Air conditioner

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger capable of suppressing deterioration in heat exchange efficiency caused by drift of a refrigerant in the heat exchanger.SOLUTION: A utilization heat exchanger 21 of an air conditioner 100 includes a first heat exchange part 41 and a second heat exchange part 42. The first heat exchange part 41 and the second heat exchange part 42, respectively, have a plurality of flat pipes 211 which are arranged along a first direction D1 and in which a refrigerant flows. Each of the plurality of flat pipes 211 includes a first part 211a and a second part 211b, and a connection part 211c. The first part 211a and the second part 211b extend in directions different from each other on a plane surface orthogonal to the first direction D1 when viewed from the first direction D1. The connection part 211c connects in such a manner that, when viewed from the first direction D1, angles α, β formed by an extension direction of the first part 211a and an extension direction of the second part 211b are below 180 degrees. The first heat exchange part 41 and the second heat exchange part 42 are connected in such a manner that the flow of the refrigerant becomes in series via first connection piping 215.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Regarding air conditioning equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,341,870), an air conditioning apparatus is disclosed that is equipped with an A-type heat exchanger in which a heat exchange section is formed by arranging multiple heat transfer tubes, each having a bent portion, in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the heat transfer tubes, and the multiple heat exchange sections are arranged along the air flow direction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In an air conditioner equipped with a heat exchanger having multiple heat exchange sections as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit was previously configured to split upstream of the heat exchanger and then flow in from the ends of each heat exchange section. In an air conditioner configured in this way, the refrigerant flowing into each heat exchange section is split, so the flow rate is lower than when the refrigerant flows in without being split. As a result, the inflowing refrigerant drifts inside each heat exchange section, which can make it difficult to ensure sufficient heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchanger capable of suppressing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by uneven flow of an inflow refrigerant in the heat exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An air conditioner according to a first aspect performs air conditioning operation. The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section each have a plurality of flat tubes aligned along a first direction and through which a refrigerant flows. Each of the plurality of flat tubes has an extension section and a connection section.

[0006] The extension portions extend in different directions on a plane perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the first direction. The connection portion connects the first portion and the second portion such that an angle between the direction in which the first portion extends and the direction in which the second portion extends is less than 180 degrees when viewed from the first direction.

[0007] The plurality of extensions aligned in the first direction of the first heat exchanger form a first tube row, and the plurality of extensions aligned in the first direction of the second heat exchanger form a second tube row.

[0008] The second heat exchange section is disposed alongside the first heat exchange section such that the plurality of connections and the second tube row are located between the two first tube rows of the first heat exchange section.

[0009] The first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit are connected via a first connecting pipe so that the refrigerant flows in series.

[0010] In the heat exchanger of this air conditioner, the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section are connected via the first connecting pipe so that the refrigerant flows in series, so the refrigerant only needs to flow into either the first heat exchange section or the second heat exchange section. This eliminates the need to split the refrigerant before it flows into the heat exchanger, and reduces the flow rate of the inflowing refrigerant due to splitting, and suppresses the occurrence of drift. Therefore, with this air conditioner, the decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to drift of the inflowing refrigerant in the heat exchanger is suppressed.

[0011] An air conditioning apparatus of a second aspect is the air conditioning apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the first connection piping connects the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit so that, during a specified air conditioning operation, the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit flows in a counterflow direction to the airflow flowing toward the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit.

[0012] Since the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section flows in a counterflow direction to the airflow flowing toward the first heat exchange section and the second heat exchange section, this air conditioning device can achieve high heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger.

[0013] An air conditioner of a third aspect is the air conditioner of the second aspect, wherein the first heat exchange section further has two first headers connecting end portions of the plurality of extensions constituting the first tube row opposite the connection portion, and the second heat exchange section further has two second headers connecting end portions of the plurality of extensions constituting the second tube row opposite the connection portion.

[0014] The second heat exchange section is arranged such that the two second tube rows are located upwind of different first tube rows.

[0015] The first connection pipe connects the first header and the second header provided in either one of a pair of the first tube row and the second tube row aligned along the airflow direction. The first header and the second header that are not connected to each other by the first connection pipe function as an inlet or outlet for the refrigerant to the extension section.

[0016] According to this air conditioner, a counter flow can be achieved by a simple process of connecting a predetermined header using the first connection pipe.

[0017] An air conditioner of a fourth aspect is any one of the air conditioners of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the extension portion is arranged so that an end portion opposite the connection portion is positioned vertically below the connection portion.

[0018] Since the header functioning as the inlet or outlet is located vertically below the multiple flat tubes, this air conditioning apparatus prevents refrigeration oil contained in the refrigerant from accumulating in the heat exchanger.

[0019] An air conditioning apparatus of a fifth aspect is the air conditioning apparatus of the first aspect, wherein a first connection pipe connects the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit so that the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange unit and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange unit flow side by side.

[0020] This air conditioner is able to prevent condensation water from scattering by generating condensation water evenly throughout the entire heat exchanger.

[0021] An air conditioner of a sixth aspect is the air conditioner of the fifth aspect, wherein the second heat exchange section is arranged such that the two second tube rows are each located upwind of a different first tube row. The first connection pipe connects to each other the first header and the second header provided in a pair of the first tube row and the second tube row that are not aligned along the airflow direction. The first header and the second header that are not connected to each other by the first connection pipe function as an inlet or outlet for the refrigerant to the extension section.

[0022] According to this air conditioner, scattering of condensed water can be suppressed by a simple process of connecting a predetermined header using the first connection pipe.

[0023] An air conditioning apparatus of a seventh aspect is any one of the air conditioning apparatuses of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, wherein the connecting pipe has a diversion section that diverts the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section before it flows into the second heat exchange section.

[0024] The flow dividing section divides the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchange section to the second heat exchange section, and suppresses the occurrence of drift in the second heat exchange section. Therefore, according to this air conditioning device, the decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by drift of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange section is also suppressed.

