Heat exchanger mounting plate, heat exchanger, and indoor unit

Abstract

To provide a heat exchanger fixing plate, a heat exchanger, and an indoor unit, capable of suppressing the collision of a heat transfer pipe to a hair pin portion.SOLUTION: A heat exchanger fixing plate fixes a heat exchanger body to a casing in the casing, the heat exchanger body having a heat transfer pipe composed of a plurality of straight pipe portions that extend in a width direction of the casing of an indoor unit and in which a refrigerant flows, and a plurality of hair pin portion that connects end portions of the adjacent straight pipe portions and curve so as to deflect a flowing direction of the refrigerant. The heat exchanger fixing plate is equipped with a fixing plate body that expands in a direction intersecting the width direction, and has a plurality of insertion holes in which the hair pin portions can be inserted toward one side in the width direction, and a cover that is integrally formed on the fixing plate body to cover the hair pin portions projecting out from the fixing plate body to the one side in the width direction, and has a first through-hole penetrating in a direction penetrating the inside of curving of the hair pin portions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger fixing plate, a heat exchanger, and an indoor unit.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a heat exchanger fixing plate for fixing a heat exchanger inside a casing of an indoor unit. By inserting the hairpin portions of a plurality of heat transfer tubes of the heat exchanger into this heat exchanger fixing plate, the heat exchanger is fixed inside the casing. The hairpin portions protruding from the heat exchanger fixing plate are covered by the insertion portions in a state of being inserted into the insertion portions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when vibrations associated with the flow of refrigerant occur in the heat transfer tubes or when the indoor unit is being maintained, etc., a force acting in the direction in which the heat transfer tubes are inserted into the heat exchanger fixing plate may act from the hairpin portions to the insertion portions. In the technique described in Patent Document 1 above, there are cases where the hairpin portions of the heat transfer tubes collide with the insertion portions.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a heat exchanger fixing plate, a heat exchanger, and an indoor unit that can suppress collisions against the hairpin portions of the heat transfer tubes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the heat exchanger fixing plate according to the present disclosure is a heat exchanger fixing plate for fixing a heat exchanger body, which has heat transfer tubes composed of a plurality of straight pipe sections extending in the width direction of the indoor unit casing and through which a refrigerant flows, and a plurality of hairpin sections that connect the ends of adjacent straight pipe sections and curve to change the direction of flow of the refrigerant, to the casing within the casing, comprising: a fixing plate body that spreads in a direction intersecting the width direction and has a plurality of insertion holes through which each of the hairpin sections can be inserted toward one side in the width direction; and a cover integrally provided with the fixing plate body that covers the hairpin sections protruding from the fixing plate body toward one side in the width direction and has a first through hole that penetrates in a direction that penetrates the inside of the curve of the hairpin section, wherein the cover comprises an opposing portion that faces the hairpin section in the width direction, and a side wall portion that extends from the opposing portion in the width direction and is connected to the fixing plate body while surrounding the hairpin section, and the first through hole is formed to penetrate the side wall portion. Furthermore, the first through-holes are provided in pairs so as to sandwich the hairpin portion from both sides in the out-of-plane direction of the virtual surface along the hairpin portion, and a fastening portion is provided that can fasten the hairpin portion and the cover by being wound around the inside of the curve of the hairpin portion and one end of the cover in the width direction via the pair of first through-holes. ru.

[0008] Furthermore, the heat exchanger according to this disclosure comprises the heat exchanger body and the heat exchanger fixing plate.

[0009] Furthermore, the indoor unit according to this disclosure comprises a casing, a heat exchanger housed in the casing, and a fan housed in the casing and capable of supplying air to the heat exchanger. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a heat exchanger fixing plate, a heat exchanger, and an indoor unit that can suppress collisions of heat transfer tubes with hairpin sections. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an indoor unit according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a view of the cover of the heat exchanger fixing plate according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, as seen from an out-of-plane direction. [Figure 3] This is a view of the cover of the heat exchanger fixing plate according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, as seen from the in-plane direction. [Figure 4] This is a view of the cover of the heat exchanger fixing plate according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, as seen from an out-of-plane direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, an indoor unit according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [First Embodiment] (indoor unit) The indoor unit is a device installed indoors that harmonizes the indoor air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant, which is exchanged with the outdoor unit installed outside, and the indoor air. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit constitute the air conditioning system. In this embodiment, the case in which the air conditioning system is operating in cooling mode will be explained as an example.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the indoor unit 100 comprises a casing 1, a fan 2, a heat exchanger 3, and a filter unit 4.

