Heat exchanger unit, air-conditioning indoor unit, refrigeration cycle device, and method for manufacturing heat exchanger unit

Abstract

A heat exchanger unit (150) is provided with a first heat exchange unit (50), a second heat exchange unit (55), and a plate structure (100). The first heat exchange unit (50) has a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51). The second heat exchange unit (55) has a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56). The plate structure (100) is joined to the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56). A first flow path (121) that connects the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other and a second flow path (122) that connects the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other are formed inside the plate structure (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a heat exchanger unit, an indoor air conditioning unit, a refrigeration cycle device, and a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger unit. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger comprising a heat exchanger body composed of fins and heat transfer tubes, and a plate stack. Refrigerant flow paths connecting the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger body are formed inside the plate stack. The plate stack is formed by stacking multiple plate components.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-125652 Summary of the Invention

[0006] -The technical problem the invention aims to solve-

[0007] The heat exchanger body of a heat exchanger sometimes has multiple heat exchange sections, each of which has fins and heat transfer tubes. In this case, consider joining one heat exchange section to a plate laminate.

[0008] When joining the heat exchange section to the plate laminate, all the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchange section need to be assembled onto the plate laminate at once. Therefore, when the heat exchange section has a relatively large number of heat transfer tubes, the alignment of each heat transfer tube of the heat exchange section with the plate laminate may become difficult, which increases the time required to assemble the heat exchange section with the plate laminate.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to reduce the time required to assemble the heat exchange unit with the plate laminate.

[0010] - Technical solutions used to solve technical problems -

[0011] A first aspect of this disclosure relates to a heat exchanger unit 150 that allows air to exchange heat with a refrigerant. The heat exchanger unit includes a first heat exchange section 50, a second heat exchange section 55, and a plate structure 100. The first heat exchange section 50 has a plurality of first fins 52 and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 51. The second heat exchange section 55 has a plurality of second fins 57 and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 56. The plate structure 100 is coupled to the first heat transfer tubes 51 and the second heat transfer tubes 56. A first flow path 121 and a second flow path 122 are formed inside the plate structure 100. The first flow path 121 connects the first heat transfer tubes 51 to each other, and the second flow path 122 connects the second heat transfer tubes 56 to each other.

[0012] In the first aspect, both the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 are joined to the plate structure 100. During the assembly of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 with the plate structure 100, the relative positions of the plate structure 100 with respect to the first heat transfer tube 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat transfer tube 56 of the second heat exchange section 55 can be adjusted independently. Therefore, compared to assembling the plate structure 100 with a heat exchange section that provides a larger heat exchange capacity equivalent to the sum of the heat exchange capacities of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55, the relative positions of the first heat transfer tube 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat transfer tube 56 of the second heat exchange section 55 with the plate structure 100 can be easily adjusted. Therefore, according to this aspect, the time required for assembling the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 with the plate structure 100 can be shortened, and the time required to manufacture the heat exchanger unit 150 can be shortened.

[0013] A second aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the first aspect, a connecting flow path 131 is formed inside the plate structure 100 to connect the first heat transfer tube 51 and the second heat transfer tube 56.

[0014] In the second aspect, a first flow path 121, a second flow path 122, and a connecting flow path 131 are formed inside the plate structure 100.

[0015] A third aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the first or second aspect, each of the plurality of first fins 52 is formed as a plate having a pair of straight and parallel long sides 52a, 52b, and each of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 51 passes through the plurality of first fins 52 arranged in a row. On the other hand, each of the plurality of second fins 57 is formed as a plate having a pair of straight and parallel long sides 57a, 57b, and each of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes 56 passes through the plurality of second fins 57 arranged in a row.

[0016] In the first heat exchange section 50 of the third aspect, a plurality of plate-shaped first fins 52 are arranged in a row, and a first heat transfer tube 51 passes through the plurality of first fins 52 arranged in a row. In the second heat exchange section 55 of the same aspect, a plurality of plate-shaped second fins 57 are arranged in a row, and a second heat transfer tube 56 passes through the plurality of second fins 57 arranged in a row.

[0017] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the first to third aspects, the heat exchanger unit includes a third heat exchange section 60 having a plurality of third fins 62 and a plurality of third heat transfer tubes 61, the plate structure 100 being connected to the third heat transfer tubes 61, and a third flow path 123 connecting the third heat transfer tubes 61 to each other being formed inside the plate structure 100.

[0018] In the fourth aspect, the heat exchanger unit 150 includes a first heat exchange section 50, a second heat exchange section 55, and a third heat exchange section 60. A third flow path 123 formed in the plate structure 100 connects the third heat transfer tubes 61 of the third heat exchange section 60 to each other.

[0019] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, the plate structure 100 includes a main body 106 and a plurality of connecting pipe portions 135. The main body 106 is plate-shaped, and a first flow path 121 and a second flow path 122 are formed inside the main body 106. The plurality of connecting pipe portions 135 protrude from the main body 106, and the base end of each of the plurality of connecting pipe portions 135 is connected to the first flow path 121 or the second flow path 122. The protruding end of each of the plurality of connecting pipe portions 135 is connected to the first heat transfer pipe 51 or the second heat transfer pipe 56. The diameter of the protruding end of each of the plurality of connecting pipe portions 135 is smaller than the diameter of the base end.

[0020] In the fifth aspect, the diameter of the protruding end of each connecting pipe portion 135 connected to the first heat transfer pipe 51 or the second heat transfer pipe 56 is smaller than the diameter of the base end connected to the main body portion 106 of the plate structure 100. The refrigerant flowing from the first heat transfer pipe 51 or the second heat transfer pipe 56 into the connecting pipe portion 135 flows from the relatively smaller diameter protruding end to the relatively larger diameter base end, and then flows into the first flow path 121 or the second flow path 122 of the main body portion 106. Therefore, pressure loss during the process of refrigerant flowing out of the first heat transfer pipe 51 or the second heat transfer pipe 56 and flowing into the first flow path 121 or the second flow path 122 is reduced.

[0021] A sixth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the first to fifth aspects, in the first heat exchange section 50, a plurality of first fins 52 arranged in a row form a first fin group 53, and in the second heat exchange section 55, a plurality of second fins 57 arranged in a row form a second fin group 58. The plate structure 100 is disposed at one end of the first fin group 53 in the arrangement direction of the first fins 52 and at one end of the second fin group 58 in the arrangement direction of the second fins 57. The heat exchanger unit 150 includes a retaining member 155 disposed at the other end of the first fin group 53 in the arrangement direction of the first fins 52 and at the other end of the second fin group 58 in the arrangement direction of the second fins 57, and retains the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55.

[0022] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of the sixth aspect, a plate structure 100 is arranged at one end of the first fin group 53 and the second fin group 58. At one end of the first fin group 53 and the second fin group 58, the relative positions of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 are maintained by the plate structure 100, which is engaged with the first heat transfer tube 51 and the second heat transfer tube 56. Furthermore, in the heat exchanger unit 150, a retaining member 155 is arranged at the other end of the first fin group 53 and the second fin group 58. At the other end of the first fin group 53 and the second fin group 58, the relative positions of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 are maintained by the retaining member 155.

[0023] The seventh aspect of this disclosure pertains to an air conditioner indoor unit 30, which includes the heat exchanger unit 150 of the third aspect and a housing 31 for housing the heat exchanger unit 150. The first heat exchange section 50 is arranged above the second heat exchange section 55 with the angle between the long sides 52a and 52b of the first fins 52 and the long sides 57a and 57b of the second fins 57 being less than 180°.

[0024] In the air conditioner indoor unit 30 of the seventh aspect, a heat exchanger unit 150 is housed in the casing 31. Inside the casing 31, the first heat exchange section 50 is located above the second heat exchange section 55. The angle formed by the long sides 52a and 52b of the first fins 52 and the long sides 57a and 57b of the second fins 57 is less than 180°.

[0025] The eighth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the seventh aspect, the first heat exchange section 50 is arranged with the long side 52a of the air inflow side of the first fin 52 facing upwards, and the second heat exchange section 55 is arranged with the long side 57a of the air inflow side of the second fin 57 facing downwards.

[0026] In the eighth aspect, the long side 52a of the air inflow side of each first fin 52 of the first heat exchange section 50 faces upward, and the long side 57a of the air inflow side of each second fin 57 of the second heat exchange section 55 faces downward.

[0027] The ninth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the eighth aspect, the lower end of the first fin 52 of the first heat exchange section 50 extends along the long side 57b of the air outlet side of the second fin 57 of the second heat exchange section 55.

[0028] In the ninth aspect, the condensate generated in the first heat exchange section 50 flows down from the lower end of the first fin 52 to the second heat exchange section 55 and flows along the second fin 57 of the second heat exchange section 55. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the condensate from the first heat exchange section 50 from scattering.

[0029] The tenth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the ninth aspect, a connecting flow path 131a is formed inside the plate structure 100 to connect the first heat transfer tube 51 and the second heat transfer tube 56. The first heat transfer tube 51 communicating with the connecting flow path 131a is one of a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 51 arranged in a row along the long side 52a of the air inflow side of the first fin 52, and the second heat transfer tube 56 communicating with the connecting flow path 131a is one of a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 56 arranged in a row along the long side 57b of the air outflow side of the second fin 57.

[0030] In the tenth aspect, the connecting flow path 131a formed in the plate structure 100 connects the first heat transfer pipe 51, which is closest to the long side 52a of the air inflow side of the first fin 52, to the second heat transfer pipe 56, which is closest to the long side 57b of the air outflow side of the second fin 57.

[0031] The eleventh aspect of this disclosure is that, based on the ninth or tenth aspect, the distance between the central axes of the two closest first heat transfer tubes 51 is a first distance, the distance between the central axes of the two closest second heat transfer tubes 56 is a second distance, and the distance between the central axes of the closest first heat transfer tubes 51 and second heat transfer tubes 56 is a third distance, wherein the third distance is less than the first distance and less than the second distance.

[0032] In the eleventh aspect, the first heat exchange unit 50 and the second heat exchange unit 55 are located at a third distance that is below the first distance and below the second distance.

[0033] The twelfth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, the number of first heat transfer tubes 51 in the first heat exchange unit 50 is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes 56 in the second heat exchange unit 55.

[0034] In the twelfth aspect, the number of first heat transfer tubes 51 in the first heat exchange section 50 is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes 56 in the second heat exchange section 55. Therefore, the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange section 50 is greater than that of the second heat exchange section 55.

[0035] The thirteenth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects, the long sides 52a and 52b of the first fins 52 of the first heat exchange section 50 form an angle of 30° or more with the vertical direction.

[0036] In the thirteenth aspect, the first heat exchange section 50 is disposed within the housing 31 with the long sides 52a and 52b of the upwardly arranged first fins 52 forming an angle of 30° or more with the vertical direction. Therefore, the first heat exchange section 50 can be enlarged without increasing the height of the housing 31. As a result, the overall heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger unit 150 can be increased without enlarging the housing 31.

[0037] The fourteenth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, the angle between the long sides 52a and 52b of the first fins 52 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the vertical direction is 60° or less.

[0038] In the fourteenth aspect, the first heat exchange section 50 is disposed within the housing 31 with the long sides 52a and 52b of the upward-facing first fins 52 forming an angle of 60° or less with the vertical direction. Therefore, condensate generated on the surface of the first fins 52 flows down the surface of the first fins 52 to the lower end of the first fins 52. As a result, the scattering of condensate generated on the surface of the first fins 52 can be suppressed.

