Heat exchangers and refrigeration equipment

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger in which a liquid header section and a gas header section can be collected together, and a refrigeration device.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of flat tubes (28), which are arranged in a vertical direction, and an inlet / outlet header (40) to which the flat tubes (28) are connected. The inlet / outlet header (40) includes a gas header section (50) and a liquid header section (60) which are arranged side by side in a vertical direction. The inlet / outlet header (40) includes: gas space forming members (51) which are one or more gas members; a first liquid member (61), a second liquid member (62), a third liquid member (63), a fourth liquid member (64), and a fifth liquid member (65) which are one or more liquid members; and a first common member (41) extending over the gas header section (50) and the liquid header section (60). The first common member (41) and the gas space forming members (51) form the gas header section (50), and the first common member (41) and the liquid members (61-65) form the liquid header section (60). The first common member (41) integrates a first predetermined number of gas members with a second predetermined number, that is different from the first predetermined number, of liquid members.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger and a refrigeration device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a heat exchanger such as that described in Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-043207 A) has been proposed in which a header is formed by stacking a plurality of plate-shaped members. DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In one such heat exchanger, a gas header through which a gaseous refrigerant flows and a liquid header through which a liquid refrigerant or a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows are arranged side by side in the direction in which the flat tubes are arranged. Here, the gas header and the liquid header have different functions required because the state of the refrigerant flowing therethrough is different, and the number of components constituting the gas header may differ from the number of components constituting the liquid header. In this way, when the number of components constituting the gas header differs from the number of components constituting the liquid header, it is difficult to combine the gas header and the liquid header. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A heat exchanger according to a first aspect includes a plurality of flat tubes and a header. The plurality of flat tubes are aligned in a first direction. The flat tubes are connected to the header. The header has a gas header section and a liquid header section. The gas header section and the liquid header section are aligned in the first direction. The header has one or more gas members, one or more liquid members, and a first member. The first member extends across the gas header section and the liquid header section. The first member and the gas member form the gas header section. The first member and the liquid member form the liquid header section. The first member integrates a first predetermined number of gas members and a second predetermined number of liquid members different from the first predetermined number.

[0005] In this heat exchanger, even if the numbers of gas members and liquid members differ, the first member makes it possible to integrate the gas members and liquid members.

[0006] A heat exchanger according to a second aspect is the heat exchanger of the first aspect, wherein the first member and the gas member are arranged in a stacked manner in a second direction. The second direction is a direction in which the flat tubes extend. The first member and the liquid member are arranged in a stacked manner in the second direction.

[0007] In this heat exchanger, a gas header section and a liquid header section can be provided in the second direction with respect to the flat tubes.

[0008] A heat exchanger according to a third aspect is the heat exchanger according to the second aspect, wherein the header further includes one or more intermediate members extending between the first member and the gas member and between the first member and the liquid member.

[0009] In this heat exchanger, a part of the intermediate member can form a part of the gas header section, and another part of the intermediate member can form a part of the liquid header section.

[0010] A heat exchanger according to a fourth aspect is the heat exchanger of the third aspect, wherein the first member integrates the gas member, the liquid member, and the intermediate member.

[0011] In this heat exchanger, even if the numbers of gas members and liquid members are different, the first member makes it possible to integrate the gas members, the liquid members, and the intermediate members.

[0012] A heat exchanger according to a fifth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the one or more intermediate members include a second member. The second member has a plurality of first openings. When viewed in the second direction, the contours of the first openings have portions that overlap with the contours of the flat tubes.

[0013] In this heat exchanger, when the flat tubes are inserted into the header, the flat tubes cannot pass through the first opening, making it possible to determine the insertion position of the flat tubes.

[0014] A heat exchanger according to a sixth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the fifth aspect, wherein the one or more intermediate members further include a third member. The third member is stacked between the first member and the second member in the second direction. The third member has a plurality of second openings. When viewed in the second direction, the contours of the second openings are located outside the contours of the flat tubes.

[0015] In this heat exchanger, when the flat tubes are inserted into the header, the flat tubes can be passed through the second opening.

[0016] A heat exchanger according to a seventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the first member has a first portion, a pair of first clamping portions, and a pair of second clamping portions. The first portion is a portion extending in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The pair of first clamping portions extend from the first portion in the second direction. The pair of second clamping portions extend from the first portion in the second direction. When a direction intersecting both the first and second directions is defined as a third direction, the first clamping portions clamp a first predetermined number of gas members in the third direction. The second clamping portions clamp a second predetermined number of liquid members in the third direction. The length of the first clamping portions in the second direction is different from the length of the second clamping portions in the second direction.

[0017] In this heat exchanger, even if the numbers of gas members and liquid members are different, the first member has a shape corresponding to the length in the second direction of the first predetermined number of gas members and the length in the second direction of the second predetermined number of liquid members, making it easy to integrate the gas members and the liquid members.

[0018] A heat exchanger according to an eighth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the seventh aspect, wherein the first clamping portion has a first crimping portion at an end opposite to the first portion in the second direction, and the second clamping portion has a second crimping portion at an end opposite to the first portion in the second direction.

[0019] In this heat exchanger, the gas member and the liquid member can be crimped and integrated by the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion.

[0020] A heat exchanger according to a ninth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the second to eighth aspects, wherein the gas member includes a gas space forming member. The gas space forming member has a protruding portion that protrudes in a direction away from a connection portion between the flat tube and the first member in the second direction as viewed in the first direction.

[0021] This heat exchanger uses a gas space forming member having a protrusion, making it easy to ensure a space through which the gas refrigerant flows.

[0022] A heat exchanger according to a tenth aspect is the heat exchanger according to the eighth aspect, wherein the gas member includes a gas space forming member. The gas space forming member has a protruding portion that protrudes toward a side away from a connection portion between the flat tube and the first member in the second direction when viewed in the first direction. The gas space forming member has a flat portion that extends in a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The flat portion is crimped by a first crimping portion and a second crimping portion.

[0023] In this heat exchanger, by using a gas space forming member having a protrusion, it is easy to secure a space for the gas refrigerant to flow in. Furthermore, by stacking the flat portion of the gas space forming member with another gas member, it is possible to increase the strength with which the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion are fixed to each other when they are crimped.

[0024] A heat exchanger according to an eleventh aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the gas member and the liquid member have plate-shaped portions.

[0025] In this heat exchanger, the gas member and the liquid member are easily stacked on the first member.

[0026] A heat exchanger according to a twelfth aspect is the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising a folded header. The folded header is connected to the end of the flat tube opposite to the end on the gas header section and liquid header section side. The folded header guides the refrigerant that has passed through the gas header section to the liquid header section side, or guides the refrigerant that has passed through the liquid header section to the gas header section side.

[0027] This heat exchanger allows the refrigerant to flow in a turnaround manner in the turnaround header.

[0028] A refrigeration device according to a thirteenth aspect includes the heat exchanger according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

[0029] This refrigeration device is capable of performing a refrigeration cycle by using a heat exchanger in which a gas member and a liquid member are integrated by the first member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor heat exchanger. [Diagram 3] 3 is a partial enlarged view of a heat exchange portion of the outdoor heat exchanger. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which heat transfer fins are attached to flat tubes in a heat exchange section. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a state of a refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a radiator or a condenser of the refrigerant. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a gas header portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a gas header portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a liquid header portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional schematic diagram of a liquid header portion. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a fourth liquid member as viewed in the plate thickness direction. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a liquid header portion of another embodiment C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a heat exchanger according to the present disclosure and a refrigeration device in which the heat exchanger is used will be described.

[0032] (1) Air conditioning system configuration An air conditioner 1, which is one embodiment of a refrigeration device, will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 having a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as an outdoor heat exchanger 11.

[0034] The air conditioner 1 is a device that performs cooling and heating of a space to be air-conditioned by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a space inside a building such as an office building, a commercial facility, or a residence. Note that the air conditioner is merely one example of a refrigeration cycle device, and the heat exchanger of the present disclosure may be used in other refrigeration cycle devices, such as refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, and floor heating devices. Note that the refrigerant used in the air conditioner 1 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, R290, CO 2 , R32, etc.

[0035] 1, the air conditioner 1 mainly comprises an outdoor unit 2, an indoor unit 9, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4, a gas refrigerant connection pipe 5, and a control unit 3 that controls the equipment that makes up the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 are refrigerant connection pipes that connect the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. In the air conditioner 1, the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are connected via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 to form a refrigerant circuit 6.

[0036] 1, the air conditioner 1 has one indoor unit 9, but the air conditioner 1 may have a plurality of indoor units 9 connected in parallel to the outdoor unit 2 by a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 5. The air conditioner 1 may also have a plurality of outdoor units 2. The air conditioner 1 may also be an integrated air conditioner in which the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9 are formed integrally.

[0037] (1-1) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 2 is installed outside the space to be air-conditioned, for example, on the roof of a building or near a wall of a building.

[0038] The outdoor unit 2 mainly has an accumulator 7, a compressor 8, a four-way switching valve 10, an outdoor heat exchanger 11, an outdoor expansion valve 12, a liquid-side shut-off valve 13, a gas-side shut-off valve 14, and an outdoor fan 16.

