JP2024047966A - Air conditioning unit - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To suppress corrosion of a flow divider (100a, 150a) in a component unit of an air conditioner. [Solution] A refrigerant pipe (120) is connected to the flow divider (100a). The material of the flow divider (100a) is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The material of the refrigerant pipe (120) is copper or a copper alloy. The flow divider (100a) is formed with a first connection port (111) that opens downward. The refrigerant pipe (120) is formed with a second connection port (121) that opens upward. The first connection port (111) that opens downward of the flow divider (100a) is connected to the second connection port (121) that opens upward of the refrigerant pipe (120). [Selected Figure] Fig. 7

Description

This disclosure relates to components that make up an air conditioning system.

In the component units that make up an air conditioning system, the piping through which the refrigerant flows may contain a mixture of parts made of aluminum or aluminum alloy (aluminum pipe parts) and parts made of copper or copper alloy (copper pipe parts). Aluminum has a higher ionization tendency than copper. Therefore, if condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the copper pipe parts adheres to the aluminum pipe parts, there is a risk that the aluminum pipe parts will corrode.

Patent Document 1 (see FIG. 2 in particular) discloses that, in order to address the above-mentioned problems, a U-shaped or inverted U-shaped tube is provided between the aluminum heat transfer tube in the heat exchanger and the copper piping. In this structure, condensed water generated on the surface of the copper piping is blocked by the U-shaped or inverted U-shaped tube and cannot reach the aluminum heat transfer tube.

Patent Publication No. 5853203

Typically, a heat exchanger is provided with multiple heat transfer tubes. A flow divider is connected to the heat exchanger to distribute the refrigerant to the multiple heat transfer tubes. The flow divider may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the refrigerant tubes connected to the flow divider may be made of copper or a copper alloy. In this case, a structure for suppressing corrosion of the flow divider made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy has not been considered until now.

The objective of this disclosure is to suppress corrosion of current shunts made of aluminum or aluminum alloys.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is a structural unit (20, 30) constituting an air-conditioning apparatus (10), comprising a heat exchanger (65) having a plurality of heat transfer tubes (66), a refrigerant tube (120, 170), and a flow divider (100a, 150a) that connects the heat exchanger (65) and the refrigerant tube (120, 170) and distributes the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant tube (120, 170) to the plurality of heat transfer tubes (66), the heat transfer tube (66) and the flow divider (100a, 150a) being made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the refrigerant tube (120, 170) being made of copper or a copper alloy, and the flow divider (100a, 150a) being made of , a first connection port (111, 161) that opens downward when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed is formed, and one end of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a second connection port (121, 171) that opens upward when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed, and the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is directly connected to the first connection port (111, 161) of the flow divider (100a, 150a) or is connected via a metal pipe (106, 156) made of a material different from that of the flow divider (100a, 150a) and the refrigerant pipe (120, 170).

In the first aspect of the present disclosure, the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) that opens upward is connected to the first connection port (111, 161) that opens downward of the flow divider (100a, 150a). The portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) near the second connection port (121, 171) is located lower than the portion of the flow divider (100a, 150a) near the first connection port (111, 161). Therefore, condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) flows downward by gravity and does not adhere to the flow divider (100a, 150a) made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The flow dividers (100a, 150a) and the heat transfer tubes (66) to which the flow dividers (100a, 150a) are connected are each made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Although condensed water generated on the surface of the heat transfer tube (66) may adhere to the flow dividers (100a, 150a), this condensed water does not contain copper ions.

In this way, condensed water containing copper ions does not adhere to the flow divider (100a, 150a) made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Therefore, according to the first aspect, corrosion of the flow divider (100a, 150a) caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions can be suppressed.

In the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the flow divider (100a, 150a) has a flow divider body (101, 151) that is connected to the heat exchanger (65) and distributes the inflowing refrigerant to the heat transfer tubes (66), and a collecting pipe (110, 160) that is connected at one end to the flow divider body (101, 151) and that forms the first connection port (111, 161) at the other end.

In the second embodiment, the flow splitter (100a, 150a) has a flow splitter body (101, 151) and a collecting pipe (110, 160). The portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) near the second connection port (121, 171) is located lower than the portion of the collecting pipe (110, 160) near the first connection port (111, 161). Therefore, condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) does not adhere to the collecting pipe (110, 160) made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The third aspect of the present disclosure is the second aspect, in which the collecting pipe (110, 160) is located below the flow divider body (101, 151) when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed.

In the third embodiment of the flow splitter (100a, 150a), the collector pipe (110, 160) is located below the flow splitter body (101, 151).

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the second aspect, in which a part or all of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is a first vertical pipe section (112, 162) extending in the vertical direction, and the lower end of the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) is the first connection port (111, 161).

In the fourth aspect, the lower end of the first vertical pipe portion (112, 162) is the first connection port (111, 161). The portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) near the second connection port (121, 171) is located below the first vertical pipe portion (112, 162). Therefore, condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) does not adhere to the first vertical pipe portion (112, 162) of the collecting pipe (110, 160) made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the fourth aspect, in which the entire collecting pipe (110, 160) is the first vertical pipe section (112, 162).

In the fifth aspect, the entire collecting pipe (110, 160) has a shape that extends in the vertical direction. The lower end of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is the first connection port (111, 161). In this aspect, the entire collecting pipe (110, 160) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy is disposed above the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) made of copper or copper alloy. This makes it possible to suppress corrosion of the collecting pipe (110, 160) of the flow divider (100a, 150a) caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the fourth or fifth aspect, in which the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) is a straight pipe.

In the sixth aspect, the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) is a straight pipe. This reduces the portion of the internal space of the structural unit (20, 30) that is occupied by the first vertical pipe section (112, 162). Therefore, this aspect makes it possible to reduce the size of the structural unit (20, 30) while suppressing corrosion of the flow divider (100a, 150a) caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

The seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the sixth aspect, in which the extension direction of the first vertical pipe portion (112, 162) is vertical when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed.

