Indoor heat exchanger, refrigeration cycle device, and air-conditioning indoor unit

Abstract

The indoor heat exchanger includes: a heat exchange section (40A, 40B) including a fin (41) and a heat transfer tube (42); a plate structure (50, 60) to which the heat transfer tube (42) is connected and which has a refrigerant passage (51, 61) formed therein; and a pipe communicating with the heat transfer tube (42) or the refrigerant passage (51, 61). A temperature sensor (70) configured to sense a temperature of a refrigerant is provided on the pipe.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indoor heat exchanger, a refrigeration cycle device, and an air-conditioning indoor unit.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1 includes a heat exchanger body and a refrigerant distributor. The heat exchanger body has a refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant distributor distributes and supplies a refrigerant to a plurality of predetermined flow path portions of the heat exchanger body. The refrigerant distributor is provided with plate-shaped distribution members, and includes plate-shaped members including the plate-shaped distribution members and superimposed one over another. The plate-shaped distribution members are configured as center plates. The center plates each have a refrigerant branch flow path portion. The refrigerant branch flow path portion functions to reduce the flow of the refrigerant to supply the refrigerant to the predetermined flow path portions of the heat exchanger body at a predetermined flow rate.CITATION LISTPATENT DOCUMENT

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-125652SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] In some cases, an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a thermistor for use to sense the refrigerant temperature in order to measure the temperature of a heat exchanger or in order to sense the refrigerant temperature and control various constituent elements of the air conditioner (such as the number of revolutions of a compressor) based on the sensed refrigerant temperature.

[0005] The purpose of the provision of the refrigerant distributor (plate structure) described in Patent Document 1 is, for example, to reduce the size of a space where refrigerant pipes are installed in the indoor unit to make the indoor unit compact. This may unfortunately limit the installation location of the thermistor, and may lower the accuracy with which the thermistor senses the refrigerant temperature depending on the installation location.

[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to enable accurate sensing of the refrigerant temperature.SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0007] A first aspect is directed to an indoor heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger includes: a heat exchange section (40A, 40B) including a fin (41) and a heat transfer tube (42); a plate structure (50, 60) to which the heat transfer tube (42) is connected and which has a refrigerant passage (51, 61) formed therein; and a pipe communicating with the heat transfer tube (42) or the refrigerant passage (51, 61). A temperature sensor (70) configured to sense a temperature of a refrigerant is provided on the pipe.

[0008] In the first aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant can be accurately sensed.

[0009] A second aspect is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the second aspect, the temperature sensor (70) is attached to the pipe via an attachment member (91).

[0010] In the second aspect, the temperature sensor (70) installed on the attachment member (91) enables attachment of the temperature sensor (70) to the pipe.

[0011] A third aspect is an embodiment of the second aspect. In the third aspect, the attachment member (91) and a portion of the pipe to which the temperature sensor (70) is attached are made of an identical metal.

[0012] The third aspect can retard electrolytic corrosion of the attachment member (91) and the pipe.

[0013] A fourth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a tube plate facing the plate structure (50, 60), and a spacing dimension between the tube plate and the plate structure (50, 60) is 35 mm or less.

[0014] The fourth aspect allows the heat exchanger to be compact.

[0015] A fifth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the fifth aspect, the heat transfer tube (42) comprises two heat transfer tubes (42), the pipe includes a first pipe (81) communicating with the two heat transfer tubes (42) without communicating with the refrigerant passage (51, 61), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the first pipe (81).

[0016] In the fifth aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe (81) can be sensed.

[0017] A sixth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the sixth aspect, the pipe is provided outside the plate structure (50, 60), and includes a second pipe (82) having both ends communicating with the refrigerant passage (51, 61), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the second pipe (82).

[0018] In the sixth aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the second pipe (82) can be sensed.

[0019] A seventh aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the seventh aspect, the pipe includes a third pipe (83) provided between the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) and the plate structure (50, 60), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the third pipe (83).

[0020] In the seventh aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the third pipe (83) can be sensed.

[0021] An eighth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the eighth aspect, the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B), the plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) to which the heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) is connected, and a second plate structure (60) to which the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B) is connected, the pipe includes a fourth pipe (84) that communicates with the refrigerant passage (51, 61) in the first plate structure (50) and the refrigerant passage (51, 61) in the second plate structure (60), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the fourth pipe (84).

[0022] In the eighth aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the fourth pipe (84) can be sensed.

[0023] A ninth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the ninth aspect, the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B), the plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) to which the heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) is connected, and a second plate structure (60) to which the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B) is connected, the pipe includes a fifth pipe (85) that communicates with the refrigerant passage (51, 61) in the first plate structure (50) and the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the fifth pipe (85).

[0024] In the ninth aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the fifth pipe (85) can be sensed.

[0025] A tenth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the tenth aspect, the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B), the pipe includes a sixth pipe (86) that communicates with the heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) and the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the sixth pipe (86).

[0026] In the tenth aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the sixth pipe (86) can be sensed.

[0027] An eleventh aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to tenth aspects. In the eleventh aspect, the refrigerant passage (111) of the plate structure (110) includes: a flow diverting portion (111a) configured to divert the refrigerant to be entered into the heat exchange section (100); and a flow combining portion (111b) configured to combine the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat exchange section (100), and the pipe is connected between the flow diverting portion (111a) and the flow combining portion (111b).

[0028] In the eleventh aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant can be effectively sensed.

[0029] A twelfth aspect is an embodiment of the eleventh aspect. In the twelfth aspect, the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B), the refrigerant diverted by the flow diverting portion (51a) flows into the first heat exchange section (40A), and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the second heat exchange section (40B) is combined by the flow combining portion (61b).

[0030] In the twelfth aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant can be effectively sensed.

