Patent Application
20250116414
The present disclosure relates to a constituent unit forming an air conditioner, and an air conditioner.
In a constituent unit forming an air conditioner, a portion (aluminum pipe portion) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and a portion (copper pipe portion) made of copper or copper alloy may be mixed in a pipe through which refrigerant flows. Aluminum has a higher ionization tendency than that of copper. For this reason, when condensate water generated on the surface of the copper pipe portion and containing copper ions adheres to the aluminum pipe portion, the aluminum pipe portion may be corroded.
Japanese Patent No. 5853203 (particularly, see FIG. 2) discloses the following: In order to solve the above-described problem, a U-shaped or inverted U-shaped pipe is provided between an aluminum heat transfer tube and a copper pipe in a heat exchanger. In this structure, condensate water generated on the surface of the copper pipe is blocked by the U-shaped or inverted U-shaped pipe, and cannot reach the aluminum heat transfer tube.
A first aspect is directed to a constituent unit of an air conditioner. The constituent unit includes a casing having a through hole, a heat exchanger that is housed in the casing and has a plurality of heat transfer tubes, a refrigerant pipe passing through the through hole, a flow divider that is connected to the heat exchanger and the refrigerant pipe and distributes refrigerant flowing in from the refrigerant pipe to the plurality of heat transfer tubes, and a cover member covering the refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant pipe has a first pipe connected to the flow divider and made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and a second pipe made of copper or copper alloy. A first connection end of the first pipe and a second connection end of the second pipe are directly connected or connected through a metal pipe made of a material different from those of the first pipe and the second pipe. The cover member is disposed in the through hole so as to extend across an internal space and an external space of the casing, and a first portion of the refrigerant pipe including the first connection end of the first pipe and the second connection end of the second pipe is covered with the cover member.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various changes can be made within the scope without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Each of the drawings is intended to illustrate the present disclosure conceptually, and dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for the sake of ease of understanding.
An air conditioner (10) of an embodiment will be described.
As illustrated in
The outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) are connected to each other through a pair of connection pipes (12). In the air conditioner (10), the outdoor unit (20), the indoor unit (30), and the connection pipes (12) form a refrigerant circuit (11) that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.
The outdoor unit (20) is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (20) has a compressor (21), a four-way switching valve (22), an outdoor heat exchanger (23), an outdoor fan (25), an expansion valve (24), a liquid-side shutoff valve (26), and a gas-side shutoff valve (27).
The compressor (21) is, for example, a hermetic scroll or rotary compressor. The compressor (21) sucks and compresses low-pressure refrigerant, and discharges the refrigerant (high-pressure refrigerant) compressed into a high pressure.
The four-way switching valve (22) is a valve for changing the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11). The four-way switching valve (22) switches between a first state indicated by solid lines in
The outdoor heat exchanger (23) is a heat exchanger that allows heat exchange between refrigerant and outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger (23) is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor fan (25) is a fan for supplying the outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger (23). The expansion valve (24) is an electric expansion valve having a variable opening degree.
The indoor unit (30) is installed in an indoor space which is a space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit (30) has an indoor heat exchanger (65) and an indoor fan (50). The indoor unit (30) will be described in detail later.
The air conditioner (10) selectively performs a cooling operation and a heating operation.
In the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (22) is set to the first state, and refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit (11). In the refrigerant circuit (11), the outdoor heat exchanger (23) functions as a radiator, and the indoor heat exchanger (65) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (30) cools air sucked from the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger (65), and discharges the cooled air into the indoor space.
In the heating operation, the four-way switching valve (22) is set to the second state, and refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit (11). In the refrigerant circuit (11), the indoor heat exchanger (65) functions as a radiator, and the outdoor heat exchanger (23) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (30) heats air sucked from the indoor space in the indoor heat exchanger (65), and discharges the heated air into the indoor space.
As illustrated in
A liquid pipe unit (100) and a gas pipe unit (150) are joined to the indoor heat exchanger (65). The indoor heat exchanger (65), the liquid pipe unit (100), and the gas pipe unit (150) form a heat exchanger assembly (60).