[0039] The fifteenth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects, the spacing between the plurality of first fins 52 in the first heat exchange section 50 is equal to the spacing between the plurality of second fins 57 in the second heat exchange section 55.

[0040] In the fifteenth aspect, the spacing between the plurality of second fins 57 of the second heat exchange section 55 is consistent with the spacing between the first fins 52 of the first heat exchange section 50. Therefore, corresponding second fins 57 are arranged below each first fin 52 of the first heat exchange section 50. Condensate generated on the surface of the first fin 52 flows down from the lower end of the first fin 52 to the corresponding second fin 57 and further down along the second fin 57. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the scattering of condensate generated on the surface of the first fin 52.

[0041] The sixteenth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the eighth to fifteenth aspects, the effective length of the first heat exchange section 50 is the distance from the first fin 52 located at one end to the first fin 52 located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first fins 52, and the effective length of the second heat exchange section 55 is the distance from the second fin 57 located at one end to the second fin 57 located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the plurality of second fins 57, wherein the effective length of the first heat exchange section 50 is less than or equal to the effective length of the second heat exchange section 55.

[0042] In the sixteenth aspect, the effective length of the first heat exchange section 50, located above the second heat exchange section 55, is less than or equal to the effective length of the second heat exchange section 55. Therefore, all the condensate flowing down from the first heat exchange section 50 is caught by the second heat exchange section 55.

[0043] The seventeenth aspect of this disclosure is that, based on any one of the seventh to sixteenth aspects, the heat exchanger unit 150 is arranged with the air inflow surfaces 54, 59 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 facing the front or rear side of the housing 31.

[0044] In the seventeenth aspect, inside the casing of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the air inflow surfaces 54 and 59 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 face the front or rear side of the casing 31.

[0045] The eighteenth aspect of this disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus 10, which includes a refrigerant circuit 11 connected to a heat exchanger unit 150 of any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0046] In the eighteenth aspect, a heat exchanger unit 150 is provided in the refrigerant circuit 11 of the refrigeration cycle device 10.

[0047] The nineteenth aspect of this disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger unit 150, the heat exchanger unit 150 comprising a plurality of heat exchange sections, each having fins and heat transfer tubes, and a plate structure 100 engaged with the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange sections, the heat exchanger unit 150 enabling heat exchange between air and refrigerant. The plurality of heat exchange sections include a first heat exchange section 50 and a second heat exchange section 55, the first heat exchange section 50 having a plurality of first fins 52 and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 51, and the second heat exchange section 55 having a plurality of second fins 57 and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 56. A refrigerant flow path formed inside the plate structure 100 includes a first flow path 121 and a second flow path 122, the first flow path 121 connecting the first heat transfer tubes 51 to each other, and the second flow path 122 connecting the second heat transfer tubes 56 to each other. The manufacturing method in this regard includes a holding process, an assembly process, and a joining process. In the holding process, the plurality of heat exchange units are held such that the relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange units are the same as the relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange units in the finished heat exchanger unit 150. In the assembly process, the plate structure 100 is combined with the plurality of heat exchange units that have been held in the predetermined positions in the holding process. In the joining process, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange units that have been combined in the assembly process are joined to the plate structure 100 by brazing.

[0048] In the nineteenth aspect, a holding process, an assembly process, and a joining process are performed. In the holding process, the relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange units, including the first heat exchange unit 50 and the second heat exchange unit 55, are maintained to be the same as the relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange units in the finished heat exchanger unit 150. In the assembly process, the plate structure 100 is assembled with the plurality of heat exchange units that have been held in the predetermined positions in the holding process. In the assembly process, the relative positions of each heat exchange unit and the plate structure 100 can be individually fine-tuned. In the joining process, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange units assembled in the assembly process are joined to the plate structure 100 by brazing.

[0049] The twentieth aspect of this disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger unit 150, the heat exchanger unit 150 comprising a plurality of heat exchange sections, each having fins and heat transfer tubes, and a plate structure 100 engaged with the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange sections, the heat exchanger unit 150 enabling heat exchange between air and refrigerant. The plurality of heat exchange sections include a first heat exchange section 50 and a second heat exchange section 55, the first heat exchange section 50 having a plurality of first fins 52 and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 51, and the second heat exchange section 55 having a plurality of second fins 57 and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 56. A refrigerant flow path formed inside the plate structure 100 includes a first flow path 121 and a second flow path 122, the first flow path 121 connecting the first heat transfer tubes 51 to each other, and the second flow path 122 connecting the second heat transfer tubes 56 to each other. The manufacturing method in this respect includes an assembly process and a joining process. In the assembly process, a plurality of heat exchange units are sequentially assembled with the plate structure 100. In the joining process, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange units assembled in the assembly process are joined with the plate structure 100 by brazing.

[0050] In the twentieth aspect, an assembly process and a joining process are performed. In the assembly process, multiple heat exchange units are sequentially assembled with the plate structure 100 one by one. Therefore, in the assembly process, the operations of assembling the first heat exchange unit 50 with the plate structure 100 and assembling the second heat exchange unit 55 with the plate structure 100 are performed separately. In the joining process, the heat transfer tubes of the multiple heat exchange units assembled in the assembly process are joined to the plate structure 100 by brazing. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a piping system diagram of the air conditioning unit involved in the implementation method.

[0052] Figure 2 This is the front view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0054] Figure 4 This is the front view of the heat exchanger unit.

[0055] Figure 5 It is Figure 4 A portion of the image is shown in enlarged form.

[0056] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit in section VI-VI.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a right-side view of the heat exchanger unit.

[0058] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit in section VIII-VIII.

[0059] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit in section IX-IX.

[0060] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit at section XX.

[0061] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the first heat exchange section and the front side plate laminate, indicating the joint state of the first heat transfer pipe and the connecting pipe section.

[0062] Figure 12 This is the equivalent of the heat exchanger unit shown in the first modified example. Figure 6 A sectional view of the cross section.

[0063] Figure 13 This is the equivalent of the heat exchanger unit shown in the second modified example. Figure 6 A sectional view of the cross section.

[0064] Figure 14 This is the equivalent of the heat exchanger unit shown in the third modified example. Figure 6 A sectional view of the cross section.

[0065] Figure 15 It is Figure 14 An enlarged view showing a portion of the first heat exchange section. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure. The accompanying drawings are for conceptual illustration of this disclosure; therefore, for ease of understanding, dimensions, scales, or quantities are sometimes exaggerated or simplified as needed.

[0067] (1) Overall structure of the air conditioning unit

[0068] This embodiment is an air conditioning unit 10 including a heat exchanger unit 150. The air conditioning unit 10 regulates the temperature of the air in the indoor space I, which is the target space.

[0069] like Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning unit 10 is an example of a refrigeration cycle device that includes a refrigerant circuit 11. The refrigerant circuit 11 is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 11 performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant.

[0070] The air conditioning unit 10 includes an outdoor unit 20, an indoor unit 30, a first connecting pipe 12, and a second connecting pipe 13. The air conditioning unit 10 is a single-unit air conditioning system with one outdoor unit 20 and one indoor unit 30. The first connecting pipe 12 is a gas connecting pipe, and the second connecting pipe 13 is a liquid connecting pipe. In the air conditioning unit 10, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 are connected by the first connecting pipe 12 and the second connecting pipe 13, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit 11.

[0071] The outdoor unit 20 is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit 20 includes an outdoor unit housing 20a, a compressor 21 housed in the outdoor unit housing 20a, an outdoor heat exchanger 22, an outdoor expansion valve 23, a four-way reversing valve 24, and an outdoor fan 25.

[0072] Compressor 21 is a rotary compressor, such as a swing piston type, rotary type, or scroll type. Outdoor heat exchanger 22 is a finned tube type air heat exchanger. Outdoor heat exchanger 22 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air. Outdoor expansion valve 23 is an electronic expansion valve with variable opening. Four-way reversing valve 24 is in the first state ( Figure 1 The state shown in solid lines) and the second state ( Figure 1 The system switches between states (shown by dashed lines). In the first state, the four-way reversing valve 24 connects the discharge portion of the compressor 21 to the air-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 22, and connects the suction portion of the compressor 21 to the first connecting pipe 12. In the second state, the four-way reversing valve 24 connects the discharge portion of the compressor 21 to the first connecting pipe 12, and connects the suction portion of the compressor 21 to the air-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 22. The outdoor fan 25 is a propeller fan.

[0073] The indoor unit 30 includes a housing 31, a heat exchanger unit 150 housed in the housing 31, and an indoor fan 32.

[0074] (2) Indoor unit

[0075] Reference Figures 2-4 The details of the indoor unit 30, which is an indoor air conditioner, will be described below. The indoor unit 30 in this embodiment is a wall-mounted indoor unit installed on the wall of the indoor space I. It should be noted that the terms related to "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "back" used in the following description are different from those used in other contexts. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The direction of the arrows shown corresponds to the direction when viewing the indoor unit 30 from the front.

[0076] (2-1) Casing

[0077] The housing 31 is formed into a box shape with a relatively long horizontal length in the left-right direction. The housing 31 has a front plate 31a, a rear plate 31b, an upper plate 31c, a lower plate 31d, a first side plate 31e, and a second side plate 31f.

[0078] A front plate 31a is formed on the front side of the housing 31, constituting the front surface of the housing 31. A rear plate 31b is formed on the rear side of the housing 31, constituting the rear surface of the housing 31. An upper plate 31c is formed on the upper side of the housing 31, constituting the upper surface of the housing 31. A lower plate 31d is formed on the lower side of the housing 31, constituting the lower surface of the housing 31. A first side plate 31e is formed on the right side of the housing 31, constituting the right side surface of the housing 31. A second side plate 31f is formed on the left side of the housing 31, constituting the left side surface of the housing 31.

[0079] An intake port 33 is formed on the upper plate 31c, and an outlet port 34 is formed on the lower plate 31d. An air passage P is formed inside the housing 31, extending from the intake port 33 to the outlet port 34. The intake port 33 extends along the length (left-right direction) of the housing 31. The intake port 33 is an opening for drawing air from the interior space I into the air passage P. The outlet port 34 is formed on the lower plate 31d. The outlet port 34 extends along the length of the housing 31. The outlet port 34 is an opening for blowing air from the air passage P into the interior space I.

[0080] (2-2) Filter

[0081] The indoor unit 30 includes a filter 35. The filter 35 is disposed inside the intake 33 and upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 40. The filter 35 captures dust in the air supplied from the intake 33 to the indoor heat exchanger 40. The indoor unit 30 may also include a dust removal mechanism to remove the dust captured by the filter 35.

[0082] (2-3) Heat exchanger unit

[0083] The heat exchanger unit 150 includes an indoor heat exchanger 40 and an indoor expansion valve 160. The indoor heat exchanger 40 includes a heat exchanger body 45 and two plate stacks 100 and 110. The heat exchanger body 45 of the indoor heat exchanger 40 is arranged transversely to the air passage P. The air passage P is divided into an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the heat exchanger body 45.

[0084] (2-4) Indoor fan

[0085] An indoor fan 32 is arranged in the air passage P. The indoor fan 32 is located downstream of the indoor heat exchanger 40 in the air passage P. The indoor fan 32 is a cross-flow fan. The fan rotor of the indoor fan 32 extends along the length of the housing 31.

[0086] (2-5) Air guide plate

[0087] The indoor unit 30 has an air deflector 36 that adjusts the direction of airflow from the outlet 34. The air deflector 36 adjusts the vertical airflow. The indoor unit 30 may also have multiple air deflectors 36. The air deflector 36 may also be an air deflector that adjusts the horizontal airflow.

