Heat exchangers and air conditioning units

Abstract

A support plate (48) is provided at the end of the fin group (47). The ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes (50) form a protrusion (51) protruding from the support plate (48). The protrusion (51) includes a first protrusion (51a) and a second protrusion (51b). The first protrusion (51a) is connected to a protrusion (51) located next to the first protrusion (51a). The second protrusion (51b) is connected to a flow path pipe different from the protrusion (51) located next to the second protrusion (51b). The distance from the top of the second protrusion (51b) to the support plate (48) is shorter than the distance from the top of the first protrusion (51a) to the support plate (48).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and an air conditioning device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a refrigerant and air. This heat exchanger comprises plate-shaped fins and heat transfer tubes formed into a hairpin shape (elongated U-shape). The heat exchanger comprises a fin group consisting of multiple fins arranged at regular intervals. Each fin constituting the fin group is penetrated by multiple heat transfer tubes. The ends of each heat transfer tube protrude from the fin group.

[0003] U-tubes are joined to some of the ends of each heat transfer tube protruding from the fin assembly. U-tubes are short, U-shaped tube components that connect the ends of adjacent heat transfer tubes. Connecting tubes are also joined to other ends of each heat transfer tube protruding from the fin assembly. Connecting tubes connect the ends of heat transfer tubes to components other than the adjacent heat transfer tubes (for example, pipes used to connect the heat exchanger to other equipment).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-201220 Summary of the Invention

[0007] -Technical problem to be solved by the invention-

[0008] The connecting pipe connects the end of the heat transfer pipe to a component other than the heat transfer pipe adjacent to the end. Therefore, the connecting pipe is formed to extend further outward from the end of each heat transfer pipe protruding from the fin group (see Patent Document 1). Figure 2 When external forces act on a connecting pipe of this shape, a relatively large load is applied to the end of the heat transfer pipe to which the connecting pipe is attached. Furthermore, the strength of the end of the heat transfer pipe to which the connecting pipe is attached may be insufficient relative to the load acting on the end.

[0009] The purpose of the present disclosure is to improve the strength of the end portion of the heat transfer tube to improve the reliability of the heat exchanger.

[0010] -Technical solutions for solving technical problems-

[0011] The first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a heat exchanger 30, which includes a fin group 47, a heat transfer tube 50, and a support plate 48. The fin group 47 is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped fins 46, and a plurality of heat transfer tubes 50 pass through each of the fins 46 in the fin group 47. The support plate 48 is provided at the end of the fin group 47, and the heat transfer tube 50 passes through the support plate 48. The heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing in the heat transfer tube 50 and the air. In this aspect, the ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 50 constitute a protrusion 51 protruding from the support plate 48, and the protrusion 51 includes a first protrusion 51a and a second protrusion 51b, the first protrusion 51a is connected to the protrusion 51 located next to the first protrusion 51a, and the second protrusion 51b is connected to a flow path pipe 65 different from the protrusion 51 located next to the second protrusion 51b, and the distance from the top of the second protrusion 51b to the support plate 48 is shorter than the distance from the top of the first protrusion 51a to the support plate 48.

[0012] In the first aspect, the distance from the tip of the second protrusion 51b to the support plate 48 is shorter than the distance from the tip of the first protrusion 51a to the support plate 48. Therefore, the rigidity of the second protrusion 51b is higher than that of the first protrusion 51a. Furthermore, the strength of the second protrusion 51b is higher than that of the first protrusion 51a. Therefore, in this aspect, the strength of the second protrusion 51b is increased, improving the reliability of the heat exchanger 30.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, based on the heat exchanger 30 of the first aspect, the heat transfer tube 50 is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0014] In the second aspect, the heat exchanger 30 can be made lighter than when using copper heat transfer tubes.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the heat exchanger 30 of the first or second aspect, the plurality of protrusions 51 arranged in a row along the edge of the fin 46 include the first protrusion 51 a and the second protrusion 51 b .

[0016] In the third aspect, one row composed of a plurality of protrusions 51 includes both the first protrusions 51 a and the second protrusions 51 b .

[0017] The fourth aspect of the present disclosure is based on the heat exchanger 30 of any one of the first to third aspects above, and the heat exchanger 30 includes a first connecting pipe 61, one end of the first connecting pipe 61 is engaged with the first protrusion 51a, and the other end of the first connecting pipe 61 is engaged with the protrusion 51 located next to the first protrusion 51a.

[0018] In the fourth aspect, the first protrusion 51 a and the protrusion 51 located beside the first protrusion 51 a are connected by the first connecting pipe 61 .

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the heat exchanger 30 according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the flow conduit 65 connected to the second protrusion 51 b is capable of relative displacement with respect to the fin group 47 .

[0020] In the fifth aspect, even when the flow channel duct 65 is relatively displaced with respect to the fin group 47 , the possibility of deformation of the second protrusion 51 b is low.

[0021] In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the heat exchanger 30 of any one of the first to fifth aspects above, the fin group 47, the heat transfer tube 50 and the support plate 48 constitute the main body 45, and the heat exchanger 30 includes a second connecting pipe 62, and the heat medium flowing into the main body 45 or the heat medium flowing out of the main body 45 flows in the second connecting pipe 62, and the second protrusion 51b is connected to one end of the second connecting pipe 62.

[0022] In the sixth aspect, the second protrusion 51 b is connected to the second connecting pipe 62 . The “heat medium flowing into the main body 45 ” or the “heat medium flowing out of the main body 45 ” flows through the second protrusion 51 b and the second connecting pipe 62 .

[0023] In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, based on the heat exchanger 30 of any one of the first to fifth aspects mentioned above, the heat transfer tube 50 including the second protrusion 51b has a first part 53 and a second part 54, the first part 53 contacts the fin 46, one end of the first part 53 is continuous with the second protrusion 51b, the second part 54 contacts the fin 46, one end of the second part 54 is continuous with the other end of the first part 53, the outer diameter of the second protrusion 51b and the first part 53 is greater than the outer diameter of the second part 54, and the inner diameter of the second protrusion 51b and the first part 53 is greater than the inner diameter of the second part 54.