[0039] The outdoor unit 2 mainly has a suction pipe 17, a discharge pipe 18, a first gas refrigerant pipe 19, a liquid refrigerant pipe 20, and a second gas refrigerant pipe 21 as refrigerant pipes that connect various devices that constitute the refrigerant circuit 6. The suction pipe 17 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the suction side of the compressor 8. The accumulator 7 is provided in the suction pipe 17. The discharge pipe 18 connects the discharge side of the compressor 8 and the four-way switching valve 10. The first gas refrigerant pipe 19 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The liquid refrigerant pipe 20 connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the liquid side stop valve 13. The liquid refrigerant pipe 20 is provided with an outdoor expansion valve 12. The second gas refrigerant pipe 21 connects the four-way switching valve 10 and the gas side stop valve 14.

[0040] The compressor 8 is a device that draws in low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle from a suction pipe 17, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to a discharge pipe .

[0041] The four-way switching valve 10 is a mechanism that changes the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 between a cooling operation state and a heating operation state by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in a cooling operation state, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 91 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant circuit 6 is in a heating operation state, 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 a cooling operation state, the four-way switching valve 10 communicates the suction pipe 17 with the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 and communicates the discharge pipe 18 with the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 (see the solid lines in the four-way switching valve 10 in FIG. 1). When the four-way switching valve 10 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 6 to a heating operation state, the four-way switching valve 10 connects the suction pipe 17 to the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 and connects the discharge pipe 18 to the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 (see the dashed lines within the four-way switching valve 10 in Figure 1).

[0042] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant flowing inside and a fluid such as air in the installation location of the outdoor unit 2. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be described in detail later.

[0043] The outdoor expansion valve 12 is disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the indoor heat exchanger 91 in the refrigerant circuit 6. In this embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 12 is disposed in a liquid refrigerant pipe 20 between the outdoor heat exchanger 11 and the liquid side stop 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.

[0044] The accumulator 7 is a container having a gas-liquid separation function that separates the refrigerant that flows in into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 7 is also a container having a storage function for excess refrigerant that occurs in response to fluctuations in the operating load, etc.

[0045] The liquid side shut-off valve 13 is a valve provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 20 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 4. The gas side shut-off valve 14 is a valve provided at the connection between the second gas refrigerant pipe 21 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 5. The liquid side shut-off valve 13 and the gas side shut-off valve 14 are open when the air conditioning apparatus 1 is operating.

[0046] The outdoor fan 16 is a fan that draws external heat source air into a casing of the outdoor unit 2 (not shown), supplies it to the outdoor heat exchanger 11, and exhausts 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.

[0047] (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-embedded unit, but may also be a ceiling-suspended, wall-mounted, or floor-standing unit. The indoor unit 9 may also be installed outside the space to be air-conditioned. For example, the indoor unit 9 may be installed in an attic, a machine room, a garage, or the like. In this case, an air passage is installed to supply the 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.

[0048] The indoor unit 9 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 91, an indoor expansion valve 93, and an indoor fan 92.

[0049] 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 a refrigerant piping. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 91 is connected to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 via a refrigerant piping.

[0050] The indoor expansion valve 93 is disposed in the refrigerant circuit 6 between the indoor heat exchanger 91 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4. The indoor expansion valve 93 has a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the indoor expansion valve 93.

[0051] The indoor fan 92 is a mechanism that draws air in the space to be air-conditioned into a casing (not shown) of the indoor unit 9, supplies it to the indoor heat exchanger 91, and blows out the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 91 into the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor fan 92 is, for example, a turbo fan.

[0052] (1-3) Control section The control unit 3 is a functional unit that controls the operations of the various devices that make up the air conditioner 1.

[0053] The control unit 3 is configured, for example, by connecting an outdoor control unit (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 and an indoor control unit (not shown) of the indoor unit 9 so that they can communicate with each other via a transmission line (not shown). The outdoor control unit and the indoor control unit are units having, for example, a microcomputer including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memories such as ROM and RAM in which various programs for controlling the air conditioner 1 that can be executed by the processor are stored. Note that, for the sake of convenience, in FIG. 1, the control unit 3 is drawn at a position separate from the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9.

[0054] The control unit 3 is electrically connected to various devices of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9, including the compressor 8, the four-way switching valve 10, the outdoor expansion valve 12, the outdoor fan 16, the indoor fan 92, and the indoor expansion valve 93. The control unit 3 is also electrically connected to various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 9. The control unit 3 is also configured to be able to communicate with a remote control (not shown) operated by a user of the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0055] The control unit 3 controls the operation and shutdown of the air conditioner 1 and the operation of various devices that make up the air conditioner 1, based on measurement signals from various sensors and commands received from a remote control (not shown).

[0056] (2) Configuration of outdoor heat exchanger The configuration of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a heat exchange section 27, described later, of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a state in which fins 29, described later, are attached to flat tubes 28 in the heat exchange section 27. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Arrows in the heat exchange section 27 shown in FIG. 5 indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation or defrosting operation (when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a radiator or condenser of the refrigerant). FIG. 6 shows an external perspective view of the inlet / outlet header 40.

[0058] In the following description, expressions such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front (front side)," and "rear (back side)" may be used to describe directions and positions. Unless otherwise specified, these expressions follow the directions of the arrows drawn in FIG. 2. Note that these expressions indicating directions and positions are used for the convenience of description, and do not specify the directions and positions of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 as a whole or each component of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 to the directions and positions of the expressions described, unless otherwise specified.

[0059] In the following description, the direction in which the flat tubes 28 are arranged, the longitudinal direction of the inlet / outlet header 40, the longitudinal direction of the gas header section 50, and the longitudinal direction of the liquid header section 60 are the up-down direction (an example of the "first direction"). Also, the direction in which the connected portions of the flat tubes 28 with the inlet / outlet header 40 extend, the direction in which the tube sheet portion 411 of the first common member 41, the second common member 42, the third common member 43, and the flat portions 51a of the gas space forming member 51 are stacked, the tube sheet portion 411 of the first common member 41, the second common member 42, the third common member 43, the first liquid member 61, the second liquid member 62, the third liquid member 63, the fourth liquid member 64, the fifth liquid member 65, the fifth liquid member 66, the fifth liquid member 67, the fifth liquid member 69, the fifth liquid member 70, the fifth liquid member 71, the fifth liquid member 72, the fifth liquid member 73, the fifth liquid member 74, the fifth liquid member 75, the fifth liquid member 76, the fifth liquid member 77, the fifth liquid member 78, the fifth liquid member 79 ... In the description, the direction in which the flat portions 51a of the gas space forming member 51 are stacked, the thickness direction of the tube sheet portion 411, the second common member 42, the third common member 43, the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51, and the thickness directions of the tube sheet portion 411, the second common member 42, the third common member 43, the first liquid member 61, the second liquid member 62, the third liquid member 63, the fourth liquid member 64, and the fifth liquid member 65 are the left-right direction (an example of the "second direction"). In addition, the direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction is the front-rear direction (an example of the "third direction").

[0060] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is a device that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside and the air.

[0061] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 mainly has a plurality of flat tubes 28, a plurality of fins 29, a turn-back header 30, and an inlet / outlet header 40. In this embodiment, the flat tubes 28, the fins 29, the turn-back header 30, and the inlet / outlet header 40 are all made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0062] The flat tubes 28 and the fins 29 fixed to the flat tubes 28 form a heat exchange section 27. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, air flows through an air passage formed by the flat tubes 28 and the fins 29 of the heat exchange section 27, whereby heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the flat tubes 28 and the air flowing through the air passage.

[0063] (2-1) Flat tube The flat tube 28 is a flat heat transfer tube having flat surfaces 28a on the top and bottom, which serve as heat transfer surfaces, as shown in Fig. 3. The flat tube 28 has a plurality of refrigerant passages 28b through which the refrigerant flows, as shown in Fig. 3. For example, the flat tube 28 is a flat multi-hole tube in which a large number of refrigerant passages 28b, each having a small cross-sectional area through which the refrigerant flows, are formed. In this embodiment, the plurality of refrigerant passages 28b are arranged side by side in the air flow direction.

[0064] In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, flat tubes 28 extending horizontally between the return header 30 side and the inlet / outlet header 40 side are arranged in a plurality of rows, one above the other, as shown in Fig. 5. Each flat tube 28 is arranged with its flat surface facing up and down.

[0065] In this embodiment, the flat tubes 28 extending between the turn-back header 30 side and the inlet / outlet header 40 side are bent at one location, and the heat exchange section 27 formed by the flat tubes 28 is formed into a substantially L-shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, the flat tubes 28 are arranged vertically at regular intervals.

[0066] When the outdoor fan 16 is driven, an air flow passes over the main surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the rear to the front, and an air flow passes over the left side portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 from the left to the right.

