Heat medium conversion device

Abstract

The present disclosure aims to provide a heat medium conversion device that can be safely moved. The heat medium conversion device includes a frame that is a vertical rectangular parallelepiped shape, an inside of which is partitioned into a first space, a second space that is an upper portion than the first space, and a third space that is an upper portion than the second space; a first heat exchanger that is disposed in the second space and exchanges a primary heat medium supplied from an outdoor unit and a secondary heat medium; a first pump that is disposed in the first space, pressurizes the secondary heat medium that has been exchanged in the first heat exchanger, and circulates the pressurized secondary heat medium between the first pump and at least one indoor unit; a second heat exchanger that is disposed in the second space and exchanges a heated primary heat medium supplied from the outdoor unit and the secondary heat medium; a second pump that is disposed in the first space, pressurizes the secondary heat medium that has been exchanged in the second heat exchanger, and circulates the pressurized secondary heat medium between the second pump and the indoor unit; and a valve body that is disposed in the third space and has a plurality of valves that flow the secondary heat medium that has been exchanged via the first heat exchanger and the secondary heat medium that has been exchanged via the second heat exchanger to the at least one indoor unit, the valve body being lighter than each of the first heat exchanger, the first pump, the second heat exchanger, and the second pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vertical heat medium transfer device. Background Art

[0002] A heat medium relay unit for an air conditioner is known that has a horizontal housing with a width greater than height, as it is intended to be installed in the ceiling. This housing houses a pump, a heat exchanger, a valve, and other key components in a horizontal direction.

[0003] The pump and heat exchanger housed in the housing of the heat medium relay unit are heavier than other components. In addition, the heat medium relay unit is provided with a heat exchanger for heating as the main stream and a heat exchanger for cooling as the main stream.

[0004] The two heat exchangers are arranged left-right asymmetrically when viewed from the center of the housing of the heat medium relay unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5627542

[0006] Therefore, due to the asymmetrical arrangement of the two heat exchangers, the center of gravity of the heat medium relay unit is offset from the left-right center. As described above, since the heat medium relay unit housing is horizontal, if the center of gravity of the heat medium relay unit is offset from the left-right center, for example, when the heat medium relay unit is moved by a forklift or when stacking the heat medium relay units, there is a risk of the heat medium relay unit collapsing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat medium relay unit that can be safely moved.

[0008] The heat medium conversion device disclosed in the present invention comprises: a frame having a vertical rectangular parallelepiped shape, the interior of which is divided into a first space, a second space located above the first space, and a third space located above the second space; a first heat exchanger disposed in the second space and causing the cooled primary heat medium supplied from the outdoor unit to exchange heat with the secondary heat medium; a first pump disposed in the first space and pressurizing the secondary heat medium that has exchanged heat in the first heat exchanger and circulating the pressurized secondary heat medium between the first pump and at least one indoor unit; a second heat exchanger disposed in the second space and causing the heated secondary heat medium supplied from the outdoor unit to exchange heat with the secondary heat medium. the first heat medium exchanging heat with the second heat medium; a second pump disposed in the first space and pressurizing the second heat medium that has exchanged heat in the second heat exchanger and circulating the pressurized second heat medium between the second pump and the indoor unit; and a valve body disposed in the third space and having a plurality of valves for allowing the secondary heat medium that has exchanged heat via the first heat exchanger and the secondary heat medium that has exchanged heat via the second heat exchanger to flow to the at least one indoor unit, the weight of the valve body being lighter than the weight of each of the first heat exchanger, the first pump, the second heat exchanger, and the second pump.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the interior of a rectangular parallelepiped frame is divided by a first partition into a first space and a second space located above the first space. Furthermore, the interior is divided by a second partition into a second space and a third space located above the second space. Furthermore, the first and second pumps are located in the first space, and the first and second heat exchangers are located in the second space. Furthermore, a valve body, which is lighter than the weight of the first and second pumps, and the first and second heat exchangers, is located in the third space.

