Heat exchange unit

Abstract

To provide a heat exchange unit capable of suppressing increase in a manufacturing cost by suppressing damage of a flat tube caused by sliding with other members.SOLUTION: A utilization unit 3 includes a utilization heat exchanger 32 and a first member 34. In the utilization heat exchanger 32, a plurality of flat tubes 32a are stacked at prescribed intervals in a thickness direction by a heat transfer fin 32b. The first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32. The first member 34 includes a body 34a, and a protrusion 34b protruding from the body 34a. The protrusion 34b is inserted between the adjoining flat tubes 32a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Relates to a heat exchange unit.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a heat exchange unit including a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined interval in the vertical direction, and a plurality of heat transfer fins joined to the heat transfer tubes.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2018 / 128035) discloses a heat exchange unit (outdoor heat exchanger) including a heat exchanger in which thin and flat flat tubes are used as heat transfer tubes, and a bracket which is a member that regulates the movement while supporting the heat exchanger. In the heat exchange unit of Patent Document 1, the bracket is a plate-like member in which tube holes for inserting the heat transfer tubes are formed. The heat transfer tubes inserted into the tube holes are fixed to the housing by being joined to the bracket by brazing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the joint portion using brazing, the bracket and the heat transfer tube may not be joined due to corrosion that occurs over time. In such a case, due to vibrations or the like during the operation of the heat exchange unit, the heat transfer tube slides with respect to the tube holes formed in the bracket. When a flat tube having a relatively thin wall thickness as used in the heat exchange unit of Patent Document 1 is used as the heat transfer tube, there is a risk that the flat tube may be damaged from the sliding portion with the tube hole, so there are limitations in the choice of materials that can be used for the flat tube, and there has been a problem that the manufacturing cost tends to increase.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a heat exchange unit capable of suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost by suppressing breakage of a flat tube caused by sliding with other members.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The heat exchange unit from the first perspective includes a heat exchanger and a first member. The heat exchanger has a plurality of flat tubes stacked with a predetermined interval in the thickness direction by heat transfer fins. The first member is attached to the heat exchanger. The first member has a main body and a protrusion protruding from the main body, and the protrusion is inserted between adjacent flat tubes. The first member has its body abut against the heat transfer fins.

[0007] According to this heat exchange unit, compared with the case of inserting a heat transfer tube into a tube hole provided in a bracket to restrict the movement of the heat exchanger, the contact area between the flat tube and the member (first member) that contacts the flat tube and restricts the movement can be significantly reduced. Therefore, even if the first member and the flat tube slide due to vibrations or the like during the operation of the utilization unit, the flat tube is suppressed from being damaged by this sliding. As a result, the options for materials that can be used for the flat tube increase, and the manufacturing cost of the heat exchange unit is suppressed.

[0008] According to this heat exchange unit, the first member can receive the weight of the heat exchanger by the abutment between the body and the heat transfer fins. As a result, the weight of the heat exchanger received by the protrusion becomes substantially zero or is significantly reduced. Therefore, even if the first member and the flat tube slide, the flat tube is prevented from being damaged by this sliding. As a result, the options of flat tubes that can be used increase, and the manufacturing cost of the heat exchange unit is suppressed.

[0009] The heat exchange unit of the second aspect is the heat exchange unit of the first aspect, wherein the body abuts against the lower end portion of the heat transfer fins in the vertical direction.

[0010] The heat exchange unit of the third aspect is the heat exchange unit of the second aspect, wherein the first member supports the heat exchanger.

[0011] The 4 heat exchange unit from the second perspective is the heat exchange unit from the first perspective, and the first member has a plurality of protrusions. from any of the third aspects According to this heat exchange unit, since the first member has a plurality of protrusions, the movement of the heat exchanger is effectively restricted.

[0012] According to this heat exchange unit, since the first member has a plurality of protrusions, the movement of the heat exchanger is effectively restricted.

[0013] The 5 heat exchange unit from the third perspective is the heat exchange unit from the first perspective, and the heat exchanger includes a plurality of first heat exchange parts. The first member has a plurality of protrusions for each of the plurality of first heat exchange parts. from any of the fourth aspects

[0014] According to this heat exchange unit, since the first member has a plurality of protrusions, the movement of the heat exchanger is effectively restricted.​

[0015] No. 6 The heat exchange unit from the first perspective to the 5 Any heat exchange unit from the perspective, wherein the protrusion is columnar.

[0016] According to this heat exchange unit, it becomes possible to easily insert the protrusion between adjacent flat tubes. Therefore, the manufacturing of the heat exchange unit becomes easy, and the manufacturing cost of the heat exchange unit is suppressed.

[0017] No. 7 The heat exchange unit from the first perspective to the 6 Any heat exchange unit from the perspective, wherein the protrusion has a claw portion that engages with the flat tube.

[0018] According to this heat exchange unit, the first member can effectively restrict the movement of the heat exchanger.

[0019] No. 8 The heat exchange unit from the first perspective to the 7 Any heat exchange unit from the perspective, wherein the first member is manufactured using resin.

[0020] According to this heat exchange unit, the hardness of the protrusion can be reduced compared to the case of manufacturing using metal. Therefore, even if the first member and the flat tube slide, it is possible to suppress the flat tube from being damaged due to this sliding. As a result, the options for materials that can be used for the flat tube increase, and the manufacturing cost of the heat exchange unit is suppressed.