In the seventh aspect, when the constituent unit (20, 30) is installed, the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) extends vertically. This makes it possible to further reduce the portion of the internal space of the constituent unit (20, 30) that is occupied by the first vertical pipe section (112, 162). Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the size of the constituent unit (20, 30) while suppressing corrosion of the flow divider (100a, 150a) caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which a part of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a second vertical pipe section (122, 172) extending in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) is the second connection port (121, 171).

In the eighth aspect, the second vertical pipe portion (122, 172) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is located lower than the portion of the flow divider (100a, 150a) near the first connection port (111, 161). Therefore, condensed water generated on the surface of the second vertical pipe portion (122, 172) made of copper or copper alloy does not adhere to the flow divider (100a, 150a) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

The ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the eighth aspect, in which the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) is a straight pipe.

In the ninth aspect, the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) which is part of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a straight pipe. This makes it possible to reduce the portion of the internal space of the structural unit (20, 30) that is occupied by the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170). Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the size of the structural unit (20, 30) while suppressing corrosion of the flow divider (100a, 150a) caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

The tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the ninth aspect, in which, when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed, the extension direction of the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) is vertical.

In the tenth aspect, when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed, the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) extends in the vertical direction. The condensed water containing copper ions adhering to the surface of the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) flows downward along the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) extending in the vertical direction and does not reach the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) located above the second vertical pipe section (122, 172).

The eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is the seventh aspect, in which a part of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a second vertical pipe section (122, 172) that is a straight pipe extending in the vertical direction, the upper end of the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) is the second connection port (121, 171), and the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) and the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) are arranged in a straight line.

In the eleventh aspect, the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) of the collecting pipe (110, 160) and the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) are arranged in a straight line. This makes it possible to reduce the portion of the internal space of the structural unit (20, 30) that is occupied by the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) and the second vertical pipe section (122, 172). Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the size of the structural unit (20, 30) while suppressing corrosion of the flow divider (100a, 150a) caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects, in which the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is formed with a U-shaped pipe section (123) that is a U-shaped portion that is continuous with the lower end of the second vertical pipe section (122, 172).

In the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) of the twelfth embodiment, the U-shaped pipe section (123) is continuous with the lower end of the second vertical pipe section (122, 172).

A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the fourth aspect, in which the collecting pipe (110, 160) is a pipe having a vertically meandering shape, and a part of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is the first vertical pipe section (112, 162).

In the thirteenth aspect, a part of the vertically snaking collecting pipe (110, 160) becomes the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) including the first connection port (111, 161).

A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, in which the refrigerant pipe (120) is a pipe through which a refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state or a single-phase liquid state flows during operation of the component units (20, 30).

In the refrigerant pipe (120) of the fourteenth embodiment, a refrigerant in a two-phase gas-liquid state or a single-phase liquid state flows during operation of the component units (20, 30).

A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, in which the refrigerant pipe (170) is a pipe through which a refrigerant in a single-phase gas state flows during operation of the component units (20, 30).

In the refrigerant pipe (170) of the fifteenth embodiment, a refrigerant in a single-phase gas state flows during operation of the component units (20, 30).

A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, further comprising a casing (35) that houses the heat exchanger (65), and the first connection port (111, 161) of the flow divider (100a, 150a) and the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) are disposed inside the casing (35).

In the sixteenth aspect, the heat exchanger (65), the first connection port (111, 161) of the flow divider (100a, 150a), and the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) are arranged inside the casing (35).

A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is the sixteenth aspect, in which the end of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) opposite the second connection port (121, 171) is exposed to the outside of the casing (35), and a covering member (105, 155) is provided that covers a portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) and seals the gap between the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) and the casing (35).

In the seventeenth aspect, the gap between the casing (35) and the refrigerant pipes (120, 170) arranged inside and outside the casing (35) is blocked by a covering member (105, 155).

FIG. 1 is a piping diagram showing an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor unit as viewed diagonally from below. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the indoor unit with the top plate of the casing body omitted. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit showing a cross section taken along line IV-O-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the liquid pipe unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view of the liquid pipe unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a front view of the gas pipe unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to the first modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to the second modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to a third modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view of a liquid pipe unit according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment.

The air conditioning device (10) of the embodiment will be described.

-Air conditioning equipment-
As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner (10) includes an outdoor unit (20) and an indoor unit (30). Each of the outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) is a constituent unit that constitutes the air conditioner (10).

The outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) are connected to each other via a pair of connecting pipes (12). In the air conditioner (10), the outdoor unit (20), the indoor unit (30), and the connecting pipes (12) form a refrigerant circuit (11) that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

<Outdoor unit>
The outdoor unit (20) is installed outdoors and includes a compressor (21), a four-way switching valve (22), an outdoor heat exchanger (23), an outdoor fan (25), an expansion valve (24), a liquid-side shut-off valve (26), and a gas-side shut-off valve (27).

The compressor (21) is, for example, a scroll or rotary type hermetic compressor. The compressor (21) draws in low-pressure refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges the compressed, high-pressure refrigerant (high-pressure refrigerant).

The four-way switching valve (22) is a valve for switching the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11). The four-way switching valve (22) switches between a first state shown by a solid line in FIG. 1 and a second state shown by a dashed line in FIG. 2. In the first state, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger (23), and the low-pressure refrigerant that has flowed in from the indoor unit (30) is sent to the compressor (21). In the second state, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is sent to the indoor unit (30), and the low-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (23) is sent to the compressor (21).

The outdoor heat exchanger (23) is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (23) is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor fan (25) is a fan that supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger (23). The expansion valve (24) is an electrically operated expansion valve with a variable opening.

<Indoor unit>
The indoor unit (30) is installed in a room which is a space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit (30) includes an indoor heat exchanger (65) and an indoor fan (50). The indoor unit (30) will be described in detail later.

<Driving Operation>
The air conditioner (10) selectively performs cooling operation and heating operation.

In cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (22) is set to the first state, and refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit (11). In the refrigerant circuit (11), the outdoor heat exchanger (23) functions as a radiator, and the indoor heat exchanger (65) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (30) cools air sucked from the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger (65) and blows the cooled air into the indoor space.

