JP6375959B2 - Refrigerant branch structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerant flow dividing structure for diverting a refrigerant to send it downstream, in particular, a space in a flow divider case is divided into a space at a lower end side and a flow dividing space above the introduction space by a nozzle portion in which nozzle holes are formed. And a refrigerant distribution structure in which a liquid refrigerant pipe is connected to a lower end side surface of a flow distributor case to allow the refrigerant to flow into an introduction space.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a heat exchanger functioning as a refrigerant evaporator is provided with a refrigerant branching structure for diverting a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing through a liquid refrigerant pipe and sending it to a downstream heat transfer pipe. As such a refrigerant branching structure, there is one shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-130386). Specifically, the mixing partition plate (nozzle part) in which the mixing through-hole (nozzle hole) is formed allows the space in the header collecting pipe (divider case) to be changed to the lower mixing chamber (introduction space) on the lower end side. And the upper mixing chamber (diverted space) above the introduction space, and the liquid side connection pipe (liquid refrigerant pipe) is connected to the lower end side surface of the flow divider case to allow the refrigerant to flow into the introduction space It has become.

  In the above-described conventional refrigerant distribution structure, the liquid refrigerant pipe is only connected to the lower end side surface of the flow distributor case, so that the liquid refrigerant is unevenly distributed in the introduction space. For this reason, a refrigerant with a non-uniform void ratio (volume ratio of gas refrigerant in the refrigerant flowing in a gas-liquid two-phase state) is sent to the nozzle hole, and the refrigerant in the shunt space after passing through the nozzle hole Since the void ratio is also non-uniform, there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure the flow distribution performance of the refrigerant.

  An object of the present invention is to partition a space in the flow divider case into a lower end side introduction space and an upper side diversion space by a nozzle portion in which a nozzle hole is formed, and a liquid refrigerant pipe on the lower end side surface of the flow divider case. In the refrigerant branching structure in which the refrigerant flows into the introduction space by connecting, the void ratio of the refrigerant in the branching space is made uniform to ensure the branching performance.

  A refrigerant branching structure according to a first aspect is a refrigerant branching structure for diverting a refrigerant and sending it downstream, a diverter case extending in a vertical direction, a nozzle portion provided in the diverter case, A liquid refrigerant pipe connected to the lower end side surface of the container case. The nozzle part partitions the space in the shunt case into an introduction space on the lower end side and a shunt space on the upper side of the introduction space, and a nozzle hole for sending the refrigerant flowing into the introduction space to the shunt space is formed. . The liquid refrigerant pipe is a refrigerant pipe that allows the refrigerant to flow into the introduction space. Here, the liquid refrigerant pipe is inserted into the introduction space so as to overlap the nozzle hole when the nozzle portion and the liquid refrigerant pipe are viewed from the opening direction of the nozzle hole. In addition, the tube tip hole, which is the opening at the tip of the insertion tube portion, which is the portion inserted into the introduction space in the liquid refrigerant tube, is closed, and the nozzle portion and the liquid refrigerant are disposed above the insertion tube portion. A refrigerant introduction hole is formed so as to overlap the nozzle hole when the tube is viewed from the opening direction of the nozzle hole. At this time, if the liquid refrigerant pipe is inserted into the introduction space until the tip of the insertion pipe part contacts the inner surface of the flow divider case, it is easy to position the refrigerant introduction hole so as to overlap the nozzle hole. is there.

  Here, the refrigerant flowing into the introduction space from the lower end side surface of the shunt case is sent to the position overlapping the nozzle hole above it through the insertion pipe part of the liquid refrigerant pipe, and then to the upper part of the insertion pipe part. Through the formed refrigerant introduction hole, it can be sent so as to be sprayed straight toward the nozzle hole. For this reason, compared with the case where the liquid refrigerant pipe is only connected to the lower end side surface of the flow divider case, the liquid refrigerant is prevented from being unevenly distributed in the introduction space, and the void ratio is made uniform in the nozzle holes. Can send the refrigerant.

  Thereby, here, the void ratio of the refrigerant in the diversion space after passing through the nozzle holes can be made uniform, and the diversion performance of the refrigerant can be ensured.

  Further, since the refrigerant passes through the two holes of the refrigerant introduction hole and the nozzle hole, the flow noise of the refrigerant can be suppressed. If, however, the refrigerant passes through only one nozzle hole, the flow velocity of the refrigerant passing through the nozzle hole is too high, and the flow noise of the refrigerant is likely to increase.

  The refrigerant branching structure according to the second aspect is the refrigerant branching structure according to the first aspect, wherein the space in the plug-in pipe portion is closed at a portion closer to the pipe tip hole than the refrigerant introduction hole.

  If the tube tip hole at the tip of the insertion tube portion of the liquid refrigerant tube is only blocked, the liquid refrigerant pools in the space in the insertion tube portion closer to the tube tip hole than the refrigerant introduction hole. (Hereinafter, this accumulation of liquid refrigerant is referred to as “liquid refrigerant accumulation”). For this reason, when the refrigerant sent to the position where it overlaps the nozzle hole of the insertion pipe part of the liquid refrigerant pipe is sent straight up toward the nozzle hole, the void ratio of the refrigerant is uniform due to the influence of the liquid refrigerant pool. It becomes easy to be disturbed.

  On the other hand, as described above, if the portion closer to the tube tip hole than the refrigerant introduction hole is closed in the space in the insertion tube portion, the liquid refrigerant pool is not generated in the insertion tube portion. Compared with the case where the tube tip hole at the tip of the tube insertion tube portion is only closed, the void ratio of the refrigerant can be made more uniform.

  Thereby, here, the void ratio of the refrigerant in the diversion space after passing through the nozzle holes can be further uniformed to improve the diversion performance of the refrigerant.

  The refrigerant branching structure according to the third aspect is the refrigerant branching structure according to the second aspect, wherein the space in the tube tip hole and the insertion tube portion is blocked by attaching a columnar tube end blocking member to the tube tip hole. Has been done.

  Here, the space in the tube tip hole and the insertion tube portion can be reliably closed.

  The refrigerant branching structure according to the fourth aspect is the refrigerant branching structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the opening area of the refrigerant introduction hole is larger than the opening area of the nozzle hole.

  Here, an increase in pressure loss of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant introduction hole can be suppressed as much as possible.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the refrigerant branching structure according to the first aspect, the refrigerant void ratio in the branching space after passing through the nozzle holes can be made uniform to ensure the refrigerant branching performance. Also, the flow noise of the refrigerant can be reduced.

  In the refrigerant branching structure according to the second aspect, the refrigerant void ratio in the branching space after passing through the nozzle holes can be further uniformed to improve the refrigerant branching performance.

  In the refrigerant branching structure according to the third aspect, the space in the tube tip hole and the insertion tube portion can be reliably closed.

