JP6028815B2 - Heat exchange unit of air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat exchange unit of an air conditioner, in particular, a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins and a casing having a support portion on which the heat exchanger is mounted. Regarding the exchange unit.

  Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-276940), a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction. There is a heat exchanger having a heat transfer fin extending in a vertical direction. This heat exchanger is used in a state of being placed on a bottom plate (supporting portion) of a casing constituting an outdoor unit or the like (heat exchange unit) of the air conditioner. In addition, this heat exchanger is appropriately bent according to the arrangement of the equipment in the casing. At this time, the heat transfer fins are crushed during bending of the heat exchanger by devising a mandrel for bending. It does not occur.

  However, even if it is possible to prevent the heat transfer fins from being crushed by bending the mandrel for bending in Patent Document 1 above, the heat exchanger is installed in the heat exchange unit. When placed on the support portion, the heat transfer fins may be crushed at the lower end of the heat exchanger due to vibration / dropping during transportation of the heat exchange unit or vibration during operation. In particular, for the purpose of improving drainage from the heat exchanger and suppressing ice growth (ice-up) at the lower end of the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is placed on the support part via a spacer member. When adopting a structure in which most of the exchanger is lifted from the support, the weight (load) is concentrated on a part of the heat exchanger due to the influence of the deviation of the center of gravity of the heat exchanger, and this load is concentrated. There is a possibility that the occurrence of crushing of the heat transfer fins becomes significant at the lower end of the portion to be performed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger of an air conditioner including a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins and a casing having a support portion on which the heat exchanger is placed. It is to suppress the occurrence of crushing of the heat transfer fin at the lower end.

  The heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the first aspect includes a heat exchanger and a casing having a support portion on which the heat exchanger is placed. The heat exchanger has a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of heat transfer fins arranged in the horizontal direction at intervals and extending in the vertical direction. And here, the heat exchange unit further has a spacer member and a fin crush prevention member. The spacer member is disposed between the heat exchanger and the support portion. The fin collapse prevention member is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube, which is the lowermost heat transfer tube among the plurality of heat transfer tubes, and the spacer member, and is a member having higher rigidity than the heat transfer fins.

  Here, since the weight (load) of the heat exchanger applied to the heat transfer fins can be distributed to the fin crush prevention member, the heat transfer fins are protected and the occurrence of the heat transfer fin crushing at the lower end of the heat exchanger is prevented. Can be suppressed.

Further, here, the fin collapse preventing member has a first fin insertion portion extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and the lowermost heat transfer tube is inserted by inserting the first fin insertion portion between the heat transfer fins. And the spacer member.

  Here, by inserting the first fin insertion portion between the heat transfer fins, the fin collapse preventing member can be easily disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member.

Further, here, the height dimension of the first fin insertion portion in the vertical direction is not less than the height from the lower end of the lowermost heat transfer tube to the lower end of the heat transfer fin.

Here, the dead weight (load) of the heat exchanger applied to the heat transfer fins can be reliably distributed to the fin crush prevention members.

The heat exchange unit of the air conditioning apparatus concerning a 2nd viewpoint has a heat exchanger and the casing which has a support part in which a heat exchanger is mounted. The heat exchanger has a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of heat transfer fins arranged in the horizontal direction at intervals and extending in the vertical direction. And here, the heat exchange unit further has a spacer member and a fin crush prevention member. The spacer member is disposed between the heat exchanger and the support portion. The fin collapse prevention member is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube, which is the lowermost heat transfer tube among the plurality of heat transfer tubes, and the spacer member, and is a member having higher rigidity than the heat transfer fins.

  Here, since the weight (load) of the heat exchanger applied to the heat transfer fins can be distributed to the fin crush prevention member, the heat transfer fins are protected and the occurrence of the heat transfer fin crushing at the lower end of the heat exchanger is prevented. Can be suppressed.

Further, here, the fin crush prevention member has a first fin insertion portion extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. By inserting the first fin insertion portion between the heat transfer fins in the horizontal direction, It arrange | positions between the lower stage heat exchanger tube and the spacer member.

  Here, by inserting the first fin insertion portion between the heat transfer fins, the fin collapse preventing member can be easily disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member.

Furthermore, here, the fin crush prevention member extends in the horizontal direction intersecting the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion from the insertion end of the first fin insertion portion, which is the end on the front side of the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion. It further has an extending fin insertion base.

Here, the first fin insertion portion can be easily inserted between the heat transfer fins by pressing the fin insertion base toward the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion.

The heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the third aspect is the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the fin crush prevention member is disposed between the heat transfer fins in the horizontal direction across the first fin insertion part. Is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member.

The heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect is the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the third aspect, wherein the fin crush prevention member is an end on the near side in the insertion direction of the first fin insertion part. It further has a fin insertion base extending in the horizontal direction intersecting the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion from the front end portion of the insertion portion which is a portion.

  Here, the first fin insertion portion can be easily inserted between the heat transfer fins by pressing the fin insertion base toward the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion.

The heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the fifth aspect is the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the second or fourth aspect, wherein the fin crush prevention member has a plurality of first fin insertion portions. The front end portions of the first fin insertion portions are connected to each other via the fin insertion base portion.

  Here, by pressing the fin insertion base portion toward the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion, the plurality of first fin insertion portions can be simultaneously inserted between the heat transfer fins, and heat transfer The dispersion degree of the own weight (load) of the heat exchanger applied to the fins can be increased.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a sixth aspect is the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to any of the second, fourth, and fifth aspects , wherein the first fin insertion portion is between the heat transfer fins. Between the fin insertion base and the end on the front end side of the heat transfer fin, the fin insertion base is located at the end on the front end side of the heat transfer fin. A gap for preventing contact is secured.

