Heat exchanger

Abstract

Provided is a heat exchanger capable of causing a refrigerant to flow in a branched manner so as to minimize the variation in the ratio between a gas-phase refrigerant and a liquid-phase refrigerant. An outdoor heat exchanger (11) is provided with: a liquid header (60) having a first flow path (A), a second flow path (B), and a third flow path (C) connected to each other at a connection section (P), the first flow path (A) extending in a first direction, which is a vertical direction, the second flow path (B) extending in a second direction, and the third flow path (C) extending in a third direction, and a plurality of heat transfer tubes (28) connected to the liquid header (60); the first flow path (A) extends in the first direction, the second flow path (C) extends in the second direction, the third flow path (C) extends in the third direction, the second direction and the third direction have symmetry with respect to an imaginary plane including a line extending in the vertical direction from the connection portion (P) and a line extending in the direction in which the flat tube (28) extends from the connection portion (P), and the first flow path (A) has a first throttle portion (81).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to heat exchangers. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, heat exchangers used in refrigeration cycle devices have the following structure: in a manifold connected to multiple heat transfer tubes, the refrigerant is split and flows to each heat transfer tube in a distributed manner.

[0003] For example, in the heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2015 / 049727), it is proposed to provide branch sections of multiple refrigerant flow paths inside the manifold, thereby dividing the refrigerant flow into multiple parts and sending them to each heat transfer tube. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] However, in the aforementioned heat exchangers, for example, when refrigerants with different specific gravities, such as gaseous and liquid refrigerants, flow together inside the manifold, sometimes the refrigerant dosage deviates between the refrigerants after branching inside the manifold.

[0006] Methods for solving problems

[0007] The heat exchanger of the first viewpoint includes a manifold and multiple heat transfer tubes. The multiple heat transfer tubes are connected to the manifold. The manifold has a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path are interconnected at a connection point. The first flow path extends along a first direction, which is vertical. The second flow path extends along a second direction. The third flow path extends along a third direction. The second and third directions are symmetrical about an imaginary plane, which includes a line extending vertically from the connection point and a line extending along the direction of the heat transfer tubes from the connection point. The first flow path has a first throttling section.

[0008] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing in the first flow path of the manifold increases its flow rate and branches into the second and third flow paths when passing through the first throttling section. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deviation of the refrigerant dosage in each branch flow path.

[0009] In the heat exchanger of the second viewpoint, the second direction and the third direction are horizontal.

[0010] In this heat exchanger, the deviation in refrigerant dosage caused by gravity between the refrigerant branching into the second flow path and the refrigerant branching into the third flow path can be suppressed.

[0011] In a heat exchanger based on a third perspective, the first throttling section is connected to the connecting section in a heat exchanger based on a first or second perspective.

[0012] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flow rate can be increased at the first throttling section and then immediately branched into the second and third flow paths. Therefore, the deviation of the refrigerant charge in each branch flow path can be further suppressed.

[0013] In the heat exchanger of the fourth viewpoint, the first throttling section is located above the connecting section in the heat exchanger of the third viewpoint.

[0014] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing from the first flow path toward the connection point passes downward through the first throttling section, so the refrigerant flow rate is easily increased by gravity.

[0015] In the heat exchanger of the fifth viewpoint, as in any of the first to fourth viewpoints, the manifold is a stacked manifold consisting of multiple plate components, including a first plate component. The first plate component forms a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path.

[0016] In addition, the first plate component may also form at least a portion of the first flow path, at least a portion of the second flow path, and at least a portion of the third flow path.

[0017] In this heat exchanger, the formation of the first, second, and third flow paths in the manifold becomes easy.

[0018] In the heat exchanger described in the sixth viewpoint, the second flow path has a second throttling section, and the third flow path has a third throttling section.

[0019] In this heat exchanger, it is easy to suppress the deviation of the refrigerant dosage between the refrigerant after the second throttling section of the second flow path and the refrigerant after the third throttling section of the third flow path.

[0020] In the heat exchanger of the seventh viewpoint, in any of the first to sixth viewpoints, the flow area of ​​the second flow path is the same as that of the third flow path. The flow length of the second flow path is the same as that of the third flow path.

[0021] In this heat exchanger, the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path is made to be close to the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the third flow path.

[0022] The heat exchanger of the eighth viewpoint, in any of the heat exchangers of the first to seventh viewpoints, also includes a fourth flow path and a fifth flow path. The fourth flow path is connected to the second flow path and extends in a direction different from the direction in which the second flow path extends. The fifth flow path is connected to the third flow path and extends in a direction different from the direction in which the third flow path extends.

[0023] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path can be guided in a direction different from the direction in which the second flow path extends, and the refrigerant flowing in the third flow path can be guided in a direction different from the direction in which the third flow path extends.

[0024] In the heat exchanger of the ninth viewpoint, the fourth and fifth flow paths extend upwards, or the fourth and fifth flow paths extend downwards.

[0025] In this heat exchanger, by aligning the connection direction of the fourth flow path relative to the second flow path with the connection direction of the fifth flow path relative to the third flow path, it is easy to minimize the deviation in refrigerant quantity between the refrigerant flowing in the fourth flow path and the refrigerant flowing in the fifth flow path.

[0026] In the heat exchanger of the tenth viewpoint, compared to the heat exchangers of the eighth or ninth viewpoint, the second flow path has a first bulge. The first bulge protrudes in the direction in which the second flow path extends, relative to the connection point between the second and fourth flow paths, to the side opposite to the connection point. The third flow path has a second bulge. The second bulge protrudes in the direction in which the third flow path extends, relative to the connection point between the third and fifth flow paths, to the side opposite to the connection point.

[0027] In this heat exchanger, even if the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path contains clumps of liquid refrigerant, these clumps are easily guided to the first bulge, thus preventing them from being directly sent to the fourth flow path. Similarly, even if the refrigerant flowing in the third flow path contains clumps of liquid refrigerant, these clumps are easily guided to the second bulge, thus preventing them from being directly sent to the fifth flow path.

[0028] In the heat exchanger of the eleventh viewpoint, the fourth flow path has a fourth throttling section, as does the heat exchanger of any of the eighth to tenth viewpoints. The fifth flow path has a fifth throttling section.

[0029] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant that has passed through the fourth throttling section can easily reach the end of the fourth flow path, and the refrigerant that has passed through the fifth throttling section can easily reach the end of the fifth flow path.

[0030] The heat exchanger of the twelfth viewpoint, in any of the heat exchangers of the eighth to eleventh viewpoints, further comprises: a first connecting pipe, both ends of which are connected to a manifold; and a second connecting pipe, both ends of which are connected to the manifold. The first connecting pipe constitutes at least a portion of a flow path connecting a fourth flow path to a sixth flow path, which is an internal flow path of the manifold. The second connecting pipe constitutes at least a portion of a flow path connecting a fifth flow path to a seventh flow path, which is an internal flow path of the manifold.

[0031] In this heat exchanger, refrigerant sent to the fourth flow path can be guided to the sixth flow path, which is an internal flow path of the manifold and is separate from the fourth flow path, and refrigerant sent to the fifth flow path can be guided to the seventh flow path, which is an internal flow path of the manifold and is separate from the fifth flow path.

[0032] In the heat exchanger of the thirteenth viewpoint, in any of the heat exchangers of the first to twelfth viewpoints, the first flow path has a first portion with a flow path cross-sectional area larger than the first throttling section. The flow path cross-sectional areas of the second and third flow paths are smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion.

[0033] In this heat exchanger, deviations in the amount of refrigerant flowing in the second and third flow paths are suppressed.

[0034] The heat exchanger of the fourteenth viewpoint, in any of the heat exchangers of the first to thirteenth viewpoints, has a manifold with a plate-shaped component having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening forms at least a portion of a connection, a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The second opening is separated from the first opening to form an eighth flow path, which is a flow path other than the first, second, and third flow paths.

[0035] In this heat exchanger, a connection, a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and an eighth flow path independent of them can be formed in a single plate-shaped component.

[0036] In the heat exchanger of the fifteenth viewpoint, in any of the heat exchangers of the first to fourteenth viewpoints, when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant flows from the first flow path toward the connection.

[0037] In this heat exchanger, performance can be improved by suppressing the biased flow of liquid refrigerant when the evaporator, which functions as a refrigerant, is in operation. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning unit.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic 3D diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a magnified view of a portion of the heat exchange section of an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the heat transfer fins in the heat exchange section relative to the flat tube.

[0042] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a simplified exploded 3D diagram of the gas manifold.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal cross-section of the gas manifold.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a simplified exploded 3D view of the liquid manifold.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal cross-section of the liquid manifold.

[0047] Figure 10 A magnified view showing the lower end of the sixth liquid side of the liquid manifold.

[0048] Figure 11 This is an illustration of the refrigerant flow pattern in the liquid manifold when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as the evaporator of the refrigerant.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid manifold of other embodiment A.

[0050] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow pattern of refrigerant in the liquid manifold when the outdoor heat exchanger in other implementation method A functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant.

[0051] Figure 14 A partial enlarged view showing the lower end of the sixth liquid side of the liquid manifold in other embodiment B.

[0052] Figure 15 A partial enlarged view showing the lower end of the sixth liquid side of the liquid manifold in another embodiment C.

[0053] Figure 16 A partial enlarged view showing the lower end of the sixth liquid side of the liquid manifold in another embodiment D.

[0054] Figure 17 A partial enlarged view showing the area near the lower end of the sixth liquid side of the liquid manifold in another embodiment E.

[0055] Figure 18 A partial enlarged view showing the lower end of the sixth liquid side of the liquid manifold in another embodiment F.

[0056] Figure 19 A partial enlarged view showing the lower end of the sixth liquid side of the liquid manifold in another embodiment G.

[0057] Figure 20 A schematic structural diagram showing the sixth liquid side of the liquid manifold in another embodiment H. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The following describes embodiments of the heat exchanger of this disclosure and the refrigeration apparatus using the heat exchanger.

[0059] (1) Structure of the air conditioning unit

[0060] Hereinafter, an air conditioning device 1, which is an example of a refrigeration cycle device having a heat exchanger according to one embodiment, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioning unit 1 having an outdoor heat exchanger 11 as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Air conditioning unit 1 is a device that cools and heats a target space through a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The target space is, for example, the space within a building such as an office building, commercial facility, or residence. Furthermore, this air conditioning unit is only one example of a refrigeration cycle device; the heat exchanger disclosed herein can also be used in other refrigeration cycle devices, such as cold storage rooms, freezers, hot water supply units, and floor heating systems. Additionally, the refrigerant used in air conditioning unit 1 is not particularly limited; examples include R290, CO2, and R32.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 mainly includes an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 9, a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4, a gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 5, and a control unit 3 that controls the equipment constituting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4 and the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 5 are refrigerant connecting pipes that connect the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. In the air conditioning unit 1, the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are connected via the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4 and the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 5, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit 6.

