Heat exchanger unit, air conditioning indoor unit, refrigeration cycle device, and method for manufacturing heat exchanger unit

Abstract

A heat exchanger unit (150) includes a first heat exchange portion (50), a second heat exchange portion (55), and a plate structure (100). The first heat exchange portion (50) has a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51). The second heat exchange portion (55) has a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56). The plate structure (100) is joined to the first heat transfer tubes (51) and the second heat transfer tubes (56). A first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other and a second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other are formed inside the plate structure (100).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger including: a heat exchanger body formed by fins and heat transfer tubes; and a plate stack. A refrigerant flow path connecting the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger body is formed inside the plate stack. The plate stack is formed by stacking a plurality of plate members.CITATION LISTPATENT DOCUMENT

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

[0004] The heat exchanger body of the heat exchanger may have a plurality of heat exchange portions each having fins and heat transfer tubes. In this case, it is conceivable to join one heat exchange portion to one plate stack.

[0005] In joining the heat exchange portion and the plate stack, all the heat transfer tubes of the heat exchange portion need to be assembled to the plate stack at once. For this reason, when the heat exchange portion has a relatively large number of heat transfer tubes, it is difficult to align each heat transfer tube of the heat exchange portion with the plate stack, and the time required for a process of combining the heat exchange portion and the plate stack may take a long time.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to shorten the time required for a process of combining a heat exchange portion and a plate stack.SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a heat exchanger unit (150) configured to cause air to exchange heat with a refrigerant, the heat exchanger unit (150) including: a first heat exchange portion (50) having a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51); a second heat exchange portion (55) having a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56); and a plate structure (100) configured to be joined to the first heat transfer tubes (51) and the second heat transfer tubes (56), the plate structure (100) having: a first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other; and a second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other, the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) being formed inside the plate structure (100).

[0008] According to the first aspect, both the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are joined to the plate structure (100). When the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are combined with the plate structure (100), the position of the plate structure (100) relative to the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the position of the plate structure (100) relative to the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55) can be adjusted separately. Thus, the position of the plate structure (100) relative to the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55) can be adjusted more easily than in a case in which "a single large heat exchange portion having a heat exchange capacity equivalent to the total heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55)" is combined with the plate structure (100). Thus, according to this aspect, the time required for the process of combining the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) with the plate structure (100) can be shortened, and the time required for manufacturing the heat exchanger unit (150) can be shortened.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the second aspect, a connection flow path (131) connecting the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) is formed inside the plate structure (100).

[0010] According to the second aspect, the first flow path (121), the second flow path (122), and the connection flow path (131) are formed inside the plate structure (100).

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, each of the plurality of first fins (52) is formed in a plate shape having a pair of long sides (52a, 52b), the long sides (52a, 52b) being straight and parallel to each other, each of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51) penetrates the plurality of first fins (52) arranged in line, each of the plurality of second fins (57) is formed in a plate shape having a pair of long sides (57a, 57b), the long sides (57a, 57b) being straight and parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56) penetrates the plurality of second fins (57) arranged in line.

[0012] In the first heat exchange portion (50) of the third aspect, the plurality of plate-shaped first fins (52) is arranged in line, and the first heat transfer tubes (51) penetrate the plurality of first fins (52) arranged in line. In the second heat exchange portion (55) of this aspect, the plurality of plate-shaped second fins (57) is arranged in line, and the second heat transfer tubes (56) penetrate the plurality of second fins (57) arranged in line.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, the heat exchanger unit (150) further includes a third heat exchange portion (60) having a plurality of third fins (62) and a plurality of third heat transfer tubes (61), wherein the plate structure (100) is connected to the third heat transfer tubes (61), and a third flow path (123) connecting the third heat transfer tubes (61) to each other is formed inside the plate structure (100).

[0014] According to the fourth aspect, the heat exchanger unit (150) includes the first heat exchange portion (50), the second heat exchange portion (55), and the third heat exchange portion (60). The third flow path (123) formed in the plate structure (100) connects the third heat transfer tubes (61) of the third heat exchange portion (60) to each other.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the fifth aspect, the plate structure (100) includes: a plate-shaped body portion (106) in which the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) are formed; and a plurality of connection pipe portions (135) protruding from the body portion (106), the connection pipe portions (135) each having a base end connected to the first flow path (121) or the second flow path (122) and a tip end connected to a corresponding one of the first heat transfer tubes (51) or a corresponding one of the second heat transfer tubes (56), and in each of the plurality of connection pipe portions (135), a diameter of the tip end is smaller than a diameter of the base end.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect, the diameter of the tip end of each connection pipe portion (135) connected to the first heat transfer tube (51) or the second heat transfer tube (56) is smaller than the diameter of the base end of each connection pipe portion (135) connected to the body portion (106) of the plate structure (100). The refrigerant that has flowed into the connection pipe portion (135) from the first heat transfer tube (51) or the second heat transfer tube (56) flows from the tip end having a relatively small diameter toward the base end having a relatively large diameter, and then flows into the first flow path (121) or the second flow path (122) of the body portion (106). This configuration reduces a pressure loss of the refrigerant when it flows out of the first heat transfer tube (51) or the second heat transfer tube (56) and flows into the first flow path (121) or the second flow path (122).

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the first to fifth aspects. In the sixth aspect, in the first heat exchange portion (50), the plurality of first fins (52) arranged in line forms a first fin group (53), in the second heat exchange portion (55), the plurality of second fins (57) arranged in line forms a second fin group (58), the plate structure (100) is provided on one end side of the first fin group (53) in an arrangement direction of the first fins (52) and on one end side of the second fin group (58) in an arrangement direction of the second fins (57), and the heat exchanger unit (150) further includes: a holding member (155) provided on the other end side of the first fin group (53) in the arrangement direction of the first fins (52) and on the other end side of the second fin group (58) in the arrangement direction of the second fins (57), the holding member (155) being configured to hold the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55).

[0018] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of the sixth aspect, the plate structure (100) is disposed on one end side of the first fin group (53) and the second fin group (58). On the one end side of the first fin group (53) and the second fin group (58), the relative positions of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are maintained by the plate structure (100) configured to be joined to the first heat transfer tubes (51) and the second heat transfer tubes (56). In the heat exchanger unit (150), the holding member (155) is disposed on the other end side of the first fin group (53) and the second fin group (58). On the other end side of the first fin group (53) and the second fin group (58), the relative positions of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are maintained by the holding member (155).

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an air-conditioning indoor unit (30) including: the heat exchanger unit (150) of the third aspect; and a casing (31) configured to house the heat exchanger unit (150), the first heat exchange portion (50) being disposed above the second heat exchange portion (55) in an orientation in which an angle between a long side (52a, 52b) of each of the first fins (52) and a long side (57a, 57b) of each of the second fins (57) is less than 180°.

[0020] In the air-conditioning indoor unit (30) of the seventh aspect, the heat exchanger unit (150) is housed in the casing (31). In the casing (31), the first heat exchange portion (50) is located above the second heat exchange portion (55). The angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) and the long side (57a, 57b) of the second fin (57) is less than 180°.

[0021] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the seventh aspect. In the eighth aspect, the first heat exchange portion (50) is provided in an orientation in which the long side (52a) on an air inflow side of the first fin (52) faces upward, and the second heat exchange portion (55) is provided in an orientation in which the long side (57a) on an air inflow side of the second fin (57) faces downward.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, the air inflow side long side (52a) of each first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) faces upward, and the air inflow side long side (57a) of each second fin (57) of the second heat exchange portion (55) faces downward.

[0023] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the eighth aspect. In the ninth aspect, a lower end of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) is along the long side (57b) on an air outflow side of the second fin (57) of the second heat exchange portion (55).

[0024] According to the ninth aspect, condensed water generated in the first heat exchange portion (50) flows down from the lower end of the first fin (52) to the second heat exchange portion (55) and flows along the second fin (57) of the second heat exchange portion (55). Thus, it is possible to reduce scattering of the condensed water from the first heat exchange portion (50).

[0025] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the ninth aspect. In the tenth aspect, a connection flow path (131a) connecting the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) is formed inside the plate structure (100), the first heat transfer tube (51) communicating with the connection flow path (131a) is one of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51) arranged in line along the long side (52a) on the air inflow side of the first fin (52), and the second heat transfer tube (56) communicating with the connection flow path (131a) is one of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56) arranged in line along the long side (57b) on the air outflow side of the second fin (57).

[0026] According to the tenth aspect, the connection flow path (131a) formed in the plate structure (100) connects the first heat transfer tube (51) closest to the air inflow side long side (52a) of the first fin (52) and the second heat transfer tube (56) closest to the air outflow side long side (57b) of the second fin (57).

[0027] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of the ninth or tenth aspect. In the eleventh aspect, an interval between central axes of two of the first heat transfer tubes (51) closest to each other is a first distance, an interval between central axes of two of the second heat transfer tubes (56) closest to each other is a second distance, an interval between the central axes of the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) closest to each other is a third distance, and the third distance is the first distance or shorter and the second distance or shorter.

[0028] According to the eleventh aspect, the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are provided at positions such that the third distance is the first distance or shorter and the second distance or shorter.

[0029] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects. In the twelfth aspect, the number of first heat transfer tubes (51) included in the first heat exchange portion (50) is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes (56) included in the second heat exchange portion (55).

[0030] According to the twelfth aspect, the number of first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55). Thus, the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange portion (50) is higher than the heat exchange capacity of the second heat exchange portion (55).

[0031] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the eighth to twelfth aspects. In the thirteenth aspect, an angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and a vertical direction is 30° or more.

[0032] According to the thirteenth aspect, the first heat exchange portion (50) is provided in the casing (31) in an orientation in which the angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) disposed to face upward and the vertical direction is 30° or more. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the size of the first heat exchange portion (50) without increasing the height of the casing (31). As a result, the heat exchange capacity of the entire heat exchanger unit (150) can be improved without increasing the size of the casing (31).

[0033] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects. In the fourteenth aspect, an angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and a vertical direction is 60° or less.

[0034] According to the fourteenth aspect, the first heat exchange portion (50) is provided in the casing (31) in an orientation in which the angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) disposed to face upward and the vertical direction is 60° or less. Thus, condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52) flows down to the lower end of the first fin (52) along the surface of the first fin (52). As a result, scattering of the condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52) is reduced.

[0035] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects. In the fifteenth aspect, an interval between the plurality of first fins (52) in the first heat exchange portion (50) is equal to an interval between the plurality of second fins (57) in the second heat exchange portion (55).

