Constituent unit of air conditioning device

By designing the connection method between an aluminum or aluminum alloy shunt and a copper or copper alloy refrigerant tube in the heat exchanger of the air conditioner device, the condensed water containing copper ions cannot be adhered to the shunt, which solves the problem of shunt corrosion and achieves an effective anti-corrosion effect.

CN119895212APending Publication Date: 2025-04-25DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380065959.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-09-27
Filing Date
2023-09-08
Publication Date
2025-04-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the heat exchanger of air conditioning devices, the diverter made of aluminum or aluminum alloy is easily damaged by corrosion of condensate containing copper ions, and the prior art has not effectively solved this problem.

Method used

By designing the connection between the diverter made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and the refrigerant tube made of copper or copper alloy, the condensed water containing copper ions cannot flow to the diverter, thereby avoiding corrosion. The specific implementation method is to provide a structure at the connection port of the diverter so that the condensed water flows down under the action of gravity without adhering to the diverter.

Benefits of technology

It effectively suppresses corrosion of the shunt made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, extends the service life of the shunt, and improves the reliability of the air conditioning device.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A refrigerant pipe (120) is connected to the flow divider (100a). The diverter (100a) is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The refrigerant pipe (120) is made of copper or a copper alloy. A first connecting port (111) with a downward opening is formed in the flow divider (100a). A second connecting port (121) with an upward opening is formed in the refrigerant pipe (120). A first connection port (111) of the flow divider (100a), which opens downward, is connected to a second connection port (121) of the refrigerant pipe (120), which opens upward.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a component unit constituting an air conditioning device. Background Art

[0002] In the components of the air conditioner, there are cases where a portion made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy (aluminum tube portion) and a portion made of copper or a copper alloy (copper tube portion) are mixed in the pipe through which the refrigerant flows. Aluminum has a higher ionization tendency than copper. Therefore, if condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the copper tube portion adheres to the aluminum tube portion, the aluminum tube portion may be corroded.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, Patent Document 1 (especially referring to Figure 2 ) discloses a structure in which a U-shaped or inverted U-shaped tube is disposed between an aluminum heat transfer tube and a copper pipe disposed in a heat exchanger. In this structure, condensed water generated on the surface of the copper pipe is blocked by the U-shaped or inverted U-shaped tube and cannot reach the aluminum heat transfer tube.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5853203 Summary of the invention

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

[0008] Generally, a plurality of heat transfer tubes are provided in a heat exchanger. A flow divider for distributing refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer tubes is connected to the heat exchanger. In addition, there may be a case where the flow divider is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the refrigerant tube connected to the flow divider is made of copper or a copper alloy. In this case, a structure for suppressing corrosion of the flow divider made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy has not been studied so far.

[0009] The purpose of the present disclosure is to inhibit corrosion of a shunt made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0010] -Technical solutions for solving technical problems-

[0011] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a component unit 20, 30 constituting an air conditioning device 10, comprising: a heat exchanger 65, a refrigerant pipe 120, 170, and a flow divider 100a, 150a, wherein the heat exchanger 65 has a plurality of heat transfer pipes 66, the flow dividers 100a, 150a are connected to the heat exchanger 65 and the refrigerant pipes 120, 170, the flow dividers 100a, 150a distribute the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant pipes 120, 170 to the plurality of heat transfer pipes 66, the heat transfer pipes 66 and the flow dividers 100a, 150a are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, the refrigerant pipes 120, 170 are made of copper or copper alloy, and the flow dividers 100a, 150a are formed with a heat transfer pipe 66. , 30 are installed at a first connection port 111, 161 that opens downward, and one end of the refrigerant tube 120, 170 is a second connection port 121, 171 that opens upward when the constituent units 20, 30 are installed, and the second connection port 121, 171 of the refrigerant tube 120, 170 is directly connected to the first connection port 111, 161 of the diverter 100a, 150a, or the second connection port 121, 171 of the refrigerant tube 120, 170 is connected to the first connection port 111, 161 of the diverter 100a, 150a via a metal tube 106, 156 whose material is different from that of the diverter 100a, 150a and the refrigerant tube 120, 170.

[0012] In the first aspect of the present disclosure, the second connection ports 121, 171 of the refrigerant tubes 120, 170 that open upward are connected to the first connection ports 111, 161 of the flow dividers 100a, 150a that open downward. The portion near the second connection ports 121, 171 in the refrigerant tubes 120, 170 is located at a position lower than the portion near the first connection ports 111, 161 in the flow dividers 100a, 150a. As a result, condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the refrigerant tubes 120, 170 flows downward under the action of gravity, so the condensed water does not adhere to the flow dividers 100a, 150a made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0013] The manifolds 100a, 150a and the heat transfer tubes 66 connected to the manifolds 100a, 150a are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Although condensed water generated on the surface of the heat transfer tubes 66 may adhere to the manifolds 100a, 150a, the condensed water does not contain copper ions.

[0014] Thus, condensed water containing copper ions does not adhere to the manifold 100a, 150a made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Therefore, according to the first aspect, corrosion of the manifold 100a, 150a caused by adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions can be suppressed.

[0015] The second aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on the above-mentioned first aspect, the diverter 100a, 150a has a diverter body 101, 151 and a collecting pipe 110, 160, the diverter body 101, 151 is connected to the heat exchanger 65, the diverter body 101, 151 distributes the inflowing refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer tubes 66, one end of the collecting pipe 110, 160 is connected to the diverter body 101, 151, and the other end of the collecting pipe 110, 160 constitutes the first connecting port 111, 161.

[0016] In the second aspect, the flow divider 100a, 150a has a flow divider body 101, 151 and a collection pipe 110, 160. The portion near the second connection port 121, 171 of the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 is located below the portion near the first connection port 111, 161 of the collection pipe 110, 160. Therefore, condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 does not adhere to the collection pipe 110, 160 made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0017] A third aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on the second aspect, the collecting pipes 110 and 160 are located below the diverter bodies 101 and 151 when the constituent units 20 and 30 are installed.

[0018] In the flow divider 100 a , 150 a of the third aspect, the manifold 110 , 160 is located below the flow divider body 101 , 151 .

[0019] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on the second aspect, a portion of the manifold 110, 160 is a first longitudinal tube portion 112, 162 extending in the vertical direction, or the entire manifold 110, 160 is a first longitudinal tube portion 112, 162 extending in the vertical direction. The lower end of the first longitudinal tube portion 112, 162 is the first connection port 111, 161.

[0020] In the fourth aspect, the lower end of the first longitudinal pipe portion 112, 162 is the first connection port 111, 161. The portion near the second connection port 121, 171 in the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 is located below the first longitudinal pipe portion 112, 162. Therefore, condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 does not adhere to the first longitudinal pipe portion 112, 162 of the collecting pipe 110, 160 made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0021] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on the fourth aspect, the entire collecting pipe 110 , 160 is the first longitudinal pipe portion 112 , 162 .

