Refrigerant distribution device

Abstract

The refrigerant distribution device disclosed herein includes: a first refrigerant pipe for connection to a refrigerant pipe extending from an outdoor unit; a plurality of second refrigerant pipes for connection to refrigerant pipes extending from a plurality of indoor units; a plurality of solenoid valves respectively disposed on at least two or more second refrigerant pipes; a control unit having a first terminal portion for connection to a plurality of wiring extending from the plurality of solenoid valves and a second terminal portion for connection to wiring extending from the outdoor unit; and a housing, wherein the first refrigerant pipe has: a first connection portion capable of connecting to a refrigerant pipe extending from the outdoor unit from one side of the housing in a first direction, and a second connection portion capable of connecting to a refrigerant pipe extending from the outdoor unit from the other side of the housing in the first direction, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion being disposed at different positions relative to each other in the first direction, the control unit being mounted to be detachable relative to the housing, and being mounted on the housing in a state where it has been rotated 180° about an axis extending along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerant distribution device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a refrigerant circuit unit that distributes refrigerant from an outdoor unit to multiple indoor units. In the refrigerant circuit unit of Patent Document 1, connecting pipes extend from both sides of the main body housing in the left-right direction. The piping extending from the outdoor unit is connected to the connecting pipe extending from one of the two sides of the main body housing in the left-right direction, depending on the positional relationship between the outdoor unit and the refrigerant circuit unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-174424

[0004] In the refrigerant circuit unit described above, there are cases where multiple solenoid valves and a control unit that controls these solenoid valves are installed, and wiring extending from the outdoor unit is connected to this control unit. In this case, it is difficult to connect the wiring extending from the outdoor unit to the control unit according to the relative position of the outdoor unit and the refrigerant circuit unit. Therefore, it is difficult to perform the operation of connecting the outdoor unit relative to the refrigerant circuit unit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide a refrigerant distribution device with a structure that improves the operability of connecting to an outdoor unit.

[0006] One embodiment of the refrigerant distribution device disclosed herein is as follows: It is installed in an air conditioner and distributes refrigerant from an outdoor unit to multiple indoor units. The refrigerant distribution device includes a first refrigerant pipe for connection to a refrigerant pipe extending from the outdoor unit; multiple second refrigerant pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe and respectively connected to refrigerant pipes extending from the multiple indoor units; multiple solenoid valves respectively installed on at least two of the multiple second refrigerant pipes; a control unit having: a first terminal portion for connection to multiple wiring extending from the multiple solenoid valves, and a second terminal portion for connection to wiring extending from the outdoor unit; and a housing that houses the first solenoid valve. At least a portion of the refrigerant piping, at least a portion of the plurality of second refrigerant piping, the plurality of solenoid valves, and the control unit are housed internally. The first refrigerant piping has: a first connection portion capable of connecting a refrigerant piping extending from the outdoor unit from one side of the housing in a first direction; and a second connection portion capable of connecting a refrigerant piping extending from the outdoor unit from the other side of the housing in the first direction. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are disposed at different positions relative to each other in the first direction. The control unit is mounted to be detachable relative to the housing and can be mounted on the housing while being rotated 180° about an axis extending along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0007] According to this disclosure, the operability of connecting the outdoor unit to the refrigerant distribution device can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified structure of an air conditioner equipped with the refrigerant distribution device described in the embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment, and it is from the perspective of... Figure 2 A diagram showing the refrigerant distribution device viewed from different angles.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment as viewed from the width direction.

[0012] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a portion of the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment, viewed from above.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment, and a diagram showing the refrigerant distribution device in its state after the control cover is removed.

[0015] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment, and a diagram showing the refrigerant distribution device in its state after the control cover and control unit are removed.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the base component in the implementation method.

[0017] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment, and it shows the refrigerant distribution device in the embodiment. Figure 7 The diagram shows the state in which the control unit is rotated 180° around the axis and installed behind the housing. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and modifications can be made freely within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the following drawings, for ease of understanding of each structure, there are instances where the proportions and quantities in each structure differ from the proportions and quantities in the actual structure.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified structure of an air conditioner 100 equipped with the refrigerant distribution device 30 in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 10, multiple indoor units 20, and a refrigerant distribution device 30. The multiple indoor units 20 are disposed inside room R. The outdoor unit 10 is disposed outside room R. The multiple indoor units 20 are connected to one outdoor unit 10 via the refrigerant distribution device 30. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The diagram shows a configuration of multiple indoor units 20 within a room R, but is not limited to this. Multiple indoor units 20 can also be configured in different rooms R.

[0020] The refrigerant distribution device 30 can connect to multiple indoor units 20 relative to one outdoor unit 10. In this embodiment, the refrigerant distribution device 30 can connect to up to eight indoor units 20 relative to one outdoor unit 10. The refrigerant distribution device 30 is connected to two refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10, and two refrigerant pipes 21a and 21b extending from each of the multiple indoor units 20. The refrigerant distribution device 30 is, for example, installed in the ceiling of room R.

[0021] The refrigerant distribution device 30 is a device that distributes refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 to multiple indoor units 20. Examples of refrigerants include fluorinated refrigerants or hydrocarbon refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP). The refrigerant flows from one of the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10 to the refrigerant distribution device 30, and then branches off from the refrigerant distribution device 30 to the multiple indoor units 20. The refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant distribution device 30 to each indoor unit 20 passes through one of the refrigerant pipes 21a and 21b to reach the indoor unit 20, and then passes through the other of the refrigerant pipes 21a and 21b to return to the refrigerant distribution device 30. The refrigerant returning to the refrigerant distribution device 30 passes through the other of the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b to return to the outdoor unit 10. In this way, the refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 10 and the multiple indoor units 20 via the refrigerant distribution device 30.

[0022] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown in the following figures. The directions along each axis are defined, and the various parts of the refrigerant distribution device 30 are described. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the "depth direction X". The direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the "width direction Y". The direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the "height direction Z". The depth direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are mutually orthogonal. The side towards which the arrow of the X-axis in the depth direction X points (+X side) is called the "depth direction side", and the opposite side (-X side) is called the "depth direction other side". The side towards which the arrow of the Y-axis in the width direction Y points (+Y side) is called the "width direction side", and the opposite side (-Y side) is called the "width direction other side". The side towards which the arrow of the Z-axis in the height direction Z points (+Z side) is called the "upper side", and the opposite side (-Z side) is called the "lower side".

[0023] In this embodiment, the width direction Y corresponds to the "first direction," and the depth direction X corresponds to the "second direction." One side of the width direction (+Y side) corresponds to the "one side of the first direction," and the other side of the width direction (-Y side) corresponds to the "other side of the first direction." The depth direction X, width direction Y, and height direction Z are merely names used to describe the relative positional relationships of the various parts of the refrigerant distribution device 30, and do not limit the orientation of the refrigerant distribution device 30.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the refrigerant distribution device 30. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the refrigerant distribution device 30, and it is from the perspective of... Figure 2 A diagram of the refrigerant distribution device 30 viewed from different directions. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the refrigerant distribution device 30 viewed from one side (+Y side) in the width direction. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant distribution device 30. Figure 6 This is a view of a portion of the refrigerant distribution device 30 from above. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant distribution device 30, and also a view showing the refrigerant distribution device 30 after the control cover 43 (described later) has been removed. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant distribution device 30, and also a view showing the refrigerant distribution device 30 after the control unit cover 43 and control unit 80 (described later) have been removed.

