WO2014178176A1

WO2014178176A1 - Indoor unit for air conditioning devices

Info

Publication number: WO2014178176A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/002305
Authority: WO
Inventors: 遼太須原
Original assignee: ダイキン工業株式会社
Priority date: 2013-04-30
Filing date: 2014-04-24
Publication date: 2014-11-06
Also published as: AU2014260980A1; EP2975330B1; US20160054010A1; JP2014215011A; AU2014260980B2; CN105008809B; EP2975330A1; ES2662888T3; EP2975330A4; JP5811134B2; CN105008809A

Abstract

An indoor unit for air conditioning devices, having provided in gas-side piping (70): a header main body (71a) extending vertically along a side end section (32a) of an indoor heat exchanger (32); a vertical pipe section (74) facing the header main body (71a); and a bent pipe section (73) connecting a bottom end section of the header main body (71a) and a bottom end section of the vertical pipe section (74). Some fluid-side piping (80) is arranged in a space (S1) between the header main body (71a), the vertical pipe section (74), and the bent pipe section (73). As a result of the present invention, the installation space for the fluid-side piping (80) can be reduced, and consequently the indoor unit can be more compact, as a result of some fluid-side piping (80) being arranged in the space between the header main body (71a), the vertical pipe section (74), and the bent pipe section (73) of the gas-side piping (70).

Description

Air conditioner indoor unit

The present invention relates to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and particularly relates to space saving of piping around an indoor heat exchanger.

Conventionally, air conditioners that cool and heat indoors are known. For example, an air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 is connected to a casing, an indoor fan accommodated in the casing, an indoor heat exchanger arranged to surround the indoor fan, and a gas side communication pipe And a liquid side connection port connected to the liquid communication pipe. That is, the indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit via the liquid communication pipe and the gas communication pipe.

¡A header is provided on the gas side piping, and a flow divider is provided on the liquid side piping. The header has a header body and a plurality of branch pipes branched from the header body and connected to the gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger. The shunt has a shunt main body and a plurality of shunt pipes (capillary tubes) branched from the shunt main body and connected to the liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger.

During cooling operation of the air conditioner, the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger flows into the liquid side pipe of the indoor unit via the liquid connection pipe. This refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger from the flow divider and exchanges heat with the air conveyed by the indoor fan. As a result, in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant flows into the gas side pipe from the header and flows out to the gas connection pipe.

In addition, during the heating operation of the air conditioner, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows into the gas side pipe of the indoor unit via the gas connection pipe. This refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger from the header and exchanges heat with the air conveyed by the indoor fan. As a result, in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air and condenses. The condensed refrigerant flows into the liquid side pipe from the flow divider and flows out to the liquid connection pipe.

JP 2011-163741 A

As described above, in an indoor unit of an air conditioner, it is necessary to arrange pipes (liquid side pipes and gas side pipes) that connect the indoor heat exchanger and each connection pipe inside the casing. For this reason, if the liquid side pipe and the gas side pipe are arranged so as not to interfere with other equipment, the space required for the installation of the pipe becomes wide in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, resulting in an increase in the size of the indoor unit. There was a problem of being over.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide an indoor unit of an air conditioner that can reduce the installation space of the liquid side piping and the gas side piping.

The first invention includes an indoor fan (27), an indoor heat exchanger (32) arranged so as to surround the indoor fan (27), the indoor heat exchanger (32) and a gas communication pipe ( 3) a gas side pipe (70) that connects to the indoor heat exchanger (32) and a liquid side pipe (80) that connects the liquid communication pipe (2), and the room of the air conditioner installed on the ceiling Targeting the unit, the gas side pipe (70) is opposed to the header body (71a) and a header body (71a) extending vertically along the side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). And a curved pipe part (73) connecting the lower end part of the header body (71a) and the lower end part of the vertical pipe part (74), and the liquid side pipe (80 ) Is disposed in a space (S1) between the header body (71a), the vertical pipe part (74), and the curved pipe part (73).

In the gas side pipe (70) of the first invention, the lower end portion of the header main body (71a) and the lower end portion of the vertical pipe portion (74) facing the header main body (71a) are provided with a curved pipe portion (73 ). Thereby, in the gas side pipe (70), a space (S1) is formed between the header body (71a), the vertical pipe part (74), and the curved pipe part (73). In the present invention, a part of the liquid side pipe (80) is disposed in this space (S1). As a result, the space required for installing the liquid side pipe (80) is reduced.