[0022] In the fifth aspect, the manifolds 110 and 160 are shaped as a whole to extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the lower end of the manifolds 110 and 160 is the first connection port 111 and 161. In this aspect, the manifolds 110 and 160 made of aluminum or aluminum alloy are arranged as a whole at a position higher than the second connection ports 121 and 171 of the refrigerant pipes 120 and 170 made of copper or copper alloy. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the corrosion of the manifolds 110 and 160 of the manifolds 100a and 150a caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

[0023] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on the fourth or fifth aspect, the first longitudinal tube portion 112 , 162 is a straight tube.

[0024] In the sixth aspect, the first vertical pipe portion 112, 162 is a straight pipe. Therefore, the portion of the first vertical pipe portion 112, 162 occupied in the internal space of the unit 20, 30 can be reduced. Therefore, according to this aspect, the unit 20, 30 can be miniaturized, and corrosion of the diverter 100a, 150a caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions can be suppressed.

[0025] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on the sixth aspect, when the component units (20, 30) are installed, the extending direction of the first longitudinal pipe portions (112, 162) is a vertical direction.

[0026] In the seventh aspect, the first longitudinal pipe portion 112, 162 extends in the vertical direction when the components 20, 30 are installed. Therefore, the portion of the first longitudinal pipe portion 112, 162 occupied in the internal space of the components 20, 30 can be further reduced. Therefore, according to this aspect, the components 20, 30 can be miniaturized, and corrosion of the flow dividers 100a, 150a caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions can be suppressed.

[0027] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on any one of the first to seventh aspects mentioned above, a portion of the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 is a second longitudinal pipe portion 122, 172 extending in the up-down direction, and the upper end of the second longitudinal pipe portion 122, 172 is the second connection port 121, 171.

[0028] In the eighth aspect, the second longitudinal tube portions 122 and 172 of the refrigerant tubes 120 and 170 are located below the portions near the first connection ports 111 and 161 of the diverters 100a and 150a. Therefore, condensed water generated on the surface of the second longitudinal tube portions 122 and 172 made of copper or copper alloy does not adhere to the diverters 100a and 150a made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0029] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on the eighth aspect, the second longitudinal tube portion 122 , 172 is a straight tube.

[0030] In the ninth aspect, the second longitudinal tube portion 122, 172, which is a part of the refrigerant tube 120, 170, is a straight tube. Therefore, the portion occupied by the second longitudinal tube portion 122, 172 of the refrigerant tube 120, 170 in the internal space of the unit 20, 30 can be reduced. Therefore, according to this aspect, the unit 20, 30 can be miniaturized, and the corrosion of the flow divider 100a, 150a caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions can be suppressed.

[0031] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the ninth aspect, when the component units (20, 30) are installed, the extending direction of the second longitudinal pipe portions (122, 172) is a vertical direction.

[0032] In the tenth aspect, in the state where the components (20, 30) are installed, the second longitudinal tube portions (122, 172) of the refrigerant tubes (120, 170) extend in the vertical direction. Since the condensed water containing copper ions adhering to the surface of the second longitudinal tube portions (122, 172) flows downward along the second longitudinal tube portions (122, 172) extending in the vertical direction, it does not reach the first longitudinal tube portions (112, 162) located above the second longitudinal tube portions (122, 172).

[0033] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, based on the seventh aspect, a portion of the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 is a straight pipe extending in the up-down direction, namely, a second longitudinal pipe portion 122, 172, and an upper end of the second longitudinal pipe portion 122, 172 is the second connection port 121, 171. The first longitudinal pipe portion 112, 162 and the second longitudinal pipe portion 122, 172 are arranged in a straight line.

[0034] In the eleventh aspect, the first longitudinal tube portions 112, 162 of the collecting pipes 110, 160 and the second longitudinal tube portions 122, 172 of the refrigerant tubes 120, 170 are arranged in a straight line. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the portion occupied by the first longitudinal tube portions 112, 162 and the second longitudinal tube portions 122, 172 in the internal space of the units 20, 30. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the units 20, 30, and at the same time, it is possible to suppress corrosion of the flow dividers 100a, 150a caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

[0035] The twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, a U-shaped portion, namely a U-shaped tube portion 123 connected to the lower end of the second longitudinal tube portion 122 , 172 is formed in the refrigerant tube 120 , 170 .

[0036] In the refrigerant tube ( 120 , 170 ) of the twelfth aspect, the U-shaped tube portion ( 123 ) is connected to the lower end of the second vertical tube portion ( 122 , 172 ).

[0037] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the fourth aspect, the collecting pipes 110 and 160 are pipes in a vertically serpentine shape, and a part of the collecting pipes 110 and 160 is the first longitudinal pipe portion 112 and 162 .

[0038] In the thirteenth aspect, a part of the vertically meandering collecting pipes 110 , 160 is formed as the first vertical pipe portion 112 , 162 including the first connection ports 111 , 161 .

[0039] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the refrigerant pipe 120 is a pipe for supplying refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state or a single liquid phase state during the operation of the constituent units 20, 30.

[0040] During the operation of the units (20, 30), a refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state or a single liquid phase state flows through the refrigerant pipe (120) of the fourteenth aspect.

[0041] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the refrigerant pipe (170) is a pipe through which a refrigerant in a single gas phase flows during the operation of the constituent units (20, 30).

[0042] During the operation of the units (20, 30), a refrigerant in a single gas phase flows through the refrigerant pipe (170) of the fifteenth aspect.

[0043] The sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on any one of the first to fifteenth aspects mentioned above, the constituent unit includes a shell 35 for accommodating the heat exchanger 65, and the first connection ports 111, 161 of the diverter 100a, 150a and the second connection ports 121, 171 of the refrigerant pipes 120, 170 are arranged inside the shell 35.

[0044] In the sixteenth aspect, the heat exchanger 65 , the first connection ports 111 , 161 of the flow dividers 100 a , 150 a , and the second connection ports 121 , 171 of the refrigerant pipes 120 , 170 are arranged inside the housing 35 .

[0045] The seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is that, based on the above-mentioned sixteenth aspect, the end of the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 on the side opposite to the second connecting port 121, 171 is exposed outside the shell 35, and the constituent unit includes covering components 105, 155, and the covering components 105, 155 cover a portion of the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 and block the gap between the refrigerant pipe 120, 170 and the shell 35.

[0046] In the seventeenth aspect, the gap between the housing 35 and the refrigerant pipes 120 , 170 arranged across the inside and outside of the housing 35 is blocked by the covering members 105 , 155 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Figure 1 is a piping diagram showing an air conditioning device according to an embodiment;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the indoor unit viewed from obliquely below;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a simplified top view of the indoor unit without the top plate of the housing body;

[0050] Figure 4 It shows the indoor unit Figure 3 A simplified cross-sectional view of the IV-O-IV section;

[0051] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of the main part of

[0052] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a liquid pipe unit according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 7 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 8 is a front view of a trachea unit according to an embodiment;

[0055] Fig. 9 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to a first modification of the embodiment;

[0056] Fig.10 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to a second modification of the embodiment;

[0057] Fig.11 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to a third variation of the embodiment;

[0058] Fig.12 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to a fourth modification of the embodiment;

[0059] Fig.13 It is a front view of the liquid pipe unit according to the modification 4 of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The air conditioning device 10 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0061] - Air conditioning unit -

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning apparatus 10 includes an outdoor unit 20 and an indoor unit 30. The outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 are components of the air conditioning apparatus 10.