[0015] (Casing) Casing 1 is composed of multiple panels and is installed on the interior wall W. Casing 1 forms the outer shell of the indoor unit 100 and defines an interior storage space R for housing various equipment. Casing 1 has a mounting surface 11, an upper surface 12, a lower surface 13, a front surface 14, and side surfaces (not shown).

[0016] The mounting surface 11 extends along the wall surface W and is a surface facing the wall surface W. The mounting surface 11 is fixed to the interior wall surface W via a mounting plate or the like (not shown). In this embodiment, the direction in which the wall surface W and the mounting surface 11 face each other is referred to as the "installation direction D1". That is, the installation direction D1 is perpendicular to the direction in which the wall surface W extends. The mounting surface 11 has a rectangular shape when viewed from one side in the installation direction D1.

[0017] In this embodiment, the "one side of the installation direction D1" means the direction from the mounting surface 11 toward the wall surface W. The "other side of the installation direction D1" means the direction from the wall surface W toward the mounting surface 11, that is, the direction away from the wall surface W opposite to the one side of the installation direction D1.

[0018] The upper surface 12 faces the upper side in the vertical direction D2 and is a surface connected to the end of the mounting surface 11 on the upper side in the vertical direction D2. For example, a suction port (not shown) for introducing indoor air into the accommodation space R is formed in the upper surface 12. The upper surface 12 in this embodiment is a curved surface that slopes downward in the vertical direction D2 as it goes toward the other side of the installation direction D1. The upper surface 12 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the upper side in the vertical direction D2.

[0019] The lower surface 13 faces the lower side in the vertical direction D2 and is a surface connected to the end of the mounting surface 11 on the lower side in the vertical direction D2. An air outlet (not shown) for discharging the air introduced from the upper surface 12 side is formed in the lower surface 13. The lower surface 13 in this embodiment is a curved surface that slopes upward in the vertical direction D2 as it goes toward the other side of the installation direction D1. The lower surface 13 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the lower side in the vertical direction D2.

[0020] The vertical direction D2 in this embodiment is the direction that coincides with the gravitational direction. The "upper side of the vertical direction D2" means the direction from the lower surface 13 toward the upper surface 12. The "lower side of the vertical direction D2" means the direction opposite to the upper side of the vertical direction D2, that is, the direction from the upper surface 12 toward the lower surface 13.

[0021] The front surface 14 extends along the wall surface W and is a surface located on the other side of the installation direction D1 from the mounting surface 11. The front surface 14 is connected to the ends on the other side of the installation direction D1 of the upper surface 12 and the lower surface 13. The front surface 14 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the other side of the installation direction D1.

[0022] Here, these mounting surface 11, upper surface 12, lower surface 13, and front surface 14 have the width direction D3, which is a direction perpendicular to each of the installation direction D1 and the vertical direction D2, as the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The side surfaces are a pair of surfaces that close a cylindrical space (accommodation space R) extending in the width direction D3 formed by the mounting surface 11, the upper surface 12, the lower surface 13, and the front surface 14 from one side and the other side in the width direction D3. The side surfaces are connected across the respective ends on one side and the other side in the width direction D3 of these mounting surface 11, upper surface 12, lower surface 13, and front surface 14.

[0024] (Fan) The fan 2 is a cross-flow fan that extends in the width direction D3 within the accommodation space R and can introduce air into the casing 1. The fan 2 rotates within the accommodation space R to suck indoor air from the suction port on the upper surface 12 side and blow out the sucked air from the blowout port on the lower surface 13 side.

[0025] (Heat exchanger) The heat exchanger 3 is provided so as to surround the fan 2 from the outer periphery within the accommodation space R. The heat exchanger 3 includes a heat exchanger main body 30 and a heat exchanger fixing plate 300.

[0026] (Heat exchanger main body) The heat exchanger main body 30 extends in the width direction D3 and exchanges heat between the air sucked into the accommodation space R by the fan 2 and the refrigerant. The heat exchanger main body 30 has a first heat exchange part 31, a second heat exchange part 32, a third heat exchange part 33, a fourth heat exchange part 34, and a connecting member (not shown).

[0027] The first heat exchange part 31 is disposed above the fan 2 in the vertical direction D2 and on one side in the installation direction D1 within the accommodation space R. The first heat exchange part 31 has a fin group 311 and a heat transfer tube 310.

[0028] The fin group 311 is composed of a plurality of fins 311a formed in a flat plate shape that spread in a direction intersecting the width direction D3 and are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction D3. The fins 311a are formed of a metal such as aluminum.

[0029] The heat transfer tube 310 is a tube made of a metal such as copper through which a coolant flows. The heat transfer tube 310 has a plurality of straight sections 310a and a plurality of hairpin sections 310b.

