Heat exchanger and refrigeration device

Abstract

The invention provides a heat exchanger and a refrigeration device, wherein a liquid collecting pipe part and a gas collecting pipe part can be concentrated. Comprising a plurality of flat tubes (28) arranged in the vertical direction and an inlet / outlet header (40) connected to the flat tubes (28), the inlet / outlet header (40) having a gas header section (50) and a liquid header section (60) arranged in the vertical direction, the inlet / outlet header (40) having: one or more gas members (gas space forming members (51); one or more liquid members, namely a first liquid member (61), a second liquid member (62), a third liquid member (63), a fourth liquid member (64), and a fifth liquid member (65); and a first common member (41) extending across the gas header section (50) and the liquid header section (60), the first common member (41) forming the gas header section (50) with the gas space forming member (51), and the first common member (41) forming the liquid header section (60) with the liquid members (61-65). The first common member (41) integrates a first predetermined number of gas members and a second predetermined number of liquid members different from the first predetermined number.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, for example, a technique has been proposed to construct a manifold by stacking multiple plate-shaped components, as described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-043207). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] As such a heat exchanger, there exists a heat exchanger in which a gas manifold for gaseous refrigerant and a liquid manifold for liquid or two-phase refrigerant are arranged in the direction of the flat tubes. Here, the states of the refrigerant flowing in the gas manifold and the liquid manifold are different; therefore, their required functions are sometimes different, and the number of components constituting the gas manifold is sometimes different from the number of components constituting the liquid manifold. Thus, when the number of components constituting the gas manifold is different from the number of components constituting the liquid manifold, it is difficult to integrate the gas manifold and the liquid manifold.

[0005] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0006] The heat exchanger of the first viewpoint includes: a plurality of flat tubes; and a manifold. The plurality of flat tubes are arranged in a first direction. The manifold is connected to the flat tubes. The manifold has a gas manifold section and a liquid manifold section. The gas manifold section and the liquid manifold section are arranged in the first direction. The manifold has: one or more gas members; one or more liquid members; and a first member. The first member extends throughout the gas manifold section and the liquid manifold section. The first member and the gas members form a gas manifold section. The first member and the liquid members form a liquid manifold section. The first member integrates a first predetermined number of gas members and a second predetermined number of liquid members, different from the first predetermined number.

[0007] Even when the number of gas components and liquid components differs, this heat exchanger can integrate the gas components and liquid components through the first component.

[0008] The heat exchanger of the second perspective is based on the heat exchanger of the first perspective, with the first component and the gas component stacked in a second direction. The second direction is the direction in which the flat tube extends. The first component and the liquid component are stacked along the second direction.

[0009] The heat exchanger can arrange the gas manifold and liquid manifold in a flat tube along a second direction.

[0010] The third-view heat exchanger is based on the second-view heat exchanger, and the manifold also has one or more intermediate components. The intermediate components extend between the first component and the gas component, and between the first component and the liquid component.

[0011] The heat exchanger can form part of the gas manifold through one part of the intermediate component and part of the liquid manifold through another part of the intermediate component.

[0012] The heat exchanger of the fourth viewpoint is based on the heat exchanger of the third viewpoint, and the first component integrates the gas component, liquid component and intermediate component.

[0013] Even when the number of gas components and liquid components differs, this heat exchanger can integrate the gas components, liquid components, and intermediate components through the first component.

[0014] The fifth viewpoint heat exchanger is based on the third or fourth viewpoint heat exchanger, with one or more intermediate components including a second component. The second component has multiple first openings. When viewed along a second direction, the outline of the first openings has a portion that overlaps with the outline of the flat tube.

[0015] When the flat tube is inserted into the manifold, the heat exchanger can determine the insertion position of the flat tube because the flat tube cannot pass through the first opening.

[0016] The heat exchanger of the sixth viewpoint is based on the heat exchanger of the fifth viewpoint, with one or more intermediate components further including a third component. The third component is stacked between the first and second components in a second direction. The third component has multiple second openings. When viewed along the second direction, the outline of the second openings is located outside the outline of the flat tube.

[0017] In this heat exchanger, when the flat tube is inserted into the manifold, it can pass through the second opening.

[0018] The heat exchanger of the seventh viewpoint is based on the heat exchanger of any of the second to sixth viewpoints. The first component has: a first portion; a pair of first clamping portions; and a pair of second clamping portions. The first portion is a portion extending in a plane orthogonal to a second direction. The pair of first clamping portions extend from the first portion along the second direction. The pair of second clamping portions extend from the first portion along the second direction. When the direction intersecting both the first and second directions is designated as a third direction, the first clamping portions clamp a first predetermined number of gas components in the third direction. The second clamping portions clamp a second predetermined number of liquid components in the third direction. The lengths of the first clamping portions in the second direction are different from the lengths of the second clamping portions in the second direction.

[0019] In this heat exchanger, even if the number of gas components and liquid components are different, the first component has a shape corresponding to the length in the second direction of the first predetermined number of gas components and the length in the second direction of the second predetermined number of liquid components, thus making it easy to integrate the gas components and liquid components.

[0020] The heat exchanger of the eighth viewpoint is based on the heat exchanger of the seventh viewpoint, wherein the first clamping part has a first riveting part at its end in the second direction on the side opposite to the first part. The second clamping part has a second riveting part at its end in the second direction on the side opposite to the first part.

[0021] The heat exchanger can integrate gas and liquid components by riveting them together through a first riveting part and a second riveting part.

[0022] The heat exchanger of the ninth viewpoint is based on the heat exchanger of any of the second to eighth viewpoints, and the gas component includes a gas space forming component. The gas space forming component has a protrusion that, when viewed along a first direction, protrudes toward a side in a second direction away from the connection portion between the flat tube and the first component.

[0023] This heat exchanger easily ensures sufficient space for the flow of gaseous refrigerant by using a gas space forming member with protrusions.

[0024] The heat exchanger of the tenth perspective is based on the heat exchanger of the eighth perspective, and the gas component includes a gas space forming component. The gas space forming component has a protrusion that, when viewed along a first direction, protrudes toward a side in a second direction away from the connection portion between the flat tube and the first component. The gas space forming component has a flat portion that extends in a plane orthogonal to the second direction. The flat portion is riveted together by a first riveting portion and a second riveting portion.

[0025] This heat exchanger easily ensures sufficient space for the flow of gaseous refrigerant by using a gas space forming member with protrusions. Furthermore, by layering the flat portion of the gas space forming member with other gas components, the mutual fixing strength can be improved when riveted together via the first and second riveting parts.

[0026] The heat exchanger of the eleventh viewpoint is based on the heat exchanger of any of the first to tenth viewpoints, with the gas component and liquid component having plate-shaped parts.

[0027] This heat exchanger can easily stack gas components and liquid components on the first component.

[0028] The heat exchanger of the twelfth concept, based on the heat exchangers of any of the first to eleventh concepts, further includes a return manifold. The return manifold is connected to the end of the flat tube opposite to the end on the gas manifold and liquid manifold side. The return manifold guides the refrigerant after passing through the gas manifold to the liquid manifold side, or guides the refrigerant after passing through the liquid manifold to the gas manifold side.

[0029] This heat exchanger enables the refrigerant to flow in a foldback manifold.

[0030] The refrigeration unit of the thirteenth viewpoint includes a heat exchanger from any one of the first to twelfth viewpoints.

[0031] The refrigeration unit is capable of performing a refrigeration cycle using a heat exchanger that integrates the gas and liquid components through a first component. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning unit.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic 3D diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a magnified view of a portion of the heat exchange section of an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigerant flow state when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a radiator or condenser for refrigerant.

[0037] Figure 6 It is a 3D view of the inlet and outlet manifolds.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic exploded 3D view of the gas manifold.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a rough horizontal cross-sectional structural diagram of the gas manifold section.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid manifold.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a rough horizontal cross-sectional structural diagram of the liquid manifold.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of the fourth liquid component when viewed along the thickness direction of the plate.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid manifold section in another embodiment C. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following describes embodiments of the heat exchanger of this disclosure and the refrigeration apparatus employing the heat exchanger.

[0045] (1) Structure of the air conditioning unit

[0046] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an air conditioning unit 1, which is an embodiment of a refrigeration unit, will be described.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioning unit 1 having an outdoor heat exchanger 11, which is one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Air conditioning unit 1 is a device that cools and heats a target space by performing 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 refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, and underfloor heating systems. Additionally, there are no particular limitations on the refrigerant used in air conditioning unit 1; examples include R290, CO2, and R32.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 mainly includes: an outdoor unit 2; an indoor unit 9; a liquid connecting pipe 4 and a gas connecting pipe 5; and a control unit 3 that controls the equipment constituting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The liquid connecting pipe 4 and the gas 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 connecting pipe 4 and the gas connecting pipe 5, thereby forming a refrigerant circuit 6.

[0050] 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 in parallel to the outdoor unit 2 via liquid connecting pipe 4 and gas 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 where the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are formed as one unit.

