Refrigerating device

Abstract

A refrigeration device is provided with: a refrigerant flow path unit (10) having a plurality of plates (21, 22, 23) stacked on each other and having a refrigerant flow path (15) formed therein; a first member (42, 44, 51, 57) and a second member (40, 41, 46) that constitute a refrigerant circuit (30); and a housing (60) that houses the refrigerant flow path unit (10), the first members (42, 44, 51, 57), and the second members (40, 41, 46), the refrigerant flow path unit (10) having a first surface (10A) and a second surface (10B) on both sides in the normal direction of the plates (21, 22, 23) and being disposed within the housing (60) in a posture in which the first surface (10A) and the second surface (10B) are raised, the first members (42, 44, 51, 57) being connected to the first surface (10A), and the second members (40, 41, 46) being connected to the second surface (10B).

Description

This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / JP2022 / 014523, international application date March 25, 2022, application number 202280026143.2 entering the Chinese national phase, and name “Refrigeration Device”. Technical Field

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

[0002] It is known that in a refrigeration device including a refrigerant circuit that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation, a plurality of refrigerant pipes for the refrigerant to flow are concentrated into one to achieve miniaturization of the refrigerant circuit. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a substrate (refrigerant flow path unit) having two plates stacked on each other and having a refrigerant flow path formed therein. A compressor, a storage tank, a four-way switching valve, etc. are connected to one surface of the substrate. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-79616. Summary of the invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, components constituting a refrigerant circuit, such as a compressor and a four-way switching valve, are connected to only one surface of a substrate. Therefore, the substrate has to be formed with a larger area, resulting in an increase in size of the substrate.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigeration device capable of achieving miniaturization of a refrigerant flow path unit. Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0006] (1) The refrigeration device disclosed herein comprises: a refrigerant flow path unit having a plurality of plates stacked on one another and having a refrigerant flow path formed therein; a first component and a second component, the first component and the second component constituting a refrigerant circuit; and a housing for housing the refrigerant flow path unit and the first component and the second component, The refrigerant flow path unit has a first surface and a second surface on both sides of the plate in the normal direction, and is arranged in the housing in a posture in which the first surface and the second surface are erected. The first component is connected to the first surface, The second component is connected to the second surface.

[0007] According to the refrigeration device of the above structure, since the first component and the second component are respectively connected to the first surface and the second surface of the refrigerant flow path unit, the areas of the first surface and the second surface of the refrigerant flow path unit can be reduced, and the refrigerant flow path unit can be miniaturized. In the above, "the posture in which the first surface and the second surface are raised" refers to a posture in which the first surface and the second surface are located within a range of ±45° based on the posture in the vertical direction. In addition, "connection" refers to the first component and the second component being indirectly connected to the refrigerant flow path unit through the refrigerant piping, or being directly connected to the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0008] (2) Preferably, the first component is a functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit. Here, "functional component" refers to a component having a predetermined function, such as a valve or a sensor. "Support" means supporting the functional component by bearing its weight, including direct support of the functional component and indirect support of the functional component through refrigerant piping, etc.

[0009] (3) Preferably, the second component is a compressor supported by the housing. According to this configuration, since the vibration of the compressor is blocked by the refrigerant flow path unit, it is possible to suppress the vibration from being transmitted to the first member connected to the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0010] (4) Preferably, the compressor is arranged closer to the second surface than to the first surface. According to such a configuration, the pipe between the compressor and the refrigerant flow path unit can be easily routed.

[0011] (5) Preferably, the refrigerant flow path unit includes a joint pipe for connecting a pipe connected to the second member. One end of the joint pipe is connected to the second surface, The other end of the joint pipe is arranged to face upward. According to such a configuration, the pipe connected to the second member can be easily connected to the joint pipe.

[0012] (6) Preferably, the first component is a flow path switching valve.

[0013] (7) Preferably, the housing has an opening for maintenance formed on a side surface, and the housing has a removable side plate that blocks the opening. The first surface and the second surface are arranged in a direction intersecting the side plate. According to this configuration, the first surface and the second surface of the refrigerant flow path unit can be accessed from the maintenance opening in a state where the side plate is removed, and maintenance of the first component and the second component can be performed.

