CONNECTION-TYPE BLOCK, HEADER CONNECTING BODY, AND CONDENSER INCLUDING SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a connection block having a flow hole to facilitate connection between circular pipes and to enable movement of fluid between pipes, a header connector connecting the connection block to a header pipe, and a condenser including the same.

BACKGROUND ART

Condensers are heat exchangers cooling and liquefying high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, and serve to radiate heat within a refrigeration cycle externally.

An evaporative condenser is configured to use a combination of water-cooling and air-cooling, spray water on a tube through which a cooling fluid passes, causing air supplied from a blower to flow to the surface of a tube, and cool the cooling fluid by discharging water vapor vaporized from the surface of the tube.

FIG. 1 illustrates an evaporative condenser disclosed in Patent Document 1.

In the case of the evaporative condenser disclosed in FIG. 1, disclosed are a second header 2 provided with a cooling fluid inlet, a first header 1 provided with an outlet, and one connection tube 3 in which a cooling fluid passage is formed and which is bent in a zigzag manner.

In the case of FIG. 1, since one connection tube is used, there are size restrictions to secure a heat exchange area.

- (Patent Document 1) KR10-2019-0006781A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem

An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a connection block facilitating a connection between circular pipes with excellent fracture resistance and having flow holes to allow movement of fluid between pipes, a header connector connecting the connection block to a header pipe, and a miniaturized condenser by connecting a plurality of connection tubes and the header connector in a plurality of rows to solve heat exchanger size constraints.

Solution to Problem

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a connection block, a header connector, and an evaporative condenser including the same are provided.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a connection block includes a first surface 1, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, a pair of curved portions connecting ends of the first surface and ends of the second surface, and a plurality of flow holes penetrating through the curved portions, wherein the pair of curved portions have the same curvature in cross section, perpendicular to a longitudinal direction.

In an embodiment, the first surface may have a width wider than the second surface.

In an embodiment, the plurality of flow holes may be formed at equal intervals side by side.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a header connector includes a first header pipe having a flow path formed therein, a plurality of connection holes in one side and a cross section having a circular shape, a second header pipe disposed to be spaced apart from the first header pipe, having a plurality of connection holes in a side of the first header pipe and having a cross section having a circular shape, and the connection block described above, disposed between the first header pipe and the second header pipe, wherein the connection hole and the flow hole are connected by contacting with each other.

In an embodiment, a center line of the flow hole may be spaced apart from a connection line connecting a midpoint of the cross section of the first header pipe and a midpoint of the cross section of the second header pipe, and the center line may be disposed closer to the first surface than the connection line.

In an embodiment, the second header pipe may further include a plurality of connection holes in a side opposite to the first header pipe, the header connector may include a third header pipe disposed on an opposite side of the second header pipe to the first header pipe, the third header pipe may include a plurality of connection holes toward the second header pipe, and the connection block may also be disposed between the second header pipe and the third header pipe.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a condenser includes a first header row in which the header connector described above is disposed on one side, a second header row in which the header connector is disposed to be spaced apart from the first header row, and a plurality of connection tubes connecting a flow path between the first header row and the second header row and extending in a second header row direction.

In an embodiment, a fluid inlet may be connected to a lowermost side of the first header row, and a fluid outlet may be connected to an uppermost side of the second header row.

In an embodiment, at least one or more of the connection blocks located in the first header row or the second header row may have the flow hole shielded.

In an embodiment, a flow hole of the connection block located in an Nth position from the lowermost side of the first header row may be shielded, and a flow hole of the connection block located in an Mth position from a lowermost side of the second header row may be shielded, where the N and M may be natural numbers and may satisfy N<M, and the N and M may be less than the number of header pipes in the first header row.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present disclosure may provide a connection block that facilitating connection between circular pipes by a structure of the connection block as described above, and having a flow hole to enable movement of fluid between pipes, a header connector, and a condenser including the same.

According to the present disclosure, a reinforced header pipe assembly having increased breakdown pressure resistance and a reinforced condenser including the same by a reinforced header pipe assembly in which a reinforcing member is inserted may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an evaporative condenser of the related art.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a condenser.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a header connector and a connection block according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the header connector disclosed in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a header row consisting of a plurality of rows of the header connectors of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a condenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a header connector and a connection block according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the header connector disclosed in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a header row consisting of a plurality of rows of the header connectors of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a condenser according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a reinforced header pipe assembly and reinforcing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an experimental example of a reinforced header pipe assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a reinforced header pipe assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view and schematic diagram of a reinforced condenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a reinforced header pipe assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a reinforced header pipe assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of a reinforced header pipe assembly to which a first modified example of reinforcing member is applied.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of a reinforced header pipe assembly to which a second modification of the reinforcing member is applied.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view and plan view of a third modification of the reinforcing member.

BEST MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present disclosure will be able to easily propose other regressive inventions or other embodiments included within the scope of the present disclosure through addition, change, deletion or the like of other components within the scope of the same spirit, but these will also be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, throughout the specification, the fact that a certain configuration is ‘connected’ to another configuration means not only cases in which these configurations are ‘directly connected’, but also cases in which they are ‘indirectly connected’ with another configuration interposed therebetween. In addition, ‘including’ a certain component does not mean excluding other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary, but means that other components may be further included.

In addition, components with the same function within the scope of the same idea illustrated in the drawings of each embodiment are described using the same reference numerals.

FIG. 2 illustrates a condenser composed of multiple rows of heat exchangers.

In the case of the condenser illustrated in FIG. 2, between first to sixth header pipes 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61 disposed on one side and first to sixth header pipes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62 disposed on the other side, a plurality of connection tubes 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 and 63 are connected. A fin member (F) to assist heat exchange is disposed between respective connection tubes 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 and 63.

In the case of the condenser of FIG. 2, fluid (refrigerant) flows into a first header pipe 11 located on one side and located on the lower portion, and exits through a sixth header pipe 62 located on the other side and located on the upper portion. At this time, water is evaporated as it passes between the connection tubes 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, and 63, and heat exchange occurs between the fluid and water/air due to the latent heat of evaporation and the sensible heat of water/air, and thus the fluid passing through the condenser is condensed.

Therefore, in the condenser of FIG. 2, an existing adiabatic heat exchanger (condenser), such as the condenser illustrated in FIG. 1, is configured in a plurality of rows so that the fluid flow moves in first, second, and third directions, and thus even if it occupies the same volume, more heat may be exchanged, improving cooling performance. At this time, the first, second, and third directions may be different directions from each other.

For example, the first direction may be the X-direction, the second direction may be the Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, and the third direction may be the Z-direction perpendicular to the X- and Y-directions. Alternatively, the first direction may be a radial direction, the second direction may be a circumferential direction, and the third direction may be a height direction.

However, in the case of the condenser of FIG. 2, a connection hole is formed between the neighboring header pipes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, and 62, and the fluid moves through the neighboring header pipes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, and 62. Due to the connection hole, the pressure resistance performance of the header pipes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62 is affected. In the case in which high-pressure fluid is supplied, there is a risk of the header pipe bursting from the connection hole. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the header pipes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62 may have a D-shaped cross section for connection with the connection tubes 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 and 63 or neighboring header pipes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, and 62. In the case of such a D-shaped cross section, there is a limitation in that the pressure resistance performance is lower than that of a circular cross section.

