Valve device and air conditioning device

Abstract

Provided is a valve device capable of suppressing leakage of refrigerant and reducing the number of parts, and an air conditioning device having the valve device. A valve device (10) of an air conditioning device (1) has a valve main body (100). The valve main body (100) has a high-pressure-side main refrigerant passage (110) and a first high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage (111) and a second high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage (112) connected to the high-pressure-side main refrigerant passage (110). The valve device (10) has a high-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit (200) capable of changing the passage area of the first high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage (111) and a high-pressure-side on-off valve unit (300) capable of opening and closing the second high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage (112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a valve device and an air conditioning device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional vehicle air conditioning system. The vehicle air conditioning system of Patent Document 1 includes a compressor, an indoor condenser, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor evaporator, a receiver-receiver, a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, a first on / off valve, a second on / off valve, and a check valve. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning system includes a first refrigerant passage, a second refrigerant passage, a third refrigerant passage, and a bypass passage.

[0003] The compressor's discharge port is connected to the indoor condenser's inlet. The first refrigerant passage connects the indoor condenser's outlet to the outdoor heat exchanger's inlet. The second refrigerant passage connects the outdoor heat exchanger's outlet to the receiver-of-liquidity (ROHN) inlet. The third refrigerant passage connects the outdoor heat exchanger's outlet to the indoor evaporator's inlet. The indoor evaporator's outlet is connected to the ROHN's inlet. The ROHN's outlet is connected to the compressor's suction port.

[0004] The first expansion valve changes the passage area of ​​the first refrigerant passage. The first on / off valve opens and closes the second refrigerant passage. The second expansion valve changes the passage area of ​​the third refrigerant passage. A check valve is positioned between the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger and the second expansion valve in the third refrigerant passage. The check valve allows refrigerant to flow from the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger to the second expansion valve. The check valve prevents refrigerant from flowing from the second expansion valve to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0005] The bypass passage connects the section between the outlet of the indoor condenser and the first expansion valve in the first refrigerant passage and the section between the check valve and the second expansion valve in the third refrigerant passage. The second on / off valve can open and close the bypass passage.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-77816

[0009] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, in the aforementioned vehicle air conditioning system, the first on / off valve is connected to the piping via a connector. The first expansion valve, the second on / off valve, and the check valve are also connected to the piping via connectors. Therefore, the vehicle air conditioning system suffers from the technical problem of having numerous connection points, increasing the possibility of refrigerant leakage. Furthermore, the presence of connectors in the vehicle air conditioning system leads to a greater number of parts, increased assembly time, and higher manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a valve device and an air conditioning device having the valve device, which can suppress refrigerant leakage and reduce the number of parts.

[0012] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, a valve device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0014] A valve body having multiple refrigerant passages; and

[0015] Multiple valve units are mounted on the valve body.

[0016] The plurality of refrigerant passages include a main refrigerant passage, and a first branch refrigerant passage and a second branch refrigerant passage connected to the main refrigerant passage.

[0017] The plurality of valve units include a first valve unit and a second valve unit. The first valve unit is capable of changing the passage area of ​​the first branch refrigerant passage, and the second valve unit is capable of changing the passage area of ​​the second branch refrigerant passage.

[0018] In this invention, preferably,

[0019] The first valve unit is a flow regulating valve unit capable of changing the passage area of ​​the first branch refrigerant passage.

[0020] The second valve unit is an on / off valve unit capable of opening and closing the second branch refrigerant passage.

[0021] In this invention, preferably,

[0022] The first valve unit is a first on / off valve unit capable of opening and closing the first branch refrigerant passage.

[0023] The second valve unit is a second on / off valve unit capable of opening and closing the second branch refrigerant passage.

[0024] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the valve device of the present invention includes:

[0025] A valve body having multiple refrigerant passages; and

[0026] Multiple valve units are mounted on the valve body.

[0027] The plurality of refrigerant pathways include:

[0028] High-pressure side main refrigerant passage;

[0029] A first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage and a second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage are connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage;

[0030] Low-pressure side main refrigerant passage; and

[0031] The first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage and the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage are connected to the main low-pressure side refrigerant passage.

[0032] The plurality of valve units include:

[0033] A high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, which is capable of changing the passage area of ​​the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage;

[0034] A high-pressure side on / off valve unit, which is capable of opening and closing the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage;

[0035] A low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, which is capable of changing the passage area of ​​the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage;

[0036] A low-pressure side on / off valve unit, which is capable of opening and closing the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage; and

[0037] A check valve unit is disposed in the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage at a location closer to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit.

[0038] The check valve unit allows refrigerant to flow from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage to the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit and prohibits refrigerant from flowing from the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage.

[0039] The second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage connects the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage to the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage at the following location: the location between the check valve unit and the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit.

[0040] In this invention, preferably,

[0041] The plurality of refrigerant passages include a refrigerant passage for pressure regulation.

[0042] The plurality of valve units includes a pressure regulating valve unit disposed in the refrigerant passage for pressure regulation.

[0043] One end of the refrigerant passage for pressure regulation is connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage that is further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit.

[0044] The pressure regulating valve unit is configured to maintain the pressure of the refrigerant at the other end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage at a set value or higher.

[0045] In this invention, preferably,

[0046] The valve assembly also includes a liquid receiver installed in the valve body, which separates the refrigerant into a gaseous and a liquid phase.

[0047] The inlet of the liquid receiver is connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage that is further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit.

[0048] In this invention, preferably,

[0049] The valve body has a front and back side arranged in parallel, a left and right side side arranged in parallel, and a top and bottom surface arranged in parallel.

[0050] The left side is perpendicular to the front side.

[0051] The upper surface is perpendicular to the front and left side surfaces.

[0052] The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, and the low-pressure side on / off valve unit are disposed on the upper surface.

[0053] The high-pressure side on / off valve unit is located on the left side.

[0054] The front side has a first outdoor opening and a second outdoor opening. The first outdoor opening is connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage, and the second outdoor opening is connected to a portion of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage that is further away from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit.

[0055] The rear side has a first indoor-side opening and a second indoor-side opening. The first indoor-side opening is connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage, and the second indoor-side opening is connected to a portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage that is further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit.

[0056] The left side or the bottom surface has a refrigerant return opening, which is connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage that is further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit.

[0057] In this invention, preferably,

[0058] The valve body has a front and back side arranged in parallel, a left and right side side arranged in parallel, and a top and bottom surface arranged in parallel.

[0059] The left side is perpendicular to the front side.

[0060] The upper surface is perpendicular to the front and left side surfaces.

[0061] The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, and the low-pressure side on / off valve unit are disposed on the upper surface.

[0062] The high-pressure side on / off valve unit is located on the left side.

[0063] The front side has a first outdoor opening and a second outdoor opening. The first outdoor opening is connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage, and the second outdoor opening is connected to a portion of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage that is further away from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit.

[0064] The rear side has: a first indoor opening connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage; a second indoor opening connected to a portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit; and a third indoor opening connected to the other end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage.

[0065] The left side or the bottom surface has a refrigerant return opening, which is connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage that is further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit.

[0066] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the present invention relates to an air conditioning device comprising:

[0067] The compressor, indoor condenser, outdoor heat exchanger, indoor evaporator, liquid receiver, and the valve assembly.

[0068] The compressor's outlet is connected to the inlet of the indoor condenser.

[0069] The compressor's suction inlet is connected to the liquid receiver's outlet.

[0070] The first outdoor opening is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0071] The second outdoor opening is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0072] The first indoor opening is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser.

[0073] The second indoor opening is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator.

[0074] The refrigerant return opening is connected to the inlet of the liquid receiver.

[0075] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the air conditioning device of the present invention includes:

[0076] The compressor, indoor condenser, outdoor heat exchanger, indoor evaporator, liquid receiver, and the valve assembly.

[0077] The compressor's outlet is connected to the inlet of the indoor condenser.

[0078] The compressor's suction inlet is connected to the liquid receiver's outlet.

[0079] The first outdoor opening is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0080] The second outdoor opening is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0081] The first indoor opening is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser.

[0082] The second indoor opening is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator.

[0083] The third indoor opening is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator.

[0084] The refrigerant return opening is connected to the inlet of the liquid receiver.

[0085] Invention Effects

[0086] The valve device and air conditioning device of the present invention have a valve body having multiple refrigerant passages and multiple valve units mounted on the valve body. The multiple refrigerant passages include a main refrigerant passage and a first branch refrigerant passage and a second branch refrigerant passage connected to the main refrigerant passage. Furthermore, the multiple valve units include a first valve unit capable of changing the passage area of ​​the first branch refrigerant passage and a second valve unit capable of changing the passage area of ​​the second branch refrigerant passage. Thus, the main refrigerant passage is connected to the first and second branch refrigerant passages inside the valve body. The passage areas of the first and second branch refrigerant passages can be changed by the first and second valve units mounted on the valve body, thereby opening or closing the refrigerant passages or regulating the refrigerant flow rate. Therefore, not only can refrigerant leakage be prevented at the connection points between the refrigerant passages and at the connection points between the refrigerant passages and the valve units, but the number of connecting parts can also be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0087] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of an air conditioning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the refrigerant flow of the air conditioning unit in cooling mode.