The casing (35) includes a casing body (36) and a decorative panel (40). The casing (35) houses the indoor fan (50), the indoor heat exchanger (65), the drain pan (55), and the bell mouth (52).
The casing body (36) is a member having a generally rectangular parallelepiped box-like shape with its lower end open. The casing body (36) has a generally flat plate-shaped top panel (36a), and a side panel (36b) extending downward from a peripheral portion of the top panel (36a). The decorative panel (40) will be described later.
As illustrated in
The bell mouth (52) is disposed below the indoor fan (50). The bell mouth (52) is a member for guiding air flowing in the casing (35) to the indoor fan (50). The bell mouth (52) and the drain pan (55) divide the internal space of the casing (35) into a primary space (37a) located on the inlet side of the indoor fan (50) and a secondary space (37b) located on the outlet side of the indoor fan (50).
The indoor heat exchanger (65) is a so-called cross-fin-type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. As illustrated in
The drain pan (55) is a member made of so-called Styrofoam. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The main outlet path (57) is a through hole having an elongated rectangular cross section. The main outlet paths (57) are arranged along the four sides of the casing body (36), respectively. The auxiliary outlet path (58) is a through hole having a slightly-curved rectangular cross section. The auxiliary outlet paths (58) are arranged at the four corners of the casing body (36), respectively.
The decorative panel (40) is a resin member formed in a thick rectangular plate shape. A lower portion of the decorative panel (40) is in a square shape slightly larger than the top panel (36a) of the casing body (36). The decorative panel (40) is disposed to cover the lower end of the casing body (36). The lower surface of the decorative panel (40) is exposed to the indoor space.
As illustrated in
The decorative panel (40) includes a substantially rectangular annular outlet (44) surrounding the inlet (41). As illustrated in
The main outlet opening (42) is an elongated rectangular opening. The main outlet openings (42) are arranged along the four sides of the decorative panel (40), respectively. The main outlet openings (42) of the decorative panel (40) correspond to the main outlet paths (57) of the drain pan (55) on a one-on-one basis. Each main outlet opening (42) communicates with a corresponding one of the main outlet paths (57). Each main outlet opening (42) is provided with an airflow direction adjusting flap (47).
The auxiliary outlet opening (43) is an opening in the shape of a quarter of a circle. The auxiliary outlet openings (43) are arranged at the four corners of the decorative panel (40), respectively. The auxiliary outlet openings (43) of the decorative panel (40) correspond to the auxiliary outlet paths (58) of the drain pan (55) on a one-on-one basis. Each auxiliary outlet opening (43) communicates with a corresponding one of the auxiliary outlet paths (58).
As illustrated in
One end of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) and one end of each liquid-side branch pipe (103) are connected to the liquid-side flow divider (101). The liquid-side flow divider (101) is a member that distributes refrigerant flowing in from the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) to the plurality of liquid-side branch pipes (103).
The other end of each liquid-side branch pipe (103) is connected to a heat transfer tube (66) of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger (65). The liquid-side branch pipe (103) allows the liquid-side flow divider (101) to communicate with the heat transfer tube (66) of the indoor heat exchanger (65).
The liquid-side collecting pipe (102) extends to the outside of the casing body (36) through a first through hole (38a) formed in the side panel (36b) of the casing body (36). The other end of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) is exposed to the outside of the casing body (36). The first through hole (38a) corresponds to a through hole of the present disclosure.
A liquid-side cover member (105) is attached to the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). The liquid-side cover member (105) is a cylindrical member made of foamed resin. The liquid-side cover member (105) covers a portion of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) extending from the inside to the outside of the casing body (36), and closes a clearance between an edge portion of the through hole formed in the side panel (36b) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102).
As illustrated in
One end of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) and one end of each gas-side branch pipe (153) are connected to the gas-side flow divider (151). The gas-side flow divider (151) is a member that distributes refrigerant flowing in from the gas-side collecting pipe (152) to the plurality of gas-side branch pipes (153). The gas-side flow divider (151) is a so-called gas header.
The other end of each gas-side branch pipe (153) is connected to the heat transfer tube (66) of the corresponding indoor heat exchanger (65). The gas-side branch pipe (153) allows the gas-side flow divider (151) to communicate with the heat transfer tube (66) of the indoor heat exchanger (65).
