Heat source unit

Abstract

The heat source unit includes: a compressor (40); refrigerant piping (21-25) for the flow of gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (40) and gas refrigerant before being sucked into the compressor (40); a refrigerant flow path module (10) connected to the refrigerant piping (21-25); and a shell (60) for accommodating the compressor (40), the refrigerant piping (21-25) and the refrigerant flow path module (10). The refrigerant flow path module (10) has a module body (11) having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a length in the vertical direction is formed to be smaller than a length in the horizontal direction, and a refrigerant flow path is formed inside. The refrigerant flow path module (10) is arranged above the bottom (63) of the shell (60) at intervals. The refrigerant piping includes a first piping (21, 22 or 23) and a second piping (21, 22 or 23) that are connected to the flow path in the module body (11) and support the refrigerant flow path module (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat source unit. Background Art

[0002] It is known that in a refrigeration device including a refrigerant circuit that operates in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, a plurality of refrigerant pipes for supplying refrigerant flow are concentrated in one unit to achieve miniaturization of the refrigerant circuit. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerant piping unit provided in a heat source unit of a refrigeration device. The refrigerant piping unit is composed of a pair of plate-like members that overlap each other and are arranged in a state where the plate surfaces of the plate-like members face the up and down directions. A plurality of grooves for forming a refrigerant passage are formed on the overlapping surfaces of the pair of plate-like members, and a connecting hole that communicates with the refrigerant passage is formed on the upper surface of the upper plate-like member. Functional blocks such as a compressor and a switching valve are arranged on the upper surface of the upper plate-like member, and the functional blocks are connected to the refrigerant piping unit via the connecting hole.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-156528 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] The refrigerant piping unit described in Patent Document 1 has a compressor disposed on its upper surface, and therefore its placement within the heat source unit is limited to a lower position, such as on the bottom of the heat source unit's housing. On the other hand, in the heat source unit, in addition to the compressor, the refrigerant circuit also includes larger components such as a storage tank and an oil separator, and refrigerant inlets or outlets are typically located above these components. Therefore, when the refrigerant piping unit is positioned lower within the heat source unit, the refrigerant piping connecting the inlet or outlet of components such as the compressor to the refrigerant piping unit becomes longer, increasing the amount of piping used.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat source unit capable of reducing the amount of refrigerant pipes used.

[0009] Technical solutions used to solve technical problems

[0010] (1) The heat source unit of the present disclosure includes:

[0011] compressor;

[0012] a refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor and the gas refrigerant before being sucked into the compressor flow;

[0013] a refrigerant flow path module connected to the refrigerant pipe; and

[0014] a housing for housing the compressor, the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant flow path module;

[0015] The refrigerant flow path module has a module body having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the length in the vertical direction is smaller than the length in the horizontal direction, and a refrigerant flow path is formed inside the module body.

[0016] The refrigerant flow path modules are arranged above the bottom of the housing at intervals.

[0017] The refrigerant pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe that communicates with the flow path in the module body and supports the refrigerant flow path module.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the refrigerant flow path module is positioned above the bottom of the housing, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in placement within the housing of the heat source unit and shortening the length of the refrigerant piping connecting components such as the compressor to the refrigerant flow path module. The refrigerant flow path module is supported by the first and second pipings through which the gas refrigerant flows, thereby simplifying the configuration in which the refrigerant flow path module is positioned above the bottom of the housing.

[0019] (2) In the heat source unit of (1) above, preferably, the first pipe and the second pipe support the refrigerant flow path block from below.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the refrigerant flow path module can be stably supported from below.

[0021] (3) In the heat source unit of (1) or (2) above, preferably, the module body has a long side in a predetermined horizontal direction.

[0022] The connection portions of the first pipe and the second pipe to the refrigerant flow module are spaced apart and arranged on both sides with the center in the longitudinal direction of the module body interposed therebetween.

[0023] According to the above configuration, the refrigerant flow path module can be supported in a well-balanced manner by the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0024] (4) In the heat source unit described in any one of (1) to (3) above, preferably, the heat source unit further includes: a switching mechanism for switching the flow direction of the gas refrigerant; and

[0025] a gas shutoff valve constituting an outlet or an inlet of the gas refrigerant in the heat source unit,

[0026] The first pipe and the second pipe respectively constitute a part of a first flow path, a part of a second flow path, or a part of a third flow path. The first flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the discharge side of the compressor and the switching mechanism. The second flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the suction side of the compressor and the switching mechanism. The third flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the gas shut-off valve and the switching mechanism.

[0027] (5) In the heat source unit described in (4) above, preferably, the gas shutoff valve is fixed to the housing.

[0028] The first pipe or the second pipe is a refrigerant pipe that constitutes a portion of the third flow path and connects the gas shutoff valve and the refrigerant flow path module.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the refrigerant flow path module can be stably supported by the gas shutoff valve, the first pipe, and the second pipe fixed to the casing.

[0030] (6) In the heat source unit described in (4) or (5) above, preferably, the heat source unit further includes a storage tank provided in the second flow path and fixed to the housing.

[0031] The first pipe or the second pipe is a refrigerant pipe connecting the accumulator and the refrigerant flow path module.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the refrigerant flow path module can be stably supported by the accumulator, the first pipe, and the second pipe fixed to the casing.

[0033] (7) In the heat source unit according to any one of (4) to (6), the switching mechanism preferably includes a port for inflow and outflow of the refrigerant, and the port is directly connected to the refrigerant flow path module.

[0034] According to the above configuration, the number of refrigerant pipes can be reduced.

[0035] (8) In the heat source unit described in any one of (1) to (7) above, preferably, the refrigerant flow path module includes a joint pipe, the upper end of which is connected to the lower surface of the module body, and the lower end of which is connected to the first pipe or the second pipe.

[0036] The first pipe or the second pipe has an expanded diameter portion at the upper end thereof,

[0037] The joint pipe is inserted into the inner side of the expanded diameter portion of the first pipe or the second pipe,

[0038] According to the above configuration, the first pipe and the second pipe can be easily brazed to the first pipe or the second joint pipe of the refrigerant flow path module by hand.

[0039] (9) In the heat source unit according to any one of (1) to (8), the refrigerant piping preferably further includes a third piping that communicates with the flow path in the module body and supports the refrigerant flow path module from below.

[0040] Portions of the first to third pipes connected to the refrigerant flow module are distributed along the longitudinal direction of the module body.

[0041] According to this configuration, the refrigerant flow path module can be supported more stably by the third pipe, and the refrigerant flow path module can be supported in a well-balanced manner in the longitudinal direction of the module body by the first to third pipes.

[0042] (10) In the heat source unit described in any one of (1) to (9) above, the refrigerant piping preferably further includes a fourth piping that is connected to the flow path in the module body and supports the refrigerant flow path module from above.

[0043] According to the above configuration, the refrigerant flow path module can be supported more stably by the fourth pipe.

[0044] (11) Based on the heat source unit described in any one of (1) to (10) above, it is preferred that the refrigerant flow path module includes a first refrigerant flow path module and a second refrigerant flow path module, the first refrigerant flow path module has the module body and is supported by the first piping and the second piping, the second refrigerant flow path module is arranged spaced apart from the first refrigerant flow path module in the up and down directions, and has a second module body in which a refrigerant flow path is formed.

[0045] According to this configuration, by dividing the refrigerant flow path module into two, a first refrigerant flow path module and a second refrigerant flow path module, flow paths can be efficiently formed in each module, and the entire refrigerant flow path module can be miniaturized.