[0089] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow of refrigerant in the heating mode of the air conditioning unit.

[0090] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the refrigerant flow of the air conditioning unit in the first dehumidification and heating mode.

[0091] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the refrigerant flow of the air conditioning unit in the second dehumidification and heating mode.

[0092] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the valve device in the air conditioning unit.

[0093] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Front view of the valve assembly.

[0094] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Left view of the valve assembly.

[0095] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 Right view of the valve assembly.

[0096] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A top view of the valve assembly.

[0097] Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A bottom view of the valve assembly.

[0098] Figure 12 yes Figure 6 Rear view of the valve assembly.

[0099] Figure 13 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view along line A1-A1.

[0100] Figure 14 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view along line B1-B1.

[0101] Figure 15 It is along Figure 8 A sectional view of line C1-C1.

[0102] Figure 16 It is along Figure 7 A sectional view along line D1-D1.

[0103] Figure 17 It is along Figure 7 A sectional view along line E1-E1.

[0104] Figure 18 It is along Figure 7 A sectional view of line F1-F1.

[0105] Figure 19 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of line G1-G1.

[0106] Figure 20 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit of the valve device.

[0107] Figure 21 It means Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of a modified example of a high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit.

[0108] Figure 22 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the high-pressure side on / off valve unit of the valve device.

[0109] Figure 23 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the low-pressure side on / off valve unit of the valve device.

[0110] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of an air conditioning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A three-dimensional view of the valve device in the air conditioning unit.

[0112] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Front view of the valve assembly.

[0113] Figure 27 yes Figure 25 Left view of the valve assembly.

[0114] Figure 28 yes Figure 25 Right view of the valve assembly.

[0115] Figure 29 yes Figure 25 A top view of the valve assembly.

[0116] Figure 30 yes Figure 25 A bottom view of the valve assembly.

[0117] Figure 31 yes Figure 25 Rear view of the valve assembly.

[0118] Figure 32 It is along Figure 27 A sectional view along line A2-A2.

[0119] Figure 33 It is along Figure 27 A sectional view along line B2-B2.

[0120] Figure 34 It is along Figure 27 A sectional view of line C2-C2.

[0121] Figure 35 It is along Figure 26 A cross-sectional view along line D2-D2.

[0122] Figure 36 It is along Figure 26 A cross-sectional view of line E2-E2.

[0123] Figure 37 It is along Figure 26 A cross-sectional view of line F2-F2.

[0124] Figure 38 It is along Figure 26 A cross-sectional view of line G2-G2.

[0125] Figure 39 It is along Figure 26 A cross-sectional view of the H2-H2 line.

[0126] Figure 40 It is along Figure 26 A sectional view of line J2-J2.

[0127] Figure 41 It means Figure 25 A three-dimensional view of a modified example of the valve device.

[0128] Figure 42 yes Figure 41 Left view of the valve assembly.

[0129] Figure 43 This is a perspective view of the valve device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Figure 44 yes Figure 43 Another perspective view of the valve device.

[0131] Figure 45 yes Figure 43 Front view of the valve assembly.

[0132] Figure 46 yes Figure 43 A top view of the valve assembly.

[0133] Figure 47 It is along Figure 46 A sectional view along line A3-A3.

[0134] Figure 48 It is along Figure 45 A sectional view along line B3-B3. Detailed Implementation

[0135] (First Embodiment)

[0136] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 23 The air conditioning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0137] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of an air conditioning device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2-5 It means Figure 1 A diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in an air conditioning unit. Figures 2-5 This indicates the flow of refrigerant in cooling mode, heating mode, first dehumidification heating mode, and second dehumidification heating mode. Figures 6-12 yes Figure 1 The air conditioning unit has a three-dimensional view, front view, left view, right view, top view, bottom view and rear view of the valve device. Figures 13-15 yes Figure 8 Sectional views along line A1-A1, along line B1-B1, and along line C1-C1. Figures 16-19 yes Figure 7Sectional views along line D1-D1, along line E1-E1, along line F1-F1, and along line G1-G1. Figure 20 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit of the valve device. Figure 21 It means Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of a modified example of a high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit. Figure 22 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the high-pressure side on / off valve unit of the valve device. Figure 23 yes Figure 6 The valve device has a sectional view of the low-pressure side on / off valve unit. In each figure, the X direction indicated by arrow X is the left-right direction (lateral), the Y direction indicated by arrow Y is the front-back direction, and the Z direction indicated by arrow Z is the up-down direction. The side with the "X" in arrow X is the right side, the side with the "Y" in arrow Y is the rear side, and the side with the "Z" in arrow Z is the top side.

[0138] The air conditioning device 1 involved in the first embodiment is, for example, a vehicle air conditioning device installed in a vehicle to cool or heat the air blown into the vehicle compartment.

[0139] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 includes a valve device 10, a compressor 20, an indoor condenser 30, an outdoor heat exchanger 40, an indoor evaporator 50, a pressure regulating valve 70, and a liquid receiver 80. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 1 includes a first refrigerant passage 11, a second refrigerant passage 12, a third refrigerant passage 13, a fourth refrigerant passage 14, and a bypass passage 15.

[0140] Compressor 20 draws in refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The outlet of compressor 20 is connected to the inlet of indoor condenser 30. Indoor condenser 30 releases the heat from the refrigerant discharged by compressor 20. Indoor condenser 30 heats the air blown into the vehicle compartment. First refrigerant passage 11 connects the outlet of indoor condenser 30 to the inlet of outdoor heat exchanger 40. Refrigerant flows inside outdoor heat exchanger 40, exchanging heat with outside air. Second refrigerant passage 12 connects the outlet of outdoor heat exchanger 40 to the inlet of receiver 80. Receiver 80 separates the refrigerant flowing in from the inlet into a gaseous and liquid phase. Gaseous refrigerant flows out from the outlet of receiver 80. Receiver 80's outlet is connected to the suction port of compressor 20. Gaseous refrigerant flows from receiver 80 to compressor 20. Third refrigerant passage 13 connects the outlet of outdoor heat exchanger 40 to the inlet of indoor evaporator 50. Refrigerant flows inside the indoor evaporator 50, exchanging heat with the supply air blown into the vehicle compartment. The indoor evaporator 50 cools the supply air. A fourth refrigerant passage 14 connects the outlet of the indoor evaporator 50 to the inlet of the receiver 80. A pressure regulating valve 70 is provided in the fourth refrigerant passage 14. The pressure regulating valve 70 is configured to maintain the pressure of the refrigerant inside the indoor evaporator 50 above a set value. The pressure regulating valve 70 prevents the pressure of the refrigerant inside the indoor evaporator 50 from falling below the set value in cooling mode and dehumidification / heating mode. The set value is a pressure value set to prevent frost formation on the indoor evaporator 50. A bypass passage 15 is provided inside the valve assembly 10. The bypass passage 15 connects the first refrigerant passage 11 and the third refrigerant passage 13.

[0141] The valve device 10 opens and closes the first refrigerant passage 11, the second refrigerant passage 12, the third refrigerant passage 13, and the bypass passage 15 to form a refrigerant circuit corresponding to the mode. Furthermore, the valve device 10 regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant passage 11 and the third refrigerant passage 13.

[0142] like Figures 6 to 19 As shown, the valve device 10 includes a valve body 100, a high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, a high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, a low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, a low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500, and a check valve unit 600.

[0143] The valve body 100 is formed, for example, by extruding aluminum alloy. The valve body 100 has a front surface 101, a back surface 102, a left side surface 103, a right side surface 104, a first upper surface 105, a second upper surface 106, and a bottom surface 107. Each surface is planar. The front surface 101 and the back surface 102 are arranged parallel to each other. The left side surface 103 and the right side surface 104 are arranged parallel to each other. The left side surface 103 is perpendicular to the front surface 101. The first upper surface 105, the second upper surface 106, and the bottom surface 107 are arranged parallel to each other. The first upper surface 105 is perpendicular to the front surface 101 and the left side surface 103. The first upper surface 105 is positioned close to the back surface 102. The second upper surface 106 is positioned close to the front surface 101. Alternatively, the valve body 100 may have a single planar upper surface instead of the first upper surface 105 and the second upper surface 106.

[0144] The front side 101 has a first outdoor side opening 151 and a second outdoor side opening 152. The rear side 102 has a first indoor side opening 161 and a second indoor side opening 162. The left side 103 has a refrigerant return opening 165.

[0145] The first outdoor opening 151 is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The second outdoor opening 152 is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The first indoor opening 161 is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser 30. The second indoor opening 162 is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator 50. The refrigerant return opening 165 is connected to the inlet of the receiver 80.

[0146] The valve body 100 has multiple refrigerant passages formed by machining. Specifically, the valve body 100 has a high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110, a first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111, and a second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. In addition, the valve body 100 has a low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120, a first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121, and a second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122.

[0147] The high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 is connected to the first indoor opening 161. Additionally, the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 is connected to the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 and the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. Refrigerant flows from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 to the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 and the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112.

[0148] The low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 is connected to the first outdoor opening 151. The low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 is connected to the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 and the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122. Refrigerant flows from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 to the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 and the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122.

