Patent Description:
As a heat exchanger including a header to which a plurality of heat transfer pipes are connected, there has been known a heat exchanger configured such that the inside of the header is divided by a divider into a first space in which the plurality of heat transfer pipes are inserted and a second space in which the plurality of heat transfer pipes are not inserted. The divider has formed therein a communicating hole through which the first space and the second space communicate with each other (see, for example, Patent Literature <NUM>).

Further, in Patent Literature <NUM>, a problem caused by the resistance of passage through the communicating hole of the divider is addressed by tilting the communicating hole against a refrigerant flow direction and forming a guide configured to guide a flow of refrigerant toward a downstream edge in the refrigerant flow direction. A heat exchanger according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is disclosed in <CIT>.

Patent Literature <NUM>: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication <CIT>.

In a related-art heat exchanger, it has been necessary for heat transfer pipes to protrude into a header so that the heat transfer pipes are connected and brazed to the header. The protrusion of the heat transfer pipes into the header causes ridges and grooves to be formed by protruding portions. This may cause an increase in pressure loss of refrigerant flowing through the header. Further, in Patent Literature <NUM>, the refrigerant may suffer a pressure loss by colliding with the divider in flowing from the heat transfer pipes into the header.

The present invention was made to solve such a problem, and has as an object to provide a heat exchanger configured to reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant inside a header and be superior in heat exchange performance even with heat transfer pipes inserted in the header and an air-conditioning apparatus including the heat exchanger.

A heat exchanger according to the invention is defined in claim <NUM>.

Further, an air-conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a four-way valve are connected by pipes and through which the refrigerant flows, and includes the aforementioned heat exchanger as the condenser or the evaporator.

Embodiments of the present invention make it possible to provide a heat exchanger configured to, by including a divider configured to divide the inside of a header into a first space in which an insertion hole is provided and a second space to which a refrigerant pipe is connected and provided with an opening surrounding the outer periphery of the front end of a heat transfer pipe as seen from a second direction, be able to reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant and be superior in heat exchange performance and an air-conditioning apparatus including the heat exchanger.

First, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings. Further, components given identical signs in the drawings are identical or equivalent to each other, and these signs are adhered to throughout the entire text of the description. It should be noted that the forms of components described in the entire text of the description are merely examples and are not limited to these descriptions.

Further, in the entire text of the description, directions orthogonal to one another are named as a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. Moreover, although a case is described in which the first direction is a horizontal direction, the second direction a vertical direction, and the third direction a direction parallel with a header's width, for example, these directions are not limited to the orientation of flow of refrigerant or other directions. In the drawings, the X direction corresponds to the first direction, the Y direction to the second direction, and the Z direction to the third direction.

Further, directive terms such as "top", "bottom", "right", and "left" used as appropriate for ease of comprehension are intended for explanation's sake, and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that terms such as "top", "bottom," "right", and "left" are used in a view of a heat exchanger <NUM> from the side.

<FIG> is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention.

As shown in <FIG>, the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> includes a header <NUM> (1a, 1b), a plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM>, a fin <NUM>, and a refrigerant pipe <NUM> (4a, 4b).

The header <NUM> (1a, 1b) has a tubular shape, includes a header top plate <NUM>, a header body <NUM>, a side lid <NUM>, and a divider <NUM> (not illustrated), and is placed such that the header <NUM> (1a, 1b) has its length extending in a horizontal direction. In <FIG>, the header <NUM> (1a, 1b) is placed such that the length of the header <NUM> (1a, 1b) extends in a direction orthogonal to the flow of air flowing in a direction from front to back of the sheet. Further, a cross-section of the header <NUM> (1a, 1b) taken along a vertical direction may have a rectangular shape or a circular shape, although <FIG> shows an example in which the cross-section has a D shape.

Further, the refrigerant pipe <NUM> (4a, 4b) and the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> are connected to the header <NUM> (1a, 1b), and refrigerant flows inside. The header <NUM> includes a so-called distributing header 1a to which a refrigerant inflow pipe 4a is connected. The distributing header 1a distributes, to each of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM>, refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant inflow pipe 4a.

Further, the header <NUM> includes a so-called collecting header 1b to which a refrigerant outflow pipe 4b is connected. The collecting header 1b causes refrigerant flowing out from the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> to be collected so that the refrigerant can be discharged out of the heat exchanger <NUM> via the refrigerant outflow pipe 4b. It should be noted that a configuration of the header <NUM> (1a, 1b) will be described in detail later.

The plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> are placed at spacings from each other in a first direction (X direction). The heat transfer pipes <NUM> each have a first end connected to the distributing header 1a and a second end connected to the collecting header 1b. The heat transfer pipes <NUM> are hollow metal pipes, usable examples of which include flap pipes that are flat in cross-section.

Since the heat transfer pipes <NUM> are made from metal, the heat transfer pipes <NUM> have such high thermal conductivity that it is easy to exchange heat between refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipes <NUM> and air outside the heat transfer pipes <NUM>. The exchange of heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer pipes <NUM> and the air outside the heat transfer pipes <NUM> makes it possible to cool and gasify the refrigerant or to heat and liquefy the refrigerant.

Although <FIG> shows an example in which the heat transfer pipes <NUM> are flat pipes, this is not intended to limit the shapes of the heat transfer pipes <NUM>. Further, the air may be replaced by another fluid.

The fin <NUM> is, for example, a corrugated metal plate inserted between a plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> and, by being joined to surfaces of adjacent heat transfer pipes <NUM>, attached to the heat transfer pipes <NUM>. Since the fin <NUM> is formed by a material, such as metal, that conducts heat, the fin <NUM> can conduct heat from the heat transfer pipes <NUM> to which it was joined and exchange heat with air or other fluids flowing through a gap. Further, the corrugated shape makes efficient heat exchange possible with a large surface area in contact with a fluid, such as air, to exchange heat with.

The refrigerant pipe <NUM> (4a, 4b) is connected to a side lid <NUM> serving as a side of the header <NUM> (1a, 1b). As mentioned above, the refrigerant pipe <NUM> includes the refrigerant inflow pipe 4a, which is connected to the distributing header 1a, and the refrigerant outflow pipe 4b, which is connected to the collecting header 1b.

The refrigerant inflow pipe 4a causes refrigerant to flow from outside the heat exchanger <NUM> into the distributing header 1a, and the refrigerant outflow pipe 4b causes refrigerant collected in the collecting header 1b to flow out of the heat exchanger <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the refrigerant inflow pipe 4a and the refrigerant outflow pipe 4b are connected, for example, to sides differing from each other.

As indicated by solid arrows in <FIG>, refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger <NUM> flows from the refrigerant inflow pipe 4a into the distributing header 1a and is distributed by the distributing header 1a to each of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM>. The refrigerant thus distributed flows through the heat transfer pipe <NUM>, is collected by the collecting header 1b, and is discharged through the refrigerant outflow pipe 4b.

The heat exchanger <NUM> is called an evaporator in a case in which refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger <NUM> is in a two-phase gas-liquid state in which there is a mixture of gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant and the two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant is evaporated by passing through the heat transfer pipes <NUM>. Further, the heat exchanger <NUM> is called a condenser in a case in which refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger <NUM> is gas and the refrigerant is condensed by passing through the heat transfer pipes <NUM>. In a case in which the heat exchanger <NUM> is used as a condenser, the refrigerant flows in directions opposite to those indicated by the solid arrows in <FIG>.

Next, a configuration of the header <NUM> of the heat exchanger <NUM> according to the present embodiment is described in detail. Although the following description takes the collecting header 1b as an example, the present invention is not limited to the collecting header 1b but may be directed to the distributing header 1a.

<FIG> is a perspective view partially showing a configuration of a header according to Embodiment <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the header according to Embodiment <NUM> as seen from a second direction, and shows a positional relationship between a heat transfer pipe <NUM> and an opening 14a of the divider <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram showing the width of an opening of the divider according to Embodiment <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram showing a relationship between the width of an opening 14a of the divider <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> and a pressure loss.

As shown in <FIG>, the header top plate <NUM> of the collecting header 1b has provided therein insertion holes 11a, provided at spacings from each other in the first direction (X direction), in which the front ends of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> are inserted from the second direction (Y direction). Each of the heat transfer pipes <NUM> is inserted in a corresponding one of the insertion holes 11a from the header top plate <NUM> toward the header body <NUM> and fixed gaplessly and airtightly by brazing or other processes between the header top plate <NUM> and the insertion hole 11a. That is, each of the heat transfer pipes <NUM> has its length extending in a vertical direction (second direction).

The divider <NUM> is a flat plate made from metal such as aluminum, and is fixed by brazing or other processes to the header body <NUM> and side lid <NUM> of the collecting header 1b. It should be noted that the divider <NUM> does not necessarily need to have its whole circumference fixed to an inner wall of the header body <NUM>, and may allow refrigerant flowing through the collecting header to pass between the divider <NUM> and the inner wall of the header body <NUM>. Further, the divider <NUM> may be formed integrally with the collecting header 1b. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the divider <NUM> is provided with a plurality of the openings 14a into each of which the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> can be inserted separately.