[0031] A thirteenth aspect is an embodiment of any one of the first to twelfth aspects. In the thirteenth aspect, the refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state flows through the pipe.

[0032] In the thirteenth aspect, the temperature of the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state can be sensed.

[0033] A fourteenth aspect is directed to a refrigeration cycle device. The refrigeration cycle device includes: a refrigerant circuit (11) to which the indoor heat exchanger of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is connected.

[0034] A fifteenth aspect is directed to an air-conditioning indoor unit. The air-conditioning indoor unit includes: the indoor heat exchanger of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects; and a casing (31) configured to house the indoor heat exchanger.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a piping system diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of an air-conditioning indoor unit. [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air-conditioning indoor unit. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of an internal structure of the air-conditioning indoor unit. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an indoor heat exchanger. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 illustrates plate structures as viewed from the left. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerant passages of the plate structures. [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a front plate structure. [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 6. [FIG. 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a rear plate structure as viewed from the right. [FIG. 11] FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic configuration diagrams illustrating a configuration of the indoor heat exchanger. [FIG. 12] FIG. 12A is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a first pipe provided with a temperature sensor. FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a first sensor attachment part. FIG. 12C is a plan view of the first sensor attachment part. [FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a second pipe provided with a temperature sensor. [FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a third pipe provided with a temperature sensor. [FIG. 15] FIG. 15A is a side view of a second sensor attachment part. FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the second sensor attachment part. [FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a fourth pipe provided with a temperature sensor. [FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a fifth pipe provided with a temperature sensor. [FIG. 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a sixth pipe provided with a temperature sensor. [FIG. 19] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of a variation of the front plate structure. [FIG. 20] FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic configuration diagrams illustrating a configuration of a variation of the indoor heat exchanger. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various changes can be made within the scope without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since each of the drawings is intended to illustrate the present disclosure conceptually, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for the sake of ease of understanding.(1) General Configuration of Air Conditioner

[0037] The present embodiment is directed to an air conditioner (10) that includes a heat exchanger unit. The air conditioner (10) adjusts the temperature of air in an indoor space (I), which is a target space.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (10) is an example of a refrigeration cycle device that includes a refrigerant circuit (11). The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (11) circulates the refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle.

[0039] The air conditioner (10) includes an outdoor unit (20), an indoor unit (30), a first connection pipe (12), and a second connection pipe (13). The air conditioner (10) is a pair-type air conditioner that includes one outdoor unit (20) and one indoor unit (30). The first connection pipe (12) is a gas connection pipe, and the second connection pipe (13) is a liquid connection pipe.

[0040] The outdoor unit (20) is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (20) includes an outdoor casing (20a); and a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an outdoor expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), and an outdoor fan (25) which are housed in the outdoor casing (20a).

[0041] The compressor (21) is, for example, a rotary compressor of an oscillating piston type, a rotary type, or a scroll type. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor expansion valve (23) decompresses the refrigerant. The outdoor expansion valve (23) is an electronic expansion valve. The four-way switching valve (24) switches between a first state (the state indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 1) and a second state (the state indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 1). The four-way switching valve (24) in the first state allows a discharge portion of the compressor (21) and a gas end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22) to communicate with each other, and allows a suction portion of the compressor (21) and the first connection pipe (12) to communicate with each other. The four-way switching valve (24) in the second state allows the discharge portion of the compressor (21) and the first connection pipe (12) to communicate with each other, and allows the suction portion of the compressor (21) and the gas end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22) to communicate with each other. The outdoor fan (25) conveys air flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (22). The outdoor fan (25) is a propeller fan.

[0042] The indoor unit (30) includes a casing (31); and an indoor heat exchanger (40), an indoor fan (32), and an indoor expansion valve (37) which are housed in the casing (31).(2) Air-Conditioning Indoor Unit

[0043] The indoor unit (30) as an indoor air-conditioning unit will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4. The indoor unit (30) of the present embodiment is a wall-mounted unit provided on a wall of the indoor space (I). The terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", and "rear" described below correspond to the directions of the arrows shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a left-right direction refers to a case in which the indoor casing (31) is viewed from the front.(2-1) Casing

[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the casing (31) has a laterally-long box-like shape. The casing (31) includes a front panel (31a), a rear panel (31b), an upper panel (31c), a lower panel (31d), a first side panel (31e), and a second side panel (31f).

[0045] The front panel (31a) is on the front side of the casing (31) and constitutes a front surface of the casing (31). The rear panel (31b) is on the rear side of the casing (31) and constitutes a rear surface of the casing (31). The upper panel (31c) is on the upper side of the casing (31) and constitutes an upper surface of the casing (31). The lower panel (31d) is on the lower side of the casing (31) and constitutes a lower surface of the casing (31). The first side panel (31e) is on the right side of the casing (31) and constitutes a right surface of the casing (31). The second side panel (31f) is on the left side of the casing (31) and constitutes a left surface of the casing (31).

[0046] An air inlet (33) is formed in the upper panel (31c), and an air outlet (34) is formed in the lower panel (31d). In the casing (31), an air passage (P) is formed from the air inlet (33) to the air outlet (34). The air inlet (33) extends in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31). The air inlet (33) is an opening for taking air in the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P). The lower panel (31d) has the air outlet (34). The air outlet (34) extends in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31). The air outlet (34) is an opening for blowing the air in the air passage (P) out to the indoor space (I).(2-2) Filter

[0047] The indoor unit (30) includes a filter (35). The filter (35) is disposed behind the air inlet (33) and upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (40). The filter (35) collects dust in the air sent from the air inlet (33) to the indoor heat exchanger (40). The indoor unit (30) may include a dust removal mechanism for removing the dust collected by the filter (35).(2-3) Heat Exchanger Unit

