Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

A refrigeration cycle device is provided with: a refrigerant flow path module (10A) having a plurality of stacked plates (71, 72) and having a flow path (27) for a low-pressure refrigerant formed therein; a first valve (42) having a first drive unit (D); and a cover member (81) that covers the first drive unit (D), the refrigerant flow path module (10A) has a lower surface (11a) facing downward on one end side in the stacking direction of the plurality of plates (71, 72), at least a portion of the first drive unit (D) is disposed in a lower projection region (R) of the lower surface (11a), and the cover member (81) has an upper cover unit (82) that covers the at least a portion of the first drive unit (D) from above.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, 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 flow of refrigerant are gathered into one module (refrigerant flow path module) to seek miniaturization of the refrigerant circuit. The module includes a module body and a connecting pipe, the module body having a plurality of stacked plates and forming a refrigerant flow path inside, and the connecting pipe is connected to the end face of the pipe body in the stacking direction of the plurality of plates. The connecting pipe is connected to a valve, and the valve includes a drive unit including a motor, a solenoid, etc. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-116694 Summary of the invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] When low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows through the flow path of the refrigerant flow path module, the surrounding air may be cooled and condensation may occur on the surface of the plate. If the condensation adheres to the valve drive unit, it may cause a malfunction.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the adhesion of water to a driving portion of a valve. Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0006] (1) The refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure comprises: a refrigerant flow path module having a plurality of stacked plates and having a flow path for a low-pressure refrigerant formed therein; a first valve having a first drive portion; and a cover member covering the first driving unit, The refrigerant flow path module has a lower surface facing downward at one end side in the stacking direction of the plurality of plates. At least a portion of the first driving unit is disposed in a lower projection area of ​​the lower surface, The cover member includes an upper cover portion that covers the at least a portion of the first driving unit from above.

[0007] According to the refrigeration cycle device having the above structure, even if condensed water generated by the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path block drips from the lower surface of the refrigerant flow path block, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from falling onto the first drive portion of the first valve.

[0008] (2) The refrigeration cycle device of (1) above further includes a second valve having a second driving unit, The second driving unit is arranged at a position away from a lower projection area of ​​the lower surface.

[0009] According to this configuration, even if condensed water generated by the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path block drips from the lower surface of the refrigerant flow path block, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from falling onto the second drive portion of the second valve.

[0010] (3) In the refrigeration cycle device of (1) or (2) above, it is preferred that the upper cover portion is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction.

[0011] According to this configuration, water adhering to the upper cover portion can be caused to flow to the side of the first drive unit.

[0012] (4) In the refrigeration cycle device of (3) above, preferably, the first driving unit includes a coil and an operating member operated by the coil. The upper cover portion is inclined so as to cover the upper part of the coil and the actuating member and the coil side is higher than the actuating member side.

[0013] According to this configuration, condensation water adhering to the upper cover portion can be caused to flow from the coil side to the actuating member side, thereby preventing water from adhering to the coil through which electric current flows.

[0014] (5) In the refrigeration cycle device of (3) or (4) above, preferably, the first valve has a housing that accommodates the valve element and has a side surface connected to the first drive unit. The upper cover portion is inclined so as to rise from the first drive portion side toward the housing side.

[0015] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress condensed water from dripping onto the connection portion between the housing of the first valve and the first drive unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a refrigeration cycle device. Figure 3 It is a top view showing the interior of the refrigeration cycle device. Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the refrigerant flow path module and the components connected thereto. Figure 5 It is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow path module and the components connected thereto. Figure 6It is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve. Figure 8 It is a front view (partial cross-sectional view) showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve. Fig. 9 It is a side view showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First embodiment] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigeration cycle device 1 includes a refrigerant circuit that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment is an air conditioner. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 1 has an outdoor unit (heat source unit) 31, a plurality of indoor units (utilization 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 implement 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 cycle device 1 is not limited to an air conditioner, and can also be a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, etc.

[0018] (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.

