Heat exchanger and refrigeration apparatus

Abstract

To improve pressure resistance.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat tubes (28), fins (29), and a header. The plurality of flat tubes are arranged in a first direction. The fin is joined to the flat tube. Flat tubes are connected to the header. The header includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a first opening. The flat pipe is inserted into the first opening. The second member is stacked on the fin side of the first member in a second direction in which the flat tubes extend. The second member has a second opening. The second opening is along an outer edge of the flat tube. The first opening has a first region (321) and a second region (322). The first region has a length in the first direction shorter than a predetermined length. The second region is longer than the predetermined length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, heat exchangers equipped with flat tubes and headers have been known. An example of such a heat exchanger is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6822525 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The liquid side header 40 of the heat exchanger of Patent Document 1 is a stacked header in which a first liquid side member 46, a second liquid side member 41, a third liquid side member 45, a fourth liquid side member 44, a fifth liquid side member 43, and a sixth liquid side member 42 are joined by brazing. The outer edge of the sixth opening 42x of the sixth liquid side member 42 is configured to be located outside the outer edge of the liquid side flat tube connection opening 41x formed in the second liquid side member 41 in the stacking direction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above Patent Document 1, the sixth opening x of the sixth liquid side member 42 is made large to prevent the brazing material from blocking the refrigerant passage 28b of the flat tube 28 during brazing, so Patent Document 1 has low pressure resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The inventor discovered a problem in that, due to the fact that the width of the first opening (sixth opening 42x in Patent Document 1) of the first member (sixth liquid side member 42 in Patent Document 1) for inserting the flattened tube is constant, the flattened tube is pulled and damaged as the second member (second liquid side member 41 in Patent Document 1) deforms.

[0006] Therefore, a heat exchanger according to a first aspect includes a plurality of flat tubes, fins, and a header. The plurality of flat tubes are aligned in a first direction. The fins are joined to the flat tubes. The flat tubes are connected to the header. The header includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a first opening. The flat tubes are inserted into the first opening. The second member is stacked on the fin side of the first member in the second direction in which the flat tubes extend. The second member has a second opening. The second opening is along the outer edge of the flat tubes. The first opening has a first region and a second region. The length of the first region in the first direction is shorter than a predetermined length. The second region is longer than the predetermined length.

[0007] According to the heat exchanger of the first aspect, the first region having a short length in the first direction in the first opening is positioned at a location that has a large effect on the pressure resistance strength, thereby making it possible to improve the pressure resistance.

[0008] A heat exchanger according to a second aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first aspect, wherein the first region is located in a central portion in a third direction that intersects with the first direction and the second direction.

[0009] The inventors discovered that the problem of damage to the flat tubes due to deformation of the second member is particularly due to the large central portion of the first opening of the first member. For this reason, in the heat exchanger of the second aspect, the length of the first region located in the central portion of the first opening, which has a large effect on pressure resistance, is shortened. This makes it possible to further improve pressure resistance.

[0010] A heat exchanger according to a third aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first or second aspect, wherein the longitudinal direction of the first opening is a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The first member has an inner edge portion that forms the first opening. The inner edge portion has a first inner edge portion on one side in the first direction and a second inner edge portion on the other side.

[0011] In the heat exchanger of the third aspect, the longitudinal direction of the first opening is the same as the width direction of the flat tube, so that the flat tube can be easily inserted into the first opening.

[0012] A heat exchanger of a fourth aspect is the heat exchanger of the third aspect, wherein the first inner edge portion has a protrusion that protrudes toward the other side in the first direction, or the second inner edge portion has a protrusion that protrudes toward one side in the first direction.

[0013] As in the heat exchanger of the fourth aspect, the inner edge portion that forms the first opening may have a protrusion on one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] A heat exchanger according to a fifth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the fourth aspect, wherein at least one of the first inner edge portion and the second inner edge portion has a plurality of protrusions.

[0015] As in the heat exchanger of the fifth aspect, the inner edge portion that forms the first opening may have a plurality of protrusions on at least one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] A heat exchanger according to a sixth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the fifth aspect, wherein the lengths of the plurality of protrusions in the third direction are different.

[0017] As in the heat exchanger of the sixth aspect, the inner edge portion that forms the first opening may have protrusions that vary in length in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] A heat exchanger according to a seventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the third aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein one end of the inner edge in the third direction has a first recess.

[0019] In the heat exchanger of the seventh aspect, when brazing is performed with the first recess facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the protruding part of the first opening defined by the recess, thereby preventing brazing clogging.

[0020] A heat exchanger according to an eighth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the seventh aspect, wherein the inner edge portion further has a second recess, a third recess, and a fourth recess. The first recess is located at one end of the inner edge portion in the third direction and at one end of the inner edge portion in the first direction. The second recess is located at one end of the inner edge portion in the third direction and at the other end of the inner edge portion in the first direction. The third recess is located at the other end of the inner edge portion in the third direction and at one end of the inner edge portion in the first direction. The fourth recess is located at the other end of the inner edge portion in the third direction and at the other end of the inner edge portion in the first direction.

[0021] In the heat exchanger of the eighth aspect, when brazing is performed with the first recess and the second recess, or the third recess and the fourth recess, facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the two protruding parts of the first opening defined by the recess on the downward side in the direction of gravity, thereby further suppressing brazing clogging.

[0022] A heat exchanger according to a ninth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the first opening is symmetrical with respect to a center line in a third direction that intersects with the first and second directions.

[0023] In the heat exchanger of the ninth aspect, the first opening has symmetry in the longitudinal direction, so that the first member can be applied to other locations.

[0024] A heat exchanger according to a tenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, which is asymmetric with respect to a center line in the first direction.

[0025] As in the heat exchanger of the tenth aspect, the first openings may be provided asymmetrically in the short side direction.

[0026] A heat exchanger according to an eleventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, further comprising a third member stacked on the opposite side of the fins of the first member in the second direction and having a third opening that forms a flow path for the refrigerant. When viewed in the second direction, the first region and the third opening overlap.

[0027] In the heat exchanger of the eleventh aspect, the refrigerant can flow from the third opening constituting the refrigerant flow path to the first region of the first opening.

[0028] A heat exchanger according to a twelfth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the second region is located at both ends in a third direction that intersects with the first and second directions.

[0029] In the heat exchanger of the twelfth aspect, the molten brazing material easily moves to the second regions located at both ends in the longitudinal direction during brazing, so clogging with brazing can be suppressed.

[0030] A heat exchanger of a thirteenth aspect is a heat exchanger of any one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect, wherein the ratio of the length of the first region in the first direction to the length of the second region in the first direction is 1 / 4 or more and less than 1.

[0031] In the heat exchanger of the thirteenth aspect, the ratio of the lengths of the first region, which contributes greatly to the pressure resistance strength, and the second region, which contributes little to the pressure resistance strength, is within the above range, so that it is possible to effectively improve the pressure resistance and suppress clogging of the brazing material.

[0032] A heat exchanger of a fourteenth aspect is a heat exchanger of any one of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the ratio of the length of the second member in the second direction to the length of the first member in the second direction is 1 / 2 or more and 3 / 2 or less.

[0033] The inventors have found that the smaller the length (thickness) of the second member in the second direction, the more likely it is that the problem of low pressure resistance will occur. In the heat exchanger of the fourteenth aspect, the length in the first direction of the first region, which has a large effect on pressure resistance, is reduced, so that even if the thickness of the second member is small as described above, damage to the flat tubes can be suppressed.

[0034] A heat exchanger according to a fifteenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, further comprising a fourth member. The fourth member is stacked on the opposite side of the fins of the first member in the second direction. The fourth member has a fourth opening. As viewed in the second direction, a third inner edge portion forming the fourth opening in the fourth member overlaps with the flat tube. The fourth opening has a third region and a fourth region. The third region has a length in the first direction that is shorter than a predetermined length. The fourth region has a length longer than the predetermined length.

[0035] In the heat exchanger of the fifteenth aspect, the third inner edge portion that forms the fourth opening of the fourth member overlaps with the flat tube, so that the flat tube can be abutted against the third inner edge portion. Therefore, the fourth member can determine the insertion position of the flat tube within the header.

[0036] Furthermore, during brazing, the molten brazing material can move to the fourth region of the fourth opening that is longer in the first direction, thereby preventing the brazing material from clogging the flow passage of the flat tube.

[0037] A heat exchanger according to a sixteenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the fifteenth aspect, wherein one end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction has a fifth recess.

[0038] In the heat exchanger of the sixteenth aspect, when brazing is performed with the fifth recess of the fourth member facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the protruding portion of the fourth opening defined by the recess, thereby suppressing brazing clogging.

[0039] A heat exchanger according to a seventeenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the third inner edge portion further has a sixth recess, a seventh recess, and an eighth recess. The fifth recess is located at one end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction and at one end of the third inner edge portion in the first direction. The sixth recess is located at one end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction and at the other end of the third inner edge portion in the first direction. The seventh recess is located at the other end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction and at one end of the third inner edge portion in the first direction. The eighth recess is located at the other end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction and at the other end of the third inner edge portion in the first direction.

[0040] In the heat exchanger of the seventeenth aspect, when brazing is performed with the fifth recess and the sixth recess, or the seventh recess and the eighth recess, facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the two protruding parts of the fourth opening defined by the recess on the downward side in the direction of gravity, thereby further suppressing brazing clogging.

[0041] A heat exchanger according to an eighteenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, wherein the refrigerant contains carbon dioxide.

[0042] In the heat exchanger of the eighteenth aspect, the pressure resistance can be improved, and therefore it is possible to use a refrigerant containing carbon dioxide.

[0043] A refrigeration device according to a nineteenth aspect includes the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects.

[0044] The refrigeration apparatus of the nineteenth aspect is provided with a heat exchanger that can reduce the number of components constituting the header, thereby reducing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioning apparatus including a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an outdoor heat exchanger as a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a heat exchange portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which heat transfer fins are attached to flat tubes in a heat exchange section. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant flow in an outdoor heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid header. [Figure 9] 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe and flat tubes are connected to a liquid header portion. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a front view showing the vicinity of the opening of the second liquid member and the flat tube. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of a second liquid member. [Figure 12] 10 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member, the flat tube, and the fourth opening. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a partial perspective view showing a third liquid member, a fourth liquid member, and a flat tube. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the gas header portion. [Figure 15] 10 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the second opening of the second liquid member and the flat tube of the first modified example. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the second opening of the second liquid member and the flat tube of the second modification example. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the second opening of the second liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the second opening of the second liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 4. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of the seventh modified example. FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 8. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of the ninth modified example. FIG. [Figure 22] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 10. FIG. [Figure 23] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 11. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the second opening of the second liquid member and the flat tube of the comparative example. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a problem. [Figure 26]13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the second opening of the second liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 5. FIG. [Figure 27] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the second opening of the second liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 6. FIG. [Figure 28] 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 12. FIG. [Figure 29] 23 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 13. FIG. [Figure 30] 23 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 14. FIG. [Figure 31] 23 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 15. FIG. [Figure 32] 23 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 16. FIG. [Figure 33] 23 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 17. FIG. [Figure 34] 23 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 18. FIG. [Figure 35] 23 is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the third opening of the third liquid member and the flat tube of Modification 19. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure and a refrigeration device in which the heat exchanger is employed will be described.

[0047] (1) Air conditioning system configuration An air conditioner 1 as an embodiment of a refrigeration device will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 as a refrigeration device, which has a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as an outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0048] The air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus that cools and heats a space to be air-conditioned by operating a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a space inside a building such as an office building, a commercial facility, or a residence. Note that the air conditioner is merely one example of a refrigeration cycle device, and the heat exchanger of the present disclosure may also be used in other refrigeration cycle devices, such as refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, and floor heating devices. Note that the refrigerant used in the air conditioner 1 is not particularly limited and includes, for example, carbon dioxide, R290, R32, etc. In this embodiment, a carbon dioxide refrigerant is used.

[0049] The air conditioner 1 mainly comprises an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 9, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 5, and a control unit 3 that controls the equipment that makes up the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 are refrigerant connection pipes that connect the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. In the air conditioner 1, a refrigerant circuit 6 is formed by connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5.

[0050] In Fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 has one indoor unit 9, but it may have multiple indoor units 9 connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 2 by liquid refrigerant connection pipes 4 and gas refrigerant connection pipes 5. The air conditioner 1 may also have multiple outdoor units 2. The air conditioner 1 may also be an integrated air conditioner in which the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are formed integrally.

[0051] (1-1) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 2 is installed outside the space to be air-conditioned, for example, on the roof of a building or near a wall of a building.

[0052] The outdoor unit 2 mainly includes an accumulator 7, a compressor 8, a four-way switching valve 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 11, an outdoor expansion valve 12, a liquid-side shut-off valve 13, a gas-side shut-off valve 14, and an outdoor fan 16.

