Indoor heat exchanger and air conditioner

Abstract

The large-scale of the plate stack is suppressed. In the indoor heat exchanger, a part (heat transfer pipe (121a), heat transfer pipe (122a), etc.) of a plurality of heat transfer pipes (12) is connected via a refrigerant flow path (22m) of a U-shaped bent pipe (22) or a refrigerant flow path of a connecting pipe, and the remaining heat transfer pipes (12) are connected via a refrigerant flow path (30m) of a plate stack (30).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor heat exchanger and an air conditioner provided with the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] An air conditioning indoor unit used in an air conditioner is disclosed in Patent Literature 1. In the air conditioning indoor unit, in order to achieve space saving, a plate-shaped distribution member formed by stacking a plurality of plates is connected to heat transfer tubes of a heat exchanger main body.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-125652 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In Patent Literature 1, all of the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger main body are connected to the plate-shaped distribution member. In this case, depending on the structure of the refrigerant flow path formed on the plate-shaped distribution member, the plate-shaped distribution member (corresponding to the "plate stack" of the present disclosure) can become large-sized.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an indoor heat exchanger capable of suppressing the large-sizing of a plate stack and an air conditioner provided with the same.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] The indoor heat exchanger of the first aspect of the present disclosure is provided with: a heat exchange portion including fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes that pass through the fins; a refrigerant pipe formed with a first refrigerant flow path; and a plate stack including a plurality of plates stacked in a stacking direction and formed with a second refrigerant flow path, the plurality of heat transfer tubes including a first heat transfer tube, a second heat transfer tube, a third heat transfer tube, and a fourth heat transfer tube, the first heat transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube being connected via the first refrigerant flow path, the third heat transfer tube and the fourth heat transfer tube being connected via the second refrigerant flow path.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, instead of connecting all of the first to fourth heat transfer tubes via the second refrigerant flow path of the plate stack, the first and second heat transfer tubes are connected via the first refrigerant flow path of the refrigerant pipe, and the third and fourth heat transfer tubes are connected via the second refrigerant flow path of the plate stack. Thereby, the large-sizing of the plate stack can be suppressed.

[0012] The second aspect of this disclosure describes an indoor heat exchanger in which, as in the first aspect described above, the refrigerant pipe is a U-bend, and the first heat transfer pipe and the second heat transfer pipe are adjacent to each other. In this case, the structure can be simplified.

[0013] The third aspect of this disclosure describes an indoor heat exchanger in which, as in the first or second aspect described above, the refrigerant pipe is a U-bend, the temperature of the first refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant flow path is a first temperature, and the temperature of the second refrigerant flowing in the second refrigerant flow path is a second temperature whose difference from the first temperature is greater than a predetermined value. Assuming that the first and second refrigerants, with a temperature difference greater than the predetermined value, flow in the second refrigerant flow path, heat exchange between the first and second refrigerants will occur in the laminate, potentially resulting in significant heat loss. In this structure, the first refrigerant flows in the first refrigerant flow path of the U-bend, and the second refrigerant flows in the second refrigerant flow path of the laminate. Therefore, no heat exchange between the first and second refrigerants occurs in the laminate, and no significant heat loss occurs.

[0014] The fourth aspect of this disclosure describes an indoor heat exchanger where, in the third aspect described above, the first refrigerant is either a liquid-phase refrigerant or a gas-phase refrigerant, and the second refrigerant is a gas-liquid dual-layer refrigerant. The temperature of the liquid-phase refrigerant is lower than that of the gas-liquid dual-layer refrigerant, and the temperature of the gas-phase refrigerant is higher than that of the gas-liquid dual-layer refrigerant. This structure effectively achieves a configuration where heat exchange between the first and second refrigerants does not occur within the plate-laminated assembly.

[0015] The fifth aspect of this disclosure describes an indoor heat exchanger in which, in any of the first to fourth aspects described above, a first distance in the stacking direction from the end face of the plurality of heat transfer tubes to the surface of the plate stack closest to the end face is shorter than a second distance in the stacking direction from the end face to the surface of the refrigerant tube furthest from the end face. In this case, by arranging the plate stack and the refrigerant tubes to overlap in a side view, space can be utilized effectively.