[0048] The heat exchanger unit (U) includes one indoor heat exchanger (40) and one indoor expansion valve (37). The indoor heat exchanger (40) includes one heat exchanger body (B) and two plate structures (50, 60). The heat exchanger body (B) of the indoor heat exchanger (40) is oriented to cross the air passage (P). The air passage (P) is divided into an upstream and downstream portions of the heat exchanger body (B).(2-4) Indoor Fan

[0049] The indoor fan (32) is disposed in the air passage (P). The indoor fan (32) is disposed downstream of the indoor heat exchanger (40) in the air passage (P). The indoor fan (32) is a cross-flow fan. The indoor fan (32) has a fan rotor extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31).(2-5) Flap

[0050] The indoor unit (30) has a flap (36) that adjusts the direction of the air discharged from the air outlet (34). The flap (36) adjusts the air direction in the top-bottom direction. The indoor unit (30) may have a plurality of flaps (36). The flap (36) may adjust the air direction in the left-right direction.(3) Heat Exchanger Unit

[0051] As described above, the heat exchanger unit (U) includes the indoor heat exchanger (40), the indoor expansion valve (37), a gas relay pipe (12a), and a liquid relay pipe (13a).(3-1) Indoor Heat Exchanger

[0052] The indoor heat exchanger (40) illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 includes the heat exchanger body (B) and the plate structures (50, 60) connected to the heat exchanger body (B). The indoor heat exchanger (40) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger including fins (41) and heat transfer tubes (42). The indoor heat exchanger (40) causes heat exchange between the air and a refrigerant.

[0053] The heat exchanger body (B) includes the fins (41) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31) and the heat transfer tubes (42) extending in the direction of arrangement of the fins (41). The plate structures (50, 60) each have therein refrigerant passages (51, 61) communicating with the corresponding heat transfer tubes (42).

[0054] The direction of arrangement of the fins (41) corresponds to the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in this example) of the casing (31). Each fin (41) has a rectangular plate shape having long sides and short sides. The direction of the thickness of the fins (41) corresponds to the direction of arrangement of the fins (41). The fins (41) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction. The intervals each constitute an air passage. The fins (41) are made of an aluminum alloy.

[0055] The heat transfer tubes (42) are straight tubes. The heat transfer tubes (42) are made of an aluminum alloy. A refrigerant passage is formed inside each heat transfer tube (42). The heat transfer tubes (42) extend parallel to each other to penetrate the fins (41). A right end, which is one end of the heat transfer tube (42), protrudes to the right of the fins (41) The one end of the heat transfer tube is connected to the corresponding plate structure (50, 60). Left ends, i.e., the other ends, of each adjacent pair of the heat transfer tubes (42) are connected together through a U-shaped pipe (48). Each adjacent pair of the heat transfer tubes (42) are seamlessly integrated with the U-shaped pipe (48) that connects the adjacent pair of the heat transfer tubes (42) together.

[0056] The indoor heat exchanger (40) of the present embodiment includes heat exchange sections. The heat exchange sections include a front heat exchange section (40A) serving as a first heat exchange section and a rear heat exchange section (40B) serving as a second heat exchange section. The front heat exchange section (40A) is located closer to the front of the casing (31), and the rear heat exchange section (40B) is located closer to the rear of the casing (31). The front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) are arranged in a direction orthogonal to each of the top-bottom direction and the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42), i.e., in the front-rear direction, to sandwich the indoor fan (32).

[0057] The front heat exchange section (40A) includes a front main heat exchange part (43), a first auxiliary heat exchange part (44), a second auxiliary heat exchange part (45), and a tube plate (49).

[0058] The tube plate (49) is oriented such that its plate surfaces extend along the top-bottom direction and the front-rear direction, and is located on the right side of the fins (41). The tube plate (49) faces the front plate structure (50). The heat transfer tubes (42) penetrate the tube plate (49). Almost no gap is formed between the tube plate (49) and the heat transfer tubes (42), and the tube plate (49) thus supports the fins (41) and the heat transfer tubes (42). The U-shaped tubes (48), the first connection pipe (12), and the front plate structure (50) are located on the right side of the tube plate (49), i.e., on the side of the tube plate (49) opposite to the fins (41). The spacing dimension (E) between the tube plate (49) and the front plate structure (50) is 35 mm or less. This allows the indoor heat exchanger (40) to be compact.

[0059] The front main heat exchange part (43) is disposed in the front heat exchange section (40A) on the side closer to the indoor fan (32). The outer shape of the front main heat exchange part (43) is formed in a V-shape as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The tip of the V-shape is directed forward.

[0060] The first auxiliary heat exchange part (44) is provided on the inlet side (the front side) of a first front main heat exchange part (43a). The second auxiliary heat exchange part (45) is provided on the inlet side (the front side) of a second front main heat exchange part (43b). The rear heat exchange section (40B) includes a rear main heat exchange part (46), a third auxiliary heat exchange part (47), and a tube plate. The rear main heat exchange part (46) is disposed in the rear heat exchange section (40B) on the side closer to the indoor fan (32). The third auxiliary heat exchange part (47) is provided on the inlet side (the rear side) of the rear main heat exchange part (46). The tube plate of the rear heat exchange section (40B) faces a rear plate structure (60). The spacing dimension between the tube plate of the rear heat exchange section (40B) and the rear plate structure (60) is 35 mm or less.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 9, one end of each heat transfer tube (42) has a flare portion (42a). The flare portion (42a) includes an expanded portion (42b) having a diameter increasing rightward, and a cylindrical portion (42c) extending rightward from the right end of the expanded portion (42b) with a fixed diameter. As will be described in detail later, the flare portion (42a) is connected to a corresponding one of connecting pipes (53, 63) for the corresponding plate structure (50, 60).

