Heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger capable of causing a coolant to flow while branching it so as to suppress the deviation of a ratio of a gas-phase coolant and a liquid-phase coolant to a small value.SOLUTION: An outdoor heat exchanger (11) comprises a liquid header (60) and a plurality of heat transfer tubes (28) connected to the liquid header (60). The liquid header (60) includes a first channel (A), a second channel (B), and a third channel (C), which are mutually connected in a connection part (P). The first channel (A) extends in a first direction that is a vertical direction, the second channel (B) extends in a second direction, and the third channel (C) extends in a third direction. The second direction and the third direction have symmetry with respect to a virtual plane including a line extending from the connection part (P) in the vertical direction and a line extending in a direction in which the flat tubes (28) extend from the connection part (P). The first channel (A) includes a first restriction part (81).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a heat exchanger used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus divides a refrigerant flow in a header connected to a plurality of heat transfer tubes, and distributes the refrigerant to each heat transfer tube.

[0003] For example, in the heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2015 / 049727), it is proposed to provide multiple branching points in the refrigerant flow path inside the header, so that the refrigerant flow is divided into multiple parts and sent to each heat transfer tube. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned heat exchanger, when refrigerants with different specific gravities, such as gas-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase refrigerant, flow together inside the header, there may be a bias in the amount of refrigerant between the refrigerants after they branch inside the header. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A heat exchanger according to a first aspect includes a header and a plurality of heat transfer tubes. The plurality of heat transfer tubes are connected to the header. The header has a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path are connected to each other at a connection portion. The first flow path extends in a first direction, which is a vertical direction. The second flow path extends in a second direction. The third flow path extends in a third direction. The second direction and the third direction are symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that includes a line extending vertically from the connection portion and a line extending from the connection portion in the direction in which the heat transfer tubes extend. The first flow path has a first throttle portion.

[0006] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path of the header increases its flow rate when passing through the first throttling section and branches into the second and third flow paths, making it possible to suppress imbalances in the amount of refrigerant in each branch flow path.

[0007] A heat exchanger according to a second aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first aspect, wherein the second direction and the third direction are horizontal.

[0008] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to suppress imbalance in the amount of refrigerant due to the influence of gravity between the refrigerant branched into the second flow path and the refrigerant branched into the third flow path.

[0009] A heat exchanger according to a third aspect is the heat exchanger according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first throttle portion is connected to the connection portion.

[0010] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flow rate is increased in the first throttling section, and then immediately branched into the second and third flow paths, thereby making it possible to further suppress imbalances in the amount of refrigerant in each branch flow path.

[0011] A heat exchanger according to a fourth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the third aspect, wherein the first throttle portion is located above the connection portion.

[0012] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing from the first flow path toward the connecting portion passes downward through the first throttle portion, and therefore the refrigerant flow rate tends to increase due to gravity.

[0013] A heat exchanger according to a fifth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the header is a stacked header in which a plurality of plate members including a first plate member are stacked. The first plate member forms a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path.

[0014] The first plate member may form at least a part of the first flow path, at least a part of the second flow path, and at least a part of the third flow path.

[0015] In this heat exchanger, the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path can be easily formed in the header.

[0016] A heat exchanger according to a sixth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the second flow path has a second throttle portion, and the third flow path has a third throttle portion.

[0017] In this heat exchanger, it is easy to prevent imbalance in the amount of refrigerant between the refrigerant that has passed through the second throttle portion of the second flow path and the refrigerant that has passed through the third throttle portion of the third flow path.

[0018] A heat exchanger according to a seventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the flow path area of ​​the second flow path is the same as the flow path area of ​​the third flow path, and the flow path length of the second flow path is the same as the flow path length of the third flow path.

[0019] In this heat exchanger, the degree of pressure loss when the refrigerant flows through the second flow path can be made closer to the degree of pressure loss when the refrigerant flows through the third flow path.

[0020] A heat exchanger according to an eighth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further comprising a fourth flow path and a fifth flow path. The fourth flow path is connected to the second flow path and extends in a direction different from the direction in which the second flow path extends. The fifth flow path is connected to the third flow path and extends in a direction different from the direction in which the third flow path extends.

[0021] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to guide the refrigerant that has flowed through the second flow path in a direction different from the direction in which the second flow path extends, and to guide the refrigerant that has flowed through the third flow path in a direction different from the direction in which the third flow path extends.

[0022] A heat exchanger according to a ninth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the eighth aspect, wherein either the fourth flow path and the fifth flow path both extend upward, or the fourth flow path and the fifth flow path both extend downward.

[0023] In this heat exchanger, by aligning the connection direction of the fourth flow path relative to the second flow path and the connection direction of the fifth flow path relative to the third flow path, it is easy to minimize the imbalance in the amount of refrigerant between the refrigerant flowing through the fourth flow path and the refrigerant flowing through the fifth flow path.

[0024] A heat exchanger according to a tenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the second flow path has a first bulging portion. The first bulging portion bulges in the direction in which the second flow path extends on the side opposite the connecting portion side with respect to a connecting portion between the second flow path and the fourth flow path. The third flow path has a second bulging portion. The second bulging portion bulges in the direction in which the third flow path extends on the side opposite the connecting portion side with respect to a connecting portion between the third flow path and the fifth flow path.

[0025] In this heat exchanger, even if the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path contains lumps of liquid refrigerant, the lumps are likely to be guided to the first bulge, preventing the lumps from being sent directly to the fourth flow path. Similarly, even if the refrigerant flowing through the third flow path contains lumps of liquid refrigerant, the lumps are likely to be guided to the second bulge, preventing the lumps from being sent directly to the fifth flow path.

[0026] A heat exchanger according to an eleventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects, wherein the fourth flow path has a fourth throttle portion, and the fifth flow path has a fifth throttle portion.

[0027] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant that has passed through the fourth throttle portion can easily reach the end of the fourth flow path, and the refrigerant that has passed through the fifth throttle portion can easily reach the end of the fifth flow path.

[0028] A heat exchanger according to a twelfth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, further comprising a first connection pipe having both ends connected to the header and a second connection pipe having both ends connected to the header. The first connection pipe constitutes at least a part of a flow path connecting the fourth flow path and a sixth flow path that is a flow path inside the header. The second connection pipe constitutes at least a part of a flow path connecting the fifth flow path and a seventh flow path that is a flow path inside the header.

[0029] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant sent to the fourth flow path can be guided to the sixth flow path, which is a flow path inside the header separate from the fourth flow path, and the refrigerant sent to the fifth flow path can be guided to the seventh flow path, which is a flow path inside the header separate from the fifth flow path.

[0030] A heat exchanger according to a thirteenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the first flow path has a first portion having a flow path cross-sectional area larger than that of the first throttle portion, and the flow path cross-sectional areas of the second flow path and the third flow path are smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion.

[0031] In this heat exchanger, the imbalance in the amount of refrigerant flowing through the second flow path and the third flow path is suppressed.

[0032] A heat exchanger according to a fourteenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the header has a plate-like member in which a first opening and a second opening are formed. The first opening forms a connection portion and at least a part of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path. The second opening is isolated from the first opening and forms an eighth flow path which is a flow path other than the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

[0033] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to form the connection portion, the first flow path, the second flow path, the third flow path, and an eighth flow path that is a flow path different from these in one plate-like member.

[0034] A heat exchanger according to a fifteenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein when the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, the refrigerant flows from the first flow path toward the connecting portion.

[0035] In this heat exchanger, when it functions as a refrigerant evaporator, uneven flow of liquid refrigerant is prevented, thereby making it possible to improve performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a heat exchange portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which heat transfer fins are attached to flat tubes in a heat exchange section. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the state of refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a refrigerant evaporator. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a gas header. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a gas header. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a liquid header. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a liquid header. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the sixth liquid side portion in the liquid header. [Figure 11] 5 is an explanatory diagram of how refrigerant flows in a liquid header when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a liquid header according to another embodiment A. [Figure 13] 10 is an explanatory diagram of how a refrigerant flows in a liquid header when the outdoor heat exchanger according to another embodiment A functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the sixth liquid side section in the liquid header according to another embodiment B. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the sixth liquid-side portion in the liquid header according to another embodiment C. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the sixth liquid side portion in the liquid header according to another embodiment D. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the sixth liquid side portion in the liquid header according to another embodiment E. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the sixth liquid side portion in the liquid header according to another embodiment F. FIG. [Figure 19]13 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the sixth liquid-side portion in the liquid header according to another embodiment G. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sixth liquid side section in a liquid header according to another embodiment H. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure and a refrigeration device in which the heat exchanger is employed will be described.

[0038] (1) Air conditioning system configuration An air conditioner 1 as an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with a heat exchanger according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 having an outdoor heat exchanger 11 that is a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] The air conditioner 1 is an apparatus that cools and heats a space to be air-conditioned by operating 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 refrigeration cycle device, and the heat exchanger of the present disclosure may also be used in other refrigeration cycle devices, such as refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, and floor heating devices. Note that the refrigerant used in the air conditioner 1 is not particularly limited, and examples include R290, CO2, and R32.

[0041] 1, the air conditioner 1 mainly comprises an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 9, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4, a gas refrigerant connection pipe 5, and a control unit 3 that controls the equipment that makes up the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 are refrigerant connection pipes that connect the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. In the air conditioner 1, the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are connected via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 to form a refrigerant circuit 6.

[0042] In FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 has one indoor unit 9, but the air conditioner 1 may have multiple indoor units 9 connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 2 by liquid refrigerant connection pipes 4 and gas refrigerant connection pipes 5. The air conditioner 1 may also have multiple outdoor units 2. The air conditioner 1 may also be an integrated air conditioner in which the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are formed integrally.

[0043] (1-1) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 2 is installed outside the space to be air-conditioned, for example, on the roof of a building or near a wall of a building.

[0044] The outdoor unit 2 mainly has an accumulator 7, a compressor 8, a four-way switching valve 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 (an example of a "heat exchanger"), an outdoor expansion valve 12, a liquid-side shut-off valve 13, a gas-side shut-off valve 14, and an outdoor fan 16.