[0036] According to the fifteenth aspect, the interval between the plurality of second fins (57) of the second heat exchange portion (55) matches the interval between the first fins (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50). Thus, a corresponding second fin (57) is disposed below each of the first fins (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50). Condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52) flows down from the lower end of the first fin (52) to the corresponding second fin (57), and flows further down along the second fin (57). Thus, scattering of the condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52) is reduced.

[0037] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the eighth to fifteenth aspects. In the sixteenth aspect, a distance from the first fin (52) located at one end in an arrangement direction of the plurality of first fins (52) to the first fin (52) located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first fins (52) is an effective length of the first heat exchange portion (50), a distance from the second fin (57) located at one end in an arrangement direction of the plurality of second fins (57) to the second fin (57) located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the plurality of second fins (57) is an effective length of the second heat exchange portion (55), and the effective length of the first heat exchange portion (50) is the effective length of the second heat exchange portion (55) or shorter.

[0038] According to the sixteenth aspect, the effective length of the first heat exchange portion (50) located above the second heat exchange portion (55) is the effective length of the second heat exchange portion (55) or shorter. Thus, all the condensed water that has flowed down from the first heat exchange portion (50) is received by the second heat exchange portion (55).

[0039] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is an embodiment of any one of the eighth to sixteenth aspects. In the seventeenth aspect, the heat exchanger unit (150) is disposed in an orientation in which air inflow surfaces (54, 59) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) face forward or rearward of the casing (31).

[0040] According to the seventeenth aspect, in the casing of the air-conditioning indoor unit, the air inflow surfaces (54, 59) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) face forward or rearward of the casing (31).

[0041] An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a refrigeration cycle apparatus (10) including a refrigerant circuit (11) to which the heat exchanger unit (150) of any one of the first to sixth aspects is connected.

[0042] According to the eighteenth aspect, the heat exchanger unit (150) is provided in the refrigerant circuit (11) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus (10).

[0043] A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger unit (150) configured to cause air to exchange heat with a refrigerant, the heat exchanger unit (150) including: a plurality of heat exchange portions each having fins and heat transfer tubes; and a plate structure (100) configured to be joined to the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions. The plurality of heat exchange portions includes: a first heat exchange portion (50) having a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51); and a second heat exchange portion (55) having a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56). The plate structure (100) has a refrigerant flow path formed inside the plate structure (100), the refrigerant flow path including: a first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other; and a second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other. The manufacturing method of this aspect includes: a holding step of holding the plurality of heat exchange portions such that relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange portions are the same as relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange portions in the heat exchanger unit (150) as a finished product; a combining step of combining the plate structure (100) with the plurality of heat exchange portions held at a predetermined position in the holding step; and a joining step of joining, by brazing, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions and the plate structure (100) combined in the combining step.

[0044] According to the nineteenth aspect, the holding step, the combining step, and the joining step are performed. In the holding step, the plurality of heat exchange portions including the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) is held such that their relative positions are the same as the "relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange portions in the heat exchanger unit (150) as the finished product." In the combining step, the plate structure (100) is combined with the plurality of heat exchange portions held at the predetermined position in the holding step. In the combining step, the relative positions of each heat exchange portion and the plate structure (100) can be finely adjusted separately. In the joining step, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions and the plate structure (100) combined in the combining step are joined by brazing.

[0045] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger unit (150) configured to cause air to exchange heat with a refrigerant, the heat exchanger unit (150) including: a plurality of heat exchange portions each having fins and heat transfer tubes; and a plate structure (100) configured to be joined to the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions. The plurality of heat exchange portions includes: a first heat exchange portion (50) having a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51); and a second heat exchange portion (55) having a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56). The plate structure (100) has a refrigerant flow path formed inside the plate structure (100), the refrigerant flow path including: a first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other; and a second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other. The manufacturing method of this aspect includes: a combining step of combining the plurality of heat exchange portions one by one with the plate structure (100) in sequence; and a joining step of joining, by brazing, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions and the plate structure (100) combined in the combining step.

[0046] According to the twentieth aspect, the combining step and the joining step are performed. In the combining step, the plurality of heat exchange portions is combined one by one with the plate structure (100) in sequence. Thus, in the combining step, the process of combining the first heat exchange portion (50) with the plate structure (100) and the process of combining the second heat exchange portion (55) with the plate structure (100) are performed separately. In the joining step, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions and the plate structure (100) combined in the combining step are joined by brazing.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] [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 as viewed from a lateral side. [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of a heat exchanger unit. [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part of FIG. 4. [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit, taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a right side view of the heat exchanger unit. [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit, taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5. [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit, taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 5. [FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger unit, taken along line X-X in FIG. 5. [FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a first heat exchange portion and a front plate stack, which illustrates a joined state of a first heat transfer tube and a connection pipe portion. [FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger unit of a first variation, showing a cross section corresponding to FIG. 6. [FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger unit of a second variation, showing a cross section corresponding to FIG. 6. [FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger unit of a third variation, showing a cross section corresponding to FIG. 6. [FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of part of the first heat exchange portion of FIG. 14. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0048] 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

[0049] This embodiment is directed to an air conditioner (10) including a heat exchanger unit (150). The air conditioner (10) adjusts the temperature of air in an indoor space (I) as a target space.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (10) is an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus that includes a refrigerant circuit (11). The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (11) circulates the refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle.

[0051] 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. In the air conditioner (10), the outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) are connected by the first connection pipe (12) and the second connection pipe (13) to form the refrigerant circuit (11).

[0052] 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).

[0053] The compressor (21) is a rotary compressor of an oscillating piston type, a rotary type, a scroll type, or the like. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) is a fin-and-tube air heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. The outdoor expansion valve (23) is an electronic expansion valve of which the opening degree is variable. 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 portion 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 portion of the outdoor heat exchanger (22) to communicate with each other. The outdoor fan (25) is a propeller fan.

[0054] The indoor unit (30) includes a casing (31) and a heat exchanger unit (150) and an indoor fan (32) which are housed in the casing (31).(2) Indoor Unit

[0055] 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 this embodiment is a wall-mounted unit provided on a wall of the indoor space (I). The terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "front," and "back" described below correspond to the directions of the arrows shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, and indicate the directions in which the indoor unit (30) is viewed from the front side.(2-1) Casing

[0056] The casing (31) is formed in a laterally-long box shape. The casing (31) has a front panel (31a), a rear panel (31b), a top panel (31c), a bottom panel (31d), a first side panel (31e), and a second side panel (31f).

[0057] The front panel (31a) is on the front side of the casing (31) and forms the front surface of the casing (31). The rear panel (31b) is on the rear side of the casing (31) and forms the rear surface of the casing (31). The top panel (31c) is on the upper side of the casing (31) and forms the upper surface of the casing (31). The bottom panel (31d) is on the lower side of the casing (31) and forms the lower surface of the casing (31). The first side panel (31e) is on the right side of the casing (31) and forms the right surface of the casing (31). The second side panel (31f) is on the left side of the casing (31) and forms the left surface of the casing (31).

[0058] An inlet opening (33) is formed in the top panel (31c), and an outlet opening (34) is formed in the bottom panel (31d). In the casing (31), an air passage (P) is formed from the inlet opening (33) to the outlet opening (34). The inlet opening (33) extends in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction) of the casing (31). The inlet opening (33) is an opening for taking air in the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P). The outlet opening (34) is formed in the bottom panel (31d). The outlet opening (34) extends in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31). The outlet opening (34) is an opening for blowing air in the air passage (P) out to the indoor space (I).(2-2) Filter

[0059] The indoor unit (30) includes a filter (35). The filter (35) is disposed behind the inlet opening (33) and upstream of an indoor heat exchanger (40). The filter (35) collects dust in air sent from the inlet opening (33) to the indoor heat exchanger (40). The indoor unit (30) may include a dust removal mechanism that removes the dust collected by the filter (35).(2-3) Heat Exchanger Unit

[0060] The heat exchanger unit (150) includes one indoor heat exchanger (40) and one indoor expansion valve (160). The indoor heat exchanger (40) includes one heat exchanger body (45) and two plate stacks (100, 110). The heat exchanger body (45) of the indoor heat exchanger (40) is disposed to cross the air passage (P). The air passage (P) is divided into portions upstream and downstream of the heat exchanger body (45).(2-4) Indoor Fan

[0061] 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

[0062] The indoor unit (30) has a flap (36) that adjusts the direction of the air discharged from the outlet opening (34). The flap (36) adjusts the air direction in the upper-lower 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

[0063] As described above, the heat exchanger unit (150) includes the indoor heat exchanger (40), the indoor expansion valve (160), a gas relay pipe (163), a liquid relay pipe (164), and a holding member (155).(3-1) Indoor Heat Exchanger

[0064] As described above, the indoor heat exchanger (40) includes one heat exchanger body (45) and two plate stacks (100, 110). The indoor heat exchanger (40) is a fin-and-tube air heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (40) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. Each of the plate stacks (100, 110) is a plate structure. The number of plate stacks (100, 110) in the indoor heat exchanger (40) is merely an example.(3-2) Heat Exchanger Body

[0065] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the heat exchanger body (45) has a front heat exchange portion (40A) and a rear heat exchange portion (40B). The front heat exchange portion (40A) is located closer to the front panel (31a) of the casing (31). The rear heat exchange portion (40B) is located closer to the rear panel (31b) of the casing (31). The heat exchanger body (45) is provided to cover the front side, upper side, and rear side of the indoor fan (32).(3-3) Front Plate Stack and Rear Plate Stack

[0066] In the indoor heat exchanger (40), the front plate stack (100) and the rear plate stack (110) are disposed on the right side of the heat exchanger body (45) in FIG. 4. The front plate stack (100) is attached to the front heat exchange portion (40A), and the rear plate stack (110) is attached to the rear heat exchange portion (40B).(3-4) Indoor Expansion Valve, Gas Relay Pipe, Liquid Relay Pipe

[0067] The indoor expansion valve (160) is an electronic expansion valve of which the opening degree is variable. The indoor expansion valve (160) is connected to the front plate stack (100) via a first internal pipe (161) and is connected to the rear plate stack (110) via a second internal pipe (162).