[0062] Each plate structure (50, 60) is disposed on the right side of the rightmost fin (41) to be parallel with the fins (41). The plate structure (50, 60) is connected to the one end of each of the heat transfer tubes (42). As illustrated in FIG. 5, the plate structures (50, 60) include the front plate structure (50) connected to the heat transfer tubes (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A), and the rear plate structure (60) connected to the heat transfer tubes (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). The front plate structure (50) is positioned to overlap with the front heat exchange section (40A) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The rear plate structure (60) is positioned to overlap with the rear heat exchange section (40B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42).(3-2) Indoor Expansion Valve, Gas Relay Pipe, Liquid Relay Pipe

[0063] The indoor expansion valve (37) is an electronic expansion valve of which the opening degree is variable. The indoor expansion valve (37) is disposed on the right side of the plate structures (50, 60). The indoor expansion valve (37) is connected to the front plate structure (50) via a first internal pipe (38), and is connected to the rear plate structure (60) via a second internal pipe (39). The first internal pipe (38) and the second internal pipe (39) are exemplary refrigerant pipes that connect the refrigerant passages (51) of the front plate structure (50) and the corresponding refrigerant passages (61) of the rear plate structure (60) together.

[0064] The first internal pipe (38) and the second internal pipe (39) may be hereinafter collectively referred to as "internal pipes (38, 39)."

[0065] One end of the gas relay pipe (12a) is connected to the rear plate structure (60). The other end of the gas relay pipe (12a) is connected to the first connection pipe (12) via a joint. One end of the liquid relay pipe (13a) is connected to the front plate structure (50). The other end of the liquid relay pipe (13a) is connected to the second connection pipe (13) via a joint.(4) Plate Structure

[0066] The plate structures (50, 60) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10.(4-1) Front Plate Structure

[0067] The front plate structure (50) has a front body (52) having therein the refrigerant passages (51), a plurality of front connecting pipes (53) providing connection between the heat transfer tubes (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A) and the corresponding refrigerant passages (51), a front relay portion (54) to which the first internal pipe (38) is connected, and a liquid end portion (55) communicating with the second connection pipe (13) via the liquid relay pipe (13a).

[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 8, the front body (52) is a thick plate-shaped member including five front plates laminated together. The front plates are laminated in a direction that is the same as the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). In the front plate structure (50), a first front plate (521), a second front plate (522), a third front plate (523), a fourth front plate (524), and a fifth front plate (525) are stacked in this order from the side closer to the front heat exchange section (40A). The second front plate (522), the third front plate (523), and the fourth front plate (524) are intermediate plates sandwiched between the first front plate (521) and the fifth front plate (525). The five front plates are flat plate-shaped members having the same outer edge shape. Each front plate is made of the same material as the heat transfer tubes (42) and the front connecting pipes (53). In the present embodiment, the material of the front plates is an aluminum alloy. The front plates are joined together by furnace brazing. The number of the front plates is an example, and the number of the front plates may be four or less, or six or more. When there is no need to distinguish the front plates from one another, the front plates are hereinafter referred to as "front plates."

[0069] The front connecting pipes (53) include front main connecting pipes (53a) and front auxiliary connecting pipes (53b). The front main connecting pipes (53a) are connected to the corresponding heat transfer tubes (42) of the front main heat exchange part (43).

[0070] The front connecting pipes (53) are fixed to the first front plate (521). The front connecting pipes (53) may be seamlessly integrated with the first front plate (521).

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the tip end of each front connecting pipe (53) is inserted into the end of a corresponding one of the heat transfer tubes (42). In other words, the end of the heat transfer tube (42) is externally fitted to the front connecting pipe (53). The front connecting pipe (53) is inserted into the flare portion (42a) of the corresponding heat transfer tube (42). The front connecting pipe (53) is inserted into the flare portion (42a) and is joined to the cylindrical portion (42c) of the flare portion (42a) by burner brazing.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the front relay portion (54) is a circular pipe. The front relay portion (54) is provided on the fifth front plate (525). The front relay portion (54) is joined to an end of the first internal pipe (38) near the front by brazing.

[0073] The liquid end portion (55) is a circular pipe. The liquid end portion (55) is provided on the fifth front plate (525). The liquid end portion (55) is joined to an end of the liquid relay pipe (13a) by brazing.(4-2) Rear Plate Structure

[0074] The rear plate structure (60) has a rear body (62) having therein the refrigerant passages (61), a plurality of rear connecting pipes (63) providing connection between the heat transfer tubes (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B) and the corresponding refrigerant passages (61), a rear relay portion (64) to which the second internal pipe (39) is connected, and a gas end portion (65) communicating with the first connection pipe (12) via the gas relay pipe (12a).

[0075] The rear body (62) is different from the front body (52) only in terms of the outer edge shape of its plates as viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42) and the refrigerant passages (61) therein, and basically has the same configuration as the front body (52). The rear body (62) is a thick plate-shaped member including five rear plates laminated together. The rear plates are stacked in a direction that is the same as the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). In the rear plate structure (60), a first rear plate (621), a second rear plate (622), a third rear plate (623), a fourth rear plate (624), and a fifth rear plate (625) are stacked in this order from the side closer to the rear heat exchange section (40B). The second rear plate (622), the third rear plate (623), and the fourth rear plate (624) are intermediate plates sandwiched between the first rear plate (621) and the fifth rear plate (625). Each rear plate is made of the same material as the heat transfer tubes (42) and the rear connecting pipes (63). In the present embodiment, the material of the rear plates is an aluminum alloy. The five rear plates are joined together by furnace brazing. The number of the rear plates is an example, and the number of the rear plates may be four or less, or six or more. The number of the front plates and the number of the rear plates may be different. When there is no need to distinguish the rear plates from one another, the rear plates are hereinafter referred to as "rear plates."