[0045] The outdoor unit 2 mainly has refrigerant pipes connecting various devices that make up the refrigerant circuit 6, including a suction pipe 17, a discharge pipe 18, a first gas refrigerant pipe 19, a liquid refrigerant pipe 20, and a second gas refrigerant pipe 21. The suction pipe 17 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the suction side of the compressor 8. The suction pipe 17 is provided with an accumulator 7. The discharge pipe 18 connects the discharge side of the compressor 8 and the four-way switching valve 10. The first gas refrigerant pipe 19 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The liquid refrigerant pipe 20 connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the liquid-side shut-off valve 13. The liquid refrigerant pipe 20 is provided with an outdoor expansion valve 12. The second gas refrigerant pipe 21 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the gas-side shut-off valve 14.

[0046] The compressor 8 is a device that draws in low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle from a suction pipe 17, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to a discharge pipe .

[0047] The four-way switching valve 10 is a mechanism that switches the flow direction of the refrigerant to change the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 between cooling operation and heating operation. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 91 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 91 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser. When the four-way switching valve 10 sets the refrigerant circuit 6 in cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 10 connects the suction pipe 17 to the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 and the discharge pipe 18 to the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 (see the solid lines in the four-way switching valve 10 in FIG. 1 ). When the four-way switching valve 10 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 to the heating operation state, the four-way switching valve 10 connects the suction pipe 17 to the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 and connects the discharge pipe 18 to the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 (see the dashed lines within the four-way switching valve 10 in Figure 1).

[0048] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and a fluid such as air in the installation location of the outdoor unit 2. Details of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be described later.

[0049] The outdoor expansion valve 12 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 91. In this embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 12 is disposed in the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the liquid-side shut-off valve 13. The outdoor expansion valve 12 has a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0050] The accumulator 7 is a container having a gas-liquid separation function that separates the incoming refrigerant into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and also has a function of storing surplus refrigerant that occurs in response to fluctuations in operating load, etc.

[0051] The liquid side shut-off valve 13 is a valve provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4. The gas side shut-off valve 14 is a valve provided at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5. The liquid side shut-off valve 13 and the gas side shut-off valve 14 are open when the air conditioning apparatus 1 is operating.

[0052] The outdoor fan 16 is a fan that draws external heat source air into the casing of the outdoor unit 2 (not shown), supplies it to the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and discharges the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 to the outside of the casing of the outdoor unit 2. The outdoor fan 16 is, for example, a propeller fan.

[0053] (1-2) Indoor unit The indoor unit 9 is a unit installed in the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit 9 is, for example, a ceiling-mounted unit, but may also be a ceiling-suspended, wall-mounted, or floor-standing unit. The indoor unit 9 may also be installed outside the space to be air-conditioned. For example, the indoor unit 9 may be installed in an attic, a machine room, a garage, or the like. In this case, an air passage is installed to supply air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 91 from the indoor unit 9 to the space to be air-conditioned. The air passage is, for example, a duct.

[0054] The indoor unit 9 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 91 , an indoor expansion valve 93 , and an indoor fan 92 .

[0055] In the indoor heat exchanger 91, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the air in the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor heat exchanger 91 is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes and fins (not shown). One end of the indoor heat exchanger 91 is connected to the indoor expansion valve 93 via a refrigerant piping. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 91 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 via a refrigerant piping.

[0056] The indoor expansion valve 93 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4. The indoor expansion valve 93 has a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the indoor expansion valve 93.

[0057] The indoor fan 92 is a mechanism that draws air from the space to be air-conditioned into a casing (not shown) of the indoor unit 9, supplies it to the indoor heat exchanger 91, and blows the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 91 into the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor fan 92 is, for example, a turbofan.

[0058] (1-3) Control unit The control unit 3 is a functional unit that controls the operations of the various devices that make up the air conditioner 1.

[0059] The control unit 3 is configured, for example, by connecting an outdoor control unit (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 and an indoor control unit (not shown) of the indoor unit 9 so that they can communicate with each other via a transmission line (not shown). The outdoor control unit and the indoor control unit are units that have, for example, a microcomputer or the like including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories such as ROM and RAM in which various programs for controlling the air conditioning apparatus 1 that can be executed by the processor are stored. For convenience, the control unit 3 is drawn in FIG. 1 at a position separate from the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9.

[0060] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to various devices in the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9, including the compressor 8, four-way switching valve 10, outdoor expansion valve 12, outdoor fan 16, indoor fan 92, and indoor expansion valve 93. The control unit 3 is also electrically connected to various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The control unit 3 is also configured to be able to communicate with a remote control (not shown) operated by a user of the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0061] The control unit 3 controls the operation and shutdown of the air conditioner 1 and the operation of the various devices that make up the air conditioner 1 based on measurement signals from various sensors and commands received from a remote control (not shown).

[0062] (2) Outdoor heat exchanger configuration The configuration of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0063] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the exterior of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Note that piping and the like connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 are omitted in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of a heat exchange section 27, described later, of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the attachment state of fins 29, described later, to flat tubes 28 in the heat exchange section 27. Fig. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing how the refrigerant flows in the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The arrows in the heat exchange section 27 shown in Fig. 5 indicate the flow of the refrigerant during heating operation (when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant).

[0064] In the following description, expressions such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front (front face)," and "rear (rear face)" may be used to describe directions and positions. These expressions follow the directions of the arrows drawn in FIG. 2 unless otherwise specified. These expressions indicating directions and positions are used for the convenience of explanation, and do not specify the directions and positions of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 as a whole or each component of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 as the directions and positions of the expressions unless otherwise specified.

[0065] In the following description, the direction in which the flat tubes 28 are arranged, the longitudinal direction of the first header 40, the longitudinal direction of the gas header 50, and the longitudinal direction of the liquid header 60 are the up-down direction, more specifically, the vertical direction (an example of the "first direction"). Also, the following description takes as an example a case in which the direction in which the connected portions of the flat tubes 28 with the first header 40 extend, the direction in which the first gas plate portion 51a and the first liquid plate portion 61a of the first member 41, the second member 42, the third member 43, the fourth member 44, the fifth member 45, the sixth member 46, and the seventh member 47 are stacked, and the plate thickness direction of the first gas plate portion 51a, the first liquid plate portion 61a, the second member 42, the third member 43, the fourth member 44, the fifth member 45, the sixth member 46, and the seventh member 47 are the left-right direction (an example of the "second direction"). The direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction is described as the front-rear direction (an example of a "third direction").

[0066] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air.

[0067] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 mainly has a plurality of flat tubes 28, a plurality of fins 29, a second header 30, and a first header 40 (an example of a "header"). In this embodiment, the flat tubes 28, the fins 29, the second header 30, and the first header 40 are all made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0068] The flat tubes 28 and the fins 29 form a heat exchange section 27. In the heat exchange section 27, air passes through ventilation passages formed between the flat tubes 28 and the fins 29. This causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0069] (2-1) Flat tube As shown in Fig. 3, the flat tubes 28 are flat heat transfer tubes having flat surfaces 28a on the top and bottom that serve as heat transfer surfaces. The flat tubes 28 are formed with a plurality of refrigerant passages 28b that extend in the direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend and through which the refrigerant flows. The flat tubes 28 are flat multi-hole tubes in which a large number of refrigerant passages 28b are formed. In this embodiment, the plurality of refrigerant passages 28b are arranged side by side in the air flow direction.

[0070] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, flat tubes 28 extending horizontally are arranged in multiple rows, one above the other, to connect the second header 30 and the first header 40. The flat tubes 28 are arranged vertically at regular intervals. Each flat tube 28 is arranged with its flat surface facing up or down.

[0071] In this embodiment, each flat tube 28 has one bent portion in a plan view and is formed into a substantially L-shape.

[0072] When the outdoor fan 16 is driven, an air flow passes over the main surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the rear to the front, and an air flow passes over the left side portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the left to the right.

[0073] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a first flow path group X and a second flow path group Y aligned in the vertical direction. The plurality of flat tubes 28 belong to either the first flow path group X or the second flow path group Y. The first flow path group X is a flow path group located below, and the plurality of flat tubes 28 belong to it. The second flow path group Y is a flow path group located above the first flow path group X, and the plurality of flat tubes 28 belong to it.

[0074] (2-2) Finn The multiple fins 29 are members for increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Each fin 29 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical direction in which the multiple flat tubes 28 are arranged and in the direction in which air flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4 , each fin 29 has a plurality of notches 29a formed therein that extend along the insertion direction of the flat tubes 28 so that multiple flat tubes 28 can be inserted. The notches 29a extend in a direction perpendicular to both the up-and-down direction and the thickness direction of the fin 29. When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is installed, the notches 29a formed in each fin 29 extend horizontally. The notches 29a are formed in the fin 29 at intervals that correspond to the arrangement intervals of the flat tubes 28. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the multiple fins 29 are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the flat tubes 28. By inserting the flat tubes 28 into each of the multiple notches 29a of the multiple fins 29, the space between adjacent flat tubes 28 is divided into a plurality of ventilation passages through which air flows.

[0076] Each fin 29 has a communication portion 29b that communicates in the vertical direction, on the upstream side or downstream side in the air flow direction relative to the flat tubes 28. In this embodiment, the communication portion 29b of the fin 29 is located on the upwind side of the flat tubes 28.

[0077] (2-3) First Header As shown in FIG. 5, the first header 40 has a gas header 50 located at the top and a liquid header 60 (an example of a "header") located at the bottom.

[0078] The gas header 50 has a gas space 50S therein, the longitudinal direction of which is vertical. The liquid header 60 has a liquid space 60S therein, the longitudinal direction of which is vertical, as a space isolated from the gas space 50S. The gas space 50S of the gas header 50 and the liquid space 60S of the liquid header 60 are separated by openings formed in the stacked members that are shaped so that the gas side and the liquid side do not communicate with each other.

[0079] A gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a that constitutes one end of the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 is connected to the gas header 50. The gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a is connected to the right side of the gas header 50, which is opposite in the left-right direction to the left side to which the flat tubes 28 are connected.

[0080] A liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a that forms one end of the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 is connected to the liquid header 60. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the right side of the liquid header 60, which is opposite in the left-right direction to the left side to which the flat tubes 28 are connected.