  In the refrigerant branching structure according to the fourth aspect, an increase in the pressure loss of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant introduction hole can be suppressed as much as possible.

It is a schematic block diagram of the air conditioning apparatus which employ | adopted the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of an outdoor unit. It is a top view which shows the state which removed the top plate of the outdoor unit. It is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor heat exchanger. It is the elements on larger scale of the heat exchange part of FIG. It is a figure corresponding to FIG. 5 at the time of employ | adopting a corrugated fin as a heat-transfer fin. It is a schematic block diagram of an outdoor heat exchanger. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the inlet / outlet header and the refrigerant distributor in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inlet / outlet header and the refrigerant distributor in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the inlet / outlet header and the refrigerant flow divider in FIG. 9. It is a perspective view of a bar member. It is a top view of the lower end of a bar member. It is an exploded view of a refrigerant | coolant shunt. It is a perspective view which shows a mode that a rod penetration baffle is inserted in a shunt case. It is a perspective view which shows a mode that a nozzle part and an upper-lower-end side branch baffle are inserted in the lower end of a flow distributor case. It is a perspective view which shows a mode that a rod positioning baffle and an upper-lower-end side branch baffle are inserted in the upper end of a flow distributor case. It is a top view of the upper end of the bar member in the state where the bar positioning baffle was inserted. It is a figure explaining the flow of the refrigerant | coolant which flows in from the lower end side surface of a shunt case. It is a figure explaining the flow of the refrigerant | coolant which flows in from the lower end side surface of a flow divider case, when a liquid refrigerant pipe is only connected to the lower end side surface of a flow divider case. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a top view which shows the state which removed the top plate of the outdoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus which employ | adopted the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning a modification.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a refrigerant distribution structure concerning the present invention and its modification are described based on a drawing. In addition, the specific structure of the refrigerant | coolant branch structure concerning this invention is not restricted to the following embodiment and its modification, It can change in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.

(1) Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 that employs a refrigerant branching structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The air conditioner 1 is a device capable of cooling and heating a room such as a building by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 1 is mainly configured by connecting an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 4. Here, the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 4 are connected via a liquid refrigerant communication tube 5 and a gas refrigerant communication tube 6. That is, the vapor compression refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1 is configured by connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 4 via the refrigerant communication pipes 5 and 6.

<Indoor unit>
The indoor unit 4 is installed indoors and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10. The indoor unit 4 mainly has an indoor heat exchanger 41.

  The indoor heat exchanger 41 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant evaporator during cooling operation to cool indoor air, and functions as a refrigerant radiator during heating operation to heat indoor air. The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 41 is connected to the liquid refrigerant communication tube 5, and the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 41 is connected to the gas refrigerant communication tube 6.

  The indoor unit 4 has an indoor fan 42 for supplying indoor air as supply air after sucking indoor air into the indoor unit 4 and exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 41. That is, the indoor unit 4 has an indoor fan 42 as a fan that supplies indoor air as a heating source or cooling source of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 41 to the indoor heat exchanger 41. Here, as the indoor fan 42, a centrifugal fan or a multiblade fan driven by an indoor fan motor 42a is used.

<Outdoor unit>
The outdoor unit 2 is installed outside and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10. The outdoor unit 2 mainly includes a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 24, a liquid side closing valve 25, and a gas side closing valve 26.

  The compressor 21 is a device that compresses the low-pressure refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle until it reaches a high pressure. The compressor 21 has a hermetically sealed structure in which a rotary type or scroll type positive displacement compression element (not shown) is rotationally driven by a compressor motor 21a. The compressor 21 has a suction pipe 31 connected to the suction side and a discharge pipe 32 connected to the discharge side. The suction pipe 31 is a refrigerant pipe that connects the suction side of the compressor 21 and the four-way switching valve 22. The discharge pipe 32 is a refrigerant pipe that connects the discharge side of the compressor 21 and the four-way switching valve 22.

  The four-way switching valve 22 is a switching valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 10. During the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 22 causes the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to function as a radiator for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 41 for the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 23. Switch to the cooling cycle state to function as an evaporator. That is, in the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 22 is connected between the discharge side of the compressor 21 (here, the discharge pipe 32) and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 (here, the first gas refrigerant pipe 33). (See the solid line of the four-way selector valve 22 in FIG. 1). Moreover, the suction side (here, the suction pipe 31) of the compressor 21 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 6 side (here, the second gas refrigerant pipe 34) are connected (solid line of the four-way switching valve 22 in FIG. 1). See). Further, the four-way switching valve 22 causes the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to function as an evaporator of the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the indoor heat exchanger 41 during the heating operation, and the indoor heat exchanger 41 is compressed in the compressor 21. Switching to a heating cycle state that functions as a refrigerant radiator. That is, in the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the discharge side (here, the discharge pipe 32) of the compressor 21 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 6 side (here, the second gas refrigerant pipe 34). (Refer to the broken line of the four-way switching valve 22 in FIG. 1). In addition, the suction side of the compressor 21 (here, the suction pipe 31) and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 (here, the first gas refrigerant pipe 33) are connected (four-way switching valve 22 in FIG. 1). See the dashed line). Here, the first gas refrigerant pipe 33 is a refrigerant pipe connecting the four-way switching valve 22 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The second gas refrigerant pipe 34 is a refrigerant pipe that connects the four-way switching valve 22 and the gas-side closing valve 26.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant radiator that uses outdoor air as a cooling source during cooling operation, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator that uses outdoor air as a heating source during heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 has a liquid side connected to the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 and a gas side connected to the first gas refrigerant pipe 33. The liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is a refrigerant pipe that connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 5 side.

  The expansion valve 24 is a valve that decompresses the high-pressure refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle that has radiated heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle during the cooling operation. The expansion valve 24 is a valve that reduces the high-pressure refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle radiated in the indoor heat exchanger 41 to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle during heating operation. The expansion valve 24 is provided in a portion of the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 near the liquid side closing valve 25. Here, an electric expansion valve is used as the expansion valve 24.

  The liquid side shutoff valve 25 and the gas side shutoff valve 26 are valves provided at connection ports with external devices and pipes (specifically, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 5 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 6). The liquid side closing valve 25 is provided at the end of the liquid refrigerant pipe 35. The gas side closing valve 26 is provided at the end of the second gas refrigerant pipe 34.

  The outdoor unit 2 has an outdoor fan 36 for sucking outdoor air into the outdoor unit 2 and exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and then discharging the air to the outside. That is, the outdoor unit 2 includes an outdoor fan 36 as a fan that supplies outdoor air as a cooling source or a heating source of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. Here, as the outdoor fan 36, a propeller fan or the like driven by an outdoor fan motor 36a is used.

<Refrigerant communication pipe>
Refrigerant communication pipes 5 and 6 are refrigerant pipes that are constructed on site when the air conditioner 1 is installed at an installation place such as a building. Depending on the installation conditions, those having various lengths and pipe diameters are used.

