DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention
HEAT EXCHANGER, OUTDOOR UNIT, AND AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger including header collection pipes, an outdoor unit including the heat exchanger, and an air-conditioning apparatus including the outdoor unit. Background Art [0002]
A parallel flow condenser is known as a kind of heat exchanger. The parallel flow condenser includes a pair of header collection pipes disposed at a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, a plurality of heat transfer tubes disposed between the pair of header collection pipes, and a plurality of corrugated fins for heat transfer that are disposed between the heat transfer tubes. In the parallel flow condenser, in manufacturing, surfaces of the heat transfer tubes are partially exposed. Such exposed portions are present between the header collection pipes and end portions of the fins that are closest to the header collection pipes. In the following description, the parallel flow condenser will be referred to as a PFC heat exchanger. [0003]
For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes an outdoor unit in which a PFC heat exchanger includes header collection pipes, heat transfer tubes, and corrugated fins for heat transfer that are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. According to Patent Literature 1, contact prevention members are provided to cover the exposed portions, thereby closing space where air that is not subjected to heat exchange flows, and reducing occurrence of electric corrosion that is caused by adhesion of foreign matter, which is at least one of metal powder and moisture, to the header collection pipes. Citation List Patent Literature [0004]

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-137121 Summary of Invention Technical Problem [0005]
However, in the outdoor unit described in Patent Literature 1, the contact prevention members have holes that surround the heat transfer tubes. Thus, the holes allow entrance of foreign matter, and as a result the foreign matter comes into contact with joining portions between the header collection pipes and the heat transfer tubes. Consequently, electric corrosion occurs at the joining portions. Therefore, the outdoor unit described in Patent Literature 1 is not sufficiently protected against foreign matter.
In addition, in the outdoor unit described in Patent Literature 1, it is necessary to additionally apply fastening members such as screws in order to fix the contact prevention members, and it seems to be also necessary to improve the assemblage of the outdoor unit of Patent Literature 1. [0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide: a heat exchanger formed in such a manner as to close space where air that is not subjected to heat exchange flows and also to restrict entrance of foreign matter; an outdoor unit including the heat exchanger; and an air-conditioning apparatus including the outdoor unit. [0007]
A heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of header collection pipes; a plurality of heat transfer tubes that are parallel to each other and connected to each of the pair of header collection pipes; a plurality of fins disposed between the heat transfer tubes; and a cover attached to at least one of the pair of header collection pipes. The cover covers part of the at least one of the pair of header collection pipes and spaces between the at least one header collection pipe and the fins. Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0008]
In the heat exchanger according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cover covers the exposed portions, thus closing space where air that is not subjected to heat exchange flows can be blocked, and reducing entrance of foreign matter, without the need to make a complicated structure. Brief Description of Drawings [0009]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a refrigerant circuit of an air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of an appearance configuration of an outdoor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a configuration of an end portion of a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a header collection pipe in the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and a cover attached to the header collection pipe.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a plan view of a first member of the cover.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a front view of the first member of the cover.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a side view of the first member of the cover.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a rear view of the first member of the cover.
[Fig. 11 ] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a second member of the cover.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a front view of the second member of the cover.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a side view of the second member of the cover.

[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a rear view of the second member of the cover.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating part of the first member of the cover.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a perspective view illustrating part of the second member of the cover.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating the header collection pipe and the cover, with the cover not yet attached to the header collection pipe.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the header collection pipe and the cover, with the cover not yet attached to the header collection pipe.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating the header collection pipe and the cover, with the cover attached to the header collection pipe.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the cover, with the cover attached to the header collection pipe.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relationship between the first member and the second member of the cover.
[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a procedure of fixation of the first member and the second member of the cover.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is another schematic sectional view illustrating the procedure of fixation of the first member and the second member of the cover.
[Fig. 24] Fig. 24 is still another schematic sectional view illustrating the procedure of fixation of the first member and the second member of the cover.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a dimensional relationship between the first member and the second member of the cover.
[Fig. 26] Fig. 26 is a schematic side view illustrating a modification of the cover.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a modification of the cover.
[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heat exchanger including covers having a configuration as illustrated in Fig. 27.
[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a schematic front view of an example of a cover of a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a schematic perspective view of another example of the cover of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Description of Embodiments [0010]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the figures including Fig. 1, relationships in size between components may be different from actual ones. In addition, in each of the figures, elements that are the same as those in a previous figure are denoted by the same reference signs. This is true of the entire text of the specification. In addition, the forms of the components described in the full text of the specification are merely examples, and are not limited to those described in the text. [0011] Embodiment 1
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a refrigerant circuit of an air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In Fig. 1, solid arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant in a cooling operation, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant in a heating operation. [0012] Configuration of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 100>
As illustrated in Fig. 1, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes an outdoor unit 100A and an indoor unit 100B. [0013]
The indoor unit 100B is used as a load-side unit or a use-side unit, and includes a load-side heat exchanger 53 and a fan 53A.
The outdoor unit 100A is used as a heat-source-side unit, and includes a heat exchanger 10, an air-sending device 30, a compressor 51, a four-way valve 52, and an expansion valve 54.
The indoor unit 100B and the outdoor unit 100Aare connected to each other by refrigerant pipes 58 including a gas side connection pipe 56 and a liquid side connection pipe 57, whereby a refrigerant circuit 55 is provided.

[0014]
The operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 can be switched between a cooling operation and a heating operation by switching between the passages of the four-way valve 52. To be more specific, when the passage of the four-way valve 52 is the passage indicated by the solid lines in Fig. 1, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 performs the cooling operation. By contrast, when the passage of the four-way valve 52 is the passage indicated by the broken lines in Fig. 1, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 performs the heating operation. [0015] (Outdoor Unit 100A)
The outdoor unit 100A is provided in space other than an air-conditioned space, and has a function of supplying cooling energy or heating energy to the indoor unit 100B. The space other than the air-conditioned space is, for example, an outdoor space such as a ceiling space or a parking space, an underground space such as a storage space, or a common space such as space located beside an elevator or space located below stairs. [0016]
The heat exchanger 10 operates as an evaporator in the heating operation and as a condenser in the cooling operation. The heat exchanger 10 is a PFC heat exchanger.
The heat exchanger 10 will be described later in detail.
The air-sending device 30 supplies air, which is a heat exchange fluid, to the heat exchanger 10. As the air-sending device 30, a propeller fan having a plurality of blades can be applied. [0017]
The compressor 51 compresses refrigerant and discharges the compressed refrigerant. As the compressor 51, a rotary compressor or a scroll compressor can be applied. When the heat exchanger 10 operates as a condenser, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 51 flows into the heat exchanger 10 through the refrigerant pipes 58. When the heat exchanger 10 operates as an evaporator, the

