Heat exchanger unit, air conditioning indoor unit, and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A plate structure (50, 60) includes a first surface (52a, 62a), which is a surface on a heat exchanger main body (B) side in a first direction, a second surface (52b, 62b), which is a surface on the opposite side to the first surface (52a, 62a) in the first direction, and a third surface (52c, 62c), which is a peripheral surface extending between the first surface (52a, 62a) and the second surface (52b, 62b). The present invention comprises heat transfer pipe side connecting portions (53, 63), to which heat transfer pipes (42) are connected, and pipe side connecting portions (54, 55, 64, 65), to which refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are connected, on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c).

Description

Heat exchanger unit, air conditioning indoor unit, and refrigeration cycle device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger unit, an air conditioning indoor unit, and a refrigeration cycle device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerant flow divider for use in a heat exchanger. The refrigerant flow divider described in Patent Document 1 is a plate structure formed by stacking multiple plates, and a refrigerant flow path is formed therein. The refrigerant flow path communicates with a heat transfer tube of a heat exchanger body. The refrigerant flow divider is arranged so as to overlap with the heat exchanger body in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (see FIG. 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-125652

[0004] The plate structure described in Patent Document 1 is connected to a refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant pipe is connected to the surface of the plate structure opposite the heat exchanger body. This poses a problem in that the space required to arrange the refrigerant pipe is large on the side of the plate structure opposite the heat exchanger body.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the size of the heat exchanger unit in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes.

[0006] The first aspect is directed to a heat exchanger unit, and includes: a heat exchanger body (B) having fins (41) and heat transfer tubes (42); a plate structure (50, 60) arranged to overlap the heat exchanger body (B) in a first direction that is an axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42), and forming therein a refrigerant flow path (51, 61) that communicates with the heat transfer tubes (42); and a refrigerant pipe (71, 72, 73) different from the heat transfer tube (42) that communicates with the refrigerant flow path (51, 61), wherein the plate structure (50, 60) has a first surface that is a surface facing the heat exchanger body (B) in the first direction. a second surface (52b, 62b) which is the surface opposite to the first surface (52a, 62a) in the first direction, and a third surface (52c, 62c) which is the circumferential surface extending between the first surface (52a, 62a) and the second surface (52b, 62b), wherein a heat transfer tube side connection portion (53, 63) to which the heat transfer tube (42) is connected is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a), and a piping side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) to which the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) is connected is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c).

[0007] In the first aspect, the pipe-side connectors (54, 55, 64, 65) for connecting the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) (i.e., the surface facing the heat exchanger body (B)) or the third surface (52c, 62c) (i.e., the peripheral surface of the plate structure (50, 60)) of the plate structure (50, 60) rather than on the second surface (52b, 62b) (i.e., the surface opposite the heat exchanger body (B)) of the plate structure (50, 60). This prevents the arrangement space for the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) from becoming large in the space on the opposite side of the plate structure (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B). As a result, the heat exchanger unit (U) can be made smaller in size in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0008] In the second aspect, when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the first aspect, the entire refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

[0009] In the second aspect, the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are not located in the space on the heat exchanger body (B) side of the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60). This prevents the arrangement space for the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) from becoming large in the space on the opposite side of the plate structure (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B).

[0010] The third aspect is the first or second aspect, further comprising a pipe (71) communicating with the refrigerant flow path (51, 61) and a valve (37) connected to the pipe (71), and when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the valve (37) is positioned closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

[0011] In the third aspect, the valve (37) is not located in the space on the heat exchanger body (B) side of the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60). This prevents the arrangement space for the valve (37) from becoming large in the space on the opposite side of the plate structure (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B).

[0012] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange portion (40A) and a second heat exchange portion (40B) arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the plate structures (50, 60) include a first plate structure (50) overlapping the first heat exchange portion (40A) in the first direction and a second plate structure (60) overlapping the second heat exchange portion (40B) in the first direction, and the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) include a first plate structure (50) overlapping the second heat exchange portion (40B) in the first direction. The second plate structure (60) includes a first refrigerant piping (71) connected to the first plate structure (60), and the piping-side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) includes a first connection portion (54) that is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the first plate structure (50) and is connected to one end of the first refrigerant piping (71), and a second connection portion (64) that is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the second plate structure (60) and is connected to the other end of the first refrigerant piping (71).

[0013] In the fourth aspect, one end of the first refrigerant pipe (71) is connected to a first connection portion (54) provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the first plate structure (50). The other end of the first refrigerant pipe (71) is connected to a second connection portion (64) provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the second plate structure (60). This makes it possible to prevent the arrangement space for the first refrigerant pipe (71) from becoming large in the space on the opposite side of the plate structure (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B).

[0014] A fifth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plate structures (50, 60) include a first plate structure (50) overlapping the first heat exchange section (40A) in the first direction and a second plate structure (60) overlapping the second heat exchange section (40B) in the first direction; The refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) includes a second refrigerant piping (71) connecting a heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second plate structure (60), and the piping side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the second plate structure (60), and includes a third connection portion (64) to which the second refrigerant piping (71) is connected.

[0015] In the fifth aspect, one end of the second refrigerant pipe (71) is connected to the heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A). The other end of the second refrigerant pipe (71) is connected to a third connection portion (64) provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the second plate structure (60). This makes it possible to prevent the arrangement space for the second refrigerant pipe (71) from becoming large in the space on the opposite side of the plate structure (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B).

[0016] A sixth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plate structures (50, 60) include a first plate structure (50) overlapping the first heat exchange section (40A) in the first direction and a second plate structure (60) overlapping the second heat exchange section (40B) in the first direction. The refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) includes a third refrigerant piping (71) connecting a heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B) and the first plate structure (50), and the piping side connection portions (54, 55, 64, 65) are provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the first plate structure (50), and include a fourth connection portion (54) to which the third refrigerant piping (71) is connected.

[0017] In the sixth aspect, one end of the third refrigerant pipe (71) is connected to the heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B). The other end of the third refrigerant pipe (71) is connected to a fourth connection portion (54) provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the first plate structure (50). This makes it possible to prevent the arrangement space for the third refrigerant pipe (71) from becoming large in the space on the opposite side of the plate structure (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B).

[0018] A seventh aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) include a fourth refrigerant pipe (72, 73) connected to a communication pipe (12, 13) of a refrigeration cycle device (10), and the pipe-side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) is provided on the first surface or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the plate structure (50, 60), and includes a fifth connection portion (55, 65) to which the fourth refrigerant pipe (72, 73) is connected.

[0019] In the seventh aspect, the fourth refrigerant pipe (72, 73) is connected to a fifth connection portion (55, 65) provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the plate structure (50, 60). This makes it possible to prevent the arrangement space for the fourth refrigerant pipe (72, 73) from becoming large in the space on the opposite side of the plate structure (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B).

[0020] An eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) is arranged between the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second heat exchange section (40B) in the second direction.

[0021] In the eighth aspect, the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) is arranged between the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second heat exchange section (40B), thereby preventing the arrangement space for the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) from expanding in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42).

[0022] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are arranged in the second direction on the opposite side of the first heat exchange section (40A) to the second heat exchange section (40B), or on the opposite side of the second heat exchange section (40B) to the first heat exchange section (40A).

[0023] In the ninth aspect, the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are arranged in a space on the opposite side of the first heat exchange section (40A) to the second heat exchange section (40B) or in a space on the opposite side of the second heat exchange section (40B) to the first heat exchange section (40A). This makes it possible to prevent the arrangement space for the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) from expanding in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42).

[0024] A tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the ends of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) and the pipe-side connectors (54, 55, 64, 65) to which the ends of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are connected are made of the same metal material.

[0025] In the tenth aspect, the ends of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) and the pipe-side connectors (54, 55, 64, 65) are made of the same metal material, thereby preventing electrical corrosion therebetween.

[0026] An eleventh aspect is any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the first surface (52a, 62a) is formed with a first region (81, 83) overlapping with the heat exchanger body (B) and a second region (82, 84) positioned outside the first region (81, 83), and the heat transfer tube side connection portion (53, 63) is arranged in the first region (81, 83), and the piping side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) is arranged in the second region (82, 84).

[0027] In the eleventh aspect, the heat transfer tubes (42) are connected to the first regions (81, 83) that overlap with the heat exchanger body (B), thereby making it possible to shorten the heat transfer tubes (42). The refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are connected to the second regions (82, 84) that are located outside the first regions (81, 83), thereby making it possible to suppress interference between the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) and the heat transfer tubes (42), and thus making it easier to connect the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) to the plate structure (50, 60).