[0046] (12) Based on the heat source unit described in (11) above, it is preferred that the refrigerant piping includes a fifth piping, which extends in an up-down direction between the first refrigerant flow path module and the second refrigerant flow path module, with an upper end connected to one side of the first refrigerant flow path module and the second refrigerant flow path module, and a lower end connected to the other side of the first refrigerant flow path module and the second refrigerant flow path module.

[0047] According to this configuration, the first refrigerant flow path block and the second refrigerant flow path block can be connected at the shortest distance via the fifth pipe.

[0048] (13) In the heat source unit described in (11) or (12), preferably, the heat source unit includes a switching mechanism for switching the flow direction of the gas refrigerant.

[0049] The switching mechanism is disposed between the first refrigerant flow path module and the second refrigerant flow path module.

[0050] According to the above configuration, the space between the first refrigerant flow path block and the second refrigerant flow path block can be effectively utilized.

[0051] (14) Based on the heat source unit described in (11) above, preferably, the second module body has a first side surface and a second side surface arranged in the up-down direction and facing opposite directions to each other, and the length between the first side surface and the second side surface is smaller than the length in the up-down direction.

[0052] According to the above structure, even if the second refrigerant flow path module is arranged at a distance from the first refrigerant flow path module in the up and down directions, a wider space in the up and down directions can be ensured above or below the first refrigerant flow path module (on the side of the second refrigerant flow path module), and the freedom of arrangement of refrigerant piping, valves and other components connected to each refrigerant flow path module can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a refrigeration device.

[0055] Figure 3 It is a top view showing the interior of the refrigeration device.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0058] Figure 6 It is a bottom view of the module body schematically showing the arrangement of refrigerant pipes supporting the refrigerant flow path module.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a front view showing an enlarged portion of the connection between the refrigerant flow path module and the refrigerant pipe.

[0060] Figure 8 It is a bottom view of a module body schematically showing the arrangement of refrigerant pipes supporting a refrigerant flow path module according to a modified example.

[0061] Figure 9 It is a bottom view of a module body schematically showing the arrangement of refrigerant pipes supporting a refrigerant flow path module according to another modified example.

[0062] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system according to a second embodiment.

[0063] Figure 11 It is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow path module according to the second embodiment.

[0064] Figure 12 It is a schematic side view of a refrigerant flow module according to a third embodiment.

[0065] Figure 13 This is a schematic front view of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0066] Figure 14 It is a bottom view of the module body schematically showing the arrangement of refrigerant pipes supporting the refrigerant flow path module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] [First embodiment]

[0069] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] The refrigeration device 1 includes a refrigerant circuit that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment is an air conditioner. Figure 1As shown, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit (heat source unit) 31, multiple indoor units (utilization units) 32, and a flow switching device 33. The outdoor unit 31 and the flow switching device 33, as well as the flow switching device 33 and the indoor units 32, are connected via connecting pipes 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38, respectively. The air conditioner 1 of this embodiment enables the multiple indoor units 32 to independently perform cooling and heating, and is a so-called cooling and heating-free type. Furthermore, the refrigeration device 1 is not limited to an air conditioner and may also be a refrigerator, freezer, water heater, or the like.

[0071] (Refrigerant Circuit Structure)

[0072] The outdoor unit 31 includes a refrigerant circuit 30. The refrigerant circuit 30 is connected to the refrigerant circuit within the flow switching device 33 via a liquid communication pipe 34, a suction gas communication pipe 35, and a high- and low-pressure gas communication pipe 36. The refrigerant circuit of the flow switching device 33 is connected to the refrigerant circuit within the indoor unit 32 via communication pipes 37 and 38.

[0073] The refrigerant circuit 30 includes a first stop valve 39a, a second stop valve 39b, a third stop valve 39c, a compressor 40, an accumulator 41, a plurality of flow path switching valves (switching mechanisms) 42 (42a, 42b, 42c), an outdoor heat exchanger 43, a plurality of expansion valves 44 (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d), a subcooler 45, an oil separator 46, etc., and is configured by connecting these components via refrigerant piping. A fan 62 (see FIG. 1 ) is provided in the outdoor unit 31. Figure 2 ), controller 61a (refer to Figure 3 )wait.

[0074] One end of the first stop valve 39a is connected to the suction gas communication pipe 35 . The other end of the first stop valve 39a is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the accumulator 41 .

[0075] One end of the second stop valve 39b is connected to the high- and low-pressure gas communication pipe 36. The other end of the second stop valve 39b is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the flow path switching valve 42b.

[0076] One end of the third stop valve 39c is connected to the liquid communication pipe 34. The other end of the third stop valve 39c is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the subcooler 45.

[0077] Compressor 40 has a sealed structure with a built-in compressor motor and is, for example, a positive displacement compressor such as a scroll or rotary type. Compressor 40 compresses low-pressure refrigerant drawn in through suction pipe 47 and then discharges it through discharge pipe 48. Refrigeration oil is contained within compressor 40. This refrigeration oil sometimes circulates within refrigerant circuit 30 along with the refrigerant. Compressor 40 is a type of container.

[0078] The oil separator 46 is a container for separating refrigeration oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 40. The separated refrigeration oil is returned to the compressor 40 through the oil return pipe 46a.

[0079] The accumulator 41 is a container for temporarily storing low-pressure refrigerant to be sucked into the compressor 40 and separating gaseous refrigerant from liquid refrigerant. The inlet 41b of the accumulator 41 is connected to the refrigerant piping extending from the first shut-off valve 39a. The outlet 41a of the accumulator 41 is connected to the suction piping 47. One end of the return oil pipe 50 is connected to the accumulator 41. The other end of the return oil pipe 50 is connected to the suction piping 47. The return oil pipe 50 is a pipe for returning refrigeration oil from the accumulator 41 to the compressor 40. A first opening and closing valve 51 is provided on the return oil pipe 50. The first opening and closing valve 51 is composed of a solenoid valve. If the first opening and closing valve 51 is opened, the refrigeration oil in the accumulator 41 passes through the return oil pipe 50 and is sucked into the compressor 40 together with the refrigerant flowing in the suction piping 47.

[0080] Each flow path switching valve 42 is a four-way switching valve and switches the flow of the refrigerant according to the operating conditions of the air conditioner 1. A refrigerant pipe extending from the oil separator 46 is connected to one refrigerant inlet of each flow path switching valve 42.

[0081] Each flow path switching valve 42 is configured to block the flow of refrigerant in one refrigerant flow path during operation, and effectively functions as a three-way valve. Hereinafter, the plurality of flow path switching valves 42 are also referred to as the first flow path switching valve 42a, the second flow path switching valve 42b, and the third flow path switching valve 42c.

[0082] Each expansion valve 44 is, for example, an electrically operated valve with adjustable opening. The opening of each expansion valve 44 is adjusted according to operating conditions, and the refrigerant passing therethrough is decompressed according to the opening. Hereinafter, the expansion valves 44 are also referred to as the first expansion valve 44a, the second expansion valve 44b, the third expansion valve 44c, and the fourth expansion valve 44d.

[0083] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is a cross-fin or microchannel heat exchanger. It includes a first heat exchange section 43a, a second heat exchange section 43b, a third heat exchange section 43c, and a fourth heat exchange section 43d. The gas-side end of the first heat exchange section 43a is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the third flow path switching valve 42c. The liquid-side end of the first heat exchange section 43a is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the first expansion valve 44a.