[0024] In the seventh aspect, the heat transfer tube 50 including the second protrusion 51b has a first portion 53 and a second portion 54. In the heat transfer tube 50 including the second protrusion 51b, the second protrusion 51b is continuous with the first portion 53, which in turn is continuous with the second portion 54. The first portion 53 and the second portion 54 are in contact with the fin 46. The outer diameter of the second protrusion 51b and the outer diameter of the first portion 53 are both larger than the outer diameter of the second portion 54. The inner diameter of the second protrusion 51b and the inner diameter of the first portion 53 are both larger than the inner diameter of the second portion 54.

[0025] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is based on the heat exchanger 30 of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or seventh aspect above, and the heat exchanger 30 includes a second connecting pipe 62, which is connected to the second protrusion 51b, and the second connecting pipe 62 has an insertion portion 62a that enters the inner side of the second protrusion 51b, and the top end of the insertion portion 62a is located at a position closer to the fin group 47 than the support plate 48.

[0026] In the eighth aspect, deformation of the second protrusion 51 b is suppressed by the insertion portion 62 a located inside the second protrusion 51 b.

[0027] In the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the heat exchanger 30 of the eighth aspect, the second connecting pipe 62 has an exposed portion 62b located outside the second protrusion 51b, the outer diameter of the inserted portion 62a is smaller than the outer diameter of the exposed portion 62b, and the inner diameter of the inserted portion 62a is smaller than the inner diameter of the exposed portion 62b.

[0028] In the ninth aspect, the insertion portion 62a having an outer diameter and an inner diameter smaller than those of the exposed portion 62b enters the inner side of the second protrusion 51b.

[0029] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning device (10), which includes the heat exchanger (30) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0030] In the tenth aspect, the air conditioning apparatus ( 10 ) includes the heat exchanger ( 30 ) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a piping diagram showing the structure of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit showing a schematic structure of the indoor unit according to the embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an indoor heat exchanger according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4 is a rear view of the indoor heat exchanger according to the embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 It will Figure 3 A perspective view showing an enlarged main portion of an indoor heat exchanger;

[0036] Figure 6 It is a right side view of the indoor heat exchanger of the embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a right side view of the indoor heat exchanger with the liquid side pipe and gas side pipe omitted;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a plan view of the auxiliary heat exchange portion showing a main portion of the auxiliary heat exchange portion of the second heat exchange portion included in the indoor heat exchanger;

[0039] Figure 9 is shown along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along section IX-IX of FIG.

[0040] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the second protrusion of the indoor heat exchanger and the second connecting pipe connected to the second protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present embodiment is an air-conditioning device 10 for air-conditioning an indoor space.

[0042] - Air conditioning unit -

[0043] <Overall structure of air conditioning unit>

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning system 10 includes an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 13. The outdoor unit 11 houses an outdoor circuit 20 and an outdoor fan 12. The indoor unit 13 houses an indoor heat exchanger 30 and an indoor fan 14. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 13 are connected to each other via a liquid-side connecting pipe 16 and a gas-side connecting pipe 17, forming a refrigerant circuit 15. The refrigerant circuit 15 is filled with a refrigerant serving as a heat medium.

[0045] <Refrigerant circuit>

[0046] The outdoor circuit 20 is provided with a compressor 25, a four-way reversing valve 26, an outdoor heat exchanger 27, and an expansion valve 28. In the outdoor circuit 20, the discharge pipe and suction pipe of the compressor 25 are connected to the four-way reversing valve 26. The gas-side end 22 of the outdoor circuit 20 is connected to the four-way reversing valve 26. In the outdoor circuit 20, the expansion valve 28 and the outdoor heat exchanger 27 are arranged in this order from the liquid-side end 21 of the outdoor circuit 20 toward the four-way reversing valve 26.

[0047] The liquid-side end 21 of the outdoor circuit 20 is connected to one end of the liquid-side connecting pipe 16 via a joint. The gas-side end 22 of the outdoor circuit 20 is connected to one end of the gas-side connecting pipe 17 via a joint.

[0048] Compressor 25 is a fully enclosed compressor. Outdoor heat exchanger 27 is a so-called cross-fin heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant in refrigerant circuit 15 and the outdoor air. Expansion valve 28 is a so-called electronic expansion valve. Four-way reversing valve 26 is a switching valve for switching between cooling and heating operations.

[0049] The indoor heat exchanger 30 includes a heat exchange section 31, a liquid-side pipe 32, and a gas-side pipe 33. The heat exchange section 31 is a so-called cross-fin heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 15 and the indoor air. One end of the liquid-side pipe 32 and one end of the gas-side pipe 33 are connected to the heat exchange section 31.

[0050] The other end of the liquid-side pipe 32 is connected to the other end of the liquid-side connecting pipe 16 via a joint. The other end of the gas-side pipe 33 is connected to the other end of the gas-side connecting pipe 17 via a joint.

[0051] <Operation of air conditioning unit>

[0052] The air conditioner 10 selectively performs cooling operation and heating operation. In each of the cooling operation and the heating operation, the air conditioner 10 circulates the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 15 to perform a refrigeration cycle.

[0053] In the cooling operation, the four-way reversing valve 26 becomes Figure 1 In the state shown by the solid line, the outdoor heat exchanger 27 functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 30 functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit 13 cools the indoor air drawn in by the heat exchange portion 31 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 and blows the cooled indoor air into the room.

[0054] In heating operation, the four-way reversing valve 26 becomes Figure 1 In the state shown by the middle dashed line, the indoor heat exchanger (30) functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger (27) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (13) heats the drawn indoor air in the heat exchange portion (31) of the indoor heat exchanger (30) and blows the heated indoor air into the room.