[0051] (1-1) Outdoor Unit

[0052] Outdoor unit 2 is located outside the space to be conditioned, such as on the roof of a building or near the wall of a building.

[0053] The outdoor unit 2 mainly includes a storage tank 7, a compressor 8, a four-way reversing valve 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 11, an outdoor expansion valve 12, a liquid-side shut-off valve 13, a gas-side shut-off valve 14, and an outdoor fan 16.

[0054] As a refrigerant piping system connecting various devices constituting the refrigerant circuit 6, the outdoor unit 2 mainly includes a suction pipe 17, a discharge pipe 18, a first gaseous refrigerant pipe 19, a liquid refrigerant pipe 20, and a second gaseous refrigerant pipe 21. The suction pipe 17 connects the four-way reversing valve 10 to the suction side of the compressor 8. A storage tank 7 is installed on the suction pipe 17. The discharge pipe 18 connects the discharge side of the compressor 8 to the four-way reversing valve 10. The first gaseous refrigerant pipe 19 connects the four-way reversing 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 on the liquid refrigerant pipe 20. The second gaseous refrigerant pipe 21 connects the four-way reversing valve 10 to the gas side shut-off valve 14.

[0055] The compressor 8 is a device that draws 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 to the discharge pipe 18.

[0056] The four-way reversing valve 10 is a mechanism that switches the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 between cooling and heating operation by changing the direction of refrigerant flow. 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 reversing valve 10 sets 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 (Solid line inside the four-way reversing valve 10). When the four-way reversing valve 10 sets the refrigerant circuit 6 to heating operation, the four-way reversing valve 10 connects the suction pipe 17 to the first gaseous refrigerant pipe 19 and connects the discharge pipe 18 to the second gaseous refrigerant pipe 21 (see reference). Figure 1 (The dashed line inside the four-way directional valve 10).

[0057] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that enables heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside it and fluids such as air at the location where the outdoor unit 2 is installed. Details about the outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be described later.

[0058] 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 or flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0059] Storage tank 7 is a container with a gas-liquid separation function that separates incoming refrigerant into gaseous and liquid refrigerant. Furthermore, storage tank 7 is a container with a storage function that stores excess refrigerant generated according to changes in operating load, etc.

[0060] The liquid-side shut-off valve 13 is a valve located at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 and the liquid 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 connecting pipe 5. Both 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.

[0061] The outdoor fan 16 is used to draw in external hot air into the housing of the outdoor unit 2 (not shown) and supply it to the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and to exhaust the air that has undergone superheat exchange with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 to the outside of the housing of the outdoor unit 2. The outdoor fan 16 is, for example, a propeller fan.

[0062] (1-2) Indoor Units

[0063] Indoor unit 9 is a unit installed in the space to be conditioned. Indoor unit 9 can be, for example, a ceiling-recessed unit, or a ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or floor-standing unit. Alternatively, indoor unit 9 can 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 superheat 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.

[0064] The indoor unit 9 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 91, an indoor expansion valve 93, and an indoor fan 92.

[0065] In the indoor heat exchanger 91, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through 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.

[0066] An indoor expansion valve 93 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the liquid connecting pipe 4. The indoor expansion valve 93 has a mechanism for regulating the pressure or flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the indoor expansion valve 93.

[0067] The indoor fan 92 is a mechanism that draws air from the air-conditioned space into the housing (not shown) of the indoor unit 9 and supplies it to the indoor heat exchanger 91, and blows the air, after heat exchange with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 91, out of the air-conditioned space. The indoor fan 92 is, for example, a turbine fan.

[0068] (1-3) Control Department

[0069] The control unit 3 is a functional unit that controls the operation of various devices constituting the air conditioning unit 1.

[0070] The control unit 3 is configured, for example, by connecting 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 microcomputer, including a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit), and memory such as ROM and RAM storing various executable programs for controlling the air conditioning unit 1. Furthermore, in Figure 1 For ease of explanation, the control unit 3 is depicted in a position separate from the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9.

[0071] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to various devices in the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9, including the compressor 8, the four-way reversing valve 10, the outdoor expansion valve 12, the outdoor fan 16, the indoor fan 92, and the indoor expansion valve 93. Furthermore, the control unit 3 is electrically connected to various sensors installed in the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. Additionally, the control unit 3 is configured to communicate with a remote control (not shown) of the air conditioning unit 1, which is operated by the user.

[0072] The control unit 3 controls the operation and shutdown 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).

[0073] (2) Structure of outdoor heat exchanger

[0074] The structure of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0075] Figure 2 This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. 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 4This 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 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Figure 5 The arrows in the heat exchange section 27 shown indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation or defrosting operation (when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a radiator or condenser for the refrigerant). Figure 6 A perspective view of the inlet / outlet manifold 40 is shown.

[0076] Additionally, in the following descriptions, terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front (front surface)," and "rear (back)" are sometimes used to indicate orientation and position. Unless otherwise specified, these terms follow [the intended meaning]. 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 and the individual structures of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 are not determined to be the orientation and position of the expressions described herein.

[0077] Furthermore, the following explanation will take the case where the direction in which the multiple flat tubes 28 are arranged, the length direction of the inlet / outlet manifold 40, the length direction of the gas manifold section 50, and the length direction of the liquid manifold section 60 are vertical (an example of the "first direction"). Furthermore, the following explanation will take the following case as an example, where the direction in which the connection portion of the flat tube 28 extends to the inlet / outlet manifold 40, the stacking direction of the tube sheet portion 411 of the first common member 41, the second common member 42, the third common member 43, the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51, the stacking direction of the tube sheet portion 411 of the first common member 41, the second common member 42, the third common member 43, the first liquid member 61, the second liquid member 62, the third liquid member 63, the fourth liquid member 64, the fifth liquid member 65, the plate thickness direction of the tube sheet portion 411, the second common member 42, the third common member 43, the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51, and the plate thickness direction of the tube sheet portion 411, the second common member 42, the third common member 43, the first liquid member 61, the second liquid member 62, the third liquid member 63, the fourth liquid member 64, the fifth liquid member 65 are left-right directions (an example of the "second direction"). Furthermore, the front-back direction (an example of a "third direction") will be used as the direction perpendicular to both the up-down and left-right directions.

[0078] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that enables heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air.

[0079] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 mainly comprises multiple flat tubes 28, multiple fins 29, a return manifold 30, and an inlet / outlet manifold 40. In this embodiment, the flat tubes 28, fins 29, return manifold 30, and inlet / outlet manifold 40 are all made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

[0080] The flat tube 28 and the fins 29 fixed to the flat tube 28 form a heat exchange section 27. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, air flows through the ventilation path formed by the flat tube 28 and the fins 29 of the heat exchange section 27, thereby exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through the flat tube 28 and the air flowing through the ventilation path.

[0081] (2-1) Flat tube

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the flat tube 28 is a flat heat transfer tube with flat surfaces 28a at the top and bottom that serve as heat transfer surfaces. Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of refrigerant passages 28b for refrigerant flow are formed in the flat tube 28. For example, the flat tube 28 is a flat porous tube with a plurality of refrigerant passages 28b having a small cross-sectional area for refrigerant flow. In this embodiment, the plurality of refrigerant passages 28b are arranged along the airflow direction.

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, multiple layers of flat pipes 28 extending horizontally between the return manifold 30 side and the inlet / outlet manifold 40 side are arranged in the vertical direction. Furthermore, each flat pipe 28 is arranged with its flat surface facing upwards and downwards.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flat tube 28 extending between the side of the return manifold 30 and the side of the inlet / outlet manifold 40 bends at one point, so that the heat exchange section 27 formed by the flat tube 28 is roughly L-shaped when viewed from above. In this embodiment, a plurality of flat tubes 28 are arranged at certain intervals in the vertical direction.

[0085] In addition, when the outdoor fan 16 is driven, an airflow is generated that passes through the main surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the rear to the front and an airflow that passes through the left side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the left to the right.

[0086] Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a first flow path group X, a second flow path group Y, and a third flow path group Z arranged vertically. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, each flat tube 28 arranged vertically belongs to one of the multiple flow path groups X, Y, and Z. The first flow path group X is the lowest flow path group and includes multiple first flat tubes 28x. The second flow path group Y is located above the first flow path group X and below the third flow path group Z, and includes multiple second flat tubes 28y. The third flow path group Z is the highest flow path group and includes multiple third flat tubes 28z.

[0087] (2-2) Fins

[0088] 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 extending upward in a layer of flat tubes 28. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used with multiple horizontally extending flat tubes 28 arranged vertically. Therefore, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is installed in the outdoor unit 2, each fin 29 extends vertically.