[0028] A twelfth aspect is directed to a heat exchanger unit, comprising: a heat exchanger body (B) having fins (41) and heat transfer tubes (42); a plate structure (50, 60) arranged to overlap the heat exchanger body (B) in a first direction which is the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42), and forming therein a refrigerant flow path (51, 61) which communicates with the heat transfer tubes (42); a pipe (71) which communicates with the refrigerant flow path (51, 61); and a valve (37) connected to the pipe (71), wherein the plate structure (50, 60) The valve (37) has a first surface (52a, 62a) which is the surface on the heat exchanger body (B) side in the first direction, a second surface (52b, 62b) which is the surface opposite to the first surface (52a, 62a) in the first direction, and a third surface (52c, 62c) which is a peripheral surface extending between the first surface (52a, 62a) and the second surface (52b, 62b), and the valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) in the first direction than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

[0029] In a twelfth aspect, the heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger body (B) having fins (41) and heat transfer tubes (42), a plate structure (50, 60) arranged to overlap the heat exchanger body (B) in a first direction which is the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42) and forming a refrigerant flow path (51, 61) therein that communicates with the heat transfer tubes (42), a pipe (71) that communicates with the refrigerant flow path (51, 61), and a valve (37) connected to the pipe (71), and when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

[0030] In the twelfth aspect, the valve (37) is not located in the space on the heat exchanger body (B) side of the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60). This prevents the arrangement space for the valve (37) from becoming large in the space on the opposite side of the plate structure (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B).

[0031] A thirteenth aspect is directed to an indoor air conditioner, and includes the heat exchanger unit (U) of any one of the first to twelfth aspects, and a casing (31) that houses the heat exchanger unit (U).

[0032] A fourteenth aspect is the thirteenth aspect, further comprising an electrical equipment unit (38) arranged within the casing (31) on the opposite side of the heat exchanger body (B) in the first direction from the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

[0033] In the fourteenth aspect, a space for arranging the electrical component unit (38) can be secured on the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60) opposite to the heat exchanger body (B).

[0034] A fifteenth aspect is directed to a refrigeration cycle apparatus, which includes a refrigerant circuit (11) to which the heat exchanger unit (U) of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is connected.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a piping diagram of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of an air conditioning indoor unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning indoor unit taken along line AA. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the internal structure of the air conditioning indoor unit. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure between a heat transfer tube and a plate stack. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part of a heat exchanger unit. FIG. 7 is a front view of a main part of a heat exchanger unit. FIG. 8 is a top view of a main part of a heat exchanger unit. FIG. 9 is a view of the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit as seen from the left side. FIG. 10 is a top view of a main part of a heat exchanger unit according to Modification 1. FIG. 11 is a top view of a main part of a heat exchanger unit according to Modification 2. FIG. 12 is a view of the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit according to Modification 2 as seen from the left side. FIG. 13 is a top view of a main part of a heat exchanger unit according to Modification 3. FIG. 14 is a view of the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit according to Modification 3 as seen from the left side. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a main part of a heat exchanger unit according to Modification 4. Fig. 16 is a top view of a main part of a heat exchanger unit of modified example 4. Fig. 17 is a view of the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit of modified example 4 as seen from the right side. Fig. 18 is a view of the plate stack of the heat exchanger unit of modified example 5 as seen from the left side. Fig. 19 is a view of the third surface of the plate stack of modified example 6 as seen from the front. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Fig. 19.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding.

[0037] (1) Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner This embodiment is an air conditioner (10) including a heat exchanger unit (U). The air conditioner (10) adjusts the temperature of air in an indoor space (I), which is a target space.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner (10) is an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a refrigerant circuit (11). The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (11) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant.

[0039] The air conditioner (10) includes an outdoor unit (20), an indoor unit (30), a first connecting pipe (12), and a second connecting pipe (13). The air conditioner (10) is a pair type having one outdoor unit (20) and one indoor unit (30). The first connecting pipe (12) is a gas connecting pipe, and the second connecting pipe (13) is a liquid connecting pipe. In the air conditioner (10), a refrigerant circuit (11) is formed by connecting the outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) with the first connecting pipe (12) and the second connecting pipe (13).

[0040] The outdoor unit (20) is installed outdoors and includes an outdoor casing (20a), a compressor (21) housed in the outdoor casing (20a), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an outdoor expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), and an outdoor fan (25).

[0041] The compressor (21) is a rotary compressor such as a swing piston type, rotary type, or scroll type. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) is a fin-and-tube air heat exchanger. The outdoor expansion valve (23) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The outdoor expansion valve (23) is an electronic expansion valve. The four-way selector valve (24) switches between a first state (the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1 ) and a second state (the state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1 ). In the first state, the four-way selector valve (24) connects the discharge port of the compressor (21) to the gas end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22) and connects the suction port of the compressor (21) to the first connecting pipe (12). The four-way selector valve (24) in the second state communicates the discharge port of the compressor (21) with the first connecting pipe (12) and also communicates the suction port of the compressor (21) with the gas end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22). The outdoor fan (25) transports the air flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger (22). The outdoor fan (25) is a propeller fan.

[0042] The indoor unit (30) includes a casing (31), an indoor fan (32), and a heat exchanger unit (U). The indoor fan (32) and the heat exchanger unit (U) are housed in the casing (31).

[0043] (2) Indoor Unit The indoor unit (30), which is an indoor air conditioner, will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4. The indoor unit (30) of this embodiment is a wall-mounted type that is installed on a wall of the indoor space (I). Note that the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "front," and "rear" described below correspond to the directions of the arrows shown in Figures 2 and 3 and indicate directions when the casing (31) is viewed from the front.

[0044] (2-1) Casing The casing (31) is formed in the shape of a horizontally long box and includes a front plate (31a), a rear plate (31b), an upper plate (31c), a lower plate (31d), a first side plate (31e), and a second side plate (31f).

[0045] The front plate (31a) is formed on the front side of the casing (31) and constitutes the front surface of the casing (31). The rear plate (31b) is formed on the rear side of the casing (31) and constitutes the rear surface of the casing (31). The upper plate (31c) is formed on the upper side of the casing (31) and constitutes the upper surface of the casing (31). The lower plate (31d) is formed on the lower side of the casing (31) and constitutes the lower surface of the casing (31). The first side plate (31e) is formed on the right side of the casing (31) and constitutes the right surface of the casing (31). The second side plate (31f) is formed on the left side of the casing (31) and constitutes the left surface of the casing (31).

[0046] An air inlet (33) is formed in the upper plate (31c), and an air outlet (34) is formed in the lower plate (31d). An air passage (P) is formed inside the casing (31) from the air inlet (33) to the air outlet (34). The air inlet (33) extends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the casing (31). The air inlet (33) is an opening for taking air from the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P). An air outlet (34) is formed in the lower plate (31d). The air outlet (34) extends in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31). The air outlet (34) is an opening for blowing air from the air passage (P) into the indoor space (I).

[0047] (2-2) Filter The indoor unit (30) includes a filter (35). The filter (35) is located at the back of the air inlet (33) and upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (40). The filter (35) collects dust in the air sent from the air inlet (33) to the indoor heat exchanger (40). The indoor unit (30) may include a dust removal mechanism that removes the dust collected by the filter (35).

[0048] (2-3) Heat Exchange Unit The heat exchanger unit (U) includes an indoor heat exchanger (40), an intermediate pipe (71), an indoor expansion valve (37), a liquid relay pipe (72), and a gas relay pipe (73). The indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a heat exchanger body (B) and two plate stacks (50, 60) connected to the heat exchanger body (B). These will be described in detail later.

[0049] (2-4) Indoor Fan The indoor fan (32) is arranged in the air passage (P). The indoor fan (32) is arranged in the air passage (P) downstream of the indoor heat exchanger (40). The indoor fan (32) is a cross-flow fan. The fan rotor of the indoor fan (32) extends in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31).

[0050] (2-5) Flap The indoor unit (30) has a flap (36) that adjusts the direction of air blown out from the air outlet (34). The flap (36) adjusts the air direction in the vertical direction. The indoor unit (30) may have a plurality of flaps (36). The flap (36) may adjust the air direction in the horizontal direction.

[0051] (2-6) Electrical Component Unit The indoor unit (30) has an electrical component unit (38). The electrical component unit (38) includes a printed circuit board. A power supply circuit for supplying power to each mechanical component of the indoor unit (30), a control circuit for controlling each mechanical component, etc. are mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4 , a partition plate (39) is provided in the casing (31) in the internal space (S) between the first side plate (31e) and the plate stack (50, 60). The thickness direction of the partition plate (39) is the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42). The partition plate (39) divides the internal space (S) in the axial direction (left-right direction) of the heat transfer tube (42). An electrical component chamber (S1) is formed between the partition plate (39) and the first side plate (31e). The electrical component unit (38) is disposed in the electrical component chamber (S1). The electrical component unit (38) is disposed on the opposite side of the plate stack (50, 60) from the heat exchanger body (B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42).