<FIG> is a view of the inside of the collecting header 1b from the bottom in the second direction (Y direction), and is a schematic view showing a positional relationship between a heat transfer pipe <NUM> and an opening 14a of the divider <NUM>. The divider <NUM> is provided with an opening 14a surrounding the outer periphery of the front end of a heat transfer pipe <NUM>, that is, an opening 14a that, when seen from the second direction, has a hole or space into which a heat transfer pipe <NUM> can be inserted.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, the opening 14a provided in the divider <NUM> is shaped to have a gap between the opening 14a and the outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> as seen from the second direction (Y direction). That is, when the inside of the collecting header 1b is seen from the second direction (Y direction), the opening 14a has a shape surrounding the heat transfer pipe <NUM> at a distance from the outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>. The shape of the opening 14a is not limited to the same shape as the heat transfer pipe <NUM>, provided the shape has a gap between the opening 14a and the outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> as seen from the second direction (Y direction).

As with <FIG>, <FIG> is a view of the inside of the collecting header 1b from the bottom in the second direction (Y direction). Note here that as shown in <FIG>, K denotes the width of an opening 14a in the first direction (X direction) and W denotes the distance between adjacent ones of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a relationship between the width K of an opening 14a and a pressure loss. The vertical axis represents a pressure loss inside the collecting header, and the horizontal axis represents the width K of an opening 14a in the first direction (X direction). As can be seen from <FIG>, a pressure loss changes according to the width K of an opening 14a. At a certain width K, the pressure loss reaches its minimum, and as the width K becomes smaller or larger than the width, the pressure loss increases.

An opening 14a provided in the divider <NUM> has a larger opening area than the cross-sectional area of the front end of a heat transfer pipe <NUM>, but as shown in <FIG>, if the width K of the opening 14a is too large, the pressure loss tends to increase. To address this problem, Embodiment <NUM> is configured such that an opening 14a provided in the divider <NUM> satisfies the relationship K < W. That is, the width K of an opening 14a in the first direction (X direction) is smaller than the distance W between adjacent ones of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM>.

It should be noted that the width K at which the pressure loss reaches its minimum was approximately twice as large as the width of a heat transfer pipe <NUM>. That is, in a case in which the shapes of a heat transfer pipe <NUM> and an opening are flat shapes as shown in <FIG>, the pressure loss can be minimized by making the width K of the opening 14a approximately twice as large as the width of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>. Therefore, it is most preferable that the width K in the first direction (X direction) of an opening 14a provided in the divider <NUM> be twice as large as the width of a heat transfer pipe <NUM>.

Next, the installation position of the divider <NUM> inside the collecting header is described.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> as seen from cutting-plane line A-A of <FIG>. <FIG> are each a partially-enlarged view of <FIG> of the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a header in a case in which the front end of a heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in a first space <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the header in a case in which the front end of a heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in a second space <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the header in a case in which the front end of a heat transfer pipe <NUM> is on a level with the divider <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the collecting header 1b is divided by the divider <NUM> into a first space <NUM>, situated beside the header top plate <NUM>, in which an insertion hole 11a for a heat transfer pipe <NUM> is provided and a second space <NUM> to which the refrigerant outflow pipe 4b (not illustrated) is connected. The first space <NUM> and the second space <NUM> are different spaces, and the divider <NUM> is installed such that the first space <NUM> and the second space <NUM> are arranged one above the other.

Further, it is preferable that, as shown in <FIG>, the divider <NUM> be installed such that the second space <NUM> is larger than the first space <NUM>. It should be noted that the first space <NUM> and the second space <NUM> are refrigerant flow passages communicating with each other in a direction from front to back of the sheet of <FIG>, that is, in a direction parallel with the length of the collecting header 1b.

Since the divider <NUM> is provided with an opening 14a surrounding the outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> as seen from the second direction (Y direction), the divider <NUM> is installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is located in the first space <NUM>, at the same position as the divider <NUM>, or in the second space <NUM>.

Assume here that in the second direction (Y direction) of <FIG>, <FIG>, the "insertion length D" is the distance between the insertion hole 11a and the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>, the "first space height H" is the distance between the insertion hole 11a and the divider <NUM>, the "gap distance L" is the distance between the divider <NUM> and the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>, and "t" is the thickness of the divider <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the divider <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention is provided such that the gap distance L is shorter than the insertion length D and smaller than the first space height H. That is, the divider <NUM> is installed such that the relationships L < D and L <H are satisfied. In this case, the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in the first space <NUM> or the second space <NUM>.

