GB2596994A

GB2596994A - Outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle device

Info

Publication number: GB2596994A
Application number: GB2115224.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Abastari; Saikusa Tetsuji; Sata Hiroshi
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2019-06-20
Filing date: 2019-06-20
Publication date: 2022-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-20
Also published as: GB202115224D0; WO2020255356A1; GB2596994B; CN113939694A; JPWO2020255356A1

Abstract

An outdoor unit (200) comprises: a first outdoor fan (9A) and a second outdoor fan (9B); a first heat exchange unit (3A); and a second heat exchange unit (3B) that is spaced apart from the first heat exchange unit in the second direction (X). The first heat exchange unit includes a plurality of first flattened tubes (30A), and the second heat exchange unit includes a plurality of second flattened tubes (30B). The material constituting the plurality of first flattened tubes and the plurality of second flattened tubes includes aluminum. The first heat exchange unit has: a first curved portion (35A) with the center of curvature disposed on the first rotation axis side with respect to the plurality of first flattened tubes when viewed from the first direction; and a first extension portion (34A) that linearly connects the first curved portion and a first header (31A). The second heat exchange unit has: a second curved portion (35B) with the center of curvature disposed on the second rotation axis side with respect to the plurality of second flattened tubes when viewed from the first direction; and a third extension portion (34B) that linearly connects the second curved portion and a third header (31B). The first header and the third header are arranged so as to face each other in the second direction. First and second inflow/outflow pipes (33A) connected to the first header extend in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the first extension portion when viewed from the first direction. Third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes (33B) connected to the third header extend in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the third extension portion when viewed from the first direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF INVENTION

Outdoor Unit and Refrigeration Cycle Apparatus

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an outdoor unit and a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A conventionally known air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit including a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers has each outdoor heat exchanger in the form of a letter U to increase the heat exchange area of the heat exchanger and achieve better air blowing performance (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-138951). The heat exchanger having the above-described shape is formed by connecting a heat transfer tube and a fin (e.g., a corrugated fin) and then bending the heat transfer tube and the fin.

CITATION LIST

PATENT LITERATURE

[0003] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-138951

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] In recent years, regulations for energy conservation have been tightened year by year, and there is also a demand for heat exchangers for commercial air conditioners or refrigerators to exchange heat more efficiently and occupy smaller space.

[0005] An aluminum flat tube is considered as an effective means for achieving highly efficient heat exchange.

[0006] When a commercial air conditioner or refrigerator requiring a large heat exchange area is compared for example with an in-vehicle air conditioner or a home air conditioner, the former has a heat transfer tube larger in width in a direction of a flow of gas than the latter. Accordingly, the above described U-shaped heat exchanger used in a commercial air conditioner or refrigerator has each heat transfer tube configured as a round pipe made of copper in view of bending workability and space saving.

[0007] Specifically, when an aluminum flat tube and a fin connected thereto are bent into a U-shape, the flat tube is prone to buckle arid the fin is prone to deformation.

Suppressing such a defect requires a curved portion to have an increased radius of curvature, and in that case, the heat exchanger will occupy a relatively large space of the outdoor unit.

[0008] A main object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit and a refrigeration cycle apparatus which suppress increase in size while achieving highly efficient heat exchange as compared with a conventional outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat transfer tube configured as a round pipe made of copper and bent in a U-shape. SOLUTION TO PROBLEM [0009] An outdoor unit according to the present invention comprises: a first outdoor fan to rotate about a first rotation axis extending in a first direction; a second outdoor fan to rotate about a second rotation axis extending in the first direction, and spaced from the first outdoor fan in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first heat exchange unit disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by the first outdoor fan; and a second heat exchange unit disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by the second outdoor fan, and spaced from the first heat exchange unit in the second direction. The first heat exchange unit includes a plurality of first flat tubes extending in a plane intersecting the first direction, and spaced from one another in the first direction, a first header connected to one end of each of the plurality of first flat tubes, a second header connected to the other end of each of the plurality of first flat tubes, and first and second inflow/outflow pipes connected to the first header. The second heat exchange unit includes a plurality of second flat tubes extending in a plane intersecting the first direction, and spaced from one another in the first direction, a third header connected to one end of each of the plurality of second flat tubes, a fourth header connected to the other end of each of the plurality of second flat tubes, and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes connected to the third header. The plurality of first flat tubes and the plurality of second flat tubes are formed of material including aluminum. The first heat exchange unit has a first curved portion having a center of curvature on a side of the first rotation axis with respect to the plurality of first flat tubes as seen in the first direction, a first extending portion interconnecting the first curved portion and the first header, and a second extending portion interconnecting the first curved portion and the second header. The second heat exchange unit has a second curved portion having a center of curvature on a side of the second rotation axis with respect to the plurality of second flat tubes as seen in the first direction, a third extending portion interconnecting the second curved portion and the third header, and a fourth extending portion interconnecting the second curved portion and the fourth header. The first header and the third header are disposed to face each other in a second direction. As seen in the first direction, the first and second inflow/outflow pipes extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which the first extending portion extends. As seen in the first direction, the third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which the third extending portion extends. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION [0010] The present invention can provide an outdoor unit and a refrigeration cycle apparatus which suppress increase in size while achieving highly efficient heat exchange as compared with a conventional outdoor unit and refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat transfer tube configured as a round pipe made of copper and bent in a U-shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Fig. 1 is a diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of an outdoor unit according to the first embodiment as seen in a first direction.

Fig. 3 is a partial front view of the outdoor unit according to the first embodiment as seen in a third direction. -3 -

Fig. 4 is a graph comparing a first heat exchanger according to the first embodiment with a conventional U-shaped heat exchanger in performance.

Fig. 5 is a partial plan view of an outdoor unit according to a second embodiment as seen in the first direction.

Fig. 6 is a partial plan view of a modified example of the outdoor unit according to the second embodiment as seen in the first direction.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an outdoor unit according to a third embodiment. Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of the outdoor unit according to the third embodiment as seen in the first direction.

Fig. 9 is a partial plan view as seen along an arrow IX indicated in Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a partial plan view of a modified example of the outdoor unit according to the third embodiment as seen in the first direction.

Fig. 11 is a partial plan view of an outdoor unit according to a fourth embodiment as seen in the first direction.

Fig. 12 is a partial plan view of a modified example of the outdoor unit according to the fourth embodiment as seen in the first direction.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the figures, identical or equivalent components are identically denoted and will not be described redundantly. For convenience of description, a first direction Z, a second direction X, and a third direction Y intersecting one another are introduced. [0013] First Embodiment <Configuration of air conditioner> An air conditioner 100 according to a first embodiment is configured as a business air conditioner or refrigerator. As shown in Fig. 1, air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment comprises a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor 1, an oil separator 2, a first heat exchange unit 3A and a second heat exchange unit 3B, an accumulator 4, an expansion valve 5, an indoor heat exchanger 6, and extension pipes 7 and 8.

