US20240328718A1

US20240328718A1 - Heat exchange unit

Info

Publication number: US20240328718A1
Application number: US18/742,205
Authority: US
Inventors: Tooru Andou; Ken Satou; Tomoki Hirokawa; Aya Okuno; Kengo UCHIDA; Chen Zheng
Original assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-13
Filing date: 2024-06-13
Publication date: 2024-10-03
Also published as: EP4450880A1; JP2023181531A; JP2023087481A; CN118355235A; EP4450880A4; WO2023112794A1

Abstract

A heat exchange unit includes: a heat exchanger in which flat tubes are stacked at predetermined intervals in a thickness direction by a heat transfer fin; and a first member that is attached to the heat exchanger and that restricts a movement of the heat exchanger. The first member includes a body and a protrusion portion protruding from the body. The protrusion portion is disposed between adjacent flat tubes of the heat exchanger.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a heat exchange unit.

BACKGROUND

There is known a heat exchange unit including a heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer tubes arranged substantially in parallel at predetermined intervals in a vertical direction and a plurality of heat transfer fins joined to the heat transfer tubes.
PTL 1 (International Publication No. 2018/128035) discloses a heat exchange unit (outdoor heat exchanger) including a heat exchanger in which thin and flattened flat tubes are used as heat transfer tubes and brackets that are members that restrict the movement of the heat exchanger while supporting the heat exchanger. In the heat exchange unit according to PTL 1, the bracket is a plate-shaped member in which tube holes into which the heat transfer tubes are inserted are formed. The heat transfer tube inserted into the tube hole is fixed to a housing by being joined to the bracket by brazing.

PATENT LITERATURE

PTL 1: International Publication No. 2018/128035

SUMMARY

A heat exchange unit according to one or more embodiments includes a heat exchanger and a first member. In the heat exchanger, a plurality of flat tubes are stacked at predetermined intervals in a thickness direction by a heat transfer fin. The first member is attached to the heat exchanger. The first member includes a body and a protrusion portion protruding from the body, and the protrusion portion is inserted between flat tubes adjacent to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a utilization unit 3 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the utilization unit 3 taken along line A-A′ in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first utilization heat exchange section 321 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 taken along plane B in FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a view of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 as viewed in a thickness direction of a flat tube 32 a according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first member 34 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second member 35 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating how the first member 34 and the second member 35 are assembled to a second casing 31 according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a periphery of a utilization heat exchanger 32 of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to a modification A according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(1) Overall Configuration

The application of a heat exchange unit according to the present disclosure is not limited. For example, the heat exchange unit is used in a utilization unit of an air-conditioning apparatus that utilizes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. In the following description, an air-conditioning apparatus 1 in which a utilization unit 3, which is an example of a heat exchange unit of the present disclosure, is used will be described with reference to the drawings.
The air-conditioning apparatus 1 performs air conditioning of the inside of a room RM (indoors), which is a target space, by a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air-conditioning apparatus 1 mainly includes a heat source unit 2, the utilization unit 3, a liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5, a gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6, a remote controller 8, and a control unit 9.
The liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5 and the gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6 connect the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3 to each other. The heat source unit 2, the utilization unit 3, the liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5, and the gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6 are annularly connected by a refrigerant pipe, and form a refrigerant circuit 100. The refrigerant circuit 100 is filled with a refrigerant. Although details will be described later, the control unit 9 controls each device of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 to perform air conditioning operations such as a heating operation and a cooling operation.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to one or more embodiments. Respective directions such as up, down, front, rear, left, and right used in the following description follow the directions indicated by arrows in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 .

(2) Detailed Configuration

(2-1) Heat Source Unit

The heat source unit 2 is installed outside the room RM (outdoors, for example, on a roof of a building, near an outer wall surface of a building, or the like). The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a first casing 21, a compressor 22, a four-way switching valve 23, a heat source heat exchanger 24, a heat source expansion valve 25, a heat source fan 26, and a shutoff valve 27.

(2-1-1) First Casing

The first casing 21 is a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first casing 21 accommodates the compressor 22, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat source heat exchanger 24, the heat source expansion valve 25, and the heat source fan 26 therein.

(2-1-2) Compressor

In the refrigerant circuit 100, the compressor 22 sucks a low-pressure refrigerant from a suction side 22 a, compresses the refrigerant to a high pressure, and thereafter, discharges the refrigerant from a discharge side 22 b. The compressor 22 includes a compression element (not illustrated) and a compressor motor (not illustrated) that rotationally drives the compression element. The control unit 9 controls the rotation speed of the compressor motor via an inverter or the like. The control unit 9 controls the capacity of the compressor 22 by changing the rotation speed of the compressor motor.

