Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

The refrigeration cycle device includes: a refrigerant flow path module (10A), which has a plurality of stacked plates (71, 72) and has a low-pressure refrigerant flow path (27) formed therein; a first valve (42) having a first drive part (D); and a cover member (81) covering the first drive part (D), wherein 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 part (D) is arranged in a lower projection area (R) of the lower surface (11a), and the cover member (81) has an upper covering portion (82) covering the at least a portion of the first drive part (D) from above.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, in a refrigeration system including a refrigerant circuit operating in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, multiple refrigerant pipes through which the refrigerant flows are integrated into a single module (refrigerant flow path module) to minimize the refrigerant circuit. This module comprises a module body, which comprises a plurality of stacked plates and internally defines a refrigerant flow path, and a connecting pipe connected to the end face of the pipe body in the direction in which the plates are stacked. The connecting pipe is connected to a valve, which includes a drive unit including a motor, solenoid, and the like.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-116694 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] When low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path module, the surrounding air may be cooled, causing condensation on the plate surfaces. If this condensation adheres to the valve drive unit, it may cause a malfunction.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the adhesion of water to a driving portion of a valve.

[0009] Technical solutions used to solve technical problems

[0010] (1) The refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure includes:

[0011] a refrigerant flow path module having a plurality of stacked plates and forming a flow path for a low-pressure refrigerant therein;

[0012] a first valve having a first drive portion; and

[0013] a cover member covering the first driving portion,

[0014] The refrigerant flow path module has a lower surface facing downward on one end side in the stacking direction of the plurality of plates.

[0015] At least a portion of the first driving portion is disposed in a lower projection area of ​​the lower surface.

[0016] The cover member includes an upper covering portion that covers the at least a portion of the first driving unit from above.

[0017] According to the refrigeration cycle apparatus having the above 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 first drive portion of the first valve.

[0018] (2) The refrigeration cycle device of (1) further includes a second valve having a second drive unit,

[0019] The second driving unit is arranged at a position away from a lower projection area of ​​the lower surface.

[0020] 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.

[0021] (3) In the refrigeration cycle device of (1) or (2) above, it is preferred that the upper cover portion is inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0022] According to this configuration, water adhering to the upper cover portion can be caused to flow to the side of the first drive unit.

[0023] (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.

[0024] The upper cover portion is inclined so as to cover the coil and the upper portion of the actuating member and to have the coil side higher than the actuating member side.

[0025] 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 current flows.

[0026] (5) In the refrigeration cycle device of (3) or (4) above, preferably, the first valve has a housing that houses the valve element and has a side surface connected to the first drive unit.

[0027] The upper cover is inclined so as to rise from the first drive unit side toward the housing side.

[0028] 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

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a refrigeration cycle device.

[0031] Figure 3 It is a top view showing the interior of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow module and its connected components.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow module and components connected thereto.

[0034] Figure 6 It is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Figure 9 It is a side view showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] [First embodiment]

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] 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 includes an outdoor unit (heat source unit) 31, multiple indoor units (utilization units) 32, and a flow switching device 33. The outdoor unit 31 and the flow switching device 33, as well as the flow switching device 33 and the indoor units 32, are connected via connecting pipes 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38, respectively. The air conditioner 1 of this embodiment enables the multiple indoor units 32 to independently perform cooling and heating, and is a so-called cooling and heating-free type. The refrigeration cycle device 1 is not limited to an air conditioner and may also be a refrigerator, freezer, water heater, or the like.

[0042] (Refrigerant Circuit Structure)

[0043] The outdoor unit 31 includes a refrigerant circuit 30. The refrigerant circuit 30 is connected to the refrigerant circuit within the flow switching device 33 via a liquid communication pipe 34, a suction gas communication pipe 35, and a high- and low-pressure gas communication pipe 36. The refrigerant circuit of the flow switching device 33 is connected to the refrigerant circuit within the indoor unit 32 via communication pipes 37 and 38.