[0053] (3) Details of the Indoor Heat Exchanger The indoor heat exchanger (40) will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 9. The indoor heat exchanger (40) exchanges heat between air and a refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger (40) is a fin-and-tube air heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (40) includes a heat exchanger body (B) and two plate stacks (50) connected to the heat exchanger body (B).

[0054] 4 and 5, the heat exchanger body (B) has a plurality of fins (41) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the casing (31) and a plurality of heat transfer tubes (42) extending in the direction of arrangement of the fins (41). The plate stacks (50, 60) have therein refrigerant flow paths (51, 61) that communicate with the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0055] The arrangement direction of the fins (41) corresponds to the longitudinal direction (here, the left-right direction) of the casing (31). The fins (41) are rectangular plate-shaped having long sides and short sides. The thickness direction of the fins (41) corresponds to the arrangement direction of the fins (41). The multiple fins (41) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction. This interval defines an air flow path. The material of the fins (41) is an aluminum alloy.

[0056] The heat transfer tubes (42) are made of an aluminum alloy. A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the heat transfer tubes (42). The heat transfer tubes (42) extend parallel to one another and penetrate the fins (41). One end of each heat transfer tube (42), i.e., a right end, protrudes to the right of the fin (41). One end of each heat transfer tube (42) is connected to the plate stack (50, 60). Of the other ends of each heat transfer tube (42), i.e., left end portions, of two adjacent heat transfer tubes (42) are connected to each other by a U-shaped tube (49). The two adjacent heat transfer tubes (42) and the U-shaped tube (49) connecting them are formed seamlessly and integrally.

[0057] The indoor heat exchanger (40) of this embodiment has a front heat exchange section (40A) as a first heat exchange section and a rear heat exchange section (40B) as a second heat exchange section. The front heat exchange section (40A) is located toward the front of the casing (31), and the rear heat exchange section (40B) is located toward the rear of the casing (31). The front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) are arranged in the front-to-rear direction with the indoor fan (32) interposed therebetween. The front-to-rear direction is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the up-to-down direction of the heat transfer tube (42). Here, the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42) corresponds to a first direction, and the front-to-rear direction and the up-to-down direction correspond to second directions perpendicular to the first direction.

[0058] The front heat exchange section (40A) includes a front main heat exchange section (43), a first auxiliary heat exchange section (44), and a second auxiliary heat exchange section (45).

[0059] The front main heat exchange section (43) is disposed closer to the indoor fan (32) in the front heat exchange section (40A). The front main heat exchange section (43) has a V-shaped outer shape when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The tip of the V faces forward. The fins (41) constituting the front main heat exchange section (43) have a first portion (41a) whose longitudinal direction is the third direction and a second portion (41b) whose longitudinal direction is the fourth direction when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The third direction is a direction extending obliquely upward toward the rear. The fourth direction is a direction extending obliquely downward toward the rear. The angle between the third direction and the fourth direction is approximately 90° to 110°. The first portion (41a) and the second portion (41b) may be integrally formed or may be separate.

[0060] The first auxiliary heat exchange section (44) is provided on the inlet side (front side) of the first front main heat exchange section (43a). The lengths of the long sides and the short sides of the fins (41) of the first auxiliary heat exchange section (44) are shorter than those of the fins (41) of the first front main heat exchange section (43a). The number of heat transfer tubes (42) in the direction along the long sides (hereinafter referred to as the number of rows) of the first auxiliary heat exchange section (44) is smaller than the number of rows of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the first front main heat exchange section (43a). The number of heat transfer tubes (42) in the direction along the short sides (hereinafter referred to as the number of rows) of the first auxiliary heat exchange section (44) is smaller than the number of rows of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the first front main heat exchange section (43a).

[0061] The second auxiliary heat exchange section (45) is provided on the inlet side (front side) of the second front main heat exchange section (43b). The lengths of the long sides and the short sides of the fins (41) of the second auxiliary heat exchange section (45) are shorter than those of the fins (41) of the second front main heat exchange section (43b). The number of rows and columns of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the second auxiliary heat exchange section (45) is smaller than the number of rows and columns of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the second front main heat exchange section (43b).

[0062] The rear heat exchange section (40B) has a rear main heat exchange section (46) and a third auxiliary heat exchange section (47). The rear main heat exchange section (46) is disposed closer to the indoor fan (32) in the rear heat exchange section (40B). The third auxiliary heat exchange section (47) is provided on the inlet side (rear side) of the rear main heat exchange section (46). The lengths of the long and short sides of the fins (41) of the third auxiliary heat exchange section (47) are shorter than the lengths of the long and short sides of the fins (41) of the rear main heat exchange section (46). The number of rows and columns of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the third auxiliary heat exchange section (47) is smaller than the number of rows and columns of the heat transfer tubes (42) of the rear main heat exchange section (46).

[0063] As shown in Fig. 5, one end of the heat transfer tube (42) has a flared portion (48). The flared portion (48) has an expanded diameter portion (48a) whose diameter increases as it approaches the plate stack (50, 60), and a cylindrical portion (48b) that extends axially with the same diameter from the end of the expanded diameter portion (48a) on the plate stack (50, 60) side. As will be described in detail later, the flared portion (48) is a portion that is connected to a heat transfer tube-side connecting portion (53, 63) of the plate stack (50, 60).

[0064] (3-2) Plate Stack The plate stack (50, 60) is disposed to the right of the rightmost fin (41) and parallel to the fin (41). The plate stack (50, 60) is connected to one end of the heat transfer tube (42). As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the plate stack (50, 60) includes a front plate stack (50) connected to the heat transfer tube (42) of the front heat exchange section (40A) and a rear plate stack (60) connected to the heat transfer tube (42) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). The front plate stack (50) is disposed so as to overlap the front heat exchange section (40A) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42). The rear plate stack (60) is disposed so as to overlap the rear heat exchange section (40B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42).

[0065] (3-2-1) Front Plate Stack The front plate stack (50) has a front main body portion (52) having a refrigerant flow path therein (strictly speaking, a first refrigerant flow path (51)), a plurality of front connection portions (53) connecting a plurality of heat transfer tubes (42) of the front heat exchange portion (40A) to the first refrigerant flow path (51), a front intermediate connection portion (54) to which one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected, and a liquid side connection portion (55) to which the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected.

[0066] 5, 6, and 8, the front body portion (52) is a thick plate-like member formed by stacking five front plates, the stacking direction of the front plates being the same as the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0067] In the front plate stack (50), a first front plate (FP1), a second front plate (FP2), a third front plate (FP3), a fourth front plate (FP4), and a fifth front plate (FP5) are stacked in order from the front heat exchange section (40A). The first front plate (FP1) is a cover plate on the heat exchanger body (B) side in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The fifth front plate (FP5) is a cover plate on the opposite side from the heat exchanger body (B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42) (the side of the first side plate (31e) of the casing (31)). The second front plate (FP2), the third front plate (FP3), and the fourth front plate (FP4) are intermediate plates sandwiched between the first front plate (FP1) and the fifth front plate (FP5). The five front plates are flat members with a common outer edge shape. Each front plate is made of the same material as the heat transfer tubes (42) and the front connection portions (53). In this embodiment, each front plate is made of an aluminum alloy. The first front plate (FP1) and the fifth front plate (FP5) have a thickness of 1.5 mm. The second front plate (FP2), the third front plate (FP3), and the fourth front plate (FP4) have a thickness of 3.0 mm. The front plates are joined to each other by furnace brazing. Note that the number of front plates is merely an example, and the number may be four or less, or six or more. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the front plates, they will simply be referred to as front plates.

[0068] The front main body portion (52) has a front first surface (52a) corresponding to the first surface, a front second surface (52b) corresponding to the second surface, and a front third surface (52c) corresponding to the third surface. The front first surface (52a) is the surface of the front main body portion (52) facing the heat exchanger main body (B) in the first direction. The front first surface (52a) is the surface of the first front plate (FP1) facing the heat exchanger main body (B). The front second surface (52b) is the surface of the front main body portion (52) opposite the front first surface (52a). In other words, the front second surface (52b) is the surface of the front plate stack (50) opposite the heat exchanger main body (B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The second front surface (52b) is the surface of the fifth front plate (FP5) opposite to the heat exchanger body (B). The third front surface (52c) is the peripheral surface of the front main body portion (52) that spans the first front surface (52a) and the third front surface (52c). In other words, the third front surface (52c) is formed by the front side, lower side, rear side, and upper side of the front main body portion (52). The third front surface (52c) is formed by the continuation of the peripheral surfaces of the front plates.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 9 , the front first surface (52a) of the front main body portion (52) is provided with a front first region (81) as a first region overlapping the fins (41) of the front heat exchange section (40A) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42), and a front second region (82) as a second region positioned outside the front first region (AF1). When viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42), the front first region (81) overlaps the first portion (41a) and the second portion (41b) of the fin (41). The front second region (82) includes a first outer edge portion (82a) formed on the front side of the front main body portion (52) and a second outer edge portion (82b) formed on the rear side of the front main body portion (52). The first outer edge portion (82a) extends forward from the front first region (81). The second outer edge portion (82b) is a portion extending rearward from the front first region (81).