[0081] One end of each flat tube 28 is connected to the gas header 50 and liquid header 60 of the first header 40, and the other end of each flat tube 28 is connected to the second header 30. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is disposed in a casing (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 with the longitudinal directions of the first header 40 and the second header 30 generally aligned with the vertical direction. The number of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas header 50 is greater than the number of flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header 60. Furthermore, each flat tube 28 connected to the gas header 50 is in communication with the gas space 50S. Each flat tube 28 connected to the liquid header 60 is in communication with the liquid space 60S.

[0082] The first header 40 includes a first member 41 (an example of a "plate member"), a second member 42 (an example of a "plate member"), a third member 43 (an example of a "plate member"), a fourth member 44 (an example of a "plate member"), a fifth member 45 (an example of a "plate member"), a sixth member 46 (an example of a "plate member", an example of a "first plate member", an example of a "plate-shaped member"), and a seventh member 47 (an example of a "plate member"). The first member 41, the second member 42, the third member 43, the fourth member 44, the fifth member 45, the sixth member 46, and the seventh member 47 extend in the vertical direction across the gas header 50 and the liquid header 60. More specifically, the first member 41, the second member 42, the third member 43, the fourth member 44, the fifth member 45, the sixth member 46, and the seventh member 47 partially constitute part of the gas header 50, and partially constitute part of the liquid header 60, and are shared by both the gas header 50 and the liquid header 60.

[0083] The first member 41, the second member 42, the third member 43, the fourth member 44, the fifth member 45, the sixth member 46, and the seventh member 47 all have the vertical direction as their longitudinal direction, and their vertical lengths are the same. Furthermore, the front-to-rear length of the first gas plate portion 51a and the first liquid plate portion 61a of the first member 41, excluding the first gas side plate portion 51c, the first liquid side plate portion 61c, the second gas side plate portion 51d, and the second liquid side plate portion 61d, is the same as the front-to-rear length of the second member 42, the third member 43, the fourth member 44, the fifth member 45, the sixth member 46, and the seventh member 47. Furthermore, the first gas side plate portion 51c and the first liquid side plate portion 61c have the same length in the left-right direction, which is the direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend. The second gas side plate portion 51d and the second liquid side plate portion 61d have the same length in the left-right direction, which is the direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend.

[0084] Furthermore, the fourth member 44, the fifth member 45, the sixth member 46, and the seventh member 47 of the first header 40 form a gas space 50S of the gas header 50 and a liquid space 60S of the liquid header 60.

[0085] The first member 41 has a first gas side portion 51 and a first liquid side portion 61. The second member 42 has a second gas side portion 52 and a second liquid side portion 62. The third member 43 has a third gas side portion 53 and a third liquid side portion 63. The fourth member 44 has a fourth gas side portion 54 and a fourth liquid side portion 64. The fifth member 45 has a fifth gas side portion 55 and a fifth liquid side portion 65. The sixth member 46 has a sixth gas side portion 56 and a sixth liquid side portion 66. The seventh member 47 has a seventh gas side portion 57 and a seventh liquid side portion 67.

[0086] (2-4) Second Header The second header 30 is connected to an end of each flat tube 28 opposite to the end connected to the first header 40 .

[0087] The second header 30 is constructed by surrounding and crimping a stack of a plurality of plate-like members with a crimping member 31 that is U-shaped in plan view and to which the flat tubes 28 are connected.

[0088] (3) Refrigerant flow during each operation and in the outdoor heat exchanger The control unit 3 receives detection information from various sensors or commands from a remote controller or the like, and switches between and executes cooling operation, heating operation, defrosting operation, and the like.

[0089] When the air conditioner 1 performs heating operation, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to the state shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 and operates the compressor 8. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 releases heat or condenses by exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 91, is decompressed in the indoor expansion valve 93 or the outdoor expansion valve 12, and is then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 evaporates by exchanging heat with the outdoor air and is then sucked into the compressor 8 again.

[0090] As described above, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation, the refrigerant in a liquid state or a two-phase gas-liquid state that reaches the liquid header 60 from the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 is divided in the internal space of the liquid header 60 and sent to each of the flat tubes 28 belonging to the first flow path group X. The refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes 28 of the first flow path group X partially evaporates by exchanging heat with the air and reaches a lower region of the internal space of the second header 30. The refrigerant sent to the lower region of the internal space of the second header 30 is sent to an upper region of the internal space of the second header 30. The refrigerant sent to the upper region of the second header 30 flows through the flat tubes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y that are connected to the upper region of the second header 30. The refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y again evaporates by exchanging heat with the air and reaches the gas header 50. The refrigerants that reach the gas header 50 are merged and then flow through the first gas refrigerant pipe 19.

[0091] When the air conditioner 1 performs cooling operation, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to the state shown by the solid line in Figure 1 and operates the compressor 8. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 releases heat or condenses by exchanging heat with outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, is decompressed in the outdoor expansion valve 12 or the indoor expansion valve 93, and is then sent to the indoor heat exchanger 91. The refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 91 evaporates by exchanging heat with the indoor air, and is then sucked into the compressor 8 again.

[0092] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 1 is performing heating operation and predetermined defrosting start conditions are met, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to the state shown by the solid lines in Fig. 1 to operate the compressor 8 and perform defrosting operation in which high-temperature, high-pressure discharge refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. This defrosting operation melts the frost that has adhered to the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0093] When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser during cooling or defrosting operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 flows through the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 and then flows into the gas header 50. The gaseous refrigerant that reaches the gas header 50 is divided in the internal space of the gas header 50 and then flows through the flat tubes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y connected to the gas header 50. The refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y partially radiates heat or condenses by exchanging heat with air, and reaches an upper region of the internal space of the second header 30. The refrigerant sent to the upper region of the internal space of the second header 30 is sent to a lower region of the second header 30. The refrigerant sent to the lower region of the second header 30 is sent to the flat tubes 28 belonging to the first flow path group X connected to the lower region of the second header 30. The refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes 28 of the first flow path group X partially radiates heat or condenses by again exchanging heat with air, and then reaches the liquid header 60. The refrigerant that has reached the liquid header 60 flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 via the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0094] (4) Gas header details Fig. 6 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the gas header 50. Fig. 7 shows a schematic horizontal cross-sectional configuration diagram of the gas header 50. Note that Fig. 7 shows a horizontal cross-section taken horizontally at the center position in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the flat tube 28 located at the lowest level among the plurality of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas header 50.

[0095] The gas header 50 is configured to have a first gas-side portion 51 of the first member 41, a second gas-side portion 52 of the second member 42, a third gas-side portion 53 of the third member 43, a fourth gas-side portion 54 of the fourth member 44, a fifth gas-side portion 55 of the fifth member 45, a sixth gas-side portion 56 of the sixth member 46, and a seventh gas-side portion 57 of the seventh member 47. Of these, the fourth gas-side portion 54, the fifth gas-side portion 55, the sixth gas-side portion 56, and the seventh gas-side portion 57 form a gas space 50S.

[0096] The gas header 50 comprises a first gas side section 51, a second gas side section 52, a third gas side section 53, a fourth gas side section 54, a fifth gas side section 55, a sixth gas side section 56, and a seventh gas side section 57 joined together by brazing.

[0097] (4-1) First gas side The first gas side portion 51 constitutes a part of the gas header 50 and has a first gas plate portion 51a, a first gas side plate portion 51c, a second gas side plate portion 51d, a first gas crimping claw 51e, and a second gas crimping claw 51f. The first gas side portion 51, together with the seventh gas side portion 57, mainly constitutes the periphery of the outer shape of the gas header 50.

[0098] The first gas plate portion 51a is stacked so as to face and be in contact with the left surface of the second gas plate portion 52a of the second gas side portion 52. The first gas plate portion 51a has a plurality of gas side flat tube connection openings 51b.

[0099] The multiple gas side flat tube connection openings 51b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the first gas plate portion 51a in the plate thickness direction. The contours of the gas side flat tube connection openings 51b have a shape that follows the contours of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the flat tubes 28 are brazed to each other with the outer periphery of the flat tube 28 in contact with the inner periphery of the gas side flat tube connection opening 51b when the leading end of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction passes through the gas side flat tube connection opening 51b.

[0100] The first gas side plate portion 51c is a plate-shaped portion extending from the front edge of the first gas plate portion 51a toward the right. The second gas side plate portion 51d is a plate-shaped portion extending from the rear edge of the first gas plate portion 51a toward the right. The first gas side plate portion 51c and the second gas side plate portion 51d are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction, and thereby sandwich the second gas plate portion 52a, the third gas plate portion 53a, the fourth gas plate portion 54a, the fifth gas plate portion 55a, the sixth gas plate portion 56a, and the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​from the front-rear direction.

[0101] The first gas crimping claws 51e are crimping claws provided at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction on the right end of the first gas side plate portion 51c. The second gas crimping claws 51f are crimping claws provided at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction on the right end of the second gas side plate portion 51d. Before crimping, the first gas crimping claw 51e extends to the right along the extension of the first gas side plate portion 51c, and the second gas crimping claw 51f extends to the right along the extension of the second gas side plate portion 51d. Then, with the first gas plate portion 51a, the second gas plate portion 52a, the third gas plate portion 53a, the fourth gas plate portion 54a, the fifth gas plate portion 55a, the sixth gas plate portion 56a, and the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​stacked, the first gas crimping claws 51e and the second gas crimping claws 51f are woven together so as to approach each other in the front-to-back direction, thereby crimping and integrating the second gas plate portion 52a, the third gas plate portion 53a, the fourth gas plate portion 54a, the fifth gas plate portion 55a, the sixth gas plate portion 56a, and the seventh gas plate portion 57a. In this state, brazing is performed in a furnace or the like, and the components are joined by brazing and completely fixed.

[0102] (4-2) Second gas side The second gas side portion 52 constitutes a part of the gas header 50, and has a second gas plate portion 52a.

[0103] The second gas plate portion 52a is stacked so as to face and contact the right side surface of the first gas plate portion 51a and the left side surface of the third gas plate portion 53a. The second gas plate portion 52a has a plurality of gas insertion openings 52b.