[0044] 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 the refrigerant flow path module 10 described later. A fan 62 (see FIG. 1 ) is provided in the outdoor unit 31. Figure 2 ), controller 61a (refer to Figure 3 )wait.

[0045] 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 block F1), which will be described later, and the flow path 27 within 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 within the refrigerant flow path module 10A, and then flows into the accumulator 41.

[0046] One end of the second stop valve 39b is connected to the high- and low-pressure gas communication pipe 36. The other end of the second stop valve 39b is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the flow switching valve 42b. The flow switching valve 42b is also connected to the refrigerant flow path module 10A (indicated by block F1). The low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the outdoor unit 31 from the high- and low-pressure gas communication pipe 36 passes through the second stop valve 39b and the flow switching valve 42b, flows through the flow path 27 within the refrigerant flow path module 10A, and then flows into the accumulator 41.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Compressor 40 has a sealed structure with a built-in compressor motor and is, for example, a positive displacement compressor such as a scroll or rotary type. Compressor 40 compresses low-pressure refrigerant drawn in through suction pipe 47 and then discharges it through discharge pipe 48. Refrigeration oil is contained within compressor 40. This refrigeration oil sometimes circulates within refrigerant circuit 30 along with the refrigerant. Compressor 40 is a type of container.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The accumulator 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 accumulator 41 is connected to the refrigerant piping extending from the first shut-off valve 39a. The outlet 41a of the accumulator 41 is connected to the suction piping 47. One end of the return oil pipe 50 is connected to the accumulator 41. The other end of the return oil pipe 50 is connected to the suction piping 47. The return oil pipe 50 is a pipe for returning the refrigeration oil from the accumulator 41 to the compressor 40. A first opening and closing valve 51 is provided on the return oil pipe 50. The first opening and closing valve 51 is composed of a solenoid valve. If the first opening and closing valve 51 is opened, the refrigeration oil in the accumulator 41 passes through the return oil pipe 50 and is sucked into the compressor 40 together with the refrigerant flowing in the suction piping 47.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Each flow path switching valve 42 is configured to block the flow of refrigerant in one refrigerant flow path during operation, and effectively functions as a three-way valve. Hereinafter, the plurality of flow path switching valves 42 are also referred to as the first flow path switching valve 42a, the second flow path switching valve 42b, and the third flow path switching valve 42c.

[0053] Each expansion valve 44 is, for example, an electrically operated valve with adjustable opening. The opening of each expansion valve 44 is adjusted according to operating conditions, and the refrigerant passing therethrough is decompressed according to the opening. Hereinafter, the expansion valves 44 are also referred to as the first expansion valve 44a, the second expansion valve 44b, the third expansion valve 44c, and the fourth expansion valve 44d.

[0054] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is a cross-fin or microchannel heat exchanger. It includes a first heat exchange section 43a, a second heat exchange section 43b, a third heat exchange section 43c, and a fourth heat exchange section 43d. The gas-side end of the first heat exchange section 43a is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the third flow path switching valve 42c. The liquid-side end of the first heat exchange section 43a is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the first expansion valve 44a.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The subcooler 45 includes a first heat transfer tube 45a and a second heat transfer tube 45b. One end of the first heat transfer tube 45a is connected to the refrigerant piping extending to the first expansion valve 44a, the second expansion valve 44b, and the third expansion valve 44c. The other end of the first heat transfer tube 45a is connected to the refrigerant piping extending to the third stop valve 39c. One end of the second heat transfer tube 45b is connected to a first branching tube 53 that branches off from the refrigerant piping between the first heat transfer tube 45a and the first expansion valve 44a, the second expansion valve 44b, and the third expansion valve 44c. The fourth expansion valve 44d is provided in the first branching tube 53. The other end of the second heat transfer tube 45b is connected to one end of the injection piping 55. The other end of the injection piping 55 is connected to the middle port of the compressor 40.