[0088] (3) Heat exchanger unit

[0089] As described above, the heat exchanger unit 150 includes an indoor heat exchanger 40, an indoor expansion valve 160, a gas relay pipe 163, a liquid relay pipe 164, and a holding component 155.

[0090] (3-1) Indoor heat exchanger

[0091] As described above, the indoor heat exchanger 40 includes a heat exchanger body 45 and two plate stacks 100 and 110. The indoor heat exchanger 40 is a finned tube air heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger 40 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air. Each plate stack 100 and 110 is a plate structure. It should be noted that the number of plate stacks 100 and 110 included in the indoor heat exchanger 40 is only one example.

[0092] (3-2) Heat exchanger body

[0093] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the heat exchanger body 45 has a front heat exchange section 40A and a rear heat exchange section 40B. The front heat exchange section 40A is located near the front panel 31a of the housing 31. The rear heat exchange section 40B is located near the rear panel 31b of the housing 31. The heat exchanger body 45 is arranged to surround the front, upper, and rear sides of the indoor fan 32.

[0094] (3-3) Front side plate laminate, rear side plate laminate

[0095] In the indoor heat exchanger 40, the front side plate laminate 100 and the rear side plate laminate 110 are arranged in... Figure 4 The right side of the heat exchanger body 45. The front side plate laminate 100 is mounted on the front heat exchange section 40A, and the rear side plate laminate 110 is mounted on the rear heat exchange section 40B.

[0096] (3-4) Indoor expansion valve, gas relay pipe, liquid relay pipe

[0097] The indoor expansion valve 160 is an electronic expansion valve with variable opening. The indoor expansion valve 160 is connected to the front panel laminate 100 via a first internal conduit 161 and to the rear panel laminate 110 via a second internal conduit 162.

[0098] One end of the gas relay pipe 163 is connected to the rear side plate laminate 110. The other end of the gas relay pipe 163 is connected to the first connecting pipe 12 via a connector. One end of the liquid relay pipe 164 is connected to the front side plate laminate 100. The other end of the liquid relay pipe 164 is connected to the second connecting pipe 13 via a connector.

[0099] (3-5) Retaining components

[0100] The retaining component 155 is arranged in Figure 4 The retaining member 155 is located on the left side of the indoor heat exchanger 40. It is positioned opposite to the front panel laminate 100 and the rear panel laminate 110 relative to the indoor heat exchanger 40. The retaining member 155 is a resin component shaped to cover the left end of the indoor heat exchanger 40. The retaining member 155 is mounted on the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B constituting the indoor heat exchanger 40, maintaining their relative positions.

[0101] (4) The front heat exchange section of the heat exchanger body

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, the front heat exchange section 40A includes a first heat exchange section 50, a second heat exchange section 55, a third heat exchange section 60, and a fourth heat exchange section 65.

[0103] (4-1) First heat exchange section

[0104] The first heat exchange section 50 includes a plurality of first fins 52 and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 51. The first fins 52 and the first heat transfer tubes 51 are made of aluminum alloy. The first heat transfer tubes 51 may also be made of copper alloy. The number of first heat transfer tubes 51 provided in the first heat exchange section 50 is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes 56 provided in the second heat exchange section 55, which will be described later.

[0105] Each first fin 52 is a thin plate-like component having a pair of substantially parallel long sides 52a, 52b and a pair of substantially parallel short sides 52c, 52d. The plurality of first fins 52 are arranged in an opposing orientation. Figure 4 The first fins 52 are arranged in a row along the left and right sides. Multiple first fins 52 arranged in a row constitute a first fin group 53. In the first fin group 53, the spacing (=fin pitch FP1) between adjacent first fins 52 is constant (refer to...). Figure 5 ).

[0106] like Figure 6 As shown, in each pair of long sides of the first fin 52, one long side located on the side opposite to the indoor fan 32 is the long side 52a on the air inflow side, and the other long side located on the side of the indoor fan 32 is the long side 52b on the air outflow side.

[0107] The first heat exchange section 50 is arranged with the long side 52a of the first fin 52 facing upward and the long side 52b of the first fin 52 facing downward. The angle θ formed by each long side 52a, 52b of the first fin 52 with the vertical direction is 30° or more and 60° or less (30°≤θ≤60°).

[0108] In the first fin group 53, the long side 52a of the air inflow side of each first fin 52 forms an imaginary first air inflow surface 54. The first air inflow surface 54 faces the front of the indoor unit 30 and the upper side of the indoor unit 30. The distance from the first fin 52 located at one end of the first fin group 53 to the first fin 52 located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the first fins 52 is the effective length EL1 of the first heat exchange section 50 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0109] Each first heat transfer tube 51 is a straight circular tube. The multiple first heat transfer tubes 51 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each first heat transfer tube 51 penetrates all the first fins 52 constituting the first fin assembly 53 and runs along... Figure 4 Extending in the left and right directions. Each of the first heat transfer tubes 51 Figure 4 The right end is the open end. Each of the two adjacent first heat transfer tubes 51... Figure 4 The left end of the tube is connected by a U-shaped tube. The two first heat transfer tubes 51 are seamlessly integrated with the U-shaped tubes that connect them.

[0110] Three tube banks 51a to 51c are formed in the first heat exchange section 50. Each tube bank 51a to 51c is composed of a plurality of first heat transfer tubes 51 arranged in a row along the elongation direction of the long sides 52a and 52b of the first fins 52. In each tube bank 51a to 51c, the plurality of first heat transfer tubes 51 are arranged at constant intervals. In the first heat exchange section 50, the tube bank arranged along the long side 52a on the air inflow side of the first fins 52 is the first tube bank 51a, the tube bank arranged along the long side 52b on the air outflow side of the first fins 52 is the third tube bank 51c, and the tube bank located between the first tube bank 51a and the third tube bank 51c is the second tube bank 51b.

[0111] (4-2) Second heat exchange section

[0112] The second heat exchange section 55 includes multiple second fins 57 and multiple second heat transfer tubes 56. The second fins 57 and the second heat transfer tubes 56 are made of aluminum alloy. The second heat transfer tubes 56 may also be made of copper alloy.

[0113] Each second fin 57 is a thin plate-like component having a pair of substantially parallel long sides 57a, 57b and a pair of substantially parallel short sides 57c, 57d. The plurality of second fins 57 are arranged in an opposing orientation. Figure 4 The second fins 57 are arranged in a row along the left and right sides. Multiple second fins 57 arranged in a row constitute a second fin group 58. In the second fin group 58, the spacing between adjacent second fins 57 (= fin pitch FP2) is constant (refer to...). Figure 5 In this embodiment, the spacing FP2 between adjacent second fins 57 is equal to the spacing FP1 between adjacent first fins 52 (FP2 = FP1).

[0114] like Figure 6 As shown, in each pair of long sides of the second fin 57, one long side located on the side opposite to the indoor fan 32 is the long side 57a on the air inflow side, and the other long side located on the side of the indoor fan 32 is the long side 57b on the air outflow side.

[0115] The second heat exchange section 55 is arranged with the long side 57a of the second fin 57 facing downwards and the long side 57b of the second fin 57 facing upwards. The second heat exchange section 55 is located below the first heat exchange section 50. The angle ψ formed by the long side 57b of the second fin 57 on the air outlet side and the long side 52b of the first fin 52 on the air outlet side is less than 180°. In this embodiment, the angle ψ in the front heat exchange section 40A is approximately 90° to 110°.

[0116] The portion of the long side 57b of the second fin 57 on the air outlet side, including its upper end, contacts the lower short side 52d of the first fin 52 that constitutes the first heat exchange section 50. The lower short side 52d of the first fin 52 is the lower end of the first fin 52. Therefore, the lower end of the first fin 52 extends along the long side 57b of the second fin 57 on the air outlet side.

[0117] In the second fin group 58, the long side 57a of the air inflow side of each second fin 57 forms an imaginary second air inflow surface 59. The second air inflow surface 59 faces the front side of the indoor unit 30 and the obliquely lower side of the indoor unit 30.

[0118] The distance from the second fin 57 located at one end of the second fin group 58 to the second fin 57 located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the second fins 57 is the effective length EL2 of the second heat exchange section 55 (refer to...). Figure 4The effective length EL2 of the second heat exchange section 55 is equal to the effective length EL1 of the first heat exchange section 50. The effective length EL2 of the second heat exchange section 55 may also be longer than the effective length EL1 of the first heat exchange section 50.

[0119] Each second heat transfer tube 56 is a straight circular tube. The multiple second heat transfer tubes 56 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each second heat transfer tube 56 penetrates all the second fins 57 constituting the second fin assembly 58, and runs along... Figure 4 Extending in the left and right directions. Each of the second heat transfer tubes 56 Figure 4 The right end is the open end. The two adjacent second heat transfer tubes 56 each... Figure 4 The left end of the tube is connected by a U-shaped tube. The two second heat transfer tubes 56 are seamlessly integrated with the U-shaped tubes that connect them.

[0120] Three tube banks 56a to 56c are formed in the second heat exchange section 55. Each tube bank 56a to 56c is composed of a plurality of second heat transfer tubes 56 arranged in a row along the elongation direction of the long sides 57a and 57b of the second fin 57. In each tube bank 56a to 56c, the plurality of second heat transfer tubes 56 are arranged at constant intervals. In the second heat exchange section 55, the tube bank arranged along the long side 57a on the air inflow side of the second fin 57 is the first tube bank 56a, the tube bank arranged along the long side 57b on the air outflow side of the second fin 57 is the third tube bank 56c, and the tube bank located between the first tube bank 56a and the third tube bank 56c is the second tube bank 56b.

[0121] In the front heat exchange section 40A of the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, the shape and relative position of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 are set such that the third distance D3 is shorter than the first distance D1, and the third distance D3 is shorter than the second distance D2. However, in the front heat exchange section 40A, the shape and relative position of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 can also be set such that the third distance D3 is equal to the first distance D1, and the third distance D3 is equal to the second distance D2.

[0122] The first distance D1 is the interval between the central axes of the two closest first heat transfer tubes 51. The second distance D2 is the interval between the central axes of the two closest second heat transfer tubes 56. The third distance D3 is the interval between the central axes of the two closest first heat transfer tubes 51 and second heat transfer tubes 56.

[0123] (4-3) Third heat exchange section

[0124] The third heat exchange section 60 includes multiple third fins 62 and multiple third heat transfer tubes 61. The third fins 62 and the third heat transfer tubes 61 are made of aluminum alloy. The third heat transfer tubes 61 may also be made of copper alloy.

[0125] Each third fin 62 is a thin, pentagonal plate-like component formed by cutting off one corner of a rectangle. Each third fin 62 has a pair of substantially parallel long sides 62a and 62b. Multiple third fins 62 are arranged in an opposing orientation. Figure 4 The third fins 62 are arranged in a row along the left and right sides. The multiple third fins 62 arranged in a row constitute a third fin group 63. In the third fin group 63, the spacing between adjacent third fins 62 is constant.

[0126] like Figure 6 As shown, the third heat exchange section 60 is arranged along the first air inflow surface 54 of the first heat exchange section 50. A long side 62b of the third fin 62 constituting the third heat exchange section 60 is in contact with the long side 52a of the air inflow side of the first fin 52 constituting the first heat exchange section 50.