[0089] like Figure 4 As shown, to insert multiple flat tubes 28, multiple slits 29a extending along the insertion direction of the flat tube 28 are formed on each fin 29. The slits 29a extend along the extension direction of the fin 29 and in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the fin 29. When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is installed in the outdoor unit 2, the slits 29a formed on each fin 29 extend in a horizontal direction. The slits 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 flat tubes 28 into the multiple slits 29a of the multiple fins 29, multiple ventilation paths for airflow are divided between adjacent flat tubes 28.

[0090] 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.

[0091] (2-3) Inlet and outlet manifolds

[0092] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As shown, the inlet / outlet manifold 40 has a gas manifold section 50 at the upper part and a liquid manifold section 60 at the lower part. The gas manifold section 50 and the liquid manifold section 60 are separated by openings formed in the stacked components, resulting in a shape that does not communicate with the gas side and the liquid side. The gas manifold section 50 has a gas space 50S inside, with its length direction running vertically. The liquid manifold section 60 has a liquid space 60S inside, which serves as a space isolated from the gas space 50S, with its length direction running vertically.

[0093] A gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a, constituting one end of the first gas refrigerant pipe 19, is connected to the liquid manifold 60. In this embodiment, the gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a is connected to the portion of the liquid manifold 60 opposite to the side connected to the flat pipe 28.

[0094] A liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a, constituting one end of a liquid refrigerant pipe 20, is connected to the gas manifold 50. In this embodiment, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the portion of the gas manifold 50 opposite to the side connected to the flat pipe 28.

[0095] like Figure 5 As shown, one end of each flat tube 28 is connected to the gas manifold section 50 and the liquid manifold section 60 of the inlet / outlet manifold 40, and the other end of each flat tube 28 is connected to the return manifold 30. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is arranged within the housing (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 such that the length direction of the return manifold 30 and the inlet / outlet manifold 40 is approximately aligned with the plumb line. Here, the number of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas manifold section 50 is greater than the number of flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid manifold section 60.

[0096] Furthermore, the inlet / outlet manifold 40 has a first common member 41, a second common member 42, and a third common member 43. The first common member 41, the second common member 42, and the third common member 43 extend vertically throughout the gas manifold section 50 and the liquid manifold section 60. More specifically, a portion of the first common member 41, the second common member 42, and the third common member 43 constitutes a part of the gas manifold section 50, and another portion constitutes a part of the liquid manifold section 60, thus being shared by both the gas manifold section 50 and the liquid manifold section 60.

[0097] The first common component 41 includes a tube plate portion 411, a plurality of flat tube connection openings 412, a first side plate portion 413, a second side plate portion 414, a first rivet claw 415, and a second rivet claw 416. The tube plate portion 411 is a plate-shaped component extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. The plurality of flat tube connection openings 412 are openings extending through the thickness direction of the tube plate portion 411, and are arranged in a vertical direction. A flat tube 28 is connected to the flat tube connection opening 412. When viewed along the thickness direction of the tube plate portion 411, the outline of the flat tube connection opening 412 is consistent with the outline of the flat tube 28. The first side plate portion 413 is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the front end of the tube plate portion 411. The second side plate portion 414 is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the rear end of the tube plate portion 411, opposite to the first side plate portion 413. A plurality of first rivet claws 415 are arranged in a vertical direction at the right end of the first side plate portion 413. The second riveting claw 416 is provided in multiple manner along the vertical direction at the right end of the second side plate portion 414.

[0098] The second common member 42 has an insertion plate portion 421 and a plurality of insertion openings 422. The insertion plate portion 421 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions and is stacked on top of the tube plate portion 411 in a manner that contacts the tube plate portion 411. The plurality of insertion openings 422 are openings that penetrate along the thickness direction of the insertion plate portion 421 and are arranged in a plurality of such openings in the vertical direction. When viewed along the thickness direction of the insertion plate portion 421, the outline of the insertion opening 422 is located outside the outline of the flat tube 28. The flat tube 28 is inserted into the insertion opening 422.

[0099] The third common member 43 has a limiting plate portion 431 and a plurality of limiting openings 432. The limiting plate portion 431 is a plate-shaped member extending in the vertical and front-back directions, and is stacked on top of the insertion plate portion 421 in a manner that contacts the insertion plate portion 421. The plurality of limiting openings 432 are openings that penetrate along the thickness direction of the limiting plate portion 431, and are arranged in a plurality of them in the vertical direction. When viewed along the thickness direction of the limiting plate portion 431, the outline of the limiting opening 432 has a portion that overlaps with the outline of the flat tube 28. Specifically, the two ends of the cross-section of the flat tube 28 in the length direction overlap with the two ends of the limiting opening 432 in the length direction. Thus, the limiting opening 432 determines the insertion position of the flat tube 28 by limiting the insertion of the flat tube 28.

[0100] Furthermore, the first common member 41, the second common member 42, and the third common member 43 all have their length in the vertical direction, and each has the same length in the vertical direction. Additionally, the front-to-back length of the portion of the tube plate portion 411 of the first common member 41, excluding the first side plate portion 413 and the second side plate portion 414, is the same as the front-to-back length of the third common member 43 and the same as the front-to-back length of the second common member 42. The first side plate portion 413, in its length in the left-to-right direction, which is the extension direction of the flat tube 28, has a first gas side plate portion 413a corresponding to the length of the gas manifold portion 50 and a first liquid side plate portion 413b corresponding to the length of the liquid manifold portion 60. The second side plate portion 414, in its length in the left-to-right direction, which is the extension direction of the flat tube 28, has a second gas side plate portion 414a corresponding to the length of the gas manifold portion 50 and a second liquid side plate portion 414b corresponding to the length of the liquid manifold portion 60.

[0101] Furthermore, the inlet / outlet manifold 40 has a gas space forming member 51, which is a gas member constituting part of the gas manifold section 50. Additionally, the inlet / outlet manifold 40 has a first liquid member 61, a second liquid member 62, a third liquid member 63, a fourth liquid member 64, and a fifth liquid member 65, which are liquid members constituting part of the liquid manifold section 60. Details of these members will be described later.

[0102] (2-4) Turnback manifold

[0103] The ends of each flat tube 28, which are different from the ends of the gas manifold section 50 and liquid manifold section 60 connected to the inlet and outlet manifold 40, are connected to the return manifold 30.

[0104] Furthermore, the return manifold 30 is constructed by riveting together a component consisting of multiple stacked plate-shaped members using a riveting member 31 that is connected to the flat pipe 28 and appears U-shaped when viewed from above. The plate-shaped members stacked on the riveting member 31 include: a member having the same shape as the second common member 42 of the inlet / outlet manifold 40; and a member having the same shape as the third common member 43. This enables the sharing of components.

[0105] (3) Flow of refrigerant in each operating unit and in the outdoor heat exchanger

[0106] 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.

[0107] When the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in heating mode, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way reversing valve 10 to... Figure 1The state indicated by the dashed line is such that the compressor 8 is activated. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 exchanges heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 91 to dissipate heat or condense, and is then depressurized at the indoor expansion valve 93 or the outdoor expansion valve 12 before being transported to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The refrigerant transported to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat with the outside air to evaporate, and is then drawn back into the compressor 8.

[0108] Thus, during heating operation, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant in a liquid or gas-liquid two-phase state, arriving at the liquid manifold 60 from the liquid refrigerant pipe 20, is split within the internal space of the liquid manifold 60 into refrigerant flowing in the first flow path group X and refrigerant flowing in the second flow path group Y. The split refrigerant then flows through multiple first flat pipes 28x belonging to the first flow path group X and multiple second flat pipes 28y belonging to the second flow path group Y, respectively. The refrigerant flowing through the multiple first flat pipes 28x and second flat pipes 28y partially evaporates through heat exchange with air and reaches the lower region of the internal space of the return manifold 30. The refrigerant transported to the lower region of the internal space of the return manifold 30 is then transported to the upper region of the internal space of the return manifold 30. The refrigerant transported to the upper region of the return manifold 30 flows through multiple third flat pipes 28z belonging to the third flow path group Z, which are connected to the upper region of the return manifold 30. The refrigerant flowing through the multiple third flat tubes 28z is further evaporated by heat exchange with air and reaches the gas manifold 50. The refrigerant reaching the gas manifold 50 flows into the first gas refrigerant tube 19 after merging.

[0109] When the air conditioning unit 1 is in cooling operation, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way reversing valve 10 to... Figure 1 The solid line indicates the state and causes the compressor 8 to operate. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 dissipates heat or condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 by exchanging heat with the outdoor air, and is then depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve 12 or the indoor expansion valve 93 before being delivered to the indoor heat exchanger 91. The refrigerant delivered to the indoor heat exchanger 91 evaporates by exchanging heat with the indoor air and is then drawn back into the compressor 8.

[0110] 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 reversing valve 10 to [the specified state]. Figure 1 The system operates as shown by the solid line, and compressor 8 is activated to perform defrosting operation, supplying high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant to outdoor heat exchanger 11. During this defrosting operation, the frost adhering to outdoor heat exchanger 11 melts. The specified defrosting termination condition is determined by control unit 3 based on the detection value of temperature sensor 99, described later.

