Air conditioning system

Abstract

This will help prevent refrigerant leakage from the internal flow path of the header. [Solution] The air conditioning system includes a drain pan (60) that receives water generated by a heat exchanger (40), an antibacterial agent (71) that dissolves cations and is placed in the drain pan (60), and a header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) that includes an internal flow path (R, FPA) connected to a heat transfer tube (27), wherein the bottom surface (R1, FPA1) of the internal flow path (R, FPA) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 includes a heat exchanger and a drain pan that receives water generated in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes fins, heat transfer tubes passing through the fins, and a header formed with internal flow paths that distribute a refrigerant and send the refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer tubes. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-261517 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] However, when an antibacterial agent that elutes positive ions is arranged in a drain pan, if the components of the heat exchanger are submerged by drain water containing positive ions eluted from the antibacterial agent, the components of the heat exchanger corrode. As a result, for example, a hole is formed in the header, and there is a possibility that the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow path of the header leaks to the outside of the header through the hole.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress leakage of a refrigerant from an internal flow path of a header. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0006] The first embodiment of the air conditioning system includes a heat exchanger (40) comprising fins (F) and heat transfer tubes (27) installed on the fins (F). The first embodiment of the air conditioning system includes a drain pan (60) for receiving water generated in the heat exchanger (40), an antimicrobial agent (71) disposed in the drain pan (60) that elutes cations, and a header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) including an internal flow path (R, FPA) connected to the heat transfer tubes (27), wherein the bottom surface (R1, FPA1) of the internal flow path (R, FPA) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60).

[0007] In the first embodiment, leakage of refrigerant from the internal flow paths (R, FPA) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) can be suppressed.

[0008] In the second aspect, in the first aspect, the lower end (28e) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) is located below the water level (P) of the drain pan (60).

[0009] In the second embodiment, the air conditioning system can be made more compact in terms of height.

[0010] In the third aspect, in the first aspect, the lower end (28e) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60).

[0011] In the third embodiment, since contact between drain water and the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) can be suppressed, corrosion of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) can be effectively suppressed.

[0012] The fourth embodiment is a plate stack (100,110) in any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the header (100,110) is a plate stack (100,110) containing a plurality of stacked plates (FP,BP).

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, a header (100,110) can be formed by a plate stack (100,110).

[0014] The fifth embodiment is one of the first to fourth embodiments in which the fin (F) has a zinc content of 2% by mass or more.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment, the zinc from the fins (F) dissolves into the drain water that adheres to the fins (F) and drips into the drain pan (60), thereby promoting the elution of the antibacterial agent (71).

[0016] The sixth embodiment is that, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the piping connecting to the internal flow path (R, FPA) of the heat transfer tube (27) or the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) contains zinc.

[0017] In the sixth embodiment, the zinc from the heat transfer tubes (27) or piping dissolves into the drain water that adheres to the heat transfer tubes (27) or piping and drips into the drain pan (60), thereby promoting the elution of the antibacterial agent (71).

[0018] The seventh embodiment is one of the first to sixth embodiments in which the antimicrobial agent (71) includes a metal plate (Z).

[0019] In the seventh embodiment, the antibacterial agent (71) can be made of a metal plate.

[0020] The eighth aspect is that, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) have a higher ionization tendency than the fins (F).

[0021] In the eighth aspect, since the fins (F) corrode before the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110), generation of a hole communicating between the internal flow path (R, FPA) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) and the outside of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) due to corrosion of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) can be suppressed.

[0022] In a ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) are provided with an anticorrosion coating.

[0023] In the ninth aspect, generation of a hole communicating between the internal flow path (R, FPA) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) and the outside of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) due to corrosion of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) can be suppressed.

[0024] In a tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the air conditioner includes an accommodating portion (80) that accommodates the antibacterial agent (71), and the accommodating portion (80) has a shape tapering downward.

[0025] In the tenth aspect, generation of a hole communicating between the internal flow path (R) and the outside of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) in the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) caused by corrosion of the bottom surfaces (R1, FPA1) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) by water containing cations eluted from the antibacterial agent (71) can be suppressed.

[0026] In an eleventh aspect, in any one of the first to tenth aspects, a wall thickness of the bottom surface (R1, FPA1) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) is larger than a wall thickness of the fin (F).

[0027] In the eleventh aspect, generation of a hole communicating the internal flow paths (R, FPA) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) with the outside of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) due to corrosion of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) can be suppressed.

[0028] In a twelfth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the bottom surfaces (R1, FPA1) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) are located above lower ends of the fins (F).