[0127] Each third heat transfer tube 61 is a straight circular tube. The multiple third heat transfer tubes 61 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each third heat transfer tube 61 penetrates all the third fins 62 that constitute the third fin group 63, and runs along... Figure 4 Extending in the left and right directions. Each of the third heat transfer tubes 61 Figure 4 The right end is the open end. The two adjacent third heat transfer tubes 61 each... Figure 4 The left end of the tube is connected by a U-shaped tube. The two third heat transfer tubes 61 are seamlessly integrated with the U-shaped tubes that connect them.

[0128] In the third heat exchange section 60, all the third heat transfer tubes 61 are arranged in a row along the long sides 62a and 62b of the third fins 62. The multiple third heat transfer tubes 61 are arranged at constant intervals.

[0129] (4-4) Fourth heat exchange section

[0130] The fourth heat exchange section 65 includes multiple fourth fins 67 and multiple fourth heat transfer tubes 66. The fourth fins 67 and the fourth heat transfer tubes 66 are made of aluminum alloy. The fourth heat transfer tubes 66 may also be made of copper alloy.

[0131] Each fourth fin 67 is a rectangular, thin plate-like component. Each fourth fin 67 has a pair of substantially parallel long sides 67a and 67b. Multiple fourth fins 67 are arranged in an opposing orientation. Figure 4 The fourth fins 67 are arranged in a row along the left and right sides. The multiple fourth fins 67 arranged in a row constitute the fourth fin group 68. In the fourth fin group 68, the spacing between adjacent fourth fins 67 is constant.

[0132] like Figure 6As shown, the fourth heat exchange section 65 is arranged along the second air inflow surface 59 of the second heat exchange section 55. A long side 67b of the fourth fin 67 constituting the fourth heat exchange section 65 is in contact with the long side 57a of the air inflow side of the second fin 57 constituting the second heat exchange section 55.

[0133] Each fourth heat transfer tube 66 is a straight circular tube. The multiple fourth heat transfer tubes 66 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each fourth heat transfer tube 66 penetrates all the fourth fins 67 that constitute the fourth fin group 68, and runs along... Figure 4 Extending in the left and right directions. Each of the fourth heat transfer tubes 66... Figure 4 The right end is the open end. The two adjacent fourth heat transfer tubes 66 each... Figure 4 The left end of the tube is connected by a U-shaped tube. The two fourth heat transfer tubes 66 are seamlessly integrated with the U-shaped tubes that connect them.

[0134] In the fourth heat exchange section 65, all the fourth heat transfer tubes 66 are arranged in a row along the long sides 67a and 67b of the fourth fins 67. The multiple fourth heat transfer tubes 66 are arranged at constant intervals.

[0135] (5) The rear heat exchange section of the heat exchanger body

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, the rear heat exchange section 40B includes a fifth heat exchange section 70 and a sixth heat exchange section 75.

[0137] (5-1) Fifth heat exchange section

[0138] The fifth heat exchange section 70 includes multiple fifth fins 72 and multiple fifth heat transfer tubes 71. The fifth fins 72 and the fifth heat transfer tubes 71 are made of aluminum alloy. The fifth heat transfer tubes 71 may also be made of copper alloy.

[0139] Each fifth fin 72 is a thin plate-like component having a pair of substantially parallel long sides 72a, 72b and a pair of substantially parallel short sides 72c, 72d. Multiple fifth fins 72 are arranged in an opposing orientation. Figure 4 The fifth fins 72 are arranged in a row along the left and right sides. The multiple fifth fins 72 arranged in a row constitute the fifth fin group 73. In the fifth fin group 73, the spacing between adjacent fifth fins 72 is constant.

[0140] like Figure 6 As shown, in each of the pair of long sides of the fifth fin 72, one long side located on the side opposite to the indoor fan 32 is the long side 72a on the air inflow side, and the other long side located on the side of the indoor fan 32 is the long side 72b on the air outflow side.

[0141] The fifth heat exchange section 70 is arranged with the long side 72a of the air inflow side of the fifth fin 72 facing upward and the long side 72b of the air outflow side of the fifth fin 72 facing downward. The angle between each long side 72a, 72b of the fifth fin 72 and the vertical direction is 30° or more and 60° or less.

[0142] In the fifth fin group 73, the long side 52a of the air inflow side of each fifth fin 72 forms an imaginary fifth air inflow surface 74. The fifth air inflow surface 74 faces the rear side of the indoor unit 30 and the upper side of the indoor unit 30.

[0143] Each fifth heat transfer tube 71 is a straight circular tube. The multiple fifth heat transfer tubes 71 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each fifth heat transfer tube 71 penetrates all the fifth fins 72 that constitute the fifth fin group 73, and runs along... Figure 4 Extending in the left and right directions. Each of the fifth heat transfer tubes 71 Figure 4 The right end is the open end. The two adjacent fifth heat transfer tubes 71 each... Figure 4 The left end of the tube is connected by a U-shaped tube. The two fifth heat transfer tubes 71 are seamlessly integrated with the U-shaped tubes that connect them.

[0144] Two tube banks 71a and 71b are formed in the fifth heat exchange section 70. Each tube bank 71a and 71b consists of a plurality of fifth heat transfer tubes 71 arranged in a row along the elongation direction of the long sides 72a and 72b of the fifth fin group 73. In each tube bank 71a and 71b, the plurality of fifth heat transfer tubes 71 are arranged at constant intervals. In the fifth heat exchange section 70, the tube bank arranged along the long side 72a on the air inflow side of the fifth fin 72 is the first tube bank 71a, and the tube bank arranged along the long side 72b on the air outflow side of the fifth fin 72 is the second tube bank 71b.

[0145] (5-2) Sixth heat exchange section

[0146] The sixth heat exchange section 75 includes multiple sixth fins 77 and multiple sixth heat transfer tubes 76. The sixth fins 77 and the sixth heat transfer tubes 76 are made of aluminum alloy. The sixth heat transfer tubes 76 may also be made of copper alloy.

[0147] Each sixth fin 77 is a rectangular, thin plate-like component. Each sixth fin 77 has a pair of substantially parallel long sides 77a and 77b. Multiple sixth fins 77 are arranged in an opposing orientation. Figure 4 The sixth fins 77 are arranged in a row along the left and right sides. The multiple sixth fins 77 arranged in a row constitute the sixth fin group 78. In the sixth fin group 78, the interval between adjacent sixth fins 77 (=fin spacing FP6) is constant.

[0148] like Figure 6As shown, the sixth heat exchange section 75 is arranged along the fifth air inflow surface 74 of the fifth heat exchange section 70. A long side 77b of the sixth fin 77 constituting the sixth heat exchange section 75 contacts the long side 72a of the air inflow side of the fifth fin 72 constituting the fifth heat exchange section 70.

[0149] Each sixth heat transfer tube 76 is a straight circular tube. The multiple sixth heat transfer tubes 76 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each sixth heat transfer tube 76 penetrates all the sixth fins 77 that constitute the sixth fin group 78, and runs along... Figure 4 Extending to the left and right. Each of the sixth heat transfer tubes 76 Figure 4 The right end is the open end. The two adjacent sixth heat transfer tubes 76 each... Figure 4 The left end of the tube is connected by a U-shaped tube. The two sixth heat transfer tubes 76 are seamlessly integrated with the U-shaped tubes that connect them.

[0150] In the sixth heat exchange section 75, all the sixth heat transfer tubes 76 are arranged in a row along the long sides 77a and 77b of the sixth fin 77. The multiple sixth heat transfer tubes 76 are arranged at constant intervals.

[0151] (6) Front side plate laminate

[0152] like Figures 7-10 As shown, the front side panel laminate 100 is mounted on the front heat exchange section 40A. The front side panel laminate 100 covers the end of the front heat exchange section 40A. Figure 4 Arranged in a manner that is located at the right end of the middle section.

[0153] like Figure 5 As shown, the front side panel laminate 100 includes five front side panels 101-105 and multiple connecting tube portions 135. The five front side panels 101-105 constitute the main body 106 of the front side panel laminate 100. It should be noted that the number of front side panels 101-105 constituting the front side panel laminate 100 is only one example.

[0154] The main body 106 of the front side plate laminate 100 is a thick plate-shaped component formed by stacking five front side plates 101 to 105. In the front side plate laminate 100, a first front side plate 101, a second front side plate 102, a third front side plate 103, a fourth front side plate 104, and a fifth front side plate 105 are stacked sequentially from the side closest to the front heat exchange section 40A. The five front side plates 101 to 105 are joined together by furnace brazing.

[0155] The five front side panels 101-105 are flat plate components with identical outer edge shapes. Each front side panel 101-105 is made of aluminum alloy. However, the material of each front side panel 101-105 is not limited to aluminum alloy; for example, it could also be copper alloy or stainless steel. The thickness of the first front side panel 101 and the fifth front side panel 105 is, for example, 1.5 mm. The thickness of the second front side panel 102, the third front side panel 103, and the fourth front side panel 104 is, for example, 3.0 mm.

[0156] (6-1) First front side plate and connecting pipe section

[0157] like Figure 5 As shown, the first front side plate 101 is connected to the first heat exchange section 50, the second heat exchange section 55, the third heat exchange section 60, and the fourth heat exchange section 65. The first front side plate 101 is connected via connecting pipes 135 to each of the first heat transfer pipes 51 of the first heat exchange section 50, each of the second heat transfer pipes 56 of the second heat exchange section 55, each of the third heat transfer pipes 61 of the third heat exchange section 60, and each of the fourth heat transfer pipes 66 of the fourth heat exchange section 65. Each of the first heat transfer pipes 51, each of the second heat transfer pipes 56, each of the third heat transfer pipes 61, and each of the fourth heat transfer pipes 66 is provided with a connecting pipe 135.

[0158] The connecting tube portion 135 is a short, round tubular component. The material of the connecting tube portion 135 is aluminum alloy. However, the material of the connecting tube portion 135 is not limited to aluminum alloy; it can also be copper alloy or stainless steel. One end of each connecting tube portion 135 is inserted into the open end of the corresponding heat transfer tube 51, 56, 61, 66, and is joined to the corresponding heat transfer tube 51, 56, 61, 66 by brazing. The other end of each connecting tube portion 135 is inserted into a through hole formed in the first front side plate 101 and is joined to the first front side plate 101 by brazing. It should be noted that the connecting tube portion 135 can also be seamlessly integrated with the first front side plate 101.

[0159] (6-2) Second front side panel

[0160] like Figure 8 As shown, a plurality of first flow paths 121, a plurality of second flow paths 122, and a plurality of first connecting flow paths 131 are formed in the second front side plate 102. Each first flow path 121, each second flow path 122, and each first connecting flow path 131 is an elongated hole that penetrates the second front side plate 102 along the thickness direction.

[0161] The first flow path 121 connects the first heat transfer tubes 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 to each other. The first flow path 121 is connected to the two corresponding first heat transfer tubes 51 via the connecting pipe section 135. The first flow path 121 is a flow path for refrigerant to flow between the two corresponding first heat transfer tubes 51.

[0162] The second flow path 122 connects the second heat transfer tubes 56 of the second heat exchange section 55 to each other. The second flow path 122 is connected to the corresponding two second heat transfer tubes 56 via the connecting pipe section 135. The second flow path 122 is a flow path for the refrigerant to flow between the corresponding two second heat transfer tubes 56.

[0163] The first connecting flow path 131 connects the first heat transfer tube 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 to the second heat transfer tube 56 of the second heat exchange section 55. The first connecting flow path 131 communicates with the corresponding first heat transfer tube 51 and second heat transfer tube 56 via the connecting pipe section 135. The first connecting flow path 131 is a flow path for refrigerant to flow between the corresponding first heat transfer tube 51 and second heat transfer tube 56.

