Indoor heat exchanger and air conditioner indoor unit

Abstract

A plate laminate (50, 60) of an indoor heat exchanger has a first plate section (50A, 60A) disposed adjacent to a heat exchange section (B) in a first direction, and a second plate section (50B, 60B) having one or more plates (52, 62), the second plate section (50B, 60B) being disposed on a surface on the opposite side of a surface of the first plate section (50A, 60A) facing the heat exchange section (B), the first plate section (50A, 60A) being disposed adjacent to the heat exchange section (B) in the first direction, and the second plate section (50B, 60B) being disposed on the opposite side of a surface of the first plate section (50A, 60A) facing the heat exchange section (B). A step portion (X) is formed on a peripheral edge portion of a first surface (501, 601) of the plate laminated body (50, 60), the first surface (501, 601) facing the heat exchange portion (B), and the step portion (X) is formed by a first plate portion (50A, 60A) and a second plate portion (50B, 60B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor air conditioning unit. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a stacked manifold connected to a heat exchanger. Grooves are formed in each plate constituting the stacked manifold. By stacking multiple grooved plates, a refrigerant flow path with grooves formed inside the stacked manifold is formed.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2014 / 184917 Summary of the Invention

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

[0007] The plates that make up the laminate are all formed into the same shape. The shape and position of the grooves formed on the plates vary depending on the structure of the refrigerant flow path. Therefore, the area of ​​the region without grooves varies depending on the plate. Since the region without grooves is not used, if this region is large, the corresponding space inside the air conditioner cannot be effectively utilized.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an indoor heat exchanger having a plate-laminated composite that can effectively utilize the space inside an air conditioner.

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

[0010] The first aspect is an indoor heat exchanger.

[0011] The indoor heat exchanger includes a heat exchange section B and plate stacks 50 and 60. The heat exchange section B includes multiple fins 41 and multiple heat transfer tubes 42 penetrating the multiple fins 41. The plate stacks 50 and 60 are provided with flow paths 51 and 61 that communicate with the heat transfer tube 42. The plate stacks 50 and 60 have a plurality of plates 52 and 62 stacked in the first direction in which the heat transfer tube 42 extends. The plate stacks 50 and 60 are arranged adjacent to the heat exchange section B on the first direction side. The plate stacks 50 and 60 have first plate portions 50A and 60A and second plate portions 50B and 60B, wherein the first plate portions 50A and 60A have one or more of the plates 52 and 62. The second plate portions 50B and 60B have one or more plates 52 and 62 whose shapes are different from those of the first plate portions 50A and 60A, and the second plate portions 50B and 60B are arranged on the opposite side of the surface of the first plate portions 50A and 60A that is opposite to the surface of the heat exchange section B. A stepped portion X is formed on the periphery of the first surfaces 501 and 601 of the plate stacks 50 and 60 that are opposite to the heat exchange section B. The stepped portion X is formed by the first plate portions 50A and 60A and the second plate portions 50B and 60B.

[0012] In the first aspect, by providing a step portion X on the laminated plates 50 and 60, a space can be formed at a position opposite to the step portion X. By arranging prescribed components or the like within this space, the space can be effectively utilized.

[0013] The second aspect is based on the first aspect. The plate stacks 50 and 60 are composed of three or more of the plates 52 and 62. In the plate stacks 50 and 60, the plates 52 and 62 of the first plate portions 50A and 60A that are closest to the heat exchange section B are designated as first end plates 521 and 621. The plates 52 and 62 of the second plate portions 50B and 60B, which are furthest from the heat exchange section B in the plate stacks 50 and 60, are designated as the second end plates 525 and 625. When the plates 52 and 62 arranged between the first end plates 521 and 621 and the second end plates 525 and 625 in the plate stacks 50 and 60 are designated as intermediate plates 522-524 and 622-624 respectively. The flow paths 51 and 61 are formed to pass through the intermediate plates 522-524 and 622-624, respectively. The thickness of the intermediate plates 522-524 and 622-624 is greater than that of the first end plates 521 and 621 and the second end plates 525 and 625.

[0014] In the second aspect, by making the thickness of the plates 52 and 62 arranged in the center of the plate stack 50 and 60 greater than the thickness of the plates 52 and 62 arranged at both ends, the cross-sectional area or inner diameter of the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 formed within the plate stack 50 and 60 can be increased. This can suppress the increase in pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61.

[0015] The third aspect is based on the first or second aspect. At least a portion of the first surfaces 501 and 601 of the plate laminates 50 and 60 and the second surfaces 502 and 602 located on the opposite side of the first surfaces 501 and 601 are subjected to anti-corrosion processing.

[0016] In the third aspect, in cases where the two sides of the laminate 50 and 60 may be subject to electro-corrosion due to condensation, corrosion-resistant processing can be used to suppress such electro-corrosion.

[0017] The fourth aspect is based on any one of the first to third aspects, When the plate stack 50 and 60 are viewed from the opposite side of the first direction, the area of ​​the portion of the second plate portion 50B and 60B that does not overlap with the first plate portion 50A and 60A is smaller than the area of ​​the portion of the second plate portion 50B and 60B that overlaps with the first plate portion 50A and 60A.

[0018] In the plate stacks 50 and 60, the overlapping portions of the first plate portions 50A and 60A and the second plate portions 50B and 60B are thicker than the individual portions of the first plate portions 50A and 60A, thus allowing for a greater number of flow paths 51 and 61. This increases the refrigerant flow path in the heat transfer pipes 42 of the heat exchange section B, thereby promoting heat exchange. In the fourth aspect, by making the overlapping portions of the first plate portions 50A and 60A and the second plate portions 50B and 60B larger than the individual portions of the first plate portions 50A and 60A, the number of flow paths within the plate stacks 50 and 60 can be sufficiently ensured, thereby promoting heat exchange between air and refrigerant by the indoor heat exchanger.

[0019] The fifth aspect is based on any one of the first to fourth aspects. The flow paths 51 and 61 have a first flow path 51A and a second flow path 51B. The first flow path 51A is disposed in the first board portions 50A and 60A. The second flow path 51B is provided across the first plate portions 50A and 60A and the second plate portions 50B and 60B. The second flow path 51B is formed to intersect with the first flow path 51A.