(2-1-3) Four-Way Switching Valve

The four-way switching valve 23 switches a flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 100. The four-way switching valve 23 includes a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4. The control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 between a first state (a state indicated by broken lines in FIG. 2 ) and a second state (a state indicated by solid lines in FIG. 2 ). In the first state, the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other, and the second port P2 and the third port P3 communicate with each other. In the second state, the first port P1 and the second port P2 communicate with each other and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other.
The first port P1 is connected to the discharge side 22 b of the compressor 22. The second port P2 is connected to a gas side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The third port P3 is connected to the suction side 22 a of the compressor 22. The fourth port P4 is connected to the gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6.

(2-1-4) Heat Source Heat Exchanger

The heat source heat exchanger 24 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. One end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the heat source expansion valve 25. The other end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way switching valve 23.

(2-1-5) Heat Source Expansion Valve

The heat source expansion valve 25 is an expansion mechanism that decompresses the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 100. The heat source expansion valve 25 is provided between the liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5 and a liquid side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source expansion valve 25 is an electric expansion valve whose opening degree is controllable. The control unit 9 controls the opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25.

(2-1-6) Heat Source Fan

The heat source fan 26 generates an air flow and sends the outdoor air to the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source fan 26 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant in the heat source heat exchanger 24 and the outdoor air by sending the outdoor air to the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source fan 26 is rotationally driven by a heat source fan motor 26 a. The control unit 9 controls the air volume of the heat source fan 26 by changing the rotation speed of the heat source fan motor 26 a.

(2-1-7) Shutoff Valve

The shutoff valve 27 is a valve that is manually opened or closed. For example, the shutoff valve 27 is opened or closed by an installation worker at the time of installation or the like of the air-conditioning apparatus 1. The shutoff valve 27 includes a liquid-side shutoff valve 27 a and a gas-side shutoff valve 27 b. The liquid-side shutoff valve 27 a is provided in the refrigerant circuit 100 between the heat source expansion valve 25 and the liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5. The gas-side shutoff valve 27 b is provided in the refrigerant circuit 100 between the fourth port P4 of the four-way switching valve 23 and the gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6.

(2-2) Utilization Unit

The utilization unit 3 is a wall-hung type indoor air conditioner that is hung and mounted on a wall WL in the room RM. The utilization unit 3 mainly includes a second casing 31, three utilization heat exchangers 32, a utilization fan 33, two first members 34, and two second members 35.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the utilization unit 3 according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the utilization unit 3 taken along line A-A′ in FIG. 3 . FIG. 3 illustrates the inside of the second casing 31 through a portion of the second casing 31 for convenience. FIG. 4 illustrates protrusion portions 34 b (described later) of the first member 34 in a transparent manner for convenience.

(2-2-1) Second Casing

The second casing 31 is a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in a left-right direction. The second casing 31 accommodates the utilization heat exchangers 32, the utilization fan 33, the first members 34, and the second members 35 therein. The second casing 31 has an inlet 31 a, an outlet 31 b, and openings 31 c.
The second casing 31 is an example of a casing.
The inlet 31 a is an opening through which indoor air flows into the second casing 31. The inlet 31 a is formed in an upper portion of a front surface of the second casing 31.
The outlet 31 b is an opening through which the air heat-exchanged with the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchangers 32 is blown out. The outlet 31 b is formed in a lower portion of the front surface of the second casing 31. The outlet 31 b is closed by a flap 31 b 1. The control unit 9 controls the posture (rotational angle) of the flap 31 b 1. The control unit 9 adjusts the opening degree of the outlet 31 b by controlling the posture of the flap 31 b 1.
The opening 31 c is an opening for engaging a first fixing portion 35 c (described later) of the second member 35. Although details will be described later, in one or more embodiments, the second member 35 is provided in the vicinity of each end of the utilization heat exchangers 32 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, each second member 35 includes two first fixing portions 35 c. Therefore, two openings 31 c are also formed in the vicinity of each end of the utilization heat exchangers 32 in the left-right direction.

(2-2-2) Utilization Fan

The utilization fan 33 generates an air flow. The utilization fan 33 makes the indoor air pass through the utilization heat exchangers 32 by generating the air flow. The indoor air passing through the utilization heat exchangers 32 facilitates the heat exchange between the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchangers 32 and the outdoor air. The utilization fan 33 is a cross-flow fan in which a rotation shaft is disposed in the left-right direction.
The utilization fan 33 is rotationally driven by a utilization fan motor 33 a. The control unit 9 controls the air volume of the utilization fan 33 by changing the rotation speed of the utilization fan motor 33 a.