[0029] In the twelfth aspect, by preferentially corroding the fins (F) over the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110), generation of a hole communicating the internal flow paths (R, FPA) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) with the outside of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) due to corrosion of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) can be suppressed.

[0030] In a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the bottom surfaces (R1, FPA1) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) are located below lower ends of the fins (F).

[0031] In the thirteenth aspect, the air conditioner can be made compact in the height direction.

[0032] In a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the antibacterial agent (71) elutes cations of a metal that is nobler in ionization tendency than aluminum.

[0033] In the fourteenth aspect, the cations can exert an antibacterial effect on drain water. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic piping system diagram of the air conditioner according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the indoor unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit when it is cut at the location where the fins are located. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fins and heat transfer tubes. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the first and third headers. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a perspective view of the second header. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the water level in the drain pan and the bottom surface of the internal flow path in the header. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the antibacterial section located in the drain pan. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the drain pan. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the antibacterial section. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the plate stack. [Figure 11] Figure 8 shows the internal flow channels of the plate stack. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of ​​this disclosure. Since the drawings are for conceptual explanation of this disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding. In each embodiment, example, modification, and drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions and their associated effects will not be repeated.

[0036] (1) Overall configuration of the air conditioning system Figure 1 shows a schematic piping diagram of the air conditioning unit (10). The air conditioning unit (10) adjusts the temperature of the air in the target space. The target space is an indoor space. The air conditioning unit (10) performs both cooling and heating operations. In cooling operation, the air conditioning unit (10) cools the air in the indoor space. In heating operation, the air conditioning unit (10) heats the air in the indoor space.

[0037] The air conditioning system (10) includes a refrigerant circuit (11). The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (11) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with a flammable refrigerant. In this example, the refrigerant includes difluoromethane (R32). The refrigerant may also include propane (R290), a highly flammable natural refrigerant. Natural refrigerants have a zero ozone depletion potential and a low global warming potential, and therefore have a low environmental impact.

[0038] The air conditioning system (10) comprises an outdoor unit (20), an indoor unit (30), a first connecting pipe (12), and a second connecting pipe (13). The air conditioning system (10) is a paired type having one outdoor unit (20) and one indoor unit (30). The outdoor unit (20) comprises a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), and an outdoor fan (25). The indoor unit (30) comprises an indoor heat exchanger (40) and a cross-flow fan (50).

[0039] (1-1) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit (20) is installed in the outdoor space.

[0040] The compressor (21) compresses the refrigerant. The compressor (21) is a rotary compressor. Rotary compressors (21) can be composed of oscillating type, rolling piston type, scroll type, etc.

[0041] The outdoor heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0042] The outdoor fan (25) transports outdoor air. The air transported by the outdoor fan (25) passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (22). The outdoor fan (25) is a propeller fan.

[0043] The expansion valve (23) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion valve (23) is either an electronic or temperature-sensitive expansion valve.

[0044] The four-way directional control valve (24) reverses the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11). The four-way directional control valve (24) switches between a first state, shown by the solid line in Figure 1, and a second state, shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. In the first state, the four-way directional control valve (24) connects the discharge side of the compressor (21) to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger (22), and simultaneously connects the suction side of the compressor (21) to the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger (40). In the second state, the four-way directional control valve (24) connects the discharge side of the compressor (21) to the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger (40), and simultaneously connects the suction side of the compressor (21) to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger (22).

[0045] (1-2) Indoor unit The indoor unit (30) is installed in the indoor space.

[0046] The indoor heat exchanger (40) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air.

[0047] The cross-flow fan (50) is an indoor fan that transports indoor air. The air transported by the cross-flow fan (50) passes through the indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0048] (1-3) First connecting pipe and second connecting pipe The first connecting pipe (12) and the second connecting pipe (13) connect the indoor unit (30) and the outdoor unit (20) to each other. The first connecting pipe (12) is a gas pipe, and the second connecting pipe (13) is a liquid pipe. The first connecting pipe (12) is connected to the gas end of the indoor heat exchanger (40). The second connecting pipe (13) is connected to the liquid end of the indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0049] (2) Details of the indoor unit Figure 2 shows the indoor unit (30). Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the indoor unit (30). In the following description, the terms "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right" refer to the direction when the indoor unit (30) is viewed from the front.

[0050] The indoor unit (30) is mounted on a wall. The indoor unit (30) is a wall-mounted air conditioning indoor unit. The indoor unit (30) comprises a casing (31), an indoor heat exchanger (40), a drain pan (60), and an antibacterial unit (70).