[0025] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the refrigerant distribution device 30 is a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is flat in the height direction Z and relatively long in the width direction Y. The refrigerant distribution device 30, for example, makes... Figures 2 to 4 The posture shown is reversed in the height direction Z and fixed to the floor slab, etc. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant distribution device 30 includes a housing 40, a heat insulation component 50, a first refrigerant pipe 61, a plurality of second refrigerant pipes 62, and a control unit 80. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerant distribution device 30 is equipped with multiple solenoid valves 70.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 40 is a generally rectangular box-shaped structure that is flat in the height direction Z and relatively long in the width direction Y. The housing 40 houses the heat insulation component 50, a portion of the first refrigerant piping 61, a portion of the second refrigerant piping 62, a plurality of solenoid valves 70, and a control unit 80. The housing 40 has an opening on the opposite side (-X side) in the depth direction. Figure 5 As shown, the housing 40 includes a lower panel 41, an upper panel 42, a control unit cover 43, and a pair of side panels (sidewalls) 44 and 45. The lower panel 41, upper panel 42, control unit cover 43, and the pair of side panels 44 and 45 are independent separate parts. The lower panel 41, upper panel 42, control unit cover 43, and the pair of side panels 44 and 45 are each manufactured by machining metal plate parts.

[0027] The lower panel 41 and the upper panel 42 are generally rectangular plates with their surfaces facing the height direction Z and longer in the width direction Y. The lower panel 41 forms the lower wall of the housing 40. The upper panel 42 is located separately on the upper side of the portion of the lower panel 41 on the other side (-X side) in the depth direction.

[0028] The control unit cover 43 has a first cover portion 43a and a second cover portion 43b. The first cover portion 43a is a generally rectangular plate with its surface facing the height direction Z and longer in the width direction Y. Figure 3 As shown, the first cover portion 43a is connected to one side (+X side) of the upper panel 42 in the depth direction. The edge of the other side (-X side) of the first cover portion 43a in the depth direction overlaps the upper side of the edge of one side of the upper panel 42 in the depth direction. The upper panel 42 and the first cover portion 43a constitute the upper wall of the housing 40. The first cover portion 43a covers the control portion 80 from above.

[0029] The second cover 43b protrudes downward from the edge of the first cover 43a on one side (+X side) in the depth direction. The second cover 43b is a generally rectangular plate with its surface facing the depth direction X and longer in the width direction Y. The second cover 43b forms a wall portion on one side of the housing 40 in the depth direction. The second cover 43b covers the control section 80 from one side in the depth direction. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the control cover 43 is designed to be removable.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, the pair of side panels 44 and 45 are generally rectangular plates with their surfaces facing the width direction Y and longer in the depth direction X. In this embodiment, the pair of side panels 44 and 45 correspond to a pair of sidewall portions located on both sides of the housing 40 in the width direction Y. Side panel 44 is a sidewall portion on one side (+Y side) of the housing 40 in the width direction. Side panel 45 is a sidewall portion on the other side (-Y side) of the housing 40 in the width direction. Side panel 44 has a through hole 44a extending through side panel 44 in the width direction Y. Side panel 45 has a through hole 45a extending through side panel 45 in the width direction Y. The through holes 44a and 45a are rectangular holes provided in the portion of each side panel 44 and 45 on the other side (-X side) in the depth direction. The through holes 44a and 45a open on the lower side.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the side panel 44 has a plurality of wiring holes 47 extending through the side panel 44 in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, eight wiring holes 47 are provided. The wiring holes 47 are holes through which wiring cables 12a and 12b extending from the outdoor unit 10 can pass, and holes through which wiring cables 22 extending from the indoor unit 20 can pass. A cap member 46 is installed in each wiring hole 47. The cap member 46 is, for example, made of rubber. Each cap member 46 blocks each wiring hole 47. A cross-shaped slit 46a is provided in the cap member 46 installed in the wiring holes 47 through which wiring cables 12a, 12b, and 22 pass. Figure 4 Six of the eight cap components 46 are provided with slits 46a. For example... Figure 8As shown, the side panel 45 also has a plurality of wiring holes 47, just like the side panel 44.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, the heat insulation component 50 is located inside the housing 40. The heat insulation component 50 is a generally rectangular box-shaped component that houses a portion of the first refrigerant pipe 61 and a portion of the second refrigerant pipe 62 inside. The heat insulation component 50 extends along the width direction Y. The heat insulation component 50 is composed of three components: a first component 51, a second component 52, and a third component 53.

[0033] The first component 51 constitutes the lower portion of the heat insulation component 50. The first component 51 is box-shaped with an opening at the top. A retaining recess 51a is provided on the wall of the first component 51 on the other side (-X side) in the depth direction, recessed downward from the upper end of the wall. The retaining recess 51a penetrates the wall of the first component 51 on the other side in the depth direction X. Multiple retaining recesses 51a are provided along the width direction Y. In this embodiment, eight retaining recesses 51a are provided.

[0034] Retaining recesses 51b are provided on both walls of the first component 51 in the width direction Y, recessed downward from the upper end of the wall. Each retaining recess 51b penetrates both walls of the first component 51 in the width direction Y. Two retaining recesses 51b are provided on each wall in the width direction Y, arranged in the depth direction X.

[0035] The second component 52 constitutes the upper portion of the heat insulation component 50. The second component 52 is box-shaped with an opening on its lower side. The second component 52 is fixed to the upper side of the first component 51. The second component 52 has an opening on the other side (-X side) in the depth direction. A gap is provided between the edge portion on the other side of the wall portion in the depth direction of the second component 52 and the height direction Z portion of the wall portion on the other side of the depth direction of the first component 51. The two wall portions in the width direction Y of the second component 52 respectively block the openings on the upper side of the retaining recesses 51b provided in the two wall portions in the width direction Y of the first component 51.

[0036] like Figure 8 As shown, the wall portion on one side (+X side) of the first component 51 in the depth direction is connected to the wall portion on one side of the second component 52 in the depth direction in the height direction Z, forming the wall portion on one side of the heat insulation component 50 in the depth direction. In this embodiment, the wall portion on one side of the heat insulation component 50 in the depth direction is the partition wall portion 54. Figure 6 As shown, the partition wall 54 is located inside the housing 40 between the plurality of solenoid valves 70 and the control unit 80 in the depth direction X.