[0014] (8) Preferably, the first component includes a first functional component and a second functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit. The first functional component and the second functional component have maintained portions that are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the opening side. According to this configuration, maintenance of the maintained portions of the first functional component and the second functional component can be easily performed.

[0015] (9) Preferably, the first functional component and the second functional component are flow path switching valves having a drive unit as a maintenance portion.

[0016] (10) Preferably, the first component includes a third functional component and a fourth functional component of the same type supported by the refrigerant flow path unit. The third functional component and the fourth functional component have maintained portions that are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from above. According to this configuration, the maintained portions of the third functional component and the fourth functional component can be easily maintained from above.

[0017] (11) Preferably, the third functional component and the fourth functional component are electric valves or solenoid valves having a drive unit as a maintenance portion.

[0018] (12) Preferably, the refrigeration device includes a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being housed in the housing and having a header. The header is connected to a surface that is disposed closer to the first surface and the second surface. According to this configuration, the refrigerant pipes between the header and the refrigerant flow path unit can be easily routed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration system of the present disclosure. 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. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first surface side of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the second surface side of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 7 This is a front view of the refrigerant flow unit. Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a plurality of expansion valves attached to a refrigerant flow path unit. Fig. 9 It is a plan view showing a plurality of expansion valves attached to the refrigerant flow path unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system. The refrigeration device 1 includes a refrigerant circuit that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration device 1 of this embodiment is an air conditioner. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 31, a plurality of indoor units 32, and a flow path switching device 33. The outdoor unit 31 and the flow path switching device 33, and the flow path switching device 33 and the indoor unit 32 are connected by connecting pipes 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38, respectively. The air conditioner 1 of this embodiment enables the plurality of indoor units 32 to independently perform cooling and heating, and is set to a so-called cold and hot free type (Japanese: cold and hot free time). In addition, the refrigeration device 1 is not limited to an air conditioner, and may also be a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, etc.

[0021] (Refrigerant circuit structure) The outdoor unit 31 includes a refrigerant circuit 30. The refrigerant circuit 30 is connected to the refrigerant circuit in the flow switching device 33 through a liquid communication pipe 34, a suction gas communication pipe 35, and a high-low pressure gas communication pipe 36. The refrigerant circuit of the flow switching device 33 is connected to the refrigerant circuit in the indoor unit 32 through communication pipes 37 and 38.

[0022] The refrigerant circuit 30 includes a first stop valve 39a, a second stop valve 39b, a third stop valve 39c, a compressor 40, a storage tank 41, a plurality of flow path switching valves 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] One end of the second stop valve 39b is connected to the high-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. 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.

[0025] The compressor 40 has a closed structure with a compressor motor built in, and is, for example, a positive displacement compressor such as a scroll type or a rotary type. The compressor 40 compresses the low-pressure refrigerant sucked from the suction pipe 47 and discharges it from the discharge pipe 48. Refrigeration oil is stored inside the compressor 40. The refrigeration oil sometimes circulates in the refrigerant circuit 30 together with the refrigerant. The compressor 40 is a type of container.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The accumulator 41 is a container for temporarily storing the low-pressure refrigerant to be sucked into the compressor 40 and separating the gas refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant. The inlet 41b of the accumulator 41 is connected to the refrigerant piping extending from the first stop 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 the refrigeration oil from the accumulator 41 to the compressor 40. The 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Each flow path switching valve 42 is configured to block the flow of refrigerant in one refrigerant flow path during operation, and actually functions as a three-way valve. Hereinafter, the plurality of flow path switching valves 42 are also referred to as a first flow path switching valve 42a, a second flow path switching valve 42b, and a third flow path switching valve 42c.

[0030] Each expansion valve 44 is, for example, an electric valve whose opening can be adjusted. The opening of each expansion valve 44 is adjusted according to the operating conditions, and the refrigerant passing through the inside is decompressed according to the opening. Hereinafter, the plurality of expansion valves 44 are also referred to as a first expansion valve 44a, a second expansion valve 44b, a third expansion valve 44c, and a fourth expansion valve 44d.

[0031] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is a cross-fin type or microchannel type heat exchanger. The heat exchanger 43 includes a first heat exchange portion 43a, a second heat exchange portion 43b, a third heat exchange portion 43c, and a fourth heat exchange portion 43d. The gas side end of the first heat exchange portion 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 portion 43a is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the first expansion valve 44a.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The subcooler 45 has 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 the first branch pipe 53 branched 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 branch pipe 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.