The present disclosure is to provide a condenser that allows high-pressure fluid to flow in header pipes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62 in which connection holes are formed, in more detail, to provide a connection block, a header connector, and a condenser that may be used in circular header pipes, and is to provide a reinforced header pipe assembly in which an insert-type reinforcing member is inserted into a header pipe having a circular or D-shaped cross-section and a reinforced condenser including the same. Furthermore, the present disclosure may solve the size constraints of the heat exchanger by connecting a plurality of connection tubes and a plurality of header pipes in a plurality of rows, and a miniaturized condenser may be provided.

Hereinafter, the connection block, the header connector, and the condenser including the same will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10. The reinforced header pipe assembly and the reinforced condenser including the same will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 21.

Connection Block, Header Connector and Condenser Including Same

FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate a connection block, a header connector, and a condenser including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate a connection block, a header connector, and a condenser including the same according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

In detail, FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a connection block 110 and a header connector 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a header row 311 in which the header connectors 210 of FIG. 3 are connected in multiple rows. FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a condenser 310, in which header rows 311 and 312 provided by connecting the connection blocks and the header connectors of FIG. 3 in a plurality of rows are disposed on one side and the other side, respectively, and a plurality of connection tubes 313 are connected therebetween.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the connection block 110, the header connector 210, and the condenser 310 including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection block 110 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a first surface 111, a second surface 112 located spaced apart from the first surface 111, one pair of curved portions 113 connecting the end of the first surface 111 and the end of the second surface 112, and a plurality of flow holes 114 penetrating through the curved portions 113. The pair of curved portions 113 have the same curvature in cross section of the connection block 110, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The first surface 111 may have a wider width than the second surface 112 or may have the same width. FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate a connection block in which the first surface 111 has the same width as the second surface 112 as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the connection block 110, the plurality of flow holes 114 are formed at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the connection block 110. In addition, the direction in which the plurality of flow holes 114 penetrate the curved portion 113 is not limited to that illustrated in the drawing as long as it may penetrate the two curved portions 113.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the header connector 210 includes a first header pipe 211 having a flow path formed inside, a plurality of connection holes in one side and a circular cross-section, a second header pipe 212 disposed to be spaced apart from the first header pipe 211 and having a plurality of connection holes on the side of the first header pipe 211 and having a circular cross-section, and a connection block 110 disposed between the first header pipe 211 and the second header pipe 212.

The pair of curved portions 113 provided in the connection block 110 have the same curvature in the cross section of the connection block 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and may have the same curvature as the cross-section of the first header pipe 211 and the second header pipe 212. Furthermore, one surface of the curved portion 113 may be in contact with the outer surface of the first header pipe 211, and the other surface of the curved portion 113 may contact the outer surface of the second header pipe 212.

In the header connector 210, one surface of the curved portion 113 of the connection block 110 and the outer surface of the first header pipe 211 in contact with the same may be joined by brazing welding. In addition, the other surface of the curved portion 113 of the connection block 110 and the outer surface of the second header pipe 212 in contact therewith may be joined by brazing welding. However, the connection between one surface of the curved portion 113 and the outer surface of the first header pipe 211 contacting the same is not limited to brazing welding and may be obtained by other joining methods, and may be obtained through a connecting means such as a rivet, which is also the same as the other surface of the second header pipe 212 contacting the outer surface of the curved portion 113.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, by disposing the connection block 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure between the first and second header pipes 211 and 212, connection between the first and second header pipes 211 and 212 may be facilitated and assembly is excellent. The size and shape of the connection block 110 may be arbitrarily selected by the user for direct connection and assembly between header pipes.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the header connector 210 includes a first header pipe 211 having a flow path formed inside, a plurality of connection holes 211h in one side and a circular cross-section, a second header pipe 212 disposed to be spaced apart from the first header pipe 211 and having a plurality of connection holes 212h on the side of the first header pipe 211 and having a circular cross-section, and a connection block 110 disposed between the first header pipe 211 and the second header pipe 212. The connection holes 211h and 212h and the flow hole 114 are connected by contacting each other.

In the cross section of the header connector 210, the connection hole 211h of the first header pipe 211 and the connection hole 212h of the second header pipe 212 are in contact with the flow hole 114 of the connection block 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the flow of fluid in the first header pipe 211 sequentially passes through the connection hole 211h of the first header pipe 211, the flow hole 114 of the connection block 110, and the connection hole 212h of the second header pipe 212, and may communicate with the second header pipe 212.

On the other hand, for the location of the flow hole 114, the center line of the flow hole 114 may be parallel to a connection line connecting a midpoint 211c of the cross section of the first header pipe 211 and a midpoint 212c of the cross section of the second header pipe 212.

Therefore, in the header connector 210, fluid may move in the longitudinal direction of respective header pipes 211 and 212 having an internal flow path, and may move in the connection direction between the header pipes 211 and 212 through the plurality of connection holes 211h and 212h in contact with the plurality of flow holes 114.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the structure of a header row 311 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, consisting of connection blocks and header pipes in a plurality of rows, the flow of fluid within the header row 311, the structure of the condenser 310 including the same, and the flow of fluid within the condenser 310 will be described.

In the case of the first header row 311 illustrated in FIG. 5, the second header pipe 212 further includes a plurality of connection holes 212h on the opposite side of the first header pipe 211 in the header connector 210 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, and the header connector 210 includes a third header pipe 213 disposed on a side of the second header pipe 212, opposite to the first header pipe 211. The third header pipe 213 includes a plurality of connection holes 213h toward the second header pipe 212, and the connection block 110 may be disposed between the second header pipe 212 and the third header pipe 213.

In this manner, the third header pipe 213 further includes a plurality of connection holes 213h on the opposite side of the second header pipe 212, and the header connector 210 includes a fourth header pipe 214 disposed on a side of the third header pipe 213, opposite to the second header pipe 212. The fourth header pipe 214 includes a plurality of connection holes 214h toward the third header pipe 213, and the connection block 110 may be disposed between the third header pipe 213 and the fourth header pipe 214.

The plurality of connection holes 211h, 212h, 213h, and 214h are in contact with the flow holes 114 of the connection block 110, and the fluid inside the header pipe may move in the longitudinal direction of the pipe or move in the connection direction between respective header pipes 211, 212, 213, and 214.

In this manner, the user may configure a header row (311, 312, see FIG. 6) consisting of a number of rows of header pipes and connection blocks as desired, and the number of header pipes and connection blocks is not limited, and the user may select the desired quantity at any time within the scope of the same technical idea.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first header row 311 is composed of header pipes 211, 212, 213, and 214 with flow paths formed therein, so that fluid moves within the header pipes. In the case of the fourth header pipe 214, it has a tubular shape with both sides blocked by baffles 214a and 214b in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the second and third header pipes 212 and 213 also have a tubular shape with both sides blocked by baffles 212a, 212b, 213a, and 213b in the longitudinal direction. In the case of the first header pipe 211 located at the lowermost side of the first header row 311, in the longitudinal direction, a fluid inlet (I) through which fluid flows may be connected to one side, and the other side may have a tubular shape blocked by a baffle 211b.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the first header row 311, while the second header row 312 has a configuration corresponding to the first header row 311, and a fluid outlet (O) may be connected to an uppermost side of the second header row 312 (see FIG. 6).

The flow of fluid will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the fluid flowing in through the fluid inlet (I) moves inside the first header pipe 211, and passes through the plurality of connection holes 211h provided in one side of the first header pipe 211 and a plurality of flow holes 114 of the connection block 110 in contact with the same, and moves to the second header pipe 212 through the connection hole 212h of the second header pipe 212.