[0084] The gas-side end of the second heat exchanger 43b is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the first flow path switching valve 42a. The liquid-side end of the second heat exchanger 43b is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the second expansion valve 44b.

[0085] The gas-side ends of the third heat exchanger 43c and the fourth heat exchanger 43d are connected to refrigerant pipes branching from the oil separator 46. The liquid-side ends of the third heat exchanger 43c and the fourth heat exchanger 43d are connected to refrigerant pipes extending to the third expansion valve 44c.

[0086] The subcooler 45 includes a first heat transfer tube 45a and a second heat transfer tube 45b. One end of the first heat transfer tube 45a is connected to the refrigerant piping extending to the first expansion valve 44a, the second expansion valve 44b, and the third expansion valve 44c. The other end of the first heat transfer tube 45a is connected to the refrigerant piping extending to the third stop valve 39c. One end of the second heat transfer tube 45b is connected to a first branching tube 53 that branches off from the refrigerant piping between the first heat transfer tube 45a and the first expansion valve 44a, the second expansion valve 44b, and the third expansion valve 44c. The fourth expansion valve 44d is provided in the first branching tube 53. The other end of the second heat transfer tube 45b is connected to one end of the injection piping 55. The other end of the injection piping 55 is connected to the middle port of the compressor 40.

[0087] One end of a second branch pipe 56 is connected to the injection pipe 55. The other end (outlet end) of the second branch pipe 56 is connected to the suction pipe 47. The second branch pipe 56 is provided with a second on-off valve 57 and a check valve 58. The second on-off valve 57 is composed of a solenoid valve.

[0088] The subcooler 45 subcools the refrigerant flowing through the first heat transfer pipe 45a by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 40 through the outdoor heat exchanger 43 and the expansion valve 44 and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat transfer pipe 45b after being decompressed by the expansion valve 44d. The refrigerant flowing through the second heat transfer pipe 45b passes through the injection pipe 55 and is drawn into the middle port of the compressor 40. When the second on-off valve 57 is opened, the refrigerant flowing through the injection pipe 55 branches and flows to the second branch pipe 56, where it is drawn into the compressor 40 through the suction pipe 47.

[0089] (Structure of the outdoor unit)

[0090] Hereinafter, the specific structure of the outdoor unit (heat source unit) 31 will be described. Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a refrigeration device. Figure 3 It is a top view showing the interior of the refrigeration device.

[0091] In addition, the description of the left-right direction, front-back direction, and up-down direction in the following description is based on Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Specifically, in the following description, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The first direction indicated by arrow X is defined as the left-right direction, the second direction indicated by arrow Y is defined as the front-back direction, and the third direction indicated by arrow Z is defined as the up-down direction. However, these directions are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure. Thus, for example, the first direction X may be defined as the front-back direction, and the second direction Y may be defined as the left-right direction.

[0092] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the outdoor unit 31 has a housing 60 , which houses components constituting the refrigerant circuit, such as the compressor 40 , the accumulator 41 , the outdoor heat exchanger 43 , and the oil separator 46 , an electrical component unit 61 , and a fan 62 . The fan 62 is provided at the top of the housing 60 .

[0093] The housing 60 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. It includes a bottom plate 63, support columns 64, a top plate 65, and a front plate 66. The bottom plate 63 is formed into a quadrilateral shape when viewed from above. The support columns 64 are composed of slender members with a generally L-shaped cross-section that are elongated in the vertical direction and are attached to the four corners of the bottom plate 63.

[0094] The top plate 65 is formed in a substantially identical quadrilateral shape to the bottom plate 63 and is spaced apart and disposed above the bottom plate 63. The upper ends of the pillars 64 are mounted at the four corners of the top plate 65. A substantially quadrilateral vent is formed in the top plate 65, and a grille 65a is provided in the vent to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, a maintenance opening 60a is formed on the front surface of the housing 60. The opening 60a is blocked by a front plate (front side plate) 66. By removing the front plate 66 from the housing 60, maintenance and replacement of components within the housing 60 can be performed through the opening 60a.

[0096] The compressor 40 , the storage tank 41 , the outdoor heat exchanger 43 , the oil separator 46 and other components are mounted on the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60 .

[0097] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is arranged corresponding to (opposite to) three side surfaces of the housing 60. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 43 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from above, extending along the left, right, and rear sides of the housing 60. A gas manifold 43e is provided at one end of the outdoor heat exchanger 43, and a liquid manifold 43f is provided at the other end. Inlets 60b for introducing outside air are formed on the left, right, and rear sides of the housing 60, respectively.

[0098] The outdoor unit 31 is configured to draw air in from the inlet 60 b of the casing 60 by the drive of the fan 62 , exchange heat between the air and the outdoor heat exchanger 43 , and then blow the air upward from the upper portion of the casing 60 .

[0099] The compressor 40 is positioned approximately in the center of the left-right direction X near the front surface of the housing 60. The electrical component unit 61 is positioned adjacent to the right side of the compressor 40 near the front surface of the housing 60. The accumulator tank 41 is positioned behind the compressor 40. The oil separator 46 is positioned to the left of the accumulator tank 41. The electrical component unit 61 includes a controller 61a that controls the operation of the compressor 40, valves 42 and 44, and the fan 62.

[0100] (Structure of the refrigerant flow module)

[0101] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0102] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the outdoor unit is provided with a refrigerant flow path module 10. The refrigerant flow path module 10 is a module (unit) that constitutes a portion of the flow path of the refrigerant piping that connects the compressor 40, the accumulator 41, the flow path switching valve 42, the outdoor heat exchanger 43, the expansion valve 44, the oil separator 46 and other components. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment forms Figure 1 The refrigerant flow paths in the frames F1 and F2 are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0103] The refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment includes an upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and a lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is formed Figure 1 The refrigerant flow path in the frame F1 is formed by the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. Figure 1 The refrigerant flow path in box F2.

[0104] The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B each include a module body 11 having a flow path therein and a joint pipe (refrigerant pipe) 12 mounted on the module body 11 and communicating with the flow path within the module body 11. In this specification, the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is sometimes referred to as a first module body 11, and the module body 11 of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is sometimes referred to as a second module body.

[0105] The module body 11 is constructed by stacking a plurality of plates and is formed into a plate or block shape. The module body 11 has an upper surface and a lower surface in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The module body 11 is configured so that the upper surface and the lower surface are along the horizontal direction. The thickness of the module body 11 (the length in the vertical direction) is smaller than the length of the long side and the short side of the rectangle. Therefore, the module body 11 is formed into a flat shape and is configured parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the module body 11 may not be configured strictly parallel to the horizontal direction. For example, it may be inclined within a range of ±10° relative to the horizontal direction.

[0106] The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B are arranged parallel to each other. The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from above. When viewed from above, the area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is larger than that of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is arranged within the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0107] The joint pipes 12 are cylindrical bodies attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the module body 11. The joint pipes 12 are arranged with their axes perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces of the module body 11. The joint pipes 12 are connected to refrigerant pipes constituting the refrigerant circuit.

[0108] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flow path module 10 is positioned to the left (on the one side in the first direction X) of the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41. The refrigerant flow path module 10 is positioned in front of the oil separator 46 (on the one side in the second direction Y). The refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment, particularly the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, is supported by refrigerant piping via refrigerant circuit components secured to the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is substantially supported by the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A via refrigerant piping and refrigerant circuit components.