[0058] One end of a second branch pipe 56 is connected to the injection pipe 55. The other end (outlet end) of the second branch pipe 56 is connected to the suction pipe 47. The second branch pipe 56 is provided with a second on-off valve 57 and a check valve 58. The second on-off valve 57 is composed of a solenoid valve.

[0059] The subcooler 45 subcools the refrigerant flowing through the first heat transfer pipe 45a by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 40 through the outdoor heat exchanger 43 and the expansion valve 44 and the refrigerant flowing through the second heat transfer pipe 45b after being decompressed by the expansion valve 44d. The refrigerant flowing through the second heat transfer pipe 45b passes through the injection pipe 55 and is drawn into the middle port of the compressor 40. When the second on-off valve 57 is opened, the refrigerant flowing through the injection pipe 55 branches and flows to the second branch pipe 56, where it is drawn into the compressor 40 through the suction pipe 47.

[0060] (Structure of the outdoor unit)

[0061] 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.

[0062] In addition, the description of the left-right direction, front-back direction, and up-down direction in the following description is based on Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Specifically, in the following description, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The first direction indicated by arrow X is defined as the left-right direction, the second direction indicated by arrow Y is defined as the front-back direction, and the third direction indicated by arrow Z is defined as the up-down direction. However, these directions are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure. For example, the first direction X may be defined as the front-back direction, and the second direction Y may be defined as the left-right direction.

[0063] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the outdoor unit 31 has a housing 60 , which houses components constituting the refrigerant circuit, such as the compressor 40 , the accumulator 41 , the outdoor heat exchanger 43 , and the oil separator 46 , an electrical component unit 61 , and a fan 62 . The fan 62 is provided at the top of the housing 60 .

[0064] The housing 60 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. It comprises a bottom plate 63, support columns 64, a top plate 65, and a front plate 66. The bottom plate 63 is formed into a quadrilateral shape when viewed from above. The support columns 64 are elongated members with a generally L-shaped cross-section and are mounted at the four corners of the bottom plate 63.

[0065] The top plate 65 is formed in a substantially identical quadrilateral shape to the bottom plate 63 and is spaced apart and arranged above the bottom plate 63. The upper ends of the pillars 64 are attached to the four corners of the top plate 65. A substantially quadrilateral vent is formed in the top plate 65, and a grille 65a is provided in the vent to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, a maintenance opening 60a is formed on the front surface of the housing 60. The opening 60a is blocked by a front panel (front side panel) 66. By removing the front panel 66 from the housing 60, maintenance and replacement of components within the housing 60 can be performed through the opening 60a.

[0067] 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 .

[0068] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is arranged corresponding to (opposite to) three side surfaces of the housing 60. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 43 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from above, extending along the left, right, and rear sides of the housing 60. A gas manifold 43e is provided at one end of the outdoor heat exchanger 43, and a liquid manifold 43f is provided at the other end. Intake ports 60b for drawing in external air are formed on the left, right, and rear sides of the housing 60, respectively.

[0069] The outdoor unit 31 is configured to draw air in from the inlet 60 b of the casing 60 by the drive of the fan 62 , exchange heat between the air and the outdoor heat exchanger 43 , and then blow the air upward from the upper portion of the casing 60 .

[0070] The compressor 40 is positioned approximately in the center of the left-right direction X near the front surface of the housing 60. The electrical component unit 61 is positioned adjacent to the right side of the compressor 40 near the front surface of the housing 60. The accumulator tank 41 is positioned behind the compressor 40. The oil separator 46 is positioned to the left of the accumulator tank 41. The electrical component unit 61 includes a controller 61a that controls the operation of the compressor 40, the valves 42 and 44, the fan 62, and the like.

[0071] (Structure of the refrigerant flow module)

[0072] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow module and its connected components. Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow module and its connected components. This is a schematic side view of the refrigerant flow module.