[0025] An air conditioning apparatus of an eighth aspect is the air conditioning apparatus of the seventh aspect, wherein the diversion section is arranged such that the inlet section into which the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section flows is vertically below the outlet section that communicates with the second heat exchange section.

[0026] According to this air conditioner, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange section is effectively suppressed.

[0027] An air conditioner according to a ninth aspect is any one of the air conditioners according to the first aspect to the eighth aspect, further comprising a blower. The heat exchanger is disposed at a position through which the airflow flowing into the blower passes.

[0028] According to this air conditioner, the airflow generated by the blower passes through the heat exchanger in a uniform state, ensuring heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchanger. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning device 100. FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side view of the inside of the air handling unit 1 as viewed from a first direction D1. [Diagram 3] 13 is a side view of the interior of air handling unit 1 as viewed from a third direction D3. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the utilization heat exchanger 21. [Diagram 5] 2 is a side view of the utilization heat exchanger 21 as viewed from a first direction D1. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 21. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a flow dividing section 215a of the utilization heat exchanger 21 according to the modification B. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in a utilization heat exchanger 21 of an air-conditioning apparatus 100a according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] -First embodiment- (1) Overall configuration of the air conditioning device 100 The air conditioner 100 performs air conditioning operations (specifically, cooling operation and heating operation) in a space to be air conditioned by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The space to be air conditioned is, for example, a space inside a building such as an office building, a commercial facility, or a residence. Note that the air conditioner is merely one example of a refrigerant cycle device, and the heat exchanger of the present disclosure may be used in other refrigerant cycle devices, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, a floor heating device, etc.

[0031] The air conditioning apparatus 100 mainly comprises an air handling unit 1, a heat source unit 2, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4, a gas refrigerant connection pipe 5, and a control unit 3. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 are refrigerant connection pipes that connect the air handling unit 1 and the heat source unit 2. In the air conditioning apparatus 100, the air handling unit 1 and the heat source unit 2 are connected via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 to form a refrigerant circuit 6.

[0032] (1-1) Air handling unit 1 Air handling unit 1 mainly includes a utilization heat exchanger 21 and a utilization fan 30. Details of air handling unit 1 will be described later.

[0033] (1-2) Heat source unit 2 The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a compressor 2a, a four-way switching mechanism 2b, a heat source heat exchanger 2c, an expansion mechanism 2d, a liquid side shut-off valve 2e, a gas side shut-off valve 2f, and a heat source fan 2g.

[0034] The heat source unit 2 has a suction pipe P1, a discharge pipe P2, a first gas refrigerant pipe P3, a liquid refrigerant pipe P4, and a second gas refrigerant pipe P5 as refrigerant pipes connecting various devices constituting the refrigerant circuit 6. The suction pipe P1 connects the four-way switching mechanism 2b to the suction side of the compressor 2a. The discharge pipe P2 connects the discharge side of the compressor 2a to the four-way switching mechanism 2b. The first gas refrigerant pipe P3 connects the four-way switching mechanism 2b to the gas side of the heat source heat exchanger 2c. The liquid refrigerant pipe P4 connects the liquid side of the heat source heat exchanger 2c to the liquid side shutoff valve 2e. The expansion mechanism 2d is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe P4. The second gas refrigerant pipe P5 connects the four-way switching mechanism 2b to the gas side shutoff valve 2f.

[0035] The compressor 2a draws in low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle from a suction pipe P1, compresses the refrigerant by a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the refrigerant to a discharge pipe P2.

[0036] The four-way switching mechanism 2b is a mechanism that switches the flow direction of the refrigerant to change the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 between a cooling operation state and a heating operation state. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in a cooling operation state, the heat source heat exchanger 2c functions as a refrigerant radiator (condenser), and the utilization heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in a heating operation state, the heat source heat exchanger 2c functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and the utilization heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant condenser.

[0037] When the four-way switching mechanism 2b sets the refrigerant circuit 6 to a cooling operation state, the four-way switching mechanism 2b connects the suction pipe P1 to the second gas refrigerant pipe P5 and the discharge pipe P2 to the first gas refrigerant pipe P3 (see the solid lines in the four-way switching mechanism 2b in FIG. 1). When the four-way switching mechanism 2b sets the refrigerant circuit 6 to a heating operation state, the four-way switching mechanism 2b connects the suction pipe P1 to the first gas refrigerant pipe P3 and the discharge pipe P2 to the second gas refrigerant pipe P5 (see the dashed lines in the four-way switching mechanism 2b in FIG. 1).

[0038] The heat source heat exchanger 2c exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and a heat source (for example, the air in the location where the heat source unit 2 is installed).

[0039] The expansion mechanism 2d adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe P4.

[0040] The liquid side shut-off valve 2e is a valve provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe P4 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4. The gas side shut-off valve 2f is a valve provided at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe P5 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5. The liquid side shut-off valve 2e and the gas side shut-off valve 2f are open when the air conditioning apparatus 100 is operating.

[0041] The heat source fan 2g supplies outside air, which serves as a heat source, to the heat source heat exchanger 2c.

[0042] (1-3) Control Unit 3 The control unit 3 controls the operations of the various devices that make up the air conditioner 100.

[0043] 1, the control unit 3 is electrically connected to various devices (such as the compressor 2a, the four-way switching mechanism 2b, the expansion mechanism 2d, the heat source fan 2g, and the utilization fan 30) of the air handling unit 1 and the heat source unit 2. The control unit 3 may also be electrically connected to various sensors (not shown) provided in the air handling unit 1 and the heat source unit 2. Furthermore, the control unit 3 may be capable of communicating with a remote control (not shown) operated by a user of the air conditioning apparatus 100.

[0044] The control unit 3 is realized by a computer. The control unit 3 includes a control arithmetic device and a storage device (both not shown). The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing according to the program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic device writes the calculation results to the storage device and reads information stored in the storage device according to the program.

[0045] (1-4) Operation of the Air Conditioner 100 As will be described below, the control unit 3 controls the operations of the various devices that make up the air conditioner 100. In this way, the air conditioner 100 performs cooling operation and heating operation.