[0051] (2-1) Casing The casing (31) forms the outer casing of the indoor unit (30). Inside the casing (31), an internal space (39) is formed to house the indoor heat exchanger (40) and the cross-flow fan (50).

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the casing (31) is formed in a horizontally elongated box shape that extends in the left-right direction. The casing (31) has a front plate (32), a rear plate (33), an upper plate (34), and a lower plate (35).

[0053] The casing (31) has an intake opening (36). The intake opening (36) is formed in the upper plate portion (34) of the casing (31). The intake opening (36) extends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the casing (31). The intake opening (36) draws air from the room into the internal space (39) of the casing (31).

[0054] The casing (31) has a discharge opening (37). The discharge opening (37) is formed in the lower plate portion (35). The discharge opening (37) extends in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31). The discharge opening (37) blows air that has flowed through the discharge channel (38) into the room space. The discharge opening (37) is provided with two flaps (55). Each flap (55) adjusts the direction of the air blown out from the discharge opening (37).

[0055] (2-2) Indoor heat exchanger The indoor heat exchanger (40) exchanges heat with air using a refrigerant flowing through heat transfer tubes (27). As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a plurality of flattened heat transfer tubes (27), a plurality of fins (F) made of insert fins, and a header (28). The indoor heat exchanger (40) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes (27) and the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger (40). The heat transfer tubes (27), fins (F), and header (28) are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The header (28) includes a first header (28a), a second header (28b), and a third header (28c).

[0056] The heat transfer tubes (27) are made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The heat transfer tubes (27) are flat, multi-perforated tubes and have multiple flow paths (27a) through which the refrigerant flows. The multiple heat transfer tubes (27) are arranged at intervals. The multiple heat transfer tubes (27) are arranged in multiple rows (two rows in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the multiple rows of heat transfer tubes (27) are arranged adjacent to each other in a staggered pattern. The heat transfer tubes (27) are installed on fins (F). The heat transfer tubes (27) penetrate the fins (F). The fins (F) are made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The fins (F) are formed in a plate shape and are arranged in multiples at intervals along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the heat transfer tubes (27). The fins (F) extend along the direction in which the multiple heat transfer tubes (27) are arranged (up-down direction). Multiple fin grooves (F1) are formed in each of the multiple fins (F). In each of the multiple fins (F), the multiple fin grooves (F1) are arranged along the direction in which the multiple heat transfer tubes (27) are arranged. Multiple heat transfer tubes (27) are inserted into each of the multiple fin grooves (F1). The headers (28a, 28b, 28c) are hollow members. A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the headers (28a, 28b, 28c). Hereinafter, the refrigerant flow path (empty space) formed inside the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) may be referred to as the internal flow path (R). The internal flow path (R) branches the refrigerant from the outside and sends it to the multiple heat transfer tubes (27). The refrigerant from the outside is supplied from the first connecting pipe (12), which is a gas pipe, or the second connecting pipe (13), which is a liquid pipe. One end of the internal flow path (R) is connected to the first connecting pipe (12) or the second connecting pipe (13), and the other end of the internal flow path (R) is connected to a plurality of heat transfer tubes (27).

[0057] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) include a plurality of insertion holes (28d). Each of the plurality of insertion holes (28d) connects the internal flow path (R) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) to the outside of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c). As shown in Figure 5A, in each of the first header (28a) and the third header (28c), the plurality of insertion holes (28d) are arranged in a single row along the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of heat transfer tubes (27). As shown in Figure 5B, in the second header (28b), the plurality of insertion holes (28d) are arranged in two rows along the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of heat transfer tubes (27). As shown in Figures 4 and 5A, one end (right end) of each heat transfer tube (27) in the first row (rear side of Figure 4) is inserted into one of the insertion holes (28d) of the first header (28a), thereby connecting to the internal flow path (R) of the first header (28a). One end of each heat transfer tube (27) in the second row (front side of Figure 4) is inserted into one of the insertion holes (28d) of the third header (28c), thereby connecting to the internal flow path (R) of the third header (28c). As shown in Figures 4 and 5B, the other end (left end) of each heat transfer tube (27) in the first row and the other end of each heat transfer tube (27) in the second row are connected to the internal flow path (R) of the second header (28b). Each heat transfer tube (27) is connected to the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c), so that the refrigerant flow path formed inside the heat transfer tube (27) (flow path (27a) shown in Figure 4) communicates with the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c). As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the refrigerant sent to the internal flow path (R) of the first header (28a) through the second connecting pipe (13) is sent to the internal flow path (R) of the second header (28b) through the flow path (27a) of each heat transfer tube (27) in the first row, and then sent to the internal flow path (R) of the third header (28c) through the flow path (27a) of each heat transfer tube (27) in the second row, before being sent to the first connecting pipe (12). Furthermore, the refrigerant sent to the internal flow path (R) of the third header (28c) through the first connecting pipe (12) is sent to the internal flow path (R) of the second header (28b) through the flow paths (27a) of each heat transfer tube (27) in the second row, and then sent to the internal flow path (R) of the third header (28c) through the flow paths (27a) of each heat transfer tube (27) in the second row, before being sent to the first connecting pipe (12).