[0164] Circular through holes are formed on the second front side plate 102, corresponding to the first heat transfer pipe 51 of the first heat exchange section 50, the second heat transfer pipe 56 of the second heat exchange section 55, the third heat transfer pipe 61 of the third heat exchange section 60, and the fourth heat transfer pipe 66 of the fourth heat exchange section 65, respectively.

[0165] (6-3) Third front side panel

[0166] like Figure 9 As shown, a flow path communicating with the first heat transfer pipe 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 or the second heat transfer pipe 56 of the second heat exchange section 55 is formed in the third front side plate 103. In addition, circular through holes corresponding to the first heat transfer pipe 51 of the first heat exchange section 50, the second heat transfer pipe 56 of the second heat exchange section 55, the third heat transfer pipe 61 of the third heat exchange section 60, and the fourth heat transfer pipe 66 of the fourth heat exchange section 65 are formed on the third front side plate 103.

[0167] (6-4) Fourth front side panel

[0168] like Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of first flow paths 121, a plurality of second flow paths 122, and a plurality of first connecting flow paths 131 are formed in the fourth front side plate 104. Each first flow path 121, each second flow path 122, and each first connecting flow path 131 is an elongated hole that penetrates the fourth front side plate 104 along the thickness direction.

[0169] The first flow path 121, like the first flow path 121 of the second front side plate 102, is a flow path that connects to the corresponding two first heat transfer pipes 51, allowing refrigerant to flow between the corresponding two first heat transfer pipes 51. The second flow path 122, like the second flow path 122 of the second front side plate 102, is a flow path that connects to the corresponding two second heat transfer pipes 56, allowing refrigerant to flow between the corresponding two second heat transfer pipes 56. The first connecting flow path 131, like the first connecting flow path 131 of the second front side plate 102, is a flow path that connects to the corresponding first heat transfer pipe 51 and second heat transfer pipe 56, allowing refrigerant to flow between the corresponding first heat transfer pipe 51 and second heat transfer pipe 56.

[0170] In the fourth front side plate 104, one of the plurality of first connecting flow paths 131, first connecting flow path 131a, connects one of the first heat transfer tubes 51 constituting the first tube bank 51a of the first heat exchange section 50 to one of the second heat transfer tubes 56 constituting the third tube bank 56c of the second heat exchange section 55. Therefore, the first connecting flow path 131a connects one of the first heat transfer tubes 51 arranged in a row along the long side 52a of the air inflow side of the first fin 52 to one of the second heat transfer tubes 56 arranged in a row along the long side 57b of the air outflow side of the second fin 57.

[0171] Two third flow paths 123, a fourth flow path 124, and a second connecting flow path 132 are formed in the fourth front side plate 104.

[0172] The third flow path 123 connects the third heat transfer tubes 61 of the third heat exchange section 60 to each other. The third flow path 123 is connected to the corresponding two third heat transfer tubes 61 via the connecting pipe section 135. The third flow path 123 is a flow path that allows refrigerant to flow between the corresponding two third heat transfer tubes 61.

[0173] The fourth flow path 124 connects the fourth heat transfer tubes 66 of the fourth heat exchange section 65 to each other. The fourth flow path 124 is connected to the corresponding two fourth heat transfer tubes 66 via the connecting pipe section 135. The fourth flow path 124 is a flow path that allows refrigerant to flow between the corresponding two fourth heat transfer tubes 66.

[0174] The second connecting flow path 132 connects the third heat transfer tube 61 of the third heat exchange section 60 to the fourth heat transfer tube 66 of the fourth heat exchange section 65. The second connecting flow path 132 communicates with the corresponding third heat transfer tube 61 and fourth heat transfer tube 66 via the connecting pipe section 135. The second connecting flow path 132 is a flow path that allows refrigerant to flow between the corresponding third heat transfer tube 61 and fourth heat transfer tube 66.

[0175] (6-5) Fifth front side panel

[0176] The fifth front side plate 105 covers the flow path formed inside the front side plate laminate 100. For example... Figure 7 As shown, one end of a first internal conduit 161 and one end of a liquid relay pipe 164 are connected to the fifth front side plate 105. The first internal conduit 161 and the liquid relay pipe 164 are joined to the fifth front side plate 105 by brazing. The first internal conduit 161 and the liquid relay pipe 164 communicate with a flow path formed inside the front side plate laminate 100.

[0177] (7) Rear side plate laminate

[0178] like Figures 7-10 As shown, the rear side panel laminate 110 is mounted on the rear heat exchange section 40B. The rear side panel laminate 110 covers the end of the rear heat exchange section 40B. Figure 4 Arranged in a manner that is located at the right end of the middle section.

[0179] like Figure 5 As shown, the rear side panel laminate 110 includes five rear side panels 111-115 and multiple connecting tube portions 135. The five rear side panels 111-115 constitute the main body 116 of the rear side panel laminate 110. It should be noted that the number of rear side panels 111-115 constituting the rear side panel laminate 110 is only one example.

[0180] The main body 116 of the rear side plate laminate 110 is a thick plate-shaped component formed by stacking five rear side plates 111 to 115. In the rear side plate laminate 110, the first rear side plate 111, the second rear side plate 112, the third rear side plate 113, the fourth rear side plate 114, and the fifth rear side plate 115 are stacked sequentially from the side closest to the rear heat exchange section 40B. The five rear side plates 111 to 115 are joined together by furnace brazing.

[0181] The five rear side panels 111-115 are flat plate components with identical outer edge shapes. Each rear side panel 111-115 is made of aluminum alloy. However, the material of each rear side panel 111-115 is not limited to aluminum alloy; for example, it could also be copper alloy or stainless steel. The thickness of the first rear side panel 111 and the fifth rear side panel 115 is, for example, 1.5 mm. The thickness of the second rear side panel 112, the third rear side panel 113, and the fourth rear side panel 114 is, for example, 3.0 mm.

[0182] (7-1) First rear side plate and connecting pipe section

[0183] The first rear side plate 111 is connected to the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75. The first rear side plate 111 is connected to each of the fifth heat transfer pipes 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and each of the sixth heat transfer pipes 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75 via connecting pipe sections 135. The connecting pipe sections 135 are provided in such a way that each of the fifth heat transfer pipes 71 and each of the sixth heat transfer pipes 76 corresponds to one of them.

[0184] The connecting tube portion 135, like the connecting tube portion 135 provided on the front side plate laminate 100, is a short, round tubular component made of aluminum alloy. One end of each connecting tube portion 135 is inserted into the open end of the corresponding heat transfer tube 71, 76 and joined to the corresponding heat transfer tube 71, 76 by brazing. The other end of each connecting tube portion 135 is inserted into a through hole formed in the first rear side plate 111 and joined to the first rear side plate 111 by brazing. It should be noted that the connecting tube portion 135 can also be seamlessly integrated with the first rear side plate 111.

[0185] (7-2) Second rear side plate

[0186] like Figure 8 As shown, a fifth flow path 125 and two third connecting flow paths 133 are formed in the second rear side plate 112. The fifth flow path 125 and each of the third connecting flow paths 133 are elongated holes that penetrate the second rear side plate 112 along the thickness direction.

[0187] The fifth flow path 125 connects the fifth heat transfer tubes 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 to each other. The fifth flow path 125 is connected to the corresponding two fifth heat transfer tubes 71 via the connecting pipe section 135. The fifth flow path 125 is a flow path for refrigerant to flow between the corresponding two fifth heat transfer tubes 71.

[0188] The third connecting flow path 133 connects the fifth heat transfer tube 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 to the sixth heat transfer tube 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75. The third connecting flow path 133 communicates with the corresponding fifth heat transfer tube 71 and sixth heat transfer tube 76 via the connecting pipe section 135. The third connecting flow path 133 is a flow path that allows refrigerant to flow between the corresponding fifth heat transfer tube 71 and sixth heat transfer tube 76.

[0189] Circular through holes are formed on the second rear side plate 112, corresponding to the fifth heat transfer tube 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat transfer tube 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75, respectively.

[0190] (7-3) Third rear side plate

[0191] like Figure 9As shown, a fifth flow path 125 is formed in the third rear side plate 113. The fifth flow path 125 is similar to the fifth flow path 125 of the second rear side plate 112, and is a flow path that communicates with the corresponding two fifth heat transfer tubes 71 and allows the refrigerant to flow between the corresponding two fifth heat transfer tubes 71.

[0192] A flow path is formed in the third rear side plate 113, communicating with the fifth heat transfer tube 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 or the sixth heat transfer tube 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75. In addition, circular through holes are formed on the third rear side plate 113, corresponding to the fifth heat transfer tube 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat transfer tube 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75, respectively.

[0193] (7-4) Fourth rear side plate

[0194] like Figure 10 As shown, a plurality of fifth flow paths 125 and a third connecting flow path 133 are formed in the fourth rear side plate 114. The fifth flow paths 125, like those in the second rear side plate 112, are connected to the corresponding two fifth heat transfer tubes 71, allowing refrigerant to flow between the corresponding two fifth heat transfer tubes 71. The third connecting flow path 133, like those in the second rear side plate 112, is connected to the corresponding fifth heat transfer tube 71 and the sixth heat transfer tube 76, allowing refrigerant to flow between the corresponding fifth heat transfer tube 71 and the sixth heat transfer tube 76.

[0195] A flow path is formed in the fourth rear side plate 114 that communicates with the fifth heat transfer pipe 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 or the sixth heat transfer pipe 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75.

[0196] (7-5) Fifth rear side panel

[0197] The fifth rear side plate 115 covers the flow path formed inside the rear side plate laminate 110. For example... Figure 7 As shown, one end of a second internal conduit 162 and one end of a gas relay pipe 163 are connected to the fifth rear side plate 115. The second internal conduit 162 and the gas relay pipe 163 are joined to the fifth rear side plate 115 by brazing. The second internal conduit 162 and the gas relay pipe 163 communicate with a flow path formed inside the rear side plate laminate 110.

[0198] (8) Connecting pipe section

[0199] As described above, the connecting pipe portion 135 is provided on the first front side plate 101 of the front side plate laminate 100 and the first rear side plate 111 of the rear side plate laminate 110. Here, the structure of the connecting pipe portion 135 provided on the first front side plate 101 will be described. The structure of the connecting pipe portion 135 provided on the first rear side plate 111 is the same as that of the connecting pipe portion 135 provided on the first front side plate 101, so its description is omitted.

[0200] Reference Figure 11 The connecting pipe portion 135 that connects to the first heat transfer pipe 51 will be described. The structure of the connecting pipe portion 135 that connects to the second heat transfer pipe 56, the third heat transfer pipe 61, and the fourth heat transfer pipe 66 is the same as that of the connecting pipe portion 135 that connects to the first heat transfer pipe 51, so its description is omitted.

[0201] As described above, the connecting tube portion 135 is a short, round tubular component. One end of the connecting tube portion 135 is a large-diameter end 135a, and the other end is a small-diameter end 135b. The large-diameter end 135a is the portion that includes the base end of the connecting tube portion 135. The small-diameter end 135b is the portion that includes the protruding end of the connecting tube portion 135. The outer diameter of the small-diameter end 135b is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter end 135a. The inner diameter of the small-diameter end 135b is smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter end 135a.

