a. However, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the end portions of the
heat transfer plate main body portion 161 on the upstream side and
the downstream side in the direction of the air stream A may be
formed as the curved portion 161a and a curved portion 161b,
respectively. In this case, the curved portion 161a of the heat
transfer plate main body portion 161 on the upstream side covers
the upstream-side end surface 153 of the heat transfer pipe 15, and
the curved portion 161b of the heat transfer plate main body
portion 161 on the downstream side covers the downstream-side end
surface 154 of the heat transfer pipe 15. Further, in this case,
the extending portion 162 on the upstream side extends from the end
of the curved portion 161a on the upstream side, and the extending
portion 163 on the downstream side extends from an end of the
curved portion 161b on the downstream side. Further, in this case,
the extending portion 162 on the upstream side and the extending
portion 163 on the downstream side are arranged in alignment with
the position of the second thickness-direction end surface 152 of
the heat transfer pipe 15 in the thickness direction of the heat
transfer pipe 15.
Fourth Embodiment
[0070] FIG. 15 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat
transfer members 14 of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 according to a
fourth embodiment of the present invention. The end portions of the
heat transfer plate main body portion 161 on the upstream side and
the downstream side in the direction of the air stream A are formed
as the curved portion 161a and 161b, which cover the outer
peripheral surface of the heat transfer pipe 15. The curved portion
161a of the heat transfer plate main body portion 161 on the
upstream side covers the upstream-side end surface 153 of the heat
transfer pipe 15, and the curved portion 161b of the heat transfer
plate main body portion 161 on the downstream side covers the
downstream-side end surface 154 of the heat transfer pipe 15.
[0071] The heat transfer pipe 15 is held between the curved
portions 161a and 161b under a state in which the curved portions
161a and 161b of the heat transfer plate main body portion 161 on
the upstream side and the downstream side are elastically deformed.
The curved portion 161a on the upstream side generates an elastic
restoration force in a direction of pressing the end of the heat
transfer pipe 15 on the upstream side, and the curved portion 161b
on the downstream side generates an elastic restoration force in a
direction of pressing the end of the heat transfer pipe 15 on the
downstream side. In this manner, the heat transfer plate 16 is held
on the heat transfer pipe 15 under a state in which the heat
transfer plate main body portion 161 is held in contact with the
outer peripheral surface of the heat transfer pipe 15. In this
example, the joining member 17 is not provided between the outer
peripheral surface of the heat transfer pipe 15 and the heat
transfer plate main body portion 161.
[0072] When the heat transfer member 14 is manufactured, the heat
transfer pipe 15 is inserted between the curved portion 161a on the
upstream side and the curved portion 161b on the downstream side
under a state in which the curved portions 161a and 161b are
elastically deformed in a direction in which the curved portions
161a and 161b are separated away from each other. After that, the
elastic deformation of the curved portions 161a and 161b is
restored. In this manner, the heat transfer pipe 15 is held between
the curved portions 161a and 161b to fix the heat transfer plate 16
to the heat transfer pipe 15. The heat exchange member 14 is
completed after the fixation of the heat transfer plate 16 to the
heat transfer pipe 15. Other configurations are the same as those
of the first embodiment.
[0073] In the outdoor heat exchanger 3 described above, the heat
transfer pipe 15 is held between the curved portions 161a and 161b
with the elastic restoration forces of the curved portions 161a and
161b of the heat transfer plate main body portion 161 on the
upstream side and the downstream side. Hence, the need of the
joining member 17 configured to join the heat transfer plate 16 to
the heat transfer pipe 15 can be eliminated. As a result, the heat
exchange member 14 can easily be manufactured.