Further, in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is located in the first space <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, it is more preferable that the divider <NUM> be installed such that the gap distance L is shorter than a distance half as long as the first space height H. That is, it is more preferable that the divider <NUM> be installed such that L < D/<NUM> is satisfied.

Further, in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is located in the second space <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, it is more preferable that the divider <NUM> be installed such that the gap distance L is shorter than a distance half as long as the second space height H. That is, it is more preferable that the divider <NUM> be installed such that L < H/<NUM> is satisfied.

It should be noted that a comparison between the case in which the divider <NUM> is installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is located in the first space <NUM> (<FIG>) and the case in which the divider <NUM> is installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is located in the second space <NUM> (<FIG>) shows that it is more preferable that the divider <NUM> be installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is located in the second space <NUM> (<FIG>). That is, it is more preferable that the divider <NUM> be installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in the second space <NUM>.

Furthermore, it is more preferable that the divider <NUM> be installed such that the gap distance L is less than or equal to the thickness t of the divider <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. That is, it is most preferable that the divider <NUM> be installed such that L ≤ t is satisfied.

Next, the flow and pressure loss of refrigerant inside the collecting header are described.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> as taken along a plane parallel to the first direction (X direction). <FIG> are each a diagram showing a flow of refrigerant inside the collecting header according to Embodiment <NUM>. <FIG> is a diagram showing a flow of refrigerant in a case in which no divider <NUM> is installed, and <FIG> is a diagram showing a flow of refrigerant in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed. In <FIG>, flows of refrigerant are schematically indicated by solid arrows.

As shown in <FIG>, refrigerant flowing out of the heat transfer pipes <NUM> flows into the second space <NUM> through the openings 14a provided in the divider <NUM>. At this point in time, since the opening areas of the openings 14a are larger than the cross-sectional areas of the front ends of the heat transfer pipes <NUM>, refrigerant flowing out from the heat transfer pipes <NUM> flows into the second space <NUM> without colliding with the divider <NUM>. The outflows of refrigerant from the heat transfer pipes <NUM> merge in the second space <NUM> and is discharged out of the heat exchanger <NUM> through the refrigerant outflow pipe 4b provided in a side of the second space <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a heat transfer pipe <NUM> needs to be inserted into the collecting header 1b by a certain length so that the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is fixed to the header top plate <NUM>. However, inserting the heat transfer pipe <NUM> by a length needed to fix the heat transfer pipe <NUM> causes ridges and grooves to be formed inside the collecting header 1b by the heat transfer pipe <NUM> thus inserted. Such ridges and grooves are hereinafter sometimes referred to as "raised and depressed portions" for descriptive purposes. The front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> forms a raised portion, and portions of the collecting header 1b in which no heat transfer pipes <NUM> are inserted form depressed portions.

Since refrigerant inside the collecting header flows toward the refrigerant outflow pipe, the ridge and grooves formed by the heat transfer pipe <NUM> causes expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage. The refrigerant is subjected to a pressure loss by expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage. Further, in a case in which a plurality of the heat transfer pipes <NUM> are inserted, expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage occur repetitively, so that there is a further increase in pressure loss of refrigerant flowing through the collecting header 1b.

Further, inside the header, there are a pressure loss caused by the friction between an inner wall surface of the inside of the header and refrigerant and a pressure loss caused by the inflow of refrigerant from the heat transfer pipe <NUM> and the confluence of refrigerant flowing through the collecting header 1b and refrigerant flowing in from the heat transfer pipe <NUM>. In particular, a pressure loss caused by the raised and depressed portions formed by the heat transfer pipe <NUM> advantageous effects a great decrease in performance of the heat exchanger <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in a case in which a divider <NUM> having an opening 14a surrounding the outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> as seen from the second direction (Y direction) is provided inside the collecting header 1b, refrigerant flowing out through the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> flows into the collecting header 1b through the opening 14a without colliding with the divider <NUM>. The refrigerant flowing into the collecting header 1b flows through the second space <NUM> toward the refrigerant outflow pipe 4b.

That is, the refrigerant flows mainly through the second space <NUM>, which is a space between the divider <NUM> and the collecting header body. Further, since the opening 14a provided in the divider <NUM> is larger than the cross-sectional area of the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>, a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the collecting header 1b flows through the first space <NUM>.