[0076] The rear connecting pipes (63) are circular pipes. The second connecting pipes (63) are made of an aluminum alloy. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the rear connecting pipes (63) are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the heat transfer tubes (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B).

[0077] In the rear plate structure (60), each rear connecting pipe (63) is inserted into the end of a corresponding one of the heat transfer tubes (42). The rear connecting pipe (63) is inserted into the flare portion (42a) of the corresponding heat transfer tube (42). The rear connecting pipe (63) is inserted into the flare portion (42a) and is joined to the cylindrical portion (42c) of the flare portion (42a) by burner brazing.

[0078] The rear relay portion (64) is a circular pipe. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the rear relay portion (64) is provided on the fifth rear plate (625). The rear relay portion (64) is joined to an end of the second internal pipe (39) by brazing.

[0079] The gas end portion (65) is a circular pipe. The gas end portion (65) is provided on the fifth rear plate (625). The gas end portion (65) is joined to an end of the gas relay pipe (12a) by brazing.(5) Operation

[0080] The air conditioner (10) performs a cooling operation, a heating operation, and a dehumidifying operation.(5-1) Cooling Operation

[0081] In the cooling operation, a controller of the air conditioner (10) operates the compressor (21), the outdoor fan (25), and the indoor fan (32), sets the four-way switching valve (24) to a first state (the state indicated by the solid lines of FIG. 1), appropriately adjusts the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve (23), and fully opens the indoor expansion valve (37).

[0082] The refrigerant circuit (11) during the cooling operation performs a refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (22) functions as a condenser (a radiator) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as an evaporator.

[0083] The indoor unit (30) sucks the indoor air in the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the air inlet (33). The air in the air passage (P) is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (40). The cooled air is supplied to the indoor space (I) through the air outlet (34).(5-2) Heating Operation

[0084] In the heating operation, the controller of the air conditioner (10) operates the compressor (21), the outdoor fan (25), and the indoor fan (32), sets the four-way switching valve (24) to a second state (the state indicated by the broken lines of FIG. 1), adjusts the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve (23) to a predetermined opening degree, and fully opens the indoor expansion valve (37).

[0085] The refrigerant circuit (11) during the heating operation performs a refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as a condenser (a radiator) and the outdoor heat exchanger (22) functions as an evaporator.

[0086] The indoor unit (30) sucks the indoor air in the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the air inlet (33). The air in the air passage (P) is heated by the indoor heat exchanger (40). The heated air is supplied to the indoor space (I) through the air outlet (34).(5-3) Dehumidifying Operation

[0087] In the dehumidifying operation, the controller of the air conditioner (10) operates the compressor (21), the outdoor fan (25), and the indoor fan (32), sets the four-way switching valve (24) to the first state (the state indicated by the solid lines of FIG. 1), and appropriately adjusts the opening degrees of the outdoor expansion valve (23) and the indoor expansion valve (37).

[0088] The refrigerant circuit (11) during the dehumidifying operation performs a refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (22) and the front heat exchange section (40A) of the indoor heat exchanger (40) function as condensers (radiators) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) of the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as an evaporator.

[0089] The indoor unit (30) sucks the indoor air in the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the air inlet (33). The rear heat exchange section (40B) cools the air in the air passage (P) to the temperature equal to or lower than the dew-point temperature. The front heat exchange section (40A) heats the air in the air passage (P). The streams of air that have passed through both the heat exchange sections are mixed in the air passage (P). As a result, a mixture of the streams has low humidity. The air dehumidified in this manner is supplied into the indoor space (I) through the air outlet (34).(6) Refrigerant Passage Structure for Indoor Unit

[0090] As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the refrigerant passage (51) of the front plate structure (50) includes a first flow diverting portion (51a) and a first flow combining portion (51b). The first flow diverting portion (51a) is connected to the liquid relay pipe (13a). The front connecting pipes (53) include a plurality of first front connecting pipes (531) and a plurality of second front connecting pipes (532). The first flow diverting portion (51a) is connected to the first front connecting pipes (531).

[0091] The heat transfer tubes (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A) include a plurality of first front heat transfer tubes (421) and a plurality of second front heat transfer tubes (422). Each first front heat transfer tube (421) is connected to the corresponding second front heat transfer tube (422) via the corresponding U-shaped pipe (48) or any other element. The first front heat transfer tubes (421) are in one-to-one correspondence with the first front connecting pipes (531), and are each connected to the corresponding first front connecting pipe (531). The second front heat transfer tubes (422) are in one-to-one correspondence with the second front connecting pipes (532), and are each connected to the corresponding second front connecting pipe (532).

[0092] The first flow combining portion (51b) is connected to the second front connecting pipes (532). The first flow combining portion (51b) is connected to the corresponding internal pipe (38, 39) (specifically, the first internal pipe (38)).

[0093] The refrigerant passage (61) of the rear plate structure (60) includes a second flow diverting portion (61a) and a second flow combining portion (61b). The second flow diverting portion (61a) is connected to the corresponding internal pipe (38, 39) (specifically, the second internal pipe (39)). The front connecting pipes (53) include a plurality of first rear connecting pipes (631) and a plurality of second rear connecting pipes (632).

[0094] The heat transfer tubes (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B) include a plurality of first rear heat transfer tubes (423) and a plurality of second rear heat transfer tubes (424). Each first rear heat transfer tube (423) is connected to the corresponding second rear heat transfer tube (424) via the corresponding U-shaped pipe (48) or any other element. The first rear heat transfer tubes (423) are in one-to-one correspondence with the first rear connecting pipes (631), and are each connected to the corresponding first rear connecting pipe (631). The second rear heat transfer tubes (424) are in one-to-one correspondence with the second rear connecting pipes (632), and are each connected to the corresponding second rear connecting pipe (632).