A second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, an expansion valve (39) disposed inside the indoor heat exchanger (32) is connected to the liquid side pipe (80). To do.

In the second invention, the expansion valve (39) is arranged inside the indoor heat exchanger (32). Therefore, the expansion valve (39) can be easily maintained from the indoor fan (27) side (for example, the suction port side).

According to a third aspect, in the second aspect, the liquid side pipe (80) includes a flow distributor body (81a) disposed outside the indoor heat exchanger (32), and the flow distributor body (81a). And a liquid relay pipe (82) connecting the expansion valve (39), and the liquid relay pipe (82) intersects with the curved pipe portion (73) of the gas side pipe (70). It is arranged above the curved pipe part (73).

In the third invention, the expansion valve (39) is arranged inside the indoor heat exchanger (32), while the flow divider body (81a) is arranged outside the indoor heat exchanger (32). For this reason, the expansion valve (39) and the flow divider main body (81a) do not interfere with each other, and the space inside and outside the indoor heat exchanger (32) can be secured in a well-balanced manner. On the other hand, when the flow divider body (81a) is arranged outside the indoor heat exchanger (32) and the expansion valve (39) is arranged inside the indoor heat exchanger (32), the liquid relay pipe connecting them (82) installation space is required. However, in the present invention, since the liquid relay pipe (82) is disposed above the curved pipe portion (73) of the gas side pipe (70), the pipe space is prevented from becoming large in the horizontal direction. it can.

According to the present invention, a part of the liquid side pipe (80) is disposed in the space between the header body (71a), the vertical pipe part (74), and the curved pipe part (73) of the gas side pipe (70). By doing so, the installation space of the liquid side pipe (80) can be reduced, and as a result, the indoor unit can be downsized.

Further, according to the second invention, the expansion valve (39) connected to the liquid side pipe (80) is arranged inside the indoor heat exchanger (32). For this reason, the expansion valve (39) can be easily maintained from the indoor fan (27) (suction grill) side.

Particularly, according to the third invention, the expansion valve (39) is disposed inside the indoor heat exchanger (32), and the flow divider main body (81a) is disposed outside the indoor heat exchanger (32). . Therefore, according to the third invention, for example, the indoor heat exchanger (32) is compared with the case where the expansion valve (39) and the flow divider main body (81a) are arranged inside the indoor heat exchanger (32). The space inside is widened. Therefore, a sufficient installation space for the indoor fan (27) can be secured inside the indoor heat exchanger (32). Further, according to the third invention, for example, the expansion valve (39) and the flow divider main body (81a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32) are compared with the case where the expansion valve (39) and the flow divider main body (81a) are arranged outside the indoor heat exchanger (32). The outside space becomes wider. Therefore, the casing that houses the indoor heat exchanger (32) can be reduced in the horizontal direction, and the indoor unit can be downsized.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the liquid relay pipe (82) that connects the expansion valve (39) and the flow divider main body (81a) in the liquid side pipe (80) is disposed above the curved pipe section (73). ing. For this reason, the horizontal installation space of the liquid relay pipe (82) is reduced, and the indoor unit can be further miniaturized.

FIG. 1 is a schematic piping system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the indoor unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the interior of the indoor unit according to the embodiment as viewed from the top plate side. FIG. 5 is a first perspective view illustrating a gas side pipe and a liquid side pipe according to the embodiment and peripheral structures thereof. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a gas side pipe and a liquid side pipe according to the embodiment and peripheral structures thereof. FIG. 7 is a second perspective view showing a gas side pipe and a liquid side pipe and their peripheral structures according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are essentially preferable examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its application, or its use.

The embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner (10) that performs indoor cooling and heating. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (10) includes an outdoor unit (11) installed outdoors and an indoor unit (20) installed indoors. The outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (20) are connected to each other by two connecting pipes (2, 3). Thereby, a refrigerant circuit (C) is comprised in an air conditioner (10). In the refrigerant circuit (C), a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating the filled refrigerant.