The gas-side collecting pipe (152) extends to the outside of the casing body (36) through a second through hole (38b) formed in the side panel (36b) of the casing body (36). The other end of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) is exposed to the outside of the casing body (36). The second through hole (38b) corresponds to a through hole of the present disclosure.
A gas-side cover member (155) is attached to the gas-side collecting pipe (152). The gas-side cover member (155) is a cylindrical member made of foamed resin. The gas-side cover member (155) covers a portion of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) extending from the inside to the outside of the casing body (36), and closes a clearance between an edge portion of the through hole formed in the side panel (36b) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152).
The indoor fan (50) rotates during the operation of the indoor unit (30). When the indoor fan (50) rotates, indoor air in the indoor space flows into the primary space (37a) in the casing (35) through the inlet (41). The air flowing in the primary space (37a) is sucked by the indoor fan (50) and discharged into the secondary space (37b).
The air flowing into the secondary space (37b) is cooled or heated while passing through the indoor heat exchanger (65), and then flows separately into the four main outlet paths (57) and the four auxiliary outlet paths (58). The air flowing into the main outlet paths (57) is discharged to the indoor space through the main outlet openings (42). The air flowing into the auxiliary outlet paths (58) is discharged to the indoor space through the auxiliary outlet openings (43).
The liquid-side collecting pipe (102) is a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state or a liquid single-phase refrigerant flows during the operation of the outdoor unit. As illustrated in
The liquid-side collecting pipe (102) includes a liquid-side first pipe (110), a liquid-side second pipe (120), and a joint pipe (106). The liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) includes part of the liquid-side first pipe (110) (first horizontal pipe portion (112) described later), the joint pipe (106), and the entirety of the liquid-side second pipe (120) (second horizontal pipe portion (122) described later).
The center axis direction (extension direction) of the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) is substantially horizontal. The liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) passes through the first through hole (38a) of the casing (35). The liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) is disposed so as to extend across the internal space (S1) and an external space (S2) of the casing (35). The liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) is covered with the liquid-side cover member (105). A portion of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) closer to the liquid-side flow divider (101) with respect to the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) may be straight or may be curved.
The flare joint (107) is attached to one end (right end in
The liquid-side connection pipe (12a) is inserted into one end of the flare joint (107). The liquid-side connection pipe (12a) is connected to the liquid-side shutoff valve (26). The liquid-side connection pipe (12a) is covered with a heat insulator (71). The heat insulator (71) is a cylindrical member made of foamed resin.
The liquid-side cover member (105) and the heat insulator (71) are coupled to each other through a coupling member (72). Specifically, both end portions of the coupling member (72) are wrapped with tape members (73), and in this manner, the coupling member (72) is fixed to the liquid-side cover member (105) and the heat insulator (71).
The liquid-side first pipe (110) is a circular pipe. The material of the liquid-side first pipe (110) is aluminum or aluminum alloy. One end of the liquid-side first pipe (110) is inserted into one end of the liquid-side flow divider (101).
As illustrated in
The joint pipe (106) is a relatively-short circular tubular member. The joint pipe (106) is disposed substantially coaxially with the liquid-side first pipe (110). One end (left end in
The joint pipe (106) is a metal pipe. The material of the joint pipe (106) is stainless steel. The main component of stainless steel is iron (Fe). The ionization tendency of iron (Fe) is higher than the ionization tendency of copper (Cu) and lower than the ionization tendency of aluminum (Al).
The liquid-side second pipe (120) is a straight circular pipe. The material of the liquid-side second pipe (120) is copper or copper alloy. The center axis direction (extension direction) of the liquid-side second pipe (120) is substantially horizontal. The liquid-side second pipe (120) is disposed substantially coaxially with the joint pipe (106).
One end (left end in
The liquid-side cover member (105) is made of foamed resin, and is a thick cylindrical member. The liquid-side cover member (105) covers the entire circumference of the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). The liquid-side cover member (105) prevents exposure of the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) to air, and also functions as a heat insulator. The liquid-side cover member (105) covers the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) up to the end opposite to the liquid-side flow divider (101). The liquid-side cover member (105) may cover not only the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a), but also a portion (specifically, curved portion) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) other than the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a).