[0016] The sixth aspect of this disclosure provides an indoor heat exchanger in which, as in the fifth aspect described above, the refrigerant pipe is positioned corresponding to a recess provided on the outer periphery of the laminate. In this case, miniaturization and weight reduction of the laminate can be achieved.

[0017] The indoor heat exchanger of the seventh aspect of this disclosure can be, in any of the first to sixth aspects described above, where the first heat transfer pipe is connected to the functional component via the first refrigerant flow path. In this case, existing structures can be used for the connection between the functional component and the heat transfer pipe.

[0018] The indoor heat exchanger of the eighth aspect of this disclosure may be, in the seventh aspect above, an expansion valve as the functional component.

[0019] The indoor heat exchanger of the ninth aspect of this disclosure can be, in any of the aspects 1 to 8 above, wherein the heat exchange section includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section, the first heat exchange section having the first heat transfer tube, and the second heat exchange section having the second heat transfer tube. If the first heat transfer tube of the first heat exchange section and the first heat transfer tube of the second heat exchange section are connected via a plate laminate, a detour loop or the like needs to be provided in the second refrigerant flow path of the plate laminate, which may complicate the structure. In this structure, this problem can be suppressed.

[0020] The indoor heat exchanger of the tenth aspect of this disclosure may, in any of the aspects 1 to 9 above, further include a connecting portion that connects the plate laminate to at least one of the third and fourth heat transfer tubes in the lamination direction, wherein the length of the connecting portion in the lamination direction is longer than the length of the refrigerant tube in the lamination direction. Since the second refrigerant flow path of the plate laminate is formed by through holes or slots in the plate, corners are easily formed, which may lead to increased pressure loss at the corners. To suppress the increase in pressure loss, it is preferable to connect the heat transfer tube to the first refrigerant flow path of the refrigerant tube, which is less prone to forming corners. In this respect, in this structure, since the length of the connecting portion is longer than the length of the refrigerant tube, the refrigerant tube can be positioned between the heat transfer tube and the plate laminate without needing to cut off the portion of the plate laminate that overlaps with the refrigerant tube. Therefore, it is easy to adopt a structure that connects the heat transfer tube to the first refrigerant flow path of the refrigerant tube. Therefore, by adopting a structure that connects the heat transfer tube to the first refrigerant flow path of the refrigerant tube, it is possible to suppress the increase in pressure loss.

[0021] The indoor heat exchanger of the 11th aspect of this disclosure may be, in any of the 1st to 10th aspects described above, comprise: a first plate; and a second plate, which is stacked in the stacking direction at a position farther away from the first plate than the plurality of heat transfer tubes, wherein the second refrigerant flow path comprises: a first flow path formed on the first plate; and a second flow path formed on both the first and second plates, and intersecting the first flow path when viewed from the stacking direction. In this case, instead of providing a detour in the plane of the plates, the first flow path intersects with the second flow path, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the plate stack in the planar direction along the plane of the plates.

[0022] The air conditioner of the 12th aspect of this disclosure has an indoor heat exchanger of any one of the aspects of the 1st to 11th aspects mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front view of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, with the outer panel removed.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The right-side view of the indoor heat exchanger included in the air conditioner shown.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a three-dimensional representation of the laminated plate assembly.

[0026] Figure 4 It constitutes Figure 3 The top view of the leftmost plate in the five plates of the plate stack shown.

[0027] Figure 5 It constitutes Figure 3 The top view of the second plate from the left in the five plates of the plate stack shown.

[0028] Figure 6 It constitutes Figure 3 The top view of the third plate from the left in the five plates of the plate stack shown.

[0029] Figure 7 It constitutes Figure 3 The top view of the fourth plate from the left in the five plates of the plate stack shown.

[0030] Figure 8 It constitutes Figure 3 The top view of the rightmost plate in the five plates of the plate stack shown.

[0031] Figure 9 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the plate stack shown along line IX-IX.

[0032] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the plate stack, connecting parts, and U-shaped bend of the indoor heat exchanger according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] <First Implementation>

[0034] First, refer to Figure 1 The overall structure of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, the directions "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "rear" indicate the orientation of the air conditioner 1. Figure 1 The direction of the state setting.