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a front heat exchange section (41) and a rear heat exchange section (42). The indoor heat exchange section (41) and the rear heat exchange section (42) are constructed as separate components.

[0059] (2-3) Drain pan As shown in Figure 3, the drain pan (60) is located below the indoor heat exchanger (40). Specifically, the drain pan (60) is located below the front heat exchange section (41). The drain pan (60) receives the water generated by the indoor heat exchanger (40) and stores the water generated by the indoor heat exchanger (40). Hereafter, the water stored in the drain pan (60) may be referred to as drain water.

[0060] As shown in Figures 3, 7, and 8, the drain pan (60) is formed in a horizontally elongated box shape that extends in the left-right direction. The drain pan (60) has a bottom plate (61), a front wall (62), a rear wall (63), a right side wall (64), and a left side wall (65). The left-right direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the drain pan (60). In other words, the left-right direction is the width direction of the drain pan (60). The front-back direction is perpendicular to the left-right direction and indicates the short side direction of the drain pan (60). In other words, the front-back direction is the depth direction of the drain pan (60). The up-down direction is the vertical up-down direction. The up-down direction is perpendicular to the left-right direction and the front-back direction. In other words, the up-down direction is the height direction of the drain pan (60).

[0061] The base plate (61) has a first base plate (61a) and a second base plate (61b). The first base plate (61a) and the second base plate (61b) are generally rectangular in shape. The first base plate (61a) is a generally horizontal surface. The second base plate (61b) is formed to slope upward as it extends rearward from the rear end of the first base plate (61a).

[0062] The front wall (62) is formed to incline forward as it extends upward from the front end of the first base plate (61a). The rear wall (63) extends upward from the rear end of the second base plate (61b). The right side wall (64) is connected to the right end of the base plate (61). The left side wall (65) is connected to the left end of the base plate (61).

[0063] The drain pan (60) is provided with a drain port (V) that connects the inside and outside of the drain pan (60). Drain water is discharged to the outside of the drain pan (60) through the drain port (V). In this embodiment, the drain port (V) includes a first drain port (V1) and a second drain port (V2). The first drain port (V1) and the second drain port (V2) are holes to which a drain hose is connected. The first drain port (V1) is located at one end (left end) in the leftward direction of the drain pan (60), and the second drain port (V2) is located at the other end (right end) in the leftward direction of the drain pan (60). Drain water flows into the drain hose through the first drain port (V1) or the second drain port (V2) to which the drain hose is connected.

[0064] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, a header (28) (headers (28a, 28b, 28c)) is placed on the drain pan (60). The header (28) is placed on the second bottom plate (61b) of the drain pan (60). The second bottom plate (61b) has a shape that is convex upward relative to the first bottom plate (61a). The second bottom plate (61b) is located vertically above the first bottom plate (61a). Drain water is stored on the first bottom plate (61a) of the drain pan (60), and as the amount of drain water increases, the water level rises toward the second bottom plate (61b).

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, the drain pan (60) has a first fixing part (66) and a second fixing part (67) that fix the position of the antibacterial part (70). The first fixing part (66) is formed in the center of the front wall (62) in the left-right direction and at the upper end. The first fixing part (66) is formed so that the upper end of the front wall (62) is recessed. The first tongue part (77c) (details will be described later) provided on the antibacterial part (70) fits into the first fixing part (66). The second fixing part (67) is formed in the center of the front wall (62) in the left-right direction and at the lower end. The second fixing part (67) has a rectangular first plate (67a) extending rearward from the lower end of the front wall (62) and a second plate (67b) connected to the rear end of the first plate (67a) and extending in the left-right direction. The second fixing portion (67) is fitted into the second tongue portion (77d) (details will be described later) provided on the antibacterial portion (70).