[0021] No. 9 The heat exchange unit from the first perspective to the 7 Any heat exchange unit from the perspective, wherein the first member is manufactured using metal and has a resin coating on its surface.

[0022] According to this heat exchange unit, by suppressing the hardness of the surface of the first member to a low level by resin coating, it is possible to effectively suppress damage to the flat tube due to sliding while ensuring high rigidity of the first member.

[0023] First 10 The heat exchange unit from the first perspective is a heat exchange unit from any of the first 7 perspectives, and the first member is manufactured using metal, and insulating rubber is attached to the surface.

[0024] According to this heat exchange unit, by suppressing the hardness of the surface of the first member to a low level by insulating rubber, it is possible to effectively suppress damage to the flat tube due to sliding while ensuring high rigidity of the first member.

[0025] First 11 The heat exchange unit from the first perspective is a heat exchange unit from any of the first 10 perspectives, and further includes a casing and a second member fixed to the casing. The first member is fixed to the second member by screwing or engagement.

[0026] First 12 The heat exchange unit from the first perspective is a heat exchange unit from any of the first 11 perspectives, and the heat exchanger further has a header that connects the ends of a plurality of flat tubes to each other. The first member has a main body in contact with the header.

[0027] According to this heat exchange unit, since the first member can also receive the weight of the heat exchanger together with the protrusion by the main body, the weight of the heat exchanger received by the protrusion is reduced. For this reason, even if the first member and the flat tube slide, it is possible to suppress the flat tube from being damaged due to this sliding. As a result, the options for flat tubes that can be used increase, and the manufacturing cost of the heat exchange unit is suppressed.

[0028] First 13 The heat exchange unit from the first perspective is a heat exchange unit from any of the first 12A heat exchange unit from any perspective, wherein the heat exchanger has a second heat exchange portion in which the thickness direction of the flat tube is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The first member is attached to the heat exchanger vertically below the second heat exchange portion.

[0029] According to this heat exchange unit, the first member can regulate movement while supporting the second heat exchange portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] (1) Overall Configuration The heat exchange unit according to the present disclosure is used, for example, in a utilization unit of an air conditioner that utilizes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, although the application is not limited. Hereinafter, an air conditioner 1 in which a utilization unit 3, which is an example of the heat exchange unit of the present disclosure, is used will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] The air conditioner 1 performs air conditioning inside (indoors) a room RM, which is a target space, by means of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 1 mainly includes a heat source unit 2, a utilization unit 3, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5, a gas refrigerant connection pipe 6, a remote controller 8, and a control unit 9.

[0033] The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 connect the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3. The heat source unit 2, the utilization unit 3, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5, and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 are connected in a loop by refrigerant pipes to form a refrigerant circuit 100. The refrigerant circuit 100 has refrigerant enclosed therein. Although details will be described later, the control unit 9 controls each device of the air conditioner 1 to perform air conditioning operations such as heating operation and cooling operation.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the air conditioner 1. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the air conditioner 1. In the following description, the directions of up, down, front, rear, left, and right used follow the directions indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4.

[0035] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Heat source unit The heat source unit 2 is installed outside the room RM (outdoors, for example, on the rooftop of a building or near the outer wall surface of a building). The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a first casing 21, a compressor 22, a four-way switching valve 23, a heat source heat exchanger 24, a heat source expansion valve 25, a heat source fan 26, and a shut-off valve 27.

[0036] (2-1-1) First casing The first casing 21 is a housing in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first casing 21 houses a compressor 22, a four-way switching valve 23, a heat source heat exchanger 24, a heat source expansion valve 25, and a heat source fan 26 inside.

[0037] (2-1-2) Compressor In the refrigerant circuit 100, the compressor 22 sucks low-pressure refrigerant from the suction side 22a, compresses it until it becomes high-pressure, and then discharges it from the discharge side 22b. The compressor 22 has a compression element (not shown) and a compressor motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the compression element. The rotation speed of the compressor motor is controlled by the control unit 9 via an inverter or the like. The capacity of the compressor 22 is controlled by the control unit 9 changing the rotation speed of the compressor motor.

[0038] (2-1-3) Four-way switching valve In the refrigerant circuit 100, the four-way switching valve 23 switches the direction of the refrigerant flow. The four-way switching valve 23 has a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4. The four-way switching valve 23 is switched by the control unit 9 between a first state (the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 2) in which the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other and the second port P2 and the third port P3 communicate with each other, and a second state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2) in which the first port P1 and the second port P2 communicate with each other and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other.

[0039] The first port P1 is connected to the discharge side 22b of the compressor 22. The second port P2 is connected to the gas side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The third port P3 is connected to the suction side 22a of the compressor 22. The fourth port P4 is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 6.

[0040] (2-1-4) Heat source heat exchanger The heat source heat exchanger 24 is a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air. One end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the heat source expansion valve 25. The other end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way switching valve 23.

