Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

In the machinery room (32), there is arranged a refrigerant pipe (26) through which a flammable refrigerant flows. In the blower room (33), there are arranged electronic components (40), and the electronic components (40) include a substrate (42) on which a heat generating component (41) is mounted. In the working fluid flow path (61), the working fluid circulates between the evaporation section (62) and the condensation section (63). In the evaporation section (62), the heat generating component (41) exchanges heat with the working fluid. In the condensation section (63), the flammable refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (26) exchanges heat with the working fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a cooling system for electronic components is disclosed. The inside of the heat transfer section is divided into an evaporation section and a condensation section. The electronic components are fixed to a portion corresponding to the evaporation section. On the other hand, a refrigerant jacket is fixed to a portion corresponding to the condensation section, thereby causing a working fluid to circulate between the evaporation section and the condensation section.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-205676 Summary of the Invention

[0006] -Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention-

[0007] In the invention of Patent Document 1, for example, when a highly flammable refrigerant such as propane is used, the electronic components may become a fire source.

[0008] Specifically, the refrigerant pipes (cooling pipes) of the refrigerant jacket are arranged in the electronic component chamber where the electronic components are housed. Therefore, if the flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipes, the following situation may occur: the leaked flammable refrigerant flows toward the electronic components, and the electronic components become a fire source, resulting in the ignition of the flammable refrigerant.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the risk of ignition with the electronic components as a fire source even when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipes.

[0010] -Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem-

[0011] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device, which includes: a main body housing 30; a partition member 31 that divides the interior of the main body housing 30 into a machine room 32 and a blower room 33; a compressor 24 arranged in the machine room 32; and a blower 22 arranged in the blower room 33. In the machine room 32, a refrigerant pipe 26 connected to the compressor 24 and through which a flammable refrigerant flows is arranged. In the blower room 33, electronic components 40 are arranged, and the electronic components 40 include a substrate 42 on which a heat-generating component 41 is mounted. The refrigeration cycle device includes a cooling device 60, which has a working fluid flow path 61 through which a working fluid flows, an evaporation part 62 that evaporates the working fluid, and a condensation part 63 that condenses the working fluid. In the working fluid flow path 61, the working fluid circulates between the evaporation part 62 and the condensation part 63. In the evaporation part 62, the heat-generating component 41 exchanges heat with the working fluid. In the condensation part 63, the flammable refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 26 exchanges heat with the working fluid.

[0012] In the first aspect, since the flammable refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 26 exchanges heat with the working fluid at a position far from the heat-generating component 41, it is possible to cool the heat-generating component 41 while reducing the risk of the flammable refrigerant catching fire.

[0013] A second aspect of the present disclosure is based on the refrigeration cycle device of the first aspect, and the substrate 42 is sealed by a sealing member 45.

[0014] In the second aspect, by sealing the substrate 42 of the electronic components 40 to isolate it from the machine room 32, even if the flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe 26, the risk of fire with the electronic components 40 as the ignition source can be reduced.

[0015] A third aspect of the present disclosure is based on the refrigeration cycle device of the second aspect, and the sealing member 45 is a substrate housing 50, and the substrate housing 50 has a storage space 52 for storing the substrate 42.

[0016] In the third aspect, by storing the substrate 42 in the substrate housing 50, the substrate 42 can be in a sealed state.

[0017] In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the refrigeration cycle device of the third aspect, a heat exchanger 21 having a multi-layer heat transfer tube 21b is arranged in the blower chamber 33. The substrate housing 50 has a first component 51 and a second component 55. The first component 51 has an opening 53 communicating with the storage space 52. The second component 55 contacts the first component 51 to close the opening 53, thereby sealing between the storage space 52 and the outside of the substrate housing 50. The contact portion where the first component 51 contacts the second component 55 is arranged at a position above the uppermost heat transfer tube 21b among the multi-layer heat transfer tubes 21b.

[0018] In the fourth aspect, even when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the heat transfer tube 21b, it is possible to suppress the leaked refrigerant from flowing into the storage space 52 through the contact portion where the first component 51 contacts the second component 55.

[0019] In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the refrigeration cycle device of the fourth aspect, on the first component 51, a flange portion 54 protruding outward along the peripheral portion of the opening 53 is provided. The second component 55 is mounted on the flange portion 54, and the flange portion 54 is placed on the fin 21a of the heat exchanger 21.

[0020] In the fifth aspect, even when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the heat transfer tube 21b, it is possible to suppress the leaked refrigerant from flowing into the storage space 52 through the overlapping surface of the flange portion 54. In addition, by placing the flange portion 54 on the fin 21a, it is easy to determine the height position of the substrate housing 50.

[0021] In the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, based on the refrigeration cycle device of the second aspect, the sealing member 45 is a coating member 70 covering the entire surface of the substrate 42.

[0022] In the sixth aspect, by covering the entire surface of the substrate 42 with the coating member 70, the substrate 42 can be in a sealed state.

[0023] In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, based on the refrigeration cycle device of any one of the first to sixth aspects, in the blower chamber 33, a heat exchanger 21 having a multi-layer heat transfer tube 21b is arranged, and the substrate 42 is arranged at a position above the uppermost heat transfer tube 21b among the multi-layer heat transfer tubes 21b.