[0020] In the fifth aspect, in the portions of the plate stacks 50 and 60 where flow paths 51 and 61 do not intersect, flow paths 51 and 61 are only provided in the first plate portions 50A and 60A. In such portions, second plate portions 50B and 60B are not required, thus allowing for the provision of a stepped portion X. This effectively utilizes the space formed by the stepped portion X.

[0021] The sixth aspect is based on any one of the first to fifth aspects. A U-shaped connecting pipe 400 is provided in the heat exchange section B. The connecting pipe 400 is arranged between the heat exchange section B and the plate stack 50, 60 and connects the two heat transfer pipes 42 to each other. The connecting pipe 400 is positioned opposite the stepped portion X when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction.

[0022] The gap between the heat exchange section B and the plate stack 50, 60 needs to be set to a size that allows for the arrangement of the U-shaped connecting pipe 400. In the sixth aspect, since the connecting pipe 400 is placed in the space formed by the stepped section X, the gap between the heat exchange section B and the plate stack 50, 60 can be made smaller. As a result, the indoor heat exchanger can be made more compact.

[0023] The seventh aspect builds upon the sixth aspect. The indoor heat exchanger also includes a detection unit 70, which detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer tube 42. The detection unit 70 is disposed on the connecting pipe 400.

[0024] In the seventh aspect, the space formed by the step section X can be effectively utilized to set up the detection section 70.

[0025] The eighth aspect is based on the sixth or seventh aspect. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant in the superheated area flows in the connecting pipe 400. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as a heat exchanger, the refrigerant in the subcooled area flows in the connecting pipe 400.

[0026] The refrigerant temperature is relatively high in the superheated region and relatively low in the subcooled region. Therefore, if other flow paths exist near the refrigerant flow path through the superheated or subcooled region, the refrigerant flowing through these other flow paths will exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing through the superheated or subcooled region. In contrast, in the eighth aspect, by having the refrigerant in the superheated or subcooled region flow through the connecting pipe 400, heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing in the flow paths within the plate stacks 50 and 60 can be suppressed.

[0027] The ninth aspect is an indoor air conditioning unit, said indoor air conditioning unit comprising an indoor heat exchanger as described in any of the first to eighth aspects, and a gas pipe 12a. The gas pipe 12a delivers the compressed refrigerant gas to the indoor heat exchanger 40. The gas pipe 12a is connected to the flow paths 51 and 61 formed in the overlapping portions of the first plate portions 50A and 60 and the second plate portions 50B and 60B of the plate stack 50 and 60.

[0028] In the ninth aspect, among the flow paths 51 and 61 extending in the stacking direction of plates 52 and 62, the flow paths 51 and 61 extending in the stacking direction of the first plate portions 50A and 60A and the second plate portions 50B and 60B are relatively long. Therefore, by allowing the compressed gaseous refrigerant to flow in such flow paths 51 and 61, pressure loss of the gaseous refrigerant passing through the flow paths 51 and 61 can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a piping system diagram of the air conditioning unit involved in the implementation method.

[0030] Figure 2 This is the front view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a magnified 3D view showing the main parts of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the laminated plate structure viewed from the left.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the refrigerant flow path of the plate laminate.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the front panel laminate viewed from the front.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the front side plate stack used to illustrate the structure of the first flow path.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the front side plate stack used to illustrate the structure of the second flow path.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the intersection of the first flow path and the second flow path when the plate laminate is viewed from the first direction (right direction).

[0040] Figure 12 (a) is a perspective view and a top view showing the temperature sensor mounted on the U-shaped connecting pipe. Figure 12(b) is a top view showing the temperature sensor mounted on the U-shaped connecting pipe.

[0041] Figure 13 The indoor heat exchanger involved in Modification 1 is equivalent to Figure 8 A schematic diagram.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the main part of the indoor heat exchanger involved in Modified Example 2 as viewed from above. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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.

[0044] (1) Overall structure of the air conditioning unit

[0045] This embodiment is an air conditioning unit 10 that includes a heat exchanger unit. The air conditioning unit 10 regulates the temperature of the air in the indoor space I, which is the target space.

[0046] like Figure 1 As 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The outdoor unit 20 of the air conditioner 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.

[0049] 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 1The system switches between states (shown by dashed lines). In the first state, the four-way reversing valve 24 connects the discharge portion of the compressor 21 to the air-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 22, and connects the suction portion of the compressor 21 to the first connecting pipe 12. In the second state, the four-way reversing valve 24 connects the discharge portion of the compressor 21 to the first connecting pipe 12, and connects the suction portion of the compressor 21 to the air-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 22. The outdoor fan 25 delivers air flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 22. The outdoor fan 25 is a propeller fan.

[0050] The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner includes a casing 31, an indoor heat exchanger 40 housed in the casing 31, an indoor fan 32, and an indoor expansion valve 37.

[0051] (2) Indoor unit of air conditioner

[0052] Reference Figures 2-4 The details of the air conditioner indoor unit 30, which is the indoor unit of the air conditioner, will be described below. The air conditioner 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 statements related to "up," "down," "right," "left," "front," and "back" in the following description correspond to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The arrows shown indicate left and right directions based on the view of the casing 31 from the front.

[0053] (2-1) Casing

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 31 is formed into a box shape with a relatively long horizontal length. 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.

[0055] 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 surface of the housing 31. A second side plate 31f is formed on the left side of the housing 31, constituting the left surface of the housing 31.

[0056] 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 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.

[0057] (2-2) Filter

[0058] The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 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 of the air conditioner may also include a dust removal mechanism that removes the dust captured by the filter 35.

[0059] (2-3) Heat exchanger unit

[0060] The heat exchanger unit U includes an indoor heat exchanger 40 and an indoor expansion valve 37. The indoor heat exchanger 40 includes a heat exchanger body B and two plate stacks 50 and 60. The heat exchanger body B of the indoor heat exchanger 40 is arranged to cross the air passage P. The air passage P is divided into an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the heat exchanger body B.

[0061] (2-4) Indoor fan

[0062] 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.

[0063] (2-5) Air guide plate

[0064] The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner has an air guide vane 36 that adjusts the direction of airflow from the outlet 34. The air guide vane 36 adjusts the vertical airflow. The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner may also have multiple air guide vanes 36. The air guide vane 36 may also be an air guide vane that adjusts the horizontal airflow.