[0035] The air conditioner 1 has an indoor heat exchanger 10, a fan and filter (not shown), a frame 1f and an external panel (not shown).

[0036] Frame 1f forms the bottom and rear of air conditioner 1. Frame 1f is longer in one direction and... Figure 1 The unit is mounted on the interior wall via a mounting plate (not shown) in a left-right direction. The fan, exterior panel, and interior heat exchanger 10 are mounted on the frame 1f. The filter is mounted on the exterior panel.

[0037] The indoor heat exchanger 10 is in the same direction as the frame 1f. Figure 1 It is longer in the left and right direction.

[0038] Next, refer to Figure 1-9 The structure of the indoor heat exchanger 10 is described in detail.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the indoor heat exchanger 10 includes a heat exchange section 10u, a plate stack 30, multiple U-shaped bends 22, and multiple connecting pipes 23. Figure 1 In the middle, the part of one of the multiple U-shaped bends 22 that overlaps with the plate stack 30 when viewed from the side is depicted with a dashed line.

[0040] The heat exchange section 10u includes multiple fins 11, multiple heat transfer tubes 12, and tube sheet 14.

[0041] The multiple fins 11 are each in the shape of a thin plate and are arranged such that the plate surfaces are arranged along the vertical and horizontal directions. The multiple fins 11 are arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0042] Multiple heat transfer tubes 12 extend in the left and right directions and pass through multiple fins 11.

[0043] In addition, Figure 1 For simplicity, only a portion of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 and only a portion of the multiple fins 11 are depicted.

[0044] The left end of each heat transfer tube 12 is connected to the left end of the other heat transfer tubes 12 via a U-shaped bend 21. The right end of each heat transfer tube 12 is connected to the right end of the other heat transfer tubes 12 via a U-shaped bend 22, connecting pipe 23, or plate stack 30. The bend 21 is located on the left side relative to the plurality of fins 11. The U-shaped bend 22, connecting pipe 23, and plate stack 30 are located on the right side relative to the plurality of fins 11.

[0045] The bend 21 is integrally formed with the heat transfer tube 12. By bending a tube, a pair of heat transfer tubes 12 and the bend 21 are formed into a U-shaped tube. On the other hand, the U-shaped bend 22 and the connecting pipe 23 are welded to the open end (right end of the heat transfer tube 12) of the U-shaped tube formed by bending as described above.

[0046] The U-shaped bend 22 and the connecting pipe 23 are equivalent to the "refrigerant pipe" of this disclosure. The plate laminate 30 includes five plates 31-35 stacked in the left-right direction (stack direction) (see reference). Figure 3 Refrigerant flow paths are formed in the U-bend 22, the connecting pipe 23, and the plate stack 30. The refrigerant flow path 22m formed in the U-bend 22 and the refrigerant flow path 23m formed in the connecting pipe 23 (see reference). Figure 2 This is equivalent to the "first refrigerant flow path" of this disclosure. The refrigerant flow path 30m formed in the plate stack 30 (refer to...) Figure 4-9 This is equivalent to the "second refrigerant flow path" of this disclosure.

[0047] The refrigerant flowing in refrigerant flow paths 22m and 23m (the "first refrigerant" of this disclosure) is either a liquid-phase refrigerant or a gas-phase refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing in refrigerant flow path 30m (the "second refrigerant" of this disclosure) is a two-layer gas-liquid refrigerant. The temperature of the liquid-phase refrigerant is lower than that of the two-layer gas-liquid refrigerant, and the temperature of the gas-phase refrigerant is higher than that of the two-layer gas-liquid refrigerant. The temperature difference between the liquid-phase refrigerant (the "first temperature" of this disclosure) and the temperature difference between the two-layer gas-liquid refrigerant (the "second temperature" of this disclosure), as well as the temperature difference between the gas-phase refrigerant (the "first temperature" of this disclosure) and the two-layer gas-liquid refrigerant (the "second temperature" of this disclosure), are both greater than specified values.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, a diverter 18, an expansion valve 19, etc. are arranged near the U-shaped bend 22, the connecting pipe 23, and the plate stack 30.