In heating operation, the four-way switching valve (22) is set to the second state, and the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit (11). In the refrigerant circuit (11), the indoor heat exchanger (65) functions as a radiator, and the outdoor heat exchanger (23) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (30) heats air drawn in from the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger (65) and blows the heated air into the indoor space.

-Indoor unit configuration-
As shown in Fig. 2, the indoor unit (30) of this embodiment is a ceiling-embedded indoor unit. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the indoor unit (30) includes a casing (35), an indoor fan (50), an indoor heat exchanger (65), a drain pan (55), and a bell mouth (52).

The indoor heat exchanger (65) is joined to a liquid pipe unit (100) and a gas pipe unit (150). The indoor heat exchanger (65), the liquid pipe unit (100), and the gas pipe unit (150) constitute a heat exchanger assembly (60).

<casing>
The casing (35) includes a casing body (36) and a decorative panel (40). The casing (35) accommodates an indoor fan (50), an indoor heat exchanger (65), a drain pan (55), and a bell-mouth (52).

The casing body (36) is a generally rectangular box-shaped member that is open on the bottom. The casing body (36) has a generally flat top plate (36a) and side plates (36b) that extend downward from the periphery of the top plate (36a). The decorative panel (40) will be described later.

<Indoor fan>
As shown in Fig. 4, the indoor fan (50) is a so-called turbo fan. The indoor fan (50) draws air from below and blows it outward in the radial direction. The indoor fan (50) is disposed in the center of the interior of the casing body (36). The indoor fan (50) is driven by an indoor fan motor (51). The indoor fan motor (51) is fixed to the center of the top plate (36a).

<Bellmouth>
The bellmouth (52) is disposed below the indoor fan (50). The bellmouth (52) is a member for guiding air that has flowed into the casing (35) to the indoor fan (50). The bellmouth (52), together with the drain pan (55), divides the internal space of the casing (35) into a primary space (37a) located on the suction side of the indoor fan (50) and a secondary space (37b) located on the blowing side of the indoor fan (50).

<Indoor heat exchanger>
The indoor heat exchanger (65) is a so-called cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. As shown in Fig. 3, the indoor heat exchanger (65) is formed in a square cylindrical shape and disposed so as to surround the indoor fan (50). The indoor heat exchanger (65) is disposed in the secondary space (37b). The indoor heat exchanger (65) exchanges heat between the air passing therethrough from the inside to the outside and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

<Drain pan>
The drain pan (55) is a member made of so-called polystyrene foam. As shown in Fig. 4, the drain pan (55) is disposed so as to close the lower end of the casing body (36). A water receiving groove (56) is formed in the upper surface of the drain pan (55) along the lower end of the indoor heat exchanger (65). The lower end of the indoor heat exchanger (65) fits into the water receiving groove (56). The water receiving groove (56) receives drain water generated in the indoor heat exchanger (65).

As shown in FIG. 2, the drain pan (55) is formed with four main outlet passages (57) and four auxiliary outlet passages (58). The main outlet passages (57) and the auxiliary outlet passages (58) are passages through which air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger (65) flows, and they pass through the drain pan (55) in the vertical direction.

The main outlet passage (57) is a through hole having a long and narrow rectangular cross section. One main outlet passage (57) is disposed along each of the four sides of the casing body (36). The auxiliary outlet passage (58) is a through hole having a slightly curved rectangular cross section. One auxiliary outlet passage (58) is disposed at each of the four corners of the casing body (36).

<Decorative Panel>
The decorative panel (40) is a resin member formed in the shape of a thick rectangular plate. The lower part of the decorative panel (40) is formed in a square shape that is slightly larger than the top plate (36a) of the casing body (36). The decorative panel (40) is disposed so as to cover the lower surface of the casing body (36). The lower surface of the decorative panel (40) is exposed to the indoor space.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a single square-shaped suction inlet (41) is formed in the center of the decorative panel (40). The suction inlet (41) passes through the decorative panel (40) from top to bottom and communicates with the primary space (37a) inside the casing (35). A lattice-shaped suction grill (45) is provided in the suction inlet (41). A filter (46) is disposed above the suction grill (45).

A generally rectangular, ring-shaped air outlet (44) is formed in the decorative panel (40) so as to surround the inlet (41). As shown in FIG. 2, the air outlet (44) is divided into four main air outlet openings (42) and four sub air outlet openings (43).

The main blowing openings (42) are elongated rectangular openings. One main blowing opening (42) is arranged along each of the four sides of the decorative panel (40). The main blowing openings (42) of the decorative panel (40) correspond one-to-one to the main blowing passages (57) of the drain pan (55). Each main blowing opening (42) communicates with the corresponding main blowing passage (57). In addition, each main blowing opening (42) is provided with an airflow direction adjustment vane (47).

The secondary blow-out openings (43) are quarter-circular arc-shaped openings. One secondary blow-out opening (43) is disposed at each of the four corners of the decorative panel (40). The secondary blow-out openings (43) of the decorative panel (40) correspond one-to-one to the secondary blow-out passages (58) of the drain pan (55). Each secondary blow-out opening (43) communicates with the corresponding secondary blow-out passage (58).

<Liquid pipe unit>
As shown in Fig. 5, the liquid pipe unit (100) includes one liquid side distributor (100a), one liquid side refrigerant pipe (120), and a plurality of liquid side branch pipes (103). Note that Fig. 5 shows only one liquid side branch pipe (103).

The liquid-side flow divider (100a) is connected to one end of the liquid-side refrigerant pipe (120) and one end of each liquid-side branch pipe (103). The liquid-side flow divider (100a) is a component that distributes the refrigerant flowing in from the liquid-side refrigerant pipe (120) to multiple liquid-side branch pipes (103).

The other end of each liquid-side branch pipe (103) is connected to the heat transfer pipe (66) of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger (65). The liquid-side branch pipe (103) connects the liquid-side distributor (100a) to the heat transfer pipe (66) of the indoor heat exchanger (65).

The liquid-side refrigerant pipe (120) passes through a through hole formed in the side plate (36b) of the casing body (36) and extends to the outside of the casing body (36). The other end of the liquid-side refrigerant pipe (120) is exposed to the outside of the casing body (36).