[0067] The outdoor heat exchanger 11 has a first flow passage group X, a second flow passage group Y, and a third flow passage group Z arranged in the vertical direction. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, each flat tube 28 arranged in the vertical direction belongs to one of the multiple flow passage groups X, Y, and Z. The first flow passage group X is the flow passage group located at the lowest position, and includes the multiple first flat tubes 28x. The second flow passage group Y is the flow passage group located above the first flow passage group X and below the third flow passage group Z, and includes the multiple second flat tubes 28y. The third flow passage group Z is the flow passage group located at the highest position, and includes the multiple third flat tubes 28z.

[0068] (2-2) Fin The multiple fins 29 are members for increasing the heat transfer area of ​​the outdoor heat exchanger 11. Each fin 29 is a plate-shaped member extending in the row direction in which the flat tubes 28 are arranged. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is used in a mode in which the multiple flat tubes 28 extending in the horizontal direction are arranged in a vertical direction. Therefore, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is installed in the outdoor unit 2, each fin 29 extends in the vertical direction.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4, each fin 29 is formed with a plurality of notches 29a extending along the insertion direction of the flat tubes 28 so that the flat tubes 28 can be inserted. The notches 29a extend in the direction in which the fins 29 extend and in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the fins 29. When the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is installed in the outdoor unit 2, the notches 29a formed in each fin 29 extend horizontally. The notches 29a are formed in the fins 29 at intervals corresponding to the arrangement intervals of the flat tubes 28. In the outdoor heat exchanger 11, the multiple fins 29 are arranged side by side along the extension direction of the flat tubes 28. The flat tubes 28 are inserted into the multiple notches 29a of the multiple fins 29, and the spaces between the adjacent flat tubes 28 are divided into a plurality of ventilation passages through which air flows.

[0070] Each fin 29 has a communication portion 29b that communicates in the vertical direction on the upstream side or downstream side in the air flow direction with respect to the flat tubes 28. In this embodiment, the communication portion 29b of the fin 29 is located on the upwind side with respect to the flat tubes 28.

[0071] (2-3) Entrance / Exit Header As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the inlet / outlet header 40 has a gas header section 50 located at the top and a liquid header section 60 located at the bottom. The gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60 are separated by openings formed in the stacked members that do not communicate between the gas side and the liquid side. The gas header section 50 has a gas space 50S therein, the longitudinal direction of which is vertical. The liquid header section 60 has a liquid space 60S therein, the longitudinal direction of which is vertical, as a space isolated from the gas space 50S.

[0072] A gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a constituting one end of the first gas refrigerant tube 19 is connected to the liquid header section 60. In this embodiment, the gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a is connected to a portion of the liquid header section 60 opposite to the side to which the flat tubes 28 are connected.

[0073] A liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a constituting one end of the liquid refrigerant tube 20 is connected to the gas header section 50. In this embodiment, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a is connected to a portion of the gas header section 50 opposite to the side to which the flat tubes 28 are connected.

[0074] 5, one end of each of the flat tubes 28 is connected to the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60 of the inlet / outlet header 40, and the other end of each of the flat tubes 28 is connected to the turn-back header 30. The outdoor heat exchanger 11 is disposed in a casing (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2 so that the longitudinal directions of the turn-back header 30 and the inlet / outlet headers 40 roughly coincide with the vertical direction. Here, the number of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas header section 50 is greater than the number of flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header section 60.

[0075] The inlet / outlet header 40 has a first common member 41, a second common member 42, and a third common member 43. The first common member 41, the second common member 42, and the third common member 43 extend in the vertical direction across the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60. More specifically, the first common member 41, the second common member 42, and the third common member 43 have portions that form part of the gas header section 50 and other portions that form part of the liquid header section 60, and are shared by the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60.

[0076] The first common member 41 has a tube sheet portion 411, a plurality of flat tube connection openings 412, a first side plate portion 413, a second side plate portion 414, a first crimping claw 415, and a second crimping claw 416. The tube sheet portion 411 is a plate-like member that spreads in the up-down and front-rear directions. The plurality of flat tube connection openings 412 are openings that penetrate the tube sheet portion 411 in the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in a row in the up-down direction. The flat tubes 28 are connected to the flat tube connection openings 412. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the tube sheet portion 411, the outline of the flat tube connection openings 412 coincides with the outline of the flat tubes 28. The first side plate portion 413 is a plate-like portion that extends from the front end portion of the tube sheet portion 411 toward the right side. The second side plate portion 414 is a plate-like portion extending rightward from the rear end portion of the tube plate portion 411, and faces the first side plate portion 413. A plurality of first crimping claws 415 are provided on the right end portion of the first side plate portion 413 so as to be aligned in the vertical direction. A plurality of second crimping claws 416 are provided on the right end portion of the second side plate portion 414 so as to be aligned in the vertical direction.

[0077] The second common member 42 has an insertion plate portion 421 and a plurality of insertion openings 422. The insertion plate portion 421 is a plate-shaped member that spreads in the up-down and front-rear directions, and is stacked so as to be in contact with the tube plate portion 411. The plurality of insertion openings 422 are openings that penetrate the insertion plate portion 421 in the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in a line in the up-down direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the insertion plate portion 421, the outline of the insertion opening 422 is located outside the outline of the flat tube 28. The flat tube 28 is inserted into this insertion opening 422.

[0078] The third common member 43 has a restricting plate portion 431 and a plurality of restricting openings 432. The restricting plate portion 431 is a plate-shaped member that spreads in the up-down and front-rear directions, and is stacked so as to be in contact with the insertion plate portion 421. The plurality of restricting openings 432 are openings that penetrate the restricting plate portion 431 in the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in a row in the up-down direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the restricting plate portion 431, the contour of the restricting opening 432 has a portion that overlaps with the contour of the flat tube 28. Specifically, both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the cross section of the flat tube 28 overlap with both ends in the longitudinal direction of the restricting opening 432. As a result, the restricting opening 432 determines the insertion position of the flat tube 28 by restricting the insertion of the flat tube 28.

[0079] The first common member 41, the second common member 42, and the third common member 43 all have the vertical direction as their longitudinal direction, and their vertical lengths are the same. The front-rear length of the tube plate portion 411 of the first common member 41, excluding the first side plate portion 413 and the second side plate portion 414, is the same as the front-rear length of the third common member 43, and is the same as the front-rear length of the second common member 42. The first side plate portion 413 has a first gas side plate portion 413a corresponding to the length of the gas header portion 50 and a first liquid side plate portion 413b corresponding to the length of the liquid header portion 60 in the left-right direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend. The second side plate portion 414 has a second gas side plate portion 414a corresponding to the length of the gas header portion 50 and a second liquid side plate portion 414b corresponding to the length of the liquid header portion 60 in the left-right direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend.

[0080] The inlet / outlet header 40 also has a gas space forming member 51 which is a gas member that constitutes part of the gas header section 50. Furthermore, the inlet / outlet header 40 also has a first liquid member 61, a second liquid member 62, a third liquid member 63, a fourth liquid member 64, and a fifth liquid member 65 which are liquid members that constitute part of the liquid header section 60. These will be described in detail later.

[0081] (2-4) Folded header To the turn-back header 30, ends of the flat tubes 28 different from the ends of the flat tubes 28 connected to the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60 of the inlet / outlet header 40 are connected.

[0082] The folded header 30 is constructed by surrounding and crimping a stack of multiple plate-like members with crimping members 31 that are U-shaped in plan view and to which the flat tubes 28 are connected. The plate-like members stacked on the crimping members 31 include a member having the same shape as the second common member 42 of the inlet / outlet header 40, and a member having the same shape as the third common member 43. This makes it possible to standardize the members.

[0083] (3) Refrigerant flow during each operation and in the outdoor heat exchanger The control unit 3 receives detection information from various sensors or commands from a remote control or the like, and switches between and executes a cooling operation, a heating operation, a defrosting operation, or the like.

[0084] When the air conditioner 1 performs heating operation, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to the state shown by the dashed line in Fig. 1 to operate the compressor 8. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 releases heat or condenses by exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 91, is depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 93 or the outdoor expansion valve 12, and is then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 11 evaporates by exchanging heat with the outdoor air, and is sucked back into the compressor 8.

[0085] In this way, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation, the refrigerant in a liquid state or a gas-liquid two-phase state that reaches the liquid header section 60 from the liquid refrigerant tube 20 is divided into a refrigerant flowing through the first flow passage group X and a refrigerant flowing through the second flow passage group Y in the internal space of the liquid header section 60. The divided refrigerant then flows through the first flat tubes 28x belonging to the first flow passage group X and the second flat tubes 28y belonging to the second flow passage group Y, respectively. The refrigerant flowing through the first flat tubes 28x and the second flat tubes 28y is partially evaporated by heat exchange with the air and reaches a lower region of the internal space of the turn-back header 30. The refrigerant sent to the lower region of the internal space of the turn-back header 30 is sent to the upper region of the internal space of the turn-back header 30. The refrigerant sent to the upper region of the turn-back header 30 flows through the third flat tubes 28z belonging to the third flow passage group Z connected to the upper region of the turn-back header 30. The refrigerant flowing through the multiple third flat tubes 28z again exchanges heat with the air and further evaporates, and reaches the gas header section 50. The refrigerant that has reached the gas header section 50 merges and then flows through the first gas refrigerant pipes 19.