[0064] In addition, Figure 1 In this system, the air conditioning unit 1 has one indoor unit 9, but the air conditioning unit 1 may also have multiple indoor units 9 connected to the outdoor unit 2 in parallel via liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4 and gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 5. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 1 may also have multiple outdoor units 2. Additionally, the air conditioning unit 1 may be an integrated air conditioning unit in which the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are formed as one unit.

[0065] (1-1) Outdoor Unit

[0066] Outdoor unit 2 is located outside the space to be conditioned, such as near the roof of a building or the wall of a building.

[0067] The outdoor unit 2 mainly includes a liquid receiver 7, a compressor 8, a four-way switching valve 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 (an example of a "heat exchanger"), an outdoor expansion valve 12, a liquid-side shut-off valve 13 and a gas-side shut-off valve 14, and an outdoor fan 16.

[0068] As a refrigerant pipe connecting various devices constituting the refrigerant circuit 6, the outdoor unit 2 mainly includes an intake pipe 17, an exhaust pipe 18, a first gaseous refrigerant pipe 19, a liquid refrigerant pipe 20, and a second gaseous refrigerant pipe 21. The intake pipe 17 connects the four-way switching valve 10 to the intake side of the compressor 8. A liquid receiver 7 is installed in the intake pipe 17. The exhaust pipe 18 connects the exhaust side of the compressor 8 to the four-way switching valve 10. The first gaseous refrigerant pipe 19 connects the four-way switching valve 10 to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The liquid refrigerant pipe 20 connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 to the liquid side shut-off valve 13. An outdoor expansion valve 12 is installed in the liquid refrigerant pipe 20. The second gaseous refrigerant pipe 21 connects the four-way switching valve 10 to the gas side shut-off valve 14.

[0069] The compressor 8 is a device that draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle through the suction pipe 17, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant through the discharge pipe 18.

[0070] The four-way switching valve 10 is a mechanism that switches the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 between cooling and heating operation by switching the refrigerant flow direction. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 91 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 91 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser. When the four-way switching valve 10 switches the refrigerant circuit 6 to cooling operation, it connects the suction pipe 17 to the second gaseous refrigerant pipe 21 and the discharge pipe 18 to the first gaseous refrigerant pipe 19 (see reference). Figure 1 (The solid line inside the four-way switching valve 10). When the four-way switching valve 10 sets the refrigerant circuit 6 to heating operation, the four-way switching valve 10 connects the suction pipe 17 to the first gaseous refrigerant pipe 19 and the discharge pipe 18 to the second gaseous refrigerant pipe 21 (see reference). Figure 1 (The dashed line inside the four-way switching valve 10).

[0071] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that enables heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and fluids such as air at the installation location of the outdoor unit 2. Details of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be described later.

[0072] An outdoor expansion valve 12 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 91. In this embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 12 is disposed on the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the liquid-side shut-off valve 13. The outdoor expansion valve 12 has a mechanism for regulating the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0073] The receiver 7 is a container with a gas-liquid separation function that separates incoming refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant. Furthermore, the receiver 7 is a container with a function to store excess refrigerant generated according to changes in operating load, etc.

[0074] The liquid-side shut-off valve 13 is a valve located at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4. The gas-side shut-off valve 14 is a valve located at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 5. The liquid-side shut-off valve 13 and the gas-side shut-off valve 14 are open when the air conditioning unit 1 is in operation.

[0075] The outdoor fan 16 is a fan that draws in external hot air into the casing of the outdoor unit 2 (not shown) and supplies it to the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and exhausts the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 to the outside of the casing of the outdoor unit 2. The outdoor fan 16 is, for example, a propeller fan.

[0076] (1-2) Indoor Units

[0077] Indoor unit 9 is a unit installed in the space to be conditioned. Indoor unit 9 can be, for example, a ceiling-recessed unit, but it can also be a ceiling-suspended, wall-mounted, or floor-standing unit. Furthermore, indoor unit 9 can also be installed outside the space to be conditioned. For example, indoor unit 9 can be installed in an attic, machine room, garage, etc. In this case, an air passage is provided to supply air that has undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant in indoor heat exchanger 91 from indoor unit 9 to the space to be conditioned. The air passage is, for example, a duct.

[0078] The indoor unit 9 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 91, an indoor expansion valve 93, and an indoor fan 92.

[0079] In the indoor heat exchanger 91, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing within the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the air in the air-conditioned space. The indoor heat exchanger 91 is, for example, a finned tube heat exchanger with multiple heat transfer tubes and fins (not shown). One end of the indoor heat exchanger 91 is connected to the indoor expansion valve 93 via a refrigerant piping. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 91 is connected to the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 5 via a refrigerant piping.

[0080] An indoor expansion valve 93 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4. The indoor expansion valve 93 has a mechanism for regulating the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the indoor expansion valve 93.

[0081] The indoor fan 92 is configured to draw air from the target space into the housing (not shown) of the indoor unit 9 and supply it to the indoor heat exchanger 91, and then blow the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 91 out of the target space. The indoor fan 92 is, for example, a turbo fan.

[0082] (1-3) Control Department

[0083] The control unit 3 is a functional unit that controls the operation of various devices constituting the air conditioning unit 1.

[0084] The control unit 3 is configured to connect the outdoor control unit (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor control unit (not shown) of the indoor unit 9 via a transmission line (not shown) in a communicative manner. The outdoor control unit and the indoor control unit are, for example, units equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microcomputer containing memory such as ROM and RAM storing various programs for controlling the air conditioning unit 1 that can be implemented by the processor. Furthermore, in Figure 1 For convenience, the control unit 3 is depicted in a position separate from the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9.

[0085] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to various devices in the outdoor unit 2 and indoor unit 9, including the compressor 8, four-way switching valve 10, outdoor expansion valve 12, outdoor fan 16, indoor fan 92, and indoor expansion valve 93. Furthermore, the control unit 3 is electrically connected to various sensors installed in the outdoor unit 2 and indoor unit 9. The control unit 3 is also configured to communicate with a remote control (not shown) operated by the user of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0086] The control unit 3 controls the operation and stop of the air conditioning unit 1 and the actions of various devices constituting the air conditioning unit 1 based on measurement signals from various sensors and instructions received from a remote control (not shown).

[0087] (2) Structure of outdoor heat exchanger

[0088] The structure of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0089] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Additionally, in Figure 2 In the image, piping and other components connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 are omitted. Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of the heat exchange section 27 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11, which will be described later. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the fins 29 (described later) in the heat exchange section 27 relative to the flat tube 28. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow pattern of refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Figure 5 The arrows in the heat exchange section 27 indicate the flow of refrigerant during heating operation (when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant).

[0090] Additionally, in the following descriptions, terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" are sometimes used to indicate orientation and location. Unless otherwise stated, these terms follow... Figure 2 The direction of the arrows depicted. In addition, these expressions of direction and position are used for ease of explanation, and unless otherwise specified, the orientation and position of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 as a whole or of each structure of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 are not specifically defined as the orientation and position of the expressions described.

[0091] Furthermore, the following examples illustrate the following scenarios: the arrangement of multiple flat tubes 28; the length direction of the first manifold 40; the length direction of the gas manifold 50; and the length direction of the liquid manifold 60 are vertical, or more specifically, vertical (an example of the "first direction"). Furthermore, examples illustrate the following scenarios: the direction in which the connecting portion of the flat tube 28 connects to the first manifold 40 extends; the stacking direction of the first gas plate portion 51a and the first liquid plate portion 61a of the first component 41; the second component 42; the third component 43; the fourth component 44; the fifth component 45; the sixth component 46; and the seventh component 47 are stacked in a left-right direction (an example of the "second direction"). Finally, the direction perpendicular to both the vertical and left-right directions will be described as the front-back direction (an example of the "third direction").

[0092] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that enables heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air.

[0093] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 mainly has multiple flat tubes 28, multiple fins 29, a second manifold 30, and a first manifold 40 (an example of a "manifold"). In this embodiment, the flat tubes 28, fins 29, second manifold 30, and first manifold 40 are all made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0094] Multiple flat tubes 28 and multiple fins 29 form a heat exchange section 27. In the heat exchange section 27, air passes through a ventilation path formed between the multiple flat tubes 28 and the multiple fins 29. Thus, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the air.

[0095] (2-1) Flat tube

[0096] Flat tube 28 is as follows Figure 3 The diagram shows a flat heat transfer tube with flat surfaces 28a forming heat transfer surfaces at the top and bottom. Multiple refrigerant passages 28b are formed in the flat tube 28, extending along the direction of the flat tube 28 and providing refrigerant flow. The flat tube 28 is a flat, porous tube with a large number of refrigerant passages 28b. In this embodiment, these multiple refrigerant passages 28b are arranged in the airflow direction.

[0097] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, multiple layers of flat pipes 28 extending horizontally in a manner connecting the second manifold 30 and the first manifold 40 are arranged vertically. The multiple flat pipes 28 are arranged at fixed intervals, spaced vertically apart. Furthermore, each flat pipe 28 is arranged with its flat surface facing upwards and downwards.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, each flat tube 28 has a curved section when viewed from above, forming an approximately L-shape.

[0099] In addition, when the outdoor fan 16 is driven, an airflow is generated from the rear to the front through the main surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and an airflow from the left to the right through the left side portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0100] Additionally, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a first flow path group X and a second flow path group Y arranged vertically. A plurality of flat tubes 28 belong to either the first flow path group X or the second flow path group Y. The first flow path group X is the lower flow path group, to which the plurality of flat tubes 28 belong. The second flow path group Y is the upper flow path group than the first flow path group X, to which the plurality of flat tubes 28 belong.

[0101] (2-2) Fins

[0102] Multiple fins 29 are components used to increase the heat transfer area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Each fin 29 is a plate-shaped component that extends in the vertical direction of the multiple flat tubes 28 and in the direction of airflow through the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown, each fin 29 has multiple notches 29a extending along the insertion direction of the flat tube 28 for inserting multiple flat tubes 28. The notches 29a extend in a direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the thickness direction of the fin 29. In the case of the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the notches 29a formed on each fin 29 extend horizontally. The notches 29a are formed on the fin 29 at intervals corresponding to the arrangement intervals of the flat tubes 28. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, multiple fins 29 are arranged along the extension direction of the flat tubes 28. By inserting the flat tubes 28 into the multiple notches 29a of the multiple fins 29, multiple ventilation paths for airflow are divided between adjacent flat tubes 28.