[0014] The refrigerant is at least one selected from the group consisting for example of a single refrigerant such as R22 and R134a, a pseudo-azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R410A and R404A, and a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R407C. The refrigerant may be a refrigerant which is represented by a chemical formula including a double bond and supposed to have a relatively small global warming potential. The refrigerant may for example be a fluorocarbon-based refrigerant represented by a chemical formula of CFI or CF = CH?, or a natural refrigerant including CO? or propane.

[0015] Air conditioner 100 further comprises a first outdoor fan 9A, a second outdoor fan 9B, and an indoor fan 10. First outdoor fan 9A forms an airflow passing through first heat exchange unit 3A. Second outdoor fan 9B forms an airflow passing through second heat exchange unit 3B. Indoor fan 10 forms an airflow passing through indoor heat exchanger 6.

[0016] Compressor 1, oil separator 2, first heat exchange unit 3A, second heat exchange unit 3B, accumulator 4, first outdoor fan 9A, and second outdoor fan 9B are disposed inside outdoor unit 200. Expansion valve 5, indoor heat exchanger 6, and indoor fan 10 are disposed inside indoor unit 300.

[0017] From a different point of view, air conditioner 100 comprises: an outdoor unit 200 that houses compressor 1, oil separator 2, first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B, accumulator 4, and first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 9B therein; an indoor unit 300 that houses expansion valve 5, indoor heat exchanger 6, and indoor fan 10 therein; and extension pipes 7 and 8 that interconnect outdoor unit 200 and indoor unit 300.

[0018] Indoor unit 300 and extension pipes 7 and 8 are each set as appropriate and not particularly limited in configuration. In outdoor unit 200, compressor 1, oil separator 2, and accumulator 4 are each set as appropriate and not particularly limited in configuration. In outdoor unit 200, first heat exchange unit 3A, second heat exchange unit 3B, first outdoor fan 9A, and second outdoor fan 9B are each configured, as will be -5 -described hereinafter.

[0019] First heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B are connected in the refrigerant circuit for example in parallel to each other. First heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B may be connected in the refrigerant circuit for example in series with each other.

[0020] <Configuration of outdoor unit> Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of outdoor unit 200 of air conditioner 100 shown in Fig. 1, as seen in first direction Z. Fig. 3 is a partial front view of outdoor unit 200 of air conditioner 100 shown in Fig. 1, as seen in third direction Y. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, outdoor unit 200 includes compressor 1, oil separator 2, first heat exchange unit 3A, second heat exchange unit 3B, accumulator 4, first outdoor fan 9A, second outdoor fan 9B, a wall 11, and a plurality of pillars 12 First direction Z is, for example, in an upward/downward direction [0021] Fig. 2 does not show members of outdoor unit 200 other than first heat exchange unit 3A, second heat exchange unit 3B, first outdoor fan 9A, second outdoor fan 9B, and the plurality of pillars 12. Fig. 3 does not show members of outdoor unit 200 other than compressor 1, oil separator 2, first heat exchange unit 3A, second heat exchange unit 3B, accumulator 4, first outdoor fan 9A, and second outdoor fan 9B. [0022] First heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B are configured as, for example, a so-called parallel flow condenser (PFC) heat exchanger. As shown in Fig. 2, as seen in first direction Z, first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B are formed axi -symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line segment extending in third direction Y through a midpoint between a first rotation axis 01 and a second rotation axis 02. Similarly, as seen in first direction Z, first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 9B are formed axi-symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line segment extending in third direction Y through the midpoint between first rotation axis 01 and second rotation axis 02.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, first heat exchange unit 3A includes a plurality of first flat tubes 30A (see Fig. 3) extending in a plane intersecting first direction Z and spaced from one another in first direction Z, a first header 31A connected to one end of each of the plurality of first flat tubes 30A, a second header 32A connected to the other end of each of the plurality of first flat tubes 30A, and first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A connected to first header 31A. In a cross section perpendicular to a direction in which the plurality of first flat tubes 30A extend, the plurality of first flat tubes 30A each have a longitudinal direction along a plane perpendicular to first direction Z. [0024] For example, when first heat exchange unit 3A acts as a condenser, the refrigerant flows into first heat exchange unit 3A from the first inflow/outflow pipe and flows out of first heat exchange unit 3A from the second inflow/outflow pipe. For example, the first inflow/outflow pipe is disposed above the second inflow/outflow pipe in first direction Z. First header 3]A is internally divided into an upper stage portion and a lower stage portion in first direction Z. The upper stage portion is connected to the first inflow/outflow pipe, and the lower stage portion is connected to the second inflow/outflow pipe. Second header 32A is internally not divided in first direction Z. The plurality of first flat tubes 30A include a first group of first flat tubes 30A interconnecting the upper stage portion of first header 31A and second header 32A, and a second group of first flat tubes 30A interconnecting the lower stage portion of first header 31A and second header 32A. When first heat exchange unit 3A acts as a condenser, the refrigerant flows inside first heat exchange unit 3A through first inflow/outflow pipe 33A, the upper stage portion of first header 31A, the first group of first flat tubes 30A, second header 32A, the second group of first flat tubes 30A, the lower stage portion of first header 31A, and second inflow/outflow pipe 33A in this order sequentially.

[0025] First outdoor fan 9A rotates about first rotation axis 01 extending in first direction Z. First heat exchange unit 3A is disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by first outdoor fan 9A. First outdoor fan 9A is formed to blow gas toward first heat exchange unit 3A, for example. As shown in Fig. 2, as seen in first direction Z, first heat exchange unit 3A is disposed on a side radially outer than the first outdoor fan in a radial direction with respect to first rotation axis 01.