[0086] When the air conditioner 1 performs cooling operation, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to the state shown by the solid line in Fig. 1 to operate the compressor 8. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 releases heat or condenses by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 11, is depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve 12 or the indoor expansion valve 93, and is then sent to the indoor heat exchanger 91. The refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 91 evaporates by exchanging heat with the indoor air, and is sucked back into the compressor 8.

[0087] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 1 is performing heating operation, if a predetermined defrost start condition is satisfied, the control unit 3 switches the connection state of the four-way switching valve 10 to the state shown by the solid line in Fig. 1 to operate the compressor 8 and perform a defrost operation in which high-temperature, high-pressure discharged refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. This defrost operation melts the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 11. The predetermined defrost end condition is determined by the control unit 3 based on the detection value of a temperature sensor 99, which will be described later.

[0088] In this way, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a radiator or condenser of the refrigerant during cooling operation or defrosting operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8 flows through the first gas refrigerant pipe 19 and then flows into the gas header section 50. The gaseous refrigerant that reaches the gas header section 50 is divided in the internal space of the gas header section 50 and then flows through the third flat tubes 28z belonging to the third flow path group Z connected to the gas header section 50. The refrigerant flowing through the third flat tubes 28z exchanges heat with the air, causing a portion of the refrigerant to radiate heat or condense, and reaches an upper region of the internal space of the turn-back header 30. The refrigerant sent to the upper region of the internal space of the turn-back header 30 is sent to the lower region of the turn-back header 30. The refrigerant sent to the lower region of the turn-back header 30 is divided and flows through the first flat tubes 28x belonging to the first flow path group X and the second flat tubes 28y belonging to the second flow path group Y, both of which are connected to the lower region of the turn-back header 30. The refrigerant flowing through the multiple first flat tubes 28x and the second flat tubes 28y again exchanges heat with the air, thereby further releasing heat or condensing, and reaches the liquid header section 60. The refrigerant that has flowed through the multiple first flat tubes 28x belonging to the first flow passage group X and the refrigerant that has flowed through the multiple second flat tubes 28y belonging to the second flow passage group Y join together in the liquid header section 60 and then flow through the liquid refrigerant pipe 20.

[0089] (4) Gas header details Fig. 7 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the gas header section 50. Fig. 8 shows a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the gas header section 50. Note that Fig. 8 shows a horizontal cross-section taken horizontally at the center in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the flat tube 28 located at the lowest level among the multiple flat tubes 28 connected to the gas header section 50. Also, in Fig. 8, connecting members and the like for connecting the gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a and a gas space forming member 51 described below are omitted.

[0090] The gas header section 50 is composed of a gas space forming member 51, a gas side portion of the third common member 43, a gas side portion of the second common member 42, a gas side portion of the first common member 41, a bottom plate 58, and a top plate 59.

[0091] The gas header section 50 comprises a gas space forming member 51, a gas side portion of the third common member 43, a gas side portion of the second common member 42, a gas side portion of the first common member 41, a bottom plate 58, and a top plate 59, which are joined together by brazing.

[0092] (4-1) Gas space forming member The gas space forming member 51 is a member laminated so as to be joined to the right surface of the gas regulating plate portion 431a of the third common member 43. The front-to-rear length of the gas space forming member 51 is the same as the front-to-rear lengths of the third common member 43 and the second common member 42, and is also the same as the front-to-rear length of the tube plate portion 411 of the first common member 41 excluding the first side plate portion 413 and the second side plate portion 414.

[0093] The gas space forming member 51 has a flat portion 51a and a protruding portion 51b.

[0094] The flat portion 51a includes a plate-like portion extending in the up-down and front-rear directions at the front portion of the gas space forming member 51 and a plate-like portion extending in the up-down and front-rear directions at the rear portion of the gas space forming member 51.

[0095] The protruding portion 51b is provided to connect a front portion of the flat portion 51a with a rear portion of the flat portion 51a. The protruding portion 51b has a semicircular arc shape so as to protrude to the right side when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the gas header portion 50. The protruding portion 51b protrudes toward the opposite side to the third common member 43 side with respect to the flat portion 51a. The protruding portion 51b is provided with a connection opening 51x that is connected to the gas refrigerant connection piping 19a of the first gas refrigerant pipe 19.

[0096] In addition, the front portion of the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51 is crimped by the first gas crimping claws 415a of the first common member 41, and the rear portion of the flat portion 51a is crimped by the second gas crimping claws 416a.

[0097] (4-2) Bottom plate The bottom plate 58 is provided between the gas space forming member 51 and the third common member 43 and at the lower end of the gas space forming member 51. The bottom plate 58 is a plate-like member configured in a semicircular arc shape in a plan view so as to be in contact with the inner circumference of the semicircular arc shape of the protruding portion 51b of the gas space forming member 51 and to be in contact with the flat surface of the restricting plate portion 431 of the third common member 43. The bottom plate 58 functions as a lower lid of the gas space 50S.

[0098] (4-3) Tabletop Top plate 59 is provided between gas space formation member 51 and third common member 43 and at the upper end of gas space formation member 51. Like bottom plate 58, top plate 59 is a plate-like member configured in a semicircular arc shape in plan view so as to be in contact with the inner periphery of the semicircular arc shape of protruding portion 51b of gas space formation member 51 and to be in contact with the flat surface of restricting plate portion 431 of third common member 43. Top plate 59 functions as an upper lid for gas space 50S.

[0099] (4-4) Gas side part of the third common part The third common member 43 has, as a gas side portion of the third common member 43, a gas regulating plate portion 431a that constitutes a part of the gas header portion 50 out of the regulating plate portion 431.

[0100] The gas regulation plate portion 431a is laminated so as to face and contact the right side surface of the gas insertion plate portion 421a of the second common member 42, and to face and contact the left side surface of the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51. The gas regulation plate portion 431a has a plurality of gas regulation openings 432a that constitute part of the gas header portion 50 among the plurality of regulation openings 432.

[0101] The gas regulation openings 432a are arranged in a line in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the gas regulation plate portion 431a in the plate thickness direction. The front and rear edges of the gas regulation openings 432a are located inside the front and rear edges of the gas insertion opening 422a when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the gas regulation plate portion 431a. The front and rear widths of the gas regulation openings 432a are narrower than the front and rear widths of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the leading end of the flat tubes 28 in the insertion direction hits the edges of the gas regulation openings 432a, thereby determining the insertion position. The top and bottom edges of the gas regulation openings 432a are located outside the front and rear edges of the flat tubes 28.

[0102] In addition, in the refrigerant flow direction when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant radiator or condenser, the refrigerant that flows into the gas space 50S between the gas space forming member 51 and the gas regulating plate portion 431a via the gas refrigerant connection piping 19a branches off and flows into multiple gas regulating openings 432a.

[0103] (4-5) Gas side part of the second common part The second common member 42 has, as a gas side portion of the second common member 42, a gas insertion plate portion 421a that constitutes a part of the gas header portion 50 out of the insertion plate portion 421.

[0104] The gas insertion plate portion 421a is laminated so as to face and contact the right side surface of the gas tube plate portion 411a of the first common member 41, and to face and contact the left side surface of the gas regulating plate portion 431a. The gas insertion plate portion 421a has a plurality of gas insertion openings 422a that constitute part of the gas header portion 50 among the plurality of insertion openings 422.

[0105] The gas insertion openings 422a are arranged in a vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the gas insertion plate portion 421a in the plate thickness direction. The front and rear edges of the gas insertion openings 422a are located outside the front and rear edges of the gas connection openings 412a, which are the openings of the gas header portion 50 among the flat tube connection openings 412, when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the gas insertion plate portion 421a. In addition, the upper and lower edges of the gas insertion openings 422a are located outside the upper and lower edges of the gas connection openings 412a when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the gas insertion plate portion 421a. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the outline of the gas insertion openings 422a does not overlap with the outline of the flat tubes 28, and is located outside the outline of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the tip of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction is inserted so as to pass through the gas insertion openings 422a. Furthermore, even if excess brazing material is produced during brazing, a gap is secured between the flat tube 28 and the gas insertion opening 422a, so that the excess brazing material can be guided away, thereby preventing the flow path of the flat tube 28 from being blocked by the excess brazing material.

[0106] (4-6) Gas side part of the first common part The first common member 41 has, as a gas side portion of the first common member 41, a gas tube plate portion 411a constituting a part of the gas header portion 50 of the tube plate portion 411, a first gas side plate portion 413a constituting a part of the gas header portion 50 of the first side plate portion 413, a second gas side plate portion 414a constituting a part of the gas header portion 50 of the second side plate portion 414, a first gas crimping claw 415a constituting a part of the gas header portion 50 of the first crimping claw 415, and a second gas crimping claw 416a constituting a part of the gas header portion 50 of the second crimping claw 416. The gas side portion of the first common member 41 mainly constitutes the periphery of the outer shape of the gas header portion 50 together with the gas space forming member 51.