  Here, due to the gap between the fin insertion base and the end of the heat transfer fin on the front end, the fin insertion base, the end of the heat transfer fin on the front end, and the vicinity thereof Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from adhering to the heat exchanger, thereby ensuring drainage from the heat exchanger and suppressing ice growth (ice-up) at the lower end of the heat exchanger.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a seventh aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the second to sixth aspects, wherein the fin crush prevention member is above the lowermost heat transfer tube. And a second fin insertion portion inserted between the heat transfer fins in the horizontal direction.

  Here, by inserting the second fin insertion part together with the first fin insertion part between the heat transfer fins, the first fin insertion part can be made difficult to fall off between the heat transfer fins.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to an eighth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the casing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the support portion is formed of the casing. A bottom surface is formed, and the heat exchanger is disposed in the casing along the peripheral surface of the casing excluding the top surface and the bottom surface of the casing. The fin crush prevention member is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member by inserting the first fin insertion portion between the heat transfer fins in the horizontal direction from the side near the peripheral surface of the heat exchanger. ing.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a ninth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the casing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the support portion is formed of the casing. A bottom surface is formed, and the heat exchanger is disposed in the casing along the peripheral surface of the casing excluding the top surface and the bottom surface of the casing. The fin crush prevention member is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member by inserting the first fin insertion portion between the heat transfer fins in the horizontal direction from the side far from the peripheral surface of the heat exchanger. ing.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a tenth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the fin crush prevention member is arranged between the heat transfer fins in the vertical direction between the first fin insertion part. Is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member.

The heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the eleventh aspect is the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the tenth aspect, wherein the casing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and the support portion forms the bottom surface of the casing. The heat exchanger is disposed in the casing so as to be along the peripheral surface of the casing excluding the top surface and the bottom surface of the casing. And a fin crush prevention member is arrange | positioned between a lowermost stage heat exchanger tube and a spacer member by inserting a 1st fin insertion part into a heat transfer fin perpendicularly | vertically from the side near the bottom face of a heat exchanger. Yes.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a twelfth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the eighth, ninth, and eleventh aspects, wherein the heat exchanger is a corner of the peripheral surface of the casing. The heat exchange R part bent along the part is included, and the spacer member is disposed between the heat exchange R part and the support part. And a fin crush prevention member is arrange | positioned between the lowest-stage heat exchanger tube and spacer member which comprise a heat exchange R part by inserting a 1st fin insertion part between the heat transfer fins which comprise a heat exchange R part. Has been.

  Here, since the heat exchanger has the heat exchange R part and the spacer member is disposed between the heat exchange R part and the support part, the heat transfer fins constituting the heat exchange R part are provided. Heat exchanger's own weight (load) tends to concentrate. However, here, as described above, the first fin insertion portion is inserted between the heat transfer fins constituting the heat exchange R portion, so that the space between the lowermost heat transfer tube constituting the heat exchange R portion and the spacer member is reduced. Since the fin collapse preventing member is disposed in the heat transfer fin portion, the heat transfer fin portion constituting the heat exchange R portion can be protected, and the occurrence of the heat transfer fin collapse at the lower end of the heat exchange R portion can be suppressed.

The heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the thirteenth aspect is the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the fin collapse preventing member bends the heat exchanger to form a heat exchange R section. After that, it is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member.

  Here, compared with the case where the fin crush prevention member is arranged in advance so as to correspond to the lowermost heat transfer tube constituting the heat exchange R portion before bending the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger is bent. The heat exchange R part can be easily formed.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a fourteenth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the eighth, ninth, and 11th to thirteenth aspects, wherein the heat exchanger is a heat transfer fin. Is a structure in which a plurality of rows are arranged side by side on the side far from the side close to the peripheral surface of the casing. And the 1st fin insertion part is inserted in all the rows of the heat transfer fins arranged in a plurality of rows.

  Here, in the heat exchanger having a structure in which a plurality of heat transfer fins are arranged, since the first fin insertion portion is inserted into all the rows, the heat transfer fins over the entire side farther from the side closer to the peripheral surface of the casing. The occurrence of crushing can be suppressed.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a fifteenth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the eighth, ninth, and 11th to thirteenth aspects, wherein the heat exchanger is a heat transfer fin. Is a structure in which a plurality of rows are arranged side by side on the side far from the side close to the peripheral surface of the casing. And the 1st fin insertion part is inserted only in the row | line | column nearest to the surrounding surface among the heat transfer fins located in a plurality of rows, or the row | line farthest to a surrounding surface.

  Here, in the heat exchanger having a structure in which the heat transfer fins are arranged in a plurality of rows, the first fin insertion portion is inserted into only one row, so compared to the case where the first fin insertion portion is inserted into all rows. The operation | work which inserts a 1st fin insertion part between heat-transfer fins can be performed easily.

A heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a sixteenth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the heat exchanger is formed of a different type of metal from the support. Has been.

  Here, since the heat exchanger and the support portion are formed of different kinds of metals, there is a possibility that electric corrosion may occur when the entire heat exchanger is directly placed on the support portion without the spacer member. However, here, as described above, the heat exchanger is placed on the support portion via the spacer member, thereby adopting a structure in which most of the heat exchanger is floated from the support portion, and the fin crush prevention member is used. Since it arrange | positions between the lowermost stage heat exchanger tube and the spacer member, both generation | occurrence | production of electric corrosion and generation | occurrence | production of the collapse of a heat-transfer fin can be suppressed.

The heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to a seventeenth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the first to sixteenth aspects, wherein the fin crush prevention member is separate from the spacer member.

  Here, the horizontal position on the support part of the heat exchanger can be finely adjusted in a state where the fin collapse prevention member is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member. The assembly of the unit can be improved.

The heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to an eighteenth aspect is the heat exchange unit of an air conditioner according to any of the first to sixteenth aspects, wherein the fin collapse preventing member is integral with the spacer member.