The fluid moving inside the second header pipe 212 passes through the plurality of connection holes 212h provided on the opposite side of the first header pipe 211 and the plurality of flow holes 114 of the connection block 110 contacting the same, and moves to the third header pipe 213 through the connection holes 213h of the third header pipe 213.

The fluid moving inside the third header pipe 213 passes through the plurality of connection holes 213h provided on the opposite side of the second header pipe 212 and the plurality of flow holes 114 of the connection block 110 contacting the same, and moves to the fourth header pipe 214 through the connection holes 214h of the fourth header pipe 214.

Accordingly, the fluid flowing in through the fluid inlet (I) connected to the first header pipe 211 moves by being divided into respective header pipes 211, 212, 213, and 214. In this manner, the fluid inside the header pipe moves in the longitudinal direction of the header pipe and the connection direction between header pipes.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the plurality of connection tubes 313 connect the flow paths between the first header row 311 and the second header row 312 and extend in the direction of the second header row 312. Therefore, the fluid moving in the longitudinal direction of the header pipes and the connection direction between header pipes moves in the direction in which the plurality of connection tubes 313 extend.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connection block 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed between the plurality of header pipes 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216, which facilitates multiple configuration between header pipes provided in the condenser 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the plurality of flow holes 114 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) are provided, thereby enabling movement of fluid in the connection direction of the header pipes within the condenser 310.

In addition, when the header pipes are to be configured in multiple rows, the internal pressure as the fluid moves in the connection direction between the header pipes may be considered, and depending on structural stability, it is more stable to use a circular header pipe with excellent fracture resistance. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a condenser (310, see FIG. 6) consisting of a plurality of rows of circular header pipes and connection blocks may be structurally more stable than the condenser (see FIG. 2) composed of multiple rows of D-shaped header pipes.

Therefore, in the condenser 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since fluid passes in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the header pipe, the second direction, which is the extension direction of the connection tube, and the third direction, which is the connecting direction of the header pipe, it has a three-dimensional structure, which allows more heat exchange even if it occupies the same volume, improving cooling performance. For example, the first direction may be the X-direction, the second direction may be the Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, and the third direction may be the Z-direction perpendicular to the X- and Y-directions.

The structure of the condenser 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The condenser 310 includes a first header row 311 with a header connector disposed on one side, a second header row 312 with the header connector to be spaced apart from the first header row 311, and a plurality of connection tubes 313 connecting the flow paths between the first header row 311 and the second header row 312 and extending in the direction of the second header row 312.

The first header row 311 includes a plurality of header pipes 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 with a connection block 110 between respective header pipes. Like the first header row 311, the second header row 312 includes a plurality of header pipes 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 with a connection block 110 between respective header pipes. The first header row 311 and the second header row 312 may be configured such that a plurality of adjacent connection holes and a plurality of flow holes are in contact with each other (see FIG. 5).

The plurality of connection tubes 313 are connected to a number of header pipes 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 and 216 located in respective rows and a number of header pipes 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and 226 corresponding thereto.

Furthermore, in the case of the first header pipe 211 located at the lowermost side of the first header row 311, a fluid inlet (I) may be connected to one side of the first header pipe 211 in the longitudinal direction, and in the case of the sixth header pipe 226 located at the uppermost side of the second header row 312, a fluid outlet (O) may be connected to one side of the sixth header pipe 226 in the longitudinal direction.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in at least one or more of the connection blocks 110 located in the first header row 311 or the second header row 312, the flow hole 114 (see FIGS. 3 and 6) may be shielded. In the case in which the flow hole 114 is shielded, the flow path desired by the user may be adjusted by preventing the movement of fluid. As a method of shielding the flow hole 114, the inside of the flow hole 114 may be filled with the same material as the connection block 110 or filled with another material. However, it is not limited thereto, and any method may be applied as long as it may block the flow of fluid moving in the connection direction between header pipes by shielding the flow hole 114.

In addition, in the condenser 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow hole 114 (see FIG. 3) of a connection block 110N located in the Nth position from the lowermost side of the first header row 311 is shielded, and the flow hole 114 (see FIG. 3) of a connection block 110M located in the Mth position from the lowermost side of the second header row 312 is shielded, where the N and M are natural numbers and N<M, and the N and M may be less than the number of header pipes in the first header row 311.

In the case of the condenser 310 illustrated in FIG. 6, the flow hole 114 (see FIG. 3) of the connection block 110N located 3rd from the lowermost side of the first header row 311 is shielded, and the flow hole 114 (see FIG. 3) of the connection block 110M located 5th from the lowermost side of the second header row 312 is shielded. The above 3 and 5 are natural numbers and 3<5, and the 3 and 5 satisfy that they are less than 6, which is the number of header pipes in the first header row 311. If the above conditions are satisfied, the user may arbitrarily select and shield portions of the connection blocks 110 included in the first and second header rows 311 and 312, depending on the desired technical effect.

The flow of fluid according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, fluid (refrigerant) may flow in through the fluid inlet (I) provided in one side of the first header pipe 211 located at the lowermost side of the first header row 311. The introduced fluid (refrigerant) is divided into respective header pipes present in the first header row 311 and moves through a plurality of connection holes and a plurality of flow holes that are in contact with each other.

The fluid inside respective header pipes located in the first header row 311 flows through the plurality of connection tubes 313 to the second header row 312 located on the other side of the first header row 311, and the fluid (refrigerant) may be discharged through the fluid outlet (O) provided in one side of the sixth header pipe 226 located at the uppermost side of the second header row 312.

In the case of the condenser 310 illustrated in FIG. 6, since the flow hole (114, see FIG. 3) of the third connection block 110N is shielded, the fluid flowing into the fluid inlet (I) connected to the first header pipe 211 is divided into second and third header pipes 212 and 213 located above the first header pipe 211 of the first header row 311.

Therefore, the fluid flows from the first, second, and third header pipes 211, 212, and 213 of the first header row 311 to the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row 312, while flowing through the plurality of connection tubes 313. During this time, heat is exchanged by water/air, partially converting from gas to liquid, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the fluid of the same weight.

The first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 located in the second header row are connected to the fourth and fifth header pipes 224 and 225 located at an upper part. Accordingly, the fluid flowing into the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row rises again to the fourth and fifth header pipes 224 and 225 of the second header row located at the upper part. After that, since the flow hole (114, see FIG. 3) located at an M-th position of the connection block 110M is shielded, it may no longer rise and flows through a plurality of connection tubes 313 to the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215 of the first header row 311, and while passing through the plurality of connection tubes 313, heat is exchanged by water/air and partially converted into liquid by gas, and as a result, the volume occupied by the same weight of fluid is reduced again.

The fluid flowing into the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215 of the first header row 311 is connected to the flow hole 114 (see FIG. 3) of the connection block 110 located between the sixth header pipe 216 located on the upper part and the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215, and again rises to the sixth header pipe 216 located on the upper part. The rising fluid moves through the plurality of connection tubes 313 to the sixth header pipe 226 of the second header row 312, and while moving through the plurality of connection tubes 313, it exchanges heat with water/air and is condensed into a liquid. The sixth header pipe 226 located on the uppermost side of the second header row 312 is connected to the fluid outlet (O), and the fluid condensed while passing alternately through the first header row 311, the plurality of connection tubes 313, and the second header row 312 is discharged through the fluid outlet (O).