[0049] The tube sheet 14 is arranged with its surface aligned vertically and horizontally, and is located on the right side relative to the plurality of fins 11. A plurality of heat transfer tubes 12 pass through the tube sheet 14. There is almost no gap between the tube sheet 14 and the heat transfer tubes 12, and the tube sheet 14 supports the fins 11 and the plurality of heat transfer tubes 12. On the right side of the tube sheet 14, i.e., the side opposite to the plurality of fins 11 relative to the tube sheet 14, a U-shaped bend 22, connecting pipes 23, and a plate stack 30 are arranged.

[0050] Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, a tube sheet is also arranged on the left side relative to the multiple fins 11.

[0051] Multiple heat transfer tubes 12 protrude slightly to the right from the right side of the tube sheet 14. That is, the end faces 12x of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 are located slightly to the right of the right side of the tube sheet 14.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, tube sheet 14 includes a first tube sheet 141, a second tube sheet 142, a third tube sheet 143, and a fourth tube sheet 144. The indoor heat exchanger 10 is a bent type in which the first to fourth tube sheets 141 to 144 are arranged at an angle to adjacent tube sheets 141 to 144. Multiple heat transfer tubes 12 pass through the first to fourth tube sheets 141 to 144 respectively. Each pair of heat transfer tubes 12 in each U-shaped tube (a U-shaped tube formed by bending a single tube and consisting of a pair of heat transfer tubes 12 and a bend 21) does not pass through two different tube sheets in the first to fourth tube sheets 141 to 144.

[0053] The heat exchange section 10u is composed of a rear heat exchange section 10u1 including a first tube sheet 141 and a front heat exchange section 10u2 including second to fourth tube sheets 142 to 144. The rear heat exchange section 10u1 is equivalent to the "first heat exchange section" of this disclosure, and the front heat exchange section 10u2 is equivalent to the "second heat exchange section" of this disclosure.

[0054] Two adjacent heat transfer tubes 121a and 122a of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 12 in the rear heat exchange section 10u1 are connected via a refrigerant flow path 22m of a U-shaped bend 22. The two heat transfer tubes 121a and 122a each form a different U-shaped tube (a U-shaped tube formed by bending a single tube, consisting of a pair of heat transfer tubes 12 and a bend 21). Heat transfer tube 121a corresponds to the "first heat transfer tube" of this disclosure, and heat transfer tube 122a corresponds to the "second heat transfer tube" of this disclosure. Here, "adjacent to each other" means that there are no other heat transfer tubes 12 between them.

[0055] One of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 121b) of the rear heat exchange unit 10u1 is connected to one of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 122b) of the front heat exchange unit 10u2 via a refrigerant flow path 23m of a connecting pipe 23. One of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 121c) of the rear heat exchange unit 10u1 is connected to one of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 122c) of the front heat exchange unit 10u2 via a refrigerant flow path 23m of a connecting pipe 23. One of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 121d) of the rear heat exchange unit 10u1 is connected to one of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 122d) of the front heat exchange unit 10u2 via a refrigerant flow path 23m of a connecting pipe 23. One of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 121e) in the rear heat exchange section 10u1 is connected to one of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 122e) in the front heat exchange section 10u2 via a refrigerant flow path 23m of a connecting pipe 23. Heat transfer tubes 121b, 121c, 121d, and 121e are equivalent to the "first heat transfer tube" of this disclosure, and heat transfer tubes 122b, 122c, 122d, and 122e are equivalent to the "second heat transfer tube" of this disclosure.

[0056] The heat transfer tube 121c is also connected to the expansion valve 19. The expansion valve 19 is equivalent to the "functional component" of this disclosure and is installed on the connecting pipe 23 that connects the heat transfer tube 121c and the heat transfer tube 122c.

[0057] On the right side relative to the plurality of fins 11, the heat transfer tubes 12 of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 12 in the rear heat exchange section 10u1, except for the six heat transfer tubes 121a, 122a, 121b, 121c, 121d, and 121e connected to the U-shaped bend 22 or the connecting pipe 23, are connected to the plate stack 30.

[0058] also, Figure 3 The plate stack 30 shown is installed in the rear heat exchange section 10u1. The plate stack installed in the front heat exchange section 10u2 has the same structure as the plate stack 30, and its illustration and description are omitted.