[0026] The plurality of first flat tubes 30A are formed of material including aluminum (Al). The plurality of first flat tubes 30A have a maximum width for example of 9 mm or more in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of first flat tubes 30A extend (that is, a direction in which gas flows).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, first heat exchange unit 3A has a first extending portion 34A, a first curved portion 35A, and a second extending portion 36A, as seen in first direction Z. First extending portion 34A has a first end 341 forming the one end of first flat tube 30A and connected to first header 31A, and a second end 342 located opposite to first end 341 in second direction X. First curved portion 35A has a third end 351 connected to second end 342 of first extending portion 34A, and a fourth end 352 opposite to third end 351. Second extending portion 36A has a fifth end 361 connected to fourth end 352 of first curved portion 35A, and a sixth end 362 forming the other end of first flat tube 30A and connected to second header 32A. A boundary between first extending portion 34A and first curved portion 35A and a boundary between first curved portion 35A and second extending portion 36A are defined by an imaginary line connecting points at which first flat tube 30A has its inner and outer circumferential surfaces changed in curvature as seen in first direction Z. [0028] As seen in first direction Z, first curved portion 35A has a center of curvature on the side of first rotation axis 01 with respect to first curved portion 35A. The center of curvature of first curved portion 35A is closer to first rotation axis 01 than an outermost end portion of first outdoor fan 9A is, for example. While first curved portion 35A may have a radius of curvature RA (see Fig. 2) set as desired depending on the width of first flat tube 30A in the longitudinal direction thereof, it has an RA of 120 mm or more and 200 mm or less for example. First curved portion 35A is formed by bending a plurality of linearly extending first flat tubes and a plurality of fins connected thereto. Such first curved portion 35A can be formed in a known bending method. First heat exchange unit 3A has only first curved portion 35A as a curved portion formed by bending. As seen in first direction Z, first curved portion 35A has a length smaller than that of second extending portion 36A. The length of first curved portion 35A as seen in first direction Z is defined as a creepage distance of an outer circumferential surface of first curved portion 35A as seen in first direction Z. [0029] First extending portion 34A interconnects third end 351 of first curved portion 35A and first header 31A linearly in second direction X. Second extending portion 36A interconnects fourth end 352 of first curved portion 35A and second header 32A linearly in third direction Y. From a different point of view, first extending portion 34A has an L-shape as seen in first direction Z. As seen in first direction Z, first extending portion 35A and second extending portion 36A form an angle 0 (see Fig. 2) obtusely. First extending portion 35A and second extending portion 36A may be formed in a curved shape. In that case, first extending portion 35A and second extending portion 36A smaller in curvature than first curved portion 34A suffice. [0030] The refrigerant flowing through first curved portion 35A exchanges heat with gas flowing in the radial direction with respect to first rotation axis 01. The refrigerant flowing through first extending portion 34A exchanges heat with gas flowing in third direction Y intersecting first direction Z and second direction X. The refrigerant flowing through second extending portion 36A exchanges heat with gas flowing in second direction X. [0031] Second heat exchange unit 3B includes a plurality of second flat tubes 30B extending in a plane intersecting first direction Z, and spaced from one another in first direction Z, a third header 31B connected to one end of each of the plurality of second flat tubes 30B, a fourth header 32B connected to the other end of each of the plurality of second flat tubes 30B, and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B connected to third header 3]B. In a cross section perpendicular to a direction in which the plurality of second flat tubes 30B extend, the plurality of second flat tubes 30B each have a longitudinal direction along a plane perpendicular to first direction Z. [0032] For example, when second heat exchange unit 3B acts as a condenser, the refrigerant flows into second heat exchange unit 3B from the third inflow/outflow pipe and flows out of second heat exchange unit 3B from the fourth inflow/outflow pipe. The third inflow/outflow pipe is disposed above the fourth inflow/outflow pipe in first direction Z, for example. Third header 31B is internally divided into an upper stage portion and a lower stage portion in first direction Z. The upper stage portion is connected to the third inflow/outflow pipe, and the lower stage portion is connected to the fourth inflow/outflow pipe. Fourth header 32B is internally not divided in first direction Z. The plurality of second flat tubes 30B have a first group of second flat tubes 30B interconnecting the upper stage portion of third header 31B and fourth header 32B, and a second group of second flat tubes 30B interconnecting the lower stage portion of third header 31B and fourth header 32B. When second heat exchange unit 3B acts as a condenser, the refrigerant flows inside second heat exchange unit 3B through third inflow/outflow pipe 33B, the upper stage portion of third header 31B, the first group of second flat tubes 30B, fourth header 32B, the second group of second flat tubes 30B, the lower stage portion of third header 31B, and fourth inflow/outflow pipe 33B in this order sequentially.

[0033] Second outdoor fan 9B rotates about second rotation axis 02 extending in first direction Z, and is spaced from first outdoor fan 9A in second direction X intersecting the first direction. Second outdoor fan 9B is formed to blow gas toward second heat exchange unit 3B, for example. Second heat exchange unit 3B is disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by second outdoor fan 9B, and is also spaced from first heat exchange unit 3A in second direction X. As seen in first direction Z, second heat exchange unit 3B is disposed on a side radially outer than second outdoor fan 9B in a radial direction with respect to second rotation axis 02.

[0034] The plurality of second flat tubes 30B are formed of material including aluminum (Al). The plurality of second flat tubes 30B have a maximum width for example of 9 mm or more in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of second flat tubes 30B extend (that is, a direction in which gas flows).

[0035] Second heat exchange unit 3B has a third extending portion 34B, a second curved portion 35B, and a fourth extending portion 36B as seen in first direction Z. Third extending portion 34B has a seventh end 343 forming the one end of second flat tube 30B and connected to third header 31B, and an eighth end 344 located opposite to -10 -seventh end 343 in second direction X. Second curved portion 35B has a ninth end 353 connected to eighth end 344 of third extending portion 34B, and a tenth end 354 located opposite to ninth end 353. Fourth extending portion 36B has an eleventh end 363 connected to tenth end 354 of second curved portion 35B, and a twelfth end 364 forming the other end of second flat tube 30B and connected to fourth header 32B.

[0036] Second curved portion 35B has a center of curvature on the side of second rotation axis 02 with respect to second curved portion 35B. The center of curvature of second curved portion 35B is closer to second rotation axis 02 than an outermost end portion of second outdoor fan 9B is, for example. Second curved portion 35B is formed by bending a plurality of linearly extending second flat tubes and a plurality of fins connected thereto. Such second curved portion 35B can be formed in a known bending method. Second heat exchange unit 3B has only second curved portion 35B as a curved portion formed by bending. As seen in first direction Z, second curved portion 35B has a length smaller than that of fourth extending portion 36B. The length of second curved portion 35B as seen in first direction Z is defined as a creepage distance of an outer circumferential surface of second curved portion 35B as seen in first direction Z. [0037] Third extending portion 34B linearly interconnects ninth end 353 of second curved portion 35B and third header 31B in second direction X. Fourth extending portion 36B linearly interconnects tenth end 354 of second curved portion 35B and fourth header 32B in third direction Y. From a different point of view, second heat exchange unit 3B has an L-shape as seen in first direction Z. As seen in first direction Z, third extending portion 35B and fourth extending portion 36B form an angle obtusely. Third extending portion 35B and fourth extending portion 36B may be formed in a curved shape. In that case, third extending portion 35B and fourth extending portion 36B smaller in curvature than second curved portion 34B suffice. [0038] The refrigerant flowing through second curved portion 35B exchanges heat with gas flowing in the radial direction with respect to second rotation axis 02. The refrigerant flowing through third extending portion 34B exchanges heat with gas flowing in third direction Y. The refrigerant flowing through fourth extending portion 36B exchanges heat with gas flowing in second direction X. [0039] First header 3]A and third header 31B are disposed to face each other in second direction X. First extending portion 34A and third extending portion 34B are disposed contiguously in second direction X. Second extending portion 36A and fourth extending portion 36B are disposed to face each other in second direction X across first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 9B.

[0040] First header 31A, first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A, and first end 341 of first extending portion 34A are disposed to be closer in second direction X to second heat exchange unit 3B than that outermost end of first outdoor fan 9A which is located closer to second outdoor fan 9B is. From a different point of view, as shown in Fig. 2, first end 341 of first extending portion 34A is closer to second heat exchange unit 3B than an imaginary line segment VL1 extending in third direction Y through the outermost end portion of first outdoor fan 9A closer to second outdoor fan 9B is.