[0055] - Indoor unit -

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit (13) of this embodiment is a wall-mounted indoor unit.

[0057] The indoor unit (13) includes a casing (35). An air inlet (36) is formed at the top of the casing (35). An air outlet (37) is formed at the bottom of the casing (35). The casing (35) houses an indoor heat exchanger (30), an indoor fan (14), and an air filter (38). The indoor fan (14) is a so-called cross-flow fan.

[0058] The heat exchange section 31 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 is provided from the front side of the indoor fan 14 to the upper side of the indoor fan 14. The heat exchange section 31 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 includes a first heat exchange section 41, a second heat exchange section 42, and a third heat exchange section 43. The first heat exchange section 41 is located in front of the indoor fan 14. The second heat exchange section 42 is located in front of the upper side of the indoor fan 14. The third heat exchange section 43 is located in the rear of the upper side of the indoor fan 14.

[0059] - Indoor heat exchanger -

[0060] The indoor heat exchanger 30 is described in detail. In the following description of the indoor heat exchanger 30, "up", "down", "right", "left", "front" and "rear" refer to the directions when the indoor heat exchanger 30 is viewed from the front ( Figure 3 direction shown).

[0061] <Overall structure of the indoor heat exchanger>

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the indoor heat exchanger ( 30 ) includes a heat exchanging portion ( 31 ), a liquid-side pipe ( 32 ), and a gas-side pipe ( 33 ).

[0063] The heat exchange unit 31 is a cross-fin heat exchanger. It includes heat transfer tubes 50 and fins 46 , which will be described in detail later. The heat exchange unit 31 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the heat transfer tubes 50 and the air flowing while in contact with the fins 46 .

[0064] The liquid-side tube 32 and the gas-side tube 33 are tubes through which the refrigerant flows. One end of the liquid-side tube 32 and one end of the gas-side tube 33 are connected to the heat exchange unit 31. The other end of the liquid-side tube 32 is connected to the liquid-side connecting tube 16 via a flared joint. The other end of the gas-side tube 33 is connected to the gas-side connecting tube 17 via a flared joint.

[0065] The liquid side pipe 32 and the gas side pipe 33 are extended from right to left along the horizontal direction (refer to Figure 4 When installing the indoor unit (13), workers may bend the liquid-side pipe (32) and the gas-side pipe (33) to change the position of the portion near the other end of each pipe. In this case, the portion near the other end of the liquid-side pipe (32) and the gas-side pipe (33) may extend from front to back or from left to right. In this way, the liquid-side pipe (32) and the gas-side pipe (33) can be displaced relative to the heat exchange unit (31).

[0066] Heat exchange unit

[0067] like Figure 3As shown, the heat exchange portion 31 includes a first heat exchange portion 41, a second heat exchange portion 42, and a third heat exchange portion 43. The first heat exchange portion 41, the second heat exchange portion 42, and the third heat exchange portion 43 each include a heat transfer tube 50, a fin 46, and a support plate 48.

[0068] Fins 46 are thin, plate-like components. Fins 46 are made of aluminum alloy. In each of the first through third heat exchange sections 41 through 43, multiple fins 46 are arranged horizontally at regular intervals. In each of the first through third heat exchange sections 41 through 43, the multiple fins 46 arranged horizontally form a fin group 47.

[0069] The support plate 48 is a plate-shaped member thicker than the fins 46. The support plate 48 is made of steel. In each of the first through third heat exchange sections 41 through 43, a support plate 48 is provided at the left and right ends of the fin group 47. The support plates 48 are positioned to cover the fins 46 at the ends of the fin group 47.

[0070] The heat transfer tube 50 is a circular tube formed into a hairpin shape (or an elongated U-shape). It is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The outer diameter of the heat transfer tube 50 is 6 mm. Multiple grooves are formed on the inner surface of the heat transfer tube 50 to promote heat transfer. The bottom wall thickness of the heat transfer tube 50 is 0.5 mm. It should be noted that the outer diameter and bottom wall thickness values ​​of the heat transfer tube 50 shown here are only examples.

[0071] In each of the first through third heat exchange sections 41 through 43, the heat transfer tubes 50 penetrate the fins 46 forming the fin group 47 and the support plates 48 provided at both ends of the fin group 47. In each of the first through third heat exchange sections 41 through 43, the heat transfer tubes 50 extend from left to right through the fin group 47.

[0072] In each of the first to third heat exchange sections 41 to 43 , the fin group 47 , the heat transfer tube 50 , and the support plate 48 combined with each other constitute a main body 45 .

[0073] In each of the first through third heat exchange sections 41 through 43, the end of each heat transfer tube 50 protrudes from the right end of the fin group 47. The portion of each heat transfer tube 50 that protrudes from the right end of the fin group 47 is a protrusion 51. Each heat transfer tube 50, formed in a hairpin shape, includes two protrusions 51. In each of the first through third heat exchange sections 41 through 43, multiple protrusions 51 are arranged along the length of the fin 46.

[0074] The first heat exchange portion 41 is provided with two rows each consisting of a plurality of protrusions 51 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the fin 46 .

[0075] The second heat exchange section 42 includes a primary heat exchange section 42a and a secondary heat exchange section 42b. The secondary heat exchange section 42b is arranged so as to overlap the primary heat exchange section 42a. The primary heat exchange section 42a has two rows of protrusions 51 arranged along the length of the fins 46. The secondary heat exchange section 42b has one row of protrusions 51 arranged along the length of the fins 46.

[0076] The third heat exchange section 43 includes a primary heat exchange section 43a and a secondary heat exchange section 43b. The secondary heat exchange section 43b is arranged so as to overlap the primary heat exchange section 43a. The primary heat exchange section 43a has two rows of protrusions 51 arranged along the length of the fins 46. The secondary heat exchange section 43b has one row of protrusions 51 arranged along the length of the fins 46.