[0070] (3-2-2) Rear Plate Stack The rear plate stack (60) has a rear main body portion (62) having a refrigerant flow path therein (strictly speaking, a second refrigerant flow path (61)), a plurality of rear connection portions (63) connecting the plurality of heat transfer tubes (42) of the rear heat exchange portion (40B) to the second refrigerant flow path (61), a rear intermediate connection portion (64) to which the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected, and a gas side connection portion (65) to which the gas relay pipe (73) is connected.

[0071] 5, 6, and 8, the rear body portion (62) is a thick plate-like member formed by stacking five rear plates, the stacking direction of the rear plates being the same as the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0072] The rear plate stack (60) includes a first rear plate (BP1), a second rear plate (BP2), a third rear plate (BP3), a fourth rear plate (BP4), and a fifth rear plate (BP5) stacked together in order from the rear heat exchange section (40B). The first rear plate (BP1) is a cover plate on the heat exchanger body (B) side in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The fifth rear plate (BP5) is a cover plate on the opposite side from the heat exchanger body (B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42) (the side of the first side plate (31e) of the casing (31)). The second rear plate (BP2), the third rear plate (BP3), and the fourth rear plate (BP4) are intermediate plates sandwiched between the first rear plate (BP1) and the fifth rear plate (BP5). The five rear plates are flat members with a common outer edge shape. Each rear plate is made of the same material as the heat transfer tubes (42) and the rear connection portions (63). In this embodiment, each rear plate is made of an aluminum alloy. The first rear plate (BP1) and the fifth rear plate (BP5) have a thickness of 1.5 mm. The second rear plate (BP2), the third rear plate (BP3), and the fourth rear plate (BP4) have a thickness of 3.0 mm. The rear plates are joined to each other by furnace brazing. Note that the number of rear plates is merely an example, and the number may be four or less, or six or more. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the rear plates, they will be simply referred to as rear plates.

[0073] The rear main body portion (62) has a rear first surface (62a) corresponding to the first surface, a rear second surface (62b) corresponding to the second surface, and a rear third surface (62c) corresponding to the third surface. The rear first surface (62a) is the surface of the rear main body portion (62) facing the heat exchanger main body (B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The rear first surface (62a) is the surface of the first rear plate (BP1) facing the heat exchanger main body (B). The rear second surface (62b) is the surface of the rear main body portion (62) opposite the rear first surface (62a). In other words, the rear second surface (62b) is the surface of the rear plate stack (60) facing the heat exchanger main body (B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). The second rear surface (62b) is the surface of the fifth rear plate (BP5) opposite to the heat exchanger body (B). The third rear surface (62c) is the peripheral surface of the rear main body portion (62) that spans the first rear surface (62a) and the third rear surface (62c). In this embodiment, the third rear surface (62c) is formed by the front side surface, the lower side surface, the rear side surface, and the upper side surface of the rear main body portion (62). The third rear surface (62c) is formed by the peripheral surfaces of the rear plates being continuous with each other.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 9 , the rear first surface (62a) of the rear main body portion (62) is provided with a rear first region (83) as a first region overlapping with the fins (41) of the rear heat exchange portion (40B) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42), and a rear second region (84) as a second region positioned outward of the rear first region (83). The rear second region (84) includes a third outer edge portion (84a) formed on the front side of the rear main body portion (62) and a fourth outer edge portion (84b) formed on the rear side of the front main body portion (52). The third outer edge portion (84a) extends forward from the rear first region (83). The fourth outer edge portion (84b) extends rearward from the rear first region (83).

[0075] (3-2-3) Heat Transfer Tube Side Connection Portions As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the plate stack (50) has a plurality of front connection portions (53) and a plurality of rear connection portions (63). The front connection portions (53) are provided on the front plate stack (50), and the rear connection portions (63) are provided on the rear plate stack (60). When there is no need to distinguish between the front connection portions (53) and the rear connection portions (63), they are also referred to as heat transfer tube side connection portions (53, 63).

[0076] The front connection portion (53) is provided on the first front plate (FP1) of the front main body portion (52) on the side facing the heat exchanger main body (B). In other words, the front connection portion (53) is provided on the first front surface (52a) of the front main body portion (52). The front connection portion (53) protrudes from the first front surface (52a) toward the front heat exchange portion (40A) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42).

[0077] The rear connection portion (63) is provided on the heat exchanger body (B) side of the first rear plate (BP1) of the rear main body portion (62). In other words, the rear connection portion (63) is provided on the rear first surface (62a) of the rear main body portion (62). The rear connection portion (63) protrudes from the rear first surface (62a) toward the rear heat exchange portion (40B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42).

[0078] The heat transfer tube side connecting portions (53, 63) are circular tubes. The material of the heat transfer tube side connecting portions (53, 63) is an aluminum alloy. As shown in FIG. 5 , the tip portions of the heat transfer tube side connecting portions (53, 63) are inserted into the ends of the corresponding heat transfer tubes (42). In other words, the ends of the heat transfer tubes (42) are inserted onto the heat transfer tube side connecting portions (53, 63). The heat transfer tube side connecting portions (53, 63) are inserted into the flared portions (48) of the corresponding heat transfer tubes (42). The heat transfer tube side connecting portions (53, 63) are inserted into the flared portions (48) and joined to the cylindrical portions (48b) of the flared portions (48) by burner brazing.

[0079] (3-2-4) Front Intermediate Connector and Rear Intermediate Connector As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 , the front intermediate connector (54) is provided on the front first surface (52a) of the front main body portion (52). The front intermediate connector (54) is a circular pipe to which one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected. The front intermediate connector (54) and the intermediate pipe (71) are joined by burner brazing. One end of the intermediate pipe (71) is fitted onto the front intermediate connector (54). As shown in FIG. 9 , the front intermediate connector (54) is located in the front second region (82) of the front first surface (52a). Specifically, the front intermediate connector (54) is located near the upper end of the first outer edge portion (82a).

[0080] The rear intermediate connector (64) is provided on the rear first surface (62a) of the rear main body portion (62). The rear intermediate connector (64) is a circular pipe to which the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected. The rear intermediate connector (64) and the intermediate pipe (71) are joined by burner brazing. The other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is fitted onto the rear intermediate connector (64). As shown in FIG. 9 , the rear intermediate connector (64) is located in the rear second region (84) of the rear first surface (62a). Specifically, the rear intermediate connector (64) is located near the upper end of the fourth outer edge portion (84b).

[0081] (3-2-5) Liquid-Side Connector and Gas-Side Connector As shown in FIG. 9 , the liquid-side connector (55) is provided on the front first surface (52a) of the front main body portion (52). The liquid-side connector (55) is a circular pipe to which one end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected. One end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is fitted onto the liquid-side connector (55). The liquid-side connector (55) and the liquid relay pipe (72) are joined by burner brazing. The liquid-side connector (55) is located in the front second region (82) of the front first surface (52a). Specifically, the liquid-side connector (55) is located near the lower end of the second outer edge portion (82b).

[0082] The gas side connector (65) is provided on the rear first surface (62a) of the rear main body portion (62). The gas side connector (65) is a circular pipe to which one end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected. One end of the gas relay pipe (73) is fitted onto the gas side connector (65). The gas side connector (65) and the gas relay pipe (73) are joined by burner brazing. The gas side connector (65) is located in the rear second region (84) of the rear first surface (62a). Specifically, the gas side connector (65) is located near the lower end of the third outer edge portion (84a).

[0083] (3-3) Intermediate Pipe The heat exchanger unit (U) has an intermediate pipe (71). In this embodiment, the intermediate pipe (71) is a first refrigerant pipe connecting the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B). In this embodiment, the indoor expansion valve (37) is connected to the intermediate pipe (71). The intermediate pipe (71) has a first internal pipe (71a) between the front plate stack (50) and the indoor expansion valve (37) and a second internal pipe (71b) between the rear plate stack (60) and the indoor expansion valve (37).

[0084] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the front plate stack (50), which is the first plate structure. Specifically, one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the front intermediate connecting portion (54), which is the first connecting portion. In other words, one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the front first surface (52a) of the front plate stack (50). Specifically, one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the front second region (82) (strictly speaking, the first outer edge portion (82a)) of the front first surface (52a). The first internal pipe (71a) of the intermediate pipe (71) extends from the front first surface (52a) of the front plate stack (50) toward the rear. By connecting one end of the intermediate pipe (71) to the front first surface (52a) in this manner, the intermediate pipe (71) can be prevented from extending from the front second surface (52b) of the front plate stack (50) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B).