[0073] like Figures 2 to 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) that constitutes a portion of the flow path of the refrigerant piping that connects the compressor 40, the accumulator 41, the flow path switching valve 42, the outdoor heat exchanger 43, the expansion valve 44, the oil separator 46 and other components. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment forms Figure 1 The refrigerant flow paths in the frames F1 and F2 are indicated by two-dot chain lines.

[0074] The refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment includes an upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and a lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is formed Figure 1 The refrigerant flow path in the frame F1 is formed by the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. Figure 1 The refrigerant flow path in box F2.

[0075] Each of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B includes a module body 11 having a flow path therein and a connecting pipe (joint pipe) 12 attached to the module body 11 and communicating with the flow path in the module body 11 .

[0076] Figure 6 It is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0077] The module body 11 is formed into a plate or block shape. The module body 11 is constructed by stacking a plurality of plates 71 and 72. The module body 11 is arranged so that the stacking direction of the plurality of plates 71 and 72 (the normal direction of each plate 71 and 72) is oriented in the vertical direction (the third direction Z). Therefore, the module body 11 has a horizontal upper surface 11b and a lower surface 11a. 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.

[0078] The upper surface 11b and lower surface 11a of the module body 11 are rectangular. The thickness (vertical length) of the module body 11 is smaller than the lengths of the long and short sides of the upper and lower surfaces 11b, 11a, respectively. Therefore, the module body 11 is formed into a flat shape. The module body 11 does not need to be arranged strictly parallel to the horizontal; for example, it can be tilted within a range of ±10° relative to the horizontal.

[0079] The plates 71 and 72 are made of stainless steel. The plates 71 and 72 of this embodiment are made of, for example, SUS304L. The plates 71 and 72 are joined to each other by brazing.

[0080] The plurality of plates 71 and 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 and 72 constituting the module body 11 is not particularly limited; it may be two or more.

[0081] An opening 73 for installing the connecting pipe 12 is formed in the end plate 71. The opening 73 passes through the end plate 71 in the vertical direction Z. The opening 73 is circular. An opening 74 constituting the flow path 15 is formed in the middle plate 72. The opening 74 passes through 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 an appropriate shape according to the desired form of the flow path 15. The flow path 15 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is included in Figure 1 The flow path 27 described in FIG.

[0082] 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 while 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 and 72 constituting the module body 11 of 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 a joining of different types of materials, namely stainless steel and copper, and therefore, furnace brazing is suitable.

[0083] 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 so as to overlap each other when viewed from above. When viewed from above, the area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is larger than that of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is generally arranged within the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flow path module 10 is positioned to the left (on the one side in the first direction X) of the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41. The refrigerant flow path module 10 is positioned in front of the oil separator 46 (on the one side in the second direction Y). The refrigerant flow path module 10 of this embodiment is supported by refrigerant piping via refrigerant circuit components 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 refrigerant piping and refrigerant circuit components.

[0085] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, refrigerant pipes 21 and 22 extending from the refrigerant outlet 41a and refrigerant inlet 41b of the accumulator 41 are connected to the bottom 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 casing 60 of the outdoor unit 31. The refrigerant pipes 21 and 22 are connected to a connecting pipe 12 provided on the bottom surface of the module body 11 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, supporting the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A from below.

[0086] 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 upward from the first stop valve 39a 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.

[0087] The upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is supported from below by the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23, and is spaced apart from the top of the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60. The refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 are gas pipes through which gas refrigerant flows. Compared to liquid pipes through which liquid refrigerant flows, these gas pipes have a larger diameter and are therefore stronger. Therefore, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is stably supported by these refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23. The refrigerant pipes 21 and 22 are connected to the accumulator 41 fixed to the housing 60, while the refrigerant pipe 23 is connected to the first shutoff valve 39a fixed to the housing 60. Consequently, the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A is more stably supported by the refrigerant pipes 21, 22, and 23 via the refrigerant circuit components 41 and 39a fixed to the housing 60.