[0111] Thus, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a radiator or condenser for the refrigerant 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 reaching the gas manifold 50 is split within its internal space and then flows through multiple third flat pipes 28z belonging to the third flow path group Z, which are connected to the gas manifold 50. The refrigerant flowing through the multiple third flat pipes 28z partially dissipates heat or condenses through heat exchange with air and reaches the upper region of the internal space of the return manifold 30. The refrigerant delivered to the upper region of the internal space of the return manifold 30 is then delivered to the lower region of the return manifold 30. The refrigerant delivered to the lower region of the return manifold 30 is split and flows through multiple first flat pipes 28x belonging to the first flow path group X and multiple second flat pipes 28y belonging to the second flow path group Y, which are connected to the lower region of the return manifold 30. The refrigerant flowing through the multiple first flat tubes 28x and second flat tubes 28y undergoes further heat exchange with the air to dissipate heat or condense, and then reaches the liquid manifold 60. The refrigerant flowing through the multiple first flat tubes 28x belonging to the first flow path group X and the refrigerant flowing through the multiple second flat tubes 28y belonging to the second flow path group Y merge in the liquid manifold 60 and then flow into the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0112] (4) Detailed information on the gas manifold

[0113] Figure 7 A schematic exploded perspective view of the gas manifold section 50 is shown. Figure 8 A schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the gas manifold section 50 is shown. Additionally, in... Figure 8 The image shows a horizontal cross-section taken at the center of the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the lowest flat tube 28 among a plurality of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas manifold 50. Furthermore, in... Figure 8 In this text, the connecting components used to connect the gaseous refrigerant connection pipe 19a to the gas space forming component 51 described later are omitted.

[0114] The gas manifold 50 is configured to have a gas space forming member 51, a gas side portion of the third common member 43, a gas side portion of the second common member 42, a gas side portion of the first common member 41, a bottom plate 58, and a top plate 59.

[0115] The gas manifold 50 is formed by brazing together the gas space forming member 51, the gas side portion of the third common member 43, the gas side portion of the second common member 42, the gas side portion of the first common member 41, the bottom plate 58, and the top plate 59.

[0116] (4-1) Gas space forming components

[0117] The gas space forming member 51 is a member that is stacked in such a way that it is joined to the right side of the gas limiting plate portion 431a of the third common member 43. In addition, the front-to-back length of the gas space forming member 51 is the same as the front-to-back length of the third common member 43 and the second common member 42, and is the same as the front-to-back length of the portion of the tube plate portion 411 of the first common member 41, excluding the first side plate portion 413 and the second side plate portion 414.

[0118] The gas space forming member 51 has a flat portion 51a and a protrusion 51b.

[0119] The flat portion 51a includes a plate-like portion extending in the vertical and horizontal directions on the front side of the gas space forming member 51 and a plate-like portion extending in the vertical and horizontal directions on the rear side of the gas space forming member 51.

[0120] The protrusion 51b is configured to connect the front portion of the flat portion 51a to the rear portion of the flat portion 51a. When viewed along the length of the gas manifold portion 50, the protrusion 51b is formed into a semi-circular arc shape protruding to the right. The protrusion 51b protrudes relative to the flat portion 51a to the side opposite to the third common member 43. A connection opening 51x is provided on the protrusion 51b for connection to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a of the first gas refrigerant pipe 19.

[0121] In addition, in the gas space forming member 51, the front part of the flat part 51a is riveted by the first gas riveting claw 415a of the first common member 41, and the rear part of the flat part 51a is riveted by the second gas riveting claw 416a.

[0122] (4-2) Base plate

[0123] A base plate 58 is disposed between the gas space forming member 51 and the third common member 43, and is located at the lower end of the gas space forming member 51. The base plate 58 is a plate-shaped member that, when viewed from above, has a semi-circular arc shape and is configured to contact the inner periphery of the protrusion 51b of the gas space forming member 51 in a manner that follows the semi-circular arc shape, and also contacts the plane of the limiting plate portion 431 of the third common member 43. The base plate 58 functions as the lower cover of the gas space 50S.

[0124] (4-3) Top plate

[0125] A top plate 59 is disposed between the gas space forming member 51 and the third common member 43, and is located at the upper end of the gas space forming member 51. Like the bottom plate 58, the top plate 59 is a plate-shaped member, and when viewed from above, it is configured to have a semi-circular arc shape. It is configured to contact the inner periphery of the gas space forming member 51 along the semi-circular arc shape of the protrusion 51b, and to contact the plane of the limiting plate portion 431 of the third common member 43. The top plate 59 functions as the upper cover of the gas space 50S.

[0126] (4-4) Gas-side portion of the third common component

[0127] The third common component 43 has a gas limiting plate portion 431a, which is a gas side portion of the third common component 43, and the gas limiting plate portion 431a constitutes part of the gas manifold portion 50 in the limiting plate portion 431.

[0128] The gas limiting plate portion 431a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the right side of the gas insertion plate portion 421a facing the second common member 42, and faces and contacts the left side of the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51. The gas limiting plate portion 431a has a plurality of gas limiting openings 432a that form part of the gas manifold portion 50.

[0129] Multiple gas-restricting openings 432a are arranged vertically and penetrate along the thickness direction of the gas-restricting plate portion 431a. The front and rear edges of the gas-restricting openings 432a, when viewed along the thickness direction of the gas-restricting plate portion 431a, are located inside the front and rear edges of the gas insertion openings 422a. The width of the multiple gas-restricting openings 432a in the front-rear direction is narrower than the width of the flat tube 28 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the tip of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction contacts the edge of the gas-restricting opening 432a, thus determining the insertion position. Furthermore, the upper and lower edges of the multiple gas-restricting openings 432a are located outside the front and rear edges of the flat tube 28.

[0130] In addition, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a radiator or condenser for refrigerant, the refrigerant flowing into the gas space 50S between the gas space forming member 51 and the gas limiting plate 431a via the gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a branches and flows to multiple gas limiting openings 432a.

[0131] (4-5) Gas-side portion of the second common component

[0132] The second common component 42 has a gas insertion plate portion 421a, which is a gas side portion of the second common component 42, and the gas insertion plate portion 421a forms part of the gas manifold portion 50 in the insertion plate portion 421.

[0133] The gas insertion plate portion 421a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the right side of the gas tube plate portion 411a of the first common member 41, and faces and contacts the left side of the gas confinement plate portion 431a. The gas insertion plate portion 421a has a plurality of gas insertion openings 422a that form part of the gas manifold portion 50 among the plurality of insertion openings 422.

[0134] Multiple gas insertion openings 422a are arranged vertically and penetrate along the thickness direction of the gas insertion plate portion 421a. When viewed along the thickness direction of the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the front and rear edges of the gas insertion openings 422a are located further outward than the front and rear edges of the gas connection opening 412a, which serves as the opening for the gas manifold portion 50, within the flat tube connection opening 412. Furthermore, the upper and lower edges of the multiple gas insertion openings 422a are located further outward than the upper and lower edges of the gas connection openings 412a when viewed along the thickness direction of the gas insertion plate portion 421a. When viewed along the thickness direction of the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the outline of the gas insertion openings 422a does not overlap with the outline of the flat tube 28, but is located outside the outline of the flat tube 28. Therefore, the front end of the flat tube 28 is inserted through the gas insertion openings 422a in the insertion direction. Furthermore, even if there is residual solder during brazing, the remaining solder can be guided because a gap is ensured between the flat tube 28 and the gas insertion opening 422a. Therefore, the flow path of the flat tube 28 can be prevented from being blocked by the remaining solder.

[0135] (4-6) Gas-side portion of the first common component

[0136] The first common member 41, as the gas-side portion of the first common member 41, includes: a gas tube sheet portion 411a forming part of the gas manifold portion 50 in the tube sheet portion 411; a first gas side plate portion 413a forming part of the gas manifold portion 50 in the first side plate portion 413; a second gas side plate portion 414a forming part of the gas manifold portion 50 in the second side plate portion 414; a first gas riveting claw 415a forming part of the gas manifold portion 50 in the first riveting claw 415; and a second gas riveting claw 416a forming part of the gas manifold portion 50 in the second riveting claw 416. This gas-side portion of the first common member 41, together with the gas space forming member 51, mainly forms the periphery of the outer shape of the gas manifold portion 50.

[0137] The gas tube sheet portion 411a is stacked such that it faces and contacts the left side of the gas insertion plate portion 421a. The gas tube sheet portion 411a has a plurality of gas connection openings 412a that form part of the gas manifold portion 50 in a plurality of flat tube connection openings 412.

[0138] Multiple gas connection openings 412a are arranged vertically and penetrate along the thickness direction of the gas tube sheet portion 411a. The outline of the gas connection opening 412a follows the outline of the flat tube 28. Thus, when the front end of the flat tube 28 passes through the gas connection opening 412a in its insertion direction, the outer periphery of the flat tube 28 and the inner periphery of the gas connection opening 412a are in contact and are brazed together.