[0095] The second flow combining portion (61b) is connected to the second rear connecting pipes (632). The second flow combining portion (61b) is connected to the gas relay pipe (12a).

[0096] During the cooling operation and during the dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant flows through the liquid relay pipe (13a), the first flow diverting portion (51a), the first front connecting pipes (531), the front heat exchange section (40A) (the first front heat transfer tubes (421) and the second front heat transfer tubes (422)), the second front connecting pipes (532), the first flow combining portion (51b), the internal pipes (38, 39), the second flow diverting portion (61a), the first rear connecting pipes (631), the rear heat exchange section (40B) (the first rear heat transfer tubes (423) and the second rear heat transfer tubes (424)), the second rear connecting pipes (632), the second flow combining portion (61b), and the gas relay pipe (12a) in this order. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as an evaporator, and the refrigerant pumping heat in the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) transitions from liquid to gas.

[0097] During the heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the direction opposite to that during the cooling operation and during the dehumidifying operation. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as a condenser, and the refrigerant releasing heat in the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) transitions from gas to liquid.(7) Temperature Sensor Installation Structure

[0098] The indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a temperature sensor (70). The temperature sensor (70) senses the refrigerant temperature. The temperature sensor (70) includes a thermistor.

[0099] The temperature sensor (70) is provided on a pipe. The pipe is a tubular member. The pipe communicates with at least one of the heat transfer tubes (42) or the refrigerant passages (51, 61). The pipe is connected between the first flow diverting portion (51a) and the second flow combining portion (61b). Specifically, the pipe is provided to allow the refrigerant flowing from one of the first flow diverting portion (51a) or the second flow combining portion (61b) to the other to pass through the pipe on the way. Examples of the pipe in this case include a first pipe (81) (see FIG. 12(a)), a second pipe (82) (see FIG. 13), a third pipe (83) (see FIG. 14), a fourth pipe (84) (see FIG. 16), a fifth pipe (85) (see FIG. 17), and a sixth pipe (86) (see FIG. 18), which will be described below.

[0100] In one preferred embodiment, the pipe is connected between the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B). Specifically, in one preferred embodiment, the pipe is provided to allow the refrigerant flowing from one of the front heat exchange section (40A) or the rear heat exchange section (40B) to the other to pass through the pipe on the way. Examples of the pipe in this case include the fourth pipe (84) (see FIG. 16), the fifth pipe (85) (see FIG. 17), and the sixth pipe (86) (see FIG. 18), which will be described below. The refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state containing both a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant flows through the pipe.(7-1) First Pipe

[0101] As illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the pipe includes the first pipe (81). The temperature sensor (70) may be provided on the first pipe (81).

[0102] The first pipe (81) communicates with two of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A) without communicating with the refrigerant passages (51, 61) of the plate structures (50, 60). The first pipe (81) has a U-shape. One end of the first pipe (81) communicates with one of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A), and the other end of the first pipe (81) communicates with another one of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A). The refrigerant flowing through the one of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A) is sent through the first pipe (81) to the other one of the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0103] The first pipe (81) may have a structure in which it communicates with two of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B) without communicating with the refrigerant passages (51, 61) of the plate structures (50, 60).

[0104] A first example of a configuration for providing the temperature sensor (70) on the pipe will be described below. Here, a configuration for providing the temperature sensor (70) on the first pipe (81) will be described.

[0105] As illustrated in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a first sensor attachment part (90). The first sensor attachment part (90) is a member for attaching the temperature sensor (70) to the pipe such as the first pipe (81). The first sensor attachment part (90) includes an attachment member (91) that houses the temperature sensor (70), and a brazed portion (92) that allows the attachment member (91) to be attached to the surface of the first pipe (81). The attachment member (91) is attached to the first pipe (81) via the brazed portion (92).

[0106] The attachment member (91) has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, and is configured to be able to house a portion of the temperature sensor (70) therein. The attachment member (91) is attached to, for example, a curved portion of the first pipe (81). The brazed portion (92) is configured to extend linearly, for example. A brazing filler metal is supplied, for example, between the first pipe (81) and the attachment member (91), and is heated with a flame from a burner to form the brazed portion (92).

[0107] A sacrificial layer at a potential that is lower than that of the surface of the attachment member (91) is formed on a portion of the surface of the attachment member (91). The sacrificial layer is made of Zn, a Zn alloy, an Al alloy containing Zn, or the like, and is formed on the surface of a heat transfer tube (42) by, for example, thermal spraying. The sacrificial layer sacrificially protects the attachment member (91), and retards corrosion of the surface of the attachment member (91) for a long period of time.

[0108] The first pipe (81), the temperature sensor (70), and the attachment member (91) are all made of materials at the same potential, are at a potential that is higher than that of the sacrificial layer, and are at a potential that is lower than that of the brazed portion (92). The brazed portion (92) forming part of the attachment member (91) has at least one portion attached to a portion of the surface of the first pipe (81) on which no sacrificial layer is formed. Since the at least one portion of the attachment member (91) is attached to the portion of the surface of the first pipe (81) on which no sacrificial layer is formed, detachment of the temperature sensor (70) from the first pipe (81) made of aluminum can be substantially prevented even when the sacrificial layer is corroded.

[0109] The attachment member (91) and the pipe such as the first pipe (81) are made of the same metal such as aluminum A3003. This can retard electrolytic corrosion of the attachment member (91) and the pipe.(7-2) Second Pipe

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the pipe includes the second pipe (82). The temperature sensor (70) may be provided on the second pipe (82).

[0111] The second pipe (82) is provided outside the first plate structure (50), and has both ends communicating with the refrigerant passage (51) of the first plate structure (50). Both ends of the second pipe (82) communicate with, for example, the refrigerant passage (51) forming the first flow combining portion (51b) (see FIG. 11B). The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage (51) is sent through one end of the second pipe (82) to the second pipe (82), and then returns from the other end of the second pipe (82) to the refrigerant passage (51).