[0041] (2-1-5) Heat source expansion valve The heat source expansion valve 25 is an expansion mechanism that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 100. The heat source expansion valve 25 is provided between the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 and the liquid side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source expansion valve 25 is an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled. The opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25 is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0042] (2-1-6) Heat source fan The heat source fan 26 generates an air flow and sends outside air to the heat source heat exchanger 24. By sending outside air to the heat source heat exchanger 24 by the heat source fan 26, heat exchange between the refrigerant in the heat source heat exchanger 24 and the outside air is promoted. The heat source fan 26 is rotationally driven by the heat source fan motor 26a. The air volume of the heat source fan 26 is controlled by the control unit 9 changing the rotation speed of the heat source fan motor 26a.

[0043] (2-1-7) Shut-off valve The shut-off valve 27 is a valve that is manually opened and closed, and is opened and closed by an installer, for example, when installing the air conditioner 1. The shut-off valve 27 includes a liquid-side shut-off valve 27a and a gas-side shut-off valve 27b. The liquid-side shut-off valve 27a is provided between the heat source expansion valve 25 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 in the refrigerant circuit 100. The gas-side shut-off valve 27b is provided between the fourth port P4 of the four-way switching valve 23 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 in the refrigerant circuit 100.

[0044] (2-2) Utilization unit The utilization unit 3 is a wall-mounted indoor air conditioner installed by hanging on the wall WL in the room RM. The utilization unit 3 mainly has a second casing 31, three utilization heat exchangers 32, a utilization fan 33, two first members 34, and two second members 35.

[0045] Figure 3 is a front view of the utilization unit 3. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the utilization unit 3 cut along the line A-A' in Figure 3. For convenience, Figure 3 shows the inside of the second casing 31 through a part of the second casing 31. For convenience, Figure 4 shows through the protrusion 34b (described later) of the first member 34.

[0046] (2-2-1) Second Casing The second casing 31 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing that is long in the left-right direction. The second casing 31 houses the utilization heat exchanger 32, the utilization fan 33, the first member 34, and the second member 35 inside. The second casing 31 has an inlet 31a, an outlet 31b, and an opening 31c.

[0047] The second casing 31 is an example of a casing.

[0048] The inlet 31a is an opening for allowing indoor air to flow into the inside of the second casing 31. The inlet 31a is formed at the upper part of the front surface of the second casing 31.

[0049] The outlet 31b is an opening through which the air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 32 blows out. The outlet 31b is formed at the lower part of the front surface of the second casing 31. The outlet 31b is closed by a flap 31b1. The attitude (rotation angle) of the flap 31b1 is controlled by the control unit 9. By the control unit 9 controlling the attitude of the flap 31b1, the opening degree of the outlet 31b is adjusted.

[0050] The opening 31c is an opening for engaging the first fixing portion 35c (described later) of the second member 35. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the second member 35 is provided near both ends in the left-right direction of the utilization heat exchanger 32. Also, each second member 35 has two first fixing portions 35c. For this reason, two openings 31c are also formed near both ends in the left-right direction of the utilization heat exchanger 32, respectively.

[0051] (2-2-2) Utilization Fan The utilization fan 33 generates an air current. By the utilization fan 33 generating an air current, indoor air passes through the utilization heat exchanger 32. By indoor air passing through the utilization heat exchanger 32, heat exchange between the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 32 and the outside air is promoted. The utilization fan 33 is a cross-flow fan whose rotation axis is arranged along the left-right direction.

[0052] The utilization fan 33 is rotationally driven by a utilization fan motor 33a. The air volume of the utilization fan 33 is controlled by the control unit 9 changing the rotation speed of the utilization fan motor 33a.

[0053] (2-2-3) Utilization heat exchanger The utilization heat exchanger 32 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the refrigerant circuit 100. One end of the utilization heat exchanger 32 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 5. The other end of the utilization heat exchanger 32 is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 6.

[0054] The utilization heat exchanger 32 is an example of a heat exchanger.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the utilization heat exchanger 32 is composed of three utilization heat exchange parts: a first utilization heat exchange part 321, a second utilization heat exchange part 322, and a third utilization heat exchange part 323. The difference between the first utilization heat exchange part 321, the second utilization heat exchange part 322, and the third utilization heat exchange part 323 lies in their arrangement inside the second casing 31. The first utilization heat exchange part 321, the second utilization heat exchange part 322, and the third utilization heat exchange part 323 have the same structure. Therefore, hereinafter, the structure of the first utilization heat exchange part 321 will be described as an example, and the description of the structures of the second utilization heat exchange part 322 and the third utilization heat exchange part 323 will be omitted. Note that the arrangement of the first utilization heat exchange part 321, the second utilization heat exchange part 322, and the third utilization heat exchange part 323 inside the second casing 31 will be described later.

[0056] When collectively referring to the first utilization heat exchange part 321, the second utilization heat exchange part 322, and the third utilization heat exchange part 323, they are called utilization heat exchange parts 321, 322, 323.

[0057] The utilization heat exchange parts 321, 322, 323 are an example of a first heat exchange part. The first utilization heat exchange part 321 and the third utilization heat exchange part 323 are an example of a second heat exchange part.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first utilization heat exchange section 321. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 cut along the B surface of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a view of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 seen along the thickness direction of the flat tube 32a. For convenience, FIG. 7 also shows a part of the first member 34. In the following description, the thickness direction, width direction, and longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32a used follow the directions indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

[0059] The first utilization heat exchange section 321 includes a plurality of flat tubes 32a, a plurality of heat transfer fins 32b, a first header 32c, a second header 32d, and a third header 32e. The first utilization heat exchange section 321 is a stacked heat exchanger in which a plurality of flat tubes 32a are stacked at a predetermined interval in the thickness direction of the flat tube 32a by a plurality of heat transfer fins 32b. In the present embodiment, the utilization heat exchanger 32 includes an inner utilization heat exchange section 32i and an outer utilization heat exchange section 32o.