[0037] The partition wall portion 54 has a first through hole 55 extending through the partition wall portion 54 in the depth direction X. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the first through hole 55 is formed by blocking the opening on the upper side of the recessed portion in the wall of the first component 51 on one side (+X side) in the depth direction with the wall of the second component 52 on one side in the depth direction. Multiple wirings 73 extending from the multiple solenoid valves 70 pass through the first through hole 55. Figure 7 As shown, when viewed along the depth direction X, the center of the first through hole 55 overlaps with the center of the width direction Y of the control unit 80. In this embodiment, an axis AX passing through the center of the width direction Y and the height direction Z of the control unit 80 passes through the first through hole 55. The axis AX is an imaginary axis extending along the depth direction X.

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the third component 53 extends along the width direction Y. The third component 53 is located between the edge portion of the first component 51 on the other side of its depth direction (-X side) and the edge portion of the second component 52 on the other side of its depth direction in the height direction Z. The third component 53 fills the gap between the edge portion of the upper wall portion of the second component 52 on the other side of its depth direction and the wall portion of the first component 51 on the other side of its depth direction in the height direction Z. The third component 53 blocks the upper opening in the retaining recess 51a of the first component 51.

[0039] The third component 53 has a retaining recess 53a recessed downward from its upper end. The retaining recess 53a extends through the third component 53 in the depth direction X. Multiple retaining recesses 53a are provided along the width direction Y. In this embodiment, eight retaining recesses 53a are provided. The opening on the upper side of the retaining recess 53a is blocked by the end of the upper wall of the second component 52 on the other side (-X side) in the depth direction.

[0040] The first refrigerant pipe 61 is a pipe connecting the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10. The first refrigerant pipe 61 extends along the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the first refrigerant pipe 61 is provided with two pipes: a first refrigerant pipe 61a and a first refrigerant pipe 61b. The first refrigerant pipe 61a is a liquid pipe, and the first refrigerant pipe 61b is a gas pipe. For example, refrigerant in a two-phase state (gas and liquid) flows in the first refrigerant pipe 61a. For example, refrigerant in a gaseous state flows in the first refrigerant pipe 61b. The inner diameter of the first refrigerant pipe 61b is larger than the inner diameter of the first refrigerant pipe 61a. The two first refrigerant pipes 61a and 61b are arranged in the depth direction X. The first refrigerant pipe 61b is located on the other side (-X side) of the depth direction of the first refrigerant pipe 61a. The first refrigerant pipes 61a and 61b protrude to both sides of the insulation member 50 in the width direction Y via the retaining recess 51b. The first refrigerant pipes 61a and 61b are held by the retaining recess 51b in the depth direction X and the height direction Z.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, the first refrigerant pipe 61a has a first connecting portion 61c and a second connecting portion 61e. The first refrigerant pipe 61b has a first connecting portion 61d and a second connecting portion 61f. The first connecting portions 61c and 61d are portions that can be connected to the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10 from one side (+Y side) of the width direction of the housing 40. The second connecting portions 61e and 61f are portions that can be connected to the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10 from the other side (-Y side) of the width direction of the housing 40.

[0042] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a refrigerant pipe 11a connected to the first connection portion 61c and a refrigerant pipe 11b connected to the first connection portion 61d. When the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10 are connected to one of the first connection portions 61c and 61d or the second connection portions 61e and 61f, the other connection portion of the first connection portions 61c and 61d or the second connection portions 61e and 61f becomes blocked. That is, in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the second connecting parts 61e and 61f are blocked.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, the first connecting portions 61c and 61d protrude to the outside of the housing 40 through a through hole 44a provided in one of the pair of side panels 44 and 45. In this embodiment, the first connecting portions 61c and 61d protrude from the housing 40 in the width direction (+Y side) through the through hole 44a.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the second connecting portions 61e and 61f protrude to the outside of the housing 40 via a through hole 45a in the other of the pair of side panels 44 and 45. In this embodiment, the second connecting portions 61e and 61f protrude from the housing 40 to the other side (-Y side) in the width direction through the through hole 45a. Thus, in this embodiment, both ends of the first refrigerant pipes 61a and 61b protrude to the outside of the housing 40 in the width direction Y.

[0045] Multiple secondary refrigerant piping 62 are piping that are respectively connected to refrigerant piping 21a, 21b extending from multiple outdoor units 10. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the second refrigerant piping 62 extends along the depth direction X. The plurality of second refrigerant piping 62 includes multiple pairs of second refrigerant piping 62a, 62b. Second refrigerant piping 62a is a liquid pipe, and second refrigerant piping 62b is a gas pipe. Refrigerant flows in, for example, a gas-liquid two-phase state within second refrigerant piping 62a. Refrigerant flows in, for example, a gaseous state within second refrigerant piping 62b. The inner diameter of second refrigerant piping 62b is larger than the inner diameter of second refrigerant piping 62a. In this embodiment, eight pairs of second refrigerant piping 62a, 62b are provided along the width direction Y. That is, in this embodiment, a total of 16 second refrigerant piping 62 are provided.

[0046] The second refrigerant pipe 62a is located above the second refrigerant pipe 62b. Multiple second refrigerant pipes 62a are arranged at intervals in the width direction Y. Multiple second refrigerant pipes 62b are arranged at intervals in the width direction Y, below the multiple second refrigerant pipes 62a. Each of the multiple second refrigerant pipes 62a protrudes from the insulation member 50 to the opposite side (-X side) in the depth direction via a retaining recess 53a. Each of the multiple second refrigerant pipes 62b protrudes from the insulation member 50 to the opposite side in the depth direction via a retaining recess 51a. Each second refrigerant pipe 62a, 62b is held by its respective retaining recess 51a, 53a in the width direction Y and the height direction Z. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of second refrigerant pipes 62a, 62b protrude from the housing 40 through an opening on the other side of the depth direction.

[0047] like Figure 2As shown, a pair of refrigerant pipes 21a and 21b extending from each indoor unit 20 are respectively connected to the ends of each pair of second refrigerant pipes 62a and 62b on the other side (-X side) in the depth direction. Each second refrigerant pipe 62a is connected to a refrigerant pipe 21a. Each second refrigerant pipe 62b is connected to a refrigerant pipe 21b. The second refrigerant pipes 62a are connected to the first refrigerant pipe 61a. Multiple second refrigerant pipes 62b are connected to the first refrigerant pipe 61b.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, multiple solenoid valves 70 are respectively installed in multiple second refrigerant pipes 62a, which serve as liquid pipes. In this embodiment, one solenoid valve 70 is installed in each of the multiple second refrigerant pipes 62a. That is, in this embodiment, a total of 8 solenoid valves 70 are installed. In addition, no solenoid valves 70 are installed in the multiple second refrigerant pipes 62b, which serve as gas pipes.

[0049] Each solenoid valve 70 can open and close the interior of its respective second refrigerant piping 62a. The opening degree of each solenoid valve 70 is controlled by the control unit 80. In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 70 is a linear expansion valve (LEV). By using each solenoid valve 70, the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in each second refrigerant piping 62a can be reduced. By controlling the opening degree of each solenoid valve 70, the amount of refrigerant flowing to each indoor unit 20 can be adjusted.