[0046] (Cooling operation) When the start of cooling operation is instructed through a remote control or the like, the control unit 3 controls the operation of the four-way switching mechanism 2b to switch the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 to a state in which the heat source heat exchanger 2c functions as a radiator (condenser) of the refrigerant and the utilization heat exchanger 21 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant. Specifically, the control unit 3 controls the operation of the four-way switching mechanism 2b to communicate the suction pipe P1 connected to the suction side of the compressor 2a with the second gas refrigerant pipe P5 connecting the four-way switching mechanism 2b and the gas side stop valve 2f. In addition, the control unit 3 controls the operation of the four-way switching mechanism 2b to communicate the discharge pipe P2 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 2a with the first gas refrigerant pipe P3 connecting the four-way switching mechanism 2b and the gas side of the heat source heat exchanger 2c (see the solid line in the four-way switching mechanism 2b in FIG. 1). During cooling operation, the control unit 3 operates the compressor 2a, the heat source fan 2g, and the utilization fan 30. During cooling operation, the control unit 3 adjusts the rotation speeds of the compressor 2a, the heat source fan 2g and the utilization fan 30, as well as the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 2d, based on the measured values ​​of various sensors.

[0047] When the control unit 3 controls the operation of various devices of the air conditioner 100 in this manner, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 2a and compressed to the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged from the compressor 2a. The high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2a is sent to the heat source heat exchanger 2c through the four-way switching mechanism 2b. The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the heat source heat exchanger 2c dissipates heat by exchanging heat with air as a cooling source supplied by the heat source fan 2g in the heat source heat exchanger 2c, which functions as a refrigerant radiator, and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the heat source heat exchanger 2c is sent to the expansion mechanism 2d through the liquid refrigerant pipe P4. In the expansion mechanism 2d, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is decompressed and becomes a low-pressure refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant decompressed by the expansion mechanism 2d is sent to the utilization heat exchanger 21 through the liquid refrigerant pipe P4, the liquid side shutoff valve 2e, and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent to the utilization heat exchanger 21 evaporates by exchanging heat with air supplied by the utilization fan 30 in the utilization heat exchanger 21, which functions as a refrigerant evaporator. At this time, the air cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant is supplied to the space to be air-conditioned, and the space to be air-conditioned is cooled. The low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the utilization heat exchanger 21 is sucked back into the compressor 2a through the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5, the gas side shutoff valve 2f, and the four-way switching mechanism 2b.

[0048] (Heating operation) When the start of heating operation is instructed through a remote control or the like, the control unit 3 controls the operation of the four-way switching mechanism 2b to switch the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 to a state in which the heat source heat exchanger 2c functions as a refrigerant evaporator and the utilization heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant radiator (condenser). Specifically, the control unit 3 controls the operation of the four-way switching mechanism 2b to communicate the suction pipe P1 with the first gas refrigerant pipe 119 and the discharge pipe P2 with the second gas refrigerant pipe P5 (see the dashed lines in the four-way switching mechanism 2b in FIG. 1). During heating operation, the control unit 3 operates the compressor 2a, the heat source fan 2g, and the utilization fan 30. During heating operation, the control unit 3 adjusts the rotation speeds of the compressor 2a, the heat source fan 2g, and the utilization fan 30, and the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 2d, based on the measured values ​​of various sensors, etc.

[0049] When the control unit 3 controls the operation of various devices of the air conditioner 100 in this manner, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 2a and compressed to the high pressure of the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged from the compressor 2a. The high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2a is sent to the utilization heat exchanger 21 through the four-way switching mechanism 2b, the gas side shutoff valve 2f, and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5. The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the utilization heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the air supplied by the utilization fan 30 in the utilization heat exchanger 21, which functions as a refrigerant radiator (condenser), and dissipates heat, becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. At this time, the air heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant is supplied to the space to be air-conditioned, and the space to be air-conditioned is heated. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has dissipated heat in the utilization heat exchanger 21 is sent to the expansion mechanism 2d through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4, the liquid side shutoff valve 2e, and the liquid refrigerant pipe P4. The refrigerant sent to the expansion mechanism 2d is decompressed by the expansion mechanism 2d to become a low-pressure refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state. The low-pressure refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state decompressed by the expansion mechanism 2d is sent to the heat source heat exchanger 2c through the liquid refrigerant pipe P4. The low-pressure refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state sent to the heat source heat exchanger 2c evaporates by exchanging heat with air as a heat source supplied by the heat source fan 2g in the heat source heat exchanger 2c, which functions as a refrigerant evaporator, to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the heat source heat exchanger 2c is sucked back into the compressor 2a through the four-way switching mechanism 2b.

[0050] (2) Overall configuration of air handling unit 1 Air handling unit 1 includes casing 11, support member 12, heat exchange unit 20, and utility fan 30. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, air handling unit 1 is installed upright so that the longitudinal direction of casing 11 is aligned vertically. The internal space of casing 11 is partitioned vertically into heat exchange chamber 17 and air blowing chamber 18 by support member 12 supporting utility fan 30. Heat exchange chamber 17 is located below air blowing chamber 18. Heat exchange unit 20 is installed in heat exchange chamber 17. Utility fan 30 is installed in air blowing chamber 18. Support member 12 has an opening (not shown) formed therein, which allows air to flow between heat exchange chamber 17 and air blowing chamber 18.

[0051] An air outlet 13 is formed in the upper surface 11a of the casing 11. An air inlet 14 is formed in the lower surface 11b of the casing 11. An air outlet duct 15 is connected above the air outlet 13. An air inlet duct 16 is connected below the air inlet 14. The air outlet 13 is connected to the air outlet duct 15 and an air blowing chamber 18. The air inlet 14 is connected to the air inlet duct 16 and a heat exchange chamber 17. The heat exchange chamber 17 communicates with the air blowing chamber 18.