[0104] The multiple gas insertion openings 52b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the second gas plate portion 52a in the plate thickness direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a, the front and rear edges of the gas insertion openings 52b are located outside the front and rear edges of the gas side flat tube connection opening 51b. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a, the top and bottom edges of the multiple gas insertion openings 52b are located outside the top and bottom edges of the gas side flat tube connection opening 51b. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a, the outline of the gas insertion openings 52b does not overlap with the outline of the flat tubes 28 and is located outside the outline of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the leading end of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction is inserted so as to pass through the gas insertion openings 52b. Furthermore, even if excess brazing material is produced during brazing, a gap is secured between the flat tube 28 and the gas insertion opening 52b, allowing the excess brazing material to be guided, thereby preventing the flow path of the flat tube 28 from being blocked by excess brazing material.

[0105] (4-3) Third gas side The third gas side portion 53 constitutes a part of the gas header 50, and has a third gas plate portion 53a.

[0106] The third gas plate portion 53a is stacked so as to face and contact the right side of the second gas plate portion 52a and the left side of the fourth gas plate portion 54a. The third gas plate portion 53a has a plurality of gas regulation openings 53b.

[0107] The multiple gas regulation openings 53b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the third gas plate portion 53a in the plate thickness direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the third gas plate portion 53a, the front and rear edges of the gas regulation openings 53b are located more inward than the front and rear edges of the gas injection openings 52b. The front and rear widths of the multiple gas regulation openings 53b are narrower than the front and rear widths of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the leading ends of the flat tubes 28 in the insertion direction hit the edges of the gas regulation openings 53b, thereby determining the insertion position. The top and bottom edges of the multiple gas regulation openings 53b are located more outward than the front and rear edges of the flat tubes 28.

[0108] In addition, in the refrigerant flow direction when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser, the refrigerant that flows into the gas space 50S formed by the third gas plate section 53a, the fourth gas plate section 54a, the fifth gas plate section 55a, the sixth gas plate section 56a, and the seventh gas plate section 57a ​​via the gas refrigerant connection piping 19a branches off and flows into multiple gas regulating openings 53b.

[0109] (4-4) Fourth gas side The fourth gas side portion 54 constitutes a part of the gas header 50, and has a fourth gas plate portion 54a.

[0110] The fourth gas plate portion 54a is stacked so as to face and contact the right side surface of the third gas plate portion 53a and the left side surface of the fifth gas plate portion 55a. The fourth gas plate portion 54a has a fourth gas opening portion 54b.

[0111] The fourth gas opening 54b is an opening that penetrates the fourth gas plate portion 54a in the plate thickness direction and has a longitudinal direction that is the up-down direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the fourth gas plate portion 54a, the fourth gas opening 54b overlaps with the connection points of multiple flat tubes 28 in the gas header 50, for example, overlaps with the connection points of three or more or five or more flat tubes 28. The front-rear width of the fourth gas opening 54b corresponds to the front-rear width of the gas restriction opening 53b of the third member 43.

[0112] (4-5) 5th gas side The fifth gas side portion 55 constitutes a part of the gas header 50, and has a fifth gas plate portion 55a.

[0113] The fifth gas plate portion 55a is stacked so as to face and contact the right side surface of the fourth gas plate portion 54a and the left side surface of the sixth gas plate portion 56a. The fifth gas plate portion 55a has a fifth gas opening portion 55b.

[0114] The fifth gas opening 55b is an opening that penetrates the fifth gas plate portion 55a in the plate thickness direction and has a longitudinal direction that is the up-down direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the fifth gas plate portion 55a, the fifth gas opening 55b overlaps with a connection point of the plurality of flat tubes 28 in the gas header 50.

[0115] (4-6) No. 6 gas side The sixth gas side portion 56 constitutes a part of the gas header 50, and has a sixth gas plate portion 56a.

[0116] The sixth gas plate portion 56a is stacked so as to face and contact the right side of the fifth gas plate portion 55a and the left side of the seventh gas plate portion 57a. The sixth gas plate portion 56a has a sixth gas opening 56b (an example of a "second opening").

[0117] The sixth gas opening 56b is an opening that penetrates the sixth gas plate portion 56a in the plate thickness direction and has a longitudinal direction that is the up-down direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the sixth gas plate portion 56a, the sixth gas opening 56b overlaps with a connection point of the multiple flat tubes 28 in the gas header 50.

[0118] (4-7) No. 7 gas side The seventh gas side portion 57 constitutes a part of the gas header 50, and has a seventh gas plate portion 57a.

[0119] The seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​is stacked so as to face and contact the right side surface of the sixth gas plate portion 56a. The seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​has a gas pipe connection opening 57b which is an opening penetrating through the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​in the plate thickness direction and to which the gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a is connected.

[0120] The seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​has a surface that extends to overlap with the sixth gas opening 56b when viewed in the thickness direction of the seventh gas plate portion 57a, and is a plate-shaped member that forms the outer wall portion of the gas header 50 so as to block the gas space 50S from the right side.

[0121] A front portion of the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​is crimped by the first gas crimping claws 51e of the first member 41. A rear portion of the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​is crimped by the second gas crimping claws 51f.

[0122] (5) Details of the liquid header FIG. 8 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header 60 (corresponding to "header"). FIG. 9 shows a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the liquid header 60. Note that FIG. 9 shows a horizontal cross-section obtained by cutting horizontally at the center position in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of a flat tube 28, of the multiple flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header 60, at the same height as the second upflow region 64j. Note that FIG. 9 does not show the first connecting pipe 71 and the second connecting pipe 72. FIG. 10 shows a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the sixth liquid side section 66 in the liquid header 60. FIG. 11 shows an explanatory diagram of how the refrigerant flows in the liquid header 60 when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0123] The liquid header 60 is configured to have a first liquid side portion 61 of the first member 41, a second liquid side portion 62 of the second member 42, a third liquid side portion 63 of the third member 43, a fourth liquid side portion 64 of the fourth member 44, a fifth liquid side portion 65 of the fifth member 45, a sixth liquid side portion 66 of the sixth member 46, a seventh liquid side portion 67 of the seventh member 47, a first connecting pipe 71, and a second connecting pipe 72. Of these, the fourth liquid side portion 64, the fifth liquid side portion 65, the sixth liquid side portion 66, and the seventh liquid side portion 67 form a liquid space 60S of the liquid header 60.

[0124] The liquid header 60 is made up of a first liquid side portion 61, a second liquid side portion 62, a third liquid side portion 63, a fourth liquid side portion 64, a fifth liquid side portion 65, a sixth liquid side portion 66, and a seventh liquid side portion 67 joined together by brazing.

[0125] Furthermore, the liquid header 60 is connected to a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a.

[0126] In the liquid header 60, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant flowing in through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is split inside the liquid header 60, and each split refrigerant is sent to the flat tubes 28 included in the first flow path group X among the flat tubes 28.

[0127] (5-1) First liquid side section The first liquid side portion 61 constitutes a part of the liquid header 60 and has a first liquid plate portion 61a, a first liquid side plate portion 61c, a second liquid side plate portion 61d, a first liquid crimping claw 61e, and a second liquid crimping claw 61f. The first liquid side portion 61, together with the seventh liquid side portion 67, mainly constitutes the periphery of the outer shape of the liquid header 60.

[0128] The first liquid plate portion 61a is provided so as to be continuous with the first gas plate portion 51a on the same plane. The first liquid side plate portion 61c is provided so as to be continuous with the first gas side plate portion 51c on the same plane. The second liquid side plate portion 61d is provided so as to be continuous with the second gas side plate portion 51d on the same plane.

[0129] The first liquid plate portion 61a is stacked so as to face and be in contact with the left surface of the second liquid plate portion 62a of the second liquid-side portion 62. The first liquid plate portion 61a has a plurality of liquid-side flat tube connection openings 61b.

[0130] The multiple liquid side flat tube connection openings 61b are arranged in a line in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the first liquid plate portion 61a in the plate thickness direction. The contours of the liquid side flat tube connection openings 61b have a shape that follows the contours of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the flat tubes 28 are brazed to each other with their leading ends in the insertion direction passing through the liquid side flat tube connection openings 61b and the outer peripheries of the flat tubes 28 in contact with the inner peripheries of the liquid side flat tube connection openings 61b.

[0131] The first liquid side plate portion 61c is a plate-shaped portion extending from the front edge of the first liquid plate portion 61a toward the right. The second liquid side plate portion 61d is a plate-shaped portion extending from the rear edge of the first liquid plate portion 61a toward the right. The first liquid side plate portion 61c and the second liquid side plate portion 61d are arranged opposite each other in the front-to-rear direction, and thereby sandwich the second liquid plate portion 62a, the third liquid plate portion 63a, the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and the seventh liquid plate portion 67a from the front-to-rear direction.

[0132] The first liquid crimping claws 61e are crimping claws provided at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction on the right end of the first liquid side plate portion 61c. The second liquid crimping claws 61f are crimping claws provided at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction on the right end of the second liquid side plate portion 61d. Before crimping, the first liquid crimping claw 61e extends to the right along the extension of the first liquid side plate portion 61c, and the second liquid crimping claw 61f extends to the right along the extension of the second liquid side plate portion 61d. Then, with the first liquid plate portion 61a, the second liquid plate portion 62a, the third liquid plate portion 63a, the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and the seventh liquid plate portion 67a stacked together, the first liquid crimping claws 61e and the second liquid crimping claws 61f are woven together so as to approach each other in the front-to-back direction, thereby crimping and integrating the second liquid plate portion 62a, the third liquid plate portion 63a, the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and the seventh liquid plate portion 67a. In this state, brazing is performed in a furnace or the like, and the components are joined by brazing and completely fixed together.

[0133] (5-2) Second liquid side The second liquid side portion 62 constitutes a part of the liquid header 60, and is provided between the third liquid side portion 63 and the first liquid side portion 61. The second liquid side portion 62 has a second liquid plate portion 62a and a plurality of liquid insertion openings 62b.

[0134] The second liquid plate portion 62a is stacked so as to face and contact the right side surface of the first liquid plate portion 61a, and so as to face and contact the left side surface of the third liquid plate portion 63a.