[0065] (3) Heat exchanger unit

[0066] As described above, the heat exchanger unit U includes an indoor heat exchanger 40, an indoor expansion valve 37, a gas relay pipe 12a, and a liquid relay pipe 13a.

[0067] (3-1) Indoor heat exchanger

[0068] Figures 3-5 The indoor heat exchanger 40 shown includes a heat exchanger body B and plate stacks 50 and 60 connected to the heat exchanger body B. The indoor heat exchanger 40 is a finned-tube heat exchanger with fins 41 and heat transfer tubes 42. The indoor heat exchanger 40 allows air to exchange heat with refrigerant.

[0069] The heat exchanger body B is an example of the heat exchange section B. The heat exchanger body B includes multiple fins 41 and multiple heat transfer tubes 42 penetrating the multiple fins 41. The multiple fins 41 are arranged along the length of the housing 31. The multiple heat transfer tubes 42 extend along the arrangement direction of the fins 41. Refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61, communicating with the heat transfer tubes 42, are provided inside the plate stacks 50 and 60. The refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 are examples of flow paths 51 and 61.

[0070] The fin 41 is a rectangular plate with a long side and a short side. The thickness direction of the fin 41 corresponds to the arrangement direction of the fins 41. Multiple fins 41 are arranged at predetermined intervals in their thickness direction. These intervals form the airflow path. The fin 41 is made of aluminum alloy.

[0071] The heat transfer tube 42 is a straight tube. Multiple heat transfer tubes 42 are made of aluminum alloy. A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the heat transfer tube 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 rightmost fin 41 among the multiple fins 41. The end of the heat transfer tube protruding to the right is connected to the plate stacks 50 and 60.

[0072] The ends of two adjacent heat transfer tubes 42 on the left side are connected to each other by a U-shaped tube 48. The two adjacent heat transfer tubes 42 and the U-shaped tube 48 connecting them are seamlessly integrated into one unit.

[0073] The indoor heat exchanger 40 of this embodiment has a front heat exchange section 40A and a rear heat exchange section 40B. 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 a direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe 42, i.e., the front-to-back direction, with the indoor fan 32 sandwiched between them.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The front main heat exchange section 43 is located near the indoor fan 32 of the front heat exchange section 40A. When viewed along the length of the heat transfer pipe 42, the front main heat exchange section 43 is V-shaped. The apex of the V points forward.

[0076] The front main heat exchange section 43 is composed of a first front main heat exchange section 43a and a second front main heat exchange section 43b. The first front main heat exchange section 43a is located at the upper part of the front main heat exchange section 43, and the second front main heat exchange section 43b is located at the lower part of the front main heat exchange section 43. The lower end of the first front main heat exchange section 43a, that is, the short side of the lower side of the fin 41, is in contact with the long side (strictly speaking, the upper part of the long side of the fin 41) of the second front main heat exchange section 43b.

[0077] The first auxiliary heat exchange section 44 is provided on the inflow side (front side) of the first front main heat exchange section 43a. The number of heat transfer tubes 42 in the long side direction of the first auxiliary heat exchange section 44 (hereinafter referred to as the number of layers of heat transfer tubes 42) is less than the number of layers of heat transfer tubes 42 in the first front main heat exchange section 43a. The number of heat transfer tubes 42 in the short side direction of the first auxiliary heat exchange section 44 (hereinafter referred to as the number of rows of heat transfer tubes 42) is less than the number of rows of heat transfer tubes 42 in the first front main heat exchange section 43a.

[0078] The second auxiliary heat exchange section 45 is located on the inflow side (front side) of the second front main heat exchange section 43b. The number of layers and columns of heat transfer tubes 42 in the second auxiliary heat exchange section 45 is less than the number of layers and columns of heat transfer tubes 42 in the second front main heat exchange section 43b.

[0079] 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 near the indoor fan 32 in the rear heat exchange section 40B. 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.

[0080] The plate stacks 50 and 60 are arranged adjacent to the heat exchanger body B on the right side. "Right side" is an example of the first direction. Specifically, the plate stacks 50 and 60 are arranged parallel to the fins 41 on the right side of the right end of the plurality of fins 41. The plate stacks 50 and 60 are connected to the ends of the heat transfer tubes 42. Figure 5As 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. Details regarding the front plate stack 50 and the rear plate stack 60 will be described later.

[0081] (3-2) Indoor expansion valve, gas relay pipe, liquid relay pipe

[0082] The indoor expansion valve 37 is an electronic expansion valve with variable opening. The indoor expansion valve 37 is located on the right side of the laminates 50 and 60. The indoor expansion valve 37 is connected to the front laminate 50 via a first internal conduit 38 and to the rear laminate 60 via a second internal conduit 39. The first internal conduit 38 and the second internal conduit 39 are examples of refrigerant conduits connecting the front refrigerant flow path 51 of the front laminate 50 to the rear refrigerant flow path 61 of the rear laminate 60.

[0083] (4) Laminated laminate

[0084] Gas relay pipe 12a delivers the refrigerant gas compressed by compressor 21 to indoor heat exchanger 40. Gas relay pipe 12a is an example of gas pipe 12a. One end of gas relay pipe 12a is connected to rear panel laminate 60. The other end of gas relay pipe 12a is connected to first connecting pipe 12 via a connector. One end of liquid relay pipe 13a is connected to front panel laminate 50. The other end of liquid relay pipe 13a is connected to second connecting pipe 13 via a connector.

[0085] Flow paths 51 and 61, communicating with heat transfer tubes 42, are provided inside the plate stacks 50 and 60. The plate stacks 50 and 60 are configured as multiple plates 52 and 62 stacked to the right. (Refer to the following...) Figures 5 to 14 The details of the plate stacks 50 and 60 in this embodiment will be described.

[0086] (4-1) Front side plate laminate

[0087] The front panel laminate 50 includes a front refrigerant flow path 51, a front connecting pipe 53, a front relay section 54, and a liquid-side end 55. The front refrigerant flow path 51 is formed within the front panel laminate 50. The front connecting pipe 53 connects the plurality of heat transfer pipes 42 of the front heat exchange section 40A to the front refrigerant flow path 51. The front relay section 54 is connected to the first internal pipe 38. The liquid-side end 55 is connected to the second connecting pipe 13 via the liquid relay pipe 13a. Hereinafter, the front panel laminate 50 will be described as the laminates 50 and 60 of this disclosure.