[0060] The flat tube 32a is a heat transfer tube through which a refrigerant flows inside. The flat tube 32a is formed in an oval shape with a flat cross section. The flat tube 32a is a multi-hole tube having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32a1 formed so as to be orthogonal to the cross section. The plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32a1 are formed side by side in the width direction of the flat tube 32a. The flat tube 32a is formed by extrusion using, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In the present embodiment, the flat tube 32a is arranged such that the longitudinal direction is along the left-right direction.

[0061] The heat transfer fin 32b is a strip-shaped plate material that supports a plurality of flat tubes 32a at a predetermined interval. The heat transfer fin 32b has a plurality of slit-shaped notches 32b1 for inserting the flat tubes 32a. The notch 32b1 is formed so as to extend from one edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer fin 32b when viewed from the thickness direction of the heat transfer fin 32b toward the other edge while being orthogonal to the edge. The plurality of notches 32b1 are formed at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer fin 32b. The heat transfer fin 32b is formed using, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0062] The flat tube 32a is inserted into the notch 32b1 of the heat transfer fin 32b along the extending direction of the notch 32b1 in the width direction. A plurality of heat transfer fins 32b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32a. The heat transfer fin 32b and the flat tube 32a are joined by brazing at the notch 32b1. A plurality of flat tubes 32a are joined to the heat transfer fin 32b such that their ends are arranged along the thickness direction of the flat tube 32a. FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate, for the sake of convenience, the outer edge formed by a plurality of heat transfer fins 32b arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32a and a part of the plurality of heat transfer fins 32b.

[0063] Both the inner-use heat exchange part 32i and the outer-use heat exchange part 32o are formed in substantially the same shape by joining a predetermined number of flat tubes 32a to a predetermined number of heat transfer fins 32b. The inner-use heat exchange part 32i and the outer-use heat exchange part 32o are arranged to overlap in the thickness direction of the flat tube 32a. Thereby, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 6, a flow path for the airflow generated by the use fan 33 is formed by the gaps between adjacent flat tubes 32a and the gaps between adjacent heat transfer fins 32b in each of the inner-use heat exchange part 32i and the outer-use heat exchange part 32o. The inner-use heat exchange part 32i is arranged at a position closer to the use fan 33 than the outer-use heat exchange part 32o.

[0064] The first header 32c, the second header 32d, and the third header 32e are cylindrical members that communicate the refrigerant flow paths 32a1 of the plurality of flat tubes 32a with each other at the ends of the plurality of flat tubes 32a.

[0065] The first header 32c is provided at one longitudinal end of the flat tubes 32a included in the inner-use heat exchange part 32i so as to communicate the refrigerant flow paths 32a1 of the plurality of flat tubes 32a with each other. Specifically, one longitudinal end of the plurality of flat tubes 32a included in the inner-use heat exchange part 32i is inserted into the first header 32c through an opening formed on the side surface of the first header 32c and fixed to the first header 32c using brazing or the like.

[0066] The first header 32c is fixed to the flat tube 32a such that a gap G1 with a predetermined width into which a protrusion 34b (described later) of the first member 34 can be inserted is formed between the first header 32c and the heat transfer fins 32b of the inner-use heat exchange section 32i adjacent to the first header 32c. The first header 32c is connected to the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 5 via a branch pipe 32c1.

[0067] The second header 32d is provided such that the refrigerant flow paths 32a1 of the plurality of flat tubes 32a in the inner-use heat exchange section 32i communicate with the refrigerant flow paths 32a1 of the plurality of flat tubes 32a in the outer-use heat exchange section 32o at the other longitudinal end of the flat tube 32a of the inner-use heat exchange section 32i and at the other longitudinal end of the flat tube 32a of the outer-use heat exchange section 32o. Specifically, the other longitudinal end of the flat tube 32a of the inner-use heat exchange section 32i and the other longitudinal end of the flat tube 32a of the outer-use heat exchange section 32o are inserted into the second header 32d through openings formed in the side surface of the second header 32d and fixed to the second header 32d using brazing or the like.

[0068] The second header 32d is fixed to the flat tube 32a such that a gap G2 with a predetermined width into which a protrusion 34b (described later) of the first member 34 can be inserted is formed between the second header 32d and the heat transfer fins 32b of the inner-use heat exchange section 32i adjacent to the second header 32d.

[0069] The third header 32e is provided such that the refrigerant flow paths 32a1 of the plurality of flat tubes 32a communicate with each other at one longitudinal end of the flat tube 32a of the outer-use heat exchange section 32o. Specifically, one longitudinal ends of the plurality of flat tubes 32a of the outer-use heat exchange section 32o are inserted into the third header 32e through openings formed in the side surface of the third header 32e and fixed to the third header 32e using brazing or the like. The third header 32e is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 6 via a branch pipe 32e1.