[0109] The support structure of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is described in detail. The lower side of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is connected to the refrigerant pipe 21 connected to the refrigerant outlet 41a of the storage tank 41 and the refrigerant pipe 22 connected to the refrigerant inlet 41b. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerant pipe 21 constitutes a portion of the flow path (second flow path) through which the refrigerant flows between the suction side of the compressor 40 and the flow path switching valves 42a to 42c. The refrigerant pipe 22 also constitutes a portion of the flow path (second flow path) through which the refrigerant flows between the suction side of the compressor 40 and the flow path switching valves 42a to 42c.

[0110] like Figure 5As shown, the accumulator 41 is mounted and fixed to a mounting member 67 provided on the bottom plate 63 of the casing 60 of the outdoor unit 31. The refrigerant outflow port 41a is provided at the lower portion of the accumulator 41. The refrigerant pipe 21 is bent from the connection portion toward the refrigerant outflow port 41a and extends upward, and its upper end is connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the lower surface of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The refrigerant inlet 41b is provided at the upper portion of the accumulator 41. The refrigerant pipe 22 is bent up and down from the connection portion toward the refrigerant inlet 41b and extends toward the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, and is connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the lower surface of the module body (first module body) 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0111] The lower side of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is further connected to a flow path switching device 33 (see Figure 1 ) of the refrigerant gas inlet is connected to the refrigerant pipe 23 of the first stop valve (gas stop valve) 39a. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerant pipe 23 constitutes a part of the flow path (third flow path) for the refrigerant to flow between the first stop valve 39a and the flow path switching valve 42b. Figure 5 As shown, the first stop valve 39a is mounted and fixed to a mounting member 68 provided on the bottom plate 63. The refrigerant pipe 23 bends upward from the first stop valve 39a and its upper end is connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the lower surface of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0112] The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is supported by the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23. Specifically, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is supported from below by the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23. The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is arranged above the bottom plate 63 of the shell 60 at intervals. The refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are all gas pipes for the flow of gas refrigerant. Compared to the liquid pipes for the flow of liquid refrigerant, the gas pipes have a larger diameter and are also stronger. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is stably supported by the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23. The refrigerant pipes 21 and 22 are connected to the storage tank 41 fixed to the shell 60, and the refrigerant pipe 23 is connected to the first stop valve 39a fixed to the shell 60. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A is more stably supported by the refrigerant pipes 21 , 22 , and 23 via the refrigerant circuit components 41 and 39 a fixed to the casing 60 .

[0113] Figure 6 It is a bottom view of the module body schematically showing the arrangement of refrigerant pipes supporting the refrigerant flow path module.

[0114] The three refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 supporting the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A are connected to positions separated and arranged on both sides of the center C1 in the longitudinal direction of the module body 11. Specifically, the refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 are arranged on one side of the longitudinal direction with the center C1 sandwiched therebetween, while the refrigerant pipe 21 is arranged on the other side of the longitudinal direction with the center C1 sandwiched therebetween. Therefore, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are separated and arranged on both sides of the center C1 in the longitudinal direction of the module body 11. The multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are dispersed along the longitudinal direction of the module body 11. As a result, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 can stably support the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. In addition, in this embodiment, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are arranged at positions offset to one side in the lateral direction of the module body 11.

[0115] Figure 7 This is a front view showing an enlarged portion of the connection between the refrigerant flow path module and the refrigerant pipe.

[0116] In the upper refrigerant flow module 10A, the upper end of the nipple pipe 12, provided on the lower surface of the module body 11, is connected to the module body 11, and its lower end is connected to the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23. The upper ends of the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 connected to this nipple pipe 12 are provided with an expanded diameter portion D, which is enlarged by flaring. Furthermore, the lower end of the nipple pipe 12 is inserted into the upper ends of the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23, and the two are brazed. Therefore, when connecting the nipple pipe 12 to the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23, the upper end surfaces of the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 can be brazed from above, making manual brazing easier.

[0117] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is connected to the refrigerant pipe 24 connected to the refrigerant inlet 40b of the compressor 40. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerant pipe 24 forms part of the flow path (second flow path) through which the refrigerant flows between the suction side of the compressor 40 and the flow path switching valves 42a to 42c. The refrigerant pipe 24 extends upward from the portion connected to the refrigerant inlet 40b of the compressor 40, further bends to extend horizontally, and then bends further to extend downward. Its lower end is connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the upper surface of the module body 11.

[0118] Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is also supported from above by the refrigerant piping 24. The refrigerant piping 24 is a gas piping for the flow of gaseous refrigerant and has a larger diameter and higher strength than liquid piping. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is stably supported by the refrigerant piping 24. The compressor 40 is secured via mounting brackets, etc., provided on the bottom plate 63 of the housing. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is more stably supported by the refrigerant piping 24, via the compressor 40 secured to the bottom plate 63.

[0119] A flow switching valve 42b is connected to the upper side of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. This flow switching valve 42b includes a valve body B with a built-in valve core and multiple ports P serving as refrigerant inlets and outlets for the valve body B. The ports P protrude upward and downward from the valve body B. The downwardly protruding ports P are directly connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the upper portion of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0120] The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is arranged at a distance below the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is arranged at a distance above the bottom plate 63 of the shell 60. Flow path switching valves 42a, 42c are arranged between the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The above-mentioned flow path switching valves 42a, 42c have a valve body B with a built-in valve core and a plurality of ports P serving as the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant relative to the valve body B. The port P protrudes upward and downward from the valve body B. The port P protruding upward is directly connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the lower surface of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The port P protruding downward is directly connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the upper surface of the module body (second module body) 11 of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B.

[0121] A refrigerant pipe 25 is arranged between the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path block 10B. Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerant pipe 25 constitutes a portion of the flow path (first flow path) for the refrigerant to flow between the discharge side of the compressor 40 and the flow path switching valve 42b. More specifically, the refrigerant pipe 25 constitutes a portion of the flow path for the refrigerant to flow between the flow path switching valve 42b and the oil separator 46. Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant pipe 25 extends linearly in the vertical direction. Its upper end is connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the lower surface of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, and its lower end is connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the upper surface of the module body 11 of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. Therefore, the refrigerant pipe 25 connects the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B with the shortest distance.

[0122] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower side of the lower refrigerant flow path block 10B is connected to a plurality of expansion valves 44. The lower refrigerant flow path block 10B is connected to the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A via the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c and the refrigerant piping 25, and is supported from above by the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A via these.

[0123] (Variation)

[0124] Figure 8 It is a bottom view of a module body schematically showing the arrangement of pipes supporting a refrigerant flow module according to a modified example.

[0125] The three refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 supporting the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A are divided by Figure 6 In addition to the configuration shown, you can also Figure 8 The three refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are arranged as shown. Two of the three refrigerant pipes 21 and 23 are connected to positions separated and arranged on both sides of the center C1 in the longitudinal direction of the module body 11. Meanwhile, the remaining refrigerant pipe 22 is arranged at the center C1 in the longitudinal direction of the module body 11. The two refrigerant pipes 21 and 23 and the one refrigerant pipe 22 are separated and arranged on both sides of the center C2 in the transverse direction of the module body 11.

[0126] In this modified example, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are not only arranged on both sides of the center C1 in the longitudinal direction of the module body 11, but also on both sides of the center C2 in the lateral direction of the module body 11. Furthermore, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are dispersed along the longitudinal direction of the module body 11. Therefore, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 can more stably support the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0127] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of a module body schematically showing the arrangement of pipes supporting a refrigerant flow module according to another modified example.

