Air conditioner

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an air conditioner capable of improving the efficiency of heat exchange.SOLUTION: The air conditioner 1 includes a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 20, and a connection part 25 connected to a refrigerant flow passage of the other outdoor heat exchanger 20 is respectively arranged in an end part of the respective outdoor heat exchangers 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been techniques for arranging multiple outdoor heat exchangers in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting two outdoor heat exchangers with a bent pipe. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for connecting the outdoor heat exchangers by bending an integrally provided header to form a stress absorption section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-215161

[0004] [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2021 / 014522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can improve the efficiency of heat exchange. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioning apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of heat exchangers, each of which is provided at its end with a connection portion that is connected to the refrigerant flow path of the other heat exchangers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The air conditioner according to the present disclosure can increase the heat transfer area, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outdoor heat exchanger according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] Schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a connection portion according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the idea for the present disclosure, there was a technology in which multiple heat exchangers in an air conditioning apparatus were connected by bent piping. However, the inventors discovered a problem with the conventional technology: the gap between two adjacent heat exchangers was large, which reduced the heat transfer area available for heat exchange between the heat exchangers, thereby reducing the efficiency of heat exchange in the air conditioning apparatus. To solve this problem, the inventors came up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can improve the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1-1.Configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner 1 equipped with an outdoor unit 3 and an indoor unit 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor unit 3.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 4 and an indoor blower fan 5. The outdoor unit 3 includes a compressor 6, a four-way valve 7, a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 20, and an expansion valve 8. The four-way valve 7 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 6. The outdoor heat exchanger 20, which is equipped with an outdoor blower fan 9, is connected to the four-way valve 7. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is configured to exchange heat between the air sent by the outdoor blower fan 9 and the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is an example of a heat exchanger.

[0013] In addition, an expansion valve 8 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 20. The various parts of the air conditioner 1 are connected by refrigerant piping 10. The outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected to one another by connectors 25, which will be described later. As shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor unit 3 has a housing 11. Of the four side surfaces extending in the vertical direction of the outdoor unit 3, a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged on two adjacent surfaces.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 20. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing one outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0015] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is configured as a so-called flat tube heat exchanger, and includes a header 21 and flat tubes 22. The flat tubes 22 are an example of heat transfer tubes. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, and a plane including the header 21 and the flat tubes 22 is defined as a heat exchanger plane.

[0016] An end of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is formed by a header 21. A plurality of flat tubes 22 are provided between a pair of headers 21 that extend substantially parallel to each other. The extension direction of the flat tubes 22 is substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the header 21. Each flat tube 22 has a plurality of fins, which are plate members having a plurality of insertion holes formed on a plane thereof, through which each flat tube 22 can be inserted. In this embodiment, the header 21 and the flat tubes 22 are both formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0017] The header 21 is configured as a so-called vertical header, which is disposed extending in the vertical direction. However, the header 21 is not limited to this, and may be configured as a so-called horizontal header, which is disposed in the horizontal direction.

[0018] 3, the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 may be connected so that their heat exchanger planes are parallel to each other, or so that their heat exchanger planes are perpendicular to each other. The two outdoor heat exchangers 20 being connected perpendicularly or parallel to each other is defined as the respective heat exchanger planes being perpendicular or parallel to each other.

[0019] In this embodiment, there are three outdoor heat exchangers 20. When the three outdoor heat exchangers 20 are described separately, they are referred to as a first outdoor heat exchanger 20A, a second outdoor heat exchanger 20B, and a third outdoor heat exchanger 20C, respectively. When there is no need to distinguish between the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A, the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B, and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C, they are collectively referred to as the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0020] Of the three outdoor heat exchangers 20, adjacent two, the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A and the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B, are arranged so that their heat exchanger planes are perpendicular to each other. Of the three outdoor heat exchangers 20, adjacent two, the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C, are arranged so that their heat exchanger planes are perpendicular to each other.

[0021] The header 21 has connecting portions 25 that can be structurally fitted together. The connecting portions 25 are detachable from each other. The connecting portions 25 are connected to and communicate with the refrigerant flow path of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 in which the connecting portions 25 are provided. The connecting portions 25 are made of a material different from that of the outdoor heat exchanger 20, and in this embodiment, are made of stainless steel. The two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected by a connection portion 25 provided in each of the headers 21 of the other.

