Heat exchanger unit, air-conditioning indoor unit, and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

The plate structure (50, 60) has a first surface (52a, 62a), a second surface (52b, 62b), and a third surface (52c, 62c), the first surface (52a, 62a) being a surface on the heat exchanger main body (B) side in the first direction, the second surface (52b, 62b) being a surface on the opposite side to the first surface (52a, 62a) in the first direction, and the third surface (52c, 62c) being a circumferential surface extending between the first surface (52a, 62a) and the second surface (52b, 62b). The first surfaces (52a, 62a) are provided with heat transfer pipe-side connection parts (53, 63) connected to heat transfer pipes (42), and the first surfaces (52a, 62a) or the third surfaces (52c, 62c) are provided with pipe-side connection parts (54, 55, 64, 65) connected to refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerant distributor for a heat exchanger. The refrigerant distributor described in Patent Document 1 is a plate structure composed of multiple stacked plates, with a refrigerant flow path formed inside the distributor. The refrigerant flow path communicates with the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger body. The refrigerant distributor is arranged to overlap with the heat exchanger body in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[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 plate structure described in Patent Document 1 has a refrigerant pipe connected to it. The refrigerant pipe is connected to the side of the plate structure opposite to the heat exchanger body. Therefore, there is a problem that the space for arranging the refrigerant pipe on the side of the plate structure opposite to the heat exchanger body becomes larger.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to miniaturize the heat exchanger unit along the axial direction of the heat transfer tube.

[0009] - Technical solutions used to solve technical problems -

[0010] The first aspect relates to a heat exchanger unit comprising a heat exchanger body B, plate structures 50 and 60, and refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73. The heat exchanger body B has fins 41 and heat transfer tubes 42. The plate structures 50 and 60 are arranged to overlap the heat exchanger body B in the axial direction (a first direction) of the heat transfer tubes 42. Refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61, communicating with the heat transfer tubes 42, are formed inside the plate structures 50 and 60. The refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are different from the heat transfer tubes 42 communicating with the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61. The plate structures 50 and 60 have first surfaces 52a and 62a, and second surfaces 52b and 62b. The first surfaces 52a and 62a are the surfaces on the B side of the heat exchanger body in the first direction, the second surfaces 52b and 62b are the surfaces on the opposite side of the first surfaces 52a and 62a in the first direction, and the third surfaces 52c and 62c are circumferential surfaces extending between the first surfaces 52a and 62a and the second surfaces 52b and 62b. Heat transfer pipe side connection portions 53 and 63 connected to the heat transfer pipe 42 are provided on the first surfaces 52a and 62a, and pipe side connection portions 54, 55, 64, and 65 connected to the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are provided on the first surfaces 52a and 62a or the third surfaces 52c and 62c.

[0011] In the first aspect, the pipe-side connecting portions 54, 55, 64, and 65 connecting the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are not provided on the second surfaces 52b and 62b (that is, the surfaces opposite to the heat exchanger body B) of the plate structures 50 and 60, but are provided on the first surfaces 52a and 62a (that is, the surfaces on the side of the heat exchanger body B) or the third surfaces 52c and 62c (that is, the peripheral surfaces of the plate structures 50 and 60). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the arrangement space for the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 in the space opposite to the heat exchanger body B of the plate structures 50 and 60 from becoming too large. As a result, the heat exchanger unit U can be miniaturized in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0012] Secondly, based on the first aspect, when viewed from a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are generally located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60.

[0013] In the second aspect, the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are not located in the space opposite to the heat exchanger body B on the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the arrangement space of the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 from becoming too large in the space opposite to the heat exchanger body B on the side of the plate structures 50 and 60.

[0014] Thirdly, based on the first or second aspect, the heat exchanger unit includes a pipe 71 and a valve 37, the pipe 71 being connected to the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61, and the valve 37 being connected to the pipe 71. When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the valve 37 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60.

[0015] In the third aspect, valve 37 is not located in the space opposite to the heat exchanger body B on the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the arrangement space of valve 37 in the space opposite to the heat exchanger body B of the plate structures 50 and 60 from becoming too large.

[0016] In the fourth aspect, based on any one of the first to third aspects, the heat exchanger body B includes a first heat exchange section 40A and a second heat exchange section 40B arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; the plate structures 50 and 60 include a first plate structure 50 overlapping with the first heat exchange section 40A in the first direction and a second plate structure 60 overlapping with the second heat exchange section 40B in the first direction; and the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 include a first refrigerant pipe connected to the first plate structure 50 and the second plate structure 60. 71. The pipe-side connection portions 54, 55, 64, and 65 include a first connection portion 54 and a second connection portion 64. The first connection portion 54 is disposed on the first surface 52a, 62a or the third surface 52c, 62c of the first plate structure 50, and the first connection portion 54 is connected to one end of the first refrigerant pipe 71. The second connection portion 64 is disposed on the first surface 52a, 62a or the third surface 52c, 62c of the second plate structure 60, and the second connection portion 64 is connected to the other end of the first refrigerant pipe 71.

[0017] In the fourth aspect, one end of the first refrigerant pipe 71 is connected to a first connecting portion 54 provided on the first surface 52a, 62a or the third surface 52c, 62c of the first plate structure 50. The other end of the first refrigerant pipe 71 is connected to a second connecting portion 64 provided on the first surface 52a, 62a or the third surface 52c, 62c of the second plate structure 60. This prevents the arrangement space of the first refrigerant pipe 71 from becoming too large on the side of the plate structures 50, 60 opposite to the heat exchanger body B.

[0018] The fifth aspect, based on any one of the first to third aspects, includes the heat exchanger body B comprising a first heat exchange section 40A and a second heat exchange section 40B arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; the plate structures 50 and 60 include a first plate structure 50 overlapping the first heat exchange section 40A in the first direction and a second plate structure 60 overlapping the second heat exchange section 40B in the first direction; the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 include a second refrigerant pipe 71 connecting the heat transfer pipe 42 of the first heat exchange section 40A and the second plate structure 60; and the pipe-side connecting portions 54, 55, 64, and 65 include a third connecting portion 64, which is disposed on the first surface 52a, 62a or the third surface 52c, 62c of the second plate structure 60, and is connected to the second refrigerant pipe 71.

[0019] In the fifth aspect, one end of the second refrigerant pipe 71 is connected to the heat transfer pipe 42 of the first heat exchange section 40A. The other end of the second refrigerant pipe 71 is connected to a third connecting portion 64 provided on the first surface 52a, 62a or the third surface 52c, 62c of the second plate structure 60. This prevents the space for arranging the second refrigerant pipe 71 from becoming too large on the side of the plate structure 50, 60 opposite to the heat exchanger body B.

[0020] In the sixth aspect, based on any one of the first to third aspects, the heat exchanger body B includes a first heat exchange section 40A and a second heat exchange section 40B arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; the plate structures 50 and 60 include a first plate structure 50 overlapping the first heat exchange section 40A in the first direction and a second plate structure 60 overlapping the second heat exchange section 40B in the first direction; the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 include a third refrigerant pipe 71 connecting the heat transfer pipe 42 of the second heat exchange section 40B and the first plate structure 50; and the pipe-side connecting portions 54, 55, 64, and 65 include a fourth connecting portion 54, which is disposed on the first surface 52a, 62a or the third surface 52c, 62c of the first plate structure 50 and connected to the third refrigerant pipe 71.

[0021] In the sixth aspect, one end of the third refrigerant pipe 71 is connected to the heat transfer pipe 42 of the second heat exchange section 40B. The other end of the third refrigerant pipe 71 is connected to the fourth connecting portion 54 provided on the first surface 52a, 62a or the third surface 52c, 62c of the first plate structure 50. As a result, it is possible to prevent the arrangement space of the third refrigerant pipe 71 from becoming larger on the side of the plate structure 50, 60 opposite to the heat exchanger body B.

[0022] The seventh aspect, based on any one of the first to third aspects, includes a fourth refrigerant pipe 72, 73 connected to the connecting pipes 12, 13 of the refrigeration cycle device 10, and the pipe-side connecting portions 54, 55, 64, 65 include a fifth connecting portion 55, 65, which is disposed on the first or third surface 52c, 62c of the plate structure 50, 60 and connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe 72, 73.

[0023] In the seventh aspect, the fourth refrigerant pipes 72 and 73 are connected to the fifth connecting portions 55 and 65 provided on the first surfaces 52a and 62a or the third surfaces 52c and 62c of the plate structures 50 and 60. This prevents the space for arranging the fourth refrigerant pipes 72 and 73 from becoming too large on the side of the plate structures 50 and 60 opposite to the heat exchanger body B.

[0024] The eighth aspect, based on any one of the first to seventh aspects, includes a heat exchanger body B comprising a first heat exchange section 40A and a second heat exchange section 40B arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are arranged between the first heat exchange section 40A and the second heat exchange section 40B in the second direction.

