heat exchanger

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger that allows for greater flexibility in the arrangement of communication passages connected to flattened tubes. [Solution] The liquid header has a first flow path (A), a second flow path (B), and a third flow path (C) connected at the branching section (65c), and the second flow path (B) is located on the front side in the front-to-back direction perpendicular to both the left-to-right and up-to-down directions from which the multiple flat tubes extend relative to the branching section (65c), and has a second main flow path (B2) extending along the up-to-down direction, and a second connecting flow path (B1) connecting the end of the second main flow path (B2) to the branching section (65c). The third channel (C) is located on the rear side in the front-rear direction relative to the branching section (65c) and includes a third main channel (C2) extending along the vertical direction, a third connecting channel (C1) connecting the end of the third main channel (C2) to the branching section (65c), and a plurality of third liquid diversion openings (64c) connecting the third main channel (C2) to the plurality of flattened pipes.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a heat exchanger used in a refrigeration cycle device, in a header to which a plurality of flat tubes are connected, a structure is used in which refrigerant is divided and distributed to each flat tube.

[0003] For example, in the heat exchanger described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-008973), one flow path extending along the longitudinal direction of the header is provided, and a structure for distributing the refrigerant flowing through this flow path to a plurality of flat tubes has been proposed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above heat exchanger, since the refrigerant is distributed to each heat transfer tube through one flow path extending along the direction in which the flat tubes are arranged, the communication paths provided between the flow path and the flat tubes all need to be provided so as to be connected to the one flow path, and thus the degree of freedom in arrangement is poor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A heat exchanger relating to the first aspect comprises a header and a plurality of flattened tubes. The plurality of flattened tubes are arranged in a first direction. The plurality of flattened tubes are connected to the header. The header has a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The first, second, and third flow paths are connected to each other at a branching section. The second flow path is located on one side of the branching section in the third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to both the second direction and the first direction, which are the directions in which the plurality of flattened tubes extend. The second flow path includes a second main flow path, a second connecting flow path, and a plurality of second connecting passages. The second main flow path extends along the first direction. The second connecting flow path connects the end of the second main flow path to the branching section. The plurality of second connecting passages connect the second main flow path to the plurality of flattened tubes. The third flow path is located on the other side of the branching section in the third direction. The third flow path includes a third main flow path, a third connecting flow path, and a plurality of third connecting passages. The third main flow path extends along the first direction. The third connecting flow path connects the end of the third main flow path to the branch section. The plurality of third connecting passages connect the third main flow path to a plurality of flattened pipes.

[0006] This heat exchanger has a second main flow path and a third main flow path as flow paths extending along the first direction in which the flattened tubes are aligned. It also has a second connecting passage that connects the flattened tubes to the second main flow path, and a third connecting passage that connects the flattened tubes to the third main flow path. This allows for greater flexibility in the arrangement of the flow paths extending along the direction in which the flattened tubes are aligned and the connecting passages that connect the flattened tubes.

[0007] In the heat exchanger relating to the second aspect, the second and third connecting channels extend in a manner that is symmetrical with respect to a virtual plane that includes a line extending from the branching point in a first direction and a line extending from the branching point in a second direction.

[0008] In this heat exchanger, it is easy to equalize the flow rate of refrigerant from the branching point to the second connecting channel and the flow rate of refrigerant from the branching point to the third connecting channel.

[0009] In the heat exchanger relating to the third aspect, the second and third connecting channels extend horizontally, as in the heat exchanger relating to the second aspect.

[0010] This heat exchanger makes it possible to suppress the uneven flow rate of refrigerant caused by gravity between the refrigerant flowing through the second connecting channel and the refrigerant flowing through the third connecting channel.

[0011] The heat exchanger relating to the fourth viewpoint is a heat exchanger relating to either the first viewpoint or the third viewpoint, wherein the second main flow path has a second throttling section, and the third main flow path has a third throttling section.

[0012] In this heat exchanger, passing the refrigerant through the second throttling section increases its flow velocity, making it easier for the refrigerant to reach areas far from the second throttling section of the second main flow path, and passing the refrigerant through the third throttling section also increases its flow velocity, making it easier for the refrigerant to reach areas far from the third throttling section of the third main flow path.

[0013] In the fifth aspect of the heat exchanger, the second main flow path and the third main flow path are arranged to extend along the same plane as in the heat exchanger according to the first aspect or the fourth aspect. The first flow path extends along a virtual plane that includes a line extending in the first direction from the branching point and a line extending in the second direction from the branching point.

[0014] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant that reaches the branching point from the first flow path is easily divided evenly between the second main flow path and the third main flow path.

[0015] The heat exchanger relating to the sixth aspect is a heat exchanger relating to any of the first to fifth aspects, in which the plurality of flattened tubes include one or more first flattened tubes. The first flattened tube communicates with the second main flow path via one of the plurality of second communication passages, but does not communicate with any of the third communication passages.

[0016] This heat exchanger can be equipped with a flattened tube that supplies refrigerant that has passed through the second main channel, but does not supply refrigerant that has passed through the third main channel.

[0017] The heat exchanger according to the seventh aspect is a heat exchanger according to the sixth aspect, wherein the plurality of flattened tubes further include one or more second flattened tubes. The second flattened tubes do not communicate with any of the plurality of second communication passages but communicate with the third main flow passage via any of the third communication passages. The heat exchanger has a portion in which the first flattened tubes and the second flattened tubes are arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction.

[0018] In this heat exchanger, the main flow paths that supply the refrigerant can be made different for flat tubes that are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0019] The heat exchanger relating to the eighth aspect is a heat exchanger relating to any of the first to seventh aspects, in which the plurality of flattened tubes include one or more third flattened tubes. The third flattened tube communicates with the second main flow path via one of the plurality of second connecting passages and with the third main flow path via one of the third connecting passages.

[0020] This heat exchanger can be equipped with a flattened tube that supplies refrigerant that has passed through the second main channel, as well as refrigerant that has passed through the third main channel.

[0021] The heat exchanger relating to the ninth aspect is one in which, in the heat exchanger relating to the eighth aspect, the third flattened tube is positioned as follows: the second main flow path is biased toward the side further from the second connecting flow path than the center of the second main flow path in the first direction; the second main flow path is biased toward the side closer to the second connecting flow path than the center of the second main flow path in the first direction; or the second main flow path is biased toward the center of the second main flow path in the first direction.

[0022] In this heat exchanger, it is easier to supply more refrigerant to areas where the third flattened tube is unevenly positioned.

[0023] In the heat exchanger relating to the 10th viewpoint, the number of second connecting passages is different from the number of third connecting passages in the heat exchanger relating to the 1st viewpoint or the 9th viewpoint.

[0024] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to make the supply amount of the refrigerant to the plurality of flat tubes different between the side where the second communication passage is provided and the side where the third communication passage is provided.

[0025] The heat exchanger according to the eleventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the plurality of second communication passages include those having different cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the second direction. The plurality of third communication passages include those having different cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the second direction.

[0026] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to make it easier to supply the refrigerant to those of the plurality of second communication passages having a relatively large cross-sectional area perpendicular to the second direction, and to those of the plurality of third communication passages having a relatively large cross-sectional area perpendicular to the second direction.

[0027] The heat exchanger according to the twelfth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the header has a common circulation portion. The common circulation portion connects two locations in the first direction of the second main flow path while connecting two locations in the first direction of the third main flow path.

[0028] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to merge the refrigerant that has not flowed into the second communication passage or the third communication passage among the refrigerant that has flowed separately into the second main flow path and the third main flow path in the common circulation portion, and divide it and return it to the second main flow path and the third main flow path.

[0029] The heat exchanger according to the thirteenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the twelfth aspect, when the side where the second main flow path is located with respect to the second connection flow path is defined as the first side and the opposite side is defined as the second side, the second-side portion of the connection portion between the second main flow path and the common circulation portion does not overlap with any of the second communication passages in the second-direction view. The second-side portion of the connection portion between the third main flow path and the common circulation portion does not overlap with any of the third communication passages in the second-direction view.

[0030] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to suppress the concentrated flow of refrigerant returned from the common circulation section to the second main flow channel into a specific second connection passage, and to suppress the concentrated flow of refrigerant returned from the common circulation section to the third main flow channel into a specific third connection passage.

[0031] In the heat exchanger relating to the 14th viewpoint, when the side on which the second main flow path is located relative to the second connecting flow path is designated as the first side and the opposite side as the second side, the first part and the second part are located on the first side relative to the confluence. Here, the first part is the first side portion of the connection between the second main flow path and the common circulation portion. The second part is the first side portion of the connection between the third main flow path and the common circulation portion. The confluence is the portion of the common circulation portion where the flow path extending from the first part and the flow path extending from the second part connect.

[0032] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to suppress the backflow of refrigerant flowing from the second main channel through the first section toward the common circulation section into the third main channel, while also suppressing the backflow of refrigerant flowing from the third main channel through the second section toward the common circulation section into the second main channel.

[0033] A heat exchanger relating to the 15th viewpoint is a heat exchanger relating to either the 1st viewpoint or the 11th viewpoint, in which the header has a first circulation section and a second circulation section. The first circulation section connects two locations in the second main flow path that are in different positions in the first direction. The second circulation section connects two locations in the third main flow path that are in different positions in the first direction.

[0034] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to return the refrigerant that was diverted to the second main channel but did not flow into the second connecting passage back to the second main channel without merging it with the refrigerant diverted to the third main channel, and to return the refrigerant that was diverted to the third main channel but did not flow into the third connecting passage back to the third main channel without merging it with the refrigerant diverted to the second main channel.

[0035] The heat exchanger according to the 16th viewpoint is a heat exchanger according to either the 1st viewpoint or the 15th viewpoint, wherein the header has a first plate member having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening forms a second main flow path and a second connecting flow path portion. The second opening forms a third main flow path and a third connecting flow path portion. The second connecting flow path portion is at least a part of the second connecting flow path. The third connecting flow path portion is at least a part of the third connecting flow path. The first plate member includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion, and a connecting plate portion. The first plate portion is located between the second main flow path and the third main flow path. The second plate portion is located on the opposite side of the second connecting flow path portion from the first plate portion side. The connecting plate portion connects the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

[0036] Here, the second plate portion may be located on the opposite side from the first plate portion relative to the third connecting channel portion.

[0037] Furthermore, the connecting plate portion may have a portion located between the second connecting channel portion and the third connecting channel portion.

[0038] Furthermore, the first plate portion may be connected to the portion of the section between the second main channel and the third main channel that is opposite to the second connecting channel portion, and may be connected to the portion that borders the end of the second main channel opposite to the second connecting channel portion, and to the portion that borders the end of the third main channel opposite to the second connecting channel portion.

[0039] Furthermore, the connecting plate portion may connect the end of the first plate portion on the second plate portion side in the first direction to the end of the second plate portion on the first plate portion side in the first direction. Also, the connecting plate portion may connect the lower end of the first plate portion to the upper end of the second plate portion.

[0040] When a single plate member constituting a header has openings that form multiple main channels extending along each other, and has plate sections that spread between the multiple main channels, with one end of the plate section being a fixed end and the other end being a free end, the strength of the plate section in the plate member tends to be insufficient, and the accuracy of the position of the plate section in the plate member tends to decrease.

[0041] In contrast, in this heat exchanger, the first plate portion extending from the second main flow path to the second and third connecting flow path portions is connected to the second plate portion via a connecting plate portion. As a result, the ends of the first plate portion on the second and third connecting flow path portion sides are supported by the second plate portion via the connecting plate portion, which makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the position of the first plate portion on the first plate member.

[0042] The heat exchanger according to the 17th aspect is a heat exchanger according to the 16th aspect, in which the header has a second plate member having a third opening. The second plate member is laminated on the first plate member. The third opening includes a portion that overlaps with the second connecting flow channel portion in a second view and a portion that overlaps with the third connecting flow channel portion in a second view.

[0043] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing through the third opening can be divided and flowed into a second connection channel section and a third connection channel section.

[0044] The heat exchanger according to the 18th viewpoint, in the heat exchanger according to the 17th viewpoint, has a header which includes a third plate member having a fourth opening. The third plate member is laminated on the second plate member. The fourth opening includes a portion that overlaps with the third opening in a second viewing direction. A refrigerant pipe is inserted into the fourth opening.

[0045] This heat exchanger makes it possible to direct the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe toward the third opening.

[0046] The heat exchanger relating to the 19th viewpoint has refrigerant pipes in the heat exchanger relating to the 18th viewpoint. In the second view, the refrigerant flow path at the fourth opening does not overlap with the first and second openings.

[0047] Here, the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening includes the flow path inside the refrigerant pipe if there is a portion of the fourth opening into which the refrigerant pipe is inserted, and includes the flow path inside the fourth opening if there is a portion of the fourth opening into which the refrigerant pipe is not inserted.

[0048] Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening may have a portion that overlaps with the connecting plate portion in the second viewing direction.

[0049] In this heat exchanger, the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path at the fourth opening can be changed at the connecting plate before it flows into the first or second opening, making it easier to mix the liquid phase refrigerant with the gaseous phase refrigerant.

[0050] The heat exchanger according to the 20th viewpoint has refrigerant pipes in the heat exchanger according to the 18th viewpoint. In the second view, there is a portion where the refrigerant flow path and the second connecting flow path portion overlap at the fourth opening. There is a portion where the refrigerant flow path and the third connecting flow path portion overlap at the fourth opening.

[0051] Here, the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening includes the flow path inside the refrigerant pipe if there is a portion of the fourth opening into which the refrigerant pipe is inserted, and includes the flow path inside the fourth opening if there is a portion of the fourth opening into which the refrigerant pipe is not inserted.

[0052] Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening may have a portion that does not overlap with the connecting plate portion in the second viewing direction.

[0053] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel at the fourth opening can be branched and flowed into the second and third connecting channel sections without hitting the connecting plate, thereby suppressing pressure loss caused by the refrigerant flow hitting the connecting plate.

[0054] The heat exchanger according to the 21st viewpoint is a heat exchanger according to the 17th viewpoint, in which the header has a third plate member having a fourth opening. The third plate member is laminated on the second plate member. The fourth opening includes a portion that overlaps with the third opening in a second viewing direction.

[0055] This heat exchanger makes it possible to direct the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe toward the third opening.

[0056] In the heat exchanger relating to the 22nd viewpoint, the 4th opening does not overlap with the 1st and 2nd openings in the heat exchanger relating to the 21st viewpoint when viewed from the second direction.

[0057] Here, the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening may have a portion that overlaps with the connecting plate portion in the second viewing direction.

[0058] In this heat exchanger, the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the fourth opening can be changed at the connecting plate before it flows into the first or second opening, making it easier to mix the liquid phase refrigerant with the gaseous phase refrigerant.

[0059] The heat exchanger relating to the 23rd viewpoint has, in the heat exchanger relating to the 21st viewpoint, a portion in which the 4th opening and the 2nd connecting flow path portion overlap in the second view, and a portion in which the 4th opening and the 3rd connecting flow path portion overlap.

[0060] Here, the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening may have a portion that does not overlap with the connecting plate portion in the second viewing direction.

[0061] In this heat exchanger, the refrigerant flowing through the fourth opening can be branched and flowed into the second and third connecting flow channels without hitting the connecting plate, thereby suppressing pressure loss caused by the refrigerant flow hitting the connecting plate.

[0062] In the heat exchanger relating to the 24th viewpoint, in the heat exchanger relating to either the 17th viewpoint or the 23rd viewpoint, the sum of the flow path cross-sectional areas of multiple second connecting passages is greater than the sum of the flow path cross-sectional areas of multiple third connecting passages. In the second view, the area of ​​the portion where the third opening and the second connecting flow path portion overlap is greater than the area of ​​the portion where the third opening and the third connecting flow path portion overlap.

[0063] In this heat exchanger, it is possible to branch the flow of the refrigerant so that more of it is directed to the path with the larger total cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple second and third communication passages.

[0064] In the heat exchanger relating to the 25th viewpoint, in the heat exchanger relating to either the 16th viewpoint or the 24th viewpoint, the width of the connecting plate portion in the third direction is greater than or equal to the thickness of the first plate member.