[0052] The utilization fan 30 has an intake port 30a, an outlet port 30b, a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan, and a motor for driving the centrifugal fan. The utilization fan 30 drives the centrifugal fan and blows out the air flowing in from the intake port 30a from the outlet port 30b, thereby generating an air flow a which is an air flow from the intake port 14 of the casing 11 to the outlet port 13 via the heat exchange chamber 17 and the blower chamber 18. The air flow a flows vertically upward through the internal space of the casing 11 from the intake port 14 to the outlet port 13. The utilization heat exchanger 21 is installed at a position where the air flow a flowing in to the intake port 30a of the utilization fan 30 passes through. The air carried by the air flow a is heat exchanged by the heat exchange unit 20 when passing through the heat exchange chamber 17. Air handling unit 1 draws in air from intake port 14, and blows out the air whose temperature has been adjusted by heat exchange unit 20 through outlet port 13. The air blown out from outlet port 13 is sent to the space to be air-conditioned via a duct (not shown). Utility fan 30 is an example of a blower.

[0053] (2-1) Details of heat exchange unit 20 The heat exchange unit 20 includes a utilization heat exchanger 21 and a drain pan 22 .

[0054] (2-1-1) Utilized heat exchanger 21 The utilization heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air carried by the airflow a generated by the utilization fan 30. The utilization heat exchanger 21 includes a plurality of flat tubes 211, heat transfer fins 212, headers 213 and 214, a first connection pipe 215, and two second connection pipes 216. The utilization heat exchanger 21 is connected to the refrigerant circuit 6 via a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 5. The utilization heat exchanger 21 is an A-type heat exchanger including a heat exchange section formed by arranging a plurality of heat transfer tubes having bent portions in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the heat transfer tubes. The utilization heat exchanger 21 is an example of a heat exchanger.

[0055] For the sake of convenience, FIG. 5 shows the heat transfer fins 212 partially through first portions 211a and second portions 211b (both of which will be described later) of the multiple flat tubes 211.

[0056] (2-1-1-1) Multiple flat tubes 211 The flat tubes 211 are heat transfer tubes made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, through which a refrigerant flows. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the flat tubes 211 are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the flat tubes 211 are arranged is referred to as a first direction D1. In FIG. 3, the flat tube 23 located at the center in the first direction D1 is omitted. The first direction D1 is parallel to the horizontal direction. A refrigerant that exchanges heat with air passing through the heat exchange chamber 17 flows inside each of the flat tubes 211. A header 213 and a header 214 are connected to both ends of the flat tubes 211.

[0057] Each flat tube 211 has one first portion 211a, one second portion 211b, and one connection portion 211c. When viewed from the first direction D1, the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b extend in different directions on a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, when viewed from the first direction D1, the first portion 211a extends in a predetermined direction. When viewed from the first direction D1, the second portion 211b extends in a predetermined direction different from the direction in which the first portion 211a extends. 5, the connecting portion 211c connects the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b such that the angles α and β between the direction in which the first portion 211a extends and the direction in which the second portion 211b extends (in other words, the smaller angle between the direction in which the first portion 211a extends and the direction in which the second portion 211b extends) are less than 180 degrees when viewed from the first direction D1. The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are examples of an extending portion. The connecting portion 211c may connect the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b such that the angles α and β are 90 degrees or less when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0058] One end of the first portion 211a is connected to the header 213. The other end of the first portion 211a is connected to the connection portion 211c. One end of the second portion 211b is connected to the header 214. The other end of the second portion 211b is connected to the connection portion 211c.

[0059] The flat tubes 211 are arranged such that the connection portion 211c is located vertically above the headers 213 and 214. In other words, the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are arranged such that the end portions opposite the connection portion 211c are located vertically below the connection portion 211c. Therefore, as shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the flat tubes 211 have a V-shape rotated 180° when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0060] The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are flat multi-hole tubes having a plurality of passages (not shown) through which the refrigerant passes. The plurality of passages in the first portion 211a are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first portion 211a as viewed from the first direction D1. The plurality of passages in the second portion 211b are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the second portion 211b as viewed from the first direction D1.

[0061] The connecting portion 211c is a flat multi-hole pipe that connects the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b and has a plurality of passages (not shown) that communicate with the plurality of passages of the first portion 211a and the plurality of passages of the second portion 211b. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portion 211c is partially curved so that the angles α and β between the extending direction of the first portion 211a and the extending direction of the second portion 211b are less than 180 degrees when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0062] For convenience, the direction in which the bisector L of the angle between the extension direction of the first portion 211a and the extension direction of the second portion 211b extends is referred to as the second direction D2. Also, the direction perpendicular to the bisector L when viewed from the first direction D1 is referred to as the third direction. In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is parallel to the vertical direction. In other words, the second direction D2 is parallel to the direction in which the airflow a generated by the utilization fan 30 flows. The third direction D3 is parallel to the horizontal direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0063] 2 and 4, the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are arranged such that their main surfaces are aligned with the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are arranged at a predetermined interval along a first direction D1 perpendicular to the main surfaces.

[0064] (2-1-1-2) Heat transfer fin 212 The heat transfer fins 212 promote heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the flat tubes 211 and the air carried by the airflow a generated by the utilization fan 30. The heat transfer fins 212 are corrugated fins. The heat transfer fins 212 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0065] 5, the heat transfer fin 212 is fixed to the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b between the flat tubes 211 adjacent along the first direction D1. More specifically, the heat transfer fin 212 is provided between the first portions 211a adjacent along the first direction D1. The heat transfer fin 212 is fixed to the first portion 211a by fixing the peaks of the corrugations to the main surface of the first portion 211a. The heat transfer fin 212 is also provided between the second portions 211b adjacent along the first direction D1. The heat transfer fin 212 is fixed to the second portion 211b by fixing the peaks of the corrugations to the main surface of the second portion 211b.

[0066] (2-1-1-3) First heat exchange section 41 and second heat exchange section 42 The utilization heat exchanger 21 has a first heat exchange section 41 and a second heat exchange section 42. The first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 each have a plurality of flat tubes 211, a heat transfer fin 212, one header 213, and one header 214.