[0139] Furthermore, the thickness of the gas tube sheet portion 411a is less than the thickness of the gas insertion plate portion 421a. Therefore, the outline of the gas connection opening 412a has a shape that follows the outline of the flat tube 28, thereby minimizing friction even when friction occurs between the circumferential surface of the flat tube 28 and the inner circumference of the gas connection opening 412a during insertion, thus facilitating the insertion of the flat tube 28. On the other hand, the thickness of the gas insertion plate portion 421a, which is stacked on the gas tube sheet portion 411a, is ensured to be greater than the thickness of the gas tube sheet portion 411a. Therefore, the pressure resistance of the gas manifold portion 50 at the insertion portion of the flat tube 28 can be improved.

[0140] The first gas side plate portion 413a is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the front edge of the gas tube plate portion 411a. The second gas side plate portion 414a is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the rear edge of the tube plate portion 411. The first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction, thereby clamping the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the gas confinement plate portion 431a, and the flat portion 51a in the gas space forming member 51 from the front-rear direction.

[0141] The first gas riveting claw 415a has a plurality of riveting claws spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction at the right end of the first gas side plate portion 413a. The second gas riveting claw 416a has a plurality of riveting claws spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction at the right end of the second gas side plate portion 414a. In the pre-riveting state, the first gas riveting claw 415a extends to the right along the extension of the first gas side plate portion 413a, and the second gas riveting claw 416a extends to the right along the extension of the second gas side plate portion 414a. Then, with the gas tube plate portion 411a, the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the gas limiting plate portion 431a, and the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51 stacked, the first gas riveting claw 415a and the second gas riveting claw 416a are folded in close to each other in the front-back direction, thereby riveting the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the gas limiting plate portion 431a, and the gas space forming member 51 together. In this state, the components are completely fixed together by brazing in a furnace.

[0142] Therefore, the lengths of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a in the left and right directions of the flat tube 28 are as follows: they correspond to the front-back length in the state where the gas tube plate portion 411a is stacked with the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the gas limiting plate portion 431a and the flat portion 51a in the gas space forming member 51.

[0143] (5) Details of the liquid manifold

[0144] Figure 9 A schematic exploded perspective view of the gas manifold section 60 is shown. Figure 10 A schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the liquid manifold section 60 is shown. Additionally, in... Figure 10 The image shows a horizontal cross-section taken at the center of the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the lowest flat tube 28 among a plurality of flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid manifold 60. Furthermore, in... Figure 10 In this document, the first connecting pipe 71 and the second connecting pipe 72, which will be described later, are omitted.

[0145] The liquid manifold 60 is configured to have a liquid side portion of a first connecting pipe 71, a second connecting pipe 72, a first liquid component 61, a second liquid component 62, a third liquid component 63, a fourth liquid component 64, a fifth liquid component 65, a liquid side portion of a third common component 43, a liquid side portion of a second common component 42, and a liquid side portion of a first common component 41.

[0146] The liquid manifold 60 is formed by brazing together the first connecting pipe 71, the second connecting pipe 72, the first liquid component 61, the second liquid component 62, the third liquid component 63, the fourth liquid component 64, the fifth liquid component 65, the liquid side portion of the third common component 43, the liquid side portion of the second common component 42, and the liquid side portion of the first common component 41.

[0147] In addition, the liquid manifold 60 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a.

[0148] In the liquid manifold 60, during the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for refrigerant, the refrigerant flowing in via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a passes through the confluence flow path C and then splits into the first refrigerant flow path A and the second refrigerant flow path B. The first refrigerant flow path A is the flow path from the connection with the confluence flow path C to the first flat pipe 28x included in the first flow path group X, and has first flow path portions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6. The second refrigerant flow path B is the flow path from the connection with the confluence flow path C to the second flat pipe 28y included in the second flow path group Y, and has second flow path portions B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7. In the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant flows in the first refrigerant flow path A in the order of first flow path portions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6, and in the second refrigerant flow path B in the order of second flow path portions B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7. Afterwards, in the liquid manifold 60, the refrigerant that has flowed through the first refrigerant flow path A is diverted to multiple first flat tubes 28x, which are included in the first flow path group X, within the multiple flat tubes 28. In the liquid manifold 60, the refrigerant that has flowed through the second refrigerant flow path B is diverted to multiple second flat tubes 28y, which are included in the second flow path group Y, within the multiple flat tubes 28.

[0149] (5-1) First liquid component, first connecting pipe and second connecting pipe

[0150] The first liquid component 61 is a plate-shaped component that forms the outer wall of the right side of the liquid manifold 60 and is connected to a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a.

[0151] The first liquid component 61 has a first plate-shaped portion 61a, a piping connection opening 61, a first outer wall opening 61b, a second outer wall opening 61c, a third outer wall opening 61d, and a fourth outer wall opening 61e. The first plate-shaped portion 61a is a plate-shaped component that extends along the vertical and horizontal directions, with the thickness direction being the left-right direction of the flat tube 28. The piping connection opening 61x is an opening that penetrates along the thickness direction near the lower end of the first liquid component 61 and is connected to a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a. The first outer wall opening 61b, the second outer wall opening 61c, the third outer wall opening 61d, and the fourth outer wall opening 61e are all openings that penetrate along the thickness direction of the first liquid component 61.

[0152] The first connecting pipe 71 connects the first outer wall opening 61b to the second outer wall opening 61c on the right side of the first liquid member 61. A temperature sensor 99 is provided on the first connecting pipe 71 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant flowing inside it.

[0153] The second connecting pipe 72 connects the third outer wall opening 61d and the fourth outer wall opening 61e on the right side of the first liquid component 61.

[0154] The flow path length of the first connecting pipe 71 is the same as that of the second connecting pipe 72, which makes the pressure loss of the refrigerant passing through the first connecting pipe 71 approximately equal to that of the refrigerant passing through the second connecting pipe 72. Therefore, the flow distribution of the refrigerant flowing to the first connecting pipe 71 and the second connecting pipe 72 can be easily adjusted, for example, to ensure that the refrigerant flow is of equal quantity. Thus, in the liquid manifold 60 of this embodiment, the refrigerant can be uniformly distributed to the first flat pipe 28x included in the first flow path group X and the second flat pipe 28y included in the second flow path group Y.

[0155] Additionally, the first connecting pipe 71, the first outer wall opening 61b, and the second outer wall opening 61c constitute a first flow path portion A2 included in the first refrigerant flow path A. Furthermore, the second connecting pipe 72, the third outer wall opening 61d, and the fourth outer wall opening 61e constitute a second flow path portion B2 included in the second refrigerant flow path B.

[0156] (5-2) Second liquid component

[0157] The second liquid member 62 is disposed between the first liquid member 61 and the third liquid member 63 in the thickness direction. The second liquid member 62 has a second plate-shaped portion 62a, a bifurcated opening 62b, a first connecting opening 62c, and a second connecting opening 62d. The second plate-shaped portion 62a 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 bifurcated opening 62b, the first connecting opening 62c, and the second connecting opening 62d are all openings that penetrate along the thickness direction of the second liquid member 62.

[0158] The bifurcation opening 62b is an opening that connects the overlapping portions of the piping connection opening 61x of the first liquid component 61, the overlapping portions of the second outer wall opening 61c of the first liquid component 61 and the bifurcation opening 62b, and the overlapping portions of the third outer wall opening 61d of the first liquid component 61 and the bifurcation opening 62b, when viewed from the thickness direction of the second liquid component 62 (i.e., the stacking direction of the first liquid component 61 and the second liquid component 62). The bifurcation opening 62b extends upward from the portion overlapping with the piping connection opening 61x of the first liquid component 61, and then bifurcates at a narrow portion that functions as a nozzle into two flow paths: one extending to the portion overlapping with the second outer wall opening 61c of the first liquid component 61 and the other extending to the portion overlapping with the third outer wall opening 61d of the first liquid component 61 and the bifurcation opening 62b. Here, in the bifurcation opening 62b, the portion from which the piping connection opening 61x of the first liquid member 61 overlaps with the bifurcation opening 62b to the portion functioning as a nozzle forms the confluence flow path C. Furthermore, in the bifurcation opening 62b, the portion extending from the portion functioning as a nozzle towards the portion overlapping with the second outer wall opening 61c of the first liquid member 61 constitutes a first flow path portion A1 included in the first refrigerant flow path A. Additionally, in the bifurcation opening 62b, the portion extending from the portion functioning as a nozzle towards the portion overlapping with the third outer wall opening 61d of the second liquid member 62 constitutes a second flow path portion B1 included in the second refrigerant flow path B.

[0159] When viewed along the thickness direction of the second liquid member 62, the first connecting opening 62c extends from the portion where the first outer wall opening 61b of the first liquid member 61 overlaps with the first connecting opening 62c to the portion where the third lower opening 63b of the third liquid member 63 overlaps with the first connecting opening 62c. The first connecting opening 62c constitutes a first flow path portion A3 included in the first refrigerant flow path A.