[0104] Each fin 29 has a connecting portion 29b that communicates vertically on the upstream or downstream side of the flat tube 28 in the airflow direction. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 29b of the fin 29 is located on the upwind side relative to the flat tube 28.

[0105] (2-3) First manifold

[0106] like Figure 5 As shown, the first manifold 40 has a gas manifold 50 located at the top and a liquid manifold 60 located at the bottom (an example of a "manifold").

[0107] The gas manifold 50 has a gas space 50S extending vertically along its length. The liquid manifold 60 has a liquid space 60S extending vertically along its length, serving as a space isolated from the gas space 50S. The gas space 50S of the gas manifold 50 and the liquid space 60S of the liquid manifold 60 are separated by the shape of the openings formed in the stacked components, which are not connected on the gas and liquid sides.

[0108] A gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a, constituting one end of the first gas refrigerant pipe 19, is connected to the gas manifold 50. The gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a is connected to the right side of the gas manifold 50, which is opposite to the left side of the flat pipe 28 connected thereto in the left-right direction.

[0109] A liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a, constituting one end of the liquid refrigerant pipe 20, is connected to the liquid manifold 60. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the right side of the liquid manifold 60, which is opposite to the left side of the flat pipe 28 connected thereto in the left-right direction.

[0110] One end of each flat tube 28 is connected to the gas manifold 50 and liquid manifold 60 of the first manifold 40, and the other end of each flat tube 28 is connected to the second manifold 30. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is arranged within the (not shown) casing of the outdoor unit 2 with the length direction of the first manifold 40 and the second manifold 30 approximately aligned with the vertical direction. The number of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas manifold 50 is greater than the number of flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid manifold 60. Furthermore, each flat tube 28 connected to the gas manifold 50 communicates with the gas space 50S. Each flat tube 28 connected to the liquid manifold 60 communicates with the liquid space 60S.

[0111] Furthermore, the first manifold 40 has a first component 41 (an example of a "plate component"), a second component 42 (an example of a "plate component"), a third component 43 (an example of a "plate component"), a fourth component 44 (an example of a "plate component"), a fifth component 45 (an example of a "plate component"), a sixth component 46 (an example of a "plate component", an example of a "first plate component", an example of a "plate-shaped component"), and a seventh component 47 (an example of a "plate component"). The first component 41, second component 42, third component 43, fourth component 44, fifth component 45, sixth component 46, and seventh component 47 extend vertically throughout the gas manifold 50 and the liquid manifold 60. More specifically, a portion of the first component 41, second component 42, third component 43, fourth component 44, fifth component 45, sixth component 46, and seventh component 47 constitutes a part of the gas manifold 50, and another portion constitutes a part of the liquid manifold 60, shared by both the gas manifold 50 and the liquid manifold 60.

[0112] Furthermore, the first component 41, the second component 42, the third component 43, the fourth component 44, the fifth component 45, the sixth component 46, and the seventh component 47 all have a vertical length, and their lengths in each vertical direction are the same. Also, the front-to-back length of the portions of the first gas plate portion 51a and the first liquid plate portion 61a of the first component 41, excluding the first gas side plate portion 51c, the first liquid side plate portion 61c, the second gas side plate portion 51d, and the second liquid side plate portion 61d, is the same as the front-to-back length of the second component 42, the third component 43, the fourth component 44, the fifth component 45, the sixth component 46, and the seventh component 47 in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the first gas side plate portion 51c and the first liquid side plate portion 61c have the same length in the direction in which the flat tube 28 extends, i.e., in the left-to-right direction. The second gas side plate portion 51d and the second liquid side plate portion 61d have the same length in the direction in which the flat tube 28 extends, i.e., in the left-to-right direction.

[0113] Furthermore, the fourth component 44, the fifth component 45, the sixth component 46, and the seventh component 47 of the first manifold 40 form the gas space 50S of the gas manifold 50 and the liquid space 60S of the liquid manifold 60.

[0114] Additionally, the first component 41 has a first gas side 51 and a first liquid side 61. The second component 42 has a second gas side 52 and a second liquid side 62. The third component 43 has a third gas side 53 and a third liquid side 63. The fourth component 44 has a fourth gas side 54 and a fourth liquid side 64. The fifth component 45 has a fifth gas side 55 and a fifth liquid side 65. The sixth component 46 has a sixth gas side 56 and a sixth liquid side 66. The seventh component 47 has a seventh gas side 57 and a seventh liquid side 67.

[0115] (2-4) Second manifold

[0116] The second manifold 30 is connected to the end of each flat tube 28 on the opposite side to the end connected to one side of the first manifold 40.

[0117] In addition, the second manifold 30 is constructed by using a clamping member 31, which is U-shaped when viewed from above and connected to the flat pipe 28, to surround and clamp the component consisting of multiple stacked plate-shaped components.

[0118] (3) Flow of refrigerant in each operating and outdoor heat exchanger

[0119] The control unit 3 receives detection information from various sensors or commands from remote controls, and switches between cooling operation, heating operation, defrosting operation, etc.

[0120] When the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in heating mode, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to... Figure 1 The compressor 8 operates in the state indicated by the dashed line. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 dissipates heat or condenses by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 91, and after being depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 93 or the outdoor expansion valve 12, it is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 evaporates by exchanging heat with the outside air and is drawn back into the compressor 8.

[0121] Thus, during heating operation, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant in a liquid state or a gas-liquid two-phase state, flowing from the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 to the liquid manifold 60, is diverted within the internal space of the liquid manifold 60 and sent to the flat pipes 28 belonging to the first flow path group X. The refrigerant flowing in the flat pipes 28 of the first flow path group X undergoes partial evaporation through heat exchange with air, reaching the lower region of the internal space of the second manifold 30. The refrigerant sent to the lower region of the internal space of the second manifold 30 is then sent to the upper region of the internal space of the second manifold 30. The refrigerant sent to the upper region of the second manifold 30 flows in multiple flat pipes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y, which are connected to the upper region of the second manifold 30. The refrigerant flowing in the multiple flat pipes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y undergoes further evaporation through heat exchange with air again, reaching the gas manifold 50. The refrigerant arriving at the gas manifold 50 flows in the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 after being combined.

[0122] When the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to... Figure 1 The compressor 8 operates under the condition shown by the solid line. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 dissipates heat or condenses by exchanging heat with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and is then depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve 12 or the indoor expansion valve 93 before being sent to the indoor heat exchanger 91. The refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 91 evaporates by exchanging heat with the indoor air and is then drawn back into the compressor 8.

[0123] Furthermore, when the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in heating mode, and the specified defrosting start conditions are met, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to [condition missing]. Figure 1 The compressor 8 operates under the condition shown by the solid line, performing a defrosting operation to supply high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Through this defrosting operation, the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 melts.

[0124] Thus, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser during cooling or defrosting operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 flows into the gas manifold 50 after passing through the first gaseous refrigerant pipe 19. The gaseous refrigerant arriving at the gas manifold 50 is then split within its internal space and flows through multiple flat pipes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y, which are connected to the gas manifold 50. The refrigerant flowing in the multiple flat pipes 28 of the second flow path group Y undergoes heat exchange with air, resulting in partial heat dissipation or condensation, and reaches the upper region of the internal space of the second manifold 30. The refrigerant delivered to the upper region of the internal space of the second manifold 30 is then delivered to the lower region of the second manifold 30. The refrigerant delivered to the lower region of the second manifold 30 is then delivered to the multiple flat pipes 28 belonging to the first flow path group X, which are connected to the lower region of the second manifold 30. The refrigerant flowing in the multiple flat tubes 28 of the first flow path group X further dissipates heat or condenses by exchanging heat with the air again, and reaches the liquid manifold 60. The refrigerant that reaches the liquid manifold 60 flows out from the outdoor heat exchanger 11 through the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0125] (4) Detailed information on the gas manifold

[0126] Figure 6 A schematic exploded perspective view of the gas manifold 50 is shown. Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of the horizontal cross-section of the gas manifold 50 is shown. Additionally, in Figure 7 The image shows a horizontal cross-section of a plurality of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas manifold 50, cut horizontally at the center of the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the lowest flat tube 28.

[0127] The gas manifold 50 is configured to have a first gas side 51 in the first component 41, a second gas side 52 in the second component 42, a third gas side 53 in the third component 43, a fourth gas side 54 in the fourth component 44, a fifth gas side 55 in the fifth component 45, a sixth gas side 56 in the sixth component 46, and a seventh gas side 57 in the seventh component 47. The fourth gas side 54, the fifth gas side 55, the sixth gas side 56, and the seventh gas side 57 form a gas space 50S.

[0128] The gas manifold 50 is formed by brazing together the first gas side 51, the second gas side 52, the third gas side 53, the fourth gas side 54, the fifth gas side 55, the sixth gas side 56 and the seventh gas side 57.

[0129] (4-1) First gas side

[0130] The first gas side portion 51 forms part of the gas manifold 50 and has a first gas plate portion 51a, a first gas side plate portion 51c, a second gas side plate portion 51d, a first gas clamping claw 51e, and a second gas clamping claw 51f. The first gas side portion 51, together with the seventh gas side portion 57, mainly forms the periphery of the outer shape of the gas manifold 50.

[0131] The first gas plate portion 51a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the left side of the second gas plate portion 52a. The first gas plate portion 51a has a plurality of gas-side flat tube connection openings 51b.

[0132] Multiple gas-side flat tube connection openings 51b are arranged vertically and are through openings extending through the thickness of the first gas plate portion 51a. The outline of the gas-side flat tube connection opening 51b follows the outline of the flat tube 28. Thus, with the end of the flat tube 28 passing through the gas-side flat tube connection opening 51b in its insertion direction, the flat tube 28 is brazed together with its outer periphery in contact with the inner periphery of the gas-side flat tube connection opening 51b.

[0133] The first gas side plate portion 51c is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the front edge of the first gas plate portion 51a. The second gas side plate portion 51d is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the rear edge of the first gas plate portion 51a. The first gas side plate portion 51c and the second gas side plate portion 51d are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction, thereby sandwiching the second gas plate portion 52a, the third gas plate portion 53a, the fourth gas plate portion 54a, the fifth gas plate portion 55a, the sixth gas plate portion 56a, and the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​in the front-rear direction.