In a case in which the divider <NUM> is provided as shown in <FIG>, the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> form a raised portion and surfaces of the divider <NUM> that face the second space <NUM> serve as depressed portions. That is, the insertion of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> forms smaller raised and depressed portions than in a case in which no divider <NUM> is installed. The smaller raised and depressed portions result in a reduction in expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage, making it possible to reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant flowing through the collecting header.

Further, since the refrigerant flows mainly through the second space inside the collecting header, the effect exerted on a pressure loss of refrigerant by the raised and depressed portions formed by the insertion of the heat transfer pipe can be reduced even in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe is located in the first space <NUM>.

Further, since refrigerant flowing out through the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> flows into the second space <NUM> without colliding with the divider <NUM>, a pressure loss caused by a collision of refrigerant with the divider <NUM> too can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant flowing through the collecting header.

Next, advantageous effects of the heat exchanger <NUM> according to the present embodiment are described.

In a heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, a divider <NUM> including an opening 14a surrounding the outer periphery of the front end of a heat transfer pipe <NUM> as seen from a second direction (Y direction) is disposed to divide the inside of a header into a first space <NUM> in which an insertion hole 11a for the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is provided and a second space <NUM> to which a refrigerant outflow pipe <NUM> is connected.

This causes only small raised and depressed portions to be formed by the insertion of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> into a collecting header 1b, thus making it possible to reduce expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage inside the collecting header. Therefore, providing the divider <NUM> reduces expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage and therefore reduces any changes in cross-sectional area of a refrigerant flow passage inside the collecting header, making it possible to reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant flowing inside.

Further, providing the divider <NUM> allows refrigerant flowing out through the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> inserted in the header to flow into the second space <NUM>, which is a main flow passage, without colliding with the divider <NUM>. In the preceding example, which is configured to have a portion in which a heat transfer pipe <NUM> and a communicating hole do not overlap each other as the communicating hole is tilted, there is a risk that refrigerant flowing out through the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> may suffer a pressure loss by colliding with the divider <NUM>.

On the other hand, as in the case of the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, providing a divider <NUM> of the aforementioned configuration inside the collecting header 1b makes it possible to reduce a pressure loss caused by a collision with the divider <NUM> of refrigerant flowing out through the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>. This makes it possible to provide a heat exchanger <NUM> having superior heat exchange performance.

Further, the opening 14a is shaped to have a gap between the opening 14a and the outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> when seen from the second direction. This makes it easier for the refrigerant flowing out through the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> to avoid colliding with the divider <NUM>, making it possible to reduce a pressure loss. It should be noted that in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in the second space <NUM>, it is possible for refrigerant to flow through the gap formed between the opening 14a and the outer periphery of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>. This eliminates the need to provide a communicating hole separately and leads to a reduction in cost.

Further, the opening 14a is configured such that the width K of the opening 14a is smaller than the distance W between the adjacent heat transfer pipes <NUM>. The opening area of the opening 14a is larger than the cross-sectional area of the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>, but when the opening area is too large, most of the refrigerant flowing through the second space <NUM> flows into the first space via the opening 14a.

That is, when the opening area of the opening 14a is too large, ridges and grooves approximate to those which are formed in a case in which no divider <NUM> is provided. This may cause expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage to increase a pressure loss. Accordingly, a pressure loss inside the collecting header 1b can be further reduced by configuring the opening 14a to satisfy the relationship K < W.

Further, installing the divider <NUM> such that the relationships L < D and L < H are satisfied causes even smaller ridges and grooves to be formed by the insertion of the heat transfer pipes <NUM> and brings about a further reduction in expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage.

That is, causing the distance L in the second direction (Y direction) between the front end of each of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> inserted in the header and the divider <NUM> to be shorter than the distance D in the second direction (Y direction) between the front end of each of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> and the insertion hole and shorter than the distance H in the second direction (Y direction) between the divider and the insertion hole reduces any changes in cross-sectional area of a refrigerant flow passage inside the collecting header 1b, making it possible to further reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant flowing through the collecting header.

Further, in a case in which the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in the first space <NUM>, installing the divider <NUM> such that the relationship L < D/<NUM> is satisfied shortens the distance between the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> and the second space <NUM>. This makes it easy for refrigerant to flow into the second space <NUM>, thus making it possible to reduce a pressure loss.

That is, causing the distance L in the second direction (Y direction) between the front end of each of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> inserted in the header and the divider <NUM> to be shorter than a distance half as long as the insertion length D shortens the distance between the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> and the opening 14a of the divider <NUM>. This makes it easy for refrigerant to flow from the heat transfer pipe <NUM> into the second space <NUM>, making it possible to further suppress an increase in pressure loss.