<Configuration of refrigerant circuit>
The outdoor unit (11) is provided with a compressor (12), an outdoor heat exchanger (13), an outdoor expansion valve (14), and a four-way switching valve (15). The compressor (12) compresses the low-pressure refrigerant and discharges the compressed high-pressure refrigerant. In the compressor (12), a compression mechanism such as a scroll type or a rotary type is driven by the compressor motor (12a). The rotation speed (operation frequency) of the compressor motor (12a) is variable by an inverter device.

The outdoor heat exchanger (13) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An outdoor fan (16) is installed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger (13). In the outdoor heat exchanger (13), the air conveyed by the outdoor fan (16) and the refrigerant exchange heat. The outdoor fan (16) is constituted by a propeller fan driven by an outdoor fan motor (16a). The outdoor fan motor (16a) is configured such that its rotational speed is variable by an inverter device.

The outdoor expansion valve (14) is an electronic expansion valve with a variable opening. The four-way switching valve (15) has first to fourth ports. In the four-way switching valve (15), the first port is connected to the discharge side of the compressor (12), the second port is connected to the suction side of the compressor (12), and the third port is the outdoor heat exchanger (13 ) And the fourth port is connected to the gas-side stop valve (5). The four-way selector valve (15) switches between a first state (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 1) and a second state (state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1). In the four-way selector valve (15) in the first state, the first port communicates with the third port, and the second port communicates with the fourth port. In the four-way selector valve (15) in the second state, the first port communicates with the fourth port and the second port communicates with the third port.

The two communication pipes consist of a liquid communication pipe (2) and a gas communication pipe (3). One end of the liquid communication pipe (2) is connected to the liquid side closing valve (4), and the other end is connected to the liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger (32). One end of the gas communication pipe (3) is connected to the gas side shut-off valve (5), and the other end is connected to the gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger (32).

The indoor unit (20) is provided with an indoor heat exchanger (32) and an indoor expansion valve (39). The indoor heat exchanger (32) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An indoor fan (27) is installed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger (32). The indoor fan (27) is a centrifugal blower driven by an indoor fan motor (27a). The indoor fan motor (27a) is configured to have a variable rotational speed by an inverter device. The indoor expansion valve (39) is connected to the liquid end side of the indoor heat exchanger (32) in the refrigerant circuit (C). The indoor expansion valve (39) is an electronic expansion valve having a variable opening.

<Detailed structure of indoor unit>
The detailed structure of the indoor unit (20) of the air conditioner (10) will be described with reference to FIGS. The indoor unit (20) of the present embodiment is configured to be embedded in the ceiling. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the indoor unit (20) is fitted and attached to the opening (O) of the ceiling (U) facing the indoor space (R). The indoor unit (20) has an indoor unit main body (21) and a decorative panel (40) attached to the lower part of the indoor unit main body (21).

-Indoor unit body-
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the indoor unit body (21) has a box-shaped casing (22) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The casing (22) has a substantially square top plate (23) in plan view and four substantially rectangular side plates (24) extending downward from the peripheral edge of the top plate (23), and the bottom surface An opening is formed in the. As shown in FIG. 2, a vertically long box-shaped electrical component box (25) is attached to one side plate (24a) of the four side plates (24). In addition, a liquid side connection pipe (6) and a gas side connection pipe (7) connected to the indoor heat exchanger (32) pass through the side plate (24a). A liquid communication pipe (2) is connected to the liquid side connection pipe (6), and a gas communication pipe (3) is connected to the gas side connection pipe (7).

Inside the casing (22), an indoor fan (27), a bell mouth (31), an indoor heat exchanger (32), and a drain pan (36) are accommodated.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the indoor fan (27) is disposed in the center of the casing (22). The indoor fan (27) includes an indoor fan motor (27a), a hub (28), a shroud (29), and an impeller (30). The indoor fan motor (27a) is supported by the top plate (23) of the casing (22). The hub (28) is fixed to the lower end of the drive shaft (27b) that is rotationally driven by the indoor fan motor (27a). The hub (28) includes an annular base (28a) formed radially outward of the indoor fan motor (27a), and a central bulge (28b) bulging downward from the inner peripheral edge of the base (28a). ).