[0035] 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 opening and closing valve 57 and a check valve 58. The second opening and closing valve 57 is composed of a solenoid valve.

[0036] The subcooler 45 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the first heat transfer pipe 45a from the compressor 40 through the outdoor heat exchanger 43 and the expansion valve 44 and the refrigerant flowing in the second heat transfer pipe 45b after being decompressed by the expansion valve 44d, thereby subcooling the refrigerant flowing in the first heat transfer pipe 45a. The refrigerant flowing in the second heat transfer pipe 45b passes through the injection pipe 55 and is sucked into the middle port of the compressor 40. If the second on-off valve 57 is opened, the refrigerant flowing through the injection pipe 55 is branched and flows to the second branch pipe 56, and is sucked into the compressor 40 through the suction pipe 47.

[0037] (Structure of outdoor unit) Hereinafter, the specific structure of the outdoor 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. 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 the arrow X is set as the left-right direction, the second direction indicated by the arrow Y is set as the front-back direction, and the third direction indicated by the arrow Z is set as the up-down direction. However, the description of these directions is only an example and does not limit the present disclosure. Therefore, for example, the first direction X can also be set as the front-back direction, and the second direction Y can be set as the left-right direction.

[0038] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the outdoor unit 31 has a housing 60 , and components constituting a refrigerant circuit such as the compressor 40 , the accumulator 41 , the outdoor heat exchanger 43 , the oil separator 46 , an electrical component unit 61 , a fan 62 , etc. are housed in the housing 60 . The fan 62 is provided at the upper portion of the housing 60 .

[0039] The housing 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 60 includes a bottom plate 63, a support 64, a top plate 65, and a front plate 66. The bottom plate 63 is formed in a quadrilateral shape when viewed from above. The support 64 is composed of a long and thin member having a substantially L-shaped cross-section and being long in the vertical direction, and is installed at the four corners of the bottom plate 63.

[0040] The top plate 65 is formed in a substantially same quadrilateral shape as the bottom plate 63, and is arranged above the bottom plate 63 at intervals. 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 at the vent to prevent foreign matter from entering.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, an opening 60a for maintenance 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 in the housing 60 can be performed through the opening 60a.

[0042] 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 . The refrigerant flow path unit 10 is mounted on the bottom plate 63 .

[0043] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is arranged corresponding to (opposing) three side surfaces of the housing 60. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 43 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from above in a manner along the left side surface, the right side surface, and the rear side surface of the housing 60. A gas header 43e is provided at an end of one side of the outdoor heat exchanger 43, and a liquid header 43f is provided at an end of the other side. Inlet ports 60b for introducing external air are formed on the left side surface, the right side surface, and the rear side surface of the housing 60, respectively.

[0044] The outdoor unit 31 is configured to take in air from the inlet 60 b of the casing 60 when driven by 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 .

[0045] The compressor 40 is arranged at a substantially central position in the left-right direction X near the front surface of the housing 60. The electrical component unit 61 is arranged near the front surface of the housing 60 and adjacent to the right side of the compressor 40. The storage tank 41 is arranged behind the compressor 40. The oil separator 46 is arranged on the left side of the storage tank 41. The electrical component unit 61 includes a controller 61a that controls the operation of the compressor 40, the valves 42, 44, the fan 62, etc.

[0046] The refrigerant flow unit 10 is formed into a unit by integrating the refrigerant pipes connecting the compressor 40, the accumulator 41, the flow switching valve 42, the outdoor heat exchanger 43, the expansion valve 44, the oil separator 46 and other components. Figure 1 The refrigerant flow paths inside the frame F1 and outside the frame F2 are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is arranged between the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41 in the front-to-back direction, and is arranged at a position to the left of the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 is arranged in front of the oil separator 46. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 is fixed to the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60 through the support 68.