[0041] Second end 342 of first extending portion 34A and third end 351 of first curved portion 35A are closer in second direction X to second heat exchange unit 3B than an imaginary line segment VL2 extending in third direction Y through that outermost end portion of first outdoor fan 9A which faces away from second outdoor fan 9B is. First curved portion 35A and second extending portion 36A have fourth end 352 and fifth end 361, respectively, opposite in second direction X to second heat exchange unit 3B with imaginary line segment VL2 interposed.

[0042] Third header 31B, third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B, and seventh end 343 of third extending portion 34B are located closer in second direction X to first heat exchange unit 3A than an outermost end of second outdoor fan 9B closer to first outdoor fan 9A is. From a different point of view, seventh end 343 of third extending portion 34B is closer to first heat exchange unit 3A than an imaginary line segment VL3 extending in third direction Y through the outermost end portion of second outdoor fan 9B closer to first outdoor fan 9A is.

[0043] Third extending portion 34B and second curved portion 35B have eighth end -12 - 344 and ninth end 353, respectively, closer in second direction X to first heat exchange unit 3A than an imaginary line segment VL4 extending in third direction Y through an outermost end portion of second outdoor fan 9B facing away from first outdoor fan 9A is. Second curved portion 35B and fourth extending portion 36B have tenth end 354 and eleventh end 363, respectively, opposite in second direction X to first heat exchange unit 3A with imaginary line segment VL4 interposed.

[0044] As seen in first direction Z, first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which first extending portion 34A extends, that is, in third direction Y. First and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A are disposed more inside of outdoor unit 200 than first header 31A is.

[0045] As seen in the first direction, third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which the third extending portion extends, that is, in third direction Y. Third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B are disposed more inside of outdoor unit 200 than third header 31B is.

[0046] In second direction X, a distance L3 between first header 31A and third header 31B (see Fig. 2) is smaller than a distance L6 between first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 9B (see Fig. 2). In second direction X, a distance between first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B is smaller than distance L6 between first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 913. In second direction X, a distance between first end 341 of first extending portion 34A and seventh end 343 of third extending portion 34B is smaller than distance L6 between first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 9B.

[0047] Wall 11 and the plurality of pillars 12 constitute a housing of outdoor unit 200. Wall 11 is an outer shell member that partitions an interior of outdoor unit 200 and an exterior of outdoor unit 200. The plurality of pillars 12 are a frame for providing strength to the housing. As shown in Fig. 2, wall 11 has a rear surface portion 111 facing first extending portion 34A of first heat exchange unit 3A and third extending portion 34B of second heat exchange unit 3B, a front surface portion 112 disposed opposite to rear surface portion 111, a first side surface portion 113 facing second -13 -extending portion 36A of first heat exchange unit 3A, and a second side surface portion 114 facing fourth extending portion 36B of second heat exchange unit 3B. As seen in first direction Z, rear surface portion 111 forms a first wall portion disposed on a side radially outer than first extending portion 34A in the radial direction with respect to first rotation axis 01. First heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B have air intake ports formed at rear surface portion 111, first side surface portion 113, and second side surface portion 114.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 2, the plurality of pillars 12 are disposed, for example, at four corners of outdoor unit 200, as seen in first direction Z. The plurality of pillars 12 include a first pillar portion 121 spaced from first curved portion 35A, a second pillar portion 122 spaced from second curved portion 35B, a third pillar portion 123 spaced from second header 32A, and a fourth pillar portion 124 spaced from fourth header 32B. As seen in first direction Z, first pillar portion 121 is disposed on a side radially outer than first curved portion 35A in the radial direction with respect to first rotation axis 01.

[0049] A spacing Li between first pillar portion 121 and first curved portion 35A (see Fig. 2) increases as the radius of curvature of first curved portion 35A increases. A spacing L2 between second pillar portion 122 and second curved portion 35B (see Fig. 2) increases as the radius of curvature of second curved portion 35B increases.

Spacing Li and spacing L2 are each larger than a spacing L4 between rear surface portion 111 and first extending portion 34A (see Fig. 2) and a spacing L5 between side surface portion 113 and second extending portion 36A (see Fig. 2). Spacing Ll and spacing L2 are each larger than distance L3 between first header 31A and third header 31B.

[0050] Spacing L 1 between first pillar portion 121 and first curved portion 35A (see Fig. 2) is larger than a width of first flat tube 30A in the longitudinal direction thereof in a cross section thereof perpendicular to the direction in which first flat tube 30A extends. Spacing L2 between second pillar portion 122 and second curved portion 35B (see Fig. 2) is larger than a width of second flat tube 30B in the longitudinal -14 -direction thereof in a cross section thereof perpendicular to the direction in which second flat tube 30B extends.

[0051] Outdoor unit 200 may have first curved portion 35A and second curved portion 35B buckled insofar as performance required for air conditioner 100 is not affected.

[0052] <Function and Effect> In outdoor unit 200, first heat exchange unit 3A includes a plurality of first flat tubes 30A and second heat exchange unit 3B includes a plurality of second flat tubes 30B, and they thus exchange heat more efficiently than when each heat exchange unit has a round heat transfer tube [0053] Further, outdoor unit 200 has first flat tube 30A and second flat tube 30B formed of material including aluminum, and thus allows further more efficient heat exchange than when each heat transfer tube is configured as a round copper pipe. [0054] As has been described above, when an aluminum flat tube bent into a U-shape is used to save space in an outdoor unit of a conventional business air conditioner and refrigerator requiring a relatively large heat exchange area, it is necessary to sufficiently reduce a radius of curvature of at least one of two curved portions formed in the aluminum flat tube. In that case, the curved portion is prone to buckle, and when it buckles, it disadvantageously increases pressure loss of refrigerant flowing therethrough A conventional business air conditioner and refrigerator employs in an outdoor unit a round copper pipe bent into a U shape in order to save space while having a large heat exchange area and also minimize increase in pressure loss caused by buckling.

[0055] In contrast, outdoor unit 200 comprises first heat exchange unit 3A including first extending portion 34A, first curved portion 35A, and second extending portion 36A, with first extending portion 34A linearly interconnecting first curved portion 35A and first header 31A, and second extending portion 36A linearly interconnecting first curved portion 35A and second header 32A. First curved portion 35A thus bent of first heat exchange unit 3A can have radius of curvature RA larger than that of each of the two curved portions of the conventional heat exchange unit that are bent into a U- -15 -shape. Specifically, first curved portion 35A may have radius of curvature RA of 120 mm or more and 200 mm or less, as described above. In contrast, the conventional outdoor unit including a heat transfer tube configured as a round copper pipe and bent in a U-shape has the round pipe with a bent portion having a radius of curvature of about 69 mm. Thus, outdoor unit 200 suppresses increase in pressure loss of refrigerant caused by buckling, while first flat tube 30A and second flat tube 30B are formed of material including aluminum.

[0056] Further, when first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B are simply configured as described above, first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B may each have a heat exchange area smaller than that of the conventional heat exchange unit bent into a U-shape. For example, when first header 31A and third header 31B are disposed to face each other in second direction X and first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B extend in second direction X, first header 31A and third header 31B have relatively large spacing L3 therebetween in second direction X, resulting in a reduced heat exchange area.