Fifth Embodiment
[0074] FIG. 16 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which the heat exchange members 14 of the outdoor heat exchanger 3
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention are cut.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat exchange
members 14 of FIG. 16. A plurality of cutout portions 21 serving as
heat resistance portions configured to suppress heat conduction
through the extending portion 162 on the upstream side are formed
in the extending portion 162. Each of the cutout portions 21 is a
linear cut passing in the thickness direction of the extending
portion 162. In this example, the plurality of cutout portions 21
are formed in the extending portion 162 along the longitudinal
direction of the heat transfer pipe 15. Other configurations are
the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0075] When the outdoor heat exchanger 3 functions as an
evaporator, the heat exchange member 14 is sometimes frosted. A
frosting amount on the heat exchange member 14 increases as a
difference between a temperature of the refrigerant B flowing
through the refrigerant flow passages 18 and a temperature of the
air stream A becomes larger. When the frosting amount on the heat
exchange member 14 increases, a space between the plurality of heat
exchange members 14 is reduced due to the presence of frost. Thus,
the air stream A is less likely to pass between the plurality of
heat exchange members 14.
[0076] In this embodiment, transfer of heat from the extending
portion 162 to the heat transfer pipe 15 is suppressed with the
presence of the plurality of cutout portions 21. As a result, a
decrease of the temperature of the extending portion 162 can be
suppressed, and the heat transfer member 14 is less liable to be
frosted. Further, even when the heat exchange member 14 is frosted,
the frosting amount is small.
[0077] In the outdoor heat exchanger 3 described above, the
plurality of cutout portions 21 serving as the heat resistance
portions configured to suppress the heat conduction from a distal
end of the extending portion 162 toward the heat transfer plate
main body portion 161 are formed in the extending portion 162 on
the upstream side. Thus, the decrease of the temperature of the
extending portion 162 on the upstream side can be suppressed. In
this manner, the increase of the difference between the temperature
of the extending portion 162 and the temperature of the air stream
A can be suppressed. As a result, the heat exchange members 14
becomes less liable to be frosted.
[0078] In the example described above, the plurality of cutout
portions 21 are used as the heat resistance portions. However, the
heat resistance portions are not limited thereto. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, a plurality of cut-and-raised
portions 22 may be used as the heat resistance portions. Each of
the cut-and-raised portions 22 is a portion formed by deforming and
raising a portion between two parallel cuts formed in the extending
portion 162 in the thickness direction of the extending portion
162. In this case, the plurality of cut-and-raised portions 22 are
formed along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer pipe
15.
[0079] Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21,
a plurality of louvers 23 may be used as the heat resistance
portions. Each of the louvers 23 is formed by deforming a portion
between two parallel cuts formed in the extending portion 162 and
inclining the portion with respect to a surface of the extending
portion 162. In this case, the plurality of louvers 23 are formed
along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer pipe 15.
[0080] In the example described above, the cutout portions 21, the
cut-and-raised portions 22, or the louvers 23 serving as the heat
resistance portions are applied to the heat exchange members 14 of
the first embodiment. However, the cutout portions 21, the
cut-and-raised portions 22, or the louvers 22 serving as the heat
resistance portions may be applied to the heat exchange members 14
of the second to fourth embodiments.
Sixth Embodiment
[0081] FIG. 22 is a sectional view for illustrating the heat
exchange members 14 of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchanger main
body 11 includes a plurality of first heat exchange members 32 and
a plurality of second heat exchange members 34 as the plurality of
heat exchange members. Configurations of the plurality of first
heat exchange members 32 and the plurality of second heat exchange
members 34 are the same as those of the heat exchange members 14 of
the third embodiment.
[0082] The plurality of first heat exchange members 32 are arranged
in a first line 31 so as to be spaced apart from each other. In the
first line, the plurality of first heat exchange members 32 are
arranged in the z direction. Each of the first heat exchange
members 32 is arranged under a state in which the thickness
direction of the heat transfer pipe 15 matches with the z
direction.
[0083] The plurality of second heat exchange members 34 are
arranged in a second line 33, which is located at a position
distant from the first line 31, so as to be spaced apart from each
other in the x direction. In this example, the second line 33 is
located on the downstream side of the air stream A with respect to
the first line 31. In the second line 33, the plurality of second
heat exchange members 34 are arranged in the z direction. Each of
the second heat exchange members 34 is arranged under a state in
which the thickness direction of the heat transfer pipe 15 matches
with the z direction.