[0088] 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 its diameter is larger and its strength is higher than that of the 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.

[0089] A flow switching valve 42b is connected to the upper side of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The flow switching valve 42b has a shell H with a built-in valve core and a plurality of ports P serving as the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant relative to the shell H. The shell H is formed into a cylindrical shape. The port P is a short tube (refrigerant piping) protruding upward and downward from the shell H. The 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.

[0090] The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is spaced apart and disposed below the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is spaced apart and disposed above the bottom plate 63 of the housing 60. Flow path switching valves 42a and 42c are disposed between the upper and lower refrigerant flow path modules 10A and 10B.

[0091] The flow path switching valves 42a and 42c have a housing H with a built-in valve core and a plurality of ports P serving as the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant relative to the housing H. The housing H is formed in a cylindrical shape. The ports P are short tubes (refrigerant piping) protruding upward and downward from the housing H. The ports P are formed of a material having copper as a main component, such as copper (pure copper) or a copper alloy. The ports P protruding upward from the housing H are directly connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided at the bottom of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The ports P protruding downward from the housing H are directly connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided at the top of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B.

[0092] A refrigerant pipe 25 is disposed between the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. This refrigerant pipe 25 extends linearly in the vertical direction, with its upper end connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided at the bottom of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, and its lower end connected to the connecting pipe 12 provided at the top of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. Thus, the refrigerant pipe 25 connects the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B over the shortest distance.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, multiple expansion valves 44 are connected to the lower side of the lower refrigerant flow module 10B. Each expansion valve 44 includes a housing 44H that houses a valve core that regulates the refrigerant flow rate, and a driver (second driver) 44D that drives the valve core. Driver 44D includes a motor such as a pulse motor. The expansion valve 44 adjusts the refrigerant flow rate by operating the valve core via driver 44D.

[0094] 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 valves.

[0095] 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 refrigerant circuit component 46 fixed to the housing 60.

[0096] (Structure of flow path switching valve)

[0097] 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. Figure 9 It is a side view showing the refrigerant flow path module, the flow path switching valve, and the expansion valve.

[0098] The flow path switching valve 42 includes a housing H and a port P, as well as a driver (first driver) D. The driver D operates a valve element disposed within the housing H. The driver D is mounted on the front side of the housing H (the side in the second direction Y). The second direction Y can also be referred to as the direction in which the housing H and the driver D are aligned.

[0099] The drive unit D of this 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 on one end side and the hydraulic chamber provided on the other end side of the housing H are connected to the working member D2 via pilot tubes (capillaries) p3 and p4, respectively. The low-pressure refrigerant and high-pressure refrigerant supplied to the working member D2 are switched by 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.

[0100] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, a portion of the flow switching valves 42a and 42c provided between the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B is disposed in the 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 switching valves 42a and 42c is disposed in the lower projection area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Figure 7 In FIG, the lower surface 11a is indicated by a two-dot chain line. A lower projection region R of the lower surface 11a is a region surrounded by the two-dot chain line.

[0101] As reference Figure 1As 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 、 Figure 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.

[0102] As described above, the drive unit D of the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c is located in the lower projected area R of the lower surface 11a of the refrigerant flow path module 10A. Therefore, dew condensation water dripping from the lower surface 11a may fall onto the drive unit D. The drive unit D includes a coil D1 through which current flows. Therefore, the adhesion of dew condensation water w can cause malfunctions and other problems. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a cover member 81 that covers the drive unit D.

[0103] (Structure of Cover Member)

[0104] like Figure 9 As shown, the cover member 81 is formed into a substantially L-shape. The cover member 81 includes an upper cover portion 82 and a horizontal 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] like Figure 9 As shown, the upper end of the lateral cover portion 83 is connected to one end (front end) of the upper cover portion 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 (e.g., the housing of the coil D1), the housing H, or the port P using screws or the like.