[0059] The plate-laminated assembly 30 is mounted via multiple connecting portions 40 onto a heat transfer tube 12 of the plurality of heat transfer tubes 12 in the rear heat exchange section 10u1 that is not connected to the U-bend 22 or the connecting pipe 23. Each connecting portion 40 is cylindrical and has an internal refrigerant flow path. Each connecting portion 40 extends in the left-right direction and connects the heat transfer tube 12 and the plate-laminated assembly 30 in the left-right direction. Each connecting portion 40 has a left end connected to the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 and a right end connected to the left side face of the plate 31 in the plate-laminated assembly 30.

[0060] Recesses 30x and 30y are provided on a portion (rear part) of the outer periphery of the laminate 30. Recesses 30x and 30y penetrate the laminate 30 in the left-right direction. Recesses 30x and 30y are gaps formed by cutting away plates 31 to 35. A U-shaped bend 22 is positioned corresponding to the recess 30y (see reference). Figure 4-8 ).

[0061] In this embodiment, the length of the connecting portion 40 in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the U-shaped bend 22 in the left-right direction. The first distance D1 in the left-right direction (stacking direction) from the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 to the surface (left side of the plate 31) closest to the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 in the plate stack 30 is shorter than the second distance D2 in the left-right direction (stacking direction) from the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 to the surface (top of the U-shape) farthest from the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 in the U-shaped bend 22 (refer to...) Figure 1 Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, when viewed from the front and back, the U-shaped bend 22 overlaps with the plate stack 30.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 4-9 The refrigerant flow path 30m formed in the plate stack 30 is described in detail.

[0063] The refrigerant flow path 30m is formed by through holes formed on each of the plates 31 to 35 constituting the plate laminate 30.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of circular holes (including circular holes 313a and 314a described later) are formed on plate 31. Connecting portions 40 (see reference 40) are inserted into each of these circular holes. Figure 3 The right end of ).

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of circular holes (including circular holes 323x, 324x, and 323a, described later) and a plurality of elongated holes (including elongated holes 321y, 322y, 323y, and 324a, described later) are formed on plate 32. These circular holes and elongated holes communicate with one or two of the plurality of circular holes formed on plate 31.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of circular holes (including circular hole 334a described later) are formed on plate 33. Each of these circular holes communicates with one of the circular holes or elongated holes formed on plate 32.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of elongated holes (including elongated holes 342x and 343a, described later) are formed on plate 34. Each elongated hole communicates with two of the plurality of circular holes formed on plate 33.

[0068] likeFigure 8 As shown, a circular hole 35x is formed on plate 35. The circular hole 35x communicates with one of the elongated holes formed in plate 34.

[0069] The through holes (round holes or elongated holes) formed on each plate 31 to 35 are interconnected, thereby forming a refrigerant flow path 30m.

[0070] Figure 2 The two heat transfer tubes 123a and 124a shown (two of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 in the rear heat exchange section 10u1) are interconnected via a refrigerant flow path 30m, which is composed of circular holes 313a and 314a formed in plate 31, circular holes 323a and elongated holes 324a formed in plate 32, circular holes 333a and 334a formed in plate 33, and elongated holes 343a formed in plate 34. Heat transfer tube 123a corresponds to the "third heat transfer tube" of this disclosure, and heat transfer tube 124a corresponds to the "fourth heat transfer tube" of this disclosure. The two heat transfer tubes 123a and 124a respectively form different U-shaped tubes (U-shaped tubes formed by bending a tube, consisting of a pair of heat transfer tubes 12 and a bend 21).