[0019] 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 (switching mechanism; first valve) 42 (42a, 42b, 42c), an outdoor heat exchanger 43, a plurality of expansion valves (second valve) 44 (44a, 44b, 44c, 44d), a subcooler 45, an oil separator 46, etc., and is constructed by connecting these components via refrigerant piping. The refrigerant piping also includes a refrigerant flow path module 10 described later. A fan 62 (see Figure 2), controller 61a (refer to Figure 3 )wait.

[0020] 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 the refrigerant piping extending to the accumulator 41. The flow path of the refrigerant piping extending to the accumulator 41 includes the flow path of the refrigerant piping 23 connecting the first stop valve 39a to the refrigerant flow path module 10A (indicated by a frame F1) described later, and the flow path 27 in the refrigerant flow path module 10A. The low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 31 from the suction gas communication pipe 35 passes through the first stop valve 39a, flows through the refrigerant piping 23 and the flow path 27 in the refrigerant flow path module 10A, and flows into the accumulator 41.

[0021] 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 the refrigerant pipe extending to the flow path switching valve 42b. The flow path switching valve 42b is also connected to the refrigerant flow path module 10A (indicated by the frame F1). The low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 31 from the high-low pressure gas communication pipe 36 flows through the second stop valve 39b and the flow path switching valve 42b and flows into the flow path 27 in the refrigerant flow path module 10A, and flows into the storage tank 41.

[0022] 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.

[0023] The compressor 40 has a closed structure with a compressor motor built in, and is 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The storage tank 41 is a container for temporarily storing the low-pressure refrigerant sucked into the compressor 40 and separating the gas refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant. The inlet 41b of the storage tank 41 is connected to the refrigerant piping extending from the first stop valve 39a. The outlet 41a of the storage tank 41 is connected to the suction piping 47. One end of the return oil pipe 50 is connected to the storage tank 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 storage tank 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 storage tank 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is a cross-fin type or micro-channel type heat exchanger. The outdoor 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] (Structure of outdoor unit) 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 cycle device. Figure 3 It is a top view showing the interior of the refrigeration cycle 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 3The 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. 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.

[0036] 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 .

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 panel (front side panel) 66. By removing the front panel 66 from the housing 60, maintenance and replacement of components in the housing 60 can be performed through the opening 60a.

[0040] 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 .

[0041] 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 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. Intake ports 60b for taking in external air are respectively formed on the left side surface, the right side surface, and the rear side surface of the housing 60.

[0042] 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 .

[0043] 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 adjacently arranged on 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.

[0044] (Structure of refrigerant flow path module) Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the refrigerant flow path module and the components connected thereto. Figure 5 1 is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow path module and components connected thereto. 2 is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow path module. like Figure 2 to Figure 5 As shown, the outdoor unit 31 is provided with a refrigerant flow path module 10. The refrigerant flow path module 10 is a module (unit) constituting a part of the flow path of the refrigerant piping that connects the compressor 40, the storage tank 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 frame F1 and the frame F2 are indicated by the two-dot chain line.

[0045] The refrigerant flow path module 10 of the present 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 of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is formed Figure 1 The refrigerant flow path in box F2.

[0046] Each of the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path block 10B includes a module body 11 having a flow path therein and a connection pipe (joint pipe) 12 attached to the module body 11 and communicating with the flow path in the module body 11 .

[0047] Figure 6 It is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the refrigerant flow path module. The module body 11 is formed in a plate or block shape. The module body 11 is formed by stacking a plurality of plates 71, 72. The module body 11 is arranged in a state where the stacking direction of the plurality of plates 71, 72 (the normal direction of each plate 71, 72) is oriented in the up-down direction (the third direction Z). Therefore, the module body 11 has an upper surface 11b and a lower surface 11a arranged horizontally. The upper surface 11b and the lower surface 11a of the module body 11 substantially constitute the upper surface and the lower surface of the refrigerant flow path module 10.

[0048] The upper surface 11b and the lower surface 11a of the module body 11 are rectangular. The thickness (the length in the vertical direction) of the module body 11 is smaller than the length of the long side and the short side of the upper surface 11b and the lower surface 11a. Therefore, the module body 11 is formed in a flat shape. The module body 11 may not be arranged strictly parallel to the horizontal, for example, it may be inclined within a range of ±10° relative to the horizontal direction.