[0024] In the seventh aspect, even when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the heat transfer tube 21b, it is possible to suppress the leaked refrigerant from flowing toward the substrate 42.

[0025] Based on the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present disclosure, the refrigeration cycle device includes a refrigerant circuit 5, the refrigerant circuit 5 has a liquid pipe 7 through which the flammable refrigerant flows, and in the condensation part 63, the flammable refrigerant flowing in the liquid pipe 7 exchanges heat with the working fluid.

[0026] In the eighth aspect, the working fluid can be condensed by the flammable liquid refrigerant flowing in the liquid pipe 7.

[0027] Based on the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the present disclosure, the flammable refrigerant is R290.

[0028] In the ninth aspect, even when R290 is used as the flammable refrigerant, the risk of ignition with the electronic component 40 as the ignition source can be reduced.

[0029] Based on the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects of the present disclosure, the working fluid flow path 61 extends through the partition member 31.

[0030] In the tenth aspect, the total length of the working fluid flow path 61 can be shortened, and the circulation efficiency of the working fluid can be improved.

[0031] Based on the refrigeration cycle device of the tenth aspect, on the partition member 31, there is a through portion 31a through which the working fluid flow path 61 passes, and the refrigeration cycle device includes a closing member 39. In a state where the working fluid flow path 61 passes through the through portion 31a, the closing member 39 closes the through portion 31a.

[0032] In the eleventh aspect, in the case where the flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe 26 in the machine room 32, it is possible to prevent the flammable refrigerant from flowing into the blower room 33 through the through portion 31a of the partition member 31.

[0033] Based on the refrigeration cycle device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the present disclosure, the evaporation part 62 is arranged at a position lower than the condensation part 63, and in the middle of the flow path of the working fluid flow path 61, there is an inclined portion 61a that extends obliquely upward from the evaporation part 62 toward the condensation part 63.

[0034] In the twelfth aspect, the working fluid condensed in the condensation part 63 flows down along the inclined portion 61a, so that the working fluid easily moves toward the evaporation part 62.

[0035] Based on the refrigeration cycle device of the twelfth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the inclination angle θ2 formed by the installation reference plane F extending in the horizontal direction and the imaginary straight line L connecting the evaporation section 62 and the condensation section 63 is larger than the allowable inclination angle θ1 of the main body housing 30 with respect to the installation reference plane F.

[0036] In the thirteenth aspect, even when the main body housing 30 is installed in an inclined form, the condensation section 63 is located above the evaporation section 62, so that the working fluid condensed in the condensation section 63 can easily flow down to the evaporation section 62.

[0037] Based on the refrigeration cycle device of the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, in the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe 26 is arranged below the condensation section 63.

[0038] In the fourteenth aspect, the refrigerant pipe 26 is arranged by using the vacant space below the condensation section 63 formed by providing the inclined portion 61a in the working fluid flow path 61, so that space saving can be achieved.

[0039] Based on the refrigeration cycle device of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, in the fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe 26 has branch portions 28 branched into a plurality of branches, and in the condensation section 63, the combustible refrigerant flowing in the branch portions 28 of the refrigerant pipe 26 exchanges heat with the working fluid.

[0040] In the fifteenth aspect, by branching the refrigerant pipe 26 into a plurality of branches and allowing the combustible refrigerant to flow in a large range, the heat exchange area with the condensation section 63 can be increased, and the cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0041] Based on the refrigeration cycle device of the fifteenth aspect, in the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of working fluid flow paths 61 are provided, and the plurality of branch portions 28 are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of working fluid flow paths 61.

[0042] In the sixteenth aspect, heat exchange between the combustible refrigerant and the working fluid can be performed for each of the plurality of working fluid flow paths 61. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle device according to the present embodiment;

[0044] Figure 2 is a top cross-sectional view showing the structure of the outdoor unit;

[0045] Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the outdoor unit;

[0046] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate housing and the cooling device;

[0047] Figure 5 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the substrate housing and the cooling device;

[0048] Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure after disassembling the substrate housing;

[0049] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state after the heat pipe penetrates through the through-hole of the partition member;

[0050] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the state after the through-hole of the partition member is closed by the closing member;

[0051] Figure 9 is a front cross-sectional view showing the state after the main body housing is tilted at an allowable tilt angle;

[0052] Figure 10 is a front cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the heat sink and the refrigerant jacket;

[0053] Figure 11 is a top cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the heat pipes;

[0054] Figure 12 is a top cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the branch portion of the refrigerant pipe;

[0055] Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the heat pipes and the refrigerant pipes;

[0056] Figure 14 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the outdoor unit according to the first modification example;

[0057] Figure 15 is a front cross-sectional view showing the structure of the outdoor unit according to the second modification example;

[0058] Figure 16 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle device according to other embodiments. Detailed Embodiments

[0059] As Figure 1 shown, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioner. The refrigeration cycle device 1 has a refrigerant circuit 5. A combustible natural refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant circuit 5. In the refrigerant circuit 5, the refrigerant is circulated to perform a refrigeration cycle.

[0060] In this embodiment, propane (R290) is used as the refrigerant. Propane (R290) is a natural refrigerant with strong flammability. Natural refrigerants are refrigerants with a zero ozone depletion potential, a low global warming potential, and a small environmental load. Propane catches fire below 500°C.