[0057] In contrast, outdoor unit 200 has first header 31A and third header 31B disposed to face each other in second direction X, and has first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B extending in third direction Y. [0058] Therefore, in outdoor unit 200, distance L3 between first header 31A and third header 31B in second direction Xis smaller than that in a case in which first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B extend in second direction X. As a result, outdoor unit 200 has a heat exchange area larger than that in a case in which first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B extend in second direction X. [0059] Thus when outdoor unit 200 is compared with an outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising a round copper pipe, as conventional, the former suppresses increase in pressure loss of refrigerant caused by buckling while exchanging heat more efficiently, and also maximizes heat exchange area in the above-described -16 -configuration that can suppress increase in pressure loss of refrigerant caused by buckling.

[0060] Fig. 4 is a graph comparing heat exchange performance of first heat exchange unit 3A according to the first embodiment with that of a U-shaped heat exchanger B formed by bending conventional round copper pipes and fins. The heat exchange performances shown in Fig. 4 are actually measured when each heat exchanger is operated as a condenser under the same conditions. Specifically, the vertical axis in Fig. 4 represents a parameter GaCpa a (unit: kW/K) indicating condensation performance as actually measured from each heat exchanger with conditions, such as temperature, a fan's rotation speed, and an amount of refrigerant circulated, etc., set equivalently. First heat exchange unit 3A and heat exchanger B that are compared have their respective heat transfer tubes equivalent in length in a direction in which they extend. As shown in Fig. 4, first heat exchange unit 3A presents higher heat exchange performance than conventional U-shaped heat exchanger B. [0061] Further, the conventional outdoor unit having each outdoor heat exchanger formed in a U-shape has a plurality of spaces that are defined by a bent portion of each heat exchange unit formed more inside than each heat exchanger. Therefore, the conventional outdoor unit has a problem, that is, depending on the size of each space, the space cannot be efficiently used as a space for accommodating components in the outdoor unit.

[0062] In outdoor unit 200, in contrast, a space extending in second direction X between first curved portion 35A and second curved portion 35B is formed to be inner than first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B. In second direction X, the space of outdoor unit 200 is larger than each of the plurality of spaces in the conventional outdoor unit, and can efficiently be used as a space for accommodating components in outdoor unit 200. For example, when how each component of outdoor unit 200 is arranged is set in view of improving outdoor unit 200 to be better than the conventional outdoor unit in terms of assemblability and maintenance, the space is efficiently used as a space for accommodating the -17 -components of outdoor unit 200 to contribute to improving outdoor unit 200 in terms of assemblability and maintenance.

[0063] In outdoor unit 200, as seen in first direction Z, first extending portion 34A and second extending portion 36A form an angle obtusely and third extending portion 34B and fourth extending portion 36B form an angle obtusely. Accordingly, in outdoor unit 200, as compared with a case in which the angles are right angles, buckling of the plurality of first flat tubes 30A and the plurality of second flat tubes 30B is suppressed, and increase in pressure loss of refrigerant accompanying buckling is suppressed. Further, in outdoor unit 200, as compared with a case in which the angles are right angles, distance Li between first pillar portion 121 and first curved portion 35A and spacing L2 between pillar portion U3 and second curved portion 35B (see Fig. 2) are larger, which allows gas to pass across first curved portion 35A and second curved portion 35B at a large flow rate and first curved portion 35A and second curved portion 35B to exchange heat highly efficiently.

[0064] In outdoor unit 200, as seen in first direction Z, first curved portion 35A is smaller in length than second extending portion 36A, and second curved portion 35B is smaller in length than fourth extending portion 36B.

[0065] Second Embodiment Fig. 5 is a partial plan view of outdoor unit 200 according to a second embodiment as seen in first direction Z. As shown in Fig. 5, outdoor unit 201 according to the second embodiment is basically similar in configuration to outdoor unit 200 according to the first embodiment, except that the former further includes a third outdoor fan 9C. Third outdoor fan 9C is formed to blow gas toward first heat exchange unit 3A.

[0066] Fig. 5 does not show members composing outdoor unit 201 other than first heat exchange unit 3A, second heat exchange unit 3B, third heat exchange unit 3C, first outdoor fan 9A, second outdoor fan 9B, and third outdoor fan 9C.

[0067] Outdoor unit 201 has first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B basically similar in configuration to those of outdoor unit 200, except that former -18 -has first heat exchange unit 3A disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C.

[0068] First heat exchange unit 3A has first extending portion 34A spaced from first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C in third direction Y. A length of first extending portion 34A of outdoor unit 201 in second direction X is larger than that of first extending portion 34A of outdoor unit 200 in the same direction.

[0069] In second direction X, a distance L3 between first header 31A and third header 31B (see Fig. 5) is smaller than a distance L7 between third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B (see Fig. 5). In second direction X, a distance between first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B is smaller than distance L7 between third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B. In second direction X, a distance between a thirteenth end 345 of first extending portion 34A and seventh end 343 of third extending portion 34B is smaller than distance L7 between third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B.

[0070] In second direction X, a distance L8 between first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C (see Fig. 5) is equal to distance L7, for example.

[0071] In outdoor unit 201 shown in Fig. 5, third outdoor fan 9C has a third rotation axis 03 so as to overlap a midpoint between first rotation axis 01 and second rotation axis 02 as seen in first direction Z. That is, first outdoor fan 9A, third outdoor fan 9C, and second outdoor fan 9B are formed axi-symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line segment VL5 extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03. [0072] Further, outdoor unit 201 has first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B formed asymmetrically with respect to an imaginary line segment extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03.

[0073] First header 3]A, first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A, and first end 341 of first extending portion 34A are disposed to be closer in second direction X to second heat exchange unit 3B than that outermost end of third outdoor fan 9C which is located closer to second outdoor fan 9B is. From a different point of view, as shown in Fig. 5, first end 341 of first extending portion 34A is closer to second heat exchange unit 3B -19 -than an Imaginary line segment VL6 extending in third direction Y through the outermost end portion of third outdoor fan 9C closer to second outdoor fan 9B is. [0074] Outdoor unit 201 is basically similar in configuration to outdoor unit 200 while having a larger heat exchange area than outdoor unit 200 and thus has an effect similar to that of outdoor unit 200.

[0075] <Modified example> As shown in Fig. 6, outdoor unit 201 may have first outdoor fan 9A, third outdoor fan 9C, and second outdoor fan 9B in an asymmetrical configuration with respect to imaginary line segment VL5 extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03. In other words, distance L7 between second outdoor fan 9B and third outdoor fan 9C may be larger than distance L8 between first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C, for example.

[0076] Third Embodiment Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an outdoor unit 202 according to a third embodiment. Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of outdoor unit 202 according to the third embodiment as seen in first direction Z. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, outdoor unit 202 according to the third embodiment is basically similar in configuration to outdoor unit 200 according to the first embodiment, except that the former further comprises a third heat exchange unit 3C and third outdoor fan 9C. In other words, outdoor unit 202 is different from outdoor unit 201 according to the second embodiment in that outdoor unit 202 further comprises third heat exchange unit 3C.