[0077] Components forming the refrigerant flow path

[0078] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the heat exchange unit 31 includes a U-shaped connecting pipe 61, a liquid-side connecting pipe 63, a jumper pipe 64, a liquid-side flow divider 70, and a gas-side flow divider 75. Furthermore, the heat exchange unit 31 includes a liquid-side main pipe 71 and liquid-side branch pipes 72a to 72c connected to the liquid-side flow divider 70, and a gas-side main pipe 76 and gas-side branch pipes 77a to 77c connected to the gas-side flow divider 75. These components, together with the heat transfer tube 50, form a refrigerant flow path.

[0079] U-shaped connecting pipe

[0080] Each of the first through third heat exchange sections 41 through 43 is provided with a plurality of U-shaped connecting tubes 61. The U-shaped connecting tubes 61 are round tubes bent into a U-shape. The U-shaped connecting tubes 61 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The wall thickness of the U-shaped connecting tubes 61 is, for example, approximately 1 mm. The wall thickness of the U-shaped connecting tubes 61 is greater than the bottom wall thickness of the heat transfer tube 50.

[0081] The U-shaped connecting pipe 61 is a first connecting pipe that connects the protrusions 51 of adjacent heat transfer tubes 50. One end of the U-shaped connecting pipe 61 is brazed to one of the adjacent protrusions 51. The other end of the U-shaped connecting pipe 61 is brazed to the other of the adjacent protrusions 51. The U-shaped connecting pipe 61 connects two heat transfer tubes 50.

[0082] Liquid side connecting pipe

[0083] The heat exchange unit 31 is provided with only one liquid-side connecting pipe 63. This is a circular tube formed into a predetermined shape. It is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The wall thickness of the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 is, for example, approximately 1 mm. This thickness is greater than the bottom wall thickness of the heat transfer tube 50.

[0084] One end of the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 is joined to a protrusion 51 provided on the auxiliary heat exchange section 42b of the second heat exchange section 42. Specifically, one end of the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 is joined to the lowest protrusion 51 on the auxiliary heat exchange section 42b by brazing. Meanwhile, the other end of the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 is joined to one end of the liquid-side pipe 32 by brazing.

[0085] The refrigerant flowing from the liquid-side tube 32 into the heat exchange section 31 or the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchange section 31 into the liquid-side tube 32 flows through the liquid-side connecting tube 63. The liquid-side connecting tube 63 is a second connecting tube 62 through which the refrigerant flowing into the main body 45 of the auxiliary heat exchange section 42b of the second heat exchange section 42 or the refrigerant flowing out of the main body 45 of the auxiliary heat exchange section 42b flows.

[0086] Jumper pipe

[0087] Only one jumper tube 64 is provided on the heat exchange section 31. The jumper tube 64 is a circular tube formed into a predetermined shape. It is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The wall thickness of the jumper tube 64 is, for example, approximately 1 mm. The wall thickness of the jumper tube 64 is greater than the bottom wall thickness of the heat transfer tube 50.

[0088] One end of the jumper tube 64 is joined to one protrusion 51 provided on the auxiliary heat exchange portion 42b of the second heat exchange portion 42. Specifically, one end of the jumper tube 64 is joined to the uppermost protrusion 51 on the auxiliary heat exchange portion 42b by brazing.

[0089] The other end of the jumper tube 64 is joined to one protrusion 51 provided on the auxiliary heat exchange portion 43b of the third heat exchange portion 43. Specifically, the other end of the jumper tube 64 is joined to the uppermost protrusion 51 on the auxiliary heat exchange portion 43b by brazing.

[0090] Liquid side flow divider, liquid side main pipe, liquid side branch pipe

[0091] The liquid-side flow divider 70 is a short cylindrical component. The liquid-side main pipe 71 and each of the liquid-side branch pipes 72a-72c are circular tubes formed into a predetermined shape. The liquid-side flow divider 70, the liquid-side main pipe 71, and the liquid-side branch pipes 72a-72c are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The wall thickness of the liquid-side main pipe 71 and the liquid-side branch pipes 72a-72c is, for example, approximately 1 mm. The wall thickness of the liquid-side main pipe 71 and the liquid-side branch pipes 72a-72c is greater than the bottom wall thickness of the heat transfer tube 50.

[0092] The liquid-side flow divider 70 is disposed with its central axis substantially aligned in the vertical direction. The liquid-side flow divider 70 has the function of distributing the refrigerant flowing from one liquid-side main pipe 71 to the three liquid-side branch pipes 72a to 72c, and of merging the refrigerant flowing from the three liquid-side branch pipes 72a to 72c into the single liquid-side main pipe 71.

[0093] One end of the liquid-side main pipe 71 is brazed to the lower surface of the liquid-side flow divider 70. The other end of the liquid-side main pipe 71 is brazed to a protrusion 51 provided on the auxiliary heat exchange section 43b of the third heat exchange section 43. Specifically, the other end of the liquid-side main pipe 71 is brazed to the lowest protrusion 51 on the auxiliary heat exchange section 43b.

[0094] One end of each of the liquid-side branch pipes 72a to 72c is brazed to the upper surface of the liquid-side flow divider 70. The other end of the first liquid-side branch pipe 72a is brazed to a protrusion 51 provided on the first heat exchange section 41. The other end of the second liquid-side branch pipe 72b is brazed to a protrusion 51 provided on the main heat exchange section 42a of the second heat exchange section 42. The other end of the third liquid-side branch pipe 72c is brazed to a protrusion 51 provided on the main heat exchange section 43a of the third heat exchange section 43.