[0053] The outdoor unit 2 mainly has refrigerant pipes connecting various devices that make up the refrigerant circuit 6, including a suction pipe 17, a discharge pipe 18, a first gas refrigerant pipe 19, a liquid refrigerant pipe 20, and a second gas refrigerant pipe 21. The suction pipe 17 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the suction side of the compressor 8. The suction pipe 17 is provided with an accumulator 7. The discharge pipe 18 connects the discharge side of the compressor 8 and the four-way switching valve 10. The first gas refrigerant pipe 19 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The liquid refrigerant pipe 20 connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the liquid-side shut-off valve 13. The liquid refrigerant pipe 20 is provided with an outdoor expansion valve 12. The second gas refrigerant pipe 21 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the gas-side shut-off valve 14.

[0054] The compressor 8 is a device that draws in low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle from a suction pipe 17, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to a discharge pipe .

[0055] The four-way switching valve 10 is a mechanism that switches the direction of refrigerant flow to change the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 between cooling operation and heating operation. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator, and the indoor heat exchanger 91 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 91 functions as a refrigerant radiator. When the four-way switching valve 10 sets the refrigerant circuit 6 in cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 10 connects the suction pipe 17 to the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 and connects the discharge pipe 18 to the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 (see the solid lines in the four-way switching valve 10 in FIG. 1 ). When the four-way switching valve 10 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 to the heating operation state, the four-way switching valve 10 connects the suction pipe 17 to the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 and connects the discharge pipe 18 to the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 (see the dashed lines within the four-way switching valve 10 in Figure 1).

[0056] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and a fluid such as air in the installation location of the outdoor unit 2. Details of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be described later.

[0057] The outdoor expansion valve 12 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 91. In this embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 12 is disposed in the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the liquid-side shut-off valve 13. The outdoor expansion valve 12 has a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0058] The accumulator 7 is a container having a gas-liquid separation function that separates the incoming refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and also has a function of storing surplus refrigerant that occurs in response to fluctuations in operating load, etc.

[0059] The liquid side shut-off valve 13 is a valve provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4. The gas side shut-off valve 14 is a valve provided at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5. The liquid side shut-off valve 13 and the gas side shut-off valve 14 are open when the air conditioning apparatus 1 is operating.

[0060] The outdoor fan 16 is a fan that draws external heat source air into the casing of the outdoor unit 2 (not shown), supplies it to the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and discharges the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 to the outside of the casing of the outdoor unit 2. The outdoor fan 16 is, for example, a propeller fan.

[0061] (1-2) Indoor unit The indoor unit 9 is a unit installed in the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit 9 is, for example, a ceiling-mounted unit, but may also be a ceiling-suspended, wall-mounted, or floor-standing unit. The indoor unit 9 may also be installed outside the space to be air-conditioned. For example, the indoor unit 9 may be installed in an attic, a machine room, a garage, or the like. In this case, an air passage is installed to supply air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 91 from the indoor unit 9 to the space to be air-conditioned. The air passage is, for example, a duct.

[0062] The indoor unit 9 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 91 , an indoor expansion valve 93 , and an indoor fan 92 .

[0063] In the indoor heat exchanger 91, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the air in the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor heat exchanger 91 is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes and fins (not shown). One end of the indoor heat exchanger 91 is connected to the indoor expansion valve 93 via a refrigerant piping. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 91 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 via a refrigerant piping.

[0064] The indoor expansion valve 93 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4. The indoor expansion valve 93 has a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the indoor expansion valve 93.

[0065] The indoor fan 92 is a mechanism that draws air from the space to be air-conditioned into a casing (not shown) of the indoor unit 9, supplies it to the indoor heat exchanger 91, and blows the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 91 into the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor fan 92 is, for example, a turbofan.

[0066] (1-3) Control unit The control unit 3 is a functional unit that controls the operations of the various devices that make up the air conditioner 1.

[0067] The control unit 3 is configured, for example, by connecting an outdoor control unit (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 and an indoor control unit (not shown) of the indoor unit 9 so that they can communicate with each other via a transmission line (not shown). The outdoor control unit and the indoor control unit are units that have, for example, a microcomputer or the like including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories such as ROM and RAM in which various programs for controlling the air conditioning apparatus 1 that can be executed by the processor are stored. For convenience, the control unit 3 is drawn in FIG. 1 at a position separate from the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9.

[0068] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to various devices of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9, such as the compressor 8, four-way switching valve 10, outdoor expansion valve 12, outdoor fan 16, indoor fan 92, and indoor expansion valve 93. The control unit 3 is also electrically connected to various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The control unit 3 is also configured to be able to communicate with a remote control (not shown) operated by a user of the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0069] The control unit 3 controls the operation and shutdown of the air conditioner 1 and the operation of the various devices that make up the air conditioner 1 based on measurement signals from various sensors and commands received from a remote control (not shown).

[0070] (2) Outdoor heat exchanger configuration The configuration of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 (an example of a "heat exchanger") will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a heat exchange section 27, described later, in the outdoor heat exchanger 11. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the attachment state of fins 29, described later, to flat tubes 28 in the heat exchange section 27. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The arrows in the heat exchange section 27 shown in FIG. 5 indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation (when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator). FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the inlet / outlet header 40.

[0071] In the following description, expressions such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" may be used to describe directions and positions. These expressions follow the directions of the arrows drawn in FIG. 2 unless otherwise specified. These expressions indicating directions and positions are used for the convenience of explanation, and do not specify the directions and positions of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 as a whole or each component of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 as the directions and positions of the expressions unless otherwise specified.

[0072] In the following description, an example is given in which the direction in which the flat tubes 28 are arranged, the longitudinal direction of the inlet / outlet header 40, the longitudinal direction of the gas header section 50, and the longitudinal direction of the liquid header section 30 are the up-down direction (an example of a "first direction"). Also, an example is given in which the extension direction of the flat tubes 28, more specifically, the extension direction of the connection portions of the flat tubes 28 with the inlet / outlet header 40, and the direction in which the plate-like members constituting the liquid header section 30 are stacked are the front-rear direction (an example of a "second direction"). Also, an example is given in which the direction intersecting (orthogonal in this embodiment) the up-down direction and the front-rear direction is the left-right direction (an example of a "third direction").

[0073] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outdoor air.

[0074] 2 to 5, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 mainly includes a plurality of flat tubes 28, a plurality of fins 29, a return header 60, and an inlet / outlet header 40. In this embodiment, the flat tubes 28, the fins 29, the return header 60, and the inlet / outlet header 40 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0075] The flat tubes 28 and the fins 29 fixed to the flat tubes 28 form a heat exchange section 27. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, air flows through an air passage formed by the flat tubes 28 and the fins 29 of the heat exchange section 27, whereby heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes 28 and the air flowing through the air passage.

[0076] (2-1) Flat tube As shown in Fig. 3, the flat tubes 28 are flat heat transfer tubes having flat surfaces 28a on the top and bottom that serve as heat transfer surfaces. A plurality of flow paths 28b through which the refrigerant flows is formed in the flat tubes 28. For example, the flat tubes 28 are flat multi-hole tubes in which a large number of flow paths 28b with small cross-sectional areas through which the refrigerant flows are formed. In this embodiment, these plurality of flow paths 28b are arranged side by side in the air flow direction.

[0077] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, as shown in FIG. 5, flat tubes 28 extending horizontally between the return header 60 side and the entrance / exit header 40 side are arranged in a plurality of rows, one above the other.

[0078] In this embodiment, the flat tubes 28 extending between the return header 60 side and the inlet / outlet header 40 side are bent at two locations, and the heat exchange section 27 formed by the flat tubes 28 is formed in a C-shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, the plurality of flat tubes 28 are arranged vertically at regular intervals.

[0079] Furthermore, when the outdoor fan 16 is driven, an air flow passes over the main surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the rear to the front, an air flow passes over the left side portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the left to the right, and an air flow passes over the right side portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the right to the left.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 5 , the outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a first flow path group X, a second flow path group Y, and a third flow path group Z aligned in the vertical direction. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, each of the flat tubes 28 aligned in the vertical direction belongs to one of the multiple flow path groups X, Y, and Z. The first flow path group X is the lowest flow path group and includes multiple first flat tubes 28x. The second flow path group Y is a flow path group located above the first flow path group X and below the third flow path group Z and includes multiple second flat tubes 28y. The third flow path group Z is the highest flow path group and includes multiple third flat tubes 28z.

[0081] (2-2) Finn The multiple fins 29 are members for increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Each fin 29 is a plate-shaped member extending in a first direction in which the flat tubes 28 are arranged. Here, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used in a mode in which the multiple flat tubes 28 extending in the horizontal direction are arranged in a vertical direction. Therefore, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is installed in the outdoor unit 2, each fin 29 extends in the vertical direction.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 4 , each fin 29 has a plurality of notches 29a extending along the insertion direction of the flat tubes 28 so that the plurality of flat tubes 28 can be inserted. The notches 29a extend in the extension direction of the fins 29 and in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the fins 29. When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is installed in the outdoor unit 2, the notches 29a formed in each fin 29 extend horizontally. The notches 29a are formed in the fins 29 at intervals corresponding to the arrangement intervals of the flat tubes 28. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the plurality of fins 29 are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the flat tubes 28. By inserting the flat tubes 28 into each of the plurality of notches 29a of the plurality of fins 29, the space between adjacent flat tubes 28 is divided into a plurality of ventilation passages through which air flows.

[0083] 3 and 4, each fin 29 has a communication portion 29b that communicates in the vertical direction on the upstream side or downstream side in the air flow direction relative to the flat tubes 28. In this embodiment, the communication portion 29b of the fin 29 is located on the upwind side of the flat tubes 28.

[0084] (2-3) Entrance / exit header As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the inlet / outlet header 40 has a gas header section 50 located at the top and a liquid header section 30 located at the bottom. The gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 30 are separated into upper and lower sections by a partition plate 41. The gas header section 50 has an internal space, and the liquid header section 30 has a space isolated from the internal space of the gas header section 50 by the partition plate 41. The upper end of the gas header section 50 is closed by an upper lid 42. The partition plate 41 also functions as the bottom plate of the gas header section 50.

[0085] A gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a that constitutes one end of the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 is connected to the gas header section 50. A liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a that constitutes one end of the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 is connected to the liquid header section 30.

[0086] 5, one end of each flat tube 28 is connected to the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 30 of the inlet / outlet header 40, and the other end of each flat tube 28 is connected to the turn-back header 60. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is disposed in a casing (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 so that the longitudinal direction of the turn-back header 60 and the inlet / outlet headers 40 roughly coincides with the vertical direction. Here, the number of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas header section 50 is greater than the number of flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header section 30.

[0087] The gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 30 will be described in detail later.

[0088] (2-4) Folded header Ends different from the ends of each flat tube 28 connected to the gas header section 50 and liquid header section 30 of the inlet / outlet header 40 are connected to the turn-back header 60. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is disposed in a casing (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 so that the longitudinal direction of the turn-back header 60 and the inlet / outlet header 40 roughly coincides with the vertical direction.

[0089] The folded header 60 is constructed by surrounding and crimping a stack of multiple plate-like members with crimping members 61 that are C-shaped in plan view and to which the flat tubes 28 are connected. The plate-like members stacked on the crimping members 61 include members that have the same shape as the members that make up the liquid header section 30 and the gas header section 50. This makes it possible to standardize the members.

[0090] (3) Refrigerant flow in each operation and outdoor heat exchanger The control unit 3 receives detection information from various sensors or commands from a remote controller or the like, and switches between cooling operation, heating operation, and the like.

[0091] When the air conditioner 1 performs heating operation, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to the state shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1 and operates the compressor 8. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 releases heat by exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 91, is decompressed in the indoor expansion valve 93 or the outdoor expansion valve 12, and is then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 evaporates by exchanging heat with the outdoor air, and is then sucked into the compressor 8 again.

[0092] Thus, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation, the refrigerant in a liquid state or a two-phase gas-liquid state that reaches the liquid header section 30 from the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 is divided into a refrigerant flowing through the first flow path group X and a refrigerant flowing through the second flow path group Y in the internal space of the liquid header section 30. The divided refrigerant then flows through the plurality of first flat tubes 28x belonging to the first flow path group X and the plurality of second flat tubes 28y belonging to the second flow path group Y, respectively. A portion of the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of first flat tubes 28x and the second flat tubes 28y evaporates by heat exchange with air and reaches a lower region of the internal space of the return header 60. The refrigerant sent to the lower region of the internal space of the return header 60 is sent to an upper region of the internal space of the return header 60. The refrigerant sent to the upper region of the return header 60 flows through the plurality of third flat tubes 28z belonging to the third flow path group Z, which is connected to the upper region of the return header 60. The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of third flat tubes 28z is evaporated again by exchanging heat with the air, and reaches the gas header unit 50. The refrigerant that has reached the gas header unit 50 merges and then flows through the first gas refrigerant pipes 19.