[0149] A high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 is provided in the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111. The part of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 that is farther away from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 (the downstream end of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111) is connected to the second outdoor opening 152.

[0150] A high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 is provided in the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. The part of the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 that is farther away from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 than the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 (the downstream end of the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112) is connected to the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121.

[0151] A check valve unit 600 and a low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 are arranged in the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121. The check valve unit 600 is closer to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400. The portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 that is farther away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 (the downstream end of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121) is connected to the second indoor side opening 162. The portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 between the check valve unit 600 and the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 is connected to the downstream end of the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. The second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 only needs to substantially connect the portion between the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 and the portion between the check valve unit 600 and the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 in the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121.

[0152] A low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 is provided in the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122. The part of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 that is farther away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 (the downstream end of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122) is connected to the refrigerant return opening 165.

[0153] The high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 and the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 constitute a part of the first refrigerant passage 11. The low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 and the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 constitute a part of the second refrigerant passage 12. The low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 and the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 constitute a part of the third refrigerant passage 13. The second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 constitutes a bypass passage 15. The bypass passage 15 connects the portion between the outlet of the indoor condenser 30 in the first refrigerant passage 11 and the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, and the portion between the check valve unit 600 and the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 in the third refrigerant passage 13.

[0154] The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 is disposed on the first upper surface 105 near the left side surface 103. The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 is capable of changing the passage area of ​​the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 without stages. Furthermore, in this specification, "without stages" includes the case of being substantially without stages.

[0155] The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, together with the valve body 100, constitutes an electric expansion valve. For example... Figure 15 , Figure 20 As shown, the valve body 100 has a valve chamber 211 and a valve port 212 opening in the valve chamber 211. The valve chamber 211 and the valve port 212 are configured in series with a first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111. The valve chamber 211 and the valve port 212 substantially constitute a part of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111. In the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111, the valve chamber 211 is further away from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 than the valve port 212.

[0156] The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 has a valve core 220 and a valve core drive section 230.

[0157] The valve core 220 includes a valve stem 221, a valve portion 222, a spring receiving portion 223, and a ball receiving portion 224. The valve stem 221 is cylindrical. The valve portion 222 is disposed at the lower part of the valve stem 221. The valve portion 222 is annular in shape. The valve portion 222 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the valve stem 221. The spring receiving portion 223 is disposed at the upper part of the valve stem 221. The spring receiving portion 223 has a flange portion protruding radially outward. The ball receiving portion 224 has a circular flat plate portion and a protrusion provided on the lower surface of the flat plate portion. The protrusion engages with a hole provided in the spring receiving portion 223. The valve portion 222 of the valve core 220 moves forward and backward relative to the valve port 212. The valve core 220 changes the opening area of ​​the valve port 212 (i.e., the passage area of ​​the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111) steplessly.

[0158] The valve core drive unit 230 moves the valve core 220 in the up-down direction, causing the valve part 222 to move forward and backward relative to the valve port 212. The valve core drive unit 230 includes a cage 240, a housing 250, a rotor 260, a planetary gear mechanism 270, a drive shaft 282, a ball 284, and a stator unit 290.

[0159] The retainer 240 is made of a metal such as aluminum alloy. The retainer 240 has a cylindrical shape. The retainer 240 is threaded onto the valve body 100. A cylindrical drive shaft support member 242 is disposed on the inner side of the upper part of the retainer 240. An internal thread 242a is formed on the lower part of the inner circumferential surface of the drive shaft support member 242. A valve core support member 244 is disposed between the lower part of the retainer 240 and the valve body 100. The valve core support member 244 has a cylindrical shape. The valve core support member 244 has a valve core support hole 244a extending vertically. The valve stem 221 of the valve core 220 is disposed in the valve core support hole 244a. An opening spring 246 is disposed between the spring receiving part 223 of the valve core 220 and the valve core support member 244. The opening spring 246 is a compression coil spring. The opening spring 246 pushes the valve core 220 upwards.

[0160] The housing 250 has a cylindrical shape with an opening at the lower end and a blockage at the upper end. The lower end of the housing 250 is engaged with the retainer 240 via an annular member 251.

[0161] The rotor 260 has a cylindrical shape. A permanent magnet is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 260. The rotor 260 is rotatably disposed inside the housing 250. The rotor 260 is coupled to a circular plate-shaped connecting member 262. The rotor shaft 263 passes through the center of the connecting member 262.

[0162] The planetary gear mechanism 270 includes a fixed ring gear 271, a sun gear 272, multiple planetary gears 273, a planetary gear carrier 274, an output gear 275, and an output shaft 276. The sun gear 272 is coaxially coupled to the connecting member 262. The sun gear 272 rotates together with the rotor 260 and the connecting member 262. The rotation of the sun gear 272 is reduced in speed and transmitted to the output shaft 276 through the fixed ring gear 271, the multiple planetary gears 273, the planetary gear carrier 274, and the output gear 275. The output shaft 276 is disposed inside the drive shaft support member 242.

[0163] The drive shaft 282 has a cylindrical shape. An external thread 282a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft 282. The external thread 282a engages with the internal thread 242a of the drive shaft support member 242. A flat plate portion 282b is provided on the upper end surface of the drive shaft 282. The flat plate portion 282b is movably disposed in the slit 276a of the output shaft 276 of the planetary gear mechanism 270 in the vertical direction. The drive shaft 282 rotates as the output shaft 276 rotates and moves vertically by the threaded feed action of the external thread 282a and the internal thread 242a. A ball 284 is disposed between the drive shaft 282 and the ball bearing portion 224 of the valve core 220.

[0164] The stator unit 290 has a cylindrical shape. A housing 250 is inserted into the inner side of the stator unit 290. The stator unit 290 is positioned outside the housing 250. The stator unit 290 has a stator (not shown). The stator and rotor 260 of the stator unit 290 constitute a stepper motor.

[0165] In the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, the stator of the stator unit 290 is energized, causing the rotor 260 to rotate in one direction. The rotation of the rotor 260 is reduced by the planetary gear mechanism 270, and the drive shaft 282 is rotated via the output shaft 276. When the drive shaft 282 rotates, it moves downward through a threaded feed action. The drive shaft 282 pushes the valve core 220 downward via the ball 284. As the valve core 220 moves downward, the opening area of ​​the valve port 212 decreases. In this embodiment, the minimum opening area of ​​the valve port 212 is 0, that is, the valve port 212 is in a fully closed state.

[0166] In the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, the stator of the stator unit 290 is energized, causing the rotor 260 to rotate in the opposite direction. The rotation of the rotor 260 is reduced by the planetary gear mechanism 270, which in turn rotates the drive shaft 282 via the output shaft 276. When the drive shaft 282 rotates, it moves upward through a threaded feed action. The valve core 220, pushed by the valve opening spring 246, moves upward, increasing the opening area of ​​the valve port 212.

[0167] In addition, it can also replace the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200. Figure 21 The high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200A is shown. The high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200A has a structure in which a housing 210 with a valve chamber 211 and a valve port 212 is added to the high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200. In the high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200A, a retainer 240 is threadedly mounted to the housing 210, and the housing 210 is threadedly mounted to the valve body 100. Alternatively, the housing 210 can also be mounted to the valve body 100 using a mounting structure other than a threaded connection.

[0168] The high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200 moves the valve core 220 via a stepper motor, thus strictly speaking, changing the passage area in stages. However, since the movement of the valve core 220 in each step is small, the high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200 can change the passage area substantially without stages. Furthermore, in the valve device 10, the high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200 can also be a mechanical flow control valve where the valve core moves via a diaphragm. Such a mechanical flow control valve can change the passage area without stages.

[0169] The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 is located in the center of the left side 103. The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 can open and close the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 (i.e., can change the passage area to 0 or greater than 0).

[0170] The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, together with the valve body 100, constitutes a pilot-operated on / off valve. For example... Figure 14 , Figure 19 , Figure 22 As shown, the valve body 100 has a main valve chamber 311, a main valve port 312 opening in the main valve chamber 311, and a main valve seat 313 surrounding the main valve port 312. The main valve chamber 311 and the main valve port 312 are configured in series with the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. The main valve chamber 311 and the main valve port 312 substantially constitute a part of the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. In the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112, the main valve chamber 311 is closer to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 than the main valve port 312.

[0171] The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 has a main valve core 320 and a valve core drive unit 330.

[0172] The main valve core 320 has a circular plate shape. The main valve core 320 has a pilot passage 325 and a pressure equalization passage 326. The main valve core 320 approaches and separates from the main valve seat 313 to open and close the main valve port 312.

[0173] The valve core drive unit 330 includes a fixed iron core 331, a housing 332, a plunger 333, an electromagnetic coil 334, a pilot valve core 335, and a spring receiving component 336.

[0174] The fixed iron core 331 integrally comprises a large-diameter cylindrical portion 331a and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 331b. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 331a is installed on the valve body 100 via a threaded connection. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 331b is coaxially arranged with the large-diameter cylindrical portion 331a. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 331b protrudes from the left side 103 of the valve body 100. The main valve core 320 is disposed inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 331a in a manner that allows it to move in the left-right direction. The main valve core 320 divides the main valve chamber 311 into a back pressure chamber 314 inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 331a. A pilot passage 325 connects the back pressure chamber 314 to the main valve port 312. A pressure equalization passage 326 connects the main valve chamber 311 to the back pressure chamber 314. An opening spring 337 is disposed between the main valve core 320 and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 331a. The opening spring 337 is a compression coil spring. The valve opening spring 337 pushes the main valve core 320 to the left.