(2) Basic operation | movement of an air conditioning apparatus Next, basic operation | movement of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is demonstrated using FIG. The air conditioner 1 can perform a cooling operation and a heating operation as basic operations.

<Cooling operation>
During the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the cooling cycle state (state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1).

  In the refrigerant circuit 10, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 21 and is compressed until it reaches the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged.

  The high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 through the four-way switching valve 22.

  The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 performs heat exchange with the outdoor air supplied as a cooling source by the outdoor fan 36 in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functioning as a refrigerant radiator, and dissipates heat. Becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

  The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has radiated heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is sent to the expansion valve 24.

  The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the expansion valve 24 is depressurized to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle by the expansion valve 24 and becomes a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 24 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 41 through the liquid-side closing valve 25 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 5.

  The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 41 evaporates by exchanging heat with indoor air supplied as a heating source by the indoor fan 42 in the indoor heat exchanger 41. As a result, the room air is cooled and then supplied to the room to cool the room.

  The low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 41 is again sucked into the compressor 21 through the gas refrigerant communication pipe 6, the gas side closing valve 26 and the four-way switching valve 22.

<Heating operation>
During the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the heating cycle state (the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1).

  In the refrigerant circuit 10, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 21 and is compressed until it reaches the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged.

  The high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 41 through the four-way switching valve 22, the gas side closing valve 26 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 6.

  The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 41 radiates heat by exchanging heat with indoor air supplied as a cooling source by the indoor fan 42 in the indoor heat exchanger 41 to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. . Thereby, indoor air is heated, and indoor heating is performed by being supplied indoors after that.

  The high-pressure liquid refrigerant radiated by the indoor heat exchanger 41 is sent to the expansion valve 24 through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 5 and the liquid-side closing valve 25.

  The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the expansion valve 24 is depressurized to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle by the expansion valve 24 and becomes a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 24 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

  The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with outdoor air supplied as a heating source by the outdoor fan 36 in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functioning as a refrigerant evaporator. Evaporates into a low-pressure gas refrigerant.

  The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is again sucked into the compressor 21 through the four-way switching valve 22.

(3) Basic configuration of outdoor unit Next, the basic configuration of the outdoor unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the outdoor unit 2. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the top plate 57 of the outdoor unit 2 is removed. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. In the following description, “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “front”, “side”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, etc. The wording means a direction and a surface when the surface on the fan blowing grill 55b side is a front surface unless otherwise specified.

  The outdoor unit 2 has a structure (so-called trunk type structure) in which the inside of the unit casing 51 is partitioned into a blower chamber S1 and a machine chamber S2 by a partition plate 58 extending in the vertical direction. The outdoor unit 2 is configured to discharge air from the front surface of the unit casing 51 after sucking outdoor air into the inside from a part of the back surface and side surface of the unit casing 51. The outdoor unit 2 mainly includes a unit casing 51, a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 24, closing valves 25 and 26, and refrigerant pipes 31 to 35 connecting these devices. It has the apparatus and piping which comprise the refrigerant circuit 10 containing, the outdoor fan 36, and the motor 36a for outdoor fans. Here, an example in which the blower chamber S1 is formed near the left side surface of the unit casing 51 and the machine chamber S2 is formed near the right side surface of the unit casing 51 will be described, but the left and right sides may be reversed.

  The unit casing 51 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The unit casing 51 mainly includes a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 24, closing valves 25 and 26, and a refrigerant pipe connecting these devices. The apparatus and piping which comprise the refrigerant circuit 10 containing 31-35, the outdoor fan 36, and the outdoor fan motor 36a are accommodated. The unit casing 51 includes a bottom plate 52 on which the devices and pipings 21 to 26, 31 to 35, the outdoor fan 36, and the like constituting the refrigerant circuit 10 are placed, a blower chamber side plate 53, a machine chamber side plate 54, It has a blower room side front plate 55, a machine room side front plate 56, a top plate 57, and two installation legs 59.

  The bottom plate 52 is a plate-like member that constitutes the bottom portion of the unit casing 51.

  The blower chamber side plate 53 is a plate-like member that forms a side surface portion (here, the left side surface portion) of the unit casing 51 near the blower chamber S1. The lower part of the blower chamber side plate 53 is fixed to the bottom plate 52. The blower chamber side plate 53 is formed with a side fan inlet 53 a for sucking outdoor air into the unit casing 51 from the side surface side of the unit casing 51 by the outdoor fan 36.

  The machine room side plate 54 is a plate-like member that constitutes a part of the side surface portion (here, the right side surface portion) of the unit casing 51 near the machine room S2 and the back surface portion of the unit casing 51 near the machine room S2. is there. The lower part of the machine room side plate 54 is fixed to the bottom plate 52. Outdoor air is passed into the unit casing 51 from the back side of the unit casing 51 by the outdoor fan 36 between the rear side end of the blower room side plate 53 and the end of the machine room side plate 54 on the blower chamber S1 side. A rear fan inlet 53b for inhalation is formed.

  The blower chamber side front plate 55 is a plate-like member that constitutes the front portion of the blower chamber S <b> 1 of the unit casing 51. The lower portion of the blower chamber side front plate 55 is fixed to the bottom plate 52, and the left end portion thereof is fixed to the front end portion of the blower chamber side plate 53. The blower chamber side front plate 55 is provided with a fan outlet 55a for blowing the outdoor air sucked into the unit casing 51 by the outdoor fan 36 to the outside. On the front side of the blower chamber side front plate 55, a fan blow grill 55b that covers the fan blow outlet 55a is provided.

  The machine room side front plate 56 is a plate-like member that constitutes a part of the front part of the machine room S2 of the unit casing 51 and a part of the side part of the machine room S2 of the unit casing 51. The machine room side front plate 56 has an end portion on the fan chamber S1 side fixed to an end portion on the machine room S2 side of the blower chamber side front plate 55, and an end portion on the back side on the front side of the machine room side plate 54. It is fixed to the end of the.

  The top plate 57 is a plate-like member that constitutes the top surface portion of the unit casing 51. The top plate 57 is fixed to the blower chamber side plate 53, the machine room side plate 54, and the blower chamber side front plate 55.

  The partition plate 58 is a plate-like member that is arranged on the bottom plate 52 and extends in the vertical direction. Here, the partition plate 58 divides the inside of the unit casing 51 into left and right to form a blower chamber S1 near the left side and a machine chamber S2 near the right side. The lower portion of the partition plate 58 is fixed to the bottom plate 52, the front end portion thereof is fixed to the blower chamber side front plate 55, and the rear end portion thereof is the side closer to the machine room S <b> 2 of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. It extends to the end.

  The installation leg 59 is a plate-like member extending in the front-rear direction of the unit casing 51. The installation leg 59 is a member fixed to the installation surface of the outdoor unit 2. Here, the outdoor unit 2 has two installation legs 59, one is arranged near the blower room S1, and the other is arranged near the machine room S2.