[0010] Thus, even if the center of gravity of the housing of the heat medium relay unit is displaced from the center, it is located at a low position. As a result, the heat medium relay unit can be prevented from collapsing, and a transporter can safely move the heat medium relay unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a circuit in which a heating medium circulates in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a front view of the flow distribution controller of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 3 It means from Figure 2A plan view showing the positional relationship between the first pump, the second pump, and the control box, obtained by viewing the flow divider controller of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment from the XX direction.

[0014] Figure 4 It means from Figure 2 A diagram showing the positional relationship between the first plate heat exchanger, the second plate heat exchanger, and the control box when viewing the flow divider controller of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment from the YY direction.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a front view of a flow distribution controller of an air-conditioning apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the front side of a maintenance panel of a flow distribution controller of an air-conditioning apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a front view of a flow distribution controller of an air-conditioning apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a front view of a flow distribution controller of an air-conditioning apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a circuit diagram of a flow divider controller of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4, and Embodiment 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following describes a vertical flow divider controller as a heat transfer unit according to an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetition is provided only where necessary. The present disclosure encompasses all possible combinations of the structures described in the following embodiments.

[0021] Implementation method 1.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a circuit in which a heat medium circulates in the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 This is a front view of the flow distribution controller 2 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, a flow divider controller 2 serving as a heat medium relay device is connected between an outdoor unit 1 and an indoor unit 3. At least one indoor unit 3 is provided.

[0024] The flow branch controller 2 includes a heat exchanger 4 , a flow path switching device 5 , and a pump 6 .

[0025] The heat exchanger 4 performs heat exchange between the primary heat medium supplied from the outdoor unit 1 and the secondary heat medium, which is water or antifreeze liquid flowing on the indoor unit 3 side. Figure 2 The first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are shown.

[0026] The first plate heat exchanger 14a is primarily used during cooling and exchanges heat between the cooled primary heat medium supplied from the outdoor unit 1 and the secondary heat medium. The second plate heat exchanger 14b is primarily used during heating and exchanges heat between the heated primary heat medium supplied from the outdoor unit 1 and the secondary heat medium.

[0027] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the flow switching device 5 has a flow switching circuit 5a. The flow switching circuit 5a switches the flow path of the secondary heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 4 to the indoor unit 3, so that the secondary heat medium flows to at least one indoor unit 3. In addition, the flow switching circuit 5a causes the secondary heat medium from at least one indoor unit 3 to flow to the pump 6. The pump 6 pressurizes the secondary heat medium from the flow switching device 5 to circulate and outputs it to the heat exchanger 4. The flow switching circuit 5a has, for example, a four-way valve, a solenoid valve, a check valve, a cylinder protection valve, a three-way valve, and a valve body. The valve body includes a valve that is provided in the piping of the flow switching circuit 5a that causes the secondary heat medium from the heat exchanger 4 in the flow switching circuit 5a to flow to at least one indoor unit 3.

[0028] Pump 6 has Figure 2 The first pump 13a and the second pump 13b are shown. The first pump 13a pressurizes the secondary heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the first plate heat exchanger 14a and circulates the pressurized secondary heat medium between the first pump 13a and at least one indoor unit 3. The second pump 13b pressurizes the secondary heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the second plate heat exchanger 14b and circulates the pressurized secondary heat medium between the second pump 13b and the indoor unit 3.

[0029] Next, the flow of the heat medium will be described.

[0030] First, the primary heat medium dissipates or absorbs heat in the outdoor unit 1 and flows into the flow divider 2. The primary heat medium then exchanges heat with the secondary heat medium in the heat exchanger 4. The primary heat medium then flows out of the flow divider 2 and returns to the outdoor unit 1.