[0025] In the eighth aspect, since the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are arranged between the first heat exchange section 40A and the second heat exchange section 40B, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the arrangement space of the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0026] The ninth aspect, based on any one of the first to seventh aspects, includes a first heat exchange section 40A and a second heat exchange section 40B arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein, in the second direction, the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are arranged on the side opposite to the first heat exchange section 40A and the second heat exchange section 40B, or on the side opposite to the first heat exchange section 40A and the second heat exchange section 40B.

[0027] In the ninth aspect, the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are arranged in a space opposite to the first heat exchange section 40A and the second heat exchange section 40B, or in a space opposite to the second heat exchange section 40B and the first heat exchange section 40A. This prevents the space for the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 from expanding axially in the heat transfer tube 42.

[0028] In the tenth aspect, based on any one of the first to ninth aspects, the ends of the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, 73 and the pipe-side connecting portions 54, 55, 64, 65 connected to the ends of the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, 73 are made of the same metal material.

[0029] In the tenth aspect, since the ends of the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 and the pipe-side connections 54, 55, 64, and 65 are made of the same metal material, electro-corrosion between them can be suppressed.

[0030] In the eleventh aspect, based on any one of the first to tenth aspects, when viewed from the first direction, a first region 81, 83 overlapping the heat exchanger body B and a second region 82, 84 located outside the first region 81, 83 are formed on the first surfaces 52a, 62a. The heat transfer tube side connection portions 53, 63 are arranged in the first region 81, 83, and the pipe side connection portions 54, 55, 64, 65 are arranged in the second region 82, 84.

[0031] In the eleventh aspect, since the heat transfer tube 42 is connected to the first regions 81 and 83 that overlap with the heat exchanger body B, the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened. Since the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are connected to the second regions 82 and 84 outside the first regions 81 and 83, interference between the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 and the heat transfer tube 42 can be suppressed, thereby facilitating the connection of the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 to the plate structures 50 and 60.

[0032] The twelfth aspect relates to a heat exchanger unit comprising a heat exchanger body B, plate structures 50 and 60, a pipe 71, and a valve 37. The heat exchanger body B has fins 41 and heat transfer tubes 42. The plate structures 50 and 60 are arranged to overlap the heat exchanger body B in the axial direction (i.e., a first direction) of the heat transfer tubes 42. Refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61, communicating with the heat transfer tubes 42, are formed inside the plate structures 50 and 60. The pipe 71 communicates with the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61. The valve 37 is connected to the pipe 71. The plate structures 50 and 60 have a first... The heat exchanger body 37 has surfaces 52a, 62a, 52b, 62b, and 52c, 62c. The first surfaces 52a and 62a are the surfaces on the side of the heat exchanger body B in a first direction. The second surfaces 52b and 62b are the surfaces on the side opposite to the first surfaces 52a and 62a in the first direction. The third surfaces 52c and 62c are circumferential surfaces extending between the first surfaces 52a and 62a and the second surfaces 52b and 62b. In the first direction, the valve 37 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60.

[0033] In the twelfth aspect, the heat exchanger body B includes a heat exchanger body B, plate structures 50 and 60, a pipe 71, and a valve 37. The heat exchanger body B has fins 41 and heat transfer tubes 42. The plate structures 50 and 60 are arranged to overlap with the heat exchanger body B in the axial direction (first direction) of the heat transfer tubes 42, and refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 communicating with the heat transfer tubes 42 are formed inside the plate structures 50 and 60. The pipe 71 communicates with the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61. The valve 37 is connected to the pipe 71. When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the valve 37 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60.

[0034] In the twelfth aspect, valve 37 is not located in the space opposite to the heat exchanger body B on the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the arrangement space of valve 37 in the space opposite to the heat exchanger body B of the plate structures 50 and 60 from becoming too large.

[0035] The thirteenth aspect relates to an air conditioner indoor unit, which includes a heat exchanger unit U according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, and a housing 31, wherein the housing 31 houses the heat exchanger unit U.

[0036] In the fourteenth aspect, based on the thirteenth aspect, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an electrical component unit 38, which is arranged within the housing 31 at a position opposite to the heat exchanger body B in the first direction to the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60.

[0037] In the fourteenth aspect, space can be provided for arranging electrical component units 38 on the side of the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate structures 50 and 60 opposite to the heat exchanger body B.

[0038] The fifteenth aspect relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus, which includes a refrigerant circuit 11 in which a heat exchanger unit U from any of the first to fourteenth aspects is connected. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a piping system diagram of the air conditioning unit involved in the implementation method.

[0040] Figure 2 This is the front view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a sectional view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner taken along line AA.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure between the heat transfer tube and the plate laminate.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the main parts of the heat exchanger unit.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a front view of the main parts of the heat exchanger unit.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a top view of the main parts of the heat exchanger unit.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit viewed from the left.

[0048] Figure 10This is a top view of the main part of the heat exchanger unit in Modified Example 1.

[0049] Figure 11 This is a top view of the main part of the heat exchanger unit in Modified Example 2.

[0050] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit in Modified Example 2 viewed from the left.

[0051] Figure 13 This is a top view of the main part of the heat exchanger unit in variant example 3.

[0052] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit in Modified Example 3 viewed from the left.

[0053] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the main part of the heat exchanger unit in variation example 4.

[0054] Figure 16 This is a top view of the main part of the heat exchanger unit in variation example 4.

[0055] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit in Modified Example 4 viewed from the right.

[0056] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit in Modified Example 5 viewed from the left.

[0057] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the third side of the laminated plate assembly of Deformation Example 6 viewed from the front.

[0058] Figure 20 It is along Figure 19 A sectional view taken along the BB line. Detailed Implementation

[0059] 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.

[0060] (1) Overall structure of the air conditioning unit

[0061] This embodiment is an air conditioning unit 10 that includes a heat exchanger unit U. The air conditioning unit 10 regulates the temperature of the air in the indoor space I, which is the target space.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] Compressor 21 is a rotary compressor of the type such as oscillating piston, rotary, or scroll. Outdoor heat exchanger 22 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and outdoor air. Outdoor heat exchanger 22 is a finned tube air heat exchanger. Outdoor expansion valve 23 reduces refrigerant pressure. Outdoor expansion valve 23 is an electronic expansion valve. Four-way reversing valve 24 is in the first state ( Figure 1 The state shown in solid lines in the middle) 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 end of the compressor 21 to the air end of the outdoor heat exchanger 22 and connects the suction end of the compressor 21 to the first connecting pipe 12. In the second state, the four-way reversing valve 24 connects the discharge end of the compressor 21 to the first connecting pipe 12 and connects the suction end of the compressor 21 to the air end of the outdoor heat exchanger 22. The outdoor fan 25 delivers air flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 22. The outdoor fan 25 is a propeller fan.

[0066] The indoor unit 30 includes a housing 31, an indoor fan 32, and a heat exchanger unit U. The indoor fan 32 and the heat exchanger unit U are housed in the housing 31.

[0067] (2) Indoor unit

[0068] Reference Figures 2-4 The details of the indoor unit 30, which is the indoor unit of the 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 3The direction of the arrows shown corresponds to the direction when viewing the housing 31 from the front.

[0069] (2-1) Casing

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] An intake port 33 is formed on the upper plate 31c, and an outlet port 34 is formed on the lower plate 31d. Inside the housing 31, an air passage P extends 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.

[0073] (2-2) Filter

[0074] 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 that removes the dust captured by the filter 35.

[0075] (2-3) Heat exchanger unit

[0076] The heat exchanger unit U includes an indoor heat exchanger 40, an intermediate pipe 71, an indoor expansion valve 37, a liquid relay pipe 72, and a gas relay pipe 73. The indoor heat exchanger 40 includes a heat exchanger body B and two plate stacks 50 and 60 connected to the heat exchanger body B. Their details will be described later.

[0077] (2-4) Indoor fan

[0078] 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.

[0079] (2-5) Air guide plate

[0080] 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 deflectors 36 can also adjust the horizontal airflow.

[0081] (2-6) Electrical Component Unit

[0082] The indoor unit 30 has an electrical component unit 38. The electrical component unit 38 includes a printed circuit board. Power supply circuits for supplying power to the various mechanical components of the indoor unit 30, control circuits for controlling the various mechanical components, etc., are mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, a partition 39 is disposed within the housing 31 in the internal space S between the first side plate 31e and the plate stacks 50 and 60. The thickness direction of the partition 39 is axial with that of the heat transfer tube 42. The partition 39 separates the internal space S along the axial (left-right) direction of the heat transfer tube 42. An electrical component chamber S1 is formed between the partition 39 and the first side plate 31e. An electrical component unit 38 is arranged in the electrical component chamber S1. The electrical component unit 38 is arranged along the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42 on the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B compared to the plate stacks 50 and 60.

[0084] (3) Details of the indoor heat exchanger

[0085] Reference Figures 3-9 The indoor heat exchanger 40 is described in detail. The indoor heat exchanger 40 facilitates heat exchange between air and refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 40 is a finned-tube air heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger 40 includes a heat exchanger body B and two plate stacks 50 connected to the heat exchanger body B.