[0077] Fig. 8 does not show members configuring outdoor unit 202 other than first heat exchange unit 3A, second heat exchange unit 3B, third heat exchange unit 3C, first outdoor fan 9A, second outdoor fan 9B, and third outdoor fan 9C.

[0078] Outdoor unit 202 has first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B basically similar in configuration to those of outdoor unit 200, except that first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B are disposed to sandwich third heat exchange unit 3C in second direction X. Similarly, outdoor unit 202 has first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 9B basically similar in configuration to those of -20 -outdoor unit 200, except that first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 9B are disposed to sandwich third outdoor fan 9C in second direction X. [0079] Third heat exchange unit 3C is configured as a so-called parallel flow condenser (PFC) heat exchanger, for example. Third outdoor fan 9C rotates about third rotation axis 03 extending in first direction Z, and is spaced from first outdoor fan 9A and second outdoor fan 9B in second direction X. [0080] Third heat exchange unit 3C is disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by third outdoor fan 9C. As shown in Fig. 8, as seen in first direction Z, third heat exchange unit 3C is disposed on a side radially outer than third outdoor fan 9C in a radial direction with respect to third rotation axis 03.

[0081] Third heat exchange unit 3C includes a plurality of third flat tubes extending in a plane intersecting first direction Z, and spaced from one another in first direction Z, a fifth header 31C connected to one end of each of the plurality of third flat tubes, a sixth header 32C connected to the other end of each of the plurality of third flat tubes, and fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes 33C connected to fifth header 31C.

[0082] For example, when third heat exchange unit 3C acts as a condenser, the refrigerant flows into third heat exchange unit 3C from the fifth inflow/outflow pipe and flows out of third heat exchange unit 3C from the sixth inflow/outflow pipe. The fifth inflow/outflow pipe is disposed above the sixth inflow/outflow pipe in first direction Z, for example. Fifth header 31C is internally divided into an upper stage portion and a lower stage portion in first direction Z. The upper stage portion is connected to the fifth inflow/outflow pipe, and the lower stage portion is connected to the sixth inflow/outflow pipe. Sixth header 32C is internally not divided in first direction Z. The plurality of third flat tubes include a first group of third flat tubes interconnecting the upper stage portion of fifth header 31C and sixth header 32C, and a second group of third flat tubes interconnecting the lower stage portion of fifth header 31C and sixth header 32C. When third heat exchange unit 3C acts as a condenser, the refrigerant flows inside third heat exchange unit 3C through fifth inflow/outflow pipe 33C, the upper stage portion of fifth header 31C, the first group of third flat tubes, sixth -21 -header 32C, the second group of third flat tubes, the lower stage portion of sixth header 32C, and sixth inflow/outflow pipe 33C in this order sequentially.

[0083] The plurality of third flat tubes are formed of material including aluminum (Al). The plurality of third flat tubes have a maximum width for example of 9 mm or more in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of third flat tubes extend (that is, a direction in which gas flows).

[0084] As shown in Fig. 8, third heat exchange unit 3C has the third flat tube formed linearly in second direction X. Fifth header 31C and sixth header 32C are linearly connected in second direction X. Third heat exchange unit 3C has a fifth extending portion 34C as seen in first direction Z. Fifth extending portion 34C has a thirteenth end 345 which forms the one end of the third flat tube and is connected to fifth header 31C, and a fourteenth end 346 opposite to thirteenth end 345 in second direction X. Fourteenth end 346 forms the other end of the third flat tube and is connected to sixth header 32C. Fifth extending portion 35C may be formed in a curved shape. In that case, fifth extending portion 35C smaller in curvature than first curved portion 34A suffices.

[0085] First extending portion 34A, fifth extending portion 34C, and third extending portion 34B are disposed to be contiguous in second direction X. Second extending portion 36A and fourth extending portion 36B are disposed to face each other in second direction X across first outdoor fan 9A, third outdoor fan 9C, and second outdoor fan 9B.

[0086] Fifth header 3]C and third header 31B are disposed to face each other in second direction X. Sixth header 32C and first header 3]A are disposed to face each other in second direction X. [0087] As seen in first direction Z, fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes 33C extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which fifth extending portion 34C extends, that is, in third direction Y. Fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes 33C are disposed more inside of outdoor unit 202 than fifth header 31C is.

[0088] In second direction X, a distance L9 between fifth header 31C and third header -22 - 31B (see Fig. 8) is smaller than distance L7 between third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B (see Fig. 8). In second direction X, a distance between fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes 33C and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes 33B is smaller than distance L7 between third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B. In second direction X, a distance between thirteenth end 345 of fifth extending portion 34C and seventh end 343 of third extending portion 34B is smaller than distance L7 between third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B.

[0089] In second direction X, a distance LIO between sixth header 32C and first header 31A (see Fig. 8) is smaller than distance L8 between first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C (see Fig. 8). Distance L9 is equal to distance LID, for example.

Distance L7 is equal to distance L8, for example.

[0090] In outdoor unit 202 shown in Fig. 8, third outdoor fan 9C has third rotation axis 03 so as to overlap the midpoint between first rotation axis 01 and second rotation axis 02, as seen in first direction Z. That is, first outdoor fan 9A, third outdoor fan 9C, and second outdoor fan 9B are formed axi-symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line segment extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03.

[0091] Further, outdoor unit 202 has first heat exchange unit 3A, third heat exchange unit 3C and second heat exchange unit 3B, except for fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes 33C, formed axi-symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line segment extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03 [0092] Outdoor unit 202 is basically similar in configuration to outdoor unit 200 and can thus have an effect equivalent to that of outdoor unit 200.

[0093] Fig. 9 is a partial plan view as seen along an arrow IX indicated in Fig. 7, and shows an arrangement of each heat exchange unit, compressor 1 and the like below the plan view shown in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 9, in outdoor unit 202, a space SP I extending in second direction Xis formed between first curved portion 35A and second curved portion 35B.

[0094] In second direction X, space SP I of outdoor unit 202 is larger than the space of outdoor unit 200. Therefore, space SP I of outdoor unit 202 is equivalent to or better -23 -than the space of outdoor unit 200 in contributing to improving outdoor unit 202 in assemblability and maintenance.

[0095] <Modified example> As shown in Fig. 10, outdoor unit 202 may have first outdoor fan 9A, third outdoor fan 9C, and second outdoor fan 9B in an asymmetrical configuration with respect to imaginary line segment VL5 extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03. In other words, distance L7 between second outdoor fan 9B and third outdoor fan 9C may be larger than distance L8 between first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C, for example.