A liquid side covering member (105) is attached to the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120). The liquid side covering member (105) is a cylindrical member made of foamed resin. The liquid side covering member (105) covers the portion of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) that extends from the inside to the outside of the casing body (36) and closes the gap between the edge of the through hole formed in the side plate (36b) and the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120).

<Gas pipe unit>
As shown in Fig. 5, the gas pipe unit (150) includes one gas side distributor (150a), one gas side refrigerant pipe (170), and a plurality of gas side branch pipes (153). Note that Fig. 5 shows only one gas side branch pipe (153).

One end of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) and one end of each gas side branch pipe (153) are connected to the gas side distributor (150a). The gas side distributor (150a) is a component that distributes the refrigerant flowing in from the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) to the multiple gas side branch pipes (153). The gas side distributor (150a) is a so-called gas header.

The other end of each gas side branch pipe (153) is connected to the heat transfer pipe (66) of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger (65). The gas side branch pipe (153) connects the gas side distributor (150a) to the heat transfer pipe (66) of the indoor heat exchanger (65).

The gas side refrigerant pipe (170) extends to the outside of the casing body (36) through a through hole formed in the side plate (36b) of the casing body (36). The other end of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) is exposed to the outside of the casing body (36).

A gas side covering member (155) is attached to the gas side refrigerant pipe (170). The gas side covering member (155) is a cylindrical member made of foamed resin. The gas side covering member (155) covers the portion of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) that extends from the inside to the outside of the casing body (36) and closes the gap between the edge of the through hole formed in the side plate (36b) and the gas side refrigerant pipe (170).

<Air flow in the indoor unit>
When the indoor unit (30) is in operation, the indoor fan (50) rotates. When the indoor fan (50) rotates, indoor air in the indoor space flows through the inlet (41) into the primary space (37a) in the casing (35). The air that has flowed into the primary space (37a) is sucked into the indoor fan (50) and blown out into the secondary space (37b).

The air that flows into the secondary space (37b) is cooled or heated while passing through the indoor heat exchanger (65), and then splits into four main outlet passages (57) and four auxiliary outlet passages (58). The air that flows into the main outlet passage (57) is blown out into the indoor space through the main outlet opening (42). The air that flows into the auxiliary outlet passage (58) is blown out into the indoor space through the auxiliary outlet opening (43).

- Liquid pipe unit -
The liquid pipe unit (100) will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As described above, the liquid pipe unit (100) includes one liquid side distributor (100a), one joint pipe (106), one liquid side refrigerant pipe (120), and multiple liquid side branch pipes (103). When the outdoor unit (20) including the liquid pipe unit (100) is installed, the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) is connected to the lower end of the liquid side distributor (100a), and the liquid side branch pipe (103) is connected to the upper end of the liquid side distributor (100a).

<Liquid side flow divider>
The liquid-side flow distributor (100a) includes a liquid-side flow distributor body (101) and a liquid-side collecting pipe (110). The liquid-side flow distributor body (101) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (110) are each made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

<Liquid side flow divider body>
The liquid side distributor body (101) is a distributor body that distributes the incoming refrigerant to a plurality of liquid side branch pipes (103).

The liquid-side distributor body (101) has a small diameter section (101a), an intermediate section (101b), and a large diameter section (101c). In the liquid-side distributor body (101), the small diameter section (101a), the intermediate section (101b), and the large diameter section (101c) are arranged in this order from bottom to top.

The small diameter portion (101a) is a slightly thick-walled cylindrical portion. The middle portion (101b) is an inverted truncated cone portion. The small diameter end (lower end) of the middle portion (101b) is continuous with the upper end of the small diameter portion (101a). The large diameter end (upper end) of the middle portion (101b) is continuous with the lower end of the large diameter portion (101c). The large diameter portion (101c) is a cylindrical portion. Multiple connection holes (101d) are formed in the large diameter portion (101c).

Each connection hole (101d) opens into the upper end surface of the large diameter portion (101c). The multiple connection holes (101d) are arranged at equal intervals along the outer periphery of the upper end surface of the large diameter portion (101c). Inside the liquid-side distributor body (101), a communication space is formed that connects the internal space of the small diameter portion (101a) to all of the connection holes (101d).

<Liquid side collecting pipe>
The liquid side collecting pipe (110) is a collecting pipe connected to the liquid side distributor body (101).

The liquid side collecting pipe (110) is a straight circular pipe. One end (upper end) of the liquid side collecting pipe (110) is inserted into the lower end of the small diameter portion (101a) of the liquid side distributor body (101). The liquid side collecting pipe (110) is joined to the small diameter portion (101a) of the liquid side distributor body (101) by brazing. The liquid side collecting pipe (110) is connected to the internal space of the liquid side distributor body (101).

The liquid-side collecting pipe (110) is arranged substantially coaxially with the liquid-side distributor body (101). The central axis direction (extension direction) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (110) is substantially vertical. The other end (lower end) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (110) is a first connection port (111) that opens downward. The entire liquid-side collecting pipe (110) is a first vertical pipe section (112) that extends in the vertical direction and includes the first connection port (111).

<Liquid side branch pipe>
The liquid side branch pipe (103) is a circular pipe with a relatively small diameter. The material of the liquid side branch pipe (103) is aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The number of the liquid side branch pipes (103) is the same as the number of the connection holes (101d) of the liquid side distributor body (101). Only three liquid side branch pipes (103) are shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

One end of each liquid side branch pipe (103) is inserted into the connection hole (101d) of the corresponding liquid side distributor body (101) and joined to the liquid side distributor body (101) by brazing. The other end of each liquid side branch pipe (103) is joined to the heat transfer tube (66) of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger (65) by brazing. Each liquid side branch pipe (103) connects the internal space of the liquid side distributor body (101) to the heat transfer tube (66) of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger (65).

<Joint pipe>
The joint pipe (106) is a relatively short, cylindrical member. The joint pipe (106) is disposed substantially coaxially with the liquid side collecting pipe (110). An upper end of the joint pipe (106) is joined by brazing to a first connection port (111), which is the lower end of the liquid side collecting pipe (110).