The shroud (29) is disposed below the base (28a) so as to face the base (28a) of the hub (28). A circular central suction port (29a) communicating with the inside of the bell mouth (31) is formed in the lower portion of the shroud (29). The impeller (30) is disposed in a blade accommodating space (29b) between the hub (28) and the shroud (29). The impeller (30) is composed of a plurality of turbo blades (30a) arranged so as to be along the rotation direction of the drive shaft (27b).

The bell mouth (31) is located below the indoor fan (27). The bell mouth (31) has a circular opening at the upper end and the lower end, respectively, and is formed in a cylindrical shape whose opening area increases toward the decorative panel (40). The internal space (31a) of the bell mouth (31) communicates with the blade housing space (29b) of the indoor fan (27).

As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor heat exchanger (32) is provided with a refrigerant pipe (heat transfer tube) bent so as to surround the indoor fan (27). The indoor heat exchanger (32) is installed on the upper surface of the drain pan (36) so as to stand up. The air blown to the side from the indoor fan (27) passes through the indoor heat exchanger (32). The indoor heat exchanger (32) constitutes an evaporator that cools the air during the cooling operation, and constitutes a condenser (heat radiator) that heats the air during the heating operation.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a drain pan (36) is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (32). The drain pan (36) has an inner wall part (36a), an outer wall part (36b), and a water receiving part (36c). The inner wall portion (36a) is formed along the inner peripheral edge portion of the indoor heat exchanger (32), and is configured by an annular vertical wall standing upward. The outer wall portion (36b) is formed along the four side plates (24) of the casing (22), and is configured by an annular vertical wall that stands upward. The water receiving part (36c) is formed between the inner wall part (36a) and the outer wall part (36b), and is constituted by a groove for collecting condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger (32). Moreover, four main body side blowing channels (37) each extending along the four side plates (24) are formed through the top and bottom of the outer wall (36b) of the drain pan (36). Each main body side blowing channel (37) communicates the space on the downstream side of the indoor heat exchanger (32) with the four panel side blowing channels (43) of the decorative panel (40).

In addition, the indoor unit main body (21) is provided with a main body side heat insulating member (38). The main body side heat insulating member (38) is formed in a substantially box shape whose lower side is opened. The main body side heat insulating member (38) is formed along the top plate side heat insulating portion (38a) formed along the top plate (23) of the casing (22) and the side plate (24) of the casing (22). And a side plate side heat insulating portion (38b). A circular through hole (38c) through which the upper end of the indoor fan motor (27a) passes is formed at the center of the top plate heat insulating part (38a). The side plate side heat insulating part (38b) is installed in the outer part of the main body side outlet channel (37) in the outer wall part (36b) of the drain pan (36).

-Cosmetic panel-
The decorative panel (40) is attached to the lower surface of the casing (22). The decorative panel (40) includes a panel body (41) and a suction grill (60).

The panel body (41) is formed in a rectangular frame shape in plan view. The panel body (41) is formed with one panel side suction channel (42) and four panel side outlet channels (43).

As shown in FIG. 3, the panel-side suction channel (42) is formed at the center of the panel body (41). A suction port (42a) facing the indoor space (R) is formed at the lower end of the panel-side suction flow path (42). The panel-side suction channel (42) allows the suction port (42a) to communicate with the internal space (31a) of the bell mouth (31). A frame-like inner panel member (44) is fitted in the panel-side suction flow path (42). In addition, a dust collection filter (45) that captures dust in the air sucked from the suction port (42a) is provided inside the panel-side suction flow path (42).

Each panel side outlet channel (43) is formed outside the panel side inlet channel (42) so as to surround the panel side inlet channel (42). Each panel side blowing channel (43) extends along four sides of each panel side suction channel (42). Air outlets (43a) facing the indoor space (R) are formed at the lower ends of the panel-side outlet channels (43), respectively. Each panel side blowing flow path (43) makes the corresponding blower outlet (43a) and the corresponding main body side blowing flow path (37) communicate.

As shown in FIG. 3, an inner heat insulating part (46) is provided inside the panel side blowing channel (43) (on the center part side of the panel body (41)). Moreover, the outer side heat insulation part (47) is provided in the outer side (outer edge part side of a panel main body (41)) of the panel side blowing flow path (43). An inner seal member (48) interposed between the panel main body (41) and the drain pan (36) is provided on the upper surfaces of the inner heat insulating portion (46) and the outer heat insulating portion (47).