[0068] One end of the gas relay pipe (163) is connected to the rear plate stack (110). The other end of the gas relay pipe (163) is connected to the first connection pipe (12) via a joint. One end of the liquid relay pipe (164) is connected to the front plate stack (100). The other end of the liquid relay pipe (164) is connected to the second connection pipe (13) via a joint.(3-5) Holding Member

[0069] The holding member (155) is disposed on the left side of the indoor heat exchanger (40) in FIG. 4. The holding member (155) is disposed on the side opposite to the front plate stack (100) and the rear plate stack (110) relative to the indoor heat exchanger (40). The holding member (155) is a resin member shaped to cover a left end portion of the indoor heat exchanger (40). The holding member (155) is attached to the front heat exchange portion (40A) and the rear heat exchange portion (40B) that form the indoor heat exchanger (40), and maintains the relative positions of the front heat exchange portion (40A) and the rear heat exchange portion (40B).(4) Front Heat Exchange Portion of Heat Exchanger Body

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the front heat exchange portion (40A) includes a first heat exchange portion (50), a second heat exchange portion (55), a third heat exchange portion (60), and a fourth heat exchange portion (65).(4-1) First Heat Exchange Portion

[0071] The first heat exchange portion (50) includes a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51). The first fins (52) and the first heat transfer tubes (51) are made of an aluminum alloy. The material of the first heat transfer tubes (51) may be a copper alloy. The number of first heat transfer tubes (51) provided for the first heat exchange portion (50) is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes (56) provided for the second heat exchange portion (55) (described later).

[0072] Each first fin (52) is a thin plate-shaped member having a pair of long sides (52a, 52b) substantially parallel to each other and a pair of short sides (52c, 52d) substantially parallel to each other. The first fins (52) are arranged in line in the left-right direction in FIG. 4, facing each other. The first fins (52) arranged in line form a first fin group (53). In the first fin group (53), an interval between the first fins (52) adjacent to each other (= fin pitch FP1) is constant (see FIG. 5).

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 6, of the pair of long sides of each first fin (52), one long side located on the side opposite to the indoor fan (32) is an air inflow side long side (52a), and the other long side located closer to the indoor fan (32) is an air outflow side long side (52b).

[0074] The first heat exchange portion (50) is disposed in an orientation in which the air inflow side long side (52a) of the first fin (52) faces upward and the air outflow side long side (52b) of the first fin (52) faces downward. An angle θ between each of the long sides (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) and the vertical direction is 30° or more and 60° or less (30° ≤ θ ≤ 60°).

[0075] In the first fin group (53), the air inflow side long sides (52a) of the first fins (52) form a virtual first air inflow surface (54). The first air inflow surface (54) faces the front side of the indoor unit (30) and faces obliquely upward of the indoor unit (30). A distance from the first fin (52) located at one end of the first fin group (53) to the first fin (52) located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the first fins (52) is an effective length EL1 of the first heat exchange portion (50) (see FIG. 4).

[0076] Each first heat transfer tube (51) is a straight circular tube. The first heat transfer tubes (51) are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each first heat transfer tube (51) penetrates all the first fins (52) forming the first fin group (53), and extends in the left-right direction in FIG. 4. The right end of each first heat transfer tube (51) in FIG. 4 is an open end. The left ends of two adjacent first heat transfer tubes (51) in FIG. 4 are connected by a U-shaped tube. The two first heat transfer tubes (51) and the U-shaped tube connecting these tubes are formed integrally without a seam.

[0077] Three tube rows (51a to 51c) are formed in the first heat exchange portion (50). Each of the tube rows (51a to 51c) includes a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51) arranged in line in the extension direction of the long sides (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52). In each of the tube rows (51a to 51c), the first heat transfer tubes (51) are disposed at regular intervals. In the first heat exchange portion (50), the tube row along the air inflow side long side (52a) of the first fin (52) is a first tube row (51a); the tube row along the air outflow side long side (52b) of the first fin (52) is a third tube row (51c); and the tube row located between the first tube row (51a) and the third tube row (51c) is a second tube row (51b).(4-2) Second Heat Exchange Portion

[0078] The second heat exchange portion (55) includes a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56). The second fins (57) and the second heat transfer tubes (56) are made of an aluminum alloy. The material of the second heat transfer tubes (56) may be a copper alloy.

[0079] Each second fin (57) is a thin plate-shaped member having a pair of long sides (57a, 57b) substantially parallel to each other and a pair of short sides (57c, 57d) substantially parallel to each other. The second fins (57) are arranged in line in the left-right direction in FIG. 4, facing each other. The second fins (57) arranged in line form a second fin group (58). In the second fin group (58), an interval between the second fins (57) adjacent to each other (= fin pitch FP2) is constant (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the interval (FP2) between the second fins (57) adjacent to each other is equal to the interval (FP1) between the first fins (52) adjacent to each other (FP2 = FP1).

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 6, of the pair of long sides of each second fin (57), one long side located on the side opposite to the indoor fan (32) is an air inflow side long side (57a), and the other long side located closer to the indoor fan (32) is an air outflow side long side (57b).

[0081] The second heat exchange portion (55) is disposed in an orientation in which the air inflow side long side (57a) of the second fin (57) faces downward and the air outflow side long side (57b) of the second fin (57) faces upward. The second heat exchange portion (55) is disposed below the first heat exchange portion (50). An angle ψ between the air outflow side long side (57b) of the second fin (57) and the air outflow side long side (52b) of the first fin (52) is less than 180°. The angle ψ of the front heat exchange portion (40A) of this embodiment is approximately 90° to 110°.

[0082] Portions, including the upper ends, of the air outflow side long sides (57b) of the second fins (57) are in contact with the lower short sides (52d) of the first fins (52) forming the first heat exchange portion (50). The lower short side (52d) of the first fin (52) is the lower end of the first fin (52). Thus, the lower end of the first fin (52) is along the air outflow side long side (57b) of the second fin (57).

[0083] In the second fin group (58), the air inflow side long sides (57a) of the second fins (57) form a virtual second air inflow surface (59). The second air inflow surface (59) faces the front side of the indoor unit (30) and faces obliquely downward of the indoor unit (30).

[0084] A distance from the second fin (57) located at one end of the second fin group (58) to the second fin (57) located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the second fins (57) is an effective length EL2 of the second heat exchange portion (55) (see FIG. 4). The effective length EL2 of the second heat exchange portion (55) is equal to the effective length EL1 of the first heat exchange portion (50). The effective length EL2 of the second heat exchange portion (55) may be longer than the effective length EL1 of the first heat exchange portion (50).

[0085] Each second heat transfer tube (56) is a straight circular tube. The second heat transfer tubes (56) are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each second heat transfer tube (56) penetrates all the second fins (57) forming the second fin group (58) and extends in the left-right direction in FIG. 4. The right end of each second heat transfer tube (56) in FIG. 4 is an open end. The left ends of two adjacent second heat transfer tubes (56) in FIG. 4 are connected by a U-shaped tube. The two second heat transfer tubes (56) and the U-shaped tube connecting these tubes are formed integrally without a seam.

[0086] Three tube rows (56a to 56c) are formed in the second heat exchange portion (55). Each of the tube rows (56a to 56c) includes a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56) arranged in line in the extension direction of the long sides (57a, 57b) of the second fin (57). In each of the tube rows (56a to 56c), the second heat transfer tubes (56) are disposed at regular intervals. In the second heat exchange portion (55), the tube row along the air inflow side long side (57a) of the second fin (57) is a first tube row (56a); the tube row along the air outflow side long side (57b) of the second fin (57) is a third tube row (56c); and the tube row located between the first tube row (56a) and the third tube row (56c) is a second tube row (56b).

[0087] In the front heat exchange portion (40A) of the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the shapes and relative positions of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are set such that a third distance D3 is shorter than a first distance D1 and that the third distance D3 is shorter than a second distance D2. In the front heat exchange portion (40A), the shapes and relative positions of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) may be set such that the third distance D3 is equal to the first distance D1 and that the third distance D3 is equal to the second distance D2.

[0088] The first distance D1 is an interval between the central axes of two first heat transfer tubes (51) closest to each other. The second distance D2 is an interval between the central axes of two second heat transfer tubes (56) closest to each other. The third distance D3 is an interval between the central axes of the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) closest to each other.(4-3) Third Heat Exchange Portion

[0089] The third heat exchange portion (60) includes a plurality of third fins (62) and a plurality of third heat transfer tubes (61). The third fins (62) and the third heat transfer tubes (61) are made of an aluminum alloy. The material of the third heat transfer tubes (61) may be a copper alloy.

[0090] Each third fin (62) is a thin plate-shaped member having a pentagonal shape with one corner of a rectangular shape cut off. Each third fin (62) has a pair of long sides (62a, 62b) substantially parallel to each other. The third fins (62) are arranged in line in the left-right direction in FIG. 4, facing each other. The third fins (62) arranged in line form a third fin group (63). In the third fin group (63), an interval between the third fins (62) adjacent to each other is constant.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the third heat exchange portion (60) is disposed along the first air inflow surface (54) of the first heat exchange portion (50). Long sides (62b) on one side of the third fins (62) forming the third heat exchange portion (60) are in contact with the air inflow side long sides (52a) of the first fins (52) forming the first heat exchange portion (50).

[0092] Each third heat transfer tube (61) is a straight circular tube. The third heat transfer tubes (61) are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each third heat transfer tube (61) penetrates all the third fins (62) forming the third fin group (63) and extends in the left-right direction in FIG. 4. The right end of each third heat transfer tube (61) in FIG. 4 is an open end. The left ends of two adjacent third heat transfer tubes (61) in FIG. 4 are connected by a U-shaped tube. The two third heat transfer tubes (61) and the U-shaped tube connecting these tubes are formed integrally without a seam.

[0093] In the third heat exchange portion (60), all the third heat transfer tubes (61) are arranged in line along the long sides (62a, 62b) of the third fin (62). The third heat transfer tubes (61) are disposed at regular intervals.(4-4) Fourth Heat Exchange Portion

[0094] The fourth heat exchange portion (65) includes a plurality of fourth fins (67) and a plurality of fourth heat transfer tubes (66). The fourth fins (67) and the fourth heat transfer tubes (66) are made of an aluminum alloy. The material of the fourth heat transfer tubes (66) may be a copper alloy.

[0095] Each fourth fin (67) is a thin plate-shaped member having a rectangular shape. Each fourth fin (67) has a pair of long sides (67a, 67b) substantially parallel to each other. The fourth fins (67) are arranged in line in the left-right direction in FIG. 4, facing each other. The fourth fins (67) arranged in line form a fourth fin group (68). In the fourth fin group (68), an interval between the fourth fins (67) adjacent to each other is constant.