[0065] Here, the width of the connecting plate portion in the third direction, which is compared with the thickness of the first plate member, may be the portion with the smallest width in the third direction, if the connecting member has portions with different widths in the third direction.

[0066] In this heat exchanger, the first and second openings of the first plate member can be easily formed by punching. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0067] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 3] This is a magnified view of the heat exchange section of the outdoor heat exchanger. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the mounting of heat transfer fins to the flattened tube in the heat exchange section. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a refrigerant evaporator. [Figure 6] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a gas header. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal cross-section of a gas header. [Figure 8] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal cross-sectional configuration of the liquid header. [Figure 10] This shows a partially enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the lower end of the fifth liquid side of the liquid header. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram of the refrigerant flow in the liquid header when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a refrigerant evaporator. [Figure 12] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment C. [Figure 13]This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment D. [Figure 14] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment E. [Figure 15] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment F. [Figure 16] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment G. [Figure 17] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment H. [Figure 18] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment I. [Figure 19] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment J. [Figure 20] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment K. [Figure 21] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment L. [Figure 22] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment M. [Figure 23] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment N. [Figure 24] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a liquid header according to another embodiment O. [Figure 25] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment P. [Figure 26] This is a schematic side view of a liquid header according to another embodiment Q. [Figure 27] This is a schematic plan view of the liquid header according to another embodiment Q. [Figure 28] This is a schematic plan view diagram of the liquid header in cross-section AA according to another embodiment Q. [Figure 29] This is a schematic plan view of the liquid header in a cross-section of the BB according to another embodiment Q. [Figure 30] This is a schematic plan view of the liquid header in a cross-section of the CC (Cold Cavity) of another embodiment Q. [Figure 31]This is a schematic plan view of the liquid header in a cross-section of the CC (Cold Cavity) of another embodiment R. [Figure 32] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment S. [Figure 33] This is a schematic diagram of the fifth liquid side according to another embodiment S. [Figure 34] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overlapping relationship around the liquid communication opening according to another embodiment S. [Figure 35] This is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the liquid contact opening portion of a liquid header according to another embodiment S. [Figure 36] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment T. [Figure 37] This is a schematic diagram of the fifth liquid side according to another embodiment T. [Figure 38] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overlapping relationship around the liquid communication opening according to another embodiment T. [Figure 39] This is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the liquid communication opening portion of a liquid header according to another embodiment T. [Figure 40] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header according to another embodiment W. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] The heat exchanger of this disclosure and embodiments of a refrigeration system employing said heat exchanger will be described below.

[0069] (1) Configuration of the air conditioning system Hereinafter, an air conditioning system 1, as an example of a refrigeration cycle system equipped with a heat exchanger according to one embodiment, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system 1 having an outdoor heat exchanger 11 as a heat exchanger according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] The air conditioning system 1 is a device that cools and heats a space to be air-conditioned by performing a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle. The space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a space inside a building such as an office building, commercial facility, or residence. The air conditioning system is merely one example of a refrigeration cycle device, and the heat exchanger in this disclosure may also be used in other refrigeration cycle devices, such as refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, floor heating systems, etc. The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system 1 is not particularly limited and examples include R290, CO2, R32, etc.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 mainly comprises an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 9, a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4 and a gas refrigerant connecting pipe 5, and a control unit 3 that controls the equipment constituting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 5 are refrigerant connecting pipes that connect the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. In the air conditioning system 1, the refrigerant circuit 6 is formed by connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 via the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 5.

[0073] In Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 has one indoor unit 9, but the air conditioning system 1 may have multiple indoor units 9 connected in parallel to each other to the outdoor unit 2 by liquid refrigerant connecting pipes 4 and gas refrigerant connecting pipes 5. The air conditioning system 1 may also have multiple outdoor units 2. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 may be an integrated type air conditioning system in which the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are formed as a single unit.

[0074] (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 the wall of a building.

[0075] The outdoor unit 2 mainly comprises 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 and a gas-side shut-off valve 14, and an outdoor fan 16.

[0076] The outdoor unit 2 mainly has an intake pipe 17, a discharge pipe 18, a first gas refrigerant pipe 19, a liquid refrigerant pipe 20, and a second gas refrigerant pipe 21 as refrigerant pipes that connect various devices constituting the refrigerant circuit 6. The intake pipe 17 connects the four-way switching valve 10 to the intake side of the compressor 8. An accumulator 7 is provided on the intake pipe 17. The discharge pipe 18 connects the discharge side of the compressor 8 to the four-way switching valve 10. The first gas refrigerant pipe 19 connects the four-way switching valve 10 to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The liquid refrigerant pipe 20 connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 to the liquid side shut-off valve 13. An outdoor expansion valve 12 is provided on the liquid refrigerant pipe 20. The second gas refrigerant pipe 21 connects the four-way switching valve 10 to the gas side shut-off valve 14.

[0077] The compressor 8 is a device that draws in low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle through the suction pipe 17, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to the discharge pipe 18.

[0078] The four-way switching valve 10 is a mechanism that changes the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 between cooling operation and heating operation by switching the direction of refrigerant flow. 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 state of the refrigerant circuit 6 to 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 Figure 1). When the four-way switching valve 10 sets 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 the discharge pipe 18 to the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 (see the dashed line inside the four-way switching valve 10 in Figure 1).

[0079] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and a fluid such as air at the installation location of the outdoor unit 2. Details of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be described later.

[0080] The outdoor expansion valve 12 is located 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 located 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.

[0081] The accumulator 7 is a container that has a gas-liquid separation function to separate the incoming refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 7 is also a container that has a storage function for excess refrigerant generated in response to fluctuations in operating load, etc.

[0082] The liquid-side shut-off valve 13 is a valve provided at the connection point between the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4. The gas-side shut-off valve 14 is a valve provided at the connection point between the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 5. The liquid-side shut-off valve 13 and the gas-side shut-off valve 14 are open when the air conditioning system 1 is in operation.

[0083] The outdoor fan 16 is a fan that draws in external heat source air into the casing of the outdoor unit 2 (not shown) and 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.

[0084] (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 it 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, machine room, garage, etc. 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.

[0085] The indoor unit 9 mainly comprises an indoor heat exchanger 91, an indoor expansion valve 93, and an indoor fan 92.

[0086] In the indoor heat exchanger 91, heat exchange takes place 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 type 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 refrigerant piping. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 91 is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 5 via refrigerant piping.

[0087] The indoor expansion valve 93 is located in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4. The indoor expansion valve 93 has a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant passing through it.

[0088] The indoor fan 92 is a mechanism that draws air from the space to be air-conditioned into the 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 back into the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor fan 92 is, for example, a turbo fan.

[0089] (1-3) Control Unit The control unit 3 is a functional unit that controls the operation of various devices that make up the air conditioning system 1.

[0090] The control unit 3 is configured such that, for example, the outdoor control unit (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor control unit (not shown) of the indoor unit 9 are communicated to each other via a transmission line (not shown). The outdoor control unit and the indoor control unit are units that include, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microcomputer including memory such as ROM and RAM that stores various programs for controlling the air conditioning system 1 that the processor can execute. For convenience, in Figure 1, the control unit 3 is drawn in a location separate from the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9.

[0091] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to various components of the outdoor unit 2 and indoor unit 9, including the compressor 8, four-way switching valve 10, outdoor expansion valve 12, outdoor fan 16, and 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 indoor unit 9. Furthermore, the control unit 3 is configured to communicate with a remote control (not shown) operated by the user of the air conditioning system 1.

[0092] The control unit 3 controls the operation and stopping of the air conditioning system 1, as well as the operation of the various components that make up the air conditioning system 1, based on measurement signals from various sensors and commands received from a remote control (not shown).

[0093] (2) Configuration of the outdoor heat exchanger The configuration of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0094] Figure 2 is a schematic external perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Note that in Figure 2, piping and other components connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 are omitted. Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view of the heat exchange section 27 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11, which will be described later. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the mounting state of the fins 29 on the flat pipe 28 in the heat exchange section 27, which will be described later. Figure 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The arrows in the heat exchange section 27 shown in Figure 5 indicate the flow of refrigerant during heating operation (when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator).

[0095] In the following explanation, expressions such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" may be used to describe orientation and position. Unless otherwise specified, these expressions follow the direction of the arrows drawn in Figure 2. These expressions for orientation and position are used for the convenience of explanation and, unless otherwise specified, do not specify the orientation or position of the entire outdoor heat exchanger 11 or the individual components of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 to be the orientation or position of the expressions described.

[0096] In the following explanation, we will use as an example the case where the direction in which the multiple flattened 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 in the vertical direction, or more specifically, the vertical direction (an example of the "first direction"). Furthermore, we will use as an example the case where the direction in which the connection portion of the flattened tube 28 to the first header 40 extends, 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 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 in the left-right direction (an example of the "second direction"). Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the vertical and horizontal directions is described as the front-back direction (an example of a "third direction").

[0097] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air.

[0098] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 mainly comprises a plurality of flattened 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 flattened tubes 28, fins 29, second header 30, and first header 40 are all made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0099] Multiple flattened tubes 28 and multiple fins 29 form a heat exchange section 27. In the heat exchange section 27, air passes through the ventilation passages formed between the multiple flattened tubes 28 and multiple fins 29. This allows heat exchange to occur between the refrigerant and the air.

[0100] (2-1) Flat tube The flattened tube 28 is a flattened heat transfer tube having flattened surfaces 28a on its upper and lower sides, which serve as heat transfer surfaces, as shown in Figure 3. Multiple refrigerant passages 28b are formed in the flattened tube 28, extending along the direction in which the flattened tube 28 extends, and through which the refrigerant flows. The flattened tube 28 is a flattened multi-hole tube with many refrigerant passages 28b formed therein. In this embodiment, these multiple refrigerant passages 28b are arranged in the direction of airflow.

[0101] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, flattened tubes 28 extending horizontally to connect the second header 30 and the first header 40 are arranged in multiple rows vertically. Multiple flattened tubes 28 are arranged in multiple rows in a single column. Multiple flattened tubes 28 are arranged vertically at regular intervals. Each flattened tube 28 is arranged with its flattened surface facing upwards or downwards.

[0102] In this embodiment, each flattened tube 28 has one bent section in a plan view and is formed in a roughly L-shape.

[0103] When the outdoor fan 16 is driven, an airflow is generated that passes through the main surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from rear to front, and another airflow that passes through the left side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from left to right.

[0104] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a first flow path group X and a second flow path group Y arranged vertically. The multiple flattened 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 multiple flattened 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 multiple flattened tubes 28 belong to it.

[0105] The multiple flattened tubes 28 arranged in a row include multiple first flattened tubes 28x that communicate with the second liquid diversion opening 64b (described later) but not with the third liquid diversion opening 64c, and multiple second flattened tubes 28y that communicate with the third liquid diversion opening 64c but not with the second liquid diversion opening 64b. In this embodiment, the first flattened tubes 28x and the second flattened tubes 28y are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, so as to be adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. In addition, in this embodiment, multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b and multiple first flattened tubes 28x are provided to be connected one-to-one, and multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c and multiple second flattened tubes 28y are provided to be connected one-to-one.

[0106] (2-2) Finn The multiple fins 29 are components that increase the heat transfer area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Each fin 29 is a plate-shaped component that extends in the vertical direction of the multiple flat tubes 28 and in the direction of airflow passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0107] Each fin 29 has multiple notches 29a formed in it, as shown in Figure 4, that extend along the direction in which the flattened pipes 28 are inserted, allowing multiple flattened pipes 28 to be inserted. The notches 29a extend in directions perpendicular to both the vertical 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 in the horizontal direction. The notches 29a are formed in the fin 29 at intervals corresponding to the spacing of the flattened pipes 28. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the multiple fins 29 are arranged in a line along the direction in which the flattened pipes 28 extend. By inserting the flattened pipes 28 into each of the multiple notches 29a of the multiple fins 29, the space between adjacent flattened pipes 28 is divided into multiple air passages through which air flows.

[0108] Each fin 29 has a communication portion 29b that communicates vertically with respect to the flattened pipe 28, either upstream or downstream in the airflow direction. In this embodiment, the communication portion 29b of the fin 29 is located on the windward side with respect to the flattened pipe 28.

[0109] (2-3) First Header As shown in Figure 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.

[0110] The gas header 50 has a gas space 50S inside, whose longitudinal direction is vertical. The liquid header 60 has a liquid space 60S inside, which is isolated from the gas space 50S, and whose longitudinal direction is vertical. The gas space 50S of the gas header 50 and the liquid space 60S of the liquid header 60 are separated by an opening formed in the stacked members that does not communicate between the gas side and the liquid side.

[0111] A gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a, which forms 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 to the left side to which the flat pipe 28 is connected in the left-right direction.

[0112] A liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a, which forms one end of the liquid refrigerant pipe 20, is connected to the liquid header 60. The liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a is connected to the right side of the liquid header 60, which is opposite to the left side to which the flattened pipe 28 is connected.

[0113] One end of each flat pipe 28 is connected to the gas header 50 and liquid header 60 of the first header 40, and the other end of each flat pipe 28 is connected to the second header 30. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is positioned in a casing (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 with the longitudinal directions of the first header 40 and the second header 30 roughly coinciding with the vertical direction. The number of flat pipes 28 connected to the gas header 50 is greater than the number of flat pipes 28 connected to the liquid header 60. In addition, each flat pipe 28 connected to the gas header 50 is in communication with the gas space 50S. Each flat pipe 28 connected to the liquid header 60 is in communication with the liquid space 60S.

[0114] The first header 40 includes a first member 41, a second member 42, a third member 43, a fourth member 44, a fifth member 45, a sixth member 46, and a seventh member 47. 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 vertically 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 are shared by both the gas header 50 and the liquid header 60, with a portion of each constituting part of the gas header 50 and part of the liquid header 60.

[0115] Furthermore, 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 their longitudinal direction in the vertical direction, and their lengths in the vertical direction are the same. Also, the front-to-back length of the portion of the first member 41 excluding the first gas plate portion 51a, the first liquid plate portion 61c, the second gas plate portion 51d, and the second liquid plate portion 61d is the same as the front-to-back 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. In addition, the first gas plate portion 51c and the first liquid plate portion 61c have the same length in the left-to-right direction, which is the direction in which the flattened pipe 28 extends. The second gas side plate portion 51d and the second liquid side plate portion 61d are of the same length in the left-right direction, which is the direction in which the flattened tube 28 extends.

[0116] Furthermore, the fourth member 44, fifth member 45, sixth member 46, and seventh member 47 of the first header 40 form the gas space 50S of the gas header 50 and the liquid space 60S of the liquid header 60.

[0117] 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.

[0118] (2-4) Second Header The second header 30 is connected to the end of each flattened pipe 28 that is opposite to the end connected to the first header 40.

[0119] The second header 30 is constructed by stacking multiple plate-like members and then surrounding and crimping them with a U-shaped crimping member 31 in plan view, to which the flattened pipe 28 is connected.

[0120] (3) Refrigerant flow in each operation and in the outdoor heat exchanger The control unit 3 receives detection information from various sensors or commands from a remote control, etc., and switches between and executes cooling operation, heating operation, defrosting operation, etc.

[0121] When the air conditioning system 1 is operating in heating mode, 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 dissipates heat or condenses by exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 91, is depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 93 or the outdoor expansion valve 12, and then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 evaporates by exchanging heat with the outside air and is then drawn back into the compressor 8.

[0122] Thus, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation, the refrigerant in liquid or gas-liquid two-phase state that reaches the liquid header 60 from the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 is divided within the internal space of the liquid header 60 and sent to each of the flat pipes 28 belonging to the first flow path group X. The refrigerant flowing through the flat pipes 28 of the first flow path group X evaporates partially by exchanging heat with air and reaches the 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 the 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 a plurality of flat pipes 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 plurality of flat pipes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y evaporates further by exchanging heat with air again and reaches the gas header 50. The refrigerant that reaches the gas header 50 merges and then flows through the first gas refrigerant pipe 19.