  Here, the work of placing the heat exchanger on the support portion via the spacer member and the work of placing the fin crush prevention member between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member can be performed simultaneously. The assembly of the heat exchange unit can be improved from the viewpoint of man-hours.

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

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the first aspect, since the weight (load) of the heat exchanger applied to the heat transfer fin can be dispersed in the fin crush prevention member, the heat transfer fin is protected and heat exchange is performed. Generation | occurrence | production of the collapse of the heat-transfer fin in the lower end of a container can be suppressed. Further, the fin crush prevention member can be easily disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member. Furthermore, the weight (load) of the heat exchanger applied to the heat transfer fins can be reliably distributed to the fin crush prevention members.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the second aspect , the weight (load) of the heat exchanger applied to the heat transfer fin can be dispersed in the fin crush prevention member, so that the heat transfer fin is protected and heat exchange is performed. Generation | occurrence | production of the collapse of the heat-transfer fin in the lower end of a container can be suppressed. Further, the fin crush prevention member can be easily disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member. Furthermore, the first fin insertion portion can be easily inserted between the heat transfer fins.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the third and eighth to eleventh aspects, the fin crush prevention member can be easily disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect , the first fin insertion part can be easily inserted between the heat transfer fins.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the fifth aspect , the plurality of first fin insertion portions can be simultaneously inserted between the heat transfer fins, and the weight of the heat exchanger applied to the heat transfer fins (load) The degree of dispersion can be increased.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect , drainage from the heat exchanger can be secured, and ice growth (ice-up) at the lower end of the heat exchanger can be suppressed.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the seventh aspect , the first fin insertion portion can be made difficult to fall off between the heat transfer fins.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the twelfth aspect , the heat transfer fins constituting the heat exchange R portion can be protected, and the occurrence of crushing of the heat transfer fins at the lower end of the heat exchange R portion can be suppressed.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the thirteenth aspect , the fin collapse preventing member is arranged in advance so as to correspond to the lowermost heat transfer tube constituting the heat exchange R section before bending the heat exchanger. Compared to the case, the heat exchange R portion can be easily formed by bending the heat exchanger.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the fourteenth aspect, the occurrence of the collapse of the heat transfer fins can be suppressed over the entire side far from the side near the peripheral surface of the casing.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the fifteenth aspect , the work of inserting the first fin insertion portion between the heat transfer fins is facilitated as compared with the case where the first fin insertion portion is inserted in all rows. be able to.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the sixteenth aspect , both the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion and the collapse of the heat transfer fins can be suppressed.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the seventeenth aspect , the assembly of the heat exchange unit can be improved from the viewpoint of position adjustment.

In the heat exchange unit of the air conditioner according to the eighteenth aspect , the assembly of the heat exchange unit can be improved from the viewpoint of work man-hours.

It is a schematic block diagram of the air conditioning apparatus which employ | adopted the outdoor unit as a heat exchange unit 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 perspective view which shows the state which removed the top plate, the front plate, and the side plate of the outdoor unit. It is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor heat exchanger. It is a partial expansion perspective view of an outdoor heat exchanger. It is an enlarged view of the A section of FIG. It is a perspective view of a fin crush prevention member. It is II sectional drawing (only the lower end of an outdoor heat exchanger) of FIG. It is II-II sectional drawing of FIG. 7 (only the lower end of an outdoor heat exchanger). It is a figure which shows the outdoor unit as a heat exchange unit concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the outdoor unit as a heat exchange unit concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the outdoor unit as a heat exchange unit concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the fin crush prevention member concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the fin crush prevention member concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the fin crush prevention member concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the fin crush prevention member concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is a figure which shows the outdoor unit as a heat exchange unit concerning a modification, Comprising: It is a figure corresponding to FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a heat exchange unit of an air harmony device concerning the present invention and its modification are described based on a drawing. In addition, the specific structure of the heat exchange unit 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) Basic Configuration of Air Conditioner FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner 1 that employs an outdoor unit 2 as a heat exchange unit 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 as a heat exchange unit 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, a heating operation, and a defrosting 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 radiates heat by exchanging heat with outdoor air supplied as a cooling source by the outdoor fan 36 in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 that functions as a refrigerant radiator. Become 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 the outdoor air supplied as a heating source by the outdoor fan 36 in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 that functions as a refrigerant evaporator. Go and evaporate 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.

<Defrosting operation>
During the heating operation, when frost formation is detected in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 due to the refrigerant temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 being lower than a predetermined temperature, that is, the defrosting operation of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. When the condition for starting the operation is reached, a defrosting operation for melting the frost attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is performed.

  Here, as in the cooling operation, as in the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the cooling cycle state (the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1), whereby the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is used as a refrigerant radiator. A reverse cycle defrosting operation is performed. Thereby, the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be thawed. This defrosting operation is performed until a condition for terminating the emotional operation is reached, for example, when a predetermined defrosting operation time elapses, and then returns to the heating operation. In addition, since the flow of the refrigerant | coolant in the refrigerant circuit 10 in a defrost operation is the same as that of the said cooling operation, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

(3) Basic Configuration of Outdoor Unit Next, the basic configuration of the outdoor unit 2 as a heat exchange unit 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 perspective view showing a state in which the top plate 57, the front plates 55 and 56, and the side plates 53 and 54 of the outdoor unit 2 are removed. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged 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 a substantially rectangular parallelepiped steel member, and mainly connects the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the expansion valve 24, the closing valves 25 and 26, and these devices. The apparatus and piping which comprise the refrigerant circuit 10 containing the refrigerant pipes 31-35, the outdoor fan 36, and the outdoor fan motor 36a are accommodated. The unit casing 51 includes a bottom plate 52 as a support portion 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, and a machine chamber side. A side plate 54, a blower room side front plate 55, a machine room side front plate 56, a top plate 57, and two installation legs 59 are provided.