[0070] As a result, the refrigerant that has flowed into the first header 32c through the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 passes through a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32a1 formed in the flat tube 32a of the inner use heat exchange section 32i and flows into the third header 32e. The refrigerant that has flowed into the third header 32e passes through a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32a1 formed in the outer use heat exchange section 32o and flows into the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 through the second header 32d. Also, the refrigerant that has flowed into the first header 32c through the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 passes through a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32a1 formed in the flat tube 32a of the outer use heat exchange section 32o and flows into the third header 32e. The refrigerant that has flowed into the third header 32e passes through a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32a1 formed in the inner use heat exchange section 32i and flows into the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 through the first header 32c.

[0071] When collectively referring to the first header 32c, the second header 32d, and the third header 32e, they are called headers 32c, 32d, 32e.

[0072] The first use heat exchange section 321 is provided such that when the use unit 3 is viewed from the left - right direction, in front of the use fan 33, the thickness direction of the flat tube 32a is inclined forward with respect to the up - down direction (vertical direction).

[0073] The second use heat exchange section 322 is provided such that when the use unit 3 is viewed from the left - right direction, above the first use heat exchange section 321, the thickness direction of the flat tube 32a is inclined backward with respect to the up - down direction.

[0074] The third use heat exchange section 323 is provided such that when the use unit 3 is viewed from the left - right direction, behind and above the use fan 33, the thickness direction of the flat tube 32a is inclined forward with respect to the up - down direction.

[0075] (2 - 2 - 4) First member The first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32 and restricts the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 due to vibrations or the like during the operation of the utilization unit 3 while supporting the utilization heat exchanger 32. The first member 34 is a plate-shaped member and is arranged at both left and right ends of the flat tube 32a of the utilization heat exchanger 32 so as to be orthogonal to the left-right direction in the region surrounded by the outer periphery of the utilization fan 33 and the utilization heat exchanger 32. The first member 34 has a main body 34a and a protrusion 34b. The first member 34 is manufactured using a hard resin.

[0076] In the present disclosure, the state in which the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32 means a state in which the protrusion 34b is inserted between the flat tubes 32a adjacent to each other in the thickness direction.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the utilization unit 3 has two first members 34. The two first members 34 are respectively arranged such that the main body 34a faces the gap G1 and the gap G2 of the utilization heat exchanger 32. Further, in the present embodiment, the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32 vertically below the first utilization heat exchange section 321 and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 of the utilization heat exchanger 32, and behind the second utilization heat exchange section 322.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first member 34.

[0079] The main body 34a mainly has a first cross section 34a1, a second cross section 34a2, a third cross section 34a3, and a fourth cross section 34a4, and is a polygonal member in a plan view in which an opening 34a5 is formed on the main surface.

[0080] The first cross section 34a1 is a surface that abuts on the end of the heat transfer fin 32b of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32i of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 and faces the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the flat tube 32a in the state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32.

[0081] The second cross-section 34a2 is a surface that abuts against the end of the heat transfer fin 32b of the inner heat exchange part 32i of the second heat exchange part 322 and faces the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the flat tube 32a in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the heat exchanger 32.

[0082] The third cross-section 34a3 is a surface that abuts against the end of the heat transfer fin 32b of the inner heat exchange part 32i of the third heat exchange part 323 and faces the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the flat tube 32a in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the heat exchanger 32.

[0083] The fourth cross-section 34a4 is a surface formed so as to be located outside both ends in the left-right direction of the utilization fan 33. In the present embodiment, the fourth cross-section 34a4 is formed so as to abut against the main body 35a (described later) of the second member 35.

[0084] The opening 34a5 is an opening for engaging the second fixing part 35d (described later) of the second member 35.

[0085] The protrusion 34b is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32a in the gap G1 or the gap G2 in a state where each of the first cross-section 34a1, the second cross-section 34a2, and the third cross-section 34a3 abuts against the flat tube 32a of the inner heat exchange part 32i. The protrusion 34b is a columnar protrusion. The protrusion 34b has a first protrusion 34b1, a second protrusion 34b2, and a third protrusion 34b3.

[0086] The first protrusion 34b1 is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32a in the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the inner heat exchange part 32i that abuts against the first cross-section 34a1. The first protrusion 34b1 is formed so as to protrude from the first cross-section 34a1.

[0087] The second protrusion 34b2 is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32a in the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the inner heat exchange part 32i that abuts against the second cross-section 34a2. The second protrusion 34b2 is formed so as to protrude from the second cross-section 34a2.

[0088] The third protruding portion 34b3 is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32a in the gap G1 or gap G2 of the inner utilization heat exchanger portion 32i that abuts against the third cross-section 34a3. The third protruding portion 34b3 is formed so as to protrude from the third cross-section 34a3.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the first member 34 provided on the left side of the utilization heat exchanger 32 has three of each of the first protruding portion 34b1, the second protruding portion 34b2, and the third protruding portion 34b3. Further, the first member 34 provided on the right side of the utilization heat exchanger 32 has two of each of the first protruding portion 34b1, the second protruding portion 34b2, and the third protruding portion 34b3. The numbers of the first protruding portion 34b1, the second protruding portion 34b2, and the third protruding portion 34b3 are not limited to two and three, and may be one or four or more. Also, the numbers of the first protruding portion 34b1, the second protruding portion 34b2, and the third protruding portion 34b3 that the first member 34 has may be the same or different between the left side and the right side of the utilization heat exchanger 32.