[0049] The plurality of plates 71 and 72 are made of stainless steel. The plates 71 and 72 of the present embodiment are formed of, for example, SUS304L. The plurality of plates 71 and 72 are joined to each other by brazing.

[0050] The plurality of plates 71, 72 include end plates 71 disposed at both ends of the stacking direction and intermediate plates 72 disposed between the end plates 71 on both sides. The module body 11 of this embodiment includes three intermediate plates 72. The number of plates 71, 72 constituting the module body 11 is not particularly limited, and may be two or more.

[0051] The end plate 71 is formed with an opening 73 for mounting the connecting pipe 12. The opening 73 penetrates the end plate 71 in the vertical direction Z. The opening 73 is circular. The middle plate 72 is formed with an opening 74 constituting the flow path 15. The opening 74 penetrates the middle plate 72 in the vertical direction Z. The opening 74 is formed to be long in the horizontal direction or to be circular. The shape of the opening 74 is not particularly limited and is set to a suitable shape according to the desired form of the flow path 15. The flow path 15 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A includes Figure 1 The flow path 27 described in FIG.

[0052] The connecting pipe 12 is a cylindrical body mounted on the upper surface 11b and the lower surface 11a of the module body 11. The connecting pipe 12 is formed of a material having copper as a main component, such as copper (pure copper) or a copper alloy. The connecting pipe 12 is joined by brazing in a state of being inserted into the opening 73 of the module body 11. The connecting pipe 12 is connected to the refrigerant piping constituting the refrigerant circuit. The plurality of plates 71, 72 of the module body 11 constituting the refrigerant flow path module 10 are joined to the connecting portion 12 by furnace brazing. In particular, the joining of the plate 71 and the connecting pipe 12 is the joining of different types of materials, such as stainless steel and copper, and therefore, furnace brazing is suitable.

[0053] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B are arranged parallel to each other. Figure 3 As shown, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B are arranged 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 the area of ​​the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is roughly arranged within the projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A in the vertical direction.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flow path module 10 is arranged on the left side (the side of the first direction X) of the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41. The refrigerant flow path module 10 is arranged on the front side (the side of the second direction Y) of the oil separator 46. The refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment is supported by the refrigerant piping via the components of the refrigerant circuit fixed to the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is also supported by the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A via the refrigerant piping and the components of the refrigerant circuit.

[0055] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant pipe 21 extending from the refrigerant outlet 41a of the accumulator 41 and the refrigerant pipe 22 extending from the refrigerant inlet 41b are connected to the lower side of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The accumulator 41 is mounted and fixed to a mounting member 67 provided on the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60 of the outdoor unit 31. The refrigerant pipes 21 and 22 are connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided on the lower surface of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, and support the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A from below.

[0056] A refrigerant pipe 23 is further connected to the lower side of the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A. The refrigerant pipe 23 is ... Figure 1 ) extends from the first stop valve (gas stop valve) 39a at the inlet of the gas refrigerant. 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 from the first stop valve 39a and extends upward, and its upper end is connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided on the lower surface 11a of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0057] The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is supported from below by the refrigerant piping 21, the refrigerant piping 22, and the refrigerant piping 23, and is arranged to be spaced apart from the top of the bottom plate 63 of the shell 60. The refrigerant piping 21, the refrigerant piping 22, and the refrigerant piping 23 are all gas pipings for the flow of gas refrigerant. Compared with the liquid piping for the flow of liquid refrigerant, the gas piping has a larger pipe diameter and higher strength. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is stably supported by the above-mentioned refrigerant piping 21, 22, and 23. The refrigerant piping 21 and the refrigerant piping 22 are connected to the storage tank 41 fixed to the shell 60, and the refrigerant piping 23 is connected to the first stop valve 39a fixed to the shell 60. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is more stably supported by the refrigerant piping 21, 22, and 23 via the components 41 and 39a of the refrigerant circuit fixed to the shell 60.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, a refrigerant pipe 24 extending from the refrigerant inlet 40b of the compressor 40 is connected to the upper surface of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is also supported from above by the refrigerant pipe 24. The refrigerant pipe 24 is a gas pipe for the flow of gas refrigerant, and has a larger diameter and higher strength than a liquid pipe. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is stably supported by the refrigerant pipe 24. The compressor 40 is fixed via a mounting member or the like provided on the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is more stably supported by the refrigerant pipe 24 via the compressor 40 fixed to the bottom plate 63.