[0022] The connecting portion 25 is divided into a protruding portion 26 and a receiving recessed portion 27. When there is no need to distinguish between the protruding portion 26 and the receiving recessed portion 27, they are collectively referred to as the connecting portion 25.

[0023] The connecting portions 25 can be directly connected to each other by fitting the protruding portion 26 and the receiving recessed portion 27 together. The protruding portion 26 and the receiving recessed portion 27 may be configured as a joint.

[0024] The receiving recess 27 is recessed from the header 21 so that the protrusion 26 fits into it.

[0025] The direction of the receiving recess 27, i.e., the concave direction, may be parallel to the heat exchanger plane or perpendicular to the heat exchanger plane. The direction of the receiving recess 27 refers to the direction relative to the heat exchanger plane of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 in which the receiving recess 27 is provided.

[0026] The receiving recess 27 is formed to protrude from the header 21 in a tubular shape.

[0027] The direction of the protrusions 26, or the direction in which they protrude, may be parallel to the heat exchanger plane or perpendicular to the heat exchanger plane. The direction of the protrusions 26 refers to the direction relative to the heat exchanger plane of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 on which the protrusions 26 are provided.

[0028] Hereinafter, the patterns of the relationship between the direction of the protrusions 26 or the receiving recesses 27 and the directions of two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 will be described.

[0029] When the protrusions 26 and the receiving recesses 27 are parallel to the heat exchanger planes, the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected so that the heat exchanger planes are parallel to each other. When the protrusions 26 are parallel to the heat exchanger plane and the receiving recesses 27 are perpendicular to the heat exchanger plane, the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected so that the heat exchanger planes are perpendicular to each other. When the protrusions 26 are perpendicular to the heat exchanger plane and the receiving recesses 27 are parallel to the heat exchanger plane, the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected so that the heat exchanger planes are perpendicular to each other. When the protrusions 26 and the receiving recesses 27 are perpendicular to the heat exchanger plane, the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected so as to be parallel to and face each other.

[0030] The first outdoor heat exchanger 20A, the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B, and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C of this embodiment are each formed in the same shape and include three similar connecting portions 25.

[0031] Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 has two protrusions 26 and one receiving recess 27. One outdoor heat exchanger 20 is formed in a rectangular shape, and the four corners of the rectangle are defined, in order, as a first corner A, a second corner B, a third corner C, and a fourth corner D. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 has a receiving recess 27 at the position of the first corner A that is parallel to the heat exchanger plane and recessed in the extension direction of the flat tubes 22, a protrusion 26 at the position of the second corner B that is parallel to the heat exchanger plane and protrudes in the extension direction of the flat tubes 22, and a protrusion 26 at the position of the third corner C that protrudes perpendicular to the heat exchanger plane and perpendicular to the extension direction of the flat tubes 22.

[0032] The refrigerant pipe 10 is connected to a receiving recess 27 located at a first corner A of the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A. The protrusion 26 located at the third corner C of the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A is connected to the receiving recess 27 located at the first corner A of the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B. The protrusion 26 located at the second corner B of the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B is connected to the receiving recess 27 located at the first corner A of the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C. The refrigerant pipe 10 is connected to the protruding portion 26 located at the second corner B of the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C.

[0033] The protrusion 26 located at the second corner B of the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A and the protrusions 26 located at the third corner C of the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C are sealed by sealing means not shown to prevent refrigerant leakage.

[0034] [1-2. Effects, etc.] Heat is exchanged between the air sent by the outdoor blower fan 9 and the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 20. In particular, the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of flat tubes 22 exchanges heat with the air while the heat exchange is promoted by the fins.

[0035] If the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is arranged in a substantially L-shape by bending the flat tubes 22, the flat tubes 22 must be bent gently to prevent damage to the flat tubes 22. The bent parts of the flat tubes 22 reduce the heat transfer area compared to when the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, if the headers 21 of the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected by bent piping, the flat tubes 22 are not arranged between the two outdoor heat exchangers 20, and the heat transfer area is reduced.