[0175] The housing 332 has a cylindrical shape with one end open and the other end blocked. A small-diameter cylindrical portion 331b of a fixed iron core 331 is disposed inside one end of the housing 332. One end of the housing 332 is engaged with the fixed iron core 331.

[0176] The plunger 333 has a cylindrical shape with one end open and the other end blocked. The plunger 333 is disposed inside the housing 332 in a manner that allows it to move in the left-right direction. A first plunger spring 338 is disposed between the other end of the plunger 333 and the fixed iron core 331. The first plunger spring 338 is a compression helical spring. The first plunger spring 338 pushes the plunger 333 to the left. A through hole 333a is formed at the other end of the plunger 333.

[0177] The electromagnetic coil 334 has a cylindrical shape. A housing 332 is inserted inside the electromagnetic coil 334. The electromagnetic coil 334 is positioned outside the housing 332. The electromagnetic coil 334 magnetizes the fixed iron core 331 and the plunger 333.

[0178] The pilot valve core 335 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The pilot valve core 335 is disposed inside the through hole 333a and the small-diameter cylindrical portion 331b of the plunger 333. A cylindrical spring receiving member 336 is connected to one end (left end) of the pilot valve core 335. The spring receiving member 336 is disposed inside the plunger 333. The diameter of the spring receiving member 336 is larger than the diameter of the through hole 333a. A second plunger spring 339 is disposed between the spring receiving member 336 and the other end of the housing 332. The second plunger spring 339 is a compression helical spring. The second plunger spring 339 pushes the spring receiving member 336 to the right and presses it against the plunger 333. A conical pilot valve portion 335a is provided at the other end (right end) of the pilot valve core 335. The pilot valve portion 335a is disposed in the back pressure chamber 314. The pilot valve section 335a opens and closes the pilot passage 325.

[0179] In the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, when the solenoid coil 334 is energized, the plunger 333 approaches the fixed iron core 331 by magnetic force, and the pilot valve core 335 (pilot valve part 335a) closes the pilot passage 325. Furthermore, the pilot valve core 335 pushes the main valve core 320 to the right, causing the main valve core 320 to contact the main valve seat 313, and the main valve port 312 closes. With the main valve port 312 closed, the flow of refrigerant from the main valve chamber 311 and back pressure chamber 314 to the main valve port 312 is cut off, and the refrigerant remains in the main valve chamber 311 and back pressure chamber 314. The main valve core 320 is pushed against the main valve seat 313 by the refrigerant.

[0180] In the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, when the energization of the solenoid coil 334 is stopped, the plunger 333 is pushed to the left by the first plunger spring 338. The pilot valve core 335 also moves to the left along with the plunger 333, thereby opening the pilot passage 325. The refrigerant in the back pressure chamber 314 flows to the main valve port 312 through the pilot passage 325, thereby reducing the force of the refrigerant pressing the main valve core 320 against the main valve seat 313. The valve opening spring 337 pushes the main valve core 320 to the left, thereby causing the main valve core 320 to leave the main valve seat 313, and the main valve port 312 opens. As a result, the refrigerant in the main valve chamber 311 flows to the main valve port 312.

[0181] Furthermore, the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 may, for example, have a valve chamber and a valve seat, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-200198. Alternatively, the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 may also have, for example, an electric valve with a valve chamber and a valve seat. Figure 21 The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200A shown has a housing, which has a valve chamber and a valve seat (valve port).

[0182] The low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 is disposed on the first upper surface 105 near the right side surface 104. The low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 is capable of changing the passage area of ​​the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 without steps.

[0183] The low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, together with the valve body 100, constitutes an electric expansion valve. For example... Figure 15 , Figure 18 As shown, the valve body 100 has a valve chamber 411 and a valve port 412 opening in the valve chamber 411. The valve chamber 411 and the valve port 412 are configured in series with a first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121. The valve chamber 411 and the valve port 412 substantially form part of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121. In the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121, the valve chamber 411 is further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the valve port 412.

[0184] The low-pressure side flow control valve unit 400 includes a valve core 420 and a valve core drive portion 430. The valve core 420 and valve core drive portion 430 have the same (including substantially the same) structure as the valve core 220 and valve core drive portion 430 of the high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200, therefore detailed description is omitted. Alternatively, a valve core 420 or a valve core drive portion 430 may be used instead of the low-pressure side flow control valve unit 400. Figure 21 The flow control valve unit shown is the same as (or substantially the same as) the high-pressure side flow control valve unit 200A.

[0185] The low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 is disposed on the second upper surface 106 near the right side surface 104. The low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 is capable of opening and closing the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 (i.e., capable of changing the passage area to 0 or greater than 0).

[0186] The low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500, together with the valve body 100, constitutes a pilot-operated on / off valve. For example... Figure 13 , Figure 17 , Figure 23 As shown, the valve body 100 has a main valve chamber 511, a main valve port 512 opening in the main valve chamber 511, and a main valve seat 513 surrounding the main valve port 512. The main valve chamber 511 and the main valve port 512 are configured in series with the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122. The main valve chamber 511 and the main valve port 512 substantially constitute a part of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122. In the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122, the main valve chamber 511 is closer to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the main valve port 512. Moreover, the main valve chamber 511 is also configured in series with the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121, and substantially also constitutes a part of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121.

[0187] The low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 has a main valve core 520 and a valve core drive unit 530.

[0188] The main valve core 520 integrally comprises a main body 521, an upper flange 522, and a lower flange 523. The main body 521 is cylindrical. The upper flange 522 is connected to the upper part of the main body 521. The lower flange 523 is connected to the lower part of the main body 521. The main body 521 has a pilot passage 525. The upper flange 522 has a pressure equalization passage 526. The main valve core 520 approaches and separates from the main valve seat 513 to open and close the main valve port 512. An opening spring 537 is disposed between the upper flange 522 of the main valve core 520 and the valve body 100. The opening spring 537 is a compression helical spring. The opening spring 537 pushes the main valve core 520 (upper flange 522) upward.

[0189] The valve core drive unit 530 includes a fixed iron core 531, a housing 532, a plunger 533, an electromagnetic coil 534, a pilot valve core 535, and a valve shaft 536.

[0190] The fixed core 531 integrally comprises a large-diameter cylindrical portion 531a and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 531b. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 531a is threaded onto the valve body 100. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 531b is coaxially arranged with the large-diameter cylindrical portion 531a. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 531b protrudes from the second upper surface 106 of the valve body 100. The upper flange portion 522 of the main valve core 520 is disposed inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 531a in a manner that allows it to move in the vertical direction. The upper flange portion 522 of the main valve core 520 divides the main valve chamber 511 and the back pressure chamber 514 inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 531a. The pilot passage 525 connects the back pressure chamber 514 to the main valve port 512. The equalizing passage 526 connects the main valve chamber 511 to the back pressure chamber 514.

[0191] The housing 532 has a cylindrical shape with an open lower end and a blocked upper end. A small-diameter cylindrical portion 531b for fixing an iron core 531 is disposed on the inner side of the lower end of the housing 532. The lower end of the housing 532 is engaged with the fixing iron core 531.

[0192] The plunger 533 has a cylindrical shape. The plunger 533 is disposed inside the housing 532 in a manner that allows it to move vertically. A plunger spring 538 is disposed between the lower end of the plunger 533 and the fixed iron core 531. The plunger spring 538 is a compression helical spring. The plunger spring 538 pushes the plunger 533 upwards.

[0193] The electromagnetic coil 534 has a cylindrical shape. A housing 532 is inserted inside the electromagnetic coil 534. The electromagnetic coil 534 is positioned outside the housing 532. The electromagnetic coil 534 magnetizes the fixed iron core 531 and the plunger 533.

[0194] The pilot valve core 535 is integrally connected to the lower end of the valve shaft 536. The pilot valve core 535 is disposed in the back pressure chamber 514. The pilot valve core 535 is connected to the plunger 533 via the valve shaft 536. The pilot valve core 535 is provided with a pilot valve part 535a, which is a circular plate-shaped gasket. The pilot valve part 535a opens and closes the pilot passage 525.

[0195] The valve shaft 536 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The upper end of the valve shaft 536 is fixed to the lower end of the plunger 533. The valve shaft 536 is disposed inside the small-diameter cylindrical portion 531b of the fixed iron core 531. The valve shaft 536 is supported by the small-diameter cylindrical portion 531b so that it can move in the vertical direction.

[0196] In the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500, when the solenoid coil 534 is energized, the plunger 533 approaches the fixed iron core 531 by magnetic force, and the pilot valve core 535 (pilot valve part 535a) closes the pilot passage 525. Furthermore, the pilot valve core 535 pushes the main valve core 520 downwards, causing the main valve core 520 to contact the main valve seat 513, and the main valve port 512 closes. With the main valve port 512 closed, the flow of refrigerant from the main valve chamber 511 and back pressure chamber 514 to the main valve port 512 is cut off, and the refrigerant remains in the main valve chamber 511 and back pressure chamber 514. The main valve core 520 is pushed against the main valve seat 513 by the refrigerant.