  The outdoor fan 36 is a propeller fan having a plurality of blades, and faces the front surface of the unit casing 51 (here, the fan air outlet 55a) at a position on the front surface side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the blower chamber S1. Are arranged as follows. The outdoor fan motor 36a is disposed between the outdoor fan 36 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the front-rear direction in the blower chamber S1. The outdoor fan motor 36 a is supported by a motor support base 36 b placed on the bottom plate 52. The outdoor fan 36 is pivotally supported by an outdoor fan motor 36a.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a substantially L-shaped heat exchanger panel in plan view, and is placed on the bottom plate 52 so as to face the side surface (here, the left side surface) and the back surface of the unit casing 51 in the blower chamber S1. It is placed.

  Here, the compressor 21 is a vertical cylindrical hermetic compressor, and is placed on the bottom plate 52 in the machine room S2.

(4) Basic structure of outdoor heat exchanger Next, the structure of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is demonstrated using FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the heat exchange unit 60 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 when a corrugated fin is employed as the heat transfer fin 64. FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. In the following description, the terms indicating directions and surfaces mean directions and surfaces based on the state in which the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is placed on the outdoor unit 2 unless otherwise specified.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 23 mainly includes a heat exchange unit 60 that performs heat exchange between outdoor air and refrigerant, a refrigerant flow distributor 70 and an inlet / outlet header 80 provided on one end side of the heat exchange unit 60, and the heat exchange unit 60. And an intermediate header 90 provided on the other end side. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is an all-aluminum heat exchanger in which all of the refrigerant flow distributor 70, the inlet / outlet header 80, the intermediate header 90, and the heat exchange unit 60 are formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. This is done by brazing such as intermediate brazing.

  The heat exchanger 60 includes a plurality of (here, twelve) main heat exchange units 61A to 61L that constitute the upper part of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and a plurality (here, 12) that constitute the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. ) Sub heat exchanging parts 62A to 62L. In the main heat exchanging parts 61A to 61L, the main heat exchanging part 61A is arranged at the uppermost stage, and the main heat exchanging parts 61B to 61L are arranged in order from the lower stage side along the downward in the vertical direction. In the sub heat exchanging units 62A to 62L, the sub heat exchanging unit 62A is arranged at the lowermost stage, and the sub heat exchanging units 62B to 62L are arranged in order from the upper stage side in the vertical direction upward.

  The heat exchanging unit 60 is an insertion fin type heat exchanger composed of a large number of heat transfer tubes 63 made of flat tubes and a large number of heat transfer fins 64 made of insertion fins. The heat transfer tube 63 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and is a flat multi-hole tube having a flat surface portion 63a facing the vertical direction serving as a heat transfer surface and a large number of small internal flow paths 63b through which the refrigerant flows. The multiple heat transfer tubes 63 are arranged in a plurality of stages at intervals along the vertical direction, and both ends thereof are connected to the inlet / outlet header 80 and the intermediate header 90. The heat transfer fins 64 are formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and are provided with a number of notches 64a extending horizontally and elongated so as to be inserted into a number of heat transfer tubes 63 arranged between the inlet / outlet header 80 and the intermediate header 90. Is formed. The shape of the notch 64 a of the heat transfer fin 64 substantially matches the outer shape of the cross section of the heat transfer tube 63. The large number of heat transfer tubes 63 are divided into the main heat exchange units 61A to 61L and the sub heat exchange units 62A to 62L. Here, the large number of heat transfer tubes 63 constitute main heat exchange portions 61A to 61L for each predetermined number (about 3 to 8) of the heat transfer tubes 63 from the uppermost stage of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 downward in the vertical direction. It forms a heat transfer tube group. Moreover, the heat exchanger tube group which comprises sub heat-exchange part 62A-62L is comprised for every predetermined number (about 1-3 pieces) of heat exchanger tubes 63 along the perpendicular direction upwards from the lowest step of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. .

  The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is not limited to an insertion fin type heat exchanger adopting an insertion fin (see FIG. 5) as the heat transfer fin 64 as described above. It may be a corrugated fin heat exchanger that employs a large number of corrugated fins (see FIG. 6).

(5) Configuration of Intermediate Header Next, the configuration of the intermediate header 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the wording indicating the direction and the surface is the direction and surface based on the state in which the outdoor heat exchanger 23 including the intermediate header 90 is placed on the outdoor unit 2. means.

  As described above, the intermediate header 90 is provided on the other end side of the heat exchanging unit 60, and the other end of the heat transfer tube 63 is connected thereto. The intermediate header 90 is a cylindrical member that is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and extends in the vertical direction, and mainly includes a vertically long intermediate header case 91.

  The intermediate header case 91 has an internal space vertically defined by a plurality (11 in this case) of the main intermediate baffles 92, a plurality of (11 in this case) sub-side intermediate baffles 93 and a boundary-side intermediate baffle 94. It is divided along. The main intermediate baffle 92 is provided in order along the vertical direction so as to partition the internal space above the intermediate header case 91 into main intermediate spaces 95A to 95K communicating with the other ends of the main heat exchange portions 61A to 61K. ing. The sub-side intermediate baffle 93 is provided in order along the vertical direction so as to partition the internal space below the intermediate header case 91 into sub-side intermediate spaces 96A to 96K communicating with the other ends of the sub heat exchange portions 62A to 62K. ing. The boundary-side intermediate baffle 94 communicates the internal space between the main-side intermediate baffle 92 on the lowermost stage side of the intermediate header case 91 and the sub-side intermediate baffle 93 on the uppermost stage side to the other end of the main heat exchanging portion 61L. The main-side intermediate space 95L and the sub-side intermediate space 96L communicating with the other end of the sub-heat exchanger 62L are provided.

  The intermediate header case 91 is connected with a plurality (here, 11) of intermediate communication pipes 97A to 97K. The intermediate connecting pipes 97A to 97K are refrigerant pipes that connect the main side intermediate spaces 95A to 95K and the sub side intermediate spaces 96A to 96K. As a result, the main heat exchanging parts 61A to 61K and the sub heat exchanging parts 62A to 62K communicate with each other via the intermediate header 90 and the intermediate connecting pipes 97A to 97K, and the refrigerant paths 65A to 65K of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 are established. Is formed. The boundary-side intermediate baffle 94 is formed with an intermediate baffle communication hole 94a that allows the main-side intermediate space 95L and the sub-side intermediate space 96L to communicate with each other. As a result, the main heat exchange unit 61L and the sub heat exchange unit 62L communicate with each other via the intermediate header 90 and the intermediate baffle communication hole 94a, and the refrigerant path 65L of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is formed. Thus, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 has a configuration divided into multi-pass (here, 12 passes) refrigerant paths 65A to 65L.