[0063] The outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 are connected to each other via a pair of connecting pipes 12. In the air-conditioning apparatus 10, the outdoor unit 20, the indoor unit 30, and the connecting pipes 12 constitute a refrigerant circuit 11 that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0064] 〈Outdoor unit〉

[0065] The outdoor unit 20 is installed outdoors and includes a compressor 21 , a four-way switching valve 22 , an outdoor heat exchanger 23 , an outdoor fan 25 , an expansion valve 24 , a liquid-side normally closed valve 26 , and a gas-side normally closed valve 27 .

[0066] The compressor 21 is, for example, a scroll type fully enclosed compressor or a rotary type fully enclosed compressor. The compressor 21 sucks in a low-pressure refrigerant and compresses it, and discharges the compressed high-pressure refrigerant (high-pressure refrigerant).

[0067] The four-way reversing valve 22 is a valve for switching the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 11. Figure 1 The first state shown by the solid line is Figure 2The first state is a state in which the high-pressure refrigerant ejected from the compressor 21 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the low-pressure refrigerant flowing in from the indoor unit 30 is sent to the compressor 21. The second state is a state in which the high-pressure refrigerant ejected from the compressor 21 is sent to the indoor unit 30, and the low-pressure refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is sent to the compressor 21.

[0068] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor fan 25 is a fan that supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The expansion valve 24 is an electric expansion valve with a variable opening.

[0069] 〈Indoor unit〉

[0070] The indoor unit 30 is installed in the indoor space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit 30 includes an indoor heat exchanger 65 and an indoor fan 50. The indoor unit 30 will be described in detail later.

[0071] 〈Operational Action〉

[0072] The air conditioner 10 selectively performs cooling operation and heating operation.

[0073] In cooling operation, the four-way reversing valve 22 is set to the first state, and the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 11. In the refrigerant circuit 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a radiator, and the indoor heat exchanger 65 functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit 30 cools the air sucked from the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger 65, and blows the cooled air into the indoor space.

[0074] In the heating operation, the four-way reversing valve 22 is set to the second state, and the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit 11. In the refrigerant circuit 11, the indoor heat exchanger 65 functions as a radiator, and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit 30 heats the air sucked from the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger 65, and blows the heated air into the indoor space.

[0075] - Structure of indoor unit -

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 30 of this embodiment is a ceiling embedded indoor unit. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the indoor unit 30 includes a casing 35 , an indoor fan 50 , an indoor heat exchanger 65 , a water receiving pan 55 , and a horn-shaped component 52 .

[0077] The liquid pipe unit 100 and the gas pipe unit 150 are connected to the indoor heat exchanger 65. The indoor heat exchanger 65, the liquid pipe unit 100, and the gas pipe unit 150 constitute the heat exchanger assembly 60.

[0078] <case>

[0079] The housing 35 includes a housing body 36 and a decorative plate 40. The housing 35 accommodates an indoor fan 50, an indoor heat exchanger 65, a water receiving tray 55, and a horn-shaped member 52.

[0080] The housing body 36 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box-shaped member with an open bottom surface. The housing body 36 includes a substantially flat top plate 36a and side plates 36b extending downward from the peripheral edge of the top plate 36a. The decorative plate 40 will be described later.

[0081] 〈Indoor fan〉

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the indoor fan 50 is a so-called turbo fan. The indoor fan 50 blows out the air sucked from below toward the radial outside. The indoor fan 50 is arranged in the center of the interior of the housing body 36. The indoor fan 50 is driven by an indoor fan motor 51. The indoor fan motor 51 is fixed to the center of the top plate 36a.

[0083] <Trumpet-shaped parts>

[0084] The trumpet-shaped member 52 is disposed below the indoor fan 50. The trumpet-shaped member 52 is a member for guiding the air flowing into the housing 35 toward the indoor fan 50. The trumpet-shaped member 52, together with the water receiving tray 55, divides the internal space of the housing 35 into a primary space 37a located on the suction side of the indoor fan 50 and a secondary space 37b located on the blowing side of the indoor fan 50.

[0085] 〈Indoor heat exchanger〉

[0086] The indoor heat exchanger 65 is a so-called transverse fin-tube heat exchanger. Figure 3 As shown, the indoor heat exchanger 65 is formed in a square cylindrical shape and is arranged to surround the indoor fan 50. The indoor heat exchanger 65 is arranged in the secondary space 37b. The indoor heat exchanger 65 exchanges heat between the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 65 from the inside to the outside of the indoor heat exchanger 65 and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0087] 〈Water tray〉

[0088] The water receiving tray 55 is a so-called foamed polystyrene component. Figure 4As shown, the water receiving pan 55 is arranged to block the lower end of the housing body 36. A water receiving groove 56 extending along the lower end of the indoor heat exchanger 65 is formed on the upper surface of the water receiving pan 55. The lower end of the indoor heat exchanger 65 is inserted into the water receiving groove 56. The water receiving groove 56 receives condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger 65.

[0089] like Figure 2 As shown, four main blowing passages 57 and four auxiliary blowing passages 58 are formed on the water receiving tray 55. The main blowing passages 57 and the auxiliary blowing passages 58 are passages for the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 65 to flow, and the main blowing passages 57 and the auxiliary blowing passages 58 penetrate the water receiving tray 55 in the up-down direction.

[0090] The main blow-out passage 57 is a through hole with an elongated rectangular cross section. One main blow-out passage 57 is arranged along each of the four sides of the housing body 36. The auxiliary blow-out passage 58 is a through hole with a slightly curved rectangular cross section. One auxiliary blow-out passage 58 is arranged at each of the four corners of the housing body 36.

[0091] 〈Decorative panels〉

[0092] The decorative plate 40 is a resin member formed in a square thick plate shape. The lower portion of the decorative plate 40 is formed in a square shape that is slightly larger than the top plate 36a of the housing body 36. The decorative plate 40 is arranged to cover the lower surface of the housing body 36. In addition, the lower surface of the decorative plate 40 is exposed to the indoor space.

[0093] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a square suction port 41 is formed in the central portion of the decorative plate 40. The suction port 41 penetrates the decorative plate 40 in the up-down direction and communicates with the primary space 37a inside the housing 35. A lattice-shaped suction grille 45 is provided at the suction port 41. A filter 46 is arranged above the suction grille 45.

[0094] A substantially square ring-shaped blow-out port 44 is formed on the decorative plate 40, and the blow-out port 44 is formed so as to surround the suction port 41. Figure 2 As shown, the blow-out port 44 is divided into four main blow-out openings 42 and four auxiliary blow-out openings 43 .