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

  The blower chamber side plate 53 is a steel plate-like member that forms the 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, and here, the front end portion thereof is an integral member with the left end portion of the blower chamber side front plate 55. 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 blower chamber side plate 53 may be a separate member from the blower chamber side front plate 55.

  The machine room side plate 54 is a steel plate constituting a part of a side surface portion (here, a right side surface portion) of the unit casing 51 near the machine room S2 and a back surface portion of the unit casing 51 near the machine room S2. It is a shaped member. 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 steel plate-like member that constitutes the front portion of the blower chamber S1 of the unit casing 51. The lower portion of the blower chamber side front plate 55 is fixed to the bottom plate 52, and here, the left side end portion is an integral member with 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. Further, a fan blow grill 55b that covers the fan blow outlet 55a is provided on the front side of the blower chamber side front plate 55. The blower chamber side front plate 55 may be a separate member from the blower chamber side plate 53.

  The machine room side front plate 56 is a steel plate-like member that constitutes a part of the front surface portion of the machine chamber S2 of the unit casing 51 and a part of the side surface portion of the machine chamber 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 steel plate-like member that constitutes the top surface portion of the unit casing 51. The top plate 57 includes a blower chamber side plate 53, a machine chamber side plate 54, and a blower chamber side front that form the peripheral surfaces (here, the front surface, the side surface, and the back surface) of the unit casing 51 excluding the top surface and the bottom surface of the unit casing 51. It is fixed to the plate 55.

  The partition plate 58 is a steel plate-like member that is disposed 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 steel 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 is disposed at a position on the front surface side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 so as to face the front surface of the unit casing 51 in the blower chamber S1. Specifically, the outdoor fan 36 is disposed so as to face the fan outlet 55 a formed on the front surface of the unit casing 51. 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 heat exchanger panel having a substantially L shape in plan view, and serves as a support portion so as to face the peripheral surface (here, the left side surface and the back surface) of the unit casing 51 in the blower chamber S1. It is mounted on the bottom plate 52 of this. Here, a portion bent along the corner portion of the peripheral surface of the unit casing 51 of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 (here, the corner portion formed by the left side surface and the back surface) is defined as a heat exchange R portion 23a. . Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is an insertion fin type all-aluminum heat exchanger composed of a large number of heat transfer tubes 61 made of flat tubes and a large number of heat transfer fins 64 made of insertion fins. is there. The heat transfer tube 61 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and is a flat multi-hole tube having a flat surface 62 serving as a heat transfer surface and a large number of small internal flow paths 63 through which a refrigerant flows. A large number of heat transfer tubes 61 are arranged in a plurality of stages at intervals along the vertical direction with the flat surfaces 62 facing each other. Here, a large number of heat transfer tubes 61 are arranged in two rows along the outdoor air flow direction, and one end in the longitudinal direction (here, the right end) is the refrigerant flow divider 66, the inlet / outlet header 67, or the intermediate header 68. The other end in the longitudinal direction (here, the left front end) is connected to the connection header 69. Here, the refrigerant flow divider 66, the inlet / outlet header 67, the intermediate header 68, and the connection header 69 are vertically long members in which a refrigerant flow path is formed inside an aluminum or aluminum alloy. The heat transfer fins 64 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and a plurality of heat transfer fins 64 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube 63 with a space therebetween. Here, in correspondence with the heat transfer tubes 61 being arranged in two rows along the direction of outdoor air flow, the heat transfer fins 64 are also arranged in two rows along the direction of outdoor air flow. The heat transfer fin 64 has a large number of notches 65 into which the heat transfer tubes 61 are inserted. The notch 65 extends from the horizontal edge of the heat transfer fin 64 in the horizontal direction (here, the edge on the windward side with respect to the passage direction of the outdoor air) in the horizontal direction. And the outdoor heat exchanger 23 which consists of such an all aluminum heat exchanger is mounted on the baseplate 52 which forms the bottom face of the unit casing 51 as mentioned above. At this time, for the purpose of improving drainage from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and suppressing ice growth (ice-up) at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the support member is provided via the spacer members 71, 72, 73. By placing the outdoor heat exchanger 23 on the bottom plate 52, most of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is in a state of floating from the bottom plate 52. Further, the spacer members 71, 72, 73 are electrically insulated from rubber or the like so as to prevent the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion between the aluminum or aluminum alloy outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the steel bottom plate 52. It is made of a material having properties. Here, the spacer member 71 is a plate-like member disposed between the lower ends of the refrigerant flow distributor 66, the inlet / outlet header 67 and the intermediate header 68 and the portion on the rear side of the bottom plate 52 on the right side. The spacer member 72 is a plate-like member disposed between the lower end of the connection header 69 and the portion on the left side of the front surface of the bottom plate 52 in the vertical direction. The spacer member 73 is a plate-like member that is disposed between the lower end of the heat exchange R portion 23 a of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the corner on the left side of the back surface of the bottom plate 52. Thus, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is supported from below on the bottom surface of the unit casing 51 via the spacer members 71, 72, 73. In addition, here, the front left side portion and the rear right side portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 are connected to the peripheral surface (for example, the front surface) of the unit casing 51 via a bracket made of an electrically insulating material such as resin. , Left side, and back). Here, the heat transfer tubes 61 and the heat transfer fins 64 are arranged in two rows along the outdoor air flow direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat transfer tubes 61 and the heat transfer fins are not limited thereto. 64 may be a configuration in which only one row is arranged, or may be a configuration in which three or more rows are arranged. At this time, the refrigerant flow distributor and header may be appropriately connected to the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube 61 according to the arrangement of the heat transfer tubes 61 and the passage. Further, the position where the spacer member is disposed is not limited to the above three positions, and for example, other than the vicinity of the middle in the longitudinal direction of the left side surface or the back surface of the unit casing 51 of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. You may arrange | position in the location of.