In the case of the condenser 310, fluid flows into the first header pipe 211 of the first header row 311, and then flows from the first, second, and third header pipes 211, 212, and 213 to the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row 312. Afterwards, the direction is changed and it flows from the fourth and fifth header pipes 224 and 225 of the second header row to the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215 of the first header row. The direction is changed again and it flows from the sixth header pipe 216 of the first header row 311 to the sixth header pipe 226 of the second header row 312 and then discharged to the fluid outlet (O). Therefore, the number of header pipes and connection tubes passed when the direction is changed.

After fluid enters, there are 3 header pipes and connection tubes in which the fluid flows from the first, second, and third header pipes 211, 212, and 213 of the first header row 311 to the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row 312. After the direction is changed, the header pipes and connection tubes in which the fluid flows from the fourth and fifth header pipes 224 and 225 of the second header row 312 to the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215 of the first header row 311 are reduced to 2, and the direction changes again, and the number of header pipes and connection tubes in which the fluid flows from the sixth header pipe 216 of the first header row 311 to the sixth header pipe 226 of the second header row 312 is reduced to 1. Therefore, the number of header pipes and connection tubes overall passing through decreases from 3→2→1.

That is, at the fluid inlet (I), where most of the gas phase is initially, fluid flowing from the first, second and third header pipes 211, 212 and 213 of the first header row 311 to the first, second and third header pipes 221, 222 and 223 of the second header row 312 passes through three header pipes and connection tubes simultaneously, thereby forming cooling. Heat exchange occurs backwards, allowing more liquid to pass through a smaller number of header rows, and in the end, it passes only one header pipe and connection tube.

The user may arbitrarily select a connection block (110N, 110M) in which the flow hole (114, see FIG. 3) is shielded, and the direction of fluid movement may be changed in any header pipe desired by the user. In addition, in the case in which the number of header pipes and connection tubes through which the fluid passes is reduced as the direction of movement of the fluid is changed, as in the condenser 310 (FIG. 6), the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the condenser 310 through which the fluid passes may be reduced, in accordance with the decrease in fluid volume, thereby reducing the pressure loss caused by the volume decrease.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first header row 311 and the second header row 312 are connected and formed in the same size. Therefore, that the number of header pipes and connection tubes through which the fluid passes is great indicates that the area through which the fluid passes is large, which indicates that the occupied volume is large. A small number of header rows means that the area through which the fluid passes is small, which means that the volume it occupies is small.

Reduced pressure loss means that more heat exchange may occur during the time the fluid (refrigerant) passes through. Even with condensers of the same size, since a large amount of heat may be exchanged, if the capacity is the same, a smaller size condenser may be used, and if the size is the same, large capacity cooling is possible.

FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate a connection block, a header connector, and a condenser including the same according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

In detail, FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a connection block 120 and a header connector 220 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a header row 321 in which the header connectors 220 of FIG. 7 are connected in multiple rows. FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of a condenser 320, in which header rows 321 and 322 in which the connection blocks and header connectors of FIG. 7 are connected in a plurality of rows are disposed on one side and the other, respectively, and a plurality of connection tubes 323 are connected therebetween.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection block 120 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a first surface 121, a second surface 122 located spaced apart from the first surface 121, a pair of curved portions 123 connecting the ends of the first surface and the ends of the second surface, and a plurality of flow holes 124 penetrating through the curved portion 123. The pair of curved portions 123 have the same curvature in cross section of the connection block 120 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure corresponds to a connection block 120 in which the first surface 121 has a wider width than the second surface 122.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the connection block 120, a header connector 220, and a condenser 320 including the same according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the connection block 120, the plurality of flow holes 124 are formed at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the connection block 120. In addition, the direction in which the plurality of flow holes 124 penetrate the curved portion 123 is not limited to that illustrated in the drawing as long as it may penetrate the two curved portions 123.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the header connector 220 includes a first header pipe 211 having a flow path formed inside, a plurality of connection holes in one side, and a circular cross-section, a second header pipe 212 disposed to be spaced apart from the first header pipe 211 and having a plurality of connection holes on the side of the first header pipe 211 and having a circular cross-section, and a connection block 120 disposed between the first header pipe 211 and the second header pipe 212.

The pair of curved portions 123 provided on the connection block 120 have the same curvature in the cross section of the connection block 120 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and may have the same curvature as that of the cross section of the first header pipe 211 and the second header pipe 212. Furthermore, one surface of the curved portion 123 may be in contact with the outer surface of the first header pipe 211, and the other surface of the curved portion 123 may contact the outer surface of the second header pipe 212.

In the header connector 220, one surface of the curved portion 123 of the connection block 120 and the outer surface of the first header pipe 211 in contact therewith may be joined through brazing welding. Additionally, the other surface of the curved portion 123 of the connection block 120 and the outer surface of the second header pipe 212 in contact therewith may be joined through brazing welding. The connection between one surface of the curved portion 123 and the outer surface of the first header pipe 211 in contact therewith is not limited to brazing welding and the connection may be obtained by other joining methods, and may also be obtained through a connecting means such as a rivet, which is the same as the other surface of the curved portion 123 and the outer surface of the second header pipe 212 in contact therewith.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, by locating the connection block 120 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure between the first and second header pipes 211 and 212, connection between the first and second header pipes 211 and 212 may be facilitated and assembly is excellent. The size and shape of the connection block 120 may be arbitrarily selected by the user for direct connection and assembly between header pipes.

Additionally, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the header connector 220 in which the first surface 121 is wider than the second surface 122 may be easier to connect header pipes than the header connector (210, see FIG. 3) in which the first surface (111, see FIG. 3) has the same width as the second surface (112, see FIG. 3). The first surface 121 may be parallel to the connection direction of the header pipe disposed on one side of the condenser 320 (see FIG. 10) including the same, and the first surfaces 121 of respective connection blocks 120 may be in contact with each other. Therefore, since the first surfaces 121 of the respective connection blocks 120 may be connected to each other, a plurality of connection blocks 120 may be configured as one unit.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the header connector 220 includes a first header pipe 211 having a flow path formed inside, a plurality of connection holes 211h in one side and a circular cross-section, a second header pipe 212 disposed to be spaced apart from the first header pipe 211 and having a plurality of connection holes 212h on the side of the first header pipe 211 and having a circular cross-section, and a connection block 120 disposed between the first header pipe 211 and the second header pipe 212. The connection holes 211h and 212h and the flow hole 124s contact and are connected to each other.

In the cross section of the header connector 220, the connection hole 211h of the first header pipe 211 and the connection hole 212h of the second header pipe 212 are in contact with the flow hole 124 of the connection block 120 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, fluid in the first header pipe 211 sequentially passes through the connection hole 211h of the first header pipe 211, the flow hole 124 of the connection block, and the connection hole 212h of the second header pipe 212 and may communicate with the second header pipe 212.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the flow hole 124 may be disposed such that the center line of the flow hole 124 is spaced apart from the connection line connecting the midpoint 211c of the cross section of the first header pipe 211 and the midpoint 212c of the cross section of the second header pipe 212, and the center line is closer to the first surface 121 than the connection line.

Therefore, in the header connector 220, fluid may move in the longitudinal direction of respective header pipes 211 and 212 having an internal flow path, and may move in the connection direction between the header pipes 211 and 212 through the plurality of connection holes 211h and 212h in contact with the plurality of flow holes 124.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the structure of the header row 321 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure consisting of a plurality of rows of connection blocks and header pipes, the flow of fluid within the header row 321, the structure of the condenser 320 including the same, and the flow of fluid within the condenser 320 are described.