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the fourth heat exchange portion (65) is disposed along the second air inflow surface (59) of the second heat exchange portion (55). Long sides (67b) on one side of the fourth fins (67) forming the fourth heat exchange portion (65) are in contact with the air inflow side long side (57a) of the second fins (57) forming the second heat exchange portion (55).

[0097] Each fourth heat transfer tube (66) is a straight circular tube. The fourth heat transfer tubes (66) are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each fourth heat transfer tube (66) penetrates all the fourth fins (67) forming the fourth fin group (68) and extends in the left-right direction in FIG. 4. The right end of each fourth heat transfer tube (66) in FIG. 4 is an open end. The left ends of two adjacent fourth heat transfer tubes (66) in FIG. 4 are connected by a U-shaped tube. The two fourth heat transfer tubes (66) and the U-shaped tube connecting these tubes are formed integrally without a seam.

[0098] In the fourth heat exchange portion (65), all the fourth heat transfer tubes (66) are arranged in line along the long sides (67a, 67b) of the fourth fin (67). The fourth heat transfer tubes (66) are disposed at regular intervals.(5) Rear Heat Exchange Portion of Heat Exchanger Body

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the rear heat exchange portion (40B) includes a fifth heat exchange portion (70) and a sixth heat exchange portion (75).(5-1) Fifth Heat Exchange Portion

[0100] The fifth heat exchange portion (70) includes a plurality of fifth fins (72) and a plurality of fifth heat transfer tubes (71). The fifth fins (72) and the fifth heat transfer tubes (71) are made of an aluminum alloy. The material of the fifth heat transfer tubes (71) may be a copper alloy.

[0101] Each fifth fin (72) is a thin plate-shaped member having a pair of long sides (72a, 72b) substantially parallel to each other and a pair of short sides (72c, 72d) substantially parallel to each other. The fifth fins (72) are arranged in line in the left-right direction in FIG. 4, facing each other. The fifth fins (72) arranged in line form a fifth fin group (73). In the fifth fin group (73), an interval between the fifth fins (72) adjacent to each other is constant.

[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 6, of the pair of long sides of each fifth fin (72), one long side located on the side opposite to the indoor fan (32) is an air inflow side long side (72a), and the other long side located closer to the indoor fan (32) is an air outflow side long side (72b).

[0103] The fifth heat exchange portion (70) is disposed in an orientation in which the air inflow side long side (72a) of the fifth fin (72) faces upward and the air outflow side long side (72b) of the fifth fin (72) faces downward. An angle between each of the long sides (72a, 72b) of the fifth fin (72) and the vertical direction is 30° or more and 60° or less.

[0104] In the fifth fin group (73), the air inflow side long sides (52a) of the fifth fins (72) form a virtual fifth air inflow surface (74). The fifth air inflow surface (74) faces the rear side of the indoor unit (30) and faces obliquely upward of the indoor unit (30).

[0105] Each fifth heat transfer tube (71) is a straight circular tube. The fifth heat transfer tubes (71) are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each fifth heat transfer tube (71) penetrates all the fifth fins (72) forming the fifth fin group (73) and extends in the left-right direction in FIG. 4. The right end of each fifth heat transfer tube (71) in FIG. 4 is an open end. The left ends of two adjacent fifth heat transfer tubes (71) in FIG. 4 are connected by a U-shaped tube. The two fifth heat transfer tubes (71) and the U-shaped tube connecting these tubes are formed integrally without a seam.

[0106] Two tube rows (71a, 71b) are formed in the fifth heat exchange portion (70). Each of the tube rows (71a, 71b) includes a plurality of fifth heat transfer tubes (71) arranged in line in the extension direction of the long sides (72a, 72b) of the fifth fin group (73). In each of the tube rows (71a, 71b), the fifth heat transfer tubes (71) are disposed at regular intervals. In the fifth heat exchange portion (70), the tube row along the air inflow side long side (72a) of the fifth fin (72) is a first tube row (71a), and the tube row along the air outflow side long side (72b) of the fifth fin (72) is a second tube row (71b).(5-2) Sixth Heat Exchange Portion

[0107] The sixth heat exchange portion (75) includes a plurality of sixth fins (77) and a plurality of sixth heat transfer tubes (76). The sixth fins (77) and the sixth heat transfer tubes (76) are made of an aluminum alloy. The material of the sixth heat transfer tubes (76) may be a copper alloy.

[0108] Each sixth fin (77) is a thin rectangular plate-shaped member. Each sixth fin (77) has a pair of long sides (77a, 77b) substantially parallel to each other. The sixth fins (77) are arranged in line in the left-right direction in FIG. 4, facing each other. The sixth fins (77) arranged in line form a sixth fin group (78). In the sixth fin group (78), an interval between the sixth fins (77) adjacent to each other (= fin pitch FP6) is constant.

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the sixth heat exchange portion (75) is disposed along the fifth air inflow surface (74) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70). Long sides (77b) on one side of the sixth fins (77) forming the sixth heat exchange portion (75) are in contact with the air inflow side long side (72a) of the fifth fins (72) forming the fifth heat exchange portion (70).

[0110] Each sixth heat transfer tube (76) is a straight circular tube. The sixth heat transfer tubes (76) are disposed substantially parallel to each other. Each sixth heat transfer tube (76) penetrates all the sixth fins (77) forming the sixth fin group (78) and extends in the left-right direction in FIG. 4. The right end of each sixth heat transfer tube (76) in FIG. 4 is an open end. The left ends of two adjacent sixth heat transfer tubes (76) in FIG. 4 are connected by a U-shaped tube. The two sixth heat transfer tubes (76) and the U-shaped tube connecting these tubes are formed integrally without a seam.

[0111] In the sixth heat exchange portion (75), all the sixth heat transfer tubes (76) are arranged in line along the long sides (77a, 77b) of the sixth fin (77). The sixth heat transfer tubes (76) are disposed at regular intervals.(6) Front Plate Stack

[0112] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, the front plate stack (100) is attached to the front heat exchange portion (40A). The front plate stack (100) is disposed so as to cover an end portion (right end portion in FIG. 4) of the front heat exchange portion (40A).

[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the front plate stack (100) includes five front plates (101 to 105) and a plurality of connection pipe portions (135). The five front plates (101 to 105) form a body portion (106) of the front plate stack (100). The number of front plates (101 to 105) forming the front plate stack (100) is merely an example.

[0114] The body portion (106) of the front plate stack (100) is a thick plate-shaped member formed by stacking the five front plates (101 to 105). In the front plate stack (100), the first front plate (101), the second front plate (102), the third front plate (103), the fourth front plate (104), and the fifth front plate (105) are stacked in sequence from the side closer to the front heat exchange portion (40A). The five front plates (101 to 105) are joined to each other by furnace brazing.

[0115] The five front plates (101 to 105) are flat plate-shaped members having the same outer edge shape. The material of each of the front plates (101 to 105) is an aluminum alloy. The material of each of the front plates (101 to 105) is not limited to the aluminum alloy, and may be, for example, a copper alloy or stainless steel. The thickness of each of the first front plate (101) and the fifth front plate (105) is, for example, 1.5 mm. The thickness of each of the second front plate (102), the third front plate (103), and the fourth front plate (104) is, for example, 3.0 mm.(6-1) First Front Plate and Connection Pipe Portion

[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first front plate (101) is connected to the first heat exchange portion (50), the second heat exchange portion (55), the third heat exchange portion (60), and the fourth heat exchange portion (65). The first front plate (101) is connected to each first heat transfer tube (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50), each second heat transfer tube (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55), each third heat transfer tube (61) of the third heat exchange portion (60), and each fourth heat transfer tube (66) of the fourth heat exchange portion (65) via the connection pipe portions (135). The connection pipe portions (135) are provided so as to correspond, one by one, to all the first heat transfer tubes (51), all the second heat transfer tubes (56), all the third heat transfer tubes (61), and all the fourth heat transfer tubes (66).

[0117] Each of the connection pipe portions (135) is a short circular tube member. The material of the connection pipe portion (135) is an aluminum alloy. The material of the connection pipe portion (135) is not limited to the aluminum alloy, and may be, for example, a copper alloy or stainless steel. One end portion of each connection pipe portion (135) is inserted into the open end of the corresponding heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66) and is joined to the corresponding heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66) by brazing. The other end portion of each connection pipe portion (135) is inserted into a through hole formed in the first front plate (101) and is joined to the first front plate (101) by brazing. The connection pipe portions (135) may be formed integrally with the first front plate (101) without a seam.(6-2) Second Front Plate

[0118] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a plurality of first flow paths (121), a plurality of second flow paths (122), and a plurality of first connection flow paths (131) are formed in the second front plate (102). Each first flow path (121), each second flow path (122), and each first connection flow path (131) are elongated holes penetrating the second front plate (102) in the thickness direction.

[0119] Each of the first flow paths (121) connects the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) to each other. The first flow path (121) communicates with two corresponding first heat transfer tubes (51) via the connection pipe portion (135). The first flow path (121) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding first heat transfer tubes (51).

[0120] Each of the second flow paths (122) connects the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55) to each other. The second flow path (122) communicates with two corresponding second heat transfer tubes (56) via the connection pipe portion (135). The second flow path (122) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding second heat transfer tubes (56).

[0121] Each of the first connection flow paths (131) connects the first heat transfer tube (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat transfer tube (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55). The first connection flow path (131) communicates with the corresponding first heat transfer tube (51) and second heat transfer tube (56) via the connection pipe portion (135). The first connection flow path (131) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the corresponding first heat transfer tube (51) and second heat transfer tube (56).

[0122] Circular through holes are formed in the second front plate (102), which respectively correspond to the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50), the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55), the third heat transfer tubes (61) of the third heat exchange portion (60), and the fourth heat transfer tubes (66) of the fourth heat exchange portion (65).(6-3) Third Front Plate

[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 9, flow paths each communicating with the first heat transfer tube (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) or the second heat transfer tube (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55) are formed in the third front plate (103). Circular through holes are formed in the third front plate (103), which respectively correspond to the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50), the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55), the third heat transfer tubes (61) of the third heat exchange portion (60), and the fourth heat transfer tubes (66) of the fourth heat exchange portion (65).(6-4) Fourth Front Plate

[0124] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality of first flow paths (121), a plurality of second flow paths (122), and a plurality of first connection flow paths (131) are formed in the fourth front plate (104). Each first flow path (121), each second flow path (122), and each first connection flow path (131) are elongated holes penetrating the fourth front plate (104) in the thickness direction.