[0061] It should be noted that the flammable refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 5 can also be a refrigerant other than propane. For example, ammonia (R717), which is a natural refrigerant, can also be used as the flammable refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 5. In addition, methane (R50), ethane (R170), butane (R600), and isobutane (R600a), which are strong flammable natural refrigerants, can also be used as the flammable refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 5.

[0062] The refrigeration cycle device 1 includes an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 20. The indoor unit 10 is installed indoors. The outdoor unit 20 is installed outdoors. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected to each other through a gas pipe 6 and a liquid pipe 7. A gas stop valve 8 is connected to the gas pipe 6. A liquid stop valve 9 is connected to the liquid pipe 7.

[0063] <Indoor unit>

[0064] The indoor unit 10 includes an indoor heat exchanger 11 and an indoor fan 12. The indoor heat exchanger 11 is composed of, for example, a cross-ribbed finned tube heat exchanger. In the indoor heat exchanger 11, the refrigerant flowing inside its heat transfer tubes exchanges heat with the air sent by the indoor fan 12.

[0065] <Outdoor unit>

[0066] The outdoor unit 20 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 21, an outdoor fan 22 as a blower, an outdoor expansion valve 23, a compressor 24, a four-way reversing valve 25, electronic components 40, and a cooling device 60. The outdoor heat exchanger 21, the outdoor expansion valve 23, the compressor 24, and the four-way reversing valve 25 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 26. The flammable refrigerant flows in the refrigerant pipe 26.

[0067] The outdoor heat exchanger 21 is composed of, for example, a cross-ribbed finned tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger 21 has a plurality of fins 21a and heat transfer tubes 21b. The plurality of fins 21a are arranged at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction. The heat transfer tubes 21b extend through the fins 21a in the thickness direction of the fins 21a and fold back at both ends of the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and thus are arranged in multiple layers in the vertical direction.

[0068] In the outdoor heat exchanger 21, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat transfer pipe 21b and the air sent by the outdoor fan 22. The outdoor expansion valve 23 is constituted by, for example, an electronic expansion valve.

[0069] The compressor 24 is constituted by, for example, a rotary compressor such as a scroll compressor. The four-way reversing valve 25 has a first valve port P1, a second valve port P2, a third valve port P3, and a fourth valve port P4.

[0070] During the refrigeration operation, the four-way reversing valve 25 is in a state where the first valve port P1 is communicated with the second valve port P2 and the third valve port P3 is communicated with the fourth valve port P4 ( Figure 1 the state shown by the solid line in ). During the heating operation, the four-way reversing valve 25 is in a state where the first valve port P1 is communicated with the third valve port P3 and the second valve port P2 is communicated with the fourth valve port P4 ( Figure 1 the state shown by the dashed line in ).

[0071] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the outdoor unit 20 has a main body housing 30. In the following figures, the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction are indicated by arrows. Unless otherwise specified, the up-down and other directions are described in accordance with the directions indicated by these arrows.

[0072] The main body housing 30 is formed in a box shape. Inside the main body housing 30, a partition member 31 extending in the front-back direction is arranged upright. The partition member 31 divides the interior of the main body housing 30 into a mechanical room 32 and a blower room 33.

[0073] The mechanical room 32 is the space on the right side of the partition member 31 inside the main body housing 30. Inside the mechanical room 32, the compressor 24, the four-way reversing valve 25, and the refrigerant pipe 26 are arranged.

[0074] The blower room 33 is the space on the left side of the partition member 31 inside the main body housing 30. Inside the blower room 33, the outdoor fan 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 21, and the electronic components 40 are arranged.

[0075] In the blower room 33, a blower support base 34 is provided. The blower support base 34 has a pair of columns 35, a motor bracket 36, and an electronic component support base 37. The pair of columns 35 are erected in the blower room 33 with a space left in the left-right direction. The motor bracket 36 is installed across the pair of columns 35. The fan motor 22a of the outdoor fan 22 is installed on the motor bracket 36.

[0076] The electronic component support table 37 protrudes forward from the pair of support columns 35 at a position above the outdoor fan 22. The electronic component 40 is placed on and supported by the electronic component support table 37. The electronic component 40 is arranged at a position away from the partition member 31. In this way, by providing the electronic component support table 37 on the blower support table 34, the support columns 35 can be shared to achieve space saving.

[0077] On the rear side wall and the left side wall of the main body housing 30, an air inlet 30a communicating with the blower chamber 33 is formed. When the outdoor fan 22 operates, external air is sucked into the blower chamber 33 from the air inlet 30a. On the front side wall of the main body housing 30, an air outlet 30b communicating with the blower chamber 33 is formed. When the outdoor fan 22 operates, the air in the blower chamber 33 is blown out to the outside from the air outlet 30b.

[0078] The electronic component 40 constitutes a power conversion device for supplying power to the motor of the compressor 24. As Figures 4 to 6 shown, the electronic component 40 includes a heat generating component 41, a substrate 42, and a sealing component 45. The sealing component 45 seals the substrate 42. The sealing component 45 is composed of a substrate housing 50 having a storage space 52 inside.