[0135] The multiple liquid insertion openings 62b are arranged in a vertical line and are openings that penetrate the second liquid plate portion 62a in the plate thickness direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a, the front and rear edges of the liquid insertion openings 62b are located outside the front and rear edges of the liquid side flat tube connection opening 61b. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a, the top and bottom edges of the multiple liquid insertion openings 62b are located outside the top and bottom edges of the liquid side flat tube connection opening 61b. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a, the outline of the liquid insertion openings 62b does not overlap with the outline of the flat tubes 28, but is located outside the outline of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the leading end of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction is inserted so that it passes through the liquid insertion openings 62b. Furthermore, even if excess brazing material is produced during brazing, a gap is secured between the flat tube 28 and the liquid insertion opening 62b, allowing the excess brazing material to be guided, thereby preventing the flow path of the flat tube 28 from being blocked by excess brazing material.

[0136] (5-3) Third liquid side The third liquid side portion 63 constitutes a part of the liquid header 60, and is provided between the fourth liquid side portion 64 and the second liquid side portion 62. The third liquid side portion 63 has a third liquid plate portion 63a and a plurality of liquid regulating openings 63b.

[0137] The third liquid plate portion 63a is a plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions and has a thickness in the horizontal direction. The third liquid plate portion 63a is stacked so as to face and contact the left side of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a and to face and contact the right side of the second liquid plate portion 62a.

[0138] The multiple liquid restriction openings 63b are arranged in a line in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the third liquid plate portion 63a in the plate thickness direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the third liquid plate portion 63a, the front and rear edges of the liquid restriction openings 63b are located more inward than the front and rear edges of the liquid insertion opening 62b. The front and rear widths of the multiple liquid restriction openings 63b are narrower than the front and rear widths of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the leading ends of the flat tubes 28 in the insertion direction hit the edges of the liquid restriction openings 63b, thereby determining the insertion position. The top and bottom edges of the multiple liquid restriction openings 63b are located more outward than the front and rear edges of the flat tubes 28.

[0139] The two lower ends of the plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b overlap with and communicate with the openings 64b of the fourth liquid side portion 64 when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the third liquid plate portion 63a.

[0140] Of the multiple liquid regulation openings 63b, those located above the two lowest ends have the lower multiple liquid regulation openings 63b overlapping and communicating with the first blow-up region 64f of the first through portion 64c of the fourth liquid side portion 64, and the upper multiple liquid regulation openings 63b overlapping and communicating with the second blow-up region 64j of the second through portion 64g of the fourth liquid side portion 64.

[0141] (5-4) Fourth liquid side section The fourth liquid side portion 64 constitutes a part of the liquid header 60, and is provided between the fifth liquid side portion 65 and the third liquid side portion 63. The fourth liquid side portion 64 has a fourth liquid plate portion 64a, an opening 64b, a first through portion 64c, and a second through portion 64g.

[0142] The fourth liquid plate portion 64a is a plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions and has a thickness in the left-right direction. The fourth liquid plate portion 64a is stacked so as to face and contact the left side of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a and to face and contact the right side of the third liquid plate portion 63a.

[0143] The first penetrating portion 64c is located above the opening 64b in the fourth liquid-side portion 64 and below the second penetrating portion 64g, and is an opening that penetrates the fourth liquid plate portion 64a in the plate thickness direction. The first penetrating portion 64c has a first introduction region 64d, a first throttling region 64e, and a first blow-up region 64f. The first introduction region 64d, the first throttling region 64e, and the first blow-up region 64f are lined up in this order from bottom to top at the center in the front-to-rear direction and connected to each other. The front-to-rear width of the first throttling region 64e is smaller than the front-to-rear width of the first introduction region 64d and is smaller than the front-to-rear width of the first blow-up region 64f. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the first introduction region 64d overlaps with and communicates with the first communication opening 65b of the fifth liquid-side portion 65. The first throttle region 64e is covered from the right side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid-side portion 65. The first upflow region 64f is connected to a plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b arranged vertically on the left side. The first upflow region 64f is connected at its upper end to the first forward opening 65d of the fifth liquid-side portion 65 located on the right side, and at its lower end to the first return opening 65c of the fifth liquid-side portion 65 located on the right side. The portion of the first upflow region 64f below the portion connected to the first forward opening 65d and above the portion connected to the first return opening 65c is covered from the right side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid-side portion 65.

[0144] The second penetrating portion 64g is located above the first penetrating portion 64c in the fourth liquid side portion 64 and is an opening penetrating the fourth liquid plate portion 64a in the plate thickness direction. The second penetrating portion 64g has a second introduction region 64h, a second throttling region 64i, and a second blow-up region 64j. The second introduction region 64h, the second throttling region 64i, and the second blow-up region 64j are aligned from bottom to top in this order at the center in the front-to-rear direction and are connected to each other. The front-to-rear width of the second throttling region 64i is smaller than the front-to-rear width of the second introduction region 64h and is smaller than the front-to-rear width of the second blow-up region 64j. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a, the second introduction region 64h overlaps with and communicates with the second communication opening 65e of the fifth liquid side portion 65. The second throttle region 64i is covered from the right side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid-side portion 65. The second upflow region 64j is connected to a plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b arranged vertically on the left side. The second upflow region 64j is connected at its upper end to the second forward opening 65g of the fifth liquid-side portion 65 located on the right side, and at its lower end to the second return opening 65f of the fifth liquid-side portion 65 located on the right side. The second upflow region 64j, below the portion connected to the second forward opening 65g and above the portion connected to the second return opening 65f, is covered from the right side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid-side portion 65.

[0145] (5-5) Fifth liquid side The fifth liquid side portion 65 constitutes a part of the liquid header 60, and is provided between the sixth liquid side portion 66 and the fourth liquid side portion 64. The fifth liquid side portion 65 has a fifth liquid plate portion 65a, a first communication opening 65b, a first return opening 65c, a first forward opening 65d, a second communication opening 65e, a second return opening 65f, and a second forward opening 65g.

[0146] The fifth liquid plate portion 65a is a plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions and has a thickness in the left-right direction. The fifth liquid plate portion 65a is stacked so as to face and contact the left side of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a and to face and contact the right side of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a.

[0147] The first communication opening 65b, the first return opening 65c, the first forward opening 65d, the second communication opening 65e, the second return opening 65f, and the second forward opening 65g are all openings that penetrate the fifth liquid plate portion 65a in the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in this order from the bottom.

[0148] The first communication opening 65b communicates with the first introduction region 64d of the fourth liquid-side section 64 on the left side, and communicates with the first communication opening 66c of the sixth liquid-side section 66 on the right side.

[0149] The first return opening 65c communicates with the lower end portion of the first blow-up area 64f of the fourth liquid-side section 64 on the left side, and communicates with the lower end portion of the first descending opening 66d of the sixth liquid-side section 66 on the right side.

[0150] The first forward opening 65d communicates with the upper end portion of the first blow-up region 64f of the fourth liquid-side section 64 on the left side, and communicates with the upper end portion of the first downward opening 66d of the sixth liquid-side section 66 on the right side.

[0151] The second communication opening 65e communicates with the second introduction region 64h of the fourth liquid-side section 64 on the left side, and communicates with the second communication opening 66e of the sixth liquid-side section 66 on the right side.

[0152] The second return opening 65f communicates with the lower end portion of the second blow-up region 64j of the fourth liquid-side section 64 on the left side, and communicates with the lower end portion of the second descending opening 66f of the sixth liquid-side section 66 on the right side.

[0153] The second forward opening 65g communicates with the upper end portion of the second blow-up region 64j of the fourth liquid-side section 64 on the left side, and communicates with the upper end portion of the second downward opening 66f of the sixth liquid-side section 66 on the right side.

[0154] (5-6) 6th liquid side The sixth liquid side section 66 constitutes a part of the liquid header 60, and is provided between the seventh liquid side section 67 and the fifth liquid side section 65. The sixth liquid side section 66 has a sixth liquid plate section 66a, a first opening 66b, a first communication opening 66c (an example of a "second opening"), a first descending opening 66d (an example of a "second opening"), a second communication opening 66e (an example of a "second opening"), and a second descending opening 66f (an example of a "second opening").

[0155] The sixth liquid plate portion 66a is a plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions and has a thickness in the left-right direction. The sixth liquid plate portion 66a is stacked so as to face and contact the left side of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a and the right side of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a.

[0156] The first opening 66b, the first communication opening 66c, the first downward opening 66d, the second communication opening 66e, and the second downward opening 66f are all openings that penetrate the sixth liquid plate portion 66a in the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in this order from the bottom.

[0157] The left side of the first opening 66b is covered by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid-side portion 65, and the right side thereof is in communication with the liquid pipe connection opening 67b, the first distribution opening 67c, and the second distribution opening 67d of the seventh liquid-side portion 67. As will be described in detail later, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the first opening 66b divides the refrigerant that flows in from the liquid pipe connection opening 67b and directs it to the first distribution opening 67c and the second distribution opening 67d.

[0158] The first communication opening 66c communicates with the first communication opening 65b of the fifth liquid-side section 65 on the left side, and communicates with the first communication opening 67e of the seventh liquid-side section 67 on the right side.

[0159] The first downward opening 66d is connected at its lower left end to the first return opening 65c of the fifth liquid side section 65, and at its upper left end to the first forward opening 65d of the fifth liquid side section 65, and is covered on the right side by the seventh liquid plate section 67a of the seventh liquid side section 67.

[0160] The second communication opening 66e communicates with the second communication opening 65e of the fifth liquid-side section 65 on the left side, and communicates with the second communication opening 67f of the seventh liquid-side section 67 on the right side.

[0161] The second downward opening 66f is connected at its lower left end to the second return opening 65f of the fifth liquid side section 65, and at its upper left end to the second forward opening 65g of the fifth liquid side section 65, and is covered on its right side by the seventh liquid plate section 67a of the seventh liquid side section 67.