[0036] The vertically extending headers 21 of the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected by a connection portion 25 . More specifically, the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged perpendicular to each other by fitting the protrusions 26 that protrude from the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A in a direction perpendicular to the heat exchanger plane into the receiving recesses 27 that are recessed in a direction parallel to the heat exchanger plane of the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B. This allows the ends of the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 to fit together structurally, reducing the gap between the ends of the outdoor heat exchangers 20 and increasing the heat transfer area.

[0037] Furthermore, depending on the arrangement of the connecting portions 25 in the outdoor heat exchanger 20 of this embodiment, any number of outdoor heat exchangers 20 having the same configuration can be connected so that the heat exchanger planes are parallel. Furthermore, two outdoor heat exchangers 20 can be connected perpendicularly.

[0038] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air conditioning apparatus 1 in this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 20, and each outdoor heat exchanger 20 has a connection portion 25 at its end that is connected to the refrigerant flow path of the other outdoor heat exchangers 20. According to this, the gap between the ends of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is reduced by fitting the ends together using the connecting portion 25. This increases the heat transfer area over which the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can exchange heat, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange in the outdoor unit 3.

[0039] Furthermore, at least one of two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 is arranged perpendicular to each other, and in this embodiment, the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A and the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B are arranged perpendicular to each other. This reduces the gap between the ends of two adjacent, perpendicularly arranged outdoor heat exchangers 20. This increases the heat transfer area over which the outdoor heat exchangers 20 can exchange heat, improving the efficiency of heat exchange in the outdoor unit 3.

[0040] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 also includes a pair of headers 21, and the connection portion 25 is provided in the headers 21. This reduces the gap between two adjacent headers 21, and in turn reduces the gap between the ends of the outdoor heat exchanger 20. This increases the heat transfer area over which the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can exchange heat, improving the efficiency of heat exchange in the outdoor unit 3.

[0041] In addition, the connection portion 25 is composed of a protrusion portion 26 that communicates with the refrigerant flow path of the header 21, and a concave receiving recess 27 that communicates with the refrigerant flow path of the header 21 and receives the protrusion portion 26, and by connecting the protrusion portion 26 and the receiving recess 27, the refrigerant flow paths of each outdoor heat exchanger 20 are connected. This allows the ends of the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 to be connected so as to fit together, improving strength.

[0042] Moreover, the exterior dimensions of each outdoor heat exchanger 20 are formed to be approximately the same. This can reduce the cost of producing or procuring the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0043] Furthermore, the connection portions 25 of the outdoor heat exchangers 20 are formed in the same manner. According to this, since the outdoor heat exchanger 20, including the connection portion 25, is formed in the same manner, the cost of producing or procuring the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can be further reduced.

[0044] The connection portion 25 of each outdoor heat exchanger 20 is formed to be detachable. According to this, since the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is removable, workability is improved in maintenance and other work.

[0045] Each outdoor heat exchanger 20 includes flat tubes 22 . This allows the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 to be arranged perpendicular to each other without bending the flat tubes 22, which are difficult to bend in a direction different from the direction in which the flat tubes 22 extend.

[0046] The outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged in at least one of a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the flat tubes 22 provided in the outdoor heat exchangers 20 and a direction parallel to the axial direction. This allows the outdoor heat exchanger 20 to be changed into various layouts depending on the size and function of the outdoor unit 3, improving the versatility of the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0047] Furthermore, two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged in a substantially straight line, and the connection portion 25 is provided so as to be directed toward the adjacent outdoor heat exchanger 20. Furthermore, two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other, and the connection portion 25 is provided so as to be directed toward the adjacent outdoor heat exchanger 20. According to these, the connection portions 25 are connected to other connection portions 25 in a straight line, and the gap between the ends of two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 is reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, the connection portion 25 is formed of a material different from that of the outdoor heat exchanger 20. This allows the connecting portion 25 to be formed of a material having a different hardness and strength from that of the outdoor heat exchanger 20. In this embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is formed of an aluminum alloy, and the connecting portion 25 is formed of stainless steel.