[0088] (4-1-1) First and second board sections

[0089] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the front panel laminate 50 has a front first panel portion 50A and a front second panel portion 50B. The front first panel portion 50A is an example of the first panel portions 50A and 60A of this disclosure. The front second panel portion 50B is an example of the second panel portions 50B and 60B of this disclosure. The front first panel portion 50A has two laminated front panels 52. The front second panel portion 50B has three laminated front panels 52.

[0090] The outer edges of each front plate 52 in the first front plate portion 50A are identical. The three front plates 52 of the first front plate portion 50A, from left to right, are a first plate 521 and a second plate 522. A front connecting pipe 53 extending toward the right end of the heat transfer pipe 42 is connected to the first plate 521. The front connecting pipe 53 forms the front refrigerant flow path 51, which will be described later.

[0091] The outer edges of each front panel 52 of the second front panel 50B are identical. The three front panels 52 of the second front panel 50B are designated as the third panel 523, the fourth panel 524, and the fifth panel 525 from left to right.

[0092] The shapes of the front side plates 521 and 522 of the front first plate portion 50A are different from the shapes of the front side plates 523, 524 and 525 of the front second plate portion 50B. Specifically, the outer edge shape of the front first plate portion 50A is different from the outer edge shape of the front second plate portion 50B.

[0093] The second front plate portion 50B is arranged on the opposite side of the front first plate portion 50A, which is opposite to the heat exchanger body B. Specifically, the second front plate portion 50B is arranged on the right side of the front first plate portion 50A.

[0094] Each front side plate 521-525 is made of the same material as the heat transfer pipe 42 and the front connecting pipe 53. In this embodiment, the front side plates 521-525 of the first front plate portion 50A and the second front plate portion 50B are made of aluminum alloy.

[0095] When viewed from the left, the area of ​​the left side surface of the front plate laminate 50 is smaller than the area of ​​the left side surface of the front second plate 50B. In other words, when viewed from the left, the front plate laminate 50 forms a first region S1 where the front first plate 50A and the front second plate 50B do not overlap, and a second region S2 where the front first plate 50A and the front second plate 50B overlap.

[0096] When viewing the front plate stack 50 from the opposite side (i.e., from the left), the area of ​​the portion of the second front plate 50B that does not overlap with the first front plate 50A is smaller than the area of ​​the portion that overlaps with the first front plate 50A. In other words, the area of ​​the first region S1 is smaller than the area of ​​the second region S2.

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, the front plate laminate 50 has a stepped portion X. The stepped portion X is formed by the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B. The stepped portion X is formed on the periphery of the left side surface 501 of the front plate laminate 50, which is opposite to the heat exchanger body B. The left side surface 501 of the front plate laminate 50 is an example of the first surface 501. In other words, the stepped portion X is formed on the periphery of the left side surface of the front plate laminate 50. In other words, the stepped portion X is the portion where the first region S1 is formed when the front plate laminate 50 is viewed from the left. Specifically, the stepped portion X is formed by the first region S1 and the first peripheral surface P1 of the front first plate portion 50A. The first peripheral surface P1 refers to the portion of the peripheral surface sandwiched between the right side surface and the left side surface of the front first plate portion 50A that is in contact with the first region S1.

[0098] When viewed from the right, the step portion X is formed at the lower part of the front panel laminate 50. Specifically, the step portion X is formed at a position lower than the center of the front panel laminate 50. In other words, in the air conditioning indoor unit 30 of this embodiment, since the intake 33, the front heat exchange section 40A, and the outlet 34 (see reference) are arranged sequentially from top to bottom... Figure 3 Therefore, the step portion X is formed in the front side plate laminate 50, 60 at a position near the blow-out port 34.

[0099] Thus, the first region S1 is formed at the lower part of the front second plate portion 50B. The overlapping portion of the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B on the circumferential surface of the front plate laminate 50 is flush. In other words, when the front plate laminate 50 is viewed from the right, there is no region where the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B do not overlap.

[0100] Furthermore, when viewing the front panel laminate 50 from the left, the first region S1 can be formed at the lower part of the front first panel portion 50A, and the shape of the first region S1 is not limited.

[0101] The front panel laminate 50 is subjected to anti-corrosion processing. Specifically, anti-corrosion processing is performed on the entire surface of the right side surface 502 and the second region S2 of the left side surface 501 in the front panel laminates 50 and 60. In the anti-corrosion processing of this embodiment, an alloy plate with sacrificial anti-corrosion effect is provided on the entire surface of the right side surface 502 and the second region S2 of the left side surface 501 of the front panel laminates 50 and 60. The alloy plate is, for example, composed of a cladding material with aluminum as the core material and a metal with a high zinc content as the cladding material. It should be noted that anti-corrosion processing is not required for the first region S1 and the first peripheral surface P1. This is because the third plate 523 constituting the first region S1 is a thicker intermediate plate 522-524. Similarly, the second plate 522 constituting part of the first peripheral surface P1 is also a thicker intermediate plate 522-524.

[0102] Next, the thickness of each front plate 521 to 525 of the front plate laminate 50 will be described. The front plate 52 of the front first plate portion 50A, which is closest to the heat exchanger body B, in the front plate laminate 50 is designated as the first end plate, and the front plate 52 of the front second plate portion 50B, which is furthest from the heat exchanger body B, is designated as the second end plate. In this embodiment, the first end plate 521 is the first plate 521 located at the left end of the front first plate portion 50A, and the second end plate 525 is the fifth plate 525 located at the right end of the front second plate portion 50B.

[0103] The plates arranged between the first end plate 521 and the second end plate 525 in the front side plate laminate 50 are designated as intermediate plates 522 to 524. In this embodiment, intermediate plates 522 to 524 are the second plate 522, the third plate 523, and the fourth plate 524.

[0104] The thickness of each of the intermediate plates 522 to 524 is greater than that of the first end plate 521 and the second end plate 525. In this embodiment, the thickness of each of the intermediate plates 522 to 524 is 3.0 mm, and the thickness of the first end plate 521 and the second end plate 525 is 1.5 mm.