[0048] (Structure of refrigerant flow unit) Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first surface side of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the second surface side of the refrigerant flow path unit. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 of the present embodiment is fixed to the bottom plate 63 of the casing 60 of the outdoor unit 31 in an upright posture via the support stand 68. In addition, the "upright posture" refers to a posture in which the surfaces 10A and 10B on both sides of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 are substantially along the vertical direction. However, in the present disclosure, the "upright posture" also includes a posture in which the surfaces 10A and 10B on both sides are inclined within a range of ±45° based on the posture in which the surfaces 10A and 10B on both sides are along the vertical direction.

[0049] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is connected to components such as the flow path switching valve 42, the expansion valve (electric valve) 44, the opening and closing valves (solenoid valves) 51, 57, the compressor 40, the storage tank 41, and the oil separator 46 that constitute the refrigerant circuit.

[0050] For example, at one surface (first surface) 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, functional components that perform prescribed functions, such as a flow path switching valve 42, an expansion valve 44, and opening and closing valves 51 and 57, are connected through refrigerant piping. On the other side (second side) 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10, containers such as a compressor 40, a storage tank 41, and an oil separator 46 are connected through refrigerant piping. In the present disclosure, sometimes, a component connected to the first side 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is referred to as a first component, and a component connected to the second side 10B is referred to as a second component.

[0051] Functional components such as the flow path switching valve 42, the expansion valve 44, the on-off valves 51 and 57 are installed on the refrigerant flow path unit 10 through the refrigerant piping and are supported by the refrigerant flow path unit 10. In other words, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 supports the functional components in a form that the weight of the functional components is borne by the refrigerant piping. The functional components may also be directly connected to the refrigerant flow path unit 10 without the refrigerant piping.

[0052] The flow path switching valve 42, the expansion valve 44, and the on-off valves 51 and 57 are electric components having drive parts 91, 92, and 93 such as motors and solenoids. Therefore, electric cables are connected to these valves. Since a plurality of electric components are connected to the same surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10, wiring processing such as bundling the electric cables together and routing the electric cables to the electric installation unit can be easily performed.

[0053] like Figure 2As shown, the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 are arranged in a direction intersecting with the front plate 66 of the housing 60 when viewed from above. Therefore, by removing the front plate 66 from the housing 60 and exposing the interior of the housing 60 through the opening 60a, it is easy to access the components connected to both the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B, and it is easy to maintain and replace these components. In the present embodiment, the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the front plate 66, but it may also be arranged in an inclined direction.

[0054] The second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 faces the side (right side) where the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41 are arranged. In other words, the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41 are arranged closer to the second surface 10B than the first surface 10A. Since the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41 are connected to the second surface 10B through the refrigerant piping, the refrigerant piping can be easily handled.

[0055] The gas header 43e of the outdoor heat exchanger 43 is arranged on the left side of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. Therefore, the gas header 43e is arranged at a position closer to the first surface 10A than the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. The gas header 43e is connected to the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 through the refrigerant piping 49, or is connected to the flow path switching valve 42 connected to the first surface 10A. In this way, since the gas header 43e is directly or indirectly connected to the first surface 10A arranged closer, the refrigerant piping 49 can be easily handled.

[0056] The compressor 40 is connected to the refrigerant flow path unit 10 through the refrigerant piping. Therefore, the vibration of the compressor 40 is blocked at the refrigerant flow path unit 10 and is not easily transmitted to other components such as the flow path switching valve 42 and the expansion valve 44 connected to the refrigerant flow path unit 10. Therefore, it is easy to take vibration countermeasures against the refrigerant piping connecting the refrigerant flow path unit 10 and other components, and it is also easy to handle the refrigerant piping.

[0057] (Specific structure of refrigerant flow path unit) Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the refrigerant flow path unit. like Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 includes a unit body 11 , a first joint pipe 12 , and a second joint pipe 13 .

[0058] The unit body 11 has a plurality of plates 21, 22, 23. The plurality of plates 21, 22, 23 are stacked and joined to each other. The plates 21, 22, 23 of the present embodiment are made of stainless steel. A refrigerant flow path 15 is formed inside the unit body 11. In addition, in the present embodiment, the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 refer to the surface (outer surface) of the plate 21 arranged on the outside in the stacking direction among the plurality of plates 21, 22, 23. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is arranged in such a manner that the stacking direction (normal direction) of the plurality of plates 21, 22, 23 is along the left-right direction X of the outdoor unit 31.