[0079] The heat generating component 41 is mounted on the substrate 42. The heat generating component 41 is a switching element of a variable frequency circuit (not shown) (for example, an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) or a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor)). The heat generating component 41 is a component that generates a large amount of heat during the operation of the compressor 24. Therefore, in order for the refrigeration cycle device 1 to operate normally, it is necessary to cool the heat generating component 41 so that the heat generating component 41 does not exceed the operating temperature (for example, 90 °C). The heat generating component 41 is cooled by a cooling device 60, which will be described in detail later. In addition to the heat generating component 41, electrical components 43 such as capacitors are also mounted on the substrate 42. The substrate 42 is housed in the storage space 52 of the substrate housing 50.

[0080] The substrate housing 50 has a first component 51 and a second component 55. The first component 51 has an opening 53 communicating with the storage space 52. Specifically, the first component 51 is formed in a box shape with an upper opening, and the opening 53 is the upper opening of the first component 51. A part of the right side wall of the first component 51 is cut off. The heat pipe 61 of the cooling device 60 described later is led out to the outside of the substrate housing 50 through the notch of the first component 51.

[0081] The first component 51 has a flange portion 54. The flange portion 54 protrudes outward along the peripheral edge of the opening 53. The first component 51 includes a first sealing component 57 and a second sealing component 58.

[0082] The first sealing member 57 is formed by integrating a portion extending along the upper surface of the flange portion 54 and a portion closing the notch portion of the right side wall of the first member 51. The first sealing member 57 is disposed on the upper side of the heat pipe 61.

[0083] The second sealing member 58 is disposed to close the notch portion of the right side wall of the first member 51. The second sealing member 58 is disposed on the lower side of the heat pipe 61. The heat pipe 61 is sandwiched between the first sealing member 57 and the second sealing member 58. It should be noted that the electrical wiring 47 (refer to Figure 4 ) led out from the substrate 42 is also similarly sandwiched between the first sealing member 57 and the second sealing member 58.

[0084] The second member 55 is formed in a box shape with an open bottom and is disposed to cover the flange portion 54 of the first member 51 from above. The second member 55 is mounted on the first member 51 and closes the opening portion 53. The substrate 42 is mounted on the lower surface side of the second member 55.

[0085] The first member 51 and the second member 55 are mounted to each other, for example, by screwing the four corners of the flange portion 54 (refer to Figure 4 ). The first sealing member 57 is sandwiched between the flange portion 54 of the first member 51 and the second member 55 to seal between the two.

[0086] In this way, the substrate 42 is disposed in the accommodation space 52 of the substrate housing 50 in a sealed state. Here, the sealed state of the substrate 42 means a state that satisfies the waterproof standard of IPX4 or higher, and more preferably satisfies IPX6 or higher.

[0087] As Figure 5 shown, the substrate 42 is disposed at a position above the uppermost heat transfer tube 21b in the multi-layer heat transfer tube 21b. In this way, even if the combustible refrigerant leaks from the heat transfer tube 21b, since propane, which is a combustible refrigerant, is heavier than air, it is possible to suppress the leaked refrigerant from flowing toward the substrate 42.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the contact portion where the first member 51 and the second member 55 are in contact is disposed at a position above the uppermost heat transfer tube 21b in the multi-layer heat transfer tube 21b. That is, the overlapping surface where the flange portion 54 of the first member 51 and the second member 55 overlap (more precisely, the overlapping surface of the flange portion 54 and the first sealing member 57) is disposed at a position above the uppermost heat transfer tube 21b.

[0089] In this way, even when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the heat transfer pipe 21b, it is possible to prevent the leaked refrigerant from flowing into the storage space 52 through the overlapping surface of the flange portion 54. It should be noted that when the contact portion where the first member 51 contacts the second member 55 is arranged above the uppermost heat transfer pipe 21b, it is not necessary to arrange the substrate 42 above the uppermost heat transfer pipe 21b.

[0090] A heat dissipation space 38 for dissipating the heat generated by the heat generating component 41 is provided between the top plate of the main body housing 30 and the upper surface of the substrate housing 50. In this way, the heat generated by the heat generating component 41 is dissipated to the heat dissipation space 38, thereby being able to prevent heat from staying around the electronic components 40.

[0091] <Cooling device>

[0092] As Figure 5 shown, the cooling device 60 includes a plurality of heat pipes 61 serving as working fluid flow paths, a heat sink 62 serving as an evaporation portion, and a refrigerant jacket 63 serving as a condensation portion.

[0093] A working fluid is sealed in the heat pipe 61. For example, water with a reduced boiling point by reducing the pressure is used as the working fluid. It should be noted that, for example, lithium, naphthalene, methanol, ammonia, etc. can also be used as the working fluid.

[0094] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the heat pipe 61 penetrates through the partition member 31 and extends across the blower chamber 33 and the machine chamber 32. Specifically, a through portion 31a is provided on the partition member 31. The through portion 31a communicates with the machine chamber 32 and the blower chamber 33. The through portion 31a is formed by cutting off a part of the upper end portion of the partition member 31.

[0095] The heat pipe 61 extends through the through portion 31a. In this way, the overall length of the heat pipe 61 can be shortened. In addition, the electrical wiring 47 also extends through the through portion 31a in the same manner. The through portion 31a is sealed by a sealing member 39.