The liquid-side cover member (105) is disposed in the first through hole (38a) so as to extend across the internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35). The liquid-side cover member (105) has a first end (105a) which is one end (right end in
A liquid-side fastening member (130) is attached to the outer periphery of the liquid-side cover member (105). The liquid-side fastening member (130) fastens the liquid-side cover member (105) to the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). The liquid-side fastening member (130) has a first fastening member (131) and a second fastening member (132).
The first fastening member (131) is disposed closer to the other end (left end in
The second fastening member (132) is disposed closer to one end (right end in
The first through hole (38a) of the casing (35) is configured such that the second fastening member (132) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) are fitted therein. Specifically, an upper portion of the first through hole (38a) is formed in a rectangular shape, and a lower portion of the first through hole (38a) is formed in a semicircular shape.
When the semicircle formed at the lower portion of the first through hole (38a) and the semicircle formed at the lower portion of the second fastening member (132) are combined, a circular hole is formed. The liquid-side collecting pipe (102) is disposed in the circular hole. The diameter of the circular hole is greater than the outer diameter of the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a) and smaller than the outer diameter of the liquid-side cover member (105). Thus, the liquid-side cover member (105) is fastened by fitting the second fastening member (132) in the first through hole (38a) of the casing (35). Thus, no clearance is formed between the second fastening member (132) and the liquid-side cover member (105).
The liquid-side cover member (105) is fastened by the first fastening member (131) and the second fastening member (132) in this manner, whereby formation of the clearance between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) can be reduced at each end portion of the liquid-side cover member (105).
The first connection end (111) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) is disposed between the first fastening member (131) and the second fastening member (132). As in the first connection end (111), the second connection end (121) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) is also disposed between the first fastening member (131) and the second fastening member (132).
The liquid-side collecting pipe (102) has a liquid-side connection portion (140). The liquid-side connection portion (140) includes the first connection end (111) and the second connection end (121) of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). As illustrated in
The liquid-side connection portion (140) is formed in the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a). The liquid-side connection portion (140) is disposed between the first fastening member (131) and the second fastening member (132). The liquid-side connection portion (140) is disposed in the internal space (S1) of the casing (35).
The gas-side collecting pipe (152) is a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant in a gas single-phase state flows during the operation of the outdoor unit. As illustrated in
The gas-side collecting pipe (152) includes a gas-side first pipe (160), a gas-side second pipe (170), and a joint pipe (156). The gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a) includes part of the gas-side first pipe (160) (first horizontal pipe portion (162) described later), the joint pipe (156), and the entirety of the gas-side second pipe (170) (second horizontal pipe portion (172) described later).
The gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a) has a configuration similar to that of the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a). The gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a) passes through the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35). The gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a) is disposed so as to extend across the internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35). The gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a) is covered with the gas-side cover member (155).
The flare joint (157) is attached to one end (right end in
The gas-side connection pipe (12b) is inserted into one end of the flare joint (157). The gas-side connection pipe (12b) is connected to the gas-side shutoff valve (27). The gas-side connection pipe (12b) is covered with a heat insulator (71). The configuration of the heat insulator (71) and the connection between the gas-side cover member (155) and the heat insulator (71) are similar to those of the heat insulator (71) for the liquid-side connection pipe (12a).
The gas-side first pipe (160) and the first horizontal pipe portion (162) have configurations similar to those of the liquid-side first pipe (110) and the first horizontal pipe portion (112). As illustrated in
The joint pipe (156) is a relatively-short circular tubular member. The joint pipe (156) is disposed substantially coaxially with the gas-side first pipe (160). One end (left end in
The joint pipe (156) is a metal pipe. The material of the joint pipe (156) is stainless steel. The main component of stainless steel is iron (Fe). The ionization tendency of iron (Fe) is higher than the ionization tendency of copper (Cu) and lower than the ionization tendency of aluminum (Al).