[0095] Gas side flow divider, gas side main pipe, gas side branch pipe

[0096] The gas-side manifold 75 is a short cylindrical component. The gas-side main pipe 76 and each of the gas-side branch pipes 77a-77c are circular pipes formed into predetermined shapes. The gas-side manifold 75, the gas-side main pipe 76, and the gas-side branch pipes 77a-77c are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The wall thickness of the gas-side main pipe 76 and the gas-side branch pipes 77a-77c is, for example, approximately 1 mm. The wall thickness of the gas-side main pipe 76 and the gas-side branch pipes 77a-77c is greater than the bottom wall thickness of the heat transfer tube 50.

[0097] The gas-side flow divider 75 is arranged with its central axis tilted obliquely forward. The gas-side flow divider 75 has the function of distributing the refrigerant flowing from one gas-side main pipe 76 to the three gas-side branch pipes 77a to 77c, and the function of merging the refrigerant flowing from the three gas-side branch pipes 77a to 77c into the one gas-side main pipe 76.

[0098] One end of the gas-side main pipe 76 is joined to one end surface of the liquid-side flow divider 70 by brazing. The other end of the gas-side main pipe 76 is joined to one end of the gas-side pipe 33 by brazing.

[0099] One end of each of the gas-side branch pipes 77a to 77c is joined to the other end surface of the gas-side flow divider 75 by brazing.

[0100] The other end of the first gas branch pipe 77a is brazed to a protrusion 51 provided on the first heat exchange portion 41. The first gas branch pipe 77a is the second connecting pipe 62 through which refrigerant flowing into the main body portion 45 of the first heat exchange portion 41 or refrigerant flowing out of the main body portion 45 of the first heat exchange portion 41 flows.

[0101] The other end of the second gas-side branch pipe 77b is brazed to a protrusion 51 provided on the main heat exchange portion 42a of the second heat exchange portion 42. The second gas-side branch pipe 77b is a second connecting pipe 62 through which refrigerant flowing into the main body portion 45 of the main heat exchange portion 42a of the second heat exchange portion 42 or refrigerant flowing out of the main body portion 45 of the main heat exchange portion 42a flows.

[0102] The other end of the third gas branch pipe 77c is brazed to a protrusion 51 provided on the main heat exchange portion 43a of the third heat exchange portion 43. The third gas branch pipe 77c is a second connecting pipe 62 through which refrigerant flowing into the main body portion 45 of the main heat exchange portion 43a of the third heat exchange portion 43 or refrigerant flowing out of the main body portion 45 of the main heat exchange portion 43a flows.

[0103] <First protrusion, second protrusion, flow channel>

[0104] As described above, in the indoor heat exchanger 30, the ends of the heat transfer tubes 50 protruding from the fin group 47 constitute the protrusions 51. The plurality of protrusions 51 provided on the heat exchange portion 31 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 include a first protrusion 51a and a second protrusion 51b.

[0105] In the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the protrusions 51 to which the U-shaped connection pipes 61 are connected are first protrusions 51a. Each first protrusion 51a is connected to a protrusion 51 located next to the first protrusion 51a via a U-shaped connection pipe 61.

[0106] In the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the protrusion 51 to which the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 is joined and the protrusions 51 to which the first to third gas-side branch pipes 77a to 77c are respectively joined constitute the second protrusions 51b.

[0107] The second protrusion 51b, to which the liquid-side connecting tube 63 is connected, is connected to the liquid-side tube 32 via the liquid-side connecting tube 63. The liquid-side tube 32 is a flow conduit 65 separate from the "protrusion 51 located next to the second protrusion 51b, to which the liquid-side connecting tube 63 is connected." Only one of one end of the liquid-side tube 32 is connected to the second heat exchange section 42 via the liquid-side connecting tube 63. Therefore, the liquid-side tube 32, serving as the flow conduit 65, is relatively displaceable relative to the fin assembly 47 of the second heat exchange section 42.

[0108] The second protrusion 51b, to which each of the gas-side branch tubes 77a to 77c is connected, is connected to the gas-side manifold 75 via the corresponding gas-side branch tubes 77a to 77c. The gas-side manifold 75 is connected to the gas-side tube 33 via the gas-side main tube 76. The gas-side manifold 75, the gas-side main tube 76, and the gas-side tube 33 constitute a flow path conduit 65 separate from the "protrusion 51 located adjacent to the second protrusion 51b, to which the gas-side branch tubes 77a to 77c are connected." Only one of one end and the other end of the gas-side manifold 75 is connected to the first to third heat exchange sections 41 to 43 via the gas-side branch tubes 77a to 77c. Therefore, the gas-side manifold 75, the gas-side main tube 76, and the gas-side tube 33, which serve as the flow path conduit 65, are relatively displaceable relative to the fin groups 47 of the first to third heat exchange sections 41 to 43.

[0109] The second protrusion 51b, to which the liquid-side connecting tube 63 is connected, is included in the auxiliary heat exchange section 42b of the second heat exchange section 42. This auxiliary heat exchange section 42b also includes the first protrusion 51a, to which the U-shaped connecting tube 61 is connected. As described above, this auxiliary heat exchange section 42b has a single row of protrusions 51 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 46. Therefore, the single "row of protrusions 51" formed in this auxiliary heat exchange section 42b includes both the first protrusion 51a and the second protrusion 51b.

[0110] The second protrusion 51b, to which the first air-side branch pipe 77a is connected, is included in the first heat exchange section 41. As described above, the first heat exchange section 41 includes two rows of a plurality of protrusions 51 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fin 46. In the first heat exchange section 41, the second protrusion 51b is included in the "row of protrusions 51" located on the downstream side (on the indoor fan 14 side) in the air flow direction. This "row of protrusions 51" also includes the first protrusion 51a, to which the U-shaped connecting pipe 61 is connected. Therefore, in the first heat exchange section 41, one "row of protrusions 51" includes both the first protrusion 51a and the second protrusion 51b.