[0202] The opening end of the first heat transfer tube 51 is flared. The inner diameter of the opening end of the first heat transfer tube 51 is larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the first heat transfer tube 51 that penetrates the first fin 52. It should be noted that the opening ends of the second heat transfer tube 56, the third heat transfer tube 61, the fourth heat transfer tube 66, the fifth heat transfer tube 71, and the sixth heat transfer tube 76 are also flared.

[0203] The small-diameter end 135b of the connecting pipe portion 135 is inserted into the open end of the first heat transfer pipe 51. The connecting pipe portion 135 is joined to the first heat transfer pipe 51 by brazing. The large-diameter end 135a of the connecting pipe portion 135 is inserted into the through hole formed in the first front side plate 101. The connecting pipe portion 135 is joined to the first front side plate 101 by brazing. As described above, the connecting pipe portion 135 can also be seamlessly integrated with the first front side plate 101. The flow paths 121 and 131 formed inside the front side plate laminate 100 communicate with the first heat transfer pipe 51 via the connecting pipe portion 135.

[0204] (9) Operational movements

[0205] The air conditioning unit 10 operates in cooling, heating, and dehumidification modes.

[0206] (9-1) Refrigeration Operation

[0207] During cooling operation, the controller of the air conditioning unit 10 operates the compressor 21, the outdoor fan 25, and the indoor fan 32, and sets the four-way reversing valve 24 to the first state. Figure 1 (As shown by the solid line), adjust the opening of the outdoor expansion valve 23 appropriately and make the indoor expansion valve 160 fully open.

[0208] The refrigerant circuit 11 in refrigeration operation is a refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger 22 acts as a condenser (heat exotherm) and the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as an evaporator.

[0209] The indoor unit 30 draws indoor air from the indoor space I into the air passage P through the intake 33. The air in the air passage P is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 40. The cooled air is then supplied to the indoor space I through the outlet 34.

[0210] In heat exchanger unit 150, the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid relay pipe 164 flows into the front plate laminate 100 of the front heat exchange section 40A. In the front heat exchange section 40A, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, and 66 of each heat exchange section 50, 55, 60, and 65. Then, the refrigerant flows through the front plate laminate 100 into the first internal pipe 161, passes sequentially through the indoor expansion valve 160 and the second internal pipe 162, and flows into the rear plate laminate 110 of the rear heat exchange section 40B. In the rear heat exchange section 40B, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer pipes 71 and 76 of each heat exchange section 70 and 75. Then, the refrigerant flows through the rear plate laminate 110 into the gas relay pipe 163 and flows out of the heat exchanger unit 150.

[0211] (9-2) Heating Operation

[0212] During heating operation, the controller of the air conditioning unit 10 operates the compressor 21, the outdoor fan 25, and the indoor fan 32, and sets the four-way reversing valve 24 to the second state ( Figure 1 (As shown by the dotted line), adjust the opening of the outdoor expansion valve 23 to the specified opening, and make the indoor expansion valve 160 fully open.

[0213] In heating operation, the refrigerant circuit 11 performs a refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser (heat exotherm) and the outdoor heat exchanger 22 acts as an evaporator.

[0214] The indoor unit 30 draws indoor air from the indoor space I into the air passage P through the intake 33. The air in the air passage P is heated by the indoor heat exchanger 40. The heated air is then supplied to the indoor space I through the outlet 34.

[0215] In heat exchanger unit 150, the refrigerant that has flowed into gas relay pipe 163 flows into the rear plate laminate 110 of the rear heat exchange section 40B. In the rear heat exchange section 40B, the refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer pipes 71 and 76 of each heat exchange section 70, 75. Then, the refrigerant flows through the rear plate laminate 110 into the second internal pipe 162, passes sequentially through the indoor expansion valve 160 and the first internal pipe 161, and flows into the front plate laminate 100 of the front heat exchange section 40A. In the front heat exchange section 40A, the refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, 66 of each heat exchange section 50, 55, 60, 65. Then, the refrigerant flows through the front plate laminate 100 into the liquid relay pipe 164 and flows out from the heat exchanger unit 150.

[0216] (9-3) Dehumidification operation

[0217] During dehumidification operation, the controller of the air conditioning unit 10 operates the compressor 21, the outdoor fan 25, and the indoor fan 32, and sets the four-way reversing valve 24 to the first state ( Figure 1 (as shown by the solid line), and adjust the opening of the outdoor expansion valve 23 and the indoor expansion valve 160 appropriately.

[0218] The refrigerant circuit 11 in dehumidification operation performs a refrigeration cycle in which the front heat exchange section 40A of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 and the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser (heat exotherm), and the rear heat exchange section 40B of the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as an evaporator.

[0219] Indoor unit 30 draws indoor air from indoor space I into air passage P through intake 33. Rear heat exchange unit 40B cools the air in air passage P to below the dew point temperature. Front heat exchange unit 40A heats the air in air passage P. The air that has passed through both systems mixes in air passage P, resulting in low-humidity air. This dehumidified air is then supplied to indoor space I through outlet 34.

[0220] In heat exchanger unit 150, the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid relay pipe 164 flows into the front plate laminate 100 of the front heat exchange section 40A. In the front heat exchange section 40A, the refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, and 66 of each heat exchange section 50, 55, 60, and 65. Then, the refrigerant flows through the front plate laminate 100 into the first internal pipe 161, is depressurized when passing through the indoor expansion valve 160, then flows through the second internal pipe 162, and flows into the rear plate laminate 110 of the rear heat exchange section 40B. In the rear heat exchange section 40B, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer pipes 71 and 76 of each heat exchange section 70 and 75. Then, the refrigerant flows through the rear plate laminate 110 into the gas relay pipe 163 and flows out of the heat exchanger unit 150.

[0221] (10) Manufacturing method of heat exchanger unit

[0222] The manufacturing method of the heat exchanger unit is described. This manufacturing method includes a first process, a second process, and a third process.

[0223] (10-1) First process

[0224] The first process is to assemble the front heat exchange section 40A and the front plate laminate 100. In the first process, a holding process, an assembly process, and a joining process are performed.

[0225] During the holding process, a clamp is used to hold the first heat exchange section 50, the second heat exchange section 55, the third heat exchange section 60, and the fourth heat exchange section 65 that constitute the front heat exchange section 40A. The relative positions of the first to fourth heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65 held by the clamp are substantially the same as the relative positions of the first to fourth heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65 in the finished heat exchanger unit 150.

[0226] In the assembly process, the front side plate laminate 100 is assembled with the first to fourth heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65, which are held by a clamp in the holding process. Specifically, the small-diameter end 135b of the connecting pipe portion 135 of the front side plate laminate 100 is inserted into the open ends of the heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, and 66 of the corresponding heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65 (see reference). Figure 11 During the assembly process, the relative positions of the first to fourth heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65 with the front side plate laminate 100 can be finely adjusted individually as needed.

[0227] In the joining process, the first to fourth heat exchange units 50, 55, 60, and 65, which were assembled in the assembly process, are joined to the front side plate laminate 100 by brazing. Specifically, the heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, and 66 of the first to fourth heat exchange units 50, 55, 60, and 65 are joined to the connecting pipe portion 135 of the front side plate laminate 100 by brazing.

[0228] (10-2) Second process

[0229] The second process is to assemble the rear heat exchange section 40B and the rear plate laminate 110. In the second process, a holding process, an assembly process, and a joining process are performed.

[0230] During the holding process, a clamp is used to hold the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75 that constitute the rear heat exchange section 40B. The relative positions of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75 held by the clamp are substantially the same as the relative positions of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75 in the finished heat exchanger unit 150.

[0231] In the assembly process, the rear panel laminate 110 is assembled with the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75, which are held by a fixture in the holding process. Specifically, the small-diameter end 135b of the connecting pipe portion 135 of the rear panel laminate 110 is inserted into the open ends of the heat transfer pipes 71 and 76 of the corresponding heat exchange sections 70 and 75. In the assembly process, the relative positions of the fifth heat exchange section 70, the sixth heat exchange section 75, and the rear panel laminate 110 are individually fine-tuned as needed.

[0232] In the joining process, the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75, which have been assembled in the assembly process, are joined to the rear side plate laminate 110 by brazing. Specifically, the heat transfer tube 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the heat transfer tube 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75 are joined to the connecting tube portion 135 of the rear side plate laminate 110 by brazing.

[0233] (10-3) Third process

[0234] The third step is to install the indoor expansion valve 160, gas relay pipe 163, liquid relay pipe 164, and retaining component 155 onto the front heat exchange unit 40A and front plate laminate 100 assembled in the first step, and the rear heat exchange unit 40B and rear plate laminate 110 assembled in the second step.

[0235] The indoor expansion valve 160 is installed on the front panel laminate 100 via a first internal conduit 161, and on the rear panel laminate 110 via a second internal conduit 162 (see reference). Figure 7One end of the first internal conduit 161 is brazed to the indoor expansion valve 160, and the other end of the first internal conduit 161 is brazed to the front side panel laminate 100. One end of the second internal conduit 162 is brazed to the indoor expansion valve 160, and the other end of the second internal conduit 162 is brazed to the rear side panel laminate 110.

[0236] Gas relay pipe 163 is brazed to the rear plate laminate 110. Liquid relay pipe 164 is brazed to the front plate laminate 100. Retaining member 155 is mounted to the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B by fasteners such as small screws.

[0237] (11) Features of the implementation method

[0238] (11-1) First feature

[0239] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, both the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 are joined to the front side plate laminate 100.

[0240] When the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 are combined with the front side plate laminate 100, the relative positions of the front side plate laminate 100 with respect to the first heat transfer pipe 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the relative positions of the front side plate laminate 100 with respect to the second heat transfer pipe 56 of the second heat exchange section 55 can be adjusted individually. Therefore, compared to the case where a heat exchange section with a larger heat exchange capacity (equivalent to the sum of the heat exchange capacities of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55) is combined with the front side plate laminate 100, the relative positions of the first heat transfer pipe 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat transfer pipe 56 of the second heat exchange section 55 with respect to the front side plate laminate 100 can be adjusted more easily.

[0241] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the time required to assemble the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 with the front side plate laminate 100 can be shortened, and the time required to manufacture the heat exchanger unit 150 can be shortened.

[0242] (11-2) Second feature

[0243] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, a first flow path 121, a second flow path 122, and a connecting flow path 131 are formed inside the front plate laminate 100. Therefore, the connection between the first heat transfer tubes 51, the connection between the second heat transfer tubes 56, and the connection between the first heat transfer tubes 51 and the second heat transfer tubes 56 are realized through a front plate laminate 100.

[0244] (11-3) Third characteristic

[0245] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, a first flow path 121, a second flow path 122, and a third flow path 123 are formed inside the front plate laminate 100. Therefore, the connection between the first heat transfer tubes 51, the connection between the second heat transfer tubes 56, and the connection between the third heat transfer tubes 61 are realized through a front plate laminate 100.

[0246] (11-4) Fourth characteristic

[0247] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, a large-diameter end 135a and a small-diameter end 135b are formed on each connecting pipe portion 135. The large-diameter end 135a, which has a relatively larger diameter, is engaged with the first front side plate 101 or the first rear side plate 111, and the small-diameter end 135b, which has a relatively smaller diameter, is engaged with the corresponding heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, and 76.

[0248] The refrigerant flowing from heat transfer tubes 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 76 into the connecting pipe section 135 flows from the small-diameter end 135b to the large-diameter end 135a, and then flows into flow paths 121-126, 131-133 formed in the main body sections 106, 116 of the plate stack 100, 110. Therefore, pressure loss during the refrigerant flow from heat transfer tubes 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 76 into flow paths 121-126, 131-133 within the main body sections 106, 116 is reduced.