[0059] The plurality of plates 21, 22, 23 include a first plate 21, a second plate 22 stacked on the first plate 21, and a third plate 23 stacked on the second plate 22. The plates 21, 22, 23 adjacent to each other are joined to each other by brazing.

[0060] The first plate 21 is arranged at both ends of the unit body 11 in the stacking direction of the plurality of plates 21, 22, and 23 (hereinafter, also referred to as the "stacking direction X"). The first plate 21 is formed to be thinner than the other second plates 22 and the third plate 23. A connecting tube 21b protruding to the outside of the unit body 11 in the stacking direction X is provided on the first plate 21. The connecting tube 21b is formed in a cylindrical shape. The axis of the connecting tube 21b is parallel to the stacking direction X. The connecting tube 21b is formed inside the tube of the connecting tube 21b. The first opening 21a is a circular hole that penetrates the first plate 21. The connecting tube 21b and the first opening 21a are formed by flanging the inner edge of the first plate 21.

[0061] The second plate 22 is located at the second position from both ends in the stacking direction X. The second plate 22 is formed thicker than the first plate 21. A second opening 22a is formed in the second plate 22. The second opening 22a is a circular hole that penetrates the second plate 22. The second opening 22a is connected to the first opening 21a of the first plate 21. The first opening 21a and the second opening 22a have the same inner diameter.

[0062] The third plate 23 is arranged between two second plates 22 arranged at a distance in the stacking direction X. In the present embodiment, three third plates 23 are stacked between two second plates 22. The third plate 23 is formed to have the same thickness as the second plate 22. Therefore, the second plate 22 and the third plate 23 can be formed by processing the same raw material.

[0063] The third plate 23 has a third opening 23a that constitutes the refrigerant flow path 15. The third opening 23a is a hole that penetrates each third plate 23 or a slit that extends in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction X. Figure 6 In the example shown, on one side across the stacking direction X ( Figure 6A third opening 23a is formed in the range of the two second openings 22a of the second plate 22 (on the left side of the plate 22). The third opening 23a is communicated with the second opening 22a of the second plate 22.

[0064] The first plate 21 , the second plate 22 , and the third plate 23 may be made of materials other than stainless steel, for example, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, etc.

[0065] The first joint pipe 12 is Figure 6 In the example shown, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are mounted on the first surface 10A side of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. The first joint pipe 12 is inserted into the first opening 21a and the second opening 22a. The outer peripheral surface of the first joint pipe 12 is joined to the inner peripheral surface of the first opening 21a and the inner peripheral surface of the second opening 22a by brazing using solder B3.

[0066] The inner peripheral surface of the first opening 21a refers to the surface forming the first opening 21a of the first plate 21. Similarly, the inner peripheral surface of the second opening 22a refers to the surface forming the second opening 22a of the second plate 22. The first joint pipe 12 may be brazed to the first plate 21 only.

[0067] Another refrigerant pipe 101 is connected to the first joint pipe 12. The refrigerant pipe 101 is, for example, Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant pipe extends from the flow path switching valve 42, the expansion valve 44, and the on-off valves 51 and 57. Generally, this type of refrigerant pipe 101 is formed of a material having copper as a main component, such as copper or a copper alloy. One end of the refrigerant pipe 101 is inserted into the first joint pipe 12, and the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 101 and the inner peripheral surface of the first joint pipe 12 are joined by brazing using a solder B2.

[0068] The second joint pipe 13 is Figure 6 In the example shown, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are installed on the second surface 10B side of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. Another refrigerant pipe 102 connected to a container such as a compressor 40 and a storage tank 41 is connected to the second joint pipe 13. One end 13a of the second joint pipe 13 is inserted into the first opening 21a and the second opening 22a. The outer peripheral surface of the second joint pipe 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the first opening 21a and the inner peripheral surface of the second opening 22a are joined by brazing based on solder B3. In addition, the second joint pipe 13 can also be brazed only to the first plate 21.