[0095] The main blow-out opening 42 is an elongated rectangular opening. One main blow-out opening 42 is arranged along each of the four sides of the decorative plate 40. The main blow-out openings 42 of the decorative plate 40 correspond one to one with the main blow-out passages 57 of the water receiving tray 55. Each main blow-out opening 42 is connected to the corresponding main blow-out passage 57. In addition, one wind direction adjustment blade 47 is provided at each main blow-out opening 42.

[0096] The auxiliary blow-out opening 43 is a quarter-circular arc-shaped opening. An auxiliary blow-out opening 43 is arranged at each of the four corners of the decorative plate 40. The auxiliary blow-out openings 43 of the decorative plate 40 correspond one-to-one to the auxiliary blow-out passages 58 of the water receiving tray 55. Each auxiliary blow-out opening 43 is connected to the corresponding auxiliary blow-out passage 58.

[0097] 〈Liquid pipe unit〉

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the liquid pipe unit 100 includes a liquid side flow divider 100a, a liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 and a plurality of liquid side branch pipes 103. Figure 5 In the figure, only one liquid side branch pipe 103 is shown.

[0099] One end of the liquid refrigerant pipe 120 and one end of each liquid branch pipe 103 are connected to the liquid flow divider 100a. The liquid flow divider 100a distributes the refrigerant flowing from the liquid refrigerant pipe 120 to the plurality of liquid branch pipes 103.

[0100] The other end of each liquid-side branch pipe 103 is connected to the corresponding heat transfer pipe 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65. The liquid-side branch pipe 103 allows the liquid-side flow divider 100a and the heat transfer pipe 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65 to communicate with each other.

[0101] The liquid-side refrigerant tube 120 extends toward the outside of the shell body 36 through a through hole formed in the side plate 36b of the shell body 36. The other end of the liquid-side refrigerant tube 120 is exposed to the outside of the shell body 36.

[0102] A liquid side covering member 105 is mounted on the liquid side refrigerant tube 120. The liquid side covering member 105 is a cylindrical member made of a foamed resin. The liquid side covering member 105 covers the portion of the liquid side refrigerant tube 120 that spans the inside and outside of the shell body 36, and blocks the gap between the edge of the through hole formed in the side plate 36b and the liquid side refrigerant tube 120.

[0103] 〈Tracheal unit〉

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the gas pipe unit 150 includes a gas side flow divider 150a, a gas side refrigerant pipe 170 and a plurality of gas side branch pipes 153. Figure 5 In the figure, only one gas-side branch pipe 153 is shown.

[0105] One end of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 and one end of each gas-side branch pipe 153 are connected to the gas-side flow divider 150a. The gas-side flow divider 150a is a component that distributes the refrigerant flowing from the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 to the plurality of gas-side branch pipes 153. The gas-side flow divider 150a is a so-called gas header.

[0106] The other end of each gas-side branch pipe 153 is connected to the corresponding heat transfer pipe 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65. The gas-side branch pipe 153 allows the gas-side flow divider 150a and the heat transfer pipe 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65 to communicate with each other.

[0107] The gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 extends toward the outside of the shell body 36 through a through hole formed in the side plate 36b of the shell body 36. The other end of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 is exposed to the outside of the shell body 36.

[0108] The gas-side covering member 155 is mounted on the gas-side refrigerant tube 170. The gas-side covering member 155 is a cylindrical member made of a foamed resin. The gas-side covering member 155 covers the portion of the gas-side refrigerant tube 170 that spans the inside and outside of the shell body 36, and blocks the gap between the edge of the through hole formed in the side plate 36b and the gas-side refrigerant tube 170.

[0109] <Air flow in the indoor unit>

[0110] During the operation of the indoor unit 30, the indoor fan 50 rotates. When the indoor fan 50 rotates, indoor air in the indoor space flows into the primary space 37a in the casing 35 through the suction port 41. The air flowing into the primary space 37a is sucked by the indoor fan 50 and blown out to the secondary space 37b.

[0111] The air flowing into the secondary space 37b is cooled or heated while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 65, and then flows into the four main outlet passages 57 and the four auxiliary outlet passages 58. The air flowing into the main outlet passages 57 is blown out into the indoor space through the main outlet openings 42. The air flowing into the auxiliary outlet passages 58 is blown out into the indoor space through the auxiliary outlet openings 43.

[0112] -Liquid pipe unit-

[0113] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the liquid pipe unit 100 is described in detail.

[0114] As described above, the liquid pipe unit 100 includes a liquid side flow divider 100a, a joint pipe 106, a liquid side refrigerant pipe 120, and a plurality of liquid side branch pipes 103. In a state where the outdoor unit 20 including the liquid pipe unit 100 is installed, the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 is connected to the lower end of the liquid side flow divider 100a, and the liquid side branch pipe 103 is connected to the upper end of the liquid side flow divider 100a.

[0115] 〈Liquid side flow divider〉

[0116] The liquid side flow divider 100a comprises a liquid side flow divider body 101 and a liquid side manifold 110. The liquid side flow divider body 101 and the liquid side manifold 110 are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0117] 〈Liquid side manifold body〉

[0118] The liquid-side flow divider body 101 is a flow divider body that distributes the inflowing refrigerant to a plurality of liquid-side branch pipes 103 .

[0119] The liquid side manifold body 101 has a small diameter portion 101a, an intermediate portion 101b, and a large diameter portion 101c. In the liquid side manifold body 101, the small diameter portion 101a, the intermediate portion 101b, and the large diameter portion 101c are arranged in this order from bottom to top.

[0120] The small diameter portion 101a is a slightly thicker circular tubular portion. The middle portion 101b is an inverted truncated cone portion. The small diameter end (lower end) of the middle portion 101b is connected to the upper end of the small diameter portion 101a. The large diameter end (upper end) of the middle portion 101b is connected to the lower end of the large diameter portion 101c. The large diameter portion 101c is a cylindrical portion. A plurality of connection holes 101d are formed in the large diameter portion 101c.

[0121] Each connection hole 101d opens at the upper end surface of the large diameter portion 101c. The plurality of connection holes 101d are arranged at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the upper end surface of the large diameter portion 101c. A communication space is formed inside the liquid side manifold body 101 to connect the internal space of the small diameter portion 101a with all the connection holes 101d.

[0122] 〈Liquid side manifold〉

[0123] The liquid-side manifold 110 is a manifold connected to the liquid-side manifold body 101 .

[0124] The liquid side collecting pipe 110 is a straight circular pipe. One end (upper end) of the liquid side collecting pipe 110 is inserted into the lower end of the small diameter portion 101a of the liquid side flow divider body 101. The liquid side collecting pipe 110 is joined to the small diameter portion 101a of the liquid side flow divider body 101 by brazing. The liquid side collecting pipe 110 is connected to the internal space of the liquid side flow divider body 101.

[0125] The liquid side manifold 110 is substantially coaxially arranged with the liquid side flow divider body 101. The central axis direction (extension direction) of the liquid side manifold 110 is substantially vertical. The other end (lower end) of the liquid side manifold 110 is a first connection port 111 opening downward. The liquid side manifold 110 as a whole extends in the up-down direction and includes a first longitudinal pipe portion 112 of the first connection port 111.