[0030] The straight pipe section 310a is a cylindrical tube that extends in the width direction D3. The straight pipe section 310a extends so as to penetrate each fin 311a arranged in the width direction D3 of the fin group 311 in the width direction D3.

[0031] The hairpin section 310b is a pipe that connects the ends of adjacent straight pipe sections 310a in the width direction D3. The hairpin section 310b is a U-bend pipe that curves to change the direction of refrigerant flow within the straight pipe section 310a by 180°.

[0032] In this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the heat transfer tube 310 has eighteen straight sections 310a and seventeen hairpin sections 310b. Figure 1 shows only nine hairpin sections 310b located on one side in the width direction D3 of the fin group 311 in the first heat exchange section 31. The remaining eight hairpin sections 310b are located on the other side in the width direction D3 of the fin group 311 and connect the ends of adjacent straight sections 310a on the other side in the width direction D3 so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through each straight section 310a.

[0033] The refrigerant that flows into one straight pipe section 310a flows in the width direction D3 within that straight pipe section 310a, and then flows into the adjacent straight pipe section 310a through the hairpin section 310b. This refrigerant flow is repeated sequentially, so that the refrigerant reaches each straight pipe section 310a and each hairpin section 310b of the heat transfer tube 310 in the first heat exchange section 31. The cold energy of the refrigerant is conducted to each fin 311a of the first heat exchange section 310a via the pipe walls of the straight pipe sections 310a.

[0034] The second heat exchanger 32 is located within the housing space R, above the fan 2 in the vertical direction D2 and on the other side in the installation direction D1. The second heat exchanger 32 includes a fin group 321 and a heat transfer tube 320.

[0035] The fin group 321 is composed of multiple fins 321a that spread out in a direction intersecting the width direction D3 and are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction D3. The fins 321a are made of a metal such as aluminum.

[0036] The fin group 321 of the second heat exchange section 32 and the fin group 311 of the first heat exchange section 31 are integrally fixed together by a connecting member that connects them in the installation direction D1. This connecting member defines the positional relationship between the first heat exchange section 31 and the second heat exchange section 32.

[0037] The heat transfer tube 320 is a tube made of a metal such as copper through which a coolant flows. The heat transfer tube 320 has a plurality of straight sections 320a and a plurality of hairpin sections 320b.

[0038] The straight pipe section 320a is a cylindrical tube that extends in the width direction D3. The straight pipe section 320a extends so as to penetrate each fin 321a of the fin group 321, which is arranged in the width direction D3, in the width direction D3.

[0039] The hairpin section 320b is a pipe that connects the ends of adjacent straight pipe sections 320a in the width direction D3. The hairpin section 320b is a U-bend pipe that curves to change the direction of refrigerant flow within the straight pipe section 320a by 180°.

[0040] In this embodiment, similar to the heat transfer tube 310 of the first heat exchange section 31, the heat transfer tube 320 is shown as having eighteen straight sections 320a and seventeen hairpin sections 320b. Figure 1 shows only the nine hairpin sections 320b located on one side in the width direction D3 of the fin group 321 in the second heat exchange section 32. The remaining eight hairpin sections 320b are located on the other side in the width direction D3 of the fin group 321 and connect the ends of adjacent straight sections 320a on the other side in the width direction D3 so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the straight sections 320a.

[0041] The refrigerant that flows into one straight pipe section 320a flows in the width direction D3 within that straight pipe section 320a, and then flows through the hairpin section 320b into the adjacent straight pipe section 320a. This refrigerant flow is repeated sequentially, so that the refrigerant reaches each straight pipe section 320a and each hairpin section 320b of the heat transfer tube 320 in the second heat exchange section 32. The cold energy of the refrigerant is conducted to each fin 321a of the second heat exchange section 32 through the pipe wall of the straight pipe section 320a.

[0042] The third heat exchanger 33 is located in the containment space R on the opposite side of the fan 2 in the installation direction D1. The third heat exchanger 33 includes a fin group 331 and a heat transfer tube 330.

[0043] The fin group 331 is composed of multiple fins 331a that spread out in a direction intersecting the width direction D3 and are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction D3. The fins 331a are made of a metal such as aluminum.

[0044] The fin group 331 of the third heat exchange section 33 and the fin group 331 of the second heat exchange section 32 are integrally fixed together by a connecting member that connects them in the vertical direction D2. This connecting member defines the positional relationship between the second heat exchange section 32 and the third heat exchange section 33.

[0045] The heat transfer tube 330 is a tube made of a metal such as copper through which a coolant flows. The heat transfer tube 330 has a plurality of straight sections 330a and a plurality of hairpin sections 330b.

[0046] The straight pipe section 330a is a cylindrical tube that extends in the width direction D3. The straight pipe section 330a extends so as to penetrate each fin 331a of the fin group 331, which is arranged in the width direction D3, in the width direction D3.