[0125] Similarly to the first flow path (121) of the second front plate (102), the first flow path (121) is a flow path which communicates with two corresponding first heat transfer tubes (51) and through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding first heat transfer tubes (51). Similarly to the second flow path (122) of the second front plate (102), the second flow path (122) is a flow path which communicates with two corresponding second heat transfer tubes (56) and through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding second heat transfer tubes (56). Similarly to the first connection flow path (131) of the second front plate (102), the first connection flow path (131) is a flow path which communicates with corresponding first heat transfer tube (51) and second heat transfer tube (56) and through which the refrigerant flows between the corresponding first heat transfer tube (51) and second heat transfer tube (56).

[0126] In the fourth front plate (104), one first connection flow path (131a) of the plurality of first connection flow paths (131) connects one of the first heat transfer tubes (51) forming the first tube row (51a) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and one of the second heat transfer tubes (56) forming the third tube row (56c) of the second heat exchange portion (55). Thus, the first connection flow path (131a) connects one of the first heat transfer tubes (51) arranged in line along the air inflow side long side (52a) of the first fin (52) and one of the second heat transfer tubes (56) arranged in line along the air outflow side long side (57b) of the second fin (57).

[0127] Two third flow paths (123), one fourth flow path (124), and one second connection flow path (132) are formed in the fourth front plate (104).

[0128] Each of the third flow paths (123) connects the third heat transfer tubes (61) of the third heat exchange portion (60) to each other. The third flow path (123) communicates with two corresponding third heat transfer tubes (61) via the connection pipe portion (135). The third flow path (123) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding third heat transfer tubes (61).

[0129] The fourth flow path (124) connects the fourth heat transfer tubes (66) of the fourth heat exchange portion (65) to each other. The fourth flow path (124) communicates with two corresponding fourth heat transfer tubes (66) via the connection pipe portion (135). The fourth flow path (124) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding fourth heat transfer tubes (66).

[0130] The second connection flow path (132) connects the third heat transfer tube (61) of the third heat exchange portion (60) and the fourth heat transfer tube (66) of the fourth heat exchange portion (65). The second connection flow path (132) communicates with the corresponding third heat transfer tube (61) and fourth heat transfer tube (66) via the connection pipe portion (135). The second connection flow path (132) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the corresponding third heat transfer tube (61) and fourth heat transfer tube (66).(6-5) Fifth Front Plate

[0131] The fifth front plate (105) covers the flow paths formed inside the front plate stack (100). As illustrated in FIG. 7, one end portion of the first internal pipe (161) and one end portion of the liquid relay pipe (164) are connected to the fifth front plate (105). The first internal pipe (161) and the liquid relay pipe (164) are joined to the fifth front plate (105) by brazing. The first internal pipe (161) and the liquid relay pipe (164) communicate with the flow paths formed inside the front plate stack (100).(7) Rear Plate Stack

[0132] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10, the rear plate stack (110) is attached to the rear heat exchange portion (40B). The rear plate stack (110) is disposed so as to cover an end portion (right end portion in FIG. 4) of the rear heat exchange portion (40B).

[0133] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the rear plate stack (110) includes five rear plates (111 to 115) and a plurality of connection pipe portions (135). The five rear plates (111 to 115) form a body portion (116) of the rear plate stack (110). The number of rear plates (111 to 115) forming the rear plate stack (110) is merely an example.

[0134] The body portion (116) of the rear plate stack (110) is a thick plate-shaped member formed by stacking the five rear plates (111 to 115). In the rear plate stack (110), the first rear plate (111), the second rear plate (112), the third rear plate (113), the fourth rear plate (114), and the fifth rear plate (115) are stacked in sequence from the side closer to the rear heat exchange portion (40B). The five rear plates (111 to 115) are joined to each other by furnace brazing.

[0135] The five rear plates (111 to 115) are flat plate-shaped members having the same outer edge shape. The material of each of the rear plates (111 to 115) is an aluminum alloy. The material of each of the rear plates (111 to 115) is not limited to the aluminum alloy, and may be, for example, a copper alloy or stainless steel. The thickness of each of the first rear plate (111) and the fifth rear plate (115) is, for example, 1.5 mm. The thickness of each of the second rear plate (112), the third rear plate (113), and the fourth rear plate (114) is, for example, 3.0 mm.(7-1) First Rear Plate and Connection Pipe Portion

[0136] The first rear plate (111) is connected to the fifth heat exchange portion (70) and the sixth heat exchange portion (75). The first rear plate (111) is connected to each fifth heat transfer tube (71) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) and each sixth heat transfer tube (76) of the sixth heat exchange portion (75) via the connection pipe portion (135). The connection pipe portions (135) are provided so as to correspond, one by one, to all the fifth heat transfer tubes (71) and all the sixth heat transfer tubes (76).

[0137] Similarly to the connection pipe portion (135) provided for the front plate stack (100), the connection pipe portion (135) is a short circular tube member made of an aluminum alloy. One end portion of each connection pipe portion (135) is inserted into the open end of the corresponding heat transfer tube (71, 76) and is joined to the corresponding heat transfer tube (71, 76) by brazing. The other end portion of each connection pipe portion (135) is inserted into a through hole formed in the first rear plate (111) and is joined to the first rear plate (111) by brazing. The connection pipe portion (135) may be formed integrally with the first rear plate (111) without a seam.(7-2) Second Rear Plate

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 8, one fifth flow path (125) and two third connection flow paths (133) are formed in the second rear plate (112). The fifth flow path (125) and each third connection flow path (133) are elongated holes penetrating the second rear plate (112) in the thickness direction.

[0139] The fifth flow path (125) connects the fifth heat transfer tubes (71) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) to each other. The fifth flow path (125) communicates with two corresponding fifth heat transfer tubes (71) via the connection pipe portion (135). The fifth flow path (125) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding fifth heat transfer tubes (71).

[0140] Each of the third connection flow paths (133) connects the fifth heat transfer tube (71) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) and the sixth heat transfer tube (76) of the sixth heat exchange portion (75). The third connection flow path (133) communicates with the corresponding fifth heat transfer tube (71) and sixth heat transfer tube (76) via the connection pipe portion (135). The third connection flow path (133) is a flow path through which the refrigerant flows between the corresponding fifth heat transfer tube (71) and sixth heat transfer tube (76).

[0141] Circular through holes are formed in the second rear plate (112), which respectively correspond to the fifth heat transfer tubes (71) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) and the sixth heat transfer tubes (76) of the sixth heat exchange portion (75).(7-3) Third Rear Plate

[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 9, one fifth flow path (125) is formed in the third rear plate (113). Similarly to the fifth flow path (125) of the second rear plate (112), the fifth flow path (125) is a flow path which communicates with two corresponding fifth heat transfer tubes (71) and through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding fifth heat transfer tubes (71).

[0143] Flow paths each communicating with the fifth heat transfer tube (71) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) or the sixth heat transfer tube (76) of the sixth heat exchange portion (75) are formed in the third rear plate (113). Circular through holes are formed in the third rear plate (113), which respectively correspond to the fifth heat transfer tubes (71) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) and the sixth heat transfer tubes (76) of the sixth heat exchange portion (75).(7-4) Fourth Rear Plate

[0144] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality of fifth flow paths (125) and one third connection flow path (133) are formed in the fourth rear plate (114). Similarly to the fifth flow path (125) of the second rear plate (112), each of the fifth flow paths (125) is a flow path which communicates with two corresponding fifth heat transfer tubes (71) and through which the refrigerant flows between the two corresponding fifth heat transfer tubes (71). Similarly to the third connection flow path (133) of the second rear plate (112), the third connection flow path (133) is a flow path which communicates with corresponding fifth heat transfer tube (71) and sixth heat transfer tube (76) and through which the refrigerant flows between the corresponding fifth heat transfer tube (71) and sixth heat transfer tube (76).

[0145] Flow paths each communicating with the fifth heat transfer tube (71) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) or the sixth heat transfer tube (76) of the sixth heat exchange portion (75) are formed in the fourth rear plate (114).(7-5) Fifth Rear Plate

[0146] The fifth rear plate (115) covers the flow paths formed inside the rear plate stack (110). As illustrated in FIG. 7, one end portion of the second internal pipe (162) and one end portion of the gas relay pipe (163) are connected to the fifth rear plate (115). The second internal pipe (162) and the gas relay pipe (163) are joined to the fifth rear plate (115) by brazing. The second internal pipe (162) and the gas relay pipe (163) communicate with the flow paths formed inside the rear plate stack (110).(8) Connection Pipe Portion

[0147] As described above, the connection pipe portions (135) are provided for the first front plate (101) of the front plate stack (100) and the first rear plate (111) of the rear plate stack (110). The structure of each connection pipe portion (135) provided for the first front plate (101) will be described here. The structure of the connection pipe portion (135) provided for the first rear plate (111) will not be described because it is the same as the structure of the connection pipe portion (135) provided for the first front plate (101).

[0148] The connection pipe portion (135) joined to the first heat transfer tube (51) will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The structure of the connection pipe portion (135) joined to the second heat transfer tube (56), the third heat transfer tube (61), and the fourth heat transfer tube (66) will not be described because it is the same as the structure of the connection pipe portion (135) joined to the first heat transfer tube (51).

[0149] As described above, the connection pipe portion (135) is a short circular tube member. The connection pipe portion (135) has a large-diameter end portion (135a) at one end and a small-diameter end portion (135b) at the other end. The large-diameter end portion (135a) is a portion including the base end of the connection pipe portion (135). The small-diameter end portion (135b) is a portion including the tip end of the connection pipe portion (135). The outer diameter of the small-diameter end portion (135b) is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter end portion (135a). The inner diameter of the small-diameter end portion (135b) is smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter end portion (135a).

[0150] The open end portion of the first heat transfer tube (51) is flared. The inner diameter of the open end portion of the first heat transfer tube (51) is larger than the inner diameter of a portion of the first heat transfer tube (51) penetrating the first fin (52). The opening end portion of each of the second heat transfer tube (56), the third heat transfer tube (61), the fourth heat transfer tube (66), the fifth heat transfer tube (71), and the sixth heat transfer tube (76) is also flared.