[0049] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 also includes flat tubes 22 . When the heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 are configured as flat tubes 22, the flat tubes 22 have a larger longitudinal diameter than circular tubes, resulting in a larger difference between the inner and outer diameters when the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is bent. If the bending angle is small, this difference between the inner and outer diameters can cause the flat tubes 22 to buckle at the bent points due to compressive stress. Therefore, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 including the flat tubes 22 must have a larger bending angle than a heat exchanger including circular tubes. Due to this issue, the heat transfer area available for heat exchange by the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is likely to be reduced in the outdoor heat exchanger 20 including the flat tubes 22, and the impact of the installation issues of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is significant. However, with this configuration, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 includes the flat tubes 22, so the heat transfer area can be increased when multiple outdoor heat exchangers 20 are installed, as in the present embodiment.

[0050] (Embodiment 2) [2-1.Configuration] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor unit 203 according to the second embodiment. The outdoor unit 203 includes eight outdoor heat exchangers 20. The refrigerant branches into the four upper outdoor heat exchangers 20 and the four lower outdoor heat exchangers 20.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 20 in embodiment 2. Fig. 6 shows four outdoor heat exchangers 20. The four outdoor heat exchangers 20 shown in Fig. 6 have the same configuration whether they are on the upper side or the lower side of the outdoor unit 203.

[0052] 5, the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The upper second outdoor heat exchanger 20B and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C and the lower second outdoor heat exchanger 20B and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0053] A fourth outdoor heat exchanger 20D is connected perpendicularly to the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C. The fourth outdoor heat exchanger 20D is arranged on the same side as the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A, the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B, and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C. In other words, the four outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged in a substantially C-shape.

[0054] The fourth outdoor heat exchanger 20D has a receiving recess 27 formed at a corner opposite to the second corner B of the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C. A protrusion 26 located at the second corner B of the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C is fitted into the receiving recess 27 of the fourth outdoor heat exchanger 20. The fourth outdoor heat exchanger 20D has a connecting portion 25 on the side opposite to the receiving recess 27, and is connectable to the refrigerant pipe 10 via the connecting portion 25.

[0055] The fourth outdoor heat exchanger 20D is different from the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A, the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B, and the third outdoor heat exchanger 20C in the arrangement and number of connecting portions 25, but is otherwise configured in the same manner. In this way, in the second embodiment, all of the outdoor heat exchangers 20 are formed to have approximately the same external dimensions.

[0056] [2-2. Effects, etc.] The same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved. Furthermore, because the outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 of the present disclosure can be applied even to outdoor units 3 whose housings 11 are large in the vertical direction. For example, the outdoor heat exchangers 20 arranged side by side in the vertical direction are suitable for top-flow outdoor units 3 that have an outdoor blower fan 9 on top of the outdoor unit 3.

[0057] Furthermore, when connecting multiple indoor units 2 to one outdoor unit 3, a branched outdoor heat exchanger 20 may be necessary. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 of the present disclosure is arranged so that the outdoor heat exchanger 20 branches in the vertical direction, making it suitable for a multi-type air conditioner 1 in which multiple indoor units 2 are connected to one outdoor unit 3.

[0058] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air conditioning apparatus 1 in this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 20, and each outdoor heat exchanger 20 has a connection portion 25 at its end that is connected to the refrigerant flow path of the other outdoor heat exchangers 20. According to this, the gap between the ends of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is reduced by fitting the ends together using the connecting portion 25. This increases the heat transfer area over which the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can exchange heat, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange in the outdoor unit 3.

[0059] Furthermore, at least one of two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 is arranged perpendicular to each other, and in this embodiment, the first outdoor heat exchanger 20A and the second outdoor heat exchanger 20B are arranged perpendicular to each other. This reduces the gap between the ends of two adjacent, perpendicularly arranged outdoor heat exchangers 20. This increases the heat transfer area over which the outdoor heat exchangers 20 can exchange heat, improving the efficiency of heat exchange in the outdoor unit 3.

[0060] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 also includes a pair of headers 21, and the connection portion 25 is provided in the headers 21. This reduces the gap between two adjacent headers 21, and in turn reduces the gap between the ends of the outdoor heat exchanger 20. This increases the heat transfer area over which the outdoor heat exchanger 20 can exchange heat, improving the efficiency of heat exchange in the outdoor unit 3.

[0061] In addition, the connection portion 25 is composed of a protrusion portion 26 that communicates with the refrigerant flow path of the header 21, and a concave receiving recess 27 that communicates with the refrigerant flow path of the header 21 and receives the protrusion portion 26, and by connecting the protrusion portion 26 and the receiving recess 27, the refrigerant flow paths of each outdoor heat exchanger 20 are connected. This allows the ends of the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 to be connected so as to fit together, improving strength.