[0107] The gas tube plate portion 411a is laminated so as to face and contact the left side surface of the gas insertion plate portion 421a. The gas tube plate portion 411a has a plurality of gas connection openings 412a that constitute a part of the gas header portion 50 among the plurality of flat tube connection openings 412.

[0108] The gas connection openings 412a are arranged in a line in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the gas pipe plate portion 411a in the plate thickness direction. The contour of the gas connection openings 412a has a shape that follows the contour of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the flat tubes 28 are brazed to each other in a state where the outer periphery of the flat tubes 28 is in contact with the inner periphery of the gas connection openings 412a when the leading ends in the insertion direction pass through the gas connection openings 412a.

[0109] The plate thickness of the gas tube plate portion 411a is smaller than that of the gas insertion plate portion 421a. Therefore, since the contour of the gas connection opening 412a has a shape that follows the contour of the flat tube 28, even if friction occurs between the circumferential surface of the flat tube 28 and the inner circumference of the gas connection opening 412a when the flat tube 28 is inserted, the degree of friction is suppressed to a small level, making it easy to insert the flat tube 28. On the other hand, the plate thickness of the gas insertion plate portion 421a laminated on the gas tube plate portion 411a is secured to be larger than that of the gas tube plate portion 411a. Therefore, the pressure resistance strength of the gas header portion 50 at the insertion portion of the flat tube 28 can be increased.

[0110] The first gas side plate portion 413a is a plate-like portion extending rightward from the front edge of the gas tube plate portion 411a. The second gas side plate portion 414a is a plate-like portion extending rightward from the rear edge of the tube plate portion 411. The first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a are disposed opposite each other in the front-rear direction, thereby sandwiching the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the gas regulating plate portion 431a, and the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51 from the front-rear direction.

[0111] The first gas crimping claw 415a is a crimping claw provided at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction on the right end of the first gas side plate portion 413a. The second gas crimping claw 416a is a crimping claw provided at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction on the right end of the second gas side plate portion 414a. Before crimping, the first gas crimping claw 415a extends to the right in line with the first gas side plate portion 413a, and the second gas crimping claw 416a extends to the right in line with the second gas side plate portion 414a. Then, in a state where the gas tube plate portion 411a, the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the gas regulating plate portion 431a, and the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51 are stacked, the first gas crimping claws 415a and the second gas crimping claws 416a are woven so as to approach each other in the front-to-rear direction, thereby crimping and integrating the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the gas regulating plate portion 431a, and the gas space forming member 51. In this state, brazing is performed in a furnace or the like, and the mutual members are joined by brazing and completely fixed.

[0112] Therefore, the length of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a in the left-right direction in which the flat tube 28 extends corresponds to the length in the front-to-rear direction when the gas insertion plate portion 421a, the gas regulating plate portion 431a, and the flat portion 51a of the gas space forming member 51 are stacked on the gas tube plate portion 411a.

[0113] (5) Liquid header details Fig. 9 shows a schematic exploded perspective view of the liquid header section 60. Fig. 10 shows a schematic horizontal cross-sectional configuration diagram of the liquid header section 60. Note that Fig. 10 shows a horizontal cross-section taken horizontally at the center position in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the flat tube 28 located at the lowest level among the multiple flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header section 60. Also, a first connecting pipe 71 and a second connecting pipe 72, which will be described later, are omitted in Fig. 10.

[0114] The liquid header section 60 is configured to include a first connecting pipe 71, a second connecting pipe 72, a first liquid member 61, a second liquid member 62, a third liquid member 63, a fourth liquid member 64, a fifth liquid member 65, a liquid side portion of the third common member 43, a liquid side portion of the second common member 42, and a liquid side portion of the first common member 41.

[0115] The liquid header section 60 includes a first connecting pipe 71, a second connecting pipe 72, a first liquid member 61, a second liquid member 62, a third liquid member 63, a fourth liquid member 64, a fifth liquid member 65, a liquid side portion of the third common member 43, a liquid side portion of the second common member 42, and a liquid side portion of the first common member 41 joined together by brazing.

[0116] Furthermore, the liquid header section 60 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a.

[0117] In the liquid header section 60, in the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant that flows in through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a passes through the merging flow path C and is then divided into a first refrigerant flow path A and a second refrigerant flow path B. The first refrigerant flow path A is a flow path from the connection portion with the merging flow path C to the first flat tube 28x included in the first flow path group X, and has first flow path portions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6. The second refrigerant flow path B is a flow path from the connection portion with the merging flow path C to the second flat tube 28y included in the second flow path group Y, and has second flow path portions B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7. In the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant flows in the first refrigerant flow path A through the first flow path portions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 in this order, and in the second refrigerant flow path B through the second flow path portions B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and B7 in this order. After that, in the liquid header section 60, the refrigerant that has flowed through the first refrigerant flow path A is diverted to the first flat tubes 28x included in the first flow path group X among the flat tubes 28. The refrigerant that has flowed through the second refrigerant flow path B in the liquid header section 60 is diverted to the second flat tubes 28y included in the second flow path group Y among the flat tubes 28.

[0118] (5-1) First liquid component, first connecting pipe, and second connecting pipe The first liquid member 61 is a plate-like member that constitutes the outer wall portion on the right side of the liquid header portion 60, and is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a.

[0119] The first liquid member 61 has a first plate-like portion 61a, a pipe connection opening 61x, a first outer wall opening 61b, a second outer wall opening 61c, a third outer wall opening 61d, and a fourth outer wall opening 61e. The first plate-like portion 61a is a plate-like member that is wide in the up-down and front-rear directions, with the plate thickness direction being the left-right direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend. The pipe connection opening 61x is an opening that penetrates the first liquid member 61 in the plate thickness direction near the lower end, and is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a. The first outer wall opening 61b, the second outer wall opening 61c, the third outer wall opening 61d, and the fourth outer wall opening 61e are openings that are provided to penetrate the first liquid member 61 in the plate thickness direction.

[0120] The first connection pipe 71 connects the first outer wall opening 61b and the second outer wall opening 61c on the right side of the first liquid member 61. The first connection pipe 71 is provided with a temperature sensor 99 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing therethrough.

[0121] The second connection pipe 72 connects the third outer wall opening 61d and the fourth outer wall opening 61e on the right side of the first liquid member 61.

[0122] The flow path length of the first communication pipe 71 and the flow path length of the second communication pipe 72 are the same, and the pressure loss of the refrigerant passing through the first communication pipe 71 and the pressure loss of the refrigerant passing through the second communication pipe 72 can be made approximately equal. This makes it easy to adjust the branching state of the refrigerant flowing through the first communication pipe 71 and the second communication pipe 72, for example, by adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant to be approximately the same. As described above, in the liquid header section 60 of this embodiment, the refrigerant can be evenly distributed to the first flat tubes 28x included in the first flow path group X and the second flat tubes 28y included in the second flow path group Y.

[0123] The first communication pipe 71, the first outer wall opening 61b, and the second outer wall opening 61c constitute a first flow path portion A2 included in the first refrigerant flow path A. The second communication pipe 72, the third outer wall opening 61d, and the fourth outer wall opening 61e constitute a second flow path portion B2 included in the second refrigerant flow path B.

[0124] (5-2) Second liquid member The second liquid member 62 is provided between the first liquid member 61 and the third liquid member 63 in the plate thickness direction. The second liquid member 62 has a second plate-shaped portion 62a, a branching opening 62b, a first communication opening 62c, and a second communication opening 62d. The second plate-shaped portion 62a is a plate-shaped member whose plate thickness direction is the left-right direction and which spreads in the up-down and front-rear directions. The branching opening 62b, the first communication opening 62c, and the second communication opening 62d are all openings that penetrate the second liquid member 62 in the plate thickness direction.

[0125] When viewed from the stacking direction of the first liquid member 61 and the second liquid member 62, which is the plate thickness direction of the second liquid member 62, the branch opening 62b is an opening that connects a portion where the piping connection opening 61x of the first liquid member 61 and the branch opening 62b overlap, a portion where the second outer wall opening 61c of the first liquid member 61 and the branch opening 62b overlap, and a portion where the third outer wall opening 61d of the first liquid member 61 and the branch opening 62b overlap. The branch opening 62b extends upward from the portion where it overlaps with the piping connection opening 61x of the first liquid member 61, and then branches into a flow path that extends toward the portion where the second outer wall opening 61c of the first liquid member 61 and the branch opening 62b overlap, and a flow path that extends toward the portion where the third outer wall opening 61d of the first liquid member 61 and the branch opening 62b overlap, in a narrow portion that functions as a nozzle. Here, the portion of the branch opening 62b from the portion where the piping connection opening 61x of the first liquid member 61 and the branch opening 62b overlap to the portion that functions as a nozzle constitutes the merging flow path C. Also, the portion of the branch opening 62b that extends from the portion that functions as a nozzle toward the portion where the second outer wall opening 61c of the first liquid member 61 and the branch opening 62b overlap constitutes a first flow path portion A1 included in the first refrigerant flow path A. Furthermore, the portion of the branch opening 62b that extends from the portion that functions as a nozzle toward the portion where the third outer wall opening 61d of the second liquid member 62 and the branch opening 62b overlap constitutes a second flow path portion B1 included in the second refrigerant flow path B.