[0050] Wiring 73 extends from multiple solenoid valves 70. The multiple wiring 73, bundled together to form wiring bundle 73a, are pulled out from the heat insulation member 50 into the depth direction (+X side) via the first through hole 55. The multiple wiring 73 are electrically connected to the control unit 80. Signals and power are input from the control unit 80 to each solenoid valve 70 via each wiring 73.

[0051] The control unit 80 controls multiple solenoid valves 70. For example... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 80 extends along the width direction Y. The control unit 80 is disposed opposite to the partition wall 54 on one side (+X side) in the depth direction. Details will follow, but the mounting orientation of the control unit 80 relative to the housing 40 can be changed. In the following description of the various parts of the control unit 80, unless otherwise specified, the control unit 80 will be referred to as... Figure 7 The following explanation describes the case where the device is installed in the orientation shown in the diagram, specifically in the housing 40. Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 80 includes a base component 81, a holding component 82, a substrate assembly 83, a second terminal component 84, a clamping component 85, and a connecting wiring 86.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the base component 81. The base component 81 extends along the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the base component 81 is manufactured by machining a metal plate component. The base component 81 has a main body portion 81a and protruding wall portions 81b, 81c, 81d, and 81e. The main body portion 81a is a rectangular plate with its surface facing the depth direction X and being longer in the width direction Y. The protruding wall portion 81b protrudes from the upper edge of the main body portion 81a to the other side (-X side) in the depth direction. The protruding wall portion 81c protrudes from the lower edge of the main body portion 81a to the other side in the depth direction. The protruding wall portions 81b and 81c are rectangular plates with their surfaces facing the height direction Z and being longer in the width direction Y. The protruding wall portions 81b are arranged overlapping on the upper side of the edge of the upper plate 42 on the depth direction side (+X side). Figure 2 As shown, on the upper side of the protruding wall portion 81b, the edge portion of the first cover portion 43a in the control cover 43 is overlapped on the other side in the depth direction.

[0053] like Figure 9 As shown, a bolt hole 81h is provided in the protruding wall portion 81b, penetrating the protruding wall portion 81b in the height direction Z. Three bolt holes 81h are provided at intervals in the width direction Y. (As shown...) Figure 2 As shown, cutouts 43d are provided in the portion of the edge of the first cover portion 43a on the other side (-X side) in the depth direction that overlaps with the bolt holes 81h in the height direction Z. The periphery of each bolt hole 81h and each bolt hole 81h in the protruding wall portion 81b is exposed on the upper side of the housing 40 via each cutout 43d. (Illustration omitted) In the protruding wall portion 81c, three bolt holes 81h are also provided in the same manner as in the protruding wall portion 81b.

[0054] like Figure 9 As shown, an internally threaded hole 81i is provided in the protruding wall portion 81b, penetrating the protruding wall portion 81b in the height direction Z. Two internally threaded holes 81i are provided in the width direction Y, spaced three bolt holes 81h apart. The two internally threaded holes 81i are respectively provided at both ends of the protruding wall portion 81b in the width direction Y. A bolt passing from the top is tightened in the internally threaded hole 81i and in the bolt hole 43c provided in the first cover portion 43a on the edge portion on the other side (-X side) in the depth direction. Thus, a control cover 43 is fixed to the base member 81. (Illustration omitted, but two internally threaded holes 81i are also provided in the protruding wall portion 81c, similar to those in the protruding wall portion 81b.)

[0055] The protruding wall portion 81d protrudes from the edge of the main body portion 81a on one side (+Y side) in the width direction to the other side (-X side) in the depth direction. The protruding wall portion 81e protrudes from the edge of the main body portion 81a on the other side (-Y side) in the width direction to the other side in the depth direction. The protruding wall portions 81d and 81e are rectangular plates with their surface facing the width direction Y and longer in the height direction Z.

[0056] An internally threaded hole 81j is provided in the protruding wall portion 81d, extending through the protruding wall portion 81d in the width direction Y. Three internally threaded holes 81j are provided at intervals in the height direction Z. The figure is omitted, but in the protruding wall portion 81e, three internally threaded holes 81j are also provided in the same manner as in the protruding wall portion 81d.

[0057] The base component 81 is mounted with multiple bolts so that it can be attached to and detached from the housing 40. Thus, the control unit 80 is mounted so that it can be attached to and detached from the housing 40. Specifically, the base component 81 is secured to the housing 40 by three bolts that are tightened from the top through bolt holes 81h into internally threaded holes provided on the edge of the upper plate 42 in the depth direction (+X side), and by six bolts that are tightened through bolt holes provided on the side panels 44 and 45 into internally threaded holes 81j.

[0058] The base component 81 has a second through hole 81f that penetrates the base component 81 in the depth direction X. The second through hole 81f is provided in the portion of the main body 81a on the other side (-Y side) in the width direction. In this embodiment, the second through hole 81f is an elongated oval shape that is longer in the height direction Z. Figure 8 As shown, multiple wirings 73 extending from multiple solenoid valves 70 pass through the second through hole 81f.

[0059] like Figure 9 As shown, the base component 81 has a mounting hole 81g that penetrates the base component 81 in the depth direction X. The mounting hole 81g is provided in the portion of the main body 81a on the other side (-Y side) in the width direction. The mounting hole 81g is located on the side (+Y side) in the width direction, which is closer to the second through hole 81f. The mounting hole 81g is a rectangular hole that is longer in the height direction Z. The mounting hole 81g protrudes to both sides in the height direction Z than the second through hole 81f.

[0060] like Figure 8As shown, the retaining member 82 is a component of the substrate assembly 83. The retaining member 82 extends along the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the retaining member 82 is a resin component. The retaining member 82 is disposed opposite to the base member 81 on one side (+X side) in the depth direction. The retaining member 82 is fixed to the center portion in the width direction Y of the surface on the depth side of the main body portion 81a. The retaining member 82 is located on the width direction side (+Y side) closer to the second through hole 81f. The end of the retaining member 82 on the other side (-Y side) in the width direction covers the mounting hole 81g from the depth direction side.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, at the end of the retaining member 82 on the other side (-Y side) in the width direction, a pair of claw portions 82a are provided, extending from one side (+X side) in the depth direction to the other side (-X side) in the depth direction through the mounting hole 81g. The pair of claw portions 82a hook from the other side in the depth direction onto the edge portion of the mounting hole 81g on the other side in the width direction of the surface of the main body 81a. The retaining member 82 is hooked onto the edge portion of the mounting hole 81g by the pair of claw portions 82a, and the end of the retaining member 82 on the width direction side (+Y side) is fixed to the base member 81 by bolts.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the substrate assembly 83 includes a substrate 83a, a first terminal portion 83b, a third terminal portion 83c, and a fourth terminal portion 83d. The substrate 83a is a rectangular plate with its surface facing the depth direction X and longer in the width direction Y. The substrate 83a is a printed circuit board with wiring patterns (not shown) formed on it. The substrate 83a is held on the depth direction side (+X side) of the holding member 82. The substrate 83a is mounted to the base member 81 via the holding member 82. The substrate 83a is located on the width direction side (+Y side) of the second through hole 81f. That is, the second through hole 81f is positioned offset from the substrate 83a in the width direction Y. The substrate 83a is electrically connected to the first terminal portion 83b, the third terminal portion 83c, and the fourth terminal portion 83d.