The outer panel member (49) is fitted into the inner edge of the outer heat insulating portion (47). The outer panel member (49) has an inner wall portion (50) that constitutes an inner wall surface of the main body side outlet channel (37), and a lower end portion of the inner wall portion (50) toward an outer edge portion of the panel main body (41). And an extending portion (51) extending. The extension part (51) is formed in a rectangular frame shape along the lower surface of the ceiling (U). An outer seal member (52) interposed between the extension part (51) and the ceiling (U) is provided on the upper surface of the extension part (51).

In addition, each body side blowing passage (37) is provided with a wind direction adjusting blade (53) for adjusting the wind direction of the air (blowing air) flowing through the body side blowing passage (37). The wind direction adjusting blade (53) is formed across both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body outlet channel (37) along the side plate (24) of the casing (22). The wind direction adjusting blade (53) is configured to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (53a) extending in the longitudinal direction.

The suction grill (60) is attached to the lower end (that is, the suction port (42a)) of the panel side suction flow path (42). The suction grill (60) includes a grill main body (61) facing the suction inlet (42a) and a rectangular extension (65 extending outward from the grill main body (61) toward each outlet (43a). ). The grill body (61) is formed in a substantially square shape in plan view. A large number of suction holes (63) are arranged in a lattice pattern at the center of the grill body (61). These suction holes (63) are constituted by through holes that penetrate the grill body (61) in the thickness direction (vertical direction). The suction hole (63) is formed in a square shape in the opening cross section.

The extension portion (65) of the suction grill (60) is formed in a rectangular frame shape extending outward from the grill body (61) toward the outlet (43a). The extension part (65) overlaps with the panel body (41) in the vertical direction so as to overlap the lower surface of the inner heat insulating part (46). Moreover, the side edge part of the extension part (65) has shifted to the suction inlet (42a) rather than the inner edge part of the blower outlet (43a).

-Driving operation-
Next, the operation of the air conditioner (10) according to this embodiment will be described. In the air conditioner (10), the cooling operation and the heating operation are switched.

<Cooling operation>
In the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (15) shown in FIG. 1 is in a state indicated by a solid line, and the compressor (12), the indoor fan (27), and the outdoor fan (16) are in an operating state. Thereby, in the refrigerant circuit (C), a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the outdoor heat exchanger (13) serves as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (32) serves as an evaporator.

Specifically, the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor (12) flows through the outdoor heat exchanger (13) and exchanges heat with outdoor air. In the outdoor heat exchanger (13), the high-pressure refrigerant dissipates heat to the outdoor air and condenses. The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (13) is sent to the indoor unit (20). In the indoor unit (20), the refrigerant flows through the indoor heat exchanger (32) after being decompressed by the indoor expansion valve (39).

In the indoor unit (20), room air flows upward in order through the suction port (42a), the panel-side suction flow path (42), and the internal space (31a) of the bell mouth (31), and accommodates the blades of the indoor fan (27). It is sucked into the space (29b). The air in the blade accommodating space (29b) is conveyed by the impeller (30) and blown out radially between the hub (28) and the shroud (29). This air passes through the indoor heat exchanger (32) and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. In the indoor heat exchanger (32), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates, and the air is cooled by the refrigerant.

The air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (32) is diverted to each main body side outlet passage (37), then flows downward through the panel side outlet passage (43), and passes through the outlet (43a) to the indoor space ( To R). The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (32) is sucked into the compressor (12) and compressed again. .

<Heating operation>
In the heating operation, the four-way switching valve (15) shown in FIG. 1 is in a state indicated by a broken line, and the compressor (12), the indoor fan (27), and the outdoor fan (16) are in an operating state. Thereby, in the refrigerant circuit (C), a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger (32) serves as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger (13) serves as an evaporator.

Specifically, the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor (12) flows through the indoor heat exchanger (32) of the indoor unit (20). In the indoor unit (20), room air flows upward in order through the suction port (42a), the panel-side suction flow path (42), and the internal space (31a) of the bell mouth (31), and accommodates the blades of the indoor fan (27). It is sucked into the space (29b). The air in the blade accommodating space (29b) is conveyed by the impeller (30) and blown out radially between the hub (28) and the shroud (29). This air passes through the indoor heat exchanger (32) and exchanges heat with the refrigerant. In the indoor heat exchanger (32), the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air and condenses, and the air is heated by the refrigerant.