[0249] (11-5) Fifth characteristic

[0250] In the front heat exchange section 40A of this embodiment, one end of each of the first heat exchange section 50, the second heat exchange section 55, the third heat exchange section 60, and the fourth heat exchange section 65 is held by the front plate laminate 100, and the other end of each is held by the holding member 155. Similarly, in the rear heat exchange section 40B of this embodiment, one end of each of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75 is held by the rear plate laminate 110, and the other end of each is held by the holding member 155. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the relative positions of the heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 constituting the heat exchanger unit 150 can be reliably maintained.

[0251] (11-6) Sixth characteristic

[0252] In the indoor unit 30 of this embodiment, the heat exchanger unit 150 is installed inside the housing 31 with the first air inlet surface 54 of the first heat exchange section 50 facing upwards and the second air inlet surface 59 of the second heat exchange section 55 facing downwards. Furthermore, in the front heat exchange section 40A of this embodiment, the lower end of the first fin 52 of the first heat exchange section 50 extends along the long side 57b of the air outlet side of the second fin 57 of the second heat exchange section 55. Therefore, condensate generated on the surface of the first fin 52 can reliably move from the surface of the first fin 52 to the surface of the second fin 57, resulting in the suppression of condensate scattering on the surface of the first fin 52.

[0253] (11-7) Seventh characteristic

[0254] In the front heat exchange section 40A of the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, the shape and relative position of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 are set such that the third distance D3 is less than or equal to the first distance D1, and the third distance D3 is less than or equal to the second distance D2. Therefore, the height of the front heat exchange section 40A in the vertical direction can be reduced, and the housing 31 that houses the heat exchanger unit 150 can be miniaturized.

[0255] (11-8) Eighth characteristic

[0256] In the indoor unit 30 of this embodiment, an intake 33 is formed on the upper part of the casing 31. Therefore, in the front heat exchange section 40A of the indoor heat exchanger 40, the air flow rate through the first heat exchange section 50, which is relatively close to the intake 33, is greater than the air flow rate through the second heat exchange section 55, which is relatively far from the intake 33.

[0257] On the other hand, in the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, the number of first heat transfer tubes 51 in the first heat exchange section 50 is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes 56 in the second heat exchange section 55. Therefore, the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange section 50, which has a relatively large air flow rate, is greater than the heat exchange capacity of the second heat exchange section 55, which has a relatively small air flow rate.

[0258] Therefore, according to this embodiment, by increasing the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange section 50, which has a relatively large flow rate of air, the overall heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger unit 150 can be improved.

[0259] (11-9) Ninth characteristic

[0260] In the indoor unit 30 of this embodiment, the first heat exchange section 50 of the front heat exchange section 40A is installed inside the housing 31 with the long sides 52a and 52b of the upward-facing first fins 52 forming an angle of 30° or more with the vertical direction. Therefore, the first heat exchange section 50 can be enlarged without increasing the height of the housing 31. As a result, the overall heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger unit 150 can be improved without increasing the size of the housing 31 of the indoor unit 30.

[0261] (11-10) Tenth characteristic

[0262] In the indoor unit 30 of this embodiment, the first heat exchange section 50 of the front heat exchange section 40A is installed inside the housing 31 with the long sides 52a and 52b of the upward-facing first fins 52 forming an angle of 60° or less with the vertical direction. Therefore, condensate generated on the surface of the first fins 52 can reach the lower end of the first fins 52 along the surface of the first fins 52, and the scattering of condensate generated on the surface of the first fins 52 can be suppressed.

[0263] (11-11) Eleventh feature

[0264] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, the fin spacing FP1 of the first fins 52 in the first heat exchange section 50 is equal to the fin spacing FP2 of the second fins 57 in the second heat exchange section 55 (FP1 = FP2). Therefore, a corresponding second fin 57 is arranged below each first fin 52 in the first heat exchange section 50. Condensate generated on the surface of the first fin 52 flows down from the lower end of the first fin 52 to the corresponding second fin 57, and further flows down along the second fin 57. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the scattering of condensate generated on the surface of the first fin 52 can be suppressed.

[0265] (11-12) Twelfth characteristic

[0266] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, the effective length EL1 of the first heat exchange section 50 is equal to the effective length EL2 of the second heat exchange section 55 (EL1 = EL2). Therefore, all the condensate flowing down from the first heat exchange section 50 is caught by the second heat exchange section 55. Thus, according to this embodiment, the scattering of condensate generated on the surface of the first fin 52 can be suppressed.

[0267] (12) Variations of the implementation method

[0268] The heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment can adopt the variations described below.

[0269] (12-1) First variation

[0270] In the front heat exchange section 40A of the heat exchanger unit 150 in this embodiment, the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 may also be as follows: Figure 12 Arranged as shown.

[0271] exist Figure 12 In the heat exchanger unit 150 shown, the upper short side 57c of the second fin 57 of the second heat exchange section 55 extends along the long side 52b of the air outlet side of the first fin 52 of the first heat exchange section 50. Furthermore, in this heat exchanger unit 150, the long side 67b of the air outlet side of the fourth fin 67 of the fourth heat exchange section 65 extends along both the lower short side 52d of the first fin 52 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the long side 57a of the air inflow side of the second fin 57 of the second heat exchange section 55.

[0272] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of this modified example, the condensate flowing down from the first fin 52 of the first heat exchange section 50 is caught by the fourth fin 67 of the fourth heat exchange section 65.

[0273] (12-2) Second variation

[0274] like Figure 13 As shown, in the front heat exchange section 40A of the heat exchanger unit 150 in this embodiment, the shape and relative position of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 can also be set such that the third distance D3 is greater than or equal to the first distance D1 and the third distance D3 is greater than or equal to the second distance D2.

[0275] The first distance D1 is the interval between the central axes of the two closest first heat transfer tubes 51. The second distance D2 is the interval between the central axes of the two closest second heat transfer tubes 56. The third distance D3 is the interval between the central axes of the two closest first heat transfer tubes 51 and second heat transfer tubes 56.

[0276] In this modification, the shortest distance from the first heat transfer tube 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 to the second heat transfer tube 56 of the second heat exchange section 55 is greater than or equal to the shortest distance between the first heat transfer tubes 51 in the first heat exchange section 50 and the shortest distance between the second heat transfer tubes 56 in the second heat exchange section 55. Therefore, when the first heat exchange section 50 and the second heat exchange section 55 are assembled with the front side plate laminate 100, sufficient working space for brazing the first heat transfer tube 51 and the connecting tube section 135, and sufficient working space for brazing the second heat transfer tube 56 and the connecting tube section 135, can be ensured. Therefore, according to this modification, the possibility of poor bonding between the first heat transfer tube 51 or the second heat transfer tube 56 and the connecting tube section 135 can be reduced.

[0277] (12-3) Third variation

[0278] like Figure 14 As shown, in the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment, the heat transfer tubes 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, and 78 constituting each heat exchange section 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 may also be so-called flat tubes.

[0279] like Figure 15 As shown, the flat tubes constituting the heat transfer tubes 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, and 78 of this modified example have an oblong or oval cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, the flat tubes constituting the heat transfer tubes 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, and 78 of this modified example are formed as straight tubes. Multiple refrigerant flow paths are formed within the flat tubes constituting the heat transfer tubes 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, and 78 of this modified example. Each refrigerant flow path is a straight path from one end of the flat tube to the other. Each refrigerant flow path is open on one end face and the other end face of the flat tube. The flat tubes constituting the heat transfer tubes 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, and 78 of this modified example are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0280] One end of each of the heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, and 66 constituting the first to fourth heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65 of the front heat exchange section 40A is connected to the front plate laminate 100, and the other end of each is connected to the main manifold. In each of the first to fourth heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65, the heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, and 66 are connected to other heat transfer pipes 51, 56, 61, and 66 through the internal space of the main manifold.

[0281] One end of the heat transfer tube 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the heat transfer tube 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75, which constitute the rear heat exchange section 40B, are connected to the rear plate laminate 110, and the other end of each is connected to the main manifold. In each heat exchange section of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75, the heat transfer tubes 71 and 76 are connected to other heat transfer tubes 71 and 76 through the internal space of the main manifold.

[0282] The manufacturing method of the heat exchanger unit 150 of this modified example will be described. In this manufacturing method, a first step, a second step, and a third step are performed. It should be noted that the manufacturing method described below is also applicable to... Figure 6 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 The heat exchanger unit 150 shown is a heat transfer tube 51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 76 with a circular cross-section.

[0283] (12-3-1) First process

[0284] The first process is to assemble the front heat exchange section 40A and the front plate laminate 100. In the first process, the assembly process and the joining process are performed.

[0285] In the assembly process, a first heat exchange section 50, a second heat exchange section 55, a third heat exchange section 60, and a fourth heat exchange section 65 constituting the front heat exchange section 40A are sequentially assembled with the front panel laminate 100. During this assembly process, the front panel laminate 100 is held in place by a holding fixture or the like. Then, for example, the first heat exchange section 50, the second heat exchange section 55, the third heat exchange section 60, and the fourth heat exchange section 65 are assembled with the held front panel laminate 100 in that order.

[0286] Specifically, in this example, firstly, the end of the first heat transfer tube 51 of the first heat exchange section 50 is inserted into the front side plate laminate 100; then, the end of the second heat transfer tube 56 of the second heat exchange section 55 is inserted into the front side plate laminate 100; next, the end of the third heat transfer tube 61 of the third heat exchange section 60 is inserted into the front side plate laminate 100; and finally, the end of the fourth heat transfer tube 66 of the fourth heat exchange section 65 is inserted into the front side plate laminate 100. During the assembly of the first to fourth heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65 with the front side plate laminate 100, the relative positions of the first to fourth heat exchange sections 50, 55, 60, and 65 with the front side plate laminate 100 are individually fine-tuned as needed.

[0287] It should be noted that the order in which the first to fourth heat exchange units 50, 55, 60, and 65 are combined with the front side plate laminate 100 is not limited to the examples described above. Therefore, for example, they may be combined with the front side plate laminate 100 in the order of first heat exchange unit 50, third heat exchange unit 60, second heat exchange unit 55, and fourth heat exchange unit 65, or they may be combined with the front side plate laminate 100 in the order of second heat exchange unit 55, first heat exchange unit 50, fourth heat exchange unit 65, and third heat exchange unit 60.

[0288] In the joining process, the first to fourth heat exchange units 50, 55, 60, and 65, which were assembled in the assembly process, are joined to the front side plate laminate 100 by brazing. Specifically, the heat transfer tubes 51, 56, 61, and 66 of the first to fourth heat exchange units 50, 55, 60, and 65 are joined to the front side plate laminate 100 by brazing.

[0289] (12-3-2) Second process

[0290] The second process is to assemble the rear heat exchange section 40B and the rear plate laminate 110. In the second process, the assembly process and the joining process are performed.

[0291] In the assembly process, a fifth heat exchange section 70 and a sixth heat exchange section 75 constituting the rear heat exchange section 40B are sequentially assembled with the rear plate laminate 110. During this assembly process, the rear plate laminate 110 is held in place by a holding fixture or the like. Then, for example, the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75 are assembled with the held rear plate laminate 110 in that order.

[0292] Specifically, in this example, firstly, the end of the fifth heat transfer tube 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 is inserted into the rear side plate laminate 110, and then the end of the sixth heat transfer tube 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75 is inserted into the rear side plate laminate 110. During the assembly of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75 with the rear side plate laminate 110, the relative positions of the fifth heat exchange section 70, the sixth heat exchange section 75, and the rear side plate laminate 110 are individually fine-tuned as needed.