[0197] In the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500, when the energization of the solenoid coil 534 is stopped, the plunger 533 is pushed upward by the plunger spring 538. The pilot valve core 535 also moves upward together with the plunger 533, opening the pilot passage 525. The refrigerant in the back pressure chamber 514 flows to the main valve port 512 through the pilot passage 525, thereby reducing the force by which the refrigerant pushes the main valve core 520 against the main valve seat 513. The valve opening spring 537 pushes the main valve core 520 upward, causing the main valve core 520 to leave the main valve seat 513, and the main valve port 512 opens. As a result, the refrigerant in the main valve chamber 511 flows to the main valve port 512.

[0198] Furthermore, the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 may, for example, have a valve chamber and a valve seat, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-200198 for an electric valve. Alternatively, the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 may also have, for example, a valve chamber and a valve seat. Figure 21 The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200A shown has a housing, which has a valve chamber and a valve seat (valve port).

[0199] The check valve unit 600 is located in the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121, closer to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400. The check valve unit 600 allows refrigerant to flow from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 to the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 and prevents refrigerant from flowing from the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120.

[0200] The check valve unit 600 and the valve body 100 together constitute a check valve. For example... Figure 17 , Figure 19As shown, the valve body 100 has an annular valve seat 613 in the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121. The check valve unit 600 has a valve core 620 and a closing spring 630. The valve core 620 is disposed within the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 in a manner that allows it to move in the refrigerant flow direction (front-back direction). The valve core 620 has an annular valve portion 621. The closing spring 630 is a compression coil spring. The closing spring 630 pushes the valve core 620 towards the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 (front).

[0201] In the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121, when the pressure of the refrigerant on the front side of the valve core 620 (the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 side) is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant on the rear side of the valve core 620 (the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 side), the valve core 620 moves rearward, the valve part 621 leaves the valve seat 613, and the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 opens.

[0202] In the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121, when the pressure of the refrigerant on the rear side of the valve core 620 (the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 side) is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant on the front side of the valve core 620 (the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 side), the valve core 620 moves forward, thereby the valve part 621 contacts the valve seat 613, and the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 is closed.

[0203] The air conditioning unit 1 has a control device (not shown). The control device controls the compressor 20 and the valve device 10 (high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, and low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500). The air conditioning unit 1 has a cooling mode, a heating mode, a first dehumidification heating mode, and a second dehumidification heating mode.

[0204] In cooling mode, the control device of the air conditioning unit 1 maximizes the passage area of ​​the first refrigerant passage 11 (fully open) via the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, closes the bypass passage 15 via the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, adjusts the passage area of ​​the third refrigerant passage 13 to a size suitable for refrigerant expansion via the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, and closes the second refrigerant passage 12 via the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500. Then, the control device activates the compressor 20 to circulate the refrigerant. Figure 2As shown, in cooling mode, the refrigerant sequentially passes through compressor 20, indoor condenser 30, first refrigerant passage 11 (high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200), outdoor heat exchanger 40, third refrigerant passage 13 (check valve unit 600, low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400), indoor evaporator 50, fourth refrigerant passage 14 (pressure regulating valve 70), and receiver 80, before returning to compressor 20. In cooling mode, the supply air is cooled by indoor evaporator 50 and then delivered to the vehicle compartment.

[0205] In heating mode, the control device of the air conditioning unit 1 uses the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 to adjust the passage area of ​​the first refrigerant passage 11 to the size that the refrigerant can expand, closes the bypass passage 15 using the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, adjusts the passage area of ​​the third refrigerant passage 13 to 0 (fully closed) using the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, and opens the second refrigerant passage 12 using the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500. Then, the control device activates the compressor 20 to circulate the refrigerant. Figure 3 As shown, in heating mode, the refrigerant sequentially passes through compressor 20, indoor condenser 30, first refrigerant passage 11 (high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200), outdoor heat exchanger 40, second refrigerant passage 12 (low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500), and receiver 80, before returning to compressor 20. In heating mode, the supply air passes through indoor evaporator 50 (without cooling), is heated by indoor condenser 30, and then delivered to the vehicle compartment.

[0206] In the first dehumidification and heating mode, the control device of the air conditioning unit 1 adjusts the passage area of ​​the first refrigerant passage 11 to the size that the refrigerant can expand through the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, closes the bypass passage 15 through the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, adjusts the passage area of ​​the third refrigerant passage 13 to the size that the refrigerant can expand through the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, and closes the second refrigerant passage 12 through the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500. Then, the control device activates the compressor 20 to circulate the refrigerant. Figure 4 As shown, in the first dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant sequentially passes through the compressor 20, indoor condenser 30, first refrigerant passage 11 (high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200), outdoor heat exchanger 40, third refrigerant passage 13 (check valve unit 600, low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400), indoor evaporator 50, fourth refrigerant passage 14 (pressure regulating valve 70), and receiver 80, before returning to the compressor 20. In the first dehumidification and heating mode, the supply air is cooled (dehumidified) by the indoor evaporator 50, heated by the indoor condenser 30, and then sent to the vehicle compartment.

[0207] In the second dehumidification and heating mode, the control device of the air conditioning unit 1 adjusts the passage area of ​​the first refrigerant passage 11 to the size that the refrigerant can expand through the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, opens the bypass passage 15 through the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, adjusts the passage area of ​​the third refrigerant passage 13 to the size that the refrigerant can expand through the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, and opens the second refrigerant passage 12 through the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500. Then, the control device activates the compressor 20 to circulate the refrigerant. Figure 5 As shown, in the second dehumidification and heating mode, the refrigerant sequentially passes through the compressor 20, indoor condenser 30, first refrigerant passage 11 (high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200), outdoor heat exchanger 40, second refrigerant passage 12 (low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500), and receiver 80, before returning to the compressor 20. Furthermore, the refrigerant branches off from the first refrigerant passage 11, sequentially passing through bypass passage 15 (high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300), third refrigerant passage 13 (low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400), indoor evaporator 50, fourth refrigerant passage 14 (pressure regulating valve 70), and receiver 80, before returning to the compressor 20. In the second dehumidification and heating mode, the supply air is cooled (dehumidified) by the indoor evaporator 50, heated by the indoor condenser 30, and then delivered to the vehicle compartment. In the second dehumidification and heating mode, the amount of refrigerant flowing through the indoor evaporator 50 is less than in the first dehumidification and heating mode, and the heat absorbed by the refrigerant is less than in the first dehumidification and heating mode. Therefore, in the second dehumidification and heating mode, the temperature of the supply air after dehumidification by the indoor evaporator 50 can be relatively high, and the temperature of the supply air can be regulated in the high-temperature zone of the indoor condenser 30.

[0208] As described above, the valve device 10 of the air conditioning unit 1 in this embodiment includes a valve body 100, a high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, a high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, a low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, a low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500, and a check valve unit 600. The valve body 100 includes a high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110, a first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 and a second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110, a low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120, and a first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 and a second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120. The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 can change the passage area of ​​the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 without steps. The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 can open and close the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. The low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 can change the passage area of ​​the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 without steps. The low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 can open and close the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122. The check valve unit 600 is disposed in the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 closer to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400. The check valve unit 600 allows refrigerant to flow from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 to the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 and prevents refrigerant from flowing from the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120. The second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 connects the portion between the check valve unit 600 and the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 in the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 and the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121.

[0209] In this way, the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 is connected to the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 and the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 inside the valve body 100. By using the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 and the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 installed in the valve body 100, the passage area of ​​the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 and the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 can be changed, thereby opening or closing the refrigerant passage or regulating the refrigerant flow rate. Furthermore, the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 is connected to the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 and the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 inside the valve body 100. By using the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 and the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 installed in the valve body 100, the passage area of ​​the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 and the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 can be changed, thereby opening or closing the refrigerant passage or regulating the refrigerant flow rate. Therefore, not only can refrigerant leakage be suppressed at the connection points between refrigerant passages and at the connection points between refrigerant passages and valve units, but the number of parts used for connection can also be reduced. Moreover, since the piping connecting the valve unit can be omitted, not only can refrigerant pressure loss be suppressed, but the amount of refrigerant used in the air conditioning unit 1 can also be reduced.

[0210] Furthermore, the valve body 100 has a front surface 101 and a back surface 102 arranged in parallel with each other, a left side surface 103 and a right side surface 104 arranged in parallel with each other, and a first upper surface 105, a second upper surface 106 and a bottom surface 107 arranged in parallel with each other. The left side surface 103 is perpendicular to the front surface 101. The first upper surface 105 is perpendicular to the front surface 101 and the left side surface 103. The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 and the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 are disposed on the first upper surface 105, and the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 is disposed on the second upper surface 106. The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 is disposed on the left side surface 103. The front surface 101 has a first outdoor opening 151 connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 and a second outdoor opening 152 connected to a portion of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 that is further away from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 than the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200. The rear side 102 has a first indoor side opening 161 connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 and a second indoor side opening 162 connected to a portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400. The left side 103 has a refrigerant return opening 165 connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500. The first outdoor side opening 151 is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The second outdoor side opening 152 is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The first indoor side opening 161 is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser 30. The second indoor side opening 162 is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator 50. The refrigerant return opening 165 is connected to the inlet of the receiver 80. In this way, in the air conditioning unit 1, the piping from the valve device 10 to the outdoor side is connected to the front 101 of the valve body 100, and the piping from the valve device 10 to the cabin side is connected to the back 102 of the valve body 100, which can prevent the piping configuration from becoming complicated.