[0151] The small-diameter end portion (135b) of the connection pipe portion (135) is inserted into the open end portion of the first heat transfer tube (51). The connection pipe portion (135) is joined to the first heat transfer tube (51) by brazing. The large-diameter end portion (135a) of the connection pipe portion (135) is inserted into a through hole formed in the first front plate (101). The connection pipe portion (135) is joined to the first front plate (101) by brazing. As described above, the connection pipe portion (135) may be formed integrally with the first front plate (101) without a seam. The flow path (121, 131) formed inside the front plate stack (100) communicates with the first heat transfer tube (51) via the connection pipe portion (135).(9) Operation

[0152] The air conditioner (10) performs a cooling operation, a heating operation, and a dehumidifying operation.(9-1) Cooling Operation

[0153] 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 the first state (state indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 1), appropriately adjusts the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve (23), and fully opens the indoor expansion valve (160).

[0154] The refrigerant circuit (11) during the cooling operation performs the refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (22) functions as a condenser (radiator) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as an evaporator.

[0155] The indoor unit (30) sucks the indoor air in the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the inlet opening (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 outlet opening (34).

[0156] In the heat exchanger unit (150), the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid relay pipe (164) flows into the front plate stack (100) of the front heat exchange portion (40A). In the front heat exchange portion (40A), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (51, 56, 61, 66) of each heat exchange portion (50, 55, 60, 65). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the first internal pipe (161) through the front plate stack (100), and flows into the rear plate stack (110) of the rear heat exchange portion (40B) through the indoor expansion valve (160) and the second internal pipe (162) in sequence. In the rear heat exchange portion (40B), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (71, 76) of each heat exchange portion (70, 75). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the gas relay pipe (163) through the rear plate stack (110), and flows out of the heat exchanger unit (150).(9-2) Heating Operation

[0157] 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 the second state (state indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 1), adjusts the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve (23) to a predetermined opening degree, and fully opens the indoor expansion valve (160).

[0158] The refrigerant circuit (11) during the heating operation performs the refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as a condenser (radiator) and the outdoor heat exchanger (22) functions as an evaporator.

[0159] The indoor unit (30) sucks the indoor air in the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the inlet opening (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 outlet opening (34).

[0160] In the heat exchanger unit (150), the refrigerant that has flowed into the gas relay pipe (163) flows into the rear plate stack (110) of the rear heat exchange portion (40B). In the rear heat exchange portion (40B), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (71, 76) of each heat exchange portion (70, 75). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the second internal pipe (162) through the rear plate stack (110), and flows into the front plate stack (100) of the front heat exchange portion (40A) through the indoor expansion valve (160) and the first internal pipe (161) in sequence. In the front heat exchange portion (40A), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (51, 56, 61, 66) of each heat exchange portion (50, 55, 60, 65). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the liquid relay pipe (164) through the front plate stack (100), and flows out of the heat exchanger unit (150).(9-3) Dehumidifying Operation

[0161] 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 (state indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 1), and appropriately adjusts the opening degrees of the outdoor expansion valve (23) and the indoor expansion valve (160).

[0162] The refrigerant circuit (11) during the dehumidifying operation performs the refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (22) and the front heat exchange portion (40A) of the indoor heat exchanger (40) function as condensers (radiators) and the rear heat exchange portion (40B) of the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as an evaporator.

[0163] The indoor unit (30) sucks the indoor air in the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the inlet opening (33). The rear heat exchange portion (40B) cools the air in the air passage (P) to the dew-point temperature or lower. The front heat exchange portion (40A) heats the air in the air passage (P). The streams of air that have passed through both the heat exchange portions are mixed in the air passage (P), thereby producing air with low humidity. The air dehumidified in this manner is supplied to the indoor space (I) through the outlet opening (34).

[0164] In the heat exchanger unit (150), the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid relay pipe (164) flows into the front plate stack (100) of the front heat exchange portion (40A). In the front heat exchange portion (40A), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (51, 56, 61, 66) of each heat exchange portion (50, 55, 60, 65). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the first internal pipe (161) through the front plate stack (100), flows through the second internal pipe (162) after being depressurized when passing through the indoor expansion valve (160), and flows into the rear plate stack (110) of the rear heat exchange portion (40B). In the rear heat exchange portion (40B), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (71, 76) of each heat exchange portion (70, 75). Thereafter, the refrigerant flows into the gas relay pipe (163) through the rear plate stack (110), and flows out of the heat exchanger unit (150).(10) Method for Manufacturing Heat Exchanger Unit

[0165] A method for manufacturing the heat exchanger unit will be described. In this manufacturing method, a first step, a second step, and a third step are performed.(10-1) First Step

[0166] The first step is a step of assembling the front heat exchange portion (40A) and the front plate stack (100). In the first step, a holding step, a combining step, and a joining step are performed.

[0167] In the holding step, the first heat exchange portion (50), the second heat exchange portion (55), the third heat exchange portion (60), and the fourth heat exchange portion (65), which form the front heat exchange portion (40A), are held by a jig. The relative positions of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) held by the jig are substantially the same as the relative positions of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) in the heat exchanger unit (150) as a finished product.

[0168] In the combining step, the front plate stack (100) is combined with the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) held by the jig in the holding step. Specifically, the small-diameter end portion (135b) of each of the connection pipe portions (135) of the front plate stack (100) is inserted into the open end portion of a corresponding heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66) of the heat exchange portion (50, 55, 60, 65) (see FIG. 11). In the combining step, the relative positions of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) and the front plate stack (100) are finely adjusted separately as necessary.

[0169] In the joining step, the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) and the front plate stack (100) combined in the combining step are joined by brazing. Specifically, the heat transfer tubes (51, 56, 61, 66) of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) and the connection pipe portions (135) of the front plate stack (100) are joined by brazing.(10-2) Second Step

[0170] The second step is a step of assembling the rear heat exchange portion (40B) and the rear plate stack (110). In the second step, a holding step, a combining step, and a joining step are performed.

[0171] In the holding step, the fifth heat exchange portion (70) and the sixth heat exchange portion (75), which form the rear heat exchange portion (40B), are held by a jig. The relative positions of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) held by the jig are substantially the same as the relative positions of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) in the heat exchanger unit (150) as the finished product.

[0172] In the combining step, the rear plate stack (110) is combined with the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) held by the jig in the holding step. Specifically, the small-diameter end portion (135b) of each of the connection pipe portions (135) of the rear plate stack (110) is inserted into the open end portion of the heat transfer tube (71, 76) of the corresponding heat exchange portion (70, 75). In the combining step, the relative positions of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) and the rear plate stack (110) are finely adjusted separately as necessary.

[0173] In the joining step, the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) and the rear plate stack (110) combined in the combining step are joined by brazing. Specifically, the heat transfer tubes (71, 76) of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) and the connection pipe portions (135) of the rear plate stack (110) are joined by brazing.(10-3) Third Step

[0174] The third step is a step of attaching the indoor expansion valve (160), the gas relay pipe (163), the liquid relay pipe (164), and the holding member (155) to the front heat exchange portion (40A) and the front plate stack (100) assembled in the first step and the rear heat exchange portion (40B) and the rear plate stack (110) assembled in the second step.

[0175] The indoor expansion valve (160) is attached to the front plate stack (100) via the first internal pipe (161) and is attached to the rear plate stack (110) via the second internal pipe (162) (see FIG. 7). One end of the first internal pipe (161) is joined to the indoor expansion valve (160) by brazing, and the other end of the first internal pipe (161) is joined to the front plate stack (100) by brazing. One end of the second internal pipe (162) is joined to the indoor expansion valve (160) by brazing, and the other end of the second internal pipe (162) is joined to the rear plate stack (110) by brazing.

[0176] The gas relay pipe (163) is joined to the rear plate stack (110) by brazing. The liquid relay pipe (164) is joined to the front plate stack (100) by brazing. The holding member (155) is attached to the front heat exchange portion (40A) and the rear heat exchange portion (40B) by a fastener such as a screw.(11) Features of Embodiment(11-1) First Feature

[0177] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, both the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are joined to the front plate stack (100).

[0178] When the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are combined with the front plate stack (100), the position of the front plate stack (100) relative to the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the position of the front plate stack (100) relative to the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55) can be adjusted separately. Thus, the position of the front plate stack (100) relative to the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55) can be adjusted more easily than in a case in which "a single large heat exchange portion having a heat exchange capacity equivalent to the total heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55)" is combined with the front plate stack (100).

[0179] Thus, according to this embodiment, the time required for the process of combining the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) with the front plate stack (100) can be shortened, and the time required for manufacturing the heat exchanger unit (150) can be shortened.(11-2) Second Feature

[0180] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the first flow path (121), the second flow path (122), and the connection flow path (131) are formed inside the front plate stack (100). Thus, the connection between the first heat transfer tubes (51), the connection between the second heat transfer tubes (56), and the connection between the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) are achieved by one front plate stack (100).(11-3) Third Feature

[0181] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the first flow path (121), the second flow path (122), and the third flow path (123) are formed inside the front plate stack (100). Thus, the connection between the first heat transfer tubes (51), the connection between the second heat transfer tubes (56), and the connection between the third heat transfer tubes (61) are realized by one front plate stack (100).(11-4) Fourth Feature

[0182] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, each connection pipe portion (135) has the large-diameter end portion (135a) and the small-diameter end portion (135b). The large-diameter end portion (135a) having a relatively large diameter is joined to the first front plate (101) or the first rear plate (111), and the small-diameter end portion (135b) having a relatively small diameter is joined to the corresponding heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66).

[0183] The refrigerant that has flowed into the connection pipe portion (135) from the heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 76) flows from the small-diameter end portion (135b) toward the large-diameter end portion (135a), and then flows into the flow paths (121 to 126, 131 to 133) formed in the body portion (106, 116) of the plate stack (100, 110). This configuration reduces a pressure loss of the refrigerant when it flows out of the heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 76) and flows into the flow path (121 to 126, 131 to 133) in the body portion (106, 116).(11-5) Fifth Feature

[0184] In the front heat exchange portion (40A) of this embodiment, one end of each of the first heat exchange portion (50), the second heat exchange portion (55), the third heat exchange portion (60), and the fourth heat exchange portion (65) is held by the front plate stack (100), and the other end of each of them is held by the holding member (155). In the rear heat exchange portion (40B) of this embodiment, one end of each of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) and the sixth heat exchange portion (75) is held by the rear plate stack (110), and the other end of each of them is held by the holding member (155). Thus, according to this embodiment, the relative positions of the heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75) forming the heat exchanger unit (150) can be reliably maintained.(11-6) Sixth Feature

[0185] In the indoor unit (30) of this embodiment, the heat exchanger unit (150) is provided in the casing (31) in an orientation in which the first air inflow surface (54) of the first heat exchange portion (50) faces upward and the second air inflow surface (59) of the second heat exchange portion (55) faces downward. In the front heat exchange portion (40A) of this embodiment, the lower end of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) is along the air outflow side long side (57b) of the second fin (57) of the second heat exchange portion (55). Accordingly, condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52) can be reliably transferred to the second fin (57), thereby reducing scattering of the condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52).(11-7) Seventh Feature

[0186] In the front heat exchange portion (40A) of the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the shapes and relative positions of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are set such that the third distance D3 is the first distance D1 or shorter and that the third distance D3 is the second distance D2 or shorter. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the height of the front heat exchange portion (40A) in the upper-lower direction and reduce the size of the casing (31) housing the heat exchanger unit (150).(11-8) Eighth Feature

[0187] In the indoor unit (30) of this embodiment, the inlet opening (33) is formed in an upper portion of the casing (31). Thus, in the front heat exchange portion (40A) of the indoor heat exchanger (40), the flow rate of the air passing through the first heat exchange portion (50) that is relatively close to the inlet opening (33) is greater than the flow rate of the air passing through the second heat exchange portion (55) that is relatively far from the inlet opening (33).