[0123] When the air conditioning system 1 is in 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 dissipates heat or condenses by exchanging heat with the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, is depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve 12 or the indoor expansion valve 93, and 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 drawn back into the compressor 8.

[0124] Furthermore, when the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in heating mode, if the 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 line in Figure 1, operates the compressor 8, and performs a defrosting operation by supplying high-temperature, high-pressure discharged refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. This defrosting operation melts the frost that has accumulated on the outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0125] In this manner, 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 into the gas header 50. The gaseous refrigerant that reaches the gas header 50 is divided within the internal space of the gas header 50 and then flows through a plurality of flat pipes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y connected to the gas header 50. The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of flat pipes 28 belonging to the second flow path group Y dissipates heat or condenses in part through heat exchange with air and reaches the 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 the lower region of the second header 30. The refrigerant sent to the lower region of the second header 30 is sent to a plurality of flat pipes 28 belonging to the first flow path group X connected to the lower region of the second header 30. The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of flat pipes 28 of the first flow path group X dissipates heat or condenses again through heat exchange with air and reaches the liquid header 60. The refrigerant that reaches the liquid header 60 flows out from the outdoor heat exchanger 11 via the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0126] (4) Details of the gas header Figure 6 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the gas header 50. Figure 7 shows a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the gas header 50. Note that Figure 7 shows the horizontal cross-section when the lowermost flat pipe 28, one of the multiple flat pipes 28 connected to the gas header 50, is cut horizontally at the center in the thickness direction (vertical direction).

[0127] The gas header 50 is composed of 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.

[0128] The gas header 50 is formed by joining together a first gas side 51, a second gas side 52, a third gas side 53, a fourth gas side 54, a fifth gas side 55, a sixth gas side 56, and a seventh gas side 57 by brazing.

[0129] (4-1) First gas side The first gas side portion 51 constitutes a part of the gas header 50 and includes 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. This first gas side portion 51 mainly forms the perimeter of the outer shape of the gas header 50 together with the seventh gas side portion 57.

[0130] The first gas plate portion 51a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side 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 flattened pipe connection openings 51b.

[0131] Multiple gas-side flattened pipe connection openings 51b are arranged in a vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the first gas plate portion 51a in the thickness direction. The contour of the gas-side flattened pipe connection openings 51b has a shape that follows the contour of the flattened pipe 28. As a result, the flattened pipes 28 are brazed together with their insertion end passing through the gas-side flattened pipe connection openings 51b and their outer circumference in contact with the inner circumference of the gas-side flattened pipe connection openings 51b.

[0132] The first gas side plate portion 51c is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the front edge of the first gas plate portion 51a. The second gas side plate portion 51d is a plate-shaped portion extending to the right from the rear edge of the first gas plate portion 51a. The first gas side plate portion 51c and the second gas side plate portion 51d are provided facing each other in the front-rear direction, sandwiching 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.

[0133] The first gas crimping claws 51e are multiple crimping claws provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction at the right end of the first gas side plate portion 51c. The second gas crimping claws 51f are multiple crimping claws provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction at the right end of the second gas side plate portion 51d. In the state before crimping, the first gas crimping claws 51e extend to the right on the extension of the first gas side plate portion 51c, and the second gas crimping claws 51f extend to the right on the extension of the second gas side plate portion 51d. Then, with the first gas plate section 51a, the second gas plate section 52a, 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 ​​stacked together, the first gas crimping claw 51e and the second gas crimping claw 51f are folded in so that they move closer to each other in the front-to-back direction, thereby crimping and integrating the second gas plate section 52a, 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. In this state, brazing is performed in a furnace or the like, so that the members are joined together by brazing and completely fixed in place.

[0134] (4-2) Second gas side The second gas side portion 52 constitutes part of the gas header 50 and has a second gas plate portion 52a.

[0135] The second gas plate portion 52a is laminated so as to be in contact with the right side surface of the first gas plate portion 51a and in contact with 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.

[0136] The multiple gas insertion openings 52b are arranged vertically and are openings that penetrate the second gas plate portion 52a in the thickness direction. The front and rear edges of the gas insertion openings 52b are located outside the front and rear edges of the gas-side flat pipe connection openings 51b when viewed in the thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a. Also, the upper and lower edges of the multiple gas insertion openings 52b are located outside the upper and lower edges of the gas-side flat pipe connection openings 51b when viewed in the thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a. When viewed in the thickness direction of the second gas plate portion 52a, the contours of the gas insertion openings 52b do not overlap with the contours of the flat pipe 28 and are located outside the contours of the flat pipe 28. As a result, the tip of the flat pipe 28 in the insertion direction is inserted so as to pass through the gas insertion openings 52b. Furthermore, even if there is excess solder during brazing, a gap is maintained between the flattened tube 28 and the gas insertion opening 52b, allowing the excess solder to be guided, thus preventing the flow path of the flattened tube 28 from being blocked by the excess solder.

[0137] (4-3) Third gas side The third gas side portion 53 constitutes part of the gas header 50 and has a third gas plate portion 53a.

[0138] The third gas plate portion 53a is laminated so as to be in contact with the right side surface of the second gas plate portion 52a and in contact with the left side surface of the fourth gas plate portion 54a. The third gas plate portion 53a has a plurality of gas regulating openings 53b.

[0139] The multiple gas regulating openings 53b are arranged in a vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the third gas plate section 53a in the thickness direction. The front and rear edges of the gas regulating openings 53b are located inward from the front and rear edges of the gas insertion openings 52b when viewed in the thickness direction of the third gas plate section 53a. The width of the multiple gas regulating openings 53b in the front and rear direction is narrower than the width of the flat pipe 28 in the front and rear direction. As a result, the insertion position of the flat pipe 28 is determined by the tip of the flat pipe 28 in the insertion direction hitting the edge of the gas regulating opening 53b. The upper and lower edges of the multiple gas regulating openings 53b are located outward from the front and rear edges of the flat pipe 28.

[0140] Furthermore, 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 through multiple gas restriction openings 53b.

[0141] (4-4) Fourth gas side The fourth gas side portion 54 constitutes part of the gas header 50 and has a fourth gas plate portion 54a.

[0142] The fourth gas plate portion 54a is laminated so as to be in contact with the right side surface of the third gas plate portion 53a and in contact with the left side surface of the fifth gas plate portion 55a. The fourth gas plate portion 54a has a fourth gas opening 54b.

[0143] The fourth gas opening 54b is an opening that penetrates the fourth gas plate portion 54a in the thickness direction, and its longitudinal direction is vertical. When viewed in the thickness direction of the fourth gas plate portion 54a, the fourth gas opening 54b overlaps with the connection points of multiple flat pipes 28 in the gas header 50, for example, with the connection points of three or more or five or more flat pipes 28. The width of the fourth gas opening 54b in the front-rear direction corresponds to the width of the gas regulating opening 53b of the third member 43 in the front-rear direction.

[0144] (4-5) Fifth gas side The fifth gas side portion 55 constitutes part of the gas header 50 and has a fifth gas plate portion 55a.

[0145] The fifth gas plate portion 55a is laminated so as to be in contact with the right side surface of the fourth gas plate portion 54a and in contact with the left side surface of the sixth gas plate portion 56a. The fifth gas plate portion 55a has a fifth gas opening 55b.

[0146] The fifth gas opening 55b is an opening that penetrates the fifth gas plate portion 55a in the thickness direction, and its longitudinal direction is vertical. When viewed in the thickness direction of the fifth gas plate portion 55a, the fifth gas opening 55b overlaps with the connection points of the multiple flattened pipes 28 in the gas header 50.

[0147] (4-6) Sixth gas side The sixth gas side portion 56 constitutes a part of the gas header 50 and has a sixth gas plate portion 56a.

[0148] The sixth gas plate portion 56a is laminated so as to be in contact with the right side surface of the fifth gas plate portion 55a and in contact with the left side surface of the seventh gas plate portion 57a. The sixth gas plate portion 56a has a sixth gas opening 56b.

[0149] The sixth gas opening 56b is an opening that penetrates the sixth gas plate portion 56a in the thickness direction, and its longitudinal direction is vertical. When viewed in the thickness direction of the sixth gas plate portion 56a, the sixth gas opening 56b overlaps with the connection points of the multiple flattened pipes 28 in the gas header 50.

[0150] (4-7) Seventh gas side The seventh gas side portion 57 constitutes part of the gas header 50 and has a seventh gas plate portion 57a.

[0151] The seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​is laminated so as to be in contact with the right side surface of the sixth gas plate portion 56a. The seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​has an opening that penetrates in the thickness direction of the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​and has a gas piping connection opening 57b to which the gas refrigerant connection piping 19a is connected.

[0152] 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-like member that constitutes the outer wall portion of the gas header 50 so as to close the gas space 50S from the right side.

[0153] The front portion of the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​is crimped by the first gas crimping claw 51e of the first member 41. The rear portion of the seventh gas plate portion 57a ​​is crimped by the second gas crimping claw 51f.

[0154] (5) Details of the liquid header Figure 8 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header 60 (corresponding to "header"). Figure 9 shows a schematic horizontal cross-sectional configuration diagram of the liquid header 60. Note that Figure 9 shows a horizontal cross-section when the lowermost flat pipe 28, one of the multiple flat pipes 28 connected to the liquid header 60, is cut horizontally at the center in the thickness direction (vertical direction). Figure 10 shows a partially enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the lower end of the fifth liquid side portion 65 in the liquid header 60.

[0155] The liquid header 60 is composed of 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, and a seventh liquid side portion 67 of the seventh member 47. 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 the liquid space 60S of the liquid header 60.

[0156] The liquid header 60 is formed by joining together 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 by brazing.

[0157] Furthermore, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the liquid header 60.

[0158] 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 divided within the liquid header 60, and each divided portion of the refrigerant is sent to one of the flat pipes 28 included in the first flow path group X.

[0159] (5-1) First liquid side The first liquid side portion 61 constitutes a part of the liquid header 60 and includes 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. This first liquid side portion 61 mainly forms the periphery of the outer shape of the liquid header 60 together with the seventh liquid side portion 67.

[0160] 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.

[0161] The first liquid plate portion 61a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side 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 flattened pipe connection openings 61b.

[0162] Multiple liquid-side flattened pipe connection openings 61b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the first liquid plate portion 61a in the thickness direction. The contour of the liquid-side flattened pipe connection openings 61b has a shape that follows the contour of the flattened pipe 28. As a result, the flattened pipes 28 are brazed together with their insertion end passing through the liquid-side flattened pipe connection openings 61b and their outer circumferences in contact with the inner circumferences of the liquid-side flattened pipe connection openings 61b.

[0163] The first liquid side plate portion 61c is a plate-like portion extending to the right from the front edge of the first liquid plate portion 61a. The second liquid side plate portion 61d is a plate-like portion extending to the right from the rear edge of the first liquid plate portion 61a. The first liquid side plate portion 61c and the second liquid side plate portion 61d are arranged to face each other in the front-rear direction, sandwiching 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-rear direction.

[0164] The first liquid crimping claws 61e are multiple crimping claws provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction at the right end of the first liquid side plate portion 61c. The second liquid crimping claws 61f are multiple crimping claws provided at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction at the right end of the second liquid side plate portion 61d. In the state before crimping, the first liquid crimping claws 61e extend to the right on the extension of the first liquid side plate portion 61c, and the second liquid crimping claws 61f extend to the right on 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 claw 61e and the second liquid crimping claw 61f are folded in so that they move closer to 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, so that the members are joined together by brazing and completely fixed in place.

[0165] (5-2) Second liquid side The second liquid side portion 62 constitutes 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.

[0166] The second liquid plate portion 62a is laminated so as to be in contact with the right side surface of the first liquid plate portion 61a and in contact with the left side surface of the third liquid plate portion 63a.

[0167] The multiple liquid insertion openings 62b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the second liquid plate portion 62a in the thickness direction. The front and rear edges of the liquid insertion openings 62b are located outside the front and rear edges of the liquid-side flattened pipe connection openings 61b when viewed in the thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a. Also, the upper and lower edges of the multiple liquid insertion openings 62b are located outside the upper and lower edges of the liquid-side flattened pipe connection openings 61b when viewed in the thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a. When viewed in the thickness direction of the second liquid plate portion 62a, the contours of the liquid insertion openings 62b do not overlap with the contours of the flattened pipe 28 and are located outside the contours of the flattened pipe 28. As a result, the tip of the flattened pipe 28 in the insertion direction is inserted so as to pass through the liquid insertion openings 62b. Furthermore, even if there is excess solder material during brazing, a gap is maintained between the flattened tube 28 and the liquid insertion opening 62b, allowing the excess solder material to be guided, thus preventing the flow path of the flattened tube 28 from being blocked by the excess solder material.

[0168] (5-3) Third liquid side The third liquid side portion 63 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is located 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.

[0169] The third liquid plate portion 63a is a plate-shaped member with its thickness in the left-right direction and extending in the up-down and front-back directions. The third liquid plate portion 63a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a and in contact with the right side surface of the second liquid plate portion 62a.

[0170] The multiple liquid-restricting openings 63b are arranged side by side in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the third liquid plate section 63a in the thickness direction. The front and rear edges of the liquid-restricting openings 63b are located inward from the front and rear edges of the liquid insertion openings 62b when viewed in the thickness direction of the third liquid plate section 63a. The width of the multiple liquid-restricting openings 63b in the front and rear direction is narrower than the width of the flattened tube 28 in the front and rear direction. As a result, the insertion position of the flattened tube 28 is determined by the tip of the flattened tube 28 in the insertion direction contacting the edge of the liquid-restricting opening 63b. The upper and lower edges of the multiple liquid-restricting openings 63b are located outward from the front and rear edges of the flattened tube 28.

[0171] Furthermore, the multiple liquid restriction openings 63b overlap and communicate with the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b and the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c when viewed in the thickness direction of the third liquid plate portion 63a. In this embodiment, the liquid restriction openings 63b, the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b, and the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c overlap in a one-to-one correspondence when viewed in the thickness direction of the third liquid plate portion 63a. In this embodiment, the liquid restriction openings 63b communicating with the second liquid diversion openings 64b and the liquid restriction openings 63b communicating with the third liquid diversion openings 64c are arranged alternately in the vertical direction.

[0172] In this embodiment, the number of second liquid diversion openings 64b is equal to the number of third liquid diversion openings 64c. Also, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​each second liquid diversion opening 64b is equal to the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​each third liquid diversion opening 64c.

[0173] (5-4) Fourth liquid side The fourth liquid side section 64 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is located between the fifth liquid side section 65 and the third liquid side section 63. The fourth liquid side section 64 has a fourth liquid plate section 64a, a plurality of second liquid diversion openings 64b (an example of a "second connecting passage"), and a plurality of third liquid diversion openings 64c (an example of a "third connecting passage").

[0174] The fourth liquid plate portion 64a is a plate-shaped member with its thickness in the left-right direction and extending in the up-down and front-back directions. The fourth liquid plate portion 64a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a and in contact with the right side surface of the third liquid plate portion 63a.

[0175] The multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b and the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c are all openings that penetrate the fourth liquid plate portion 64a in the thickness direction. The second liquid diversion openings 64b constitute the second connecting passage B3, which is part of the second flow path B described later. The third liquid diversion openings 64c constitute the third connecting passage C3, which is part of the third flow path C described later.

[0176] Multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b are arranged vertically at a position biased toward the front of the fourth liquid plate section 64a. Here, the front of the fourth liquid plate section 64a corresponds to the downwind side of the airflow F when the outdoor fan 16 is driven. When viewed in the thickness direction of the fourth liquid plate section 64a, the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b overlap with the multiple liquid regulating openings 63b and the second blowing section 65j provided on the fifth liquid side section 65. As a result, the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b connect the multiple liquid regulating openings 63b and the second blowing section 65j.