[0126] 〈Liquid side branch pipe〉

[0127] The liquid side branch pipe 103 is a round pipe with a relatively small diameter. The liquid side branch pipe 103 is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The number of the liquid side branch pipes 103 is equal to the number of the connection holes 101d of the liquid side flow divider body 101. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the figure, only three liquid-side branch pipes 103 are shown.

[0128] One end of each liquid-side branch pipe 103 is inserted into the corresponding connection hole 101d of the liquid-side flow divider body 101, and is joined to the liquid-side flow divider body 101 by brazing. The other end of each liquid-side branch pipe 103 is joined to the corresponding heat transfer pipe 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65 by brazing. Each liquid-side branch pipe 103 connects the internal space of the liquid-side flow divider body 101 with the corresponding heat transfer pipe 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65.

[0129] 〈Joint pipe〉

[0130] The joint pipe 106 is a relatively short circular tubular member and is substantially coaxially arranged with the liquid side collecting pipe 110. The upper end of the joint pipe 106 is joined to the lower end of the liquid side collecting pipe 110, that is, the first connection port 111, by brazing.

[0131] The joint pipe 106 is a metal pipe. The material of the joint pipe 106 is stainless steel. The main component of stainless steel is iron (Fe). The ionization tendency of iron (Fe) is higher than that of copper (Cu) and lower than that of aluminum (Al).

[0132] 〈Liquid side refrigerant pipe〉

[0133] The liquid-side refrigerant pipe 120 is a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state or a single liquid phase state flows during the operation of the indoor unit 30 .

[0134] The liquid-side refrigerant tube 120 is a circular tubular member bent at two locations. The liquid-side refrigerant tube 120 includes a second longitudinal tube portion 122, a U-shaped tube portion 123, and an inverted L-shaped tube portion 124. The liquid-side refrigerant tube 120 is made of copper or a copper alloy.

[0135] The second longitudinal tube portion 122 is a straight and relatively short circular tubular portion. The central axis direction (extension direction) of the second longitudinal tube portion 122 is substantially in the vertical direction. The second longitudinal tube portion 122 is substantially coaxially arranged with the connecting tube 106. The upper end of the second longitudinal tube portion 122 is a second connecting port 121 that opens upward. The second connecting port 121 is connected to the lower end of the connecting tube 106 by brazing.

[0136] The U-shaped tube portion 123 is a circular tube portion bent into a U-shape. One end of the U-shaped tube portion 123 is connected to the lower end of the second longitudinal tube portion 122 .

[0137] The inverted L-shaped pipe part 124 is a circular tubular part bent into an inverted L shape. One end of the inverted L-shaped pipe part 124 is connected to the other end of the U-shaped pipe part 123. A flared joint 107 is installed on the other end of the inverted L-shaped pipe part 124. The material of the flared joint 107 is brass.

[0138] <Layout of the first vertical pipe section and the second vertical pipe section>

[0139] In the liquid pipe unit 100 of the present embodiment, the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 is arranged below the first longitudinal pipe portion 112 of the liquid side collecting pipe 110. In addition, the first longitudinal pipe portion 112, the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 and the connecting pipe 106 are arranged on a straight line. The central axis direction of each of the first longitudinal pipe portion 112, the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 and the connecting pipe 106 is substantially a vertical direction. The first longitudinal pipe portion 112, the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 and the connecting pipe 106 are located inside the shell 35 of the indoor unit 30. Therefore, the first connection port 111 of the liquid side collecting pipe 110 and the second connection port 121 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 are located inside the shell 35 of the indoor unit 30.

[0140] - Refrigerant flow in the liquid pipe unit -

[0141] During the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10 in which the indoor heat exchanger 65 functions as an evaporator, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 24 flows in the liquid pipe unit 100 .

[0142] Specifically, the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid pipe unit 100 through the expansion valve 24 flows into the liquid side flow divider 100a through the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120, and is distributed to all the liquid side branch pipes 103 connected to the liquid side flow divider body 101. The refrigerant that has flowed through each liquid side branch pipe 103 flows into the corresponding heat transfer pipe 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65.

[0143] In this way, the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state that flows into the liquid pipe unit 100 flows vertically upward through the second longitudinal pipe portion 122, the connecting pipe 106, and the first longitudinal pipe portion 112 in sequence, and then flows into the liquid side manifold body 101. Therefore, the refrigerant that flows through the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 flows into the liquid side manifold body 101 in a state where the liquid phase refrigerant and the gas phase refrigerant are roughly evenly mixed. Then, in the liquid side manifold body 101, the liquid phase refrigerant and the gas phase refrigerant are roughly evenly distributed to each liquid side branch pipe 103.

[0144] During the heating operation of the air conditioner 10 in which the indoor heat exchanger 65 functions as a radiator, the refrigerant in a single liquid phase state that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 65 flows in the liquid pipe unit 100 .

[0145] Specifically, the refrigerant flowing out of the heat transfer tube 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65 flows into the liquid side flow divider body 101 of the liquid side flow divider 100a through the liquid side branch pipe 103. The refrigerant flowing in from each liquid side branch pipe 103 merges in the liquid side flow divider body 101. The refrigerant merged in the liquid side flow divider body 101 passes through the liquid side collecting pipe 110 and the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 in sequence, and flows out to the outside of the indoor unit 30.

[0146] -Tracheal unit-

[0147] Reference Figure 8 The air pipe unit 150 will be described in detail.

[0148] As described above, the gas pipe unit 150 includes a gas-side flow divider 150 a , a joint pipe 156 , a gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 , and a plurality of gas-side branch pipes 153 .

[0149] 〈Air side flow divider〉

[0150] The gas-side flow divider 150a includes a gas-side flow divider body 151 and a gas-side collecting pipe 160. The gas-side flow divider body 151 and the gas-side collecting pipe 160 are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0151] 〈Air side manifold body〉

[0152] The gas-side flow divider body 151 is a flow divider body that distributes the inflowing refrigerant to the plurality of gas-side branch pipes 153 .

[0153] The gas side manifold body 151 is a so-called gas header. The gas side manifold body 151 is an elongated cylindrical member with both ends closed. The gas side manifold body 151 is installed in a posture where the central axis direction thereof is substantially in the vertical direction.

[0154] 〈Gas side collecting pipe〉

[0155] The gas-side collecting pipe 160 is a collecting pipe connected to the gas-side flow divider body 151 .

[0156] The gas side collecting pipe 160 is a circular pipe that snakes up and down. The gas side collecting pipe 160 has one first semicircular portion 163a and one second semicircular portion 163b. In addition, the gas side collecting pipe 160 also has a first vertical pipe portion 162 formed therein.

[0157] One end of the gas-side collecting pipe 160 is formed into a straight pipe extending substantially in the horizontal direction. One end of the gas-side collecting pipe 160 is joined to the side of the gas-side manifold body 151. The internal space of the gas-side collecting pipe 160 is communicated with the internal space of the gas-side manifold body 151.