[0093] When the air conditioner 1 performs cooling operation, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to the state shown by the solid line in Figure 1 and operates the compressor 8. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 releases heat by exchanging heat with outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, is decompressed in the outdoor expansion valve 12 or the indoor expansion valve 93, and is then sent to the indoor heat exchanger 91. The refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 91 evaporates by exchanging heat with the indoor air, and is then sucked into the compressor 8 again.

[0094] When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator during cooling operation in this manner, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 flows through the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 and then flows into the gas header section 50. The gaseous refrigerant that reaches the gas header section 50 is divided in the internal space of the gas header section 50 and then flows through the plurality of third flat tubes 28z belonging to the third flow path group Z connected to the gas header section 50. The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of third flat tubes 28z radiates a portion of its heat by exchanging heat with the air and reaches an upper region of the internal space of the return header 60. The refrigerant sent to the upper region of the internal space of the return header 60 is sent to a lower region of the return header 60. The refrigerant sent to the lower region of the return header 60 is divided and flows through the plurality of first flat tubes 28x belonging to the first flow path group X and the plurality of second flat tubes 28y belonging to the second flow path group Y, both of which are connected to the lower region of the return header 60. The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of first flat tubes 28x and the second flat tubes 28y dissipates more heat by exchanging heat with the air again, and reaches the liquid header section 30. The refrigerant that has flowed through the plurality of first flat tubes 28x belonging to the first flow path group X and the refrigerant that has flowed through the plurality of second flat tubes 28y belonging to the second flow path group Y join together in the liquid header section 30 and then flow through the liquid refrigerant pipes 20.

[0095] (4) Details of the liquid header Fig. 7 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header section 30. In Fig. 7, the dashed double-dashed arrows indicate the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. Fig. 8A shows a plan view of the liquid header section 30. Fig. 8B shows a cross-sectional plan view of the liquid header section 30 at a position where the first opening 310, the second opening 320, and the third opening 330 overlap. Fig. 9 shows a plan view showing the liquid refrigerant pipes 20 and the flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header section 30.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the liquid header section 30 has a first liquid member 31 (an example of a "second member"), a second liquid member 32 (an example of a "first member"), a third liquid member 33, a fourth liquid member 34 (an example of a "third member"), a fifth liquid member 35, a sixth liquid member 36, and a seventh liquid member 37. The liquid header section 30 is configured by joining the first liquid member 31, the second liquid member 32, the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth liquid member 35, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37 together by brazing. In detail, before brazing, the first liquid member 31, the third liquid member 33, and the fifth liquid member 35 have a clad layer containing a brazing material formed on their surfaces. Before brazing, the second liquid member 32, the fourth liquid member 34, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37 do not have a clad layer containing a brazing material formed on their surfaces. When brazing these members, the brazing material melts and moves, thereby joining them.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first liquid member 31, the second liquid member 32, the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth liquid member 35, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37 are all members whose thickness in the plate thickness direction (front-rear direction in FIG. 7, an example of the second direction) is shorter than their length in the vertical direction (up-down direction in FIG. 7, an example of the first direction) and shorter than their length in the left-right direction (an example of the third direction). Furthermore, the first liquid member 31, the second liquid member 32, the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth liquid member 35, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37 are all members whose length in the vertical direction (up-down direction in FIG. 7, an example of the first direction) is longer than their length in the left-right direction (an example of the third direction). Furthermore, the first liquid member 31, the second liquid member 32, the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth liquid member 35, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37 are stacked in this order in the stacking direction, which is the plate thickness direction (the front-to-back direction in Figure 7, an example of the second direction).

[0098] (4-1) First liquid member The first liquid member 31 is a member that integrates the second liquid member 32, the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth liquid member 35, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37. The first liquid member 31, together with the seventh liquid member 37, forms the outer shell of the liquid header portion 30.

[0099] The first liquid member 31 has a laminated portion 31a, a first wall portion 31b, a second wall portion 31c, a first claw portion 31d, and a second claw portion 31e. Although not particularly limited, the first liquid member 31 of this embodiment can be formed by bending a single sheet metal obtained by rolling, with the longitudinal direction of the liquid header portion 30 as the fold line. In this case, the plate thickness of each portion of the first liquid member 31 is constant.

[0100] The laminated portion 31a extends in the vertical direction. Here, the laminated portion 31a is a flat plate that extends in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0101] The stacked portion 31a has first openings 310 (an example of second openings) along the outer edges of the flat tubes 28. Therefore, here, the first openings 310 have a flat shape when viewed in the front-rear direction (an example of a second direction view). In FIG. 7, the stacked portion 31a has a plurality of first openings 310 arranged side by side in the up-down direction. The plurality of first openings 310 have the same shape. Each of the first openings 310 is an opening that penetrates the stacked portion 31a in the thickness direction. The flat tubes 28 are inserted into the first openings 310 so that one end of the flat tube 28 passes completely through them, and then the flat tubes 28 are joined by brazing. In the brazed state, the entire inner circumferential surface of the first opening 310 and the entire outer circumferential surface of the flat tube 28 are in contact with each other.

[0102] The first liquid member 31 is formed to have a relatively thin thickness of, for example, about 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, and therefore the length in the plate thickness direction of the inner edge portion that forms the first opening 310 is short. Therefore, in the step prior to joining by brazing, when the flat tube 28 is inserted into the first opening 310, friction that occurs between the inner edge portion that forms the first opening 310 and the outer circumferential surface of the flat tube 28 can be kept small, making the insertion operation easier.

[0103] The first wall 31b is a planar portion extending forward from the right end (inside the outdoor unit 2) of the stacked portion 31a. The second wall 31c is a planar portion extending forward from the left end (outside the outdoor unit 2) of the stacked portion 31a.

[0104] A plurality of first claws 31d are provided at the front end of the first wall 31b and aligned in the vertical direction, and a plurality of second claws 31e are provided at the front end of the second wall 31c and aligned in the vertical direction.

[0105] The manufacturing process will now be described. Before the second liquid member 32, the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth liquid member 35, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37 are arranged inside the first liquid member 31 in a plan view (an example of a view in the first direction), the first claw portion 31d and the second claw portion 31e are in a state of extending along the first wall portion 31b and the second wall portion 31c, respectively, as shown in FIG. Then, with the second liquid member 32, the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth liquid member 35, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37 arranged inside the first liquid member 31 in a plan view, the first claw portion 31d and the second claw portion 31e are bent so as to approach each other, so that the second liquid member 32, the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth liquid member 35, the sixth liquid member 36, and the seventh liquid member 37 are caulked and fixed to each other by the first liquid member 31, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Then, in this state, brazing is performed in a furnace or the like, and the members are joined by brazing and completely fixed to each other.

[0106] (4-2) Second liquid member The second liquid member 32 is laminated on the opposite side of the first liquid member 31 from the fins 29 in the front-rear direction (an example of the second direction). Specifically, the second liquid member 32 is laminated so as to be in contact with the laminated portion 31a. The second liquid member 32 extends parallel to the laminated portion 31a and has a plate-like shape with its thickness direction being the extension direction of the flat tubes 28.

[0107] The second liquid member 32 extends in the vertical direction (an example of a first direction). Here, the second liquid member 32 is a flat plate that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0108] The second liquid member 32 has a plurality of second openings 320 (an example of first openings). The second openings 320 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The second openings 320 are formed by the inner edge portion 32a.

[0109] The flat tubes 28 are inserted into the second openings 320, which are openings that penetrate the second liquid member 32 in the thickness direction. The multiple second openings 320 have the same shape. The center of each second opening 320 in the left-right direction coincides with the center of the second liquid member 32 in the left-right direction.

[0110] FIG. 10 is a view of the vicinity of the second openings 320 of the second liquid member 32 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear side. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, when viewed in the stacking direction (an example of a second direction view), the outer edges of the second openings 320 are located outside the outer edges of the flat tubes 28. In other words, when viewed in the front-rear direction (an example of a second direction view), the inner edge portions 32a forming the second openings 320 encompass the flat tubes 28. Therefore, the second openings 320 are larger than the first openings 310. In particular, when the second liquid member 32 is stacked on the stack portion 31a of the first liquid member 31, the outer edges of the second openings 320 are configured to be located outside the outer edges of the first openings 310 as viewed in the front-rear direction. In this way, the second openings 320 encompass the first openings 310 as viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0111] The flat tube 28 is joined by brazing in a state where one end of the flat tube 28 is inserted into the second opening 320 so that it passes completely through the second opening 320. In the brazed joined state, the entire inner circumferential surface of the second opening 320 and the entire outer circumferential surface of the flat tube 28 are in contact with each other.

[0112] The thickness of the second liquid member 32 is adjusted to be greater than the thickness of any of the first liquid member 31, third liquid member 33, fourth liquid member 34, fifth liquid member 35, sixth liquid member 36, and seventh liquid member 37 that constitute the liquid header section 30. As a result, even if there is an error in the degree of insertion of the flat tubes 28 into the liquid header section 30, as long as it is within the range of the length in the front-to-rear direction of the second liquid member, problems such as blockages or areas where the refrigerant is difficult to flow are unlikely to occur in the refrigerant flow when the liquid header section 30 is completed. In addition, it is possible to prevent the brazing material from moving due to capillary action during brazing and blocking the flow paths 28b of the flat tubes 28.

[0113] The thickness of the second liquid member 32 may be smaller than the thickness of the first liquid member 31. Specifically, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the ratio (L31 / L32) of the length (plate thickness) L31 in the front-rear direction of the laminated portion 31a of the first liquid member 31 to the length (plate thickness) L32 in the front-rear direction of the second liquid member 32 is preferably 1 / 2 or more and 3 / 2 or less, and more preferably 1 / 2 or more and 3 / 4 or less.

[0114] The shape of the second opening 320 will now be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 11 is a view of a portion of the second liquid member 32 as seen from the rear side. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the second opening 320 is the left-right direction (an example of a third direction). The longitudinal direction of the second opening 320 is the width direction of the flat tube 28.

[0115] 10 and 11, the second opening 320 has a first region 321 and a second region 322. In this embodiment, the second opening 320 is made up of the first region 321 and the second region 322. The length of the first region 321 in the up-down direction (an example of the first direction) is shorter than the length of the second region 322 in the up-down direction (an example of the first direction). In other words, the length of the first region 321 in the up-down direction is shorter than a predetermined length, and the length of the second region 322 in the up-down direction is longer than a predetermined length. In this way, the length of the second opening 320 in the up-down direction is not constant.

[0116] The first region 321 has a short vertical length and therefore functions to improve pressure resistance. The second region 322 has a long vertical length and therefore serves as a space through which the molten brazing material moves during brazing.

[0117] The first region 321 is located in the center of the second opening 320 in the left-right direction (an example of a third direction). In other words, the first region 321 includes the center of the second opening 320 in the left-right direction. The center is the center of the left-right length, and the center portion is a region that includes the center. Here, the first region 321 overlaps with the center of the second liquid member 32 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the second opening 320, the center of the first region 321 coincides with the center of the second opening 320. The first region 321 is not located at both ends of the second opening 320 in the left-right direction. For example, it is preferable to provide the first region 321 within a range of ⅓ or less from the center to the left or right end of the second opening 320.

[0118] The second region 322 is located at both left-right ends of the second opening 320. In other words, the second region 322 includes both left-right ends of the second opening 320. Here, the second region 322 is not located at the center of the second opening 320 in the longitudinal direction of the second opening 320.

[0119] The ratio (L321 / L322) of the vertical length L321 of the first region 321 to the vertical length L322 of the second region 322 is preferably 1 / 4 or more and less than 1, and more preferably 1 / 2 or more and 3 / 4 or less. In this case, pressure resistance can be improved even when a high-pressure refrigerant such as carbon dioxide is used.

[0120] Furthermore, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the first region 321 overlaps with a fourth opening 340 (an example of a third opening) of the fourth liquid member 34, which will be described later. In this embodiment, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the center of the first region 321 overlaps with an ascending space 343 of the fourth opening 340, which will be described later. In other words, the left and right ends of the first region 321 do not overlap with the fourth opening 340 in the front-rear direction.

[0121] As described above, the second liquid member 32 has an inner edge 32a that forms the second opening 320. The inner edge 32a forms a periphery and has a portion that extends in the left-right direction and a portion that extends in the up-down direction. Specifically, the inner edge 32a has a first inner edge 32b and a second inner edge 32c. The first inner edge 32b and the second inner edge 32c extend in the left-right direction. Here, the first inner edge 32b and the second inner edge 32c extend in the longitudinal direction of the second opening 320. The first inner edge 32b is located on the upper side in the up-down direction (an example of one side in the first direction). The second inner edge 32c is located on the lower side in the up-down direction (an example of the other side in the first direction).