[0177] Multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c are arranged vertically at a position biased toward the rear side of the fourth liquid plate section 64a. Here, the rear side of the fourth liquid plate section 64a corresponds to the windward side of the airflow F when the outdoor fan 16 is driven. When viewed in the thickness direction of the fourth liquid plate section 64a, the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c overlap with the multiple liquid regulating openings 63b and the third blowing section 65k provided on the fifth liquid side section 65. As a result, the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c connect the multiple liquid regulating openings 63b and the third blowing section 65k.

[0178] The multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b and the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c are arranged in a staggered pattern. Specifically, the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b and the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c are arranged to alternate positions in the vertical direction.

[0179] (5-5) Fifth liquid side The fifth liquid side portion 65 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is located 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 and a fifth opening 65b.

[0180] The fifth liquid plate portion 65a is a plate-shaped member with its thickness in the left-right direction and extending in the up-down and front-back directions. The fifth liquid plate portion 65a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a and in contact with the right side surface of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a.

[0181] The fifth opening 65b is an opening that penetrates the fifth liquid plate portion 65a in the thickness direction and has a branching portion 65c, a second introduction portion 65d, a third introduction portion 65e, a second opening 65f, and a third opening 65g.

[0182] The branch section 65c constitutes the lower, near-center of the fifth opening 65b in the front-to-back direction. The branch section 65c is the portion of the fifth liquid plate section 65a that overlaps with the liquid communication opening 66b of the sixth liquid side section 66, which will be described later, when viewed in the thickness direction. The vertical length of the branch section 65c corresponds to the vertical length of the liquid communication opening 66b. This makes it possible to minimize the pressure loss experienced by the refrigerant flowing from the liquid communication opening 66b of the sixth liquid side section 66 to the branch section 65c.

[0183] The second inlet 65d extends horizontally forward from the branching section 65c. On the side closer to the branching section 65c, the second inlet 65d has a shape where the upper edge of the second inlet 65d is located downward as it moves forward from the branching section 65c. On the side further from the branching section 65c, the second inlet 65d has a shape where the upper edge of the second inlet 65d extends horizontally forward, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in this shape is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the liquid contact opening 66b of the sixth liquid side section 66 connected to the branching section 65c. The lower edge of the second inlet 65d extends horizontally forward.

[0184] The third inlet 65e extends horizontally toward the rear from the branch 65c. On the side closer to the branch 65c, the third inlet 65e has a shape where the upper edge of the third inlet 65e is located downward as it moves toward the rear from the branch 65c. On the side further from the branch 65c, the third inlet 65e has a shape where the upper edge of the third inlet 65e extends horizontally toward the rear, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in this shape is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the liquid contact opening 66b of the sixth liquid side portion 66 connected to the branch 65c. The lower edge of the third inlet 65e extends horizontally toward the rear.

[0185] The third inlet section 65e is provided symmetrically with respect to the branch section 65c with respect to the second inlet section 65d. More specifically, the second inlet section 65d and the third inlet section 65e are provided symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that extends in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions at the center of the branch section 65c in the front-to-back direction. This makes it possible to distribute the refrigerant that reaches the branch section 65c evenly to the second inlet section 65d and the third inlet section 65e.

[0186] The second opening 65f is the portion of the fifth opening 65b that is closer to the front of the second introduction section 65d, extending upward from a position behind the front end, and has a second outlet section 65j and a second throttling section 65h. The second outlet section 65j is located closer to the front of the fifth liquid plate section 65a, and extends vertically such that its longitudinal direction is vertical. In view of the fifth liquid plate section 65a in the thickness direction, the second outlet section 65j overlaps with and communicates with the plurality of second liquid diversion openings 64b of the fourth liquid side section 64. The refrigerant sent from the second outlet section 65j to the second liquid diversion openings 64b is sent to the plurality of first flat pipes 28x among the plurality of flat pipes 28. The upper end of the second outlet section 65j overlaps with and communicates with the second lower connection portion 66i of the sixth liquid side section 66, described later, when viewed in the thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate section 65a. The lower end of the second outlet section 65j overlaps with and communicates with the second upper connection portion 66d of the sixth liquid side section 66, described later, when viewed in the thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate section 65a. The second throttling section 65h connects the lower end of the second outlet section 65j to the front upper end portion of the second inlet section 65d. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second throttling section 65h is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second outlet section 65j. Furthermore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second throttling section 65h is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet section 65d where the second throttling section 65h is connected (the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the second inlet section 65d where the upper edge of the second inlet section 65d extends horizontally toward the front on the side furthest from the branching section 65c). As a result, the flow velocity of the refrigerant passing through the second throttling section 65h can be increased, making it easier for the refrigerant blown from the second throttling section 65h to the second outlet section 65j to reach the end of the second outlet section 65j furthest from the second throttling section 65h when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0187] The third opening 65g is a portion of the fifth opening 65b that is closer to the rear of the third introduction section 65e, extending upward from a position forward of the rear end, and has a third outlet section 65k and a third throttling section 65i. The third outlet section 65k is located closer to the rear of the fifth liquid plate section 65a, and extends vertically such that its longitudinal direction is vertical. In view of the fifth liquid plate section 65a in the thickness direction, the third outlet section 65k overlaps with and communicates with the plurality of third liquid diversion openings 64c of the fourth liquid side section 64. The refrigerant sent from the third outlet section 65k to the third liquid diversion openings 64c is sent to the plurality of second flat pipes 28y among the plurality of flat pipes 28. The upper end of the third outlet section 65k overlaps with and communicates with the third upper connection portion 66e of the sixth liquid side section 66, described later, when viewed in the thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate section 65a. The lower end of the third outlet section 65k overlaps with and communicates with the third lower connection portion 66j of the sixth liquid side section 66, described later, when viewed in the thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate section 65a. The third throttling section 65i connects the lower end of the third outlet section 65k to the rear upper end portion of the third introduction section 65e. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third throttling section 65i is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third outlet section 65k. Furthermore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third throttling section 65i is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third inlet section 65e where the third throttling section 65i is connected (the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the third inlet section 65e where the upper edge of the third inlet section 65e extends horizontally toward the front on the side furthest from the branching section 65c). As a result, the flow velocity of the refrigerant passing through the third throttling section 65i can be increased, making it easier for the refrigerant blown from the third throttling section 65i to the third outlet section 65k to reach the end of the third outlet section 65k furthest from the third throttling section 65i when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0188] Furthermore, the second opening 65f and the third opening 65g extend along the plane in which the fifth liquid plate portion 65a expands, thus extending on the same plane.

[0189] (5-6) Liquid side of the 6th liquid The sixth liquid side section 66 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is located 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 liquid communication opening 66b, and a common circulation section 66c.

[0190] The sixth liquid plate portion 66a is a plate-shaped member with its thickness in the left-right direction and extending in the up-down and front-back directions. The sixth liquid plate portion 66a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a and in contact with the right side surface of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a.

[0191] The liquid communication opening 66b is provided near the lower end of the sixth liquid side portion 66 and is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the sixth liquid plate portion 66a in the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, the liquid communication opening 66b overlaps with the liquid piping connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side portion 67 (described later) and the branching portion 65c of the fifth opening 65b of the fifth liquid side portion 65, thereby connecting the liquid piping connection opening 67b and the branching portion 65c.

[0192] The common circulation section 66c is provided above the liquid contact opening 66b and is an opening that penetrates the sixth liquid plate section 66a in the thickness direction. The common circulation section 66c includes a main circulation channel 66g, an upper confluence section 66f (an example of a "confluence section"), a lower confluence section 66h, a second lower connection section 66i, a second upper connection section 66d (an example of a "first section"), a third lower connection section 66j, and a third upper connection section 66e (an example of a "second section").

[0193] The main circulating channel 66g is a portion that extends vertically near the center in the front-to-back direction of the sixth liquid plate section 66a, with the vertical direction being its longitudinal direction. The upper confluence section 66f is located at the upper end of the main circulating channel 66g and is connected to the second upper connection section 66d and the third upper connection section 66e. The lower confluence section 66h is located at the lower end of the main circulating channel 66g and is connected to the second lower connection section 66i and the third lower connection section 66j.

[0194] The front end of the second upper connection portion 66d overlaps with the upper end of the second outlet portion 65j of the fifth liquid side portion 65 in a view in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and is in communication with it. The second upper connection portion 66d extends downward toward the rear and is connected to the upper confluence portion 66f. The second upper connection portion 66d is located vertically above the upper confluence portion 66f. Therefore, the refrigerant sent from the second outlet portion 65j of the fifth liquid side portion 65 through the second upper connection portion 66d to the upper confluence portion 66f is easily guided to the main circulation channel 66g due to the influence of its own weight in addition to the direction and velocity of the refrigerant flow, and the backflow of the refrigerant upward through the third upper connection portion 66e toward the third outlet portion 65k is suppressed.

[0195] The rear end of the third upper connection portion 66e overlaps with the upper end of the third outlet portion 65k of the fifth liquid side portion 65 in a view in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and is in communication with it. The third upper connection portion 66e extends downward as it approaches the front and connects to the upper confluence portion 66f. The third upper connection portion 66e is located vertically above the upper confluence portion 66f. Therefore, the refrigerant sent from the third outlet portion 65k of the fifth liquid side portion 65 through the third upper connection portion 66e to the upper confluence portion 66f is easily guided into the main circulation channel 66g due to the influence of its own weight in addition to the direction and velocity of the refrigerant flow, and the backflow of the refrigerant upward through the second upper connection portion 66d towards the second outlet portion 65j is suppressed.

[0196] The front end of the second lower connection portion 66i overlaps with the lower end of the second outlet portion 65j of the fifth liquid side portion 65 in a view in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and is in communication with it. The second lower connection portion 66i extends upward toward the rear and is connected to the lower confluence portion 66h. Therefore, the refrigerant that descends the circulating main flow path 66g and branches off to the second lower connection portion 66i is easily guided from the second lower connection portion 66i to the second outlet portion 65j of the fifth liquid side portion 65 due to the influence of its own weight in addition to the direction and velocity of the refrigerant flow, and backflow from the second outlet portion 65j to the second lower connection portion 66i is suppressed. Note that the second lower connection portion 66i is located above the second throttling portion 65h of the fifth liquid side portion 65 in a view in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and does not overlap with the second throttling portion 65h. As a result, the refrigerant that returns to the second outlet 65j via the second lower connection portion 66i merges with the refrigerant whose flow velocity has increased as it passes through the second throttling portion 65h, and is then blown out again to the second outlet 65j. Furthermore, in a view of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a in the thickness direction, the second lower connection portion 66i does not overlap with any of the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b of the fourth liquid side portion 64, but overlaps with the second outlet 65j at a position lower than the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b. As a result, in a view of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a in the thickness direction, the position where the second lower connection portion 66i and the second outlet 65j overlap does not overlap with any of the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b, thereby suppressing the concentrated flow of refrigerant to a specific second liquid diversion opening 64b among the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b.

[0197] The rear end of the third lower connection portion 66j overlaps with the lower end of the third outlet portion 65k of the fifth liquid side portion 65 in a view in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and is in communication with it. The third lower connection portion 66j extends upward as it moves towards the front and is connected to the lower confluence portion 66h. Therefore, the refrigerant that descends the main circulating flow path 66g and branches off to the third lower connection portion 66j is easily guided from the third lower connection portion 66j to the third outlet portion 65k of the fifth liquid side portion 65 due to the influence of its own weight in addition to the direction and velocity of the refrigerant flow, and backflow from the third outlet portion 65k to the third lower connection portion 66j is suppressed. Note that the third lower connection portion 66j is located above the third throttling portion 65i of the fifth liquid side portion 65 in a view in the thickness direction of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a, and does not overlap with the third throttling portion 65i. As a result, the refrigerant that has returned to the third outlet 65k via the third lower connection portion 66j merges with the refrigerant whose flow velocity has increased as it passes through the third throttling portion 65i, and is then blown out again to the third outlet 65k. Furthermore, in a view of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a in the thickness direction, the third lower connection portion 66j does not overlap with any of the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c of the fourth liquid side portion 64, but overlaps with the third outlet 65k at a position lower than the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c. As a result, in a view of the sixth liquid plate portion 66a in the thickness direction, the position where the third lower connection portion 66j and the third outlet 65k overlap does not overlap with any of the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c, thereby suppressing the concentrated flow of refrigerant to a specific third liquid diversion opening 64c among the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c.

[0198] Furthermore, the second lower connection portion 66i extends upward as it approaches the rear and connects to the lower confluence portion 66h, and the third lower connection portion 66j extends upward as it approaches the front and connects to the lower confluence portion 66h. As a result, the lower part of the common circulation portion 66c has an edge that is convex upward. And, by providing a liquid contact opening 66b below the apex of this convex upward shape (the lower edge of the lower confluence portion 66h), it is possible to keep the vertical dimension between the common circulation portion 66c and the liquid contact opening 66b small.

[0199] (5-7) 7th liquid side The seventh liquid side section 67 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is located to the right of the sixth liquid side section 66. The seventh liquid side section 67 has a seventh liquid plate section 67a and a liquid piping connection opening 67b.

[0200] The seventh liquid plate portion 67a is a plate-shaped member that constitutes the right outer wall portion of the liquid header 60 so as to block the liquid space 60S from the right side, and extends in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions. The seventh liquid plate portion 67a blocks the right side of the common circulation portion 66c of the sixth liquid side portion 66.

[0201] The liquid piping connection opening 67b is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the seventh liquid plate portion 67a in the thickness direction, near the lower end of the seventh liquid side portion 67 and near the center in the front-rear direction. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to the liquid piping connection opening 67b.

[0202] The front portion of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a is crimped by the first liquid crimping claw 61e. The rear portion of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a is crimped by the second liquid crimping claw 61f.

[0203] (5-8) First channel, second channel, third channel The liquid header 60 has a first flow path A, a second flow path B, and a third flow path C, which are refrigerant flow paths formed by the fourth liquid side section 64, the fifth liquid side section 65, the sixth liquid side section 66, the seventh liquid side section 67, and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a.

[0204] The first flow path A is a flow path formed by the communication between the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a, the liquid pipe connection opening 67b, and the liquid communication opening 66b, and extends to the branching section 65c. The first flow path A is a flow path that extends along a virtual plane including a line extending vertically from the branching section 65c and a line extending horizontally from the branching section 65c, and in this embodiment, it extends such that the horizontal direction is the longitudinal direction.

[0205] The second flow path B is a flow path extending from the branching section 65c, and is composed of a second inlet section 65d, a second throttling section 65h, a second outlet section 65j, and a plurality of second liquid diversion openings 64b that are in communication with each other. The second flow path B has a second connecting flow path B1, a second main flow path B2, and a plurality of second connecting passages B3. The second connecting flow path B1 is composed of a second inlet section 65d that is sandwiched from the left and right by a fourth liquid plate section 64a and a sixth liquid plate section 66a. The second main flow path B2 is, The second throttling section 65h is composed of a portion sandwiched from the left and right by the fourth liquid plate section 64a and the sixth liquid plate section 66a, and the second blowing section 65j is composed of a portion sandwiched from the left and right by the fourth liquid side section 64 and the sixth liquid side section 66. Multiple second connecting passages B3 are composed of multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b.

[0206] The third flow path C is a flow path extending from the branching section 65c, and is composed of a third inlet section 65e, a third throttling section 65i, a third outlet section 65k, and a plurality of third liquid diversion openings 64c that are in communication with each other. The third flow path C has a third connecting flow path C1, a third main flow path C2, and a plurality of third connecting passages C3. The third connecting flow path C1 is composed of a third inlet section 65e sandwiched from the left and right by a fourth liquid plate section 64a and a sixth liquid plate section 66a. The third main flow path C2 is composed of a portion where the third throttling section 65i is sandwiched from the left and right by a fourth liquid plate section 64a and a sixth liquid plate section 66a, and a portion where the third outlet section 65k is sandwiched from the left and right by a fourth liquid side section 64 and a sixth liquid side section 66. The plurality of third connecting passages C3 are composed of a plurality of third liquid diversion openings 64c.