[0090] As described above, the first member 34 restricts the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 in the thickness direction or the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32a by inserting the protruding portion 34b between adjacent flat tubes 32a in the gap G1 or gap G2 of the inner utilization heat exchanger portion 32i. At the same time, in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32, the main body 34a (specifically, the first cross-section 34a1, the second cross-section 34a2, and the third cross-section 34a3) abuts against the end portions of the heat transfer fins 32b of the inner utilization heat exchanger portion 32i, thereby supporting the utilization heat exchanger 32.

[0091] (2-2-5) Second member The second member 35 is fixed to both the second casing 31 and the first member 34, and supports the utilization heat exchanger 32 via the first member 34. The second member 35 has a main body 35a, an insertion portion 35b, two first fixing portions 35c, and a second fixing portion 35d.

[0092] In this embodiment, the utilization unit 3 has two second members 35. The two second members 35 are respectively arranged to support the first member 34 arranged on the right side of the utilization heat exchanger 32 and the first member 34 arranged on the left side of the utilization heat exchanger 32.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second member 35. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing how the first member 34 and the second member 35 are assembled to the second casing 31.

[0094] The main body 35a is an arc-shaped plate member that partially covers the upper part of the utilization fan 33 when viewed from the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the main body 35a is formed so as to abut against the fourth cross-section 34a4 of the first member 34.

[0095] The insertion part 35b restricts the movement of the first member 34 in the left-right direction. The insertion part 35b is composed of a plate member that protrudes from the main body 35a so as to be orthogonal to the left-right direction. The plate member constituting the insertion part 35b is provided with a gap of a predetermined width in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the main body 34a of the first member 34 from the left and right directions. As shown in FIG. 10, the main body 34a of the first member 34 is inserted into the gap formed by the insertion part 35b.

[0096] The first fixing part 35c fixes the second member 35 to the second casing 31. In this embodiment, the first fixing part 35c is a claw that engages with the opening 31c of the second casing 31. The first fixing part 35c is formed so as to protrude downward from the end in the circumferential direction of the main body 35a when viewed from the left-right direction. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 4, by covering the upper part of the utilization fan 33 with the main body 35a, the first fixing part 35c engages with the opening 31c. When the first fixing part 35c engages with the opening 31c, the up-and-down movement of the second member 35 is restricted, and the second member 35 is fixed to the second casing 31.

[0097] The second fixing part 35d fixes the first member 34 to the second member 35. In the present embodiment, the second fixing part 35d is a claw that engages with the opening 34a5 of the first member 34. As shown in FIG. 10, when the first member 34 is inserted into the insertion part 35b, the second fixing part 35d engages with the opening 34a5. By the second fixing part 35d engaging with the opening 34a5, the first member 34 is fixed to the second member 35, and the movement of the first member 34 in the vertical direction is restricted.

[0098] As described above, when the first member 34 is fixed to the second member 35 and the second member 35 is fixed to the second casing 31, the second member 35 can support the utilization heat exchanger 32 via the first member 34.

[0099] The second member 35 according to the present embodiment also has a function of flowing the condensed water generated in the utilization heat exchanger 32 to a drain pan (not shown) provided below the second member 35 in front of and behind the utilization fan 33. Specifically, when the condensed water generated in the utilization heat exchanger 32 falls from the end of the utilization heat exchanger 32 to the main body 35a, it moves along the upper surface of the main body 35a to the front end or the rear end and falls into the drain pan.

[0100] (2-3) Remote control The remote control 8 receives execution instructions such as heating operation, cooling operation, and humidifying operation, a stop instruction for the air conditioner 1, and set values such as the set temperature Ts from the user, and transmits the received results to the control unit 9 as control signals.

[0101] (2-4) Control unit The control unit 9 is mainly connected to be able to transmit and receive control signals to and from the compressor 22, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat source expansion valve 25, the heat source fan 26, the utilization fan 33, and the remote control 8. Although details will be described later, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant circuit 100 by controlling the compressor 22, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat source expansion valve 25, the heat source fan 26, and the utilization fan 33 respectively.

[0102] The control unit 9 is typically realized by a computer including a control arithmetic unit and a storage device (both not shown). The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control arithmetic unit reads out the control program stored in the storage device and performs operation control according to this control program. Further, the control arithmetic unit can write the operation result into the storage device or read out the information stored in the storage device according to the control program.

[0103] Note that FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram. The control unit 9 is composed of an outdoor control unit provided inside the heat source unit 2 and an indoor control unit provided inside the utilization unit 3, and the outdoor control unit and the indoor control unit may be connected by a communication line capable of transmitting and receiving control signals to and from each other.

[0104] (3) Air conditioning operation Next, the heating operation and the cooling operation, which are the air conditioning operations executed by the control unit 9, will be described.

[0105] (3-1) Heating operation When the control unit 9 receives a control signal regarding an execution instruction for the heating operation from the remote controller 8, the control unit 9 starts the heating operation. During the heating operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the first state (refer to the dashed line in FIG. 2). Further, the control unit 9 sets the opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25 corresponding to the set temperature Ts received from the remote controller 8, operates the compressor 22, and rotationally drives the utilization fan 33. Thereby, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, and the utilization heat exchanger 32 functions as a condenser of the refrigerant.