[0134] The first gas clamping claw 51e has a plurality of clamping claws spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction at the right end of the first gas side plate portion 51c. The second gas clamping claw 51f has a plurality of clamping claws spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction at the right end of the second gas side plate portion 51d. In the pre-clamping state, the first gas clamping claw 51e extends to the right along the extension line of the first gas side plate portion 51c, and the second gas clamping claw 51f extends to the right along the extension line of the second gas side plate portion 51d. Furthermore, with the first gas plate portion 51a, the second gas plate portion 52a, the third gas plate portion 53a, the fourth gas plate portion 54a, the fifth gas plate portion 55a, the sixth gas plate portion 56a, and the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​stacked, the first gas clamping claw 51e and the second gas clamping claw 51f are bent in a manner that brings them closer to each other in the front-rear direction. As a result, the second gas plate portion 52a, the third gas plate portion 53a, the fourth gas plate portion 54a, the fifth gas plate portion 55a, the sixth gas plate portion 56a, and the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​are pressed together and integrated. In this state, by brazing in a furnace, the components are completely fixed together through brazing.

[0135] (4-2) Second gas side

[0136] The second gas side portion 52 forms part of the gas manifold 50 and has a second gas plate portion 52a.

[0137] The second gas plate portion 52a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the right side of the first gas plate portion 51a and faces and contacts the left side of the third gas plate portion 53a. The second gas plate portion 52a has a plurality of gas insertion openings 52b.

[0138] Multiple gas insertion openings 52b are arranged vertically and are through openings extending through the thickness of the second gas plate portion 52a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a, the front and rear edges of the gas insertion openings 52b are located further outward than the front and rear edges of the gas-side flat tube connection openings 51b. Furthermore, when viewed from the thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a, the upper and lower edges of the multiple gas insertion openings 52b are located further outward than the upper and lower edges of the gas-side flat tube connection openings 51b. When viewed from the thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a, the outline of the gas insertion openings 52b does not overlap with the outline of the flat tube 28, but is located outside the outline of the flat tube 28. Therefore, the end of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction is inserted through the gas insertion openings 52b. Furthermore, even if solder remains during brazing, because a gap is maintained between the flat tube 28 and the gas insertion openings 52b, the remaining solder can be guided, thus preventing the flow path of the flat tube 28 from being blocked by the remaining solder.

[0139] (4-3) Third gas side

[0140] The third gas side portion 53 forms part of the gas manifold 50 and has a third gas plate portion 53a.

[0141] The third gas plate 53a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the right side of the second gas plate 52a and faces and contacts the left side of the fourth gas plate 54a. The third gas plate 53a has a plurality of gas confinement openings 53b.

[0142] Multiple gas-restricting openings 53b are arranged vertically and extend through the thickness of the third gas plate portion 53a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the third gas plate portion 53a, the front and rear edges of the gas-restricting openings 53b are located further inward than the front and rear edges of the gas insertion openings 52b. The width of the multiple gas-restricting openings 53b in the front-rear direction is narrower than the width of the flat tube 28 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the end of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction abuts against the edge of the gas-restricting opening 53b, thereby determining the insertion position. Furthermore, the upper and lower edges of the multiple gas-restricting openings 53b are located further outward than the front and rear edges of the flat tube 28.

[0143] In addition, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a radiator or condenser for the refrigerant, the refrigerant flowing into the gas space 50S formed by the third gas plate 53a, the fourth gas plate 54a, the fifth gas plate 55a, the sixth gas plate 56a and the seventh gas plate 57a via the gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a flows into the multiple gas restriction openings 53b.

[0144] (4-4) Fourth gas side

[0145] The fourth gas side portion 54 forms part of the gas manifold 50 and has a fourth gas plate portion 54a.

[0146] The fourth gas plate 54a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the right side of the third gas plate 53a and faces and contacts the left side of the fifth gas plate 55a. The fourth gas plate 54a has a fourth gas opening 54b.

[0147] The fourth gas opening 54b is an opening that extends through the thickness of the fourth gas plate 54a, and its length is vertically oriented. When viewed from the thickness direction of the fourth gas plate 54a, the fourth gas opening 54b overlaps with the connection points of multiple flat tubes 28 in the gas manifold 50, for example, with the connection points of three or more flat tubes 28. The width of the fourth gas opening 54b in the front-rear direction corresponds to the width of the gas confinement opening 53b of the third component 43 in the front-rear direction.

[0148] (4-5) Fifth gas side

[0149] The fifth gas side portion 55 forms part of the gas manifold 50 and has a fifth gas plate portion 55a.

[0150] The fifth gas plate 55a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the right side of the fourth gas plate 54a and faces and contacts the left side of the sixth gas plate 56a. The fifth gas plate 55a has a fifth gas opening 55b.

[0151] The fifth gas opening 55b is an opening that extends through the thickness of the fifth gas plate 55a and is an opening that extends vertically along its length. When viewed from the thickness direction of the fifth gas plate 55a, the fifth gas opening 55b overlaps with the connection points of the plurality of flat tubes 28 in the gas manifold 50.

[0152] (4-6) Sixth gas side

[0153] The sixth gas side portion 56 forms part of the gas manifold 50 and has a sixth gas plate portion 56a.

[0154] The sixth gas plate 56a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the right side of the fifth gas plate 55a and faces and contacts the left side of the seventh gas plate 57a. The sixth gas plate 56a has a sixth gas opening 56b (an example of a "second opening").

[0155] The sixth gas opening 56b is an opening that extends through the thickness of the sixth gas plate 56a and is an opening that runs vertically along its length. When viewed from the thickness direction of the sixth gas plate 56a, the sixth gas opening 56b overlaps with the connection points of the plurality of flat tubes 28 in the gas manifold 50.

[0156] (4-7) Seventh gas side

[0157] The seventh gas side portion 57 forms part of the gas manifold 50 and has a seventh gas plate portion 57a.

[0158] The seventh gas plate 57a is stacked on the right side of the sixth gas plate 56a and in contact with it. The seventh gas plate 57a has a gas pipe connection opening 57b, which is an opening that extends through the thickness of the seventh gas plate 57a and is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a.

[0159] The seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​is a plate-shaped component that, when viewed in the thickness direction, has a surface that extends in a manner that overlaps with the sixth gas opening portion 56b, and forms the outer wall portion of the gas manifold 50 in a manner that blocks the gas space 50S from the right side.

[0160] The front portion of the seventh gas plate 57a is pressed by the first gas clamping claw 51e of the first component 41. The rear portion of the seventh gas plate 57a is pressed by the second gas clamping claw 51f.

[0161] (5) Details of the liquid manifold

[0162] Figure 8 A schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid manifold 60 (corresponding to "manifold") is shown. Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of the horizontal cross-section of the liquid manifold 60 is shown. Additionally, in Figure 9 The image shows a horizontal cross-section of a flat tube 28 connected to the liquid manifold 60, cut horizontally at the center of its thickness direction (vertical direction) at the same height as the second spray region 64j. Additionally, in... Figure 9 The illustrations of the first connecting pipe 71 and the second connecting pipe 72 are omitted in the text. Figure 10 A partial enlarged view is shown near the lower end of the sixth liquid side 66 in the liquid manifold 60. Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the flow pattern of refrigerant in the liquid manifold 60 when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant.

[0163] The liquid manifold 60 is configured to have a first liquid side 61 in the first component 41, a second liquid side 62 in the second component 42, a third liquid side 63 in the third component 43, a fourth liquid side 64 in the fourth component 44, a fifth liquid side 65 in the fifth component 45, a sixth liquid side 66 in the sixth component 46, a seventh liquid side 67 in the seventh component 47, a first connecting pipe 71, and a second connecting pipe 72. The fourth liquid side 64, the fifth liquid side 65, the sixth liquid side 66, and the seventh liquid side 67 form the liquid space 60S of the liquid manifold 60.

[0164] The liquid manifold 60 is formed by brazing together the first liquid side 61, the second liquid side 62, the third liquid side 63, the fourth liquid side 64, the fifth liquid side 65, the sixth liquid side 66 and the seventh liquid side 67.

[0165] Furthermore, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the liquid manifold 60.

[0166] In the liquid manifold 60, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant flowing in via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is split inside the liquid manifold 60, and each split refrigerant is sent to the multiple flat pipes 28 included in the first flow path group X of multiple flat pipes 28.

[0167] (5-1) First liquid side

[0168] The first liquid side portion 61 forms part of the liquid manifold 60 and has a first liquid plate portion 61a, a first liquid side plate portion 61c, a second liquid side plate portion 61d, a first liquid clamping claw 61e, and a second liquid clamping claw 61f. The first liquid side portion 61, together with the seventh liquid side portion 67, mainly forms the periphery of the outer shape of the liquid manifold 60.

[0169] The first liquid plate portion 61a is provided continuously on the same plane as the first gas plate portion 51a. The first liquid side plate portion 61c is provided continuously on the same plane as the first gas side plate portion 51c. The second liquid side plate portion 61d is provided continuously on the same plane as the second gas side plate portion 51d.

[0170] The first liquid plate portion 61a is stacked in such a way that it faces and contacts the left side of the second liquid plate portion 62a of the second liquid side portion 62. The first liquid plate portion 61a has a plurality of liquid-side flat tube connection openings 61b.

[0171] Multiple liquid-side flat tube connection openings 61b are arranged vertically and are through openings extending through the thickness of the first liquid plate portion 61a. The outline of the liquid-side flat tube connection opening 61b follows the outline of the flat tube 28. Thus, with the end of the flat tube 28 passing through the liquid-side flat tube connection opening 61b in its insertion direction, the flat tubes 28 are brazed together with their outer periphery in contact with the inner periphery of the liquid-side flat tube connection opening 61b.

[0172] The first liquid side plate portion 61c is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the front edge of the first liquid plate portion 61a. The second liquid side plate portion 61d is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the rear edge of the first liquid plate portion 61a. The first liquid side plate portion 61c and the second liquid side plate portion 61d are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction, thereby sandwiching the second liquid plate portion 62a, the third liquid plate portion 63a, the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and the seventh liquid plate portion 67a in the front-rear direction.

[0173] The first liquid clamping claw 61e has a plurality of clamping claws spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction at the right end of the first liquid side plate portion 61c. The second liquid clamping claw 61f has a plurality of clamping claws spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction at the right end of the second liquid side plate portion 61d. In the pre-clamping state, the first liquid clamping claw 61e extends to the right along the extension line of the first liquid side plate portion 61c, and the second liquid clamping claw 61f extends to the right along the extension line of the second liquid side plate portion 61d. Furthermore, with the first liquid plate portion 61a, the second liquid plate portion 62a, the third liquid plate portion 63a, the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and the seventh liquid plate portion 67a stacked, the first liquid clamping claw 61e and the second liquid clamping claw 61f are bent in a manner that brings them closer to each other in the front-rear direction. As a result, the second liquid plate portion 62a, the third liquid plate portion 63a, the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and the seventh liquid plate portion 67a are pressed together and integrated. In this state, the components are completely fixed together by brazing in a furnace.