[0067] For convenience, hereinafter, a tube row formed by the multiple first portions 211a of the first heat exchange section 41 arranged in the first direction D1 will be referred to as a first tube row 41a, and a tube row formed by the multiple second portions 211b of the first heat exchange section 41 arranged in the first direction D1 will be referred to as a first tube row 41b. Also, a tube row formed by the multiple first portions 211a of the second heat exchange section 42 arranged in the first direction D1 will be referred to as a second tube row 42a, and a tube row formed by the multiple second portions 211b of the second heat exchange section 42 arranged in the first direction D1 will be referred to as a second tube row 42b.

[0068] 4 and 5, in the heat exchange unit 20, the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 are arranged side by side along the second direction D2 in which the airflow a flows. The first heat exchange section 41 is disposed on the downwind side of the second heat exchange section 42. More specifically, the second heat exchange section 42 is disposed side by side with the first heat exchange section 41 such that the respective sections have the following positional relationship:

[0069] The multiple connection parts 211c and the second tube rows 42a, 42b of the second heat exchange section 42 are located between the two first tube rows 41a, 41b of the first heat exchange section 41. The first tube row 41a of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second tube row 42a of the second heat exchange section 42 are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first part 211a of the first heat exchange section 41 or the second heat exchange section 42 extends, as viewed from the first direction D1. Similarly, the first tube row 41b of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second tube row 42b of the second heat exchange section 42 are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second part 211b of the first heat exchange section 41 or the second heat exchange section 42 extends, as viewed from the first direction D1.

[0070] By arranging the second heat exchange section 42 in the above-mentioned positional relationship, the two second tube rows 42a, 42b are arranged so as to be located upwind of the different first tube rows 41a, 41b. Specifically, the second tube row 42a is arranged upwind of the first tube row 41a, and the second tube row 42b is arranged upwind of the first tube row 41b. This allows the airflow a flowing along the second direction D2 to smoothly flow toward the first tube rows 41a, 41b after passing through the second tube rows 42a, 42b.

[0071] The first tube row 41a and the second tube row 42a may be arranged parallel to each other or not parallel to each other when viewed from the first direction D1. Similarly, the first tube row 41b and the second tube row 42b may be arranged parallel to each other or not parallel to each other when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0072] (2-1-1-4) Header 213, Header 214 The header 213 and the header 214 are connected to both ends of the flat tubes 211, respectively.

[0073] More specifically, the header 213 is connected to first portions 211a of the plurality of flat tubes 211. The header 214 is connected to second portions 211b of the plurality of flat tubes 211. The headers 213 and 214 are disposed to extend in the first direction D1. The headers 213 and 214 are located above the drain pan 22.

[0074] For convenience, the header 213 that connects the ends of the first part 211a of the first heat exchanger 41 located opposite the connection part 211c is referred to as the first header 213a, and the header 214 that connects the ends of the second part 211b of the first heat exchanger 41 located opposite the connection part 211c is referred to as the first header 214a. Also, the header 213 that connects the ends of the first part 211a of the second heat exchanger 42 located opposite the connection part 211c is referred to as the second header 213b, and the header 214 that connects the ends of the second part 211b of the second heat exchanger 42 located opposite the connection part 211c is referred to as the second header 214b. When there is no need to distinguish between them, they are referred to as the header 213 and the header 214.

[0075] (2-1-1-5) First connection pipe 215 and second connection pipe 216 The first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 are connected via the first connection pipe 215 so that the refrigerant flows in series. Here, the term "the refrigerant flows in series" means that the refrigerant that has passed through and flowed out of either the first heat exchange section 41 or the second heat exchange section 42 flows into the other of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 via the first connection pipe 215. The first connection pipe 215 is an example of a connection pipe.

[0076] The connection between the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 and the first connection pipe 215 will be described in detail later.

[0077] The second connection piping 216 connects the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 to the utilization heat exchanger 21. More specifically, one end of the second connection piping 216 is connected to ends of the first header 213a and the second header 213b in the first direction D1. In addition, the other end of the second connection piping 216 is connected to either the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 or the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5.

[0078] The details of the connections between the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 and the second connection piping 216 will be described later.

[0079] (2-1-2) Drain pan 22 The drain pan 22 receives condensation water from the utilization heat exchanger 21. The condensation water is water that is generated on the surfaces of the flat tubes 211, the heat transfer fins 212, the headers 213, and the headers 214 due to heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the flat tubes 211 and the air passing through the heat exchange chamber 17. The generated condensation water flows down the surfaces of the flat tubes 211, the heat transfer fins 212, the headers 213, and the headers 214 due to its own weight, and is received in the drain pan 22. The drain pan 22 is fixed to the support member 12.

[0080] The condensed water received in the drain pan 22 is discharged as drain water from a drain outlet 22a provided in the drain pan 22.

[0081] (2-2) Connection between the utilization heat exchanger 21 and each pipe The first connection pipe 215 connects the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 so that, during heating operation of the air conditioning apparatus 100, the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 flows in a counterflow direction to the airflow a flowing toward the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42.

[0082] The first connection pipe 215 connects the first headers 213a, 214a and the second headers 213b, 214b provided in either the pair of the first tube row 41a and the second tube row 42a or the pair of the first tube row 41b and the second tube row 42b arranged along the direction in which the airflow a flows (the second direction D2). The first headers 213a, 214a and the second headers 213b, 214b that are not connected to each other by the first connection pipe 215 function as inflow and outflow portions for the refrigerant to the first section 211a and the second section 211b.

[0083] Specifically, in the air conditioning apparatus 100, the first connection pipe 215 connects the first header 214a of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second header 214b of the second heat exchange section 42. The liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 is connected to the second header 213b of the second heat exchange section 42 via the second connection pipe 216. In addition, the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 is connected to the first header 213a of the first heat exchange section 41 via the second connection pipe 216. As a result, during heating operation, the refrigerant sent to the utilization heat exchanger 21 flows through the path indicated by the linear arrows in FIG. 6, as will be described next.