refrigerant discharged from the compressor 51 passes through the indoor unit 100B, and then flows into the heat exchanger 10 through the refrigerant pipes 58. [0018]
The four-way valve 52 is connected to a discharge side of the compressor 51, and switches the flow of the refrigerant between that for the heating operation and that for the cooling operation.
It should be noted that in the case where the refrigerant is circulated in a single direction, the four-way valve 52 is not indispensable. Also, the four-way valve 52 may be replaced by a combination of two-way valves or three-way valves. [0019]
The expansion valve 54 expands the refrigerant that has passed through the load-side heat exchanger 53 or the heat exchanger 10, thereby reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. As the expansion valve 54, an electric expansion valve capable of adjusting the flow rate of refrigerant can be applied.
The expansion valve 54 may be provided in the indoor unit 100 instead of the outdoor unit 100A. [0020]
The outdoor unit 100A also includes a controller 20. The controller 20 controls the overall operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100. To be more specific, the controller 20 is connected to an external terminal such as a remote control unit such that the controller 20 can communicate with the external terminal, and controls the operations of components of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 in response to a command input by a user operation using the external terminal. [0021] (Indoor Unit 100B)
The indoor unit 100B is provided in space from which cooling energy or heating energy can be supplied to the air-conditioned space, and has a function of cooling or heating the air-conditioned space with the cooling energy or heating energy supplied by the outdoor unit 100A. The space from which cooling energy or heating energy can be supplied to the air-conditioned space is, for example, the air-conditioned space such as

an indoor space, or another space connecting with the air-conditioned space by a duct
or another component.
[0022]
The load-side heat exchanger 53 operates as a condenser in the heating operation and as an evaporator in the cooling operation. As the load-side heat exchanger 53, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger can be applied.
The fan 53A supplies air, which is a heat exchange fluid, to the load-side heat exchanger 53. As the fan 53A, a propeller fan having a plurality of blades or a cross-flow fan can be applied. [0023]
In the air-conditioning apparatus 100, the refrigerant circuit 55 is provided by connecting the compressor 51, the load-side heat exchanger 53, the expansion valve 54, and the heat exchanger 10, with the refrigerant pipes 58. These components are provided in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit. [0024]
The operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 will be described along with the flow of the refrigerant. In the following description, the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is described by referring to by way of example the case where air is the heat exchange fluid that exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the load-side heat exchanger 53 and the heat exchanger 10. [0025]
First of all, the cooling operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 will be described.
When the compressor 51 is activated, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 51. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows as indicated by the solid arrows. To be more specific, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant (single phase) discharged from the compressor 51 passes through the four-way valve 52 and flows into the heat exchanger 10, which operates as a condenser. At the heat exchanger 10, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas

refrigerant that has flowed into the heat exchanger 10 exchanges heat with air supplied by the air-sending device 30, whereby the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant (single phase). [0026]
After flowing out of the heat exchanger 10, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is changed into two-phase refrigerant including low-pressure gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant by the expansion valve 54. The two-phase refrigerant flows into the load-side heat exchanger 53, which operates as an evaporator. At the load-side heat exchanger 53, the two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the load-side heat exchanger 53 exchanges heat with air supplied by the fan 53A, whereby the liquid refrigerant included in the two-phase refrigerant is evaporated and thus changed into low-pressure gas refrigerant (single phase). Because of this heat exchange, the indoor space is cooled. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed out of the load-side heat exchanger 53 passes through the four-way valve 52, and flows into the compressor 51. Thereby, the low-pressure gas refrigerant is compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant, and the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is re-discharged from the compressor 51. Then, this cycle is repeated. [0027]
The heating operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 will be described.
When the compressor 51 is activated, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 51. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows as indicated by the dashed arrows. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant (single phase) discharged from the compressor 51 passes through the four-way valve 52 and flows into the load-side heat exchanger 53, which operates as a condenser. At the load-side heat exchanger 53, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that has flowed into the load-side heat exchanger 53 exchanges heat with air supplied by the fan 53A, whereby the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is condensed into high-pressure liquid refrigerant (single phase). Because of this heat exchange, the indoor space is heated. [0028]

After flowing out of the load-side heat exchanger 53, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is changed into two-phase refrigerant including low-pressure gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant by the expansion valve 54. The two-phase refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger 10, which operates as an evaporator. The two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the heat exchanger 10 exchanges heat with air supplied by the air-sending device 30, whereby the liquid refrigerant included in the two-phase refrigerant is evaporated, and the two-phase refrigerant is thus changed into low-pressure gas refrigerant (single phase). After flowing out of the heat exchanger 10, the low-pressure gas refrigerant passes through the four-way valve 52 and flows into the compressor 51. Thereby, the low-pressure gas refrigerant is compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant, and the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant is re-discharged from the compressor 51. Then, this cycle is repeated. [0029]
The outdoor unit 100A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of an appearance configuration of the outdoor unit 100A. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the outdoor unit 100A. The outdoor unit 100A will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. In Figs. 2 and 3, the side where the air-sending device 30 is located is a front side, the opposite side of the front side is a rear side, the right side in each of these figures is a right side, and the left side in each figure is a left side. In addition, Fig. 3 illustrates a state in which a right-side panel 70a, a rear panel 70b, a left-side panel 70c, a front panel 70d, and a top panel 70e, which form a housing 70, are removed. [0030] (Configuration of Outdoor Unit 100A)
As illustrated in Fig. 2, the outdoor unit 100A includes the housing 70, which forms a shell of the outdoor unit 100A. The housing 70 includes the right-side panel 70a, the rear panel 70b, the left-side panel 70c, the front panel 70d, the top panel 70e, and a bottom panel 70f, and is box-shaped. The housing 70 houses components

therein. The housing 70 has a rear air inlet 71, a side air inlet 72, and an air outlet 73.
To the air outlet 73, a guard 74 is attached.
[0031]
The rear air inlet 71 is provided as an opening formed in the rear panel 70b of the housing 70. The side air inlet 72 is provided as an opening formed in the left-side panel 70c of the housing 70. The air outlet 73 is provided as an opening formed in the front panel 70d of the housing 70. When the air-sending device 30 provided in the housing 70 is activated, outside air is sucked into the housing 70 through the rear air inlet 71 and the side air inlet 72. The air sucked into the housing 70 is blown out of the housing 70 through the air outlet 73. [0032]
As illustrated in Fig. 3, the housing 70 houses the heat exchanger 10, the air-sending device 30, the compressor 51, a partition plate 75, and the controller 20. The partition plate 75 divides the inside of the housing 70 into an air-sending-device compartment and a machine compartment. The heat exchanger 10 and the air-sending device 30 are disposed in the air-sending-device compartment in the housing 70. The compressor 51 and the controller 20 are disposed in the machine compartment in the housing 70. [0033]
The heat exchanger 10 is bent in such a manner as to be substantially L-shaped as viewed in plan view, and a pair of header collection pipes 11 are provided at both ends of the heat exchanger 10. To the pair of header collection pipes 11, respective covers 60 are attached. One of the header collection pipes 11 that is provided at one end of the heat exchanger 10 will be referred to as a first header collection pipe 11a, and the other of the header collection pipes 11 that is provided at the other end of the heat exchanger 10 will be referred to as a second header collection pipe 11b. [0034]
Fig. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a configuration of an end portion of the heat exchanger 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a

schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the heat exchanger 10. The configuration of the heat exchanger 10 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Figs. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate an example of the configuration as viewed in a direction in which air to be supplied to the heat exchanger 10 flows. [0035]
As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, the heat exchanger 10 includes the header collection pipes 11, a plurality of heat transfer tubes 12 connected to the header collection pipes 11, and a plurality of fins 13 provided at the heat transfer tubes 12. As described above, the header collection pipes 11 are provided at both ends of the heat exchanger 10, that is, at both ends of each heat transfer tube 12. The heat transfer tubes 12 are connected to each of the pair of header collection pipes 11. The header collection pipes 11, the heat transfer tubes 12, and the fins 13 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. [0036]
Each of the header collection pipes 11 is formed to extend in a direction in which each header collection pipe 11 is upright at the bottom panel 70f, that is, in a vertical direction. Each header collection pipe 11 is connected to an associated refrigerant pipe 58 that allows the refrigerant that flows in the refrigerant circuit 55 to flow into or out of the header collection pipe 11. It should be noted that the direction in which the header collection pipe 11 extends is referred to as a longitudinal direction. [0037]
When the refrigerant flows into the first header collection pipe 11a, the first header collection pipe 11a distributes the refrigerant that has flowed into the first header collection pipe 11a to the heat transfer tubes 12 connected to the first header collection pipe 11a. The refrigerant that has been distributed to the heat transfer tubes 12 flows toward the second header collection pipe 11 b at the other end of the heat exchanger 10. The second header collection pipe 11b collects the refrigerant that has flowed through the heat transfer tubes 12.

When the refrigerant flows into the second header collection pipe 11b, the refrigerant is reversed, that is, the refrigerant flows in a direction from the second header collection pipe 11b toward the first header collection pipe 11a. [0038]
The heat transfer tubes 12 are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of each header collection pipe 11. In other words, the heat transfer tubes 12 are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction. One end of each heat transfer tube 12 is connected to the first header collection pipe 11a, the other end of each heat transfer tube 12 is connected to the second header collection pipe 11b, and each heat transfer tube 12 allows the refrigerant to flow therethrough. [0039]
Each heat transfer tube 12 is elongated such that the thickness of each heat transfer tube 12, that is, the dimension thereof in the direction in which the heat transfer tubes 12 are arranged, is less than the dimension of each heat transfer tuber 12 in the width direction. In other words, each heat transfer tube 12 is a flat tube that is formed such that its width in the horizontal direction is greater than its width in the vertical direction. Each heat transfer tube 12 is substantially L-shaped as viewed in plan view, and is provided such that the long side of the L-shaped heat transfer tube 12 as viewed in plan view is located at the rear of the housing 70 and the short side of the L-shaped heat transfer tube 12 is located at the left side of the housing 70. The heat exchanger 10, that is, the heat transfer tubes 12 and the fins 13, which form the heat exchanger 10, may be linearly shaped as viewed in plan view, not substantially L-shaped as viewed in plan view. [0040]
The fins 13 are provided at the heat transfer tubes 12 such that the fins 13 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tubes 12, that is, in the direction in which the refrigerant flows. Each fin 13 is formed in the shape of a thin plate. Portions of the heat transfer tubes 12 and the fins 13 that correspond to the long side of the L-shaped heat transfer tube 12 as viewed in plan view are supplied with outside air through the rear air inlet 71. Portions of the heat transfer tubes 12 and the

fins 13 that correspond to the short side of the L-shaped heat transfer tube 12 as viewed in plan view are supplied with outside air through the side air inlet 72. [0041]
As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, the heat transfer tubes 12 include exposed portions 12a. The exposed portions 12a are portions of surfaces of the heat transfer tubes 12 that are exposed between the first header collection pipe 11a and end portions 13Aof the fins 13 that are closest to the first header collection pipe 11 a. The exposed portions 12a are portions at which no fins 13 are present and at which the surfaces of the heat transfer tubes 12 are exposed.
Similarly, the heat transfer tubes 12 include further exposed portions. The exposed portions are portions of the surfaces of the heat transfer tubes 12 that are exposed in spaces between the second header collection pipe 11b and end portions of the fins 13 that are closest to the second header collection pipe 11b.
Referring to Fig. 4, portions at which the header collection pipe 11 and the heat transfer tubes 12 are joined to each other are joining portions 15. [0042]
Although the above description is made regarding the case where the heat exchanger 10 is, for example, a PFC heat exchanger, the heat exchanger 10 is not limited to a PFC heat exchanger. Any kind of heat exchanger may be used as the heat exchanger 10 as long as it includes the header collection pipes 11. As a heat exchanger including the header collection pipes 11 that is other than a PFC heat exchanger, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger is present.
In addition, although it is described above by way of an example that the heat transfer tubes 12 are flat tubes, the heat transfer tubes 12 are not limited to flat tubes. Circular tubes may be used as the heat transfer tubers 12. [0043]
Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a header collection pipe 11 in the heat exchanger 10 and the cover 60 attached to the header collection pipe 11. The cover

60 attached to the header collection pipe 11 of the heat exchanger 10 will be described
with reference to Fig. 6.
[0044]
As illustrated in Fig. 6, the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11 such that the cover 60 covers the exposed portions 12a.
The cover 60 includes a first member 61 and a second member 62, and is formed by joining the first member 61 and the second member 62 to each other. When the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11, the exposed portions 12a are covered by the cover 60. Therefore, the cover 60 prevents foreign matter, which is at least one of metal powder and moisture, from adhering to the exposed portions 12a. Therefore, the foreign matter does not enter the joining portions 15 between the header collection pipe 11 and the heat transfer tube 12, and occurrence of electric corrosion at the joining portions 15 can thus be reduced. In addition, the cover 60 can close space in which air that is not subjected to heat exchange flows. [0045]
Fig. 7 is a plan view of the first member 61 of the cover 60. Fig. 8 is a front view of the first member 61 of the cover 60. Fig. 9 is a side view of the first member 61 of the cover 60. Fig. 10 is a rear view of the first member 61 of the cover 60. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the second member 62 of the cover 60. Fig. 12 is a front view of the second member 62 of the cover 60. Fig. 13 is a side view of the second member 62 of the cover 60. Fig. 14 is a rear view of the second member 62 of the cover 60. Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating part of the first member 61 of the cover 60. Fig. 16 is a perspective view illustrating part of the second member 62 of the cover 60. The configuration of the cover 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 16. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the first member 61. Similarly, Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the second member 62. [0046]
As described above, the cover 60 includes the first member 61 that forms part of the cover 60 and the second member 62 that forms the other part of the cover 60. The