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

(4) Configuration for suppressing occurrence of crushing of heat transfer fins at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger In the outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit) having the above basic configuration, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is connected to the bottom plate of the outdoor unit 2. 52, the heat transfer fins 64 may be crushed at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 due to vibration / dropping during transportation of the outdoor unit 2 or vibration during operation. There is. In particular, when the structure in which the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is placed on the bottom plate 52 via the spacer members 71, 72, 73 as described above is adopted, due to the influence of the bias of the center of gravity of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, etc. The dead weight (load) is concentrated on a part of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the heat transfer fins 64 may be crushed at the lower end of the portion where the load is concentrated. Here, since the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is L-shaped in plan view, the center of gravity of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is located in the vicinity of the heat exchange R portion 23a, and due to the influence, at the lower end of the heat exchange R portion 23a. The heat transfer fins 64 are likely to be crushed.

  As described above, in the outdoor unit 2 having the above-described basic configuration, it is preferable to suppress occurrence of crushing of the heat transfer fins 64 at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

  Therefore, here, a fin crush prevention member 80 having a rigidity higher than that of the heat transfer fins 64 is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a, which is the lowermost heat transfer tube among the plurality of heat transfer tubes 61, and the spacer member 73. As a result, the weight (load) of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 applied to the heat transfer fins 64 is dispersed in the fin crush prevention member 80 to protect the heat transfer fins 64, and the heat transfer fins at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The occurrence of 64 crushing is suppressed. Hereinafter, the structure for suppressing generation | occurrence | production of the collapse of the heat-transfer fin 64 in the lower end of such an outdoor heat exchanger 23 is demonstrated using FIGS. Here, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the fin crush prevention member 80. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. 7 (only the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23). 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 7 (only the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23). In the following description, “top”, “bottom”, “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.

  As described above, the fin collapse preventing member 80 is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61 a that is the lowermost heat transfer tube among the plurality of heat transfer tubes 61 and the spacer member 73. Is a highly rigid member. Here, in order to make the rigidity higher than that of the heat transfer fins 64, the thickness of the fin crush prevention member 80 is made larger than the plate thickness of the heat transfer fins 64. Thereby, since the own weight (load) of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 applied to the heat transfer fins 64 can be dispersed in the fin crush prevention member 80, the heat transfer fins 64 are protected and the heat transfer at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is performed. The occurrence of crushing of the heat fins 64 can be suppressed. Further, here, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the bottom plate 52 is made of steel, and both are formed of different kinds of metals, so that the spacer members 71, 72, 73 are formed. If the entire outdoor heat exchanger 23 is placed directly on the bottom plate 52 without any electric corrosion, there is a risk of electric corrosion. However, here, as described above, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is placed on the bottom plate 52 via the spacer members 71, 72, and 73 so that most of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is floated from the bottom plate 52. In addition, since the fin crushing prevention member 80 is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a and the spacer member 73, both the occurrence of electrolytic corrosion and the occurrence of crushing of the heat transfer fins 64 can be suppressed.

  The fin collapse preventing member 80 is a separate member from the spacer member 73. The fin crush prevention member 80 is made of a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in consideration of rigidity, corrosion resistance, and light resistance. The fin crush prevention member 80 may be the same material (here, aluminum or aluminum alloy) as the heat transfer tubes 61 and the heat transfer fins 64. Accordingly, the horizontal position on the bottom plate 52 of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 can be finely adjusted in a state where the fin collapse preventing member 80 is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a and the spacer member 73. Therefore, the assemblability of the outdoor unit 2 can be improved.

  The fin crushing prevention member 80 has a first fin insertion portion 81 extending in the horizontal direction. By inserting the first fin insertion portion 81 between the heat transfer fins 64 in the horizontal direction, the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a. And the spacer member 73. Here, the fin crushing prevention member 80 transfers the first fin insertion portion 81 in the horizontal direction from the side close to the left side or back of the unit casing 51 (that is, the side close to the peripheral surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23). By being inserted between the fins 64, it is arranged between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61 a and the spacer member 73. Specifically, the fin crush prevention member 80 includes the first fin insertion portion 81 between the heat transfer fins 64 constituting the heat exchange R portion 23a, whereby the lowermost heat transfer tube constituting the heat exchange R portion 23a. It is arranged between 61a and the spacer member 73. In addition, the fin collapse preventing member 80 is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61 a and the spacer member 73 after the heat exchange R portion 23 a is formed by bending the outdoor heat exchanger 23. Thereby, by inserting the 1st fin insertion part 81 between the heat-transfer fins 64, the fin crush prevention member 80 can be easily arrange | positioned between the lowest stage heat-transfer tube 61a and the spacer member 73. FIG. Moreover, the heat transfer fin 64 which comprises the heat exchange R part 23a where the self-weight (load) of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 tends to concentrate is protected, and generation | occurrence | production of the collapse of the heat transfer fin 64 in the lower end of the heat exchange R part 23a is suppressed. be able to. Furthermore, compared to the case where the fin crush prevention member 80 is arranged in advance so as to correspond to the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a constituting the heat exchange R portion 23a before bending the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the outdoor heat exchange. The heat exchange R portion 23 a can be easily formed by bending the vessel 23.

  The first fin insertion portion 81 is a plate-like portion extending from the side close to the peripheral surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 toward the far side. Here, the vertical height H of the first fin insertion portion 81 is equal to or higher than the height hf from the lower end of the lowermost heat transfer tube 61 a to the lower end of the heat transfer fin 64. Thereby, the own weight (load) of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 applied to the heat transfer fins 64 can be reliably distributed to the fin crush prevention member 80. Further, here, the first fin insertion portion 81 is inserted only into the row closest to the peripheral surface among the heat transfer fins 64 arranged in a plurality of rows (here, two rows). Thereby, in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 having a structure in which the heat transfer fins 64 are arranged in a plurality of rows, the first fin insertion portion 81 is inserted into only one row, so that the first row is inserted in all rows (here, two rows). The operation of inserting the first fin insertion portion 81 between the heat transfer fins 64 can be easily performed as compared with the case where the one fin insertion portion 81 is inserted. Further, here, a taper is formed such that the insertion back end 81b, which is the end on the back side in the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion 81, tapers in the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion 81. ing. Thereby, the operation | work which inserts the 1st fin insertion part 81 between the heat-transfer fins 64 can be performed smoothly.