[0069] The second joint pipe 13 has one end 13a connected to the first plate 21 and the second plate 22, a bent portion 13b bent 90 degrees from the one end 13a, and a straight portion 13c extending from the bent portion 13b in the vertical direction Z. The other end 13d of the refrigerant pipe 102 is as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown in the figure, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is arranged in an upright posture facing upward or horizontally. Therefore, the other refrigerant pipe 102 extending from the container such as the compressor 40 can be easily connected to the other end 13d of the second joint pipe 13 by burner brazing or the like. One end of the refrigerant pipe 102 is inserted into the other end 13d of the second joint pipe 13, and the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 102 and the inner peripheral surface of the other end 13d are joined by brazing using the solder B2.

[0070] The first joint pipe 12 and the second joint pipe 13 of this embodiment are formed of copper, copper alloy, etc. However, the first joint pipe 12 may be made of other materials, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, etc.

[0071] In addition, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 may also include the first joint pipe 12 and the second joint pipe 13, and be composed of the unit body 11. In this case, the other refrigerant pipes 101 and 102 are directly connected to the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. In addition, the first joint pipe 12 may be provided instead of the second joint pipe 13. In this case, as the other refrigerant pipe 102, the pipe bent into an L shape can be connected to the second joint pipe 13.

[0072] Figure 7 This is a front view of the refrigerant flow unit. Figure 4 as well as Figure 7 In the embodiment, a plurality of (three) flow path switching valves 42 are arranged at different heights. Two of the three flow path switching valves 42 are arranged at a position higher than the refrigerant flow path unit 10. The highest flow path switching valve 42 is arranged at a position overlapping above the unit body 11 of the refrigerant unit 10. The flow path switching valve 42 in the middle of the upper and lower parts and the lowest flow path switching valve 42 are arranged at a position closer to the first surface 10A side than the unit body 11. In addition, in the present embodiment, the highest flow path switching valve 42 and the flow path switching valve 42 in the middle of the upper and lower parts correspond to Figure 3 Among the first flow path switching valve 42 and the third flow path switching valve 42c, the lowest flow path switching valve 42 corresponds to the second flow path switching valve 42b.

[0073] The plurality of flow path switching valves 42 include a driving unit 91 composed of a solenoid on the side in the left-right direction X. The driving unit 91 is a maintenance part that is the object of maintenance such as adjustment and replacement. The plurality of flow path switching valves 42 have different heights from each other, so when viewed from the front, the respective driving units 91 are arranged at positions that do not overlap with each other. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, when the front plate 66 of the housing 60 is removed to open the opening 60 a for maintenance, each drive unit 91 can be accessed from the opening 60 a , and maintenance of the drive unit 91 can be easily performed.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, the plurality of (two) on-off valves 51, 57 each include a drive unit 93 formed of a solenoid. The drive unit 93 is also a maintenance part that is the object of adjustment, replacement, and other maintenance. These drive units 93 are arranged at substantially the same height, but their positions in the left-right direction are offset from each other. Therefore, the drive units 93 of the plurality of on-off valves 51, 57 are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the front. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, when the front plate 66 of the housing 60 is removed to open the opening 60 a for maintenance, each drive unit 93 can be accessed from the opening 60 a , and maintenance of the drive unit 93 can be easily performed.

[0075] The drive units 91 of the plurality of flow path switching valves 42 and the drive units 93 of the plurality of on-off valves 51 and 57 are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the front. Therefore, the drive units 91 and 93 can be easily accessed from the maintenance opening 60a.

[0076] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a plurality of expansion valves attached to a first surface of a refrigerant flow path unit. like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the plurality of expansion valves 44 include a driving unit 92 such as a motor at their upper ends. The driving unit 92 is also a maintained portion that is an object of maintenance such as adjustment and replacement. In the present embodiment, at the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10, the plurality of (four) expansion valves 44 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. The driving units 92 of the plurality of expansion valves 44 are arranged at positions that overlap each other when viewed from the front.

[0077] Fig. 9 It is a plan view showing a plurality of expansion valves attached to the first surface of the refrigerant flow path unit. The driving units 92 of the plurality of expansion valves 44 are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from above. Figure 7 As shown, there is no other component installed on the refrigerant flow path unit 10 directly above the driving parts 92 of the plurality of expansion valves 44. For example, the flow path switching valve 42c in the middle of the upper and lower parts is located closer to the first surface 10A side than the driving part 92 of the expansion valve 44 in the left-right direction X, and does not overlap with the driving part 92. Therefore, there is no obstacle in the space above the driving part 92, and the driving part 92 can be easily maintained from above.