first member 61 and the second member 62 are formed of an insulating material. The insulating material is, for example, synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin. [0047]
In addition, as described above, the header collection pipe 11 is shaped to extend in the direction in which the header collection pipe 11 is upright at the bottom panel 70f. Therefore, as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10, the first member 61 is shaped to extend in the vertical direction in the figures as the header collection pipe 11 extends. Similarly, as illustrated in Figs. 12 to 14, the second member 62 is also shaped to extend in the vertical direction in the figures as the header collection pipe 11 extends. The direction in which the first member 61 and the second member 62 extend will be referred to as a longitudinal direction. The method for fixing the first member 61 and the second member 62 to each other will be described later in detail. [0048]
The first member 61 includes a first flat portion 611, a first curved portion 612, and a first connecting portion 613.
The first flat portion 611 has a planar shape and extends in the longitudinal direction, and one end of the first flat portion 611 is connected to the first curved portion
612. The first flat portion 611 is attached to part of a side surface of the heat
exchanger 10, and covers the exposed portions 12a. In other words, the first flat
portion 611 has a planar shape such that the first flat portion 611 can cover at least the
exposed portions 12a.
Although it suffices that the first flat portion 611 covers at least the exposed portions 12a, the first flat portion 611 may also cover the end portions 13A, which are portions of the fins 13. [0049]
As illustrated in Fig. 7, the first curved portion 612 is curved as seen in plan view; and one end of the first curved portion 612 is connected to the first flat portion 611, and the other end of the first curved portion 612 is connected to the first connecting portion
613. In other words, the first curved portion 612 is located between the first flat portion

611 and the first connecting portion 613, and connects the first flat portion 611 and the first connecting portion 613. The first curved portion 612 has a radius equal to the radius of an arc along an outer periphery of the header collection pipe 11, and is attached to the header collection pipe 11 in such a manner as to cover part of the outer periphery of the header collection pipe 11. [0050]
The first connecting portion 613 has a planar shape and extends in the longitudinal direction, and one end of the first connecting portion 613 is connected to the first curved portion 612. The first connecting portion 613 includes a first engagement portion 615, a first projection 616, a first through hole 6110, and a first recess 6111, and is connected to a second connecting portion 623 of the second member 62. A side of the first member 61 at which the first engagement portion 615 is provided will be referred to as an inner side of the first member 61, and a side of the first member 61 at which the first engagement portion 615 is not provided will be referred to as an outer side of the first member 61. [0051]
The first engagement portion 615 is provided to project from the inner side of the first connecting portion 613. The first engagement portion 615 is shaped such that the first engagement portion 615 can be inserted into a second through hole 625 formed in the second connecting portion 623 of the second member 62. It suffices that as illustrated in Fig. 9, part of the first engagement portion 615 that is to be inserted into the second through hole 625 is formed in the shape of, for example, a hook that is substantially L-shaped as seen in side view and extends downwards in the figure. That is, it suffices that the first engagement portion 615 is shaped such that the first engagement portion 615 can be engaged with a peripheral edge of the second through hole 625 when inserted into the second through hole 625. [0052]
The first projection 616 is formed in such a manner as to project from the inner side of the first connecting portion 613. The first projection 616 is shaped such that the first projection 616 can be fitted in a second recess 626 formed in the second

connecting portion 623 of the second member 62. It suffices that as illustrated in Fig. 9, part of the first projection 616 that is to be fitted in the second recess 626 is shaped to project leftwards in the figure. That is, it suffices that the first projection 616 is shaped such that it can be fitted in the second recess 626. [0053]
The configuration of the first projection 616 will be described in further detail.
As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 15, in the first connecting portion 613, a U-shaped cut 616B is formed. Because of formation of the cut 616B, part of the first connecting portion 613 surrounded by the cut 616B serves as a tongue portion 616A. At the tongue portion 616A, the first projection 616 is formed. Thereby, because of provision of the cut 616B, the tongue portion 616A is more easily warped than the first connecting portion 613. That is, the tongue portion 616A is easily warped with a proximal end of the tongue portion 616A in the direction indicated by arrow X1 in Fig. 15. The first projection 616 is moved in accordance movement of the tongue portion 616A. The proximal end of the tongue portion 616A is part of the tongue portion 616A in the figure at which the cut 616B is not formed. [0054]
The first projection 616 may be formed at the first connecting portion 613 without forming the cut 616B or the tongue portion 616A. [0055]
The first through hole 6110 is formed to extend through the first connecting portion 613. The first through hole 6110 is shaped to allow a second engagement portion 6210 formed at the second connecting portion 623 of the second member 62 to be inserted into the first through hole 6110. It suffices that the first through hole 6110 is formed in such a shape as to allow the second engagement portion 6210 to be inserted into the first through hole 6110, for example, in a rectangular shape or an elliptical shape. Thus, it suffices that the first through hole 6110 is shaped such that the second engagement portion 6210 can be inserted into and engaged with the first though hole 6110. [0056]

The first recess 6111 is formed such that a second projection 6211 that projects from an inner side of the second connecting portion 623 can be inserted into and fitted in the first recess 6111. The first recess 6111 may be formed to extend through the first connecting portion 613, or part of the first connecting portion 613 may be formed to have a small thickness to provide the first recess 6111. Thus, it suffices that the first recess 6111 is shaped to allow the second projection 6211 to be inserted into and fitted in the first recess 61111. [0057]
The shapes and sizes of the first engagement portion 615, the first projection 616, the first through hole 6110, and the first recess 6111 are not limited to specific ones, that is, it suffices that he first engagement portion 615, the first projection 616, the first through hole 6110, and the first recess 6111 are formed to have sizes and shapes in such a manner as to fulfill the above functions. [0058]
The second member 62 includes a second flat portion 621, a second curved portion 622, and the second connecting portion 623.
The second flat portion 621 has a planar shape and extends in the longitudinal direction, and one end of the second flat portion 621 is connected to the second curved portion 622. The second flat portion 621 is attached to part of a side surface of the heat exchanger 10, and covers the exposed portions 12a. In other words, the second flat portion 621 has a planar shape such that the second flat portion 621 can cover at least the exposed portions 12a.
Although it suffices that the second flat portion 621 covers at least the exposed portions 12a, the second flat portion 621 may also cover the end portions 13A, which are portions of the fins 13. [0059]
As illustrated in Fig. 11, the second curved portion 622 is curved as viewed in plan view; and one end of the second curved portion 622 is connected to the second flat portion 621, and the other end of the second curved portion 622 is connected to the second connecting portion 623. In other words, the second curved portion 622 is