[0188] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the number of first heat transfer tubes (51) in the first heat exchange portion (50) is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes (56) in the second heat exchange portion (55). Thus, the heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange portion (50) through which air passes at a relatively high flow rate is greater than the heat exchange capacity of the second heat exchange portion (55) through which air passes at a relatively low flow rate.

[0189] Thus, according to this embodiment, the heat exchange capacity of the entire heat exchanger unit (150) can be improved by the greater heat exchange capacity of the first heat exchange portion (50) through which air passes at a relatively high flow rate.(11-9) Ninth Feature

[0190] In the indoor unit (30) of this embodiment, the first heat exchange portion (50) of the front heat exchange portion (40A) is provided in the casing (31) in an orientation in which the angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) facing upward and the vertical direction is 30° or more. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the size of the first heat exchange portion (50) without increasing the height of the casing (31). As a result, the heat exchange capacity of the entire heat exchanger unit (150) can be improved without increasing the size of the casing (31) of the indoor unit (30).(11-10) Tenth Feature

[0191] In the indoor unit (30) of this embodiment, the first heat exchange portion (50) of the front heat exchange portion (40A) is provided in the casing (31) in an orientation in which the angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) facing upward and the vertical direction is 60° or less. Accordingly, condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52) can reach the lower end of the first fin (52) along the surface of the first fin (52), thereby reducing scattering of the condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52).(11-11) Eleventh Feature

[0192] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the fin pitch FP1 of the first fins (52) in the first heat exchange portion (50) is equal to the fin pitch FP2 of the second fins (57) in the second heat exchange portion (55) (FP1 = FP2). Thus, a corresponding second fin (57) is disposed below each of the first fins (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50). Condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52) flows down from the lower end of the first fin (52) to the corresponding second fin (57), and flows further down along the second fin (57). Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce scattering of the condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52).(11-12) Twelfth Feature

[0193] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the effective length EL1 of the first heat exchange portion (50) is equal to the effective length EL2 of the second heat exchange portion (55) (EL1 = EL2). Thus, all the condensed water that has flowed down from the first heat exchange portion (50) is received by the second heat exchange portion (55). Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce scattering of the condensed water generated on the surface of the first fin (52).(12) Variations of Embodiment

[0194] The heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment may employ the following variations.(12-1) First Variation

[0195] In the front heat exchange portion (40A) of the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) may be disposed as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0196] In the heat exchanger unit (150) illustrated in FIG. 12, the upper short side (57c) of the second fin (57) of the second heat exchange portion (55) is along the air outflow side long side (52b) of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50). In this heat exchanger unit (150), the air outflow side long side (67b) of the fourth fin (67) of the fourth heat exchange portion (65) extends along both the lower short side (52d) of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the air inflow side long side (57a) of the second fin (57) of the second heat exchange portion (55).

[0197] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of this variation, condensed water that has flowed down from the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) is received by the fourth fin (67) of the fourth heat exchange portion (65).(12-2) Second Variation

[0198] As illustrated in FIG. 13, in the front heat exchange portion (40A) of the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the shapes and relative positions of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are set such that the third distance D3 is the first distance D1 or longer and the third distance D3 is the second distance D2 or longer.

[0199] The first distance D1 is an interval between the central axes of two first heat transfer tubes (51) closest to each other. The second distance D2 is an interval between the central axes of two second heat transfer tubes (56) closest to each other. The third distance D3 is an interval between the central axes of the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) closest to each other.

[0200] In this variation, the shortest distance from the first heat transfer tube (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) to the second heat transfer tube (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55) is equal to or longer than the shortest distance between the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and equal to or longer than the shortest distance between the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55). Thus, in a state in which the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) are combined with the front plate stack (100), a sufficient space is ensured for brazing the first heat transfer tubes (51) and the connection pipe portions (135) and brazing the second heat transfer tubes (56) and the connection pipe portions (135). Thus, according to this variation, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a joint failure between the first heat transfer tube (51) or the second heat transfer tube (56) and the connection pipe portion (135).(12-3) Third Variation

[0201] As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment, the heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 78) forming each heat exchange portion (50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75) may be a so-called flat tube.

[0202] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the flat tube forming the heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 78) of this variation has an oblong or elliptical cross-sectional shape. The flat tube forming the heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 78) of this variation has a straight tubular shape. A plurality of refrigerant flow paths are formed in the flat tube forming the heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 78) of this variation. Each refrigerant flow path is a straight flow path extending from one end to the other end of the flat tube. Each refrigerant flow path is open on each of the one end surface and the other end surface of the flat tube. The material of the flat tube forming the heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 78) of this variation is aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0203] One end of each of the heat transfer tubes (51, 56, 61, 66) of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) forming the front heat exchange portion (40A) is joined to the front plate stack (100), and the other end of each of them is joined to a header collecting pipe. In each of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65), the heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66) communicates with another heat transfer tube (51, 56, 61, 66) via an internal space of the header collecting pipe.

[0204] One end of each of the heat transfer tubes (71, 76) of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) forming the rear heat exchange portion (40B) is joined to the rear plate stack (110), and the other end of each of them is joined to a header collecting pipe. In each of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75), the heat transfer tube (71, 76) communicates with another heat transfer tube (71, 76) via an internal space of the header collecting pipe.

[0205] A method for manufacturing the heat exchanger unit (150) of this variation will be described. In this manufacturing method, a first step, a second step, and a third step are performed. The manufacturing method described below is also applicable to the "heat exchanger unit (150) including the heat transfer tubes (51, 56, 61, 66, 71, 76) having a circular cross section" as shown in FIGS. 6, 12, and 13.(12-3-1) First Step

[0206] The first step is a step of assembling the front heat exchange portion (40A) and the front plate stack (100). In the first step, a combining step and a joining step are performed.

[0207] In the combining step, the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) forming the front heat exchange portion (40A) are combined one by one with the front plate stack (100) in sequence. In this combining step, the front plate stack (100) is held by a holding tool or the like. Then, for example, the first heat exchange portion (50), the second heat exchange portion (55), the third heat exchange portion (60), and the fourth heat exchange portion (65) are combined with the held front plate stack (100) in sequence.

[0208] Specifically, in this example, the end portion of each of the first heat transfer tubes (51) of the first heat exchange portion (50) is first inserted into the front plate stack (100); the end portion of each of the second heat transfer tubes (56) of the second heat exchange portion (55) is then inserted into the front plate stack (100); the end portion of each of the third heat transfer tubes (61) of the third heat exchange portion (60) is then inserted into the front plate stack (100); and the end portion of each of the fourth heat transfer tubes (66) of the fourth heat exchange portion (65) is then inserted into the front plate stack (100). When combining each of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) with the front plate stack (100), the relative positions of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) and the front plate stack (100) are finely adjusted separately as necessary.

[0209] The order of combining the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) with the front plate stack (100) is not limited to that of the above example. Thus, for example, the first heat exchange portion (50), the third heat exchange portion (60), the second heat exchange portion (55), and the fourth heat exchange portion (65) may be combined with the front plate stack (100) in sequence, or the second heat exchange portion (55), the first heat exchange portion (50), the fourth heat exchange portion (65), and the third heat exchange portion (60) may be combined with the front plate stack (100) in sequence.

[0210] In the joining step, the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) and the front plate stack (100) combined in the combining step are joined by brazing. Specifically, the heat transfer tubes (51, 56, 61, 66) of the first to fourth heat exchange portions (50, 55, 60, 65) and the front plate stack (100) are joined by brazing.(12-3-2) Second Step

[0211] The second step is a step of assembling the rear heat exchange portion (40B) and the rear plate stack (110). In the second step, a combining step and a joining step are performed.

[0212] In the combining step, the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) forming the rear heat exchange portion (40B) are combined one by one with the rear plate stack (110) in sequence. In this combining step, the rear plate stack (110) is held by a holding tool or the like. Then, for example, the fifth heat exchange portion (70) and the sixth heat exchange portion (75) are combined with the held rear plate stack (110) in sequence.

[0213] Specifically, in this example, the end portion of each of the fifth heat transfer tubes (71) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) is first inserted into the rear plate stack (110), and the end portion of each of the sixth heat transfer tubes (76) of the sixth heat exchange portion (75) is then inserted into the rear plate stack (110). When combining each of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) with the rear plate stack (110), the relative positions of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) and the rear plate stack (110) are finely adjusted separately as necessary.

[0214] The order of combining the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) with the rear plate stack (110) is not limited to that of the above example. Thus, the sixth heat exchange portion (75) and the fifth heat exchange portion (70) may be combined with the rear plate stack (110) in sequence.

[0215] In the joining step, the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) and the rear plate stack (110) combined in the combining step are joined by brazing. Specifically, the heat transfer tubes (71, 76) of the fifth and sixth heat exchange portions (70, 75) and the rear plate stack (110) are joined by brazing.(12-3-3) Third Step

[0216] The third step is a step of attaching the indoor expansion valve (160), the gas relay pipe (163), the liquid relay pipe (164), and the holding member (155) to the front heat exchange portion (40A) and the front plate stack (100) assembled in the first step and the rear heat exchange portion (40B) and the rear plate stack (110) assembled in the second step.