The joint pipe (106) is a metal pipe. The material of the joint pipe (106) is stainless steel. The main component of stainless steel is iron (Fe). The ionization tendency of iron (Fe) is higher than that of copper (Cu) and lower than that of aluminum (Al).

<Liquid refrigerant pipe>
The liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) is a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state or a single liquid phase state flows during operation of the indoor unit (30).

The liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) is a circular tubular member bent at two points. The liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) includes a second vertical pipe section (122), a U-shaped pipe section (123), and an inverted L-shaped pipe section (124). The liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) is made of copper or a copper alloy.

The second vertical pipe section (122) is a straight, short, cylindrical section. The central axis direction (extension direction) of the second vertical pipe section (122) is substantially vertical. The second vertical pipe section (122) is disposed substantially coaxially with the joint pipe (106). The upper end of the second vertical pipe section (122) is a second connection port (121) that opens upward. This second connection port (121) is joined to the lower end of the joint pipe (106) by brazing.

The U-shaped pipe portion (123) is a cylindrical portion bent into a U shape. One end of the U-shaped pipe portion (123) is continuous with the lower end of the second vertical pipe portion (122).

The inverted L-shaped pipe section (124) is a circular pipe section bent into an inverted L shape. One end of the inverted L-shaped pipe section (124) is continuous with the other end of the U-shaped pipe section (123). A flare joint (107) is attached to the other end of the inverted L-shaped pipe section (124). The flare joint (107) is made of brass.

<Arrangement of the first vertical pipe section and the second vertical pipe section>
In the liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, the second vertical pipe section (122) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) is disposed below the first vertical pipe section (112) of the liquid side collecting pipe (110). The first vertical pipe section (112), the second vertical pipe section (122), and the joint pipe (106) are disposed in a straight line. The central axes of the first vertical pipe section (112), the second vertical pipe section (122), and the joint pipe (106) are substantially vertical. The first vertical pipe section (112), the second vertical pipe section (122), and the joint pipe (106) are located inside the casing (35) of the indoor unit (30). Therefore, the first connection port (111) of the liquid side collecting pipe (110) and the second connection port (121) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) are located inside the casing (35) of the indoor unit (30).

<Refrigerant flow in liquid pipe unit>
During cooling operation of the air conditioner (10) in which the indoor heat exchanger (65) functions as an evaporator, refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state that has passed through the expansion valve (24) flows through the liquid pipe unit (100).

Specifically, the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve (24) and flowed into the liquid pipe unit (100) flows through the liquid refrigerant pipe (120) into the liquid side distributor (100a) and is distributed to all the liquid side branch pipes (103) connected to the liquid side distributor body (101). The refrigerant flowing through each liquid side branch pipe (103) flows into the heat transfer pipe (66) of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger (65).

In this way, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that flows into the liquid pipe unit (100) flows vertically upward through the second vertical pipe section (122), the joint pipe (106), and the first vertical pipe section (112) in that order, and then flows into the liquid-side flow divider main body (101). Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the liquid-side refrigerant pipe (120) flows into the liquid-side flow divider main body (101) in a state in which the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant are mixed together almost uniformly. Then, in the liquid-side flow divider main body (101), the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant are each distributed almost evenly to each liquid-side branch pipe (103).

During heating operation of the air conditioner (10) in which the indoor heat exchanger (65) functions as a radiator, the refrigerant in a single-phase liquid state flows out of the indoor heat exchanger (65) and flows through the liquid pipe unit (100).

Specifically, the refrigerant flowing out from the heat transfer tube (66) of the indoor heat exchanger (65) flows through the liquid side branch pipe (103) and into the liquid side distributor body (101) of the liquid side distributor (100a). In the liquid side distributor body (101), the refrigerant flowing in from each liquid side branch pipe (103) merges. The refrigerant that merges in the liquid side distributor body (101) flows through the liquid side collecting pipe (110) and the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) in this order and flows out to the outside of the indoor unit (30).

-Gas pipe unit-
The gas pipe unit (150) will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As described above, the gas pipe unit (150) includes one gas side distributor (150a), one joint pipe (156), one gas side refrigerant pipe (170), and multiple gas side branch pipes (153).

<Gas side flow divider>
The gas-side flow distributor (150a) includes a gas-side flow distributor body (151) and a gas-side collecting pipe (160). The gas-side flow distributor body (151) and the gas-side collecting pipe (160) are each made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

<Gas side flow divider body>
The gas side distributor body (151) is a distributor body that distributes the incoming refrigerant to a plurality of gas side branch pipes (153).

The gas-side distributor body (151) is a so-called gas header. The gas-side distributor body (151) is a long, thin cylindrical member with both ends closed. The gas-side distributor body (151) is installed in an orientation in which its central axis is substantially vertical.

<Gas side manifold>
The gas side collecting pipe (160) is a collecting pipe connected to the gas side distributor body (151).

The gas side collecting pipe (160) is a circular pipe that meanders up and down. The gas side collecting pipe (160) is formed with one first semicircular section (163a) and one second semicircular section (163b). In addition, the gas side collecting pipe (160) is formed with a first vertical pipe section (162).

One end of the gas side collecting pipe (160) is formed into a straight pipe extending in a generally horizontal direction. One end of the gas side collecting pipe (160) is joined to the side of the gas side distributor body (151). The internal space of the gas side collecting pipe (160) is in communication with the internal space of the gas side distributor body (151).

The first semicircular portion (163a) is an upward semicircular portion. The first semicircular portion (163a) is disposed toward one end of the gas side collecting pipe (160). The second semicircular portion (163b) is a downward semicircular portion. The second semicircular portion (163b) is disposed toward the other end of the gas side collecting pipe (160). One end of the first semicircular portion (163a) and one end of the second semicircular portion (163b) are connected via a straight pipe portion.

The first vertical pipe portion (162) is a straight, circular pipe portion. The central axis direction (extension direction) of the first vertical pipe portion (162) is substantially vertical. The upper end of the first vertical pipe portion (162) is continuous with the other end of the second semicircular portion (163b). The lower end of the first vertical pipe portion (162) is the first connection port (161) that opens downward.