Meanwhile, in a case in which the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in the second space <NUM>, installing the divider <NUM> such that the relationship L < H/<NUM> is satisfied shortens the distance between the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> and the divider <NUM>. This can cause even smaller ridges and grooves to be formed by the insertion of the heat transfer pipes <NUM>, thus making it possible to further reduce a pressure loss.

Further, installing the divider <NUM> such that the relationship L ≤ t is satisfied almost completely eliminates expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage by the insertion of the heat transfer pipe <NUM>. That is, causing the distance L in the second direction (Y direction) between the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> inserted in the header and the opening 14a to be less than or equal to the thickness t of the divider <NUM> causes the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> to be substantially on a level with the divider <NUM>, almost completely eliminating ridges and grooves.

That is, the cross-sectional area of a refrigerant flow passage inside the collecting header 1b is held almost constant. This makes it possible to prevent refrigerant flowing in the first direction (X direction) through the second space <NUM> from being affected by expansion and contraction of a flow passage and makes it possible to further reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant flowing through the collecting header.

Further, installing the divider <NUM> such that the second space <NUM> is larger than the first space makes it easy for refrigerant to flow through the second space <NUM>, which is a main flow passage, leading to improvement in heat exchange performance.

Further, installing the divider <NUM> such that the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in the second space <NUM> allows the refrigerant flowing out through the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> to flow into the second space <NUM>, thus making it possible to reduce a pressure loss caused by a collision with the divider <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing changes in flow rate and pressure loss of refrigerant inside the collecting header according to Embodiment <NUM> in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed and a case in which no divider <NUM> is provided. The vertical axis represents a pressure loss inside the collecting header, and the horizontal axis represents the amount of refrigerant that flows into the collecting header 1b.

A pressure loss caused in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed inside the collecting header is indicated by quadrangular plots, and a pressure loss caused in a case in which no divider <NUM> is installed inside the collecting header is indicated by circular plots. It should be noted that the installation position of the divider <NUM> is such a position that the relationships L < D and L < H are satisfied and the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is in the second space <NUM>.

As can be seen from <FIG>, the pressure loss is smaller at each flow rate of refrigerant in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed (quadrangular plots) than in a case in which no divider <NUM> is installed (circular plots). That is, installing the divider <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> in the collecting header 1b makes it possible to reduce the pressure loss. In particular, the pressure loss is smaller at a higher flow rate of refrigerant in a case in which the divider <NUM> is installed (quadrangular plots) than in a case in which no divider <NUM> is installed (circular plots). This shows that the installation of the divider <NUM> is more effective in reducing the pressure loss at a higher flow rate of refrigerant.

As noted above, a heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> includes a plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> provided at spacings from each other in a first direction (X direction), a header <NUM> having an insertion hole 11a in which a front end of each of the plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> is inserted from a second direction (Y direction) orthogonal to the first direction, and a fin <NUM> attached between heat transfer pipes <NUM>.

Furthermore, the header <NUM> includes a divider <NUM> configured to divide an inside of the header into a first space <NUM> in which the insertion hole 11a is provided and a second space <NUM> to which a refrigerant pipe <NUM> is connected. The divider <NUM> is provided with an opening 14a surrounding an outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe as seen from the second direction (Y direction). This configuration makes it possible to provide a heat exchanger <NUM> configured to reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant and be superior in heat exchange performance even with heat transfer pipes <NUM> inserted in the heat exchanger <NUM>.

Note here that although the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> has been described by taking the collecting header 1b, in which gas refrigerant is collected, as an example, the distributing header 1a, through which two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows as shown in <FIG>, may be taken as an example. <FIG> is a diagram showing a flow of refrigerant through the distributing header of the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>.

Further, examples of refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> include a propane refrigerant, an HFO refrigerant, an ammonium refrigerant, and a dimethyl ether refrigerant. In a case in which a refrigerant, such as these refrigerant, that is lower in density than commonly-used R32 under conditions where the heat exchanger <NUM> acts as an evaporator in an air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> or a refrigerant mixture having any of these refrigerants added thereto as an ingredient is used, an effect of reducing a pressure loss can be especially enhanced.

Further, although Embodiment <NUM> has illustrated an example in which the heat transfer pipes are aligned in one row, the heat transfer pipes may be aligned in two or more rows without being limited to being aligned in one row.

A heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> differs in the number of openings 14a of the divider <NUM> from the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>. It should be noted that a description of features that overlap those of Embodiment <NUM> is omitted, and components that are identical or equivalent to those of Embodiment <NUM> are assigned identical reference signs.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a collecting header 1b according to Embodiment <NUM> as taken along a plane parallel to the first direction (X direction). <FIG> is a perspective view of a divider <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, using dashed lines to indicate the positions of heat transfer pipes <NUM>.