[0086] (3-1) Heat exchanger body

[0087] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchanger body B has multiple fins 41 arranged along the length of the casing 31 and multiple heat transfer tubes 42 extending along the arrangement direction of the fins 41. The plate stacks 50 and 60 have refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 inside that communicate with the heat transfer tubes 42.

[0088] The arrangement direction of the fins 41 corresponds to the length direction (in this case, the left-right direction) of the housing 31. The fins 41 are rectangular plates with long and short sides. The thickness direction of the fins 41 corresponds to their arrangement direction. Multiple fins 41 are arranged at predetermined intervals along their thickness direction. These intervals form the airflow path. The fins 41 are made of aluminum alloy.

[0089] The multiple heat transfer tubes 42 are made of aluminum alloy. Refrigerant flow paths are formed inside the heat transfer tubes 42. The multiple heat transfer tubes 42 extend parallel to each other, penetrating the fins 41. One end of the heat transfer tube 42, i.e., the right end, protrudes to the right side of the fins 41. One end of the heat transfer tube 42 is connected to the plate stacks 50 and 60. The other ends of the multiple heat transfer tubes 42, i.e., the left ends of adjacent two heat transfer tubes 42, are connected to each other by a U-shaped tube 49. The two adjacent heat transfer tubes 42 and the U-shaped tube 49 connecting them are seamlessly integrated into one unit.

[0090] The indoor heat exchanger 40 of this embodiment has a front heat exchange section 40A as a first heat exchange section and a rear heat exchange section 40B as a second heat exchange section. The front heat exchange section 40A is located at the front side of the housing 31, and the rear heat exchange section 40B is located at the rear side of the housing 31. The front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B are arranged in the front-to-back direction, sandwiching the indoor fan 32. The front-to-back direction is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction and the vertical direction of the heat transfer pipe 42. Here, the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe 42 corresponds to the first direction, and the front-to-back direction and the vertical direction correspond to the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0091] The front heat exchange section 40A has a front main heat exchange section 43, a first auxiliary heat exchange section 44 and a second auxiliary heat exchange section 45.

[0092] The front main heat exchange section 43 is located in the front heat exchange section 40A near the indoor fan 32. Viewed axially from the heat transfer pipe 42, the front main heat exchange section 43 has a V-shaped profile, with the apex of the V pointing forward. Viewed axially from the heat transfer pipe 42, the fins 41 constituting the front main heat exchange section 43 have a first portion 41a extending in a third direction and a second portion 41b extending in a fourth direction. The third direction is an upward-sloping direction towards the rear. The fourth direction is a downward-sloping direction towards the rear. The angle between the third and fourth directions is approximately 90° to 110°. The first portion 41a and the second portion 41b can be integrally formed or separately formed.

[0093] The first auxiliary heat exchange section 44 is disposed on the inflow side (front side) of the first front main heat exchange section 43a. The lengths of the long and short sides of the fins 41 of the first auxiliary heat exchange section 44 are shorter than the lengths of the long and short sides of the fins 41 of the first front main heat exchange section 43a. The number of heat transfer tubes 42 in the first auxiliary heat exchange section 44 along the long side (hereinafter referred to as the number of layers) is less than the number of heat transfer tubes 42 in the first front main heat exchange section 43a. The number of heat transfer tubes 42 in the first auxiliary heat exchange section 44 along the short side (hereinafter referred to as the number of rows) is less than the number of rows of heat transfer tubes 42 in the first front main heat exchange section 43a.

[0094] The second auxiliary heat exchange section 45 is disposed on the inflow side (front side) of the second front main heat exchange section 43b. The lengths of the long and short sides of the fins 41 of the second auxiliary heat exchange section 45 are shorter than the lengths of the long and short sides of the fins 41 of the second front main heat exchange section 43b. The number of layers and rows of the heat transfer tubes 42 of the second auxiliary heat exchange section 45 are fewer than the number of layers and rows of the heat transfer tubes 42 of the second front main heat exchange section 43b.

[0095] The rear heat exchange section 40B includes a rear main heat exchange section 46 and a third auxiliary heat exchange section 47. The rear main heat exchange section 46 is located in the rear heat exchange section 40B near the indoor fan 32. The third auxiliary heat exchange section 47 is located on the inflow side (rear side) of the rear main heat exchange section 46. The lengths of the long and short sides of the fins 41 of the third auxiliary heat exchange section 47 are shorter than the lengths of the long and short sides of the fins 41 of the rear main heat exchange section 46. The number of layers and rows of heat transfer tubes 42 in the third auxiliary heat exchange section 47 is less than the number of layers and rows of heat transfer tubes 42 in the rear main heat exchange section 46.

[0096] like Figure 5 As shown, one end of the heat transfer tube 42 has a flared portion 48 formed by flaring. The flared portion 48 has an enlarged diameter portion 48a and a cylindrical portion 48b. The diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 48a increases as it approaches the plate stack 50, 60, and the cylindrical portion 48b extends axially from the end of the enlarged diameter portion 48a on the plate stack 50, 60 side with the same diameter. The flared portion 48 is the part that connects to the heat transfer tube side connection portions 53, 63 of the plate stack 50, 60, as detailed later.

[0097] (3-2) Laminated laminate

[0098] The plate stacks 50 and 60 are arranged to the right of the rightmost fin 41 and parallel to fin 41. The plate stacks 50 and 60 are connected to one end of the heat transfer tube 42. Figure 6 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9As shown, the plate stacks 50 and 60 include a front plate stack 50 connected to the heat transfer tube 42 of the front heat exchange section 40A, and a rear plate stack 60 connected to the heat transfer tube 42 of the rear heat exchange section 40B. The front plate stack 50 is arranged to overlap the front heat exchange section 40A in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42. The rear plate stack 60 is arranged to overlap the rear heat exchange section 40B in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0099] (3-2-1) Front side plate laminate

[0100] The front panel laminate 50 has a front main body 52, multiple front connecting parts 53, a front intermediate connecting part 54, and a liquid-side connecting part 55. The front main body 52 has a refrigerant flow path (strictly speaking, a first refrigerant flow path 51). The multiple front connecting parts 53 connect multiple heat transfer tubes 42 of the front heat exchange section 40A to the first refrigerant flow path 51. The front intermediate connecting part 54 is connected to one end of the intermediate pipe 71, and the liquid-side connecting part 55 is connected to the liquid relay pipe 72.

[0101] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the front main body 52 is a thick plate-shaped component formed by stacking five front side plates. The stacking direction of the front side plates is the same as the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0102] In the front panel stack 50, a first front panel FP1, a second front panel FP2, a third front panel FP3, a fourth front panel FP4, and a fifth front panel FP5 are sequentially stacked from the side closest to the front heat exchange section 40A. The first front panel FP1 is the cover plate on the heat exchanger body B side of the heat transfer tube 42 along its axial direction. The fifth front panel FP5 is the cover plate on the side of the heat transfer tube 42 opposite to the heat exchanger body B (the first side panel 31e side of the housing 31). The second, third, and fourth front panels FP2, FP3, and FP4 are intermediate plates sandwiched between the first and fifth front panels FP1 and FP5. The five front panels are flat plate components with identical outer edge shapes. Each front panel is formed of the same material as the heat transfer tube 42 and the front connecting section 53. In this embodiment, each front panel is made of aluminum alloy. The thickness of the first and fifth front panels FP1 is 1.5 mm. The thickness of the second front side plate FP2, the third front side plate FP3, and the fourth front side plate FP4 is 3.0 mm. The front side plates are joined together by furnace brazing. It should be noted that the number of front side plates is an example; the number of front side plates can be four or fewer, or six or more. Hereinafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the various front side plates, they will be referred to simply as front side plates.

[0103] The front main body portion 52 has a front first surface 52a corresponding to a first surface, a front second surface 52b corresponding to a second surface, and a front third surface 52c corresponding to a third surface. The front first surface 52a is the surface of the front main body portion 52 on the heat exchanger body B side in a first direction. The front first surface 52a is the surface of the first front plate FP1 on the side facing the heat exchanger body B. The front second surface 52b is the surface of the front main body portion 52 opposite to the front first surface 52a. In other words, the front second surface 52b is the surface of the front plate laminate 50 on the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42. The front second surface 52b is the surface of the fifth front plate FP5 on the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B. The front third surface 52c is a circumferential surface of the front main body portion 52 extending between the front first surface 52a and the front third surface 52c. In other words, the front third surface 52c is composed of the front side surface, lower side surface, rear side surface, and upper side surface of the front main body 52. ​​The front third surface 52c is formed by connecting the peripheral surfaces of each front side plate.