[0096] Fourth Embodiment Fig, II is a partial plan view of an outdoor unit 203 according to a fourth embodiment, as seen in first direction Z. As shown in Fig. 11, outdoor unit 203 according to the fourth embodiment is basically similar in configuration to outdoor unit 202 according to the third embodiment, except that third heat exchange unit 3C has a third curved portion 35C [0097] As shown in Fig. 11, third heat exchange unit 3C has fifth extending portion 34C and third curved portion 35C, as seen in first direction Z. Fifth extending portion 34C has thirteenth end 345 which forms the one end of the third flat tube and is connected to fifth header 31C, and fourteenth end 346 opposite to thirteenth end 345 in second direction X. Third curved portion 35C has a fifteenth end 355 connected to fourteenth end 346 of fifth extending portion 34C, and a sixteenth end 356 located opposite to fifteenth end 355. Sixteenth end 356 of third curved portion 35C forms the other end of the third flat tube and is connected to sixth header 32C. Fifth extending portion 34C interconnects fifteenth end 355 of third curved portion 35C and fifth header 31C linearly in second direction X. Fifth extending portion 35C may be formed in a curved shape. In that case, fifth extending portion 35C smaller in curvature than third curved portion 34C suffices.

[0098] As seen in first direction Z, third curved portion 35C has a center of curvature on the side of third rotation axis 03 with respect to third curved portion 35C. The -24 -center of curvature of third curved portion 35C is closer to second rotation axis 02 than an outermost end portion of third outdoor fan 9C is, for example. While third curved portion 35C may have a radius of curvature RC (see Fig. 11) set as desired depending on the width of the third flat tube in the longitudinal direction thereof, it has an RC of 120 mm or more and 200 mm or less for example. Third curved portion 35C is formed by bending a plurality of linearly extending third flat tubes and a plurality of fins connected thereto. Such third curved portion 35C can be formed in a known bending method.

[0099] The refrigerant flowing through third curved portion 35C exchanges heat with gas flowing in the radial direction with respect to third rotation axis 03. The refrigerant flowing through fifth extending portion 34C exchanges heat with gas flowing in third direction Y. [0100] First extending portion 34A and fifth extending portion 34C are disposed contiguously in second direction X. First curved portion 35A and third curved portion 35C are disposed to face each other in second direction X across first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C. Third curved portion 35C and second curved portion 35B are disposed to face each other in second direction X across second outdoor fan 9B. [0101] Fifth header 31C is disposed closer to first heat exchange unit 3A in second direction X. Sixth header 32C is disposed closer to second heat exchange unit 3B in second direction X. First header 31A and fifth header 31C are disposed to face each other in second direction X. [0102] As seen in first direction Z, fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes 33C extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which fifth extending portion 34C extends, that is, in third direction Y. Fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes 33C are disposed more inside of outdoor unit 202 than fifth header 31C is.

[0103] In second direction X, a distance L11 between first header 31A and fifth header 31C (see Fig. 11) is smaller than distance L8 between first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C (see Fig. 11). In second direction X, a distance between first and second inflow/outflow pipes 33A and fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes 33C is -25 -smaller than distance L8 between first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C. In second direction X, a distance between first end 341 of first extending portion 34A and thirteenth end 345 of fifth extending portion 34C is smaller than distance L8 between first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C.

[0104] In second direction X, a distance L12 between sixth header 32C and third header 31B (see Fig. 11) is smaller than distance L7 between third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B (see Fig. 11). Distance L12 is equal to distance L11, for example. Distance L7 is equal to distance L8, for example.

[0105] In outdoor unit 203 shown in Fig. 11, third outdoor fan 9C has third rotation axis 03 so as to overlap the midpoint between first rotation axis 01 and second rotation axis 02, as seen in first direction Z. That is, first outdoor fan 9A, third outdoor fan 9C, and second outdoor fan 9B are formed axi-symmetrically with respect to imaginary line segment VL5 extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03.

[0106] Further, outdoor unit 203 shown in Fig. 11 has first heat exchange unit 3A, third heat exchange unit 3C and second heat exchange unit 3B formed axi-asymmetrically with respect to imaginary line segment VL5 extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03. In outdoor unit 203 shown in Fig. 11, first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B are formed axi-symmetrically with respect to imaginary line segment VL5, whereas third heat exchange unit 3C is formed axi-asymmetrically with respect to imaginary line segment VL5. Third heat exchange unit 3C has the third flat tube formed axi-asymmetrically with respect to imaginary line segment VL5.

[0107] Such outdoor unit 203 as described above is also basically similar in configuration to outdoor unit 200 and can thus have an effect equivalent to that of outdoor unit 200.

[0108] <Modified example> In outdoor unit 203, as well as first heat exchange unit 3A and second heat exchange unit 3B, third heat exchange unit 3C may further include a sixth extending portion (not shown) interconnecting third curved portion 35C and sixth header 32C. It -26 -should be noted, however, that such a sixth extending portion exchanges heat less efficiently than first heat exchange unit 3A, second heat exchange unit 3B, and the remaining portion of third heat exchange unit 3C. Therefore, outdoor unit 203 shown in Fig. 11 that does not include the sixth extending portion is advantageous in that when it is compared with outdoor unit 203 including the sixth extending portion the former exchanges heat highly efficiently while suppressing increase in production cost. [0109] Further, outdoor unit 203 may have third heat exchange unit 3C inverted in configuration in second direction X. Fifth header 31C may be disposed closer to second heat exchange unit 3B in second direction X, and sixth header 32C may be disposed closer to first heat exchange unit 3A in second direction X. [0110] As shown in Fig. 12, outdoor unit 203 may have first outdoor fan 9A, third outdoor fan 9C, and second outdoor fan 9B in an asymmetrical configuration with respect to imaginary line segment VL5 extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03. In other words, distance L7 between second outdoor fan 9B and third outdoor fan 9C may be larger than distance L8 between first outdoor fan 9A and third outdoor fan 9C, for example. In second direction X, distance L12 between sixth header 32C and third header 31B (see Fig. 12) is smaller than distance L7 between third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B (see Fig. 12). Distance L12 is equal to distance L11, for example. A length in second direction X of at least one of second heat exchange unit 3B and third heat exchange unit 3C in outdoor unit 203 shown in Fig. 12 is larger than a length in second direction X of second heat exchange unit 3B and third heat exchange unit 3C in outdoor unit 203 shown in Fig. 11. Outdoor unit 203 shown in Fig. 12 has first outdoor fan 9A, third outdoor fan 9C and second outdoor fan 9B configured asymmetrically with respect to imaginary line segment VL5 extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03, and has first heat exchange unit 3A, third heat exchange unit 3C and second heat exchange unit 3B formed asymmetrically with respect to imaginary line segment VL5 extending in third direction Y through third rotation axis 03.