(2-2-3) Utilization Heat Exchanger

The utilization heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the refrigerant circuit 100. One end of the utilization heat exchanger 32 is connected to the liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5. The other end of the utilization heat exchanger 32 is connected to the gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6.
The utilization heat exchanger 32 is an example of a heat exchanger.
In one or more embodiments, the utilization heat exchanger 32 is constituted of three utilization heat exchange sections including a first utilization heat exchange section 321, a second utilization heat exchange section 322, and a third utilization heat exchange section 323. The difference between the first utilization heat exchange section 321, the second utilization heat exchange section 322, and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 is the arrangement inside the second casing 31. The first utilization heat exchange section 321, the second utilization heat exchange section 322, and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 have an identical structure. Therefore, in the following description, the structure of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 will be described as an example, and descriptions of the structures of the second utilization heat exchange section 322 and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 will be omitted. Note that the arrangement of the first utilization heat exchange section 321, the second utilization heat exchange section 322, and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 inside the second casing 31 will be described later.
Note that, in a case where the first utilization heat exchange section 321, the second utilization heat exchange section 322, and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 are collectively referred to, the first utilization heat exchange section 321, the second utilization heat exchange section 322, and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 are referred to as utilization heat exchange sections 321, 322, and 323.
The utilization heat exchange sections 321, 322, and 323 are examples of a first heat exchange section. The first utilization heat exchange section 321 and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 are examples of a second heat exchange section.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 taken along plane B in FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 is a view of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 as viewed in a thickness direction of a flat tube 32 a according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 7 also illustrates portions of the first members 34 for convenience. Respective directions such as the thickness direction, a width direction, and a longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32 a used in the following description follow the directions indicated by arrows in FIGS. 5, 6 , and 7.
The first utilization heat exchange section 321 includes a plurality of flat tubes 32 a, a plurality of heat transfer fins 32 b, a first header 32 c, a second header 32 d, and a third header 32 e. The first utilization heat exchange section 321 is a stacked heat exchanger in which the plurality of flat tubes 32 a are stacked at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction of the flat tube 32 a by the plurality of heat transfer fins 32 b. In one or more embodiments, the utilization heat exchanger 32 includes an inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i and an outer utilization heat exchange section 320.
The flat tube 32 a is a heat transfer tube in which a refrigerant flows. The flat tube 32 a is formed in a flat oval shape in cross section. The flat tube 32 a is a multi-hole tube having a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32 al formed so as to be orthogonal to the cross section. The plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32 al are formed so as to be arranged in the width direction of the flat tube 32 a. The flat tube 32 a is formed by extrusion molding using, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In one or more embodiments, the flat tube 32 a is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32 a is in the left-right direction.
The heat transfer fin 32 b is a band-shaped plate member that supports the plurality of flat tubes 32 a at predetermined intervals. The heat transfer fin 32 b has a plurality of slit-shaped cutouts 32 b 1 for inserting the flat tubes 32 a. The cutout 32 b 1 is formed so as to extend, as viewed in a thickness direction of the heat transfer fin 32 b, from one end edge extending in a longitudinal direction of the heat transfer fin 32 b toward the other end edge while being orthogonal to the one end edge. The plurality of cutouts 32 b 1 are formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer fin 32 b. The heat transfer fin 32 b is formed by using, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
The flat tube 32 a is inserted into the cutout 32 b 1 with the width direction of the flat tube 32 a being in an extending direction of the cutout 32 b 1 of the heat transfer fin 32 b. The plurality of heat transfer fins 32 b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32 a. The heat transfer fins 32 b and the flat tubes 32 a are joined by brazing at the cutouts 32 b 1. The plurality of flat tubes 32 a are joined to the heat transfer fins 32 b such that the end portions of the flat tubes 32 a are arranged in the thickness direction of the flat tube 32 a. FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate an outer edge formed by the plurality of heat transfer fins 32 b arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32 a and portions of the plurality of heat transfer fins 32 b for convenience.
The inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i and the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 are each formed by joining a predetermined number of flat tubes 32 a to a predetermined number of heat transfer fins 32 b and formed in a substantially identical shape. The inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i and the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 are each arranged so as to overlap in the thickness direction of the flat tube 32 a. With such an arrangement, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 6 , a gap formed between each adjacent flat tubes 32 a of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i and the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 and a gap formed between each adjacent heat transfer fins 32 b of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i and the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 form flow paths through which an air flow generated by the utilization fan 33 flows. The inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i is disposed at a position closer to the utilization fan 33 than the outer utilization heat exchange section 320.