[0128] The three refrigerant pipes supporting the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A are divided by Figure 6 In addition to the configuration shown, you can also Figure 9 The three refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are arranged in the manner shown. Two of the refrigerant pipes 21 and 23 are connected to positions separated from each other by the center C1 in the longitudinal direction and the center C2 in the lateral direction of the module body 11. The remaining refrigerant pipe 22 is arranged at the center C1 in the longitudinal direction and the center C2 in the lateral direction of the module body 11.

[0129] In this modified example, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are not only arranged on either side of the center C1 in the longitudinal direction of the module body 11, but also on either side of the center C2 in the transverse direction of the module body 11. Furthermore, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are distributed along the longitudinal and transverse directions of the module body 11. Therefore, the multiple refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 can more stably support the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0130] [Second embodiment]

[0131] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system according to a second embodiment.

[0132] The refrigeration device 1 of the first embodiment is a so-called free-heat and free-cooling air conditioner, which includes a flow switching device 33 between the outdoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 32. However, the refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment does not include such a flow switching device 33, and the outdoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 32 are directly connected through a refrigerant connecting pipe.

[0133] Figure 11 It is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow path module according to the second embodiment.

[0134] The outdoor unit 31 of this embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path module 10. The refrigerant flow path module 10 is composed of Figure 10 The refrigerant flow path is shown in the middle frame F3. In this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 10 is also supported from below by a plurality of refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23. Specifically, similar to the first embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment is connected to the bottom side of the refrigerant pipe 21 connected to the refrigerant outflow port 41a of the accumulator 41 and the refrigerant pipe 22 connected to the refrigerant inflow port 41b.

[0135] The refrigerant flow module 10 also has a refrigerant pipe 23 connected to a stop valve 39d, which serves as the inlet and outlet for the gas refrigerant from the indoor unit 32. The stop valve 39d is mounted and fixed to a mounting fixture 68 provided on the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60. The refrigerant pipe 23 bends upward from the stop valve 39d and is connected to a joint pipe 12 provided on the bottom surface of the module body 11 of the refrigerant flow module 10.

[0136] Therefore, the refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment is positioned above the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60 and is supported from below by the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23. The refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are all gas pipes through which gas refrigerant flows. Compared to liquid pipes through which liquid refrigerant flows, these gas pipes have a larger diameter and are therefore stronger. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path module 10 is stably supported by these refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23. The refrigerant pipes 21 and 22 are connected to the accumulator 41 fixed to the housing 60, and the refrigerant pipe 23 is connected to the shutoff valve 39d fixed to the housing 60. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path module 10 is more stably supported by the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 via the refrigerant circuit components 41 and 39d fixed to the housing 60.

[0137] A refrigerant pipe 24 connected to the refrigerant inlet 40b of the compressor 40 is connected to the upper surface of the module body 11 of the refrigerant flow path module 10. The refrigerant pipe 24 extends upward from the portion connected to the refrigerant inlet 40b of the compressor 40, further bends to extend horizontally, and then bends further to extend downward. Its lower end is connected to a joint pipe 12 provided on the upper surface of the module body 11.

[0138] Therefore, the refrigerant flow module 10 is also supported from above by the refrigerant piping 24. The refrigerant piping 24 is a gas piping for the flow of gaseous refrigerant and has a larger diameter and higher strength than liquid piping. Therefore, the refrigerant flow module 10 is stably supported by the refrigerant piping 24. The compressor 40 is secured via mounting brackets, etc., provided on the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60. Therefore, the refrigerant flow module 10 is more stably supported by the refrigerant piping 24, via the compressor 40 secured to the bottom plate 63.

[0139] A flow switching valve 42 is connected to the upper side of the refrigerant flow path module 10. This flow switching valve 42 includes a valve body B with a built-in valve core and a plurality of ports P serving as the refrigerant inlet and outlet ports for the valve body B. The ports P protrude upward and downward from the valve body B. The downwardly protruding ports P are directly connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the upper surface of the module body 11 of the refrigerant flow path module 10.

[0140] [Third embodiment]

[0141] Figure 12 It is a schematic side view of a refrigerant flow module according to a third embodiment. Figure 13 This is a schematic front view of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0142] The refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment includes an upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and a lower refrigerant flow path module 10C, similarly to the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the module body (second module body) 11 of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10C is arranged in a different direction from that of the first embodiment, specifically, in the vertical direction.

[0143] The second module body 11 is constructed by stacking multiple plates and is formed into a plate or block shape. In this embodiment, the multiple plates are stacked horizontally (front-to-back). The second module body 11 has a rectangular front surface (first side surface) 11a and a rear surface (second side surface) 11b when viewed from the front (or rear). The front surface 11a and the rear surface 11b face opposite directions.

[0144] The front surface 11a and the rear surface 11b of the second module body 11 are substantially arranged along the up-down direction. The front surface 11a and the rear surface 11b of the second module body 11 may not be strictly arranged along the vertical direction, for example, they may be inclined within a range of ±10° relative to the vertical direction. The front surface 11a and the rear surface 11b of the second module body 11 are substantially arranged along the left-right direction. However, the front surface 11a and the rear surface 11b of the second module body 11 may not be strictly arranged along the left-right direction, for example, they may be inclined within a range of ±45° relative to the left-right direction. By arranging the second module body 11 within the above-mentioned range, as described later, maintenance, replacement, etc. of components such as the valves 42a, 42c, 44 installed on the front surface 11a can be easily performed.

[0145] The length between the front surface 11a and the rear surface 11b of the second module body 11 is smaller than the vertical length of the second module body 11. In other words, the thickness of the second module body 11 is smaller than the height of the second module body 11. The thickness of the second module body 11 is smaller than the horizontal length of the second module body 11.

[0146] The lower refrigerant flow path module 10C is spaced apart and disposed below the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. When viewed from above, the lower refrigerant flow path module 10C is disposed so that at least a portion of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A overlaps. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10C is disposed on one side (toward the rear side) of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A in the front-to-back direction. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10C may be supported by a support member fixed to the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60, or may be supported by the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A substantially via refrigerant piping and components of the refrigerant circuit.

[0147] Therefore, a vertically wide space S is formed below the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. In particular, a wide space S is formed below the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and in front of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10C, continuously extending above and below the lower refrigerant flow path module 10C.

[0148] This space S houses flow switching valves 42a and 42c, an expansion valve 44, and other refrigerant piping. The upper ports P of the flow switching valves 42a and 42c are directly connected to a nipple pipe 12 located on the lower surface of the first module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow module 10A. The lower ports P of the flow switching valves 42a and 42c are directly connected to a nipple pipe 12 located on the front surface 11a of the second module body 11 of the lower refrigerant flow module 10C, either directly or via other piping (e.g., a 90-degree bend). The expansion valve 44 is directly connected to a nipple pipe 12 located on the front surface 11a of the second module body 11 of the lower refrigerant flow module 10C.

[0149] The front surface (first side surface) 11a of the second module body 11 is arranged to face the front plate 66 and the maintenance opening 60a of the housing 60. The flow path switching valves 42a, 42c and the expansion valve 44 are mounted on the front surface 11a of the second module body 11. Therefore, maintenance and component replacement can be easily performed through the maintenance opening 60a opened by removing the front plate 66.

[0150] The lower refrigerant flow path module 10C can also be positioned forward of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. In this case, a portion forming a vertically wide space S is formed behind the lower refrigerant flow path module 10C and below the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Furthermore, the lower refrigerant flow path module 10C does not need to overlap with the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A when viewed from above. Furthermore, when positioned forward of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, the lower refrigerant flow path module 10C can be supported by a support member extending from the mounting member 68.