[0105] (4-1-2) Structure of the refrigerant flow path

[0106] The structure of the front refrigerant flow path 51 of the plate stacks 50 and 60 of this embodiment will be described. The front refrigerant flow path 51 is included in the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 disclosed herein. Hereinafter, an example of the front refrigerant flow path 51 will be described.

[0107] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the front refrigerant flow path 51 has a first flow path 51A disposed within the front first plate portion 50A, and a second flow path 51B disposed across the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B. The first flow path 51A and the second flow path 51B are disposed in the portion where the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B overlap.

[0108] The first flow path 51A consists of two first through holes 71 extending through the thickness of a first plate 521 located at the left end of the front first plate portion 50A, a first groove portion 81 formed in a second plate 522 located in the center, and a third plate 523 located at the right end. One end of the first through hole 71 is connected to one end of the heat transfer tube 42. The other end of the first through hole 71 is connected to the first groove portion 81.

[0109] The first groove 81 is an elongated hole formed along the surface of the first plate 521. One end of the first groove 81 is connected to a first through hole 71, and the other end of the first groove 81 is connected to another first through hole 71. The first groove 81 is blocked from the left and right sides by the first plate 521 located at the left end and the third plate 523 located at the right end.

[0110] The second flow path 51B consists of a second through hole 72 penetrating the front first plate portion 50A in the thickness direction, a second groove 82 formed in the fourth plate 524 located at the left end of the front second plate portion 50B, and a fifth plate 525 located at the right end of the front second plate portion 50B. One end of the second through hole 72 is connected to one end of the heat transfer tube 42. The other end of the second through hole 72 is connected to the second groove 82. The second groove 82 is an elongated hole formed along the surface of the fourth plate 524. One end of the second groove 82 is connected to one second through hole 72, and the other end of the second groove 82 is connected to another second through hole 72. The second groove 82 is blocked from the left and right directions by the third plate 523 and the fifth plate 525.

[0111] exist Figure 11 In the diagram, the first groove 81 is represented by a single-dotted line, and the second groove 82 is represented by a double-dotted line. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the first groove 81 and the second groove 82 are arranged to intersect when the front side plate laminate 50 is viewed from the left. That is, the second flow path 51B intersects with the first flow path 51A. Specifically, the second flow path 51B is formed to cross the first flow path 51A on the right side.

[0112] (4-2) Rear side plate laminate

[0113] like Figures 5-6As shown, the rear panel laminate 60 includes a rear refrigerant flow path 61, multiple rear connecting pipes (not shown), a rear relay section 64, and a gas-side end 65. The rear refrigerant flow path 61 is formed inside the rear panel laminate 60. The multiple rear connecting pipes connect the multiple heat transfer pipes 42 of the rear heat exchange section 40B to the rear refrigerant flow path 61. The rear relay section 64 is connected to the second internal pipe 39. The gas-side end 65 is connected to the first connecting pipe 12 via a gas relay pipe 12a. The rear refrigerant flow path 61 is included in the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 of this disclosure.

[0114] The outer edge shape of the rear panel stack 60, as viewed from the right, and the internal rear refrigerant flow path 61 differ from those of the front panel stack 50. The rear panel stack 60 is a thick plate-shaped component formed by stacking five rear panels 62 of the same shape. The rear panels 62 are stacked to the right.

[0115] The five rear side panels 62 constituting the rear side panel laminate 60 are, from left to right, the sixth panel 621, the seventh panel 622, the eighth panel 623, the ninth panel 624, and the tenth panel 625 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0116] Similar to the front side plate laminates 50 and 60, the sixth plate 621, which is closest to the heat exchange section B, is designated as the first end plate 621, the tenth plate 625, which is furthest from the heat exchange section B, is designated as the second end plate 625, and the seventh to ninth plates 622 to 624, which are arranged between the sixth plate 621 and the tenth plate 625, are designated as intermediate plates 622 to 624. In this case, the thickness of each of the intermediate plates 622 to 624 is greater than the thickness of the sixth plate 621 and the tenth plate 625.

[0117] The rear side panel laminates 50 and 60 are subjected to the same anti-corrosion treatment as the front side panel laminates 50 and 60. Specifically, the aforementioned alloy plates are affixed to the left side 601 and right side 602 of the rear side panel laminate 60. The left side 601 and right side 602 of the rear side panel laminate 60 correspond to the first side 601 and the second side 602 of this disclosure, respectively.

[0118] The rear relay section 64 is a circular tube. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the rear relay section 64 is arranged on the right side of the rear panel laminate 60. That is, in the rear panel laminate 60, the second internal pipe 39 connecting the front refrigerant flow path 51 of the front panel laminate 50 and the rear refrigerant flow path 61 of the rear panel laminate 60 is connected to the right side of the rear panel laminate 60. The gas-side end 65 is a circular pipe. The gas-side end 65 is arranged on the right side of the rear panel laminate 60.

[0119] (4-3) U-shaped connecting pipe

[0120] like Figure 8 As shown, the indoor heat exchanger 40 has a U-shaped connecting pipe 400 arranged between the heat exchanger body B and the front side plate laminate 50. Hereinafter, the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 will be referred to as the U-shaped connecting pipe 400.

[0121] U-shaped connecting pipe 400 is provided on the heat exchanger body B. U-shaped connecting pipe 400 connects adjacent heat transfer pipes 42 to each other. The refrigerant flowing from the heat transfer pipes 42 of the heat exchanger body B into the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 does not pass through the plate stack 50, 60, but flows out to the heat transfer pipes 42 arranged next to it and flows inside the heat exchanger body B.

[0122] The U-shaped connecting tube 400 is positioned opposite to the step portion X when viewed from the right, i.e., when viewed from the left. Specifically, the right end of the U-shaped connecting tube 400 is located inside the space formed by the step portion X. More specifically, the right end of the U-shaped connecting tube 400 is positioned to the right of the left side of the front side plate laminate 50. In other words, in the left-right direction, the right end of the U-shaped connecting tube 400 is positioned at the same position as the left side of the first plate 521, or to the right of that position.