[0104] like Figure 9 As shown, a first front region 81, serving as a first region, and a second front region 82, serving as a second region, are formed on the first front surface 52a of the front main body 52. ​​Viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, the first front region 81 overlaps with the fins 41 of the front heat exchange section 40A, and the second front region 82 is located further outward than the first front region AF1. Viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, the first front region 81 overlaps with the first portion 41a and the second portion 41b of the fins 41. The second front region 82 includes a first outer edge portion 82a formed on the front side of the front main body 52 and a second outer edge portion 82b formed on the rear side of the front main body 52. ​​The first outer edge portion 82a extends forward from the first front region 81. The second outer edge portion 82b extends rearward from the first front region 81.

[0105] (3-2-2) Rear side plate laminate

[0106] The rear panel laminate 60 has a rear main body 62, multiple rear connecting parts 63, a rear intermediate connecting part 64, and a gas-side connecting part 65. The rear main body 62 has a refrigerant flow path (strictly speaking, a second refrigerant flow path 61). The multiple rear connecting parts 63 connect multiple heat transfer pipes 42 of the rear heat exchange section 40B and the second refrigerant flow path 61. The rear intermediate connecting part 64 is connected to the other end of the intermediate pipe 71, and the gas-side connecting part 65 is connected to the gas relay pipe 73.

[0107] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 8As shown, the rear main body 62 is a thick plate-shaped component formed by stacking five rear side plates. The stacking direction of the rear side plates is the same as the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0108] In the rear panel stack 60, a first rear panel BP1, a second rear panel BP2, a third rear panel BP3, a fourth rear panel BP4, and a fifth rear panel BP5 are sequentially stacked from the side closest to the rear heat exchange section 40B. The first rear panel BP1 is the cover plate on the heat exchanger body B side along the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42. The fifth rear panel BP5 is the cover plate on the side of the heat transfer tube 42 opposite to the heat exchanger body B (the first side panel 31e side of the housing 31). The second rear panel BP2, the third rear panel BP3, and the fourth rear panel BP4 are intermediate plates sandwiched between the first rear panel BP1 and the fifth rear panel BP5. The five rear panels are flat plate components with identical outer edge shapes. Each rear panel is formed of the same material as the heat transfer tube 42 and the rear connecting section 63. In this embodiment, each rear panel is made of aluminum alloy. The thickness of the first rear panel BP1 and the fifth rear panel BP5 is 1.5 mm. The thickness of the second rear side plate BP2, the third rear side plate BP3, and the fourth rear side plate BP4 is 3.0 mm. The rear side plates are joined together by furnace brazing. It should be noted that the number of rear side plates is an example; the number of rear side plates can be four or fewer, or six or more. Hereinafter, unless it is necessary to distinguish between the various rear side plates, they will be referred to simply as rear side plates.

[0109] The rear main body 62 has a rear first surface 62a corresponding to the first surface, a rear second surface 62b corresponding to the second surface, and a rear third surface 62c corresponding to the third surface. The rear first surface 62a is the surface of the rear main body 62 on the heat exchanger body B side in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42. The rear first surface 62a is the surface of the first rear plate BP1 on the side facing the heat exchanger body B. The rear second surface 62b is the surface of the rear main body 62 opposite to the rear first surface 62a. In other words, the rear second surface 62b is the surface of the rear plate laminate 60 on the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42. The rear second surface 62b is the surface of the fifth rear plate BP5 opposite to the heat exchanger body B. The rear third surface 62c is the circumferential surface of the rear main body 62 extending between the rear first surface 62a and the rear third surface 62c. In this embodiment, the rear third surface 62c is composed of the front side, lower side, rear side, and upper side of the rear main body 62. The rear third surface 62c is formed by connecting the peripheral surfaces of each rear side plate.

[0110] like Figure 9As shown, a first rear region 83, serving as a first region, and a second rear region 84, serving as a second region, are formed on the first rear surface 62a of the rear main body 62. When viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, the first rear region 83 overlaps with the fins 41 of the rear heat exchange section 40B, and the second rear region 84 is located further outward than the first rear region 83. The second rear region 84 includes a third outer edge 84a formed on the front side of the rear main body 62 and a fourth outer edge 84b formed on the rear side of the rear main body 62. The third outer edge 84a is the portion extending forward from the first rear region 83. The fourth outer edge 84b is the portion extending rearward from the first rear region 83.

[0111] (3-2-3) Heat transfer tube side connection

[0112] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the plate stack 50 has multiple front connecting portions 53 and multiple rear connecting portions 63. The multiple front connecting portions 53 are provided on the front plate stack 50, and the multiple rear connecting portions 63 are provided on the rear plate stack 60. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the front connecting portions 53 and the rear connecting portions 63, they are also referred to as heat transfer tube side connecting portions 53 and 63.

[0113] A front connecting portion 53 is provided on the heat exchanger body B side of the first front side plate FP1 of the front main body portion 52. In other words, the front connecting portion 53 is provided on the front first surface 52a of the front main body portion 52. The front connecting portion 53 protrudes from the front first surface 52a toward the front heat exchange portion 40A in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0114] A rear connecting portion 63 is provided on the heat exchanger body B side of the first rear side plate BP1 of the rear main body 62. In other words, the rear connecting portion 63 is provided on the rear first surface 62a of the rear main body 62. The rear connecting portion 63 protrudes from the rear first surface 62a toward the rear heat exchange section 40B in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0115] The heat transfer tube side connections 53 and 63 are circular tubes. The material of the heat transfer tube side connections 53 and 63 is aluminum alloy. Figure 5 As shown, the front ends of the heat transfer tube side connectors 53 and 63 are inserted into the ends of the corresponding heat transfer tubes 42. In other words, the ends of the heat transfer tubes 42 are fitted onto the heat transfer tube side connectors 53 and 63. The heat transfer tube side connectors 53 and 63 are inserted into the flared portions 48 of the corresponding heat transfer tubes 42. The heat transfer tube side connectors 53 and 63 are inserted into the flared portions 48 and joined to the cylindrical portions 48b of the flared portions 48 by flame brazing.

[0116] (3-2-4) Front middle connecting part and rear middle connecting part

[0117] like Figures 7-9 As shown, a front intermediate connecting portion 54 is provided on the front first surface 52a of the front main body portion 52. The front intermediate connecting portion 54 is a round pipe connected to one end of the intermediate pipe 71. The front intermediate connecting portion 54 and the intermediate pipe 71 are joined by flame brazing. One end of the intermediate pipe 71 is fitted onto the front intermediate connecting portion 54. Figure 9 As shown, the front middle connecting portion 54 is located in the front second region 82 on the front first surface 52a. Specifically, the front middle connecting portion 54 is located at the upper end of the first outer edge portion 82a.

[0118] A rear intermediate connecting portion 64 is provided on the rear first surface 62a of the rear main body 62. The rear intermediate connecting portion 64 is a round pipe that connects to the other end of the intermediate pipe 71. The rear intermediate connecting portion 64 and the intermediate pipe 71 are joined by flame brazing. The other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is fitted onto the rear intermediate connecting portion 64. Figure 9 As shown, the rear middle connecting portion 64 is located in the rear second region 84 on the rear first surface 62a. Specifically, the rear middle connecting portion 64 is located at the upper end of the fourth outer edge portion 84b.

[0119] (3-2-5) Liquid-side connection and gas-side connection

[0120] like Figure 9 As shown, a liquid-side connection portion 55 is provided on the front first surface 52a of the front main body portion 52. The liquid-side connection portion 55 is a circular tube connected to one end of a liquid relay tube 72. One end of the liquid relay tube 72 is fitted onto the liquid-side connection portion 55. The liquid-side connection portion 55 and the liquid relay tube 72 are joined by flame brazing. The liquid-side connection portion 55 is located in the front second region 82 on the front first surface 52a. Specifically, the liquid-side connection portion 55 is located at the lower end of the second outer edge portion 82b.

[0121] A gas-side connection portion 65 is provided on the rear first surface 62a of the rear main body portion 62. The gas-side connection portion 65 is a circular tube connected to one end of a gas relay tube 73. One end of the gas relay tube 73 is fitted onto the gas-side connection portion 65. The gas-side connection portion 65 and the gas relay tube 73 are joined by flame brazing. The gas-side connection portion 65 is located in the rear second region 84 on the rear first surface 62a. Specifically, the gas-side connection portion 65 is located at the lower end of the third outer edge portion 84a.

[0122] (3-3) Intermediate pipe

[0123] The heat exchanger unit U has an intermediate conduit 71. In this embodiment, the intermediate conduit 71 is a first refrigerant conduit connecting the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B. An indoor expansion valve 37 is connected to the intermediate conduit 71 in this embodiment. The intermediate conduit 71 has a first internal conduit 71a located between the front plate laminate 50 and the indoor expansion valve 37, and a second internal conduit 71b located between the rear plate laminate 60 and the indoor expansion valve 37.