[0174] (5-2) Second liquid side

[0175] The second liquid side 62 forms part of the liquid manifold 60 and is disposed between the third liquid side 63 and the first liquid side 61. The second liquid side 62 has a second liquid plate portion 62a and a plurality of liquid insertion openings 62b.

[0176] The second liquid plate portion 62a is stacked in such a way that it faces and contacts the right side of the first liquid plate portion 61a and faces and contacts the left side of the third liquid plate portion 63a.

[0177] Multiple liquid insertion openings 62b are arranged vertically and are through openings extending through the thickness of the second liquid plate portion 62a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a, the front and rear edges of the liquid insertion openings 62b are located outside the front and rear edges of the liquid-side flat tube connection openings 61b. Furthermore, when viewed from the thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a, the upper and lower edges of the multiple liquid insertion openings 62b are located outside the upper and lower edges of the liquid-side flat tube connection openings 61b. When viewed from the thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a, the outline of the liquid insertion openings 62b does not overlap with the outline of the flat tube 28, but is located outside the outline of the flat tube 28. Therefore, the end of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction is inserted through the liquid insertion openings 62b. Furthermore, even if solder remains during brazing, because a gap is maintained between the flat tube 28 and the liquid insertion openings 62b, the remaining solder can be guided, thus preventing the flow path of the flat tube 28 from being blocked by the remaining solder.

[0178] (5-3) Third liquid side

[0179] The third liquid side 63 forms part of the liquid manifold 60 and is disposed between the fourth liquid side 64 and the second liquid side 62. The third liquid side 63 has a third liquid plate portion 63a and a plurality of liquid confinement openings 63b.

[0180] The third liquid plate portion 63a is a plate-shaped member that extends in the left-right direction as its thickness direction and in the up-down and front-back directions. The third liquid plate portion 63a is stacked in such a way that it faces and contacts the left side of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a and faces and contacts the right side of the second liquid plate portion 62a.

[0181] Multiple liquid-restricting openings 63b are arranged vertically and extend through the thickness of the third liquid plate portion 63a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the third liquid plate portion 63a, the front and rear edges of the liquid-restricting openings 63b are located further inward than the front and rear edges of the liquid insertion openings 62b. The width of the multiple liquid-restricting openings 63b in the front-rear direction is narrower than the width of the flat tube 28 in the front-rear direction. As a result, the end of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction abuts against the edge of the liquid-restricting opening 63b, thereby determining the insertion position. Furthermore, the upper and lower edges of the multiple liquid-restricting openings 63b are located further outward than the front and rear edges of the flat tube 28.

[0182] Furthermore, when viewed from the thickness direction of the third liquid plate portion 63a, the two lower openings of the plurality of liquid confinement openings 63b overlap and communicate with the opening 64b of the fourth liquid side portion 64.

[0183] In the liquid restriction opening 63b located above the two lower openings among the plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b, the lower plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b overlap and communicate with the first ejection region 64f in the first through portion 64c of the fourth liquid side portion 64, and the upper plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b overlap and communicate with the second ejection region 64j in the second through portion 64g of the fourth liquid side portion 64.

[0184] (5-4) Fourth liquid side

[0185] The fourth liquid side 64 forms part of the liquid manifold 60 and is disposed between the fifth liquid side 65 and the third liquid side 63. The fourth liquid side 64 has a fourth liquid plate portion 64a, an opening 64b, a first through portion 64c, and a second through portion 64g.

[0186] The fourth liquid plate portion 64a is a plate-shaped member that extends in the left-right direction as its thickness direction and in the up-down and front-back directions. The fourth liquid plate portion 64a is stacked in such a way that it faces and contacts the left side of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a and faces and contacts the right side of the third liquid plate portion 63a.

[0187] The first through portion 64c is located in the fourth liquid side portion 64, above the opening 64b and below the second through portion 64g, and is an opening that penetrates the fourth liquid plate portion 64a in the thickness direction. The first through portion 64c has a first inlet region 64d, a first throttling region 64e, and a first spraying region 64f. The first inlet region 64d, the first throttling region 64e, and the first spraying region 64f are arranged in this order from bottom to top at the center in the front-back direction and are connected to each other. The width of the first throttling region 64e in the front-back direction is smaller than the width of the first inlet region 64d in the front-back direction and smaller than the width of the first spraying region 64f in the front-back direction. When viewed from the thickness direction of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the first inlet region 64d overlaps with and connects with the first connecting opening 65b of the fifth liquid side portion 65. The first throttling region 64e is covered from the right side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid side portion 65. The first ejection region 64f communicates with a plurality of liquid confinement openings 63b arranged vertically on the left side. At its upper end, the first ejection region 64f communicates with the first outflow opening 65d of the fifth liquid side portion 65 located on the right side, and at its lower end, communicates with the first return opening 65c of the fifth liquid side portion 65 located on the right side. The portion of the first ejection region 64f below the portion communicating with the first outflow opening 65d and above the portion communicating with the first return opening 65c is covered from the right side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid side portion 65.

[0188] The second through portion 64g is located above the first through portion 64c in the fourth liquid side portion 64, and is an opening that penetrates the fourth liquid plate portion 64a in the thickness direction. The second through portion 64g has a second inlet region 64h, a second throttling region 64i, and a second spraying region 64j. The second inlet region 64h, the second throttling region 64i, and the second spraying region 64j are arranged from bottom to top at the center in the front-rear direction and are connected to each other. The width of the second throttling region 64i in the front-rear direction is smaller than the width of the second inlet region 64h in the front-rear direction, and smaller than the width of the second spraying region 64j in the front-rear direction. When viewed from the thickness direction of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the second inlet region 64h overlaps with and communicates with the second connecting opening 65e of the fifth liquid side portion 65. The second throttling region 64i is covered from the right side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid side portion 65. The second spraying region 64j communicates with a plurality of liquid confinement openings 63b arranged vertically on the left side. The second jetting region 64j communicates with the second outflow opening 65g of the fifth liquid side portion 65 located on the right side at its upper end, and with the second return opening 65f of the fifth liquid side portion 65 located on the right side at its lower end. The portion of the second jetting region 64j below the portion communicating with the second outflow opening 65g and above the portion communicating with the second return opening 65f is covered from the right side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid side portion 65.

[0189] (5-5) Fifth liquid side

[0190] The fifth liquid side 65 forms part of the liquid manifold 60 and is disposed between the sixth liquid side 66 and the fourth liquid side 64. The fifth liquid side 65 has a fifth liquid plate portion 65a, a first connecting opening 65b, a first return opening 65c, a first outflow opening 65d, a second connecting opening 65e, a second return opening 65f, and a second outflow opening 65g.

[0191] The fifth liquid plate portion 65a is a plate-shaped member that extends in the left-right direction as its thickness direction and in the up-down and front-back directions. The fifth liquid plate portion 65a is stacked in such a way that it faces and contacts the left side of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a and faces and contacts the right side of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a.

[0192] The first connecting opening 65b, the first returning opening 65c, the first outflow opening 65d, the second connecting opening 65e, the second returning opening 65f, and the second outflow opening 65g are all openings that penetrate through the thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, and are arranged in this order from bottom to top.

[0193] The first connecting opening 65b connects to the first inlet region 64d of the fourth liquid side 64 on the left and to the first connecting opening 66c of the sixth liquid side 66 on the right.

[0194] The first return opening 65c is connected to the lower part of the first ejection area 64f of the fourth liquid side 64 on the left side, and to the lower part of the first descending opening 66d of the sixth liquid side 66 on the right side.

[0195] The first outflow opening 65d is connected to the upper part of the first spray area 64f of the fourth liquid side 64 on the left side, and to the upper part of the first descending opening 66d of the sixth liquid side 66 on the right side.

[0196] The second connecting opening 65e is connected to the second inlet region 64h of the fourth liquid side 64 on the left side and to the second connecting opening 66e of the sixth liquid side 66 on the right side.

[0197] The second return opening 65f communicates with the lower end of the second ejection region 64j of the fourth liquid side 64 on the left side, and with the lower end of the second descending opening 66f of the sixth liquid side 66 on the right side.

[0198] The second outflow opening 65g is connected to the upper part of the second spraying area 64j of the fourth liquid side 64 on the left side, and to the upper part of the second descending opening 66f of the sixth liquid side 66 on the right side.

[0199] (5-6) Sixth liquid side

[0200] The sixth liquid side 66 forms part of the liquid manifold 60 and is disposed between the seventh liquid side 67 and the fifth liquid side 65. The sixth liquid side 66 has a sixth liquid plate portion 66a, a first opening portion 66b, a first connecting opening 66c (an example of a "second opening"), a first descending opening 66d (an example of a "second opening"), a second connecting opening 66e (an example of a "second opening"), and a second descending opening 66f (an example of a "second opening").

[0201] The sixth liquid plate portion 66a is a plate-shaped member that extends in the left-right direction as its thickness direction and in the up-down and front-back directions. The sixth liquid plate portion 66a is stacked in such a way that it faces and contacts the left side of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a and faces and contacts the right side of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a.

[0202] The first opening 66b, the first connecting opening 66c, the first descending opening 66d, the second connecting opening 66e, and the second descending opening 66f are all openings that penetrate through the thickness of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and are arranged in this order from bottom to top.

[0203] The left side of the first opening 66b is covered by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid side 65, and the right side communicates with the liquid piping connection opening 67b, the first distribution opening 67c, and the second distribution opening 67d of the seventh liquid side 67. When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the first opening 66b allows the refrigerant flowing in from the liquid piping connection opening 67b to flow separately to the first distribution opening 67c and the second distribution opening 67d, as detailed later.

[0204] The first connecting opening 66c is connected to the first connecting opening 65b of the fifth liquid side 65 on the left side and to the first connecting opening 67e of the seventh liquid side 67 on the right side.

[0205] The first descending opening 66d is connected to the first return opening 65c of the fifth liquid side 65 at the lower end on the left side, and is connected to the first outflow opening 65d of the fifth liquid side 65 at the upper end on the left side. The right side of the first descending opening 66d is covered by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a of the seventh liquid side 67.

[0206] The second connecting opening 66e connects to the second connecting opening 65e of the fifth liquid side 65 on the left side and to the second connecting opening 67f of the seventh liquid side 67 on the right side.

[0207] The second descending opening 66f communicates with the second return opening 65f of the fifth liquid side 65 at the lower end on the left side and with the second outflow opening 65g of the fifth liquid side 65 at the upper end on the left side. The right side of the second descending opening 66f is covered by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a of the seventh liquid side 67.