[0207] When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing from right to left through the first flow path A reaches the branching section 65c, strikes the fourth liquid plate section 64a, and changes direction significantly, branching into the second connecting flow path B1 of the second flow path B and the third connecting flow path C1 of the third flow path C.

[0208] The refrigerant that passes through the second connecting channel B1 and flows through the second main channel B2 is divided into multiple second connecting passages B3. The refrigerant that reaches the end of the second main channel B2 without going to the multiple second connecting passages B3 is sent to the common circulation section 66c.

[0209] The refrigerant that passes through the third connecting channel C1 and flows through the third main channel C2 is divided into multiple third connecting passages C3. The refrigerant that reaches the end of the third main channel C2 without going to the multiple third connecting passages C3 is sent to the common circulation section 66c.

[0210] The refrigerant sent from the second main channel B2 and the third main channel C2 to the common circulation section 66c merges, then separates back into the second main channel B2 and the third main channel C2, and flows through the second main channel B2 and the third main channel C2 again.

[0211] (6) Features of the Embodiment The liquid header 60 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a structure that diverts the refrigerant that flows in via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a before sending it to the multiple flat pipes 28 connected to the liquid header 60 when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. Therefore, there is no need to install a conventionally known flow divider separately from the liquid header 60, making it possible to reduce the installation space and component costs.

[0212] In the liquid header 60, the refrigerant flowing through the first channel A and reaching the branching section 65c abuts the fourth liquid plate section 64a and splits into the second connecting channel B1 and the third connecting channel C1, which have significantly different directions of extension from the first channel A. Therefore, when the refrigerant flowing through the first channel A contains both gaseous and liquid phase refrigerant, the gaseous and liquid phase refrigerants can be stirred, making it possible to ensure that the ratio of gaseous to liquid phase refrigerant in the refrigerant flowing through the second connecting channel B1 and the refrigerant flowing through the third connecting channel C1 are approximately the same. Furthermore, since the second connecting channel B1 and the third connecting channel C1 extend symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes both the refrigerant flow direction of the first channel A and the vertical direction of gravity, it is possible to make the refrigerant flow rate from the branching section 65c toward the second connecting channel B1 and the refrigerant flow rate from the branching section 65c toward the third connecting channel C1 approximately the same.

[0213] The refrigerant that passes through the second connecting channel B1 and flows through the second main channel B2 is sent to multiple first flat pipes 28x via multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b of the fourth liquid side section 64. The refrigerant that passes through the third connecting channel C1 and flows through the third main channel C2 is sent to multiple second flat pipes 28y via multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c of the fourth liquid side section 64. In this way, refrigerant can be supplied to multiple flat pipes 28 from multiple main channels, including the second main channel B2 and the third main channel C2. As a result, compared to the case where only one main channel is provided, it is possible to reduce the number of liquid diversion openings (second liquid diversion openings 64b and third liquid diversion openings 64c) connected to each main channel, making it easier to distribute the refrigerant evenly to each liquid diversion opening. Furthermore, because it becomes possible to ensure a wide spacing between liquid diversion openings (spacing between liquid diversion openings connected to the same main flow path), it is easier to ensure that the refrigerant is distributed evenly to each liquid diversion opening.

[0214] Furthermore, since refrigerant can be supplied to multiple flattened pipes 28 from multiple main channels, including the second main channel B2 and the third main channel C2, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the liquid diversion openings that connect the main channels and the flattened pipes 28 compared to the case where only one main channel is provided.

[0215] (7) Other embodiments (7-1) Other Embodiments A In the above embodiment, a liquid header 60 in which the second connecting channel B1 and the third connecting channel C1 extend horizontally so as to be separated from each other from the branching section 65c was described as an example.

[0216] In contrast, the liquid header 60 is not limited to this. For example, the second connecting passage B1 and the third connecting passage C1 may extend at an inclination with respect to the horizontal direction so as to move away from each other from the branching section 65c. For example, the second connecting passage B1 and the third connecting passage C1 may extend so as to be located downward as they move away from each other from the branching section 65c, or they may extend so as to be located upward as they move away from each other from the branching section 65c. In these cases as well, it is possible to distribute the refrigerant that has flowed through the first passage A evenly, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0217] (7-2) Other Embodiments B In the above embodiment, a liquid header 60 in which the first flow path A extends horizontally along the left-right direction was used as an example.

[0218] In contrast, the liquid header 60 is not limited to this. For example, the first flow path A may extend along a virtual plane that includes lines extending vertically from the branching portion 65c and lines extending horizontally from the branching portion 65c, or it may extend vertically downward from the branching portion 65c.

[0219] (7-3) Other Embodiments C In the above embodiment, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant flow in which the refrigerant that has passed through the second main flow path B2 and the refrigerant that has passed through the third main flow path C2 merge in the common circulation section 66c, and then branches in the common circulation section 66c to be returned to the second main flow path B2 and the third main flow path C2 respectively was described as an example of a liquid header 60.

[0220] However, the liquid header 60 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the liquid header 60 may have a structure in which the refrigerant that has passed through the second main channel B2 and the refrigerant that has passed through the third main channel C2 are returned to the second main channel B2 and the third main channel C2, respectively, without merging.

[0221] In the liquid header 60 shown in Figure 12, instead of the sixth liquid side portion 66 interposed between the fifth liquid side portion 65 and the seventh liquid side portion 67 in the above embodiment, a 61st liquid side portion 166 and a 62nd liquid side portion 266 are provided between the fifth liquid side portion 65 and the seventh liquid side portion 67, and the other configurations are the same as in the above embodiment.

[0222] The 61st liquid side section 166 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is located between the 62nd liquid side section 266 and the 5th liquid side section 65. The 61st liquid side section 166 has a 61st liquid plate section 166a, a liquid contact opening 166b, a second forward opening 166c, a second return opening 166e, a third forward opening 166d, and a third return opening 166f.

[0223] The 61st liquid plate portion 166a is a plate-shaped member with its thickness in the left-right direction and extending in the up-down and front-back directions. The 61st liquid plate portion 166a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the 62nd liquid plate portion 266a and in contact with the right side surface of the 5th liquid plate portion 65a.

[0224] The liquid communication opening 166b is provided near the lower end of the 61st liquid side portion 166 and is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction of the 61st liquid plate portion 166a, the liquid communication opening 166b overlaps with the liquid communication opening 266b of the 62nd liquid side portion 266 and the branching portion 65c of the 5th opening 65b of the 5th liquid side portion 65, thus connecting the liquid communication opening 266b and the branching portion 65c.

[0225] The second supply opening 166c is located near the front of the upper end of the 61st liquid side portion 166 and is an opening that penetrates the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction. In a view of the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction, the second supply opening 166c overlaps with the upper end of the second blowout portion 65j and the upper end of the first circulation portion 266c of the 62nd liquid side portion 266, which will be described later, and connects them.

[0226] The second return opening 166e is located near the front of the lower end of the 61st liquid side portion 166 and is an opening that penetrates the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction. In a view of the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction, the second return opening 166e overlaps with the lower end of the second blowout portion 65j and the lower end of the first circulation portion 266c of the 62nd liquid side portion 266, which will be described later, and connects them.

[0227] The third supply opening 166d is located near the rear end of the upper end of the 61st liquid side portion 166 and is an opening that penetrates the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction. In a view of the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction, the third supply opening 166d overlaps with the upper end of the third blowout portion 65k and the upper end of the second circulation portion 266d of the 62nd liquid side portion 266, which will be described later, and connects them.

[0228] The third return opening 166f is located near the rear end of the lower end of the 61st liquid side portion 166 and is an opening that penetrates the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction. In a view of the 61st liquid plate portion 166a in the thickness direction, the third return opening 166f overlaps with the lower end of the third blowout portion 65k and the lower end of the second circulation portion 266d of the 62nd liquid side portion 266, which will be described later, and connects them.

[0229] The 62nd liquid side section 266 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is located between the 7th liquid side section 67 and the 61st liquid side section 166. The 62nd liquid side section 266 has a 62nd liquid plate section 266a, a liquid contact opening 266b, a first circulation section 266c, and a second circulation section 266d.

[0230] The 62nd liquid plate portion 266a is a plate-shaped member with its thickness in the left-right direction and extending in the up-down and front-back directions. The 62nd liquid plate portion 266a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the 7th liquid plate portion 67a and in contact with the right side surface of the 61st liquid plate portion 166a.

[0231] The liquid contact opening 266b is provided near the lower end of the 62nd liquid side portion 266 and is a cylindrical opening that penetrates the 62nd liquid plate portion 266a in the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction of the 62nd liquid plate portion 266a, the liquid contact opening 266b overlaps with the liquid contact opening 166b of the 61st liquid side portion 166 and the liquid piping connection opening 67b of the 7th liquid side portion 67, thus connecting the liquid contact opening 166b and the liquid piping connection opening 67b.

[0232] The first circulation portion 266c is an opening that penetrates the 62nd liquid plate portion 266a in the thickness direction. The first circulation portion 266c extends at a position near the front of the 62nd liquid side portion 266, with its longitudinal direction being vertical.

[0233] The second circulation portion 266d is an opening that penetrates the 62nd liquid plate portion 266a in the thickness direction. The second circulation portion 266d extends towards the rear of the 62nd liquid side portion 266, with its longitudinal direction being vertical.

[0234] The 61st liquid side portion 166 may constitute the liquid header 60 side of the 61st member 146. This 61st member 146 may have an opening that constitutes a part of the gas space 50S on the gas header 50 side. Also, the 62nd liquid side portion 266 may constitute the liquid header 60 side of the 62nd member 246. This 62nd member 246 may have an opening that constitutes a part of the gas space 50S on the gas header 50 side.

[0235] In the liquid header 60 described above, the refrigerant that reaches the upper end without flowing from the second outlet 65j to the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b is sent to the upper end of the first circulation section 266c via the second supply opening 166c, and then circulated back to the second outlet 65j via the lower end of the first circulation section 266c and the second return opening 166e. Similarly, the refrigerant that reaches the upper end without flowing from the third outlet 65k to the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c is sent to the upper end of the second circulation section 266d via the third supply opening 166d, and then circulated back to the third outlet 65k via the lower end of the second circulation section 266d and the third return opening 166f.

[0236] Furthermore, it is preferable to use a sixth liquid-side portion 66 having a common circulation portion 66c, as in the above embodiment, in order to reduce the number of stacked plate-like members.

[0237] (7-4) Other Embodiments D In the above embodiments and the other embodiment C described above, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 was described as an example, having a liquid header 60 in which a second liquid diversion opening 64b and a third liquid diversion opening 64c are arranged in a staggered pattern, and a first flattened pipe 28x and a second flattened pipe 28y are arranged alternately in the vertical direction.

[0238] In contrast, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the liquid header 60 may have a fourth liquid side section 164 in which two second liquid diversion openings 64b and two third liquid diversion openings 64c are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, instead of the fourth liquid side section 64 of the other embodiment C. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may also have two first flattened pipes 28x and two second flattened pipes 28y arranged alternately in the vertical direction.

[0239] (7-5) Other Embodiments E As shown in Figure 14, the liquid header 60 may have a fourth liquid side 264 in which a plurality of second liquid diversion openings 64b are arranged together at the bottom and a plurality of third liquid diversion openings 64c are arranged together at the top, instead of the fourth liquid side 64 of other embodiments C. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 may have a plurality of first flattened pipes 28x arranged together at the bottom and a plurality of second flattened pipes 28y arranged together at the top.

[0240] (7-6) Other Embodiments F In the above embodiments and the other embodiment C described above, a liquid header 60 capable of circulating and flowing refrigerant was used as an example to explain the common circulation portion 66c of the sixth liquid side portion 66 and the first circulation portion 266c and second circulation portion 266d of the sixth liquid side portion 266.

[0241] In contrast, a liquid header 60, as shown in Figure 15, may be used in which the refrigerant does not circulate.

[0242] In the liquid header 60 shown in Figure 15, the sixth liquid side portion 66 of the liquid header 60 in the above embodiment is not provided, and a fourth liquid side portion 364 is provided instead of the fourth liquid side portion 64 of the liquid header 60 in the above embodiment.

[0243] In this example, since the sixth liquid side portion 66 is not provided, the liquid piping connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid plate portion 67a is directly connected to the branch portion 65c of the fifth liquid side portion 65. In addition, in the fourth liquid side portion 364, both the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c are provided at each position in the vertical direction. Furthermore, all of the multiple flattened pipes 28 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 are third flattened pipes 28z that communicate with both the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c.

[0244] In this example, it becomes possible to supply refrigerant simultaneously to both the front and rear sides of each third flattened pipe 28z without circulating the refrigerant in the liquid header 60.

[0245] (7-7) Other Embodiments G Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, instead of the liquid header 60 having the fourth liquid side portion 364 in the other embodiment F described above, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may use the fourth liquid side portion 64 of the liquid header 60 in the above embodiment.

[0246] (7-8) Other Embodiments H In the above embodiments and the other embodiment C described above, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 was described as an example, having a liquid header 60 in which a second liquid diversion opening 64b and a third liquid diversion opening 64c are arranged in a staggered pattern, and a first flattened pipe 28x and a second flattened pipe 28y are arranged alternately in the vertical direction.

[0247] In contrast, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 17, instead of the fourth liquid side portion 64 of the liquid header 60 of the other embodiment C described above, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may have a fourth liquid side portion 464 in which the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c are positioned biased upward, and a plurality of third flat pipes 28z are positioned biased upward. In this outdoor heat exchanger 11, a plurality of third flat pipes 28z are positioned biased upward in the vertical direction of the second main flow path B2. Specifically, when the second main channel B2 is divided vertically into three sections—a side far from the second connecting channel B1, a side close to the second connecting channel B1, and the section in between—the number of third flattened tubes 28z located on the side far from the second connecting channel B1 is greater than the number of third flattened tubes 28z located in the center of the second main channel B2, and the number of third flattened tubes 28z located on the side far from the second connecting channel B1 is greater than the number of third flattened tubes 28z located close to the second connecting channel B1.

[0248] The fourth liquid side portion 464 has a portion below in which the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c are arranged in a staggered pattern, and a portion above that in which multiple combinations of the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c having the same vertical position are arranged in a vertical direction. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a portion below in which the first flattened pipe 28x and the second flattened pipe 28y are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, and a portion above that in which the third flattened pipe 28z, which communicates with both the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c, is arranged in a vertical direction.

[0249] When this outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, even if, for example, liquid refrigerant tends to reach the area above the second outlet 65j and the third outlet 65k, the second outlet 65j is in communication with many second liquid diversion openings 64b above, and the third outlet 65k is also in communication with many third liquid diversion openings 64c above, making it possible to supply refrigerant to multiple third flattened pipes 28z.

[0250] (7-9) Other Embodiments I Furthermore, unlike the other embodiment H, as shown in Figure 18, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may have a fourth liquid side portion 564 in which the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c are positioned with a downward bias, instead of the fourth liquid side portion 64 that the liquid header 60 of the other embodiment C has, and a plurality of third flattened pipes 28z are positioned with a downward bias. In this outdoor heat exchanger 11, a plurality of third flattened pipes 28z are positioned with a downward bias in the vertical direction of the second main flow path B2. Specifically, when the second main channel B2 is divided vertically into three sections—a side far from the second connecting channel B1, a side close to it, and a section in between—the number of third flattened tubes 28z located on the side closer to the second connecting channel B1 is greater than the number of third flattened tubes 28z located in the center of the second main channel B2, and the number of third flattened tubes 28z located on the side closer to the second connecting channel B1 is greater than the number of third flattened tubes 28z located on the side far from the second connecting channel B1.

[0251] The fourth liquid side portion 564 has, at the top, a portion in which the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c are arranged in a staggered pattern, and below that, a portion in which multiple combinations of the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c having the same vertical position are arranged in a vertical direction. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 has, at the top, a portion in which the first flattened pipe 28x and the second flattened pipe 28y are arranged alternately in the vertical direction, and below that, a portion in which the third flattened pipe 28z, which communicates with both the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c, is arranged in a vertical direction.