On one hand, Embodiment <NUM> has been described by taking as an example a case in which the number of heat transfer pipes <NUM> inserted in the collecting header 1b and the number of openings 14a of the divider <NUM> are equal. In Embodiment <NUM>, on the other hand, the number of openings 14a is smaller than the number of heat transfer pipes <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the openings 14a according to Embodiment <NUM> are provided in such positions that two adjacent heat transfer pipes <NUM> can be inserted into one opening 14a when seen from the second direction.

Such a configuration allows refrigerant flowing out through the front end of a heat transfer pipe <NUM> to flow into the second space <NUM> without colliding with the divider <NUM>, making it possible to reduce a pressure loss. This makes it possible to provide a heat exchanger <NUM> having superior heat exchange performance.

A heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention is described with reference to <FIG>. Embodiment <NUM> differs in the shape of an opening 14a of the divider <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>. It should be noted that a description of features that overlap those of Embodiment <NUM> is omitted, and components that are identical or equivalent to those of Embodiment <NUM> are assigned identical reference signs.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a collecting header 1b according to Embodiment <NUM> as taken along a plane parallel to the first direction (X direction). <FIG> is a perspective view of a divider <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the opening 14a of the divider of Embodiment <NUM> is shaped to include a tapered portion configured to incrementally enlarge an opening area of the opening 14a from the first space toward the second space <NUM>. That is, the opening 14a gradually enlarges from the first space toward the second space <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the shape may be inclined to extend toward the end of a heat transfer pipe <NUM>.

Such a configuration brings about advantageous effects that are similar to those of Embodiment <NUM>. In addition, the tapered portion makes it possible to cause even smaller ridges and grooves to be formed by the insertion of the heat transfer pipes <NUM>, further lessening expansion and contraction of a refrigerant flow passage inside the collecting header 1b. This makes it possible to further reduce a pressure loss of refrigerant flowing through the second space <NUM> of the header, making it possible to provide a heat exchanger <NUM> having superior heat exchange performance.

Further, providing the tapered portion also makes it possible to prevent the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> from being damaged by colliding with the edge of the opening 14a of the divider <NUM> in a case in which the front end of the heat transfer pipe <NUM> is inserted into the opening 14a.

A heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention is described with reference to <FIG>. Embodiment <NUM> differs in the shape of the divider <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>. It should be noted that a description of features that overlap those of Embodiment <NUM> is omitted, and components that are identical or equivalent to those of Embodiment <NUM> are assigned identical reference signs.

As shown in <FIG>, the divider <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> is in a corrugated shape having raised and depressed portions at spacings smaller than a width of each of the adjacent heat transfer pipes <NUM>. That is, the ridges and grooves of the corrugated shape are smaller than the pitch between the heat transfer pipes <NUM>. It is preferable that, as shown in <FIG>, the opening 14a be provided at the top of a raised portion of the corrugated shape and each of the depressed portions have a flat bottom. The divider <NUM> is fixed with the raised portions of the corrugated shape in contact with the header top plate <NUM>.

In Embodiment <NUM>, the first space <NUM> is divided in the first direction every heat transfer pipe <NUM>. Further, the gap between the heat transfer pipe <NUM> and the opening 14a is closed by the header top plate <NUM>. For this reason, it is desirable to allow communication between the first space <NUM> and the second space <NUM>, for example, by making the width of the divider <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction) smaller than the width of the inside of the header or partially forming a notch at an edge of the divider <NUM> in the third direction (Z direction). Such a configuration not only brings about advantageous effects that are similar to those of Embodiment <NUM> but also makes it possible to reduce the fixed cost of the divider <NUM>.

An air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> of the present invention is described with reference to <FIG>. Embodiment <NUM> is directed to an air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> including a heat exchanger <NUM> according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> as a condenser or an evaporator. It should be noted that a description of features that overlap those of Embodiment <NUM> is omitted, and components that are identical or equivalent to those of Embodiment <NUM> are assigned identical reference signs.

<FIG> is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> mounted with heat exchangers <NUM> (100a, 100b) according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM>. It should be noted that the solid arrows of <FIG> indicate the flow of refrigerant during heating operation, and a description is given here by taking heating operation as an example.