In the case of the first header row 321 illustrated in FIG. 9, in the header connector 220 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second header pipe 212 further includes a plurality of connection holes 212h on the opposite side of the first header pipe 211, and the header connector 220 includes a third header pipe 213 disposed on a side of the second header pipe 212, opposite to the first header pipe 211. The third header pipe 213 includes a plurality of connection holes 213h toward the second header pipe 212, and the connection block 120 may be disposed between the second header pipe 212 and the third header pipe 213.

In this manner, the third header pipe 213 further includes a plurality of connection holes 213h on the opposite side of the second header pipe 212, and the header connector 220 includes a fourth header pipe 214 disposed on a side of the third header pipe 213, opposite to the second header pipe 212. The fourth header pipe 214 includes a plurality of connection holes 214h toward the third header pipe 213, and the connection block 120 may be disposed between the third header pipe 213 and the fourth header pipe 214.

The plurality of connection holes 211h, 212h, 213h and 214h are in contact with the flow holes 124 of the connection block 120, and thus the fluid inside the header pipe may move in the longitudinal direction of the pipe or may move in the connection direction between respective header pipes.

In this manner, the user may configure header rows 321 and 322 (see FIG. 10) consisting of a desired number of header pipes and connection blocks in a plurality of rows. The number of header pipes and connection blocks is not limited, and may be selected by users by the desired quantity at any time within the scope of the same technical idea.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first header row 321 is composed of header pipes 211, 212, 213, and 214 with flow paths formed therein, so that fluid moves within the header pipes. In the case of the fourth header pipe 214, it has a tubular shape with both sides blocked by baffles 214a and 214b in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the second and third header pipes 212 and 213 have a tubular shape with both sides blocked by baffles 212a, 212b, 213a, and 213b in the longitudinal direction. In the case of the first header pipe 211 located at the lowermost side of the first header row 321, a fluid inlet (I) through which fluid flows in may be connected to one side in the longitudinal direction, and the opposite side has a tubular shape blocked by a baffle 211b.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the first header row 321, but the second header row 322 has a configuration corresponding to the first header row 321, and a fluid outlet (O) may be connected to the uppermost side of the second header row 322 (see FIG. 10).

The flow of fluid will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

The fluid introduced through the fluid inlet (I) moves inside the first header pipe 211 and passes through a plurality of connection holes 211h provided in one side of the first header pipe 211 and a plurality of flow holes 124 of the connection block 120 in contact therewith, and moves to the second header pipe 212 through the connection hole 212h of the second header pipe 212.

The fluid moving inside the second header pipe 212 passes through the plurality of connection holes 212h provided on the opposite side of the first header pipe 211 and the plurality of flow holes 124 of the connection block 120 in contact therewith, and moves to the third header pipe 213 through the connection holes 213h of the third header pipe 213.

The fluid moving inside the third header pipe 213 passes through the plurality of connection holes 213h provided on the opposite side of the second header pipe 212 and the plurality of flow holes 124 of the connection block 120 in contact therewith, and moves to the fourth header pipe 214 through the connection holes 214h of the fourth header pipe 214.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, a plurality of connection tubes 323 connect the flow paths between the first header row 321 and the second header row 322 and extend in the direction of the second header row 322. Therefore, the fluid moving in the longitudinal direction of the header pipes and the connection direction between header pipes moves in the direction in which the plurality of connection tubes 323 extend.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the connection block 120 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed between the plurality of header pipes 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216, and thus it is easy to configure multiple header pipes provided in the condenser 320 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Since the plurality of flow holes 124 (see FIGS. 7 and 9) are provided, movement of fluid in the connection direction of the header pipe within the condenser 320 is enabled.

Additionally, when attempting to configure the header pipe with multiple rows, the internal pressure as the fluid moves in the connection direction between header pipes may be considered, and depending on structural stability, it is more stable to use a circular header pipe with excellent fracture resistance. Therefore, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the condenser (320, see FIG. 10) composed of a plurality of rows of circular header pipes and connection blocks is structurally more stable than the condenser (see FIG. 2) composed of multiple rows of D-shaped header pipes.

Therefore, in the condenser 320 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, since fluid passes in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the header pipe, the second direction, which is the extension direction of the connection tube, and the third direction, which is the connecting direction of the header pipe, it has a three-dimensional structure, which allows more heat exchange even if it occupies the same volume, improving cooling performance. For example, the first direction may be the X-direction, the second direction may be the Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, and the third direction may be the Z-direction perpendicular to the X- and Y-directions.

The structure of the condenser 320 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

The condenser 320 includes a first header row 321 with a header connector disposed on one side, a second header row 322 in which the header connector is disposed to be spaced apart from the first header row 321, and a plurality of connection tubes 323 connecting the flow paths between the first header row 321 and the second header row 322 and extending in the direction of the second header row 322.

The first header row 321 includes a plurality of header pipes 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 with a connection block 120 between respective header pipes, and like the first header row 321, the second header row 322 includes a plurality of header pipes 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 with a connection block 120 between respective header pipes. The first header row 321 and the second header row 322 may be configured such that a plurality of adjacent connection holes and a plurality of flow holes are in contact with each other (see FIG. 9).

The plurality of connection tubes 323 are connected to a number of header pipes 211, 212, 213, 214, 215 and 216 located in respective rows and a number of header pipes 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 and 226 corresponding thereto.

Furthermore, in the case of the first header pipe 211 located at the lowermost side of the first header row 321, a fluid inlet (I) may be connected to one side of the first header pipe 211 in the longitudinal direction, and in the case of the sixth header pipe 226 located at the uppermost side of the second header row 322, a fluid outlet (O) may be connected to one side of the sixth header pipe 226 in the longitudinal direction.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, in at least one or more of the connection blocks 120 located in the first header row 321 or the second header row 322, the flow hole 124 (see FIGS. 7 and 10) may be shielded. In the case in which the flow hole 124 is shielded, the flow path desired by the user may be adjusted by preventing the movement of fluid. A method of shielding the flow hole 124 may include filling the inside of the flow hole 124 with the same material as the connection block 120 or with another material. However, it is not limited thereto, and any method may be applied as long as it may block the flow of fluid moving in the connection direction between header pipes by shielding the flow hole 124.

In addition, in the condenser 320 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow hole 124 (see FIG. 7) of the connection block 120N located at the Nth position from the lowermost side of the first header row 321 is shielded, and the flow hole 124 (see FIG. 7) of a connection block 120M located at the Mth position from the lowermost side of the second header row 322 is shielded, where the N and M are natural numbers and N<M, and the N and M may be smaller than the number of header pipes in the first header row 321.

In the case of the condenser 320 illustrated in FIG. 10, the flow hole 124 (see FIG. 7) of the connection block 120N located 3rd from the lowermost side of the first header row 321 is shielded, and the flow hole 124 (see FIG. 7) of the connection block 120M located 5th from the lowermost side of the second header row 322 is shielded. The above 3 and 5 are natural numbers and 3<5, and the above 3 and 5 satisfy that they are less than 6, which is the number of header pipes in the first header row 321. If the above conditions are satisfied, the user may arbitrarily select and shield portions of the connection blocks 120 included in the first and second header rows 321 and 322, depending on the desired technical effect.

The flow of fluid according to another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, fluid (refrigerant) may flow in through the fluid inlet (I) provided in one side of the first header pipe 211 located at the lowest side of the first header row 321. The introduced fluid (refrigerant) is divided and moves to respective header pipes present in the first header row 321 through a plurality of connection holes and a plurality of flow holes that are in contact with each other (see FIG. 10).