The gas-side second pipe (170) has a configuration similar to that of the liquid-side second pipe (120). One end (left end in
The gas-side cover member (155) has a configuration similar to that of the liquid-side cover member (105). The gas-side cover member (155) covers the entire circumference of the gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a) of the gas-side collecting pipe (152). The gas-side cover member (155) covers the gas-side collecting pipe (152) up to the end opposite to the gas-side flow divider (151).
The gas-side cover member (155) is disposed in the second through hole (38b) so as to extend across the internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35). The gas-side cover member (155) has a first end (155a) which is one end (right end in
A gas-side fastening member (180) is attached to the outer periphery of the gas-side cover member (155). The gas-side fastening member (180) fastens the gas-side cover member (155) to the gas-side collecting pipe (152). The gas-side fastening member (180) has a first fastening member (181) and a second fastening member (182). The first fastening member (181) and the second fastening member (182) have configurations similar to those of the first fastening member (131) and the second fastening member (132).
The first fastening member (181) of this embodiment is a zip tie. The second fastening member (182) of this embodiment is a fastening member made of foamed resin. The fastening member as the second fastening member (182) is fitted into the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35). The second fastening member (182) is a substantially-rectangular member having a slight thickness, and is formed in a shape in which a lower portion thereof is cut out in a semicircular shape.
The second through hole (38b) of the casing (35) is configured such that the second fastening member (182) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152) are fitted therein. Specifically, an upper portion of the second through hole (38b) is formed in a rectangular shape, and a lower portion of the second through hole (38b) is formed in a semicircular shape.
When the semicircle formed at the lower portion of the second through hole (38b) and the semicircle formed at the lower portion of the second fastening member (182) are combined, a circular hole is formed. The gas-side collecting pipe (152) is disposed in the circular hole. The diameter of the circular hole is greater than the outer diameter of the gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a) and smaller than the outer diameter of the gas-side cover member (155). Thus, the liquid-side cover member (155) is fastened by fitting the second fastening member (182) in the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35).
The gas-side cover member (155) is fastened by the first fastening member (181) and the second fastening member (182) in this manner, whereby formation of the clearance between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152) can be reduced at each end portion of the gas-side cover member (155).
The first connection end (161) of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) is disposed between the first fastening member (181) and the second fastening member (182). As in the first connection end (161), the second connection end (171) of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) is also disposed between the first fastening member (181) and the second fastening member (182).
The gas-side collecting pipe (152) has a gas-side connection portion (190). The gas-side connection portion (190) includes the first connection end (161) and the second connection end (171) of the gas-side collecting pipe (152). As illustrated in
The gas-side connection portion (190) is formed in the gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a). The gas-side connection portion (190) is disposed between the first fastening member (181) and the second fastening member (182). The gas-side connection portion (190) is disposed in the internal space (S1) of the casing (35).
The liquid-side collecting pipe (102) of this embodiment includes the liquid-side first pipe (110) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and the liquid-side second pipe (120) made of copper or copper alloy. The first connection end (111) of the liquid-side first pipe (110) and the second connection end (121) of the liquid-side second pipe (120) are connected to each other through the joint pipe (106). The liquid-side collecting pipe (102) includes the liquid-side connection portion (140) having the first connection end (111) of the liquid-side first pipe (110), the second connection end (121) of the liquid-side second pipe (120), and the joint pipe (106). The entire circumference of the liquid-side connection portion (140) is covered with the liquid-side cover member (105). The liquid-side cover member (105) is disposed in the first through hole (38a) of the casing (35) so as to extend across the internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35).
The liquid-side connection portion (140) is preferably formed in a straight line from the viewpoint of workability when the liquid-side first pipe (110), the joint pipe (106), and the liquid-side second pipe (120) are joined to each other. On the other hand, the casing (35) houses components such as the indoor fan (50) and the indoor heat exchanger (65), and therefore, has an extremely-small piping space for the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). In a case where the liquid-side connection portion (140) is disposed in the limited piping space, the liquid-side connection portion (140) may be disposed in the vicinity of the first through hole (38a) of the casing (35). This is because the vicinity of the first through hole (38a) of the casing (35) has some room for the installation work of the indoor unit (30).
The internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35) are significantly different in temperature and humidity. The first through hole (38a) is located at the boundary between the internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35). Thus, in a case where the liquid-side connection portion (140) is disposed in the vicinity of the first through hole (38a), condensate water (dew water) is likely to be generated on the liquid-side connection portion (140).
In this embodiment, the entire circumference of the liquid-side connection portion (140) is covered with the liquid-side cover member (105), and therefore, the liquid-side connection portion (140) is not exposed to air. This can reduce generation of condensate water on the surface of the liquid-side connection portion (140). Thus, condensate water containing copper ions is less likely to adhere to the liquid-side first pipe (110). As a result, corrosion of the liquid-side first pipe (110) can be reduced.
The liquid-side cover member (105) of this embodiment is fastened by the first fastening member (131) and the second fastening member (132). The first connection end (111) of the liquid-side first pipe (110) and the second connection end (121) of the liquid-side second pipe (120) are disposed between the first fastening member (131) and the second fastening member (132).
With this configuration, the liquid-side cover member (105) is fastened by the first fastening member (131), and therefore, no clearance is formed between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). Thus, even if condensate water is generated on the surface of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) closer to the liquid-side flow divider (101) with respect to the first fastening member (131), the condensate water flowing along the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) does not enter between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102), and therefore, corrosion of the liquid-side first pipe (110) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions can be reduced.
The liquid-side cover member (105) is fastened by the second fastening member (132), and therefore, no clearance is formed between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). Thus, even if condensate water is generated on the surface of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) disposed outside the casing (35), the condensate water flowing along the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) disposed outside the casing (35) does not enter between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102), and therefore, corrosion of the liquid-side first pipe (110) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions can be reduced.
Since the liquid-side cover member (105) is fastened on both sides thereof in this manner, condensate water generated on the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) located inside and outside the casing (35) does not enter between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). This can more reliably reduce corrosion of the liquid-side first pipe (110) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions.
The liquid-side connection portion (140) of this embodiment is disposed in the liquid-side laterally-extending pipe portion (102a), which extends horizontally, of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102), and therefore, extends horizontally. Thus, the first horizontal pipe portion (112) of the liquid-side first pipe (110) is not located lower than the second horizontal pipe portion (122) of the liquid-side second pipe (120), and therefore, even if condensate water containing copper ions is generated on the liquid-side second pipe (120), the condensate water is less likely to adhere to the liquid-side first pipe (110). Consequently, corrosion of the liquid-side first pipe (110) can be reduced.
The gas-side collecting pipe (152) of this embodiment has the gas-side first pipe (160) made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and the gas-side second pipe (170) made of copper or copper alloy. The first connection end (161) of the gas-side first pipe (160) and the second connection end (171) of the gas-side second pipe (170) are connected to each other through the joint pipe (156). The gas-side collecting pipe (152) includes the gas-side connection portion (190) having the first connection end (161) of the gas-side first pipe (160), the second connection end (171) of the gas-side second pipe (170), and the joint pipe (156). The entire circumference of the gas-side connection portion (190) is covered with the gas-side cover member (155). The gas-side cover member (155) is disposed in the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35) so as to extend across the internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35).
The gas-side connection portion (190) is preferably formed in a straight line from the viewpoint of workability when the gas-side first pipe (160), the joint pipe (156), and the gas-side second pipe (170) are joined to each other. On the other hand, the casing (35) houses components such as the indoor fan (50) and the indoor heat exchanger (65), and therefore, has an extremely-small piping space for the gas-side collecting pipe (152). In a case where the gas-side connection portion (190) is disposed in the limited piping space, the gas-side connection portion (190) may be disposed in the vicinity of the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35). This is because the vicinity of the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35) has some room for the installation work of the indoor unit (30).
The internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35) are significantly different in temperature and humidity. The second through hole (38b) is located at the boundary between the internal space (S1) and the external space (S2) of the casing (35). Thus, in a case where the gas-side connection portion (190) is disposed in the vicinity of the second through hole (38b), condensate water (dew water) is likely to be generated on the gas-side connection portion (190).