[0047] The hairpin section 330b is a pipe that connects the ends of adjacent straight pipe sections 330a in the width direction D3. The hairpin section 330b is a U-bend pipe that curves to change the direction of refrigerant flow within the straight pipe section 330a by 180°.

[0048] In this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the heat transfer tube 330 has eight straight sections 330a and seven hairpin sections 330b. In Figure 1, only the four hairpin sections 330b located on one side in the width direction D3 of the fin group 331 in the third heat exchange section 33 are shown. The remaining three hairpin sections 330b are located on the other side in the width direction D3 of the fin group 331 and connect the ends of adjacent straight sections 330a on the other side in the width direction D3 so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the straight sections 330a.

[0049] The refrigerant that flows into one straight pipe section 330a flows in the width direction D3 within that straight pipe section 330a, and then flows into the adjacent straight pipe section 330a through the hairpin section 330b. This refrigerant flow is repeated sequentially, so that the refrigerant reaches each straight pipe section 330a and each hairpin section 330b of the heat transfer tube 330 in the third heat exchange section 33. The cold energy of the refrigerant is conducted to each fin 331a of the third heat exchange section 330a via the pipe walls of the straight pipe sections 330a.

[0050] The fourth heat exchanger 34 is located within the housing space R, below the fan 2 by a vertical direction D2 and on the other side in the installation direction D1. The fourth heat exchanger 34 includes a fin group 341 and a heat transfer tube 340.

[0051] The fin group 341 is composed of multiple fins 341a that spread out in a direction intersecting the width direction D3 and are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction D3. The fins 341a are made of a metal such as aluminum.

[0052] The fin group 341 of the fourth heat exchange section 34 and the fin group 341 of the third heat exchange section 33 are integrally fixed together by a connecting member that connects them in the vertical direction D2. This connecting member defines the positional relationship between the third heat exchange section 33 and the fourth heat exchange section 34.

[0053] The heat transfer tube 340 is a tube made of a metal such as copper through which a coolant flows. The heat transfer tube 340 has a plurality of straight sections 340a and a plurality of hairpin sections 340b.

[0054] The straight pipe section 340a is a cylindrical tube that extends in the width direction D3. The straight pipe section 340a extends so as to penetrate each fin 341a of the fin group 341, which is arranged in the width direction D3, in the width direction D3.

[0055] The hairpin section 340b is a pipe that connects the ends of adjacent straight pipe sections 340a in the width direction D3. The hairpin section 340b is a U-bend pipe that curves to change the direction of refrigerant flow within the straight pipe section 340a by 180°.

[0056] In this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the heat transfer tube 340 has four straight sections 340a and three hairpin sections 340b. In Figure 1, only the two hairpin sections 340b located on one side in the width direction D3 of the fin group 341 in the fourth heat exchange section 34 are shown. The remaining hairpin section 340b is located on the other side in the width direction D3 of the fin group 341 and connects the ends of adjacent straight sections 340a on the other side in the width direction D3 so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the straight sections 340a.

[0057] The refrigerant that flows into one straight pipe section 340a flows in the width direction D3 within that straight pipe section 340a, and then flows through the hairpin section 340b into the adjacent straight pipe section 340a. This refrigerant flow is repeated sequentially, so that the refrigerant reaches each straight pipe section 340a and each hairpin section 340b of the heat transfer tube 340 in the fourth heat exchange section 34. The cold energy of the refrigerant is conducted to each fin 341a of the fourth heat exchange section 340a via the pipe wall of the straight pipe section 340a.

[0058] (heat exchanger fixing plate) The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 fixes the heat exchanger body 30 to the casing 1 inside the casing 1 (within the housing space R). The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 has a fixing plate body 301, a cover 302, and a fastening portion 306.

[0059] (Fixed plate body) The fixing plate body 301 is a plate-shaped member that extends in a direction intersecting the width direction D3. The fixing plate body 301 is fixed to the casing 1 on one side of the width direction D3 than the fin groups 311, 321, 331, and 341 of each heat exchange section (first heat exchange section 31 to fourth heat exchange section 34) in the heat exchanger body 30.

[0060] That is, the fin groups 311, 321, 331, and 341 of each heat exchange section (first heat exchange section 31 to fourth heat exchange section 34) are arranged adjacent to the fixed plate body 301 on the other side of the width direction D3 from the fixed plate body 301. The fixed plate body 301 is formed of a material such as synthetic resin that is more flexible and softer than the heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, and 340.