The first header 32 c, the second header 32 d, and the third header 32 e are tubular members that allow the refrigerant flow paths 32 al of the plurality of flat tubes 32 a to communicate with each other at end portions of the plurality of flat tubes 32 a.
The first header 32 c is provided at one end of each flat tubes 32 a included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i in the longitudinal direction so as to allow the refrigerant flow paths 32 al of the plurality of flat tubes 32 a to communicate with each other. Specifically, each one end of the plurality of flat tubes 32 a included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i in the longitudinal direction is inserted into the first header 32 c through openings formed in a side surface of the first header 32 c, and is fixed to the first header 32 c using brazing or the like.
The first header 32 c is fixed to the flat tubes 32 a so as to form, between the first header 32 c and the heat transfer fin 32 b of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i adjacent to the first header 32 c, a gap G1 of a predetermined width into which the protrusion portion 34 b (described later) of the first member 34 can be inserted. The first header 32 c is connected to the liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5 via branch pipes 32 c 1.
The second header 32 d is provided at the other ends of the flat tubes 32 a included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i in the longitudinal direction and the other ends of the flat tubes 32 a included in the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 in the longitudinal direction so as to allow the refrigerant flow paths 32 al of the plurality of flat tubes 32 a of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i and the refrigerant flow paths 32 al of the plurality of flat tubes 32 a of the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 to communicate with each other. Specifically, the other ends of the flat tubes 32 a included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i in the longitudinal direction and the other ends of the flat tubes 32 a included in the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 in the longitudinal direction are inserted into the second header 32 d through openings formed in a side surface of the second header 32 d, and are fixed to the second header 32 d using brazing or the like.
The second header 32 d is fixed to the flat tubes 32 a so as to form, between the second header 32 d and the heat transfer fin 32 b of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i adjacent to the second header 32 d, a gap G2 of a predetermined width into which the protrusion portion 34 b (described later) of the first member 34 can be inserted.
The third header 32 e is provided at one end of each flat tubes 32 a included in the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 in the longitudinal direction so as to allow the refrigerant flow paths 32 al of the plurality of flat tubes 32 a to communicate with each other. Specifically, each one end of the plurality of flat tubes 32 a included in the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 in the longitudinal direction is inserted into the third header 32 e through openings formed in a side surface of the third header 32 e, and is fixed to the third header 32 e using brazing or the like. The third header 32 e is connected to the gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6 via branch pipes 32 el.
With such a configuration, the refrigerant that has passed through the liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5 and flowed into the first header 32 c passes through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32 al formed in the flat tubes 32 a of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i and flows into the second header 32 d. The refrigerant that has flowed into the second header 32 d passes through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32 al formed in the outer utilization heat exchange section 320, passes through the third header 32 e, and flows into the gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6. Furthermore, the refrigerant that has passed through the gas-refrigerant connection pipe 6 and flowed into the third header 32 e passes through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32 al formed in the flat tubes 32 a of the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 and flows into the second header 32 d. The refrigerant that has flowed into the second header 32 d passes through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 32 al formed in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i, passes through the first header 32 c, and flows into the liquid-refrigerant connection pipe 5.
Note that, in a case where the first header 32 c, the second header 32 d, and the third header 32 e are collectively referred to, the first header 32 c, the second header 32 d, and the third header 32 e are referred to as headers 32 c, 32 d, and 32 e.
The first utilization heat exchange section 321 is, when the utilization unit 3 is viewed in the left-right direction, provided such that the thickness direction of the flat tube 32 a is inclined rearward with respect to the up-down direction (vertical direction) in front of the utilization fan 33.
The second utilization heat exchange section 322 is, when the utilization unit 3 is viewed in the left-right direction, provided such that the thickness direction of the flat tube 32 a is inclined frontward with respect to the up-down direction below the first utilization heat exchange section 321.
The third utilization heat exchange section 323 is, when the utilization unit 3 is viewed in the left-right direction, provided such that the thickness direction of the flat tube 32 a is inclined frontward with respect to the up-down direction behind and above the utilization fan 33.