[0063] The first terminal portion 83b is mounted on one side (+X side) of the substrate 83a in the depth direction. The first terminal portion 83b is also provided at the end of the substrate 83a on the other side (-Y side) in the width direction. Multiple wirings 73 extending from multiple solenoid valves 70 are connected to the first terminal portion 83b.

[0064] In this embodiment, after a plurality of wirings 73 are pulled out from the heat insulation member 50 in the state of a bundled wiring bundle 73a through the first through hole 55 to one side in the depth direction (+X side), they are pulled out from the other side in the depth direction (-X side) through the second through hole 81f from the base member 81 in the depth direction. The plurality of wirings 73 pulled out from the base member 81 in the depth direction branch from the wiring bundle 73a and are electrically connected to the first terminal portion 83b respectively. The wirings 73 can be connected to the first terminal portion 83b from the other side in the width direction (-Y side). The method of connecting the wirings 73 to the first terminal portion 83b is not particularly limited.

[0065] The third terminal portion 83c is mounted on the surface of the substrate 83a on the depth direction side (+X side). The third terminal portion 83c is located at the end of the substrate 83a on the width direction side (+Y side). The third terminal portion 83c is positioned closer in the width direction Y to the first connecting portions 61c and 61d of the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b than the first terminal portion 83b. Multiple wirings 22 extending from the multiple indoor units 20 are connected to the third terminal portion 83c. The wirings 22 can be connected to the third terminal portion 83c from the width direction side. The method of connecting the wirings 22 relative to the third terminal portion 83c is not particularly limited.

[0066] The fourth terminal portion 83d is mounted on the surface of the substrate 83a on the depth direction side (+X side). The fourth terminal portion 83d is disposed in the portion of the upper edge of the substrate 83a near the width direction side (near +Y). The fourth terminal portion 83d is located on the width direction side greater than the first terminal portion 83b, and on the other side (-Y side) in the width direction greater than the third terminal portion 83c. The fourth terminal portion 83d is electrically connected to one end of the connecting wire 86. The connection method of the connecting wire 86 relative to the fourth terminal portion 83d is not particularly limited.

[0067] The second terminal portion 84 is disposed on the base member 81. The second terminal portion 84 is mounted in the main body portion 81a of the base member 81, located on the side (+Y side) in the width direction compared to the holding member 82 and the substrate 83a. The second terminal portion 84 is located on the side in the width direction compared to the first terminal portion 83b and the third terminal portion 83c. That is, the first terminal portion 83b, the second terminal portion 84, and the third terminal portion 83c are arranged at different positions in the width direction Y. When viewed in the depth direction X, the first terminal portion 83b and the second terminal portion 84 are arranged at a position separated from the third terminal portion 83c in the width direction Y.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second terminal portion 84 is positioned further away from the second through hole 81f in the width direction Y than the first terminal portion 83b. In other words, the first terminal portion 83b is positioned closer to the second through hole 81f in the width direction Y than the second terminal portion 84. In this embodiment, the second terminal portion 84 is located on the opposite side (-X side) in the depth direction than the first terminal portion 83b and the third terminal portion 83c. The second terminal portion 84 is positioned closer to the first connecting portions 61c and 61d of the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b in the width direction Y than the first terminal portion 83b. In this embodiment, two second terminal portions 84 are arranged in the height direction Z.

[0069] The second terminal portion 84 is electrically connected to the other end of the connecting wire 86. The second terminal portion 84 is electrically connected to the substrate 83a via the connecting wire 86. The connecting wire 86 electrically connects the second terminal portion 84 to the fourth terminal portion 83d. In this embodiment, the connecting wire 86 consists of a total of six wires, three of which are connected to each of the two second terminal portions 84, and is connected to the fourth terminal portion 83d in a bundled state. The connecting wire 86 can be connected to the second terminal portion 84 from the other side (-Y side) in the width direction. The method of connecting the connecting wire 86 to the second terminal portion 84 is not particularly limited.

[0070] Wiring cables 12a and 12b extending from the outdoor unit 10 are connected to the second terminal section 84. Wiring cables 12a and 12b are each connected to one of the two second terminal sections 84. One of wiring cables 12a and 12b is a power line, and the other of wiring cables 12a and 12b is a communication line.

[0071] A clamping part 85 is provided on the base member 81. The clamping part 85 is installed in the main body 81a of the base member 81 on the side (+Y side) in the width direction, which is closer to the second terminal part 84. The figure is not shown, but the clamping part 85 can clamp and hold the wiring 12a and 12b extending from the outdoor unit 10 and the wiring 22 extending from the indoor unit 20.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In the example, wiring 12a and 12b extending from the outdoor unit 10 and wiring 22 extending from the indoor unit 20 are inserted into the interior of the housing 40 from one side (+Y side) in the width direction of the housing 40 via wiring holes 47 provided on the side panel 44. Figure 4 As shown, wires 12a, 12b, and 22 pass through wiring holes 47 via the slit 46a of the cap component 46. Wires 12a and 12b each pass through different wiring holes 47. Multiple wires 22 each pass through two wires in one wiring hole 47.

[0073] Signals and power are supplied from the outdoor unit 10 to the control unit 80 via wirings 12a and 12b. The control unit 80 controls multiple solenoid valves 70 based on the signals from the outdoor unit 10. A portion of the power supplied from the outdoor unit 10 to the control unit 80 is supplied to the multiple solenoid valves 70. Another portion of the power supplied from the outdoor unit 10 to the control unit 80 is supplied to each indoor unit 20 via wirings 22.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, if the control unit cover 43 is removed, and the bolts securing the base component 81 to the housing 40 are removed, the control unit 80 can be removed entirely from the housing 40. The control unit 80 can be mounted on the housing 40 after being rotated 180° about an axis AX extending along the depth direction X, which is orthogonal to the width direction Y. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant distribution device 30, and it shows the refrigerant distribution device 30. Figure 7 The diagram shows a refrigerant distribution device 30 in which the control unit 80 is rotated 180° around axis AX and installed in the housing 40. Figure 10 The control unit 80 of the state shown is relative to Figure 7 The control unit 80 shown is oriented in opposite directions in the width direction Y and the height direction Z. Changes to the installation state of the control unit 80 can be made while maintaining the state relative to the control unit 80 with multiple wirings 73 extending from the multiple solenoid valves 70 connected, prior to the connection of wirings 12a, 12b, and 22.

[0075] Furthermore, the statement in this specification that "the control unit can be mounted on the housing when rotated 180° around the axis" includes both the case where the control unit can be mounted on the housing when rotated exactly 180° around the axis and the case where the control unit can be mounted on the housing when rotated approximately 180° around the axis. The statement that "the control unit can be mounted on the housing when rotated approximately 180° around the axis" includes, for example, the case where the control unit can be mounted on the housing when rotated 180° ± 10° around the axis.