[0084] The plurality of second heat exchange members 34 are
arranged between the plurality of heat exchange members 32 when
viewed along the x direction. Specifically, when the heat exchanger
main body 11 is viewed along the x direction, overlapping of each
of the second heat exchange members 34 with each of the first heat
exchange members 32 is avoided. In this example, the first heat
exchange members 32 and the second heat exchange members 34 are
arranged at positions in a staggered pattern in which the first
heat exchange members 32 and the second heat exchange members 34
are located alternately in the first line 31 and the second line 33
in the z direction.
[0085] The extending portion 162 of each of the second heat
exchange members 34 on the upstream side is arranged in a space
between the plurality of first heat exchange members 32. The
extending portion 163 of each of the first heat exchange members 32
on the downstream side is arranged in a space between the plurality
of second heat exchange members 34. With the arrangement described
above, when the heat exchanger main body 11 is viewed along the z
direction being a direction in which the plurality of first heat
exchange members 32 and the plurality of second heat exchange
members 34 are arranged, the extending portion 162 of each of the
second heat exchange members 34 on the upstream side overlaps a
downstream-side portion of the first heat exchange member 32, and
the extending portion 163 of each of the first heat exchange
members 32 on the downstream side overlaps an upstream-side portion
of the second heat exchange member 34. Other configurations are the
same as those of the third embodiment.
[0086] In the outdoor heat exchanger 3 described above, when viewed
along the x direction, the plurality of second heat exchange
members 34 are arranged between the plurality of first heat
exchange members 32. Thus, the extending portions 162 of the second
heat exchange members 34 arranged in the second line 33 can extend
toward the first line 31 so as to avoid the first heat exchange
members 32. Further, the extending portions 163 of the first heat
exchange members 32 can extend toward the second line 33 so as to
avoid the second heat exchange members 34. Further, portions of the
second heat exchange members 34 on a side closer to the first line
31 can be inserted between portions of the plurality of first heat
exchange members 32 on a side closer to the second line 33. Thus,
an increase in dimensions of the heat exchanger main body 11 in the
x direction can be suppressed. Further, the heat transfer plate 16
is formed separately from the heat transfer pipe 15. As a result, a
thickness of the heat transfer plate 16 can be reduced. Thus, even
when the extending portion 162 of the second heat exchange member
34 on the upstream side is inserted between the plurality of first
heat exchange members 32, reduction of flow passages for the air
stream A can be suppressed. In this manner, a heat transfer area of
each of the first heat transfer members 32 and a heat transfer area
of each of the second heat transfer members 34 for the air stream A
can be increased while increase in size of the heat exchanger main
body 11 is suppressed. Hence, the heat exchange performance of the
heat exchanger main body 11 can be further improved.
[0087] In the example described above, the heat exchange members
are arranged in two lines including the first line 31 and the
second line 33. However, the number of lines in which the heat
exchange members are arranged is not limited to two, and may be
three or more. In this case, the plurality of heat exchange members
arranged in one of two lines adjacent to each other are arranged
between the plurality of heat exchange members arranged in another
one of the lines.
[0088] Further, in the example described above, the extending
portion 162 and the extending portion 163 project from the heat
transfer plate main body portion 161 of each of the first heat
exchange members 32 toward the upstream side and the downstream
side of the air stream A, respectively. However, the extending
portion 162 may project from the heat transfer plate main body
portion 161 of each of the first heat exchange members 32 only
toward the upstream side, which is one of the upstream side and the
downstream side of the air stream A, or the extending portion 163
may project from the heat transfer plate main body portion 161 only
toward the downstream side, which is one of the upstream side and
the downstream side of the air stream A.
[0089] Further, in the example described above, the extending
portion 162 and the extending portion 163 project from the heat
transfer plate main body portion 161 of each of the second heat
exchange members 34 toward the upstream side and the downstream
side of the air stream A, respectively. However, the extending
portion 162 may project from the heat transfer plate main body
portion 161 of each of the second heat exchange members 34 only
toward the upstream side, which is one of the upstream side and the
downstream side of the air stream A, or the extending portion 163
may project from the heat transfer plate main body portion 161 only
toward the downstream side, which is one of the upstream side and
the downstream side of the air stream A.