(2-2-4) First Member

The first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32 and restricts the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 caused by vibration or the like accompanying the operation of the utilization unit 3 while supporting the utilization heat exchanger 32. The first member 34 is a plate-shaped member, and is disposed so as to be orthogonal to the left-right direction at each of left and right ends of the flat tubes 32 a of the utilization heat exchanger 32 in a region surrounded by an outer periphery of the utilization fan 33 and the utilization heat exchanger 32. The first member 34 includes a body 34 a and the protrusion portions 34 b. The first member 34 is manufactured using a hard resin.
In the present disclosure, a state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32 means a state where the protrusion portions 34 b are inserted between flat tubes 32 a adjacent to each other in the thickness direction.
In one or more embodiments, the utilization unit 3 includes two first members 34. Each of the two first members 34 is disposed such that the body 34 a faces the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the utilization heat exchanger 32. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32 vertically below the first utilization heat exchange section 321 and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 of the utilization heat exchanger 32 and behind the second utilization heat exchange section 322 of the utilization heat exchanger 32.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first member 34 according to one or more embodiments.
The body 34 a is a member having a polygonal shape in a plan view, mainly has a first cross-sectional surface 34 a 1, a second cross-sectional surface 34 a 2, a third cross-sectional surface 34 a 3, and a fourth cross-sectional surface 34 a 4, and has an opening 34 a 5 formed in a main surface.
The first cross-sectional surface 34 al is a surface that is formed so as to come in contact with at least an end portion of the heat transfer fin 32 b included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 and face the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the flat tubes 32 a in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32.
The second cross-sectional surface 34 a 2 is a surface that is formed so as to come in contact with at least an end portion of the heat transfer fin 32 b included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i of the second utilization heat exchange section 322 and face the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the flat tubes 32 a in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32.
The third cross-sectional surface 34 a 3 is a surface that is formed so as to come in contact with at least an end portion of the heat transfer fin 32 b included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i of the third utilization heat exchange section 323 and face the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the flat tubes 32 a in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32.
The fourth cross-sectional surface 34 a 4 is a surface that is formed so as to position outside each end of the utilization fan 33 in the left-right direction. In one or more embodiments, the fourth cross-sectional surface 34 a 4 is formed so as to come in contact with a body 35 a (described later) of the second member 35.
The opening 34 a 5 is an opening for engaging a second fixing portion 35 d (described later) of the second member 35.
The protrusion portions 34 b are, in a state where each of the first cross-sectional surface 34 al, the second cross-sectional surface 34 a 2, and the third cross-sectional surface 34 a 3 is in contact with the flat tubes 32 a of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i, inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32 a in the gap G1 or the gap G2. The protrusion portion 34 b is a columnar protrusion. The protrusion portions 34 b include first protrusion portions 34 b 1, second protrusion portions 34 b 2, and third protrusion portions 34 b 3.
The first protrusion portion 34 b 1 is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32 a in the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i that comes in contact with the first cross-sectional surface 34 a 1. The first protrusion portion 34 b 1 is formed so as to protrude from the first cross-sectional surface 34 a 1.
The second protrusion portion 34 b 2 is inserted (disposed) between adjacent flat tubes 32 a in the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i that comes in contact with the second cross-sectional surface 34 a 2. The second protrusion portion 34 b 2 is formed so as to protrude from the second cross-sectional surface 34 a 2.
The third protrusion portion 34 b 3 is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32 a in the gap G1 or the gap G2 of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i that comes in contact with the third cross-sectional surface 34 a 3. The third protrusion portion 34 b 3 is formed so as to protrude from the third cross-sectional surface 34 a 3.
In one or more embodiments, the first member 34 provided on the left side of the utilization heat exchanger 32 includes three first protrusion portions 34 b 1, three second protrusion portions 34 b 2, and three third protrusion portions 34 b 3. Furthermore, the first member 34 provided on the right side of the utilization heat exchanger 32 includes two first protrusion portions 34 b 1, two second protrusion portions 34 b 2, and two third protrusion portions 34 b 3. The number of first protrusion portions 34 b 1, second protrusion portions 34 b 2, and third protrusion portions 34 b 3 is not limited to two or three, and may be one, four, or more. For example, the number of first protrusion portions 34 b 1, second protrusion portions 34 b 2, and third protrusion portions 34 b 3 included in the first member 34 provided on the left side of the utilization heat exchanger 32 may or may not be equal to the number of first protrusion portions 34 b 1, second protrusion portions 34 b 2, and third protrusion portions 34 b 3 included in the first member 34 provided on the right side of the utilization heat exchanger 32.
As described above, by inserting the protrusion portions 34 b between adjacent flat tubes 32 a in the gaps G1 or the gaps G2 of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i, the first member 34 restricts the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 in the thickness direction or the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32 a. At the same time, the body 34 a (specifically, the first cross-sectional surface 34 al, the second cross-sectional surface 34 a 2, and the third cross-sectional surface 34 a 3) comes in contact with the end portions of the heat transfer fins 32 b included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32. In this manner, the first member 34 supports the utilization heat exchanger 32.

(2-2-5) Second Member

The second member 35 is fixed to both the second casing 31 and the first member 34, and supports the utilization heat exchanger 32 via the first member 34. The second member 35 includes the body 35 a, an insertion portion 35 b, two first fixing portions 35 c, and the second fixing portion 35 d.
In one or more embodiments, the utilization unit 3 includes two second members 35. Each of the two second members 35 is disposed so as to support the first member 34 disposed on the right side of the utilization heat exchanger 32 or the first member 34 disposed on the left side of the utilization heat exchanger 32.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second member 35 according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating how the first member 34 and the second member 35 are assembled to the second casing 31 according to one or more embodiments.
The body 35 a is an arc-shaped plate-shaped member that partially covers the upper side of the utilization fan 33 as viewed in the left-right direction. In one or more embodiments, the body 35 a is formed so as to come in contact with the fourth cross-sectional surface 34 a 4 of the first member 34.
The insertion portion 35 b restricts the movement of the first member 34 in the left-right direction. The insertion portion 35 b is constituted of plate-shaped members that protrude from the body 35 a so as to be orthogonal to the left-right direction. The plate-shaped members constituting the insertion portion 35 b are provided with a gap of a predetermined width in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the body 34 a of the first member 34 from the left-right direction. As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the body 34 a of the first member 34 is inserted into the gap formed by the insertion portion 35 b.
The first fixing portions 35 c fix the second member 35 to the second casing 31. In one or more embodiments, the first fixing portions 35 c are pawls that engage with the openings 31 c of the second casing 31. The first fixing portions 35 c are formed so as to protrude downward from end portions of the body 35 a in the circumferential direction as viewed in the left-right direction. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 4 , by covering the upper side of the utilization fan 33 with the body 35 a, the first fixing portions 35 c engage with the openings 31 c. The movement of the second member 35 in the up-down direction is restricted by the engagement of the first fixing portions 35 c with the openings 31 c, and the second member 35 is fixed to the second casing 31.
The second fixing portion 35 d fixes the first member 34 to the second member 35. In one or more embodiments, the second fixing portion 35 d is a pawl that engages with the opening 34 a 5 of the first member 34. As illustrated in FIG. 10 , by inserting the first member 34 into the insertion portion 35 b, the second fixing portion 35 d engages with the opening 34 a 5. The first member 34 is fixed to the second member 35 by the engagement of the second fixing portion 35 d with the opening 34 a 5, thereby restricting the movement of the first member 34 in the up-down direction.
As described above, the first member 34 is fixed to the second member 35, and the second member 35 is fixed to the second casing 31. Therefore, the second member 35 can support the utilization heat exchanger 32 via the first member 34.
The second member 35 according to one or more embodiments also has a function of allowing the condensed water generated in the utilization heat exchanger 32 to flow to a drain pan (not illustrated) provided below the second member 35 at each of the front and rear of the utilization fan 33. Specifically, when the condensed water generated in the utilization heat exchanger 32 falls from an end portion of the utilization heat exchanger 32 to the body 35 a, the condensed water moves along an upper surface of the body 35 a to a front end portion or a rear end portion and falls to the drain pan.