  The intermediate header 90 is not limited to a configuration in which the internal space of the intermediate header case 91 is partitioned by the intermediate baffles 92 and 93 along the vertical direction. The structure by which the device for maintaining a favorable flow state was made may be sufficient.

(6) Configuration of Entrance / Exit Header and Refrigerant Divider Next, the configuration of the entrance / exit header 80 and the refrigerant distributor 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the inlet / outlet header 80 and the refrigerant flow divider 70 of FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inlet / outlet header 80 and the refrigerant flow distributor 70 of FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower part of the inlet / outlet header 80 and the refrigerant flow distributor 70 of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the rod member 74. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the lower end of the bar member 74. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the refrigerant flow divider 70. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing how the rod through baffle 77 is inserted into the flow distributor case 71. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the nozzle portion 79 and the upper and lower end side diverting baffles 73 are inserted into the lower end of the diverter case 71. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rod positioning baffle 74 c and the upper and lower end side flow dividing baffles 73 are inserted into the upper end of the flow divider case 71. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the upper end of the rod member 74 with the rod positioning baffle 74c inserted. In the following description, the terms indicating the direction and the surface are based on the state in which the outdoor heat exchanger 23 including the refrigerant flow divider 70 and the inlet / outlet header 80 is placed on the outdoor unit 2 unless otherwise specified. Means the direction or plane. The refrigerant flow in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 including the refrigerant flow divider 70, the inlet / outlet header 80, and the intermediate header 90 is based on the case where the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a refrigerant evaporator unless otherwise specified. This means the flow of refrigerant.

<Gateway header>
As described above, the entrance / exit header 80 is provided on one end side of the heat exchanging unit 60, and one end of the heat transfer tube 63 is connected thereto. The entrance / exit header 90 is a member that is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and extends in the vertical direction, and mainly includes a vertically long entrance / exit header case 81.

  The entrance / exit header case 81 mainly has a cylindrical entrance / exit header tubular body 82 having an upper end and a lower end opened. The upper and lower ends of the entrance / exit header case 81 are closed by two upper / lower end side entrance / exit baffles 83. The entrance / exit header case 81 is partitioned in the vertical direction into an upper entrance / exit space 85 and lower supply spaces 86 </ b> A to 86 </ b> L by a boundary side entrance / exit baffle 84. The entrance / exit space 85 is a space that communicates with one end of the main heat exchange units 61A to 61L, and functions as a space that joins the refrigerant that has passed through the refrigerant paths 65A to 65L at the outlet. Thus, the upper part of the entrance / exit header 80 which has the entrance / exit space 85 functions as the refrigerant | coolant exit part which joins the refrigerant | coolant which passed refrigerant | coolant path | pass 65A-65L at an exit.

  The first gas refrigerant pipe 33 is connected to the inlet / outlet header 80 and communicates with the inlet / outlet space 85. The supply spaces 86 </ b> A to 86 </ b> L are a plurality (here, twelve) spaces communicating with one end of the sub heat exchange parts 62 </ b> A to 62 </ b> L partitioned by a plurality (here, eleven) supply-side inlet / outlet baffles 87. It functions as a space through which the refrigerant flows out to the refrigerant paths 65A to 65L. Thus, the lower part of the inlet / outlet header 80 having the plurality of supply spaces 86A to 86L functions as a refrigerant supply unit that divides the refrigerant into the plurality of refrigerant paths 65A to 65L and allows the refrigerant to flow out.

<Refrigerant divider>
As described above, the refrigerant distributor 70 is a device for diverting the refrigerant flowing in through the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 and sending it to the downstream side (here, the plurality of refrigerant paths 65A to 65L). It is provided on one end side, and one end of the heat transfer tube 63 is connected via a refrigerant supply portion (that is, supply spaces 86 </ b> A to 86 </ b> L) of the inlet / outlet header 80. The refrigerant flow divider 70 is a member that is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy and extends in the vertical direction, and mainly includes a vertically long flow divider case 71.

  The shunt case 71 mainly has a cylindrical shunt header cylindrical body 72 having an open upper end and a lower end, and the upper and lower end openings are closed by two upper and lower shunt baffles 73. Here, the upper and lower end side diversion baffles 73 are circular plate members formed with semicircular arc-shaped edges 73a, and insertion slits 72a formed at the upper and lower ends of the diverter header cylindrical body 72, It is brazed and joined to 72b from the side surface of the shunt case 71.

  In the flow divider case 71, a plurality (here, 12) of the diversion channels 74A to 74L arranged along the circumferential direction, a diversion space 75 for guiding the refrigerant to the plurality of diversion channels 74A to 74L, and a plurality of A plurality of (in this case, twelve) discharge spaces 76A to 76L are formed in communication with the branch flow space 75 and arranged along the vertical direction.

  A plurality (here, twelve) of the diversion channels 74 </ b> A to 74 </ b> L are formed by rod members 74 disposed in the diverter case 71. The rod member 74 is a rod-like member extending in the vertical direction in which a plurality of branch channels 74A to 74L are arranged along the circumferential direction. The rod member 74 is manufactured by extrusion molding of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the plurality of branch channels 74A to 74L extend in the longitudinal direction of the rod member 74 and are integrally formed with the rod member 74 (here, 12 holes). The central portion of the rod member 74 in the radial direction is surrounded by a plurality of branch channels 74A to 74L. The upper end which is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the rod member 74 is in contact with the lower surface of the upper and lower end side baffle 73 provided at the upper end of the flow distributor case 71, and the upper ends of the plurality of diversion channels 74 </ b> A to 74 </ b> L are closed. ing. That is, the upper and lower end side flow dividing baffles 73 provided at the upper end of the flow divider case 71 function as a bar cover member that covers the upper end of the bar member 74. On the other hand, the lower end which is one end in the longitudinal direction of the rod member 74 extends to the lower part of the flow distributor case 71, but the upper surface of the upper and lower end side flow baffle 73 provided at the lower end of the flow distributor case 71 is extended. The lower ends of the plurality of branch channels 74A to 74L are not closed. Thereby, a space facing the lower end of the rod member 74 including the flow dividing space 75 is formed in the flow dividing case 71.

  The outer diameter of the bar member 74 is smaller than the inner diameter of the shunt case 71, and a space is formed between the side surface of the bar member 74 and the shunt case 71, and this space is a plurality of discharge spaces 76A to 76A. 76L is formed. Here, a plurality of (here, 11) rod through baffles 77 in which rod through holes 77b through which the rod members 74 pass are formed in the flow divider case 71 are inserted from the side surfaces of the flow divider case 71, A plurality of discharge spaces 76 </ b> A to 76 </ b> L are formed by the plurality of rod penetration baffles 77. Here, the rod penetrating baffle 77 is a circular plate member in which a semicircular arc edge 77a is formed, and an insertion slit 72c formed along the vertical direction on the side surface of the shunt header cylindrical body 72. In the state inserted from the side surface of the shunt case 71, brazing is performed. Thereby, the rod member 74 is arrange | positioned in the shunt case 71 in the state which penetrated the rod penetration hole 77b of the rod penetration baffle 77 along the perpendicular direction. In FIG. 13, the rod member 74 is inserted from the lower end of the shunt case 71, but may be inserted from the upper end of the shunt case 71. As described above, the shunt case 71 is configured such that the space between the side surface of the rod member 74 and the shunt case 71 is divided into a plurality of discharge spaces 76 </ b> A to 76 </ b> L along the vertical direction by the plurality of rod penetration baffles 77. It has been.