[0122] The first inner edge 32b has a protrusion 32b1 that protrudes downward in the vertical direction. The second inner edge 32c has a protrusion 32c1 that protrudes upward in the vertical direction. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the first inner edge 32b has one protrusion 32b1, and the second inner edge 32c has one protrusion 32c1. Here, the protrusions 32b1 and 32c1 are located in the center of the second opening 320 in the longitudinal direction. The positions and lengths of the protrusions 32b1 and 32c1 in the left-right direction are similar. The corners of the protrusions 32b1 and 32c1 are curved in an arc shape.

[0123] In the vertical direction of second opening 320, a region facing protrusions 32b1 and 32c1 is first region 321. Here, a region sandwiched between protrusions 32b1 and 32c1 is first region 321. In the vertical direction of second opening 320, a region not facing protrusion 32b1 is second region 322.

[0124] The second opening 320 is symmetrical with respect to a center line (central line) L in the left-right direction. Here, the second opening 320 is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction. Here, the second opening 320 is also symmetrical with respect to a center line in the up-down direction.

[0125] (4-3) Third liquid member The third liquid member 33 has both a function of stopping the flat tubes 28 by contact to define the insertion margin thereof and a function of adjusting the amount of refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant flow path of the liquid header portion 30 to the flat tubes 28.

[0126] 7 to 9, the third liquid member 33 is layered on the second liquid member 32 on the opposite side to the first liquid member 31 in the front-rear direction (an example of the second direction). Specifically, the third liquid member 33 is layered so as to be in contact with the front surface of the second liquid member 32. The third liquid member 33 extends in parallel to the second liquid member 32 and has a plate-like shape with its thickness direction being the extension direction of the flat tubes 28.

[0127] The third liquid member 33 extends in the vertical direction (an example of the first direction). Here, the third liquid member 33 is a flat plate that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0128] The third liquid member 33 has a plurality of third openings 330. The third openings 330 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. Fig. 12 is a rear view of the vicinity of the third openings 330 of the third liquid member 33, the flat tubes 28, and a fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34 (described later). As shown in Fig. 12, the third openings 330 are formed by an inner edge portion 33a.

[0129] The third openings 330 communicate with the refrigerant flow paths 28b of the flat tubes 28. As shown in Fig. 7, the third openings 330 are openings that penetrate the third liquid member 33 in the plate thickness direction. The multiple third openings 330 have the same shape. The center of each third opening 330 in the left-right direction coincides with the center of the third liquid member 33 in the left-right direction.

[0130] Each third opening 330 overlaps with each second opening 320 of the second liquid member 32 when viewed in the front-rear direction. Here, as shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 9, when viewed in the front-rear direction (an example of a view in the second direction), the third openings 330 are contained within the second openings 320. Therefore, each third opening 330 is in communication with each second opening 320. This allows the refrigerant flowing through the ascending space 343 of the fourth liquid member 34, which will be described later, to branch off and flow toward each third opening 330, and the refrigerant can be diverted to each flat tube 28 connected to each third opening 330.

[0131] The front surface of the third liquid member 33 other than the portion where the third opening 330 is formed forms the contour of an ascending space 343, which will be described later.

[0132] 13 is a partial perspective view showing the third liquid member 33, the fourth liquid member 34, and the flat tube 28. As shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, when viewed in the plate thickness direction (an example of a view in the second direction), the inner edge portion 33a forming the third opening 330 overlaps with the flat tube 28. As a result, the third opening 330 determines the insertion position of the flat tube 28 by restricting the insertion of the flat tube 28.

[0133] In this embodiment, both longitudinal ends of the cross section of the flat tube 28 overlap the inner edge portions 33a that form the third opening 330. In other words, the length of the third opening 330 in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the flat tube 28. Note that in FIG. 12 , the length of the third opening 330 in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the flat tube 28. As a result, the flat tube 28 abuts against the inner edge portions 33a located outside both left-right ends of the third opening 330, restricting the insertion of the flat tube 28 and determining the insertion position of the flat tube 28.

[0134] The shape of the third opening 330 will now be described with reference to Fig. 12. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the third opening 330 is the left-right direction (an example of a third direction). The longitudinal direction of the third opening 330 is the width direction of the flat tube 28.

[0135] 12, the third opening 330 has a first region 331 and a second region 332. In this embodiment, the third opening 330 is made up of the first region 331 and the second region 332. The length of the first region 331 in the up-down direction (an example of the first direction) is shorter than the length of the second region 332 in the up-down direction (an example of the first direction). In other words, the length of the first region 331 in the up-down direction is shorter than a predetermined length, and the length of the second region 332 in the up-down direction is longer than a predetermined length. In this way, the length of the third opening 330 in the up-down direction is not constant.

[0136] The first region 331 has a short vertical length and overlaps with the fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34, so it adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing from the fourth opening 340. The flow rate of the refrigerant can be controlled by adjusting the vertical length of the first region 331. The second region 332 becomes a space through which the molten brazing material moves during brazing.

[0137] The first region 331 is located in the center of the third opening 330 in the left-right direction (an example of the third direction). In other words, the first region 331 includes the center of the third opening 330 in the left-right direction. The center is the center of the left-right length, and the center portion is a region that includes the center. Here, the first region 331 overlaps with the center of the third liquid member 33 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the third opening 330, the center of the first region 331 coincides with the center of the third opening 330.

[0138] The second region 332 is located at both left-right ends of the third opening 330. In other words, the second region 332 includes both left-right ends of the third opening 330. Here, the second region 332 is not located at the center of the third opening 330 in the longitudinal direction of the third opening 330.

[0139] In this case, even when a high-pressure refrigerant such as carbon dioxide is used, the pressure resistance can be improved.

[0140] The third opening 330 is symmetrical with respect to the center line L in the left-right direction. Here, the third opening 330 is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction. Here, the third opening 330 is also symmetrical with respect to the center line L in the up-down direction.

[0141] As described above, the third liquid member 33 has an inner edge 33a that forms the third opening 330. The inner edge 33a forms a periphery and has a portion that extends in the left-right direction and a portion that extends in the up-down direction. Specifically, the inner edge 33a has a first inner edge 33b and a second inner edge 33c. The first inner edge 33b and the second inner edge 33c extend in the left-right direction. Here, the first inner edge 33b and the second inner edge 33c extend in the longitudinal direction of the third opening 330. The first inner edge 33b is located on the upper side in the up-down direction (an example of one side in the first direction). The second inner edge 33c is located on the lower side in the up-down direction (an example of the other side in the first direction).

[0142] The first inner edge 33b has a protrusion 33b1 that protrudes downward in the vertical direction. The second inner edge 33c has a protrusion 33c1 that protrudes upward in the vertical direction. In FIG. 12, the first inner edge 33b has one protrusion 33b1, and the second inner edge 33c has one protrusion 33c1. Here, the protrusions 33b1 and 33c1 are located in the longitudinal center of the third opening 330. The positions and lengths of the protrusions 33b1 and 33c1 in the left-right direction are the same. The corners of the protrusions 33b1 and 33c1 are curved in an arc shape.

[0143] In the vertical direction of the third opening 330, a region facing the protrusions 33b1 and 33c1 is the first region 331. Here, the region sandwiched between the protrusions 33b1 and 33c1 is the first region 331. In the vertical direction of the third opening 330, a region not facing the protrusion 33b1 is the second region 332.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 12 , a region R1 where the inner edge 33a and the flat tubes 28 overlap is different from a region R2 where the inner edge 33a and the fourth opening 340 (described later) overlap. Here, the region R1 is a region where the vertically extending portion of the inner edge 33a overlaps with both left-right ends of the flat tubes 28. The inner edge 33a constituting the region R1 has the function of determining the insertion position of the flat tubes 28 in the third liquid member 33. The region R2 is a region where the portions of the first inner edge 33b and the second inner edge 33c extending in the left-right direction that form the first region 331 overlap with the rising space 343 of the fourth opening 340 (described later). The region R2 has the function of adjusting the amount of refrigerant flowing from the fourth opening 340. In this way, in this embodiment, the function of stopping the flat tubes 28 by hitting them and the function of adjusting the amount of refrigerant are achieved by different portions of the third opening 330.

[0145] (4-4) Fourth liquid member 7 to 9, the fourth liquid member 34 is layered on the third liquid member 33 on the opposite side to the second liquid member 32 in the front-rear direction (an example of the second direction). Specifically, the fourth liquid member 34 is layered so as to be in contact with the front surface of the third liquid member 33. The fourth liquid member 34 extends in parallel to the third liquid member 33 and has a plate-like shape with its thickness direction being the extension direction of the flat tubes 28.

[0146] The fourth liquid member 34 extends in the vertical direction (an example of the first direction). Here, the fourth liquid member 34 is a flat plate that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0147] The fourth liquid member 34 has a fourth opening 340 (an example of a third opening) that forms a flow path for the coolant. The fourth opening 340 is an opening formed so as to penetrate the fourth liquid member 34 in the plate thickness direction.

[0148] In this embodiment, the fourth opening 340 has an introduction space 341, a nozzle 342, and an ascending space 343. The introduction space 341, the nozzle 342, and the ascending space 343 are arranged in order from the bottom up in the vertical direction.

[0149] The introduction space 341, the nozzle 342, and the rising space 343 are spaces sandwiched in the front-rear direction between the front surface of the third liquid member 33 and the rear surface of a fifth liquid member 35 (described later). The introduction space 341, the nozzle 342, and the rising space 343 form a blow-up space through which the refrigerant flows from below (an example of one first direction) to above (an example of the other first direction).

[0150] The introduction space 341 faces the third liquid member 33, and does not overlap the third opening 330 in a front-rear view, and does not communicate with the third opening 330. Note that, in a front-rear view, the introduction space 341 overlaps a second communication opening 351 of the fifth liquid member 35, which will be described later, and communicates with the second communication opening 351. As such, the rear side of the introduction space 341 is covered with the plate-like portion of the third liquid member 33, and the gas-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase refrigerant that have flowed into the introduction space 341 are mixed when they hit the third liquid member 33, and it is possible to send the refrigerant in a mixed state of gas-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase refrigerant to the nozzle 342.

[0151] The nozzle 342 faces the third liquid member 33, does not overlap the third opening 330 in the front-rear view, and does not communicate with the third opening 330. The nozzle 342 faces the fifth liquid member 35, which will be described later, and does not overlap the second communication opening 351, the return flow path 352, or the forward flow path 353 in the front-rear view, and does not communicate with any of these. The nozzle 342 is provided near the center of the fourth liquid member 34 in the left-right direction.

[0152] The rising space 343 overlaps with the plurality of third openings 330 in a front-rear view and is in communication with the plurality of third openings 330. Note that the rising space 343 does not overlap with a second communication opening 351 (described later) in a front-rear view, but overlaps with a return flow path 352 and an outward flow path 353. Therefore, the rising space 343 does not communicate with the second communication opening 351, but communicates with the return flow path 352 and the outward flow path 353. Note that the longitudinal length of the liquid header section 30 in the rising space 343 is longer than the longitudinal length of the liquid header section 30 in the introduction space 341 and is longer than the longitudinal length of the liquid header section 30 in the nozzle 342. This makes it possible to increase the number of flat tubes 28 in communication via the rising space 343.

[0153] The rising space 343 defines a refrigerant flow path, through which the refrigerant flows in a blowing-up manner along the longitudinal direction of the liquid header section 30, by the front surface of the third liquid member 33, the rear surface of the fifth liquid member 35 (described later), and the thickness portions of the left and right edges of the fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34. This makes it difficult for errors in the flow path cross-sectional area to occur during manufacturing, and provides a structure that makes it easy to obtain a liquid header section 30 that allows the refrigerant to flow by rising stably.

[0154] The length of the nozzle 342 in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the introduction space 341 in the left-right direction, and is also shorter than the length of the rising space 343 in the left-right direction. As a result, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used as a refrigerant evaporator, the flow velocity of the refrigerant sent to the introduction space 341 is increased as it passes through the nozzle 342, making it easier for the refrigerant to reach the upper part of the rising space 343. Note that the left-right width of the rising space 343 is narrower than the left-right width of the introduction space 341, and the cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant passes in the rising space 343 can be reduced, making it possible to maintain a high flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing upward in the rising space 343.

[0155] In addition, in a front-rear view, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the center of the introduction space 341 in the left-right direction. In a front-rear view, the connection point between the introduction space 341 and the corresponding liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a, the nozzle 342, and the rising space 343 are aligned vertically. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a flows through the seventh opening 370 of the seventh liquid member 37, the first communication opening 361 of the sixth opening 360 of the sixth liquid member 36, and the second communication opening 351, described below, into the left-right center of the introduction space 341 of the fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34, and then blows up vertically from the introduction space 341 through the nozzle 342 toward the rising space 343 without or with little left-right movement. In this way, the fourth opening 340 forms a blow-up space through which the refrigerant flows from below upward.