[0111] The second protrusion 51b connected to the second air-side branch pipe 77b is included in the main heat exchange section 42a of the second heat exchange section 42. As described above, the main heat exchange section 42a is formed with two rows of a plurality of protrusions 51 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fin 46. In the main heat exchange section 42a, the second protrusion 51b is included in the "row of protrusions 51" located on the downstream side (on the indoor fan 14 side) in the air flow direction. The first protrusion 51a connected to the U-shaped connecting pipe 61 is also included in this "row of protrusions 51". Therefore, in the main heat exchange section 42a, both the first protrusion 51a and the second protrusion 51b are included in one "row of protrusions 51".

[0112] The second protrusion 51b, to which the third air-side branch pipe 77c is connected, is included in the main heat exchange section 43a of the third heat exchange section 43. As described above, the main heat exchange section 43a includes two rows of a plurality of protrusions 51 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fins 46. In the main heat exchange section 43a, the second protrusion 51b is included in the "row of protrusions 51" located on the downstream side (on the indoor fan 14 side) in the air flow direction. The first protrusion 51a, to which the U-shaped connecting pipe 61 is connected, is also included in this "row of protrusions 51." Therefore, in the main heat exchange section 43a, both the first protrusion 51a and the second protrusion 51b are included in one "row of protrusions 51."

[0113] <Lengths of the first protrusion and the second protrusion>

[0114] like Figure 8 As shown, in the auxiliary heat exchange section 42b of the second heat exchange section 42, the distance L2 from the tip of the second protrusion 51b to the support plate 48 is shorter than the distance from the tip of the protrusions 51 other than the second protrusion 51b to the support plate. Therefore, the distance L2 from the tip of the second protrusion 51b to the support plate 48 is shorter than the distance L1 from the tip of the first protrusion 51a to the support plate 48 (L2 < L1). In other words, the second protrusion 51b is shorter than the first protrusion 51a.

[0115] In each of the heat exchange sections (not shown) where the second protrusion 51b is located, namely, the first heat exchange section 41, the main heat exchange section 42a of the second heat exchange section 42, and the main heat exchange section 43a of the third heat exchange section 43, the distance L2 from the tip of the second protrusion 51b to the support plate 48 is shorter than the distance from the tip of the protrusion 51b to the support plate 48 (not shown). Therefore, in each of the heat exchange sections (not shown), namely, the distance L2 from the tip of the second protrusion 51b to the support plate 48 is shorter than the distance L1 from the tip of the first protrusion 51a to the support plate 48 (L2 < L1). In other words, the second protrusion 51b is shorter than the first protrusion 51a.

[0116] 〈Expanded diameter section〉

[0117] The portion of each heat transfer tube 50 that extends a predetermined length from the open end forms an expanded diameter portion 52. The outer diameter of the expanded diameter portion 52 is larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the heat transfer tube 50 excluding the expanded diameter portion 52. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the expanded diameter portion 52 is larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the heat transfer tube 50 excluding the expanded diameter portion 52.

[0118] like Figure 8As shown, at the end of the heat transfer tube 50 constituting the protrusion 51 excluding the second protrusion 51b, the length of the expanded diameter portion 52 is shorter than the length of the protrusion 51. Therefore, at the end of the heat transfer tube 50 constituting the protrusion 51 excluding the second protrusion 51b, the entire expanded diameter portion 52 is exposed outside the fin group 47. It should be noted that the protrusion 51 excluding the second protrusion 51b includes the first protrusion 51a.

[0119] like Figure 9 As shown, at the end of the heat transfer tube 50 forming the second protrusion 51b, the length L3 of the expanded diameter portion 52 is longer than the length L2 of the second protrusion 51b. Therefore, at the end of the heat transfer tube 50 forming the second protrusion 51b, a portion of the expanded diameter portion 52 is exposed outside the fin group 47, while the remaining portion of the expanded diameter portion 52 is located inside the fin group 47.

[0120] Specifically, in the heat transfer tube 50 having the second protrusion 51b, the entire second protrusion 51b and the entire first portion 53 in contact with the fin 46 constitute the expanded diameter portion 52. One end of the first portion 53 is continuous with the second protrusion 51b. In the heat transfer tube 50 having the second protrusion 51b, the portion continuous with the other end of the first portion 53 constitutes the second portion 54. The outer diameter D1o of the expanded diameter portion 52 formed by the second protrusion 51b and the first portion 53 is larger than the outer diameter D2o of the second portion 54 (D2o < D1o). Furthermore, the inner diameter D1i of the expanded diameter portion 52 formed by the second protrusion 51b and the first portion 53 is larger than the inner diameter D2i of the second portion 54 (D2i < D1i).

[0121] It should be noted that Figure 9 The second protrusion 51b of the auxiliary heat exchange portion 42b of the second heat exchange portion 42 is shown, but the shapes of the other second protrusions 51b are also the same as those of the second protrusion 51b. Figure 9 The second protrusions 51b shown are of the same shape.

[0122] <End of the Second Connecting Pipe>

[0123] In the indoor heat exchanger ( 30 ) of the present embodiment, the liquid-side connecting pipe ( 63 ) and the first to third gas-side branch pipes ( 77 a , 77 c ) constitute the second connecting pipe ( 62 ).

[0124] like Figure 10As shown, the ends of the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 and the first to third gas-side branch pipes 77a, 77c, which constitute the second connecting pipe 62, are inserted into the inner side of the second protrusion 51b. The insertion portion 62a of the second connecting pipe 62 is inserted into the inner side of the expanded diameter portion 52 formed in the heat transfer tube 50. The tip of the insertion portion 62a is located closer to the fin group 47 than the support plate 48. In other words, the tip of the insertion portion 62a is located inside the fin group 47. Therefore, the insertion portion 62a is brazed to the entire inner surface of the second protrusion 51b.