[0031] The secondary heat medium circulates between the flow divider controller 2 and the indoor units 3 via a pump 6. At this point, the secondary heat medium is heated or cooled by the primary heat medium in the heat exchanger 4. The secondary heat medium then passes through the flow switching device 5 and, in the utilization-side heat exchanger of at least one indoor unit 3, transfers heat to or absorbs heat from the air in the target space. After that, the secondary heat medium passes through the flow switching device 5 and returns to the heat exchanger 4.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the frame 10 of the diverter controller 2 is in the shape of a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped. The interior of the frame 10 is divided into a first space of the first layer and a second space of the second layer by a first partition 11. In addition, the interior of the frame 10 is divided into a second space of the second layer and a third space of the third layer by a second partition 12. The first partition 11 is set to a position lower than the upper and lower centers of the frame 10. The second partition 12 is set to a position higher than the upper and lower centers of the frame 10.

[0033] The first pump 13 a and the second pump 13 b are disposed in the first space symmetrically with respect to a center line C that passes through the horizontal center of the housing 10 and extends in the vertical direction.

[0034] The first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are arranged bilaterally symmetrically with respect to the center line C in the second space.

[0035] The valve body 15 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the centerline C in the third space. The valve body 15 is lighter than the first pump 13a, the second pump 13b, the first plate heat exchanger 14a, and the second plate heat exchanger 14b. The valve body 15 includes multiple valves 15a. Furthermore, a motor 15b is provided, each corresponding to each of the valves 15a. The valves 15a are provided in the flow switching circuit that allows the secondary heat medium that has undergone heat exchange through the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the secondary heat medium that has undergone heat exchange through the second plate heat exchanger 14b to flow to at least one indoor unit. For each indoor unit, a valve is provided in each of the pipes for the secondary heat medium flowing from the flow switching device 5 to the indoor unit 3 and the pipe for the secondary heat medium flowing back from the indoor unit 3 to the flow switching device 5.

[0036] The interior of the rectangular parallelepiped frame 10 of the flow diversion controller 2 of embodiment 1 is divided into a first space and a second space by a first partition 11. In addition, the interior of the frame 10 is divided into a second space and a third space by a second partition 12. Moreover, the first pump 13a and the second pump 13b, which are heavy objects, are arranged in the first space, and the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b, which are heavy objects, are arranged in the second space above the first space. The valve body 15 is arranged in the third space above the second space. The valve body 15 is lighter than the first pump 13a, the second pump 13b, the first plate heat exchanger 14a, and the second plate heat exchanger 14b.

[0037] Therefore, in the flow diverter controller 2 of embodiment 1, the first pump 13a and the second pump 13b, which are heavy objects, are arranged in the first space. The first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b, which are heavy objects, are arranged in the second space. The lightweight valve body 15 is arranged in the third space. As a result, the center of gravity of the frame 10 of the flow diverter controller 2 is located at a lower position. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cargo from collapsing when the carrier moves the flow diverter controller 2, and the flow diverter controller 2 can be moved safely.

[0038] Implementation method 2.

[0039] Regarding the flow divider controller 2 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 of embodiment 2, the configuration of the first pump 13a, the second pump 13b, the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b of the flow divider controller 2 of embodiment 1 is specified based on the relationship with the control box 16.

[0040] Figure 3 It means from Figure 2 FIG2 is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the first pump 13 a and the second pump 13 b and the control box 16 , obtained by viewing the flow divider controller 2 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment from the XX direction.

[0041] exist Figure 3 In the figure, C1 is a first horizontal line passing through the center of the frame 10 in the horizontal direction from the front side to the back side. C2 is a second horizontal line passing through the center of the frame 10 in the vertical direction from the left side to the right side.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the control box 16 is provided on the front side of the housing 10. The control box 16 houses control equipment that controls various equipment such as the valves of the valve body 15 of the flow controller 2, valves used in the flow switching device 5, and the first and second pumps 13a and 13b.