[0084] In heating operation, the high-pressure gas refrigerant sent from the heat source unit 2 through the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 flows from the first header 213a into the first heat exchange section 41. The refrigerant that has passed through the flat tubes 211 of the first heat exchange section 41 passes through the first header 214a and the first connection pipe 215 in this order, and then flows into the second heat exchange section 42 from the second header 214b. The refrigerant that has passed through the flat tubes 211 of the second heat exchange section 42 flows into the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 45 via the second header 213b, and is sent again to the heat source unit 2.

[0085] As described above, the high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the utilization heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the air in the space to be conditioned, which is supplied by the utilization fan 30, in the utilization heat exchanger 21, and dissipates heat. At this time, the airflow a generated by the utilization fan 30 flows vertically from below to above along the second direction D2 toward the utilization heat exchanger 21, as shown by the white arrow in Fig. 6. As a result, the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 flows in a counterflow direction to the airflow a flowing toward the utilization heat exchanger 21.

[0086] (3) Features (3-1) The air conditioner 100 is an air conditioner that performs air conditioning operation. The air conditioner 100 includes a utilization heat exchanger 21. The utilization heat exchanger 21 has a first heat exchange section 41 and a second heat exchange section 42. The first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 each have a plurality of flat tubes 211 aligned along a first direction D1 and through which a refrigerant flows. Each of the plurality of flat tubes 211 has a first portion 211a, a second portion 211b, and a connection portion 211c.

[0087] The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b extend in different directions on a plane perpendicular to the first direction D1 as viewed from the first direction D1. The connecting portion 211c connects the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b such that the angles α and β between the extending direction of the first portion 211a and the extending direction of the second portion 211b are less than 180 degrees as viewed from the first direction D1. The connecting portion 211c may connect the first portion 211a and the second portion 211b such that the angles α and β are 90 degrees or less as viewed from the first direction D1.

[0088] The first portions 211a and the second portions 211b arranged in the first direction D1 of the first heat exchange section 41 form first tube rows 41a, 41b. The first portions 211a and the second portions 211b arranged in the first direction D1 of the second heat exchange section 42 form second tube rows 42a, 42b.

[0089] The second heat exchange section 42 is arranged next to the first heat exchange section 41 such that the multiple connection portions 211c and the second tube rows 42a, 42b are located between the two first tube rows 41a, 41b of the first heat exchange section 41.

[0090] The first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 are connected via a first connection pipe 215 so that the refrigerant flows in series.

[0091] In the utilization heat exchanger 21, the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 are connected via the first connection pipe 215 so that the refrigerant flows in series, so that the refrigerant only needs to flow into either the first heat exchange section 41 or the second heat exchange section 42. This eliminates the need to split the refrigerant before it flows into the utilization heat exchanger 21, and reduces the flow rate of the inflow refrigerant due to splitting and suppresses the occurrence of drift. Therefore, the air conditioning device 100 suppresses a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to drift of the inflow refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 21.

[0092] (3-2) The first connection pipe 215 connects the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 so that, during a specified air conditioning operation, the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 flows in a counterflow direction to the airflow a flowing toward the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42.

[0093] Since the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 flows in a counterflow direction to the airflow a flowing toward the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42, the air conditioning device 100 can achieve high heat exchange efficiency in the utilization heat exchanger 21.

[0094] (3-3) The first heat exchange section 41 further has two first headers 213a, 214a that connect the ends of the multiple first portions 211a and second portions 211b constituting the first tube rows 41a, 41b opposite the connection portion 211c to each other. The second heat exchange section 42 further has two second headers 213b, 214b that connect the ends of the multiple first portions 211a and second portions 211b constituting the second tube rows 42a, 42b opposite the connection portion 211c to each other.

[0095] The second heat exchange section 42 is arranged such that the two second tube rows 42a, 42b are located upwind of the different first tube rows 41a, 41b, respectively.

[0096] The first connection pipe 215 connects the first headers 213a, 214a and the second headers 213b, 214b provided in either one of the pair of first tube rows 41a, 41b and second tube rows 42a, 42b arranged along the direction in which the airflow a flows. The first headers 213a, 214a and the second headers 213b, 214b that are not connected to each other by the first connection pipe 215 function as inflow and outflow portions for the refrigerant to the first section 211a and the second section 211b.

[0097] According to the air conditioning apparatus 100, counter flows can be achieved by a simple process of connecting the predetermined headers 213, 214 using the first connection pipe 215.

[0098] (3-4) The first portion 211a and the second portion 211b are arranged such that the ends opposite the connecting portion 211c are positioned vertically below the connecting portion 211c.

[0099] Since the headers 213, 214 functioning as the inlet or outlet portions are located vertically below the multiple flat tubes 211, the air conditioning device 100 prevents refrigeration oil contained in the refrigerant from accumulating in the utilization heat exchanger 21.

[0100] (3-5) The utilization heat exchanger 21 is disposed at a position through which the airflow flowing into the utilization fan 30 passes.

[0101] According to the air conditioner 100, the airflow a generated by the utilization fan 30 passes through the utilization heat exchanger 21 in a uniform state, so that the heat exchange efficiency in the utilization heat exchanger 21 is ensured.

[0102] --Variations-- (1) Variation A The first connection pipe 215 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 in variant A connects the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 so that, during cooling operation of the air conditioning apparatus 100, the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 flows in a counterflow direction to the airflow flowing toward the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42.

[0103] Specifically, in the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to the modified example A, the first connection pipe 215 connects the first header 214a of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second header 214b of the second heat exchange section 42, as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 is connected to the first header 213a of the first heat exchange section 41 via the second connection pipe 216. In addition, the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 is connected to the second header 213b of the second heat exchange section 42 via the second connection pipe 216. As a result, in cooling operation, the refrigerant sent to the utilization heat exchanger 21 flows through the path indicated by the linear arrow in FIG. 6, as will be described next.

[0104] In cooling operation, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent from the heat source unit 2 through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 flows from the first header 213a into the first heat exchange section 41. The refrigerant that has passed through the flat tubes 211 of the first heat exchange section 41 passes through the first header 214a and the first connection pipe 215 in this order, and then flows into the second heat exchange section 42 from the second header 214b. The refrigerant that has passed through the flat tubes 211 of the second heat exchange section 42 flows into the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 via the second header 213b, and is sent again to the heat source unit 2.