[0066] (3) Antibacterial department As shown in Figures 3 and 6-9, the antibacterial section (70) is located inside the drain pan (60). The antibacterial section (70) is located near the front wall (62) of the drain pan (60). The antibacterial section (70) comprises an antibacterial agent (71) and a case (72) that houses the antibacterial agent (71). The antibacterial agent (71) has an antibacterial effect on drain water. In this embodiment, "antibacterial" includes sterilization or disinfection. The case (72) has a housing section (80) and a lid section (73). The housing section (80) houses the antibacterial agent (71). The housing section (80) (antibacterial agent (71)) is located near the center in the left-right direction of the drain pan (60).

[0067] The storage section (80) has a shape that tapers downwards. That is, the storage section (80) has a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage section (80) perpendicular to the vertical direction becomes smaller as it goes downwards.

[0068] The storage section (80) is formed in the shape of a hollow box with an open top. The opening at the top of the storage section (80) is closed by the lid (73) when the lid (73) is attached.

[0069] The containment section (80) has a plurality of holes (H) that communicate with the inside and outside of the containment section (80). The holes (H) are formed on the front sides (84, 86, 87) and bottom (81) of the containment section (80). The antimicrobial agent (71) is a plurality of granular particles. The antimicrobial agent (71) contains a metal that has a higher ionization tendency than aluminum. The antimicrobial agent (71) includes, for example, silver, copper, stainless steel and / or zinc. The antimicrobial agent (71) elutes cations when it comes into contact with drain water. The antimicrobial agent (71) elutes cations of a metal that has a higher ionization tendency than aluminum.

[0070] A flange portion (92) is formed in the housing portion (80). A second tongue portion (77d) is provided in the flange portion (92). A slit (79) is formed in the second tongue portion (77d) from the lower end to the upper end. The first plate (67a) of the second fixing portion (67) is inserted into the slit (79).

[0071] The lid portion (73) has a hook portion (77). The hook portion (77) has a base portion (77a), an arm portion (77b), and a first tongue portion (77c). The base portion (77a) extends upward from the front part of the lid portion (73). The arm portion (77b) extends generally horizontally from the upper end of the base portion (77a) toward the front wall (62) of the drain pan (60). The first tongue portion (77c) extends downward from the rear end of the arm portion (77b). A groove portion (78) is formed at the connection between the first tongue portion (77c) and the arm portion (77b). The groove portion (78) is positioned to fit with the first fixing portion (66).

[0072] Drain water flows into and out of the containment section (80) through the holes (H). As the drain water flows into the containment section (80) through the holes (H), it comes into contact with the antibacterial agent (71) inside the containment section (80). This causes cations of a metal with a higher ionization tendency than aluminum to leach out from the antibacterial agent (71), and these cations flow out into the drain pan (60) (outside the containment section (80)) through the holes (H). As a result, these cations exert an antibacterial effect on the drain water. Consequently, the formation of slime and sludge inside the drain pan (60) can be suppressed. Holes (H) are an example of an elution part.

[0073] (4) Features As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the bottom surface (R1) of the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60). The bottom surface (R1) of the internal flow path (R) is the lowest vertical surface of the inner surface of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) that is in contact with the internal flow path (R). The water level (P) of the drain pan (60) indicates the position of the upper end of the drain port (V) of the drain pan (60) in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, when multiple drain ports (V) (first drain port (V1) and second drain port (V2)) are arranged, the water level (P) of the drain pan (60) indicates the position of the upper end of the uppermost drain port (V) among the multiple drain ports (V) in the vertical direction.

[0074] (5) Effects As described above, the bottom surface (R1) of the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60). This prevents the drain water from seeping up to the bottom surface (R1) of the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) even if it comes into contact with the bottom surface of the outer surface of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) and corrodes the bottom surface of the outer surface of the header (28a, 28b, 28c). As a result, corrosion of the bottom surface (R1) of the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a,28b,28c) is suppressed, preventing the formation of holes in the header (28a,28b,28c) that connect the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a,28b,28c) to the outer surface of the header (28a,28b,28c). This suppresses the leakage of refrigerant from the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a,28b,28c) to the outside of the header (28a,28b,28c). In this embodiment, drain water containing cations eluted from the antibacterial agent comes into contact with the header (28a,28b,28c), and electrolytic corrosion occurs in the header (28a,28b,28c) due to the difference in ionization tendency between the cations in the drain water and the metal contained in the header (28a,28b,28c), causing the header (28a,28b,28c) to corrode.