The air heated by the indoor heat exchanger (32) is diverted to each main body-side outlet passage (37), then flows downward through the panel-side outlet passage (43), and passes through the outlet (43a) to the indoor space ( To R). The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (32) is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve (14) and then flows through the outdoor heat exchanger (13). In the outdoor heat exchanger (13), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (13) is sucked into the compressor (12) and compressed again.

<Gas side piping, liquid side piping, and their peripheral structure>
Next, the gas side pipe (70), the liquid side pipe (80) and the peripheral structure housed in the indoor unit (20) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

The first end (32a) and the second end (32b) are formed in the indoor heat exchanger (32). The first side end (32a) is formed at one side end in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube of the indoor heat exchanger (32), and the second side end (32b) is formed at the indoor heat exchanger (32). It is formed at the other side end in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tube. The gas side pipe (70) and the liquid side pipe (80) are connected to the pipe housing space (S) between the first side end (32a) and the second side end (32b) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). Installed.

The gas side pipe (70) is formed between the gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger (32) and the gas side connection pipe (7) described above. The gas side pipe (70) includes a header (71) connected to the indoor heat exchanger (32), and a gas relay pipe (72) connected between the header (71) and the gas side connection pipe (7). And have.

The header (71) is disposed in the vicinity of the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). The header (71) includes a header body (71a) and a plurality of branch pipes (71b) branching from the header body (71a). The header body (71a) extends in the vertical direction along the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). That is, the header main body (71a) is parallel to the first side end (32a) so as to be spaced from the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). The header body (71a) joins the refrigerant that has flowed out of the branch pipes (71b) during cooling. In addition, the header body (71a) diverts the refrigerant that has flowed out of the gas relay pipe (72) to each branch pipe (71b) during heating.

The plurality of branch pipes (71b) are disposed between the header body (71a) and the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). Each branch pipe (71b) is arranged in a direction (vertical direction) along the side surface of the header body (71a) so as to be parallel to each other. One end of each branch pipe (71b) is connected to each heat transfer pipe of the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). That is, the header (71) is connected to the heat transfer tube of the first side end (32a) among the side ends on both sides of the indoor heat exchanger (32). The other end of each branch pipe (71b) is connected to the header body (71a) and communicates with the inside of the header body (71a).

The gas relay pipe (72) has a first curved pipe section (73) (curved pipe section) and a first vertical pipe section (74) (vertical) in order from the header body (71a) to the gas side connection pipe (7). Tube portion) and the first horizontal tube portion (75) are continuously formed. The first curved pipe portion (73) has a substantially U-shaped outer shape whose upper side is opened in a side view. The 1st curved pipe part (73) has connected the lower end part of the header main body (71a), and the lower end part of the 1st vertical pipe part (74). The first vertical pipe portion (74) extends in the vertical direction so as to face the lower side surface of the header body (71a). The 1st vertical pipe part (74) has connected the 1st curved pipe part (73) and the 1st horizontal pipe part (75). The 1st horizontal pipe part (75) is bent in the horizontal direction from the upper end part of the 1st vertical pipe part (74), and is connected with the gas side connection pipe (7). In the gas relay pipe (72), a vertically long space (S1) is formed between the header body (71a), the first curved pipe part (73), and the first vertical pipe part (74).

The liquid side pipe (80) is formed between the liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger (32) and the liquid side connecting pipe (6) described above. The liquid side pipe (80) includes a flow divider (81) and a liquid relay pipe (82) connected between the flow divider (81) and the liquid side connection pipe (6). The flow divider (81) is disposed in the vicinity of the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). The shunt (81) has a shunt main body (81a) and a plurality of shunt pipes (81b) branched from the shunt main body (81a).