[0105] As described above, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the utilization heat exchanger 21 evaporates in the utilization heat exchanger 21 by exchanging heat with the air in the space to be conditioned that is supplied by the utilization fan 30. At this time, the airflow generated by the utilization fan 30 flows vertically from below to above along the second direction D2 toward the utilization heat exchanger 21, as shown by the white arrow in Fig. 6. As a result, the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 flows in a counterflow direction to the airflow flowing toward the utilization heat exchanger 21, similar to the first embodiment.

[0106] (2) Variation B As shown in Fig. 7, the first connection pipe 215 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to Modification B has a branching section 215a that branches the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section 41 before it flows into the second heat exchange section 42. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the branching section 215a of the utilization heat exchanger 21 according to Modification B. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the utilization heat exchanger 21 cut along a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3 and including the bisector L, and showing the header 214 as viewed from the header 213 side.

[0107] The flow dividing section 215a has one inlet section 215aa and two outlet sections 215ab. The flow dividing section 215a divides the refrigerant flowing in from the inlet section 215aa into two and causes them to flow out from the outlet section 215ab. The inlet section 215aa is connected to the first header 214a. The refrigerant flowing out from the first heat exchange section 41 flows into the inlet section 215aa. The outlet section 215ab is connected to both side ends of the second header 214b in the first direction D1 and communicates with the second heat exchange section 42. The inlet section 215aa is provided vertically below the outlet section 215ab.

[0108] The refrigerant that flows out from the first heat exchange section 41 through the first header 214a flows into the diversion section 215a from the inflow section 215aa. The refrigerant that is divided by the diversion section 215a flows into the second header 214b from both side ends through the outflow section 215ab.

[0109] The flow dividing section 215a divides the refrigerant flowing from the first heat exchange section 41 to the second heat exchange section 42, and suppresses the occurrence of drift in the second heat exchange section 42. Therefore, according to the air conditioning apparatus 100 of Modification B, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by drift of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange section 42 is also suppressed.

[0110] Furthermore, by providing the inlet section 215aa vertically below the outlet section 215ab, the flow dividing performance of the flow dividing section 215a is improved compared to a case in which the inlet section 215aa is not vertically below the outlet section 215ab. As a result, with the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to Modification B, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency caused by uneven flow of the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchange section 42 is effectively suppressed.

[0111] (3) Variation C The air handling unit 1 may be installed horizontally.

[0112] (4) Variation D The heat exchange unit 20 and the utilization fan 30 may be disposed so that the airflow a flows vertically downward in the internal space of the casing 11 .

[0113] (5) Variation E The heat exchange chamber 17 may be disposed above the blower chamber 18 .

[0114] -Second embodiment- (1) Overall configuration of the air conditioning device 100a An air conditioning device 100a according to the second embodiment will be described. The following will focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and a description of the same or corresponding features will be omitted. The difference between the air conditioning device 100 and the air conditioning device 100a is the connection between the first heat exchanger 41 and the second heat exchanger 42 and each pipe.

[0115] (2) Connection between the utilization heat exchanger 21 and each pipe The first connection piping 215 of the air conditioning device 100a connects the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 so that the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange section 42 flow side by side (in parallel) to each other.

[0116] The first connection pipe 215 connects a pair of the first tube row 41a and the second tube row 42b that are not aligned along the airflow direction (second direction D2) to each other, or the first headers 213a, 214a and the second headers 213b, 214b provided in the first tube row 41b and the second tube row 42a to each other. In addition, the first headers 213a, 214a and the second headers 213b, 214b that are not connected to each other by the first connection pipe 215 function as inflow or outflow portions for the refrigerant to the first section 211a and the second section 211b.

[0117] Specifically, in the air conditioning apparatus 100a, the first connection pipe 215 connects the first header 213a of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second header 214b of the second heat exchange section 42. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 is connected to the second header 213b of the second heat exchange section 42 via the second connection pipe 216. In addition, the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 is connected to the first header 214a of the first heat exchange section 41 via the second connection pipe 216. As a result, during cooling operation of the air conditioning apparatus 100, the refrigerant sent to the utilization heat exchanger 21 flows through the path indicated by the linear arrows in FIG. 8, as will be described next.

[0118] In cooling operation, the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent from the heat source unit 2 through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 flows from the second header 213b into the second heat exchange section 42. The refrigerant that has passed through the flat tubes 211 of the second heat exchange section 42 passes through the second header 214b and the first connection pipe 215 in this order, and then flows into the first heat exchange section 41 from the first header 213a. The refrigerant that has passed through the flat tubes 211 of the first heat exchange section 41 flows into the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 via the first header 214a, and is sent again to the heat source unit 2. As a result, in cooling operation of the air conditioning device 100, the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 flow side by side.

[0119] The direction in which the refrigerant flows during heating operation is opposite to that during cooling operation, but the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange section 42 flow parallel to each other even during heating operation.

[0120] (3) Features (3-1) The first connection pipe 215 connects the first heat exchange section 41 and the second heat exchange section 42 so that the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange section 41 and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange section 42 flow side by side.

[0121] The temperature of the refrigerant that flows into the utilization heat exchanger 21 functioning as an evaporator initially drops due to pressure loss occurring inside the flat tubes 211, but when evaporation is complete, the temperature rises due to superheating. For this reason, in the utilization heat exchanger 21 functioning as an evaporator, a lower temperature region occurs around the center in the refrigerant flow direction.