[0125] Of the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 and the first to third gas-side branch pipes 77a, 77c that comprise the second connecting pipe 62, the portion that is continuous with the insertion portion 62a and located outside the second protrusion 51b is the exposed portion 62b. The outer diameter D3o of the insertion portion 62a is smaller than the outer diameter D4o of the exposed portion 62b (D3o < D4o). The inner diameter D3i of the insertion portion 62a is smaller than the inner diameter D4i of the exposed portion 62b (D3i < D4i).

[0126] It should be noted that Figure 10 The insertion portion 62a and the exposed portion 62b of the liquid side connecting pipe 63 are shown, but the insertion portion 62a and the exposed portion 62b are also formed on the first gas side branch pipe 77a to the third gas side branch pipe 77c. The shapes of the insertion portion 62a and the exposed portion 62b of the first gas side branch pipe 77a to the third gas side branch pipe 77c are similar to those of the first gas side branch pipe 77a to the third gas side branch pipe 77c. Figure 10 The shapes of the insertion portion 62a and the exposed portion 62b of the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 shown are the same.

[0127] - Features of the embodiment (1) -

[0128] In the indoor heat exchanger (30) of this embodiment, the ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes (50) form a protrusion (51) that protrudes from the support plate (48). The protrusion (51) includes a first protrusion (51a) and a second protrusion (51b). The first protrusion (51a) is connected to a protrusion (51) located adjacent to the first protrusion (51a). The second protrusion (51b) is connected to a flow path (65) separate from the protrusion (51) located adjacent to the second protrusion (51b).

[0129] Here, the "protrusion 51 located adjacent to the first protrusion 51a" to which the first protrusion 51a is connected cannot move relative to the fin group 47. Therefore, in the indoor heat exchanger 30, the likelihood of a significant external force acting on the first protrusion 51a is low. On the other hand, the flow conduit 65 to which the second protrusion 51b is connected can move relative to the fin group 47. When the flow conduit 65 moves, a relatively significant external force acts on the second protrusion 51b, which is part of the heat transfer tube 50 fixed to the fin group 47.

[0130] In this way, the maximum external force that can act on the second protrusion 51b is greater than the maximum external force that can act on the first protrusion 51a. On the other hand, in the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the distance L2 from the top of the second protrusion 51b to the support plate 48 is shorter than the distance L1 from the top of the first protrusion 51a to the support plate 48. Therefore, the rigidity of the second protrusion 51b is higher than the rigidity of the first protrusion 51a. In addition, the strength of the second protrusion 51b is higher than the strength of the first protrusion 51a. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the strength of the second protrusion 51b can be improved, the possibility of the second protrusion 51b being deformed by external force can be reduced, and the reliability of the indoor heat exchanger 30 can be improved.

[0131] Furthermore, in the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the bottom wall thickness of the heat transfer tube 50 is thinner than the wall thickness of the U-shaped connecting tube 61, the liquid-side connecting tube 63, the jumper tube 64, the first to third liquid-side branch tubes 72a to 72c, and the first to third gas-side branch tubes 77a to 77c. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by shortening the length of the second protrusion 51b formed by the heat transfer tube 50 having a relatively thin bottom wall thickness, the rigidity and strength of the second protrusion 51b can be improved. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the strength of the second protrusion 51b formed by the heat transfer tube 50 having a relatively thin bottom wall thickness can be increased, thereby improving the reliability of the indoor heat exchanger 30.

[0132] - Features of the embodiment (2) -

[0133] In the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the expanded diameter portion 52 is formed in the portion of the heat transfer tube 50 including the second protrusion 51b. The length L3 of the expanded diameter portion 52 is longer than the length L2 of the second protrusion 51b (see Figure 9 Therefore, in the heat transfer tube 50 having the second protrusion 51 b , a portion of the enlarged diameter portion 52 is exposed outside the fin group 47 , and the remaining portion of the enlarged diameter portion 52 is located inside the fin group 47 .

[0134] Furthermore, in the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the insertion portion 62a of the liquid-side connecting pipe 63 and the first to third gas-side branch pipes 77a, 77c, which constitute the second connecting pipe 62, extends into the inside of the expanded diameter portion 52 formed in the heat transfer tube 50. The tip of the insertion portion 62a is located closer to the fin group 47 than the support plate 48. Furthermore, the inner surfaces of the second protrusion 51b and the first portion 53, which constitute the expanded diameter portion 52, are joined to the outer surface of the insertion portion 62a of the second connecting pipe 62 by brazing.

[0135] In the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the second protrusion 51b and the first portion 53 constituting the expanded diameter portion 52 are reinforced by being brazed to the insertion portion 62a of the second connecting pipe 62. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the strength of the second protrusion 51b can be increased, and the possibility of deformation of the second protrusion 51b due to external forces can be reduced, thereby improving the reliability of the indoor heat exchanger 30.

[0136] - Features of the embodiment (3) -

[0137] In the indoor heat exchanger (30) of this embodiment, the liquid-side connecting pipe (63) and the first to third gas-side branch pipes (77a, 77c) that constitute the second connecting pipe (62) are formed with an inserted portion (62a) and an exposed portion (62b). The outer and inner diameters of the inserted portion (62a) are smaller than those of the exposed portion (62b), respectively. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the inner diameter of the exposed portion (62b) of the second connecting pipe (62) can be increased, resulting in a low pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger (30).

[0138] - Modifications of the Embodiments -

[0139] The air conditioning apparatus 10 of the above embodiment may also adopt the following modifications. It should be noted that the following modifications may be appropriately combined or replaced as long as the function of the air conditioning apparatus 10 is not affected.