[0076] Next, the installation of the refrigerant distribution device 30 will be described. The operator secures the refrigerant distribution device 30 to the ceiling, etc. Based on the relative position of the refrigerant distribution device 30 and the outdoor unit 10, the operator determines which of the first connecting portions 61c, 61d and the second connecting portions 61e, 61f of the refrigerant distribution device 30 will be connected to the refrigerant pipes 11a, 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10, and connects the refrigerant pipes 11a, 11b to that connecting portion. The operator then connects the refrigerant pipes 21a, 21b extending from the multiple indoor units 20 to the end of the second refrigerant pipe 62 that protrudes from the housing 40.

[0077] Next, the operator connects the wiring 12a and 12b extending from the outdoor unit 10 and the multiple wiring 22 extending from the multiple indoor units 20 to the control unit 80. Here, the operator removes the control unit cover 43 to check the position of the second terminal portion 84 connecting the wiring 12a and 12b in the width direction Y and the position of the third terminal portion 83c connecting the wiring 22 in the width direction Y. If the second terminal portion 84 and the third terminal portion 83c are located closer in the width direction Y to the connection portion connecting the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b than the first terminal portion 83b, the operator keeps the control unit 80 in its original state and performs the wiring 12a, 12b, and 22 connection operation. On the other hand, if the second terminal portion 84 and the third terminal portion 83c are located farther in the width direction Y than the first terminal portion 83b from the connection portion connecting the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b, the operator removes the control unit 80, rotates it 180° around axis AX, and then reinstalls it on the housing 40. Then, the staff connected the wiring 12a, 12b, and 22 to the reinstalled control unit 80.

[0078] During the connection of wiring 12a, 12b, and 22, the operator guides the wiring 12a, 12b, and 22 through wiring holes 47, which are located on the same side of the side panels 44 and 45 as the connection points of the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b. At this time, the operator forms a slit 46a only in the cap member 46 of the wiring hole 47 through which the wiring 12a, 12b, and 22 pass, and inserts the wiring 12a, 12b, and 22 into the housing 40 through this slit 46a. The operator then connects the wiring 12a, 12b, and 22 inserted into the housing 40 to the second terminal portion 84 and the third terminal portion 83c, respectively.

[0079] After the connection work of wiring 12a, 12b, and 22 is completed, the operator installs the control unit cover 43. This completes the installation work of the refrigerant distribution device 30. Furthermore, the connection work of refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10, the connection work of refrigerant pipes 21a and 21b extending from the indoor unit 20, the connection work of wiring 12a and 12b extending from the outdoor unit 10, and the connection work of wiring 22 extending from the indoor unit 20 can be performed in any order.

[0080] Since refrigerant piping 11a, 11b and wiring 12a, 12b all extend from one outdoor unit 10, from an operational point of view, it is preferable to connect the refrigerant piping 11a, 11b and wiring 12a, 12b relative to the refrigerant distribution device 30 in the same direction. However, in the past, there have been cases where it was difficult to connect wiring 12a, 12b due to the relative positional relationship between the outdoor unit 10 and the refrigerant distribution device 30.

[0081] Specifically, for example, in control unit 80 Figure 7 When the housing 40 is installed in the posture shown, consider the case where the refrigerant pipes 11a, 11b are connected to the second connecting parts 61e, 61f. In this case, it is also preferable to connect the wiring 12a, 12b from the same side as the second connecting parts 61e, 61f, i.e., the other side in the width direction (-Y side). Therefore, the operator inserts the wiring 12a, 12b into the interior of the housing 40 through the wiring hole 47 provided on the side panel 45 to perform the connection operation. However, in Figure 7 In the position of the control unit 80 shown, the second terminal portion 84 connecting the wirings 12a and 12b is positioned closer to the side in the width direction (closer to +Y), and the distance in the width direction Y from the side panel 45 to the second terminal portion 84 is relatively large. Furthermore, the wirings 12a and 12b need to cross the first terminal portion 83b and the substrate 83a in the width direction Y to connect the wirings 12a and 12b to the second terminal portion 84. Therefore, it is difficult to connect the wirings 12a and 12b to the second terminal portion 84. Especially in cases where the refrigerant dispensing device 30 is installed in the ceiling, the space for operating the refrigerant dispensing device 30 tends to become narrower. Therefore, it is even more difficult to connect the wirings 12a and 12b to the second terminal portion 84.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, in order to connect the wirings 12a and 12b to the second terminal portion 84, the wirings 12a and 12b need to cross the first terminal portion 83b and the substrate 83a in the width direction Y. Therefore, there is a concern that the wirings 12a and 12b may interfere with the wiring 73 of the solenoid valve 70 connected to the first terminal portion 83b. Additionally, there is a concern that the wirings 12a and 12b may be damaged due to friction with the substrate 83a.

[0083] Furthermore, if the second terminal portion 84 has the structure described above, where wires 12a and 12b are connected from one side (+Y side) in the width direction, then wires 12a and 12b, which are inserted into the housing 40 from the other side (-Y side) in the width direction, need to change direction towards the width direction within the housing 40 before being connected to the second terminal portion 84. Therefore, there is a concern that wires 12a and 12b may be bent and damaged.

[0084] As mentioned above, in the past, it has been difficult to perform the connection work for wiring 12a and 12b. Therefore, it has been difficult to perform the work of connecting the outdoor unit 10 relative to the refrigerant distribution device 30. In addition, there are concerns that damage to wiring 12a and 12b may reduce the reliability of the air conditioner 100.

[0085] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the control unit 80 is mounted so that it can be detached from the housing 40 and can be mounted on the housing while being rotated 180° about an axis AX extending along the depth direction X orthogonal to the width direction Y. Therefore, by rotating the control unit 80 about the axis AX by 180°, the position of the second terminal portion 84 in the width direction Y can be changed. Specifically, when the refrigerant pipes 11a, 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10 are connected to the second connection portions 61e, 61f, rotating the control unit 80 can change the position of the second terminal portion 84 in the width direction Y. Figure 10 This mounting configuration on the housing 40 allows the position of the second terminal portion 84 in the width direction Y to be close to the second connecting portions 61e and 61f. That is, the position of the second terminal portion 84 in the width direction Y can be close to the other side in the width direction (close to -Y). Furthermore, it eliminates the need for the wiring 12a and 12b to cross the first terminal portion 83b and the substrate 83a. Therefore, the wiring 12a and 12b, which are inserted into the housing 40 from the other side in the width direction, can be easily connected to the second terminal portion 84. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the workability of connecting the outdoor unit 10 to the refrigerant distribution device 30 can be improved. Thus, regardless of the location where the refrigerant distribution device 30 is installed or its orientation during installation, the outdoor unit 10 can be easily connected to the refrigerant distribution device 30.