  A plurality of (here, twelve) rod side holes 74a (communication passages) are formed on the side surface of the rod member 74, and a plurality of discharge spaces 76A to 76L and a plurality of branch channels are formed by the plurality of rod side holes 74a. 74A to 74L communicate with each other. Here, the plurality of branch channels 74A to 74L and the plurality of discharge spaces 76A to 76L correspond to each other on a one-to-one basis. For example, the rod side surface hole 74a communicating with the discharge space 76A is formed so as to correspond only to the branch channel 74A, and the rod side surface hole 74a communicating with the discharge space 76B is formed so as to correspond only to the distribution channel 74B. In addition, a rod side surface hole 74a is formed so that a diversion channel communicating with a certain discharge space does not communicate with other discharge spaces. The plurality of rod side holes 74a are arranged in a spiral shape along the longitudinal direction of the rod member 74 (here, the vertical direction).

  The refrigerant flow distributor 70 is provided with a bar positioning baffle 74 c (bar positioning member) for positioning the circumferential position of the bar member 74 with respect to the flow distributor case 71. The rod positioning baffle 74 c is a circular plate member in which a rod through hole 74 d through which the rod member 74 passes and a semicircular arc edge 74 e are formed in the same way as the rod through baffle 77. It is inserted from the side. Here, the rod positioning baffle 74c is inserted into the insertion slit 72a formed at the upper end of the flow distributor header cylindrical body 72 from the side surface of the flow distributor case 71, and overlaps with the upper and lower end side flow baffle 73. It is attached. Thereby, while the upper end of the rod member 74 penetrates the rod through-hole 74d of the rod positioning baffle 74c, and the upper and lower end side branch baffles 73 are arranged so as to overlap the upper side of the rod positioning baffle 74c, a plurality of branch channels 74A to 74A. The upper end of 74L is in a closed state. Here, the insertion slit 72a has a size capable of inserting both the upper and lower end side flow dividing baffles 73 and the rod positioning baffles 74c. Further, the rod positioning baffle 74c is formed with a positioning side engaging portion 74f having a convex shape from the peripheral edge of the rod through hole 74d toward the inner peripheral side. A rod-side engagement portion 74g having a concave shape that engages with the positioning-side engagement portion 74f is formed on the upper end side surface of the rod member 74. Here, the positioning side engaging portion 74f and the rod side engaging portion 74g are formed at circumferential positions corresponding to the branch flow path 74L. And the rod member 74 is arrange | positioned in the shunt case 71, the rod positioning baffle 74c is inserted in the insertion slit 72a, and both the engaging parts 74f and 74g will be in the engaged state, Therefore With respect to the shunt case 71 The circumferential position of the bar member 74 is positioned. Further, a misassembly preventing portion 74h having a downwardly convex shape is formed on the lower surface of the rod positioning baffle 74c. Here, the misassembly prevention portion 74h is formed in a flat tongue portion 74i that protrudes toward the front side in the insertion direction from the edge portion 74e to the insertion slit 72a.

  In the shunt case 71, the space facing the lower end of the rod member 74 is divided into an introduction space 78 for introducing the refrigerant flowing in through the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 and a shunt space 75 for guiding the refrigerant to the plurality of branch flow paths 74A to 74L. As described above, a nozzle portion 79 in which a nozzle hole 79a is formed is provided. That is, the nozzle part 79 partitions the space in the flow distributor case 71 into a lower end side introduction space 78 and a diversion space 75 above the introduction space 78, and sends the refrigerant flowing into the introduction space 78 to the diversion space 75. Nozzle holes 79a are formed.

  The nozzle portion 79 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and here has a nozzle body 79b and a nozzle support baffle 79c. The nozzle body 79b is a circular plate member in which a nozzle hole 79a is formed. The nozzle body 79 b has an outer diameter that is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the flow distributor case 71 and is inserted into the flow distributor case 71 together with the rod member 74 from below. In the nozzle body 79b, a nozzle recess 79e, which is a recessed portion having a diameter larger than that of the nozzle hole 79a, is formed on the end surface 79d on the rod member side which is an end surface on one end (here, the lower end) in the longitudinal direction of the rod member 74. The shunt space 75 is formed by a space surrounded by the lower end of the rod member 74 and the nozzle recess 79e. Here, the diversion space 75 is formed by bringing the lower end of the rod member 74 into contact with the rod member side end surface 79d. Here, at the lower end of the rod member 74, an inlet portion 74b that is surrounded by the plurality of branch channels 74A to 74L and faces the nozzle hole 79a is formed, and the area of the inlet portion 74b is equal to that of the nozzle hole 79a. It is larger than the opening area. Further, a rod fitting portion 79f having a convex shape for fitting one end (here, the lower end) of the rod member 74 in the longitudinal direction is formed on the rod member side end surface 79d. Thereby, the position shift to the side of the rod member 74 and the nozzle main body 79b is suppressed. In addition, a stepped portion 79h having a convex shape that is fitted into the stepped fitting hole 79g of the nozzle support baffle 79c is formed on the lower surface of the nozzle body 79b. On the other hand, the nozzle support baffle 79 c is a circular plate member in which a step fitting hole 79 g and a semicircular arc edge 79 i are formed, like the rod through baffle 77, and is inserted from the side surface of the flow divider case 71. It is. Here, the nozzle support baffle 79 c is inserted into the flow divider case 71 via an insertion slit 72 d formed on the side surface of the flow divider case 71. Then, with the rod member 74 and the nozzle body 79b inserted to the upper side of the insertion slit 72d in the flow distributor case 71, the nozzle support baffle 79c is inserted into the flow distributor case 71, and the rod member 74 and the nozzle body 79b are moved downward. , The stepped portion 79h of the nozzle body 79b is fitted into the stepped fitting hole 79g of the nozzle support baffle 79c and brazed together with the rod member 74 and the nozzle body 79b.