[0208] Additionally, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant introduced into the first inlet region 64d via a flow path (an example of the "sixth flow path") formed by the first connecting opening 67e, the first connecting opening 66c, the first connecting opening 65b, and the first inlet region 64d is sprayed from the first throttling region 64e toward the first spraying region 64f. The refrigerant sprayed into the first spraying region 64f rises and flows upwards while being diverted to multiple liquid-restricting openings 63b at various heights. The refrigerant that does not flow toward the multiple liquid-restricting openings 63b reaches the upper end of the first spraying region 64f. The refrigerant reaching the upper end of the first spraying region 64f descends through the first outlet opening 65d in the first descending opening 66d, and then returns to the lower portion of the first spraying region 64f via the first return opening 65c, thus completing a cycle.

[0209] Similarly, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant introduced into the second inlet region 64h via a flow path (an example of the "seventh flow path") formed by the second connecting opening 67f, the second connecting opening 66e, the second connecting opening 65e, and the second inlet region 64h is sprayed from the second throttling region 64i toward the second spraying region 64j. The refrigerant sprayed into the second spraying region 64j flows upwards while being diverted to multiple liquid restriction openings 63b at various heights. The refrigerant that does not flow toward the multiple liquid restriction openings 63b reaches the upper end of the second spraying region 64j. The refrigerant reaching the upper end of the second spraying region 64j descends through the second outlet opening 65g in the second descending opening 66f, and then returns to the lower part of the second spraying region 64j via the second return opening 65f, thus completing the circulation.

[0210] In addition, preferably, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the flow path formed by the first connecting opening 67e, the first connecting opening 66c, the first connecting opening 65b and the first inlet region 64d has the same flow path area and the same flow path length as the flow path formed by the second connecting opening 67f, the second connecting opening 66e, the second connecting opening 65e and the second inlet region 64h.

[0211] (5-7) Seventh liquid side

[0212] The seventh liquid side 67 forms part of the liquid manifold 60 and is located to the right of the sixth liquid side 66. The seventh liquid side 67 has a seventh liquid plate portion 67a, a liquid piping connection opening 67b, a first distribution opening 67c, a second distribution opening 67d, a first connecting opening 67e, and a second connecting opening 67f.

[0213] The seventh liquid plate portion 67a is a plate-shaped component that forms the outer wall of the right side of the liquid manifold 60 in such a way as to block the liquid space 60S from the right side, and extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The seventh liquid plate portion 67a covers a portion of the first opening 66b, the first descending opening 66d, and the second descending opening 66f of the sixth liquid side portion 66 from the right side.

[0214] The liquid piping connection opening 67b is a cylindrical opening that extends through the seventh liquid plate portion 67a in the thickness direction, located near the lower end of the seventh liquid side portion 67 and at its center in the front-rear direction. A liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the liquid piping connection opening 67b.

[0215] The first distribution opening 67c is located below the front side of the liquid piping connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side 67, and is a cylindrical opening that extends through the thickness of the seventh liquid plate 67a. The first distribution opening 67c communicates with the fourth region 87 in the first opening 66b on the left side. The pipe end 71a of the first connecting pipe 71 is connected to the right side of the first distribution opening 67c.

[0216] The second distribution opening 67d is located below and behind the liquid piping connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side 67, and is a cylindrical opening that extends through the thickness of the seventh liquid plate 67a. The second distribution opening 67d communicates with the fifth region 89 in the first opening 66b on the left side. The pipe end 72a of the second connecting pipe 72 is connected to the right side of the second distribution opening 67d.

[0217] The first connecting opening 67e is a cylindrical opening that extends through the thickness of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a, located above the liquid piping connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side portion 67 and at the center in the front-to-back direction. The pipe end 71b of the first connecting pipe 71 is connected to the first connecting opening 67e.

[0218] The second connecting opening 67f is a cylindrical opening that extends through the thickness of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a, located above the first connecting opening 67e of the seventh liquid side portion 67 and at the center in the front-rear direction. The pipe end 72b of the second connecting pipe 72 is connected to the second connecting opening 67f.

[0219] The front portion of the seventh liquid plate 67a is pressed by the first liquid clamping claw 61e. The rear portion of the seventh liquid plate 67a is pressed by the second liquid clamping claw 61f.

[0220] (5-8) Connecting Piping

[0221] A first connecting conduit 71 is located on the right side of the seventh liquid side 67, and has a pipe end 71a and a pipe end 71b, extending from the pipe end 71a to the pipe end 71b. The first connecting conduit 71 is connected to the first distribution opening 67c of the seventh liquid side 67 at the pipe end 71a. The first connecting conduit 71 is connected to the first communication opening 67e of the seventh liquid side 67 at the pipe end 71b.

[0222] The second connecting pipe 72 is located on the right side of the seventh liquid side 67, and has a pipe end 72a and a pipe end 72b, extending from the pipe end 72a to the pipe end 72b. The second connecting pipe 72 is connected to the second distribution opening 67d of the seventh liquid side 67 at the pipe end 72a. The second connecting pipe 72 is connected to the second communication opening 67f of the seventh liquid side 67 at the pipe end 72b.

[0223] (6) Refrigerant diversion in the first opening

[0224] The first opening 66b has a connecting portion P, a first region 80 (an example of the “first part”), a first throttling portion 81, a second region 82, a first bulging portion 83, a third region 84, a second bulging portion 85, a fourth throttling portion 86, a fourth region 87, a fifth throttling portion 88, and a fifth region 89.

[0225] The first region 80 is located above the center of the first opening 66b in the front-rear direction and extends vertically in the longitudinal direction. The left side of the first region 80 is covered by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, the first region 80 overlaps with and communicates with the liquid piping connection opening 67b. The first region 80, the liquid piping connection opening 67b, and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a are arranged in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the connection portion between the first region 80 and the liquid piping connection opening 67b is positioned slightly upward from the center of the first region 80 in the vertical direction.

[0226] The first throttling section 81 is located below the first region 80 and above the connecting portion P, and is connected to both the first region 80 and the connecting portion P. The centers of the first throttling section 81 in the front-back direction, the center of the first region 80 in the front-back direction, and the connecting portion P are arranged vertically. The horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first throttling section 81, which serves as the flow path cross-sectional area, is smaller than that of the first region 80, preferably less than half of the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 80. The left side of the first throttling section 81 is covered by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, and the right side is covered by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a.

[0227] The second region 82 is connected to the connecting portion P and extends forward in a horizontal direction at a position forward of the connecting portion P. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82 is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first throttling portion 81. As a result, the refrigerant flowing from the first throttling portion 81 toward the second region 82 is more easily agitated by the rapid expansion of the flow path. Furthermore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82 is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 80. As a result, the refrigerant can flow in the second region 82 while the gaseous and liquid refrigerants are agitated. In addition, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82 is the cross-sectional area of ​​a section cut by a plane orthogonal to the horizontal direction that is the refrigerant flow direction, and can be the cross-sectional area of ​​the section at the center of the length direction of the second region 82. The left side of the second region 82 is covered by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, and the right side is covered by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a.

[0228] The first bulge 83 is located in front of and connected to the second region 82. Specifically, the first bulge 83 is located further forward than the connection between the second region 82 and the fourth throttling section 86. The upper and lower ends of the first bulge 83 are the same as the upper and lower ends of the second region 82. The length of the first bulge 83 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the second region 82 in the front-rear direction; for example, it can be less than the length of the fourth region 87 in the front-rear direction.

[0229] The third region 84 is connected to the connecting portion P and extends horizontally to the rearward side at a position further rearward than the connecting portion P. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84 is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first throttling portion 81. Therefore, the flow path of the refrigerant flowing from the first throttling portion 81 towards the third region 84 is sharply expanded, making it easier to agitate both the gaseous and liquid phase refrigerants. Furthermore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84 is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 80. This allows the refrigerant to flow in the third region 84 while both the gaseous and liquid phase refrigerants are agitated. Additionally, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84 is the cross-sectional area of ​​a section cut by a plane orthogonal to the horizontal direction of the refrigerant flow, and can be the cross-sectional area of ​​a section at the center of the length direction of the third region 84. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84 is equal to the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82. The left side of the third region 84 is covered by the fifth liquid plate 65a, and the right side is covered by the seventh liquid plate 67a.

[0230] The second bulge 85 is located behind and connected to the third region 84. Specifically, the second bulge 85 is located further behind the connection between the third region 84 and the fifth throttling section 88. The upper and lower ends of the second bulge 85 are the same as the upper and lower ends of the third region 84. The length of the second bulge 85 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the third region 84 in the longitudinal direction; for example, it may be less than the length of the fifth region 89 in the longitudinal direction.

[0231] The fourth throttling section 86 is provided to extend upward from the upper end of the front end of the second region 82. The horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth throttling section 86, which serves as the flow path cross-sectional area, is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth region 87, which also serves as the flow path cross-sectional area, and smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82. Furthermore, the length of the fourth throttling section 86 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the combined length of the second region 82 and the first bulge 83 in the front-rear direction.

[0232] The fourth region 87 is arranged to extend upward from the upper end of the fourth throttling section 86. The centers of the fourth throttling section 86 in the longitudinal direction and the centers of the fourth region 87 in the longitudinal direction are aligned vertically. When viewed from the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, the area of ​​the fourth region 87 is smaller than the area of ​​the first region 80. The left side of the fourth region 87 is covered by the fifth liquid plate section 65a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, the fourth region 87 overlaps with and communicates with the first distribution opening 67c. The fourth region 87, the first distribution opening 67c, and the pipe end 71a of the first connecting pipe 71 are arranged horizontally. Furthermore, it is preferable that the connection portion between the fourth region 87 and the first distribution opening 67c is positioned upwards from the center in the longitudinal direction of the fourth region 87.

[0233] The fifth throttling section 88 is provided to extend upward from the upper end of the rear end of the third region 84. The horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the fifth throttling section 88 as the flow path cross-section is smaller than that of the fifth region 89 as the flow path cross-section, and smaller than that of the third region 84. The horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the fifth throttling section 88 as the flow path cross-section is equal to that of the fourth throttling section 86 as the flow path cross-section. In addition, the length of the fifth throttling section 88 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the combined length of the third region 84 and the second bulge 85 in the front-rear direction.