[0086] Furthermore, since it is not necessary for the wirings 12a and 12b to cross the first terminal portion 83b and the substrate 83a, interference between the wirings 12a and 12b and the wiring 73 extending from the solenoid valve 70 can be suppressed. Additionally, damage caused by friction between the wirings 12a and 12b and the substrate 83a can be suppressed. Furthermore, by rotating the control unit 80 180° around axis AX, the direction of the width direction Y of the second terminal portion 84 can also be reversed. Therefore, in Figure 10 With the control unit 80 in the indicated position, the second terminal 84 is configured to connect wirings 12a and 12b from the other side (-Y side) in the width direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the direction of wirings 12a and 12b, which are inserted into the housing 40 from the other side in the width direction, to one side in the width direction (+Y side), and wirings 12a and 12b can be connected to the second terminal 84. Thus, bending of wirings 12a and 12b can be suppressed, and damage to wirings 12a and 12b can be further suppressed. Based on the above, according to this embodiment, the reliability of the air conditioner 100 equipped with the refrigerant distribution device 30 can be improved.

[0087] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10 are connected to one of the first connecting portions 61c and 61d and the second connecting portions 61e and 61f. The second terminal portion 84 is positioned closer to that connecting portion in the width direction Y than the first terminal portion 83b. Therefore, wiring 12a and 12b can be easily connected to the second terminal portion 84 from the side where that connecting portion is located. As described above, by allowing the control unit 80 to rotate 180° around axis AX, even when the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b are connected to any one of the first connecting portions 61c and 61d and the second connecting portions 61e and 61f, the relative positional relationship between the first terminal portion 83b and the second terminal portion 84 can be such that wiring 12a and 12b can be easily connected to the second terminal portion 84.

[0088] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first connecting portions 61c and 61d are exposed to the outside of the housing 40 via through holes 44a provided in one of the pair of side panels 44 and 45. The second connecting portions 61e and 61f are exposed to the outside of the housing 40 via through holes 45a provided in the other of the pair of side panels 44 and 45. Wiring holes 47 are provided in the pair of side panels 44 and 45, respectively, through which wirings 12a and 12b extending from the outdoor unit 10 can pass. Therefore, when the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b are connected to the first connecting portions 61c and 61d, by allowing the wirings 12a and 12b to pass through the wiring holes 47 in the side panels 44, the wirings 12a and 12b can be easily inserted into the housing 40 from the side connected to the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b. Furthermore, when the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b are connected to the second connecting portions 61e and 61f, by passing the wires 12a and 12b through the wiring holes 47 on the side panel 45, the wires 12a and 12b can be easily inserted into the housing 40 from the side connected to the refrigerant pipes 11a and 11b. This makes it easier to connect the wires 12a and 12b to the second terminal portion 84. Therefore, the operability of connecting the outdoor unit 10 to the refrigerant distribution device 30 can be further improved.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 80 has a third terminal portion 83c that connects to a plurality of wirings 22 extending from a plurality of indoor units 20. Wiring holes 47, through which the wirings 22 extending from the indoor units 20 can pass, are provided on a pair of side panels 44, 45. The third terminal portion 83c is positioned closer in the width direction Y to the connection portion of the refrigerant pipes 11a, 11b extending from the outdoor unit 10 than the first terminal portion 83b. Therefore, by allowing the wirings 22 to pass through the wiring holes 47 of one of the side panels 44, 45, the wirings 22 can be easily inserted into the housing 40 from the side connecting the refrigerant pipes 11a, 11b, and can be easily connected to the third terminal portion 83c. By enabling the control unit 80 to rotate 180° around axis AX, even when the refrigerant pipes 11a, 11b are connected to any one of the first connecting parts 61c, 61d and the second connecting parts 61e, 61f, the relative positional relationship between the first terminal part 83b and the third terminal part 83c can be such that it is easy to connect the wiring 22 to the third terminal part 83c.

[0090] In this embodiment, a cap member 46 is installed in the wiring hole 47. The wiring hole 47 is blocked by the cap member 46 before the wires 12a, 12b, and 22 pass through. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent foreign objects from entering the housing 40 from the wiring hole 47 before the wires 12a, 12b, and 22 pass through. Furthermore, by forming a slit 46a only in the cap member 46 through which the wires 12a, 12b, and 22 pass, it is possible to appropriately prevent foreign objects from entering the housing 40 from the wiring hole 47, which is not through which the wires 12a, 12b, and 22 pass. Additionally, by having a structure in which a slit 46a is formed in the rubber cap member 46 to allow the wires 12a, 12b, and 22 to pass through, even after the wires 12a, 12b, and 22 have passed through the wiring hole 47, the gaps generated in the portions through which the wires 12a, 12b, and 22 have passed can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately prevent foreign objects from entering the housing 40 through the wiring holes 47 through which the wiring 12a, 12b, and 22 have passed.

[0091] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the third terminal portion 83c is provided at one end of the substrate 83a in the width direction Y. The first terminal portion 83b is provided at the other end of the substrate 83a in the width direction Y. The second terminal portion 84 is provided on the base member 81 and is electrically connected to the substrate 83a via a connecting wire 86. The first terminal portion 83b and the second terminal portion 84 are positioned, when viewed in the depth direction X, at a position separated from the third terminal portion 83c in the width direction Y. Therefore, it is easy to position the second terminal portion 84 close to the side panel 44 or the side panel 45 in the width direction Y, and it is easy to connect the wires 12a and 12b inserted into the housing 40 from the wiring holes 47 of the side panel 44 or the side panel 45 to the second terminal portion 84. In addition, since the first terminal portion 83b and the second terminal portion 84 can be suitably separated in the width direction Y, it is possible to more appropriately suppress interference between the wires 12a and 12b connected to the second terminal portion 84 and the wires 73 of the solenoid valve 70 connected to the first terminal portion 83b.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the refrigerant distribution device 30 includes a partition wall portion 54 located inside the housing 40 between a plurality of solenoid valves 70 and a control unit 80. The partition wall portion 54 has a first through hole 55 through which a plurality of wiring 73 extending from the plurality of solenoid valves 70 pass. The first through hole 55, when viewed in the depth direction X, overlaps with the center of the control unit 80 in the width direction Y. Therefore, even if the control unit 80 is rotated 180° around the axis AX, changes in the distance in the width direction Y between the first through hole 55 and the first terminal portion 83b can be suppressed. Thus, even when the control unit 80 is rotated... Figure 7 The posture shown and Figure 10 When the housing 40 is installed in any of the shown positions, the length of the wiring 73 required to connect the solenoid valve 70 to the first terminal 83b remains unchanged. Therefore, even if the control unit 80 is rotated about axis AX, it is possible to suppress the application of loads to the wiring 73 extending from the solenoid valve 70. Thus, the control unit 80 can be easily rotated about axis AX while the wiring 73 is connected to the first terminal 83b.

[0093] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the base component 81 has a second through hole 81f through which a plurality of wirings 73 extending from a plurality of solenoid valves 70 pass. The second through hole 81f is disposed at a position offset relative to the substrate 83a in the width direction Y. Therefore, the second through hole 81f is not covered by the substrate 83a, and the wirings 73 can be easily pulled out from the second through hole 81f towards the depth direction side (+X side). In addition, a first terminal portion 83b is provided on the substrate 83a and is disposed at a position closer to the second through hole 81f in the width direction Y than the second terminal portion 84. Therefore, the wirings 73 pulled out from the second through hole 81f can be easily connected to the first terminal portion 83b.