[0162] When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant introduced into the first introduction region 64d through a flow path (an example of a "sixth flow path") formed by the first communication opening 67e, the first communication opening 66c, the first communication opening 65b, and the first introduction region 64d is blown upward from the first throttle region 64e toward the first upward blowing region 64f. The refrigerant blown upward into the first upward blowing region 64f flows upward in the first upward blowing region 64f and is diverted to the plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b at various height positions. The refrigerant that does not flow toward the plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b reaches the upper end of the first upward blowing region 64f. The refrigerant that reaches the upper end of the first upward blowing region 64f passes through the first forward opening 65d, descends through the first downward opening 66d, and is then returned to the lower end of the first upward blowing region 64f via the first return opening 65c, thereby circulating. Similarly, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant introduced into the second introduction region 64h through a flow path (an example of a "seventh flow path") formed by the second communication openings 67f, 66e, 65e, and the second introduction region 64h is blown upward from the second throttle region 64i toward the second upward blow region 64j. The refrigerant blown upward into the second upward blow region 64j flows upward through the second upward blow region 64j and is diverted to the plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b at various height positions. The refrigerant that does not flow toward the plurality of liquid restriction openings 63b reaches the upper end of the second upward blow region 64j. The refrigerant that reaches the upper end of the second upward blow region 64j passes through the second forward opening 65g, descends through the second downward opening 66f, and is then returned to the lower end of the second upward blow region 64j via the second return opening 65f, thereby circulating.

[0163] When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, it is preferable that the flow path formed by the first communication opening 67e, the first communication opening 66c, the first communication opening 65b, and the first introduction area 64d, and the flow path formed by the second communication opening 67f, the second communication opening 66e, the second communication opening 65e, and the second introduction area 64h have the same flow path area and flow path length.

[0164] (5-7) 7th liquid side The seventh liquid side section 67 constitutes part of the liquid header 60, and is provided on the right side of the sixth liquid side section 66. The seventh liquid side section 67 has a seventh liquid plate section 67a, a liquid piping connection opening 67b, a first distribution opening 67c, a second distribution opening 67d, a first communication opening 67e, and a second communication opening 67f.

[0165] The seventh liquid plate portion 67a is a plate-shaped member that forms the outer wall portion of the right side of the liquid header 60 so as to close the liquid space 60S from the right side, and extends in the vertical and front-to-rear directions. The seventh liquid plate portion 67a covers part of the first opening 66b of the sixth liquid side portion 66, the first descending opening 66d, and the second descending opening 66f from the right side.

[0166] The liquid pipe connection opening 67b is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the seventh liquid plate portion 67a in the plate thickness direction, at the center in the front-to-rear direction near the lower end of the seventh liquid side portion 67. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the liquid pipe connection opening 67b.

[0167] The first distribution opening 67c is provided below and in front of the liquid pipe connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side section 67, and is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the seventh liquid plate section 67a in the plate thickness direction. The first distribution opening 67c communicates with the fourth region 87 of the first opening section 66b on the left side. The pipe end 71a of the first connection pipe 71 is connected to the first distribution opening 67c on the right side.

[0168] The second distribution opening 67d is provided below and rearward of the liquid pipe connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side section 67, and is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the seventh liquid plate section 67a in the plate thickness direction. The second distribution opening 67d communicates with the fifth region 89 of the first opening 66b on the left side. The pipe end 72a of the second communication pipe 72 is connected to the second distribution opening 67d on the right side.

[0169] The first communication opening 67e is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the seventh liquid plate portion 67a in the plate thickness direction, at the center in the front-to-rear direction above the liquid pipe connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side portion 67. A pipe end portion 71b of the first connection pipe 71 is connected to the first communication opening 67e.

[0170] The second communication opening 67f is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the seventh liquid plate portion 67a in the plate thickness direction, at the center in the front-to-rear direction above the first communication opening 67e of the seventh liquid side portion 67. A pipe end portion 72b of the second connection pipe 72 is connected to the second communication opening 67f.

[0171] The front portion of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a is crimped by the first liquid crimping claw 61e, and the rear portion of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a is crimped by the second liquid crimping claw 61f.

[0172] (5-8) Connecting piping The first connection pipe 71 is provided on the right side of the seventh liquid-side section 67, has a pipe end 71a and a pipe end 71b, and is a pipe extending from the pipe end 71a to the pipe end 71b. The first connection pipe 71 is connected to the first distribution opening 67c of the seventh liquid-side section 67 at the pipe end 71a. The first connection pipe 71 is connected to the first communication opening 67e of the seventh liquid-side section 67 at the pipe end 71b.

[0173] The second connection pipe 72 is provided on the right side of the seventh liquid-side section 67, has a pipe end 72a and a pipe end 72b, and is a pipe extending from the pipe end 72a to the pipe end 72b. The second connection pipe 72 is connected to the second distribution opening 67d of the seventh liquid-side section 67 at the pipe end 72a. The second connection pipe 72 is connected to the second communication opening 67f of the seventh liquid-side section 67 at the pipe end 72b.

[0174] (6) Diversion of refrigerant at the first opening The first opening 66b has a connection portion P, a first region 80 (an example of a "first portion"), a first narrowing portion 81, a second region 82, a first bulging portion 83, a third region 84, a second bulging portion 85, a fourth narrowing portion 86, a fourth region 87, a fifth narrowing portion 88, and a fifth region 89.

[0175] The first region 80 is located above the center of the first opening 66b in the front-to-rear direction and extends vertically so that its longitudinal direction is vertical. The left side of the first region 80 is covered by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, the first region 80 overlaps with and communicates with the liquid pipe connection opening 67b. The first region 80, the liquid pipe connection opening 67b, and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a are aligned horizontally. Note that the connection portion between the first region 80 and the liquid pipe connection opening 67b is preferably positioned above the center of the first region 80 in the vertical direction.

[0176] The first throttle portion 81 is located below the first region 80 and above the connection portion P, and is connected to the first region 80 and the connection portion P. The front-rear center of the first throttle portion 81, the front-rear center of the first region 80, and the connection portion P are aligned in the vertical direction. The horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first throttle portion 81, is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 80, and is preferably equal to or less than half of the horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 80. The left side of the first throttle portion 81 is covered by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, and the right side is covered by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a.

[0177] The second region 82 is connected to the connection portion P and extends horizontally forward, forward of the connection portion P. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82 is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first throttle portion 81. As a result, the refrigerant flowing from the first throttle portion 81 toward the second region 82 is more likely to be agitated between the gas phase refrigerant and the liquid phase refrigerant due to the rapid expansion of the flow path. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82 is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 80. As a result, the refrigerant can flow in the second region 82 while the gas phase refrigerant and the liquid phase refrigerant are still agitated. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82 is the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction, which is the refrigerant flow direction in the second region 82, and may be the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section at the longitudinal center of the second region 82. The left side of the second region 82 is covered by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, and the right side is covered by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a.

[0178] The first bulge 83 is located in front of the second region 82 and is connected to the second region 82. Specifically, the first bulge 83 is located in front of the connection point between the second region 82 and the fourth narrowing portion 86. The upper and lower ends of the first bulge 83 are the same as the upper and lower ends of the second region 82. The length of the first bulge 83 in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than the length of the second region 82 in the front-to-rear direction, and may be, for example, equal to or shorter than the length of the fourth region 87 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0179] The third region 84 is connected to the connection portion P and extends horizontally rearward behind the connection portion P. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84 is larger than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first throttling portion 81. As a result, the refrigerant flowing from the first throttling portion 81 toward the third region 84 is more likely to mix the gas phase refrigerant and liquid phase refrigerant due to the sudden expansion of the flow path. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84 is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the first region 80. As a result, the refrigerant can flow in the third region 84 while the gas phase refrigerant and the liquid phase refrigerant are kept mixed. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84 is the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction, which is the refrigerant flow direction in the third region 84, and may be the cross-sectional area of ​​a cross section at the longitudinal center of the third region 84. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84 is equal to the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82. The third region 84 is covered on the left side by the fifth liquid plate portion 65a and on the right side by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a.

[0180] The second bulge portion 85 is located rearward of the third region 84 and is connected to the third region 84. Specifically, the second bulge portion 85 is located rearward of the connection point between the third region 84 and the fifth narrowing portion 88. The upper and lower ends of the second bulge portion 85 are the same as the upper and lower ends of the third region 84. The length of the second bulge portion 85 in the front-to-rear direction is shorter than the length of the third region 84 in the front-to-rear direction, and may be, for example, equal to or shorter than the length of the fifth region 89 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0181] The fourth throttle portion 86 is provided to extend upward from the upper end of the front end portion of the second region 82. The horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth throttle portion 86, is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth region 87, and is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second region 82. The length of the fourth throttle portion 86 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the combined length of the second region 82 and the first bulge portion 83 in the front-rear direction.

[0182] The fourth region 87 is provided to extend upward from the upper end of the fourth throttling section 86. The front-rear center of the fourth throttling section 86 and the front-rear center of the fourth region 87 are aligned vertically. When viewed in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, the area of ​​the fourth region 87 is smaller than the area of ​​the first region 80. The left side of the fourth region 87 is covered by the fifth liquid plate section 65a. When viewed in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, the fourth region 87 overlaps and communicates with the first distribution opening 67c. The fourth region 87, the first distribution opening 67c, and the pipe end 71a of the first connection pipe 71 are aligned horizontally. Note that the connection portion between the fourth region 87 and the first distribution opening 67c is preferably positioned above the vertical center of the fourth region 87.

[0183] The fifth throttle portion 88 is provided to extend upward from the upper end of the rear end portion of the third region 84. The horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the fifth throttle portion 88, is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the fifth region 89, and is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third region 84. The horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the fifth throttle portion 88, is equal to the horizontal cross-sectional area, which is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth throttle portion 86. The length of the fifth throttle portion 88 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the combined length of the third region 84 and the second bulge portion 85 in the front-rear direction.

[0184] The fifth region 89 is provided to extend upward from the upper end of the fifth throttling section 88. The front-rear center of the fifth throttling section 88 and the front-rear center of the fifth region 89 are aligned vertically. When viewed in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, the area of ​​the fifth region 89 is smaller than the area of ​​the first region 80 and equal to the area of ​​the fourth region 87. The left side of the fifth region 89 is covered by the fifth liquid plate section 65a. When viewed in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, the fifth region 89 overlaps and communicates with the second distribution opening 67d. The fifth region 89, the second distribution opening 67d, and the pipe end 72a of the second connection pipe 72 are aligned horizontally. Note that the connection between the fifth region 89 and the second distribution opening 67d is preferably positioned upward relative to the vertical center of the fifth region 89.