[0059] A flow path switching valve 42b is connected to the upper side of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The flow path switching valve 42b has a shell H with a built-in valve core and a plurality of ports P as the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant relative to the shell H. The shell H is formed in a cylindrical shape. Port P is a shorter tube (refrigerant piping) protruding upward and downward from the shell H. Port P is formed of a material with copper as the main component, such as copper (pure copper) or a copper alloy. The port P protruding to the lower side of the shell H is directly connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided on the upper part of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The port P protruding to the upper side of the shell H is connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided on the upper side of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A via the refrigerant piping.

[0060] The lower refrigerant flow block 10B is disposed at a distance below the upper refrigerant flow block 10A. The lower refrigerant flow block 10B is disposed at a distance above the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60. Flow switching valves 42a and 42c are disposed between the upper refrigerant flow block 10A and the lower refrigerant flow block 10B.

[0061] The flow path switching valves 42a and 42c have a shell H with a built-in valve core and a plurality of ports P as the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant relative to the shell H. The shell H is formed in a cylindrical shape. The port P is a short pipe (refrigerant piping) protruding upward and downward from the shell H. The port P is formed of a material with copper as a main component, such as copper (pure copper) or a copper alloy. The port P protruding upward from the shell H is directly connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided at the lower part of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The port P protruding downward from the shell H is directly connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided at the upper part of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B.

[0062] A refrigerant pipe 25 is disposed between the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The refrigerant pipe 25 extends linearly in the up-down direction, and its upper end is connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided at the lower part of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, and its lower end is connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided at the upper part 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 at the shortest distance.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of expansion valves 44 are connected to the lower side of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The expansion valve 44 has a housing 44H that accommodates a valve core that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant and a drive unit (second drive unit) 44D that drives the valve core. The drive unit 44D includes a motor such as a pulse motor. The expansion valve 44 operates the valve core through the drive unit 44D, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant.

[0064] The lower refrigerant flow path block 10B is connected to the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A via the flow path switching valves 42 a and 42 c and the refrigerant pipe 25 , and is supported from above by the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A via these.

[0065] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the refrigerant pipe 26 extending from the oil separator 46 is connected to the upper side of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The refrigerant pipe 26 is connected to the oil separator 46 fixed to the housing 60, so the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is also supported by the refrigerant pipe 26. In other words, the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is stably supported by the refrigerant pipe 26 via the component 46 of the refrigerant circuit fixed to the housing 60.

[0066] (Structure of flow path switching valve) Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve. Figure 8 It is a front view (partial cross-sectional view) showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve. Fig. 9 It is a side view showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve.

[0067] The flow path switching valve 42 has a housing H and a port P, and also has a drive unit (first drive unit) D. The drive unit D operates a valve core disposed in the housing H. The drive unit D is mounted on the side surface of the front side (the side of the second direction Y) of the housing H. Here, the second direction Y may also be referred to as the direction in which the housing H and the drive unit D are arranged.

[0068] The drive unit D of the present embodiment includes a coil D1 and a working member D2. The coil D1 and the working member D2 are arranged along a first direction X. The coil D1 constitutes an electromagnetic solenoid. The working member D2 has a valve core that reciprocates through the coil D1. Low-pressure refrigerant and high-pressure refrigerant are supplied to the working member D2 from the port P via pilot tubes (capillaries) p1 and p2. The hydraulic chamber provided at one end side in the housing H and the hydraulic chamber provided at the other end side are connected to the working member D2 through pilot tubes (capillaries) p3 and p4, respectively. The low-pressure refrigerant and the high-pressure refrigerant supplied to the working member D2 are switched through the valve core of the working member D2 and flow to any one of the pilot tubes p3 and p4 and flow into the hydraulic chamber of the housing H. The valve core in the housing H is operated by the pressure difference between the low-pressure refrigerant and the high-pressure refrigerant. Here, the first direction X can also be referred to as the direction in which the coil D1 and the working member D2 are arranged.