[0217] The indoor expansion valve (160) is attached to the front plate stack (100) via the first internal pipe (161) and is attached to the rear plate stack (110) via the second internal pipe (162) (see FIG. 7). One end of the first internal pipe (161) is joined to the indoor expansion valve (160) by brazing, and the other end of the first internal pipe (161) is joined to the front plate stack (100) by brazing. One end of the second internal pipe (162) is joined to the indoor expansion valve (160) by brazing, and the other end of the second internal pipe (162) is joined to the rear plate stack (110) by brazing.

[0218] The gas relay pipe (163) is joined to the rear plate stack (110) by brazing. The liquid relay pipe (164) is joined to the front plate stack (100) by brazing. The holding member (155) is attached to the front heat exchange portion (40A) and the rear heat exchange portion (40B) by a fastener such as a screw.(12-4) Fourth Variation

[0219] In the heat exchanger unit (150) of the above embodiment, the plate stack (100, 110) formed by stacking the plurality of plates (101 to 105, 111 to 115) is provided as a plate structure in which the flow paths (121, 122, ...) are formed. This plate structure may be a single thick plate-shaped member in which the flow paths (121, 122, ...) are formed. The plate structure of this variation, which is the single thick plate-shaped member, is manufactured by, for example, sintering metal powder using a 3D printer.(12-5) Fifth Variation

[0220] In the indoor unit (30) of the above embodiment, the heat exchanger unit (150) may be provided in the casing in an orientation in which the first air inflow surface (54) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second air inflow surface (59) of the second heat exchange portion (55) face rearward of the casing (31) and the fifth air inflow surface (74) of the fifth heat exchange portion (70) faces forward of the casing (31).(12-6) Sixth Variation

[0221] In the air conditioner (10) of the above embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger (22) provided for the outdoor unit (20) may be configured by the heat exchanger unit (150) of this embodiment.

[0222] 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 elements according to the embodiments, the variations thereof, and the other embodiments may be combined and replaced with each other. In addition, the expressions of "first," "second," "third," . . . , in the specification and claims 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

[0223] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for a heat exchanger unit, an air-conditioning indoor unit, a refrigeration cycle apparatus, and a method for manufacturing the heat exchanger unit.DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0224] 10Air Conditioner (Refrigeration Cycle Apparatus) 11Refrigerant Circuit 30Indoor Unit (Air-Conditioning Indoor Unit) 31Casing 50First Heat Exchange Portion 51First Heat Transfer Tube 52First Fin 52a(Air Inflow Side) Long Side 52b(Air Outflow Side) Long Side 53First Fin Group 54First Air Inflow Surface (Air Inflow Surface) 55Second Heat Exchange Portion 56Second Heat Transfer Tube 57Second Fin 57a(Air Inflow Side) Long Side 57b(Air Outflow Side) Long Side 58Second Fin Group 59Second Air Inflow Surface (Air Inflow Surface) 60Third Heat Exchange Portion 61Third Heat Transfer Tube 62Third Fin 100Front Plate Stack (Plate Structure) 106Body Portion 121First Flow Path 122Second Flow Path 123Third Flow Path 131First Connection Flow Path (Connection Flow Path) 135Connection Pipe Portion 150Heat Exchanger Unit 155Holding Member

Claims

1. A heat exchanger unit (150) configured to cause air to exchange heat with a refrigerant, the heat exchanger unit (150) comprising: a first heat exchange portion (50) having a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51); a second heat exchange portion (55) having a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56); and a plate structure (100) configured to be joined to the first heat transfer tubes (51) and the second heat transfer tubes (56), the plate structure (100) having: a first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other; and a second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other, the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) being formed inside the plate structure (100).

2. The heat exchanger unit of claim 1, wherein a connection flow path (131) connecting the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) is formed inside the plate structure (100).

3. The heat exchanger unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of first fins (52) is formed in a plate shape having a pair of long sides (52a, 52b), the long sides (52a, 52b) being straight and parallel to each other, each of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51) penetrates the plurality of first fins (52) arranged in line, each of the plurality of second fins (57) is formed in a plate shape having a pair of long sides (57a, 57b), the long sides (57a, 57b) being straight and parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56) penetrates the plurality of second fins (57) arranged in line.

4. The heat exchanger unit of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a third heat exchange portion (60) having a plurality of third fins (62) and a plurality of third heat transfer tubes (61), wherein the plate structure (100) is connected to the third heat transfer tubes (61), and a third flow path (123) connecting the third heat transfer tubes (61) to each other is formed inside the plate structure (100).

5. The heat exchanger unit of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate structure (100) includes: a plate-shaped body portion (106) in which the first flow path (121) and the second flow path (122) are formed; and a plurality of connection pipe portions (135) protruding from the body portion (106), the connection pipe portions (135) each having a base end connected to the first flow path (121) or the second flow path (122) and a tip end connected to a corresponding one of the first heat transfer tubes (51) or a corresponding one of the second heat transfer tubes (56), and in each of the plurality of connection pipe portions (135), a diameter of the tip end is smaller than a diameter of the base end.

6. The heat exchanger unit of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the first heat exchange portion (50), the plurality of first fins (52) arranged in line forms a first fin group (53), in the second heat exchange portion (55), the plurality of second fins (57) arranged in line forms a second fin group (58), the plate structure (100) is provided on one end side of the first fin group (53) in an arrangement direction of the first fins (52) and on one end side of the second fin group (58) in an arrangement direction of the second fins (57), and the heat exchanger unit (150) further comprising: a holding member (155) provided on the other end side of the first fin group (53) in the arrangement direction of the first fins (52) and on the other end side of the second fin group (58) in the arrangement direction of the second fins (57), the holding member (155) being configured to hold the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55).

7. An air-conditioning indoor unit comprising: the heat exchanger unit (150) of claim 3; and a casing (31) configured to house the heat exchanger unit (150), the first heat exchange portion (50) being disposed above the second heat exchange portion (55) in an orientation in which an angle between a long side (52a, 52b) of each of the first fins (52) and a long side (57a, 57b) of each of the second fins (57) is less than 180°.

8. The air-conditioning indoor unit of claim 7, wherein the first heat exchange portion (50) is provided in an orientation in which the long side (52a) on an air inflow side of the first fin (52) faces upward, and the second heat exchange portion (55) is provided in an orientation in which the long side (57a) on an air inflow side of the second fin (57) faces downward.

9. The air-conditioning indoor unit of claim 8, wherein a lower end of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) is along the long side (57b) on an air outflow side of the second fin (57) of the second heat exchange portion (55).

10. The air-conditioning indoor unit of claim 9, wherein a connection flow path (131a) connecting the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) is formed inside the plate structure (100), the first heat transfer tube (51) communicating with the connection flow path (131a) is one of the plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51) arranged in line along the long side (52a) on the air inflow side of the first fin (52), and the second heat transfer tube (56) communicating with the connection flow path (131a) is one of the plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56) arranged in line along the long side (57b) on the air outflow side of the second fin (57).

11. The air-conditioning indoor unit of claim 9 or 10, wherein an interval between central axes of two of the first heat transfer tubes (51) closest to each other is a first distance, an interval between central axes of two of the second heat transfer tubes (56) closest to each other is a second distance, an interval between the central axes of the first heat transfer tube (51) and the second heat transfer tube (56) closest to each other is a third distance, and the third distance is the first distance or shorter and the second distance or shorter.

12. The air-conditioning indoor unit of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the number of first heat transfer tubes (51) included in the first heat exchange portion (50) is greater than the number of second heat transfer tubes (56) included in the second heat exchange portion (55).

13. The air-conditioning indoor unit of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein an angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and a vertical direction is 30° or more.

14. The air-conditioning indoor unit of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein an angle between the long side (52a, 52b) of the first fin (52) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and a vertical direction is 60° or less.

15. The air-conditioning indoor unit of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein an interval between the plurality of first fins (52) in the first heat exchange portion (50) is equal to an interval between the plurality of second fins (57) in the second heat exchange portion (55).

16. The air-conditioning indoor unit of any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein a distance from the first fin (52) located at one end in an arrangement direction of the plurality of first fins (52) to the first fin (52) located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the plurality of first fins (52) is an effective length of the first heat exchange portion (50), a distance from the second fin (57) located at one end in an arrangement direction of the plurality of second fins (57) to the second fin (57) located at the other end in the arrangement direction of the plurality of second fins (57) is an effective length of the second heat exchange portion (55), and the effective length of the first heat exchange portion (50) is the effective length of the second heat exchange portion (55) or shorter.

17. The air-conditioning indoor unit of any one of claims 7 to 16, wherein the heat exchanger unit (150) is disposed in an orientation in which air inflow surfaces (54, 59) of the first heat exchange portion (50) and the second heat exchange portion (55) face forward or rearward of the casing (31).

18. A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising: a refrigerant circuit (11) to which the heat exchanger unit (150) of any one of claims 1 to 6 is connected.

19. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger unit (150) configured to cause air to exchange heat with a refrigerant, the heat exchanger unit (150) comprising: a plurality of heat exchange portions each having fins and heat transfer tubes; and a plate structure (100) configured to be joined to the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions, the plurality of heat exchange portions including: a first heat exchange portion (50) having a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51); and a second heat exchange portion (55) having a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56), the plate structure (100) having a refrigerant flow path formed inside the plate structure (100), the refrigerant flow path including: a first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other; and a second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other, the method comprising: a holding step of holding the plurality of heat exchange portions such that relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange portions are the same as relative positions of the plurality of heat exchange portions in the heat exchanger unit (150) as a finished product; a combining step of combining the plate structure (100) with the plurality of heat exchange portions held at a predetermined position in the holding step; and a joining step of joining, by brazing, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions and the plate structure (100) combined in the combining step.

20. A method for manufacturing a heat exchanger unit (150) configured to cause air to exchange heat with a refrigerant, the heat exchanger unit (150) comprising: a plurality of heat exchange portions each having fins and heat transfer tubes; and a plate structure (100) configured to be joined to the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions, the plurality of heat exchange portions including: a first heat exchange portion (50) having a plurality of first fins (52) and a plurality of first heat transfer tubes (51); and a second heat exchange portion (55) having a plurality of second fins (57) and a plurality of second heat transfer tubes (56), the plate structure (100) having a refrigerant flow path formed inside the plate structure (100), the refrigerant flow path including: a first flow path (121) connecting the first heat transfer tubes (51) to each other; and a second flow path (122) connecting the second heat transfer tubes (56) to each other, the method comprising: a combining step of combining the plurality of heat exchange portions one by one with the plate structure (100) in sequence; and a joining step of joining, by brazing, the heat transfer tubes of the plurality of heat exchange portions and the plate structure (100) combined in the combining step.

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