The shunt main body (81a) is arranged outside the indoor heat exchanger (32). Specifically, when the virtual plane along the downstream surface near the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32) is P1 (see FIG. 6), the shunt main body (81a) It arrange | positions between the virtual plane P1 and the side plate (24) of a casing (22). The flow distributor main body (81a) is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape whose axial center extends vertically, and a plurality of flow dividing tubes (81b) are connected to the upper end surface thereof. The flow divider main body (81a) diverts the refrigerant that has flowed out of the liquid relay pipe (82) to each of the diversion pipes (81b) during cooling. In addition, the flow divider main body (81a) joins the refrigerant that has flowed out of each flow dividing pipe (81b) during heating. The plurality of flow dividing tubes (81b) are disposed between the flow divider main body (81a) and the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32). Each branch pipe (81b) is constituted by a capillary tube having a smaller flow path diameter than the flow distributor body (81a).

The liquid relay pipe (82) has a second vertical pipe section (83), a second curved pipe section (84), and a third vertical pipe section in order from the flow distributor main body (81a) toward the liquid side connection pipe (6). (85), second horizontal pipe part (86), third horizontal pipe part (87), fourth vertical pipe part (88), fourth horizontal pipe part (89), fifth vertical pipe part (90), and A 5th horizontal pipe part (91) is comprised continuously.

The second vertical pipe portion (83) extends downward from the lower end portion of the shunt main body (81a). The second curved pipe portion (84) has a substantially U-shaped outer shape whose upper side is open. The 2nd curved pipe part (84) has connected the lower end part of the 2nd vertical pipe part (83), and the lower end part of the 3rd vertical pipe part (85). A first filter (95) that captures foreign matters in the refrigerant flowing inside is connected to the third vertical pipe portion (85). The first filter (95) is disposed outside the indoor heat exchanger (32) in the same manner as the flow divider body (81a). The second horizontal pipe (86) extends in the horizontal direction from the upper end of the third vertical pipe (85) toward the indoor fan (27). That is, the second horizontal pipe portion (86) is formed from the outside of the indoor heat exchanger (32) to the inside of the indoor heat exchanger (32). The second horizontal pipe portion (86) is disposed on the upper side of the first curved pipe portion (73) so as to intersect the first curved pipe portion (73) of the gas side pipe (70).

The indoor expansion valve (39) described above is connected to the inner end of the second horizontal pipe (86). The indoor expansion valve (39) is disposed inside the indoor heat exchanger (32). Specifically, if the virtual plane along the upstream surface near the first side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32) is P2 (see FIG. 6), the indoor expansion valve (39) Arranged closer to the axis of the indoor fan (27) than the virtual plane P2.

The third horizontal pipe portion (87) extends in the horizontal direction from the lower end portion of the indoor expansion valve (39) toward the casing (22). The fourth vertical pipe portion (88) extends in the vertical direction along the header (71) and the first vertical pipe portion (74). The fourth vertical pipe (88) is disposed in the space (S) between the header (71), the first curved pipe (73), and the first vertical pipe (74) of the gas side pipe (70). Is done. The fourth horizontal pipe part (89) is bent from the lower end part of the fourth vertical pipe part (88) and extends in the horizontal direction. The fifth vertical pipe portion (90) is bent upward from the inner end of the fourth vertical pipe portion (88) and extends in the vertical direction. The 5th vertical pipe part (90) is connected with the 2nd filter (97) which catches the foreign material in the refrigerant which flows through the inside. The second filter (97) is disposed inside the indoor heat exchanger (32) in the same manner as the indoor expansion valve (39). The fifth horizontal pipe (91) is bent in the horizontal direction from the upper end of the fourth vertical pipe (88) and connected to the liquid side connection pipe (6).

In this embodiment, a part of the liquid relay pipe (82) is vertically long between the header (71) of the gas side pipe (70), the first curved pipe part (73), and the first vertical pipe part (74). In the space (S1). Specifically, in the present embodiment, the outer end portion of the third horizontal pipe portion (87) of the liquid relay pipe (82), the fourth vertical pipe portion (88), and the inner side of the fourth horizontal pipe portion (89). The end is disposed inside the space (S1). For this reason, the installation space of the pipe of the liquid relay pipe (82) can be reduced without the gas side pipe (70) and the liquid side pipe (80) interfering with each other.