[0234] The fifth region 89 is arranged to extend upward from the upper end of the fifth throttling section 88. The centers of the fifth throttling section 88 in the longitudinal direction and the centers of the fifth region 89 in the longitudinal direction are aligned vertically. When viewed from the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, the area of ​​the fifth region 89 is smaller than the area of ​​the first region 80 and equal to the area of ​​the fourth region 87. The left side of the fifth region 89 is covered by the fifth liquid plate section 65a. When viewed from the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, the fifth region 89 overlaps with and communicates with the second distribution opening 67d. The fifth region 89, the second distribution opening 67d, and the pipe end 72a of the second connecting pipe 72 are arranged horizontally. Furthermore, it is preferable that the connection portion between the fifth region 89 and the second distribution opening 67d is positioned upwards from the center in the longitudinal direction of the fifth region 89.

[0235] The first opening 66b described above has a shape that is symmetrical about an imaginary surface containing the connecting portion P and extending in the up, down, left, and right directions. Specifically, the second region 82 and the third region 84 extend in directions symmetrical about this imaginary surface and extend to the same length.

[0236] In the above structure, the liquid manifold 60 has a first flow path A, a second flow path B, a third flow path C, a fourth flow path D, and a fifth flow path E, which are refrigerant flow paths formed by the fifth liquid side 65, the sixth liquid side 66, and the seventh liquid side 67.

[0237] The first flow path A is as follows: it includes a first region 80 containing a sixth liquid side 66 and a first throttling section 81, which is formed by being surrounded on the left and right by a fifth liquid side 65 and a seventh liquid side 67, and extends vertically to the connecting section P.

[0238] The second flow path B is as follows: a second region 82 including a sixth liquid side 66 and a first bulge 83, which is formed by being surrounded on the left and right by a fifth liquid side 65 and a seventh liquid side 67, and extends forward from the connecting part P.

[0239] The third flow path C is a flow path that includes a third region 84 containing a sixth liquid side 66 and a second bulge 85, and is formed by being surrounded on the left and right by a fifth liquid side 65 and a seventh liquid side 67, extending rearward from the connecting part P.

[0240] The fourth flow path D is a flow path that includes a fourth throttling section 86 and a fourth region 87, which are surrounded by the fifth liquid side 65 and the seventh liquid side 67 on the left and right, and extends upward from the second flow path B.

[0241] The fifth flow path E is a flow path that includes a fifth throttling section 88 and a fifth region 89, which are formed by being surrounded on the left and right by the fifth liquid side 65 and the seventh liquid side 67, and extends upward from the third flow path C.

[0242] When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state, flowing into the first region 80 of the first opening 66b from the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a, descends in the first flow path A. Its flow velocity increases upon passing through the first throttling section 81, and it is then conveyed to the connecting section P. The refrigerant conveyed to the connecting section P collides with the edges of the second flow path B and the third flow path C located vertically below the first throttling section 81. After the gas-phase and liquid-phase refrigerants are stirred, the refrigerant flow direction changes drastically, branching into the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0243] The refrigerant flowing in the second flow path B is sent to the fourth flow path D. In the fourth flow path D, the refrigerant with an increased flow rate at the fourth throttling section 86 is sprayed into the fourth region 87.

[0244] The refrigerant flowing in the third flow path C is sent to the fifth flow path E. In the fifth flow path E, the refrigerant with an increased flow rate at the fifth throttling section 88 is sprayed into the fifth region 89.

[0245] (7) Features of the implementation method

[0246] The liquid manifold 60 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is configured such that, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant flowing in via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is diverted before being delivered to a plurality of flat pipes 28 connected to the liquid manifold 60. Therefore, it eliminates the need for conventionally known diverters installed separately from the liquid manifold 60, enabling a more compact installation space and reducing component costs.

[0247] Furthermore, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state, flowing into the first opening 66b of the liquid manifold 60 via the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a, decreases in velocity in the first flow path A as it descends. Its flow rate increases in the first throttling section 81, where the flow path narrows, and it is then delivered to the connecting section P, branching into the second flow path B and the third flow path C. Therefore, the difference between the ratio of gaseous to liquid refrigerant flowing in the second flow path B and the ratio of gaseous to liquid refrigerant flowing in the third flow path C can be minimized. Moreover, the second flow path B and the third flow path C have the same cross-sectional area and length, exhibiting symmetry with respect to an imaginary surface including the connecting section P and extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, the difference between the amount of refrigerant flowing from the connecting section P towards the second flow path B and the amount of refrigerant flowing from the connecting section P towards the third flow path C can also be reduced. Furthermore, the cross-sectional areas of the fourth throttling section 86 of the fourth flow path D connected to the second flow path B and the fifth throttling section 88 of the fifth flow path E connected to the third flow path C are equal, enabling the refrigerant to experience the same degree of pressure loss. In this respect, the difference in refrigerant charge between the second flow path B and the third flow path C is also minimized. Therefore, the refrigerant that has passed through the first flow path A can be evenly distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0248] Furthermore, the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E are symmetrical about the imaginary surface that includes the connecting part P and extends in the up, down, left and right directions. The connecting side of the fourth flow path D relative to the second flow path B and the connecting side of the fifth flow path E relative to the third flow path C are the same upper side. Therefore, the amount of refrigerant supplied to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E can be equal, and the ratio of gaseous refrigerant to liquid refrigerant can also be the same.

[0249] Furthermore, the second flow path B has a first bulge 83 that bulges out to the side opposite to the connection P relative to the branch portion to the fourth flow path D, and the third flow path C has a second bulge 85 that bulges out to the side opposite to the connection P relative to the branch portion to the fifth flow path E. Therefore, even if there is a difference in the proportion of liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path B and the refrigerant flowing in the third flow path C, the liquid refrigerant can be kept in the bulge corresponding to the flow path through which more liquid refrigerant flows, and the difference in the proportion of liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant flowing in the fourth flow path D and the refrigerant flowing in the fifth flow path E can be minimized.

[0250] The first opening 66b, which enables the refrigerant flowing in the first flow path A to be diverted to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and further to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E, is provided in the sixth component 46, which is a plate-shaped component. Therefore, the refrigerant diversion within the liquid manifold 60 can be achieved with a smaller number of components.

[0251] Furthermore, since the first flow path A, the fourth flow path D, and the fifth flow path E are all positioned on the upper side relative to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, the length of the first opening 66b in the vertical direction can be minimized.

[0252] (8) Other implementation methods

[0253] (8-1) Other implementation methods A

[0254] In the above embodiments, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 is described as follows, which is configured such that when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for refrigerant, the refrigerant passing through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a flows into the first region 80 of the first opening 66b of the sixth liquid side 66 via the liquid pipe connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side 67.

[0255] In contrast, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 can also be as follows: instead of the fifth liquid side 65 of the above embodiment, it has a fifth liquid side 165; instead of the seventh liquid side 67 of the above embodiment, it has a seventh liquid side 167; and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a is connected to the lower end of the second manifold 30. Furthermore, Figure 13 An explanatory diagram showing the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of other embodiment A functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant. Here, two flat pipes 28 are connected from below to the area in the second manifold 30 where the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a is connected, and the interior of the second manifold 30 is divided into this area and an upper area (not shown).

[0256] The fifth liquid side 165 is a structure in which the fifth liquid side 65 of the above embodiment is further provided with a connecting opening 65h. The connecting opening 65h is provided below the first communicating opening 65b and is an opening that extends through the thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a. The connecting opening 65h communicates with the opening 64b of the fourth liquid side 64 on the left side and communicates with the first region 80 in the first communicating opening 66c of the sixth liquid side 66 on the right side.

[0257] The seventh liquid side 167 is a liquid side obtained by omitting the liquid piping connection opening 67b in the seventh liquid side 67 of the above embodiment. As a result, the right side of the first region 80 in the first communication opening 66c of the sixth liquid side 66 is covered by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a of the seventh liquid side 167.

[0258] In the above structure, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant introduced into the lower region of the second manifold 30 via the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a flows from below through two flat pipes 28. It converges at the opening 64b of the fourth liquid side 64 via two liquid-side flat pipe connecting openings 61b (from the bottom), two liquid insertion openings 62b (from the bottom), and two liquid restriction openings 63b (from the bottom). Furthermore, by supplying refrigerant to the two lowest flat pipes 28 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11, a pressure loss is generated in these two flat pipes 28, suppressing the adhesion and growth of frost near the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Then, the refrigerant converging at the opening 64b of the fourth liquid side 64 is introduced into the first region 80 of the first opening 66b of the sixth liquid side 66 via the connecting opening 65h of the fifth liquid side 165. The refrigerant introduced into the first region 80 collides with the seventh liquid plate 67a of the seventh liquid side 67, changing its flow direction downwards and flowing towards the first throttling section 81. Afterwards, the refrigerant flows and splits in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0259] (8-2) Other implementation methods B

[0260] In the above embodiments, the following example is illustrated: in the first opening 66b, the second flow path B is configured to extend with the same flow path area, and the third flow path C is configured to extend with the same flow path area.

[0261] In contrast, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 14As shown, alternatively, in the first opening 66b, the second flow path B may have a second throttling section 98 formed by a local narrowing of the flow path area, and the third flow path C may have a third throttling section 99 formed by a local narrowing of the flow path area. Furthermore, the cross-sectional areas of the second throttling section 98 and the third throttling section 99 may be equal.

[0262] In this case, the refrigerant that has passed through the first throttling section 81 experiences pressure loss in the second throttling section 98 and the third throttling section 99, thereby limiting the amount of refrigerant passing through the second throttling section 98 and the amount of refrigerant passing through the third throttling section 99, thereby preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing concentratedly into either the second flow path B or the third flow path C.

[0263] (8-3) Other implementation methods C

[0264] In the above embodiments, an example is given as follows: in the first opening 66b, the first flow path A, the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E are all arranged on the same side, i.e., the upper side, relative to the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0265] In contrast, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 15 As shown, the first flow path A can also be configured to have a first region 80a and a first throttling section 81a, and is located below the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0266] In this case, the refrigerant sprayed from the first region 80a to the connecting part P via the first throttling section 81a is also equally distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also equally distributed to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E.

[0267] (8-4) Other implementation methods D

[0268] In the above embodiments, an example is given as follows: in the first opening 66b, the first flow path A, the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E are all arranged on the same side, i.e., the upper side, relative to the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0269] In contrast, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 16 As shown, the fourth flow path D can also be configured to have a fourth region 87a and a fourth throttling section 86a, located below the second flow path B, and the fifth flow path E can be configured to have a fifth region 89a and a fifth throttling section 88a, located below the third flow path C.

[0270] In this case, the refrigerant sprayed from the first region 80 through the first throttling section 81 to the connecting section P is also equally distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also equally distributed to the fourth flow path D extending downward from the second flow path B and the fifth flow path E extending downward from the third flow path C.