(2-3) Remote Controller

The remote controller 8 receives, from a user, an instruction to execute a heating operation, a cooling operation, a humidifying operation, or the like, an instruction to stop the air-conditioning apparatus 1, and a set value such as a set temperature Ts, and transmits the received result to the control unit 9 as a control signal.

(2-4) Control Unit

The control unit 9 is mainly connected to the compressor 22, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat source expansion valve 25, the heat source fan 26, the utilization fan 33, and the remote controller 8 so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving a control signal. Although details will be described later, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant circuit 100 by controlling an operation of each of the compressor 22, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat source expansion valve 25, the heat source fan 26, and the utilization fan 33.
The control unit 9 is typically realized by a computer including a control arithmetic device and a storage device (both not illustrated). The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control arithmetic device reads a control program stored in the storage device and controls an operation in accordance with the control program. Moreover, the control arithmetic device can write a calculation result in the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the control program.
Note that FIG. 2 is a schematic view. The control unit 9 is constituted of an outdoor control unit provided inside the heat source unit 2 and an indoor control unit provided inside the utilization unit 3. The outdoor control unit and the indoor control unit may be connected by a communication line capable of transmitting and receiving a control signal to and from each other.

(3) Air Conditioning Operations

Next, a heating operation and a cooling operation, which are air conditioning operations executed by the control unit 9, will be described.

(3-1) Heating Operation

The control unit 9 starts a heating operation when receiving a control signal regarding an instruction to execute the heating operation from the remote controller 8. In the heating operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the first state (see the broken lines in FIG. 2 ). Moreover, the control unit 9 sets the opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25 to the degree corresponding to the set temperature Ts received from the remote controller 8, operates the compressor 22, and rotationally drives the utilization fan 33. With such an operation, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, and the utilization heat exchanger 32 functions as a condenser of the refrigerant.
During the heating operation, the refrigerant circuit 100 functions as follows. A high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 exchanges heat with indoor air sent by the utilization fan 33 and is condensed in the utilization heat exchanger 32. As a result, the indoor air is heated and discharged into the room as conditioned air. The condensed refrigerant passes through the heat source expansion valve 25 and is decompressed, and thereafter, exchanges heat with outdoor air sent by the heat source fan 26 and is evaporated in the heat source heat exchanger 24. The refrigerant that has passed through the heat source heat exchanger 24 is sucked into the compressor 22 and is compressed.

(3-2) Cooling Operation

The control unit 9 starts a cooling operation when receiving a control signal regarding an instruction to execute the cooling operation from the remote controller 8. In the cooling operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the second state (see the solid lines in FIG. 2 ). Moreover, the control unit 9 sets the opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25 to the degree corresponding to the set temperature Ts received from the remote controller 8, operates the compressor 22, and rotationally drives the utilization fan 33. With such an operation, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as a condenser of the refrigerant, and the utilization heat exchanger 32 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant.
During the cooling operation, the refrigerant circuit 100 functions as follows. A high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 22 exchanges heat with outdoor air sent by the heat source fan 26 and is condensed in the heat source heat exchanger 24. The condensed refrigerant passes through the heat source expansion valve 25 and is decompressed, and thereafter, exchanges heat with indoor air sent by the utilization fan 33 and is evaporated in the utilization heat exchanger 32. As a result, the indoor air is cooled and discharged into the room as conditioned air. The refrigerant that has passed through the utilization heat exchanger 32 is sucked into the compressor 22 and is compressed.