<Gas side branch pipe>
The gas side branch pipe (153) is a circular pipe formed in a U-shape. The gas side branch pipe (153) is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

The gas side branch pipe (153) is arranged with its open end facing horizontally. The gas side branch pipes (153) are arranged in a row in the central axis direction (vertical direction) of the gas side distributor body (151). The curved portion of each gas side branch pipe (153) is joined to the gas side distributor body (151). The internal space of each gas side branch pipe (153) communicates with the internal space of the gas side distributor body (151). A pair of open ends (153a) of each gas side branch pipe (153) is joined to the corresponding heat transfer tube (66) of the indoor heat exchanger (65) by brazing.

<Joint pipe>
The joint pipe (156) is a relatively short, cylindrical member. The joint pipe (156) is disposed substantially coaxially with the first vertical pipe portion (162) of the gas side collecting pipe (160). The upper end of the joint pipe (156) is joined by brazing to a first connection port (161), which is the lower end of the first vertical pipe portion (162).

The joint pipe (156) is a metal pipe. The material of the joint pipe (156) is stainless steel, the same as the joint pipe (106) of the liquid pipe unit (100).

<Gas side refrigerant pipe>
The gas side refrigerant pipe (170) is a refrigerant pipe through which single-phase gas refrigerant flows during operation of the indoor unit (30).

The gas side refrigerant pipe (170) is a circular pipe bent into an L-shape. The material of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) is copper or a copper alloy.

One end (upward end) of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) is a second connection port (171) that opens upward. The straight pipe portion of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) that includes the second connection port (171) is the second vertical pipe section (172). The central axis direction (extension direction) of the second vertical pipe section (172) is substantially vertical. The second vertical pipe section (172) is disposed substantially coaxially with the joint pipe (106). The second connection port (171), which is the upper end of the second vertical pipe section (172), is joined to the lower end of the joint pipe (156) by brazing.

A flare joint (157) is attached to the other end (the horizontal end) of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170). The flare joint (157) is made of brass.

<Arrangement of the first vertical pipe section and the second vertical pipe section>
In the gas pipe unit (150) of this embodiment, the second vertical pipe section (172) of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) is disposed below the first vertical pipe section (162) of the gas side manifold pipe (160). The first vertical pipe section (162), the second vertical pipe section (172), and the joint pipe (156) are disposed in a straight line. The central axes of the first vertical pipe section (162), the second vertical pipe section (172), and the joint pipe (156) are substantially vertical. The first vertical pipe section (162), the second vertical pipe section (172), and the joint pipe (156) are located inside the casing (35) of the indoor unit (30).

<Refrigerant flow in gas pipe unit>
During cooling operation of the air conditioner (10) in which the indoor heat exchanger (65) functions as an evaporator, refrigerant in a single-phase gas state flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger (65) flows through the liquid pipe unit (100).

Specifically, the refrigerant flowing out from the heat transfer tube (66) of the indoor heat exchanger (65) flows through the corresponding gas side branch pipe (153) into the gas side flow distributor body (151). After merging, the refrigerant flowing into the gas side flow distributor body (151) from each gas side branch pipe (153) flows through the gas side collection pipe (160) and the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) in that order, and then flows out of the indoor unit (30).

During heating operation of the air conditioner (10) in which the indoor heat exchanger (65) functions as a radiator, the refrigerant in a single-phase gas state discharged from the compressor (21) flows through the gas pipe unit (150).

Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and flowing into the gas pipe unit (150) passes through the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) and the gas side collection pipe (160) in this order, flows into the gas side distributor body (151), and is distributed to all the gas side branch pipes (153). The refrigerant flowing into each gas side branch pipe (153) is distributed to the two open ends (153a) and flows into the heat transfer pipes (66) of the corresponding indoor heat exchangers (65).

--Features of the embodiment (1)--
In the liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, a liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) is connected to a liquid side collecting pipe (110) of a liquid side distributor (100a). A first connection port (111) of the liquid side collecting pipe (110) is connected to a second connection port (121) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) via a joint pipe (106). A first vertical pipe section (112) of the liquid side collecting pipe (110) includes a first connection port (111). A second vertical pipe section (122) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) includes a second connection port (121).

When the indoor unit (30) is installed, the second vertical pipe section (122) of the liquid-side refrigerant pipe (120) made of copper or a copper alloy is located below the first vertical pipe section (112) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (110) made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the second vertical pipe section (122) flows downward due to gravity and does not adhere to the first vertical pipe section (112).

In addition, the heat transfer tube (66) to which the liquid side distributor (100a) is connected is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Condensed water generated on the surface of the heat transfer tube (66) may adhere to the liquid side distributor (100a), but this condensed water does not contain copper ions.

In this way, condensed water containing copper ions does not adhere to the liquid-side distributor (100a). Therefore, according to this embodiment, corrosion of the liquid-side distributor (100a) caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions can be suppressed.

--Features of the embodiment (2)--
Here, when a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows through the liquid pipe unit (100), in order to distribute the liquid refrigerant and the gas refrigerant evenly to the liquid-side branch pipes (103) in the liquid-side distributor body (101), it is preferable that the central axis of the pipe introducing the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to the liquid-side distributor body (101) be vertical. In other words, it is preferable that the pipe introducing the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant to the liquid-side distributor body (101) be provided with a portion extending in the vertical direction.

On the other hand, in the liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, the first vertical pipe section (112) of the liquid side collecting pipe (110) and the second vertical pipe section (122) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) are arranged in a straight line with their central axes substantially in the vertical direction. Therefore, the flow direction of the refrigerant passing through the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) and the liquid side collecting pipe (110) in this order and flowing into the liquid side distributor body (101) can be substantially vertically upward. As a result, the liquid refrigerant and gas refrigerant can be evenly distributed to the multiple liquid side branch pipes (103) in the liquid side distributor body (101).