[0112] The second pipe (82) may be provided outside the second plate structure (60), and may have both ends communicating with the refrigerant passage (61) of the second plate structure (60). In this case, both ends of the second pipe (82) communicate with, for example, the refrigerant passage (61) forming the second flow diverting portion (61a).(7-3) Third Pipe

[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the pipe includes the third pipe (83). The temperature sensor (70) may be provided on the third pipe (83).

[0114] The third pipe (83) is provided between the front heat exchange section (40A) and the front plate structure (50). The third pipe (83) communicates with the corresponding heat transfer tube (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A) and the corresponding refrigerant passage (51) of the front plate structure (50). In the present embodiment, the third pipe (83) is the front connecting pipes (53). The third pipe (83) may be integrated with the heat transfer tube (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A), may extend from the heat transfer tube (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A) toward the front plate structure (50), and may be connected to the refrigerant passage (51) of the front plate structure (50).

[0115] The third pipe (83) may be provided between the rear heat exchange section (40B) and the rear plate structure (60). In this case, the third pipe (83) communicates with the corresponding heat transfer tube (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B) and the corresponding refrigerant passage (61) of the rear plate structure (60). In this case, the third pipe (83) is the rear connecting pipe (63). The third pipe (83) may be integrated with the heat transfer tube (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B), may extend from the heat transfer tube (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B) toward the rear plate structure (60), and may be connected to the refrigerant passage (61) of the rear plate structure (60).

[0116] A second example of the configuration for providing the temperature sensor (70) on the pipe will be described below. Here, a configuration for providing the temperature sensor (70) on the third pipe (83) will be described.

[0117] As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a second sensor attachment part (95). The second sensor attachment part (95) is a clip-shaped member. The second sensor attachment part (95) is made of, for example, stainless steel. Inserting the third pipe (83) and the temperature sensor (70) in the second sensor attachment part (95) allows the temperature sensor (70) to be attached to the third pipe (83).

[0118] The attachment member (91) (see FIG. 12A) and the second sensor attachment part (95) (see FIG. 15A) may support the temperature sensor (70) such that the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor (70) is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. This can reduce collection of water on the temperature sensor (70). As a result, the temperature sensor (70) can be substantially prevented from corroding.(7-4) Fourth Pipe

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 16, the pipe includes the fourth pipe (84). The temperature sensor (70) may be provided on the fourth pipe (84).

[0120] The fourth pipe (84) communicates with the corresponding refrigerant passage (51) formed in the front plate structure (50) and the corresponding refrigerant passage (61) formed in the rear plate structure (60). In the present embodiment, the third pipe (83) is the first internal pipe (38) or the second internal pipe (39). In FIG. 16, the indoor expansion valve (37) provided in the internal pipe (38, 39) is omitted. The first internal pipe (38) or the second internal pipe (39), which is the third pipe (83), may have a portion overlapping with the front plate structure (50) in front view (from the viewpoint when the indoor unit (30) is viewed from the front) (see FIG. 5).(7-5) Fifth Pipe

[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 17, the pipe includes the fifth pipe (85). The fifth pipe (85) communicates with the corresponding refrigerant passage (51) formed in the front plate structure (50), and the corresponding heat transfer tube (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). The temperature sensor (70) may be provided on the fifth pipe (85). The fifth pipe (85) may communicate with the corresponding refrigerant passage (61) formed in the rear plate structure (60), and the corresponding heat transfer tube (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A). In FIG. 17, the indoor expansion valve (37) provided in the fifth pipe (85) is omitted.(7-6) Sixth Pipe

[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the pipe includes the sixth pipe (86). The sixth pipe (86) communicates with the corresponding heat transfer tube (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A) and the corresponding heat transfer tube (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). The temperature sensor (70) may be provided on the sixth pipe (86). In FIG. 18, the indoor expansion valve (37) provided in the sixth pipe (86) is omitted.(8) Advantages of Embodiment

[0123] If a temperature sensor (70) is provided on a plate structure (50, 60), heat conduction through a board forming the plate structure (50, 60) may cause thermal diffusion in the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage (51, 61) of the plate structure (50, 60). This may lower the accuracy of sensing the refrigerant. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the temperature sensor (70) is provided on a pipe (any one of the first pipe (81) to the sixth pipe (86)) communicating with a heat transfer tube (42) or a refrigerant passage (51, 61). This allows thermal diffusion in the refrigerant to be less likely to occur in the pipe than in the plate structure (50, 60). Thus, the refrigerant temperature can be accurately sensed.

[0124] If the temperature sensor (70) is provided on a pipe through which the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state flows, and is configured to sense the temperature of the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state, the refrigerant temperature can be accurately sensed, because the temperature of the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state is more stable than the temperature of the refrigerant in the single-phase state.(9) Variations

[0125] The indoor heat exchanger (40) described above may have configurations as those of the following variations. Differences from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0126] As illustrated in FIG. 19, in a variation, the front plate structure (50) is configured as a single plate. The front plate structure (50) of the variation has therein refrigerant passages, just like the foregoing embodiment. The front plate structure (50) of the variation is produced by sintering metal powder using a 3D printer. The rear plate structure (60) may also be configured as a single plate.(10) Other Embodiments

[0127] The indoor heat exchanger (40) does not have to be a fin-and-tube heat exchanger, and may be a corrugated heat exchanger including corrugated plate-shaped fins located between each adjacent pair of the heat transfer tubes, for example.