[0151] The refrigerant pipe 23 connected to the first shutoff valve (gas shutoff valve) 39a is connected to the upper side of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Specifically, the refrigerant pipe 23 bends from the first shutoff valve 39a and extends upward. Its upper end is connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the upper surface of the first module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0152] The refrigerant pipe 22 connected to the refrigerant inlet 41b of the accumulator 41 is connected to the bottom of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Specifically, the refrigerant pipe 22 is connected to the joint pipe 12 provided on the bottom surface of the first module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0153] Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A of this embodiment is supported from below by the refrigerant pipe 22 and from above by the refrigerant pipe 23. Both the refrigerant pipe 22 and the refrigerant pipe 23 are gas pipes for the flow of gaseous refrigerant. Compared to the liquid pipes for the flow of liquid refrigerant, their pipe diameters are larger and their strength is higher. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is stably supported by these refrigerant pipes 22 and 23. The refrigerant pipe 22 is connected to the accumulator 41 fixed to the housing 60, and the refrigerant pipe 23 is connected to the first shutoff valve 39a fixed to the housing 60. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is more stably supported by the refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 via the refrigerant circuit components 41 and 39a fixed to the housing 60. Alternatively, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A may be supported by other refrigerant pipes (for example, the refrigerant pipes 21, 24, and 25 described in the first embodiment).

[0154] Figure 14 It is a bottom view of the module body schematically showing the arrangement of refrigerant pipes supporting the refrigerant flow path module.

[0155] The two refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 supporting the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A are connected to positions separated from each other, sandwiching the center C1 of the module body 11 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the refrigerant pipe 22 is arranged on one side of the longitudinal direction, sandwiching the center C1, and the refrigerant pipe 23 is arranged on the other side of the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the multiple refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 are separated and arranged on both sides of the longitudinal center C1 of the module body 11. The multiple refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 are dispersed along the longitudinal direction of the module body 11. This allows the multiple refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 to stably support the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A in a well-balanced manner.

[0156] The two refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 are connected to positions separated from each other, sandwiching the center C2 in the short-side direction of the module body 11. Specifically, the refrigerant pipe 22 is arranged on one side of the short-side direction, sandwiching the center C2, while the refrigerant pipe 23 is arranged on the other side of the short-side direction. Thus, the multiple refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 are separated and distributed on both sides in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. This allows the two refrigerant pipes 22 and 23 to stably support the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A in a well-balanced manner.

[0157] [Other embodiments]

[0158] In the first embodiment described above, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is supported from below by three refrigerant pipes 21 to 23, but it may also be supported from below by two refrigerant pipes. In this case, it is preferred that the two refrigerant pipes are separately arranged on both sides of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A in the longitudinal direction. The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A may also be supported from below by four or more refrigerant pipes. In addition to the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B may also be supported from below by two or more refrigerant pipes.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the heat exchanger 43 includes four heat exchange sections 43a to 43d, but it may also include two heat exchange sections. In this case, one of the flow switching valves 42a and 42c can be omitted, and one of the expansion valves 44a and 44b can be omitted. To reduce the number of flow switching valves, for example, the flow switching valve 42b located above the upper refrigerant flow module 10A can be positioned between the upper refrigerant flow module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow modules 10B and 10C.

[0160] [Effects of the embodiment]

[0161] The heat source unit (outdoor unit) 31 of the above embodiment includes: a compressor 40; refrigerant pipes 21-25 through which gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 40 and gas refrigerant before being drawn into the compressor 40 flows; a refrigerant flow path module 10 connected to the refrigerant pipes 21-25; and a housing 60 that houses the compressor 40, the refrigerant pipes 21-25, and the refrigerant flow path module 10. The refrigerant flow path module 10 has an upper surface and a lower surface, is shorter in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, and has a module body 11 having a refrigerant flow path formed therein. The refrigerant flow path module 10 is spaced apart and disposed above the bottom (bottom plate) 63 of the housing 60. The refrigerant pipes 21-25 include a first pipe and a second pipe (in the above embodiment, any two of the refrigerant pipes 21-23) that communicate with the flow path of the module body 11 and support the refrigerant flow path module 10. With the above-described structure, the refrigerant flow path module 10 is positioned above the bottom plate (bottom) 63 of the housing 60, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in placement within the housing 60. Consequently, the length of the refrigerant piping connecting components such as the compressor 40 to the refrigerant flow path module 10 can be shortened compared to a case where the refrigerant flow path module 10 is positioned at the bottom of the housing 60. Because the refrigerant flow path module 10 is supported by the first and second pipes 21-23 through which the gas refrigerant flows, the structure can be simplified compared to a case where the refrigerant flow path module 10 is positioned above the bottom 63 of the housing 60.

[0162] In the first and second embodiments described above, the first and second pipes 21 to 23 support the refrigerant flow path block 10 from below. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path block 10 can be stably supported from below.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the module body 11 has long sides in a horizontal direction. Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the connection portions of the first and second pipes (e.g., any two of the refrigerant pipes 21-23) to the refrigerant flow path module 10 are spaced apart and arranged on either side of the longitudinal center C1 of the module body 11. This allows the refrigerant flow path module 10 to be supported in a well-balanced manner by the first and second pipes 21, 23.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the heat source unit 31 further includes a switching mechanism (flow path switching valve) 42 for switching the flow direction of the gas refrigerant, and gas shutoff valves 39a and 39d that constitute the outlet or inlet of the gas refrigerant in the heat source unit 31. The first pipe and the second pipe (in the above embodiment, any two of the refrigerant pipes 21 to 23) respectively constitute a portion of the first flow path for refrigerant to flow between the discharge side of the compressor 40 and the switching mechanism 42, a portion of the second flow path for refrigerant to flow between the suction side of the compressor 40 and the switching mechanism 42, and a portion of the third flow path for refrigerant to flow between the gas shutoff valve 39a and the switching mechanism 42. For example, the first pipe or the second pipe is the refrigerant pipe 23 that constitutes a portion of the third flow path and connects the gas shutoff valves 39a and 39d fixed to the casing 60 to the refrigerant flow path module 10. With the above-described structure, the refrigerant flow path block 10 can be stably supported by the gas shutoff valve 39 a and the refrigerant pipe 23 fixed to the casing 60 .

[0165] In the above embodiment, the heat source unit 31 further includes an accumulator 41, which is provided in the second flow path for the refrigerant to flow between the suction side of the compressor 40 and the switching mechanism 42 and is fixed to the housing 60. The first or second pipe (refrigerant pipes 21 and 22 in the above embodiment) is a refrigerant pipe connecting the accumulator 41 to the refrigerant flow path module 10. According to the above structure, the refrigerant flow path module 10 can be stably supported by the accumulator 41 fixed to the housing 60 and the first or second pipe.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the switching mechanism 42 includes the port P through which the refrigerant flows in and out, and the port P is directly connected to the refrigerant flow path module 10. This can reduce the number of refrigerant pipes in the heat source unit 31.

[0167] In the above embodiment, if Figure 7 、 Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the refrigerant flow module 10 includes a nipple 12. The upper end of the nipple 12 is connected to the lower surface of the module body 11, and the lower end is connected to the first pipe (any of the refrigerant pipes 23-23) or the second pipe (any of the refrigerant pipes 21-23). ​​The first pipe or the second pipe 21-23 has an enlarged diameter portion D at its upper end. The first nipple 12 and the second nipple 12 are respectively inserted into the inner side of the enlarged diameter portion D of the first pipe or the second pipe 21-23. This makes it easy to manually braze the first pipe or the second pipe 21-23 to the nipple 12 of the refrigerant flow module 10.