[0124] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front plate laminate 50, which is the first plate structure. Specifically, one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front intermediate connecting portion 54, which is the first connecting portion. In other words, one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front first surface 52a of the front plate laminate 50. Specifically, one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front second region 82 (strictly speaking, the first outer edge 82a) of the front first surface 52a. The first internal pipe 71a of the intermediate pipe 71 extends rearward from the front first surface 52a of the front plate laminate 50. When one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front first surface 52a in this way, it is possible to prevent the intermediate pipe 71 from extending from the front second surface 52b of the front plate laminate 50 to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B.

[0125] The other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear plate laminate 60, which is the second plate structure. Specifically, the other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear intermediate connecting portion 64, which is the second connecting portion. In other words, the other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear first surface 62a of the rear plate laminate 60. Specifically, the other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear second region 84 (strictly speaking, the fourth outer edge 84b) of the rear first surface 62a. The second internal pipe 71b of the intermediate pipe 71 extends forward from the rear first surface 62a of the rear plate laminate 60. When the other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front first surface 52a in this way, it is possible to prevent the intermediate pipe 71 from extending from the rear second surface 62b of the rear plate laminate 60 to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B.

[0126] Viewed from the second direction, i.e., the front-rear direction, the intermediate conduit 71 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the front second surface 52b of the front side plate laminate 50. Therefore, the intermediate conduit 71 does not extend from the front second surface 52b of the front side plate laminate 50 to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B. Viewed from the second direction, i.e., the front-rear direction, the intermediate conduit 71 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the rear second surface 62b of the rear side plate laminate 60. Therefore, the intermediate conduit 71 does not extend from the rear second surface 62b of the rear side plate laminate 60 to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B. As a result, as... Figure 4 As shown, the length of the internal space S formed between the plate stack 50, 60 and the side surface (first side plate 31e) of the housing 31 in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened.

[0127] The two ends of the intermediate pipe 71 are connected to the first surfaces 52a and 62a of the plate stack 50 and 60. Therefore, the intermediate pipe 71 can extend along the first surfaces 52a and 62a, thereby shortening the pipe length of the intermediate pipe 71. According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the intermediate pipe 71 from extending to a position opposite to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b.

[0128] Since one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front second region 82, interference between the intermediate pipe 71 and the front heat exchange section 40A can be suppressed. Since the other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear second region 84, interference between the intermediate pipe 71 and the rear heat exchange section 40B can be suppressed. Therefore, the processing of connecting the intermediate pipe 71 to the heat exchanger unit U can be performed easily.

[0129] Both ends of the intermediate pipe 71 are connected to the upper ends (strictly speaking, the upper ends) of the plate stacks 50 and 60 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the pipe length of the intermediate pipe 71 can be further shortened. Interference between the intermediate pipe 71 and the heat exchanger body B can be suppressed.

[0130] (3-4) Indoor expansion valve

[0131] The indoor expansion valve 37 is located on the right side of the heat exchanger body B. The indoor expansion valve 37 is connected to the intermediate pipe 71. The indoor expansion valve 37 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the intermediate pipe 71. The indoor expansion valve 37 is an electronic expansion valve.

[0132] like Figures 6-8As shown, the indoor expansion valve 37 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the front second surface 52b of the front plate laminate 50. The indoor expansion valve 37 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the rear second surface 62b of the rear plate laminate 60. The indoor expansion valve 37 is located entirely closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate laminates 50 and 60. The indoor expansion valve 37 does not extend from the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate laminates 50 and 60 to the opposite side of the heat exchanger body B. Therefore, the axial length of the internal space S in the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened.

[0133] like Figure 9 As shown, when viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, the indoor expansion valve 37 of this embodiment is arranged between the front side plate laminate 50 and the rear side plate laminate 60. Strictly speaking, the indoor expansion valve 37 is located between the upper end of the front side plate laminate 50 and the upper end of the rear side plate laminate 60. Therefore, interference between the indoor expansion valve 37 and the heat exchanger body B and the indoor fan 32 can be suppressed. Maintenance of the indoor expansion valve 37 can be performed easily.

[0134] (3-5) Liquid relay

[0135] like Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the heat exchanger unit U has a liquid relay pipe 72, which serves as a fourth refrigerant pipe. One end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to the front side plate laminate 50. The other end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to a second connecting pipe 13, which serves as a liquid connection pipe, outside the housing 31.

[0136] One end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to the liquid-side connection portion 55, which serves as the fifth connection portion. In other words, one end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to the front first surface 52a of the front side plate laminate 50. Specifically, one end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to the front second region 82 (strictly speaking, the second outer edge 82b) of the front first surface 52a. One end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to, for example, the lower part of the front first surface 52a. After extending rearward from the liquid-side connection portion 55, the liquid relay pipe 72 bends to the left, extending parallel to the heat transfer pipe 42.

[0137] When one end of the liquid relay tube 72 is connected to the front first surface 52a in this way, it is possible to prevent the liquid relay tube 72 from extending from the front second surface 52b of the front plate laminate 50 to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B. As a result, the length of the internal space S in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened.

[0138] The liquid relay tube 72 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the front first surface 52a. As a result, the axial length of the internal space S in the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened.

[0139] Viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, at least a portion of the liquid relay tube 72 is arranged between the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B. In other words, the liquid relay tube 72 is arranged within the arrangement space of the indoor fan 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the arrangement space of the liquid relay tube 72 in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42, thereby shortening the length of the internal space S in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0140] (3-6) Gas relay tube

[0141] like Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the heat exchanger unit U has a gas relay pipe 73 that serves as a fourth refrigerant conduit. One end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected to the rear side plate laminate 60. The other end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected outside the housing 31 to a first connecting pipe 12 that serves as a gas connecting conduit.

[0142] One end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected to the gas-side connection portion 65, which serves as the fifth connection portion. In other words, one end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected to the rear first surface 62a of the rear side plate laminate 60. Specifically, one end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected to the rear second region 84 (strictly speaking, the third outer edge 84a) of the rear first surface 62a. One end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected to, for example, the lower part of the rear first surface 62a. After extending downward from the gas-side connection portion 65, the gas relay pipe 73 bends to the left, extending parallel to the heat transfer pipe 42.

[0143] In this way, when one end of the gas relay tube 73 is connected to the rear first surface 62a, the extension of the gas relay tube 73 from the rear second surface 62b of the rear plate laminate 60 to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B can be suppressed. As a result, the length of the internal space S in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened.

[0144] The gas relay tube 73 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the rear first surface 62a. As a result, the axial length of the internal space S in the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened.

[0145] When viewed from the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42, at least a portion of the gas relay tube 73 is arranged between the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B. Therefore, the arrangement space of the gas relay tube 73 can be prevented from expanding in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42, thereby shortening the length of the internal space S in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0146] (4) Operational movements

[0147] The air conditioning unit 10 operates in cooling, heating, and dehumidification modes.

[0148] (4-1) Refrigeration operation

[0149] 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 37 fully open.

[0150] The refrigerant circuit 11, which is in refrigeration operation, performs a refrigeration cycle. In this refrigeration cycle, the outdoor heat exchanger 22 functions as a condenser (radiator), and the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator.

[0151] Indoor unit 30 draws indoor air from indoor space I into air passage P through intake 33. The air in air passage P is cooled by indoor heat exchanger 40. The cooled air is then supplied to indoor space I through outlet 34.

[0152] In heat exchanger unit U, the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid relay pipe 72 flows into the front plate laminate 50 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 each heat transfer pipe 42. Then, the refrigerant flows through the front plate laminate 50 into the first internal pipe 71a, then sequentially through the indoor expansion valve 37 and the second internal pipe 71b, and flows into the rear plate laminate 60 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 each heat transfer pipe 42. Then, the refrigerant flows through the rear plate laminate 60 into the gas relay pipe 73 and exits from the heat exchanger unit U.

[0153] (4-2) Heating Operation

[0154] 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 37 fully open.

[0155] The refrigerant circuit 11, which is in heating operation, performs a refrigeration cycle. In this refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as a condenser (radiator), and the outdoor heat exchanger 22 functions as an evaporator.

[0156] 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.

[0157] In heat exchanger unit U, the refrigerant that has flowed into the gas relay pipe 73 flows into the rear plate laminate 60 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 each heat transfer pipe 42. Then, the refrigerant flows through the rear plate laminate 60 into the second internal pipe 71b, and sequentially through the indoor expansion valve 37 and the first internal pipe 71a into the front plate laminate 50 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 each heat transfer pipe 42. Then, the refrigerant flows through the front plate laminate 50 into the liquid relay pipe 72 and exits from the heat exchanger unit U.

[0158] (4-3) Dehumidification operation

[0159] 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 37 appropriately.

[0160] The refrigerant circuit 11, which is in dehumidification operation, performs a refrigeration cycle. In this refrigeration cycle, the outdoor heat exchanger 22 and the front heat exchange section 40A of the indoor heat exchanger 40 function as condensers (radiators), and the rear heat exchange section 40B of the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator.

[0161] 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 after passing through both heat exchange units mixes in air passage P, resulting in low-humidity air. This dehumidified air is then supplied to indoor space I through outlet 34.