[0185] The first opening 66b has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that extends in the up-down and left-right directions and includes the connection portion P. Specifically, the second region 82 and the third region 84 extend in directions that are symmetrical with respect to the imaginary plane, and extend the same length.

[0186] In the above configuration, the liquid header 60 has a first flow path A, a second flow path B, a third flow path C, a fourth flow path D, and a fifth flow path E, which are refrigerant flow paths formed by the fifth liquid side section 65, the sixth liquid side section 66, and the seventh liquid side section 67.

[0187] The first flow path A includes the first region 80 and the first constriction section 81 of the sixth liquid side section 66, and is a flow path surrounded on the left and right by the fifth liquid side section 65 and the seventh liquid side section 67, and extends vertically to the connection section P.

[0188] The second flow path B is a flow path that includes the second region 82 and the first bulge portion 83 of the sixth liquid side portion 66, and is surrounded on the left and right by the fifth liquid side portion 65 and the seventh liquid side portion 67, and extends forward from the connection portion P.

[0189] The third flow path C is a flow path that includes the third region 84 and the second bulge portion 85 of the sixth liquid side portion 66, and is surrounded on the left and right by the fifth liquid side portion 65 and the seventh liquid side portion 67, and extends rearward from the connection portion P.

[0190] The fourth flow path D is a flow path that includes the fourth constriction section 86 and the fourth region 87 of the sixth liquid side section 66, and is surrounded on the left and right by the fifth liquid side section 65 and the seventh liquid side section 67, and extends upward from the second flow path B.

[0191] The fifth flow path E includes the fifth throttling section 88 and the fifth region 89 of the sixth liquid side section 66, and is a flow path surrounded on the left and right by the fifth liquid side section 65 and the seventh liquid side section 67, and extends upward from the third flow path C.

[0192] When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state that flows through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a and enters the first region 80 of the first opening 66b descends through the first flow path A, its flow velocity increases as it passes through the first throttle section 81, and it is sent to the connection part P. The refrigerant sent to the connection part P hits the edges of the second flow path B and the third flow path C that are located vertically below the first throttle section 81, where the refrigerant in the gas phase and the refrigerant in the liquid phase are mixed, and then the refrigerant flow direction changes significantly and branches into the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0193] The refrigerant flowing through the second flow path B is sent to the fourth flow path D. In the fourth flow path D, the refrigerant whose flow velocity has been increased by the fourth throttle portion 86 is blown up into the fourth region 87.

[0194] The refrigerant flowing through the third flow path C is sent to the fifth flow path E. In the fifth flow path E, the refrigerant, whose flow velocity has been increased by the fifth throttle portion 88, is blown up into the fifth region 89.

[0195] (7) Features of the embodiment The liquid header 60 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a structure that, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, divides the refrigerant that flows in through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a before sending it to the multiple flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header 60. Therefore, there is no need to provide a conventionally known flow divider separately from the liquid header 60, making it possible to compact the installation space and reduce parts costs.

[0196] When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that flows into the first opening 66b of the liquid header 60 via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a descends through the first flow path A. The flow velocity is increased at the first throttle section 81, which narrows the flow path, and the refrigerant is sent to the connection section P, where it branches into the second flow path B and the third flow path C. This makes it possible to minimize the difference between the proportion of gas-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase refrigerant flowing through the second flow path B and the proportion of gas-phase refrigerant and liquid-phase refrigerant flowing through the third flow path C. The second flow path B and the third flow path C have the same flow path cross-sectional area and flow path length, and are symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that includes the connection section P and extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. This also makes it possible to minimize the difference between the amount of refrigerant flowing from the connection section P toward the second flow path B and the amount of refrigerant flowing from the connection section P toward the third flow path C. Furthermore, the fourth throttle section 86 of the fourth flow path D connected to the second flow path B and the fifth throttle section 88 of the fifth flow path E connected to the third flow path C have the same flow path cross-sectional area, and can generate the same level of pressure loss in the refrigerant. In this respect, too, the difference in the amount of refrigerant between the second flow path B and the third flow path C is kept small. This makes it possible to evenly distribute the refrigerant that has passed through the first flow path A to the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0197] Furthermore, the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E are also symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that includes the connection portion P and extends in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the connection side of the fourth flow path D to the second flow path B and the connection side of the fifth flow path E to the third flow path C are on the same upper side. Therefore, it is possible to make the amount of refrigerant supplied to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E equal, while also making the ratio of gas phase refrigerant to liquid phase refrigerant approximately the same.

[0198] Further, second flow path B has a first bulge 83 that bulges on the side opposite to the connecting portion P with respect to the branching portion to fourth flow path D, and third flow path C has a second bulge 85 that bulges on the side opposite to the connecting portion P with respect to the branching portion to fifth flow path E. As a result, even if a difference occurs in the proportion of liquid-phase refrigerant between the refrigerant flowing through second flow path B and the refrigerant flowing through third flow path C, the liquid refrigerant can be retained in the corresponding bulge portion in the flow path through which a larger amount of liquid-phase refrigerant flows, and it is possible to minimize the difference in the proportion of liquid-phase refrigerant between the refrigerant flowing through fourth flow path D and the refrigerant flowing through fifth flow path E.

[0199] The first opening 66b, which enables the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path A to be diverted to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and further to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E, is provided in the sixth member 46, which is a single plate-shaped member. This makes it possible to diverge the refrigerant within the liquid header 60 using a small number of members.

[0200] Furthermore, since the first flow path A, the fourth flow path D, and the fifth flow path E are all arranged on the same upper side relative to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, it is possible to keep the vertical length of the first opening 66b small.

[0201] (8) Other embodiments (8-1) Other embodiment A In the above embodiment, an example was given of an outdoor heat exchanger 11 configured so that when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant that has passed through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a flows into the first region 80 of the first opening 66b of the sixth liquid side section 66 through the liquid pipe connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side section 67.

[0202] However, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may have a fifth liquid side portion 165 instead of the fifth liquid side portion 65 of the above embodiment, a seventh liquid side portion 167 instead of the seventh liquid side portion 67 of the above embodiment, and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a connected to the lower end of the second header 30. Fig. 13 shows an explanatory diagram of the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 according to another embodiment A functions as a refrigerant evaporator. Here, two flat tubes 28 are connected from below to the region of the second header 30 to which the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected, and the interior of the second header 30 is partitioned between this region and an upper region (not shown).

[0203] The fifth liquid side portion 165 is the fifth liquid side portion 65 of the above embodiment, further provided with a connection opening 65h. The connection opening 65h is provided below the first communication opening 65b and is an opening that penetrates the fifth liquid plate portion 65a in the plate thickness direction. The connection opening 65h communicates with the opening 64b of the fourth liquid side portion 64 on the left side and with the first region 80 of the first communication opening 66c of the sixth liquid side portion 66 on the right side.

[0204] The seventh liquid side portion 167 is the seventh liquid side portion 67 of the above embodiment, except that the liquid pipe connection opening 67b is omitted. As a result, the right side of the first region 80 at the first communication opening 66c of the sixth liquid side portion 66 is covered by the seventh liquid plate portion 67a of the seventh liquid side portion 167.

[0205] In the above configuration, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant introduced into the lower end region of the second header 30 via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a flows through the two lowest flat tubes 28, passes through the two lowest liquid-side flat tube connection openings 61b, the two lowest liquid insertion openings 62b, and the two lowest liquid restriction openings 63b, and joins at the opening 64b of the fourth liquid-side section 64. Note that, by sending the refrigerant to the two lowest flat tubes 28 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11, a pressure loss can be generated in the two flat tubes 28, and frost formation and growth near the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 can be suppressed. The refrigerant that joined at the opening 64b of the fourth liquid-side section 64 is then introduced into the first region 80 of the first opening 66b of the sixth liquid-side section 66 via the connection opening 65h of the fifth liquid-side section 165. The refrigerant introduced into the first region 80 changes its flow direction downward when it hits the seventh liquid plate portion 67a of the seventh liquid-side portion 67, and flows toward the first throttle portion 81. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows and is divided in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0206] (8-2) Other embodiment B In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first opening 66b is configured so that the second flow path B has the same flow path area extending therethrough, and the third flow path C has the same flow path area extending therethrough.

[0207] However, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 14, the first opening 66b may have a second throttle section 98 in which the second flow path B is configured by partially narrowing the flow path area, and a third flow path C in which the third flow path C is configured by partially narrowing the flow path area. The second throttle section 98 and the third throttle section 99 may have the same flow path cross-sectional area.

[0208] In this case, the refrigerant that has passed through the first throttling section 81 undergoes pressure loss in the second throttling section 98 and the third throttling section 99, thereby limiting the amount of refrigerant passing through the second throttling section 98 and limiting the amount of refrigerant passing through the third throttling section 99, thereby preventing liquid refrigerant from flowing concentratedly into either the second flow path B or the third flow path C.

[0209] (8-3) Other embodiment C In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first flow path A, the fourth flow path D, and the fifth flow path E are all arranged on the same side, that is, the upper side, of the first opening 66b relative to the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0210] However, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the first flow path A may be configured to have a first region 80a and a first throttle portion 81a, and may be positioned below the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0211] Even in this case, the refrigerant blown up from the first region 80a through the first throttling section 81a to the connection section P is evenly distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also evenly distributed to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E.

[0212] (8-4) Other embodiment D In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first flow path A, the fourth flow path D, and the fifth flow path E are all arranged on the same side, that is, the upper side, of the first opening 66b relative to the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0213] 16, the fourth flow path D may be configured to have a fourth region 87a and a fourth throttle portion 86a and be located below the second flow path B, and the fifth flow path E may be configured to have a fifth region 89a and a fifth throttle portion 88a and be located below the third flow path C.

[0214] Even in this case, the refrigerant blown down from the first region 80 through the first throttling section 81 to the connection section P is evenly distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also evenly distributed to the fourth flow path D extending downward from the second flow path B and the fifth flow path E extending downward from the third flow path C.