[0123] The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner includes a temperature sensor 70 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant. The temperature sensor 70 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer pipe 42. The temperature sensor 70 is an example of the detection unit 70.

[0124] like Figure 12 (a) ~ Figure 12 As shown in (b), the temperature sensor 70 is disposed on the U-shaped connecting pipe 400, and the indoor heat exchanger 40 includes a mounting portion 90. The mounting portion 90 is a component for mounting the temperature sensor 70 on the U-shaped connecting pipe. The mounting portion 90 has a mounting part 91 for receiving the temperature sensor 70 and a brazing part 92 for mounting the mounting part 91 on the surface of the U-shaped connecting pipe 400. The mounting part 91 is mounted on the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 via the brazing part 92.

[0125] Mounting member 91, for example, has an approximately cylindrical shape and is configured to house a portion of temperature sensor 70 within it. Mounting member 91 is mounted, for example, at a bend in the U-shaped connecting tube 400. Brazing portion 92 is configured, for example, to extend in a straight line. Brazing portion 92 is formed, for example, by supplying brazing filler metal between U-shaped connecting tube 400 and mounting member 91 and heating it using a burner flame.

[0126] A sacrificial layer with a lower potential than the surface of the mounting component 91 is provided on a portion of the surface of the mounting component 91. The sacrificial layer is composed of Zn, Zn alloys, Zn-containing Al alloys, etc., and is formed on the surface of the heat transfer tube 42, for example, by thermal spraying. This sacrificial layer is sacrificed to provide corrosion protection for the mounting component 91, and corrosion of the surface of the mounting component 91 is suppressed for a long time.

[0127] The mounting component 91 and the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 are made of the same type of metal as aluminum, such as A3003. This helps to suppress electro-corrosion of the mounting component 91 and the pipe section.

[0128] (5) Characteristics

[0129] (5-1) Feature 1

[0130] In this embodiment, the front plate stack 50 of the indoor heat exchanger 40 in the plate stacks 50 and 60 is arranged adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger body B on the right (first direction). The front plate stack 50 has a front first plate portion 50A and a front second plate portion 50B. The front first plate portion 50A has two front plates 52, and the front second plate portion 50B has three front plates 52 with different shapes from the front plates 52 of the front first plate portion 50A. The front second plate portion 50B is arranged on the side opposite to the side of the front first plate portion 50A that is opposite to the side of the heat exchanger body B. A step portion X is formed on the periphery of the side of the front plate stack 50 that is opposite to the side of the heat exchanger body B. The step portion X is formed by the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B.

[0131] In this way, by providing a step portion X on the front panel laminate 50, a space can be formed at a position opposite to the step portion X. By utilizing this space by arranging specified components within it, the indoor unit of the air conditioner 30 can be miniaturized.

[0132] (5-2) Feature 2

[0133] In this embodiment, the second plate 522 to the fourth plate 524 of the front plate laminate 50 are thicker than the first plate 521 and the fifth plate 525, and the seventh plate 622 to the ninth plate 624 of the rear plate laminate 60 are thicker than the sixth plate 621 and the tenth plate 625.

[0134] Therefore, by increasing the thickness of the intermediate plates 522-524, the cross-sectional area or inner diameter of the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 formed within the plate stacks 50 and 60 can be increased. This helps to suppress the increase in pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61.

[0135] (5-3) Feature 3

[0136] The surfaces opposite to the heat exchanger body B in the plate laminates 50 and 60 of this embodiment are subjected to anti-corrosion processing. This suppresses electro-corrosion of the right side of the plate laminates 50 and 60 due to condensation, thereby improving the durability of the indoor heat exchanger 40.

[0137] (5-4) Feature 4

[0138] When viewing the front plate stack 50 from the left, the area of ​​the portion of the front second plate portion 50B that does not overlap with the front first plate portion 50A is smaller than the area of ​​the portion that overlaps with the front first plate portion 50A.

[0139] In the front panel laminate 50, the overlapping portion of the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B is thicker than the portion of the front first plate portion 50A alone, thus allowing for a greater number of flow paths 51 and 61. This increases the refrigerant flow rate in the heat transfer pipe 42 of the heat exchange section B, thereby promoting heat exchange. In this embodiment, by making the overlapping area of ​​the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B larger than the area of ​​the front first plate portion 50A alone, the number of flow paths within the front panel laminate 50 is sufficiently ensured, thereby promoting heat exchange between air and refrigerant by the indoor heat exchanger 40.

[0140] (5-5) Feature 5

[0141] The front refrigerant flow path 51 has a first flow path 51A provided in the front first plate portion 50A and a second flow path 51B provided across the front first plate portion 50A and the front second plate portion 50B. The second flow path 51B is formed to intersect with the first flow path 51A.

[0142] By designing the front refrigerant flow path 51 such that the first flow path 51A and the second flow path 51B intersect, the diversity of flow path patterns of the front refrigerant flow path 51 within the front panel laminate 50 can be increased. On the other hand, in the front panel laminate 50, by designating the portion in which only the first flow path 51A is provided and the first flow path 51A and the second flow path 51B do not intersect as a step portion X, a space that can be effectively utilized can be formed. In other words, by providing such a step portion X, unnecessary areas in a front panel 52 where the front refrigerant flow path 51 is not provided can be eliminated.

[0143] (5-6) Feature 6

[0144] In the heat exchanger body B of this embodiment, a U-shaped connecting pipe 400 is provided. The U-shaped connecting pipe 420 is arranged between the heat exchanger body B and the front side plate laminate 50, connecting the two heat transfer pipes 42 to each other. The U-shaped connecting pipe 400 is positioned opposite the step portion X when viewed from the left (opposite to the first direction).

[0145] The gap between the heat exchanger body B and the front side plate laminate 50 needs to be set to a size that allows for the arrangement of the U-shaped connecting pipe 400. In this embodiment, since the connecting pipe 400 is arranged in the space formed by the step portion X, the gap between the heat exchanger body B and the front side plate laminate 50 can be made smaller. As a result, the indoor heat exchanger 40 can be made more compact.

[0146] (5-7) Feature 7

[0147] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor 70 is also included to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer pipe 42. The temperature sensor 70 is disposed on the U-shaped connecting pipe 400. The space formed by the step portion X can be effectively utilized to house the detection unit 70.