[0094] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the structures of the above embodiments, and the following structures and methods can also be used.

[0095] In the control unit, the first terminal and the second terminal can be arranged in any manner as long as they are positioned at different locations in the first direction (width direction Y). Both the first and second terminal portions can be provided on the substrate, or both can be provided on a component other than the substrate, such as a base member. Alternatively, the first terminal portion can be provided on a component other than the substrate, such as a base member, while the second terminal portion is provided on the substrate. When either the first or second terminal portion is provided on the substrate, the position of each terminal portion on the substrate is not particularly limited. When the first terminal portion is provided on a component other than the substrate, such as a base member, the first terminal portion is electrically connected to the substrate via a connecting wire.

[0096] In the control unit, the third terminal section can be configured in any way. The third terminal section can also be provided on a component other than the substrate, such as a base component. In this case, the third terminal section is electrically connected to the substrate via connecting wiring. Alternatively, the third terminal section may not be provided.

[0097] The number of solenoid valves is not particularly limited, as long as there are two or more. Solenoid valves can also be of any type. Solenoid valves must be installed on at least two of the multiple second refrigerant piping systems; they can be installed on only a portion of the second refrigerant piping systems or on all of the second refrigerant piping systems.

[0098] The housing can be of any structure as long as it houses at least a portion of the first refrigerant piping, at least a portion of the plurality of second refrigerant piping, the plurality of solenoid valves, and the control unit. The housing can house the entire first refrigerant piping or the entire plurality of second refrigerant piping. A guide groove for guiding the control unit may also be provided in the housing. The wiring holes provided in the pair of sidewalls of the housing can also be of any structure. For example, the wiring holes may be ejector holes made by punching a portion of the sidewalls during wiring operations. Alternatively, the wiring holes may be made by piercing a portion of the sidewalls during wiring operations.

[0099] The first refrigerant piping can have any structure as long as it has a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part can also be non-protruding from the casing, as long as they can be connected to the refrigerant piping extending from the outdoor unit respectively. Multiple second refrigerant piping can also have any structure as long as they are connected to the first refrigerant piping and to the refrigerant piping extending from multiple indoor units respectively. The number of second refrigerant piping is not particularly limited as long as there are two or more.

[0100] The first through hole in the partition wall can also be located at any position in the partition wall. The partition wall can be provided. The heat insulation component may or may not be provided. The second through hole in the base component can also be located at any position in the base component. The base component may or may not be provided. The holding component for holding the substrate may or may not be provided. The substrate may or may not be provided.

[0101] The refrigerant distribution device can be installed in any location. It can be installed on the floor or mounted on a wall. The number of indoor units that can be connected to the refrigerant distribution device is not particularly limited, as long as there are two or more. In the above embodiment, the maximum number of indoor units 20 that can be connected to the refrigerant distribution device 30 is eight, but in practice, the number of indoor units 20 connected to the refrigerant distribution device 30 is not particularly limited, as long as there are eight or fewer.

[0102] The structures and methods described above can be appropriately combined within the scope of mutual non-contradiction.

[0103] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0104] 10…Outdoor unit; 11a, 11b, 21a, 21b…Refrigerant piping; 12a, 12b, 22, 73…Wiring; 20…Indoor unit; 30…Refrigerant distribution device; 40…Casing; 44…Side panel (side wall); 44a, 45a…Through hole; 45…Side panel (side wall); 47…Wiring hole; 54…Blocking wall; 55…First through hole; 61, 61a, 61b…First refrigerant piping; 61c, 61… d…First connecting part; 61e, 61f…Second connecting part; 62, 62a, 62b…Second refrigerant piping; 70…Solenoid valve; 80…Control part; 81…Base component; 81f…Second through hole; 83a…Base plate; 83b…First terminal part; 83c…Third terminal part; 84…Second terminal part; 86…Connecting wiring; 100…Air conditioner; AX…Axis; X…Depth direction (second direction); Y…Width direction (first direction).

Claims

1. A refrigerant distribution device, installed in an air conditioner, for distributing refrigerant from an outdoor unit to multiple indoor units, characterized in that, have: A first refrigerant piping is provided for refrigerant piping connections extending from the outdoor unit; Multiple second refrigerant piping, which are connected to the first refrigerant piping and respectively connected to refrigerant piping extending from the multiple indoor units; Multiple solenoid valves are respectively installed in at least two of the multiple second refrigerant piping; The control unit includes: a first terminal section for connecting multiple wirings extending from the plurality of solenoid valves, and a second terminal section for connecting wirings extending from the outdoor unit; as well as A housing that internally houses at least a portion of the first refrigerant piping, at least a portion of the plurality of second refrigerant piping, the plurality of solenoid valves, and the control unit. The first refrigerant piping has: A first connection portion is provided, which is capable of connecting a refrigerant piping extending from the outdoor unit from one side of the housing in a first direction; as well as The second connection portion allows connection from the other side of the housing in the first direction to a refrigerant piping extending from the outdoor unit. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are disposed at different positions in the first direction. The control unit is mounted so that it can be attached to and detached from the housing, and can be mounted on the housing after being rotated 180° about an axis extending along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

2. The refrigerant distribution device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A refrigerant pipe extending from the outdoor unit is connected to one of the first and second connecting parts. The second terminal portion is positioned in the first direction closer to one of the connecting portions than the first terminal portion.

3. The refrigerant distribution device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing has a pair of sidewall portions located on both sides of the first direction. The first connecting portion protrudes from the outside of the housing via a through hole provided in one of the pair of sidewall portions. The second connecting portion protrudes from the outside of the housing through a through hole provided on the other side of the pair of sidewall portions. Wiring holes are provided on each of the pair of sidewalls, through which wiring extending from the outdoor unit can pass.

4. The refrigerant distribution device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit has a third terminal section for connecting multiple wiring connections extending from the plurality of indoor units. Wiring holes extending from the indoor unit are respectively provided on the pair of sidewalls, through which wiring holes are allowed to pass. The third terminal portion is positioned in the first direction closer to one of the connecting portions than the first terminal portion.

5. The refrigerant distribution device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit has: substrate; as well as Base component, on which the substrate is mounted, The third terminal portion is disposed at one end of the substrate in the first direction. The first terminal portion is disposed at the other end of the substrate in the first direction. The second terminal is disposed on the base component and is electrically connected to the substrate via a connecting wire. When viewed along the second direction, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are positioned at a location separated from the third terminal portion in the first direction.

6. The refrigerant distribution device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base component has a second through hole through which multiple wirings extending from the plurality of solenoid valves pass. The second through hole is disposed at a position offset relative to the substrate in the first direction. The first terminal portion is disposed on the substrate and is positioned in the first direction closer to the second through hole than the second terminal portion.

7. The refrigerant distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It includes a partition wall located inside the housing between the plurality of solenoid valves and the control unit. The partition wall has a first through hole through which multiple wirings extending from the plurality of solenoid valves pass. When viewed along the second direction, the first through hole overlaps with the center of the control unit in the first direction.

Images