[0107] The upper cover portion 82 is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal. Figure 8 As shown, the upper cover 82 is arranged to be inclined relative to the direction (first direction X) in which the coil D1 and the working element D2 of the drive unit D are arranged. Specifically, the upper cover 82 is tilted so that the coil D1 side is higher and the working element D2 side is lower. This tilt is hereinafter referred to as the "first tilt." The first tilt preferably has an angle of 10° or greater relative to the horizontal to facilitate water flow. For example, the first tilt angle can be set to 15°.

[0108] like Figure 9 As shown, the upper cover 82 is further arranged at an angle relative to the direction (second direction Y) in which the housing H and the drive unit D are aligned. Specifically, the upper cover 82 is arranged to tilt so as to rise from the drive unit D side toward the housing H side. This tilt is also referred to as the "second tilt." The second tilt preferably has an angle of 10° or greater relative to the horizontal to facilitate water flow. For example, the second tilt angle can be set to 15°.

[0109] As described above, when the dew condensation water w generated on the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A drips, the dew condensation water w is blocked by the upper cover portion 82 of the cover member 81. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the dew 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 operating member D2 side due to the first inclination. Therefore, the condensed water w can be prevented from adhering to the coil D1 through which current flows, thereby preventing problems such as malfunctions.

[0110] like Figure 9 As shown, the condensation water w that drips onto the upper cover 82 flows from the housing H side toward the driver D side due to the second inclination. This prevents the condensation water w from dripping onto the connection between the housing H and the driver D. When the condensation water w drips onto the connection between the housing H and the driver D, it accumulates, bridging the housing H and the driver D, increasing the likelihood that the condensation water w will adhere to the coil D1. Therefore, the second inclination of the upper cover 82 can prevent the condensation water w from adhering to the coil D1. The condensation water w that flows along the upper cover 82 due to the second inclination further flows downward along the horizontal cover 83.

[0111] Both high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerants flow through the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c, partially cooling them. Consequently, the cover member 81 itself may also cool down. When the cover member 81 itself cools down, condensation may form on the cover member 81. In this case, even if condensation forms on the lower surface of the upper cover 82, the first inclination causes it to flow from the coil D1 side toward the operating element D2 side, thereby preventing condensation from adhering to the coil D1.

[0112] 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 within the housing H. This prevents condensation from adhering to at least a portion of the pilot pipes p1 to p4.

[0113] like Figure 8As shown, the cover member 81 protrudes outward in the left-right direction (first direction X) relative to the drive unit D. The cover member 81 includes a portion that protrudes further left-right than the drive unit D, thereby preventing condensation water w from adhering to the drive unit D. For example, condensation water accumulates on the lower surface of the left-right ends of the upper cover 82 due to surface tension, and this accumulated condensation water may drip due to gravity. The cover member 81 includes a portion that protrudes further left-right than the drive unit D, thereby preventing this dripping condensation water from directly reaching the drive unit D.

[0114] (Configuration of Expansion Valve 44)

[0115] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the expansion valve 44 is attached to the lower surface 11a of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B via refrigerant piping. The driver 44D of the expansion valve 44 is located to the side of the lower refrigerant flow path module 10B. Furthermore, the driver 44D is positioned away from the lower projected area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. Therefore, even if condensation water drips from the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, it is prevented from reaching the driver 44D. Consequently, failures such as malfunction of the driver 44D can be prevented.