[0122] In the utilization heat exchanger 21, the first connection pipe 215 is located approximately in the center in the refrigerant flow direction. For this reason, in the utilization heat exchanger 21 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to Modification A, during cooling operation, lower temperature regions are likely to occur around the first header 214a of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second header 214b of the second heat exchange section 42 to which the first connection pipe 215 is connected. As a result, more condensation water occurs near the second part 211b of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second part 211b of the second heat exchange section 42 than in other regions.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 6, in the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to the modified example A, the second portion 211b of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second portion 211b of the second heat exchange section 42 are disposed close to each other. For this reason, a large amount of condensed water is generated in a limited area near the second portion 211b of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second portion 211b of the second heat exchange section 42 (specifically, the left area in Fig. 6). As a result, there is a risk that the condensed water that is not drained in time will be blown away by the airflow a and scattered around the utilization heat exchanger 21.

[0124] In contrast, in the utilization heat exchanger 21 of the air conditioning apparatus 100a, the first connection pipe 215 connects the first header 213a of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second header 214b of the second heat exchange section 42. As a result, more condensed water is generated near the first portion 211a of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second portion 211b of the second heat exchange section 42 than in other regions.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 8, the first portion 211a of the first heat exchange section 41 and the second portion 211b of the second heat exchange section 42 are disposed away from each other. Therefore, condensation water is generated evenly throughout the utilization heat exchanger 21, over a wider area than in the case of modification A. As a result, the situation in which the condensation water cannot be drained in time is suppressed, and the scattering of the condensation water is also suppressed. In this way, the air conditioning apparatus 100a can suppress the scattering of the condensation water by generating the condensation water evenly throughout the utilization heat exchanger 21.

[0126] (3-2) The second heat exchange section 42 is arranged such that the two second tube rows 42a, 42b are located upwind of the different first tube rows 41a, 41b. The first connection pipe 215 connects the first headers 213a, 214a and the second headers 213b, 214b provided in the pair of the first tube rows 41a, 41b and the second tube rows 42a, 42b that are not aligned along the flow direction of the airflow a. The first headers 213a, 214a and the second headers 213b, 214b that are not connected to each other by the first connection pipe 215 function as inflow or outflow portions of the refrigerant to the first section 211a and the second section 211b.

[0127] According to the air conditioning apparatus 100, the scattering of condensed water can be suppressed by a simple process of connecting the predetermined headers 213, 214 using the first connection pipe 215.

[0128] -Conclusion- Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 21: Utilization heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 211 :Flat tube 211a: Part 1 (extension part) 211b: Part 2 (stretching part) 211c: Connection 213a, 214a: First header 213b, 214b: Second header 215: First connecting pipe (connecting pipe) 215a: Diversion section 215aa: Inlet 215ab:Outflow part 30: Blower unit (blower device) 41: 1st heat exchange section 41a, 41b: 1st tube row 42:Second heat exchange section 42a, 42b: Second tube row 100: Air conditioning equipment a: Air flow D1: 1st direction D2 :Second direction D3: Third direction L: The bisector of the angle between the extension direction of the first part and the extension direction of the second part [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0130] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,341,870

Claims

1. An air conditioning device (100) that performs air conditioning operation, A heat exchanger (21) having a first heat exchange section (41) and a second heat exchange section (42), The first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit each have The cooling system has a plurality of flat tubes (211) arranged along a first direction (D1) and through which a refrigerant flows, Each of the plurality of flat tubes is Two extension portions (211 a, 211 b) extending in different directions from each other on a plane perpendicular to the first direction when viewed from the first direction; a connecting portion (211c) that connects the two extending portions such that the angle (α, β) between the extending directions of the two extending portions is less than 180 degrees when viewed from the first direction; having The plurality of extension portions arranged in the first direction of the first heat exchange unit are A first tube row (41a, 41b) is formed; The plurality of extension portions arranged in the first direction of the second heat exchange portion include forming a second tube row (42a, 42b); The second heat exchange section is a plurality of the connection portions and the second tube row are arranged in the first heat exchange section so as to be positioned between two of the first tube rows of the first heat exchange section; The first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit are The refrigerants are connected in series through a connecting pipe (215). Air conditioning units.

2. The connecting pipe is In a predetermined air conditioning operation, the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit are connected so that the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit flows in a counterflow direction with respect to an airflow (a) flowing toward the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first heat exchange section is The first tube row further includes two first headers (213a, 214a) that connect the ends of the extension portions that constitute the first tube row, the ends being opposite to the connection portions, The second heat exchange section is The second tube row further includes two second headers (213b, 214b) that connect the ends of the extension portions that constitute the second tube row, the ends being opposite to the connection portions, The second heat exchange section is The two second tube rows are arranged so as to be located upwind of different first tube rows, The connecting pipe is the first header and the second header provided in one of the pair of the first tube row and the pair of the second tube row arranged along the flow direction of the airflow are connected to each other; The first header and the second header that are not connected to each other by the connection pipe are Functioning as an inlet or outlet of the refrigerant to the extension section; The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The extension portion is The end portion opposite to the connection portion is disposed vertically below the connection portion. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The connecting pipe is The first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit are connected so that the refrigerant flowing through the first heat exchange unit and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat exchange unit flow side by side. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The first heat exchange section is The first tube row further includes two first headers (213a, 214a) that connect the ends of the extension portions that constitute the first tube row, the ends being opposite to the connection portions, The second heat exchange section is The second tube row further includes two second headers (213b, 214b) that connect the ends of the extension portions that constitute the second tube row, the ends being opposite to the connection portions, The second heat exchange section is The two second tube rows are arranged so as to be located upwind of different first tube rows, The connecting pipe is the first header and the second header provided in a pair of the first tube row and the second tube row that are not aligned along a flow direction of the air flow (a) are connected to each other; The first header and the second header that are not connected to each other by the connection pipe are Functioning as an inlet or outlet of the refrigerant to the extension section; The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 5.

7. The connecting pipe is A diversion section (215a) that diverts the refrigerant flowing out of the first heat exchange section before flowing into the second heat exchange section, The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The flow dividing section is An inlet portion (215aa) into which the refrigerant flowing out from the first heat exchange portion flows is provided vertically below an outlet portion (215ab) communicating with the second heat exchange portion. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7.

9. Blower device (30) Further equipped with The heat exchanger is disposed at a position through which the air flow (a) flowing into the blower passes. An air-conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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