The fluid inside respective header pipes located in the first header row 321 flows through the plurality of connection tubes 323 to the second header row 322 located on the other side of the first header row 321, and the fluid (refrigerant) may be discharged through the fluid outlet (O) provided in one side of the sixth header pipe 226 located at the uppermost side of the second header row 322.

In the case of the condenser 320 illustrated in FIG. 10, since the flow hole (124, see FIG. 3) of the connected block 120N located in the 3rd position is shielded, the fluid flowing into the fluid inlet (I) connected to the first header pipe 211 is divided into the second and third header pipes 212 and 213 located above the first header pipe 211 of the first header row 321.

Accordingly, the fluid flows from the first, second, and third header pipes 211, 212, and 213 of the first header row 321 to the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row 322 through the plurality of connection tubes 323. During this time, heat is exchanged by water/air, partially converting from gas to liquid, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the fluid of the same weight.

The first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 located in the second header row 322 are connected to the fourth and fifth header pipes 224 and 225 located at the upper part. Therefore, the fluid flowing into the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row 322 again rises to the fourth and fifth header pipes 224 and 225 of the second header row 322 located at the upper part. After that, since the flow hole 124 (see FIG. 3) of the M-th positioned connection block 120M is shielded, it may no longer rise and flows through the plurality of connection tubes 323 to the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215 of the first header row 321, and while passing through the plurality of connection tubes 323, heat is exchanged by water/air and it is partially converted into liquid by the gas, and as a result, the volume occupied by the same weight of fluid is reduced again.

The fluid flowing into the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215 of the first header row 321 is connected to the flow hole 124 (see FIG. 3) of the connection block 120 located between the sixth header pipe 216 located at the upper part and the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215, and again rises to the sixth header pipe 216 located at the upper portion. The rising fluid moves through a plurality of connection tubes 323 to the sixth header pipe 226 of the second header row 322, and while moving through the plurality of connection tubes 323, heat exchange occurs with water/air and it is condensed into a liquid. The sixth header pipe 226 located at the uppermost side of the second header row 322 is connected to the fluid outlet (O), and the fluid condensed while passing alternately through the first header row 321, the plurality of connection tubes 323, and the second header row 322 is discharged through the fluid outlet (O).

In the case of the condenser 320, fluid flows into the first header pipe 211 of the first header row 321, and then flows from the first, second, and third header pipes 211, 212, and 213 to the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row 322. Afterwards, the direction is changed and it flows from the fourth and fifth header pipes 224 and 225 of the second header row to the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215 of the first header row 321. The direction is changed again and it flows from the sixth header pipe 216 of the first header row 321 to the sixth header pipe 226 of the second header row 322 and then discharged to the fluid outlet (O). Therefore, the number of header pipes and connection tubes through which it passes when the direction is changed changes.

After fluid enters, there are three header pipes and connection tubes through which the fluid flows from the first, second, and third header pipes 211, 212, and 213 of the first header row 321 to the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row 322. After the direction is changed, the number of the header pipes and connection tubes through which it flows from the fourth and fifth header pipes 224 and 225 of the second header row 322 to the fourth and fifth header pipes 214 and 215 of the first header row 321 is reduced to 2, and the direction is changed again, and the number of header pipes and connection tubes through which it flows from the sixth header pipe 216 of the first header row 321 to the sixth header pipe 226 of the second header row 322 is reduced to 1. Therefore, the number of header pipes and connection tubes through which it overall passes decreases from 3→2→1.

That is, in the fluid inlet (I) side, in which it is initially mostly in a gaseous state, fluid flowing from the first, second, and third header pipes 211, 212 and 213 of the first header row 321 to the first, second, and third header pipes 221, 222, and 223 of the second header row 322 passes through three header pipes and connection tubes simultaneously, thereby forming cooling. Heat exchange occurs backwards, allowing more liquid to pass through a smaller number of header rows, and in the end, it passes through only one header pipe and connection tube.

The user may arbitrarily select connection blocks 120N and 120M in which the flow hole (124, see FIG. 3) is shielded, and the direction of fluid movement may be changed in any header pipe desired by the user. In addition, in the case in which the number of header pipes and connection tubes through which the fluid passes is reduced as the direction of movement of the fluid is changed, as in the condenser 320 (FIG. 10), the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the condenser 320 through which it passes may be reduced in accordance with the decrease in fluid volume, and pressure loss caused by volume reduction may thus be reduced.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first header row 321 and the second header row 322 are connected and formed in the same size. Therefore, the number of header pipes and connection tubes through which the fluid passes being great means that the area through which the fluid passes is large, which means that the volume it occupies is large. A small number of header rows means that the area through which the fluid passes is small, which means that the volume it occupies is small.

Reinforced Header Pipe Assembly and Reinforced Condenser including Same

The present disclosure may provide a reinforced header pipe assembly in which a reinforcing member is inserted to increase the breakdown withstand pressure in header pipes 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62 (see FIG. 2) through which high-pressure fluid flows, and a reinforced condenser including the same. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 21, the header pipe is illustrated as a header pipe with a D-shaped cross section, but may be a circular header pipe, and is not limited thereto as long as the reinforcing member may be inserted.

FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 and an experimental example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In detail, FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of the reinforced header pipe assembly. FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of the reinforced header pipe assembly. FIG. 14 illustrates an experimental example of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000.

The structure of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a header pipe 1010 with a flow path formed therein, a plurality of reinforcing members 1200 located within the header pipe 1010 and having a flow hole 1240 formed therein, and a plurality of connection holes 1100 formed in one or both surfaces of the header pipe 1010 in a first direction.

The header pipe 1010 may have a tubular shape with both ends blocked by baffles 1010a and 1010b in the first direction.

As can be seen in FIG. 11, the reinforcing member 1200 included in the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 has a passage hole 1240 formed therein to allow movement of fluid. Therefore, unlike the existing baffles 1010a and 1010b, which are used as members inserted to block the flow of fluid inside the header pipe or adjust the flow path, the reinforcing member 1200 allows fluid to move in the first direction through the passage hole 1240 and may adjust the flow of the fluid by adjusting the size of the passage hole 1240.

The plurality of reinforcing members 1200 may include a first portion 1210 protruding inward, and a second portion 1220 formed outwardly of the first portion and in contact with the groove. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 1200 may further include a third portion 1230 that protrudes outwardly of the header pipe 1010 and is located on the opposite side of the second portion 1220. Additionally, the reinforcing members 1200 may be formed at equal intervals in the first direction.

In one surface of the header pipe 1010, a plurality of connection holes 1100 may be formed at equal intervals in the first direction. The plurality of connection holes 1100 may be formed in another surface of the header pipe 1010 corresponding to the one surface. Furthermore, the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 may have the plurality of connection holes 1100 formed in both surfaces, that is, the one surface and another surface.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view along line I-I′ of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 to which the connection tube (M) is connected and a plan view of the reinforcing member 1200.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, the shape of the first portion 1210 may be similar to the cross-sectional shape of the header pipe 1010. Additionally, the inner surface of the first portion 1210 surrounds the passage hole 1240 of the reinforcing member 1200. Therefore, the shape of the passage hole 1240 is determined by the shape of the inner surface of the first portion 1210, and the size of the passage hole 1240 varies depending on the extent to which the first portion 1210 protrudes in the inner direction of the header pipe 1010.