[0069] like Figure 7 to Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , a portion of the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c disposed between the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is disposed in a lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A (module body 11). In particular, a portion of the drive unit D of the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c is disposed in a lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the lower surface 11 a is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The lower projection region R of the lower surface 11 a is a region surrounded by the two-dot chain line.

[0070] As reference Figure 1 As described above, during cooling operation, low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant flows into the flow path 27 in the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Therefore, the surrounding air is cooled by the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, and condensation water w is easily generated in the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A (see Figure 8 , Fig. 9 ). Since the lower surface 11 a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is arranged horizontally, there is a possibility that the condensed water w generated on the lower surface 11 a will drip directly downward.

[0071] As described above, the drive unit D of the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c is arranged in the lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the refrigerant flow path module 10A, so the condensed water dripping from the lower surface 11a may fall on the drive unit D. The drive unit D includes a coil D1 through which current flows, so the adhesion of the condensed water w may cause a malfunction or other undesirable conditions. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 1 of this embodiment includes a cover member 81 covering the drive unit D.

[0072] (Structure of Cover Member) like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover member 81 is formed into a substantially L-shape. The cover member 81 includes an upper cover portion 82 and a lateral cover portion 83. The upper cover portion 82 covers the drive portion D from above. Figure 7 As shown, the upper cover portion 82 covers the entire drive portion D.

[0073] The lateral covering portion 83 covers the driving portion D from the side (the side of the front side). Specifically, the lateral covering portion 83 covers the side of the driving portion D opposite to the housing H. Figure 8 As shown, the lateral covering portion 83 covers the entire driving portion D.

[0074] like Fig. 9 As shown, the upper end of the lateral cover 83 is connected to one end (front end) of the upper cover 82 in the second direction Y. The cover member 81 is made of metal or synthetic resin. For example, the cover member 81 is formed of SGCC (hot-dip galvanized steel sheet). The cover member 81 is fixed to the drive unit D (for example, the housing of the coil D1), the housing H or the port P by screws or the like.

[0075] The upper cover portion 82 is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal. Figure 8 As shown, the upper cover 82 is configured to be inclined with respect to the direction (first direction X) in which the coil D1 and the working member D2 of the drive unit D are arranged. In particular, the upper cover 82 is inclined in such a manner that the coil D1 side is higher and the working member D2 side is lower. Hereinafter, this inclination is also referred to as "first inclination". The first inclination is preferably an inclination angle of 10° or more relative to the horizontal in order to allow water to flow. The angle of the first inclination can be set to 15°, for example.

[0076] like Fig. 9 As shown, the upper cover 82 is also arranged to be inclined with respect to the direction (second direction Y) in which the housing H and the drive unit D are arranged. In particular, the upper cover 82 is arranged to be inclined in a manner that increases as it moves from the drive unit D side toward the housing H side. This inclination is also referred to as "second inclination". The second inclination is preferably an inclination angle of 10° or more relative to the horizontal in order to allow water to flow. The angle of the second inclination can be set to 15°, for example.

[0077] As described above, when the condensation water w generated on the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A drips, the condensation water w is blocked by the upper cover portion 82 of the cover member 81. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the condensation water w from falling onto the drive unit D. Figure 8 As shown, the condensed water w dripping onto the upper cover 82 flows from the coil D1 side to the actuating member D2 side by the first inclination. Therefore, the condensed water w can be prevented from adhering to the coil D1 through which current flows, and troubles such as failures can be prevented.

[0078] like Fig. 9 As shown, the condensation water w dripping onto the upper cover 82 flows from the housing H side to the drive unit D side by the second inclination. Therefore, the condensation water w is suppressed from dripping onto the connection portion between the housing H and the drive unit D. When the condensation water w drips onto the connection portion between the housing H and the drive unit D, the condensation water w accumulates in a state of bridging the housing H and the drive unit D, thereby increasing the possibility of the condensation water w adhering to the coil D1. Therefore, by the second inclination of the upper cover 82, it is possible to suppress the condensation water w from adhering to the coil D1. The condensation water w flowing along the upper cover 82 by the second inclination further flows downward along the horizontal cover 83.