[0075] Furthermore, the housing section (80) has a shape that tapers downwards (see Figures 7 and 9). As a result, even if the housing section (80) has a tapering shape, that is, a shape in which the contact area between the drain water and the housing section (80) increases as the water level (P) of the drain water rises, causing more cations to be eluted from the antibacterial agent (71), the bottom surface (R1) of the internal flow path (R) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60), which prevents the internal flow path (R) from being submerged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the bottom surface (R1) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) from corroding due to water containing cations eluted from the antibacterial agent (71), and the formation of holes in the header (28a, 28b, 28c) that connect the internal flow path (R) to the outside of the header (28a, 28b, 28c).

[0076] Although embodiments and modifications have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims (for example, from Modification (A) to Modification (N) below).

[0077] (A) The heat transfer tubes (27) may be located higher than the bottom surface (R1) of the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c). More specifically, all of the heat transfer tubes (27) may be located higher than the bottom surface (R1) of the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c).

[0078] (B) The lower end (28e) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) (see Figure 6) may be located below the water level (P) of the drain pan (60). This allows the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) to be positioned closer to the drain pan (60) in the vertical direction (height direction), thereby making the air conditioning unit (10) more compact in the height direction.

[0079] (C) The lower end (28e) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) (see Figure 6) may be located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60). This prevents the drain water from coming into contact with the header (28a, 28b, 28c), thereby effectively preventing corrosion of the header (28a, 28b, 28c).

[0080] (D) The zinc content of the fins (F) may be 2% by mass or more. This allows the zinc from the fins (F) to dissolve into the drain water that adheres to the fins (F) and drips into the drain pan (60), thereby promoting the elution of the antibacterial agent (71).

[0081] (E) The heat transfer tube (27) may contain zinc. Also, if the heat transfer tube (27) is connected to the internal flow path (R) of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) via piping, the piping (the piping connecting the internal flow path of the heat transfer tube (27) and the internal flow path (R) of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c)) may contain zinc. For example, a zinc layer is formed on the surface of the heat transfer tube (27) and / or the piping by zinc spraying. This allows the zinc from the heat transfer tube (27) or piping to dissolve into the drain water that adheres to the heat transfer tube (27) or piping and drips into the drain pan (60), thereby promoting the elution of the antibacterial agent (71).

[0082] (F) The header (28ca,28b,28c) may have a nobler ionization tendency than the fin (F). The fact that the header (28ca,28b,28c) has a nobler ionization tendency than the fin (F) indicates that the potential of the header (28ca,28b,28c) is higher than the potential of the fin (F) (potential of fin (F) < potential of header (28ca,28b,28c)). In this case, for example, the fin (F) is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the header (28ca,28b,28c) is made of copper or stainless steel. Furthermore, if a protective layer is provided on the surface of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c), the fact that the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) has a nobler ionization tendency than the fin (F) may include the fact that the potential of the fin (F) is higher than the potential of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) and the potential of the protective layer is higher than the potential of the fin (F) (potential of header (28ca, 28b, 28c) < potential of fin (F) < potential of protective layer). In other words, the fact that the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) has a nobler ionization tendency than the fin (F) may include the fact that the potential of the protective layer provided on the surface of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) (coating the header (28ca, 28b, 28c)) is higher than the potential of the fin (F). In this case, for example, the headers (28ca, 28b, 28c) are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the fins (F) are made of stainless steel, and the protective layer provided on the surface of the headers (28ca, 28b, 28c) contains copper. As a result, the fins (F) corrode before the headers (28a, 28b, 28c), which prevents the formation of holes connecting the internal flow path (R) of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) to the outside of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) due to corrosion of the headers (28a, 28b, 28c).

[0083] (G) The header (28ca, 28b, 28c) may be coated with an anticorrosion coating. In this case, a coating layer made of an anticorrosion coating is provided on the surface of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c). The coating layer has a higher ionization tendency than the header (28ca, 28b, 28c). In this case, the potential of the fin (F) may be higher than the potential of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c), and the potential of the coating layer may be greater than or equal to the potential of the fin (F) (potential of header (28ca, 28b, 28c) < potential of fin (F) ≤ potential of coating layer). In this case, for example, the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the fin (F) is made of stainless steel, and the coating layer provided on the surface of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) contains stainless steel or copper. Furthermore, the potential of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) may be higher than the potential of the fin (F), and the potential of the coating layer may also be higher than the potential of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) (potential of fin (F) < potential of header (28ca, 28b, 28c) < potential of coating layer). In this case, for example, the fin (F) is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) is made of stainless steel, and the coating layer provided on the surface of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) contains copper. This makes it possible to suppress the formation of holes connecting the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) and the outside of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) due to corrosion of the header (28a, 28b, 28c).