[0211] The valve device 10 described above has a structure in which each valve unit is controlled by a control device programmed into the host device 10 or the system. Besides this structure, it may also have a structure in which the valve device 10 has a control unit that receives all signals from the host device or the system to centrally control multiple valve units. In this structure, it is preferable that the control unit is housed in a housing and disposed on a surface of the valve body 100 near the low-pressure side refrigerant passage (e.g., the right side 104 of the valve body 100). This allows the temperature rise of the control unit to be suppressed by the relatively low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the low-pressure side refrigerant passage.

[0212] Furthermore, the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 and the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 of the valve device 10 described above have a structure that reduces the rotation of the rotor and transmits it to the drive shaft. In the valve device 10, these flow regulating valve units can also be replaced by a direct-acting flow regulating valve unit with a structure that directly transmits the rotation of the rotor to the drive shaft.

[0213] Furthermore, the high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 and the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 of the valve device 10 described above are pilot-operated on / off valve units that are operated by electromagnetic force, and require energization to maintain the closed valve state of the main valve port. In the valve device 10, these on / off valve units can also be replaced by latch-type on / off valve units that can maintain the open and closed valve states even when the energization is stopped.

[0214] (Second Embodiment)

[0215] The following is for reference Figures 24-42 The air conditioning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The air conditioning device according to the second embodiment is also a vehicle air conditioning device.

[0216] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing the schematic structure of an air conditioning device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 25-31 yes Figure 24 The air conditioning unit has a three-dimensional view, front view, left view, right view, top view, bottom view and rear view of the valve device. Figures 32-34 yes Figure 27 Sectional views along line A2-A2, along line B2-B2, and along line C2-C2. Figures 35-40 yes Figure 26 Sectional views along line D2-D2, along line E2-E2, along line F2-F2, along line G2-G2, along line H2-H2, and along line J2-J2. Figure 41 , Figure 42 It means Figure 25 The diagram shows a perspective view and a left view of a modified example of the valve device. In each diagram, the X direction indicated by arrow X is the left-right direction (lateral), the Y direction indicated by arrow Y is the front-back direction, and the Z direction indicated by arrow Z is the up-down direction. The side with the letter "X" in arrow X is the right side, the side with the letter "Y" in arrow Y is the rear side, and the side with the letter "Z" in arrow Z is the top side.

[0217] like Figure 24As shown, the air conditioning unit 1A according to the second embodiment includes a valve device 10A, a compressor 20, an indoor condenser 30, an outdoor heat exchanger 40, an indoor evaporator 50, and a liquid receiver 80. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 1A includes a first refrigerant passage 11, a second refrigerant passage 12, a third refrigerant passage 13, a fourth refrigerant passage 14, and a bypass passage 15.

[0218] The air conditioning unit 1A has the same (including substantially the same) structure as the air conditioning unit 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it has a valve device 10A with a pressure regulating valve unit 700 replacing the valve device 10 and the pressure regulating valve 70. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to structures that are the same as those in the air conditioning unit 1, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0219] Valve device 10A opens and closes the first refrigerant passage 11, the second refrigerant passage 12, the third refrigerant passage 13, and the bypass passage 15 to form a refrigerant circuit corresponding to the mode. Furthermore, valve device 10A regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the first refrigerant passage 11 and the third refrigerant passage 13. Additionally, valve device 10A regulates the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the fourth refrigerant passage 14.

[0220] like Figures 25-40 As shown, the valve device 10A includes a valve body 100A, a high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, a high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, a low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, a low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500, a check valve unit 600, and a pressure regulating valve unit 700.

[0221] The valve body 100A is formed, for example, by extruding aluminum alloy. The valve body 100A has a cuboid shape. The valve body 100A has a front surface 101, a back surface 102, a left side surface 103, a right side surface 104, a bottom surface 107, and a top surface 108. Each surface is planar. The front surface 101 and the back surface 102 are arranged parallel to each other. The left side surface 103 and the right side surface 104 are arranged parallel to each other. The left side surface 103 is perpendicular to the front surface 101. The bottom surface 107 and the top surface 108 are arranged parallel to each other. The top surface 108 is perpendicular to both the front surface 101 and the left side surface 103.

[0222] The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, and the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 are disposed on the upper surface 108. The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 is disposed on the left side 103.

[0223] The front side 101 has a first outdoor opening 151 and a second outdoor opening 152. The rear side 102 has a first indoor opening 161, a second indoor opening 162, and a third indoor opening 163. The left side 103 has a refrigerant return opening 165. The bottom side 107 has a refrigerant return opening 165A.

[0224] The first outdoor opening 151 is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The second outdoor opening 152 is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The first indoor opening 161 is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser 30. The second indoor opening 162 is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator 50. The third indoor opening 163 is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator 50. The refrigerant return opening 165A is connected to the inlet of the receiver 80. The refrigerant return opening 165A may be blocked by a cover component, or connected to the downstream end of another refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant circulates via the compressor 20.

[0225] The valve body 100A has a high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110, a first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111, a second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112, a low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120, a first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121, and a second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122, all formed by machining. The high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 is connected to the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 and the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. The low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 is connected to the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 and the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122. A high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 is disposed in the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111. A high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 is disposed in the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. A check valve unit 600 and a low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 are disposed in the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121. The check valve unit 600 is closer to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400. A low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 is configured in the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122.

[0226] Furthermore, the valve body 100A has a pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130. One end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 is connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 that is further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 (the downstream end of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 or a portion near that downstream end). The other end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 is connected to the third indoor side opening 163. A pressure regulating valve unit 700 is disposed in the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130. The pressure regulating valve unit 700 has the same (including substantially the same) function as the pressure regulating valve 70 of the air conditioning unit 1 according to the first embodiment. The pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 forms part of the fourth refrigerant passage 14.

[0227] The pressure regulating valve unit 700 is configured to maintain the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 from the third indoor side opening 163, i.e., the pressure of the refrigerant inside the indoor evaporator 50, at a set value or higher. The pressure regulating valve unit 700 prevents the pressure of the refrigerant inside the indoor evaporator 50 from falling below the set value when the cooling load decreases in cooling mode. The set value is a pressure value set to prevent frost formation on the indoor evaporator 50.

[0228] The pressure regulating valve unit 700 and the valve body 100A together constitute a pressure regulating valve. For example... Figure 36 , Figure 39 As shown, the valve body 100A has an annular valve seat 713 in the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130. The pressure regulating valve unit 700 has a valve core 720 and a bellows 730. The valve core 720 is arranged within the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 in a manner that allows it to move in the refrigerant flow direction (front-back direction). The valve core 720 has an annular valve portion 721. The bellows 730 has a corrugated shape and is expandable and contractible. One end of the bellows 730 is connected to the valve core 720. The other end of the bellows 730 is connected to an adjusting thread 735 for changing the setpoint. The setpoint of the pressure regulating valve unit 700 is determined based on the distance between the adjusting thread 735 and the valve seat 713 (i.e., the degree of compression of the bellows 730).

[0229] When the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 from the third indoor opening 163 is less than the set value, the valve portion 721 of the pressure regulating valve unit 700 contacts the valve seat 713, thereby reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 (or reducing the flow rate to 0).

[0230] When the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 from the third indoor opening 163 is above the set value, the valve section 721 of the pressure regulating valve unit 700 leaves the valve seat 713, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130.

[0231] As described above, the valve device 10A of the air conditioning unit 1A involved in this embodiment includes a valve body 100A, a high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, a high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300, a low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, a low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500, a check valve unit 600, and a pressure regulating valve unit 700. The valve body 100A includes a high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110, a first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 and a second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110, a low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120, a first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 and a second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120, and a pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130. The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 can change the passage area of ​​the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 without steps. The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 can open and close the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112. The low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 can change the passage area of ​​the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 without steps. The low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 can open and close the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122. The check valve unit 600 is disposed in the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 closer to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400. The check valve unit 600 allows refrigerant to flow from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 to the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 and prevents refrigerant from flowing from the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120. The second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 112 connects the portion between the check valve unit 600 and the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400 in the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 and the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121. One end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 is connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 that is further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500. The pressure regulating valve unit 700 is configured to be disposed in the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 to maintain the refrigerant pressure at the other end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130 at a set value or higher.