In this embodiment, the entire circumference of the gas-side connection portion (190) is covered with the gas-side cover member (155), and therefore, the gas-side connection portion (190) is not exposed to air. This can reduce generation of condensate water on the surface of the gas-side connection portion (190). Thus, condensate water containing copper ions is less likely to adhere to the gas-side first pipe (160). As a result, corrosion of the gas-side first pipe (160) can be reduced.
The gas-side cover member (155) of this embodiment is fastened by the first fastening member (181) and the second fastening member (182). The first connection end (161) of the gas-side first pipe (160) and the second connection end (171) of the gas-side second pipe (170) are disposed between the first fastening member (181) and the second fastening member (182).
With this configuration, the gas-side cover member (155) is fastened by the first fastening member (181), and therefore, no clearance is formed between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152). Thus, even if condensate water is generated on the surface of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) disposed inside the casing (35), the condensate water flowing along the gas-side collecting pipe (152) disposed inside the casing (35) does not enter between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152), and therefore, corrosion of the gas-side first pipe (160) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions can be reduced.
Moreover, the gas-side cover member (155) is fastened by the second fastening member (182), and therefore, no clearance is formed between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152). Thus, even if condensate water is generated on the surface of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) disposed outside the casing (35), the condensate water flowing along the gas-side collecting pipe (152) disposed outside the casing (35) does not enter between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152), and therefore, corrosion of the gas-side first pipe (160) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions can be reduced.
Since the gas-side cover member (155) is fastened on both sides thereof in this manner, condensate water generated on the gas-side collecting pipe (152) located inside and outside the casing (35) does not enter between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152). This can more reliably reduce corrosion of the gas-side first pipe (160) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions.
The gas-side connection portion (190) of this embodiment is disposed in the gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a), which extends horizontally, of the gas-side collecting pipe (152), and therefore, extends horizontally. Thus, the first horizontal pipe portion (162) of the gas-side first pipe (160) is not located lower than the second horizontal pipe portion (172) of the gas-side second pipe (170). In a case where condensate water is generated on the surface of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) located inside and outside the casing (35) and enters between the gas-side connection portion (190) and the gas-side cover member (155) along the gas-side collecting pipe (152), even if condensate water containing copper ions generated on the gas-side second pipe (170), the condensate water flows down by gravitation and is less likely to adhere to the liquid-side first pipe (110). Consequently, corrosion of the liquid-side first pipe (110) can be reduced.
As illustrated in
In the gas-side collecting pipe (152) of this embodiment, the first connection end (161) of the gas-side first pipe (160) and the second connection end (171) of the gas-side second pipe (170) may be directly joined to each other. In this case, the joint pipe (156) is omitted from the gas-side collecting pipe (152).
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In this case, the first connection end (111) of the first horizontal pipe portion (112) is disposed between the first fastening member (131) and the first end (105a) of the liquid-side cover member (105) located outside the casing (35). Also in this case, the liquid-side cover member (105) is fastened by the first fastening member (131), and therefore, no clearance is formed between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). Thus, even if condensate water is generated on the surface of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) closer to the liquid-side flow divider (101) with respect to the first fastening member (131), the condensate water flowing along the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) does not enter between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102), and therefore, corrosion of the liquid-side first pipe (110) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions can be reduced.
The gas-side fastening member (180) attached to the gas-side cover member (155) of this embodiment may have only the first fastening member (181). In this case, the second fastening member (182) is not disposed in the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35). The diameter of the second through hole (38b) is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the gas-side cover member (155). Thus, the gas-side cover member (155) is not fastened by the casing (35).
In this case, the first connection end (161) of the first horizontal pipe portion (162) is disposed between the first fastening member (181) and the first end (155a) of the gas-side cover member (155) located outside the casing (35). Also in this case, the gas-side cover member (155) is fastened by the first fastening member (181), and therefore, no clearance is formed between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152). Thus, even if condensate water is generated on the surface of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) closer to the gas-side flow divider (151) with respect to the first fastening member (181), the condensate water flowing along the gas-side collecting pipe (152) does not enter between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152), and therefore, corrosion of the gas-side first pipe (160) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions can be reduced.