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown, an elongated hole 342x is formed in plate 34 (refer to...). Figure 7 Spanning four elongated holes 321y, 322y, 323y, and 324a formed in plate 32 (see reference) Figure 5 Elongated holes 321y, 322y, 323y, and 324a constitute the first flow path 30m1 of the refrigerant flow path 30. Circular holes 323x and 324x formed on plate 32, circular holes formed on plates 31 and 33, and elongated hole 342x formed on plate 34 constitute the second flow path 30m2 of the refrigerant flow path 30. One end of the elongated hole 342x is connected to the circular hole 323x, and the other end of the elongated hole 342x is connected to the circular hole 324x. When viewed from the left-right direction (stacked direction), the first flow path 30m1 and the second flow path 30m2 intersect (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0072] Plate 32 is equivalent to the "first plate" of this disclosure. Plate 34 is stacked in the left-right direction (stacked direction) at a position farther away from the heat transfer tube 12 than plate 32, and is equivalent to the "second plate" of this disclosure.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, on the right side relative to the plurality of fins 11, not all heat transfer tubes 12 are connected via the refrigerant flow path 30m of the plate stack 30. Instead, a portion of the heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tubes 121a and 122a, 121b and 122b, 121c and 122c, 121d and 122d, 121e and 122e) are connected via the refrigerant flow path 22m of the U-shaped bend 22 or the refrigerant flow path 23m of the connecting pipe 23 (see reference). Figure 2 The remaining heat transfer tubes 12 are connected via the refrigerant flow path 30m of the plate stack 30 (see reference). Figure 3-8 Therefore, it is possible to suppress the large-scale development of the lamination 30.

[0074] Two adjacent heat transfer tubes 121a and 122a are connected via a refrigerant flow path 22m through a U-shaped bend 22 (see reference). Figure 4-8 In this case, the structure can be simplified. In addition, according to this structure, when it is necessary to cut off the portion of the plate stack 30 that overlaps with the U-shaped bend 22 due to the length of the U-shaped bend 22, the area of ​​the cut portion (recess 30y) can be reduced, thereby suppressing the influence on the refrigerant flow path 30m formed in the plate stack 30.

[0075] The temperature difference between the refrigerant (first refrigerant) flowing in the refrigerant flow path 22m of the U-bend 22 and the refrigerant (second refrigerant) flowing in the refrigerant flow path 30m of the laminate 30 is greater than a specified value. Assuming that the first and second refrigerants, with a temperature difference greater than the specified value, flow in the refrigerant flow path 30m of the laminate 30, heat exchange between the first and second refrigerants will occur in the laminate 30, potentially resulting in significant heat loss. In this structure, the first refrigerant flows in the refrigerant flow path 22m of the U-bend 22, and the second refrigerant flows in the refrigerant flow path 30m of the laminate 30. Therefore, no heat exchange occurs between the first and second refrigerants in the laminate 30, and no significant heat loss occurs.

[0076] The first refrigerant is either a liquid-phase refrigerant or a gaseous-phase refrigerant, and the second refrigerant is a gas-liquid dual-layer refrigerant. The temperature of the liquid-phase refrigerant is lower than that of the gas-liquid dual-layer refrigerant, and the temperature of the gaseous-phase refrigerant is higher than that of the gas-liquid dual-layer refrigerant. In this structure, heat exchange between the first and second refrigerants can be effectively avoided in the plate stack 30.

[0077] The first distance D1 in the left-right direction (stacking direction) from the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 to the face (left side of plate 31) closest to the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 in the plate stack 30 is shorter than the second distance D2 in the left-right direction (stacking direction) from the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 to the face (top of the U-shape) farthest from the end face 12x of the heat transfer tube 12 in the U-shaped bend 22 (refer to...) Figure 1 In this case, by configuring the plate stack 30 and the U-shaped bend 22 to overlap when viewed from the side, space can be utilized effectively.

[0078] The U-shaped bend 22 is positioned at a location corresponding to the recess 30y located on the outer periphery of the plate stack 30 (see reference). Figure 4-8 In this case, miniaturization and weight reduction of the plate stack 30 can be achieved.

[0079] Heat transfer tube 121c (the heat transfer tube connected to connecting pipe 23) is connected to expansion valve 19 via refrigerant flow path 23m of connecting pipe 23 (see reference). Figure 2 In this case, the existing structure can be used for the connection between the expansion valve 19 and the heat transfer tube 12.