(4) Features

(4-1)
The utilization unit 3 includes the utilization heat exchanger 32, the first member 34, and the second member 35. In the utilization heat exchanger 32, a plurality of flat tubes 32 a are stacked at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction by the heat transfer fins 32 b. The first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32. The second member 35 supports the utilization heat exchanger 32 via the first member 34. The first member 34 includes the body 34 a and the protrusion portion 34 b protruding from the body 34 a. The protrusion portion 34 b is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32 a.
In the utilization unit 3, the protrusion portion 34 b included in the first member 34 is inserted between adjacent flat tubes 32 a, thereby restricting the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 in the thickness direction or the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32 a. With such a configuration, the contact area between the flat tube 32 a and the member (first member 34) that comes in contact with the flat tube 32 a to restrict the movement can be significantly reduced as compared with the case where the heat transfer tube is inserted into the tube hole formed in the bracket to restrict the movement of the heat exchanger. Therefore, even if the first member 34 and the flat tube 32 a slide against each other due to vibration or the like caused by the operation of the utilization unit 3, damage to the flat tube 32 a caused by this sliding is prevented. As a result, options for materials that can be used for the flat tube 32 a increase, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3.
(4-2)
The first member 34 includes the plurality of protrusion portions 34 b. In the utilization unit 3 including the utilization heat exchanger 32 having a plurality of heat exchange sections (the first utilization heat exchange section 321, the second utilization heat exchange section 322, and the third utilization heat exchange section 323), the first member 34 includes the plurality of protrusion portions 34 b for each of the utilization heat exchange sections 321, 322, and 323.
According to the utilization unit 3, the first member 34 including the plurality of protrusion portions 34 b effectively restricts the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 in the thickness direction or the longitudinal direction of the flat tube 32 a.
(4-3)
The protrusion portion 34 b has a columnar shape.
The protrusion portion 34 b formed in a columnar shape enables easy insertion of the protrusion portion 34 b between adjacent flat tubes 32 a. Therefore, the manufacturing of the utilization unit 3 is facilitated, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3.
(4-4)
The first member 34 is manufactured using resin.
By manufacturing the first member 34 using resin, the hardness of the protrusion portion 34 b can be reduced as compared with a case where the first member 34 is manufactured using metal. Therefore, even if the first member 34 and the flat tube 32 a slide against each other, damage to the flat tube 32 a caused by this sliding is prevented. As a result, options for materials that can be used for the flat tube 32 a increase, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3.
(4-5)
The utilization unit 3 further includes the second casing 31 and the second member 35 fixed to the second casing 31. The first member 34 is fixed to the second member 35 by engagement.
(4-6)
The body 34 a of the first member 34 is in contact with the heat transfer fin 32 b.
More specifically, the first member 34 is formed such that the first cross-sectional surface 34 a 1, the second cross-sectional surface 34 a 2, and the third cross-sectional surface 34 a 3 of the body 34 a are in contact with the end portions of the heat transfer fins 32 b included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i in a state where the first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32. Therefore, the first member 34 can receive the weight of the utilization heat exchanger 32 by the contact between the first cross-sectional surface 34 al, the second cross-sectional surface 34 a 2, and the third cross-sectional surface 34 a 3 of the body 34 a and the heat transfer fins 32 b included in the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i. Thus, the weight of the utilization heat exchanger 32 received by the protrusion portions 34 b becomes substantially zero or is significantly reduced. Therefore, even if the first member 34 and the flat tube 32 a slide against each other, damage to the flat tube 32 a caused by this sliding is prevented. As a result, options for the flat tube 32 a that can be used increase, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3.
(4-7)
The utilization heat exchanger 32 includes, as viewed in the left-right direction, the first utilization heat exchange section 321 and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 in which the thickness direction of the flat tube 32 a is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The first member 34 is attached to the utilization heat exchanger 32 vertically below the first utilization heat exchange section 321 and the third utilization heat exchange section 323.
With such a configuration, in the utilization unit 3, the first member 34 can restrict the movement of the first utilization heat exchange section 321 and the third utilization heat exchange section 323 while supporting the first utilization heat exchange section 321 and the third utilization heat exchange section 323.

(5) Modifications

(5-1) Modification A

The protrusion portion 34 b may include a pawl portion 34 c that engages with the flat tubes 32 a. The pawl portion 34 c is formed so as to engage with the end portions, on the outer utilization heat exchange section 320 side, of the flat tubes 32 a of the inner utilization heat exchange section 32 i by inserting the protrusion portion 34 b between adjacent flat tubes 32 a.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a periphery of the utilization heat exchanger 32 of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to a modification A according to one or more embodiments.
The first member 34 can effectively restrict the movement of the utilization heat exchanger 32 by the engagement of the pawl portion 34 c with the end portions of the flat tubes 32 a.