[0078] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 7As shown, the positions of the plurality of on-off valves 51 and 57 are staggered in the left-right direction X. Therefore, the drive units 93 of the on-off valves 51 and 57 are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from above. Therefore, the drive units 93 of the on-off valves 51 and 57 can be easily maintained from above.

[0079] The highest flow path switching valve 42a and the flow path switching valve 42c in the middle of the upper and lower parts are arranged at a position higher than the refrigerant flow path unit 10. Therefore, it is easy to avoid interference with other components connected to the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. Figure 7 As shown, the protruding width W of the component mounted on the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the installation area of ​​the refrigerant flow path unit 10 on the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60 can be reduced, and the degree of freedom of arrangement of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be increased.

[0080] The highest flow path switching valve 42a is arranged at a position overlapping above the unit body 11 of the refrigerant unit 10. Therefore, the space above the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be effectively utilized, and interference between the flow path switching valve 42a and other components (other flow path switching valves 42a, 42c or refrigerant piping, etc.) can be easily avoided.

[0081] [Effects of the Embodiments] (1) The refrigeration device 1 of the above embodiment includes: a refrigerant flow path unit 10, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 having a plurality of plates 21, 22, 23 stacked on each other and having a refrigerant flow path 15 formed therein; first components 42, 44, 51, 57 and second components 40, 41, 46 constituting a refrigerant circuit 30; and a housing 60, the housing 60 housing the refrigerant flow path unit 10 and the first and second components. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 has a first surface 10A and a second surface 10B on both sides in the normal direction of the plates 21, 22, 23, and is arranged in the housing 60 in a posture in which the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B are erected. The first components 42, 44, 51, 57 are connected to the first surface 10A, and the second components 40, 41, 46 are connected to the second surface 10B.

[0082] According to the refrigeration device 1 having the above-mentioned structure, since the first component and the second component are respectively connected to the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10, the areas of the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be reduced, and the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be miniaturized.

[0083] (2) In the above embodiment, the first component is the functional component 42, 44, 51, 57 supported by the refrigerant flow path unit 10. In contrast, the second component is the compressor 40 supported by the housing 60. Therefore, the vibration of the compressor 40 is blocked by the refrigerant flow path unit 10, and the vibration can be suppressed from being transmitted to the first component 42, 44, 51, 57 connected to the refrigerant flow path unit 10.

[0084] (3) In the above embodiment, the compressor 40 is disposed closer to the second surface 10B than the first surface 10A. Therefore, the refrigerant pipe between the compressor 40 and the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be easily routed.

[0085] (4) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 includes the second joint pipe 13, which is used to connect the pipes connected to the second components 40, 41, 46, one end of the second joint pipe 13 is connected to the second surface 10B, and the other end of the second joint pipe 13 is arranged to face upward. Therefore, the refrigerant pipes connected to the second components 40, 41, 46 can be easily connected to the second joint pipe 13 (brazed).

[0086] (5) In the above embodiment, the opening 60a for maintenance is formed on the side of the housing 60, and the housing 60 has a side plate 66 that blocks the opening 60a and can be removed. The first surface 10A and the second surface 10B are arranged in a direction intersecting the side plate 66. Therefore, the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be accessed from the opening 60a for maintenance in a state where the side plate 66 is removed, and maintenance of the first component and the second component can be performed.

[0087] (6) In the above embodiment, the first component 42, 44, 51, 57 includes a first functional component and a second functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit 10. For example, the first functional component is one of the plurality of flow path switching valves 42 and the plurality of on-off valves 51, 57, and the second functional component is the other of the plurality of flow path switching valves 42 and the plurality of on-off valves 51, 57. The first functional component and the second functional component have maintenance portions that are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the opening 60a side, for example, the drive units 91, 93. Therefore, the maintenance portions of the first functional component and the second functional component can be easily performed from the opening 60a side of the housing 60.

[0088] (7) In the above embodiment, the first component includes a third functional component and a fourth functional component of the same type supported by the refrigerant flow path unit. For example, the third functional component is one of the plurality of expansion valves 44 or the plurality of opening and closing valves 51, 57, and the fourth functional component is another of the plurality of expansion valves 44 or the plurality of opening and closing valves 51, 57. The third functional component and the fourth functional component have maintained portions that are arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from above. Therefore, the maintained portions of the third functional component and the fourth functional component can be easily maintained from above.