[0215] In addition to the above, the first opening 66b may have a fourth flow path D extending downward from the second flow path B and a fifth flow path E extending upward from the third flow path C, or may have a fourth flow path D extending upward from the second flow path B and a fifth flow path E extending downward from the third flow path C.

[0216] (8-5) Other embodiment E In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the first flow path A, the fourth flow path D, and the fifth flow path E are all arranged on the same side, that is, the upper side, of the first opening 66b relative to the second flow path B and the third flow path C.

[0217] 17, the first opening 66b may be configured such that the first flow path A has a first region 80a and a first throttle portion 81a and is located below the second flow path B and the third flow path C, the fourth flow path D has a fourth region 87a and a fourth throttle portion 86a and is located below the second flow path B, and the fifth flow path E has a fifth region 89a and a fifth throttle portion 88a and is located below the third flow path C.

[0218] Even in this case, the refrigerant blown up from the first region 80a through the first throttling section 81a to the connection section P is evenly distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also evenly distributed to the fourth flow path D extending downward from the second flow path B and the fifth flow path E extending downward from the third flow path C.

[0219] In addition to the above, the first opening 66b may have a fourth flow path D extending downward from the second flow path B and a fifth flow path E extending upward from the third flow path C, or may have a fourth flow path D extending upward from the second flow path B and a fifth flow path E extending downward from the third flow path C.

[0220] (8-6) Other embodiment F In the above embodiment, the case where the first flow path A is configured to have the first region 80 and the first throttle portion 81 in the first opening 66b has been described as an example.

[0221] However, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 , in the first opening 66b, the first flow path A may be configured to include a first region 80b and a first throttle portion 81. This first region 80b has an upper first region 80x and a lower first region 80y, and the first throttle portion 81 is interposed between the upper first region 80x and the lower first region 80y in the vertical direction. Note that the position of the first throttle portion 81 in the first region 80b is preferably closer to the connection portion than the midpoint in the vertical direction, which is the refrigerant flow direction of the first flow path A, and is preferably located lower than the first region 80b. The area of ​​the flow path cross-section, which is the horizontal cross-section of the upper first region 80x, and the area of ​​the flow path cross-section, which is the horizontal cross-section of the lower first region 80y, are equal to each other and are both larger than the area of ​​the flow path cross-section, which is the horizontal cross-section of the first throttle portion 81.

[0222] Even in this case, the refrigerant blown down from the upper first region 80x of the first region 80b through the first throttling section 81 to the lower first region 80y and the connection section P below it is evenly distributed to the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and also evenly distributed to the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E.

[0223] (8-7) Other embodiment G In the above embodiment, the case where the second flow path B and the third flow path C extend horizontally so as to be spaced apart from each other from the connection portion P in the first opening 66b has been described as an example.

[0224] However, the first opening 66b is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the second flow path B and the third flow path C may extend at an angle with respect to the horizontal direction so as to move away from each other from the connecting portion P. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the second flow path B may be configured to have a second region 82a and a first bulging portion 83a, and the third flow path C may be configured to have a third region 84a and a second bulging portion 85a, and may extend so as to be positioned upward as they move away from the connecting portion P. Furthermore, the second flow path B and the third flow path C may extend so as to be positioned downward as they move away from the connecting portion P (not shown).

[0225] In these cases, as in the above embodiment, the refrigerant that flows through the first flow path A is divided equally into the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also distributed equally into the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E.

[0226] (8-8) Other embodiment H In the above embodiment, the case where the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used in an attitude in which the longitudinal direction of the liquid header 60 is the up-down direction has been described as an example.

[0227] However, the longitudinal direction of the liquid header 60 in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 20 , the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be used with the longitudinal direction of the liquid header 60 tilted so that the longitudinal direction of the sixth liquid side section 166 of the liquid header 60 is tilted with respect to the up-down direction. In this case, even if the longitudinal direction of the sixth liquid side section 166 is tilted with respect to the up-down direction, the shape and orientation of the first opening 166b of the sixth liquid side section 166 are the same as those in the above embodiment. Specifically, the first flow path A extends in the vertical direction, and the second flow path B and the third flow path C are provided symmetrically with respect to an imaginary plane including a line extending vertically from the connection portion P and a line along which the flat tubes 28 extend from the connection portion P, and the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E are provided symmetrically with respect to the imaginary plane. In this case, as in the above embodiment, the refrigerant that flows through the first flow path A is divided equally into the second flow path B and the third flow path C, and is also distributed equally into the fourth flow path D and the fifth flow path E.

[0228] (8-9) Other Embodiments I In the above embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a plurality of flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header 60, as an example.

[0229] On the other hand, the heat transfer tubes connected to the liquid header 60 are not limited to flat tubes, but may be heat transfer tubes whose flow passage cross section is cylindrical.

[0230] (8-10) Other embodiments J In the above embodiment, the first flow path A, the second flow path B, and the third flow path C are described as being configured by covering the first opening 66b of the sixth liquid side portion 66 of the sixth member 46, which is a single plate member, with the seventh liquid plate portion 67a of the seventh liquid side portion 67 of the seventh member 47 and the fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid side portion 65 of the fifth member 45.

[0231] However, the first flow path A, the second flow path B, and the third flow path C are not limited to this. For example, the liquid header 60 may have a plurality of plate members each having an opening shaped to correspond to the first opening 66b, and the first flow path A, the second flow path B, and the third flow path C may be configured by covering both sides in the plate thickness direction with a stack of these plurality of plate members.

[0232] (Addendum) 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 as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0233] 1. Air conditioning equipment 2 outdoor units 3. Control Unit 11 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 19 First gas refrigerant pipe 19a Gas refrigerant connection pipe 20 Liquid refrigerant pipe 20a Liquid refrigerant connection pipe 27 Heat exchange section 28 Flat tube (heat transfer tube) 30 Second Header 40 First Header (Header) 41 First member (plate member) 42 Second member (plate member) 43 Third member (plate member) 44 Fourth member (plate member) 45 Fifth member (plate member) 46 6th member (plate member, first plate member, plate-shaped member) 47 Seventh member (plate member) 50 Gas Header 50S Gas Space 56b Sixth gas opening (second opening) 60 Liquid Header (Header) 60S liquid space 64d First introduction area (sixth flow path) 64h Second introduction area (7th flow path) 65b First communication opening (sixth flow path) 65e Second communication opening (seventh flow path) 66b 1st opening 66c First communication opening (sixth flow path, second opening) 66d 1st descending opening (2nd opening) 66e Second communication opening (seventh flow path, second opening) 66f 2nd descending opening (2nd opening) 67e First communication opening (sixth flow path) 67f Second communication opening (7th flow path) 71 First connecting pipe 72 Second connecting pipe 80 1st area (1st part) 81 First throttle section 82 Second area 83 First bulge 84 Third area 85 Second bulge 86 Fourth throttle section 87 4th area 88 5th throttle section 89 5th area 98 Second throttle section 99 Third Stroke Section 166 First Opening 166a 1st opening A First flow path B Second flow path C Third flow path D 4th flow path E 5th flow path P connection [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0234] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 049727

Claims

1. A header (60); a plurality of heat transfer tubes (28) connected to the header; Equipped with The header has a first flow path (A), a second flow path (B), and a third flow path (C) connected to each other at a connection portion (P), The first flow path extends in a first direction which is a vertical direction, The second flow path extends in a second direction, The third flow path extends in a third direction, the second direction and the third direction are symmetrical with respect to an imaginary plane that includes a line extending vertically from the connection portion and a line extending in a direction in which the heat transfer tube extends from the connection portion, The first flow path has a first throttle portion (81). Heat exchanger (11).

2. the second direction and the third direction are horizontal directions; The heat exchanger of claim 1 .

3. The first narrowing portion is connected to the connection portion.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first narrowed portion is located above the connecting portion. The heat exchanger according to claim 3.

5. the header is a stacked header in which a plurality of plate members (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47) including a first plate member (46) are stacked, The first plate member forms the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The second flow path has a second throttle portion (98), The third flow path has a third throttle portion (99).

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

7. a flow path area of ​​the second flow path and a flow path area of ​​the third flow path are the same, The flow path length of the second flow path and the flow path length of the third flow path are the same.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a fourth flow path (D) connected to the second flow path and extending in a direction different from the direction in which the second flow path extends; a fifth flow path (E) connected to the third flow path and extending in a direction different from the direction in which the third flow path extends; Furthermore, 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

9. Both the fourth flow path and the fifth flow path extend upward, or Both the fourth flow path and the fifth flow path extend downward; Either 9. The heat exchanger of claim 8.

10. The second flow path has a first bulging portion (83) that bulges outward from a connection point between the second flow path and the fourth flow path toward an opposite side to the connection portion side in a direction in which the second flow path extends, The third flow path has a second bulging portion (85) that bulges outward from a connection point between the third flow path and the fifth flow path toward the opposite side to the connection portion in the direction in which the third flow path extends.

9. The heat exchanger of claim 8.

11. The fourth flow path has a fourth throttle portion (86), The fifth flow path has a fifth throttle portion (88).

9. The heat exchanger of claim 8.

12. a first connecting pipe (71) whose both ends are connected to the header; a second connecting pipe (72) having both ends connected to the header; Furthermore, The first communication pipe constitutes at least a part of a flow path connecting the fourth flow path and a sixth flow path (67e, 66c, 65b, 64d) that is a flow path inside the header, The second communication pipe constitutes at least a part of a flow path connecting the fifth flow path and a seventh flow path (67f, 66e, 65e, 64h) which is a flow path inside the header.

9. The heat exchanger of claim 8.

13. The first flow path has a first portion (80) having a flow path cross-sectional area larger than that of the first throttle portion, a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path and a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path are smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion; 3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The header has a plate-like member (46) in which are formed a first opening (66b) that forms the connecting portion and at least a part of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path, and a second opening (66c, 66d, 66e, 66f, 56b) that is isolated from the first opening and forms an eighth flow path that is a flow path other than the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

15. When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, the refrigerant flows from the first flow path toward the connecting portion.

3. The heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2.

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