[0140] In the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the second protrusion 51b can also be formed by a protrusion 51 joined to a jumper tube 64. The second protrusion 51b, joined to one end of the jumper tube 64, is connected to a protrusion 51 different from the protrusion 51 located adjacent to the second protrusion 51b via the jumper tube 64. In this case, the heat transfer tube 50 having the protrusion 51 joined to the other end of the jumper tube 64 forms the flow conduit 65. The distance from the second protrusion 51b to the flow conduit 65 is greater than the distance from the second protrusion 51b to the protrusion 51 located adjacent to the second protrusion 51b.

[0141] In the indoor heat exchanger 30 of this embodiment, the liquid-side tube 32 is connected to the second protrusion 51b via the liquid-side connecting tube 63. However, the liquid-side tube 32 may be directly connected to the second protrusion 51b. In this case, the liquid-side tube 32 constituting the flow channel 65 is joined to the second protrusion 51b by brazing.

[0142] In this embodiment, the heat transfer tubes 50 of the indoor heat exchanger 30 may also be made of copper or a copper alloy. In this case, the U-shaped connecting tube 61, liquid-side connecting tube 63, jumper tube 64, liquid-side main pipe 71, liquid-side branch pipes 72a-72c, gas-side main pipe 76, gas-side branch pipes 77a-77c, liquid-side pipe 32, and gas-side pipe 33 provided in the indoor heat exchanger 30 are preferably also made of copper or a copper alloy. Furthermore, the heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 27 may be made of either aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or copper or a copper alloy.

[0143] The indoor unit ( 13 ) provided with the indoor heat exchanger ( 30 ) to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a wall-mounted type, and may be, for example, a ceiling-mounted type.

[0144] The heat exchanger to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the indoor heat exchanger 30. The present invention can also be applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 27. In this case, the protrusions of the plurality of heat transfer tubes constituting the outdoor heat exchanger 27 include the first protrusion 51a and the second protrusion 51b.

[0145] While the embodiments and variations are described above, it should be understood that various changes may be made to the manner and specific circumstances without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The embodiments and variations described above may be appropriately combined or replaced without affecting the functionality of the disclosed subject matter. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used solely to distinguish between statements containing the terms and are not intended to limit the number or order of the statements.

[0146] Industrial Applicability

[0147] In summary, the present disclosure is very useful for heat exchangers and air conditioning devices.

[0148] - Explanation of symbols -

[0149] 10 Air conditioning unit

[0150] 30 Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

[0151] 46 fins

[0152] 47 fin group

[0153] 48 support plate

[0154] 50 heat transfer tubes

[0155] 51 salient

[0156] 51a first protrusion

[0157] 51b second protrusion

[0158] 53 Part 1

[0159] 54 Part 2

[0160] 61U-shaped connecting pipe (first connecting pipe)

[0161] 62 second connecting pipe

[0162] 62a Insertion portion

[0163] 62b exposed part

[0164] 65 flow pipe

Claims

1. An air conditioning device (10), comprising an outdoor unit (11), an indoor unit (13), and connecting pipes (16, 17) connecting the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (13), characterized in that: The indoor unit (13) includes an indoor heat exchanger (30) and a casing (35) for accommodating the indoor heat exchanger (30). The indoor heat exchanger (30) includes a fin group (47), a heat transfer tube (50), and a support plate (48). The fin group (47) is composed of a plurality of plate-shaped fins (46). A plurality of heat transfer tubes (50) pass through each of the fins (46) in the fin group (47). The support plate (48) is provided at an end of the fin group (47), and the heat transfer tube (50) passes through the support plate (48). The indoor heat exchanger (30) allows the heat medium flowing in the heat transfer tube (50) to exchange heat with the air. The ends of the plurality of heat transfer tubes (50) form a protrusion (51) protruding from the support plate (48). The protrusion (51) includes a first protrusion (51a) and a second protrusion (51b), The indoor heat exchanger (30) comprises: a first connecting tube (61), one end of which is connected to the first protrusion (51a), and the other end of which is connected to the protrusion (51) located next to the first protrusion (51a); and A flow conduit (65), the flow conduit (65) being connected to the second protrusion (51b), the flow conduit (65) being capable of relative displacement relative to the fin assembly (47), The distance from the top of the second protrusion (51b) connected to the flow path pipe (65) to the support plate (48) is shorter than the distance from the top of the first protrusion (51a) connected to the first connecting pipe (61) to the support plate (48), An expanded diameter portion (52) is formed on a portion of the heat transfer tube (50) provided with the second protrusion (51b) including the second protrusion (51b). The diameter of the expanded diameter portion (52) is larger than the diameter of the portion of the heat transfer tube (50) provided with the second protrusion (51b) other than the expanded diameter portion (52), and the length (L3) of the expanded diameter portion (52) is longer than the distance (L2) from the top end of the second protrusion (51b) to the support plate (48). The flow path pipe (65) is inserted into the expanded diameter portion (52) at a position closer to the fin group (47) than the support plate (48) and connected to the second protrusion (51b). The fin group (47), the heat transfer tube (50) and the support plate (48) constitute a main body (45). The flow path pipe (65) includes a second connecting pipe (62), and the heat medium flowing into the main body (45) or the heat medium flowing out of the main body (45) flows in the second connecting pipe (62). The second connecting pipe (62) is a pipe whose other end is connected to the connecting pipes (16, 17) via a joint, and is a pipe that may be bent by an operator when installing the indoor unit (13). One end of the second connecting pipe (62) is connected to the second protrusion (51b).

2. The air conditioning device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat transfer tube (50) is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

3. The air conditioning device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plurality of protrusions (51) arranged in a row along the edge of the fin (46) include the first protrusions (51a) and the second protrusions (51b).

4. The air conditioning device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second connecting pipe (62) has an insertion portion (62a) that enters the inside of the second protrusion (51b) and an exposed portion (62b) that is located outside the second protrusion (51b). The outer diameter of the insertion portion (62a) is smaller than the outer diameter of the exposed portion (62b), The inner diameter of the insertion portion (62a) is smaller than the inner diameter of the exposed portion (62b).

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