[0116] [Other embodiments]

[0117] In the above embodiment, a portion of the drive portion D of the flow path switching valves 42 a and 42 c is disposed in the lower projected region R of the lower surface 11 a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, but the entire drive portion D may be disposed in the lower projected region R. The cover member 81 covers the entire upper portion or the entire front side of the drive portion D, but it is sufficient to cover at least the portion disposed in the lower projected region R.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the flow switching valves 42a and 42c are connected to the upper refrigerant flow module 10A, but they do not necessarily need to be connected to the upper refrigerant flow module 10A. In the above embodiment, the expansion valve 44 is not connected to the upper refrigerant flow module 10A, but it may be connected to the upper refrigerant flow module 10A.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the driver D of the flow path switching valve 42 is illustrated as an example of a driver positioned in the lower projected area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least a portion of the driver 44D of the expansion valve 44 may be positioned in the lower projected area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. In this case, the driver 44D may be covered by the cover member 81 having the upper cover portion 82. The driver of valves other than the flow path switching valve 42 and the expansion valve 44 may also be positioned in the lower projected area R of the lower surface 11a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 10A. The driver D of the flow path switching valves 42a and 42c may also be positioned away from the lower projected area R.

[0120] The refrigeration cycle apparatus 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.

[0121] The first inclination of the upper covering portion 82 of the cover member 81 may be such that the coil D1 side is lower and the operating member D2 side is higher. The upper covering portion 82 of the cover member 81 may have only one of the first inclination and the second inclination. The upper covering portion 82 of the cover member 81 may not have both the first inclination and the second inclination.

[0122] The cover member 81 may also include another transverse covering portion that covers the side surface of the drive unit D on the housing H side. The cover member 81 has a substantially L-shaped curved shape, but may also have an arc-shaped curved shape. The cover member 81 only needs to include at least the upper covering portion 82 and may not include a transverse covering portion.

[0123] 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 be made to flow in the direction of the drive parts D and 44D where the valves 42 and 44 are not arranged.

[0124] [Effects of the embodiment]

[0125] (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 for 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 covering 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 prevent the condensation water from falling onto the first drive unit D of the first valve 42.

[0126] (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 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, this condensation water is prevented from dripping onto the second drive unit 44D of the second valve 44.

[0127] (3) In the above embodiment, the upper cover portion 82 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Therefore, water adhering to the upper cover portion 82 can flow to the side of the first drive unit D.

[0128] (4) In the above embodiment, the first drive unit D includes a coil D1 and an operating member D2 that is actuated by the coil D1. The upper cover 82 covers the coil D1 and the operating member D2 and is tilted so that the coil D1 side is higher than the operating member D2 side. Therefore, condensed water adhering to the upper cover 82 can flow from the coil D1 side to the operating member D2 side, thereby preventing condensed water from adhering to the coil D1, through which current flows.

[0129] (5) In the above embodiment, the first valve 42 includes a housing H that houses the valve element and is connected to the first drive unit D on its 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 and the first drive unit D of the first valve 42.

[0130] 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.

[0131] Explanation of symbols

[0132] 1. Refrigeration cycle device;

[0133] 10A upper refrigerant flow module;

[0134] 27 flow path

[0135] 42 flow path switching valve (first valve);

[0136] 44 expansion valve (second valve);

[0137] 44D driving unit (second driving unit);

[0138] 44H shell;

[0139] 71 boards;

[0140] 72 boards;

[0141] 81 cover member;

[0142] 82 upper covering portion;

[0143] D driving unit (first driving unit);

[0144] D1 coil;

[0145] D2 working component;

[0146] The projected area below R.

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device, characterized in that: include: A refrigerant flow path module (10A) having a plurality of stacked plates (71, 72) and a low-pressure refrigerant flow path (27) formed therein; a first valve (42) having a first drive portion (D); and a cover member (81) covering the first driving portion (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) includes an upper covering portion (82) that covers the at least a portion of the first driving portion (D) from above.

2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein The refrigeration cycle device further includes a second valve (44) having a second drive unit (44D). The second driving portion (44D) is arranged at a position away from the 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, wherein The first driving part (D) has a coil (D1) and an operating member (D2) that operates through the coil (D1). The upper covering portion (82) is inclined so as to cover the coil (D1) and the upper portion of the working member (D2), with the coil (D1) side being higher than the working member (D2) side.

5. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 3, wherein The first valve (42) has a housing (H) that houses the 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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