The second portion 1220 is formed outside the first portion and comes into contact with a groove 1400. If the second portion 1220 is formed outside the first portion 1210 and comes into contact with the groove 1400, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a portion may protrude outwardly of the header pipe 1010.

The reinforcing member 1200 may further include a third portion 1230 that protrudes outward from the header pipe 1010 and is located on the opposite side of the second portion 1220.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 to which the connection tube M is connected.

Since a flow path is formed inside the header pipe 1010, fluid may move in the first direction of the header pipe 1010. In addition, the fluid flowing into the header pipe 1010 moves in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the header pipe 1010, and moves in the second direction, which is the connection direction of the connection tube (M).

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the reinforcing member 1200 may be inserted and joined to the groove 1400 to be formed as one body with the header pipe 1010. In the joining, the surface on which the second portion 1220 of the reinforcing member 1200 and the header pipe 1010 contact may be joined through brazing welding.

The reinforcing member 1200 and the header pipe 1010 may be joined by disposing an alloy (not illustrated) having a lower melting temperature than that of the reinforcing member 1200 and the header pipe 1010, in a gap between the contact surfaces and heating the same, in a method of not melting the reinforcing member 1200 and the header pipe 1010 and melting only the alloy.

At this time, in the alloy melted between the second portion 1220 and the cross section of the header pipe 1010 in contact with the second portion 1220, bonding occurs due to penetration and diffusion due to wetting and capillary phenomena, and the like.

However, the connection between the reinforcing member 1200 and the header pipe 1010 is not limited to brazing welding and may be obtained by other joining methods.

The effect of providing the reinforcing member 1200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

FIG. 14 illustrates an experimental example of a reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The experimental example compares the maximum value of von Mises stress at each point of the connection hole 1100 in the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000. The present disclosure is explained in more detail with reference to the following experimental example, which is not intended to limit the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, when comparing the Von Mises stress at each point of the connection hole 1100 in the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000, it can be confirmed that the Von Mises stress is reduced at each hole point where the reinforcing member 1200 is located.

This is because the pressure of the fluid flowing inside the header pipe 1010 is reduced as the first portion 1210 of the reinforcing member 1200 protrudes inwardly of the header pipe 1010.

In addition, the second portion 1220 of the reinforcing member 1200 is in contact with the cross section of the header pipe 1010. As the fracture withstand pressure of the header pipe 1010 increases by melting and joining an alloy (not illustrated) between the surfaces on which the second portion 1220 contacts the header pipe 1010, the von Mises stress may be reduced.

That is, that the von Mises stress at the point where the reinforcing member 1200 is located is reduced means that the probability of damage to the header pipe 1010 in which the connection hole 1100 is formed may be reduced while high-pressure fluid passes through the connection hole 1100. Even if high-pressure fluid flows through the connection hole 1100, the reinforcing member 1200 may increase the breakdown withstand pressure of the header pipe 1010 and may prevent the risk of damage to the header pipe 1010.

Furthermore, when the third portion 1230 protrudes outward from the header pipe 1010 and is located on the opposite side of the second portion 1220 and inserted into the groove 1400, it is easy to insert and adjust the position, thereby increasing the assembly efficiency of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000.

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 includes a plurality of header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 disposed side by side in a first direction. The header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 and 1050 include a plurality of reinforcing members 1200, and a plurality of connection holes 1100 are formed in one or both surfaces of the header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050, such that the plurality of connection holes 1100 between the neighboring header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 are in contact.

The header pipe 1010 located on the lowest side among the header pipes in the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 of FIG. 15 may have a tubular shape in which fluid may flow in on one side in the first direction and the other side is blocked by a baffle 1010b. Multiple header pipes 1020, 1030, 1040 and 1050 excluding this may have a tubular shape in which both sides in the first direction are blocked by baffles 1020a, 1020b, 1030a, 1030b, 1040a, 1040b, 1050a and 1050b.

The fluid flowing into the header pipe 1010 moves in a first direction, and passes through a plurality of connection holes 1100 contacting each other between the neighboring header pipes 1010 and 1020 and flows to the header pipe 1020 at the upper part. Furthermore, the fluid flowing in the header pipe 1020 moves in the first direction, and passes through the plurality of contacting connection holes 1100 between the neighboring header pipes 1020 and 1030 and flows to the header pipe 1030 at the upper part.

In this manner, the fluid flowing into the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to the second embodiment moves in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the plurality of header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 and 1050, and may move in the third direction through the connection holes 1100 that abut between neighboring header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050.

FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic perspective view and schematic diagram of a reinforced condenser 2000.

The reinforced condenser 2000 includes first to sixth header rows 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 and 2600, and the first to sixth header rows 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 and 2600 include first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610 disposed on one side and having a flow path formed therein, second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620 disposed on the other side and having a flow path formed therein, and a plurality of connection tubes 2130, 2230, 2330, 2430, 2530 and 2630 connecting flow paths of the first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610 and the second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620. The connection tubes 2130, 2230, 2330, 2430, 2530 and 2630 have a structure in which a plurality of micro channels, that is, micro channels, are formed in the second direction, and a fin member (F) is connected between the connection tubes 2130, 2230, 2330, 2430, 2530 and 2630 to expand the heat exchange area.

A fluid inlet (I) through which fluid flows in may be connected to the first header pipe 2110 of the first header row 2100, and a fluid outlet (O) through which fluid flows out may be connected to the second header pipe 2620 of the sixth header row 2600.

Furthermore, the first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610 and the second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620 may include a reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 (see FIG. 11) including a plurality of reinforcing members 1200. Therefore, there is a risk of damage due to internal pressure on the plurality of connection holes 1100 while high-pressure fluid (refrigerant) flows into the fluid inlet (I) and moves in the third direction, but the reinforcing member 1200 increases the breakdown withstand pressure that the first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610 and the second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620 may withstand, and thus the risk of damage to the first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610 and the second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620 may be prevented.

The flow of fluid within the reinforced condenser 2000 will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

The flow of fluid between neighboring header pipes between the first to sixth header rows 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 and 2600 is the same as the second embodiment of the present disclosure (see FIG. 15) described with reference to FIG. 15. Therefore, the fluid flowing in through the fluid inlet (I) moves in the first direction inside the first header pipe 2110 of the first header row 2100, and may move in the third direction through a plurality of contacting connection holes 1100 between neighboring first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510, and 2610.

The fluid moving in the third direction moves in the second direction through connection tubes 2130, 2230, 2330, 2430, 2530 and 2630 extending in a direction from the first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610 to the second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620, and exits through the fluid outlet (O) connected to the second header pipe 2620 of the sixth header row 2600.

In addition, the second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620 have the same configuration as the first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610 and are provided to be symmetrical, and it may move in the third direction through the plurality of contacting connection holes 1100 between neighboring second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520, and 2620.

Therefore, in the reinforced condenser 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the fluid passes in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the header pipe, the second direction, which is the extension direction of the connection tube, and the third direction, which is the connecting direction of the header pipe, it has a three-dimensional structure, which allows for more heat exchange even if it occupies the same volume, thereby improving cooling performance.

In the reinforced condenser 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, fluid flows from the fluid inlet (I) to the fluid outlet (O), alternately in a 2-1 direction from the first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610 toward the second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620, and a 2-2 direction from the second header pipes 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520 and 2620 to the first header pipes 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510 and 2610), via connection tubes 2130, 2230, 2330, 2430, 2530 and 2630. When the flow of fluid in the connection tubes 2130, 2230, 2330, 2430, 2530, and 2630 changes from one of the 2-1 direction and the 2-2 direction to the other direction, it may include a portion in which the sum of the cross-sectional areas through which the fluid passes in one direction is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas through which the fluid passes in the other direction.