[0158] The first semicircular portion 163a is a semicircular arc portion facing upward. The first semicircular portion 163a is arranged near one end of the gas side collecting pipe 160. The second semicircular portion 163b is a semicircular arc portion facing downward. The second semicircular portion 163b is arranged near the other end of the gas side collecting pipe 160. One end of the first semicircular portion 163a and one end of the second semicircular portion 163b are connected by a straight tube-shaped portion.

[0159] The first longitudinal tube portion 162 is a straight circular tube portion. The central axis direction (extension direction) of the first longitudinal tube portion 162 is substantially a vertical direction. The upper end of the first longitudinal tube portion 162 is connected to the other end of the second semicircular portion 163b. The lower end of the first longitudinal tube portion 162 is a first connection port 161 that opens downward.

[0160] 〈Gas side branch pipe〉

[0161] The gas-side branch pipe 153 is a round pipe formed in a U-shape. The gas-side branch pipe 153 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0162] The gas-side branch pipes 153 are arranged with their open ends facing sideways. A plurality of gas-side branch pipes 153 are arranged in a row in the central axis direction (vertical direction) of the gas-side manifold body 151. The curved portion of each gas-side branch pipe 153 is joined to the gas-side manifold body 151. The internal space of each gas-side branch pipe 153 is connected to the internal space of the gas-side manifold body 151. A pair of open ends 153a of each gas-side branch pipe 153 are joined to the corresponding heat transfer pipes 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65 by brazing.

[0163] 〈Joint pipe〉

[0164] The joint pipe 156 is a relatively short circular tubular member and is substantially coaxially arranged with the first vertical pipe portion 162 of the gas side collecting pipe 160. The upper end of the joint pipe 156 is joined to the lower end of the first vertical pipe portion 162, ie, the first connection port 161, by brazing.

[0165] The connecting pipe 156 is a metal pipe and is made of stainless steel, similar to the connecting pipe 106 of the liquid pipe unit 100 .

[0166] 〈Gas side refrigerant pipe〉

[0167] The gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 is a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant in a single gas phase flows during the operation of the indoor unit 30 .

[0168] The gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 is a round pipe bent into an L-shape. The material of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 is copper or a copper alloy.

[0169] One end (the end facing upward) of the gas-side refrigerant tube 170 is a second connection port 171 that opens upward. The straight tube-shaped portion of the gas-side refrigerant tube 170 including the second connection port 171 is a second longitudinal tube portion 172. The central axis direction (extension direction) of the second longitudinal tube portion 172 is substantially a vertical direction. The second longitudinal tube portion 172 is substantially coaxially arranged with the joining tube 106. The upper end of the second longitudinal tube portion 172, i.e., the second connection port 171, is joined to the lower end of the joining tube 156 by brazing.

[0170] A flared joint 157 is attached to the other end (lateral end) of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170. The flared joint 157 is made of brass.

[0171] <Layout of the first vertical pipe section and the second vertical pipe section>

[0172] In the gas pipe unit 150 of the present embodiment, the second longitudinal pipe portion 172 of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 is arranged below the first longitudinal pipe portion 162 of the gas-side collecting pipe 160. In addition, the first longitudinal pipe portion 162, the second longitudinal pipe portion 172 and the connecting pipe 156 are arranged on a straight line. The central axis direction of each of the first longitudinal pipe portion 162, the second longitudinal pipe portion 172 and the connecting pipe 156 is substantially the vertical direction. In addition, the first longitudinal pipe portion 162, the second longitudinal pipe portion 172 and the connecting pipe 156 are located inside the housing 35 of the indoor unit 30.

[0173] <Refrigerant flow in the gas pipe unit>

[0174] During the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10 in which the indoor heat exchanger 65 functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant in a single gas phase state that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 65 flows in the liquid pipe unit 100 .

[0175] Specifically, the refrigerant flowing out of the heat transfer tube 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65 flows into the gas-side manifold body 151 through the corresponding gas-side branch pipe 153. The refrigerants flowing into the gas-side manifold body 151 from each gas-side branch pipe 153 merge and then flow out to the outside of the indoor unit 30 through the gas-side collecting pipe 160 and the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 in sequence.

[0176] During the heating operation of the air conditioner 10 in which the indoor heat exchanger 65 functions as a radiator, the refrigerant in a single gas phase state discharged from the compressor 21 flows through the gas pipe unit 150 .

[0177] Specifically, the refrigerant ejected from the compressor 21 and flowing into the gas pipe unit 150 flows into the gas-side manifold body 151 through the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 and the gas-side collecting pipe 160 in sequence, and is distributed to all the gas-side branch pipes 153. The refrigerant flowing into each gas-side branch pipe 153 is distributed to the two open ends 153a and flows into the corresponding heat transfer pipe 66 of the indoor heat exchanger 65.

[0178] - Features of the embodiment (1) -

[0179] In the liquid pipe unit 100 of the present embodiment, the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 is connected to the liquid side collecting pipe 110 of the liquid side flow divider 100a. The first connection port 111 of the liquid side collecting pipe 110 and the second connection port 121 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 are connected via the joint pipe 106. The first vertical pipe portion 112 of the liquid side collecting pipe 110 includes the first connection port 111. The second vertical pipe portion 122 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 includes the second connection port 121.

[0180] When the indoor unit 30 is installed, the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 of the liquid-side refrigerant pipe 120 made of copper or copper alloy is located below the first longitudinal pipe portion 112 of the liquid-side collecting pipe 110 made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 flows downward under the action of gravity, so the condensed water does not adhere to the first longitudinal pipe portion 112.

[0181] The heat transfer tube 66 connected to the liquid side flow divider 100a is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Although condensed water generated on the surface of the heat transfer tube 66 may adhere to the liquid side flow divider 100a, the condensed water does not contain copper ions.

[0182] Thus, the condensed water containing copper ions does not adhere to the liquid side flow divider 100a. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress corrosion of the liquid side flow divider 100a caused by the adhesion of the condensed water containing copper ions.

[0183] - Features of the embodiment (2) -

[0184] Here, when the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state flows through the liquid pipe unit 100, in order to evenly distribute the liquid-phase refrigerant and the gas-phase refrigerant to the plurality of liquid-side branch pipes 103 in the liquid-side manifold body 101, it is preferred that the central axis direction of the pipe for introducing the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the liquid-side manifold body 101 is the vertical direction. In other words, it is preferred that a portion extending in the vertical direction be provided in the pipe for introducing the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the liquid-side manifold body 101.

[0185] On the other hand, in the liquid pipe unit 100 of the present embodiment, the first longitudinal pipe portion 112 of the liquid side collecting pipe 110 and the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 are arranged on a straight line with their respective central axis directions being substantially vertical. Therefore, the flow direction of the refrigerant that flows into the liquid side flow divider body 101 after passing through the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 and the liquid side collecting pipe 110 in sequence can be substantially vertically upward. As a result, the liquid phase refrigerant and the gas phase refrigerant can be equally distributed to the plurality of liquid side branch pipes 103 in the liquid side flow divider body 101.