[0128] As illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the indoor heat exchanger (40) may be configured to have a single heat exchange section instead of the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B). In this case, the first internal pipe (38), the second internal pipe (39), and the indoor expansion valve (37) are omitted. In this case, the indoor heat exchanger (40) includes one heat exchange section (100) and one plate structure (110). A refrigerant passage (111) of the plate structure (110) includes a flow diverting portion (111a) and a flow combining portion (111b). Heat transfer tubes (101) of the heat exchange section (100) include a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (101a) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (101b). Each first heat transfer tube (101a) is connected to the corresponding second heat transfer tube (101b) via the corresponding U-shaped pipe (48). The flow diverting portion (111a) is connected to the liquid relay pipe (13a). The flow diverting portion (111a) is connected to the first heat transfer tubes (101a) via a plurality of connecting pipes (112). The flow combining portion (111b) is connected to the gas relay pipe (12a). The flow combining portion (111b) is connected to the second heat transfer tubes (101b) via a plurality of connecting pipes (113). A pipe on which the temperature sensor (70) is provided is connected between the flow diverting portion (111a) and the flow combining portion (111b). Specifically, the pipe is provided to allow the refrigerant flowing from one of the first flow diverting portion (111a) or the second flow combining portion (111b) to the other to pass through the pipe on the way. Examples of the pipe in this case include the first pipe (81) (see FIG. 12A) described above, the second pipe (82) (see FIG. 13) described above, and the third pipe (83) (see FIG. 14) described above.

[0129] The heat transfer tubes (42) of the heat exchanger body (B) may be made of a copper alloy instead of an aluminum alloy. When the heat transfer tubes (42) are made of a copper alloy, the plate structures (50, 60) are also made of a copper alloy in one preferred embodiment. If the heat transfer tubes (42) are made of a copper alloy, the first pipe (81) and the attachment member (91) are also made of a copper alloy in one preferred embodiment.

[0130] The connecting pipes (53, 63) may be made of a copper alloy or a stainless steel (SUS) material instead of an aluminum material. In this case, the plate structures (50, 60) are made of the same material as the connecting pipes (53, 63) in one preferred embodiment.

[0131] If the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state flows through a refrigerant passage (51, 61, 111) of a plate structure (50, 60, 110), the temperature sensor (70) may be attached to (provided on) the plate structure (50, 60, 110).

[0132] While the embodiments and variations thereof have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The embodiments, the variations thereof, and the other embodiments may be combined appropriately and replaced with each other without deteriorating the intended functions of the present disclosure.

[0133] The expressions "first," "second," "third," ... , described above are used to distinguish the terms to which these expressions are given, and do not limit the number and order of the terms.INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0134] As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present disclosure is useful for an indoor heat exchanger, a refrigeration cycle device, and an air-conditioning indoor unit.DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0135] 11Refrigerant Circuit 31Casing 40Indoor Heat Exchanger 40AFront Heat Exchange Section 40BRear Heat Exchange Section 41Fin 42Heat Transfer Tube 42aFlare Portion 50Front Plate Structure 51Refrigerant Passage 60Rear Plate Structure 61Refrigerant Passage 70Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. An indoor heat exchanger comprising: a heat exchange section (40A, 40B) including a fin (41) and a heat transfer tube (42); a plate structure (50, 60) to which the heat transfer tube (42) is connected and which has a refrigerant passage (51, 61) formed therein; and a pipe communicating with the heat transfer tube (42) or the refrigerant passage (51, 61), a temperature sensor (70) configured to sense a temperature of a refrigerant being provided on the pipe.

2. The indoor heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor (70) is attached to the pipe via an attachment member (91).

3. The indoor heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein the attachment member (91) and a portion of the pipe to which the temperature sensor (70) is attached are made of an identical metal.

4. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a tube plate (49) facing the plate structure (50, 60), and a spacing dimension between the tube plate and the plate structure (50, 60) is 35 mm or less.

5. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat transfer tube (42) comprises two heat transfer tubes (42), the pipe includes a first pipe (81) communicating with the two heat transfer tubes (42) without communicating with the refrigerant passage (51, 61), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the first pipe (81).

6. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pipe is provided outside the plate structure (50, 60), and includes a second pipe (82) having both ends communicating with the refrigerant passage (51, 61), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the second pipe (82).

7. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pipe includes a third pipe (83) provided between the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) and the plate structure (50, 60), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the third pipe (83).

8. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B), the plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) to which the heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) is connected, and a second plate structure (60) to which the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B) is connected, the pipe includes a fourth pipe (84) that communicates with the refrigerant passage (51, 61) in the first plate structure (50) and the refrigerant passage (51, 61) in the second plate structure (60), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the fourth pipe (84).

9. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B), the plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) to which the heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) is connected, and a second plate structure (60) to which the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B) is connected, the pipe includes a fifth pipe (85) that communicates with the refrigerant passage (51, 61) in the first plate structure (50) and the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the fifth pipe (85).

10. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B), the pipe includes a sixth pipe (86) that communicates with the heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) and the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B), and the temperature sensor (70) is provided on the sixth pipe (86).

11. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the refrigerant passage (111) of the plate structure (110) includes: a flow diverting portion (111a) configured to divert the refrigerant to be entered into the heat exchange section (100); and a flow combining portion (111b) configured to combine the refrigerant that has flowed out of the heat exchange section (100), and the pipe is connected between the flow diverting portion (111a) and the flow combining portion (111b).

12. The indoor heat exchanger of claim 11, wherein the heat exchange section (40A, 40B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B), the refrigerant diverted by the flow diverting portion (51a) flows into the first heat exchange section (40A), and the refrigerant that has flowed out of the second heat exchange section (40B) is combined by the flow combining portion (61b).

13. The indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state flows through the pipe.

14. A refrigeration cycle device comprising: a refrigerant circuit (11) to which the indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 13 is connected.

15. An air-conditioning indoor unit comprising: the indoor heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 13; and a casing (31) configured to house the indoor heat exchanger.

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