[0080] One of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 121b) of the rear heat exchange unit 10u1 is connected to one of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 122b) of the front heat exchange unit 10u2 via a refrigerant flow path 23m of a connecting pipe 23. One of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 121c) of the rear heat exchange unit 10u1 is connected to one of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 122c) of the front heat exchange unit 10u2 via a refrigerant flow path 23m of a connecting pipe 23. One of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 121d) of the rear heat exchange unit 10u1 is connected to one of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 122d) of the front heat exchange unit 10u2 via a refrigerant flow path 23m of a connecting pipe 23. One of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 121e) in the rear heat exchange section 10u1 is connected to one of the multiple heat transfer tubes 12 (heat transfer tube 122e) in the front heat exchange section 10u2 via a refrigerant flow path 23m of the connecting pipe 23. If the heat transfer tubes 121b and 122b were connected via the refrigerant flow path 30m of the plate stack 30, a detour would need to be provided in the refrigerant flow path 30m of the plate stack 30, potentially complicating the structure. In this structure, this problem is mitigated.

[0081] The refrigerant flow path 30m of the plate laminate 30 includes: a first flow path 30m1 formed by elongated holes 321y, 322y, 323y, and 324a formed in the plate 32 (see reference). Figure 5); and a second flow path 30m2 consisting of circular holes 323x and 324x formed in plate 32, circular holes formed in plates 31 and 33, and elongated holes 342x formed in plate 34 (see reference). Figure 5-7 When viewed from the left-right direction (stack direction), the first flow path (30m1) intersects with the second flow path (30m2). In this case, instead of setting a detour in the plane of plates 31-35, the first flow path 30m1 intersects with the second flow path 30m2, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the plate stack 30 in the surface direction along the plane of plates 31-35.

[0082] <Second Implementation Method>

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 10 The indoor heat exchanger of the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described.

[0084] The indoor heat exchanger of the second embodiment has the same structure as the indoor heat exchanger 10 of the first embodiment, except that the length of the connecting portion 240 in the left-right direction (stacked direction) is longer than that of the connecting portion 40 in the left-right direction (stacked direction) of the first embodiment.

[0085] In this embodiment, the length of the connecting portion 240 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the U-shaped bend 22 in the left-right direction. Therefore, when viewed from the front-back direction, the U-shaped bend 22 does not overlap with the plate stack 30.

[0086] Since the refrigerant flow path 30m of the plate stack 30 is formed by through holes or grooves in plates 31-35, corners are easily formed, and pressure loss may be relatively large at these corners. To suppress the increase in pressure loss, it is preferable to connect the heat transfer tube 12 to the refrigerant flow path 22m of the U-shaped bend 22, which is less prone to forming corners. In this respect, since the length of the connecting portion 240 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the U-shaped bend 22 in the left-right direction, the U-shaped bend 22 can be arranged between the heat transfer tube 12 and the plate stack 30 without needing to cut off the portion of the plate stack 30 that overlaps with the U-shaped bend 22. Therefore, it is easy to adopt a structure that connects the heat transfer tube 12 to the refrigerant flow path of the U-shaped bend 22. Therefore, by adopting this structure, the increase in pressure loss can be suppressed.

[0087] <Variation Example>

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 30m of the plate stack 30 is formed by through holes formed on each of the plates 31 to 35, but it is not limited to this. For example, part or all of the refrigerant flow path 30m may also be formed by bottomed grooves formed on each of the plates 31 to 35 by means of semi-etching or the like.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the U-shaped bend 22 (refrigerant pipe) is positioned corresponding to the recess 30y provided on the outer periphery of the laminate 30, but is not limited thereto. For example, a through hole or recess may be formed in the central part of the laminate, and the refrigerant pipe may be positioned corresponding to the through hole or recess.

[0090] In the above-described embodiments, the refrigerant flow path 30m (the second refrigerant flow path) of the plate stack 30 includes flow paths 30m1 and 30m2 (the first and second flow paths) that intersect when viewed from the left and right directions (stack direction), but the second refrigerant flow path may not be included in the flow paths that intersect when viewed from the stack direction.

[0091] In the above embodiment, a heat transfer tube (e.g., heat transfer tube 121b) of the rear heat exchange section 10u1 (first heat exchange section) and a heat transfer tube (e.g., heat transfer tube 122b) of the front heat exchange section 10u2 (second heat exchange section) are connected via a refrigerant flow path 23m (first refrigerant flow path) of the connecting pipe 23, but this is not a limitation. For example, the two heat transfer tubes 121b and 122b may also be connected via a refrigerant flow path 22m of the U-shaped bend 22, or via a refrigerant flow path 30m (second refrigerant flow path) of the plate stack 30.