[0160] When viewed along the thickness direction of the second liquid member 62, the second connecting opening 62d extends from the portion where the fourth outer wall opening 61e of the first liquid member 61 overlaps with the second connecting opening 62d to the portion where the third upper opening 63c of the third liquid member 63 overlaps with the second connecting opening 62d. The second connecting opening 62d constitutes a second flow path portion B3 included in the second refrigerant flow path B.

[0161] (5-3) Third liquid component

[0162] The third liquid member 63 is disposed between the second liquid member 62 and the fourth liquid member 64 in the thickness direction. The third liquid member 63 has a third plate-shaped portion 63a, a third lower opening 63b, and a third upper opening 63c. The third plate-shaped 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 lower opening 63b and the third upper opening 63c are both openings that penetrate along the thickness direction of the third liquid member 63.

[0163] When viewed from the thickness direction of the third liquid component 63, i.e. the stacking direction of the third liquid component 63 and the fourth liquid component 64, the third lower opening 63b is an opening that overlaps with the inlet area of ​​the lower circulation opening 64b of the fourth liquid component 64.

[0164] When viewed from the thickness direction of the third liquid component 63, i.e. the stacking direction of the third liquid component 63 and the fourth liquid component 64, the third upper opening 63c is the opening where the introduction area of ​​the upper circulation opening 64c of the third liquid component 63 overlaps with the third lower opening 63b.

[0165] (5-4) Fourth liquid component

[0166] The fourth liquid member 64 is located between the third liquid member 63 and the fifth liquid member 65 in the thickness direction, and has a fourth plate-shaped portion 64a, a lower circulation opening 64b, and an upper circulation opening 64c. The fourth plate-shaped 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. Both the lower circulation opening 64b and the upper circulation opening 64c are openings that penetrate along the thickness direction of the fourth liquid member 64.

[0167] The thickness of the fourth liquid member 64 is thinner than the thickness of the second common member 42, i.e., the thickness of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. Therefore, when the lower circulation opening 64b and the upper circulation opening 64c are formed on the fourth liquid member 64 by stamping, it is possible to suppress the breakage of the stamped member.

[0168] like Figure 11 As shown in the schematic structural diagram viewed along the thickness direction of the fourth liquid member 64, the lower circulation opening 64b has an inlet region 81b, a narrow region 82b, and a circulation region 83b. In the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant flowing from the third lower opening 63b of the third liquid member 63 into the inlet region 81b experiences an increased flow velocity as it passes through the narrow region 82b, which acts as a nozzle, and is then discharged into the circulation region 83b.

[0169] The import area 81b is located at the lower rear end of the lower circulation opening 64b. Additionally, as... Figure 11As shown, when viewed along the thickness direction of the fourth liquid member 64, the inlet region 81b is positioned at a location overlapping with the third lower opening 63b of the third liquid member 63.

[0170] A narrow region 82b is located between the inlet region 81b and the rising region 831b of the circulation region 83b. The width of the narrow region 82b in the front-to-back direction is narrower than that of the inlet region 81b, the circulation region 83b, and the rising region 831b. Therefore, the refrigerant flow rate through the narrow region 82b can be increased, and when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant transported from the narrow region 82b to the rising region 831b can easily reach the vicinity of the upper end of the rising region 831b. Furthermore, as described above, the thickness of the fourth liquid member 64 is thinner than the thickness of the second common member 42, i.e., the thickness of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. Therefore, the width of the narrow region 82b in the extension direction of the flat tube 28, i.e., the left-to-right direction, can be reduced, thereby further increasing the refrigerant flow rate through the narrow region 82b.

[0171] The circulation region 83b is located above the narrow region 82b and includes an ascending region 831b, a forward region 832b, a descending region 833b, and a return region 834b. Here, when viewed along the thickness direction of the fourth liquid member 64, the ascending region 831b is located at a position overlapping with the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x provided on the fifth liquid member 65, and therefore communicates with the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x. The ascending region 831b and the descending region 833b are separated in the longitudinal direction by a dividing portion 64p of the fourth liquid member 64, which extends vertically. Furthermore, the forward region 832b is above the dividing portion 64p, connecting the vicinity of the upper end of the ascending region 831b with the vicinity of the upper end of the descending region 833b. The return region 834b is below the dividing portion 64p, connecting the vicinity of the lower end of the ascending region 831b with the vicinity of the lower end of the descending region 833b. The partition portion 64p is supported by a connection to the connecting portion 64q of the fourth liquid member 64. The connecting portion 64q extends from the front end of the descending region 833b toward a part of the partition portion 64p. Furthermore, to allow the refrigerant descending in the descending region 833b to bypass the connecting portion 64q and reach the lower end of the descending region 833b, a descending side opening 65y is provided on the fifth liquid member 65, which is stacked with the fourth liquid member 64. With the above structure, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant supplied to the inlet region 81b increases its flow rate at the narrow region 82b and is supplied to the circulation region 83b. In the rising region 831b of the circulation region 83b, the refrigerant can flow upwards while being diverted to multiple liquid diversion openings 65x formed on the fifth liquid member 65 that correspond to the first flow path portion A5. Here, even if the refrigerant rising in the rising region 831b does not flow to the multiple liquid diversion openings 65x but reaches the vicinity of the upper end of the rising region 831b, it can be returned to the rising region 831b again through the advancing region 832b, the descending region 833b, and the returning region 843b, and merge with the refrigerant with a higher flow rate after passing through the narrow region 82b.

[0172] The upper circulation opening 64c has the same shape as the lower circulation opening 64b, and has an inlet region 81c, a narrow region 82c, and a circulation region 83c. During refrigerant flow in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 as an evaporator for the refrigerant, the refrigerant flowing into the inlet region 81c from the third upper opening 63c of the third liquid member 63 experiences a velocity increase as it passes through the narrow region 82c, which acts as a nozzle, and is then discharged into the circulation region 83c. In the rising region of the upper circulation opening 64c, the refrigerant also flows upwards while being diverted to the liquid diversion opening 65x corresponding to the second flow path portion B5 in the liquid diversion opening 65x formed in the fifth liquid member 65.

[0173] (5-5) Fifth liquid component

[0174] The fifth liquid member 65 is located between the fourth liquid member 64 and the third common member 43 in the thickness direction of the liquid limiting plate portion 431b. The fifth liquid member 65 has a fifth plate-shaped portion 65a, a plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x, and a descending side opening 65y. The fifth plate-shaped 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 plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x are all openings that penetrate along the thickness direction of the fifth liquid member 65.

[0175] Multiple liquid diversion openings 65x are arranged vertically at a position biased towards the rear of the fifth liquid member 65. Here, the rear side of the fifth liquid member 65 corresponds to the upwind side of the airflow F when the outdoor fan 16 is driven. As a result, a large amount of refrigerant can be guided to the upwind side of the multiple flat tubes 28, thus improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0176] The plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the first flow path section A5 overlap and communicate with the rising region 831b of the lower circulation opening 64b corresponding to the first flow path section A4 in the plate thickness direction of the fifth liquid member 65. The plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the second flow path section B5 overlap and communicate with the rising region 831c of the upper circulation opening 64c corresponding to the second flow path section B4 in the plate thickness direction of the fifth liquid member 65.

[0177] (5-6) Liquid side portion of the third common component

[0178] The third common component 43 has a liquid limiting plate portion 431b as the liquid side portion of the third common component 43, and the liquid limiting plate portion 431b constitutes part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in the limiting plate portion 431.

[0179] The liquid limiting plate portion 431b is stacked such that it faces and contacts the left side of the fifth liquid member 65 and faces and contacts the right side of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b of the second common member 42. The liquid limiting plate portion 431b has a plurality of liquid limiting openings 432b that form part of the liquid manifold portion 60.

[0180] Multiple liquid-restricting openings 432b are arranged vertically and penetrate the thickness of the liquid-restricting plate portion 431b. When viewed along the thickness of the liquid-restricting plate portion 431b, the front and rear edges of the liquid-restricting openings 432b are located further inward than the front and rear edges of the liquid insertion openings 422b. The width of the multiple liquid-restricting openings 432b in the front-rear direction is narrower than the width of the flat tube 28 in the front-rear direction. As a result, the tip of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction contacts the edge of the liquid-restricting opening 432b, thereby determining the insertion position. In addition, the upper and lower edges of the multiple liquid-restricting openings 432b are located further outward than the front and rear edges of the flat tube 28.

[0181] Furthermore, the plurality of liquid confinement openings 432b corresponding to the first flow path portion A6 overlap and communicate with the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the first flow path portion A5 in the thickness direction of the liquid confinement plate portion 431b. Additionally, the plurality of liquid confinement openings 432b corresponding to the second flow path portion B6 overlap and communicate with the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the second flow path portion B5 in the thickness direction of the liquid confinement plate portion 431b.