[0126] The first communication opening 62c is an opening extending from a portion where the first outer wall opening 61b of the first liquid member 61 and the first communication opening 62c overlap toward a portion where the third lower opening 63b of the third liquid member 63 and the first communication opening 62c overlap when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second liquid member 62. The first communication opening 62c constitutes a first flow path portion A3 included in the first refrigerant flow path A.

[0127] The second communication opening 62d is an opening that extends from a portion where the fourth outer wall opening 61e of the first liquid member 61 and the second communication opening 62d overlap toward a portion where the third upper opening 63c of the third liquid member 63 and the second communication opening 62d overlap when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the second liquid member 62. The second communication opening 62d constitutes a second flow path portion B3 included in the second refrigerant flow path B.

[0128] (5-3) Third liquid member The third liquid member 63 is provided between the second liquid member 62 and the fourth liquid member 64 in the plate thickness direction. The third liquid member 63 has a third plate-shaped portion 63a, a third lower opening 63b, and a third upper opening 63c. The third plate-shaped portion 63a is a plate-shaped member whose plate thickness direction is the left-right direction and which extends in the up-down and front-rear directions. The third lower opening 63b and the third upper opening 63c are both openings that penetrate the third liquid member 63 in the plate thickness direction.

[0129] The third lower opening 63b is an opening that overlaps with the introduction area of ​​the lower circulation opening 64b of the fourth liquid member 64 when viewed from the stacking direction of the third liquid member 63 and the fourth liquid member 64, which is the plate thickness direction of the third liquid member 63.

[0130] The third upper opening 63c is an opening where the introduction area of ​​the upper circulation opening 64c of the third liquid member 63 overlaps with the third lower opening 63b when viewed from the stacking direction of the third liquid member 63 and the fourth liquid member 64, which is the plate thickness direction of the third liquid member 63.

[0131] (5-4) Fourth liquid member The fourth liquid member 64 is located between the third liquid member 63 and the fifth liquid member 65 in the plate thickness direction, and has a fourth plate-shaped portion 64a, a lower circulation opening 64b, and an upper circulation opening 64c. The fourth plate-shaped portion 64a is a plate-shaped member whose plate thickness direction is the left-right direction and which extends in the up-down and front-rear directions. The lower circulation opening 64b and the upper circulation opening 64c are both openings that penetrate the fourth liquid member 64 in the plate thickness direction.

[0132] The plate thickness of the fourth liquid member 64 is thinner than the plate thickness of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, which is the plate thickness of the second common member 42. Therefore, when the lower circulation opening 64b and the upper circulation opening 64c are formed in the fourth liquid member 64 by punching, it is possible to suppress breakage of the punch member.

[0133] 11, the lower circulation opening 64b has an introduction area 81b, a narrow area 82b, and a circulation area 83b. In the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant that has flowed into the introduction area 81b from the third lower opening 63b of the third liquid member 63 increases its flow velocity when passing through the narrow area 82b, which is a nozzle, and is sent to the circulation area 83b.

[0134] The introduction area 81b is provided at the rear lower end of the lower circulation opening 64b. As shown in FIG. 11, when viewed in the thickness direction of the fourth liquid member 64, the introduction area 81b is provided at a position overlapping with the third lower opening 63b of the third liquid member 63.

[0135] The narrow area 82b is provided between the introduction area 81b and the rising area 831b of the circulation area 83b. The width of the narrow area 82b in the front-rear direction is narrower than the width of the introduction area 81b in the front-rear direction, narrower than the width of the circulation area 83b in the front-rear direction, and narrower than the width of the rising area 831b in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the narrow area 82b can be increased, and when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant sent from the narrow area 82b to the rising area 831b can easily reach the vicinity of the upper end of the rising area 831b. As described above, the plate thickness of the fourth liquid member 64 is thinner than the plate thickness of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, which is the plate thickness of the second common member 42. Therefore, the width of the narrow area 82b in the left-right direction, which is the direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend, can also be reduced, making it possible to further increase the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the narrow area 82b.

[0136] The circulation region 83b is located above the narrow region 82b, and has an up-going region 831b, a forward region 832b, a downward region 833b, and a return region 834b. Here, when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the fourth liquid member 64, the up-going region 831b is located overlapping with a plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x provided in the fifth liquid member 65, and is therefore connected to the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x. The up-going region 831b and the downward region 833b are partitioned in the front-rear direction by a partition portion 64p, the longitudinal direction of which is the up-down direction of the fourth liquid member 64. The forward region 832b, above the partition portion 64p, connects the vicinity of the upper end of the up-going region 831b to the vicinity of the upper end of the downward region 833b. The return region 834b communicates the vicinity of the lower end of the rising region 831b with the vicinity of the lower end of the falling region 833b below the partition portion 64p. The partition portion 64p is supported by being connected by the communication portion 64q of the fourth liquid member 64. The communication portion 64q extends from the front end of the falling region 833b toward a part of the partition portion 64p. In order to allow the refrigerant descending the falling region 833b to reach the lower end of the falling region 833b while avoiding the communication portion 64q, the fifth liquid member 65 on which the fourth liquid member 64 is laminated is provided with a descending side opening 65y. With the above configuration, when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant sent to the introduction region 81b is sent to the circulation region 83b with its flow velocity increased in the narrow region 82b. In the rising region 831b of the circulation region 83b, the refrigerant flows upward and can be diverted to the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the first flow path portion A5 among the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x formed in the fifth liquid member 65. Here, even if the refrigerant ascending in the rising region 831b reaches the vicinity of the upper end of the rising region 831b without flowing toward the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x, the refrigerant can be returned to the rising region 831b again via the forward region 832b, the descending region 833b, and the return region 843b, and can be merged with the refrigerant having a high flow rate that has passed through the narrow region 82b.

[0137] The upper circulation opening 64c has a shape similar to that of the lower circulation opening 64b, and has an introduction area 81c, a narrow area 82c, and a circulation area 83c. In the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, the refrigerant that flows into the introduction area 81c from the third upper opening 63c of the third liquid member 63 increases its flow rate when passing through the narrow area 82c, which is a nozzle, and is sent to the circulation area 83c. In the rising area of ​​the upper circulation opening 64c, the refrigerant also flows upward, and is diverted to the liquid diversion opening 65x formed in the fifth liquid member 65 that corresponds to the second flow path portion B5.

[0138] (5-5) Fifth liquid member The fifth liquid member 65 is located between the fourth liquid member 64 and the liquid regulating plate portion 431b of the third common member 43 in the plate thickness direction. The fifth liquid member 65 has a fifth plate-shaped portion 65a, a plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x, and a downward side opening 65y. The fifth plate-shaped portion 65a is a plate-shaped member whose plate thickness direction is the left-right direction and which spreads in the up-down and front-rear directions. All of the plurality of liquid diversion openings 65x are openings which penetrate the fifth liquid member 65 in the plate thickness direction.

[0139] The multiple liquid dividing openings 65x are provided lined up in the vertical direction at positions biased toward the rear side of the fifth liquid member 65. Here, the rear side of the fifth liquid member 65 corresponds to the windward side of the air flow F when the outdoor fan 16 is driven. This makes it possible to guide a large amount of refrigerant to the windward side of the multiple flat tubes 28, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0140] The liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the first flow path portion A5 overlap and communicate with the rising region 831b of the lower circulation opening 64b corresponding to the first flow path portion A4 in the thickness direction of the fifth liquid member 65. The liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the second flow path portion B5 overlap and communicate with the rising region 831c of the upper circulation opening 64c corresponding to the second flow path portion B4 in the thickness direction of the fifth liquid member 65.

[0141] (5-6) Liquid side part of the third common component The third common member 43 has a liquid regulating plate portion 431b that constitutes a part of the liquid header portion 60 of the regulating plate portion 431 as a liquid side portion of the third common member 43.

[0142] The liquid regulating plate 431b is laminated so as to face and contact the left side surface of the fifth liquid member 65, and to face and contact the right side surface of the liquid insertion plate 421b of the second common member 42. The liquid regulating plate 431b has a plurality of liquid regulating openings 432b that constitute part of the liquid header portion 60, among the plurality of regulating openings 432.

[0143] The liquid restriction openings 432b are arranged in a line in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the liquid restriction plate portion 431b in the plate thickness direction. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the liquid restriction plate portion 431b, the front and rear edges of the liquid restriction openings 432b are located inside the front and rear edges of the liquid insertion opening 422b. The front and rear widths of the liquid restriction openings 432b are narrower than the front and rear widths of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the leading end of the flat tubes 28 in the insertion direction hits the edges of the liquid restriction openings 432b, thereby determining the insertion position. The top and bottom edges of the liquid restriction openings 432b are located outside the front and rear edges of the flat tubes 28.