[0096] The sealing member 39 sandwiches the heat pipe 61 and the electrical wiring 47 passing through the through portion 31a from above between the sealing member 39 and the partition member 31. In this way, the through portion 31a is in a state of being sealed by the sealing member 39. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe 26 in the machine chamber 32, it is possible to prevent the flammable refrigerant from flowing into the blower chamber 33 through the through portion 31a of the partition member 31.

[0097] Inside the heat pipe 61, the working fluid circulates between the heat sink 62 and the refrigerant jacket 63. As Figure 5As shown, the heat sink 62 is arranged at a position lower than the refrigerant jacket 63. An inclined portion 61a is provided in the middle of the flow path of the heat pipe 61. The inclined portion 61a extends upwardly and obliquely from the heat sink 62 side toward the refrigerant jacket 63 side. According to such a structure, the working fluid condensed at the refrigerant jacket 63 flows down along the inclined portion 61a, whereby the working fluid easily moves toward the heat sink 62.

[0098] In addition, by providing the inclined portion 61a on the heat pipe 61, a vacant space is formed below the refrigerant jacket 63. The refrigerant pipe 26 is arranged in the vacant space below the refrigerant jacket 63.

[0099] As Figure 9 shown, when setting the main body housing 30, in order to make the refrigeration cycle device 1 operate stably, the allowable inclination angle θ1 of the main body housing 30 with respect to the installation reference plane F extending in the horizontal direction is set. The allowable inclination angle θ1 is, for example, 3° or less.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the heat sink 62 and the refrigerant jacket 63 is studied so that the working fluid in the heat pipe 61 can easily circulate even when the main body housing 30 is set in a state inclined at the allowable inclination angle θ1.

[0101] As Figure 10 shown, the point where the end portion of the heat sink 62 on the refrigerant jacket 63 side ( Figure 10 the right end portion in the figure) contacts the heat pipe 61 is set as point A1. The point where the end portion of the refrigerant jacket 63 on the heat sink 62 side ( Figure 10 the left end portion in the figure) contacts the heat pipe 61 is set as point A2. And, the straight line connecting point A1 on the heat sink 62 side and point A2 on the refrigerant jacket 63 side is set as the imaginary straight line L. The inclination angle formed by the imaginary straight line L and the horizontal plane parallel to the installation reference plane F is set as θ2. At this time, the positions of the heat sink 62 and the refrigerant jacket 63 are set to satisfy θ2 > θ1.

[0102] In this way, even when the main body housing 30 is set in an inclined state, the refrigerant jacket 63 is located at a position higher than the heat sink 62, and the working fluid condensed at the refrigerant jacket 63 easily flows down toward the heat sink 62.

[0103] The heat sink 62 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum, for example. The heat sink 62 is arranged in the blower chamber 33. Specifically, the heat sink 62 is provided inside the substrate housing 50 in close contact with the heat generating component 41.

[0104] As Figure 11 shown, the heat pipe 61 is provided in close contact with the heat sink 62. Four heat pipes 61 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. Here, inFigure 11 In the example shown, two heating components 41 are arranged with a gap in the left - right direction. In Figure 11 it, the heat pipes 61 arranged in the second and third rows from the front side extend to positions corresponding to the left - hand heating component 41. In Figure 11 it, the heat pipes 61 arranged in the frontmost row and the rearmost row extend to positions corresponding to the right - hand heating component 41.

[0105] In this way, heat exchange between the heating component 41 and the working fluid is carried out via the heat sink 62, causing the working fluid to evaporate. The evaporated working fluid flows in the heat pipe 61 towards the refrigerant jacket 63.

[0106] The refrigerant jacket 63 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum, etc. The refrigerant jacket 63 is arranged in the machine room 32. Multiple heat pipes 61 are arranged closely against the upper part of the refrigerant jacket 63. A branch pipe 27 of the refrigerant pipe 26 is arranged closely against the lower part of the refrigerant jacket 63. As the refrigerant pipe 26, for example, a liquid pipe 7 is used.

[0107] As Figure 12 shown, the refrigerant pipe 26 has multiple branch pipes 27. In Figure 12 the example shown, two branch pipes 27 are provided in the middle of the refrigerant pipe 26. The upstream end of the branch pipe 27 is connected to the upstream - side refrigerant pipe 26. The downstream end of the branch pipe 27 is connected to the downstream - side refrigerant pipe 26. After the two branch pipes 27 distribute the refrigerant flowing in one refrigerant pipe 26 into two streams, they are then combined.

[0108] The branch pipe 27 extends from the upstream - side refrigerant pipe 26 along the refrigerant jacket 63 in the right - hand direction and then turns back to the left - hand direction and is connected to the downstream - side refrigerant pipe 26. In this way, four branch parts 28 closely attached to the refrigerant jacket 63 are provided by the two branch pipes 27. Thus, by branching the refrigerant pipe 26 into multiple pipes, the combustible refrigerant flows in a large range, thereby increasing the heat - exchange area with the refrigerant jacket 63 and improving the cooling efficiency.

[0109] The four branch parts 28 are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the four heat pipes 61. In the refrigerant jacket 63, the combustible refrigerant flowing in the branch part 28 of the branch pipe 27 exchanges heat with the working fluid in the heat pipe 61. That is to say, heat exchange between the combustible refrigerant and the working fluid can be carried out for each of the multiple heat pipes 61.