[0186] In addition, since the first vertical pipe portion 112 of the liquid side collecting pipe 110 and the second vertical pipe portion 122 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 are arranged in the vertical direction, the condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the second vertical pipe portion 122 can be reliably flowed downward under the action of gravity. As a result, the condensed water containing copper ions can be reliably prevented from adhering to the first vertical pipe portion 112 of the liquid side flow divider 100a.

[0187] - Features of the embodiment (3) -

[0188] In the liquid pipe unit 100 of the present embodiment, the first longitudinal pipe portion 112 of the liquid side collecting pipe 110 and the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 are respectively formed into straight pipe shapes, and are arranged on a straight line with their respective central axis directions being substantially vertical. Therefore, the size of the area occupied by the first longitudinal pipe portion 112 and the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 in the internal space of the shell 35 can be suppressed to a minimum. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the indoor unit 30 can be miniaturized, and the corrosion of the liquid side flow divider 100a caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions can also be suppressed.

[0189] - Features of the embodiment (4) -

[0190] In the gas pipe unit 150 of the present embodiment, the first connection port 161 of the gas side collecting pipe 160 of the gas side flow divider 150a and the second connection port 171 of the gas side refrigerant pipe 170 are connected by the joint pipe 156. The first vertical pipe portion 162 of the gas side collecting pipe 160 includes the first connection port 161. The second vertical pipe portion 172 of the gas side refrigerant pipe 170 includes the second connection port 171.

[0191] When the indoor unit 30 is installed, the second vertical pipe portion 172 of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 made of copper or copper alloy is located below the first vertical pipe portion 162 of the gas-side collecting pipe 160 made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the second vertical pipe portion 172 flows downward under the action of gravity, so the condensed water does not adhere to the first vertical pipe portion 162.

[0192] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress corrosion of the gas-side collecting pipe 160 due to adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

[0193] - Features of the embodiment (5) -

[0194] In the gas pipe unit 150 of the present embodiment, the first longitudinal pipe portion 162 of the gas side collecting pipe 160 and the second longitudinal pipe portion 172 of the gas side refrigerant pipe 170 are arranged in a straight line with their respective central axis directions being substantially in a vertical direction. Therefore, the condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the second longitudinal pipe portion 172 can reliably flow downward under the action of gravity. As a result, the condensed water containing copper ions can be reliably prevented from adhering to the first longitudinal pipe portion 162 of the gas side flow divider 150a.

[0195] - Modification 1 of the embodiment -

[0196] like Fig. 9 As shown, in the liquid pipe unit 100 of this embodiment, the first connection port 111 of the liquid side collecting pipe 110 and the second connection port 121 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 may be directly connected. In this case, the connection pipe 106 is omitted in the liquid pipe unit 100.

[0197] In the gas pipe unit 150 of the present embodiment, the first connection port 161 of the gas-side collecting pipe 160 and the second connection port 171 of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 may be directly connected. In this case, the connection pipe 156 is omitted in the gas pipe unit 150 .

[0198] - Modification 2 of the embodiment -

[0199] like Fig.10 As shown, in the liquid pipe unit 100 of this embodiment, the second vertical pipe portion 122 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 may be omitted. In this case, one end of the U-shaped pipe portion 123 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 serves as the second connection port 121 opened upward.

[0200] In the gas pipe unit 150 of the present embodiment, the second vertical pipe portion 172 of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 may be omitted. In this case, the end of the quarter-arc-shaped portion of the gas-side refrigerant pipe 170 serves as the second connection port 171 that opens upward.

[0201] - Modification 3 of the embodiment -

[0202] like Fig.11As shown, in the liquid pipe unit 100 of this embodiment, the liquid side collecting pipe 110 of the liquid side flow divider 100a may also be a circular pipe that meanders up and down. In the liquid side collecting pipe 110 of this modified example, one first semicircular portion 113a and one second semicircular portion 113b are formed.

[0203] In this modification, one end of the liquid side manifold 110 is formed into a straight tube extending substantially in the vertical direction. One end of the liquid side manifold 110 is connected to the lower end of the liquid side manifold body 101. The internal space of the liquid side manifold 110 is connected to the internal space of the liquid side manifold body 101.

[0204] The first semicircular portion 113a is an upward semicircular arc portion. The first semicircular portion 113a is arranged near one end of the liquid side manifold 110. The second semicircular portion 113b is a downward semicircular arc portion. The second semicircular portion 113b is arranged near the other end of the liquid side manifold 110. One end of the first semicircular portion 113a and one end of the second semicircular portion 113b are connected through a straight tube portion.

[0205] The first longitudinal tube portion 112 is a straight circular tubular portion. The central axis direction of the first longitudinal tube portion 112 is substantially in the vertical direction. The upper end of the first longitudinal tube portion 112 of this modified example is connected to the other end of the second semicircular portion 113b. The lower end of the first longitudinal tube portion 112 is a first connection port 111 that opens downward and is connected to the connection tube 106.

[0206] The liquid side refrigerant tube 120 of this modified example is a round tube bent into an L shape. One end (the end facing upward) of the liquid side refrigerant tube 120 is a second connection port 121 that opens upward. The straight tube-shaped portion of the liquid side refrigerant tube 120 that includes the second connection port 121 is the second longitudinal tube portion 122. The central axis direction of the second longitudinal tube portion 122 is substantially in the vertical direction. The second longitudinal tube portion 122 and the joining tube 106 are substantially coaxially arranged. The upper end of the second longitudinal tube portion 122, i.e., the second connection port 121, is joined to the lower end of the joining tube 106 by brazing. A flared joint 107 is installed at the other end (lateral end) of the liquid side refrigerant tube 120.

[0207] - Modification 4 of the Implementation Method -

[0208] like Fig.12 As shown, in the liquid pipe unit 100 of the present embodiment, the liquid side collecting pipe 110 and the connecting pipe 106 of the liquid side flow divider 100a may be omitted.

[0209] In the liquid pipe unit 100 of this modified example, the liquid side flow divider 100a is composed only of the liquid side flow divider body 101, and the lower end of the small diameter portion 101a of the liquid side flow divider body 101 becomes the first connection port 111 that opens downward. In the liquid pipe unit 100 of this modified example, the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120 is directly connected to the liquid side flow divider body 101. The upper end of the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120, i.e., the second connection port 121, is joined to the lower end of the small diameter portion 101a of the liquid side flow divider body 101 by brazing.

[0210] like Fig.13 As shown, the liquid pipe unit 100 of this modified example may also include a connecting pipe 106. In this case, the lower end of the small diameter portion 101a of the liquid side flow divider body 101, i.e., the first connecting port 111, is connected to the upper end of the connecting pipe 106 by brazing; and the upper end of the second longitudinal pipe portion 122 of the liquid side refrigerant pipe 120, i.e., the second connecting port 121, is connected to the lower end of the connecting pipe 106 by brazing.

[0211] - Modification 5 of the embodiment -

[0212] In the liquid pipe unit 100 of this embodiment, the shapes of the first vertical pipe 112 and the second vertical pipe 122 are not limited to straight pipes, but may be slightly curved or bent as long as they are vertically extending pipes.