[0061] The fixing plate body 301 has multiple insertion holes 301h formed therein, through which each hairpin portion 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b of each heat exchange section (first heat exchange section 31 to fourth heat exchange section 34) of the heat exchanger body 30 can be inserted in the width direction D3. The fixing plate body 301 has the same number of insertion holes 301h as the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b of the heat exchanger body 30.

[0062] The heat exchanger body 30 is fixedly supported by the insertion of each hairpin portion 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b through the insertion holes 301h of the fixing plate body 301. In other words, the fixing plate body 301 fixes and supports the heat exchanger body 30 in a cantilevered manner. Each hairpin portion 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b protrudes from the fixing plate body 301 on one side in the width direction D3 by being inserted through the insertion holes 301h.

[0063] (cover) The cover 302 is integrally provided with the fixing plate body 301 and is a member that covers some of the hairpin portions 320b and 330b among the multiple hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b that protrude from the fixing plate body 301 to one side in the width direction D3.

[0064] In this embodiment, the cover 302 covers the hairpin portion 320b of the heat transfer tube 320 of the second heat exchange section 32, which is located on the uppermost side in the vertical direction D2, and the hairpin portion 330b of the heat transfer tube 330 of the third heat exchange section 33, which is located on the opposite side in the installation direction D1 and on the uppermost side in the vertical direction D2. The cover 302 is made of the same material as the fixing plate body 301.

[0065] The following describes the configuration of the cover 302, using the cover 302 that covers the hairpin portion 330b of the heat transfer tube 330 in the third heat exchange section 33 as an example. As shown in Figure 2, the cover 302 has an opposing portion 303 and a side wall portion 304.

[0066] The opposing portion 303 faces the hairpin portion 330b from one side in the width direction D3. The side wall portion 304 extends from the fixing plate body 301 to one side in the width direction D3 and is connected to the opposing portion 303 while surrounding the hairpin portion 330b. The side wall portion 304 has a pair of first side walls 304a and second side walls 304b.

[0067] The pair of first side walls 304a are positioned to sandwich the hairpin portion 330b from both sides of the virtual plane X in the out-of-plane direction Po along the hairpin portion 330b. That is, the pair of first side walls 304a face the hairpin portion 330b from the out-of-plane direction Po of the virtual plane X. The first side walls 304a have first through holes 304h that penetrate in a direction that goes through the inside of the curvature of the hairpin portion 330b. Therefore, each of the pair of first side walls 304a has a first through hole 304h.

[0068] The opening area of ​​the first through-hole 304h when viewed from the out-of-plane direction Po is larger than the area inside the curvature of the hairpin portion 330b when viewed from the out-of-plane direction Po. The area inside the curvature of the hairpin portion 330b when viewed from the out-of-plane direction Po is located inside the opening of the first through-hole 304h when viewed from the out-of-plane direction Po.

[0069] The pair of second side walls 304b are positioned to sandwich the hairpin portion 330b from the in-plane direction Pi of the virtual plane X along the hairpin portion 330b. That is, the pair of second side walls 304b face the hairpin portion 330b from the in-plane direction Pi of the virtual plane X. Both of the pair of second side walls 304b are integrally connected to the pair of first side walls 304a.

[0070] As shown in Figure 3, a second through-hole 303h is formed in the opposing portion 303 in the portion facing the top of the hairpin portion 330b on one side in the width direction D3, and the through-hole 303h penetrates in the width direction D3. That is, the opposing portion 303 has a second through-hole 303h. The opening area of ​​the second through-hole 303h when viewed from one side in the width direction D3 is smaller than the outer edge of the hairpin portion 330b when viewed from one side in the width direction D3. Therefore, when viewed from one side in the width direction D3, the outer edge of the hairpin portion 330b is hidden by the opposing portion 303.

[0071] (binding part) The fastening portion 306 is a member that can fasten the hairpin portion 330b and the cover 302 together by being wound around the inside of the curve of the hairpin portion 330b and the opposing portion 303, which is one end of the cover 302 in the width direction D3, via a pair of first through holes 304h.

[0072] The cover 302 is pressed against the fixing plate body 301 by the fastening portion 306, which fastens the opposing portion 303 and the hairpin portion 330b together. A specific example of the fastening portion 306 is the INSULOK® cable tie manufactured by HellermannTyton Corporation.

[0073] (Filter section) As shown in Figure 1, the filter unit 4 removes impurities such as dust contained in the air drawn in from the intake port. The filter unit 4 is located vertically D2 above the heat exchanger 3 within the containment space R. That is, the filter unit 4 is located between the casing 1 and the heat exchanger 3. Therefore, the filter unit 4 supplies air from which impurities such as dust have been removed to the heat exchanger 3.