[0252] When this outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, even if, for example, liquid refrigerant tends to remain below the second outlet 65j and the third outlet 65k, the second outlet 65j is in communication with many second liquid diversion openings 64b below, and the third outlet 65k is also in communication with many third liquid diversion openings 64c below, making it possible to supply refrigerant to multiple third flattened pipes 28z.

[0253] (7-10) Other Embodiments J Furthermore, unlike the other embodiments H and other embodiments I, as shown in Figure 19, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may have a fourth liquid side portion 664 in which the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c are offset towards the center in the vertical direction, instead of the fourth liquid side portion 64 that the liquid header 60 of the other embodiment C has, and a plurality of third flat pipes 28z are offset towards the center in the vertical direction. In this outdoor heat exchanger 11, a plurality of third flat pipes 28z are offset towards the center in the vertical direction of the second main flow path B2. Specifically, when the second main channel B2 is divided vertically into three sections—a side far from the second connecting channel B1, a side close to it, and a section in between—the number of third flattened tubes 28z located in the center is greater than the number of third flattened tubes 28z located on the side far from the second connecting channel B1, and the number of third flattened tubes 28z located in the center is greater than the number of third flattened tubes 28z located on the side close to the second connecting channel B1.

[0254] In the fourth liquid side portion 664, in the upper part, a portion where the second liquid diversion openings 64b and the third liquid diversion openings 64c are staggeredly arranged, in the lower part, a portion where the second liquid diversion openings 64b and the third liquid diversion openings 64c are staggeredly arranged, and in the intermediate portion in the vertical direction, there is provided a portion where a plurality of combinations in which the vertical positions of the second liquid diversion openings 64b and the third liquid diversion openings 64c are the same are arranged in the vertical direction. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 has, in the upper part, a portion where the first flat tubes 28x and the second flat tubes 28y are alternately arranged in the vertical direction, in the lower part, a portion where the first flat tubes 28x and the second flat tubes 28y are alternately arranged in the vertical direction, and in the intermediate portion in the vertical direction, a portion where the third flat tubes 28z communicating with both the second liquid diversion openings 64b and the third liquid diversion openings 64c are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0255] When this outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator of a refrigerant, for example, even when it is used in a situation where the liquid refrigerant tends to stay at an intermediate position in the vertical direction between the second blowing portion 65j and the third blowing portion 65k, the second blowing portion 65j communicates with a large number of second liquid diversion openings 64b at the intermediate position in the vertical direction, and the third blowing portion 65k also communicates with a large number of third liquid diversion openings 64c at the intermediate position in the vertical direction, so that it becomes possible to supply the refrigerant to the plurality of third flat tubes 28z.

[0256] (7-11) Other Embodiment K In the above embodiment, the case where the number of the second liquid diversion openings 64b provided in the fourth liquid side portion 64 of the liquid header 60 is the same as the number of the third liquid diversion openings 64c, and the number of the first flat tubes 28x and the number of the second flat tubes 28y in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 are the same has been described as an example.

[0257] On the contrary, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the number of the second liquid diversion openings 64b provided in the fourth liquid side portion 764 of the liquid header 60 may be different from the number of the third liquid diversion openings 64c, and the number of the first flat tubes 28x and the number of the second flat tubes 28y in the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be different.

[0258] Furthermore, the number of second liquid diversion openings 64b may be greater than the number of third liquid diversion openings 64c, or the number of second liquid diversion openings 64b may be less than the number of third liquid diversion openings 64c.

[0259] Therefore, for example, if the amount of heat exchanged in the front-rear direction of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 differs between the upwind and downwind sides of the airflow formed by the outdoor fan 16, it is preferable to provide a larger number of liquid flow separation openings on the side where the amount of heat exchanged tends to be greater.

[0260] (7-12) Other Embodiments L In the above embodiment, the case described is one in which the number of second liquid diversion openings 64b provided in the fourth liquid side portion 64 of the liquid header 60 and the size of the third liquid diversion opening 64c are the same.

[0261] In contrast, as shown in Figure 21, for example, the second liquid diversion opening 64b and the third liquid diversion opening 64c provided in the fourth liquid side portion 864 of the liquid header 60 may include some with different flow path cross-sectional areas.

[0262] The multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b may include a second large liquid diversion opening 164b (an example of a "second connecting passage") which has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the others. It is preferable that this second large liquid diversion opening 164b is located above the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b.

[0263] The multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c may include a large third liquid diversion opening 164c (an example of a "third connecting passage") which has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the others. It is preferable that this large third liquid diversion opening 164c is located above the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c.

[0264] Even if the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used in a situation where it is difficult to reach the vicinity of the upper ends in the vertical direction of the second outlet section 65j and the third outlet section 65k when it functions as a refrigerant evaporator, it is still possible to supply sufficient liquid refrigerant to the flat pipe 28 that is connected to the second outlet section 65j and the third outlet section 65k at an upper position.

[0265] (7-13) Other Embodiments M In the above embodiment, the case in which the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used in a configuration in which the longitudinal direction of the liquid header 60 is vertical, the flattened pipe 28 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and the second main flow path B2 and the third main flow path C2 are aligned horizontally in the front-back direction.

[0266] In contrast, as shown in Figure 22, for example, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be used in a configuration where the longitudinal direction of the liquid header 60 is horizontal (left-right direction), the flattened pipe 28 extends vertically, and the second main flow path B2 and the third main flow path C2 are aligned horizontally (front-back direction).

[0267] (7-14) Other Embodiments N Furthermore, similar to the relationship between the above embodiment and the other embodiment G, as shown in Figure 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be used in the orientation shown in the other embodiment M, and may have a liquid header 60 in which the refrigerant does not circulate because the sixth liquid side portion 66 is not provided.

[0268] (7-15) Other Embodiments O In the above embodiment, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 was described as an example, which includes a liquid header 60 to which a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a extending in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) is connected, and in which the first flow path A is in the direction in which the flat pipe 28 extends, and extends in the left-right direction (horizontal direction).

[0269] In contrast, for example, as shown in Figure 24, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be an outdoor heat exchanger 11 equipped with a liquid header 60 to which liquid refrigerant connecting pipes 20a are connected such that the first flow path A extends in one of the following directions: the direction in which the multiple flat pipes 28 are lined up, the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the liquid header 60, the same direction as the second main flow path B2 extending, or the same direction as the third main flow path C2 extending.

[0270] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 in Figure 24 is equipped with a liquid header 60 having a fifth liquid header 165, a sixth liquid header 366, and a seventh liquid header 167, instead of the liquid header 60 having a fifth liquid header 65, a sixth liquid header 66, and a seventh liquid header 67 in other embodiments M.

[0271] The seventh liquid side portion 167 is the same as the seventh liquid side portion 67 of the other embodiment M, but without the liquid piping connection opening 67b. The sixth liquid side portion 366 is the same as the sixth liquid side portion 66 of the other embodiment M, but without the liquid communication opening 66b. The sixth liquid side portion 366 may constitute the liquid header 60 side of the sixth member 346. This sixth member 346 may have an opening that constitutes part of the gas space 50S on the gas header 50 side.

[0272] The fifth liquid side section 165, in contrast to the fifth liquid side section 65 of another embodiment M, has a branch section 165c that is arranged in the front-rear direction between the second inlet section 65d and the third inlet section 65e, instead of the branch section 65c, and has a liquid piping connection opening 165b to the right of the branch section 165c. The liquid piping connection opening 165b is provided so as to penetrate the right-hand end of the fifth liquid side section 165 near the center in the front-rear direction, and a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a that extends in the left-right direction is connected to it. The upper side of the liquid piping connection opening 165b is covered by the fourth liquid plate section 64a, and the lower side is covered by the sixth liquid plate section 66a. In the above configuration, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a and the liquid piping connection opening 165b constitute the first flow path A connected to the branch section 165c.

[0273] In this case as well, the refrigerant that flows into the branch section 165c via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a can be separated and flowed to the second inlet section 65d and the third inlet section 65e while stirring the gaseous and liquid phase refrigerants.

[0274] (7-16) Other Embodiments P In the above embodiment, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 that functions as a refrigerant evaporator and diverts the refrigerant flowing from the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a to the liquid header 60 of the first header 40 was described as an example.

[0275] On the other hand, for example, when functioning as an evaporator of the refrigerant as shown in FIG. 25, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 may be configured to divide the refrigerant flowing in through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a at the lower end of the second header 30.

[0276] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 shown in FIG. 25 has a liquid header 60 with a structure in which the liquid headers 60 shown in other embodiment G are repeated twice in the vertical direction. Instead of the fourth liquid side portion 64, the fifth liquid side portion 65, and the seventh liquid side portion 67 of the liquid header 60 shown in other embodiment G, it has a fourth liquid side portion 964, a fifth liquid side portion 265, and a seventh liquid side portion 267. Further, between the fifth liquid side portion 265 and the seventh liquid side portion 267, it has a sixty-fourth liquid side portion 466 and a sixty-fifth liquid side portion 566. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 has freeze prevention pipes 28s as the two lowermost flat pipes among the plurality of flat pipes 28. By flowing the refrigerant before being divided in the liquid header 60 through the freeze prevention pipes 28s, a pressure loss is generated, suppressing the excessive growth of frost at the lowermost stage of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 during the heating operation.

[0277] The fourth liquid side portion 964 is provided near the center in the front-rear direction below the plurality of second liquid diversion openings 64b and the plurality of third liquid diversion openings 64c, and has a communication opening 64s penetrating in the plate thickness direction of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a. The communication opening 64s communicates with the two lowermost liquid regulation openings 63b, the two lowermost liquid insertion openings 62b, the two lowermost liquid side flat pipe connection openings 6l b, and the two lowermost freeze prevention pipes 28s among the flat pipes 28, when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the fourth liquid plate portion 64a.

[0278] The fifth liquid side portion 265 has a structure in which the fifth openings 65b of the above embodiment are arranged in two in the vertical direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the fifth liquid side portion 265. Also, the fifth liquid side portion 265 has a communication opening 65s penetrating in the plate thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a near the center in the front-rear direction below these two fifth openings 65b. The communication opening 65s is smaller than the opening area of the communication opening 64s and overlaps with the communication opening 64s when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a.

[0279] The 64th liquid side portion 466 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is provided between the 5th liquid side portion 265 and the 65th liquid side portion 566. The 64th liquid side portion 466 has a 64th liquid plate portion 466a, two liquid communication openings 466b, and a communication opening 466s. The 64th liquid plate portion 466a is a plate-shaped member with its thickness in the left-right direction and extending in the up-down and front-back directions. The 64th liquid plate portion 466a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the 65th liquid plate portion 566a and in contact with the right side surface of the 5th liquid plate portion 65a. The two liquid communication openings 466b are openings provided at locations that overlap with the branching portion 65c of the 5th opening 65b of the 5th liquid side portion 265, respectively, when viewed in the thickness direction of the 64th liquid plate portion 466a. Here, the lower liquid communication opening 466b and the end of the fourth flow channel section 566j (described later) opposite to the fourth flow channel nozzle 566h constitute a first flow channel A connected to the branching section 65c. Also, the upper liquid communication opening 466b and the end of the fifth flow channel section 566k (described later) opposite to the fifth flow channel nozzle 566i constitute another first flow channel A connected to the branching section 65c. The communication opening 466s is located below the two liquid communication openings 466b of the 64th liquid side section 466, near the center in the front-to-back direction, and penetrates the 64th liquid plate section 466a in the thickness direction. In view of the 64th liquid plate section 466a in the thickness direction, the communication opening 466s overlaps with and communicates with the communication opening 65s.

[0280] The 65th liquid side portion 566 constitutes part of the liquid header 60 and is provided between the 64th liquid side portion 466 and the 7th liquid side portion 267. The 65th liquid side portion 566 has a 65th liquid plate portion 566a and a branching opening 566b. The 65th liquid plate portion 566a is a plate-shaped member with its thickness in the left-right direction and extending in the up-down and front-back directions. The 65th liquid plate portion 566a is laminated so as to be in contact with the left side surface of the 64th liquid plate portion 466a and in contact with the right side surface of the 7th liquid plate portion 267a.

[0281] The branching opening 566b is an opening provided to penetrate the 65th liquid plate portion 566a in the thickness direction, and includes a first flow path portion 566c, a first flow path nozzle 566d, a flow path confluence portion 566e, a second flow path portion 566f, a third flow path portion 566g, a fourth flow path nozzle 566h, a fifth flow path nozzle 566i, a fourth flow path portion 566j, and a fifth flow path portion 566k.

[0282] The first flow channel section 566c overlaps with the connecting opening 466s in the stacking direction view of the 65th liquid plate section 566a and is in communication with it. The first flow channel nozzle 566d is located below the first flow channel section 566c and has a narrower width in the front-to-back direction and a smaller flow channel cross-sectional area than the first flow channel section 566c. The flow channel junction section 566e is located below the first flow channel nozzle 566d, with the second flow channel section 566f extending forward and the third flow channel section 566g extending rearward. The fourth flow channel nozzle 566h is connected to the upper side near the front end of the second flow channel section 566f and is provided to extend in the vertical direction. The fourth flow channel nozzle 566h has a smaller flow channel cross-sectional area than the fourth flow channel section 566j. The fifth flow channel nozzle 566i is connected to the upper side near the rear end of the third flow channel section 566fg and is provided to extend in the vertical direction. The fifth flow channel nozzle 566i has a smaller flow channel cross-sectional area than the fifth flow channel section 566k. The fourth flow channel section 566j extends upward from above the fourth flow channel nozzle 566h, then folds back downward to the rear, and extends further downward. The end of the fourth flow channel section 566j opposite to the fourth flow channel nozzle 566h overlaps with the lower of the two liquid communication openings 466b of the 64th liquid side section 466 when viewed in the stacking direction of the 65th liquid plate section 566a, and is in communication with it. The fifth flow channel section 566k extends upward from above the fifth flow channel nozzle 566i, then folds back downward to the front, and extends further downward. The end of the fifth flow channel section 566k opposite to the fifth flow channel nozzle 566i overlaps with the upper of the two liquid communication openings 466b of the 64th liquid side section 466 when viewed in the stacking direction of the 65th liquid plate section 566a, and is in communication with it.

[0283] The seventh liquid side portion 267 is the seventh liquid side portion 67 of the above embodiment, but without the liquid piping connection opening 67b, and blocks each opening of the 65th liquid side portion 566 from the right side.

[0284] The 64th liquid side portion 466 may constitute the liquid header 60 side of the 6th member 446. This 6th member 446 may have an opening that constitutes a part of the gas space 50S on the gas header 50 side. Also, the 65th liquid side portion 566 may constitute the liquid header 60 side of the 6th member 546. This 6th member 546 may have an opening that constitutes a part of the gas space 50S on the gas header 50 side.

[0285] In the above structure, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 11 via the liquid refrigerant connection piping 20a flows through the two lowest anti-freeze pipes 28s of the multiple flat pipes 28, passes through the two lowest liquid-side flat pipe connection openings 61b, the two lowest liquid insertion openings 62b, and the two lowest liquid restriction openings 63b, and merges at the connecting opening 64s. The refrigerant that has passed through the connecting opening 64s passes through the connecting openings 65s and 466s and is sent to the first flow path section 566c. The refrigerant sent to the first flow path section 566c passes downwards through the first flow path nozzle 566d and reaches the flow path merging section 566e, where it flows branching into the second flow path section 566f and the third flow path section 566g while stirring the gaseous and liquid phase refrigerants. The refrigerant branched to the second flow path section 566f passes through the fourth flow path nozzle 566h, is blown out into the fourth flow path section 566j, is sent to the other end of the fourth flow path section 566j, and is sent to the branch section 65c located at the lower of the two fifth openings 65b via the lower of the two liquid contact openings 466b. The refrigerant that has passed through the third flow path section 566g passes through the fifth flow path nozzle 566i, is blown out into the fifth flow path section 566k, is sent to the other end of the fifth flow path section 566k, and is sent to the branch section 65c located at the upper of the two fifth openings 65b via the upper of the two liquid contact openings 466b. The subsequent flow of branching the refrigerant is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0286] (7-17) Other Embodiments Q In the above embodiment, a liquid header 60 constructed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by stacking multiple plate-like members was described as an example.