[0168] In the first and second embodiments described above, the refrigerant pipes 21 to 25 further include a third pipe (in the above embodiments, any one of the refrigerant pipes 21 to 23) that communicates with the flow path within the module body 11 and supports the refrigerant flow path module 10 from below. The connection portions of the first to third pipes 21 to 23 with the refrigerant flow path module 10 are dispersedly arranged in the longitudinal direction of the module body 11. This configuration allows the refrigerant flow path module 10 to be more stably supported by the three refrigerant pipes 21 to 23, and the refrigerant flow path module 10 is supported in a well-balanced manner in the longitudinal direction of the module body 11 by the first to third pipes 21 to 23.

[0169] In the first and second embodiments, the refrigerant pipes 21 to 25 further include a fourth pipe 24 that communicates with the flow path within the module body 11 and supports the refrigerant flow module 10 from above. This configuration allows the fourth pipe 24 to more stably support the refrigerant flow module 10.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 10 includes a first refrigerant flow path module (for example, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A) and a second refrigerant flow path module (for example, the lower refrigerant flow path modules 10B, 10C), the first refrigerant flow path module has a module body 11 and is supported by a first pipe and a second pipe, the second refrigerant flow path module is arranged at a distance from the first refrigerant flow path module in the upper and lower directions, and has a second module body 11 with a refrigerant flow path formed therein.

[0171] For example, if a plurality of refrigerant pipes are connected to only one refrigerant flow path module and a plurality of refrigerant flow paths are formed, then in order to prevent interference between the refrigerant pipes and the refrigerant flow paths, the refrigerant flow path module needs to be formed larger. As a result, there are more parts where flow paths are not formed and parts where refrigerant pipes are not connected. Therefore, it is difficult to efficiently connect a plurality of refrigerant pipes to the refrigerant flow path module and form flow paths. If the refrigerant flow path module is enlarged, the installation space (especially the installation space in the horizontal direction) in the housing 60 is also expanded. In this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 10 is separately constructed into a first refrigerant flow path module 10A and a second refrigerant flow path module 10B, 10C. Therefore, the flow paths can be efficiently formed in each refrigerant flow path module 10A, 10B, 10C, and the refrigerant flow path module 10 can be miniaturized as a whole. The two refrigerant flow path modules 10A, 10B, and 10C are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction. When the two refrigerant flow path modules 10A, 10B, and 10C are arranged so as to overlap each other in a plan view, the installation space in the horizontal direction can be reduced.

[0172] In the first embodiment, the refrigerant piping includes a fifth pipe 25 extending vertically between the first refrigerant flow path module 10A and the second refrigerant flow path module 10B. The fifth pipe 25 has an upper end connected to one of the first refrigerant flow path module 10A and the second refrigerant flow path module 10B, and a lower end connected to the other of the first refrigerant flow path module 10A and the second refrigerant flow path module 10B. This configuration allows the first refrigerant flow path module 10A and the second refrigerant flow path module 10B to be connected at the shortest distance via the fifth pipe 25.

[0173] In the first embodiment, the heat source unit 31 includes switching mechanisms 42a and 42c for switching the flow direction of the gas refrigerant, and the switching mechanisms 42a and 42c are disposed between the first refrigerant flow path module 10A and the second refrigerant flow path module 10B. This configuration allows for efficient use of the space between the first refrigerant flow path module 10A and the second refrigerant flow path module 10B.

[0174] In the third embodiment, the second module body 11 includes a first side surface (e.g., a front surface) 11a and a second side surface (e.g., a rear surface) 11b arranged in the vertical direction and facing opposite directions, and the length between the first side surface 11a and the second side surface 11b is shorter than the vertical length. With this configuration, even if the second refrigerant flow path module 10C is arranged vertically spaced apart from the first refrigerant flow path module 10A, a wide vertical space S can be secured above or below the first refrigerant flow path module 10A (on the side of the second refrigerant flow path module 10C), thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of components such as refrigerant piping and valves connected to the refrigerant flow path modules 10A and 10C.

[0175] Although the embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0176] For example, the number of plates constituting the module body of the refrigerant flow path module is not particularly limited, as long as it is two or more.

[0177] The types of components connected to the upper and lower sides of the refrigerant flow path module 10 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the refrigerant pipe supporting the refrigerant flow path module from the lower side may be a refrigerant pipe extending from the oil separator 46 and through which the gas refrigerant flows, or a refrigerant pipe extending from the heat exchanger 43 and through which the gas refrigerant flows.

[0178] (Explanation of Symbols)

[0179] 10 Refrigerant flow module

[0180] 10A upper refrigerant flow path module (first refrigerant flow path module)

[0181] 10B lower refrigerant flow path module (second refrigerant flow path module)

[0182] 10C lower refrigerant flow path module (second refrigerant flow path module)

[0183] 11 Module body

[0184] 12 joint pipe

[0185] 21 Refrigerant pipes (first to third pipes)

[0186] 22 Refrigerant pipes (first to third pipes)

[0187] 23 Refrigerant pipes (first to third pipes)

[0188] 24 Refrigerant pipe (fourth pipe)

[0189] 25 Refrigerant pipe (fifth pipe)

[0190] 31 Outdoor unit (heat source unit)

[0191] 39a stop valve

[0192] 39d stop valve

[0193] 40 compressors

[0194] 41 storage tanks

[0195] 42 Flow path switching valve (switching mechanism)

[0196] 42a Flow path switching valve (switching mechanism)

[0197] 42b flow path switching valve (switching mechanism)

[0198] 42c flow path switching valve (switching mechanism)

[0199] 60 shell

[0200] 63 bottom plate (bottom)

[0201] C1 Center

[0202] C2 Center

[0203] D expanded diameter

[0204] P port

Claims

1. A heat source unit, characterized in that: include: compressor (40); a refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (40) and the gas refrigerant before being sucked into the compressor (40) flow; a refrigerant flow path module (10) connected to the refrigerant piping; as well as a housing (60) for housing the compressor (40), the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant flow path module (10); The refrigerant flow path module (10) has a module body (11), which has an upper surface and a lower surface, and has a vertical length smaller than a horizontal length, and has a refrigerant flow path formed therein. The refrigerant flow path modules (10) are arranged above the bottom (63) of the housing (60) at intervals. The refrigerant piping includes a first piping and a second piping, wherein the first piping and the second piping are connected to the flow path in the module body (11) and support the refrigerant flow path module (10). The module body (11) includes a long side direction and a short side direction in the horizontal direction, The connection portions of the first pipe and the second pipe with the refrigerant flow path module (10) are arranged separately on both sides with the center (C1) of the long side direction of the module body (11) sandwiched therebetween. The first pipe and the second pipe support the refrigerant flow path module (10) from below.