[0110] It should be noted that the number of heat pipes 61, the number of branch pipes 27, the positions and the number of branch parts 28 are only an example and are not limited thereto.

[0111] As a result, the combustible refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 26 exchanges heat with the working fluid via the refrigerant jacket 63, and the working fluid is condensed. The condensed working fluid flows in the heat pipe 61 toward the heat sink 62.

[0112] In this way, in the cooling device 60, the combustible refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 26 exchanges heat with the working fluid at a position away from the heat generating component 41. In this way, it is possible to cool the heat generating component 41 while reducing the risk of ignition of the combustible refrigerant.

[0113] - Effects of the Embodiment -

[0114] According to the features of the present embodiment, a refrigerant pipe 26 through which a combustible refrigerant flows is arranged in the machine room 32. An electronic component 40 is arranged in the blower room 33, and the electronic component 40 includes a substrate 42 on which a heat generating component 41 is mounted. In the working fluid flow path 61, the working fluid circulates between the evaporation section 62 and the condensation section 63. In the evaporation section 62, the heat generating component 41 exchanges heat with the working fluid. In the condensation section 63, the combustible refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 26 exchanges heat with the working fluid.

[0115] In this way, since the combustible refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 26 exchanges heat with the working fluid at a position away from the heat generating component 41, it is possible to cool the heat generating component 41 while reducing the risk of ignition of the combustible refrigerant.

[0116] According to the features of the present embodiment, by sealing the substrate 42 of the electronic component 40 to isolate it from the machine room 32, even if the combustible refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe 26, it is possible to reduce the risk of ignition with the electronic component 40 as the ignition source.

[0117] According to the features of the present embodiment, by housing the substrate 42 in the substrate housing 50, the substrate 42 can be in a sealed state.

[0118] According to the features of the present embodiment, the contact portion where the first component 51 contacts the second component 55 is arranged at a position above the uppermost heat transfer pipe 21b in the multilayer heat transfer pipe 21b. Therefore, even if the combustible refrigerant leaks from the heat transfer pipe 21b, it is possible to prevent the leaked refrigerant from flowing into the storage space 52 through the contact portion between the first component 51 and the second component 55.

[0119] According to the features of the present embodiment, the substrate 42 is arranged at a position above the uppermost heat transfer pipe 21b in the multilayer heat transfer pipe 21b. Therefore, even if the combustible refrigerant leaks from the heat transfer pipe 21b, it is possible to prevent the leaked refrigerant from flowing toward the substrate 42.

[0120] According to the features of the present embodiment, the working fluid can be condensed by using the combustible liquid refrigerant flowing in the liquid pipe 7.

[0121] According to the features of the present embodiment, even when R290 is used as the combustible refrigerant, the risk of ignition with the electronic component 40 as the ignition source can be reduced.

[0122] According to the features of the present embodiment, by extending the working fluid flow path 61 through the partition member 31, the overall length of the working fluid flow path 61 can be shortened, and the circulation efficiency of the working fluid can be improved.

[0123] According to the features of the present embodiment, in a state where the working fluid flow path 61 penetrates the through portion 31a of the partition member 31, the through portion 31a is closed by the closing member 39. Therefore, when the combustible refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe 26 in the machine room 32, it is possible to prevent the combustible refrigerant from flowing into the blower room 33 through the through portion 31a of the partition member 31.

[0124] According to the features of the present embodiment, an inclined portion 61a that extends obliquely upward from the evaporation portion 62 toward the condensation portion 63 is provided in the middle of the flow path of the working fluid flow path 61. Therefore, the working fluid condensed in the condensation portion 63 flows down along the inclined portion 61a, and thus the working fluid easily moves toward the evaporation portion 62.

[0125] According to the features of the present embodiment, the inclination angle θ2 formed by the installation reference plane F extending in the horizontal direction and the imaginary straight line L connecting the evaporation portion 62 and the condensation portion 63 is larger than the allowable inclination angle θ1 of the main body housing 30 with respect to the installation reference plane F. Therefore, even when the main body housing 30 is installed in an inclined form, the condensation portion 63 is located above the evaporation portion 62, and thus the working fluid condensed in the condensation portion 63 easily flows down toward the evaporation portion 62.

[0126] According to the features of the present embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 26 is arranged by using the vacant space below the condensation portion 63 formed by providing the inclined portion 61a in the working fluid flow path 61, so that space saving can be achieved.

[0127] According to the features of the present embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 26 has a branch portion 28 that branches into a plurality of branches. Therefore, by branching the refrigerant pipe 26 into a plurality of branches and allowing the combustible refrigerant to flow in a large range, the heat exchange area with the condensation portion 63 can be increased, and the cooling efficiency can be improved.

[0128] According to the features of the present embodiment, by providing a plurality of branch portions 28 corresponding to a plurality of working fluid flow paths 61 respectively, heat exchange between the flammable refrigerant and the working fluid can be performed for each of the plurality of working fluid flow paths 61.

[0129] (Modification 1)

[0130] Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and only the different parts will be described.

[0131] As Figure 14 shown, the substrate housing 50 has a first member 51 and a second member 55. The first member 51 has a flange portion 54. The flange portion 54 projects outward along the peripheral portion of the opening 53. The second member 55 is mounted on the flange portion 54 of the first member 51 and closes the opening 53. A substrate 42 is housed in the housing space 52 of the substrate housing 50.