[0156] Here, the relationship between the third opening 330 and the fourth opening 340 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0157] 12 and 13 , when viewed in the front-rear direction (an example of a second direction view), the fourth opening 340 overlaps with the plurality of third openings 330. More specifically, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the rising space 343 of the fourth opening 340 overlaps with the first regions 331 of the plurality of third openings 330. Furthermore, when viewed in the front-rear direction (when viewed in the second direction), the second region 332 of the third opening 330 overlaps with a portion of the fourth liquid member 34 other than the fourth opening 340. Here, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the entire second region 332 overlaps with a portion of the fourth liquid member 34 other than the fourth opening 340. In other words, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the fourth opening 340 does not overlap with the second region 332.

[0158] Furthermore, when viewed in the front-rear direction, both ends of the first region 331 in the left-right direction are located outside the fourth opening 340. Here, when viewed in the front-rear direction, both ends of the first region 331 in the left-right direction are located outside both ends of the ascending space 343 of the fourth opening 340 in the left-right direction. In other words, the length of the first region 331 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the ascending space 343 in the left-right direction. Here, the length of the first region 331 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the fourth opening 340 in the left-right direction.

[0159] (4-5) Fifth liquid member The fifth liquid member 35 is layered on the fourth liquid member 34 on the opposite side to the third liquid member 33 in the front-rear direction (an example of the second direction). Specifically, the fifth liquid member 35 is layered so as to be in contact with the front surface of the fourth liquid member 34. The fifth liquid member 35 extends in parallel to the fourth liquid member 34, and has a plate-like shape with its thickness direction being the extension direction of the flat tubes 28.

[0160] The fifth liquid member 35 extends in the vertical direction (an example of the first direction). Here, the fifth liquid member 35 is a flat plate that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0161] The fifth liquid member 35 has a fifth opening 350 that constitutes a flow path for the coolant. The fifth opening 350 is an opening formed so as to penetrate the fifth liquid member 35 in the plate thickness direction.

[0162] In this embodiment, the fifth opening 350 has a second communication opening 351, a return flow path 352, and a forward flow path 353. The second communication opening 351, the return flow path 352, and the forward flow path 353 are independent openings arranged side by side in this order from the bottom up.

[0163] The second communication opening 351 overlaps with the introduction space 341 of the fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34 in a front-rear view, and they are in communication with each other. Furthermore, the second communication opening 351 overlaps with the first communication opening 361 of the sixth liquid member 36, which will be described later, in a front-rear view, and they are in communication with each other. The second communication opening 351 does not overlap with or communicate with the nozzle 342 and the ascending space 343 of the fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34 in a front-rear view, and they are not in communication with each other. Furthermore, the second communication opening 351 does not overlap with or communicate with the descending space 362 of the sixth liquid member 36, which will be described later, in a front-rear view.

[0164] When viewed in the front-rear direction, the return flow path 352 overlaps with a portion of the first opening of the fourth liquid member 34 near the lower end of the ascending space 343, and is in communication with the portion near the lower end of the ascending space 343. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the return flow path 352 does not overlap with the nozzle 342, and is not in communication with the nozzle 342.

[0165] When viewed in the front-rear direction, the forward flow path 353 overlaps a portion of the fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34 near the upper end of the ascending space 343, and is in communication with the portion of the ascending space 343 near the upper end. In this embodiment, when the liquid header section 30 is viewed in the stacking direction of the components, the area of ​​the forward flow path 353 is larger than the area of ​​the return flow path 352. This makes it easier for the refrigerant that rises in the ascending space 343 and reaches the vicinity of the upper end to pass through the forward flow path 353. In this embodiment, when the liquid header section 30 is viewed in the stacking direction of the components, the area of ​​the return flow path 352 is smaller than the area of ​​the forward flow path 353. This makes it possible to prevent the refrigerant from flowing back from the ascending space 343 to the return flow path 352.

[0166] (4-6) Sixth liquid member The sixth liquid member 36 is layered on the fifth liquid member 35 on the opposite side to the fourth liquid member 34 in the front-rear direction (an example of the second direction). Specifically, the sixth liquid member 36 is layered so as to be in contact with the front surface of the fifth liquid member 35. The sixth liquid member 36 extends in parallel to the fifth liquid member 35, and has a plate-like shape with its thickness direction being the extension direction of the flat tubes 28.

[0167] The sixth liquid member 36 extends in the vertical direction (an example of a first direction). Here, the sixth liquid member 36 is a flat plate that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0168] The sixth liquid member 36 has a sixth opening 360 that constitutes a flow path for the coolant. The sixth opening 360 is an opening formed so as to penetrate the sixth liquid member 36 in the plate thickness direction.

[0169] In this embodiment, the sixth opening 360 has a first communication opening 361 and a descending space 362. The first communication opening 361 and the descending space 362 are independent openings arranged side by side in order from the bottom, and both are openings that penetrate in the plate thickness direction.

[0170] The first communication opening 361 overlaps with the second communication opening 351 of the fifth liquid member 35 when viewed in the front-rear direction, and they are in communication with each other. In addition, the first communication opening 361 overlaps with the seventh opening 370 of the seventh liquid member 37 (described later) when viewed in the front-rear direction, and they are in communication with each other.

[0171] The descending space 362 overlaps with the return flow path 352 and the forward flow path 353 when viewed in the front-rear direction, and is in communication with the return flow path 352 and the forward flow path 353. Note that the descending space 362 does not overlap with a seventh opening 370 of a seventh liquid member 37 (described later) when viewed in the front-rear direction, and the two do not communicate with each other.

[0172] In the longitudinal direction of the liquid header section 30, the length of the downflow space 362 is the same as the length of the upflow space 343, and they communicate with each other via the forward flow path 353 near the upper end and via the return flow path 352 near the lower end. The left-right width of the downflow space 362 is greater than the left-right width of the upflow space 343. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the flow rate of the refrigerant as it rises in the upflow space 343, while reducing pressure loss when the refrigerant passes through the downflow space 362.

[0173] (4-7) Seventh liquid member The seventh liquid member 37 is layered on the sixth liquid member 36 on the opposite side to the fifth liquid member 35 in the front-rear direction (an example of the second direction). Specifically, the seventh liquid member 37 is layered so as to be in contact with the front surface of the sixth liquid member 36. The seventh liquid member 37 extends in parallel to the sixth liquid member 36 and has a plate-like shape with its thickness direction being the extension direction of the flat tubes 28.

[0174] The seventh liquid member 37 extends in the vertical direction (an example of the first direction). Here, the seventh liquid member 37 is a flat plate that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0175] The seventh liquid member 37 forms the outer periphery of the liquid header portion 30. By making the seventh liquid member 37 plate-shaped, it is possible to improve pressure resistance.

[0176] The seventh liquid member 37 has a front surface that is in contact with the first claw portion 31d and the second claw portion 31e of the first liquid member 31 and is crimped.

[0177] The seventh liquid member 37 has a seventh opening 370. The seventh opening 370 is an opening that penetrates in the plate thickness direction. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the seventh opening 370 overlaps with a portion of the first communication opening 361 of the sixth liquid member 36, and the two liquid members are in communication with each other. However, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the seventh opening 370 does not overlap with or communicate with the descending space 362 of the sixth liquid member 36.

[0178] The seventh opening 370 is a circular opening into which the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a is inserted and connected. As a result, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a is sent to the introduction space 341 of the fourth opening 340 via the first communication opening 361 and the second communication opening 351.

[0179] (5) Refrigerant flow in the liquid header The following describes the flow of refrigerant in the liquid header section 30 when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator, the flow is generally reverse to when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator.

[0180] Liquid refrigerant or refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state flows through the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a, passes through the seventh opening 370 of the seventh liquid member 37, and flows into the first communication opening 361 of the sixth liquid member 36. The refrigerant that flows into the first communication opening 361 flows through the second communication opening 351 of the fifth liquid member 35 and into the introduction space 341 of the fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34. The refrigerant that flows into the introduction space 341 increases its flow velocity as it passes through the nozzle 342, and rises in the rising space 343. Note that because the width of the rising space 343 in the left-right direction is narrower than that of the introduction space 341, the refrigerant that flows into the rising space 343 is more likely to reach the multiple third openings 330 of the third liquid member 33 located near the upper end of the rising space 343, even when the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 6 is low, such as when the driving frequency of the compressor 8 is low.

[0181] The refrigerant that flows into the ascending space 343 branches off and flows toward the first region 331 of each third opening 330, and heads toward the vicinity of the upper end of the ascending space 343. When the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 6 is large, such as when the driving frequency of the compressor 8 is high, more refrigerant reaches the vicinity of the upper end of the ascending space 343, and the refrigerant reaches the descending space 362 of the sixth liquid member 36 via the forward flow path 353 of the fifth liquid member 35. The refrigerant that reaches the descending space 362 descends and is returned again via the return flow path 352 of the fifth liquid member 35 to the space above the nozzle 342, near the bottom of the ascending space 343 of the fourth liquid member 34. Here, in the ascending space 343, the flow velocity of the refrigerant increases as it passes through the nozzle 342, so the static pressure in the portion of the ascending space 343 near the return flow path 352 is lower than that in the portion of the descending space 362 near the return flow path 352. Therefore, the refrigerant that has descended in the descending space 362 is easily returned to the ascending space 343 via the return flow path 352. In this way, the refrigerant can be circulated through the ascending space 343, the forward flow path 353, the descending space 362, and the return flow path 352. Therefore, even if some of the refrigerant branches off and does not flow into any of the third openings 330 while flowing upward in the ascending space 343, the refrigerant can be returned to the ascending space 343 again via the forward flow path 353, the descending space 362, and the return flow path 352, making it easy for the refrigerant to flow into any of the third openings 330.

[0182] Because the fourth openings 340 constituting the refrigerant flow path overlap with the plurality of third openings 330, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out from the fourth openings 340 constituting the refrigerant flow path is adjusted and flows into the first regions 331 of each third opening 330. The refrigerant that is divided and flows into each first region 331 flows into the flow paths 28b of each flat tube 28 via the second openings 320 of the second liquid member 32 while maintaining its divided state.

[0183] As described above, the fourth opening 340 of the fourth liquid member 34, the fifth opening 350 of the fifth liquid member 35, and the sixth opening 360 of the sixth liquid member 36 form a loop structure in which the refrigerant circulates within the liquid header portion 30. The fourth opening 340 forms a blow-up space in which the refrigerant flows from below to above.

[0184] (6) Gas header section Fig. 14 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the gas header unit 50. In Fig. 14, the two-dot chain arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant.

[0185] The gas header section 50 has a first gas member 51, a second gas member 52, and a third gas member 53. The gas header section 50 is configured by joining the first gas member 51, the second gas member 52, and the third gas member 53 to one another by brazing.

[0186] The first gas member 51 is similar to the first liquid member 31. Therefore, the first gas member 51 has an opening 510 for inserting the flat tube 28. In this embodiment, the first gas member 51 is continuous with the first liquid member 31 in the up-down direction. Therefore, the first liquid member 31 and the first gas member 51 are plate-like members extending from the upper end to the lower end of the inlet / outlet header 40.

[0187] The second gas member 52 is similar to the second liquid member 32. Therefore, the second gas member 52 has an opening 520 into which the flat tube 28 is inserted. In this embodiment, the second gas member 52 is continuous with the second liquid member 32 in the up-down direction. Therefore, the second liquid member 32 and the second gas member 52 are plate-like members that extend from the upper end to the lower end of the inlet / outlet header 40.

[0188] The third gas member 53 is stacked on the second gas member 52 on the opposite side to the first gas member 51 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the third gas member 53 is stacked so as to be in contact with the front surface of the second gas member 52. The third gas member 53 extends in parallel to the second gas member 52 and has a plate-like shape with its thickness direction aligned with the extension direction of the flat tubes 28.

[0189] The third gas member 53 has a plurality of openings 530. The plurality of openings 530 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the third gas member 53 in the plate thickness direction.

[0190] When viewed in the front-rear direction, the left and right edges of each opening 530 are located more inward than the opening 520 of the second gas member 52 and more inward than the openings 510 of the first gas member 51. The left-right width of the multiple openings 530 of the third gas member 53 is narrower than the left-right width of the flat tube 28.

[0191] The upper and lower edges of the plurality of openings 530 of the third gas member 53 are located outside the openings 510 of the first gas member 51 when viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0192] This allows the vicinity of both left and right ends of the tip of each flat tube 28 inserted into the gas header section 50 to abut against the inner edge forming each opening 530 of the third gas member 53, thereby determining the degree to which the flat tube 28 is inserted into the gas header section 50.

[0193] The fourth gas member 54 has a plate-shaped portion 54a and a semicircular portion 54b. The plate-shaped portion 54a is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions on both the left and right sides of the semicircular portion 54b.

[0194] The semicircular portion 54b is provided to connect the right and left sides of the plate-shaped portion 54a. The semicircular portion 54b is a semicircular arc-shaped portion formed by half of an arc whose axial direction is the longitudinal direction of the gas header portion 50. The semicircular portion 54b bulges outward from the plate-shaped portion 54a toward the side opposite to the first gas member 51. The semicircular portion 54b is provided with an opening 510 that is connected to the gas refrigerant connection piping 19a of the first gas refrigerant pipe 19.