In this embodiment, the indoor expansion valve (39) is disposed inside the indoor heat exchanger (32). Thereby, the user etc. can perform maintenance and replacement | exchange of an indoor expansion valve (39) from the suction flow path (42) side. On the other hand, the flow divider (81) is disposed outside the indoor heat exchanger (32). If the shunt (81) is placed inside the indoor heat exchanger (32) together with the indoor expansion valve (39), the space inside the indoor heat exchanger (32) is reduced, and the installation space for the indoor fan (27) is reduced. There is a possibility that it cannot be secured sufficiently. On the other hand, the installation space for the indoor fan (27) can be secured by disposing the shunt main body (81a) outside the indoor heat exchanger (32).

Here, in this embodiment, a part of the liquid relay pipe (82) that connects the indoor expansion valve (39) and the flow divider main body (81a) (that is, the second horizontal pipe portion (86)) is U-shaped. The first curved pipe portion (73) is disposed on the upper side. For this reason, the installation space of the horizontal direction of a 2nd horizontal pipe part (86) also becomes small.

-Effects of the embodiment-
According to the above embodiment, the liquid side pipe (70) is formed in the space (S1) between the header body (71a), the first vertical pipe part (74), and the first curved pipe part (73) of the gas side pipe (70). By disposing a part of 80), the installation space of the liquid side pipe (80) can be reduced, and the indoor unit (20) can be downsized.

Moreover, since the indoor expansion valve (39) is arranged inside the indoor heat exchanger (32), the indoor expansion valve (39) can be easily maintained from the indoor fan (27) (suction grill (60)) side. be able to. Further, the indoor expansion valve (39) is arranged inside the indoor heat exchanger (32), and the flow divider main body (81a) is arranged outside the indoor heat exchanger (32). For this reason, the installation space inside the indoor heat exchanger (32) and the installation space outside can be secured with good balance. Moreover, in this embodiment, piping (2nd horizontal pipe part (86)) which connects an indoor expansion valve (39) and a flow divider main body (81a) is arrange | positioned above the 1st curved pipe part (73)). Yes. For this reason, the horizontal installation space of the liquid relay pipe (82) is reduced, and the indoor unit (20) can be further downsized.

In the above embodiment, the indoor unit (20) of the air conditioner (1) is configured to be embedded in a ceiling that is fitted into the opening (O) of the ceiling (U). However, the indoor unit (20) may be configured to be suspended from the ceiling and suspended from the ceiling disposed in the indoor space (R).

As described above, the present invention is useful for space saving of piping around an indoor heat exchanger in an indoor unit of an air conditioner.

2 Liquid communication pipe 3 Gas communication pipe 10 Air conditioner 20 Indoor unit 27 Indoor fan 32 Indoor heat exchanger 32a First side end (side end)
39 Indoor expansion valve (expansion valve)
70 Gas side piping 71a Header main body 73 1st curved pipe part (curved pipe part)
74 First vertical pipe (vertical pipe)
80 Liquid side pipe 81a Flow divider body 82 Liquid relay pipe

Claims

An indoor fan (27), an indoor heat exchanger (32) arranged so as to surround the indoor fan (27), and a gas connecting the indoor heat exchanger (32) and the gas communication pipe (3) A side pipe (70), a liquid side pipe (80) connecting the indoor heat exchanger (32) and the liquid communication pipe (2), and an indoor unit of an air conditioner provided on a ceiling,
The gas side pipe (70) includes a header main body (71a) extending vertically along the side end (32a) of the indoor heat exchanger (32), and a vertical pipe section facing the header main body (71a) ( 74) and a curved pipe part (73) connecting the lower end part of the header body (71a) and the lower end part of the vertical pipe part (74),
A part of the liquid side pipe (80) is disposed in a space (S1) between the header body (71a), the vertical pipe part (74), and the curved pipe part (73). Air conditioner indoor unit.
In claim 1,
An indoor unit of an air conditioner, wherein an expansion valve (39) disposed inside the indoor heat exchanger (32) is connected to the liquid side pipe (80).
In claim 2,
The liquid side pipe (80) includes a flow divider body (81a) disposed outside the indoor heat exchanger (32), and a liquid that connects the flow distributor body (81a) and the expansion valve (39). Connected to the relay pipe (82)
The air conditioner characterized in that the liquid relay pipe (82) is disposed above the curved pipe section (73) so as to intersect the curved pipe section (73) of the gas side pipe (70). Indoor unit.