provided between the second flat portion 621 and the second connecting portion 623, and connects the second flat portion 621 and the second connecting portion 623. The second curved portion 622 has a radius equal to the radius of an arc along the outer periphery of the header collection pipe 11, and is attached to the header collection pipe 11 in such a manner as to cover part of the outer periphery of the header collection pipe 11. [0060]
The second connecting portion 623 has a planar shape and extends in the longitudinal direction, and one end of the second connecting portion 623 is connected to the second curved portion 622. The second connecting portion 623 includes the second engagement portion 6210, the second projection 6211, the second through hole 625, and the second recess 626, and is connected to the first connecting portion 613 of the first member 61. A side of the second member 62 at which the second engagement portion 6210 is provided will be referred to as an inner side of the second member 62, and a side of the second member 62 at which the second engagement portion 6210 is not provided will be referred to as an outer side of the second member 62. [0061]
The second engagement portion 6210 is provided in such a manner as to project from the inner side of the second connecting portion 623. The second engagement portion 6210 is shaped such that the second engagement portion 6210 can be inserted into the first through hole 6110 formed in the first connecting portion 613 of the first member 61. It suffices that as illustrated in Fig. 13, part of the second engagement portion 6210 that is to be inserted into the first through hole 6110 is formed in the shape of, for example, a hook that is substantially L-shaped as seen in side view and extends upwards in the figure. That is, it suffices that the second engagement portion 6210 is shaped such that the second engagement portion 6210 can be engaged with the peripheral edge of the first through hole 6110 when inserted into the first through hole 6110. [0062]

The second projection 6211 projects from the inner side of the second connecting portion 623. The second projection 6211 is shaped such that the second projection 6211 can be fitted in the first recess 6111 formed in the first connecting portion 613 of the first member 61. As illustrated in Fig. 13, part of the second projection 6211 that is to be fitted in the first recess 6111 may, for example, be shaped to project rightwards in the figure. Thus, the second projection 6211 may have any shape as long as the second projection 6211 can be fitted in the first recess 6111. [0063]
A configuration of the second projection 6211 will be described in further detail.
As illustrated in Figs. 14 and 16, in the second connecting portion 623, a U-shaped cut 6211B is formed. Because of formation of the cut 6211B, part of the second connecting portion 623 surrounded by the cut 6211B serves as a tongue portion 6211 A. At the tongue portion 6211 A, the second projection 6211 is formed. Thereby, because of the cut 6211B, the tongue portion 6211A can be more easily warped than other portions of the second connecting portion 623. More specifically, the tongue portion 6211A can be easily warped around a proximal end of the tongue portion 6211A in the direction indicated by arrow X2 in Fig. 16. The second projection 6211 is moved in accordance with movement of the tongue portion 6211 A. It should be noted that the proximal end of the tongue portion 6211A is a lower side of the tongue portion 6211A in the figure at which the cut 6211B is not formed. [0064]
The second projection 6211 may be formed at the second connecting portion 623 without forming the cut 6211B or the tongue portion 6211A. [0065]
The second through hole 625 is formed to extend through the second connecting portion 623. The second through hole 625 is shaped in such a manner as to allow the first engagement portion 615 formed at the first connecting portion 613 of the first member 61 to be inserted into the second through hole 625. It suffices that the second through hole 625 is shaped such that the first engagement portion 615 can be inserted into the through hole 625, for example, the second through hole 625 has a rectangular

shape or an elliptical shape. That is, it suffices that the second through hole 625 is shaped such that the first engagement portion 615 can be inserted through and engaged with the second through hole 625. [0066]
The second recess 626 is formed such that the first projection 616 that projects from the inner side of the first connecting portion 613 can be inserted into and fitted in the second recess 626. The second recess 626 may be formed to extend through the second connecting portion 623, or part of the second connecting portion 623 may be formed to have a small thickness to provide the second recess 626. That is, it suffices that the second recess 626 is shaped such that the first projection 616 can be fitted in the second recess 626 when inserted therein. [0067]
The shapes and sizes of the second engagement portion 6210, the second projection 6211, the second through hole 625, and the second recess 626 are not limited to specific ones, that is, it suffices that the second engagement portion 6210, the second projection 6211, the second through hole 625, and the second recess 626 are formed to have sizes and shapes in such a manner as to fulfill the above functions. [0068]
Although it is described above by way of example that the first member 61 and the second member 62 each have an engagement portion, a projection, a through hole, and a recess, the configurations of the first member 61 and the second member 62 are not limited to such configurations. One of the first member 61 and the second member 62 may be formed to have an engagement portion and a projection, and the other of the first member 61 and the second member 62 may be formed to have a through hole and a recess. That is, it suffices that the first member 61 and the second member 62 have at least one set of an engagement portion and a through hole, and also at least one set of a projection and a recess, in such a manner as to satisfy the above relationship. [0069]

Fig. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating the header collection pipe 11 and the cover 60 in the state in which the cover 60 is not yet attached to the header collection pipe 11. Fig. 18 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the header collection pipe 11 and the cover 60 in the state in which the cover 60 is not yet attached to the header collection pipe 11. Fig. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating the header collection pipe 11 and the cover 60 in the state in which the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11. Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the cover 60 in the state in which the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11. It will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 20 how the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11. In Figs. 17 and 19, a lower one of two sides of the heat exchanger 10 that are orthogonal to the direction in which air is supplied to the heat exchanger 10 will be referred to as a first side 10a, and an upper one of the above two sides of the heat exchanger 10 will be referred to as a second side 10b. [0070]
As illustrated in Figs. 17 to 20, the first flat portion 611 of the first member 61 is brought into contact with the first side 10a to cover the exposed portions 12a. That is, the first flat portion 611 is formed to have a dimension A that is greater than a dimension B as indicated in Fig. 17.
Similarly, the second flat portion 621 of the second member 62 is brought into contact with the second side 10b to cover the exposed portions 12a. That is, the second flat portion 621 is formed to have the dimension A that is greater than the dimension B as indicated in Fig. 17, as well as the first flat portion 611.
It should be noted that the dimension B is a distance between the center of the header collection pipe 11 and the right end of each exposed portion 12a in the figure. The dimension A is a distance between the center of the header collection pipe 11 and the right end of the first flat portion 611 in the figure. [0071]
Therefore, the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11 such that the first member 61 and the second member 62 sandwich the header collection pipe 11. When the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11, the exposed portions