[0271] In addition, the first opening 66b may also be a first opening having a fourth flow path D extending downward from the second flow path B and a fifth flow path E extending upward from the third flow path C, or it may be a first opening having a fourth flow path D extending upward from the second flow path B and a fifth flow path E extending downward from the third flow path C.

[0272] (8-5) Other implementation methods E

[0273] In the above embodiments, an example is given as follows: in the first opening 66b, the first flow path A, the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E are all arranged on the same side, i.e., the upper side, relative to the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0274] In contrast, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 17 As shown, the first flow path A can also be configured to have a first region 80a and a first throttling section 81a, located below the second flow path B and the third flow path C; the fourth flow path D can be configured to have a fourth region 87a and a fourth throttling section 86a, located below the second flow path B; and the fifth flow path E can be configured to have a fifth region 89a and a fifth throttling section 88a, located below the third flow path C.

[0275] In this case, the refrigerant sprayed from the first region 80a to the connecting part P via the first throttling part 81a is also equally distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also equally distributed to the fourth flow path D extending downward from the second flow path B and the fifth flow path E extending downward from the third flow path C.

[0276] In addition, the first opening 66b may also be a first opening having a fourth flow path D extending downward from the second flow path B and a fifth flow path E extending upward from the third flow path C, or it may be a first opening having a fourth flow path D extending upward from the second flow path B and a fifth flow path E extending downward from the third flow path C.

[0277] (8-6) Other implementation methods F

[0278] In the above embodiments, an example is given as follows: in the first opening 66b, the first flow path A is configured to have a first region 80 and a first throttling section 81.

[0279] In contrast, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 18 As shown, alternatively, in the first opening 66b, the first flow path A can be configured to have a first region 80b and a first throttling section 81. This first region 80b has an upper first region 80x and a lower first region 80y, with the first throttling section 81 positioned vertically between the upper first region 80x and the lower first region 80y. Furthermore, the position of the first throttling section 81 within the first region 80b is preferably located closer to the connection point than the midpoint of the first flow path A in the vertical direction of refrigerant flow, and preferably lower in the first region 80b. The area of ​​the horizontal cross-section of the upper first region 80x as a flow path section and the area of ​​the horizontal cross-section of the lower first region 80y as a flow path section are equal to each other, and both are larger than the area of ​​the horizontal cross-section of the first throttling section 81 as a flow path section.

[0280] In this case, the refrigerant sprayed from the upper first region 80x of the first region 80b to the lower first region 80y and the connecting part P below it via the first throttling part 81 is also equally distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also equally distributed to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E.

[0281] (8-7) Other implementation methods G

[0282] In the above embodiment, the following situation is illustrated: in the first opening 66b, the second flow path B and the third flow path C extend horizontally from the connecting part P in a manner that is separate from each other.

[0283] In contrast, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 19 As shown, alternatively, the second flow path B and the third flow path C can extend obliquely relative to the horizontal direction from the connecting portion P in a mutually separate manner. For example, as... Figure 19 As shown, the second flow path B can also be configured to have a second region 82a and a first bulge 83a, and the third flow path C can be configured to have a third region 84a and a second bulge 85a. The second flow path B and the third flow path C extend upward from the connecting portion P as they move away from each other. Furthermore, the second flow path B and the third flow path C can also extend downward from the connecting portion P as they move away from each other (not shown).

[0284] In these cases, similar to the embodiments described above, the refrigerant flowing in the first flow path A is equally distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also equally distributed to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E.

[0285] (8-8) Other implementation methods H

[0286] In the above embodiments, an example is given of using the outdoor heat exchanger 11 with the length direction of the liquid manifold 60 as the vertical direction.

[0287] In contrast, the length direction of the liquid manifold 60 in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 20 As shown, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 can also be used with the length direction of the sixth liquid side 166 of the liquid manifold 60 inclined relative to the vertical direction. In this case, even though the length direction of the sixth liquid side 166 is inclined relative to the vertical direction, the shape and orientation of the first opening 166b of the sixth liquid side 166 are the same as in the above embodiment. Specifically, the first flow path A extends in the vertical direction, the second flow path B and the third flow path C are arranged symmetrically about an imaginary plane, and the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E are arranged symmetrically about an imaginary plane, which includes a line extending vertically from the connection P and a line extending from the connection P from the flat tube 28. In this case, similarly to the above embodiment, the refrigerant flowing in the first flow path A is equally distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and also equally distributed to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E.

[0288] (8-9) Other implementation methods I

[0289] In the above embodiments, an example is given of an outdoor heat exchanger 11 having a plurality of flat pipes 28 connected to a liquid manifold 60.

[0290] In contrast, the heat transfer tube connected to the liquid manifold 60 is not limited to a flat tube, but can also be a heat transfer tube with a cylindrical cross-section.

[0291] (8-10) Other implementation methods J

[0292] In the above embodiments, regarding the first flow path A, the second flow path B, and the third flow path C, the following example is given: the first opening 66b of the sixth liquid side 66 of the sixth component 46, which is a plate component, is covered by the seventh liquid plate 67a of the seventh liquid side 67 of the seventh component 47 and the fifth liquid plate 65a of the fifth liquid side 65 of the fifth component 45.

[0293] In contrast, the first flow path A, the second flow path B, and the third flow path C are not limited to this. For example, the liquid manifold 60 may have a plurality of plate components with openings of a shape corresponding to the first opening 66b described above, and the first flow path A, the second flow path B, and the third flow path C may be formed by a stack of these plate components covering both sides in the thickness direction of the plate.

[0294] (Postscript)

[0295] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes in manner and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0296] Label Explanation

[0297] 1. Air conditioning unit

[0298] 2 outdoor units

[0299] 3 Control Department

[0300] 11 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

[0301] 19 First Gas Refrigerant Pipe

[0302] 19a Gas Refrigerant Connection Piping

[0303] 20 Liquid Refrigerant Pipe

[0304] 20a Liquid Refrigerant Connection Piping

[0305] 27 Heat Exchange Section

[0306] 28 Flat tube (heat transfer tube)

[0307] 30 Second Collection Pipe

[0308] 40 First manifold (manifold)

[0309] 41 First component (plate component)

[0310] 42 Second component (plate component)

[0311] 43. Third component (plate component)

[0312] 44. Fourth component (plate component)

[0313] 45. Fifth component (plate component)

[0314] 46. ​​Sixth component (plate component, first plate component, plate-shaped component)

[0315] 47. Seventh component (plate component)

[0316] 50 gas manifold

[0317] 50S Gas Space

[0318] 56b Sixth gas opening (second opening)

[0319] 60 Liquid Manifold (Heap)

[0320] 60S Liquid Space

[0321] 64d First Import Region (Sixth Flow Path)

[0322] 64h Second Import Area (Seventh Flow Path)

[0323] 65b First connecting opening (sixth flow path)

[0324] 65e Second connecting opening (seventh flow path)

[0325] 66b First opening

[0326] 66c First connecting opening (sixth flow path, second opening)

[0327] 66d First descending opening (second opening)

[0328] 66e Second connecting opening (seventh flow path, second opening)

[0329] 66f Second descending opening (second opening section)

[0330] 67e First connecting opening (sixth flow path)

[0331] 67f Second connecting opening (seventh flow path)

[0332] 71 First Connecting Piping

[0333] 72 Second Connecting Pipe

[0334] 80. First District (Part 1)

[0335] 81 First Throttling Section

[0336] 82 Second District

[0337] 83 First Drum Excerpt

[0338] 84 Third District

[0339] 85 Second Drum Exit

[0340] 86 Fourth section of the flow

[0341] 87 Fourth District

[0342] 88 Fifth Section

[0343] 89 Fifth District

[0344] 98 Second Throttling Section

[0345] 99 Third Flow Section

[0346] 166 First opening

[0347] 166a First opening

[0348] A first flow path

[0349] B Second Flow Path

[0350] C Third Flow Path

[0351] D Fourth Flow Path

[0352] E Fifth Flow Path

[0353] P connection part

[0354] Existing technical documents

[0355] Patent documents

[0356] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 049727

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (11) comprising: manifold (60); and Multiple heat transfer tubes (28) are connected to the manifold; The manifold has a first flow path (A), a second flow path (B), and a third flow path (C) that are interconnected at a connection (P). The first flow path extends along a first direction that is vertical. The second flow path extends along the second direction. The third flow path extends in a third direction. The second direction and the third direction are symmetrical about an imaginary plane, which includes a line extending vertically from the connection and a line extending along the heat transfer tube from the connection. The first flow path has a first throttling section (81).

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein, The second direction and the third direction are horizontal directions.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first throttling section is connected to the connecting section.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, wherein, The first throttling section is positioned above the connecting section.

5. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The manifold is a stacked manifold formed by stacking multiple plate components (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47), including the first plate component (46). The first plate component forms the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

6. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The second flow path has a second throttling section (98). The third flow path has a third throttling section (99).

7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The flow area of ​​the second flow path is the same as that of the third flow path. The length of the second flow path is the same as the length of the third flow path.

8. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The heat exchanger also features: A fourth flow path (D), which connects to the second flow path and extends in a direction different from that of the second flow path; and The fifth flow path (E) is connected to the third flow path and extends in a direction different from that of the third flow path.

9. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, wherein, The fourth flow path and the fifth flow path extend upwards, or the fourth flow path and the fifth flow path extend downwards.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The second flow path has a first bulge (83), which bulges out in the direction in which the second flow path extends, relative to the connection portion between the second flow path and the fourth flow path, on the side opposite to the connection portion. The third flow path has a second bulge (85), which bulges out in the direction in which the third flow path extends, relative to the connection portion of the third flow path and the fifth flow path, to the side opposite to the connection portion.

11. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The fourth flow path has a fourth throttling section (86). The fifth flow path has a fifth throttling section (88).

12. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein, The heat exchanger also features: A first connecting conduit (71), both ends of which are connected to the manifold; and The second connecting pipe (72) is connected at both ends to the manifold. The first connecting pipe constitutes at least a portion of the flow path connecting the fourth flow path to the sixth flow path (67e, 66c, 65b, 64d), which is an internal flow path of the manifold. The second connecting pipe constitutes at least a portion of the flow path that connects the fifth flow path to the seventh flow path (67f, 66e, 65e, 64h), which is an internal flow path of the manifold.

13. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The first flow path has a first portion (80) with a flow path cross-sectional area larger than that of the first throttling section. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path and the cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path are smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first part.

14. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The manifold has a plate-shaped component (46) having: a first opening (66b) forming at least a portion of the connection, the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path; and a second opening (66c, 66d, 66e, 66f, 56b) separated from the first opening to form an eighth flow path, which is a flow path other than the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

15. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant flows from the first flow path toward the connection.

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