[0232] Furthermore, the valve body 100A has a front surface 101 and a back surface 102 arranged in parallel with each other, a left side surface 103 and a right side surface 104 arranged in parallel with each other, and an upper surface 108 and a bottom surface 107 arranged in parallel with each other. The left side surface 103 is perpendicular to the front surface 101. The upper surface 108 is perpendicular to the front surface 101 and the left side surface 103. The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200, the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, and the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 are disposed on the upper surface 108. The high-pressure side on / off valve unit 300 is disposed on the left side surface 103. The front surface 101 has a first outdoor opening 151 connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 and a second outdoor opening 152 connected to a portion of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 111 that is further away from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110 than the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200. The rear surface 102 has a first indoor opening 161 connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage 110, a second indoor opening 162 connected to a portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 121 further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 400, and a third indoor opening 163 connected to the other end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage 130. The left side surface 103 has a refrigerant return opening 165 connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500. The bottom surface 107 has a refrigerant return opening 165A connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage 122 further away from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage 120 than the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500. The first outdoor opening 151 is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The second outdoor opening 152 is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 40. The first indoor opening 161 is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser 30. The second indoor opening 162 is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator 50. The third indoor opening 163 is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator 50. The refrigerant return opening 165A is connected to the inlet of the receiver 80.

[0233] The air conditioning device 1A and valve device 10A involved in the second embodiment can also achieve the same (including substantially the same) effects as the air conditioning device 1 and valve device 10 involved in the first embodiment.

[0234] Figure 41 , Figure 42 The valve device 10B shown is a variation of the valve device 10A described above.

[0235] Valve assembly 10B includes valve assembly 10A and receiver 80. In valve assembly 10B, the inlet of receiver 80 is directly connected to the refrigerant return opening 165A of valve assembly 10A, and receiver 80 is fixed to valve body 100A. Receiver 80 has a cylindrical shape. The inlet of receiver 80 is located at the top. The outlet of receiver 80 is connected to the inlet of compressor 20. Valve assembly 10B eliminates the need for piping connecting to receiver 80. In air conditioning unit 1A, valve assembly 10B can also replace valve assembly 10A and receiver 80. This suppresses refrigerant pressure loss in air conditioning unit 1A and reduces the amount of refrigerant used in air conditioning unit 1A.

[0236] (Third Embodiment)

[0237] The following is for reference Figures 43-48 The valve device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0238] Figures 43-46 These are perspective views, further perspective views, front views, and top views of the valve device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 47 It is along Figure 46 A sectional view along line A3-A3. Figure 48 It is along Figure 45 The cross-sectional view along line B3-B3. In each drawing, the X direction indicated by arrow X is the left-right direction (horizontal), the Y direction indicated by arrow Y is the front-back direction, and the Z direction indicated by arrow Z is the up-down direction. The side with the "X" in arrow X is the right side, the side with the "Y" in arrow Y is the rear side, and the side with the "Z" in arrow Z is the top side.

[0239] like Figures 43-48 As shown, the valve device 10C involved in the third embodiment has a valve body 100C, a first on / off valve unit 800, and a second on / off valve unit 900.

[0240] The valve body 100C is formed, for example, by extruding aluminum alloy. The valve body 100C has a cuboid shape. The valve body 100C has a front surface 101, a back surface 102, a left side surface 103, a right side surface 104, a top surface 108, and a bottom surface 107. Each surface is planar. The front surface 101 and the back surface 102 are arranged parallel to each other. The left side surface 103 and the right side surface 104 are arranged parallel to each other. The left side surface 103 is perpendicular to the front surface 101. The top surface 108 and the bottom surface 107 are perpendicular to the front surface 101 and the left side surface 103 and are arranged parallel to each other. The top surface 108 is perpendicular to the front surface 101 and the left side surface 103. The valve body 100C has a threaded hole 109 extending from the left side surface 103 to the right side surface 104.

[0241] The front surface 101 has an inlet opening 171. The bottom surface 107 has a first outlet opening 181 and a second outlet opening 182.

[0242] The valve body 100C has multiple refrigerant passages formed by machining. Specifically, the valve body 100C has a main refrigerant passage 140, a first branch refrigerant passage 141, and a second branch refrigerant passage 142.

[0243] The main refrigerant passage 140 is connected to the inlet opening 171. Furthermore, the main refrigerant passage 140 is connected to the first branch refrigerant passage 141 and the second branch refrigerant passage 142. Refrigerant flows from the main refrigerant passage 140 to the first branch refrigerant passage 141 and the second branch refrigerant passage 142.

[0244] A first on / off valve unit 800 is provided in the first branch refrigerant passage 141. The portion of the first branch refrigerant passage 141 that is further away from the main refrigerant passage 140 than the first on / off valve unit 800 (the downstream end of the first branch refrigerant passage 141) is connected to the first outlet opening 181. The first on / off valve unit 800 is a first valve unit.

[0245] A second on / off valve unit 900 is provided in the second branch refrigerant passage 142. The portion of the second branch refrigerant passage 142 that is further away from the main refrigerant passage 140 than the second on / off valve unit 900 (the downstream end of the second branch refrigerant passage 142) is connected to the second outlet opening 182. The second on / off valve unit 900 is a second valve unit.

[0246] The first on / off valve unit 800 is disposed on the upper surface 108 near the front surface 101. The first on / off valve unit 800 is capable of opening and closing the first branch refrigerant passage 141 (i.e., capable of changing the passage area to 0 or greater than 0).

[0247] The first on / off valve unit 800, together with the valve body 100C, constitutes a pilot-operated on / off valve. For example... Figure 47 , Figure 48 As shown, the valve body 100C has a main valve chamber 811, a main valve port 812 opening in the main valve chamber 811, and a main valve seat 813 surrounding the main valve port 812. The main valve chamber 811 and the main valve port 812 are configured in series with a first branch refrigerant passage 141. The main valve chamber 811 and the main valve port 812 substantially constitute a part of the first branch refrigerant passage 141. In the first branch refrigerant passage 141, the main valve chamber 811 is closer to the main refrigerant passage 140 than the main valve port 812. In this embodiment, the main valve chamber 811 is directly connected to the main refrigerant passage 140.

[0248] The first on / off valve unit 800 includes a main valve core 820 and a valve core drive section 830. The main valve core 820 and the valve core drive section 830 have the same (including substantially the same) structure as the main valve core 520 and the valve core drive section 530 of the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 of the first embodiment, so detailed description is omitted.

[0249] The second on / off valve unit 900 is disposed on the upper surface 108 near the back surface 102. The second on / off valve unit 900 is capable of opening and closing the second branch refrigerant passage 142 (i.e., capable of changing the passage area to 0 or greater than 0).

[0250] The second on / off valve unit 900, together with the valve body 100C, constitutes a pilot-operated on / off valve. For example... Figure 48 As shown, the valve body 100C has a main valve chamber 911, a main valve port 912 opening in the main valve chamber 911, and a main valve seat 913 surrounding the main valve port 912. The main valve chamber 911 and the main valve port 912 are configured in series with a second branch refrigerant passage 142. The main valve chamber 911 and the main valve port 912 substantially constitute a part of the second branch refrigerant passage 142. In the second branch refrigerant passage 142, the main valve chamber 911 is closer to the main refrigerant passage 140 than the main valve port 912. In this embodiment, the main valve chamber 911 is directly connected to the main refrigerant passage 140.

[0251] The second on / off valve unit 900 includes a main valve core 920 and a valve core drive section 930. The main valve core 920 and the valve core drive section 930 have the same (including substantially the same) structure as the main valve core 520 and the valve core drive section 530 of the low-pressure side on / off valve unit 500 of the first embodiment, therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0252] The valve device 10C in the third embodiment can also achieve the same (including substantially the same) effect as the valve device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0253] The valve device 10C described above has two on / off valve units, but the valve device 10C may also have three or more valve units. In the valve device 10C, a flow regulating valve unit like the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit 200 of the first embodiment may be used instead of one or both on / off valve units.

[0254] In this specification, the terms "cylinder," "cylindrical," etc., are also used for parts or parts that substantially have the shape of that term. For example, "cylindrical-shaped part" includes both cylindrical-shaped parts and parts that are substantially cylindrical.

[0255] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Any additions, deletions, or design changes to the constituent elements of the above embodiments, or appropriate combinations of the features of the embodiments, made by those skilled in the art, are included within the scope of the present invention as long as they do not violate its spirit.