[0043] The first pump 13a and the second pump 13b are arranged with respect to the vertical center line C (see FIG. 1 ) so that the first pump 13a and the second pump 13b face each other.Figure 2 ) are arranged symmetrically (see Figure 2 The first pump 13a and the second pump 13b are arranged near the center of the housing 10 in the front-back and left-right directions so as not to come into contact with the control box 16 in a plan view.

[0044] Figure 4 It means from Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first plate heat exchanger 14 a and the second plate heat exchanger 14 b and the control box 16 when the flow divider controller 2 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is viewed in the YY direction of FIG.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the first plate heat exchanger 14a is positioned in the second space above the first pump 13a when viewed from above. The second plate heat exchanger 14b is positioned in the second space above the second pump 13b when viewed from above. The first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are positioned symmetrically relative to each other and in a vertical direction with respect to the center line C, so as not to contact the control box 16. The first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are positioned near the center of the housing 10 in the front-back, left-right directions when viewed from above.

[0046] According to the flow diversion controller 2 of Embodiment 2, the first pump 13a and the second pump 13b, which serve as weights, are positioned near the horizontal center of the first space within the housing 10. Furthermore, the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are positioned near the horizontal center of the second space within the housing 10. The control box 16 is positioned in the first space in front of the first pump 13a and the second pump 13b, and in the second space in front of the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b.

[0047] Therefore, compared with the diverter controller 2 of embodiment 1, the center of gravity of the diverter controller 2 of embodiment 2 is located near the center of the front, back, left and right directions of the frame 10, so it can further suppress the collapse of goods when transported by forklifts, etc., and can be moved safely.

[0048] In addition, the control box 16 is arranged in the first space on the front side of the first pump 13a and the second pump 13b, and in the second space on the front side of the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b. As a result, since the center of gravity of the frame 10 is located near the center of the frame 10 in the front, back, left and right directions, it is possible to suppress tilting when the frame 10 is stacked.

[0049] Implementation method 3.

[0050] Component maintenance involves maintenance that does not require cutting or brazing pipes, and maintenance that does require cutting or brazing pipes. In Embodiment 3, in addition to the first embodiment described above, the arrangement of components subject to maintenance that does not require cutting or brazing pipes is described. Pipes are pipes that connect the component being maintained to other components.

[0051] The components that require maintenance without cutting or brazing the pipes are the seven components: the coil of the four-way valve 21a of the flow switching circuit 5a, the solenoid valve coil 22, the check valve coil 23, the three-way valve motor 25, the coil of the four-way valve 21b, the cylinder protection valve 24, and the motor 15b of the valve body 15.

[0052] Figure 5 It is a front view of the flow distribution controller 2 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0053] When viewed from the front of the housing 10, six components, excluding the motor 15b for the valve 15a of the valve body 15, are arranged below the height center of the housing 10: the coil of the four-way valve 21a, the solenoid valve coil 22, the check valve coil 23, the three-way valve motor 25, the coil of the four-way valve 21b, and the cylinder protection valve 24. The coils of the four-way valve 21a, the four-way valve 21b, and the three-way valve motor 25 are arranged in the second space. There are multiple solenoid valve coils 22, which are arranged in the first and second spaces. The check valve coil 23 and the cylinder protection valve 24 are arranged in the first space.

[0054] In the third embodiment, the control box 16 is arranged in the upper portion of the second space on the front side of the housing 10 .

[0055] In addition to the motor 15b of the valve body 15, six components—the coil of the four-way valve 21a, the solenoid valve coil 22, the check valve coil 23, the three-way valve motor 25, the coil of the four-way valve 21b, and the cylinder protection valve 24—are arranged below the control box 16 so as not to come into contact with the front-side control box 16. The motor 15b of the valve body 15 is arranged in the third space above the control box 16 so as not to come into contact with the front-side control box 16.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the front side of the maintenance panel of the flow distribution controller 2 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, an upper front panel 31 and a lower front panel 32 are provided on the front side of the housing 10. The upper front panel 31 is arranged on the front side of the third space. The lower front panel 32 is arranged on the front side of the first space and the second space of the housing 10.