The fluid flowing into the fluid inlet (I) is divided into the first header pipe 2210 of the second header row 2200 and the first header pipe 2310 of the third header row 2300, after the fluid flows into the first header pipe 2110 of the first header row 2100.

The fluid flowing inside the first header pipes 2110, 2210 and 2310 flows in the 2-1 direction toward the second header pipes 2120, 2220 and 2320, and the fluid rises to the second header pipes 2420 and 2520 of the fourth and fifth header rows 2400 and 2500.

Afterwards, the direction is changed and the fluid flows in the 2-2 direction from the second header pipes 2420 and 2520 toward the first header pipes 2410 and 2510, and the fluid rises to the first header pipe 2610 of the sixth header row 2600.

The fluid changes direction again and flows in the 2-1 direction toward the second header pipe 2620 of the sixth header row 2600 and then is discharged through the fluid outlet (O).

When the fluid flowing into the fluid inlet (I) changes from 2-1 direction→2-2 direction→2-1 direction, the number of header rows through which it passes varies. That is, there are three header rows as the first to third header rows 2100, 2200 and 2300 through which the fluid flows in the 2-1 direction after the fluid flows in, and after the direction is changed to the 2-2 direction, it is reduced to two, the fourth to fifth header rows 2400 and 2500, and after the direction is changed again to the 2-1 direction, it is reduced to one sixth header row 2600, and thus overall, the number of header rows through which it passes decreases from 3→2→1.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the header rows 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, and 2600 are stacked and formed with the same size, the number of header rows being great means that the area through which the fluid passes is large, which means that it occupies a large volume, and a small number of header rows means that the area through which the fluid passes is small, which means that the volume it occupies is small.

Therefore, at the fluid inlet (I), where most of the gas phase is initially, cooling occurs as the fluid passing in the 2-1 direction simultaneously passes through three header rows, that is, the connection tubes 2130, 2230, and 2330 of the first to third header rows 2100, 2200, and 2300. Heat exchange occurs backwards, allowing more liquid to pass through a smaller number of header rows, and finally to pass through only the connection tube 2630 of one header row 2600. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the reinforced condenser 2000 through which it passes in accordance with the decrease in the volume of the fluid may be reduced, and as a result, pressure loss occurring due to volume reduction may be reduced.

FIG. 17 illustrates a reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

The plurality of connection holes 1100 formed in the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 form a pair of two adjacent ones, and pairs of connection holes 1100P may be formed at equal intervals in the first direction, and the reinforcing member 1200 may be located in the middle of the pair of connection holes 1100P.

That is, a connection hole may not be formed between the adjacent right connection hole of the reinforcing member 1200 located first in the first direction and the adjacent left connection hole of the reinforcing member 1200 located second in the first direction. At this time, the effect of increasing the fracture withstand pressure of the reinforcing member 1200 may be maximized.

FIG. 18 illustrates a reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040 and 1050 are disposed side by side in the first direction, a plurality of connection holes 1100 between the neighboring header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 form a pair of two adjacent ones, and pairs of connection holes 1100P are formed at equal intervals on one or both surfaces of the header pipes 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and 1050 in the first direction. In addition, the pair of connection holes 1100P are in contact with each other, and the reinforcing member 1200 is located in the middle of the pair of connection holes 1100P.

As the reinforcing member 1200 is located in the middle of the connection hole pair 1100P, the breakdown withstand pressure that may withstand the pressure of the fluid flowing in the third direction through the connection hole pair 1100P may be increased, and the effect of increasing the breakdown withstand pressure is more excellent than that of the reinforced header pipe assembly (1000, see FIG. 15) described above in the second embodiment.

The reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is the same as the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 15 except for the configuration of the connection hole pair 1100P. Therefore, components that perform the same functions as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

FIGS. 19 to 21 illustrate first to third modifications of the reinforcing member 1200 located in the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the header pipe 1010 of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 may have a D-shaped shape and the passage hole 1240 may be formed in a circular shape, and the first portion 1210 of the reinforcing member 1200 may protrude further inwardly of the header pipe 1010. As the first portion 1210 protrudes further, the effect of increasing the breakdown withstand pressure may be further obtained.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the header pipe 1010 of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 may have a circular shape and the passage hole 1240 may be formed in a circular shape.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, in the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, when a plurality of header pipes 1010 are disposed side by side in the first direction and a plurality of connection holes 1100 between the neighboring header pipes 1010 are in contact (see FIG. 7), in the case of the reinforcing member 1300, a plurality of reinforcing members 1200 provided in the same position in the first direction may be formed as a single member.

The reinforcing member 1300 may be formed by a method of disposing the plurality of reinforcing members 1200 in parallel and joining the contact surfaces, and the reinforcing member 1300 may include a first portion 1310 protruding inward, and a second portion 1320 formed outwardly of the first portion and in contact with the groove. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 1300 may further include a third portion 1330 located on the opposite side of the second portion 1320. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 1300 includes a plurality of passage holes 1340.

The reinforcing member 1300 is facilitated and more efficient to assemble in manufacturing a condenser composed of multiple rows as compared to the plurality of reinforcing members 1200, and may increase structural stability along with an increase in fracture withstand pressure. Furthermore, the first to third portions 1310, 1320 and 1330 and the passage hole 1340 correspond to the first to third portions 1210, 1220 and 1230 of the reinforcing member 1200 and the passage hole 1240 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

The above modification is not limited thereto, and the user may appropriately select or change a modification of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000 by considering the embodiment of the reinforced header pipe assembly 1000, the shape of the header pipe 1010, the effect of increasing the breakdown withstand pressure, and the like.

In the above, the present disclosure has been described focusing on the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and of course, may be modified and implemented by those skilled in the art without changing the technical spirit of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

- 1: first head portion 2: second head portion 3: connection tube
- 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61: first header
- 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62: second header
- 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63: connection tube
- 110, 120: connection block 111, 121: first surface
- 112, 122: second surface 113, 123: curved portion 114, 124: flow hole
- 210, 220: header connector
- 211, 221: first header pipe 212, 222: second header pipe
- 213, 223: third header pipe 214, 224: fourth header pipe
- 215, 225: fifth header pipe 216, 226: sixth header pipe
- 211
  a, 211b: baffle 211h, 212h: connection hole
- 310, 320: condenser
- 311, 321: first header row 312, 322: second header row 313, 323: plurality of connection tubes
- F: fin member I: fluid inlet O: fluid outlet
- 1000: reinforced header pipe assembly
- 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050: header pipe
- 1100: connection hole 1200: reinforcing member
- 1210: first portion 1220: second portion
- 1230: third portion 1240: passage hole
- 1300: reinforcing member 1310: first portion
- 1320: second portion 1330: third portion
- 1340: passage hole 1400: groove
- 2000: reinforced condenser
- 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600: first to sixth header rows
- 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510, 2610: first header pipe
- 2120, 2220, 2320, 2420, 2520, 2620: second header pipe
- M, 2130, 2230, 2330, 2430, 2530, 2630: connection tube

Number	Date	Country	Kind
10-2021-0110437	Aug 2021	KR	national
10-2021-0110438	Aug 2021	KR	national

CONNECTION-TYPE BLOCK, HEADER CONNECTING BODY, AND CONDENSER INCLUDING SAME

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CPC

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