[0090] Further, in the example described above, the configuration
of each of the heat exchange members 14 of the third embodiment is
applied to each of the first heat exchange members 32. However, the
configuration of each of the heat exchange members 14 of the first,
second, fourth, or fifth embodiment may be applied to each of the
first heat exchange members 32.
[0091] Further, in the example described above, the configuration
of each of the heat exchange members 14 of the third embodiment is
applied to each of the second heat exchange members 34. However,
the configuration of each of the heat exchange members 14 of the
first, second, fourth, or fifth embodiment may be applied to each
of the second heat exchange members 34.
Seventh Embodiment
[0092] FIG. 23 is a front view for illustrating a main part of the
heat exchanger main body 11 of the outdoor heat exchanger 3
according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The
heat exchanger main body 11 includes the plurality of heat exchange
members 14 and heat transfer fins 41, each being connected between
two adjacent ones of the heat exchange members 14. Arrangement and
configuration of the plurality of heat exchange members 14 are the
same as those of the first embodiment.
[0093] In this example, a corrugated fin formed in a corrugated
shape is used as each of the heat transfer fins 41. Further, in
this example, each of the heat transfer fins 41 is connected only
to a portion of each of the heat exchange members 14 on the
downstream side in the direction of the air stream A, specifically,
in the x direction. As a material for forming the heat transfer
fins 41, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a
copper alloy is used. Other configurations are the same as those of
the first embodiment.
[0094] In the outdoor heat exchanger 3 described above, each of the
heat transfer fins 41 is connected between two adjacent ones of the
heat exchange members 14. Thus, a heat transfer area of the heat
exchange main body 11 for the air stream A can be further increased
with the presence of the heat transfer fins 41. In this manner, the
heat exchange performance of the heat exchanger main body 11 can be
further improved.
[0095] Further, the heat transfer fin 41 is connected only to the
portion of the heat exchange member 14 on the downstream side in
the direction of the air stream A. Thus, the heat transfer fins 41
can be arranged so as to avoid portions of the heat exchange
members 14 on the upstream side, which are liable to be frosted. In
this manner, reduction in heat transfer performance of the heat
transfer fins 41 due to frosting can be suppressed.
[0096] In the example described above, the heat transfer fin 41 is
connected to only part of each of the heat exchange members 14 in
the direction of the air stream A. However, the heat transfer fin
41 may be connected to the entire region of each of the heat
exchange members 14 in the direction of the air stream A.
[0097] In the example described above, the heat transfer fins 41
are applied to the heat exchanger main body 11 of the first
embodiment. However, the heat transfer fins 41 may be applied to
the heat exchanger main body 11 of the second to sixth
embodiments.
Eighth Embodiment
[0098] FIG. 24 is a perspective view for illustrating the outdoor
heat exchanger 3 according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention. The outdoor heat exchanger 3 includes the heat exchanger
main body 11 and a vortex generator 42. The vortex generator 42 is
arranged on a windward side of the plurality of heat exchange
members 14 of the heat exchanger main body 11 in the x direction
being the third direction, specifically, on the upstream side of
the air stream A with respect to the plurality of heat exchange
members 14. A configuration of the heat exchanger main body 11 is
the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0099] The vortex generator 42 is configured to form the air stream
A into a vortex flow. Further, the vortex generator 42 is arranged
so as to be apart from the heat exchange main body 11 in the x
direction being the third direction. A gap that is present between
the vortex generator 42 and the heat exchange main body 11 is
reduced to be as small as possible. The air stream A, which has
passed through the vortex generator 42, is formed into the vortex
flow and passes between the plurality of heat exchange members 14.
In this manner, heat exchange between the refrigerant B flowing
through the refrigerant flow passages 18 and the air stream A is
promoted in a region from the ends of the heat exchange members 14
on the upstream side to the ends of the heat exchange members 14 on
the downstream side. Other configurations are the same as those of
the first embodiment.