In addition, since the first vertical pipe section (112) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (110) and the second vertical pipe section (122) of the liquid-side refrigerant pipe (120) are aligned vertically, the condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the second vertical pipe section (122) can be reliably caused to flow downward by gravity. As a result, the condensed water containing copper ions can be reliably prevented from adhering to the first vertical pipe section (112) of the liquid-side distributor (100a).

--Feature of the embodiment (3)--
In the liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, the first vertical pipe section (112) of the liquid side collecting pipe (110) and the second vertical pipe section (122) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) are each formed in a straight pipe shape and are arranged in a straight line with their central axes substantially in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to minimize the size of the area occupied by the first vertical pipe section (112) and the second vertical pipe section (122) in the internal space of the casing (35). Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the indoor unit (30) and to suppress corrosion of the liquid side distributor (100a) caused by adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

--Feature of the embodiment (4)--
In the gas pipe unit (150) of this embodiment, a first connection port (161) of a gas side collector pipe (160) of the gas side distributor (150a) and a second connection port (171) of a gas side refrigerant pipe (170) are connected via a joint pipe (156). A first vertical pipe section (162) of the gas side collector pipe (160) includes a first connection port (161). A second vertical pipe section (172) of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) includes a second connection port (171).

When the indoor unit (30) is installed, the second vertical pipe section (172) of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) made of copper or copper alloy is located below the first vertical pipe section (162) of the gas side collecting pipe (160) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the second vertical pipe section (172) flows downward due to gravity and does not adhere to the first vertical pipe section (162).

Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress corrosion of the gas side manifold (160) caused by the adhesion of condensed water containing copper ions.

--Feature of the embodiment (5)--
In the gas pipe unit (150) of this embodiment, the first vertical pipe portion (162) of the gas side manifold pipe (160) and the second vertical pipe portion (172) of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) are arranged in a straight line with their central axes substantially aligned vertically. This allows the condensed water containing copper ions generated on the surface of the second vertical pipe portion (172) to flow downward by gravity. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the condensed water containing copper ions from adhering to the first vertical pipe portion (162) of the gas side distributor (150a).

--Modification 1 of the embodiment--
9, in the liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, the first connection port (111) of the liquid side collecting pipe (110) and the second connection port (121) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) may be directly joined together. In this case, the joint pipe (106) is omitted in the liquid pipe unit (100).

In addition, in the gas pipe unit (150) of this embodiment, the first connection port (161) of the gas side manifold pipe (160) and the second connection port (171) of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) may be directly joined. In this case, the joint pipe (156) is omitted in the gas pipe unit (150).

--Modification 2 of the embodiment--
10, in the liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, the second vertical pipe portion (122) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) may be omitted. In this case, one end of the U-shaped pipe portion (123) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) serves as the second connection port (121) opening upward.

In addition, in the gas pipe unit (150) of this embodiment, the second vertical pipe section (172) of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) may be omitted. In this case, the end of the quarter arc-shaped portion of the gas side refrigerant pipe (170) becomes the second connection port (171) that opens upward.

--Modification 3 of the embodiment--
11 , in the liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, the liquid side collector pipe (110) of the liquid side distributor (100a) may be a circular pipe that meanders up and down. The liquid side collector pipe (110) of this modification is formed with one first semicircular portion (113a) and one second semicircular portion (113b).

In this modified example, one end of the liquid-side collecting pipe (110) is formed into a straight pipe extending in a generally vertical direction. One end of the liquid-side collecting pipe (110) is joined to the lower end of the liquid-side distributor body (101). The internal space of the liquid-side collecting pipe (110) is in communication with the internal space of the liquid-side distributor body (101).

The first semicircular portion (113a) is an upward semicircular portion. The first semicircular portion (113a) is disposed toward one end of the liquid side collecting pipe (110). The second semicircular portion (113b) is a downward semicircular portion. The second semicircular portion (113b) is disposed toward the other end of the liquid side collecting pipe (110). One end of the first semicircular portion (113a) and one end of the second semicircular portion (113b) are connected via a straight pipe portion.

The first vertical pipe portion (112) is a straight, circular pipe portion. The central axis of the first vertical pipe portion (112) is substantially vertical. The upper end of the first vertical pipe portion (112) in this modified example is continuous with the other end of the second semicircular portion (113b). The lower end of the first vertical pipe portion (112) is the first connection port (111) that opens downward and is joined to the joint pipe (106).

The liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) of this modified example is a circular pipe bent into an L-shape. One end (upward end) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) is a second connection port (121) that opens upward. The straight pipe-shaped portion of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) including the second connection port (121) is the second vertical pipe section (122). The central axis direction of the second vertical pipe section (122) is substantially vertical. The second vertical pipe section (122) is disposed substantially coaxially with the joint pipe (106). The second connection port (121), which is the upper end of the second vertical pipe section (122), is joined to the lower end of the joint pipe (106) by brazing. A flare joint (107) is attached to the other end (horizontal end) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120).

--Modification 4 of the embodiment--
As shown in FIG. 12, in a liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, the liquid collecting pipe (110) and the joint pipe (106) of the liquid distributor (100a) may be omitted.

In the liquid pipe unit (100) of this modified example, the liquid side distributor (100a) is composed only of the liquid side distributor body (101), and the lower end of the small diameter portion (101a) of the liquid side distributor body (101) becomes the first connection port (111) that opens downward. In the liquid pipe unit (100) of this modified example, the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) is directly connected to the liquid side distributor body (101). The second vertical pipe portion (122) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120) has its upper end, the second connection port (121), joined to the lower end of the small diameter portion (101a) of the liquid side distributor body (101) by brazing.

The liquid pipe unit (100) of this modified example may include a joint pipe (106) as shown in Fig. 13. In this case, the first connection port (111), which is the lower end of the small diameter portion (101a) of the liquid side distributor body (101), is joined to the upper end of the joint pipe (106) by brazing, and the second connection port (121), which is the upper end of the second vertical pipe portion (122) of the liquid side refrigerant pipe (120), is joined to the lower end of the joint pipe (106) by brazing.

--Variation 5 of the embodiment--
In the liquid pipe unit (100) of the present embodiment, the shape of each of the first vertical pipe portion (112) and the second vertical pipe portion (122) is not limited to a straight tubular shape, and may be slightly curved or slightly bent as long as it is a tubular shape extending in the up-down direction.