[0195] The fourth gas member 54 is in contact with the claw portions 51c of the first gas member 51 at the left and right portions of the plate-shaped portion 54a, and is crimped by the claw portions of the first gas member 51.

[0196] The partition plate 41 and the upper lid 42 are provided between the second gas member 52 and the fourth gas member 54, and function as a lower lid and an upper lid for forming the internal space of the gas header unit 50.

[0197] (7) Features (7-1) The outdoor heat exchanger 11 as a heat exchanger of this embodiment includes a plurality of flat tubes 28, fins 29, and a liquid header section 30. The plurality of flat tubes 28 are aligned in the up-down direction (first direction). The flat tubes 28 are connected to the fins 29. The liquid header section 30 includes a second liquid member 32 (first member) and a first liquid member 31 (second member). The second liquid member 32 has a second opening 320 (first opening). The flat tubes 28 are inserted into the second opening 320. The first liquid member 31 is stacked on the fin 29 side of the second liquid member 32 in the front-rear direction (second direction) in which the flat tubes 28 extend. The first liquid member 31 has a first opening 310 (second opening). The first opening 310 is along the outer edge of the flat tubes 28. The second opening 320 has a first region 321 and a second region 322. The length of the first region 321 in the vertical direction is shorter than a predetermined length. The length of the second region 322 in the vertical direction is longer than a predetermined length.

[0198] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment, the width (vertical length) of the second opening 320 is not constant. Therefore, by positioning the first region 321, which has a short vertical length, in the second opening 320 at a location that has a large effect on the pressure resistance strength, deformation of the second liquid member 32 is suppressed, and damage to the flat tubes 28 due to being pulled can be suppressed. Therefore, the pressure resistance of the liquid header section 30 can be improved.

[0199] Furthermore, the second region 322 having a long length in the vertical direction can prevent the weight of the second liquid member 32 from increasing.

[0200] Furthermore, when the first liquid member 31 and the second liquid member 32 are brazed, the molten brazing material can move to the second region 322, which has a longer vertical length in the second opening 320. This prevents the brazing material from clogging the flow path 28b of the flat tube 28.

[0201] Furthermore, by reducing the number of components that make up the liquid header portion 30, the heat capacity is reduced, and the brazing time can be shortened.

[0202] (7-2) In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this embodiment, the first region 321 is located in the center in the left-right direction (third direction) intersecting the up-down direction (first direction) and the front-rear direction (second direction).

[0203] The present inventors have discovered that the problem of damage to the flat tubes 28 due to deformation of the first liquid member 31 is particularly caused by the large central portion of the second opening 320 of the second liquid member 32. For this reason, here, the length of the first region 321 located in the central portion of the second opening 320, which has a large effect on pressure resistance, is shortened. This makes it possible to further improve pressure resistance.

[0204] (7-3) In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as a heat exchanger of this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the second opening 320 (first opening) is a left-right direction (third direction) that intersects with the up-down direction (first direction) and the front-rear direction (second direction). The second liquid member 32 (first member) has an inner edge 32a that forms the second opening 320 (first opening). The inner edge 32a has a first inner edge 32b on the upper side (one side) in the first direction and a second inner edge 32c on the lower side (the other side).

[0205] Here, the longitudinal direction of the second opening 320 is the same as the width direction of the flat tube 28 , so that the flat tube 28 can be easily inserted into the second opening 320 .

[0206] (7-4) In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this embodiment, the first inner edge portion 32b has a protrusion 32b1 that protrudes downward (to the other side) in the vertical direction (first direction), and the second inner edge portion 32c has a protrusion 32c1 that protrudes upward (to one side) in the vertical direction (first direction).

[0207] In this way, the inner edge 32a forming the second opening 320 may have protrusions 32b1 and 32c1 on both sides of the longitudinal direction.

[0208] (7-5) In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this embodiment, the second opening 320 (first opening) is symmetrical with respect to a center line in the left-right direction (third direction) that intersects the up-down direction (first direction) and the front-back direction (second direction).

[0209] Here, since the second opening 320 has symmetry in the longitudinal direction, the second liquid member 32 can be applied to other locations.

[0210] (7-6) The outdoor heat exchanger 11 as a heat exchanger of this embodiment further includes a fourth liquid member 34 (third member) stacked on the opposite side of the fins 29 of the second liquid member 32 (first member) in the front-rear direction (second direction) and having fourth openings 340 (third openings) that form a refrigerant flow path. When viewed in the front-rear direction (second direction), the first region 321 and the fourth openings 340 overlap.

[0211] Here, the coolant can flow from the fourth opening 340 that constitutes the coolant flow path to the first region 321 of the second opening 320.

[0212] (7-7) In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this embodiment, the second regions 322 are located at both ends in the left-right direction (third direction) intersecting the up-down direction (first direction) and the front-rear direction (second direction).

[0213] Here, during brazing, the molten brazing material easily moves to the second regions 322 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction, so clogging with brazing material can be suppressed.

[0214] (7-8) In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this embodiment, the ratio of the length of the first region 321 in the up-down direction (first direction) to the length of the second region 322 in the first direction is 1 / 4 or more and less than 1 / 1.

[0215] Here, since the length ratio between the first region 321, which contributes greatly to the pressure resistance strength, and the second region 322, which contributes little to the pressure resistance strength, is within the above range, it is possible to effectively improve the pressure resistance and prevent the brazing material from clogging.

[0216] (7-9) In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this embodiment, the ratio of the length of the first liquid member 31 (second member) in the second direction to the length of the second liquid member 32 (first member) in the front-to-rear direction (second direction) is greater than or equal to 1 / 2 and less than or equal to 3 / 2.

[0217] The inventors have found that the smaller the length (thickness) in the front-rear direction of the first liquid member 31, the more likely it is that the pressure resistance will be low. Here, the length in the up-down direction of the first region 321, which has a large effect on the pressure resistance strength, is made short, so that damage to the flat tubes 28 can be suppressed regardless of the thickness of the first liquid member 31, including when the thickness of the first liquid member 31 is small.

[0218] Furthermore, the inventor has discovered that in a liquid header section 30 in which the ratio of the second direction length of the first liquid member 31 (second member) to the front-to-back length of the second liquid member 32 is 1 / 2 or more and 3 / 2 or less, the amount of distortion can be reduced by approximately 10% by making the ratio of the first direction length of the first region 321 to the up-to-down length of the second region 322 1 / 4 or more and less than 1.

[0219] (7-10) In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this embodiment, the refrigerant contains carbon dioxide. Here, since pressure resistance can be improved, it is possible to use a refrigerant containing carbon dioxide.

[0220] (7-11) The outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as a heat exchanger of this embodiment further includes a third liquid member 33 (fourth member). The third liquid member is stacked on the opposite side of the second liquid member 32 (first member) from the fins 29 in the front-rear direction (second direction). The third liquid member 33 has a third opening 330 (fourth opening). When viewed in the second direction, an inner edge portion 33a (third inner edge portion) forming the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 overlaps with the flat tubes 28. The third opening 330 has a first region 321 (third region) and a second region 332 (fourth region). The length of the first region 321 in the first direction is shorter than a predetermined length. The second region 332 is longer than the predetermined length.

[0221] Here, the inner edge 33a that forms the third opening 320 of the third liquid member 33 overlaps with the flat tubes 28, so that the flat tubes 28 can be brought into contact with the inner edge 33a. Therefore, the third liquid member 33 can determine the insertion position of the flat tubes 28 within the liquid header portion 30.

[0222] Furthermore, during brazing, the molten brazing material can move to the second region 332 that is longer in the first direction in the third opening 330. This prevents the brazing material from clogging the flow path of the flat tube 28.

[0223] (7-12) The air conditioner 1 as a refrigeration device of this embodiment is equipped with any one of the above outdoor heat exchangers 11. Here, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is provided, which can reduce the number of components that make up the liquid header section 30, thereby reducing costs.

[0224] Furthermore, the refrigeration system including the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this embodiment is configured to be able to operate using a high-pressure refrigerant having a pressure exceeding 5 MPa.

[0225] (8) Variations (8-1) Variation 1 In the above embodiment, the upper first inner edge portion 32b forming the second opening 320 has one protrusion 32b1, and the lower second inner edge portion 32c has one protrusion 32c1, but this is not limited to this. In this modification, as shown in Fig. 15, at least one of the first inner edge portion 32b and the second inner edge portion 32c has multiple protrusions. Note that Fig. 15 is a view of the second liquid member 32 of Modification 1, in the vicinity of the second opening 320, and the flat tubes 28, as viewed from the rear.

[0226] Specifically, the first inner edge 32b located on the upper side forming the second opening 320 has multiple protrusions 32b1, and the second inner edge 32c located on the lower side has multiple protrusions 32c1. Here, the first inner edge 32b has two protrusions 32b1, and the second inner edge 32c has two protrusions 32c1. The two upper protrusions 32b1 and the two lower protrusions 32c1 face each other. The two upper protrusions 32b1 have the same length in the left-right direction. The two lower protrusions 32c1 have the same length in the left-right direction.

[0227] The second opening 320 has two first regions 321 and three second regions 322. The first regions 321 and the second regions 322 are positioned alternately in the left-right direction. Here, the second region 322, the first region 321, the second region 322, the first region 321, and the second region 322 are positioned from one side to the other in the left-right direction.

[0228] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this modified example, at least one of the first inner edge portion 32b and the second inner edge portion 32c that form the second opening 320 has multiple protrusions 32b1, 32c1. In this manner, the inner edge portion 32a that forms the second opening 320 may have multiple protrusions 32b1, 32c1 on at least one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0229] (8-2) Variation 2 In the first modification, the protrusions have the same length in the left-right direction, but this is not limited to this. In this modification, the protrusions have different lengths in the left-right direction, as shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a rear view of the second opening 320 and the flat tube 28 of the second liquid member 32 in the second modification 2.

[0230] Specifically, the first inner edge 32b has three protrusions 32b1, and the second inner edge 32c has three protrusions 32c1. The three upper protrusions 32b1 and the three lower protrusions 32c1 face each other. The two upper protrusions 32b1 near both ends have the same left-right length. However, the two upper protrusions 32b1 near both ends have a shorter left-right length than the central protrusion 32b1. The two lower protrusions 32c1 near both ends have the same left-right length. However, the two lower protrusions 32c1 near both ends have a shorter left-right length than the central protrusion 32c1.

[0231] The second opening 320 has three first regions 321 and four second regions 322. The first regions 321 and second regions 322 are positioned alternately in the left-right direction. Here, the left-right length of the first region 321 positioned in the center is different from the left-right length of the first region 321 not positioned in the center. Furthermore, the left-right length of the second regions 322 positioned at both ends is different from the left-right length of the second region 322 closer to the center.

[0232] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this modified example, the lengths of the multiple protrusions 32b1, 32c1 in the left-right direction (third direction) are different. In this manner, the inner edge portion 32a that forms the second opening 320 may have the protrusions 32b1, 32c1 with different lengths in the longitudinal direction.

[0233] (8-3) Variation 3 In the above embodiment, the second opening 320 is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, but this is not limiting. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 17, the second opening 320 is symmetrical with respect to the center line L in the left-right direction, but is not symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction. Note that Fig. 17 is a view of the vicinity of the second opening 320 of the second liquid member 32 of modified example 3 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear.

[0234] Specifically, the left-right position of protrusion 32b1 of first inner edge 32b located on the upper side that forms second opening 320 is different from the left-right position of protrusion 32c1 of second inner edge 33c located on the lower side. In other words, protrusion 32b1 of first inner edge 32b and second inner edge 32c do not face each other.

[0235] In second opening 320, a region formed by at least one of protrusion 32b1 and protrusion 32c1 is first region 321, and a region formed by other than protrusion 32b1 and protrusion 32c1 is second region 322.

[0236] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this modified example, the second openings 320 are asymmetric with respect to the center line in the up-down direction (first direction). In this way, the second openings 320 may be provided asymmetric in the short-side direction.

[0237] (8-4) Variation 4 In the above embodiment, the second opening 320 is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, but this is not limiting. In this modification, as shown in Fig. 18, the second opening 320 is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction but is not symmetrical with respect to the center line L in the left-right direction. Note that Fig. 18 is a view of the vicinity of the second opening 320 of the second liquid member 32 and the flat tubes 28 of modification 4 as viewed from the rear.

[0238] Specifically, the center of the second opening 320 in the left-right direction is different from the center of the first region 321 in the left-right direction. Here, the second regions 322 are located at both ends in the left-right direction, and the second regions 322 located at both ends have different left-right lengths. In this modification, the first region 321 is located at the center of the second opening 320 in the longitudinal direction.

[0239] Furthermore, the left-right center of protrusion 32b1 of first inner edge 32b that forms second opening 320 is different from the center of first inner edge 32b. Furthermore, the left-right center of protrusion 32c1 of second inner edge 32c that forms second opening 320 is different from the left-right center of second inner edge 32c.