[0144] The liquid regulating openings 432b corresponding to the first flow path portion A6 overlap and communicate with the liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the first flow path portion A5 in the thickness direction of the liquid regulating plate 431b. The liquid regulating openings 432b corresponding to the second flow path portion B6 overlap and communicate with the liquid diversion openings 65x corresponding to the second flow path portion B5 in the thickness direction of the liquid regulating plate 431b.

[0145] (5-7) Liquid side part of the second common member The second common member 42 has a liquid insertion plate portion 421b that constitutes part of the liquid header portion 60 of the insertion plate portion 421 as a liquid side portion of the second common member 42.

[0146] The liquid insertion plate section 421b is laminated so as to face and contact the right side surface of the liquid tube plate section 411b of the first common member 41, and to face and contact the left side surface of the liquid regulating plate section 431b. The liquid insertion plate section 421b has a plurality of liquid insertion openings 422b which constitute part of the liquid header section 60 out of the plurality of insertion openings 422.

[0147] The liquid insertion openings 422b are arranged in a vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the liquid insertion plate portion 421b in the plate thickness direction. The front and rear edges of the liquid insertion openings 422b are located outside the front and rear edges of the liquid connection opening 412b, which is the opening of the liquid header portion 60 of the flat tube connection opening 412, when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. In addition, the upper and lower edges of the liquid insertion openings 422b are located outside the upper and lower edges of the liquid connection opening 412b when viewed in the plate thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. When viewed in the plate thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the outline of the liquid insertion opening 422b does not overlap with the outline of the flat tube 28 and is located outside the outline of the flat tube 28. As a result, the tip of the flat tube 28 in the insertion direction is inserted so as to pass through the liquid insertion opening 422b. Furthermore, even if excess brazing material is produced during brazing, a gap is secured between the flat tube 28 and the liquid insertion opening 422b, so that the excess brazing material can be guided away, thereby preventing the flow path of the flat tube 28 from being blocked by the excess brazing material.

[0148] The liquid insertion openings 422b corresponding to the first flow path portion A7 overlap and communicate with the liquid restriction openings 432b corresponding to the first flow path portion A6 in the thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b. The liquid insertion openings 422b corresponding to the second flow path portion B7 overlap and communicate with the liquid restriction openings 432b corresponding to the second flow path portion B6 in the thickness direction of the liquid insertion plate portion 421b.

[0149] (5-8) Liquid side portion of the first common member The first common member 41 has, as its liquid side portion, a liquid tube plate portion 411b constituting a part of the liquid header portion 60 of the tube plate portion 411, a first liquid side plate portion 413b constituting a part of the liquid header portion 60 of the first side plate portion 413, a second liquid side plate portion 414b constituting a part of the liquid header portion 60 of the second side plate portion 414, a first liquid crimping claw 415b constituting a part of the liquid header portion 60 of the first crimping claw 415, and a second liquid crimping claw 416b constituting a part of the liquid header portion 60 of the second crimping claw 416. This liquid side portion of the first common member 41 mainly constitutes the periphery of the outer shape of the liquid header portion 60 together with the first liquid member 61.

[0150] The liquid tube plate section 411b is laminated so as to face and be in contact with the left face of the liquid insertion plate section 421b. The liquid tube plate section 411b has a plurality of liquid connection openings 412b which constitute a part of the liquid header section 60 among the plurality of flat tube connection openings 412.

[0151] The liquid connection openings 412b are arranged in a line in the vertical direction and are openings that penetrate the liquid tube plate portion 411b in the plate thickness direction. The outline of the liquid connection openings 412b has a shape that follows the outline of the flat tubes 28. As a result, the flat tubes 28 are brazed to each other with the outer periphery of the flat tubes 28 in contact with the inner periphery of the liquid connection openings 412b when the leading ends in the insertion direction pass through the liquid connection openings 412b.

[0152] The thickness of the liquid tube plate 411b is smaller than that of the liquid insertion plate 421b. Therefore, since the contour of the liquid connection opening 412b has a shape that follows the contour of the flat tube 28, even if friction occurs between the circumferential surface of the flat tube 28 and the inner circumference of the liquid connection opening 412b when the flat tube 28 is inserted, the degree of friction is kept small, making it easy to insert the flat tube 28. On the other hand, the liquid insertion plate 421b laminated on the liquid tube plate 411b has a thickness larger than that of the liquid tube plate 411b. Therefore, the pressure resistance of the liquid header 60 at the insertion portion of the flat tube 28 can be increased.

[0153] The first liquid side plate portion 413b is a plate-like portion extending rightward from the front edge of the liquid tube plate portion 411b. The second liquid side plate portion 414b is a plate-like portion extending rightward from the rear edge of the tube plate portion 411. The first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b are disposed opposite each other in the front-rear direction, thereby sandwiching the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the liquid regulating plate portion 431b, the fifth liquid member 65, the fourth liquid member 64, the third liquid member 63, the second liquid member 62, and the first liquid member 61 from the front-rear direction.

[0154] The first liquid crimping claw 415b is a crimping claw provided at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction on the right end of the first liquid side plate portion 413b. The second liquid crimping claw 416b is a crimping claw provided at a predetermined interval in the up-down direction on the right end of the second liquid side plate portion 414b. Before crimping, the first liquid crimping claw 415b extends to the right in line with the first liquid side plate portion 413b, and the second liquid crimping claw 416b extends to the right in line with the second liquid side plate portion 414b. Then, with the liquid tube plate portion 411b, the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the liquid regulating plate portion 431b, the fifth liquid member 65, the fourth liquid member 64, the third liquid member 63, the second liquid member 62, and the first liquid member 61 stacked together, the first liquid crimping claws 415b and the second liquid crimping claws 416b are woven together so as to approach each other in the front-to-rear direction, thereby crimping and integrating the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the liquid regulating plate portion 431b, the fifth liquid member 65, the fourth liquid member 64, the third liquid member 63, the second liquid member 62, and the first liquid member 61. In this state, brazing is performed in a furnace or the like, and the members are joined by brazing and completely fixed to each other.

[0155] Therefore, the length of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b in the left-right direction in which the flat tube 28 extends corresponds to the length in the front-to-rear direction when the liquid insertion plate portion 421b, the liquid regulating plate portion 431b, the fifth liquid member 65, the fourth liquid member 64, the third liquid member 63, the second liquid member 62 and the first liquid member 61 are stacked on the liquid tube plate portion 411b.

[0156] In the inlet / outlet header 40 of this embodiment, the lengths of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a and the lengths of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b are different in the left-right direction, which is the direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend. Specifically, the lengths of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a are shorter than the lengths of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b in the left-right direction, which is the direction in which the flat tubes 28 extend.

[0157] (6) Features of the embodiment The inlet / outlet header 40 of the outdoor heat exchanger 11 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 has a gas header section 50 located above the inlet / outlet header 40 and a liquid header section 60 located below the inlet / outlet header 40, which are arranged side by side one above the other. In this inlet / outlet header 40, a first common member 41 is used to crimp and integrate the multiple members that make up the gas header section 50 and the multiple members that make up the liquid header section 60. This increases the strength of the inlet / outlet header 40, which has the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60.

[0158] Here, the gas header section 50 has a structure for dividing the refrigerant that flows through one gas refrigerant connection pipe 19a and enters the gas space 50S into a plurality of flat tubes 28 connected to the gas header section 50. The liquid header section 60 has a structure for dividing the refrigerant that flows through one liquid refrigerant connection pipe 20a and enters the liquid space 60S into a first refrigerant flow path A and a second refrigerant flow path B before dividing the refrigerant into a plurality of flat tubes 28 connected to the liquid header section 60. By dividing the refrigerant into a plurality of stages, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-layer state from dividing into a liquid refrigerant and a gas refrigerant. In this way, in order to realize different functions between the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60, the number of components of the gas header section 50 and the number of components of the liquid header section 60 are made different. Specifically, the gas header section 50 is formed by stacking four members: the gas tube plate section 411a of the first common member 41, the gas insertion plate section 421a of the second common member 42, the gas regulating plate section 431a of the third common member 43, and the gas space forming member 51. The liquid header section 60 is formed by stacking eight members: the liquid tube plate section 411b of the first common member 41, the liquid insertion plate section 421b of the second common member 42, the liquid regulating plate section 431b of the third common member 43, the fifth liquid member 65, the fourth liquid member 64, the third liquid member 63, the second liquid member 62, and the first liquid member 61.

[0159] In this way, even if the number of constituent members of the gas header section 50 differs from the number of constituent members of the liquid header section 60, the first common member 41 has a left-right length of the first gas side plate section 413a and a left-right length of the second gas side plate section 414a that correspond to the number of stacked sheets of the gas header section 50, while the left-right length of the first liquid side plate section 413b and the left-right length of the second liquid side plate section 414b that correspond to the number of stacked sheets of the liquid header section 60, thereby providing a difference in length between the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60. As a result, even if the number of constituent members of the gas header section 50 differs from the number of constituent members of the liquid header section 60, the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60 can be easily integrated by the first common member 41, which is a single member, and the strength can be increased. Furthermore, since the first common member 41, which is a single member, makes it possible to integrate the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60, it is possible to reduce the number of parts compared to the case where a member for integrating the gas header section 50 and a member for integrating the liquid header section 60 are provided separately.