[0287] In contrast, as shown in Figures 26 to 30, for example, the liquid header 60 may be configured in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0288] This liquid header 60 has a cylindrical section 70, a circulation partition section 71, a flow division section 72, a flow division partition section 73, and an introduction space forming section 74.

[0289] The cylindrical portion 70 has a cylindrical section 70a, a top surface 70b, a bottom surface 70c, a liquid piping connection opening 70d, and a plurality of liquid-side flat pipe connection openings 70e. The cylindrical section 70a extends in a cylindrical shape in the axial direction and its longitudinal direction is vertical. The top surface 70b covers the upper end of the cylindrical section 70a from above. The bottom surface 70c covers the lower end of the cylindrical section 70a from below. The liquid piping connection opening 70d is an opening provided on the right side near the lower end of the cylindrical section 70a, penetrating radially, and a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a extending in the left-right direction is connected to it. The liquid-side flat pipe connection opening 70e is an opening provided on the left side of the cylindrical section 70a, penetrating radially, and a flat pipe 28 extending in the left-right direction is connected to it. The plurality of liquid-side flat pipe connection openings 70e are arranged vertically.

[0290] The circulation partition section 71 is a plate-like section that divides the internal space of the cylindrical section 70a, above the introduction space forming section 74, into left and right sections. A gap 71a is formed between the circulation partition section 71 and the top surface section 70b. A gap 71b is formed between the circulation partition section 71 and the introduction space forming section 74.

[0291] The diversion section 72 is a plate-like section that divides the area within the internal space of the cylindrical section 70a, above the introduction space forming section 74, on the side of the circulating partition section 71 that is closer to the flattened pipe 28, into left and right sections. The diversion section 72 is provided with multiple diversion openings 72a that are positioned towards the front and penetrate horizontally, arranged in a vertical direction. The diversion section 72 is also provided with multiple diversion openings 72b that are positioned towards the rear and penetrate horizontally, arranged in a vertical direction. The diversion openings 72a and 72b are arranged in a staggered pattern when viewed in the thickness direction of the diversion section 72, and are alternately positioned at different heights. The multiple flattened pipes 28 include a first flattened pipe 28x positioned to overlap with the diversion opening 72a when viewed in the left-right direction, and a second flattened pipe 28y positioned to overlap with the diversion opening 72b.

[0292] The flow separation partition section 73 extends from the front-to-back center of the circulation partition section 71 to the front-to-back center of the flow separation section 72, and is a plate-like section that extends from the introduction space forming section 74 to the top surface section 70b.

[0293] The introduction space forming section 74 is a plate-like section located below the circulation partition section 71 within the internal space of the cylindrical section 70a, and it divides the space into upper and lower sections. In a plan view, the introduction space forming section 74 is provided with nozzles 74a and 74b, which are located between the circulation partition section 71 and the flow division section 72 and penetrate vertically. Nozzle 74a is located towards the front, and nozzle 74b is located towards the rear.

[0294] Furthermore, the branching section 70x, which branches the refrigerant flow, is located midway between nozzles 74a and 74b in the front-rear direction and below the introduction space forming section 74. Here, the region sandwiched vertically by the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a, the liquid pipe connection opening 70d, the introduction space forming section 74, and the bottom surface section 70c constitutes the first flow path A connected to the branching section 70x. The region extending forward from the branching section 70x to below nozzle 74a, the region above nozzle 74a, and the multiple diversion openings 72a constitute the second flow path B. In addition, the region extending backward from the branching section 70x to below nozzle 74b, the region above nozzle 74b, and the multiple diversion openings 72b constitute the third flow path C.

[0295] With the above structure, as shown by the arrows in Figures 28 to 30, the refrigerant flowing in from the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a can be divided into each flat pipe 28. Specifically, the refrigerant flowing in from the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a into the internal space of the cylindrical section 70a, which is the area below the introduction space forming section 74, is divided at the branching section 70x into a refrigerant flow toward the front and a refrigerant flow toward the rear. The refrigerant flowing toward the front then flows upward through the nozzle 74a, between the circulation partition section 71 and the diversion section 72, in the area in front of the diversion partition section 73, and is divided into multiple diversion openings 72a, which are then sent to the corresponding first flat pipe 28x. The refrigerant that flows upward without being divided into the diversion openings 72a passes through the gap 71a, flows downward in the area to the right of the circulation partition section 71, and is returned to the vicinity of the nozzle 74a and nozzle 74b through the gap 71b. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing towards the rear passes through nozzle 74b, flows upward through the area between the circulation partition 71 and the diversion section 72, and the area behind the diversion partition 73, and is divided into multiple diversion openings 72b, which are then sent to the corresponding second flat pipe 28y. The refrigerant that flows upward without being divided into the diversion openings 72b passes through gap 71a, flows downward through the area to the right of the circulation partition 71, and is returned to the vicinity of nozzle 74a and nozzle 74b via gap 71b.

[0296] (7-18) Other Embodiments R In the other embodiment Q described above, a liquid header 60 with a substantially cylindrical shape was used as an example.

[0297] In contrast, as shown in Figure 31, for example, in the liquid header 60 of another embodiment Q, multiple flow path partitions 75 are provided in the internal space of the cylindrical portion 70a to the left of the flow division portion 72, separating the flattened pipes 28 vertically from each other. Since these flow path partitions 75 spread out to vertically separate the first flattened pipe 28x and the second flattened pipe 28y, it becomes possible to further improve the flow division performance.

[0298] (7-19) Other Embodiments S In the above embodiment, in the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the first header 40 has a liquid header 60 that divides the refrigerant flow that flows into the branch section 65c of the fifth opening 65b of the fifth member 45 via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a and the liquid contact opening 66b of the sixth member 46 into a refrigerant flow toward the second opening 65f via the second introduction section 65d and a refrigerant flow toward the third opening 65g via the third introduction section 65e. The first header 40 has a fifth member 45 having a fifth opening 65b which is provided so that the second introduction section 65d, the branch section 65c and the third introduction section 65e are connected, and a sixth member 46 which is provided with a liquid contact opening 66b. This was described as an example.

[0299] In contrast, the liquid header 60 of the first header 40 may, for example, as shown in Figure 32, have a fifth member 45 having a fifth liquid side portion 665 having a first opening 81 (an example of a first opening) and a second opening 82 (an example of a second opening) instead of the fifth member 45 having a fifth liquid side portion 65 having a fifth opening 65b in the above embodiment, and have a sixth member 46 having a sixth liquid side portion 666 having a liquid contact opening 66k instead of the sixth member 46 having a sixth liquid side portion 66b having a liquid contact opening 66b in the above embodiment.

[0300] As shown in Figure 33, the fifth liquid side portion 665 has a first opening 81 and a second opening 82.

[0301] The first opening 81 is an opening that penetrates the fifth liquid plate portion 65a in the thickness direction and has a second connecting flow channel opening 65t and a second opening 65f. The second opening 65f is the same as in the above embodiment and has a second blowing portion 65j and a second throttling portion 65h. The second connecting flow channel opening 65t extends horizontally forward from the connecting plate portion 85, which will be described later, and its upper edge is connected to the second throttling portion 65h.

[0302] The second opening 82 is an opening that penetrates the fifth liquid plate portion 65a in the thickness direction and has a third connecting flow path opening 65u and a third opening 65g. The third opening 65g is the same as in the above embodiment and has a third blowout portion 65k and a third throttling portion 65i. The third connecting flow path opening 65u extends horizontally toward the rear from the connecting plate portion 85, which will be described later, and its upper edge is connected to the third throttling portion 65i.

[0303] The fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid side portion 665 has a first plate portion 83, a second plate portion 84, a third plate portion 86, and a connecting plate portion 85. The first plate portion 83 is a plate-shaped portion of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a that extends between the first opening 81 and the second opening 82, above the second connecting channel opening 65t and the third connecting channel opening 65u. The third plate portion 86 is a plate-shaped portion of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a that extends front to back above the first opening 81 and the second opening 82. The upper end of the first plate portion 83 is connected to the lower end of the third plate portion 86. The second plate portion 84 is a plate-shaped portion of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a that extends front to back below the second connecting channel opening 65t and the third connecting channel opening 65u. The connecting plate portion 85 is a plate-shaped portion of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a that extends between the first plate portion 83 and the second plate portion 84 in the vertical direction, and between the second connecting channel opening 65t and the third connecting channel opening 65u in the front-rear direction. The upper end of the connecting plate portion 85 is connected to the lower end of the first plate portion 83. The lower end of the connecting plate portion 85 is connected to the upper end of the second plate portion 84. Thus, the first plate portion 83 and the second plate portion 84 are connected via the connecting plate portion 85.

[0304] Here, the first plate portion 83 extends downward from the lower end of the third plate portion 86. If the second connecting channel opening 65t and the third connecting channel opening 65u are connected in the front-rear direction, as in the second introduction portion 65d and third introduction portion 65e of the above embodiment, then the free end, which is the lower end of the first plate portion 83, will be positioned far away from the upper end, which is the fixed end of the first plate portion 83. This tends to result in insufficient strength of the first plate portion 83 in the fifth liquid side portion 665, making it difficult to improve the accuracy of the position of the first plate portion 83 in the fifth liquid side portion 665.

[0305] In contrast, in the first header 40 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of another embodiment S, the first plate portion 83 is connected to the second plate portion 84 via a connecting plate portion 85. As a result, the lower end of the first plate portion 83 is supported by the second plate portion 84 via the connecting plate portion 85, ensuring strength and stabilizing the position of the first plate portion 83 in the fifth liquid side portion 665. This allows for precise adjustment of the refrigerant flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second connecting flow path opening 65t, the third connecting flow path opening 65u, the second outlet portion 65j, the second throttling portion 65h, the third outlet portion 65k, and the third throttling portion 65i.

[0306] Furthermore, the width of the connecting plate portion 85 in the front-rear direction is configured to be greater than or equal to the thickness of the fifth liquid side portion 665. This makes it easier to form the first opening 81 and the second opening 82 of the fifth liquid side portion 665 by punching through the plate-shaped member in the thickness direction using a punch. For example, when forming the first opening 81 and the second opening 82 by punching, it is suppressed that the portion that should remain as the connecting plate portion 85 falls off when the portions of the second connecting channel opening 65t and the third connecting channel opening 65u are punched out. If the connecting plate portion 85 has shaped portions with different widths in the front-rear direction, it is sufficient that the portion with the smallest width in the front-rear direction is greater than or equal to the thickness of the fifth liquid side portion 665.

[0307] The sixth liquid side portion 666 has a liquid communication opening 66k (an example of a third opening) and a common circulation portion 66c similar to that in the above embodiment. The liquid communication opening 66k is an opening that penetrates the sixth liquid plate portion 66a in the thickness direction and is a substantially rectangular opening with the front-to-back direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0308] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, in a view in the left-right direction, which is the thickness direction of the sixth liquid side portion 666, a portion of the front of the liquid communication opening 66k overlaps with a portion of the rear of the second connecting channel opening 65t, and a portion of the rear of the liquid communication opening 66k overlaps with a portion of the front of the third connecting channel opening 65u.

[0309] In another embodiment S, when viewed in the left-right direction, which is the thickness direction of the sixth liquid side portion 666, the internal flow path of the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a connected to the liquid piping connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side portion 67 of the seventh member 47 does not overlap with the second connection flow path opening 65t, nor with the third connection flow path opening 65u, but overlaps with the connecting plate portion 85.

[0310] As a result, as shown in Figure 35, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path A, which is inside the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a, is all pressed against the connecting plate portion 85, the first plate portion 83, and the second plate portion 84, which bends its flow direction and causes it to split and flow into the second connection flow path B1 and the third connection flow path C1. Furthermore, the refrigerant pressed against the connecting plate portion 85 is mixed with the gaseous and liquid phase refrigerants, which helps to minimize the bias in the mixing ratio of gaseous and liquid phase refrigerants between the refrigerant heading towards the second connection flow path B1 and the refrigerant heading towards the third connection flow path C1, making them roughly the same. Furthermore, in another embodiment S, since all of the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path A is pressed against the connecting plate portion 85, the first plate portion 83, and the second plate portion 84, even if there is some error in the front-to-back position of the connecting plate portion 85 during manufacturing, the difference between the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing toward the second connecting flow path B1 and the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing toward the third connecting flow path C1 is suppressed to become large.

[0311] In another embodiment S, the second connecting channel B1 has a second connecting channel branch section B1-1 which is composed of the front half of the liquid contact opening 66k, and a second connecting channel portion B1-2 which is composed of the second connecting channel opening 65t. In another embodiment S, the third connecting channel C1 has a third connecting channel branch section C1-1 which is composed of the rear half of the liquid contact opening 66k, and a third connecting channel portion C1-2 which is composed of the third connecting channel opening 65u.

[0312] The refrigerant that branches off and flows toward the second connecting channel B1 flows toward the front through the second connecting channel branch section B1-1, then reaches the connection point between the liquid contact opening 66k and the second connecting channel opening 65t, and flows into the second connecting channel section B1-2. In the second connecting channel section B1-2, the refrigerant flows toward the front, and then flows toward the second main channel B2, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0313] The refrigerant that branches off and flows toward the third connecting channel C1 flows toward the rear of the third connecting channel branch C1-1, then reaches the connection point between the liquid contact opening 66k and the third connecting channel opening 65u, and flows into the third connecting channel section C1-2. In the third connecting channel section C1-2, the refrigerant flows toward the rear, and then flows toward the third main channel C2, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0314] Furthermore, the other embodiments S described above may be modified to the forms described in each of the other embodiments A to R above.

[0315] (7-20) Other Embodiments T In the other embodiment S described above, a liquid header 60 of a first header 40 was described as an example, having a fifth member 45 having a fifth liquid side portion 665 provided with a first opening 81 including a second connecting channel opening 65t and a second opening 82 including a third connecting channel opening 65u, and a sixth member 46 having a sixth liquid side portion 666 provided with a liquid contact opening 66k.

[0316] In contrast, the liquid header 60 of the first header 40 may, for example, as shown in Figure 36, have a fifth member 45 having a fifth liquid side portion 665 having a first opening 81 having a second connection channel opening 65v and a second opening 82 having a third connection channel opening 65w, instead of the fifth liquid side portion 665 having a first opening 81 having a second connection channel opening 65t and a second opening 82 having a third connection channel opening 65u, as in the other embodiment S described above, and a sixth member 46 having a sixth liquid side portion 666 having a liquid contact opening 66l, instead of the sixth liquid side portion 666 having a liquid contact opening 66k, as in the other embodiment S described above.

[0317] As shown in Figure 37, the fifth liquid side portion 665 has a first opening 81 and a second opening 82.

[0318] The first opening 81 is an opening that penetrates the fifth liquid plate portion 65a in the thickness direction and has a second connecting flow path opening 65v and a second opening 65f. The second opening 65f is the same as in the above embodiment and has a second blowout portion 65j and a second throttling portion 65h. The second connecting flow path opening 65v extends horizontally toward the front from the connecting plate portion 85a, which will be described later. The upper edge of the second connecting flow path opening 65v has an upper edge portion that is located downward as it moves toward the front, away from the connecting plate portion 85a, and an upper edge portion that extends horizontally toward the front on the front side and is connected to the second throttling portion 65h. The lower edge of the second connecting flow path opening 65v extends horizontally toward the front, away from the connecting plate portion 85a.

[0319] The second opening 82 is an opening that penetrates the fifth liquid plate portion 65a in the thickness direction and has a third connecting flow path opening 65w and a third opening 65g. The third opening 65g is the same as in the above embodiment and has a third blowout portion 65k and a third throttling portion 65i. The upper edge of the third connecting flow path opening 65w has an upper edge portion that is located downward as it moves towards the rear, which is the direction away from the connecting plate portion 85a, and an upper edge portion that extends horizontally toward the rear on the rear side and is connected to the third throttling portion 65i. The lower edge of the third connecting flow path opening 65w extends horizontally toward the rear, which is the direction away from the connecting plate portion 85a.