[0240] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this modified example is asymmetric with respect to the center line L in the left-right direction (third direction). In this way, the second openings 320 may be provided asymmetrically in the longitudinal direction.

[0241] When viewed in the front-rear direction (when viewed in the second direction), it is preferable that the first region 321 of the second opening 320 is arranged so as to overlap with the fourth opening 340 that constitutes the refrigerant flow path of the fourth liquid member 34. For this reason, this modified example is preferably used when the center of the fourth opening 340 in the left-right direction is shifted toward the end.

[0242] (8-5) Variation 5 In the above embodiment, an example of the shape of the second opening 320 is illustrated in Fig. 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 26, the second opening 320 of this modification has a ratio (L321 / L322) of the length L321 of the first region 321 to the length L322 of the second region 322 in the up-down direction (first direction) that is greater than that of the above embodiment. Note that Fig. 26 is a view of the vicinity of the second opening 320 of the second liquid member 32 of modification 5 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear.

[0243] In addition, in the left-right direction (third direction), the ratio (L'322 / L'321) of the length L'322 of the second region 322 on one side to the length L'321 of the first region 321 is smaller than in the above embodiment. In the left-right direction (third direction), the ratio (L'322 / L'321) of the length L'322 of the second region 322 on one side to the length L'321 of the first region 321 is, for example, 1 / 20 or more and less than 1 / 2.

[0244] (8-6) Variation 6 (8-6-1) Configuration In the above embodiment, one end and the other end of the second opening 320 in the third direction do not have any irregularities, but this is not limited to this. In the second opening 320 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 27, one end of the inner edge portion 32a in the third direction has a recess 32d. The recess 32d is a brazing material reservoir for accumulating brazing material. Note that FIG. 27 is a rear view of the second opening 320 and the flat tube 28 of the second liquid member 32 of modified example 6.

[0245] In detail, as shown in FIG. 27, the inner edge portion 32a has, as the recesses 32d, a first recess 32d1, a second recess 32d2, a third recess 32d3, and a fourth recess 32d4.

[0246] The first recess 32d1 is located at the right end of the inner edge 32a in the left-right direction and at the upper end of the inner edge 32a in the up-down direction. The first recess 32d1 is recessed upward.

[0247] The second recess 32d2 is located at the right end of the inner edge 32a in the left-right direction and at the lower end of the inner edge 32a in the up-down direction. The second recess 32d2 is recessed downward.

[0248] The third recess 32d3 is located at the left end of the inner edge 32a in the left-right direction and at the upper end of the inner edge 32a in the up-down direction. The third recess 32d3 is recessed upward.

[0249] The fourth recess 32d4 is located at the left end of the inner edge 32a in the left-right direction and at the lower end of the inner edge 32a in the up-down direction. The fourth recess 32d4 is recessed downward.

[0250] Furthermore, second opening 320 does not have to have a point-symmetric shape, but preferably does have a point-symmetric shape.

[0251] The inner edge 32a forming the first region 321 may have the recess 32d, but it is preferable that the inner edge 32a forming the second region 322 has the recess 32d.

[0252] (8-6-2) Features In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this modified example, one end of the inner edge portion 32a in the third direction has a first recess 32d1.

[0253] Here, when brazing is performed with the first recess 32d1 facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the protruding portion of the second opening 320 defined by the first recess 32d1, thereby preventing brazing clogging.

[0254] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as a heat exchanger of this modified example, the inner edge portion 32a further has a second recess 32d2, a third recess 32d3, and a fourth recess 32d4. The first recess 32d1 is located at one end of the inner edge portion 32a in the left-right direction (third direction) and at one end of the inner edge portion 32a in the up-down direction (first direction). The second recess 32d2 is located at one end of the inner edge portion 32a in the left-right direction and at the other end of the inner edge portion 32a in the up-down direction. The third recess 32d3 is located at the other end of the inner edge portion 32a in the left-right direction and at one end of the inner edge portion 32a in the up-down direction. The fourth recess 32d4 is located at the other end of the inner edge portion 32a in the left-right direction and at the other end of the inner edge portion 32a in the up-down direction.

[0255] Here, when brazing is performed with the first recess 32d1 and the second recess 32d2, or the third recess 32d3 and the fourth recess 32d4 facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the two protruding parts of the second opening 320 defined by the recess 32d facing downward in the direction of gravity, thereby further preventing brazing clogging.

[0256] 27 shows an example of four recesses 32d, but the number of recesses 32d may be 1 to 3. Furthermore, although the recesses 32d are shown as being located at one end and the other end in the left-right direction, they may be located in the center in the left-right direction.

[0257] Although the recess 32d has been exemplified as having a shape recessed in the up-down direction (first direction), it may have a shape recessed in the left-right direction (third direction). However, since the second opening 320 is for inserting the flat tube 28, the length between the left-right ends of the second liquid member 32 and the left-right ends of the second opening 320 is short, so it is preferable that the first recess 31d1, the second recess 32d2, the third recess 32d3, and the fourth recess 32d4 have a shape recessed in the up-down direction (first direction).

[0258] (8-7) Variation 7 In the above embodiment, the third opening 330 has one first region 331, but is not limited to this. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 19, the third opening 330 has a plurality of first regions 331. Note that Fig. 19 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of modified example 7 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear side.

[0259] 19, the third opening 330 has two first regions 331 and three second regions 332. The first regions 331 and the second regions 332 are positioned alternately in the left-right direction (an example of the third direction). Here, the second region 332, the first region 331, the second region 332, the first region 331, and the second region 332 are positioned from one side to the other in the left-right direction.

[0260] In this modification, the first regions 331 have the same length in the left-right direction, and the second regions 332 have the same length in the left-right direction. The first regions 331 may have the same or different shapes. The second regions 332 may have the same or different shapes.

[0261] In this modification, the second region 332 is located in the center of the third opening 330 in the longitudinal direction.

[0262] Additionally, first inner edge 33b, which is located on the upper side forming third opening 330, has multiple protrusions 33b1, and second inner edge 33c, which is located on the lower side, has multiple protrusions 33c1. Here, first inner edge 33b has two protrusions 33b1, and second inner edge 33c has two protrusions 33c1. The two protrusions 33b1 on the upper side and the two protrusions 33c1 on the lower side face each other.

[0263] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this modified example, a plurality of first regions 331 are formed in the left-right direction (third direction) of the third opening 330. In this way, a plurality of first regions 331 may be provided in the longitudinal direction.

[0264] (8-8) Variation 8 In the above embodiment, the third opening 330 is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, but this is not limiting. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 20 , the third opening 330 is symmetrical with respect to the center line L in the left-right direction, but is not symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction. Note that Fig. 20 is a rear view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 and the flat tubes 28 in modified example 8.

[0265] Specifically, the protruding length of the convex portion 33b1 of the first inner edge portion 33b located on the upper side that forms the third opening 330 is shorter than the protruding length of the convex portion 33c1 of the second inner edge portion 33c located on the lower side.

[0266] As in this modification, the third opening 330 does not have to be symmetrical with respect to the up-down direction (first direction).

[0267] (8-9) Variation 9 In the above embodiment, the first inner edge portion 33b has one convex portion 33b1, and the second inner edge portion 33c has one convex portion 33c1, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 21, one of the inner edge portions may not have a convex portion. Note that Fig. 21 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of Modification 9 and the flat tube 28 as viewed from the rear side.

[0268] Specifically, the first inner edge 33b located on the upper side that forms the third opening 330 has a protrusion 33b1. On the other hand, the second inner edge 33c located on the lower side extends linearly in the left-right direction and does not have a protrusion.

[0269] As in the eighth modification, the third opening 330 shown in FIG. 21 is symmetrical with respect to the center line L in the left-right direction, but is not symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction.

[0270] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this modified example, the inner edge 33a of the third liquid member 33 has a first inner edge 33b on the upper side (one side) in the up-down direction (first direction) and a second inner edge 33c on the lower side (the other side). The first inner edge 33b has a convex portion 33b1 that protrudes downward, or the second inner edge 33c has a convex portion 33c1 that protrudes upward. In this way, the inner edge 33a that forms the third opening 330 may have a convex portion on one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0271] (8-10) Variation 10 In the above embodiment, the third opening 330 is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, but this is not limiting. In this modification, as shown in Fig. 22, the third opening 330 is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction but is not symmetrical with respect to the center line L in the left-right direction. Note that Fig. 22 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of modification 10 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear side.

[0272] Specifically, the left-right center of the third opening 330 is different from the left-right center of the first region 331. In Fig. 22, the left-right center of the first region 331 is located closer to one end than the left-right center of the third opening.

[0273] In this modification, the second regions 332 are located at both ends in the left-right direction, and the lengths of the second regions 332 located at both ends in the left-right direction are different. In this modification, the first region 331 is located in the center of the third opening 330 in the longitudinal direction.

[0274] Furthermore, the left-right center of the protrusion 33b1 of the first inner edge 33b that forms the third opening 330 is different from the left-right center of the first inner edge 33b. The left-right center of the protrusion 33c1 of the second inner edge 33c that forms the third opening 330 is different from the left-right center of the second inner edge 33c.

[0275] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this modified example, the center of the third opening 330 in the left-right direction (third direction) is different from the center of the first region 331 in the third direction. In this way, the first region 331 may be provided at a position shifted from the center of the third opening 330 in the left-right direction.

[0276] (8-11) Variation 11 In the above embodiment, the second region 332 is located at both ends in the left-right direction, but is not limited to this. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 23, the second region 332 is located at only one end of the third opening 330. Note that Fig. 23 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of modified example 11 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear.

[0277] Specifically, the first region 331 is located at one end in the left-right direction of the third opening 330. The left-right length of the first region 331 is longer than the left-right length of the second region 332. In this modification, the first region 331 is located in the center of the third opening 330 in the longitudinal direction.

[0278] Similarly to the tenth modification, the third opening 330 of this modification is symmetrical with respect to the center line in the up-down direction, but is not symmetrical with respect to the center line L in the left-right direction. The center of the third opening 330 in the left-right direction and the center of the first region 331 in the third direction are different.

[0279] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of this modified example, the first region 331 is located at one end in the left-right direction (third direction) of the third opening 330. In this manner, the first region 331 may be provided at one end in the longitudinal direction.

[0280] (8-12) Variation 12 (8-12-1) Configuration In the above embodiment, one end and the other end of the third opening 330 in the third direction do not have any irregularities, but this is not limited to this. In the third opening 330 of this modification, as shown in FIG. 28, one end of the inner edge portion 33a in the third direction has a recess 33d. The recess 33d is a brazing material reservoir for accumulating brazing material. Note that FIG. 28 is a rear view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of modification 12 and the flat tube 28.

[0281] In detail, as shown in FIG. 28, the inner edge portion 33a has, as the recesses 33d, a first recess 33d1, a second recess 33d2, a third recess 33d3, and a fourth recess 33d4.

[0282] The first recess 33d1 is located at the right end of the inner edge 33a in the left-right direction and at the upper end of the inner edge 33a in the up-down direction. The first recess 33d1 is recessed toward the right.

[0283] The second recess 33d2 is located at the right end of the inner edge 33a in the left-right direction and at the lower end of the inner edge 33a in the up-down direction. The second recess 33d2 is recessed toward the right.

[0284] The third recess 33d3 is located at the left end of the inner edge 33a in the left-right direction and at the upper end of the inner edge 33a in the up-down direction. The third recess 33d3 is recessed toward the left.

[0285] The fourth recess 33d4 is located at the left end of the inner edge 33a in the left-right direction and at the lower end of the inner edge 33a in the up-down direction. The fourth recess 33d4 is recessed toward the left.

[0286] Furthermore, third opening 330 does not have to have a point-symmetric shape, but preferably has a point-symmetric shape.

[0287] Although the inner edge 33a forming the first region 331 may have the recess 33d, it is preferable that the inner edge 33a forming the second region 332 has the recess 33d.

[0288] The recess 33d may be located in the center in the left-right direction, but is preferably located at at least one of one end and the other end in the left-right direction. In the latter case, the third liquid member 33 has a function of abutting the flat tubes 28 against the inner edge portion 33a, and when the flat tubes 28 abut in the vertical direction (when the length of the third opening 330 is shorter than the length of the flat tubes 28 in the vertical direction), the protruding portion of the third opening 330 defined by the recess 33d can be prevented from being blocked by the flat tubes 28.

[0289] (8-12-2) Features In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this modified example, one end of the inner edge portion 33a (third inner edge portion) in the left-right direction (third direction) has a first recessed portion 33d1 (fifth recessed portion).

[0290] Here, when brazing is performed with the first recess 33d1 of the third liquid member 33 (fourth member) facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the protruding portion of the third opening 330 (fourth opening) defined by the recess 33d, thereby preventing brazing clogging.