[0148] (6) Variations

[0149] The modified air conditioner indoor unit 30 will be described below. Hereinafter, the structure that differs from that of the air conditioner indoor unit 30 in the above embodiment will be described.

[0150] (6-1) Variation Example 1

[0151] like Figure 13 As shown, in the indoor heat exchanger 40 of Modified Example 1, a U-shaped connecting pipe 400 is connected to the front panel laminate 50. Specifically, the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 is arranged in the first region S1 of the front panel laminate 50. Both ends of the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 extend to the right and connect to the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 formed in the front second plate portion 50B. In this way, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 in the front panel laminate 50 flows to the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 of Modified Example 1. By providing a temperature sensor 70 on such a U-shaped connecting pipe 400, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the front panel laminate 50 can be detected.

[0152] (6-2) Variation Example 2

[0153] The rear panel laminate 60 of Modification Example 2 has the same structure as the front panel laminate 50 of the above embodiment. That is, the rear panel laminate 60 has a rear first panel portion 60A and a rear second panel portion 60B. The rear first panel portion 60A and the rear second panel portion 60B are examples of the first panel portions 50A, 60A and the second panel portions 50B, 60B of this disclosure.

[0154] The rear panel laminate 60 is an example of the laminates 50 and 60 disclosed herein. The structures of the rear first panel portion 60A and the rear second panel portion 60B are the same as those of the front first panel portion 50A and the front second panel portion 50B of the front panel laminate 50 described above, and therefore descriptions are omitted. The rear panel laminate 60 has a first region S1 in which the rear second panel portion 60B does not overlap with the rear first panel portion 60A when viewed from the left, and a second region S2 in which the rear second panel portion 60B overlaps with the rear first panel portion 60A.

[0155] In the indoor heat exchanger 40 of Modification 2, a first internal pipe 38 and a second internal pipe 39 are arranged between the heat exchanger body B and the plate laminates 50 and 60. Specifically, the first internal pipe 38 is connected to the left side of the front plate laminate 50. The second internal pipe 39 is connected to the left side of the rear plate laminate 60. In this modification, the front relay section 54 is arranged in the first region S1 of the front plate laminate 50, and the rear relay section 64 is arranged in the first region S1 of the rear plate laminate 60. The first internal pipe 38 extends to the left (heat exchanger body B) from the front relay section 54 and then extends to the rear plate laminate 60. The second internal pipe 39 extends to the left (heat exchanger body B) from the rear relay section 64 and then extends to the front plate laminate 50. Thus, in this modified example, even if the space between the heat exchanger body B and the plate stack 50, 60 is relatively narrow, the space formed by the step portion X can be used to arrange the first internal pipe 38 and the second internal pipe 39.

[0156] (7) Other implementation methods

[0157] The air conditioner indoor unit 30 of the above-described embodiments and modifications can also adopt the following structure.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 40 may also be configured such that, when the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as a heat exchanger, the refrigerant in the subcooled region flows in the U-shaped connecting pipe 400. Since the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 is arranged away from the front side plate laminate 50, heat exchange between the refrigerant in the subcooled region and the refrigerant flowing in the front side plate laminate 50 can be suppressed.

[0159] In the case where the rear plate laminate 60 has a rear first plate portion 60A and a rear second plate portion as described in Modification 2 above, the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 can also be arranged at a position opposite to the step portion X of the rear plate laminate 60. In this case, the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 can be connected to either the rear heat exchanger body B or the rear plate laminate 60. The indoor heat exchanger 40 can also be configured such that, when the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant in the superheated area flows within the indoor heat exchanger 40. For example, the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 is connected to the first connecting pipe 12 via the gas-side end 65. In this way, by directing the refrigerant in the superheated area to the U-shaped connecting pipe 400 located outside the plate laminates 50 and 60, heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 within the plate laminates 50 and 60 and the refrigerant in the superheated area can be suppressed.

[0160] In the case where the rear plate laminate 60 has a rear first plate portion 60A and a rear second plate portion 60B as described in the modified example 2 above, the gas-side end 65 can also be connected to the rear refrigerant flow path 61 formed in the overlapping portion of the rear first plate portion 60A and the rear second plate portion 60B. Specifically, the gas-side end 65 can be arranged in the second region S2. As a result, the refrigerant flowing into the rear plate laminate 60 from the first connecting pipe 12 via the gas relay pipe 12a passes through the relatively long refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 extending in the lamination direction in the rear first plate portion 60A and the rear second plate portion 60B, thus suppressing the pressure loss of the compressed gaseous refrigerant.

[0161] Alternatively, the indoor heat exchanger 40 is arranged in an air passage P that communicates with the inlet 33 and outlet 34 provided on the housing 31. When viewed from the right, the step portion X is formed in the plate stack 50, 60 at a position downstream of the airflow.

[0162] For example, in summer, when the indoor heat exchanger 40 functions as an evaporator, a temperature gradient is formed in the air passage P such that the temperature decreases from the suction port 33 towards the discharge port 34. In such an air passage P, because the upstream air temperature is higher, the heat exchange load in the upstream portion of the indoor heat exchanger 40 is greater than that in the downstream portion. Therefore, by providing the step portion X in the downstream portion of the plate stacks 50 and 60 and thickening the upstream portion of the plate stacks 50 and 60, the number of refrigerant flow paths 51 and 61 can be adequately ensured in the upstream portion of the plate stacks 50 and 60. This increases the flow rate of refrigerant flowing in the upper part of the heat exchanger body B, thereby promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant and air in the upper part of the indoor heat exchanger 40. As a result, the heat exchange load on the upper part of the indoor heat exchanger 40 can be suppressed, and the efficiency of heat exchange with the air flowing in the air passage P can be improved, thus enabling the air temperature in the indoor space to reach the target temperature more quickly.

[0163] In the above-described modification, a rear refrigerant flow path 61, corresponding to the first flow path 51A and the second flow path 51B of the front panel laminate 50 in the above embodiment, may also be formed in the rear panel laminate 60. That is, the rear panel laminates 50 and 60 may also be configured such that multiple rear refrigerant flow paths 61 intersect each other.