In the gas pipe unit (150) of this embodiment, the shape of each of the first vertical pipe section (162) and the second vertical pipe section (172) is not limited to a straight pipe shape. As long as each of the first vertical pipe section (162) and the second vertical pipe section (172) has a pipe shape extending in the up-down direction, the shape of each of the first vertical pipe section (162) and the second vertical pipe section (172) may be slightly curved or slightly bent.

--Modification 6 of the embodiment--
In the liquid pipe unit (100) of this embodiment, the extension direction of each of the first vertical pipe portion (112) and the second vertical pipe portion (122) is not limited to the vertical direction, and may be a direction slightly inclined (diagonal) relative to the vertical direction.

In the gas pipe unit (150) of this embodiment, the extension direction of each of the first vertical pipe section (162) and the second vertical pipe section (172) is not limited to the vertical direction. The extension direction of each of the first vertical pipe section (162) and the second vertical pipe section (172) may be a direction slightly inclined (diagonal) with respect to the vertical direction.

--Seventh Modification of the Embodiment--
In this embodiment, one or both of the liquid pipe unit (100) and the gas pipe unit (150) may be connected to a heat transfer tube of an outdoor heat exchanger (23) provided in an outdoor unit (20) which is a constituent unit.

Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate. Furthermore, the descriptions "first," "second," "third," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

As explained above, the present disclosure is useful for the constituent units of air conditioning devices.

10. Air conditioning equipment
20 Outdoor unit (component unit)
30 Indoor unit (component unit)
35 Casing
65 Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
66 Heat transfer tube
100a Liquid side divider
101 Liquid side flow divider body (flow divider body)
105 Covering material
106 Joint pipe (metal pipe)
110 Liquid side collecting pipe (collecting pipe)
111 First Connection Port
112 First vertical pipe section
120 Liquid side refrigerant pipe (refrigerant pipe)
121 Second Connection Port
122 Second vertical pipe section
123 U-tube section
150a Gas side divider
151 Gas side flow divider body (flow divider body)
155 Covering material
156 Joint pipe (metal pipe)
160 Gas side collector pipe (collection pipe)
161 First Connection Port
162 First vertical pipe section
170 Gas side refrigerant pipe (refrigerant pipe)
171 Second Connection Port
172 Second vertical pipe section

Claims (17)

A structural unit (20, 30) constituting an air conditioner (10),
a heat exchanger (65) having a plurality of heat transfer tubes (66);
A refrigerant pipe (120, 170);
a flow divider (100a, 150a) that connects the heat exchanger (65) and the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) and distributes the refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) to the plurality of heat transfer pipes (66),
the heat transfer tube (66) and the flow dividers (100a, 150a) are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy;
the refrigerant pipes (120, 170) are made of copper or a copper alloy;
The flow distributor (100a, 150a) has a first connection port (111, 161) that opens downward when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed,
one end of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a second connection port (121, 171) that opens upward when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed,
A structural unit in which the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is directly connected to the first connection port (111, 161) of the flow splitter (100a, 150a) or is connected via a metal pipe (106, 156) made of a material different from that of the flow splitter (100a, 150a) and the refrigerant pipe (120, 170). The flow divider (100a, 150a) is
a flow distributor body (101, 151) connected to the heat exchanger (65) and distributing an inflowing refrigerant to the plurality of heat transfer tubes (66);
2. The structural unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a collecting pipe (110, 160) having one end connected to said flow distributor body (101, 151) and the other end constituting said first connection port (111, 161). The component unit according to claim 2, wherein the collecting pipe (110, 160) is located below the flow distributor body (101, 151) when the component unit (20, 30) is installed. a part or the whole of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is a first vertical pipe portion (112, 162) extending in the up-down direction,
3. The structural unit according to claim 2, wherein a lower end of the first vertical pipe portion (112, 162) serves as the first connection port (111, 161). 5. The structural unit according to claim 4, wherein the entirety of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is the first vertical pipe portion (112, 162). 6. A construction unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) is a straight pipe. 7. The structural unit according to claim 6, wherein, when the structural unit (20, 30) is installed, the extension direction of the first vertical pipe portion (112, 162) is vertical. a part of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a second vertical pipe portion (122, 172) extending in the vertical direction,
6. The structural unit according to claim 1, wherein an upper end of the second vertical pipe portion (122, 172) is the second connection port (121, 171). 9. A module according to claim 8, wherein the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) is a straight pipe. The component unit according to claim 9, wherein, when the component unit (20, 30) is installed, the extension direction of the second vertical pipe portion (122, 172) is vertical. a part of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is a second vertical pipe portion (122, 172) which is a straight pipe extending in the vertical direction,
an upper end of the second vertical pipe portion (122, 172) serves as the second connection port (121, 171);
8. The structural unit according to claim 7, wherein the first vertical pipe section (112, 162) and the second vertical pipe section (122, 172) are arranged in a straight line. 9. The structural unit according to claim 8, wherein the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) is formed with a U-shaped pipe portion (123) that is a U-shaped portion continuing from a lower end of the second vertical pipe portion (122, 172). The collecting pipe (110, 160) is a pipe having a vertically meandering shape,
5. The structural unit according to claim 4, wherein a part of the collecting pipe (110, 160) is the first vertical pipe section (112, 162). 6. The component unit according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant pipe (120) is a pipe through which a refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state or a single-liquid phase state flows during operation of the component unit (20, 30). 6. The component unit according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant pipe (170) is a pipe through which a refrigerant in a single-phase gas state flows during operation of the component unit (20, 30). a casing (35) that houses the heat exchanger (65),
A structural unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first connection port (111, 161) of the flow splitter (100a, 150a) and the second connection port (121, 171) of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) are arranged inside the casing (35). The refrigerant pipes (120, 170) have ends opposite to the second connection ports (121, 171) exposed to the outside of the casing (35),
17. The structural unit according to claim 16, further comprising a covering member (105, 155) that covers a portion of the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) and closes a gap between the refrigerant pipe (120, 170) and the casing (35).