[0162] In heat exchanger unit U, the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid relay pipe 72 flows into the front plate laminate 50 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 each heat transfer pipe 42. Then, the refrigerant flows through the front plate laminate 50 into the first internal pipe 71a, is depressurized after passing through the indoor expansion valve 37, flows through the second internal pipe 71b, and flows into the rear plate laminate 60 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 each heat transfer pipe 42. Then, the refrigerant flows through the rear plate laminate 60 into the gas relay pipe 73 and exits from the heat exchanger unit U.

[0163] (5) Effects of the implementation method

[0164] (5-1)

[0165] In this embodiment, heat transfer tube side connection portions 53 and 63 and pipe side connection portions 54, 55, 64, and 65 are provided on the first surfaces 52a and 62a of the laminated plates 50 and 60. The heat transfer tube side connection portions 53 and 63 are connected to the heat transfer tube 42, and the pipe side connection portions 54, 55, 64, and 65 are connected to the refrigerant pipes (strictly speaking, the intermediate pipe 71, the liquid relay pipe 72, and the gas relay pipe 73). In other words, the heat transfer tube 42 and other refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 (different from the heat transfer tube 42) are connected to the first surfaces 52a and 62a of the laminated plates 50 and 60. The refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 connected to the laminated plates 50 and 60 are not connected to the second surfaces 52b and 62b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, 73 from extending from the second surfaces 52b, 62b of the plate stacks 50, 60 to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B. As a result, it is possible to prevent the internal space S between the plate stacks 50, 60 and the first side plate 31e of the housing 31 from extending axially in the heat transfer tube 42.

[0166] One characteristic of the plate stacks 50 and 60 is that their axial dimensions in the heat transfer tube 42 are smaller compared to typical manifolds. In this embodiment, the arrangement space for the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 connected to the plate stacks 50 and 60 in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42 can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, the characteristics of the plate stacks 50 and 60 can be fully utilized, thereby enabling the heat exchanger unit U, and consequently the indoor unit 30, to be miniaturized in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0167] (5-2)

[0168] In this embodiment, when viewed from a second direction (front-back direction) orthogonal to the first direction, the intermediate pipe 71 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate stacks 50 and 60. Therefore, the axial increase of the heat exchanger unit U in the heat transfer tube 42 due to the arrangement of the intermediate pipe 71 can be suppressed. Preferably, all refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 connected to the plate stacks 50 and 60 are located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b.

[0169] (5-3)

[0170] In this embodiment, when viewed from a second direction (front-back direction, vertical direction), the indoor expansion valve 37 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate stack 50 and 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the axial expansion of the heat exchanger unit U due to the arrangement of the indoor expansion valve 37. Preferably, the entire indoor expansion valve 37 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b.

[0171] (5-4)

[0172] In this embodiment, when viewed from the first direction (axial direction of the heat transfer pipe 42), the refrigerant pipes (strictly speaking, the liquid relay pipe 72 and the gas relay pipe 73) are arranged between the front heat exchange section 40A, which serves as the first heat exchange section, and the rear heat exchange section 40B, which serves as the second heat exchange section.

[0173] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the arrangement space of the liquid relay tube 72 and the gas relay tube 73 from increasing in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0174] Alternatively, the intermediate pipe 71 and the valve connected to the intermediate pipe 71 (e.g., indoor expansion valve 37) can be arranged between the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B.

[0175] (5-5)

[0176] The ends of the refrigerant pipes (strictly speaking, intermediate pipe 71, liquid relay pipe 72, and gas relay pipe 73) and the pipe-side connections (strictly speaking, front intermediate connection 54, rear connection 63, liquid-side connection 55, and gas-side connection 65) connecting to the ends of the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 are formed of the same metallic material. Specifically, they are formed of aluminum alloy. When the two are made of different metallic materials and have different ionization tendencies, the pipes are prone to electrolytic corrosion due to water adhering to the pipes. In contrast, by making both the refrigerant pipes the same metallic material, their ionization tendencies will also be the same. As a result, electrolytic corrosion of both pipes can be suppressed.

[0177] (5-6)

[0178] Viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, first regions 81 and 83 overlapping the heat exchanger body B and second regions 82 and 84 located outside the first regions 81 and 83 are formed on the first surfaces 52a and 62a of the plate stack 50 and 60. Heat transfer tube side connections 53 and 63 are arranged in the first regions 81 and 83, and pipe side connections 54, 55, 64, and 65 are arranged in the second regions 82 and 84. In other words, since the ends of the refrigerant pipes (strictly speaking, the intermediate pipe 71, the liquid relay pipe 72, and the gas relay pipe 73) are connected to the second regions 82 and 84 of the first surfaces 52a and 62a, interference between the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 and the heat exchanger body B, as well as interference between the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 and the heat transfer tube 42, can be suppressed. As a result, the machining for connecting the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, 73 and the plate stacks 50, 60 becomes easier. Furthermore, the machining for connecting the heat transfer tube 42 and the plate stacks 50, 60 also becomes easier.

[0179] (5-7)

[0180] Electrical component unit 38 is arranged within housing 31 on the side opposite to heat exchanger body B along the axial direction of heat transfer tube 42 on the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate laminates 50 and 60. In this embodiment, since the internal space S can be miniaturized along the axial direction of heat transfer tube 42, sufficient space (electrical component chamber) for arranging electrical component unit 38 can be ensured.

[0181] (6) Variations

[0182] The above-described embodiments can also be modified as follows. The differences from the embodiments described above will be explained below.

[0183] (6-1) Variation Example 1

[0184] exist Figure 10In the heat exchanger unit U of the modified example 1 shown, the indoor expansion valve 37 is not provided on the intermediate pipe 71. Similar to the embodiment described above, one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front intermediate connection portion 54, and the other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear intermediate connection portion 64. In other words, one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front first surface 52a of the front plate laminate 50, and the other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear plate laminate 60. The intermediate pipe 71 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate laminates 50 and 60. The intermediate pipe 71 is located between the first surfaces 52a and 62a of the plate laminates 50 and 60 and the heat exchanger body B. According to this structure, the internal space S of the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened axially.

[0185] (6-2) Variation Example 2

[0186] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the heat exchanger unit U of the modified example 2 shown, similarly to the embodiment described above, the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B are arranged in the second direction, i.e., the front-to-back direction. The front plate laminate 50 overlaps with the front heat exchange section 40A in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42, and the rear plate laminate 60 overlaps with the rear heat exchange section 40B in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0187] One end of the intermediate pipe 71, which serves as the second refrigerant pipe, is connected to the heat transfer pipe 42 (first heat transfer pipe 42a) of the front heat exchange section 40A. In this example, the intermediate pipe 71 is fitted onto the first heat transfer pipe 42a. Alternatively, the intermediate pipe 71 may be inserted into the first heat transfer pipe 42a. Similar to the embodiment described above, a flared portion 48 may be provided on the first heat transfer pipe 42a. The first heat transfer pipe 42a is located at the upper end and rear end of the front heat exchange section 40A.

[0188] The other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear intermediate connecting part 64, which serves as the third connecting part. The rear intermediate connecting part 64 is provided on the rear first surface 62a of the rear plate laminate 60. Specifically, the rear intermediate connecting part 64 is provided at the upper end of the fourth outer edge 84b of the rear first surface 62a.

[0189] The intermediate pipe 71 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate laminates 50 and 60. This structure shortens the internal space S of the heat transfer tube 42 axially. Since one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the upper end of the front heat exchange section 40A and the other end is connected to the upper end of the rear plate laminate 60, the pipe length of the intermediate pipe 71 can be shortened.

[0190] Alternatively, the indoor expansion valve 37 can be connected to the intermediate pipe 71 of Modified Example 2 in the same manner as the above embodiment.

[0191] (6-3) Variation Example 3

[0192] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the heat exchanger unit U of the modified example 3 shown, similarly to the embodiment described above, the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B are arranged in the second direction, i.e., the front-to-back direction. The front plate laminate 50 overlaps with the front heat exchange section 40A in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42, and the rear plate laminate 60 overlaps with the rear heat exchange section 40B in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42.

[0193] One end of the intermediate pipe 71, which serves as the third refrigerant pipe, is connected to the heat transfer pipe 42 (second heat transfer pipe 42b) of the rear heat exchange section 40B. In this example, the intermediate pipe 71 is fitted onto the second heat transfer pipe 42b. Alternatively, the intermediate pipe 71 may be inserted into the second heat transfer pipe 42b. Similar to the embodiment described above, a flared portion 48 may be provided on the second heat transfer pipe 42b. The second heat transfer pipe 42b is located at the upper end of the rear heat exchange section 40B and near the front end.

[0194] The other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the front intermediate connecting part 54, which serves as the fourth connecting part. The front intermediate connecting part 54 is provided on the front first surface 52a of the front plate laminate 50. Specifically, the front intermediate connecting part 54 is provided at the upper end of the first outer edge 82a of the front first surface 52a.