[0085] The other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the rear plate stack (60), which is the second plate structure. Specifically, the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the rear intermediate connecting portion (64), which is the second connecting portion. In other words, the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the rear first surface (62a) of the rear plate stack (60). Specifically, the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the rear second region (84) (strictly speaking, the fourth outer edge portion (84b)) of the rear first surface (62a). The second internal pipe (71b) of the intermediate pipe (71) extends from the rear first surface (62a) of the rear plate stack (60) toward the front side. By connecting the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) to the front first surface (52a) in this manner, the intermediate pipe (71) can be prevented from extending from the rear second surface (62b) of the rear plate stack (60) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B).

[0086] When viewed in the front-rear direction, which is the second direction, the intermediate pipe (71) is located entirely closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the front second surface (52b) of the front plate stack (50). Therefore, the intermediate pipe (71) does not extend from the front second surface (52b) of the front plate stack (50) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B). When viewed in the front-rear direction, which is the second direction, the intermediate pipe (71) is located entirely closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the rear second surface (62b) of the rear plate stack (60). Therefore, the intermediate pipe (71) does not extend from the rear second surface (62b) of the rear plate stack (60) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B). As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the axial length of the heat transfer tube (42) in the internal space (S) formed between the plate stack (50, 60) and the side surface (first side plate (31e)) of the casing (31) can be shortened.

[0087] Both ends of the intermediate pipe (71) are connected to the first surfaces (52a, 62a) of the plate stack (50, 60). Therefore, the intermediate pipe (71) can be extended along the first surfaces (52a, 62a), thereby shortening the length of the intermediate pipe (71). This configuration makes it possible to prevent the intermediate pipe (71) from extending beyond the second surfaces (52b, 62b) to the opposite side of the heat exchanger body (B).

[0088] One end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the front second region (82), which prevents interference between the intermediate pipe (71) and the front heat exchange section (40A). The other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the rear second region (84), which prevents interference between the intermediate pipe (71) and the rear heat exchange section (40B). This simplifies the process of connecting the intermediate pipe (71) to the heat exchanger unit (U).

[0089] Both ends of the intermediate pipe (71) are connected to the vertical ends (strictly speaking, the upper ends) of the plate stack (50, 60). This allows the length of the intermediate pipe (71) to be further shortened. Interference between the intermediate pipe (71) and the heat exchanger body (B) can be reduced.

[0090] (3-4) Indoor Expansion Valve The indoor expansion valve (37) is disposed on the right side of the heat exchanger body (B). The indoor expansion valve (37) is connected to the intermediate pipe (71). The indoor expansion valve (37) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the intermediate pipe (71). The indoor expansion valve (37) is an electronic expansion valve.

[0091] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the indoor expansion valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the front second surface (52b) of the front plate stack (50). The indoor expansion valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the rear second surface (62b) of the rear plate stack (60). The entire indoor expansion valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stacks (50, 60). The indoor expansion valve (37) does not extend from the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stacks (50, 60) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B). This allows the axial length of the heat transfer tube (42) in the internal space (S) to be shortened.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 9, the indoor expansion valve (37) of this embodiment is disposed between the front plate stack (50) and the rear plate stack (60) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42). Strictly speaking, the indoor expansion valve (37) is located between the upper end of the front plate stack (50) and the upper end of the rear plate stack (60). This prevents the indoor expansion valve (37) from interfering with the heat exchanger body (B) or the indoor fan (32). This simplifies maintenance of the indoor expansion valve (37).

[0093] (3-5) Liquid Relay Pipe As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the heat exchanger unit (U) has a liquid relay pipe (72) as a fourth refrigerant pipe. One end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to the front plate stack (50). The other end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to the second connection pipe (13), which is a liquid connection pipe, outside the casing (31).

[0094] One end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to the liquid-side connecting portion (55), which is the fifth connecting portion. In other words, one end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to the front first surface (52a) of the front plate stack (50). Specifically, one end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to the front second region (82) of the front first surface (52a) (strictly speaking, the second outer edge portion (82b)). One end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to, for example, the lower portion of the front first surface (52a). The liquid relay pipe (72) extends rearward from the liquid-side connecting portion (55), then bends leftward, and extends along and parallel to the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0095] Connecting one end of the liquid relay pipe (72) to the front first surface (52a) in this manner can prevent the liquid relay pipe (72) from extending from the front second surface (52b) of the front plate stack (50) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B), thereby reducing the axial length of the heat transfer pipe (42) in the internal space (S).

[0096] The entire liquid relay pipe (72) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the front first surface (52a), thereby reducing the axial length of the heat transfer pipe (42) in the internal space (S).

[0097] At least a portion of the liquid relay pipe (72) is disposed between the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42). In other words, the liquid relay pipe (72) is disposed in the arrangement space of the indoor fan (32). This makes it possible to prevent the arrangement space for the liquid relay pipe (72) from expanding in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42), and to shorten the axial length of the heat transfer pipe (42) in the internal space (S).

[0098] (3-6) Gas Relay Pipe As shown in Figures 6 and 9, the heat exchanger unit (U) has a gas relay pipe (73) as a fourth refrigerant pipe. One end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to the rear plate stack (60). The other end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to the first connecting pipe (12), which is a gas connecting pipe, outside the casing (31).

[0099] One end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to the gas side connection portion (65), which is the fifth connection portion. In other words, one end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to the rear first surface (62a) of the rear plate stack (60). Specifically, one end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to the rear second region (84) of the rear first surface (62a) (strictly speaking, the third outer edge portion (84a)). One end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to, for example, a lower portion of the rear first surface (62a). The gas relay pipe (73) extends, for example, downward from the gas side connection portion (65), then bends leftward, and extends along and parallel to the heat transfer tube (42).

[0100] By connecting one end of the gas relay pipe (73) to the first rear surface (62a) in this manner, it is possible to prevent the gas relay pipe (73) from extending from the second rear surface (62b) of the rear plate stack (60) to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body (B), thereby reducing the axial length of the heat transfer pipe (42) in the internal space (S).

[0101] The entire gas relay pipe (73) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the rear first surface (62a), thereby reducing the axial length of the heat transfer pipe (42) in the internal space (S).

[0102] At least a portion of the gas relay pipe (73) is disposed between the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42). This prevents the arrangement space for the gas relay pipe (73) from expanding in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42), thereby reducing the axial length of the heat transfer pipe (42) in the internal space (S).

[0103] (4) Operation The air conditioner (10) performs cooling operation, heating operation, and dehumidifying operation.

[0104] (4-1) Cooling Operation In cooling operation, the controller of the air conditioner (10) operates the compressor (21), the outdoor fan (25), and the indoor fan (32), sets the four-way switching valve (24) to the first state (the state shown by the solid line in Figure 1), appropriately adjusts the opening of the outdoor expansion valve (23), and fully opens the indoor expansion valve (37).

[0105] During the cooling operation, the refrigerant circuit (11) performs a refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (22) functions as a condenser (heat radiator) and the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as an evaporator.

[0106] The indoor unit (30) draws indoor air from the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the inlet (33). The air in the air passage (P) is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (40). The cooled air is supplied to the indoor space (I) through the outlet (34).

[0107] In the heat exchanger unit (U), the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid relay pipe (72) flows into the front plate stack (50) of the front heat exchange section (40A). In the front heat exchange section (40A), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (42). The refrigerant then passes through the front plate stack (50) into the first internal pipe (71a), passes through the indoor expansion valve (37) and the second internal pipe (71b) in this order, and flows into the rear plate stack (60) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). In the rear heat exchange section (40B), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (42). The refrigerant then passes through the rear plate stack (60) into the gas relay pipe (73) and flows out of the heat exchanger unit (U).

[0108] (4-2) Heating Operation In heating operation, the controller of the air conditioner (10) operates the compressor (21), the outdoor fan (25), and the indoor fan (32), sets the four-way switching valve (24) to the second state (the state shown by the dashed line in Figure 1), adjusts the opening of the outdoor expansion valve (23) to a predetermined opening, and fully opens the indoor expansion valve (37).

[0109] During the heating operation, the refrigerant circuit (11) performs a refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as a condenser (heat radiator) and the outdoor heat exchanger (22) functions as an evaporator.

[0110] The indoor unit (30) draws indoor air from the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the inlet (33). The air in the air passage (P) is heated by the indoor heat exchanger (40). The heated air is supplied to the indoor space (I) through the outlet (34).