[0320] The fifth liquid plate portion 65a of the fifth liquid side portion 665 has a first plate portion 83a, a second plate portion 84, a third plate portion 86, and a connecting plate portion 85a. The first plate portion 83a is a plate-shaped portion of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a that extends between the first opening 81 and the second opening 82, above the second connecting channel opening 65v and the third connecting channel opening 65w. The third plate portion 86 is the same as in the other embodiment S described above. The upper end of the first plate portion 83a is connected to the lower end of the third plate portion 86. The second plate portion 84 is a plate-shaped portion of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a that extends front to back below the second connecting channel opening 65v and the third connecting channel opening 65w. The connecting plate portion 85a is a plate-shaped portion of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a that extends between the first plate portion 83a and the second plate portion 84 in the vertical direction, and between the second connecting channel opening 65v and the third connecting channel opening 65w in the front-rear direction. The upper end of the connecting plate portion 85a is connected to the lower end of the first plate portion 83a. The lower end of the connecting plate portion 85a is connected to the upper end of the second plate portion 84. As a result, the first plate portion 83a and the second plate portion 84 are connected via the connecting plate portion 85a. As a result, in other embodiments T as well, the lower end of the first plate portion 83a is supported by the second plate portion 84 via the connecting plate portion 85a, thereby ensuring strength and stabilizing the position of the first plate portion 83a in the fifth liquid side portion 665. This allows for precise adjustment of the refrigerant flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second connecting flow path opening 65v, the third connecting flow path opening 65w, the second outlet section 65j, the second throttling section 65h, the third outlet section 65k, and the third throttling section 65i. Furthermore, the width of the connecting plate section 85a in the front-rear direction is configured to be greater than or equal to the plate thickness of the fifth liquid side section 665, which facilitates punching.

[0321] The sixth liquid side portion 666 has a liquid communication opening 66l (an example of a third opening) and a common circulation portion 66c similar to that in the above embodiment. The liquid communication opening 66l is a circular opening that penetrates the sixth liquid plate portion 66a in the thickness direction.

[0322] As shown in Figures 38 and 39, in a view in the left-right direction, which is the thickness direction of the sixth liquid side portion 666, a portion of the front of the liquid communication opening 66l overlaps with a portion of the rear of the second connecting channel opening 65v, and a portion of the rear of the liquid communication opening 66l overlaps with a portion of the front of the third connecting channel opening 65w.

[0323] In another embodiment T, when viewed in the left-right direction, which is the thickness direction of the sixth liquid side portion 666, the internal flow path of the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a partially overlaps with the rear end of the second connection flow path opening 65v, partially overlaps with the front end of the third connection flow path opening 65w, and also overlaps with the connecting plate portion 85a.

[0324] As a result, as shown in Figure 39, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path A, which is inside the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a, is pressed against the connecting plate portion 85a, the first plate portion 83a, and the second plate portion 84, causing its flow direction to be bent and causing it to split and flow into the second connection flow path B1 and the third connection flow path C1. The remaining portion does not come into contact with the connecting plate portion 85a, the first plate portion 83a, and the second plate portion 84, and splits and flows into the second connection flow path B1 and the third connection flow path C1. Furthermore, when the refrigerant is pressed against the connecting plate portion 85a, the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant are agitated, which helps to minimize the bias in the mixing ratio of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant heading towards the second connection flow path B1 and the mixing ratio of gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant heading towards the third connection flow path C1. Furthermore, for refrigerant flowing towards the second connecting channel B1 and the third connecting channel C1 without contacting the connecting plate portion 85a, the first plate portion 83a, and the second plate portion 84, the increase in pressure loss is suppressed.

[0325] In another embodiment T, the second connecting channel B1 has a second connecting channel branch section B1-1 which is composed of the front half of the liquid contact opening 66l, and a second connecting channel portion B1-2 which is composed of the second connecting channel opening 65v. Also in another embodiment T, the third connecting channel C1 has a third connecting channel branch section C1-1 which is composed of the rear half of the liquid contact opening 66l, and a third connecting channel portion C1-2 which is composed of the third connecting channel opening 65w.

[0326] The refrigerant that branches off and flows toward the second connecting channel B1 flows toward the front through the second connecting channel branch section B1-1, then reaches the connection point between the liquid contact opening 66l and the second connecting channel opening 65v, and flows into the second connecting channel section B1-2. In the second connecting channel section B1-2, the refrigerant flows toward the front, and then flows toward the second main channel B2, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0327] The refrigerant that branches off and flows toward the third connecting channel C1 flows toward the rear of the third connecting channel branch C1-1, then reaches the connection point between the liquid contact opening 66l and the third connecting channel opening 65w, and flows into the third connecting channel section C1-2. In the third connecting channel section C1-2, the refrigerant flows toward the rear, and then flows toward the third main channel C2, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0328] Furthermore, the other embodiment T described above may be modified to the form described in each of the other embodiments A to R above.

[0329] (7-21) Other Embodiments U In the other embodiment S described above, a first header 40 was described as having a liquid header 60 configured such that refrigerant flows into a liquid contact opening 66k provided in the sixth liquid side 666 of the sixth member 46 via an internal flow path of a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a connected to a liquid piping connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side 67 of the seventh member 47.

[0330] In contrast, in the other embodiment S, the configuration for guiding the refrigerant to the liquid contact opening 66k provided in the sixth liquid side portion 666 of the sixth member 46 is not limited to via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a. For example, as described in the other embodiment P, the refrigerant may be guided to the liquid contact opening 66k via the liquid contact opening 466b by stacking the 64th liquid side portion 466, which has a liquid contact opening 466b formed thereon, on the sixth member 46.

[0331] (7-22) Other Embodiments V In the above-described other embodiment T, a first header 40 was described as having a liquid header 60 configured such that refrigerant flows into a liquid contact opening 66l provided in the sixth liquid side 666 of the sixth member 46 via an internal flow path of a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a connected to a liquid piping connection opening 67b of the seventh liquid side 67 of the seventh member 47.

[0332] In contrast, in the other embodiment T, the configuration for guiding the refrigerant to the liquid contact opening 66l provided in the sixth liquid side portion 666 of the sixth member 46 is not limited to via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a. For example, as described in the other embodiment P, the refrigerant may be guided to the liquid contact opening 66l via the liquid contact opening 466b by stacking the 64th liquid side portion 466, in which the liquid contact opening 466b is formed, on the sixth member 46.

[0333] (7-23) Other Embodiments W In the other embodiment S described above, the liquid header 60 of the first header 40 is described as having a configuration in which the refrigerant introduced into the liquid contact opening 66k is evenly distributed to the first opening 81 and the second opening 82, and in the other embodiment T, the refrigerant introduced into the liquid contact opening 66l is evenly distributed to the first opening 81 and the second opening 82.

[0334] In contrast, the liquid header 60 of the first header 40 may be configured, for example, as shown in Figure 40, to distribute more of the refrigerant introduced into the liquid contact opening 66k to either the first opening 81 or the second opening 82.

[0335] In this case, as shown in Figure 40, for example, the sum of the flow path cross-sectional areas of the multiple second liquid diversion openings 64b constituting the second communication passage B3 is greater than the sum of the flow path cross-sectional areas of the multiple third liquid diversion openings 64c constituting the third communication passage C3, and in the view in the thickness direction of the fifth liquid plate portion 65a, which is viewed in the left-right direction, the liquid communication opening 66m provided in the sixth liquid side portion 666 may be positioned biased towards the front so that the overlapping area with the second connecting flow path opening 65t is greater than that of the third connecting flow path opening 65u. This makes it possible to distribute the flow rate of the refrigerant in a manner corresponding to the ratio of the sum of the flow path cross-sectional areas of the second communication passage B3 and the third communication passage C3.

[0336] (Note) While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0337] 1. Air conditioning system 2 Outdoor Units 3. Control Unit 11 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 19. First gas refrigerant pipe 19a Gas refrigerant connection piping 20 Liquid refrigerant pipes 20a Liquid refrigerant connection piping (refrigerant pipe) 27 Heat exchange section 28 Flat tube 28x 1st flat tube (flat tube) 28y 2nd flat tube (flat tube) 28z 3rd flat tube (flat tube) 30 Second Header 40. First Header (Header) 41 First Member 42 Second Member 43 Third Member 44 Fourth member 45. Fifth member (first plate member) 46. ​​Sixth member (second plate member) 47. Seventh member (third plate member) 48. Member No. 8 50 Gas Header 50S Gas Space 60 Liquid Header (Header) 60S liquid space 64b 2nd liquid separation opening (2nd communication path) 64c 3rd liquid separation opening (3rd communication path) 65c Branch 65h Second aperture section 65i Third aperture section 66c Common circulation part 66d Second upper connection section (first section) 66e Third upper connection section (second section) 66f Upper merging section (merging section) 66k liquid contact opening (third opening) 65t Second connecting channel opening (second connecting channel section) 65V Second connection channel opening (second connection channel portion) 65u Third connecting channel opening (third connecting channel portion) 65W Third connection channel opening (third connection channel portion) 67b Liquid piping connection opening (fourth opening) 70x branch section 81 First opening 82 Second opening 83 1st plate part 84 2nd plate part 85 Connecting plate part 85a Connecting plate part 164b 2nd liquid separation large opening (2nd communication path) 164c 3rd liquid separation large opening (3rd communication path) 165c Branch 266c 1st circulation part 266d 2nd circulation part A First channel B Second channel B1 Second connecting channel B2 2nd main channel B3 2nd passageway B1-2 Second connecting channel section C Third channel C1 Third connection channel C2 Third main channel C3 Third passageway C1-2 Third connecting channel section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0338] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-008973

Claims

1. Header (60), Arranged in the first direction, a plurality of flattened tubes (28, 28x, 28y, 28z) connected to the header, Equipped with, The header has a first channel (A), a second channel (B), and a third channel (C) that are connected to each other at the branching section (65c, 165c, 70x), The second channel is, With respect to the branching portion, it is located on one side of a third direction that is perpendicular to both the second direction, which is the direction in which the multiple flattened pipes extend, and the first direction, A second main flow channel (B2) extending along the first direction, A second connecting channel (B1) connects the end of the second main channel and the branch section, It includes a plurality of second connecting passages (B3, 64b, 164b) that connect the second main flow channel and the plurality of flattened pipes, The third channel is, Located on the other side of the third direction relative to the aforementioned branching portion, A third main flow channel (C2) extending along the first direction, A third connecting channel (C1) connects the end of the third main channel and the branch section, The third main flow path includes a plurality of third connecting passages (C3, 64c, 164c) that connect the plurality of flattened pipes, Heat exchanger (11).

2. The second and third connecting channels extend symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane that includes a line extending from the branching portion in the first direction and a line extending from the branching portion in the second direction. The heat exchanger according to claim 1.

3. The second connecting channel and the third connecting channel extend horizontally. The heat exchanger according to claim 2.

4. The second main flow path has a second throttling section (65h), The third main flow path has a third throttling section (65i), A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second main channel and the third main channel are arranged to extend along the same plane. The first flow path extends along a virtual plane that includes a line extending from the branching portion in a first direction and a line extending from the branching portion in a second direction. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The plurality of flattened tubes include one or more first flattened tubes (28x) that communicate with the second main flow channel via any of the plurality of second communication passages and do not communicate with any of the third communication passages. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The plurality of flattened tubes further include one or more second flattened tubes (28y) that do not communicate with any of the plurality of second connecting passages but communicate with the third main flow passage via any of the third connecting passages. The first flattened tube and the second flattened tube have portions in which they are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction. The heat exchanger according to claim 6.

8. The plurality of flattened tubes include one or more third flattened tubes (28z) that communicate with the second main flow channel via any of the plurality of second communication passages and with the third main flow channel via any of the third communication passages. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The third flattened tube, The second main channel is positioned such that it is offset from the second connecting channel to the side further away from the center of the second main channel in the first direction, The second main channel is positioned such that it is biased towards the side closer to the second connecting channel than the center of the second main channel in the first direction, The second main channel is positioned such that it is biased toward the center of the second main channel in the first direction, It is one of the following: The heat exchanger according to claim 8.

10. The number of the second connecting passages is different from the number of the third connecting passages. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The multiple second connecting passages (64b, 164b) include those with different cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the second direction. The multiple third passages (64c, 164c) include those with different cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the second direction. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The header has a common circulation section (66c) that connects two locations in the second main flow path that are at different positions in the first direction, and also connects two locations in the third main flow path that are at different positions in the first direction. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. When the side on which the second main flow path is located relative to the second connecting flow path is designated as the first side and the opposite side as the second side, the second side portion of the connection between the second main flow path and the common circulation portion does not overlap with any of the second connecting passages in the second view, and the second side portion of the connection between the third main flow path and the common circulation portion does not overlap with any of the third connecting passages in the second view. The heat exchanger according to claim 12.

14. When the side on which the second main channel is located relative to the second connecting channel is designated as the first side and the opposite side as the second side, The first side portion of the connection between the second main flow path and the common circulation portion is defined as the first portion (66d), The first side portion of the connection between the third main flow path and the common circulation portion is defined as the second portion (66e), The portion of the common circulation section where the flow path extending from the first section and the flow path extending from the second section connect is defined as the confluence section (66f). The first portion (66d) and the second portion (66e) are located on the first side with respect to the confluence portion (66f), The heat exchanger according to claim 12.

15. The header has a first circulation section (266c) connecting two locations in the second main flow path that are at different positions in the first direction, and a second circulation section (266d) connecting two locations in the third main flow path that are at different positions in the first direction. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. The header has a first plate member (45) having a first opening (81) and a second opening (82), The first opening is, The second main flow path (B2) and, A second connecting channel portion (B1-2, 65t, 65v), which is at least a part of the second connecting channel (B1), is formed. The second opening is, The third main flow path (C2) and, A third connecting channel portion (C1-2, 65u, 65w), which is at least a part of the third connecting channel (C1), is formed. The first plate member is, A first plate portion (83) located between the second main flow channel and the third main flow channel, A second plate portion (84) located on the opposite side from the first plate portion with respect to the second connecting channel portion, The first plate portion and the second plate portion are connected by connecting plate portions (85, 85a), A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

17. The header has a second plate member (46) having a third opening (66k), The second plate member is laminated on the first plate member, The third opening is, In the second view, the portion overlapping with the second connecting channel portion, Including the portion that overlaps with the third connecting channel portion in the second view, The heat exchanger according to claim 16.

18. The header has a third plate member (47) having a fourth opening (67b), The third plate member is laminated on the second plate member, The fourth opening is, It includes a portion that overlaps with the third aperture in the second viewing direction, The refrigerant pipe (20a) is inserted. The heat exchanger according to claim 17.

19. Having the aforementioned refrigerant pipe (20a), In the second view, the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening does not overlap with the first opening (81) and the second opening (82). The heat exchanger according to claim 18.

20. Having the aforementioned refrigerant pipe (20a), In the second view, the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening has an overlapping portion with the second connecting flow path portion (65v), and the refrigerant flow path in the fourth opening has an overlapping portion with the third connecting flow path portion (65w). The heat exchanger according to claim 18.

21. The header has a third plate member (47) having a fourth opening (67b), The third plate member is laminated on the second plate member, The fourth opening includes a portion that overlaps with the third opening in the second viewing direction. The heat exchanger according to claim 17.

22. In the second viewing direction, the fourth opening does not overlap with the first opening (81) and the second opening (82). The heat exchanger according to claim 21.

23. In the second view, the fourth opening and the second connecting channel portion (65v) have an overlapping portion, and the fourth opening and the third connecting channel portion (65w) have an overlapping portion. The heat exchanger according to claim 21.

24. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple second connecting passages is greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the multiple third connecting passages. In the second viewing direction, the area of ​​the portion where the third opening and the second connecting channel portion overlap is greater than the area of ​​the portion where the third opening and the third connecting channel portion overlap. The heat exchanger according to claim 17.

25. The width of the connecting plate portion in the third direction is greater than or equal to the thickness of the first plate member. The heat exchanger according to claim 16.

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