  The liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is connected to the lower end side surface of the shunt case 71 (that is, the side surface below the nozzle portion 79) so that the refrigerant flows into the introduction space 78. Here, the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is inserted into the introduction space 78 so as to overlap the nozzle hole 79a when the nozzle portion 79 and the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 are viewed from the opening direction of the nozzle hole 79a (that is, the vertical direction). ing. Specifically, the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is inserted into the introduction space 78 laterally through a liquid pipe connection hole 72 e formed on the lower end side surface of the flow distributor case 71. Here, a portion of the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 inserted into the introduction space 78 is referred to as an insertion pipe part 35a. Here, since the nozzle hole 79a is located in the center of the shunt case 71 in plan view, the tip of the insertion tube portion 35a is inserted to at least a position crossing the center of the shunt case 71 in plan view, Here, the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is inserted into the introduction space 78 until it comes into contact with the inner surface of the flow distributor case 71 (here, the inner surface facing the liquid pipe connection hole 72e). Here, the tube tip hole 35b, which is the opening at the tip of the insertion tube portion 35a, is closed, and the nozzle portion 79 and the liquid refrigerant tube 35 are opened at the upper portion of the insertion tube portion 35a. A coolant introduction hole 35c is formed so as to overlap the nozzle hole 79a when viewed from the direction. Here, the tube tip hole 35b is closed by attaching a columnar rivet 35d (tube end closing member). The method of closing the tube tip hole 35b is not limited to the method using the rivet 35d, and the tube tip hole 35b is closed by applying span processing or pinching to the tip of the insertion tube portion 35a. May be. Here, the opening area of the refrigerant introduction hole 35c is made larger than the opening area of the nozzle hole 79a.

  The refrigerant flow divider 70 is connected to the lower portion of the inlet / outlet header 80 via a plurality (here, twelve) communication pipes 88 forming a plurality (here, twelve) communication paths 88A to 88L. Yes. That is, the plurality of communication paths 88A to 88L are portions that guide the refrigerant from the plurality of discharge spaces 76A to 76L to the plurality of supply spaces 86A to 86L. Thus, the liquid refrigerant pipe 35, the lower part of the inlet / outlet header 80 as the refrigerant supply section, the refrigerant distributor 70, and the plurality of communication pipes 88 forming the plurality of communication paths 88 </ b> A to 88 </ b> L are supplied through the liquid refrigerant pipe 35. Is functioning as a refrigerant distribution structure for sending the refrigerant to a plurality of downstream refrigerant paths 65A to 65L (that is, a plurality of heat transfer pipes 63 made of flat tubes).

(7) Features of the refrigerant branching structure The refrigerant branching structure having the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 and the refrigerant divider 70 of the present embodiment has the following characteristics.

<A>
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the refrigerant branching structure of the present embodiment is a refrigerant branching structure for diverting a refrigerant and sending it to the downstream side, and a diverter case 71 extending in the vertical direction, and a diverter case The nozzle part 79 provided in 71 and the liquid refrigerant pipe | tube 35 connected to the lower end side surface of the flow divider case 71 are provided. The nozzle portion 79 divides the space in the flow divider case 71 into an introduction space 78 on the lower end side and a diversion space 75 on the upper side of the introduction space 78, and sends the refrigerant flowing into the introduction space 78 to the diversion space 75. A nozzle hole 79a is formed. The liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is a refrigerant pipe that causes the refrigerant to flow into the introduction space 78. Here, the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is inserted into the introduction space 78 so as to overlap the nozzle hole 79a when the nozzle portion 79 and the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 are viewed from the opening direction of the nozzle hole 79a. Moreover, the tube tip hole 35b, which is the opening at the tip of the insertion tube portion 35a that is the portion inserted into the introduction space 78 in the liquid refrigerant tube 35, is closed, and the upper portion of the insertion tube portion 35a is When the nozzle part 79 and the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 are viewed from the opening direction of the nozzle hole 79a, a refrigerant introduction hole 35c is formed so as to overlap the nozzle hole 79a.

  Therefore, here, the refrigerant flowing into the introduction space 78 from the lower end side surface of the flow divider case 71 is sent through the insertion pipe portion 35a of the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 to a position overlapping with the nozzle hole 79a above it, and thereafter Then, it can be sent to the nozzle hole 79a so as to be sprayed straight through the refrigerant introduction hole 35c formed in the upper part of the insertion pipe part 35a (see FIG. 18). On the other hand, when the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is only connected to the lower end side surface of the flow divider case 71 (see FIG. 19), the refrigerant flowing into the introduction space 78 from the lower end side surface of the flow divider case 71 is Since the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is ejected laterally from the pipe tip hole 35 b to the introduction space 78, a flow that is jetted straight toward the nozzle hole 79 a cannot be obtained, and the liquid refrigerant is unevenly distributed in the introduction space 78. Thus, here, compared with the case where the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is only connected to the lower end side surface of the flow distributor case 71, the liquid refrigerant is suppressed from being unevenly distributed in the introduction space 78, and the nozzle hole A refrigerant having a uniform void ratio (a volume ratio occupied by a gas refrigerant in a refrigerant flowing in a gas-liquid two-phase state) can be sent to 79a.

  Thereby, here, the void ratio of the refrigerant in the diversion space 75 after passing through the nozzle hole 79a can be made uniform, and the diversion performance of the refrigerant can be ensured.

  Further, since the refrigerant passes through the two holes of the refrigerant introduction hole 35c and the nozzle hole 79a, the flow noise of the refrigerant can be suppressed. If the refrigerant passes through only one nozzle hole 79a, the flow velocity of the refrigerant passing through the nozzle hole 79a is too large, and the flow noise of the refrigerant is likely to increase.

  In this refrigerant distribution structure, it is necessary to position the refrigerant introduction hole 35c so as to surely overlap the nozzle hole 79a when the nozzle portion 79 and the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 are viewed from the opening direction of the nozzle hole 79a. is there. In contrast, here, the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is inserted into the introduction space 78 until the tip of the insertion pipe part 35a contacts the inner surface of the flow divider case 71. The degree of insertion of the refrigerant pipe 35 can be made constant, and it is easy to position the refrigerant introduction hole 35c so as to overlap the nozzle hole 79a.

<B>
Further, in the refrigerant branching structure of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 18, the opening area of the refrigerant introduction hole 35c is larger than the opening area of the nozzle hole 79a.

  Here, an increase in the pressure loss of the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant introduction hole 35a can be suppressed as much as possible.

(8) Modification <A>
In the refrigerant branching structure according to the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 18, only the tube tip hole 35 b at the tip of the insertion tube portion 35 a of the liquid refrigerant tube 35 is closed. For this reason, liquid refrigerant accumulates in the space in the insertion tube portion 35a closer to the pipe tip hole 35b than the refrigerant introduction hole 35c (hereinafter, this liquid refrigerant accumulation is referred to as “liquid refrigerant accumulation”. ”). For this reason, when the refrigerant sent to the position where it overlaps the nozzle hole 79a of the insertion pipe portion 35a of the liquid refrigerant pipe 35 is sent so as to be jetted straight toward the nozzle hole 79a, the liquid refrigerant pool is affected by the influence of the liquid refrigerant pool. It becomes easy to prevent the void ratio from being uniform.