[0062] The outdoor heat exchangers 20 are formed to have approximately the same outer dimensions. This can reduce the cost of producing or procuring the heat exchanger 20.

[0063] The connection portion 25 of each outdoor heat exchanger 20 is formed to be detachable. According to this, since the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is removable, workability is improved in maintenance and other work.

[0064] Furthermore, two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged in a substantially straight line, and the connection portion 25 is provided so as to be directed toward the adjacent outdoor heat exchanger 20. Furthermore, two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other, and the connection portion 25 is provided so as to be directed toward the adjacent outdoor heat exchanger 20. According to these, the connection portions 25 are connected to other connection portions 25 in a straight line, and the gap between the ends of two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20 is reduced.

[0065] The outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged in at least one of a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the flat tubes 22 provided in the outdoor heat exchangers 20 and a direction parallel to the axial direction. This allows the outdoor heat exchanger 20 to be changed into various layouts depending on the size and function of the outdoor unit 3, improving the versatility of the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0066] (Embodiment 3) [3-1.Configuration] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor unit 303 according to the third embodiment. The outdoor unit 303 includes three outdoor heat exchangers 20.

[0067] The outdoor heat exchanger 20 of the third embodiment is configured as a so-called horizontal header, with the header 21 arranged horizontally. Of the three outdoor heat exchangers 20, the fifth outdoor heat exchanger 20E and the sixth outdoor heat exchanger 20F, which are adjacent to each other, are arranged so that their heat exchanger planes are perpendicular to each other. Of the three outdoor heat exchangers 20, the sixth outdoor heat exchanger 20F and the seventh outdoor heat exchanger 20G, which are adjacent to each other, are arranged so that their heat exchanger planes are perpendicular to each other.

[0068] The fifth outdoor heat exchanger 20E and the seventh outdoor heat exchanger 20G are arranged on the same side with respect to the sixth outdoor heat exchanger 20F. The three outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged in a substantially C-shape.

[0069] A substantially L-shaped reinforcing member 330 is provided on the headers 21 above two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20. The reinforcing member 330 is disposed across the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 that are disposed perpendicular to each other, and reinforces the connection between the two outdoor heat exchangers 20. The reinforcing member 330 is made of, for example, a resin with high hardness.

[0070] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 20 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view showing a connection portion 25 according to the third embodiment.

[0071] Each outdoor heat exchanger 20 has a connecting portion 25 so that the outdoor heat exchangers 20 can be connected to each other. The connecting portion 25 is configured with a protruding portion 26 or a receiving recess 27. In the third embodiment, the connecting portion 25 further has a relay member 325. The protruding portion 26 and the receiving recess 27 are configured as a so-called joint, with the protruding portion 26 configured as a male side and the receiving recess 27 configured as a female side.

[0072] In this case, the relay member 325 is a pipe joint. In this case, the connection portion 25 and the relay member 325 are made of stainless steel, which is a different material from the aluminum alloy that constitutes the header 21. The relay member 325 covers the protrusion 26 side and is formed to a size that allows it to be inserted into the receiving recess 27 .

[0073] [3-2. Effects, etc.] The same effect as in the first embodiment is achieved. The operation of a horizontal header outdoor heat exchanger 20 in which the headers 21 are arranged to extend horizontally, as in the third embodiment, will be described. If the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is arranged by integrating the headers 21 of two or more outdoor heat exchangers 20 and forming a bent portion, it would be difficult to provide the flat tubes 22 at the bent portion, resulting in a reduced heat transfer area. Even if the flat tubes 22 are provided at the bent portion, the flat tubes 22 would be arranged along the shape of the bent portion, resulting in larger gaps between the flat tubes 22 than in the case of flat tubes 22 arranged at the location of a header 21 that extends linearly, resulting in a reduced heat transfer area.

[0074] The horizontally extending headers 21 of the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 are connected by a connection portion 25 . More specifically, the outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged perpendicular to each other by the connecting parts 25 via the relay members 325. This allows the ends of the two outdoor heat exchangers 20 to be structurally fitted together, reducing the gap between the ends of the outdoor heat exchangers 20 and increasing the heat transfer area.