[0058] Arranged on the back side of the lower front panel 32 are six components: the coil of the four-way valve 21 (the coil of the four-way valve 21a and the coil of the four-way valve 21b), the solenoid valve coil 22, the check valve coil 23, and the cylinder protection valve 24. Arranged on the back side of the upper front panel 31 is the motor 15b of the valve body 15.

[0059] Therefore, according to the flow divider controller 2 of the air conditioner 100 of the third embodiment, by arranging components that do not require maintenance such as cutting and brazing of pipes at a position that does not contact the front control box 16, maintenance can be performed without disassembling the control box 16.

[0060] Furthermore, by dividing the front panel of the diversion controller 2 into two maintenance panels, the upper front panel 31 and the lower front panel 32, the number of maintenance panels can be reduced compared to the case where the panel is divided into three maintenance panels, the first space, the second space, and the third space.

[0061] Implementation method 4.

[0062] Embodiment 4 relates to the arrangement of a four-way valve 21a and a solenoid valve 22a corresponding to the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the first pump 13a, which are primarily used for cooling, and a four-way valve 21b and a solenoid valve 22b corresponding to the second plate heat exchanger 14b and the second pump 13b. The four-way valve 21a and the solenoid valve 22a are installed in the piping through which the secondary heat medium cooled by the first plate heat exchanger 14a flows. The four-way valve 21b and the solenoid valve 22b are installed in the piping through which the secondary heat medium heated by the second plate heat exchanger 14b and the second pump 13b flows.

[0063] Figure 7 It is a front view of the flow distribution controller 2 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, the four-way valve 21a and the solenoid valve 22a are arranged in the second space between the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the vertically extending center line C. The four-way valve 21b and the solenoid valve 22b are arranged in the second space between the second plate heat exchanger 14b and the center line C.

[0065] The four-way valve 21a and the electromagnetic valve 22a are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction near the first plate heat exchanger 14a. The four-way valve 21a is arranged above the electromagnetic valve 22a.

[0066] The four-way valve 21a and the solenoid valve 22a are provided to the indoor unit 3 (see Figure 1 ) The piping of the flow switching circuit 5a supplies the secondary heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the first plate heat exchanger 14a.

[0067] The four-way valve 21b and the electromagnetic valve 22b are arranged in the left-right direction in the vicinity of the first plate heat exchanger 14a in this order. The four-way valve 21b is arranged at a position higher than the electromagnetic valve 22b.

[0068] The four-way valve 21b and the electromagnetic valve 22b are provided to a pipe of the flow switching circuit 5a that supplies the indoor unit 3 with the secondary heat medium that has been heated by heat exchange by the second plate heat exchanger 14b.

[0069] The four-way valve 21a and the electromagnetic valve 22a are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other with the four-way valve 21b and the electromagnetic valve 22b. The four-way valve 21b and the electromagnetic valve 22b are arranged between the second plate heat exchanger 14b and the four-way valve 21a and the electromagnetic valve 22a.

[0070] Therefore, in the flow splitting controller 2 of Embodiment 4, the four-way valve 21a and the electromagnetic valve 22a are arranged in the second space in the vicinity of the first plate heat exchanger 14a, and thus it is possible to shorten the operation distance of the refrigeration-side pipe connecting the four-way valve 21a and the electromagnetic valve 22a. In addition, the four-way valve 21b and the electromagnetic valve 22b are arranged in the second space in the vicinity of the second plate heat exchanger 14b, and thus it is possible to shorten the operation distance of the heating-side pipe connecting the four-way valve 21b and the electromagnetic valve 22b. As a result, it is possible to reduce the pipe processing cost and the material cost. In addition, since the flow splitting controller 2 of Embodiment 4 can shorten the length of the pipes, it is possible to suppress the generation of pipe stress.