[0182] (5-7) Liquid side portion of the second common component

[0183] The second common component 42 has a liquid insertion plate portion 421b as the liquid side portion of the second common component 42, which forms part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in the insertion plate portion 421.

[0184] The liquid insertion plate portion 421b is stacked such that it faces and contacts the right side of the liquid tube plate portion 411b of the first common member 41, and faces and contacts the left side of the liquid restriction plate portion 431b. The liquid insertion plate portion 421b has a plurality of liquid insertion openings 422b that form part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in a plurality of insertion openings 422.

[0185] Multiple liquid insertion openings 422b are arranged vertically and penetrate along the thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. When viewed along the thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the front and rear edges of the liquid insertion openings 422b are located outside the front and rear edges of the opening of the liquid manifold portion 60 in the flat tube connection opening 412. Furthermore, when viewed along the thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the upper and lower edges of the multiple liquid insertion openings 422b are located outside the upper and lower edges of the liquid connection openings 412b. When viewed along the thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the outline of the liquid insertion openings 422b does not overlap with the outline of the flat tube 28, but is located outside the outline of the flat tube 28. Thus, the front end of the flat tube 28 is inserted through the liquid insertion openings 422b in the insertion direction. Furthermore, even if there is residual solder during brazing, the remaining solder can be guided because a gap is ensured between the flat tube 28 and the liquid insertion opening 422b. Therefore, the flow path of the flat tube 28 can be prevented from being blocked by the remaining solder.

[0186] Furthermore, the plurality of liquid insertion openings 422b corresponding to the first flow path portion A7 overlap and communicate with the plurality of liquid restriction openings 432b corresponding to the first flow path portion A6 in the thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. Additionally, the plurality of liquid insertion openings 422b corresponding to the second flow path portion B7 overlap and communicate with the plurality of liquid restriction openings 432b corresponding to the second flow path portion B6 in the thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b.

[0187] (5-8) Liquid side portion of the first common component

[0188] The first common member 41, as the liquid-side portion of the first common member 41, includes: a liquid tube sheet portion 411b forming part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in the tube sheet portion 411; a first liquid side plate portion 413b forming part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in the first side plate portion 413; a second liquid side plate portion 414b forming part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in the second side plate portion 414; a first liquid riveting claw 415b forming part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in the first riveting claw 415; and a second liquid riveting claw 416b forming part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in the second riveting claw 416. This liquid-side portion of the first common member 41, together with the first liquid member 61, forms the periphery of the outer shape of the liquid manifold portion 60.

[0189] The liquid tube sheet portion 411b is stacked such that it faces and contacts the left side of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. The liquid tube sheet portion 411b has a plurality of liquid connection openings 412b that form part of the liquid manifold portion 60 in a plurality of flat tube connection openings 412.

[0190] Multiple liquid connection openings 412b are arranged vertically and penetrate along the thickness direction of the liquid tube sheet portion 411b. The outline of the liquid connection opening 412b follows the outline of the flat tube 28. Thus, when the front end of the flat tube 28 passes through the liquid connection opening 412b in its insertion direction, the outer periphery of the flat tube 28 and the inner periphery of the liquid connection opening 412b are in contact and are brazed together.

[0191] Furthermore, the thickness of the liquid tube sheet portion 411b is less than the thickness of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. Therefore, the contour of the liquid connection opening 412b follows the contour of the flat tube 28, and even if friction occurs between the circumferential surface of the flat tube 28 and the inner circumference of the liquid connection opening 412b when the flat tube 28 is inserted, the degree of friction is minimized, thus facilitating the insertion of the flat tube 28. On the other hand, the thickness of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, which is stacked on the liquid tube sheet portion 411b, is ensured to be greater than the thickness of the liquid tube sheet portion 411b. Therefore, the pressure resistance of the liquid manifold portion 60 at the insertion portion of the flat tube 28 can be improved.

[0192] The first liquid side plate portion 413b is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the front edge of the liquid tube sheet portion 411b. The second gas side plate portion 414b is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the rear edge of the tube sheet portion 414. The first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction, thereby clamping the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the liquid confinement plate portion 431b, the fifth liquid member 65, the fourth liquid member 64, the third liquid member 63, the second liquid member 62, and the first liquid member 61 from the front-rear direction.

[0193] The first liquid riveting claw 415b has a plurality of riveting claws spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction at the right end of the first liquid side plate portion 413b. The second liquid riveting claw 416b has a plurality of riveting claws spaced at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction at the right end of the second liquid side plate portion 414b. In the pre-riveting state, the first liquid riveting claw 415b extends to the right along the extension of the first liquid side plate portion 413b, and the second liquid riveting claw 416b extends to the right along the extension of the second liquid side plate portion 414b. Furthermore, with the liquid tube sheet portion 411b, liquid insertion plate portion 421b, liquid confinement plate portion 431b, fifth liquid component 65, fourth liquid component 64, third liquid component 63, second liquid component 62, and first liquid component 61 stacked, the first liquid riveting claw 415b and the second liquid riveting claw 416b are folded in such a way that they approach each other in the front-back direction, thereby riveting and integrating the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, liquid confinement plate portion 431b, fifth liquid component 65, fourth liquid component 64, third liquid component 63, second liquid component 62, and first liquid component 61. In this state, the components are completely fixed together by brazing in a furnace.

[0194] Therefore, the lengths of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b extending in the left and right directions of the flat tube 28 are such that they correspond to the lengths in the front and back directions of the state in which the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the liquid restriction plate portion 431b, the fifth liquid member 65, the fourth liquid member 64, the third liquid member 63, the second liquid member 62 and the first liquid member 61 are stacked on the liquid tube plate portion 411b.

[0195] In the inlet / outlet manifold 40 of this embodiment, the lengths of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a are different from the lengths of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b in the extending direction of the flat pipe 28, i.e., the left-right direction. Specifically, in the extending direction of the flat pipe 28, i.e., the left-right direction, the lengths of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a are shorter than the lengths of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b.

[0196] (6) Features of the implementation method

[0197] In the inlet / outlet manifold 40 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of the air conditioning unit 1, a gas manifold section 50 located above the inlet / outlet manifold 40 and a liquid manifold section 60 located below the inlet / outlet manifold 40 are arranged vertically. In this inlet / outlet manifold 40, a first common member 41 rivets together multiple members constituting the gas manifold section 50 and multiple members constituting the liquid manifold section 60 to integrate them. As a result, the strength of the inlet / outlet manifold 40 having the gas manifold section 50 and the liquid manifold section 60 can be improved.

[0198] Here, the gas manifold 50 has a structure that diverts the refrigerant flowing through a gaseous refrigerant connection pipe 19a and into the gas space 50S to multiple flat pipes 28 connected to the gas manifold 50. The liquid manifold 60 has a structure that diverts the refrigerant flowing through a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a and into the liquid space 60S to the multiple flat pipes 28 connected to the liquid manifold 60, first to a first refrigerant flow path A and a second refrigerant flow path B. By diverting the refrigerant in multiple stages, it is possible to suppress the separation of the refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state into liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant. Thus, in order to achieve different functions in the gas manifold 50 and the liquid manifold 60, the number of constituent components of the gas manifold 50 is different from the number of constituent components of the liquid manifold 60. Specifically, the gas manifold 50 is formed by stacking four components: the gas tube sheet 411a of the first common component 41, the gas insertion plate 421a of the second common component 42, the gas confinement plate 431a of the third common component 43, and the gas space forming component 51. The liquid manifold 60 is formed by stacking eight components: the liquid tube sheet 411b of the first common component 41, the liquid insertion plate 421b of the second common component 42, the liquid confinement plate 431b of the third common component 43, the fifth liquid component 65, the fourth liquid component 64, the third liquid component 63, the second liquid component 62, and the first liquid component 61.

[0199] Thus, even when the number of constituent components of the gas manifold 50 differs from the number of constituent components of the liquid manifold 60, the first common member 41 sets the lengths of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a in the left and right directions to correspond to the number of stacked gas manifold portions 50, and sets the lengths of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b in the left and right directions to correspond to the number of stacked liquid manifold portions 60, thereby providing different lengths in the gas manifold portion 50 and the liquid manifold portion 60. Therefore, even when the number of constituent components of the gas manifold portion 50 differs from the number of constituent components of the liquid manifold portion 60, the gas manifold portion 50 and the liquid manifold portion 60 can be easily integrated using a single member, namely the first common member 41, thereby improving strength. Furthermore, since a single component, namely the first common component 41, can integrate the gas manifold 50 and the liquid manifold 60, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where separate components are provided for integrating the gas manifold 50 and the liquid manifold 60.

[0200] Furthermore, the inlet / outlet manifold 40 shares not only the first common component 41 with the gas manifold section 50 and the liquid manifold section 60, but also the second common component 42 and the third common component 43. Therefore, the strength of the inlet / outlet manifold 40 can be further improved.