[0075] Furthermore, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is connected at one connection point 25, and this connection is reinforced by a reinforcing member 330. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is prone to vibration due to the compressor 6, and this vibration may have an adverse effect on the connection at the connection point 25, but by providing the additional reinforcing member 330, the effects of this vibration can be reduced.

[0076] [3-3. Effects, etc.] As explained above, in the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment, the protrusion 26 at the end and the receiving recess 27 are connected by the relay member 325. This allows the protrusion 26 and the receiving recess 27 to be easily fitted together by the relay member 325 .

[0077] The outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged in at least one of a direction perpendicular to or parallel to the axial direction of the flat tubes 22 included in the outdoor heat exchanger 20. In this embodiment, the outdoor heat exchangers 20 are arranged in both a vertical direction, which is a direction parallel to the axial direction of the flat tubes 22, and a horizontal direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the flat tubes 22. This allows the outdoor heat exchanger 20 to be changed into various layouts depending on the size and function of the outdoor unit 3, improving the versatility of the outdoor heat exchanger 20.

[0078] Further, at the ends of two adjacent outdoor heat exchangers 20, a reinforcing member 330 that connects the outdoor heat exchangers 20 is provided. According to this, even in cases where the connection portion 25 alone is not enough to absorb the vibrations in each part of the outdoor unit 3 and the strength of the connection between the outdoor heat exchangers 20 is not guaranteed, by providing an additional reinforcing member 330, the outdoor heat exchangers 20 can be connected together satisfactorily.

[0079] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiment to create a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0080] In the third embodiment, the reinforcing member 330 is illustrated as being arranged across two outdoor heat exchangers 20 that are arranged perpendicular to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the outdoor units 3, 203 of the first and second embodiments may further be provided with a substantially I-shaped reinforcing member that is arranged across two outdoor heat exchangers 20 that are arranged in parallel.

[0081] The relay member 325 exemplified in the third embodiment may be provided in the outdoor units 3 and 203 of the first and second embodiments.

[0082] In the third embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is configured to be branched into the upper and lower outdoor heat exchangers 20, but this is not limiting. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 may be configured to have a connection portion 25 at the top or bottom, so that it can be connected in the vertical direction.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the two headers 21 are configured to be connected by one connection portion 25, but this is not limitative and they may be connected by two or more connection portions 25. In the headers 21 in the first and second embodiments, the connection portions 25 may be provided at multiple locations on one header 21. In addition, in the horizontal header in the third embodiment, the upper and lower headers 21 may be configured to be connected to other headers 21 by their respective connection portions 25.

[0084] The protrusion 26 may be configured as a joint corresponding to the male thread side, and the receiving recess 27 may be configured as a joint corresponding to the female thread side.

[0085] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0086] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0087] (Technology 1) An air conditioning apparatus comprising a plurality of heat exchangers, each of which is provided at its end with a connector that is connected to the refrigerant flow path of the other heat exchangers. With this, the ends of the heat exchanger are fitted together by the connecting portion, thereby reducing the gap between the ends of the heat exchanger, thereby increasing the heat transfer area through which the heat exchanger can exchange heat, and improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0088] (Technical Aspect 2) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 1, wherein the heat exchanger includes a pair of headers, and the connection portion is provided on the headers. This reduces the gap between two adjacent headers, and in turn reduces the gap between the ends of the heat exchanger, thereby increasing the heat transfer area available for heat exchange by the heat exchanger and improving the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0089] (Technology 3) The air conditioning device described in Technology 2, wherein the connection portion is composed of a protrusion portion that communicates with the refrigerant flow path of the header and a concave receiving recess that communicates with the refrigerant flow path of the header and receives the protrusion portion, and the refrigerant flow paths of each heat exchanger are connected by connecting the protrusion portion and the receiving recess. This allows the ends of the two heat exchangers to be connected so as to fit together, improving strength.

[0090] (Technical Aspect 4) The air conditioning apparatus according to Technical Aspect 3, wherein the protrusion and the receiving recess are connected via a relay member. This allows the protrusion and the receiving recess to be easily fitted together by the relay member.