[0071] According to the flow splitting controller 2 of Embodiment 4, when confirming the flow of the heat medium, since the components on the refrigeration side and the components on the heating side are separated, it is easy to grasp the flow of the heat medium. The components on the refrigeration side include the first pump 13a, the first plate heat exchanger 14a, the four-way valve 21, and the electromagnetic valve 22a. The components on the heating side include the second pump 13b, the second plate heat exchanger 14b, the four-way valve 21b, and the electromagnetic valve 22b.

[0072] Embodiment 5.

[0073] In the flow splitting controller 2 of Embodiment 5, the base metal plate 41b for the plate heat exchanger 14 and the base metal plate 41c for the valve body 15 are provided.

[0074] Figure 8 is a front view of the flow splitting controller 2 of the air conditioning device 100 of Embodiment 5.

[0075] Four columns 40 extending in the vertical direction are provided at the four corners of the rectangular frame body 10. In addition, a plurality of ribs 42 are provided on the inner surface of the frame body 10. Figure 8Only the two front columns 40 are shown. The base metal plates 41b of the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are fixed to the four columns 40. Furthermore, the base metal plate 41c of the valve body 15 is fixed to the four columns 40 above the base metal plates 41b.

[0076] The first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are fixed to the base metal plate 41b. The valve body 15 is fixed to the base metal plate 41c.

[0077] Furthermore, the first pump 13 a and the second pump 13 b are fixed to a base metal plate 41 a disposed on the bottom of the housing 10 .

[0078] In the initial stage of assembling the flow divider controller 2, four columns 40 are placed at the corners of the bottom of the frame 10. Then, the base metal plate 41b to which the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are fixed, and the base metal plate 41c to which the valve body 15 is fixed, are attached to the columns 40.

[0079] In the flow divider controller 2 of Embodiment 5, the first and second plate heat exchangers 14a, 14b are fixed to the base metal plate 41b, and the valve body 15 is fixed to the base metal plate 41c. Therefore, the weight of these components is not applied to the first and second pumps 13a, 13b. This prevents malfunctions of the first and second pumps 13a, 13b.

[0080] Furthermore, the first pump 13a and the second pump 13b are fixed to the base metal plate 41a, the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are fixed to the base metal plate 41b, and the valve body 15 is fixed to the base metal plate 41c. This facilitates positioning of these components when assembling the flow divider controller 2. Furthermore, since the aforementioned main components are fixed and positioned to the base metal plates 41a, 41b, and 41c, assembly of piping and the like is facilitated.

[0081] Unlike conventional horizontal flow divider controllers, the flow divider controller 2 of Embodiment 5 is vertical, and the first plate heat exchanger 14a, the second plate heat exchanger 14b, and the valve body 15 of the flow divider controller 2 are arranged in a vertical direction. With this structure, the first plate heat exchanger 14a, the second plate heat exchanger 14b, and the valve body 15 sink in the direction of gravity due to their own weight.

[0082] In the flow divider controller 2 of Embodiment 5, the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b are fixed to the column 40 via the base metal plate 41b, and the valve body 15 is fixed to the column 40 via the base metal plate 41c. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of sinking of these components. As a result, the assembly work of the flow divider controller 2 is facilitated.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a circuit diagram of the flow distribution controller 2 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3, Embodiment 4, and Embodiment 5.

[0084] like Figure 9 As shown, the flow divider controller 2 includes a refrigerant circuit 201 and a water circuit 202 .

[0085] The refrigerant circuit 201 circulates the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 1 and includes a four-way valve 21a, a four-way valve 21b, a first plate heat exchanger 14a, a second plate heat exchanger 14b, solenoid valves 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, and 210e, and a check valve 211.