[0111] In the heat exchanger unit (U), the refrigerant that has flowed into the gas relay pipe (73) flows into the rear plate stack (60) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). In the rear heat exchange section (40B), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (42). The refrigerant then passes through the rear plate stack (60) into the second internal pipe (71b), passes through the indoor expansion valve (37) and the first internal pipe (71a) in this order, and flows into the front plate stack (50) of the front heat exchange section (40A). In the front heat exchange section (40A), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (42). The refrigerant then passes through the front plate stack (50) into the liquid relay pipe (72) and flows out of the heat exchanger unit (U).

[0112] (4-3) Dehumidifying Operation In the dehumidifying operation, the controller of the air conditioner (10) operates the compressor (21), the outdoor fan (25), and the indoor fan (32), sets the four-way switching valve (24) to the first state (the state shown by the solid line in Figure 1), and appropriately adjusts the apertures of the outdoor expansion valve (23) and the indoor expansion valve (37).

[0113] During dehumidification operation, the refrigerant circuit (11) performs a refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (22) and the front heat exchange section (40A) of the indoor heat exchanger (40) function as condensers (radiators), and the rear heat exchange section (40B) of the indoor heat exchanger (40) functions as an evaporator.

[0114] The indoor unit (30) draws room air from the indoor space (I) into the air passage (P) through the air inlet (33). The rear heat exchanger (40B) cools the air in the air passage (P) to a temperature below the dew point. The front heat exchanger (40A) heats the air in the air passage (P). The air passing through both the rear heat exchanger and the front heat exchanger mixes in the air passage (P) to produce low-humidity air. The air dehumidified in this manner is supplied to the indoor space (I) through the air outlet (34).

[0115] In the heat exchanger unit (U), the refrigerant that has flowed into the liquid relay pipe (72) flows into the front plate stack (50) of the front heat exchange section (40A). In the front heat exchange section (40A), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (42). The refrigerant then passes through the front plate stack (50) and flows into the first internal pipe (71a). After being reduced in pressure while passing through the indoor expansion valve (37), the refrigerant flows through the second internal pipe (71b) and then flows into the rear plate stack (60) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). In the rear heat exchange section (40B), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the heat transfer tubes (42). The refrigerant then passes through the rear plate stack (60) and flows into the gas relay pipe (73) and flows out of the heat exchanger unit (U).

[0116] (5) Advantages of the Embodiment (5-1) In the present embodiment, the first surface (52a, 62a) of the plate stack (50, 60) is provided with heat transfer tube-side connectors (53, 63) to which the heat transfer tubes (42) are connected and piping-side connectors (54, 55, 64, 65) to which refrigerant piping (strictly speaking, the intermediate piping (71), the liquid relay piping (72), and the gas relay piping (73)) are connected. In other words, the heat transfer tubes (42) and refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) other than the heat transfer tubes (42) are connected to the first surface (52a, 62a) of the plate stack (50, 60). The refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) connected to the plate stack (50, 60) is not connected to the second surface (52b, 62b). This prevents the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) from extending from the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stacks (50, 60) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B). As a result, the internal space (S) between the plate stacks (50, 60) and the first side plates (31e) of the casing (31) can be prevented from extending in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0117] One of the features of the plate stack (50, 60) is that the size of the heat transfer tube (42) in the axial direction is smaller than that of a typical header pipe. In this embodiment, the arrangement space of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) connected to the plate stack (50, 60) can be prevented from increasing in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42). This makes it possible to fully utilize the features of the plate stack (50, 60), and to reduce the size of the heat exchanger unit (U), and therefore the indoor unit (30), in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42).

[0118] (5-2) In this embodiment, when viewed in a second direction (front-rear direction) perpendicular to the first direction, the entire intermediate pipe (71) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stack (50, 60). Therefore, the arrangement of the intermediate pipe (71) can prevent the heat exchanger unit (U) from becoming larger in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). It is preferable that the entire refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) connected to the plate stack (50, 60) are located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b).

[0119] (5-3) In the present embodiment, the indoor expansion valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stacks (50, 60) when viewed in the second direction (front-rear or up-down direction). Therefore, the arrangement of the indoor expansion valve (37) can prevent the heat exchanger unit (U) from becoming larger in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). It is preferable that the entire indoor expansion valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b).

[0120] (5-4) In this embodiment, the refrigerant piping (strictly speaking, the liquid relay pipe (72) and the gas relay pipe (73)) is arranged between the front heat exchange section (40A), which is the first heat exchange section, and the rear heat exchange section (40B), which is the second heat exchange section, when viewed in the first direction (the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42)).

[0121] This can prevent the space required for arranging the liquid relay pipe (72) and the gas relay pipe (73) from becoming large in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42).

[0122] The intermediate pipe (71) or a valve (for example, the indoor expansion valve (37)) connected to the intermediate pipe (71) may be disposed between the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B).

[0123] (5-5) The ends of the refrigerant pipes (more precisely, the intermediate pipes (71), the liquid relay pipes (72), and the gas relay pipes (73)) and the pipe-side connections (more precisely, the front intermediate connection (54), the rear connection (63), the liquid-side connection (55), and the gas-side connection (65)) to which the ends of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are connected are made of the same metal material. Specifically, they are made of an aluminum alloy. If the two are made of different metal materials and have different ionization tendencies, the pipes are more likely to be electrically corroded due to water adhering to the pipes. In contrast, if the two are made of the same metal material, the ionization tendencies of the two pipes are also the same. As a result, electrical corrosion of the two pipes can be suppressed.

[0124] (5-6) When viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42), the first surfaces (52a, 62a) of the plate stacks (50, 60) are provided with first regions (81, 83) overlapping the heat exchanger body (B) and second regions (82, 84) positioned outside the first regions (81, 83). The heat transfer tube-side connectors (53, 63) are disposed in the first regions (81, 83), and the piping-side connectors (54, 55, 64, 65) are disposed in the second regions (82, 84). In other words, since the ends of the refrigerant pipes (strictly speaking, the intermediate pipes (71), the liquid relay pipes (72), and the gas relay pipes (73)) are connected to the second regions (82, 84) of the first surfaces (52a, 62a), interference between the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) and the heat exchanger body (B) and between the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) and the heat transfer pipes (42) can be suppressed. As a result, processing for connecting the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) and the plate stack (50, 60) is facilitated. In addition, processing for connecting the heat transfer pipes (42) and the plate stack (50, 60) is also facilitated.

[0125] (5-7) The electrical equipment unit (38) is arranged inside the casing (31) on the opposite side of the heat exchanger body (B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42) from the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate stack (50, 60). In this embodiment, the internal space (S) can be made smaller in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42), so that sufficient space (electrical equipment room) can be secured for arranging the electrical equipment unit (38).

[0126] (6) Modifications The above-described embodiment may be modified as follows: Differences from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

[0127] (6-1) Modification 1 In a heat exchanger unit (U) of Modification 1 shown in FIG. 10 , an indoor expansion valve (37) is not provided in the intermediate pipe (71). As in the above embodiment, one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the front intermediate connector (54), and the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the rear intermediate connector (64). In other words, one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the front first surface (52a) of the front plate stack (50), and the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the rear plate stack (60). The entire intermediate pipe (71) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stacks (50, 60). The entire intermediate pipe (71) is located between the first surfaces (52a, 62a) of the plate stacks (50, 60) and the heat exchanger body (B). This configuration allows the internal space (S) to be shortened in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42).

[0128] 11 and 12 , in a heat exchanger unit (U) of Modification 2, the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) are aligned in the front-rear direction, which is the second direction, as in the above embodiment. The front plate stack (50) overlaps the front heat exchange section (40A) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42), and the rear plate stack (60) overlaps the rear heat exchange section (40B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0129] One end of the intermediate pipe (71) serving as the second refrigerant pipe is connected to the heat transfer pipe (42) (first heat transfer pipe (42a)) of the front heat exchange section (40A). In this example, the intermediate pipe (71) is inserted outside the first heat transfer pipe (42a). The intermediate pipe (71) may be inserted inside the first heat transfer pipe (42a). As in the above embodiment, the first heat transfer pipe (42a) may be provided with a flared portion (48). The first heat transfer pipe (42a) is located at the upper end of the front heat exchange section (40A) and toward the rear end.

[0130] The other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to a rear intermediate connector (64) serving as a third connector. The rear intermediate connector (64) is provided on the first rear surface (62a) of the rear plate stack (60). Specifically, the rear intermediate connector (64) is provided on the upper end of the fourth outer edge portion (84b) of the first rear surface (62a).

[0131] The entire intermediate pipe (71) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stacks (50, 60). This configuration allows the internal space (S) to be shortened in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). One end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the upper end of the front heat exchange section (40A) and the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the upper end of the rear plate stack (60), thereby allowing the length of the intermediate pipe (71) to be shortened.