[0164] In the above embodiments and variations, instead of an alloy plate with sacrificial corrosion protection, an anti-corrosion or anti-rust coating can be applied to the plate laminates 50 and 60. In this case, the coating is an epoxy resin-based coating. The coating can be applied in such a way that it forms a film on the entire surface of the plate laminates 50 and 60, including the right side 502 and the left side 501.

[0165] In the above embodiments and modifications, the heat transfer pipe 42, the plate stack 50, 60, the refrigerant pipes (connecting pipe 53, U-shaped connecting pipe 400, etc.), the mounting component 91, and the detection part of the temperature sensor 70 can also be made of copper alloy or stainless steel. Furthermore, it is preferable that the heat transfer pipe 42, the U-shaped connecting pipe 400, the mounting component 91, and the temperature sensor 70 are made of the same metal. Moreover, when the heat transfer pipe 42 is made of copper alloy, it is preferable that the plate stack 50, 60, and the refrigerant pipes are also made of copper alloy.

[0166] The embodiments and modifications have been described above; however, it should be understood that various changes can be made to the manner and specific details without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined and substituted as long as the function of the object of this disclosure is not impaired. The terms "first," "second," etc., used above are only used to distinguish statements containing the above terms and do not limit the number or order of the statements.

[0167] -Industry Applicability-

[0168] In summary, this disclosure is useful for indoor heat exchangers and indoor air conditioning units.

[0169] - Symbol Explanation -

[0170] 12a Gas relay tube (gas pipe)

[0171] 30 Air Conditioner Indoor Unit

[0172] 40 Indoor heat exchanger

[0173] 41 Fins

[0174] 42 heat transfer tubes

[0175] 50 and 60 plate laminates

[0176] 50A, 60A First Plate Section

[0177] 50B, 60B Second Plate Section

[0178] 51, 61 Refrigerant Flow Path (Flow Path)

[0179] 51A First flow path

[0180] 51B Second Flow Path

[0181] 52, 62 plates

[0182] 70 Temperature sensor (detection section)

[0183] 400 U-shaped connecting pipe (connecting pipe)

[0184] 521 First plate (first end plate)

[0185] 522~524 Intermediate Plate

[0186] 525 Second end plate (fifth plate)

[0187] B. Heat exchanger body (heat exchange section)

[0188] X Step Section

Claims

1. An indoor heat exchanger, characterized in that: The indoor heat exchanger includes a heat exchange section (B) and a plate stack (50, 60). The heat exchange section (B) includes a plurality of fins (41) and a plurality of heat transfer tubes (42) passing through the plurality of fins (41). The plate stack (50, 60) has a flow path (51, 61) that communicates with the heat transfer tube (42) inside. The plate stack (50, 60) has a plurality of plates (52, 62) stacked in a first direction in which the heat transfer tube (42) extends. The plate stack (50, 60) is arranged adjacent to the heat exchange section (B) on the first direction side. The laminate (50, 60) has a first plate portion (50A, 60A) and a second plate portion (50B, 60B), wherein the first plate portion (50A, 60A) has one or more of the plates (52, 62). The second plate portion (50B, 60B) has one or more plates (52, 62) with shapes different from those of the plates (52, 62) of the first plate portion (50A, 60A), and the second plate portion (50B, 60B) is arranged on the opposite side of the surface of the first plate portion (50A, 60A) to the surface opposite to the heat exchange section (B). A stepped portion (X) is formed on the periphery of the first surface (501, 601) of the laminate (50, 60) opposite to the heat exchange section (B). The stepped portion (X) is formed by the first plate portion (50A, 60A) and the second plate portion (50B, 60B).

2. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plate stack (50, 60) is composed of three or more plates (52, 62), and the plates (52, 62) of the first plate portion (50A, 60A) closest to the heat exchange section (B) in the plate stack (50, 60) are designated as the first end plates (521, 621). The plates (52, 62) of the second plate portion (50B, 60B) that are furthest from the heat exchange section (B) in the plate stack (50, 60) are designated as the second end plates (525, 625). When the plates (52, 62) arranged between the first end plates (521, 621) and the second end plates (525, 625) in the plate stack (50, 60) are designated as intermediate plates (522-524, 622-624), the flow paths (51, 61) are formed to pass through the intermediate plates (522-524, 622-624). The thickness of the intermediate plate (522-524, 622-624) is greater than that of the first end plate (521, 621) and the second end plate (525, 625).

3. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least a portion of the first surface (501, 601) of the plate laminate (50, 60) and the second surface (502, 602) located on the opposite side of the first surface (501, 601) are subjected to anti-corrosion processing.

4. The indoor heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: When the plate stack (50, 60) is viewed from the opposite side of the first direction, the area of ​​the portion of the second plate portion (50B, 60B) that does not overlap with the first plate portion (50A, 60A) is smaller than the area of ​​the portion of the second plate portion (50B, 60B) that overlaps with the first plate portion (50A, 60A).

5. The indoor heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The flow paths (51, 61) have a first flow path (51A) and a second flow path (51B). The first flow path (51A) is disposed in the first plate portion (50A, 60A). The second flow path (51B) is provided across the first plate portion (50A, 60A) and the second plate portion (50B, 60B). The second flow path (51B) is formed to intersect with the first flow path (51A).

6. The indoor heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A U-shaped connecting pipe (400) is provided in the heat exchange section (B). The connecting pipe (400) is arranged between the heat exchange section (B) and the plate stack (50, 60) and connects the two heat transfer pipes (42) to each other. The connecting pipe (400) is positioned opposite the step portion (X) when viewed from the opposite direction of the first direction.

7. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 6, characterized in that: The indoor heat exchanger also includes a detection unit (70) that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the heat transfer tube (42). The detection unit (70) is disposed on the connecting pipe (400).

8. The indoor heat exchanger according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: When the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the refrigerant in the superheated area flows in the connecting pipe (400). When the indoor heat exchanger functions as a heat exchanger, the refrigerant in the subcooled area flows in the connecting pipe (400).

9. An indoor unit for an air conditioner, characterized in that: The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, and a gas pipe (12a). The gas pipe (12a) delivers the compressed refrigerant gas to the indoor heat exchanger (40). The gas pipe (12a) is connected to the flow path (51, 61) of the plate stack (50, 60) formed in the overlapping portion of the first plate portion (50A, 60A) and the second plate portion (50B, 60B).

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