[0086] Four-way valves 21a and 21b are connected to refrigerant piping from the outdoor unit 1 and switch the flow path of the refrigerant circuit 201 according to cooling or heating operation. The four-way valve 21a is connected to the first plate heat exchanger 14a via piping. The four-way valve 21b is connected to the second plate heat exchanger 14b via piping.

[0087] Solenoid valves 210a and 210b are connected in parallel to the piping on the downstream side of the first plate heat exchanger 14a. Solenoid valves 210a and 210b adjust the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the first plate heat exchanger 14a. Solenoid valves 210c and 210d are connected in parallel to the piping on the downstream side of the second plate heat exchanger 14b. Solenoid valves 210c and 210d adjust the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the second plate heat exchanger 14b.

[0088] In addition, a solenoid valve 210e and a check valve 211 are connected in parallel to the piping downstream of solenoid valves 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d. Solenoid valve 210e adjusts the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b. Check valve 211 reverses the flow of refrigerant flowing through the piping. Refrigerant passing through the piping provided with solenoid valve 210e returns to the outdoor unit 1.

[0089] Each of the electromagnetic valves 201a, 210b, 210c, 210d, and 210e includes a solenoid valve coil 22 (seeFigure 5 ).

[0090] The water circuit 202 includes a first pump 13a, a second pump 13b, a first plate heat exchanger 14a, a second plate heat exchanger 14b, a three-way valve 301, and a valve body 15. The valve 15a of the valve body 15 (see Figure 2 ) has a motor 15b.

[0091] The three-way valve 301 is connected to the water supply and expansion tank via a water supply pipe. Furthermore, the three-way valve 301 is connected to the first pump 13a and the second pump 13b, which are connected in parallel, via pipes. The three-way valve 301 serves to vent the water circuit 202 and equalize the pressure.

[0092] The valves of the three-way valve 301, excluding the valve connected to the water supply and the expansion tank, are connected to the first pump 13a via piping. The first pump 13a compresses the water supplied from the three-way valve 301 and outputs it. The first pump 13a is connected to the first plate heat exchanger 14a via piping. Regarding the valve 15a of the valve body 15, a cooling valve 15a is provided for each indoor unit 3 (see Figure 7 ) and heating valve 15a (refer to Figure 7 The first plate heat exchanger 14a is connected to the cylinder protection valve 24 and the multiple cooling valves 15a of the valve body 15 via piping. Each of the multiple valves 15a has a motor 15b. Water passing through an open cooling valve 15a among the multiple valves 15a is supplied to the indoor unit 3 corresponding to the open valve 15a.

[0093] The valves of the three-way valve 301, excluding those connected to the water supply and expansion tank, are connected to the second pump 13b via piping. The second pump 13b compresses and outputs the water supplied from the three-way valve 301. The second pump 13b is connected to the second plate heat exchanger 14b via piping. The second plate heat exchanger 14b is connected to the multiple heating valves 15a of the valve body 15 via piping. Each of the multiple valves 15a has a motor 15b. Water that has passed through an open heating valve 15a among the multiple valves 15a is supplied to the indoor unit 3 corresponding to the open valve 15a.

[0094] Furthermore, a valve body 15 and a sub-dividing controller are connected in parallel to the first plate heat exchanger 14a and the second plate heat exchanger 14b.

[0095] In Embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the first plate heat exchanger 14a is also referred to as the first heat exchanger, and the second plate heat exchanger 14b is also referred to as the second heat exchanger. The four-way valve 21a and the solenoid valve 22a are also referred to as the first valve, and the four-way valve 21b and the solenoid valve 22b are also referred to as the second valve.

[0096] The embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The embodiments may be implemented in various other ways and may be omitted, replaced, or modified without departing from the scope of the embodiments. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the embodiments.