In the air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the heat exchangers <NUM> (100a, 100b) described in Embodiment <NUM> to <NUM> are mounted as a condenser or an evaporator in an indoor unit or an outdoor unit. During heating operation, the heat exchanger 100a serves as an evaporator, and the heat exchanger 100b serves as a condenser. The air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> includes a refrigerant circuit configured such that a compressor <NUM>, a condenser, an expansion valve <NUM>, an evaporator, and a four-way valve <NUM> are connected by pipes as shown in <FIG>.

The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor <NUM> into high-temperature and highpressure gas refrigerant. After that, the gas refrigerant flows into the condenser. In the heat exchanger 100b, which functions as the condenser, the gas refrigerant condenses into highpressure liquid refrigerant by exchanging heat with a fluid such as air.

The liquid refrigerant is then decompressed by the expansion valve <NUM> into low-temperature and low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that then flows into the evaporator. In the heat exchanger 100a, which functions as the evaporator, the two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant evaporates into gas refrigerant by exchanging heat with a fluid such as air. The refrigerant, which is now gas refrigerant, returns to the compressor <NUM>.

Further, switching to another circuit with the four-way valve <NUM> inverts the flow of refrigerant and enables cooling operation. During cooling operation, the heat exchanger 100a serves as a condenser, and the heat exchanger 100b serves as an evaporator.

Mounting the heat exchanger <NUM> according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> as an evaporator or a condenser in the air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> not only brings about advantageous effects that are similar to those of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> but also makes it possible to provide an air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> including a heat exchanger <NUM> (100a, 100b) having superior heat exchange performance.

As noted above, an air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor <NUM>, a condenser, an expansion valve <NUM>, an evaporator, and a four-way valve <NUM> are connected by pipes and through which the refrigerant flows, and includes the heat exchanger <NUM> according to any one of Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> as the condenser or the evaporator. This makes it possible to provide an air-conditioning apparatus <NUM> including a heat exchanger <NUM> having superior heat exchange performance.

Note here that although Embodiment <NUM> has illustrated an example in which the heat exchangers <NUM> described in Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> are applied to a condenser or an evaporator, it is most preferable, in particular, that the configuration of the heat exchangers <NUM> described in Embodiments <NUM> to <NUM> be applied to an evaporator including a collecting header 1b configured to collect gas refrigerant from a plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> or a condenser including a distributing header configured to distribute gas refrigerant to a plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM>.

A reason for this is that in a header <NUM> through which gas refrigerant flows, the velocity of refrigerant flowing out or flowing in through the front ends of the heat transfer pipes <NUM> is higher than in a header <NUM> through which two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant flows, so that a pressure loss caused by a collision with the divider <NUM> of the refrigerant flowing out through the front ends of the heat transfer pipes <NUM> tends to have a profound effect; however, the aforementioned heat exchangers <NUM> make it possible to reduce the pressure loss caused by the collision with the divider <NUM> and, furthermore, reduce a pressure loss of expansion and contraction caused by ridges and grooves formed by the insertion of the heat transfer pipes <NUM>, so that a heat exchanger <NUM> having superior heat exchange performance can be provided.

It should be noted that the configuration of the heat exchanger <NUM> according to Embodiment <NUM> may be applied to an evaporator including a distributing header 1a configured to distribute refrigerant to a plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM> or a condenser including a collecting header 1b configured to collect refrigerant from a plurality of heat transfer pipes <NUM>.

In this case too, a pressure loss caused by a collision with the divider <NUM> is reduced and a pressure loss of expansion and contraction caused by ridges and grooves formed by the insertion of the heat transfer pipes <NUM> is reduced, so that a heat exchanger <NUM> having superior heat exchange performance can be provided. Further, since a pressure loss can be reduced, an effect is also brought about in a case in which the size of the header <NUM> is small.

Claim 1:
A heat exchanger (<NUM>) comprising:
- a plurality of heat transfer pipes (<NUM>) provided at spacings from each other in a first direction;
- a header (<NUM>) having an insertion hole (11a) in which a front end of each of the plurality of heat transfer pipes (<NUM>) is inserted from a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and
- a fin (<NUM>) attached between adjacent ones of the plurality of heat transfer pipes (<NUM>), wherein
the header (<NUM>) includes a divider (<NUM>) configured to divide an inside of the header (<NUM>) into a first space (<NUM>) in which the insertion hole (11a) is provided and a second space (<NUM>) to which a refrigerant pipe (<NUM>) is connected, characterised in that
the divider (<NUM>) is provided with an opening (14a) surrounding an outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe (<NUM>) as seen from the second direction, and
the opening (14a) is shaped to have a gap between the opening (14a) and the outer periphery of the front end of the heat transfer pipe (<NUM>) as seen from the second direction.