[0079] Both the high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant flow through the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c, and a part of them is cooled, so the cover member 81 itself may also become low temperature. When the cover member 81 itself becomes low temperature, condensation water may be generated on the cover member 81. In this case, even if condensation water is generated on the lower surface of the upper cover portion 82, the condensation water flows from the coil D1 side to the working member D2 side due to the first inclination, thereby suppressing the condensation water from adhering to the coil D1.

[0080] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cover member 81 covers not only the drive unit D but also the pilot pipes p1 and p2 connecting the drive unit D to the port P. The cover member 81 also covers a portion of the pilot pipes p3 and p4 connecting the drive unit D to the hydraulic chamber in the housing H. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of condensation water to at least a portion of the pilot pipes p1 to p4.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, the cover member 81 protrudes outward in the left-right direction (first direction X) from the driving unit D. The cover member 81 includes a portion that protrudes more in the left-right direction than the driving unit D, thereby preventing the condensation water w from adhering to the driving unit D. For example, at the lower surface of the left-right end of the upper cover 82, the condensation water accumulates due to surface tension, and the accumulated condensation water may drip due to gravity. The cover member 81 includes a portion that protrudes more in the left-right direction than the driving unit D, thereby preventing the condensation water that drips from the driving unit D from directly falling on the driving unit D.

[0082] (Configuration of Expansion Valve 44) like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the expansion valve 44 is installed on the lower surface 11a of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B via the refrigerant pipe. The drive unit 44D of the expansion valve 44 is arranged on the side of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. In addition, the drive unit 44D is arranged at a position away from the lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Therefore, even if the condensation water generated on the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A drops, it is possible to prevent the condensation water from falling on the drive unit 44D. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the failure of the drive unit 44D and other undesirable situations.

[0083] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, a part of the driving part D of the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c is arranged in the lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, but the driving part D may be entirely arranged in the lower projection area R. The cover member 81 covers the entire upper part or the entire side of the front side of the driving part D, but only needs to cover at least the part arranged in the lower projection area R.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c are connected to the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, but they do not have to be connected to the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. In the above embodiment, the expansion valve 44 is not connected to the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, but it may be connected to the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the drive unit D of the flow path switching valve 42 is exemplified as a drive unit disposed in the lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least a portion of the drive unit 44D of the expansion valve 44 may also be disposed in the lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. In this case, the drive unit 44D may be covered by the cover member 81 having the upper cover portion 82. The drive units of valves other than the flow path switching valve 42 and the expansion valve 44 may also be disposed in the lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The drive units D of the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c may also be disposed at a position away from the lower projection area R.

[0086] The refrigeration cycle device 1 of the above-described embodiment includes the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path block 10B, but may include only the upper refrigerant flow path block 10A.

[0087] The first inclination of the upper cover portion 82 of the cover member 81 may be inclined in a manner that the coil D1 side is lower and the working member D2 side is higher. The upper cover portion 82 of the cover member 81 may have only one of the first inclination and the second inclination. The upper cover portion 82 of the cover member 81 may not have both the first inclination and the second inclination.

[0088] The cover member 81 may also include another transverse covering portion that covers the side surface of the housing H side of the driving unit D. The cover member 81 has a shape that is bent into a substantially L-shape, but may also have a shape that is bent into an arc shape. The cover member 81 only needs to include at least the upper covering portion 82, and may not include a transverse covering portion.

[0089] The lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A of the above-mentioned embodiment is arranged horizontally and faces downward. In other words, the normal direction of the lower surface 11a is consistent with the vertical direction. However, the normal direction of the lower surface 11a can also be arranged to be inclined relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, the "downward" to which the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A faces includes not only "directly downward" but also "diagonally downward". In the case where the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A faces diagonally downward, the condensation water generated on the lower surface 11a is easy to flow in a specific direction due to the inclination of the lower surface 11a. Therefore, for example, the condensation water can flow in the direction of the drive parts D and 44D where the valves 42 and 44 are not configured.