[0074] (Effects and Benefits) As the refrigerant flows through the heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, and 340, the cold energy of the refrigerant cools the air near the heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, and 340, as well as the air near the fin groups 311, 321, 331, and 341, through which the cold energy of the refrigerant can be conducted. As the air near the heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, and 340, and the air near the fin groups 311, 321, 331, and 341 is cooled, the moisture contained in this air condenses (condenses), forming liquid droplets.

[0075] Furthermore, if vibrations occur in the heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, and 340 due to the flow of refrigerant, or when the indoor unit 100 is being maintained, a force may act from the hairpin sections 320b and 330b toward the cover 302.

[0076] With the above configuration, the water vapor in the air condensed by the cold air flowing through the hairpin sections 320b and 330b of the heat transfer tubes 320 and 330 can be released to the outside of the cover 302 through the pair of first through-holes 304h of the cover 302. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the condensed moisture in the air from remaining inside the cover 302.

[0077] Furthermore, the presence of the first through-hole 304h in the cover 302 reduces the rigidity of the cover 302. This increases the overall elastic force of the cover 302. Therefore, even if a force is applied from the hairpin portions 320b and 330b toward the cover 302, it is possible to suppress the hairpin portions 320b and 330b from colliding with other members.

[0078] Furthermore, with the above configuration, water vapor in the air condensed by the cold of the refrigerant flowing through the hairpin sections 320b and 330b can be released to the outside of the cover 302 through the second through-hole 303h of the opposing section 303.

[0079] Furthermore, with the above configuration, since the cover 302 has a pair of through holes that sandwich the hairpin portions 320b and 330b from both sides of the out-of-plane direction Po of the virtual surface X along the hairpin portions 320b and 330b, the overall rigidity of the cover 302 can be reduced more uniformly. Therefore, the overall elastic force of the cover 302 can be increased in a more balanced manner.

[0080] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the fastening portion 306 fastens the hairpin portions 320b, 330b to the cover 302, so that the cover 302 is pressed against the fixing plate body 301. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the cover 302, for example, it is possible to suppress the cover 302 from buckling.

[0081] Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the fixing plate body 301 and the hairpin portions 320b and 330b are directly fastened together, the cover 302 is pressed against the fixing plate body 301, so no force acts to pull the fixing plate body 301 toward one side in the width direction D3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of gaps between the fixing plate body 301 and the fins 311a, 321a, 331a, and 341a that are located furthest toward one side in the width direction D3 among the fin groups 311, 321, 331, and 341.

[0082] Furthermore, the above configuration improves visibility of the inside of the cover 302 through the second through-hole 303h. Therefore, the binding work of fastening the cover 302 to the hairpin portions 320b and 330b during assembly, such as during the manufacturing or maintenance of the indoor unit 100 can be easily facilitated.

[0083] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, the heat exchanger fixing plate 300 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 4. The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 described in the second embodiment differs in some aspects from the heat exchanger fixing plate 300 of the first embodiment. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0084] (heat exchanger fixing plate) The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 fixes the heat exchanger body 30 to the casing 1 inside the casing 1 (within the housing space R). The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 has a fixing plate body 301, a cover 302a, and a fastening portion 306. The fixing plate body 301 in this embodiment has the same configuration as the fixing plate body 301 described in the first embodiment.

[0085] (cover) The cover 302a is integrally provided with the fixing plate body 301 and covers some of the hairpin portions 320b and 330b, which are among the multiple hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b that protrude from the fixing plate body 301 to one side in the width direction D3, from one side in the width direction D3.

[0086] The following describes the configuration of the cover 302a, which covers the hairpin portion 330b of the heat transfer tube 330 in the third heat exchange section 33, as an example. As shown in Figure 4, the cover 302a has an opposing portion 303a and a connecting portion 305.

[0087] The opposing portion 303a faces the hairpin portion 330b from one side in the width direction D3. Here, the area of ​​the surface of the opposing portion 303a facing that side in the width direction D3, when viewed from one side in the width direction D3, is larger than the outer edge of the hairpin portion 330b when viewed from that side in the width direction D3, and the outer edge of the hairpin portion 330b when viewed from that side in the width direction D3 is hidden by the opposing portion 303a.

[0088] The connecting portion 305 extends from the fixing plate body 301 to one side in the width direction D3 and has a columnar shape that supports the opposing portion 303a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the opposing portion 303a and the connecting portion 305 constitute an overhang-shaped cover 302a that covers the hairpin portion 330b from one side in the width direction D3.

[0089] (binding part) The fastening portion 306 is a member that can fasten the hairpin portion 330b and the cover 302a by being wound around the inside of the curve of the hairpin portion 330b and the surface of the opposing portion 303a of the cover 302a facing one side in the width direction D3, via a pair of first through holes 304h.