[0132] The intermediate pipe (71) of the second modification may be connected to an indoor expansion valve (37) in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0133] 13 and 14 , in a heat exchanger unit (U) of Modification 3, the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B) are aligned in the front-rear direction, which is the second direction, as in the above embodiment. The front plate stack (50) overlaps the front heat exchange section (40A) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42), and the rear plate stack (60) overlaps the rear heat exchange section (40B) in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0134] One end of the intermediate pipe (71) serving as the third refrigerant pipe is connected to the heat transfer pipe (42) (second heat transfer pipe (42b)) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). In this example, the intermediate pipe (71) is inserted externally onto the second heat transfer pipe (42b). The intermediate pipe (71) may be inserted internally into the second heat transfer pipe (42b). As in the above embodiment, the second heat transfer pipe (42b) may be provided with a flared portion (48). The second heat transfer pipe (42b) is located at the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (40B) and closer to the front end.

[0135] The other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to a front intermediate connector (54) serving as a fourth connector. The front intermediate connector (54) is provided on the first front surface (52a) of the front plate stack (50). Specifically, the front intermediate connector (54) is provided on the upper end of the first outer edge portion (82a) of the first front surface (52a).

[0136] The entire intermediate pipe (71) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stacks (50, 60). This configuration allows the internal space (S) to be shortened in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42). One end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the upper end of the rear heat exchange section (40B) and the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the upper end of the front plate stack (50), thereby allowing the length of the intermediate pipe (71) to be shortened.

[0137] The intermediate pipe (71) of the third modification may be connected to an indoor expansion valve (37) in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0138] (6-4) Modification 4 In a heat exchanger unit (U) of Modification 4 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 , one end of an intermediate pipe (71) serving as a pipe is connected to the front heat exchange section (40A), and the other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the rear heat exchange section (40B). Specifically, one end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the heat transfer tube (42) (third heat transfer tube (42c)) of the front heat exchange section (40A). As shown in FIG. 17 , the third heat transfer tube (42c) is located in the third portion (41c) of the front heat exchange section (40A). The third portion (41c) does not overlap with the front plate stack (50) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42). In other words, when the front plate stack (50) is viewed from the right side, the third portion (41c) is exposed to the interior space (S). The third portion (41c) is located at the upper end and rear end of the rear heat exchange section (40B).

[0139] The other end of the intermediate pipe (71) is connected to the heat transfer tube (42) (fourth heat transfer tube (42d)) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). As shown in FIG. 17 , the fourth heat transfer tube (42d) is located in the fourth portion (41d) of the rear heat exchange section (40B). When viewed from the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42), the fourth portion (41d) is a portion that does not overlap with the rear plate stack (60). In other words, when the rear plate stack (60) is viewed from the right side, the fourth portion (41d) is exposed to the internal space (S). The fourth portion (41d) is located at the upper and rear end of the rear heat exchange section (40B). The fourth portion (41d) is located at the upper and front end of the rear heat exchange section (40B).

[0140] As in the above embodiment, the intermediate pipe (71) includes a first internal pipe (71a) and a second internal pipe (71b). An indoor expansion valve (37) is connected between the first internal pipe (71a) and the second internal pipe (71b). The first internal pipe (71a) and the second internal pipe (71b) are located between the front plate stack (50) and the rear plate stack (60) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42). The indoor expansion valve (37) is located between the front plate stack (50) and the rear plate stack (60) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tube (42). This configuration ensures that there is sufficient space between the front plate stack (50) and the rear plate stack (60) to accommodate the indoor expansion valve (37) and the intermediate pipe (71).

[0141] 16, when viewed in the second direction (here, the up-down direction), the indoor expansion valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surfaces (52b, 62b) of the plate stacks (50, 60). Therefore, the location of the indoor expansion valve (37) can prevent the heat exchanger unit (U) from becoming large in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipes (42).

[0142] In the fourth modification, the entire intermediate pipe (71) may be disposed closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b). A part of the intermediate pipe (71) may extend from the second surface (52b, 62b) to the side opposite to the heat exchanger body (B).

[0143] 18 , a liquid relay pipe (72) serving as a refrigerant pipe is disposed on the opposite side of the front heat exchange section (40A) from the rear heat exchange section (40B) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42). Specifically, a portion of the liquid relay pipe (72) is located in front of the front heat exchange section (40A).

[0144] One end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to the front plate stack (50). The other end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to the second connection pipe (13), which is a liquid connection pipe, outside the casing (31). One end of the liquid relay pipe (72) is connected to the liquid side connector (55). The liquid side connector (55) is provided on the front first surface (52a) of the front plate stack (50). Specifically, the liquid side connector (55) is provided in the front second region (82) (strictly speaking, the first outer edge portion (82a)) of the front first surface (52a). The liquid relay pipe (72) extends from the liquid side connector (55) forward of the front heat exchange section (40A), then bends leftward, and extends along and parallel to the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0145] In this manner, the liquid relay pipe (72) is disposed on the opposite side of the front heat exchange section (40A) from the rear heat exchange section (40B) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42). This prevents the liquid relay pipe (72) from extending from the second surface (52b, 62b) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B). As a result, the internal space (S) can be shortened in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42).

[0146] The intermediate pipe (71), a valve (e.g., an indoor expansion valve (37)) connected to the intermediate pipe (71), and the gas relay pipe (73) may be arranged on the opposite side of the front heat exchange section (40A) from the rear heat exchange section (40B) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42).

[0147] In the heat exchanger unit (U) of the fifth modified example, the gas relay pipe (73) as a refrigerant pipe is arranged on the opposite side of the rear heat exchange section (40B) from the front heat exchange section (40A) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42). Specifically, a part of the gas relay pipe (73) is located behind the rear heat exchange section (40B).

[0148] One end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to the rear plate stack (60). The other end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to the first connection pipe (12), which is a gas connection pipe, outside the casing (31). One end of the gas relay pipe (73) is connected to the gas side connection portion (65). The gas side connection portion (65) is provided on the rear first surface (62a) of the rear plate stack (60). Specifically, the gas side connection portion (65) is provided on the rear second region (84) (strictly speaking, the fourth outer edge portion (84b)) of the rear first surface (62a). The gas relay pipe (73) extends from the gas side connection portion (65) rearward of the rear heat exchange section (40B), then bends leftward, and extends along and parallel to the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0149] In this manner, when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42), the gas relay pipe (73) is disposed on the opposite side of the rear heat exchange section (40B) from the front heat exchange section (40A). This prevents the gas relay pipe (73) from extending beyond the second surface (52b, 62b) to the side opposite the heat exchanger body (B). As a result, the internal space (S) can be shortened in the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42).

[0150] The intermediate pipe (71), a valve (e.g., an indoor expansion valve (37)) connected to the intermediate pipe (71), and the liquid relay pipe (72) may be arranged on the opposite side of the front heat exchange section (40A) across the rear heat exchange section (40B) when viewed in the axial direction of the heat transfer pipe (42).

[0151] (6-6) Modification 6 In Modification 6, the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) different from the heat transfer tubes (42) in the above-described embodiments and modifications are connected to the third surfaces (52c, 62c) of the plate stacks (50, 60). As shown in Figures 19 and 20, a coupling member (90) serving as a pipe-side connector is provided on the front third surface (52c) of the front plate stack (50).

[0152] Notches (91) are formed in the ends of the second front plate (FP2), the third front plate (FP3), and the fourth front plate (FP4), which are intermediate plates. The notches (91) form recesses recessed inward from the end faces of the front third surface (52c). When viewed in the stacking direction of the front plate stack (50), the notches (91) are rectangular. The notches (91) of the second front plate (FP2), the third front plate (FP3), and the fourth front plate (FP4) overlap in the stacking direction to form a storage space (92) for storing the connecting member (90). The connecting member (90) and the storage space (92) are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The connecting member (90) is provided inside the front plate stack (50) so as to span the second front plate (FP2), the third front plate (FP3), and the fourth front plate (FP4).

[0153] The connecting member (90) is formed with insertion holes (93) into which the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are inserted. The insertion holes (93) are cylindrical. With the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) inserted into the insertion holes (93), the connecting member (90) and the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are joined together. The refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) communicate with the first refrigerant flow path (51) inside the front plate stack (50). The above configuration can also be applied to the rear plate stack (60). The refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) include the intermediate pipes (71), liquid relay pipes (72), and gas relay pipes (73) described in the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0154] (7) Other Embodiments The refrigeration cycle apparatus (10) may be any apparatus that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, and is not limited to an air conditioner. The refrigeration cycle apparatus may be a cooling apparatus that cools the interior of a refrigerator, a refrigerated warehouse, or the like, a chiller apparatus that cools or heats a heat medium such as water, or a heat pump water heater that heats water to generate hot water.