[0111] Further, while outdoor units 200, 201, 202, 203 according to the first to fourth -27 -embodiments have each outdoor fan rotated in the same direction, this is not exclusive. Each outdoor fan may be rotated in a direction and another outdoor fan may be rotated in an opposite direction. For example, in the partial plan view shown in Fig. 2, first outdoor fan 9A disposed on the left side in the plane of the sheet may rotate counterclockwise about first rotation axis 01, and second outdoor fan 9B disposed on the right side in the plane of the sheet may rotate clockwise about second rotation axis 02. For example, in the partial plan views shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 10 to 12, first outdoor fan 9A disposed on the left side in the plane of the sheet and second outdoor fan 9B disposed on the right side in the plane of the sheet may each rotate counterclockwise about first rotation axis 01, and third outdoor fan 9C disposed at the center in the plane of the sheet may rotate clockwise about second rotation axis 02. From a different point of view, in outdoor unit 200, the direction of the airflow formed by first outdoor fan 9A may be opposite to the direction of the airflow formed by second outdoor fan 9B. Furthermore, in outdoor units 201, 202, and 203, the direction of the airflow formed by first outdoor fan 9A may be opposite to the direction of the airflow formed by third outdoor fan 9C. This may optimize or maximize a heat exchange area of each heat exchange unit of outdoor units 200, 201, 202, 203, and hence allow outdoor units 200, 201, 202, 203 to exchange heat further efficiently. [0112] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments may be modified in various ways. Further, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the claims. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST [0113] 1 compressor, 2 oil separator, 3A first heat exchange unit, 3B second heat exchange unit, 3C third heat exchange unit, 4 accumulator, 5 expansion valve, 6 indoor heat exchanger, 7, 8 extension pipe, 9A first outdoor fan, 9B second outdoor fan, 9C third outdoor fan, 10 indoor fan, 11 wall, 12, 121, 122, 123, 124 pillar, 30A first flat tube, 30B second flat tube, 30C third flat tube, 31A first header, 31B third header, 31C -28 -fifth header, 32A second header, 32B fourth header, 32C sixth header, 33A first and second inflow/outflow pipes, 33B third and fourth inflow/outflow pipe, 33C fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes, 34A first extending portion, 34B third extending portion, 34C fifth extending portion, 35A first curved portion, 35B second curved portion, 35C third curved portion, 36A second extending portion, 36B fourth extending portion, 100 air conditioner, 111 rear surface portion, 112 front surface portion, 113 first side surface portion, 114 second side surface portion, 200, 201, 202, 203 outdoor unit, 300 indoor unit.

-29 -

Claims

CLAIMSI. an outdoor unit comprising: a first outdoor fan to rotate about a first rotation axis extending in a first direction; a second outdoor fan to rotate about a second rotation axis extending in the first direction, and spaced from the first outdoor fan in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first heat exchange unit disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by the first outdoor fan; and a second heat exchange unit disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by the second outdoor fan, and spaced from the first heat exchange unit in the second direction, the first heat exchange unit including a plurality of first flat tubes extending in a plane intersecting the first direction, and spaced from one another in the first direction, a first header connected to one end of each of the plurality of first flat tubes, a second header connected to the other end of each of the plurality of first flat tubes, and first and second inflow/outflow pipes connected to the first header, the second heat exchange unit including a plurality of second flat tubes extending in a plane intersecting the first direction, and spaced from one another in the first direction, a third header connected to one end of each of the plurality of second flat tubes, a fourth header connected to the other end of each of the plurality of second flat tubes, and third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes connected to the third header, the plurality of first flat tubes and the plurality of second flat tubes being formed of material including aluminum, the first heat exchange unit having a first curved portion having a center of curvature on a side of the first rotation axis with respect to the plurality of first flat tubes as seen in the first direction, a first extending portion interconnecting the first curved portion and the first header, and a second extending portion interconnecting the -30 -first curved portion and the second header, the second heat exchange unit having a second curved portion having a center of curvature on a side of the second rotation axis with respect to the plurality of second flat tubes as seen in the first direction, a third extending portion interconnecting the second curved portion and the third header, and a fourth extending portion interconnecting the second curved portion and the fourth header, the first header and the third header being disposed to face each other in the second direction, as seen in the first direction, the first and second inflow/outflow pipes extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the first extending portion extends, as seen in the first direction, the third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes extending in a direction intersecting a direction in which the third extending portion extends.
2. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the first and second inflow/outflow pipes are disposed more inside of the outdoor unit than the first header is, as seen in the first direction, and the third and fourth inflow/outflow pipes are disposed more inside of the outdoor unit than the third header is, as seen in the first direction.
3. The outdoor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first extending portion and the second extending portion form an obtuse angle as seen in the first direction, and the third extending portion and the fourth extending portion form an obtuse angle as seen in the first direction
4. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein as seen in the first direction, the first curved portion has a length less than that of the second extending portion, and as seen in the first direction, the second curved portion has a length less than -31 -that of the fourth extending portion.
5. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first outdoor fan rotates in a direction opposite to that in which the second outdoor fan rotates.
6 The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a third outdoor fan disposed between the first outdoor fan and the second outdoor fan in the second direction to rotate about a third rotation axis extending in the first direction, wherein the first heat exchange unit is disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by the first outdoor fan and the third outdoor fan, and as seen in the first direction, the first extending portion is spaced from the first rotation axis and the third rotation axis in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction
7. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a third outdoor fan to rotate about a third rotation axis extending in the first direction, and disposed between the first outdoor fan and the second outdoor fan in the second direction; and a third heat exchange unit disposed on a path of a gas flow formed by the third outdoor fan, and also disposed between the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit in the second direction, wherein as seen in the first direction, the third heat exchange unit is disposed on a side radially outer than the third outdoor fan in a radial direction with respect to the third rotation axis, the third heat exchange unit includes a plurality of third flat tubes extending in a plane intersecting the first direction, and spaced from one another in the first direction, a fifth header connected to one end of each of the plurality of third flat tubes, a sixth -32 -header connected to the other end of each of the plurality of third flat tubes, and fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes connected to the fifth header, and as seen in the first direction, the fifth and sixth inflow/outflow pipes extend in a direction intersecting a direction in which the plurality of third flat tubes extend.
8. The outdoor unit according to claim 7, wherein, as seen in the first direction, the plurality of third flat tubes are formed axi-symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line segment passing through the third rotation axis and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.
9. The outdoor unit according to claim 7, wherein, as seen in the first direction, the plurality of third flat tubes are formed axi-asymmetrically with respect to an imaginary line segment passing through the third rotation axis and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.
10. The outdoor unit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of third flat tubes are formed in a straight line as seen in the first direction.
11. The outdoor unit according to claim 9, wherein, as seen in the first direction, the third heat exchange unit has a third curved portion having a center of curvature on a side of the third rotation axis with respect to the plurality of third flat tubes, and a fifth extending portion interconnecting the third curved portion and the fifth header.
12. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims Ito 11, further comprising: a first pillar portion disposed, as seen in the first direction, on a side radially outer than the first curved portion of the first heat exchange unit in a radial direction with respect to the first rotation axis; and -33 -a first wall portion disposed, as seen in the first direction, on a side radially outer than the first extending portion of the first heat exchange unit in the radial direction with respect to the first rotation axis, wherein a distance between the first curved portion and the first pillar portion is larger than a distance between the first extending portion and the first wall portion.
13. A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising: the outdoor unit according to any one of claims I to 12; and an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger.-34 -