[0090] (Effects and Benefits) The above configuration provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the connecting portion 305 extends from the fixing plate body 301 to one side in the width direction D3 and forms a columnar shape that supports the opposing portion 303a, compared to the configuration of the side wall portion 304 surrounding the hairpin portions 320b and 330b described in the first embodiment, when moisture contained in the air condenses, the moisture does not remain on the cover 302a.

[0091] [Other embodiments] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that of the embodiments, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited by the embodiments, but is limited only by the claims.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the number of straight sections 310a, 320a, 330a, 340a and hairpin sections 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b of the heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, 340 in each heat exchange section (first heat exchange section 31 to fourth heat exchange section 34) is not limited to the above number.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, all hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b of the heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, and 340 may be covered by covers 302 and 302a. Alternatively, covers 302 and 302a may cover only one hairpin portion 310b, 320b, 330b, or 340b.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the covers 302 and 302a may be formed from a different material than the fixing plate body 301.

[0095] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the configuration of a heat exchanger fixing plate 300 that fixes the heat exchanger body 30 to the casing 1 of the indoor unit 100, it is not limited to the indoor unit 100. The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 may, for example, fix the heat exchanger body to the casing of the outdoor unit.

[0096] Furthermore, the fastening portion 306 in the above embodiment is not limited to a cable tie. Any member capable of fastening the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b and the covers 302, 302a via a pair of first through holes 304h may be used to construct the fastening portion 306, for example, from a material such as thread or wire.

[0097] [Note] The heat exchanger fixing plate, heat exchanger, and indoor unit described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0098] (1) The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 according to the first embodiment is a heat exchanger fixing plate 300 that fixes a heat exchanger body 30 having heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, 340 which are composed of a plurality of straight pipe sections 310a, 320a, 330a, 340a that extend in the width direction D3 of the casing 1 of the indoor unit 100 and through which refrigerant flows, and a plurality of hairpin sections 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b that connect the ends of adjacent straight pipe sections 310a, 320a, 330a, 340a and curve to change the direction of flow of the refrigerant, to the casing 1 within the casing 1. The device comprises a fixing plate body 301 which extends in a direction intersecting the width direction D3 and has a plurality of insertion holes 301h through which each of the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b can be inserted toward one side of the width direction D3, and a cover 302 which is integrally provided with the fixing plate body 301 and covers the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b that protrude from the fixing plate body 301 toward one side of the width direction D3, and has a first through hole 304h that penetrates in a direction that penetrates the inside of the curvature of the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b.

[0099] This allows the water vapor in the air condensed by the cold of the refrigerant flowing through the hairpin sections 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b to be released to the outside of the cover 302 through the pair of first through-holes 304h that the cover 302 has. In addition, because the cover 302 has the first through-holes 304h, the rigidity of the cover 302 is reduced, and the overall elastic force of the cover 302 is increased.

[0100] (2) The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 according to the second embodiment is the heat exchanger fixing plate 300 of (1), wherein the cover 302 may have a second through hole 303h in the portion facing the top of the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b, which penetrates in the width direction D3 and is smaller than the outer edge of the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b when viewed from one side in the width direction D3.

[0101] This allows water vapor in the air condensed by the cold of the refrigerant flowing through the hairpin sections 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b to be more easily released to the outside of the cover 302 through the second through-hole 303h.

[0102] (3) The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 according to the third embodiment is the heat exchanger fixing plate 300 of (1) or (2), wherein the first through holes 304h may be provided in pairs on both sides of the out-of-plane direction Po of the virtual plane X along the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b, sandwiching the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b.

[0103] This allows for a uniform reduction in the overall rigidity of the cover 302.

[0104] (4) The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 according to the fourth embodiment is the heat exchanger fixing plate 300 of (3), and may further include a fastening portion 306 that can fasten the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b and the cover 302 by being wound around the inside of the curves of the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b and one end of the cover 302 on the width direction D3 via a pair of first through holes 304h.

[0105] This causes the cover 302 to be pressed against the fixing plate body 301.

[0106] (5) The heat exchanger fixing plate 300 according to the fifth embodiment is a heat exchanger fixing plate 300 that fixes a heat exchanger body 30 having heat transfer tubes 310, 320, 330, 340 which are composed of a plurality of straight pipe sections 310a, 320a, 330a, 340a that extend in the width direction D3 of the casing 1 of the indoor unit 100 and through which refrigerant flows, and a plurality of hairpin sections 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b that connect the ends of adjacent straight pipe sections 310a, 320a, 330a, 340a and curve to change the direction of flow of the refrigerant, to the casing 1 within the casing 1, and the heat exchanger fixing plate 300 which extends in a direction intersecting the width direction D3, and each of the hairpin sections 31 The device comprises a fixing plate body 301 having a plurality of insertion holes 301h through which 0b, 320b, 330b, and 340b can be inserted toward one side in the width direction D3; a cover 302a integrally provided with the fixing plate body 301 and having opposing portions 303, 303a facing the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b from one side in the width direction D3; and a fastening portion 306 that is wound around the inside of the curve of the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b and the faces of the opposing portions 303, 303a facing one side in the width direction D3, thereby fastening the hairpin portions 310b, 320b, 330b, and 340b together with the opposing portions 303, 303a.