[0106] During the heating operation, the refrigerant circuit 100 functions as follows. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 exchanges heat with the indoor air sent by the utilization fan 33 in the utilization heat exchanger 32 and condenses. Thereby, the indoor air is heated and discharged into the room as conditioned air. The condensed refrigerant passes through the heat source expansion valve 25 and is depressurized, and then exchanges heat with the outside air sent by the heat source fan 26 in the heat source heat exchanger 24 and evaporates. The refrigerant that has passed through the heat source heat exchanger 24 is sucked into the compressor 22 and compressed.

[0107] (3-2) Cooling operation When the control unit 9 receives a control signal regarding an execution instruction for cooling operation from the remote controller 8, it starts the cooling operation. During the cooling operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the second state (refer to the solid line in FIG. 1). Further, the control unit 9 sets the opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25 corresponding to the set temperature Ts received from the remote controller 8, operates the compressor 22, and rotationally drives the utilization fan 33. Thereby, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as a condenser of the refrigerant, and the utilization heat exchanger 32 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant.

[0108] During the cooling operation, the refrigerant circuit 100 functions as follows. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 condenses by exchanging heat with the outside air sent by the heat source fan 26 in the heat source heat exchanger 24. The condensed refrigerant passes through the heat source expansion valve 25 and is depressurized, and then evaporates by exchanging heat with the indoor air sent by the utilization fan 33 in the utilization heat exchanger 32. Thereby, the indoor air is cooled and discharged into the room as conditioned air. The refrigerant that has passed through the utilization heat exchanger 32 is sucked into the compressor 22 and compressed.

[0109] (4) Features (4-1) The utilization unit 3 includes a utilization heat exchanger 32, a first member 34, and a second member 35. The utilization heat exchanger 32 has a plurality of flat tubes 32a laminated in the thickness direction at a predetermined interval by heat transfer fins 32b. The first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32. The second member 35 supports the utilization heat exchanger 32 via the first member 34. The first member 34 has a main body 34a and a protrusion 34b protruding from the main body 34a. The protrusion 34b is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32a.

[0110] In the utilization unit 3, the protrusions 34b of the first member 34 are inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32a, thereby restricting the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 in the thickness direction or the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32a. As a result, compared with the case where a heat transfer tube is inserted into a tube hole provided in a bracket to restrict the movement of the heat exchanger, the contact area between the flat tube 32a and the member (the first member 34) that contacts the flat tube 32a to restrict movement can be significantly reduced. Therefore, even if the first member 34 and the flat tube 32a slide due to vibrations or the like during the operation of the utilization unit 3, the flat tube 32a is suppressed from being damaged by this sliding. As a result, the options for materials that can be used for the flat tube 32a increase, and the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3 is suppressed.

[0111] (4-2) The first member 34 has a plurality of protrusions 34b. In the utilization unit 3 including a utilization heat exchanger 32 having a plurality of heat exchange parts (the first utilization heat exchange part 321, the second utilization heat exchange part 322, and the third utilization heat exchange part 323), the first member 34 has a plurality of protrusions 34b for each of the utilization heat exchange parts 321, 322, and 323.

[0112] According to the utilization unit 3, since the first member 34 has a plurality of protrusions 34b, the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 in the thickness direction or the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32a is effectively restricted.

[0113] (4-3) The protrusion 34b is columnar.

[0114] Since the protrusion 34b is formed in a columnar shape, it becomes possible to easily insert the protrusion 34b between adjacent flat tubes 32a. For this reason, the manufacturing of the utilization unit 3 becomes easy, and the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3 is suppressed.

[0115] (4-4) The first member 34 is manufactured using resin.

[0116] Since the first member 34 is manufactured using resin, the hardness of the protrusion 34b can be reduced compared to the case of using metal. Therefore, even when the first member 34 and the flat tube 32a slide, damage to the flat tube 32a due to this sliding is suppressed. As a result, the options for materials that can be used for the flat tube 32a increase, and the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3 is suppressed.

[0117] (4-5) The utilization unit 3 further includes a second casing 31 and a second member 35 fixed to the second casing 31. The first member 34 is fixed to the second member 35 by engagement.

[0118] (4-6) In the first member 34, the main body 34a is in contact with the heat transfer fins 32b.

[0119] More specifically, in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32, the first cross section 34a1, the second cross section 34a2, and the third cross section 34a3 of the main body 34a are formed so as to contact the ends of the heat transfer fins 32b of the inner utilization heat exchange portion 32i. Therefore, the first member 34 can receive the weight of the utilization heat exchanger 32 by the contact between the first cross section 34a1, the second cross section 34a2, and the third cross section 34a3 of the main body 34a and the heat transfer fins 32b of the inner utilization heat exchange portion 32i. As a result, the weight of the utilization heat exchanger 32 received by the protrusion 34b becomes substantially zero or is significantly reduced. Therefore, even when the first member 34 and the flat tube 32a slide, damage to the flat tube 32a due to this sliding is suppressed. As a result, the options for the flat tube 32a that can be used increase, and the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3 is suppressed.