[0097] Description of reference numerals:

[0098] 1…outdoor unit; 2…flow divider controller; 3…indoor unit; 4…heat exchanger; 5…flow path switching device; 5a…flow path switching circuit; 6…pump; 10…frame; 11…first partition plate; 12…second partition plate; 13a…first pump; 13b…second pump; 14…plate heat exchanger; 14a…first plate heat exchanger; 14b…second plate heat exchanger; 15…valve body; 15a…valve; 15b…motor; 16…control box; 21, 21a, 21b…four-way valve; 22, 2 2a, 22b…solenoid valve coil; 23…check valve coil; 24…cylinder protection valve; 25…three-way valve motor; 31…upper front panel; 32…lower front panel; 40…column; 41a, 41b, 41c…base metal plate; 100…air conditioning unit; C…center line; C1…first horizontal line; C2…second horizontal line; 201…refrigerant circuit; 202…water circuit; 210a, 210b, 210c, 210d, 210e…solenoid valve; 211…check valve.

Claims

1. A heat medium conversion device, characterized in that: have: a frame body having a vertical rectangular parallelepiped shape, the interior of which is divided into a first space, a second space above the first space, and a third space above the second space; a first heat exchanger disposed in the second space and configured to perform heat exchange between the cooled primary heat medium supplied from the outdoor unit and the secondary heat medium; a first pump disposed in the first space and configured to pressurize the secondary heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger and circulate the pressurized secondary heat medium between the first pump and at least one indoor unit; a second heat exchanger disposed in the second space and configured to perform heat exchange between the heated primary heat medium supplied from the outdoor unit and the secondary heat medium; a second pump disposed in the first space and configured to pressurize the secondary heat medium that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger and circulate the pressurized secondary heat medium between the second pump and the indoor unit; as well as a valve body disposed in the third space and having a plurality of valves for allowing the secondary heat medium having undergone heat exchange via the first heat exchanger and the secondary heat medium having undergone heat exchange via the second heat exchanger to flow toward the at least one indoor unit, wherein the weight of the valve body is lighter than the weight of each of the first heat exchanger, the first pump, the second heat exchanger, and the second pump.

2. The heat medium relay unit according to claim 1, wherein: A control box is provided, the control box housing a control device for controlling the valve of the valve body, The first pump and the second pump are arranged bilaterally symmetrically with respect to a center line passing through the horizontal center of the frame and extending in the vertical direction. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are arranged in a horizontally symmetrical manner with respect to the center line. The control box is arranged in a first space on the front side of the first pump and the second pump, and in a second space on the front side of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

3. The heat medium relay unit according to claim 1, wherein: The frame has: a lower front panel, which is provided on the front side of the first space and the second space; an upper front panel disposed on the front side of the third space and above the lower front panel; A component that is the subject of maintenance that does not require cutting or brazing of piping; and a control box arranged so as to extend over the upper portion of the second space and the lower portion of the third space on the front side of the frame; The components are arranged on the lower side of the control box in the first space and the second space on the rear side of the lower front panel.

4. The heat medium relay unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: have: a first valve located between a center line extending in a vertical direction and located at the horizontal center of the frame and the first heat exchanger, arranged adjacent to the first heat exchanger in the horizontal direction, and provided in a pipe through which the secondary heat medium cooled by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger passes; as well as The second valve is located between the second heat exchanger and the first valve, is arranged adjacent to the second heat exchanger in the horizontal direction, and is provided in the pipe through which the secondary heat medium heated by heat exchange in the second heat exchanger passes.

5. The heat medium relay unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The frame has: a column extending vertically from each corner of the frame; a first metal plate to which the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are fixed and fixed to the column in a horizontal direction; as well as The second metal plate is fixed with the valve body and is fixed to the column in the horizontal direction at a position above the first metal plate.

6. The heat medium relay unit according to claim 4, wherein: The frame has: a column extending vertically from each corner of the frame; a first metal plate to which the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are fixed and fixed to the column in a horizontal direction; as well as The second metal plate is fixed with the valve body and is fixed to the column in the horizontal direction at a position above the first metal plate.

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