[0084] (H) As shown in Figure 8, the indoor unit (30) (antibacterial agent (71)) may further comprise a metal plate (Z) which is a plate-shaped metal. The metal plate (Z) contains a metal with a higher ionization tendency than aluminum. The metal plate (Z) contains, for example, silver, copper, stainless steel and / or zinc. The metal plate (Z) is provided on the bottom surface (first bottom plate (61a)) of the drain pan (60). The metal plate (Z) is fixed to the bottom surface (68) of the drain pan (60) by screws or tape (including double-sided tape). The metal plate (Z) comes into contact with the drain water and dissolves cations of the metal with a higher ionization tendency than aluminum. As a result, the drain water can be targeted and antibacterialized by the cations dissolved from the metal plate (Z) near the bottom surface of the drain pan (60), where slime and grime tend to form, thus more effectively suppressing the generation of slime and grime.

[0085] (I) The thickness of the bottom surface (R1) of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) (the thickness of the portion of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) where the bottom surface (R1) is located) may be greater than the thickness of the fin (F). This prevents the formation of holes connecting the internal flow channels (R, FPA) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) to the outside of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) due to corrosion of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110).

[0086] (J) The bottom surface (R1) of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) may be located above the lower end of the fin (F). The lower end of the fin (F) is the lower end of the fin (F) that is located vertically downward among the multiple fins (F). This allows the fin (F) to corrode preferentially over the header (28a, 28b, 28c), thereby suppressing the formation of holes connecting the internal flow path (R) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) to the outside of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) due to corrosion of the header (28a, 28b, 28c).

[0087] (K) The bottom surface (R1) of the header (28ca, 28b, 28c) may be located below the lower end of the fin (F). Since the drain pan (60) is located below the header (28ca, 28b, 28c), the header (28a, 28b, 28c) can be positioned close to the drain pan (60) in the vertical direction (height direction). This makes the air conditioning unit (10) more compact in the height direction.

[0088] (L) As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the indoor heat exchanger (40) may be equipped with a plate stack (100, 110). The plate stack (100, 110) is a modified form of the header (28a, 28b, 28c) and has the same characteristics as the header (28a, 28b, 28c) shown in (A) to (K) above. An internal flow path (FPA), which is a flow path for the refrigerant, is formed inside the plate stack (100, 110). The internal flow path (FPA) branches the refrigerant from the outside and sends it to a plurality of heat transfer tubes (27). One end of the internal flow path (FPA) is connected to the first connecting pipe (12) or the second connecting pipe (13), and the other end of the internal flow path (FPA) is connected to the plurality of heat transfer tubes (27). The plate stack (100, 110) includes a front plate stack (100) connected to the heat transfer tubes (27) of the front heat exchange section (41), and a rear plate stack (110) connected to the heat transfer tubes (27) of the rear heat exchange section (42). The plate stack (100, 110) (front plate stack (100)) may be placed on a drain pan (60) (second bottom plate (61b)). In the front plate stack (100), a plurality of front plates (FP) are stacked. The plurality of front plates (FP) include a first front plate (FP1) to a fifth front plate (FP5). Intermediate plates (second front plate (FP2) to a fourth front plate (FP4)) are arranged between the first front plate (FP1) and the fifth front plate (FP5). The first front plate (FP1) has a plurality of first plate holes (FP11) that penetrate through it. A plurality of heat transfer tubes (27) are inserted into each of the plurality of first plate holes (FP11). An internal flow path (FPA) is formed in the intermediate plate. The internal flow path (FPA) has a structure in which holes formed in each of the second front plate (FP2) to the fourth front plate (FP4) are connected to each other. The internal flow path (FPA) is connected to the plurality of heat transfer tubes (27) by communicating with the plurality of first plate holes (FP11). The fifth front plate (FP5) has a second plate hole (FP51) which is connected to a first connecting pipe (12), a second connecting pipe (13), or a relay pipe (130). The second plate hole (FP51) is in communication with the internal flow path (FPA).In the rear plate stack (110), multiple rear plates (BP) are stacked. These multiple rear plates (BP) include the first rear plate (BP1) to the fifth rear plate (BP5). The rear plates (BP) have the same structure as the front plates (FP), so their explanation is omitted. The internal flow channels (FPA) of the front plates (FP) and the internal flow channels (FPA) of the rear plates (BP) are connected via a relay pipe (130), and an expansion valve (131) is provided in the relay pipe (130). The bottom surface (FPA1) (the lowest surface in the vertical direction) of the internal flow channels (FPA) of the plate stack (100, 110) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60) (see Figure 6). As a result, even if drain water comes into contact with the bottom surface of the outer surface of the plate stack (100,110) (header) and corrodes the bottom surface of the outer surface of the plate stack (100,110), it is suppressed that the drain water penetrates to the bottom surface (FPA1) of the internal flow path (FPA) of the plate stack (100,110). Consequently, corrosion of the bottom surface (FPA1) of the internal flow path (FPA) of the plate stack (100,110) and the formation of holes in the plate stack (100,110) that connect the internal flow path (FPA) of the plate stack (100,110) and the outer surface of the plate stack (100,110) are suppressed, thereby preventing refrigerant from leaking from the internal flow path (FPA) of the plate stack (100,110) to the outside of the plate stack (100,110).