[0195] The intermediate pipe 71 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate laminates 50 and 60. This structure shortens the internal space S of the heat transfer tube 42 axially. Since one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the upper end of the rear heat exchange section 40B and the other end is connected to the upper end of the front plate laminate 50, the pipe length of the intermediate pipe 71 can be shortened.

[0196] Alternatively, the indoor expansion valve 37 can be connected to the intermediate pipe 71 of the modified example 3 in the same manner as the above embodiment.

[0197] (6-4) Variation Example 4

[0198] exist Figures 15-17 In the heat exchanger unit U of the modified example 4 shown, one end of the intermediate pipe 71, which serves as a pipe, is connected to the front heat exchange section 40A, and the other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the rear heat exchange section 40B. Specifically, one end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the heat transfer pipe 42 (third heat transfer pipe 42c) of the front heat exchange section 40A. Figure 17As shown, the third heat transfer tube 42c is located in the third portion 41c of the front heat exchange section 40A. The third portion 41c is the part that does not overlap with the front plate laminate 50 when viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42. In other words, when viewed from the right side of the front plate laminate 50, the third portion 41c is exposed to the internal space S. The third portion 41c is located at the upper end and rear end of the rear heat exchange section 40B.

[0199] The other end of the intermediate pipe 71 is connected to the heat transfer pipe 42 (fourth heat transfer pipe 42d) of the rear heat exchange section 40B. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the fourth heat transfer tube 42d is located in the fourth portion 41d of the rear heat exchange section 40B. The fourth portion 41d is the part that does not overlap with the rear plate laminate 60 when viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42. In other words, when viewed from the right side of the rear plate laminate 60, the fourth portion 41d is exposed to the internal space S. The fourth portion 41d is located at the upper end and rear end of the rear heat exchange section 40B. The fourth portion 41d is also located at the upper end and front end of the rear heat exchange section 40B.

[0200] Similar to the embodiment described above, the intermediate conduit 71 has a first internal conduit 71a and a second internal conduit 71b. An indoor expansion valve 37 is connected between the first internal conduit 71a and the second internal conduit 71b. Viewed axially from the heat transfer pipe 42, the first internal conduit 71a and the second internal conduit 71b are located between the front side plate laminate 50 and the rear side plate laminate 60. Viewed axially from the heat transfer pipe 42, the indoor expansion valve 37 is located between the front side plate laminate 50 and the rear side plate laminate 60. With this structure, sufficient space can be ensured between the front side plate laminate 50 and the rear side plate laminate 60 for the arrangement of the indoor expansion valve 37 and the intermediate conduit 71.

[0201] like Figure 16 As shown, when viewed from the second direction (here, the vertical direction), the indoor expansion valve 37 is located closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b of the plate stack 50 and 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the axial expansion of the heat exchanger unit U due to the arrangement of the indoor expansion valve 37.

[0202] In variation 4, the intermediate pipe 71 may be positioned closer to the heat exchanger body B than the second surfaces 52b and 62b. A portion of the intermediate pipe 71 may also extend from the second surfaces 52b and 62b to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B.

[0203] (6-5) Variation Example 5

[0204] exist Figure 18In the heat exchanger unit U of the modified example 5 shown, when viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, the liquid relay tube 72, which serves as a refrigerant pipe, is arranged on the side opposite to the rear heat exchange section 40B, sandwiching the front heat exchange section 40A. Specifically, a portion of the liquid relay tube 72 is located in front of the front heat exchange section 40A.

[0205] One end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to the front side plate laminate 50. The other end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to the second connecting pipe 13, which serves as a liquid connection pipe, outside the housing 31. One end of the liquid relay pipe 72 is connected to the liquid-side connection portion 55. The liquid-side connection portion 55 is provided on the front first surface 52a of the front side plate laminate 50. Specifically, the liquid-side connection portion 55 is provided in the front second region 82 (strictly speaking, the first outer edge 82a) of the front first surface 52a. After extending from the liquid-side connection portion 55 to a position further forward than the front heat exchange section 40A, the liquid relay pipe 72 bends to the left, extending parallel to the heat transfer pipe 42.

[0206] In this manner, when viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, the liquid relay tube 72 is arranged on the side opposite to the rear heat exchange section 40B, sandwiching the front heat exchange section 40A. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid relay tube 72 from extending from the second surfaces 52b and 62b to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B. As a result, the internal space S in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened.

[0207] When viewed from the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe 42, the intermediate pipe 71, the valve connected to the intermediate pipe 71 (e.g., the indoor expansion valve 37), and the gas relay pipe 73 can also be arranged on the side opposite to the front heat exchange section 40A and the rear heat exchange section 40B.

[0208] In the heat exchanger unit U of Modified Example 5, when viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, the gas relay tube 73, which serves as a refrigerant pipe, is arranged on the side opposite to the front heat exchange section 40A, sandwiching the rear heat exchange section 40B. Specifically, a portion of the gas relay tube 73 is located behind the rear heat exchange section 40B.

[0209] One end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected to the rear side plate laminate 60. The other end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected to the first connecting pipe 12, which serves as a gas connection pipe, outside the housing 31. One end of the gas relay pipe 73 is connected to the gas-side connection portion 65. The gas-side connection portion 65 is provided on the rear first surface 62a of the rear side plate laminate 60. Specifically, the gas-side connection portion 65 is provided in the rear second region 84 (strictly speaking, the fourth outer edge 84b) of the rear first surface 62a. After extending from the gas-side connection portion 65 to a position further rearward than the rear heat exchange section 40B, the gas relay pipe 73 bends to the left and extends parallel to the heat transfer pipe 42.

[0210] In this way, when viewed axially from the heat transfer tube 42, the gas relay tube 73 is arranged on the side opposite to the front heat exchange section 40A, sandwiching the rear heat exchange section 40B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gas relay tube 73 from extending from the second surfaces 52b and 62b to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body B. As a result, the internal space S in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube 42 can be shortened.

[0211] When viewed from the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe 42, the intermediate pipe 71, the valve connected to the intermediate pipe 71 (e.g., the indoor expansion valve 37), and the liquid relay pipe 72 can also be arranged on the side opposite to the rear heat exchange section 40B and the front heat exchange section 40A.

[0212] (6-6) Variation Example 6

[0213] Modification 6, based on the above embodiments and various modifications, involves refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73, different from the heat transfer pipe 42, connecting to the third surfaces 52c and 62c of the plate stacks 50 and 60. For example... Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, a connecting component 90 serving as a pipe-side connection is provided on the third surface 52c of the front side of the front side plate laminate 50.

[0214] Notches 91 are formed at the ends of the second front side plate FP2, the third front side plate FP3, and the fourth front side plate FP4, which serve as intermediate plates. Notches 91 form recesses that are recessed inward from the end face of the third front surface 52c. Viewed from the stacking direction of the front side plate stack 50, notches 91 are rectangular. The notches 91 of the second front side plate FP2, the third front side plate FP3, and the fourth front side plate FP4 overlap in the stacking direction, thereby forming a storage space 92 for accommodating the connecting member 90. The connecting member 90 and the storage space 92 are formed in a cuboid shape. The connecting member 90 is disposed inside the front side plate stack 50 in a manner that spans across the second front side plate FP2, the third front side plate FP3, and the fourth front side plate FP4.

[0215] An insertion hole 93 is formed on the connecting member 90 for inserting refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73. The insertion hole 93 is cylindrical. With the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 inserted into the insertion hole 93, the connecting member 90 engages with the refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73. The refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 communicate with the first refrigerant flow path 51 inside the front panel laminate 50. The above structure can also be applied to the rear panel laminate 60. The refrigerant pipes 71, 72, and 73 include the intermediate pipe 71, liquid relay pipe 72, and gas relay pipe 73 described in the above embodiments and variations.

[0216] (7) Other implementation methods

[0217] The refrigeration cycle device 10 can be any device that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, and is not limited to an air conditioning device. The refrigeration cycle device can be a cooling device that cools the interior of a refrigerator, cold storage warehouse, etc., or a cooler that cools or heats a heat medium such as water, or a heat pump water heater that heats water to generate hot water.

[0218] The air conditioning unit 10 may not be a single-split unit, but may be a multi-split unit.

[0219] The indoor unit 30 can be either ceiling-mounted or floor-standing.

[0220] The arrangement direction of the first heat exchange section 40A and the second heat exchange section 40B is not limited to the front-to-back direction; for example, it can also be the up-down direction.

[0221] The valve connected to the refrigerant pipeline (intermediate pipeline 71) may not be an expansion valve, but may be a solenoid valve, check valve, three-way valve, four-way directional valve, shut-off valve, etc.

[0222] Plate structures may not be laminates of multiple plates, but rather composed of single plates. In this case, plate structures are made by sintering metal powder using a 3D printer.

[0223] The heat transfer tube side connection can also be a hole for inserting the heat transfer tube.