[0155] The air conditioner (10) does not have to be of a pair type, but may be of a multi-type.

[0156] The indoor unit (30) may be of a ceiling-mounted type or a floor-standing type.

[0157] The direction in which the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second heat exchange section (40B) are arranged is not limited to the front-rear direction, but may be, for example, the up-down direction.

[0158] The valve connected to the refrigerant pipe (intermediate pipe (71)) does not have to be an expansion valve, and may be a solenoid valve, a check valve, a three-way valve, a four-way selector valve, a shutoff valve, or the like.

[0159] The plate structure may be made of a single plate rather than a plate stack, in which case the plate structure is manufactured by sintering metal powder using a 3D printer.

[0160] The heat transfer tube side connection portion may be a hole into which the heat transfer tube is inserted.

[0161] The pipe-side connection portion may be a hole into which the refrigerant pipe is inserted.

[0162] The heat exchanger unit (U) may be applied to an outdoor heat exchanger (22) of an outdoor unit (20).

[0163] The indoor heat exchanger (40) does not have to be of a fin-and-tube type, but may be of a corrugated type in which corrugated fins are arranged between adjacent heat transfer tubes.

[0164] The heat exchanger body (B) may have a single heat exchange section, without including the front heat exchange section (40A) and the rear heat exchange section (40B). In this case, the intermediate pipe (71) and the indoor expansion valve (37) of the heat exchanger unit (U) are omitted.

[0165] The heat transfer tubes (42) and fins (41) of the heat exchanger body (B) may be made of copper. In this case, the plate structure and the refrigerant pipes connected to the plate structure are preferably made of copper. The plate structure and the refrigerant pipes connected to the plate structure may also be made of stainless steel.

[0166] Although the embodiments and modifications 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 claims. Elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate.

[0167] The above-mentioned descriptions such as "first," "second," "third," etc. are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

[0168] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for heat exchanger units, air conditioner indoor units, and refrigeration cycle devices.

[0169] 10 air conditioning device (refrigeration cycle device) 11 refrigerant circuit 12 first connecting pipe (connecting pipe) 13 second connecting pipe (connecting pipe) 31 casing 37 indoor expansion valve (valve) 38 electrical equipment unit 40A front heat exchange section (first heat exchange section) 40B rear heat exchange section (second heat exchange section) 41 fin 42 heat transfer tube 50 front plate stack (first plate structure) 51 first refrigerant flow path (refrigerant flow path) 52a front first surface (first surface) 52b front second surface (second surface) 52c front third surface (third surface) 53 front connection section (heat transfer tube side connection section) 54 front intermediate connection section (piping side connection section, first connection section, fourth connection section) 55 liquid side connection section (fifth connection section) 60 rear plate stack (second plate structure) 62a Rear first surface (first surface) 62b Rear second surface (second surface) 62c Rear third surface (third surface) 63 Rear connection part (heat transfer tube side connection part) 64 Rear intermediate connection part (piping side connection part, second connection part, connection part) 65 Gas side connection part (fifth connection part) 71 Intermediate piping (refrigerant piping, first refrigerant piping, second refrigerant piping, third refrigerant piping, piping) 72 Liquid relay pipe (refrigerant piping, fourth refrigerant piping) 73 Gas relay pipe (refrigerant piping, fourth refrigerant piping) 81 Front first area (first area) 82 Front second area (second area) 83 Rear first area (first area) 84 Rear second area (second area) B Heat exchanger body U Heat exchanger unit

Claims

1. A heat exchanger comprising: a heat exchanger body (B) having fins (41) and heat transfer tubes (42); a plate structure (50, 60) arranged to overlap the heat exchanger body (B) in a first direction which is the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42), and defining therein a refrigerant flow path (51, 61) communicating with the heat transfer tubes (42); and a refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) different from the heat transfer tubes (42) and communicating with the refrigerant flow path (51, 61), the plate structure (50, 60) has a first surface (52a, 62a) which is a surface on the heat exchanger body (B) side in the first direction, a second surface (52b, 62b) which is a surface opposite to the first surface (52a, 62a) in the first direction, and a third surface (52c, 62c) which is a peripheral surface extending between the first surface (52a, 62a) and the second surface (52b, 62b), wherein a heat transfer tube side connection portion (53, 63) to which the heat transfer tube (42) is connected is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a), and a piping side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) to which the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) is connected is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c).

2. The heat exchanger unit as described in claim 1, wherein, when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the entire refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

3. A heat exchanger unit as described in claim 1, comprising: a pipe (71) communicating with the refrigerant flow path (51, 61); and a valve (37) connected to the pipe (71), wherein, when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

4. The heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) overlapping the first heat exchange section (40A) in the first direction and a second plate structure (60) overlapping the second heat exchange section (40B) in the first direction, the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) includes a first refrigerant piping (71) connecting the first plate structure (50) and the second plate structure (60), and the piping side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) includes a first connection portion (54) provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the first plate structure (50) and connected to one end of the first refrigerant piping (71), a second connection portion (64) provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the second plate structure (60), and to which the other end of the first refrigerant pipe (71) is connected.

5. The heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) overlapping the first heat exchange section (40A) in the first direction and a second plate structure (60) overlapping the second heat exchange section (40B) in the first direction, the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) includes a second refrigerant piping (71) connecting a heat transfer tube (42) of the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second plate structure (60), and the piping side connection section (54, 55, 64, 65) is 4. The heat exchanger unit according to claim 1, further comprising a third connection portion (64) provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the second plate structure (60), and to which the second refrigerant pipe (71) is connected.

6. The heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the plate structure (50, 60) includes a first plate structure (50) overlapping the first heat exchange section (40A) in the first direction and a second plate structure (60) overlapping the second heat exchange section (40B) in the first direction, the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) includes a third refrigerant piping (71) connecting a heat transfer tube (42) of the second heat exchange section (40B) to the first plate structure (50), and the piping side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) is provided on the first surface (52a, 62a) or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the first plate structure (50) and includes a fourth connection portion (54) to which the third refrigerant piping (71) is connected. A heat exchanger unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A heat exchanger unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) includes a fourth refrigerant piping (72, 73) connected to a communication piping (12, 13) of a refrigeration cycle apparatus (10), and the piping side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) is provided on the first surface or the third surface (52c, 62c) of the plate structure (50, 60) and includes a fifth connection portion (55, 65) to which the fourth refrigerant piping (72, 73) is connected.

8. A heat exchanger unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the refrigerant piping (71, 72, 73) is arranged between the first heat exchange section (40A) and the second heat exchange section (40B) when viewed in the first direction.

9. A heat exchanger unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat exchanger body (B) includes a first heat exchange section (40A) and a second heat exchange section (40B) aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are arranged on the opposite side of the first heat exchange section (40A) to the second heat exchange section (40B) or on the opposite side of the second heat exchange section (40B) to the first heat exchange section (40A) when viewed in the first direction.

10. A heat exchanger unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ends of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) and the pipe side connection parts (54, 55, 64, 65) to which the ends of the refrigerant pipes (71, 72, 73) are connected are made of the same metallic material.

11. A heat exchanger unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the first surface (52a, 62a) is formed with a first region (81, 83) overlapping with the heat exchanger body (B) and a second region (82, 84) positioned outside the first region (81, 83), the heat transfer tube side connection portion (53, 63) is disposed in the first region (81, 83), and the piping side connection portion (54, 55, 64, 65) is disposed in the second region (82, 84).

12. A heat exchanger comprising: a heat exchanger body (B) having fins (41) and heat transfer tubes (42); a plate structure (50, 60) arranged to overlap the heat exchanger body (B) in a first direction which is the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes (42) and forming therein a refrigerant flow path (51, 61) communicating with the heat transfer tubes (42); a pipe (71) communicating with the refrigerant flow path (51, 61); and a valve (37) connected to the pipe (71); a plate structure (50, 60) having a first surface (52a, 62a) which is a surface facing the heat exchanger body (B) in the first direction, a second surface (52b, 62b) which is a surface opposite to the first surface (52a, 62a) in the first direction, and a third surface (52c, 62c) which is a peripheral surface extending between the first surface (52a, 62a) and the second surface (52b, 62b), and when viewed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the valve (37) is located closer to the heat exchanger body (B) than the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

13. An air-conditioning indoor unit comprising: a heat exchanger unit (U) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and a casing (31) that houses the heat exchanger unit (U).

14. The air conditioning indoor unit according to claim 13, further comprising an electrical equipment unit (38) arranged within the casing (31) on the opposite side of the heat exchanger body (B) in the first direction relative to the second surface (52b, 62b) of the plate structure (50, 60).

15. A refrigeration cycle device comprising a refrigerant circuit (11) to which the heat exchanger unit (U) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is connected.

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