12a are covered by the first flat portion 611 and the second flat portion 621. Thus, the cover 60 can close space in which air that is not subjected to heat exchange flows, and prevents entrance of foreign matter, which is at least one of metal powder and moisture. Therefore, the heat exchanger 10 is formed such that occurrence of electric corrosion can be reduced, and has a long service life. In addition, it can be expected that the outdoor unit 100Aand the air-conditioning apparatus 100 also have a long service life. [0072]
As illustrated in Figs. 17 and 19, a sealing member 63 may be provided between the first flat portion 611 and the first side 10a. Also, as illustrated in Figs. 17 and 19, another sealing member 63 may be provided between the second flat portion 621 and the second side 10b. It is appropriate that the sealing members 63 is made of a shrinkable material such as rubber or sponge.
Also, it is appropriate that the header collection pipe 11 is covered with a heat insulating material. [0073]
When the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11, the first connecting portion 613 and the second connecting portion 623 are connected to each other. At this time, the first engagement portion 615 of the first connecting portion 613 is engaged with the second through hole 625 in the second connecting portion 623. In addition, the first projection 616 of the first connecting portion 613 is fitted in the second recess 626 in the second connecting portion 623. Similarly, the second engagement portion 6210 of the second connecting portion 623 is engaged with the first through hole 6110 in the first connecting portion 613, and the second projection 6211 of the second connecting portion 623 is fitted in the first recess 6111 in the first connecting portion 613. Thereby, the first member 61 and the second member 62 are fixed to each other. [0074]
As illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20, when the cover 60 is attached to the header collection pipe 11, movement of the cover 60 in a rotational direction is restricted by the first flat portion 611 and the second flat portion 621. When the first member 61 and the second member 62 are fixed to each other, the first curved portion 612 and the second

curved portion 622 cover not less than half the outer periphery of the header collection pipe 11. Therefore, movement of the cover 60 in the direction indicated by arrow X3 in Fig. 19 is restricted by the first curved portion 612 and the second curved portion 622. To be more specific, the width of the heat transfer tubes 12 is less than the diameter of the header collection pipe 11, and the first curved portion 612 and the second curved portion 622 cover not less than half the outer periphery of the header collection pipe 11, whereby the header collection pipe 11 serves as a stopper to restrict the movement of the first flat portion 611 and the second flat portion 621. Thus, the cover 60 is prevented from falling. [0075]
Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a relationship between the first member 61 and the second member 62 of the cover 60. Fig. 22 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a procedure of fixation of the first member 61 and the second member 62 of the cover 60. Fig. 23 is another schematic sectional view illustrating the procedure of fixation of the first member 61 and the second member 62 of the cover 60 to each other. Fig. 24 is still another schematic sectional view illustrating the procedure of fixation of the first member 61 and the second member 62 of the cover 60. Fig. 25 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a dimensional relationship between the first member 61 and the second member 62 of the cover 60. The method for fixing the first member 61 and the second member 62 together will be described with reference to Figs. 21 to 25. Figs. 22 to 25 are vertical sectional views of the first member 61 and the second member 62 as viewed from the side at which the first connecting portion 613 and the second connecting portion 623 are provided. In Figs. 22 to 25, the header collection pipe 11 is not illustrated as a matter of for convenience. [0076]
First, as illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22, the first member 61 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow X4, and the second member 62 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow X5. In other words, the first member 61 and the second member 62 are moved relative to each other such that they come closer to each other. As a result,

as illustrated in Fig. 23, the second engagement portion 6210 of the second member 62 is inserted into the first through hole 6110 in the first connecting portion 613. Also, as illustrated in Fig. 23, the second projection 6211 of the second member 62 is brought into contact with the first connecting portion 613 of the first connecting portion 613, and the tongue portion 6211A is warped and deformed. Thus, the second projection 6211 is moved in the direction indicated by X2. [0077]
Next, as illustrated in Fig. 24, the first member 61 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow X6, and the second member 62 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow X7. In other words, the first member 61 and the second member 62 are moved in opposite directions relative to each other. As a result, as illustrated in Fig. 24, the second engagement portion 6210 of the second member 62 is engaged with a peripheral edge of the first through hole 6110 in the first connecting portion 613. Also, as illustrated in Fig. 24, the second projection 6211 of the second member 62 is slid along the first connecting portion 613 and is moved to the position where the first recess 6111 is formed in the first connecting portion 613. When the second projection 6211 reaches the first recess 6111, the tongue portion 6211A is restored from the warped state of the tongue portion 6211A to the original state thereof, whereby the second projection 6211 is fitted in the first recess 6111. Accordingly, the first member 61 and the second member 62 are fixed to each other. [0078]
As illustrated in Fig. 25, the lengths of long and short sides of the first through hole 6110 are greater than or equal to the lengths of long and short sides of the second engagement portion 6210. The length of the long side of the first through hole 6110 is the length thereof in Y direction in Fig. 25. The length of the short side of the first through hole 6110 is the length thereof in Z direction in Fig. 25. Therefore, when the first member 61 and the second member 62 are joined to each other, the second engagement portion 6210 can be inserted into the first through hole 6110. [0079]

The diameter of the first recess 6111 is slightly greater than or equal to the outside diameter of the second projection 6211. Therefore, when the first member 61 and the second member 62 are joined to each other, the second projection 6211 can be fitted in the first recess 6111.
It is appropriate that the depth of the first recess 6111, that is, the length of the first recess 6111 in X direction in Fig. 25, is determined based on the length by which the second projection 6211 projects. To be more specific, the first recess 6111 may be formed to extend through the first connecting portion 613 as illustrated in Fig. 25, but is not limited to this. It suffices that the first recess 6111 is formed to have a depth in such a manner as to allow the second projection 6211 to be fitted in the first recess 6111. [0080]
A distance from the distal end of the second engagement portion 6210 to the center of the second projection 6211 is less than a dimension D from an upper end of 6119 of the first through hole 6110 to the center of the first recess 6111. Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 23, when the second engagement portion 6210 is inserted in the first through hole 6110, the second projection 6211 is pressed against the first connecting portion 613 of the first member 61. [0081]
In this state, the first member 61 and the second member 62 are slid in opposite directions relative to each other. As a result, the second projection 6211 is slid over a surface 617 of the first connecting portion 613 toward the first recess 6111. In addition, a surface 6218 of the second engagement portion 6210, which is one of inner surfaces of the second engagement portion 6210, is slid over a surface 618 of the first connecting portion 613, and a surface 6219 of the second engagement portion 6210, which is the other of the inner surfaces of the second engagement portion 6210, is slid over the surface 617 of the first connecting portion 613. When the second projection 6211 is fitted in the first recess 6111, part of the first connecting portion 613 at the peripheral edge of the first through hole 6110 is sandwiched between the surface 6218

and the surface 6219 of the second engagement portion 6210. Thereby, movement of the first member 61 and the second member 62 in the X direction in Fig. 25 is restricted. [0082]
The length of the gap between the surface 6218 and the surface 6219 of the second engagement portion 6210 is slightly less than or equal to the thickness of the first connecting portion 613. Therefore, when the first member 61 and the second member 62 are joined to each other, the second engagement portion 6210 is warped such that tension constantly acts on the second engagement portion 6210. Therefore, movement of the first member 61 and the second member 62 in the Z direction in Fig. 25 is restricted, and rattling of the first member 61 and the second member 62 can be prevented. [0083]
The second projection 6211 is slid over the first connecting portion 613 while receiving tension in the X direction because of warping of the second engagement portion 6210, the surface 6219 of the second engagement portion 6210, and the surface 617 of the first connecting portion 613. The tension in the X direction is a force that causes the second projection 6211 to be automatically fitted in the first recess 6111 when the second projection 6211 and the first recess 6111 are brought into contact with each other. When the second projection 6211 is fitted to the first recess 6111, movement of the first member 61 and the second member 62 in the Y direction and the Z direction in Fig. 25 is restricted. [0084]
As described above, movement in the X direction can be restricted by the second engagement portion 6210 and the first through hole 6110, and movement in the Y direction and the Z direction can be restricted by the second projection 6211 and the first recess 6111. Thus, movement in the above three directions can be restricted when the first member 61 and the second member 62 are fixed to each other. In addition, when the first member 61 and the second member 62 are fixed to each other, movement of the cover 60 in the rotational direction can also be restricted by the first curved portion 612 and the second curved portion 622.