[0160] Furthermore, in the inlet / outlet header 40, not only the first common member 41 but also the second common member 42 and the third common member 43 are shared by the gas header section 50 and the liquid header section 60. This further increases the strength of the inlet / outlet header 40.

[0161] Furthermore, the gas header section 50 of this embodiment uses a gas space forming member 51 having a protruding portion 51b, so that a wide gas space 50S can be easily secured with only one gas space forming member 51. In this manner, the gas space forming member 51 having the protruding portion 51b has a flat portion 51a with which the first gas crimping claws 415a and the second gas crimping claws 416a come into contact when the gas space forming member 51 is crimped by the first common member 41, the flat portion 51a having a shape that spreads parallel to the flat portion of the gas regulating plate portion 431a. Therefore, the gas space forming member 51 not only secures a wide gas space 50S with one member, but also makes it easy to secure the fixing strength when the gas space forming member 51 is crimped by the first common member 41.

[0162] As described above, in the liquid header section 60, the refrigerant that flows in via the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 20a can be divided inside the liquid header section 60 before being divided into the multiple flat tubes 28. For this reason, there is no need to provide a conventionally known flow divider separately from the liquid header section 60, making it possible to make the installation space more compact, reduce parts costs, and also eliminate the need for the work of connecting the conventionally known flow divider.

[0163] (7) Other embodiments (7-1) Other embodiment A In the above embodiment, an outdoor heat exchanger 11 was described as an example having an inlet / outlet header 40 in which one gas header section 50 and one liquid header section 60 are arranged side by side in each longitudinal direction, and in which the refrigerant flows in a turnaround header 30.

[0164] On the other hand, the outdoor heat exchanger 11 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an outdoor heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows by turning back twice. In this case, by providing a header section having a structure corresponding to the turn-back header 30 above the liquid header section 60 and below the gas header section 50, it is possible to form a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant flows by turning back twice.

[0165] (7-2) Other embodiment B In the above embodiment, the first common member 41 has been described using an example in which the left-right length of the first gas side plate portion 413a and the second gas side plate portion 414a is shorter than the left-right length of the first liquid side plate portion 413b and the second liquid side plate portion 414b.

[0166] In contrast, the first common member 41 is not particularly limited, and when the stacked portion of the gas header section 50 is longer in the left-right direction than the stacked portion of the liquid header section 60, the left-right length of the first gas side plate section 413a and the second gas side plate section 414a may be longer than the left-right length of the first liquid side plate section 413b and the second liquid side plate section 414b.

[0167] (7-3) Other embodiment C In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case in which a first connecting pipe 71 and a second connecting pipe 72, each having a temperature sensor 99, are provided as the liquid header section 60, and the refrigerant flows from the first liquid member 61 toward the opposite side to the connection portion of the flat tube 28.

[0168] 12, for example, the first connection pipe 71 and the second connection pipe 72 in which the temperature sensor 99 is provided in the above embodiment may be omitted, and a liquid header section 60 may be provided with a second liquid member 62 in which a branch connection opening 62b' is provided instead of the branch opening 62b, the first connection opening 62c, and the second connection opening 62d in the above embodiment. This branch connection opening 62b' is a single opening in which the branch opening 62b and the first connection opening 62c in the above embodiment are connected to be integrated (A1' that directly connects A1 and A3 in the first flow path portion is formed) and the branch opening 62b and the second connection opening 62d in the above embodiment are connected to be integrated (B1' that directly connects B1 and B3 in the second flow path portion is formed). In this embodiment, the first liquid member 61 does not have the first outer wall opening 61b, the second outer wall opening 61c, the third outer wall opening 61d, or the fourth outer wall opening 61e, and the branch connecting opening 62b' of the second liquid member 62 is blocked from the right side.

[0169] (Additional Note) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. Air conditioning equipment (refrigeration equipment) 2 Outdoor unit 3. Control Unit 11 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger) 19 First gas refrigerant pipe 19a Gas refrigerant connection pipe 20 Liquid refrigerant pipe 20a Liquid refrigerant connection pipe 27 Heat exchange section 28 Flat tube 28x 1st flat tube 28y 2nd flat tube 28z 3rd flat tube 30 Folded Header 40 Entrance / Exit Header (Header) 41 First common member (first member) 42 Second common part (intermediate part, third part) 43 Third common part (intermediate part, second part) 50 Gas header section 51 Gas space forming member 51a flat part 51b Protrusion 58 Bottom plate 59 Tabletop 60 Liquid header section 61 First liquid member (liquid member) 62 Second liquid member (liquid member) 62b Branching Aperture 63 Third liquid component (liquid component) 64 4th liquid component (liquid component) 65 5th liquid component (liquid component) 65x liquid diversion opening 71 First connecting pipe 72 Second connecting pipe 99 Temperature Sensor 411 Tube plate part (1st part) 411a Gas tube plate section (first section) 411b Liquid tube plate part (1st part) 412 Flat pipe connection opening 412a Gas connection opening 412b Liquid connection opening 413 First side plate portion (first clamping portion, second clamping portion) 413a First gas side plate portion (first clamping portion) 413b First liquid side plate portion (second clamping portion) 414 Second side plate portion (first clamping portion, second clamping portion) 414a Second gas side plate part (first clamping part) 414b Second liquid side plate portion (second clamping portion) 415 First crimping jaw 415a First gas rivet claw (first rivet part) 415b 1st liquid crimping claw (2nd crimping part) 416 Second crimping claw 416a Second gas crimping claw (first crimping part) 416b Second liquid crimping claw (second crimping part) 421 Insertion plate part 421a Gas insertion plate 421b Liquid insertion plate 422 Insertion opening (second opening) 422a Gas insertion opening (second opening) 422b Liquid insertion opening (second opening) 431 Regulating plate part 431a Gas regulation plate 431b Liquid control plate 432 Restricted opening (first opening) 432a Gas regulation opening (first opening) 432b Liquid regulation opening (1st opening) A First refrigerant flow path B Second coolant flow path C. Confluence [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0171] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-043207

Claims

1. A plurality of flat tubes (28) arranged in a first direction; A header (40) to which the flat tubes are connected; Equipped with The header has a gas header section (50) and a liquid header section (60) aligned in the first direction, The header has one or more gas members (51), one or more liquid members (61, 62, 63, 64, 65), and a first member (41) extending across the gas header section and the liquid header section, the first member and the gas member form the gas header portion, the first member and the liquid member form the liquid header portion, the first member integrates a first predetermined number of the gas members and a second predetermined number of the liquid members, the second predetermined number being different from the first predetermined number; Heat exchanger (11).

2. The first member and the gas member are arranged in a stacked manner in a second direction, which is a direction in which the flat tubes extend, The first member and the liquid member are arranged in a stacked manner in the second direction.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1.

3. The header further includes one or more intermediate members (42, 43) extending between the first member and the gas member and between the first member and the liquid member.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 2.

4. The first member integrates the gas member, the liquid member, and the intermediate member.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 3.

5. The one or more intermediate members include a second member (43); The second member has a plurality of first openings (432, 432a, 432b); When viewed in the second direction, the contour of the first opening has a portion overlapping with the contour of the flat tube.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 3.

6. The one or more intermediate members further include a third member (42); The third member is stacked between the first member and the second member in the second direction and has a plurality of second openings (422, 422a, 422b), When viewed in the second direction, the outline of the second opening is located outside the outline of the flat tube.

6. The heat exchanger according to claim 5.

7. The first member has a first portion (411, 411a, 411b) extending in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, and a pair of first clamping portions (413a, 414a) and a pair of second clamping portions (413b, 414b) extending from the first portion in the second direction, When a direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the first clamping portion clamps the first predetermined number of the gas members in the third direction, the second clamping portion clamps the second predetermined number of the liquid members in the third direction, The length of the first clip portion in the second direction is different from the length of the second clip portion in the second direction. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The first clamping portion has a first crimping portion (415a, 416a) at an end portion opposite to the first portion in the second direction, The second clamping portion has a second crimping portion (415b, 416b) at an end portion opposite to the first portion in the second direction.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 7.

9. The gas member includes a gas space forming member (51) having a protruding portion (51b) protruding toward a side away from a connection portion between the flat tube and the first member in the second direction when viewed in the first direction.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 7.

10. The gas member includes a gas space forming member (51) having a protruding portion (51b) protruding toward a side away from a connection portion between the flat tube and the first member in the second direction when viewed in the first direction, the gas space forming member has a flat portion extending in a plane perpendicular to the second direction, The flat portion is crimped by the first crimping portion and the second crimping portion.

9. The heat exchanger of claim 8.

11. The gas member and the liquid member have a plate-shaped portion. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. The flat tube further includes a turn-back header (30) connected to an end portion opposite to the end portions on the gas header portion and liquid header portion side of the flat tube, and directing the refrigerant that has passed through the gas header portion to the liquid header portion side, or directing the refrigerant that has passed through the liquid header portion to the gas header portion side. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. A heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, Refrigeration device (1).

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