2. A heat source unit, characterized in that: include: compressor (40); a refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (40) and the gas refrigerant before being sucked into the compressor (40) flow; a refrigerant flow path module (10) connected to the refrigerant piping; as well as a housing (60) for housing the compressor (40), the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant flow path module (10); The refrigerant flow path module (10) has a module body (11), which has an upper surface and a lower surface, and has a vertical length smaller than a horizontal length, and has a refrigerant flow path formed therein. The refrigerant flow path modules (10) are arranged above the bottom (63) of the housing (60) at intervals. The refrigerant piping includes a first piping and a second piping, wherein the first piping and the second piping are connected to the flow path in the module body (11) and support the refrigerant flow path module (10). The module body (11) includes a long side direction and a short side direction in the horizontal direction, The connection portions of the first pipe and the second pipe with the refrigerant flow path module (10) are arranged separately on both sides with the center (C1) of the long side direction of the module body (11) sandwiched therebetween. The heat source unit further includes: a switching mechanism (42), the switching mechanism switching the flow direction of the gas refrigerant; as well as a gas shutoff valve (39a, 39d), the gas shutoff valve constituting an outlet or an inlet of the gas refrigerant in the heat source unit (31), The first pipe and the second pipe respectively constitute a part of a first flow path, a part of a second flow path, or a part of a third flow path. The first flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the discharge side of the compressor (40) and the switching mechanism (42). The second flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the suction side of the compressor (40) and the switching mechanism (42). The third flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the gas shutoff valves (39a, 39d) and the switching mechanism (42). The switching mechanism (42) includes a port (P) for refrigerant to flow out and in, and the port (P) is directly connected to the refrigerant flow path module (10).

3. A heat source unit, characterized in that: include: compressor (40); a refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (40) and the gas refrigerant before being sucked into the compressor (40) flow; a refrigerant flow path module (10) connected to the refrigerant piping; as well as a housing (60) for housing the compressor (40), the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant flow path module (10); The refrigerant flow path module (10) has a module body (11), which has an upper surface and a lower surface, and has a vertical length smaller than a horizontal length, and has a refrigerant flow path formed therein. The refrigerant flow path modules (10) are arranged above the bottom (63) of the housing (60) at intervals. The refrigerant piping includes a first piping and a second piping, wherein the first piping and the second piping are connected to the flow path in the module body (11) and support the refrigerant flow path module (10). The module body (11) includes a long side direction and a short side direction in the horizontal direction, The connection portions of the first pipe and the second pipe with the refrigerant flow path module (10) are arranged separately on both sides with the center (C1) of the long side direction of the module body (11) sandwiched therebetween. The refrigerant piping further includes a third piping, the third piping being in communication with the flow path in the module body (11) and supporting the refrigerant flow path module (10) from below. The connection portions of the first to third pipes to the refrigerant flow path module (10) are distributed in the longitudinal direction of the module body (11).

4. A heat source unit, characterized in that: include: compressor (40); a refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (40) and the gas refrigerant before being sucked into the compressor (40) flow; a refrigerant flow path module (10) connected to the refrigerant piping; as well as a housing (60) for housing the compressor (40), the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant flow path module (10); The refrigerant flow path module (10) has a module body (11), which has an upper surface and a lower surface, and has a vertical length smaller than a horizontal length, and has a refrigerant flow path formed therein. The refrigerant flow path modules (10) are arranged above the bottom (63) of the housing (60) at intervals. The refrigerant piping includes a first piping and a second piping, wherein the first piping and the second piping are connected to the flow path in the module body (11) and support the refrigerant flow path module (10). The refrigerant flow path module (10) includes a joint pipe (12), the upper end of which is connected to the lower surface of the module body (11), and the lower end of which is connected to the first pipe or the second pipe. The first pipe or the second pipe has an enlarged diameter portion (D) at the upper end thereof, The joint pipe (12) is inserted into the inner side of the expanded diameter portion (D) of the first pipe or the second pipe.

5. A heat source unit, characterized in that: include: compressor (40); a refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (40) and the gas refrigerant before being sucked into the compressor (40) flow; a refrigerant flow path module (10) connected to the refrigerant piping; as well as a housing (60) for housing the compressor (40), the refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant flow path module (10); The refrigerant flow path module (10) has a module body (11), which has an upper surface and a lower surface, and has a vertical length smaller than a horizontal length, and has a refrigerant flow path formed therein. The refrigerant flow path modules (10) are arranged above the bottom (63) of the housing (60) at intervals. The refrigerant piping includes a first piping and a second piping, wherein the first piping and the second piping are connected to the flow path in the module body (11) and support the refrigerant flow path module (10). The refrigerant flow path module (10) includes a first refrigerant flow path module (10A) and a second refrigerant flow path module (10B, 10C), wherein the first refrigerant flow path module has the module body (11) and is supported by the first piping and the second piping, and the second refrigerant flow path module is arranged spaced apart from the first refrigerant flow path module (10A) in the vertical direction and has a second module body (11) in which a refrigerant flow path is formed.

6. The heat source unit according to claim 4, characterized in that The first pipe and the second pipe support the refrigerant flow path module (10) from below.

7. The heat source unit according to claim 4, characterized in that Also includes: a switching mechanism (42), the switching mechanism switching the flow direction of the gas refrigerant; as well as a gas shutoff valve (39a, 39d), the gas shutoff valve constituting an outlet or an inlet of the gas refrigerant in the heat source unit (31), The first pipe and the second pipe respectively constitute a part of a first flow path, a part of a second flow path, or a part of a third flow path. The first flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the discharge side of the compressor (40) and the switching mechanism (42). The second flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the suction side of the compressor (40) and the switching mechanism (42). The third flow path allows refrigerant to flow between the gas stop valve (39a, 39d) and the switching mechanism (42).

8. The heat source unit according to claim 7, characterized in that The gas shut-off valves (39a, 39d) are fixed to the housing (60). The first pipe or the second pipe is a refrigerant pipe (23) that constitutes a part of the third flow path and connects the gas shutoff valve (39a) and the refrigerant flow path module (10).

9. The heat source unit according to claim 7, wherein: The heat source unit further includes a storage tank (41), which is arranged in the second flow path and fixed to the housing (60). The first pipe or the second pipe is a refrigerant pipe (21, 22) connecting the storage tank (41) and the refrigerant flow path module (10).

10. The heat source unit according to claim 7, wherein The switching mechanism (42) includes a port (P) for refrigerant to flow out and in, and the port (P) is directly connected to the refrigerant flow path module (10).

11. The heat source unit according to claim 4, wherein The refrigerant piping further includes a third piping, the third piping being in communication with the flow path in the module body (11) and supporting the refrigerant flow path module (10) from below. The connection portions of the first to third pipes to the refrigerant flow path module (10) are distributed in the longitudinal direction of the module body (11). The module body (11) includes the long side direction and the short side direction in the horizontal direction.

12. The heat source unit according to claim 4, wherein The refrigerant piping further includes a fourth pipe (24) that communicates with the flow path in the module body (11) and supports the refrigerant flow path module (10) from above.

13. The heat source unit according to claim 5, characterized in that The refrigerant piping includes a fifth piping (25), which extends in the up-down direction between the first refrigerant flow path module (10A) and the second refrigerant flow path module (10B), with its upper end connected to one side of the first refrigerant flow path module (10A) and the second refrigerant flow path module (10B), and its lower end connected to the other side of the first refrigerant flow path module (10A) and the second refrigerant flow path module (10B).

14. The heat source unit according to claim 5, wherein The heat source unit includes a switching mechanism (42a, 42c) for switching the flow direction of the gas refrigerant. The switching mechanism (42a, 42c) is arranged between the first refrigerant flow path module (10A) and the second refrigerant flow path module (10B).

15. The heat source unit according to claim 5, characterized in that The second module body (11) has a first side surface (11a) and a second side surface (11b) arranged in the up-down direction and facing opposite directions, and the length between the first side surface (11a) and the second side surface (11b) is smaller than the length in the up-down direction.

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