[0085]

Fig. 27 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another modification of the cover 60. Fig. 28 is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchanger 10 including covers 60 having the configuration as illustrated in Fig. 27. The modification of the cover 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 27 and 28. [0088]
The cover 60 as illustrated in Fig. 27 includes a first member 61 having a plurality of first through holes 6110 and a second member 62 having a plurality of second engagement portions 6210. The first through hole 6110 located on an upper side of Fig. 27 will be referred to as a first through hole 6110-1, and the first through hole 6110 located on a lower side of Fig. 27 will be referred to as a first through hole 6110-2. The second engagement portion 6210 located on the upper side of Fig. 27 will be referred to as a second engagement portion 6210-1, and the second engagement portion 6210

located on the lower side of Fig. 27 will be referred to as a second engagement portion
6210-2.
[0089]
The second engagement portions 6210-1 and 6210-2 are arranged such that distal ends of second engagement portions 6210-1 and 6210-2 face upwards in the figure. Therefore, the direction in which the second engagement portion 6210-1 is engaged with the first through hole 6110-1 is the same as the direction in which the second engagement portion 6210-2 is engaged with the first through hole 6110-2. In Fig. 28, the first member 61 and the second member 62 are joined to each other at four positions a to d. In the case illustrated in Fig. 28, the first member 61 has two first engagement portions 615-1 and 615-2, and the second member 62 has two second through holes 625-1 and 625-2. Thus, the first member 61 and the second member 62 can be joined to each other by the above engagement portions and through holes by performing only one single sliding operation. Therefore, the covers 60 as illustrated in Figs. 27 and 28 can be more easily and strongly attached to the respective header collection pipes 11. [0090]
As illustrated in Fig. 28, the first engagement portions 615 of the first member 61 and the second through holes 625 of the second member 62 can be configured in the same manner as described above. It is not indispensable that the number of first engagement portions 615 formed on the first member 61 is equal to the number of second engagement portions 6210 formed on the second member 62. It suffices that the numbers of first through holes and second through holes are determined in accordance with the numbers of associated second engagement portions and first engagement portions. [0091]
As described above, the heat exchanger 10 includes the covers 60 that cover part of the header collection pipes 11 and the exposed portions 12a. Therefore, in the heat exchanger 10, each cover 60 closes the space in which air that is not subjected to

heat exchange flows, and prevents entrance of foreign matter, which is at least one of
metal powder and moisture, from the exposed portions 12a.
[0092]
In the heat exchanger 10, when the engagement portions are engaged with the through holes and the projections are fitted in the recesses, the first member 61 and the second member 62 are fixed to each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to add fastening members such as screws, and it is thus possible to reduce the time, labor and cost which are required to fix the first member 61 and the second member 62, and assembly thereof is facilitated. [0093]
Also, in the heat exchanger 10, the dimension C is less than the dimension D. Therefore, when the engagement portions are inserted in the through holes, the projections are pressed against the first connecting portion 613 or the second connecting portion 623 to apply a force for causing the projections to be fitted in the recesses exert fitting force when the projections are brought into contact with the recesses. Thus, in the heat exchanger 10, the projections can be easily fitted in the recesses without using a complex mechanism or a complicated procedure. [0094]
The heat exchanger 10 is configured such that the peripheral edge of each through hole is sandwiched by two surfaces of an associated engagement portion. Therefore, movement of the first member 61 and the second member 62 can be restricted without using a complex structure or a complex procedure. [0095]
In the heat exchanger 10, each projection is provided at the tongue portion surrounded by the cut. Thus, each projection can be shaped to be easily deformed without using a complex mechanism or a complex procedure. [0096]
In the heat exchanger 10, the header collection pipes 11, the heat transfer tubes 12, and the fins 13 are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Therefore, because of provision of the cover 60, it is possible to reduce occurrence of electric corrosion at the

joining portions 15 between the header collection pipes 11 and the heat transfer tubes
12.
[0097]
The heat transfer tubes 12 of the heat exchanger 10 are flat tubes in which the area of the exposed portions 12a is greater than the area of the exposed portions of circular tubes, and the exposed portions 12a are covered by the covers 60. Thus, also in the case where the heat transfer tubes 12 are flat tubes, the exposed portions 12a can be covered by the covers 60, and it is also possible to reduce the probability that foreign matter will enter the joining portions 15. [0098]
The outdoor unit 100A includes the heat exchanger 10, the air-sending device 30, and the compressor 51, and thus can have a longer service life. [0099]
The air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes the outdoor unit 100Aand the indoor unit 100B, and the refrigerant circuit 55 is provided by connecting components of these units with pipes. It is therefore possible to increase the service life of the air-conditioning apparatus 100. [0100] Embodiment 2
Fig. 29 is a schematic front view of an example of a cover 60 of a heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 30 is a schematic perspective view illustrating another example of the cover 60 of the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. With reference to Figs. 29 and 30, the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described by referring mainly to the cover 60. Also, Embodiment 2 will be described by referring mainly to the differences between Embodiments 1 and 2. Regarding Embodiment 2, components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference signs, and their descriptions will thus be omitted. [0101]

In the description concerning Embodiment 1, the differences in configuration between the first member 61 and the second member 62 are not particularly referred to. In Embodiment 2, the first member 61 and the second member 62 have the same configuration. Referring to Figs. 29 and 30, the configuration of the second member 62 as illustrated at the left in the figures is the same as the configuration which the first member 61 will have when the first member 61 as illustrated at the left in the figures is rotated by 180 degrees, that is, it is vertically inverted. [0102]
In the first member 61 as illustrated in Fig. 29, a first through hole 6110 is provided symmetric to a first engagement portion 615 with respect to a central portion of the first member 61 in the longitudinal direction.
Furthermore, in the first member 61 as illustrated in Fig. 29, a first recess 6111 is provided symmetric to a first projection 616 with respect to the central portion of the first member 61 in the longitudinal direction.
Similarly, in the second member 62 as illustrated in Fig. 29, a second engagement portion 6210 is provided symmetric to a second through hole 625 with respect to a central portion of the second member 62 in the longitudinal direction.
Furthermore, in the second member 62 as illustrated in Fig. 29, a second projection 6211 is provided symmetric to a second recess 626 with respect to the central portion of the second member 62 in the longitudinal direction. [0103]
The first member 61 as illustrated in Fig. 30 includes a first connecting portion 613-1, a first connecting portion 613-2, and a first connecting portion 613-3.
In the first connecting portion 613-1, a first through hole 6110-1 is formed.
In the first connecting portion 613-2, a first recess 6111 and a first through hole 6110-2 are formed. Furthermore, at the first connecting portion 613-2, a first engagement portion 615-1 and a first projection 616 are formed.
At the first connecting portion 613-3, a first engagement portion 615-2 is formed. [0104]