[0092] In the above-described embodiments, the rear heat exchange section 10u1 and the front heat exchange section 10u2, which have a bend in the middle, are exemplified as the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section in the bent-type indoor heat exchanger 10, but it is not limited to this. For example, two heat exchange sections that are arranged in a straight line and do not have bends may also be used as the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section.

[0093] Functional components are not limited to expansion valves; they can also be diverters, etc.

[0094] The embodiments have been described above, but it is understood that various changes in form or detailed structure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0095] Label Explanation

[0096] 1: Air conditioner;

[0097] 10: Indoor heat exchanger;

[0098] 10u: Heat exchange section;

[0099] 10u1: Rear heat exchange section (first heat exchange section);

[0100] 10u2: Front heat exchange section (second heat exchange section);

[0101] 11: Fins;

[0102] 12: Heat transfer tube;

[0103] 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d, 121e: Heat transfer tubes (first heat transfer tube);

[0104] 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e: Heat transfer tubes (second heat transfer tube);

[0105] 123a: Heat transfer tube (3rd heat transfer tube);

[0106] 124a: Heat transfer tube (4th heat transfer tube);

[0107] 19: Expansion valve (functional component);

[0108] 22: U-shaped bend (refrigerant pipe);

[0109] 22m: Refrigerant flow path (first refrigerant flow path);

[0110] 23: Connect the piping (refrigerant piping);

[0111] 23m: Refrigerant flow path (first refrigerant flow path);

[0112] 30: Laminated laminate;

[0113] 30m: Refrigerant flow path (second refrigerant flow path);

[0114] 30m1: 1st flow path;

[0115] 30m2: 2nd flow path;

[0116] 30x: concave part;

[0117] 32: Board (First Board);

[0118] 34: Board (2nd board);

[0119] 40, 240: Connecting parts;

[0120] D1: First distance;

[0121] D2: Second distance.

Claims

1. An indoor heat exchanger, wherein, The indoor heat exchanger includes: A heat exchange section comprising fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes penetrating the fins; Refrigerant pipe, which forms a first refrigerant flow path; and A plate laminate comprising multiple plates stacked in a stacking direction, and forming a second refrigerant flow path. The plurality of heat transfer tubes includes a first heat transfer tube, a second heat transfer tube, a third heat transfer tube, and a fourth heat transfer tube. The first heat transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube are connected via the first refrigerant flow path. The third heat transfer tube and the fourth heat transfer tube are connected via the second refrigerant flow path. A first distance in the lamination direction from the end face of the plurality of heat transfer tubes to the face of the plate laminate closest to the end face is shorter than a second distance in the lamination direction from the end face to the face of the refrigerant tube furthest from the end face, so that the plate laminate and the refrigerant tube are configured to overlap in a side view. The refrigerant tube is positioned at a location corresponding to a recess provided on the outer periphery of the plate laminate.

2. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant pipe is a U-shaped bend. The first heat transfer tube and the second heat transfer tube are adjacent to each other.

3. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigerant pipe is a U-shaped bend. The temperature of the first refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant flow path is the first temperature. The temperature of the second refrigerant flowing in the second refrigerant flow path is a second temperature whose difference from the first temperature is greater than a predetermined value.

4. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein, The first refrigerant is either a liquid refrigerant or a gaseous refrigerant. The second refrigerant is a gas-liquid two-layer refrigerant.

5. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The first heat transfer tube is connected to the functional component via the first refrigerant flow path.

6. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein, The functional component is an expansion valve.

7. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange section includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section includes the first heat transfer tube. The second heat exchange section has the second heat transfer tube.

8. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The indoor heat exchanger further includes a connecting portion that connects the plate stack to at least one of the third heat transfer tube and the fourth heat transfer tube in the stacking direction. The length of the connecting portion in the stacking direction is longer than the length of the refrigerant pipe in the stacking direction.

9. An air conditioner, wherein, The air conditioner includes the indoor heat exchanger as described in claim 1.

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