  Therefore, here, as shown in FIG. 20, a portion of the space in the insertion tube portion 35a closer to the tube tip hole 35b than the refrigerant introduction hole 35c is closed. For this reason, unlike the case where the tube tip hole at the tip of the insertion tube portion of the liquid refrigerant tube is only closed (see FIG. 18), the liquid refrigerant pool does not occur in the insertion tube portion 35a. Compared with the case where the tube tip hole 35b at the tip of the insertion tube portion 35a of the liquid refrigerant tube 35 is only closed, the void ratio of the refrigerant can be made more uniform.

  Thereby, here, the void ratio of the refrigerant in the diversion space 75 after passing through the nozzle hole 79a can be further uniformed to improve the refrigerant diversion performance.

  As a method for closing the space in the tube tip hole 35b and the insertion tube portion 35a, a method other than a method for attaching a columnar rivet 35d (tube end closing member) to the tube tip hole 35 as in the above embodiment. (Span processing or pinch processing) may be used, but here, since it is necessary to reliably close a large space closer to the tube tip hole 35b than the tube tip hole 35b and the coolant introduction hole 35c, the rivet 35d It is preferable to adopt the method by.

<B>
In the refrigerant branching structure according to the above-described embodiment, a plurality of branch flow paths 74A to 74L in which the rod member 74 is disposed along the circumferential direction are integrally formed as a rod-like member extending in the vertical direction, but are not limited thereto. It is not something. For example, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the rod member 74 is formed by bundling a plurality (here, 12) of thin tube members 741A to 741L that form a plurality of branch channels 74A to 74L along the circumferential direction. It may be configured. Although not shown here, a plurality of rod side holes 74a are formed on the side surfaces of the plurality of thin tube members 741A to 741L, and a plurality of discharge spaces 76A to 76A are formed by the plurality of rod side holes 74a. 76L and the plurality of branch channels 74A to 74L communicate with each other. In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, the center rod 742 may be provided in the portion surrounded by the plurality of thin tube members 741A to 741L, and the lower end of the center rod 742 may be the inlet portion 74b. Further, as shown in FIG. 23 instead of the center rod 742, a partition 743 through which the plurality of thin tube members 741A to 741L can pass is provided at the lower ends of the plurality of thin tube members 741A to 741L. The central portion may be the inlet portion 74b.

<C>
In the refrigerant branching structure according to the above-described embodiment, the plurality of branch flow paths 74A to 74L in which the rod member 74 is disposed along the circumferential direction are integrally formed as a rod-like member extending in the vertical direction. Is not to be done. For example, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the rod member 74 may be constituted by a cylindrical outer rod member 744 and an inner rod member 745 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the outer rod member 744. Here, a plurality of (here, twelve) grooves 744a and 745a extending in the longitudinal direction of the rod member 74 are formed on at least one of the inner circumferential surface of the outer rod member 744 or the outer circumferential surface of the inner rod member 745, A plurality of branch channels 74 </ b> A to 74 </ b> L are formed by a space surrounded by the plurality of grooves 744 a and 745 a and the inner peripheral surface of the outer rod member 744 or the outer peripheral surface of the inner rod member 745. Although not shown here, a plurality of rod side holes 74a are formed on the side surface of the outer rod member 744, and a plurality of discharge spaces 76A to 76L and a plurality of discharge space 76A to 76L are formed by the plurality of rod side holes 74a. The diversion channels 74A to 74L communicate with each other. Here, the central portion of the lower end of the inner rod member 745 is the inlet portion 74b.

<D>
The refrigerant branching structure according to the above embodiment is constituted by the liquid refrigerant pipe 35, the refrigerant diverter 70, the plurality of connecting pipes 88, and the lower part (refrigerant supply part) of the inlet / outlet header case 81, but is not limited thereto. is not. For example, although not shown here, the refrigerant distributor 70, the plurality of connecting pipes 88, and the lower part of the inlet / outlet header case 81 may be formed as a single header-divider case that extends in the vertical direction. At this time, when the refrigerant distributor 70 is formed in the lower part of the inlet / outlet header case 81, the heat transfer pipe 63 can be directly communicated with the plurality of discharge spaces 76A to 76L.

<E>
In the outdoor heat exchanger 23 employing the refrigerant branching structure according to the above embodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of heat transfer tubes 63 made of flat tubes are arranged along the vertical direction by one row in plan view will be described as an example. However, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the heat transfer tubes 63 in two rows in plan view may be arranged in a plurality of stages along the vertical direction. In this case, since the other end (left end) in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube 63 is folded back toward one end (right end) in the longitudinal direction, not only the refrigerant distributor 70 and the inlet / outlet header 80 but also the intermediate header 90 It is provided on the other end (right end) side of the heat transfer tube 63.

  The present invention divides the space in the flow divider case into a lower end side introduction space and an upper side diversion space by a nozzle member in which a nozzle hole is formed, and connects the liquid refrigerant pipe to the lower end side surface of the flow divider case. Thus, the present invention can be widely applied to a refrigerant branching structure in which a refrigerant flows into the introduction space.

35 Liquid refrigerant pipe 35a Insertion pipe part 35b Pipe tip hole 35c Refrigerant introduction hole 35d Rivet (tube end closing member)
71 Shunt case 75 Shunt space 78 Introduction space 79 Nozzle part 79a Nozzle hole

JP 2013-130386 A

Claims (4)

A refrigerant distribution structure for diverting the refrigerant and sending it to the downstream side,
A shunt case (71) extending in the vertical direction;
Provided in the shunt case, the space in the shunt case is divided into a lower end side introduction space (78) and a shunt space (75) above the introduction space, and flows into the introduction space A nozzle part (79) in which a nozzle hole (79a) for sending the refrigerant to the diversion space is formed;
A liquid refrigerant pipe (35) connected to a lower end side surface of the flow divider case, and for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the introduction space;
With
The liquid refrigerant pipe is inserted into the introduction space so as to overlap the nozzle hole when the nozzle portion and the liquid refrigerant pipe are viewed from the opening direction of the nozzle hole,
The tube tip hole (35b) that is the opening at the tip of the insertion tube portion (35a) that is the portion inserted into the introduction space of the liquid refrigerant tube is closed,
A refrigerant introduction hole (35c) is formed in the upper part of the insertion pipe part so as to overlap the nozzle hole when the nozzle part and the liquid refrigerant pipe are viewed from the opening direction of the nozzle hole.
Refrigerant shunt structure. The space in the insertion tube portion (35a) is closed at a portion closer to the tube tip hole (35b) than the refrigerant introduction hole (35c),
The refrigerant branching structure according to claim 1. Closing of the space in the tube tip hole (35b) and the insertion tube portion (35a) is performed by attaching a columnar tube end blocking member (35d) to the tube tip hole.
The refrigerant branching structure according to claim 2. The opening area of the refrigerant introduction hole (35c) is larger than the opening area of the nozzle hole (79a).
The refrigerant branching structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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