[0089] (8) In the above embodiment, the refrigeration device 1 includes the heat exchanger 43 accommodated in the casing 60 and having the header 43 e connected to the first surface 10A disposed closer to the second surface 10B. According to this configuration, the refrigerant pipes between the header 43 e and the refrigerant flow unit 10 can be easily routed.

[0090] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, but is shown by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include the meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope. For example, the number of plates constituting the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the unit body 11 of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is not limited to a plate shape, and various forms such as a block shape may be adopted. The types of components connected to the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow unit 10 can be changed as appropriate. One or more functional components may be connected to the second surface 10B, and one or more containers may be connected to the first surface 10A. Explanation of symbols

[0091] 1: Refrigeration device 10: Refrigerant flow unit 10A: Side 1 10B: Side 2 15: Refrigerant flow path 21: Plate 22: Plate 23: Board 30: Refrigerant circuit 40: Compressor (second component, container) 41: Storage tank (second component, container) 42: Flow path switching valve (first component, functional component) 43: Outdoor heat exchanger 43e: Gas header 44: Expansion valve (first component, functional component) 46: Oil separator (second component, container) 51: First opening and closing valve (first component, functional component) 57: Second on-off valve (first component, functional component) 60: Shell 60a: Opening 66: Front panel (side panel) 91: Drive unit 92: Drive unit 93: Drive unit

Claims

1. A refrigeration device, characterized in that: include: A refrigerant flow path unit (10), the refrigerant flow path unit (10) having a plurality of plates (21, 22, 23) stacked on one another and having a refrigerant flow path (15) formed therein; a first component (42, 44, 51, 57), the first component (42, 44, 51, 57) constituting a refrigerant circuit (30) and being a functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit (10); a second component (40, 41, 46), the second component (40, 41, 46) constituting a refrigerant circuit (30); and a housing (60) for housing the refrigerant flow path unit (10) and the first component and the second component; The refrigerant flow path unit (10) has a first surface (10A) and a second surface (10B) on both sides in the normal direction of the plates (21, 22, 23), and is arranged in the housing (60) in a posture in which the first surface (10A) and the second surface (10B) are upright. The first component (42, 44, 51, 57) is connected to the first surface (10A), The second component (40, 41, 46) is connected to the second surface (10B).

2. The refrigeration device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second component (40) is a compressor supported by the housing (60).

3. The refrigeration device according to claim 2, characterized in that The compressor (40) is arranged at a position closer to the second surface (10B) than to the first surface (10A).

4. The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The refrigerant flow path unit (10) comprises a joint pipe (13), and the joint pipe (13) is used to connect the pipe connected to the second component (40, 41, 46). One end of the joint pipe (13) is connected to the second surface (10B), The other end of the joint pipe (13) is arranged to face upward.

5. The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The first component (42) is a flow path switching valve.

6. The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that An opening (60a) for maintenance is formed on the side of the housing (60). The housing (60) has a removable side plate (66) that blocks the opening (60a). The first surface (10A) and the second surface (10B) are arranged in a direction intersecting with the side plate (66).

7. The refrigeration device according to claim 6, characterized in that The first component (42, 51, 57) includes a first functional component and a second functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit (10), The first functional component and the second functional component have maintained portions (91, 93) arranged at positions that do not overlap each other when viewed from the opening (60a).

8. The refrigeration device according to claim 7, characterized in that The first functional component and the second functional component are flow path switching valves (42) having drive parts (91, 93) as maintained parts.

9. The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The first component (44) includes a third functional component and a fourth functional component of the same type supported by the refrigerant flow path unit, The third functional component and the fourth functional component have maintained portions (92) arranged at positions not overlapping each other when viewed from above.

10. The refrigeration device according to claim 9, characterized in that The third functional component and the fourth functional component are electric valves (44) or solenoid valves (51, 57) having a drive unit (93) as a maintenance portion.

11. The refrigeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The refrigeration device includes a heat exchanger (43), the heat exchanger (43) is accommodated in the housing (60), and has a header (43e). The header (43e) is connected to the first surface (10A) and the second surface (10B) whichever is closer.

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