[0224] The pipe-side connection can also be a hole for inserting refrigerant pipes.

[0225] The heat exchanger unit U can also be applied to the outdoor heat exchanger 22 of the outdoor unit 20.

[0226] The indoor heat exchanger 40 may not be a finned tube heat exchanger; for example, it may be a corrugated heat exchanger with corrugated fins arranged between adjacent heat transfer tubes.

[0227] The heat exchanger body B can also be structured with only one heat exchange section instead of a front heat exchange section 40A and a rear heat exchange section 40B. In this case, the intermediate pipe 71 and the indoor expansion valve 37 of the heat exchanger unit U are omitted.

[0228] The heat transfer tubes 42 and fins 41 of the heat exchanger body B can also be made of copper. In this case, it is preferable that the plate structure and the refrigerant pipes connected to the plate structure are made of copper. The plate structure and the refrigerant pipes connected to the plate structure can also be made of stainless steel.

[0229] The above describes the embodiments and variations, but it is clear that various changes can be made to the scheme and specific circumstances without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Elements of the above embodiments, variations, and other embodiments can also be appropriately combined or substituted.

[0230] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., mentioned above are used to distinguish statements marked with these terms, and are not used to limit the number or order of the statements.

[0231] -Industry Applicability-

[0232] In summary, this disclosure is useful for heat exchanger units, indoor air conditioning units, and refrigeration cycle devices.

[0233] - Symbol Explanation -

[0234] 10. Air conditioning unit (refrigeration cycle unit)

[0235] 11 Refrigerant Circuit

[0236] 12 First connecting pipe (connecting pipe)

[0237] 13 Second connecting pipe (connecting pipe)

[0238] 31. Chassis

[0239] 37. Indoor expansion valve (valve)

[0240] 38 Electrical Component Units

[0241] 40A Front heat exchange section (first heat exchange section)

[0242] 40B Rear heat exchange section (second heat exchange section)

[0243] 41 Fins

[0244] 42 heat transfer tubes

[0245] 50 Front side plate laminate (first plate structure)

[0246] 51 First refrigerant flow path (refrigerant flow path)

[0247] 52a Front side first surface (first surface)

[0248] 52b Front Second Side (Second Side)

[0249] 52c Front third side (third side)

[0250] 53 Front connection part (heat transfer pipe side connection part)

[0251] 54 Front middle connection part (pipe-side connection part, first connection part, fourth connection part)

[0252] 55 Liquid-side connection (fifth connection)

[0253] 60 Rear side plate laminate (second plate structure)

[0254] 62a Rear side first surface (first surface)

[0255] 62b Rear second side (second side)

[0256] 62c Rear third side (third side)

[0257] 63 Rear connection (heat transfer tube side connection)

[0258] 64 Rear intermediate connection part (pipe-side connection part, second connection part, third connection part)

[0259] 65. Air-side connection (fifth connection)

[0260] 71 Intermediate piping (refrigerant piping, first refrigerant piping, second refrigerant piping, third refrigerant piping, piping)

[0261] 72 Liquid relay pipe (refrigerant pipeline, fourth refrigerant pipeline)

[0262] 73 Gas relay pipe (refrigerant pipeline, fourth refrigerant pipeline)

[0263] 81 Front First Area (First Area)

[0264] 82. Front Second Region (Second Region)

[0265] 83 Rear side first area (first area)

[0266] 84 Rear Second Region (Second Region)

[0267] B. Heat exchanger body

[0268] U heat exchanger unit

Claims

1. A heat exchanger unit, characterized in that: The heat exchanger unit includes a heat exchanger body (B), plate structures (50, 60), and refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73). The heat exchanger body (B) has fins (41) and heat transfer tubes (42). The plate structures (50, 60) are arranged to overlap with the heat exchanger body (B) in the axial direction (first direction) of the heat transfer tube (42), and a refrigerant flow path (51, 61) communicating with the heat transfer tube (42) is formed inside the plate structures (50, 60). The refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are different from the heat transfer pipes (42) that are connected to the refrigerant flow paths (51, 61). The plate structure (50, 60) has a first surface (52a, 62a), a second surface (52b, 62b), and a third surface (52c, 62c). The first surface (52a, 62a) is the surface on the side of the heat exchanger body (B) in the first direction. The second surface (52b, 62b) is the surface on the side opposite to the first surface (52a, 62a) in the first direction. The third surface (52c, 62c) is a circumferential surface extending between the first surface (52a, 62a) and the second surface (52b, 62b). A heat transfer tube side connection portion (53, 63) is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) to be connected to the heat transfer tube (42). A pipe-side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) to connect with the refrigerant pipe (71, 72, 73).

2. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second face (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

3. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchanger unit includes pipes (71) and valves (37). The pipe (71) is connected to the refrigerant flow path (51, 61). The valve (37) is connected to the pipe (71). When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

4. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) that overlaps with the first heat exchange section (40A) in the first direction, and a second plate structure (60) that overlaps with the second heat exchange section (40B) in the first direction. The refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) include a first refrigerant pipe (71) connected to the first plate structure (50) and the second plate structure (60). The pipe-side connection parts (54, 55, 64, 65) include a first connection part (54) and a second connection part (64). The first connecting part (54) is disposed on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the first plate structure (50), and the first connecting part (54) is connected to one end of the first refrigerant pipe (71). The second connecting part (64) is disposed on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the second plate structure (60), and the second connecting part (64) is connected to the other end of the first refrigerant pipe (71).

5. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) that overlaps with the first heat exchange section (40A) in the first direction, and a second plate structure (60) that overlaps with the second heat exchange section (40B) in the first direction. The refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) include a second refrigerant pipe (71) that connects the heat transfer pipe (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second plate structure (60). The pipe-side connection (54, 55, 64, 65) includes a third connection (64). The third connecting part (64) is disposed on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the second plate structure (60), and the third connecting part (64) is connected to the second refrigerant pipe (71).

6. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) that overlaps with the first heat exchange section (40A) in the first direction, and a second plate structure (60) that overlaps with the second heat exchange section (40B) in the first direction. The refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) include a third refrigerant pipe (71) that connects the heat transfer pipe (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B) and the first plate structure (50). The pipe-side connection (54, 55, 64, 65) includes a fourth connection (54), which is disposed on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the first plate structure (50) and is connected to the third refrigerant pipe (71).

7. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) include a fourth refrigerant pipe (72, 73) connected to the connecting pipes (12, 13) of the refrigeration cycle device (10). The pipe-side connection (54, 55, 64, 65) includes a fifth connection (55, 65), which is disposed on the first or third surface (52c, 62c) of the plate structure (50, 60) and connected to the fourth refrigerant pipe (72, 73).

8. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. When viewed from the first direction, the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are arranged between the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second heat exchange section (40B).

9. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. When viewed from the first direction, the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are arranged on the side opposite to the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second heat exchange section (40B), or on the side opposite to the second heat exchange section (40B) and the first heat exchange section (40A).

10. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The ends of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) and the pipe-side connections (54, 55, 64, 65) connected to the ends of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are made of the same metal material.

11. The heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: When viewed from the first direction, a first region (81, 83) overlapping the heat exchanger body (B) and a second region (82, 84) located outside the first region (81, 83) are formed on the first surface (52a, 62a). The heat transfer tube side connection portions (53, 63) are arranged in the first region (81, 83). The pipe-side connection portions (54, 55, 64, 65) are arranged in the second region (82, 84).

12. A heat exchanger unit, characterized in that: The heat exchanger unit includes a heat exchanger body (B), plate structures (50, 60), pipes (71), and valves (37). The heat exchanger body (B) has fins (41) and heat transfer tubes (42). The plate structures (50, 60) are arranged to overlap with the heat exchanger body (B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42), i.e., in the first direction, and a refrigerant flow path (51, 61) communicating with the heat transfer tube (42) is formed inside the plate structures (50, 60). The pipe (71) is connected to the refrigerant flow path (51, 61). The valve (37) is connected to the pipe (71). The plate structure (50, 60) has a first surface (52a, 62a), a second surface (52b, 62b), and a third surface (52c, 62c). The first surface (52a, 62a) is the surface on the side of the heat exchanger body (B) in the first direction. The second surface (52b, 62b) is the surface on the side opposite to the first surface (52a, 62a) in the first direction. The third surface (52c, 62c) is a circumferential surface extending between the first surface (52a, 62a) and the second surface (52b, 62b). When viewed from a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

13. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that: The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes the heat exchanger unit (U) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, and a housing (31). The housing (31) houses the heat exchanger unit (U).

14. The indoor unit of the air conditioner according to claim 13, characterized in that: The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an electrical component unit (38). The electrical component unit (38) is arranged inside the housing (31) at a position opposite to the heat exchanger body (B) in the first direction, relative to the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

15. A refrigeration cycle device, characterized in that: The refrigeration cycle device includes a refrigerant circuit (11) in which a heat exchanger unit (U) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is connected.

Images