[0213] In the air pipe unit 150 of this embodiment, the shapes of the first longitudinal tube 162 and the second longitudinal tube 172 are not limited to straight tubes. As long as the shapes of the first longitudinal tube 162 and the second longitudinal tube 172 are tubes extending in the vertical direction, they may be slightly curved or bent.

[0214] - Modification Example 6 of Implementation Method -

[0215] In the liquid pipe unit 100 of this embodiment, the extending direction of the first and second vertical pipe portions 112 and 122 is not limited to the vertical direction. The extending direction of the first and second vertical pipe portions 112 and 122 may be slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction (inclined direction).

[0216] In the air pipe unit 150 of this embodiment, the extending direction of the first and second vertical pipe portions 162 and 172 is not limited to the vertical direction. The extending direction of the first and second vertical pipe portions 162 and 172 may be slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction (inclined direction).

[0217] - Modification 7 of the Implementation Method -

[0218] The liquid pipe unit 100 and / or the gas pipe unit 150 of the present embodiment may be connected to the heat transfer pipe of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 provided in the outdoor unit 20 constituting the unit.

[0219] The above describes the implementation mode and the modified example, but it should be understood that various changes can be made to the mode and specific circumstances without departing from the subject matter and scope of the claims. In addition, the elements involved in the above implementation mode, the modified example and other implementation modes can be appropriately combined or replaced. In addition, the terms such as "first", "second", "third" in the specification and the claims are only used to distinguish the sentences containing the above terms, and do not limit the number and order of the sentences.

[0220] - Industrial Applicability -

[0221] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a component unit of an air conditioning apparatus.

[0222] - Explanation of symbols -

[0223] 10 Air conditioning unit

[0224] 20 Outdoor unit (constituent unit)

[0225] 30 Indoor unit (constituent unit)

[0226] 35 Shell

[0227] 65 Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

[0228] 66 heat transfer tube

[0229] 100a liquid side diverter

[0230] 101 Liquid side diverter body (diverter body)

[0231] 105 Covering parts

[0232] 106 joint pipe (metal pipe)

[0233] 110 Liquid side manifold (manifold)

[0234] 111 First connection port

[0235] 112 First longitudinal pipe

[0236] 120 liquid side refrigerant pipe (refrigerant pipe)

[0237] 121 Second connection port

[0238] 122 Second longitudinal pipe

[0239] 123U-shaped tube

[0240] 150a gas side diverter

[0241] 151 Gas side diverter body (diverter body)

[0242] 155 Covering parts

[0243] 156 Joint pipe (metal pipe)

[0244] 160 gas side manifold (manifold)

[0245] 161 First connection port

[0246] 162 First longitudinal pipe

[0247] 170 gas side refrigerant pipe (refrigerant pipe)

[0248] 171 Second connection port

[0249] 172 Second longitudinal tube

Claims

1. A component unit, wherein the component unit (20, 30) constitutes an air conditioning device (10), characterized in that: The unit comprises: a heat exchanger (65), refrigerant pipes (120, 170) and flow dividers (100a, 150a). The heat exchanger (65) has a plurality of heat transfer tubes (66). The flow divider (100a, 150a) is connected to the heat exchanger (65) and the refrigerant pipes (120, 170), and the flow divider (100a, 150a) distributes the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipes (120, 170) to the plurality of heat transfer pipes (66). The heat transfer tube (66) and the flow divider (100a, 150a) are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is made of copper or copper alloy. The diverter (100a, 150a) is provided with a first connection port (111, 161) which opens downward when the component unit (20, 30) is installed. One end of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a second connection port (121, 171) that opens upward when the component unit (20, 30) is installed. The second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant tube (120, 170) is directly connected to the first connection port (111, 161) of the diverter (100a, 150a), or the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant tube (120, 170) is connected to the first connection port (111, 161) of the diverter (100a, 150a) via a metal tube (106, 156) whose material is different from that of the diverter (100a, 150a) and the refrigerant tube (120, 170).

2. The machine assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow splitter (100a, 150a) comprises a flow splitter body (101, 151) and a collecting pipe (110, 160). The flow divider body (101, 151) is connected to the heat exchanger (65), and the flow divider body (101, 151) distributes the inflowing refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer tubes (66). One end of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is connected to the diverter body (101, 151), and the other end of the collecting pipe (110, 160) constitutes the first connecting port (111, 161).

3. The machine assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The collecting pipe (110, 160) is located below the diverter body (101, 151) when the component units (20, 30) are installed.

4. The machine assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A portion of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is a first longitudinal pipe portion (112, 162) extending in the up-down direction, or the entire collecting pipe (110, 160) is a first longitudinal pipe portion (112, 162) extending in the up-down direction, The lower end of the first longitudinal tube portion (112, 162) is the first connecting port (111, 161).

5. The machine assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The entire collecting pipe (110, 160) is the first longitudinal pipe portion (112, 162).

6. The machine assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The first longitudinal tube portion (112, 162) is a straight tube.

7. The machine assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the component unit (20, 30) is installed, the extending direction of the first longitudinal pipe portion (112, 162) is a vertical direction.

8. The machine assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a second longitudinal pipe portion (122, 172) extending in the up-down direction. The upper end of the second longitudinal tube portion (122, 172) is the second connecting port (121, 171).

9. The machine assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second longitudinal tube portion (122, 172) is a straight tube.

10. The machine assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the component unit (20, 30) is installed, the extending direction of the second longitudinal pipe portion (122, 172) is a vertical direction.

11. The machine assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: A portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a straight pipe extending in the up-down direction, namely, a second longitudinal pipe portion (122, 172). The upper end of the second longitudinal tube portion (122, 172) is the second connection port (121, 171). The first longitudinal tube portion (112, 162) and the second longitudinal tube portion (122, 172) are arranged on a straight line.

12. The machine assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that: In the refrigerant pipe (120, 170), a U-shaped portion, namely a U-shaped pipe portion (123), which is connected to the lower end of the second longitudinal pipe portion (122, 172) is formed.

13. The machine assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The collecting tube (110, 160) is a tube in a shape of winding up and down. A portion of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is the first longitudinal pipe portion (112, 162).

14. The machine assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The refrigerant pipe (120) is a pipe through which a refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state or a single liquid phase state flows during the operation of the component units (20, 30).

15. The machine assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The refrigerant pipe (170) is a pipe through which a refrigerant in a single gas phase state flows during the operation of the component units (20, 30).

16. The machine assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The component unit includes a housing (35) for accommodating the heat exchanger (65). The first connection port (111, 161) of the flow divider (100a, 150a) and the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) are arranged inside the shell (35).

17. The machine assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that: An end portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) on the side opposite to the second connection port (121, 171) is exposed outside the shell (35), The component unit includes a covering component (105, 155), and the covering component (105, 155) covers a portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) and blocks the gap between the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) and the shell (35).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Adaptive antenna

    JP1983053203A