[0091] (Technical Aspect 5) The air conditioner according to any one of Technical Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the heat exchangers are formed to have substantially the same external dimensions. This can reduce the cost of producing or procuring the heat exchanger.

[0092] (Technical 6) The air conditioning apparatus according to Technical 1, wherein two adjacent heat exchangers are arranged in a substantially straight line, and the connecting portion is provided so as to be directed toward the adjacent heat exchanger. According to this, the connection parts are connected to other connection parts in a straight line, and the gap between the ends of two adjacent heat exchangers is reduced.

[0093] (Technology 7) The air conditioning apparatus according to Technology 1, wherein two adjacent heat exchangers are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other, and the connection portion is provided so as to be directed toward the adjacent heat exchanger. According to this, the connection parts are connected to other connection parts in a straight line, and the gap between the ends of two adjacent heat exchangers is reduced.

[0094] (Technical Aspect 8) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 1, wherein reinforcing members are provided at the ends of two adjacent heat exchangers to connect the heat exchangers. This means that even in cases where the connection parts alone are not enough to absorb the vibrations caused by the various parts of the air conditioning unit and the strength of the connection between the heat exchangers is not guaranteed, the heat exchangers can be connected together well by providing additional reinforcing members.

[0095] (Technical Aspect 9) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 1, wherein the connection portion is formed of a material different from that of the heat exchanger. This allows the connection portion to be made of a material that has a different hardness and strength from the heat exchanger.

[0096] (Technical Aspect 10) The air conditioner according to any one of Technical Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the heat exchanger includes flat tubes. When the heat transfer tubes of a heat exchanger are configured as flat tubes, the difference between the inner and outer diameters of the flat tubes is larger than that of circular tubes when the heat exchanger is bent. Therefore, when the bending angle is small, this difference between the inner and outer diameters causes the flat tubes to buckle due to compressive stress at the bent portion. Therefore, a heat exchanger with flat tubes needs to have a larger bending angle than a heat exchanger with circular tubes. Due to this issue, a heat exchanger with flat tubes is likely to have a reduced heat transfer area available for heat exchange, which increases the impact of the heat exchanger installation issues. However, according to the configuration of Technology 10, the heat exchanger is configured with flat tubes, thereby significantly achieving the functions and effects described in Technology 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0097] As described above, the air conditioner according to the present invention can be used to improve the efficiency of heat exchange in a heat exchanger. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Air conditioning equipment 2 Indoor unit 3, 203, 303 outdoor unit 4 Indoor heat exchanger 5 Indoor ventilation fan 6 Compressor 7 Four-way valve 8 Expansion valve 9 Outdoor ventilation fan 10 Refrigerant piping 11. Housing 20 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 20A 1st outdoor heat exchanger 20B 2nd outdoor heat exchanger 20C 3rd outdoor heat exchanger 20D 4th outdoor heat exchanger 20E 5th outdoor heat exchanger 20F No. 6 outdoor heat exchanger 20G 7th outdoor heat exchanger 21 Header 22 Flat tube 25 Connection 26 Protrusion 27 Receiving recess 325 Relay parts 330 Reinforcement member

Claims

1. A plurality of heat exchangers are provided, Each of the heat exchangers has a connecting portion at an end thereof, the connecting portion being connected to a refrigerant flow path of another of the heat exchangers. Air conditioning equipment.

2. the heat exchanger includes a pair of headers; The connection portion is provided on the header. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the connecting portion is composed of a protruding portion that communicates with the refrigerant flow path of the header, and a receiving recess that is a recess that communicates with the refrigerant flow path of the header and receives the protruding portion, The refrigerant flow paths of the heat exchangers are connected by connecting the protrusions and the receiving recesses. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The protrusion and the receiving recess are connected via a relay member. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The outer dimensions of each of the heat exchangers are formed to be approximately the same. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The two adjacent heat exchangers are arranged in a substantially straight line, The connection portion is provided so as to be directed toward the adjacent heat exchanger. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The two adjacent heat exchangers are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other, The connection portion is provided so as to be directed toward the adjacent heat exchanger. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

8. A reinforcing member is provided at the end of each of the two adjacent heat exchangers to connect the heat exchangers. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The connection portion is formed of a material different from that of the heat exchanger. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The heat exchanger includes flat tubes. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and claims 6 to 9.

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