[0090] [Effects of the Embodiments] (1) The refrigeration cycle device 1 of the above embodiment includes: a refrigerant flow path module 10A having a plurality of stacked plates 71, 72 and having a flow path 27 of a low-pressure refrigerant formed therein; a first valve (flow path switching valve) 42 having a first drive unit D; and a cover member 81 covering the first drive unit D. The refrigerant flow path module 10A has a lower surface 11a facing downward on one end side in the stacking direction of the plurality of plates 71, 72. At least a portion of the first drive unit D is arranged in a lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a. The cover member 81 has an upper cover portion 82 covering at least a portion of the first drive unit D from above. With the above structure, even if condensation water generated by the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path module 10A drips from the lower surface 11a of the refrigerant flow path module 10A, it is possible to suppress the condensation water from falling on the first drive unit D of the first valve 42.

[0091] (2) The refrigeration cycle device 1 of the above embodiment further includes a second valve (expansion valve) 44 having a second drive unit 44D. The second drive unit 44D is disposed at a position away from the lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the refrigerant flow path module 10A. Therefore, even if dew condensation water generated by the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path module 10A drips from the lower surface 11a of the refrigerant flow path module 10A, it is possible to prevent the dew condensation water from falling onto the second drive unit 44D of the second valve 44.

[0092] (3) In the above embodiment, the upper cover 82 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Therefore, water adhering to the upper cover 82 can flow to the side of the first drive unit D.

[0093] (4) In the above embodiment, the first drive unit D has the coil D1 and the working member D2 that is operated by the coil D1. The upper cover 82 covers the upper part of the coil D1 and the working member D2, and is inclined in a manner such that the coil D1 side is higher than the working member D2 side. Therefore, the condensed water attached to the upper cover 82 can flow from the coil D1 side to the working member D2 side, thereby preventing the condensed water from being attached to the coil D1 through which the current flows.

[0094] (5) In the above embodiment, the first valve 42 includes the housing H that accommodates the valve core and is connected to the first drive unit D on the side. The upper cover 82 is inclined so as to rise from the first drive unit D side toward the housing H side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress condensation water from dripping onto the connection portion between the housing H of the first valve 42 and the first drive unit D.

[0095] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. Explanation of symbols

[0096] 1. Refrigeration cycle device; 10A upper refrigerant flow path module; 27 flow path 42 flow path switching valve (first valve); 44 expansion valve (second valve); 44D driving unit (second driving unit); 44H shell; 71 boards; 72 boards; 81 cover member; 82 upper covering portion; D driving unit (first driving unit); D1 coil; D2 working component; The projected area below R.

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device, characterized in that: include: A refrigerant flow path module (10A), the refrigerant flow path module having a plurality of stacked plates (71, 72) and having a flow path (27) for a low-pressure refrigerant formed therein; a first valve (42) having a first drive portion (D); and a cover member (81) covering the first driving part (D), The refrigerant flow path module (10A) has a lower surface (11a) facing downward on one end side in the stacking direction of the plurality of plates (71, 72). At least a portion of the first driving portion (D) is disposed in a lower projection area (R) of the lower surface (11a), The cover member (81) has an upper cover portion (82) that covers the at least a portion of the first drive portion (D) from above.

2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigeration cycle device further includes a second valve (44) having a second driving unit (44D). The second driving unit (44D) is arranged at a position away from a lower projection area (R) of the lower surface (11a).

3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The upper covering portion (82) is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

4. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first driving unit (D) has a coil (D1) and an operating member (D2) that operates through the coil (D1). The upper cover portion (82) is inclined so as to cover the coil (D1) and the upper portion of the actuating member (D2), and the coil (D1) side is higher than the actuating member (D2) side.

5. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first valve (42) has a housing (H) that accommodates a valve core and has a side surface connected to the first drive unit (D). The upper cover portion (82) is inclined so as to rise from the first drive portion (D) side toward the housing (H) side.

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