  The fin collapse preventing member 80 extends in a horizontal direction intersecting the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion 81 from the insertion end portion 81a which is the end portion on the front side of the first fin insertion portion 81 in the insertion direction. A fin insertion base 83 is further provided. Here, the fin insertion base 83 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped portion. Accordingly, the first fin insertion portion 81 can be easily inserted between the heat transfer fins 64 by pressing the fin insertion base portion 83 toward the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion 81. In addition, here, the fin collapse preventing member 80 has a plurality of (here, two) first fin insertion portions 81, and the front end portions 81a of the first fin insertion portions 81 are connected to each other. Are connected via the fin insertion base 83. Specifically, the front end portions 81a of the two first fin insertion portions 81 extend from both end portions of the fin insertion base portion 83 on the side intersecting the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion 81. . Thus, by pressing the fin insertion base 83 toward the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion 81, a plurality of (here, two) first fin insertion portions 81 are collectively transferred to the heat transfer fins. 64, and the degree of dispersion of the own weight (load) of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 applied to the heat transfer fins 64 can be increased.

  Further, the fin collapse preventing member 80 further includes a second fin insertion portion 82 that is inserted between the heat transfer fins 64 in the horizontal direction above the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a. Here, the second fin insertion portion 82 is a plate-like portion extending from the side closer to the peripheral surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 toward the side farther from the upper side of the first fin insertion portion 81. Similar to the first fin insertion portion 81, there are a plurality (two) of second fin insertion portions 82. The front end portions 82a of the two second fin insertion portions 82 extend from both end portions of the fin insertion base portion 83 that intersect the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion 81. Further, between the first fin insertion portion 81 and the second fin insertion portion 82 in the vertical direction, when the first fin insertion portion 81 is inserted between the heat transfer fins 64, the heat transfer tube 61 (here, A slit portion 84 into which the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a) can be inserted is formed. Accordingly, by inserting the second fin insertion portion 82 together with the first fin insertion portion 81 between the heat transfer fins 64, the first fin insertion portion 81 can be made difficult to fall off between the heat transfer fins 64. .

  Further, in a state where the first fin insertion portion 81 is inserted between the heat transfer fins 64, there is a fin between the fin insertion base portion 83 and the end portion on the front end 81 a side of the heat transfer fin 64. A clearance S is provided to prevent the insertion base 83 from contacting the end of the heat transfer fin 64 on the front end 81 a side. Here, between the first fin insertion part 81 and the second fin insertion part 82 in the vertical direction so that a gap S can be easily secured when the first fin insertion part 81 is inserted between the heat transfer fins 64. Further, an insertion restricting portion 85 that closes a portion near the fin insertion base portion 83 of the slit portion 84 is formed. The insertion restriction part 85 is a plate-like part formed so as to be connected to the first fin insertion part 81 and the second fin insertion part 82. When the first fin insertion portion 81 is inserted between the heat transfer fins 64, the heat transfer tube 61 (here, the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a) contacts the insertion restriction portion 85, whereby the first fin insertion The degree of insertion of the part 81 is limited, and thereby the gap S is secured. As a result, the gap S between the fin insertion base 83 and the end of the heat transfer fin 64 on the front end 81a side inserts the fin insertion base 83 and the front end 81a of the heat transfer fin 64 side. As a result, it is possible to prevent water from remaining on the end portions of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the vicinity thereof, thereby ensuring drainage performance from the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and ice growth (ice-up at the lower end of the outdoor heat exchanger 23). ) Can be suppressed. The size of the gap S is set to 5 mm or more in consideration of the amount of drain water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 during heating operation or defrosting operation, the expected degree of ice growth, and the like.

(5) Modification <A>
In the above-described outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit), as shown in FIG. 10, the fin crushing prevention member 80 causes the first fin insertion portion 81 to be close to the left side surface or the back surface of the unit casing 51 (that is, outdoor heat By being inserted between the heat transfer fins 64 in the horizontal direction from the side close to the peripheral surface of the exchanger 23, the heat transfer tube 61 a and the spacer member 73 are disposed. Further, the first fin insertion portion 81 is arranged on the side closest to the left side surface or the back surface of the unit casing 51 among the heat transfer fins 64 arranged in a plurality of rows (here, two rows) (that is, the outdoor heat exchanger 23). It is inserted only in the row on the side closest to the surrounding surface.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 11, the fin crush prevention member 80 has the first fin insertion portion 81 on the side farther from the left side and the back of the unit casing 51 (outdoor heat exchanger 23. It may be arranged between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a and the spacer member 73 by inserting between the heat transfer fins 64 in the horizontal direction from the side far from the peripheral surface of the heat transfer fin. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, the 1st fin insertion part 81 is the farthest side (namely, the left side surface and back surface of the unit casing 51) among the heat transfer fins 64 arranged in a plurality of rows (here, two rows) (that is, Further, it may be inserted only in the row on the side farthest from the peripheral surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

  Further, in the outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit) according to the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the first fin insertion portions 81 are arranged in a plurality of rows (here, two rows). Is inserted only in the row closest to the surrounding surface.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, all the rows of the heat transfer fins 64 in which the first fin insertion portions 81 are arranged in a plurality of rows (here, two rows) are arranged. You may make it plug in. Here, the configuration shown in FIG. 12 includes the side close to the left side and back of the unit casing 51 (side close to the peripheral surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23) and the side far from the left side and back of the unit casing 51 (outdoors). By inserting the first fin insertion portion 81 from both the side far from the peripheral surface of the heat exchanger 23, the two fin collapse preventing members 80 are disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a and the spacer member 73. Yes. Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the first fin insertion portion straddling the two rows of heat transfer fins 64 from the side close to the left side and the back of the unit casing 51 (side close to the peripheral surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23). By inserting 81, one fin crush prevention member 80 is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a and the spacer member 73.