As illustrated in
In this case, the second connection end (121) of the second horizontal pipe portion (122) is disposed between the second fastening member (132) and the second end (105b) of the liquid-side cover member (105) located inside the casing (35). Also in this case, the liquid-side cover member (105) is fastened by the second fastening member (132), and therefore, no clearance is formed between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102). Thus, even if condensate water is generated on the surface of the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) disposed outside the casing (35), the condensate water flowing along the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) disposed outside the casing (35) does not enter between the liquid-side cover member (105) and the liquid-side collecting pipe (102), and therefore, corrosion of the liquid-side first pipe (110) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions can be reduced.
The gas-side fastening member (180) attached to the gas-side cover member (155) of this embodiment may have only the second fastening member (182). In this case, the zip tie as the first fastening member (131) is omitted.
In this case, the second connection end (171) of the second horizontal pipe portion (172) is disposed between the second fastening member (182) and the second end (155b) of the gas-side cover member (155) located inside the casing (35). Also in this case, the gas-side cover member (155) is fastened by the second fastening member (182), and therefore, no clearance is formed between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152). Thus, even if condensate water is generated on the surface of the gas-side collecting pipe (152) disposed inside the casing (35), the condensate water flowing along the gas-side collecting pipe (152) disposed inside the casing (35) does not enter between the gas-side cover member (155) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152), and therefore, corrosion of the gas-side first pipe (160) due to adhesion of condensate water containing copper ions can be reduced.
As illustrated in
The first fastening member (181) attached to the gas-side cover member (155) of this embodiment may be a fastening member disposed in the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35). In this case, the second fastening member (182) is a zip tie, and is disposed outside the casing (35). Moreover, in this case, the gas-side connection portion (190) is disposed in the vicinity of the second through hole (38b) outside the casing (35). Also in this case, it is possible to obtain effects similar to those of the above-described embodiment.
The casing (35) of this embodiment includes the first through hole (38a) through which the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) passes and the second through hole (38b) through which the gas-side collecting pipe (152) passes. Alternatively, the casing (35) may include a through hole through which the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) and the gas-side collecting pipe (152) pass. In this case, one fastening member is configured to have the functions of the liquid-side second fastening member (132) and the gas-side second fastening member (182), and is fitted in the one through hole.
The second fastening member (132, 182) of this embodiment may be a zip tie. In this case, the second fastening member (132, 182) is disposed in the vicinity of the through hole (38a, 38b) of the casing (35). In this case, the zip tie as the second fastening member (132, 182) may be disposed inside the casing (35) or outside the casing (35).
As illustrated in
The second fastening member (182) attached to the gas-side cover member (155) of this embodiment may be the casing (35). In this case, the diameter of the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35) is larger than the outer diameter of the gas-side laterally-extending pipe portion (152a) and smaller than the outer diameter of the gas-side cover member (155). Thus, the gas-side cover member (155) is fastened by the second through hole (38b) of the casing (35). Consequently, no clearance is formed between the second fastening member (182) and the gas-side cover member (155). Also in this case, it is possible to obtain effects similar to those of the above-described embodiment.
The liquid-side cover member (105) of this embodiment is not necessarily fastened to the liquid-side collecting pipe (102) by the liquid-side fastening member (130). In other words, the indoor unit (30) does not necessarily include the liquid-side fastening member (130).
The gas-side cover member (155) of this embodiment is not necessarily fastened to the gas-side collecting pipe (152) by the gas-side fastening member (180). In other words, the indoor unit (30) does not necessarily include the gas-side fastening member (180).
One or both of the liquid pipe unit (100) or the gas pipe unit (150) of this embodiment may be connected to a heat transfer tube of the outdoor heat exchanger (23) provided in the outdoor unit (20) as the constituent unit.
While the embodiment and variations thereof have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The elements according to embodiments, the variations thereof, and the other embodiments may be combined and replaced with each other.
The ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” “third,” . . . , described above are used to distinguish the terms to which these expressions are given, and do not limit the number and order of the terms.
As described above, the present disclosure is useful for an air conditioner constituent unit and an air conditioner.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-153767 | Sep 2022 | JP | national |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/JP2023/028980 | Aug 2023 | WO |
| Child | 18982606 | US |