[0132] The flange portion 54 of the substrate housing 50 is placed on the fin 21a of the outdoor heat exchanger 21. Therefore, the overlapping surface where the flange portion 54 of the first member 51 overlaps with the second member 55 (more precisely, the overlapping surface where the flange portion 54 overlaps with the first sealing member 57) is located above the uppermost heat transfer tube 21b of the outdoor heat exchanger 21.

[0133] In this way, even when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the heat transfer tube 21b, it is possible to prevent the leaked refrigerant from flowing into the housing space 52 through the overlapping surface of the flange portion 54. In addition, by placing the flange portion 54 on the fin 21a, it is easy to determine the height position of the substrate housing 50.

[0134] (Modification 2)

[0135] As Figure 15 shown, the electronic component 40 includes a heat generating component 41, a substrate 42, and a sealing component 45. The sealing component 45 seals the substrate 42. The sealing component 45 is composed of a coating component 70 that covers the entire surface of the substrate 42. The coating component 70 is formed of a resin material, for example. In addition, in Figure 15 the example shown, a part of the heat pipe 61 and the heat sink 62 are also covered with the coating component 70.

[0136] In this way, by covering the entire surface of the substrate 42 with the coating component 70, the substrate 42 can be sealed. In this way, even when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant pipe 26, the risk of ignition with the electronic component 40 as the ignition source can be reduced.

[0137] Since the heat-generating component 41, the substrate 42, the electrical component 43, a part of the heat pipe 61, and the heat sink 62 are covered by the coating component 70, heat conduction can be promoted via the coating component 70 for the electrical component 43 other than the heat-generating component 41 in close contact with the heat sink 62, and a cooling effect can be obtained.

[0138] It should be noted that Figure 8 In the example shown, the entire surface of the substrate 42 including the heat-generating component 41, a part of the heat pipe 61, and the heat sink 62 are covered by the coating component 70, but it is not limited to this method. Specifically, in order to reduce the risk of fire with the electronic component 40 as the ignition source, it is sufficient that at least the entire surface of the substrate 42 including the heat-generating component 41 is covered by the coating component 70.

[0139] (Other embodiments)

[0140] The above-described embodiments may also adopt the following structure.

[0141] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioner including a single refrigerant circuit has been described, but it is not limited to this method.

[0142] Specifically, as Figure 16 shown, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes an air-conditioning equipment unit 100 and an outdoor unit 20. The outdoor unit 20 has a refrigerant circuit 5. A flammable natural refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant circuit 5. In the refrigerant circuit 5, the refrigerant is circulated to perform a refrigeration cycle. The air-conditioning equipment unit 100 has an air-conditioning equipment 106 connected to the fluid circuit 105. The temperature-regulating fluid flows in the fluid circuit 105. The temperature-regulating fluid is, for example, water. The air-conditioning equipment 106 is provided in the air-conditioned target space indoors.

[0143] It should be noted that Figure 16 in, the air-conditioning equipment 106 is one, but it is not limited thereto, and multiple air-conditioning equipments 106 may also be provided. In the case where multiple air-conditioning equipments 106 are provided, valves or the like may also be provided in the air-conditioning equipment unit 100 to switch between supplying the temperature-regulating fluid to the multiple air-conditioning equipments 106 and not supplying the temperature-regulating fluid to the multiple air-conditioning equipments 106.

[0144] The fluid circuit 105 is constituted by connecting a water heat exchanger 101, a fluid pump 107, and the air-conditioning equipment 106 with a fluid pipe 108. The fluid pump 107 circulates the water in the fluid circuit 105.

[0145] The refrigerant pipe 28 of the refrigerant circuit 5 is connected to the water heat exchanger 101. The water heat exchanger 101 exchanges heat between the combustible refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 28 and the water flowing in the fluid pipe 108.

[0146] The four-way reversing valve 25 is in a state where the first valve port P1 is communicated with the third valve port P3 and the second valve port P2 is communicated with the fourth valve port P4 ( Figure 16 the state shown by the solid line in

[0147] The air-conditioning device 106 is a heat exchanger that functions as a radiator for the temperature-regulating fluid circulating in the fluid circuit 105. The air-conditioning device 106 is an example of an object to be temperature-regulated. Specifically, the air-conditioning device 106 is a radiator, a panel for ground cooling and floor heating, etc. For example, when the air-conditioning device 106 is a radiator, the air-conditioning device 106 is installed along the wall inside the room, etc. For example, when the air-conditioning device 106 is a panel for ground cooling and floor heating, the air-conditioning device 106 is installed under the floor inside the room, etc.

[0148] The above has described the embodiments and modification examples, but it should be understood that various changes can be made to the mode and specific matters without departing from the gist and scope of the claims. It is also possible to appropriately combine or replace the elements involved in the above embodiments, modification examples, and other embodiments. The words "first", "second", "third",... in the specification and claims are only used to distinguish the sentences containing the above words, and are not intended to limit the number and order of the sentences.

[0149] -Industrial Applicability-

[0150] In summary, the present disclosure is very useful for a refrigeration cycle device.