  In this case, as compared with the case where the first fin insertion portion 81 is inserted only in one row, the work of inserting the first fin insertion portion 81 between the heat transfer fins 64 is slightly troublesome. The occurrence of crushing of the heat transfer fins 64 can be suppressed over the entire side far from the side close to the peripheral surface.

<B>
In the outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit) described above, as shown in FIG. 8, the fin crush prevention member 80 has a plurality of (here, two) first fin insertion portions 81, and each first The front end portions 81a of the fin insertion portion 81 are connected via the fin insertion base portion 83 and have a U shape in plan view.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 14, one first fin insertion portion 81 may have a T-shape in plan view extending from the fin insertion base portion 83.

<C>
In the outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit) described above, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the fin crush prevention member 80 is provided only between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61 a and the heat transfer tube 61 on the upper stage. A fin insertion part 82 is provided. That is, the fin crush prevention member 80 has the second fin insertion part 82 only on the upper side of the first fin insertion part 81, but is not limited to this, as shown in FIG. In addition, the fin crush prevention member 80 may further include a second fin insertion portion 82 on the upper side, and does not include the second fin insertion portion 82 as shown in FIG. May be.

<D>
In the outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit) described above, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fin crush prevention member 80 inserts the first fin insertion portion 81 between the heat transfer fins 64 in the horizontal direction, The lowermost heat transfer tube 61 a and the spacer member 73 are disposed.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the fin crushing prevention member 80 inserts the first fin insertion portion 81 between the heat transfer fins 64 in the vertical direction, so that You may arrange | position between the lower stage heat exchanger tube 61a and the spacer member 73. FIG. Here, the fin crushing prevention member 80 has the first fin insertion portion 81 between the heat transfer fins 64 in the vertical direction from the side close to the bottom surface of the unit casing 51 (that is, the side close to the bottom surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23). By being inserted, it is disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61 a and the spacer member 73. The first fin insertion portion 81 is a plate-like portion that extends from the side close to the bottom surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 toward the far side. Here, the first fin insertion portion 81 has a taper that tapers in the insertion direction. The fin collapse preventing member 80 further has a fin insertion base 83 extending in the horizontal direction intersecting the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion 81 from the end on the near side of the first fin insertion portion 81 in the insertion direction. doing. Here, the fin insertion base 83 is a substantially arc-shaped plate-like portion. In addition, here, the fin crush prevention member 80 has a plurality of (here, six) first fin insertion portions 81, and the lower end of each first fin insertion portion 81 is the fin insertion base portion 83. Are connected through.

<E>
In the outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit) described above, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 14 to 17, the fin crush prevention member 80 and the spacer member 73 are separate members.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and although not shown here, the fin crush prevention member 80 may be integrated with the spacer member 73.

  In this case, the work of placing the outdoor heat exchanger 23 on the bottom plate 52 (support portion) via the spacer member 73 and the fin crush prevention member 80 are disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube 61a and the spacer member 73. Therefore, the assembling property of the outdoor unit 2 can be improved from the viewpoint of work man-hours.

  Further, instead of the spacer member 73, a suction grill (not shown) provided at the rear fan inlet 53b and the fin crush preventing member 80 may be integrated.

<F>
In the outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit) described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the fin crush prevention member 80 is arranged corresponding to the spacer member 73 arranged at the lower end of the heat exchange R portion 23a.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be arranged corresponding to the other spacer members 71 and 72.

<G>
In the outdoor unit 2 (heat exchange unit), as shown in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 10 to 13, an outdoor heat exchanger 23 using a flat tube as the heat transfer tube 61 is employed.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fin crush prevention member 80 described above can be applied even when the outdoor heat exchanger 23 using a circular pipe as the heat transfer pipe 61 is employed.

<H>
In the above description, the outdoor unit 2 is taken as an example of the heat exchange unit, and the contents to which the fin crush prevention member 80 is applied are described.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fin collapse preventing member 80 described above can be applied even to a heat exchange unit other than an outdoor unit.

  The present invention is widely applicable to a heat exchange unit of an air conditioner including a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins and a casing having a support portion on which the heat exchanger is placed. is there.

2 Outdoor unit (heat exchange unit)
23 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
23a Heat exchange R part 51 Unit casing 52 Bottom plate (support part)
61 Heat Transfer Tube 61a Bottom Heat Transfer Tube 64 Heat Transfer Fins 71, 72, 73 Spacer Member 80 Fin Crush Prevention Member 81 First Fin Insertion Portion 81a Insertion Front End 82 Second Fin Insertion Portion 83 Fin Insertion Base

JP-A-9-276940

Claims (18)

A heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes (61) arranged in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction, and a heat transfer fin (64) arranged in a plurality of intervals in the horizontal direction and extending in the vertical direction. (23)
A casing (51) having a support (52) on which the heat exchanger is placed,
Spacer members (71, 72, 73) disposed between the heat exchanger and the support,
A fin crush preventing member (80) having a rigidity higher than that of the heat transfer fin and disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube (61a), which is the lowermost heat transfer tube among the plurality of heat transfer tubes, and the spacer member. )When,
Further comprising a,
The fin crush prevention member has a first fin insertion portion (81) extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and the lowermost step by inserting the first fin insertion portion between the heat transfer fins. It is disposed between the heat transfer tube and the spacer member,
The vertical height dimension of the first fin insertion portion is equal to or higher than the height from the lower end of the lowermost heat transfer tube to the lower end of the heat transfer fin.
A heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioner. A heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes (61) arranged in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction, and a heat transfer fin (64) arranged in a plurality of intervals in the horizontal direction and extending in the vertical direction. (23) and
A casing (51) having a support (52) on which the heat exchanger is placed,
Spacer members (71, 72, 73) disposed between the heat exchanger and the support,
A fin crush preventing member (80) having a rigidity higher than that of the heat transfer fin and disposed between the lowermost heat transfer tube (61a), which is the lowermost heat transfer tube among the plurality of heat transfer tubes, and the spacer member. )When,
Further comprising a,
The fin crush prevention member has a first fin insertion portion (81) extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and by inserting the first fin insertion portion in the horizontal direction between the heat transfer fins, Arranged between the lowermost heat transfer tube and the spacer member;
The fin collapsing prevention member is a horizontal direction that intersects the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion from the insertion end portion (81a) that is the end portion on the front side of the first fin insertion portion. A fin insertion base (83) extending to
A heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioner. The fin crush prevention member (80) is configured such that the first fin insertion portion (81) is horizontally inserted between the heat transfer fins (64), thereby the lowermost heat transfer tube (61a) and the spacer member ( 71, 72, 73),
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 . The fin collapse preventing member (80) is inserted from the front end portion (81a) into the first fin insertion portion (81) on the front side in the insertion direction of the first fin insertion portion (81). A fin insertion base (83) extending in the horizontal direction intersecting the direction,
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3 . The fin crush prevention member (80) has a plurality of the first fin insertion portions (81),
The front end portions (81a) of the first fin insertion portions are connected to each other via the fin insertion base portion (83).
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2 or 4 . In the state where the first fin insertion portion (81) is inserted between the heat transfer fins (64), the fin insertion base portion (83) and the heat transfer fin front end portion (81a) side A gap is provided between the end of the heat transfer fin and the front end of the heat transfer fin so as not to contact the end of the heat transfer fin.
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 4, and 5 . The fin crush prevention member (80) further includes a second fin insertion portion (82) that is inserted between the heat transfer fins (64) in the horizontal direction above the lowermost heat transfer tube (61a). ing,
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 2-6 . The casing (51) has a rectangular parallelepiped shape,
The support portion (52) forms the bottom surface of the casing,
The heat exchanger (23) is arranged in the casing along the peripheral surface of the casing excluding the top surface and the bottom surface of the casing,
The fin collapse preventing member (80) is configured such that the first fin insertion portion (81) is inserted between the heat transfer fins (64) in a horizontal direction from a side close to the peripheral surface of the heat exchanger. It is arranged between the lowermost heat transfer tube (61a) and the spacer member (71, 72, 73),
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 2-7 . The casing (51) has a rectangular parallelepiped shape,
The support portion (52) forms the bottom surface of the casing,
The heat exchanger (23) is arranged in the casing along the peripheral surface of the casing excluding the top surface and the bottom surface of the casing,
The fin collapse preventing member (80) is configured such that the first fin insertion portion (81) is inserted between the heat transfer fins (64) in a horizontal direction from a side far from the peripheral surface of the heat exchanger. It is arranged between the lowermost heat transfer tube (61a) and the spacer member (71, 72, 73),
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 2-7 . The fin crushing prevention member (80) includes the first heat sink tube (61a), the spacer member, and the spacer member by inserting the first fin insertion portion (81) vertically between the heat transfer fins (64). Arranged between
The heat exchange unit of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 . The casing (51) has a rectangular parallelepiped shape,
The support portion (52) forms the bottom surface of the casing,
The heat exchanger (23) is arranged in the casing along the peripheral surface of the casing excluding the top surface and the bottom surface of the casing,
The fin crush prevention member (80) inserts the first fin insertion part (81) between the heat transfer fins (64) in a vertical direction from a side close to the bottom surface of the heat exchanger. It is arranged between the lower heat transfer tube (61a) and the spacer member (71, 72, 73),
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 10 . The heat exchanger (23) has a heat exchange R section (23a) bent along the corner of the peripheral surface of the casing (51),
The spacer member (73) is disposed between the heat exchange R portion and the support portion (52),
The fin crush prevention member (80) constitutes the heat exchange R part by inserting the first fin insertion part (81) between the heat transfer fins (64) constituting the heat exchange R part. It is arranged between the lowermost heat transfer tube (61a) and the spacer member,
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 8, 9, and 11 . The fin collapse preventing member (80) is formed by bending the heat exchanger (23) to form the heat exchange R portion (23a), and then forming the lowermost heat transfer tube (61a) and the spacer member (73). Placed between and
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 12 . The heat exchanger (23) is a structure in which the heat transfer fins (64) are arranged in a plurality of rows on the side far from the side near the peripheral surface of the casing (51),
The first fin insertion portion (81) is inserted into all rows of the heat transfer fins arranged in the plurality of rows,
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 8, 9, and 11-13 . The heat exchanger (23) is a structure in which the heat transfer fins (64) are arranged in a plurality of rows on the side far from the side near the peripheral surface of the casing (51),
The first fin insertion portion (81) is inserted into only the row closest to the peripheral surface or the row farthest from the peripheral surface among the heat transfer fins arranged in the plurality of rows.
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 8, 9, and 11-13 . The heat exchanger (23) is made of a different kind of metal from the support (52).
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 1-15 . The fin crush prevention member (80) is separate from the spacer member (71, 72, 73).
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 1-16 . The fin crush prevention member (80) is integral with the spacer member (71, 72, 73).
The heat exchange unit (2) of the air conditioning apparatus of any one of Claims 1-16 .

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