[0201] Furthermore, in the gas manifold 50 of this embodiment, a gas space forming member 51 with a protrusion 51b is used, thereby easily ensuring a large gas space 50S even with only one gas space forming member 51. Thus, in the gas space forming member 51 with the protrusion 51b, the flat portion 51a that contacts the first gas riveting claw 415a and the second gas riveting claw 416a during riveting with the first common member 41 has a shape that extends parallel to the planar portion of the gas limiting plate portion 431a. Therefore, the gas space forming member 51 not only ensures a large gas space 50S with a single member, but also easily ensures the fixing strength when riveted with the first common member 41.

[0202] Furthermore, as described above, in the liquid manifold 60, the refrigerant flowing in via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a can be diverted within the liquid manifold 60 before being diverted to the plurality of flat pipes 28. Therefore, there is no need to install a conventionally known distributor separately from the liquid manifold 60, thereby enabling a more compact installation space, reducing component costs, and eliminating the need for the connection work of conventionally known distributors.

[0203] (7) Other implementation methods

[0204] (7-1) Other implementation methods A

[0205] In the above embodiment, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 with an inlet / outlet manifold 40 and a refrigerant that flows back once in the return manifold 30 is described as an example. The inlet / outlet manifold 40 is configured to form a gas manifold section 50 and a liquid manifold section 60 arranged along their respective length directions.

[0206] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is not limited to this; for example, it can also be an outdoor heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows back and forth twice. In this case, a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows back and forth twice can be formed by providing a manifold section with a structure corresponding to the refrigerant manifold 30 at a position above the liquid manifold section 60 and below the gas manifold section 50.

[0207] (7-2) Other implementation methods B

[0208] In the above embodiment, the example is given where the lengths of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a in the first common component 41 in the left-right direction are shorter than the lengths of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b in the left-right direction.

[0209] In this regard, the first common member 41 is not particularly limited. When the stacked portion of the gas manifold 50 is longer than the stacked portion of the liquid manifold 60 in the left-right direction, the lengths of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a in the left-right direction can also be longer than the lengths of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b in the left-right direction.

[0210] (7-3) Other implementation methods C

[0211] In the above embodiment, the liquid manifold 60 is described as an example in which a first connecting pipe 71 and a second connecting pipe 72 equipped with a temperature sensor 99 are provided, and the refrigerant flows from the first liquid member 61 to the side opposite to the connection portion of the flat pipe 28.

[0212] For example, the liquid manifold 60 can also be configured as follows: Figure 12As shown, the first connecting pipe 71 or the second connecting pipe 72 with a temperature sensor 99 in the above embodiment is omitted, and a second liquid member 62 with a branch connecting opening 62b' is provided. This branch connecting opening 62b' replaces the branch opening 62b, the first connecting opening 62c, and the second connecting opening 62d in the above embodiment. The branch connecting opening 62b' is an opening that connects the branch opening 62b and the first connecting opening 62c in the above embodiment in an integrated manner (forming A1', where A1 and A3 of the first flow path are directly connected), and connects the branch opening 62b and the second connecting opening 62d in the above embodiment in an integrated manner (forming B1', where B1 and B3 of the second flow path are directly connected). In addition, in this embodiment, the first liquid member 61 does not have the first outer wall opening 61b, the second outer wall opening 61c, the third outer wall opening 61d, and the fourth outer wall opening 61e, and the branch connecting opening 62b' of the second liquid member 62 is blocked from the right side.

[0213] (Postscript)

[0214] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0215] Symbol Explanation

[0216] 1. Air conditioning unit (refrigeration unit); 2. Outdoor units; 3. Control Unit; 11 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger); 19 First gas refrigerant pipe; 19a Gas refrigerant connection piping; 20. Liquid refrigerant pipe; 20a Liquid refrigerant connection piping; 27. Heat exchange section; 28. Flat tube; 28x First flat tube; 28y Second flat tube; 28z Third flat tube; 30. Turnback manifold; 40. Entrance / exit manifold (manifold); 41 First common component (first component); 42. Second common components (intermediate components, third components); 43. Third common components (intermediate components, second components); 50 Gas manifold section; 51. Gas space forming components; 51a Flat portion; 51b Protrusion; 58. Base plate; 59. Top plate; 60. Liquid manifold; 61 First liquid component (liquid component); 62 Second liquid component (liquid component); 62b bifurcation opening; 63 Third liquid component (liquid component); 64. Fourth liquid component (liquid component); 65. Fifth liquid component (liquid component); 65x liquid diversion opening; 71 First connecting pipe; 72 Second connecting pipe; 99 Temperature sensor; 411 Tube sheet section (part one); 411a Gas tube sheet section (first part); 411b Liquid tube sheet section (first part); 412 Flat tube connection opening; 412a Gas connection opening; 412b Liquid connection opening; 413 First side plate (first clamping part, second clamping part); 413a First gas side plate (first clamping part); 413b First liquid side plate section (second clamping section); 414 Second side plate (first clamping part, second clamping part); 414a Second gas side plate (first clamping part); 414b Second liquid side plate section (second clamping section); 415 First riveting claw; 415a First gas riveting claw (first riveting part); 415b First liquid riveting claw (second riveting part); 416 Second riveting claw; 416a Second gas riveting claw (first riveting part); 416b Second liquid riveting claw (second riveting part); 421 Insert plate section; 421a Gas insertion plate section; 421b Liquid insertion plate section; 422 Insert the opening (second opening); 422a Gas insertion opening (second opening); 422b Liquid insertion opening (second opening); 431 Restriction plate section; 431a Gas limiting plate section; 431b Liquid limiting plate section; 432 Restricted opening (first opening); 432a Gas confinement opening (first opening); 432b Liquid confinement opening (first opening); A. First refrigerant flow path; B. Second refrigerant flow path; C. Merging flow path.

[0217] Existing technical documents

[0218] Patent documents

[0219] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-043207.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (11), characterized in that, include: Multiple flat tubes (28) arranged along the first direction; as well as The manifold (40) is connected to the flat pipe. The manifold has a gas manifold section (50) and a liquid manifold section (60) arranged along the first direction. The manifold includes: one or more gas components (51); one or more liquid components (61, 62, 63, 64, 65); and a first component (41) extending throughout the gas manifold portion and the liquid manifold portion. The first component and the gas component form the gas manifold. The first component and the liquid component form the liquid manifold. The first component integrates a first predetermined number of gas components and a second predetermined number of liquid components, which is different from the first predetermined number.

2. The heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first component and the gas component are stacked together along a second direction, which is the direction in which the flat tube extends. The first component and the liquid component are stacked together along the second direction.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, The manifold also has one or more intermediate members (42, 43) extending between the first member and the gas member and between the first member and the liquid member.

4. The heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first component integrates the gas component, the liquid component, and the intermediate component.

5. The heat exchanger according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, One or more of the intermediate components include the second component (43). The second component has multiple first openings (432, 432a, 432b). When viewed along the second direction, the outline of the first opening has a portion that overlaps with the outline of the flat tube.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5, characterized in that, One or more of the intermediate components also include a third component (42). The third component is stacked between the first component and the second component in the second direction and has a plurality of second openings (422, 422a, 422b). When viewed along the second direction, the outline of the second opening is located outside the outline of the flat tube.

7. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The first component has: a first portion (411, 411a, 411b) extending in a plane orthogonal to the second direction; and a pair of first clamping portions (413a, 414a) and a pair of second clamping portions (413b, 414b) extending from the first portion along the second direction. When the direction intersecting both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction... The first clamping part clamps the first predetermined number of gas components in a third-party upward direction. The second clamping part clamps the second predetermined number of liquid components in the third direction. The length of the first clamping part in the second direction is different from the length of the second clamping part in the second direction.

8. The heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first clamping part has a first riveting part (415a, 416a) at the end of the first clamping part on the side opposite to the first part in the second direction. The second clamping part has a second riveting part (415b, 416b) at the end of the second clamping part on the side opposite to the first part in the second direction.

9. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, The gas component includes a gas space forming component (51) having a protrusion (51b) that, when viewed along the first direction, protrudes toward the side in the second direction away from the connection portion between the flat tube and the first component.

10. The heat exchanger according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gas component includes a gas space forming component (51) having a protrusion (51b) that, when viewed along the first direction, protrudes toward a side in the second direction away from the connection portion between the flat tube and the first component. The gas space forming member has a flat portion that extends in a plane orthogonal to the second direction. The flat portion is riveted together by the first riveting part and the second riveting part.

11. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The gas component and the liquid component have plate-shaped portions.

12. The heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The heat exchanger also includes a foldback manifold (30), which is connected to the end of the flat tube opposite to the end of the gas manifold and the liquid manifold, guiding the refrigerant after passing through the gas manifold to the liquid manifold side, or guiding the refrigerant after passing through the liquid manifold to the gas manifold side.

13. A refrigeration apparatus (1), characterized in that, The refrigeration apparatus includes the heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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