[0151] -Symbol Explanation-

[0152] 1 Refrigeration cycle device

[0153] 5 Refrigerant circuit

[0154] 7 Liquid pipe

[0155] 21 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

[0156] 21a Finned

[0157] 21b Heat transfer tube

[0158] 22 Outdoor fan (air blower)

[0159] 23 Outdoor expansion valve

[0160] 24 Compressor

[0161] 26 Refrigerant pipe

[0162] 27 branch pipes

[0163] 28 branch portions

[0164] 30 main housing

[0165] 31 separating member

[0166] 31a through portion

[0167] 32 machinery room

[0168] 33 blower room

[0169] 39 closing member

[0170] 40 electronic components

[0171] 41 heating component

[0172] 42 substrate

[0173] 45 sealing member

[0174] 50 substrate housing

[0175] 51 first member

[0176] 52 storage space

[0177] 53 opening

[0178] 54 flange portion

[0179] 55 second member

[0180] 60 cooling device

[0181] 61 heat pipe (working fluid flow path)

[0182] 61a inclined portion

[0183] 62 heat sink (evaporation portion)

[0184] 63 refrigerant jacket (condensation portion)

[0185] 70 coating member

[0186] F setting reference plane

[0187] L imaginary straight line

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device, which comprises: a main body housing (30); a partition member (31) that divides the interior of the main body housing (30) into a machinery chamber (32) and a blower chamber (33); a compressor (24) disposed in the machinery chamber (32); and a blower (22) disposed in the blower chamber (33), characterized in that: in the machinery chamber (32), a refrigerant pipe (26) connected to the compressor (24) and through which a flammable refrigerant flows is disposed, electronic components (40) are disposed in the blower chamber (33), and the electronic components (40) include a substrate (42) on which a heat generating component (41) is mounted, the refrigeration cycle device includes a cooling device (60), and the cooling device (60) has a working fluid flow path (61) through which a working fluid flows, an evaporation section (62) that evaporates the working fluid, and a condensation section (63) that condenses the working fluid, in the working fluid flow path (61), the working fluid circulates between the evaporation section (62) and the condensation section (63), the evaporation section (62) is provided in the blower chamber, and the condensation section (63) is provided in the machinery chamber, in the evaporation section (62), the heat generating component (41) exchanges heat with the working fluid, in the condensation section (63), the flammable refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (26) exchanges heat with the working fluid.

2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, characterized in that: the substrate (42) is sealed by a sealing member (45).

3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 2, characterized in that: the sealing member (45) is a substrate housing (50), and the substrate housing (50) has a storage space (52) for storing the substrate (42).

4. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 3, characterized in that: a heat exchanger (21) having a multi-layer heat transfer pipe (21b) is disposed in the blower chamber (33), the substrate housing (50) has a first member (51) and a second member (55), the first member (51) has an opening (53) communicating with the storage space (52), and the second member (55) contacts the first member (51) to close the opening (53), thereby sealing between the storage space (52) and the outside of the substrate housing (50), a contact portion where the first member (51) contacts the second member (55) is disposed at a position above the uppermost heat transfer pipe (21b) among the multi-layer heat transfer pipes (21b).

5. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 4, characterized in that: on the first member (51), a flange portion (54) protruding outward along the peripheral portion of the opening (53) is provided, the second member (55) is mounted on the flange portion (54), the flange portion (54) is placed on a fin (21a) of the heat exchanger (21).

6. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 2, characterized in that: the sealing member (45) is a coating member (70) covering the entire surface of the substrate (42).

7. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: in the blower chamber (33), a heat exchanger (21) having a multi-layer heat transfer tube (21b) is arranged, the substrate (42) is arranged at a position above the heat transfer tube (21b) located at the uppermost layer among the multi-layer heat transfer tubes (21b).

8. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: the refrigeration cycle device includes a refrigerant circuit (5), and the refrigerant circuit (5) has a liquid pipe (7) through which the flammable refrigerant flows, in the condensing section (63), the flammable refrigerant flowing in the liquid pipe (7) exchanges heat with the working fluid.

9. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: the flammable refrigerant is R290.

10. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: the working fluid flow path (61) extends through the partition member (31).

11. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 10, characterized in that: on the partition member (31), a through portion (31a) through which the working fluid flow path (61) passes is provided, the refrigeration cycle device includes a closing member (39), and in a state where the working fluid flow path (61) passes through the through portion (31a), the closing member (39) closes the through portion (31a).

12. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: the evaporation section (62) is arranged at a position below the condensing section (63), in the middle of the flow path of the working fluid flow path (61), an inclined portion (61a) extending obliquely upward from the evaporation section (62) toward the condensing section (63) is provided.

13. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 12, characterized in that: the inclination angle θ2 formed by the horizontally extending installation reference plane (F) and the imaginary straight line (L) connecting the evaporation section (62) and the condensing section (63) is larger than the allowable inclination angle θ1 of the main body housing (30) with respect to the installation reference plane (F).

14. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 12, characterized in that: the refrigerant pipe (26) is arranged below the condensing section (63).

15. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: the refrigerant pipe (26) has a branch portion (28) branched into a plurality of branches, in the condensing section (63), the flammable refrigerant flowing in the branch portion (28) of the refrigerant pipe (26) exchanges heat with the working fluid.

16. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 15, wherein: a plurality of the working fluid flow paths (61) are provided, and a plurality of the branch portions (28) are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of the working fluid flow paths (61).

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