[0256] Symbol Explanation

[0257] (First embodiment, Second embodiment):

[0258] 1···Air conditioning unit, 1A···Air conditioning unit, 10···Valve device, 10A···Valve device, 10B···Valve device, 11···First refrigerant passage, 12···Second refrigerant passage, 13···Third refrigerant passage, 14···Fourth refrigerant passage, 15···Bypass passage, 20···Compressor, 30···Indoor condenser, 40···Outdoor heat exchanger, 50···Indoor evaporator, 70···Pressure regulating valve, 80···Liquid receiver, 100···Valve body, 100A···Valve body, 101···Front view, 102···Rear view, 103···Left side, 104···Right side, 105···First upper surface, 106··· ··Second upper surface, 107···Bottom surface, 108···Upper surface, 110···High-pressure side main refrigerant passage, 111···First high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage, 112···Second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage, 120···Low-pressure side main refrigerant passage, 121···First low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage, 122···Second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage, 130···Pressure regulating refrigerant passage, 151···First outdoor opening, 152···Second outdoor opening, 161···First indoor opening, 162···Second indoor opening, 163···Third indoor opening, 165···Refrigerant return opening, 165A···Refrigerant return opening 200···High-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, 200A···High-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, 210···House, 211···Valve chamber, 212···Valve port, 220···Valve core, 221···Valve stem, 222···Valve section, 223···Spring support, 224···Ball support, 230···Valve core drive section, 240···Cage, 242···Drive shaft support component, 242a···Internal thread, 244···Valve core support component, 244a···Valve core support hole, 246···Opening spring, 250···House, 251···Annular component, 260···Rotor, 262···Connecting component, 263···Rotor shaft, 2 70···Planetary gear mechanism, 271···Fixed gear ring, 272···Sun gear, 273···Planetary gear, 274···Planetary gear carrier, 275···Output gear, 276···Output shaft, 276a···Slit, 282···Drive shaft, 282a···External thread, 282b···Plate section, 284···Ball, 290···Stator unit, 300···High-pressure side on / off valve unit, 311···Main valve chamber, 312···Main valve port, 313···Main valve seat, 314···Back pressure chamber, 320···Main valve core, 325···Pilot passage, 326···Equalizing passage, 330···Valve core drive section, 331···Fixed iron core,331a···Large-diameter cylindrical section, 331b···Small-diameter cylindrical section, 332···Housing, 333···Plunger, 333a···Through hole, 334···Solenoid coil, 335···Pilot valve core, 335a···Pilot valve section, 336···Spring receiving component, 337···Valve opening spring, 338···First plunger spring, 339···Second plunger spring, 400···Low-pressure side flow control valve unit, 411···Valve chamber, 412···Valve port, 420···Valve core, 430···Valve core drive unit, 500···Low-pressure side on / off valve unit, 511···Main valve chamber, 512···Main valve port, 513···Main valve seat, 514···Back pressure chamber, 520···Main valve core, 521···Main body, 522···Upper flange 523···Lower flange portion, 525···Pilot passage, 526···Equalizing passage, 530···Valve core drive portion, 531···Fixed iron core, 531a···Large diameter cylindrical portion, 531b···Small diameter cylindrical portion, 532···Housing, 533···Plunger, 534···Solenoid coil, 535···Pilot valve core, 535a···Pilot valve portion, 536··· ··Valve shaft, 537···Opening spring, 538···Plunger spring, 600···Check valve unit, 613···Valve seat, 620···Valve core, 621···Valve section, 630···Closing spring, 700···Pressure regulating valve unit, 713···Valve seat, 720···Valve core, 721···Valve section, 730···Bellbell, 735···Adjusting threaded parts.

[0259] (Third embodiment):

[0260] 10C···Valve assembly, 100C···Valve body, 101···Front side, 102···Rear side, 103···Left side, 104···Right side, 107···Bottom side, 108···Top surface, 109···Threaded hole, 140···Main refrigerant passage, 141···First branch refrigerant passage, 142···Second branch refrigerant passage, 171···Inlet opening, 181···... 182··· Second outlet opening, 800··· First on / off valve unit, 811··· Main valve chamber, 812··· Main valve port, 813··· Main valve seat, 820··· Main valve core, 830··· Valve core drive unit, 900··· Second on / off valve unit, 911··· Main valve chamber, 912··· Main valve port, 913··· Main valve seat, 920··· Main valve core, 930··· Valve core drive unit.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized by having: a valve main body having a plurality of refrigerant passages; and a plurality of valve units installed to the valve main body, the plurality of refrigerant passages including: a high-pressure-side main refrigerant passage; a first high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage and a second high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage connected to the high-pressure-side main refrigerant passage; a low-pressure-side main refrigerant passage; and a first low-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage and a second low-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage connected to the low-pressure-side main refrigerant passage, the plurality of valve units including: a high-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit capable of changing a passage area of the first high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage; a high-pressure-side opening / closing valve unit capable of opening and closing the second high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage; a low-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit capable of changing a passage area of the first low-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage; a low-pressure-side opening / closing valve unit capable of opening and closing the second low-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage; and a check valve unit disposed in the first low-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage at a position closer to the low-pressure-side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit, the check valve unit permitting flow of refrigerant from the low-pressure-side main refrigerant passage to the low-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit and inhibiting flow of refrigerant from the low-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit to the low-pressure-side main refrigerant passage, the second high-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage connecting the high-pressure-side main refrigerant passage with a position in the first low-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage between the check valve unit and the low-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit, the plurality of refrigerant passages including a pressure regulating refrigerant passage, the plurality of valve units including a pressure regulating valve unit disposed in the pressure regulating refrigerant passage, one end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage being connected to a position in the second low-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage farther from the low-pressure-side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure-side opening / closing valve unit, the pressure regulating valve unit being configured to maintain a pressure of refrigerant at the other end of the pressure regulating refrigerant passage at a set value or more.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the valve device further has a reservoir installed to the valve main body and separating refrigerant into a gas phase and a liquid phase, an inlet of the reservoir being connected to a position in the second low-pressure-side branch refrigerant passage farther from the low-pressure-side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure-side opening / closing valve unit.

3. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the valve main body has a front surface and a back surface disposed parallel to each other, a left side surface and a right side surface disposed parallel to each other, and an upper surface and a bottom surface disposed parallel to each other, the left side surface is at a right angle with respect to the front surface, the upper surface is at a right angle with respect to the front surface and the left side surface, the high-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit, the low-pressure-side flow rate adjusting valve unit, and the low-pressure-side opening / closing valve unit are disposed on the upper surface, The high-pressure side on-off valve unit is arranged on the left side surface, The front surface has a first outdoor-side opening connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage and a second outdoor-side opening connected to a portion of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage farther from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the high-pressure side flow rate adjusting valve unit, The back surface has a first indoor-side opening connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage, a second indoor-side opening connected to a portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage farther from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side flow rate adjusting valve unit, and a third indoor-side opening connected to the other end of the pressure-adjusting refrigerant passage, The left side surface or the bottom surface has a refrigerant return opening connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage farther from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side on-off valve unit. has:

4. A valve device characterized by comprising: a valve body having a plurality of refrigerant passages; and a plurality of valve units installed to the valve body, The plurality of refrigerant passages includes: a high-pressure side main refrigerant passage; a first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage and a second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage; a low-pressure side main refrigerant passage; and a first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage and a second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage, The plurality of valve units includes: a high-pressure side flow rate adjusting valve unit capable of changing a passage area of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage; a high-pressure side on-off valve unit capable of opening and closing the second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage; a low-pressure side flow rate adjusting valve unit capable of changing a passage area of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage; a low-pressure side on-off valve unit capable of opening and closing the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage; and a check valve unit arranged at a portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage closer to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side flow rate adjusting valve unit, The check valve unit allows a flow of refrigerant from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage to the low-pressure side flow rate adjusting valve unit and prohibits a flow of refrigerant from the low-pressure side flow rate adjusting valve unit to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage, The second high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage connects the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage to a portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage between the check valve unit and the low-pressure side flow rate adjusting valve unit, The valve body has a front surface and a back surface arranged parallel to each other, a left side surface and a right side surface arranged parallel to each other, and an upper surface and a bottom surface arranged parallel to each other, The left side surface is at a right angle with respect to the front surface, The upper surface is at a right angle with respect to the front surface and the left side surface, ​ The high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, and the low-pressure side opening / closing valve unit are arranged on the upper surface, The high-pressure side opening / closing valve unit is arranged on the left side surface, The front surface has a first outdoor-side opening connected to the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage and a second outdoor-side opening connected to a portion of the first high-pressure side branch refrigerant passage farther from the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the high-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, The back surface has a first indoor-side opening connected to the high-pressure side main refrigerant passage and a second indoor-side opening connected to a portion of the first low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage farther from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side flow regulating valve unit, The left side surface or the bottom surface has a refrigerant return opening connected to a portion of the second low-pressure side branch refrigerant passage farther from the low-pressure side main refrigerant passage than the low-pressure side opening / closing valve unit.

5. An air conditioning apparatus characterized by comprising: has: a compressor, an indoor condenser, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor evaporator, a liquid reservoir, and the valve device of claim 4, an outlet of the compressor is connected to an inlet of the indoor condenser, an inlet of the compressor is connected to an outlet of the liquid reservoir, the first outdoor-side opening is connected to an outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, the second outdoor-side opening is connected to an inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, the first indoor-side opening is connected to an outlet of the indoor condenser, the second indoor-side opening is connected to an inlet of the indoor evaporator, the refrigerant return opening is connected to an inlet of the liquid reservoir.

6. An air conditioning apparatus characterized by comprising: has: a compressor, an indoor condenser, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor evaporator, a liquid reservoir, and the valve device of claim 3, an outlet of the compressor is connected to an inlet of the indoor condenser, an inlet of the compressor is connected to an outlet of the liquid reservoir, the first outdoor-side opening is connected to an outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, the second outdoor-side opening is connected to an inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger, the first indoor-side opening is connected to an outlet of the indoor condenser, the second indoor-side opening is connected to an inlet of the indoor evaporator, the third indoor-side opening is connected to an outlet of the indoor evaporator, the refrigerant return opening is connected to an inlet of the liquid reservoir.

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