The second member 62 as illustrated in Fig. 30 includes a second connecting portion 623-1, a second connecting portion 623-2, and a second connecting portion 623-3.
At the second connecting portion 623-1, a second engagement portion 6210-1 is formed.
At the second connecting portion 623-2, a second projection 6211 and a second engagement portion 6210-2 are formed. Furthermore, in the second connecting portion 623-1, a second through hole 625-1 and a second recess 626 are formed.
In the second connecting portion 623-3, a second through hole 625-2 is formed. [0105]
In the first member 61 as illustrated in Fig. 30, the first through hole 6110-2 is formed symmetric to the first engagement portion 615-1 with respect to a central portion of the first member 61 in the longitudinal direction.
Furthermore, in the first member 61 illustrated in Fig. 30, the first recess 6111 is formed symmetric to the first projection 616 with respect to the central portion of the first member 61 in the longitudinal direction.
Similarly, in the second member 62 as illustrated in Fig. 30, the second engagement portion 6210-2 is formed symmetric to the second through hole 625-1 with respect to a central portion of the second member 62 in the longitudinal direction.
Furthermore, in the second member 62 as illustrated in Fig. 30, the second projection 6211 is formed symmetric to the second recess 626 with respect to the central portion of the second member 62 in the longitudinal direction. [0106]
Because of the above configuration, the first member 61 and the second member 62 can have the same shape, and commonality of components can thus be achieved. Therefore, the number of kinds of components is less than that in the case where the first member 61 and the second member 62 are individually manufactured. Therefore, in the covers 60 as illustrated in Figs. 29 and 30, the cost of management of components and the initial cost for molds can be reduced. [0107]

In the case where the first header collection pipe 11a and the second header collection pipe 11b have the same diameter, the covers 60 can be used for both these header collection pipes 11. In this case, since the first member 61 and the second member 62 having the same shape can be used, the cost of management of components and the initial cost for molds can be further reduced. [0108]
As described above, the heat exchanger according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes the first member 61 and the second member 62 having the same shape. It is therefore possible to reduce the cost of management of components and the initial cost for molds. Reference Signs List [0109]
10 heat exchanger, 10a first side, 10b second side, 11 header collection pipe, 11a first header collection pipe, 11b second header collection pipe, 12 heat transfer tube, 12a exposed portion, 13 fin, 13A end portion, 15 joining portion, 20 controller, 30 air-sending device, 51 compressor, 52 four-way valve, 53 load-side heat exchanger, 53A fan, 54 expansion valve, 55 refrigerant circuit, 56 gas side connection pipe, 57 liquid side connection pipe, 58 refrigerant pipe, 60 cover, 61 first member, 62 second member, 63 sealing member, 70 housing, 70a right-side panel, 70b rear panel, 70c left-side panel, 70d front panel, 70e top panel, 70f bottom panel, 71 rear air inlet, 72 side air inlet, 73 air outlet, 74 guard, 75 partition plate, 80 stopper, 100 air-conditioning apparatus, 100A outdoor unit, 100B indoor unit, 611 first flat portion, 612 first curved portion, 613 first connecting portion, 613-
1 first connecting portion, 613-2 first connecting portion, 613-3 first connecting portion, 615 first engagement portion, 615-1 first engagement portion, 615-2 first engagement portion, 616 first projection, 616A tongue portion, 616B cut, 617 surface, 618 surface, 621 second flat portion, 622 second curved portion, 623 second connecting portion, 623-1 second connecting portion, 623-
2 second connecting portion, 623-3 second connecting portion, 625 second

through hole, 625-1 second through hole, 625-2 second through hole, 626 second recess 6110 first through hole 6110-1 first through hole 6110-2 first through hole, 6111 first recess, 6119 upper end, 6210 second engagement portion, 6210-1 second engagement portion, 6210-2 second engagement portion, 6211 second projection, 6211A tongue portion, 6211B cut, 6218 surface, 6219 surface

[Claim 1]
A heat exchanger comprising: a pair of header collection pipes;
a plurality of heat transfer tubes connected to each of the pair of header collection pipes in parallel with each other;
a plurality of fins disposed between the plurality of heat transfer tubes; and a cover attached to at least one of the pair of header collection pipes, wherein the cover covers part of the at least one header collection pipe and spaces between the at least one of the pair of header collection pipes and the plurality of fins. [Claim 2]
The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a first member and a second member,
wherein the first member includes
a first curved portion configured to cover part of the at least one header collection pipe,
a first flat portion configured to cover spaces between the at least one header collection pipe and the plurality of fins, and
a first connecting portion connected to the second member, wherein the second member includes
a second curved portion configured to cover part of the at least one header collection pipe,
a second flat portion configured to cover spaces between the at least one header collection pipe and the plurality of fins, and
a second connecting portion connected to the first member, wherein at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion includes at least one engagement portion,

wherein at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a through hole at a position corresponding to a position at which the at least one engagement portion is provided,
wherein at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion includes at least one projection,
wherein at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion has a recess at a position corresponding to a position at which the at least one projection is provided, and
wherein the at least one engagement portion is engaged with the through hole and the at least one projection is fitted in the recess, whereby the first member and the second member are fixed to each other. [Claim 3]
The heat exchanger of claim 2, wherein a distance from a distal end of the at least one engagement portion to a center of the projection is less than a distance from an upper end of the through hole to a center of the recess. [Claim 4]
The heat exchanger of claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one engagement portion is formed in a shape of a hook, and
wherein the at least one engagement portion has two surfaces that sandwich a peripheral edge of the through hole. [Claim 5]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the projection is provided at a tongue portion that is surrounded by a U-shaped cut formed in at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. [Claim 6]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first member and the second member are formed in the same shape. [Claim 7]

The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the header collection pipes, the plurality of heat transfer tubes, and the plurality of fins are made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. [Claim 8]
The heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes is a flat tube. [Claim 9]
An outdoor unit comprising:
the heat exchanger of any one of claims 1 to 8;
an air-sending device configured to supply air to the heat exchanger; and
a compressor configured to circulate refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit including the heat exchanger. [Claim 10]
An air-conditioning apparatus comprising:
the outdoor unit of claim 9; and
an indoor unit,
wherein the refrigerant circuit is provided by connecting with pipes, component devices included in both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.