[0293] It should be noted that the order in which the fifth heat exchange section 70, the sixth heat exchange section 75, and the rear side plate laminate 110 are assembled is not limited to the example described above. Therefore, the sixth heat exchange section 75 and the fifth heat exchange section 70 can also be assembled with the rear side plate laminate 110 in the order described above.

[0294] In the joining process, the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the sixth heat exchange section 75, which have been assembled in the assembly process, are joined to the rear side plate laminate 110 by brazing. Specifically, the heat transfer tube 71 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 and the heat transfer tube 76 of the sixth heat exchange section 75 are joined to the rear side plate laminate 110 by brazing.

[0295] (12-3-3) Third process

[0296] The third step is to install the indoor expansion valve 160, gas relay pipe 163, liquid relay pipe 164, and retaining component 155 onto the front heat exchange unit 40A and front plate laminate 100 assembled in the first step, and the rear heat exchange unit 40B and rear plate laminate 110 assembled in the second step.

[0297] The indoor expansion valve 160 is installed on the front panel laminate 100 via a first internal conduit 161, and on the rear panel laminate 110 via a second internal conduit 162 (see reference). Figure 7 One end of the first internal conduit 161 is brazed to the indoor expansion valve 160, and the other end of the first internal conduit 161 is brazed to the front side panel laminate 100. One end of the second internal conduit 162 is brazed to the indoor expansion valve 160, and the other end of the second internal conduit 162 is brazed to the rear side panel laminate 110.

[0298] Gas relay pipe 163 is brazed to the rear plate laminate 110. Liquid relay pipe 164 is brazed to the front plate laminate 100. Retaining member 155 is mounted to the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B by fasteners such as small screws.

[0299] (12-4) Fourth variation

[0300] In the heat exchanger unit 150 of the above embodiment, a plate stack 100 and 110, which are formed by stacking multiple plates 101-105 and 111-115, are provided as plate structures with flow paths 121, 122, ... formed inside. This plate structure may also be a single thick plate-shaped component with flow paths 121, 122, ... formed inside. In this modified example, the plate structure, as a single thick plate-shaped component, is manufactured, for example, by sintering metal powder using a 3D printer.

[0301] (12-5) Fifth variation

[0302] In the indoor unit 30 of the above embodiment, the heat exchanger unit 150 may also be arranged inside the housing with the first air inflow surface 54 of the first heat exchange section 50 and the second air inflow surface 59 of the second heat exchange section 55 facing the rear side of the housing 31, and the fifth air inflow surface 74 of the fifth heat exchange section 70 facing the front side of the housing 31.

[0303] (12-6) Sixth variation

[0304] In the air conditioning unit 10 of the above embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 22 installed in the outdoor unit 20 may also be composed of the heat exchanger unit 150 of this embodiment.

[0305] The embodiments and variations have been described above; however, it should be understood that various changes can be made to their form and specific details without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the elements involved in the above embodiments, variations, and other embodiments can be appropriately combined or substituted. Additionally, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used in the specification and claims are only used to distinguish statements containing these terms and are not intended to limit the number or order of the statements.

[0306] -Industry Applicability-

[0307] In summary, this disclosure is useful for manufacturing heat exchanger units, indoor air conditioning units, refrigeration cycle devices, and methods for manufacturing heat exchanger units.

[0308] - Symbol Explanation -

[0309] 10. Air conditioning unit (refrigeration cycle unit)

[0310] 11 Refrigerant Circuit

[0311] 30 Indoor unit (air conditioner indoor unit)

[0312] 31. Chassis

[0313] 50 First Heat Exchange Section

[0314] 51 First heat transfer tube

[0315] 52 First fin

[0316] 52a (long side of the air inflow side)

[0317] 52b (long side of the air outlet)

[0318] 53 First Fin Group

[0319] 54 First air inflow surface (air inflow surface)

[0320] 55 Second Heat Exchange Section

[0321] 56 Second heat transfer tube

[0322] 57 Second fin

[0323] 57a (long side of the air inflow side)

[0324] 57b (long side of the air outlet)

[0325] 58 Second Fin Group

[0326] 59 Second air inflow surface (air inflow surface)

[0327] 60 Third Heat Exchange Section

[0328] 61 Third heat transfer tube

[0329] 62 Third fin

[0330] 100 Front side panel laminate (plate structure)

[0331] 106 Main Body

[0332] 121 First flow path

[0333] 122 Second Flow Path

[0334] 123 Third Flow Path

[0335] 131 First Connecting Flow Path (Connecting Flow Path)

[0336] 135 Connecting Pipe Section

[0337] 150 heat exchanger units

[0338] 155 Retaining component

Claims

1. A heat exchanger unit (150) that enables heat exchange between air and a refrigerant, characterized in that: The heat exchanger unit includes a first heat exchange section (50), a second heat exchange section (55), and a plate structure (100). The first heat exchange section (50) has a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51). The second heat exchange section (55) has a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56). The plate structure (100) is joined to the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56). A first flow path (121) and a second flow path (122) are formed inside the plate structure (100). The first flow path (121) connects the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other, and the second flow path (122) connects the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other.

2. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting flow path (131) is formed inside the plate structure (100) to connect the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56).

3. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each of the first fins (52) is formed as a plate having a pair of straight and parallel long sides (52a, 52b). Each of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51) passes through a plurality of first fins (52) arranged in a row. On the other hand, Each of the plurality of second fins (57) is formed as a plate having a pair of straight and parallel long sides (57a, 57b). Multiple second heat transfer tubes (56) each pass through multiple second fins (57) arranged in a row.

4. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The heat exchanger unit includes a third heat exchange section (60), which has a plurality of third fins (62) and a plurality of third heat transfer tubes (61). The plate structure (100) is connected to the third heat transfer pipe (61). A third flow path (123) is formed inside the plate structure (100) to connect the third heat transfer tubes (61) to each other.

5. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The plate structure (100) includes a main body (106) and a plurality of connecting pipe parts (135). The main body (106) is plate-shaped, and the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) are formed inside the main body (106). Multiple connecting pipe sections (135) protrude from the main body (106), and the base end of each of the multiple connecting pipe sections (135) is connected to the first flow path (121) or the second flow path (122), and the protruding end of each of the multiple connecting pipe sections (135) is connected to the first heat transfer pipe (51) or the second heat transfer pipe (56). The diameter of the protruding end of each of the plurality of connecting tubes (135) is smaller than the diameter of the base end.

6. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: In the first heat exchange section (50), a plurality of the first fins (52) arranged in a row form a first fin group (53). In the second heat exchange section (55), a plurality of second fins (57) arranged in a row form a second fin group (58). The plate structure (100) is disposed at one end of the first fin group (53) in the arrangement direction of the first fin (52) and at one end of the second fin group (58) in the arrangement direction of the second fin (57). The heat exchanger unit (150) includes a retaining member (155) disposed on the other end of the first fin group (53) in the arrangement direction of the first fin (52) and on the other end of the second fin group (58) in the arrangement direction of the second fin (57), and retains the first heat exchange section (50) and the second heat exchange section (55).

7. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that: The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes the heat exchanger unit (150) as described in claim 3, and a housing (31) for housing the heat exchanger unit (150). The first heat exchange section (50) is arranged above the second heat exchange section (55) with the angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) and the long side (57a, 57b) of the second fin (57) being less than 180°.

8. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first heat exchange section (50) is arranged with the long side (52a) of the first fin (52) facing upwards on the air inflow side. The second heat exchange section (55) is arranged with the long side (57a) of the air inflow side of the second fin (57) facing downward.

9. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower end of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange section (50) extends along the long side (57b) of the air outlet side of the second fin (57) of the second heat exchange section (55).

10. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that: A connecting flow path (131a) is formed inside the plate structure (100) to connect the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56). The first heat transfer tube (51) connected to the connecting flow path (131a) is one of a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51) arranged in a row along the long side (52a) of the air inflow side of the first fin (52). The second heat transfer tube (56) connected to the connecting flow path (131a) is one of a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56) arranged in a row along the long side (57b) of the air outlet side of the second fin (57).

11. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The distance between the central axes of the two closest first heat transfer tubes (51) is the first distance. The distance between the central axes of the two closest second heat transfer tubes (56) is the second distance. The distance between the central axes of the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) that are closest to each other is the third distance. The third distance is below the first distance and below the second distance.

12. The air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that: The number of first heat transfer tubes (51) in the first heat exchange unit (50) is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes (56) in the second heat exchange unit (55).

13. The air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that: The long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange section (50) forms an angle of 30° or more with the vertical direction.

14. The air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that: The angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange section (50) and the vertical direction is less than 60°.

15. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that: The spacing between the plurality of first fins (52) in the first heat exchange section (50) is equal to the spacing between the plurality of second fins (57) in the second heat exchange section (55).

16. The indoor unit of an air conditioner according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that: The distance from the first fin (52) located at one end to the first fin (52) located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first fins (52) is the effective length of the first heat exchange section (50). The distance from the second fin (57) located at one end to the second fin (57) located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the plurality of second fins (57) is the effective length of the second heat exchange section (55). The effective length of the first heat exchange section (50) is less than or equal to the effective length of the second heat exchange section (55).

17. The air conditioning indoor unit according to any one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that: The heat exchanger unit (150) is arranged with the air inflow surfaces (54, 59) of the first heat exchange section (50) and the second heat exchange section (55) facing the front or rear side of the housing (31).

18. A refrigeration cycle device, characterized in that: The refrigeration cycle device includes a refrigerant circuit (11) connected to a heat exchanger unit (150) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

19. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger unit (150), the heat exchanger unit (150) comprising a plurality of heat exchange sections each having fins and heat transfer tubes, and a plate structure (100) joined to the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange sections, the heat exchanger unit (150) exchanging heat between air and refrigerant, characterized in that: The plurality of heat exchange units include a first heat exchange unit (50) and a second heat exchange unit (55), the first heat exchange unit (50) having a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51), and the second heat exchange unit (55) having a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56). The refrigerant flow path formed inside the plate structure (100) includes a first flow path (121) and a second flow path (122), the first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other, and the second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other. The manufacturing method of the heat exchanger unit (150) includes a holding process, an assembly process, and a joining process. In the holding process, the plurality of heat exchange units are held such that the relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange units are the same as the relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange units in the finished heat exchanger unit (150). In the assembly process, the plate structure (100) is combined with the plurality of heat exchange units that have been held in a predetermined position in the holding process. In the joining process, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange units that have been assembled in the assembly process are joined to the plate structure (100) by brazing.

20. A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger unit (150), the heat exchanger unit (150) comprising a plurality of heat exchange sections each having fins and heat transfer tubes, and a plate structure (100) joined to the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange sections, the heat exchanger unit (150) exchanging heat between air and refrigerant, characterized in that: The plurality of heat exchange units include a first heat exchange unit (50) and a second heat exchange unit (55), the first heat exchange unit (50) having a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51), and the second heat exchange unit (55) having a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56). The refrigerant flow path formed inside the plate structure (100) includes a first flow path (121) and a second flow path (122), the first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other, and the second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other. The manufacturing method of the heat exchanger unit (150) includes an assembly process and a joining process. In the assembly process, the plurality of heat exchange units are sequentially assembled with the plate structure (100) one by one. In the joining process, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange units that have been assembled in the assembly process are joined to the plate structure (100) by brazing.

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