(5-2) Modification B

The first member 34 may be manufactured using a material other than resin. The first member 34 may be manufactured using metal, and a resin coating may be applied to a surface of the first member 34. Alternatively, the first member 34 may be manufactured using metal, and an insulating rubber may be attached to the surface of the first member 34.
With such a configuration, the resin coating or the insulating rubber reduces the hardness of the surface of the first member 34 to a low level. As a result, it is possible to ensure high rigidity of the first member 34 while effectively preventing damage to the flat tube 32 a caused by sliding.

(5-3) Modification C

In the above-described embodiments, the first member 34 is fixed to the second member 35 by the engagement of the second fixing portion 35 d with the opening 34 a 5 of the first member 34. However, the fixing method is not limited thereto. For example, the first member 34 may be fixed to the second member 35 by screw fastening.

(5-4) Modification D

The body 34 a of the first member 34 may be in contact with any one of the headers 32 c, 32 d, and 32 e.
The body 34 a of the first member 34 is in contact with any one of the headers 32 c, 32 d, and 32 e, so that the first member 34 can receive the weight of the utilization heat exchanger 32 by the contact between the body 34 a and any one of the headers 32 c, 32 d, and 32 e. This reduces the weight of the utilization heat exchanger 32 received by the protrusion portions 34 b. Thus, the weight of the utilization heat exchanger 32 received by the protrusion portions 34 b becomes substantially zero or is significantly reduced. Therefore, even if the first member 34 and the flat tube 32 a slide against each other, damage to the flat tube 32 a caused by this sliding is prevented. As a result, options for the flat tube 32 a that can be used increase, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the utilization unit 3.

(5-5) Modification E

In the above-described embodiments, the utilization heat exchanger 32 includes a plurality of utilization heat exchange sections 321, 322, and 323, but the utilization heat exchanger 32 may be constituted of only one heat exchange section.

(5-6) Modification F

An example in which the second member 35 different from the second casing 31 supports the utilization heat exchanger 32 via the first member 34 has been described above as one or more embodiments, but alternatively, the second casing 31 may be the second member. In other words, the second casing 31 may function as the second member to support the first member 34.

(5-7) Modification G

The utilization unit 3 including the first member 34 has been described above as one or more embodiments, but the heat source unit 2 may include the first member attached to the heat source heat exchanger 24.
The embodiments of the present disclosure has been described heretofore, and it will be understood that a variety of modifications in mode and detail may be made without departing from the gist and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

- 1 air-conditioning apparatus
- 100 refrigerant circuit
- 2 heat source unit
- 3 utilization unit
- 31 second casing (casing)
- 32 utilization heat exchanger
- 321 first utilization heat exchange section
- 322 second utilization heat exchange section
- 323 third utilization heat exchange section
- 32 a flat tube
- 32 b heat transfer fin
- 32 c first header
- 32 d second header
- 32 e third header
- 33 utilization fan
- 34 first member
- 34 a body
- 34 b protrusion portion
- 34 c pawl portion
- 35 second member

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A heat exchange unit comprising:

a heat exchanger in which flat tubes are stacked at predetermined intervals in a thickness direction by a heat transfer fin; and

a first member that is attached to the heat exchanger and that restricts a movement of the heat exchanger, wherein

the first member includes a body and a protrusion portion protruding from the body, and

the protrusion portion is disposed between adjacent flat tubes of the heat exchanger.

2. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the first member includes a plurality of protrusion portions.

3. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the heat exchanger includes a plurality of first heat exchange sections, and

the first member includes a plurality of protrusion portions for each of the plurality of first heat exchange sections.

4. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the protrusion portion has a columnar shape.

5. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the protrusion portion includes a pawl portion configured to engage with at least one of the adjacent flat tubes.

6. The heat exchange unit according to claim 5, wherein

the pawl portion is configured to engage with an end portion of the at least one of the adjacent flat tubes.

7. The heat exchange unit according to claim 5, wherein

the pawl portion is configured to engage with end portions of the adjacent flat tubes.

8. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the first member comprises resin.

9. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the first member comprises metal and a resin coating that is applied to a surface of the first member.

10. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the first member comprises metal and an insulating rubber that is attached to a surface of the first member.

11. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a casing; and

a second member fixed to the casing, wherein

the first member is fixed to the second member by screw fastening or engagement.

12. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a casing; and

a second member fixed to the casing, wherein

a fixing portion the second member is fixed to an opening of the first member.

13. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a casing, wherein

the first member is fixed to the casing.

14. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the body of the first member is in contact with the heat transfer fin.

15. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the heat exchanger further includes a header that connects end portions of the flat tubes to each other, and

the body of the first member is in contact with the header.

16. The heat exchange unit according to claim 1, wherein

the heat exchanger includes a second heat exchange section, in which a thickness direction of flat tubes in the second heat exchange section is inclined with respect to a vertical direction, and

the first member is attached to the heat exchanger vertically below the second heat exchange section.