[0100] In the outdoor heat exchanger 3 described above, the vortex
generator 42 is arranged on the windward side of the heat exchange
main body 11 in the x direction. Thus, the air stream A, which has
been formed into the vortex flow, can be supplied to the heat
exchange main body 11. In this manner, the heat exchange between
the refrigerant B and the air stream A can be promoted in each of
the heat exchange members 14. Thus, the heat exchange performance
of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 can be further improved.
[0101] Further, the vortex generator 42 is arranged at the position
distant from the heat exchanger main body 11. Thus, transfer of
heat of the heat exchange members 14 to the vortex generator 42 can
be prevented. As a result, generation of dew and frost on the
vortex generator 42 can be prevented, and hence the air stream A in
the vortex generator 42 can be prevented from being blocked by dew
and frost.
[0102] In the example described above, the vortex generator 42 is
arranged so as to be apart from the heat exchanger main body 11 in
the x direction. However, the vortex generator 42 may be arranged
so as to be held in contact with each of the heat exchange members
14 of the heat exchanger main body 11. Even in this way, with the
arrangement of the vortex generator 42 on the upstream side of the
air stream A with respect to the heat generator main body 11, the
air stream A, which has been formed into the vortex flow, can be
supplied to the heat generator main body 11. Thus, the heat
exchange performance in the heat exchanger main body 11 can be
improved.
[0103] Further, in the example described above, the vortex
generator 42 is applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 according
to the first embodiment. However, the vortex generator 42 may be
applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 according to the second to
seventh embodiments.
[0104] Further, in the first to third embodiments and the fifth to
eighth embodiments, the joining member 17 is used as a joining
member configured to join the heat transfer plate 16 to the heat
transfer pipe 15. However, the joining member is not limited
thereto. For example, an adhesive having heat conduction
performance may be used as the joining member.
[0105] Further, in the first to third embodiments and the fifth to
eighth embodiments, the heat transfer plate 16 is joined to the
heat transfer pipe 15 through the joining member 17 therebetween.
However, the heat transfer plate 16 may be directly joined to the
heat transfer pipe 15 by, for example, welding or friction stir
welding as in the second embodiment.
[0106] Further, in the first and third to eighth embodiments, the
flat pipe having a flat sectional shape is used as the heat
transfer pipe 15. However, the circular pipe having a circular
sectional shape may be used as the heat transfer pipe 15.
[0107] Further, in the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth
embodiments, the extending portions 162 and 163 project from the
heat transfer plate main body portion 161 toward the upstream side
and the downstream side of the air stream A, respectively. However,
the extending portion 162 may project from the heat transfer plate
main body portion 161 only toward the upstream side, which is one
of the upstream side and the downstream side of the air stream A,
or the extending portion 163 may project from the heat transfer
plate main body portion 161 only toward the downstream side, which
is one of the upstream side and the downstream side of the air
stream A.
[0108] Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the
present invention is applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 3.
However, the present invention may be applied to the indoor heat
exchanger 5. Further, in each of the embodiments described above,
the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present
invention is used as the air conditioning apparatus 1. However, the
use of the refrigeration cycle apparatus is not limited thereto.
For example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the
present invention may be used as, for example, a cooling device, a
refrigeration apparatus, or a water heater. Further, in each of the
embodiments described above, the present invention is applied to
the refrigeration cycle apparatus having the four-way valve 6,
which is capable of performing switching between the cooling
operation and the heating operation. However, the present invention
may be applied to a heat exchanger for a refrigeration cycle
apparatus without the four-way valve 6.
[0109] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments
described above, and can be carried out with various changes within
the scope of the present invention. Further, the present invention
can also be carried out with combinations of the embodiments
described above.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0110] 1 air conditioning apparatus (refrigeration cycle
apparatus), 3 outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger), 12 first
header tank, 13 second header tank, 14 heat exchange member, 15
heat transfer pipe, 16 heat transfer plate, 17 joining member, 21
cutout portion (heat resistance portion), 22 cut-and-raised portion
(heat resistance portion), 23 louver (heat resistance portion), 31
first line, 32 first heat exchange member, 33 second line, 34
second heat exchange member, 41 heat transfer fin, 42 vortex
generator, 161a, 161b curved portion, 162, 163 extending
portion
* * * * *