[0120] (4-7) When viewed from the left-right direction, the utilization heat exchanger 32 has a first utilization heat exchange portion 321 and a third utilization heat exchange portion 323 in which the thickness direction of the flat tube 32a is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The first member 34 is attached to the first utilization heat exchange portion 321 vertically below the first utilization heat exchange portion 321 and the third utilization heat exchange portion 323.

[0121] As a result, in the utilization unit 3, the first member 34 can regulate the movement of the first utilization heat exchange part 321 and the third utilization heat exchange part 323 while supporting the first utilization heat exchange part 321 and the third utilization heat exchange part 323.

[0122] (5) Modification (5-1) Modification A The protrusion 34b may have a claw part 34c that engages with the flat tube 32a. The claw part 34c is formed so as to engage with the end of the flat tube 32a of the inner utilization heat exchange part 32i on the side of the outer utilization heat exchange part 32o by being inserted between the adjacent flat tubes 32a of the protrusion 34b.

[0123] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the utilization heat exchanger 32 of the air conditioner 1 according to Modification A.

[0124] By the claw part 34c engaging with the end of the flat tube 32a, the first member 34 can effectively regulate the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32.

[0125] (5-2) Modification B The first member 34 may be manufactured using a material other than resin. The first member 34 may be manufactured using metal and may have a resin coating on its surface. Also, the first member 34 may be manufactured using metal and may have insulating rubber attached to its surface.

[0126] Thereby, while effectively suppressing damage to the flat tube 32a due to sliding by keeping the hardness of the surface of the first member 34 low by the resin coating or the insulating rubber, the rigidity of the first member 34 can be ensured to be high.

[0127] (5-3) Modification C In the above embodiment, the first member 34 is fixed to the second member 35 by the second fixing part 35d engaging with the opening 34a5 of the first member 34, but the fixing method is not limited to this. For example, the first member 34 may be fixed to the second member 35 by screwing.

[0128] (5-4) Modification Example D The first member 34 may be in contact with any one of the headers 32c, 32d, and 32e of the main body 34a.

[0129] When the main body 34a of the first member 34 comes into contact with any one of the headers 32c, 32d, and 32e, the first member 34 can receive the weight of the heat exchanger 32 to be used by the contact between the main body 34a and any one of the headers 32c, 32d, and 32e. As a result, the weight of the heat exchanger 32 to be used received by the protrusion 34b is reduced. As a result, the weight of the heat exchanger 32 to be used received by the protrusion 34b becomes substantially zero or is significantly reduced. Therefore, even if the first member 34 and the flat tube 32a slide, the flat tube 32a is prevented from being damaged by this sliding. As a result, the options for the flat tube 32a that can be used increase, and the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3 is suppressed.

[0130] (5-5) Modification Example E In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger 32 to be used has a plurality of heat exchange parts 321, 322, and 323, but the heat exchanger 32 to be used may be composed of only one heat exchange part.

[0131] (5-6) Modification Example F In the above, an example in which a second member 35 different from the second casing 31 supports the heat exchanger 32 to be used via the first member 34 has been described as an embodiment, but the second casing 31 may be the second member. In other words, the second casing 31 may support the first member 34 by functioning as the second member.

[0132] (5-7) Modification Example G In the above, the utilization unit 3 including the first member 34 has been described as an embodiment, but the heat source unit 2 may include a first member to be attached to the heat source heat exchanger 24.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0134] 1 Air conditioner 100 Refrigerant circuit 2 Heat source unit 3 Usage unit 31 Second casing (casing) 32 Usage heat exchanger 321 First usage heat exchange section 322 Second usage heat exchange section 323 Third usage heat exchange section 32a Flat tube 32b Heat transfer fin 32c First header 32d Second header 32e Third header 33 Usage fan 34 First member 34a Body 34b Protrusion 34c Claw portion 35 Second member

Prior art documents

Patent documents

[0135]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (32) in which a plurality of flat tubes (32a) are stacked with a predetermined interval in the thickness direction by heat transfer fins (32b), A first member (34) attached to a longitudinal end of the heat exchanger to restrict movement of the heat exchanger and comprising The first member has a main body (34a) and a protrusion (34b) protruding from the main body, and the protrusion is inserted between adjacent flat tubes, the main body abuts against the heat transfer fins, The main body abuts against the lower end of the heat transfer fins in the vertical direction, A heat exchange unit.

2. The first member supports the heat exchanger, The heat exchange unit according to claim 1.

3. The first member has a plurality of the protrusions, The heat exchange unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of first heat exchange portions (321, 322, 323), The first member has a plurality of the protrusions for each of the plurality of first heat exchange portions, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The protrusion is columnar, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The protrusion has a claw portion (34c) engaging with the flat tube, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first member is manufactured using resin, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first member is manufactured using metal and has a resin coating on the surface, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The first member is manufactured using metal and has insulating rubber attached to the surface, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Further comprising a casing (31) and a second member (35) fixed to the casing, The first member is fixed to the second member by screwing or engagement, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The heat exchanger further has headers (32c, 32d, 32e) connecting ends of the plurality of flat tubes to each other, The first member the main body abuts against the header, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The heat exchanger has a second heat exchange portion (321, 323) in which the thickness direction of the flat tube is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, The first member is, mounted on the heat exchanger vertically below the second heat exchange section, The heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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