[0291] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11 serving as the heat exchanger of this modified example, the inner edge portion 33a (third inner edge portion) further has a second recess 33d2 (sixth recess), a third recess 33d3 (seventh recess), and a fourth recess 33d4 (eighth recess). The first recess 33d1 is located at one end of the inner edge portion 33a in the left-right direction (third direction) and at one end of the inner edge portion 33a in the up-down direction (first direction). The second recess 33d2 is located at one end of the inner edge portion 33a in the left-right direction and at the other end of the inner edge portion 33a in the up-down direction. The third recess 33d3 is located at the other end of the inner edge portion 33a in the left-right direction and at one end of the inner edge portion 33a in the up-down direction. The fourth recess 33d4 is located at the other end of the inner edge portion 33a in the left-right direction and at the other end of the inner edge portion 33a in the up-down direction.

[0292] Here, when brazing is performed with the first recess 33d1 and the second recess 33d2, or the third recess 33d3 and the fourth recess 33d4 facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the two protruding parts of the third opening 330 defined by the recess 33d facing downward in the direction of gravity, thereby further preventing brazing clogging.

[0293] (8-13) Variation 13 In the above-described modification 12, the third opening 330 has four recesses 33d, but is not limited to this. In this modification, as shown in Fig. 29, the third opening 330 has a first recess 33d1 and a second recess 33d2. Note that Fig. 29 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of modification 13 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear side.

[0294] According to this modified example, when brazing is performed with the first recess 33d1 and the second recess 33d2 facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the two protruding parts of the third opening 330 defined by the first recess 33d1 and the second recess 33d2, thereby further suppressing brazing clogging.

[0295] (8-14) Variation 14 In the above-described modification 12, the third opening 330 has four recesses 33d, but is not limited to this. In this modification, as shown in Fig. 30, the third opening 330 has a first recess 33d1 and a fourth recess 33d4. Note that Fig. 30 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of modification 14 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear side.

[0296] According to this modified example, when brazing is performed with the first recess 33d1 or the fourth recess 33d4 facing downward in the direction of gravity, the molten brazing material can move to the protruding portion of the third opening 330 defined by the first recess 33d1 or the fourth recess 33d4, thereby further preventing brazing clogging.

[0297] (8-15) Variation 15 In the above-described modification 12, the recess 33d is recessed toward one side or the other in the left-right direction (third direction), but is not limited to this. In this modification, as shown in Fig. 31, it is recessed toward one side or the other in the up-down direction (first direction). Note that Fig. 31 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 and the flat tube 28 of modification 15 as viewed from the rear.

[0298] Here, the first recess 33d1 and the third recess 33d3 are recessed upward, and the second recess 33d2 and the fourth recess 33d4 are recessed downward.

[0299] (8-16) Variation 16 In the above-described modified example 15, the third opening 330 has four recesses 33d, but is not limited to this. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 32, the third opening 330 has a first recess 33d1 and a second recess 33d2. Note that Fig. 32 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of modified example 16 and the flat tubes 28 as viewed from the rear side.

[0300] (8-17) Variation 17 In the above-described modified examples 12 and 15, each recess 33d is recessed in one direction, but this is not limiting. In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 33, the first recess 33d1 and the second recess 33d2 are recessed toward the right. The third recess 33d3 is recessed toward the upper side. The fourth recess 33d4 is recessed toward the lower side. Note that FIG. 33 is a view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of modified example 17 and the flat tube 28 as viewed from the rear.

[0301] (8-18) Variation 18 In the above-described modified example 15, the left-right width of the recess 33d is small, but this is not limiting. In this modified example, the left-right width of the recess 33d is increased, as shown in Fig. 34. Note that Fig. 34 is a rear view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 and the flat tubes 28 in the third liquid member 33 of modified example 18.

[0302] (8-19) Variation 19 In the above-described modified examples 12 and 15, the recesses 33d are recessed in one direction, but this is not limiting. In this modified example, as shown in Fig. 35, each recess 33d is recessed in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Fig. 35 is a rear view of the vicinity of the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 and the flat tubes 28 in modified example 19.

[0303] Specifically, the first recess 33d1 is recessed upward and toward the right. The second recess 33d2 is recessed downward and toward the right. The third recess 33d3 is recessed upward and toward the left. The fourth recess 33d4 is recessed downward and toward the left.

[0304] (8-20) Variation 20 In the above embodiment, the first to seventh liquid members 31 to 37 constituting the liquid header portion 30 are plate-shaped, but the present invention is not limited to this and any shape can be adopted.

[0305] (8-21) Variation 21 In the above embodiment, the liquid header section 30 has a loop structure through which the refrigerant circulates, but is not limited to this. The heat exchanger of the present disclosure may also include a header that does not have a loop structure.

[0306] (8-22) Variation 22 In the above embodiment, the heat exchange section 27 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is formed in a C-shape in plan view, but is not limited to this. The heat exchange section 27 of this modified example is formed in an L-shape.

[0307] (8-23) Variation 23 In the above embodiment, the opening 530 of the third gas member 53 of the gas header section 50 and the third opening 330 of the third liquid member 33 of the liquid header section 30 have different shapes, but this is not limited to this. The third gas member 53 may have the same shape as the third liquid member 33 and may be a common member.

[0308] (8-24) Variation 24 In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger is applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 including the liquid header section 30, but is not limited to this. The heat exchanger of the present disclosure may be applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 including the gas header section 50, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 including the folded header 60, or the indoor heat exchanger 91.

[0309] (8-25) Variation 25 In the above-described embodiment, the heat exchanger is applied to the air conditioner 1, but is not limited to this. The heat exchanger may also be applied to a water heater, a floor heating system, or a refrigeration system such as a refrigerator.

[0310] It is intended from the beginning that the features of the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be combined as appropriate. [Example]

[0311] In this example, the problems caused by the width of the opening of the member for inserting the flat tube being constant were investigated.

[0312] FIG. 24 is a rear view of the flat tubes 28 and the vicinity of the second opening 320-1 of the second liquid member 32-1 of the comparative example. As shown in FIG. 24, the second liquid member 32-1 of the comparative example has a second opening 320-1 with a constant width. The stress applied during operation of a heat exchanger including this second liquid member 32-1 of the comparative example was examined. The results are shown in FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing, using shading, the stress distribution in the first liquid member 31, the second liquid member 32-1, and the third liquid member 33-1 of the comparative example when internal pressure is applied. In FIG. 25, areas where the stress applied to the heat exchanger is relatively high are shown dark. In FIG. 25, the boundaries of the first liquid member 31, the second liquid member 32-1, and the third liquid member 33-1 before deformation due to internal pressure are shown with dashed lines. In FIG. 25, the pressure applied to the second opening 320-1 and the flat tubes 28 is indicated by arrows.

[0313] In the heat exchanger of the comparative example, the application of internal pressure causes the first liquid member 31 to deform rearward. As a result, the greatest stress is applied to the flat tubes 28 at part A in FIG. 25 . This causes the flat tubes 28 to be pulled, which may result in breakage. This problem is particularly noticeable in the center of the second opening 320-1, since the width of the second opening 320-1 is constant.

[0314] Therefore, the inventors conceived the idea of ​​reducing the width of a portion of the second opening 320 of the second liquid member 32, as in the above embodiment. Reducing the width of a portion of the second opening 320 reduces the pressure-receiving area of ​​the first liquid member 31, and is expected to suppress deformation of the first liquid member 31 due to internal pressure. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the second opening 320 was set to be the same as the opening area of ​​the second opening 320-1 of the comparative example, and the second opening 320 was shaped to have a first region 321 that was shorter than the width L320-1 of the second opening 320-1 of the comparative example and a second region 322 that was longer than the width L320-1 of the second opening 320-1 of the comparative example, and the stress applied during operation was examined. As a result, it was found that by arranging the first region 321 in a location that greatly affects the pressure resistance strength and arranging the second region 322 in a location where the effect of the pressure resistance strength is small, the width of the second opening 320-1 can be reduced compared to the comparative example, in which the width is constant.

[0315] As described above, we discovered a problem in which the width of the opening of the member for inserting the flat tubes is constant, causing the flat tubes to be pulled and damaged as the integrating member deforms. To address this problem, we provided the opening of the member for inserting the flat tubes with a first region that is shorter than a predetermined length and a second region that is longer than a predetermined length in the direction in which the flat tubes are arranged. By positioning the first region in a location that has a large impact on pressure resistance, deformation of the integrating member when internal pressure is applied is suppressed, thereby suppressing damage caused by the flat tubes being pulled. Therefore, we found that the pressure resistance of the header can be improved.

[0316] Although the embodiments and examples of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0317] 1: Air conditioning equipment (refrigeration equipment) 11: Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 28:Flat tube 29: Finn 30: Liquid header (header) 31: First liquid member (second member) 32: Second liquid member (first member) 32a: Inner edge 32b: First inner edge 32b1:Protrusion 32c: Second inner edge 32c1:Protrusion 32d1: First recess 32d2: Second recess 32d3: Third recess 32d4: 4th recess 33: Third liquid member (fourth member) 33d1: First recess (fifth recess) 33d2: Second recess (sixth recess) 33d3: 3rd recess (7th recess) 33d4: 4th recess (8th recess) 34: Fourth liquid member (third member) 310: First opening (second opening) 320: Second opening (first opening) 321: 1st area 322:Second area 330: 3rd opening (4th opening) 331: 1st area (3rd area) 332: 2nd area (4th area) 340: 4th opening (3rd opening) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0318] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6822525

Claims

1. A plurality of flat tubes (28) arranged in a first direction; A fin (29) joined to the flat tube; A header (30) to which the flat tubes are connected; Equipped with The header a first member (32) having a first opening (320) into which the flat tube is inserted; A second member (31) stacked on the fin side of the first member in a second direction in which the flat tube extends and having a second opening (310) along an outer edge of the flat tube; Including, The first opening is A first region (321) whose length in the first direction is shorter than a predetermined length; a second region (322) longer than the predetermined length; A heat exchanger (11).

2. the first region is located at a center portion in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

3. a longitudinal direction of the first opening is a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The first member has an inner edge (32a) that defines the first opening; The inner edge portion has a first inner edge portion (32b) on one side in the first direction and a second inner edge portion (32c) on the other side.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first inner edge portion has a protruding portion (32b1) that protrudes toward the other side in the first direction, or The second inner edge portion has a protruding portion (32c1) protruding toward one side in the first direction. The heat exchanger according to claim 3.

5. At least one of the first inner edge portion and the second inner edge portion has a plurality of the protrusions.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 4.

6. The lengths of the plurality of protrusions in the third direction are different.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5.

7. One end of the inner edge portion in the third direction has a first recess (32d1), The heat exchanger according to claim 3.

8. The inner edge portion further has a second recess (32b2), a third recess (32d3), and a fourth recess (32d4), the first recess is located at one end of the inner edge portion in the third direction and at one end of the inner edge portion in the first direction, the second recess is located at one end of the inner edge portion in the third direction and at the other end of the inner edge portion in the first direction, the third recess is located at the other end of the inner edge portion in the third direction and at the one end of the inner edge portion in the first direction, the fourth recess is located at the other end of the inner edge portion in the third direction and at the other end of the inner edge portion in the first direction; 8. The heat exchanger of claim 7.

9. the first opening is symmetrical with respect to a center line in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the first opening is asymmetric with respect to a center line in the first direction; 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

11. a third member (34) stacked on the opposite side of the first member from the fin in the second direction and having a third opening (340) that forms a flow path for a coolant; When viewed in the second direction, the first region and the third opening overlap.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the second region is located at both ends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

13. a ratio of the length (L321) of the first region in the first direction to the length (L322) of the second region in the first direction is 1 / 4 or more and less than 1; 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

14. A ratio of the length (L31) of the second member in the second direction to the length (L32) of the first member in the second direction is 1 / 2 or more and 3 / 2 or less.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

15. a fourth member (33) stacked on the opposite side of the first member from the fin in the second direction and having a fourth opening (330); When viewed in the second direction, a third inner edge portion (33a) forming the fourth opening in the fourth member overlaps with the flat tube, The fourth opening is A third region (331) whose length in the first direction is shorter than a predetermined length; a fourth region (332) longer than the predetermined length; having 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

16. One end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction has a fifth recess (33d1).

16. The heat exchanger of claim 15.

17. The third inner edge portion further has a sixth recess (33d2), a seventh recess (33d3), and an eighth recess (33d4), the fifth recess is located at one end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction and at one end of the third inner edge portion in the first direction, the sixth recess is located at one end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction and at the other end of the third inner edge portion in the first direction, the seventh recess is located at the other end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction and at one end of the third inner edge portion in the first direction, the eighth recess is located at the other end of the third inner edge portion in the third direction and at the other end of the third inner edge portion in the first direction; 17. The heat exchanger of claim 16.

18. The refrigerant includes carbon dioxide.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

19. A refrigeration unit (1) comprising a heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

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