[0089] (M) In this embodiment, the heat transfer tube (27) is a flattened multi-hole tube, and the fins (F) are insertable fins into which the flattened multi-hole tube heat transfer tube (27) is inserted. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The heat transfer tube (27) may be a round tube having a hollow cylindrical shape with open ends. Alternatively, the fins (F) may have through holes that penetrate through them, and the round tube heat transfer tube (27) may be arranged to penetrate the fins (F) by inserting it through the through holes in the fins (F). In other words, the indoor heat exchanger (40) may be a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger.

[0090] (N) The header of the present invention is not limited to the headers (28a, 28b, 28c) and plate stacks (100, 110) described above. The header of the present invention may be any header that has a refrigerant flow path formed inside that branches off refrigerant from the outside (first connecting pipe (12), which is a gas pipe, or second connecting pipe (13), which is a liquid pipe) and sends it to a plurality of heat transfer tubes (27), for example, it may be a flow divider. The header of the present invention may also be placed on a drain pan (60) (second bottom plate (61b)). The header of the present invention may be installed at a location spaced apart from the drain pan (60).

[0091] (6) Other embodiments The air conditioning system (10) does not have to be a paired system; it may be a multi-unit system. The indoor unit (30) may be ceiling-mounted or floor-standing.

[0092] The heat exchanger may be applied to the outdoor heat exchanger (22) of the outdoor unit (20). The indoor heat exchanger (40) may be of the corrugated type, for example, in which corrugated fins are arranged between adjacent heat transfer tubes. The front heat exchange section (41) and the rear heat exchange section (42) may be composed of a single heat exchange section.

[0093] The designations "First," "Second," "Third," etc., described above are used to distinguish the phrases to which these designations are attached, and do not limit the number or order of such phrases. Furthermore, the above embodiments, examples, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functions covered by this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0094] As described above, this disclosure is useful for air conditioning systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10. Air conditioning system 27 Heat transfer tubes 28a First Header (Header) 28b Second Header (Header) 28c Third Header (Header) 40 Heat exchanger 60 Drain pan 71 Antimicrobial agents 100 Front plate stack (header) 110 Rear plate stack (header) F Fin FPA internal flow path FPA1 bottom P Drain pan water level R internal flow path R1 Bottom

Claims

1. An air conditioning system including a heat exchanger (40) comprising fins (F) and heat transfer tubes (27) installed on the fins (F), A drain pan (60) that receives water generated in the heat exchanger (40), The drain pan (60) contains an antibacterial agent (71) that elutes cations, A header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) including internal flow paths (R, FPA) that connect to the heat transfer tube (27) and Equipped with, An air conditioning system in which the bottom surface (R1,FPA1) of the internal flow path (R,FPA) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60).

2. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the lower end (28e) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) is located below the water level (P) of the drain pan (60).

3. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the lower end (28e) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) is located above the water level (P) of the drain pan (60).

4. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the header (100, 110) is a plate laminate (100, 110) including a plurality of stacked plates (FP, BP).

5. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fin (F) has a zinc content of 2% by mass or more.

6. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the piping connected to the internal flow path (R, FPA) of the heat transfer tube (27) or the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) contains zinc.

7. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antibacterial agent (71) includes a metal plate (Z).

8. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) has a higher ionization tendency than the fin (F).

9. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the headers (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) are coated with an anticorrosion coating.

10. The system includes a storage section (80) for containing the antibacterial agent (71), The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing section (80) has a shape that tapers downward.

11. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the bottom surface (R1, FPA1) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) is greater than the thickness of the fin (F).

12. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bottom surface (R1, FPA1) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) is located above the lower end of the fin (F).

13. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bottom surface (R1, FPA1) of the header (28a, 28b, 28c, 100, 110) is located below the lower end of the fin (F).

14. The air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the antibacterial agent (71) elutes cations of a metal having a more noble ionization tendency than aluminum.

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