[0107] This allows us to achieve the same effect as described above. In addition, when moisture contained in the air condenses, the moisture does not remain on the cover 302a.

[0108] (6) The heat exchanger 3 according to the sixth embodiment further comprises the heat exchanger body 30 having a fin group 311, 321, 331, 341 composed of a plurality of fins 311a, 321a, 331a, 341a adjacent to the fixing plate body 301 from the other side of the width direction D3, extending in a direction intersecting the width direction D3 and arranged in the width direction D3, and the heat exchanger fixing plate 300 according to any one of (1) to (5).

[0109] As a result, compared to a configuration in which the fixing plate body 301 and the covers 302 and 302a are directly fastened together, the covers 302 and 302a are pressed against the fixing plate body 301, so no force is applied that pulls the fixing plate body 301 toward one side in the width direction D3.

[0110] (7) The indoor unit 100 according to the seventh embodiment comprises the casing 1, a fan 2 housed in the casing 1 and capable of introducing air into the casing 1, and a heat exchanger 3 housed in the casing 1 and for exchanging heat between the air and the refrigerant (6). [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1…Casing 2…Fan 3…Heat exchanger 4…Filter section 11…Mounting surface 12…Top surface 13…Bottom surface 14…Front surface 30…Heat exchanger body 31…First heat exchange section 32…Second heat exchange section 33…Third heat exchange section 34…Fourth heat exchange section 100…Indoor unit 300…Heat exchanger fixing plate 301…Fixing plate body 301h…Through hole 302…Cover 303,303a…Opposite section 303h…Second through hole 304…Side wall section 304a…First side wall 304b…Second side wall 304h…First through hole 305…Connection section 306…Binding section 310,320,330,340…Heat transfer tubes 310a,320a,330a,340a…Straight tube section 310b, 320b, 330b, 340b… Hairpin section 311, 321, 331, 341… Fin group 311a, 321a, 331a, 341a… Fin D1… Installation direction D2… Vertical direction D3… Width direction O1… First axis O2… Second axis Pi… In-plane direction Po… Out-of-plane direction R… Containment space W… Wall surface X… Virtual surface

Claims

1. A heat exchanger fixing plate for fixing a heat exchanger body, which has heat transfer tubes composed of a plurality of straight pipe sections extending in the width direction of the indoor unit casing through which refrigerant flows, and a plurality of hairpin sections that connect the ends of adjacent straight pipe sections and curve to change the direction of refrigerant flow, to the casing within the casing, A fixing plate body that extends in a direction intersecting the width direction and has a plurality of insertion holes through which each hairpin portion can be inserted toward one side in the width direction, A cover integrally provided with the fixing plate body, covering the hairpin portion that protrudes from the fixing plate body to one side in the width direction, and having a first through hole that penetrates in a direction that penetrates the inside of the curve of the hairpin portion, Equipped with, The aforementioned cover is A portion facing the hairpin portion in the width direction, It comprises a side wall portion that extends in the width direction from the opposing portion and is connected to the fixing plate body while surrounding the hairpin portion, The first through-hole is formed to penetrate the side wall portion, The first through-holes are provided in pairs so as to sandwich the hairpin portion from both sides in the out-of-plane direction of the virtual surface along the hairpin portion, A heat exchanger fixing plate further comprising a fastening portion that can fasten the hairpin portion and the cover together by being wound around the inside of the curve of the hairpin portion and one end of the cover in the width direction through a pair of first through holes.

2. The heat exchanger fixing plate according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a second through-hole in the portion opposite to the top of the hairpin portion that penetrates in the width direction and is smaller than the outer edge of the hairpin portion when viewed from one side in the width direction.

3. The heat exchanger body further comprises a group of fins that are adjacent to the fixed plate body from the other side in the width direction, extend in a direction intersecting the width direction, and are arranged in the width direction, A heat exchanger fixing plate according to claim 1 or 2, A heat exchanger equipped with [the following features].

4. The casing and, A fan housed in the casing and capable of introducing air into the casing, A heat exchanger according to claim 3, which is housed in the casing and exchanges heat between the air and the refrigerant, An indoor unit equipped with the following features.

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