Refrigerant flow path module and heat source unit

Abstract

The refrigerant flow path module (40) is provided with: a first pipe section (41) that is connected to discharge pipes (51a, 71) through which a refrigerant discharged from a compressor (15) of the refrigerant circuit (30) flows and has a cylindrical flow path, and a second pipe section (42) that is formed integrally with the first pipe section (41) and the second pipe section (42) and that is connected to discharge pipes (51a, 71) through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (15) of the refrigerant circuit (30) flows; the second pipe section (42) is connected to suction pipes (52a, 72) through which a refrigerant sucked into the compressor (15) flows, and has a cylindrical flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant flow path module and a heat source unit. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a refrigeration cycle formed by piping-connecting a compressor, a four-way reversing valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a throttling mechanism, and a housing that houses them. In such an outdoor unit, it has been a problem how to suppress the transmission of vibration generated during the operation of the compressor. To solve this problem, in the outdoor unit described in Patent Document 1, the discharge pipe and the suction pipe connected between the compressor and the four-way reversing valve and other piping and housing components are fixed by a fixing member made of an anti-vibration elastic material, and the vibration transmitted from the compressor to each pipe is attenuated by the fixing member. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-125699 Summary of the Invention Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of pipes are simply connected to each other in the middle of the length direction by a fixing member, and it can be considered that this operation is performed manually. Therefore, there may be a deviation in the position of the fixing member relative to the pipe, for example, the position of the fixing member in the length direction of the pipe. Even if there is a small deviation between the position of the fixing member and the designed position, the form of vibration (such as the direction and magnitude of swinging) may change unexpectedly, and thus the desired vibration suppression effect may not be obtained.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerant flow path module and a heat source unit capable of connecting a discharge pipe and a suction pipe connected to a compressor at a correct position. Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0006] (1) The refrigerant flow path module of the present disclosure includes: a first pipe portion that is connected to a discharge pipe through which refrigerant discharged from a compressor of a refrigerant circuit flows and has a cylindrical flow path; and a second pipe portion that is connected to a suction pipe through which refrigerant sucked into the compressor flows and has a cylindrical flow path, wherein the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion are integrally formed.

[0007] In the refrigerant flow path module with the above structure, the discharge pipe and the suction pipe are respectively connected to the integrally formed first pipe portion and second pipe portion, so that the discharge pipe and the suction pipe will surely be connected to each other at a determined position. Therefore, in terms of design, the envisioned vibration mode can be reproduced, and the desired vibration suppression effect can be obtained. In addition, since the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion are integrally formed, the bending stiffness (second moment of area) of the refrigerant flow path module increases. Therefore, the deformation of the refrigerant flow path module accompanied by vibration is suppressed. As a result, the change in the relative position between the discharge pipe and the suction pipe is suppressed, the analysis of vibration and the like become easy, and it can contribute to vibration suppression.

[0008] (2) In the refrigerant flow path module of the above (1), preferably, it further includes a connecting portion, and the connecting portion is disposed between the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion and is integrally formed with the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion.

[0009] According to this structure, by integrally forming the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion via the connecting portion, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module can be further improved. In addition, the interval between the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion can be increased by the connecting portion. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first pipe portion and the second pipe portion can be improved.

[0010] (3) In the refrigerant flow path module of the above (1) or (2), preferably, the refrigerant circuit further includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a flow path switching valve, and the flow path switching valve switches the refrigerant flow path from the compressor toward the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant flow path from the compressor toward the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant flow path module further includes: a third pipe portion through which the refrigerant flowing from the flow path switching valve toward the first heat exchanger flows and which has a cylindrical flow path; and a fourth pipe portion through which the refrigerant flowing from the flow path switching valve toward the second heat exchanger flows and which has a cylindrical flow path. The first pipe portion, the second pipe portion, the third pipe portion, and the fourth pipe portion are integrally formed.

[0011] According to this structure, by integrally forming the first to fourth pipe portions, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module can be further improved.

[0012] (4) In the refrigerant flow path module of the above (3), preferably, the refrigerant flow path module further includes the flow path switching valve. The flow path switching valve includes a rotary valve element that selectively connects the first piping section to the third piping section or the fourth piping section. The first piping section, the second piping section, the third piping section, and the fourth piping section extend in the same direction from the flow path switching valve.

[0013] With this structure, it is possible to connect other refrigerant piping from the same direction (the direction opposite to the flow path switching valve) with respect to the first to fourth piping sections, thereby improving the assemblability of the refrigerant circuit.

[0014] (5) In the refrigerant flow path module of the above (4), it is preferable that at least two of the first piping section, the second piping section, the third piping section, and the fourth piping section are integrally formed at the portions protruding from the flow path switching valve.

[0015] (6) The refrigerant flow path module according to any one of the above (1) to (5) is preferably made of a material mainly composed of aluminum.

[0016] With this structure, it is possible to easily manufacture a refrigerant flow path module in which the first piping section and the second piping section are integrally formed using a manufacturing method such as aluminum die casting with a high degree of freedom in the shape that can be formed.

[0017] (7) The heat source unit of the present disclosure includes the compressor and the refrigerant flow path module according to any one of the above (1) to (6).

[0018] (8) In the heat source unit of the above (7), it is preferable that it includes a housing that houses the compressor and the refrigerant flow path module. The refrigerant flow path module is fixed to the housing or to a member mounted on the housing.

[0019] With this structure, it is possible to block the vibration transmitted from the compressor via the discharge piping and the suction piping by the refrigerant flow path module, thereby suppressing the transmission of vibration to other refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant flow path module.

[0020] (9) In the heat source unit of the above (8), it is preferable that the member is a mounting member for mounting a stop valve to the housing, and the stop valve connects the refrigerant piping disposed outside the heat source unit and the refrigerant piping disposed inside the heat source unit among the refrigerant piping constituting the refrigerant circuit.

[0021] With this structure, it is possible to fix the flow path switching valve using a mounting member fixed to the housing and used for mounting the stop valve.

[0022] (10) The heat source unit of the present disclosure includes the compressor and the refrigerant flow path module described in the above (4) or (5). The first piping portion, the second piping portion, the third piping portion, and the fourth piping portion of the refrigerant flow path module extend upward from the flow path switching valve.

[0023] According to this structure, when assembling the heat source unit, it is possible to easily connect other refrigerant pipes from the upper sides of the first to fourth piping portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a top view showing the inside of the heat source unit. Figure 3 is a front view showing a machine room of the heat source unit. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the refrigerant flow path module cut away. Figure 8 is a perspective view for explaining a usage example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 9 is a perspective view for explaining another usage example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a modification example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a modification example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a modification example of the refrigerant flow path module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a heat source unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a top view showing the inside of the heat source unit. The refrigeration cycle device 10 includes a refrigerant circuit 30 that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration cycle device 10 of the present embodiment is an air conditioner. As Figure 1 shown, the air conditioner 10 has an outdoor unit (heat source unit) 11 and an indoor unit (utilization unit) 12. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are respectively connected by communication pipes 13 and 14. The refrigerant circuit 30 is formed by the outdoor unit 11, the indoor unit 12, the communication pipes 13 and 14. In addition, the refrigeration cycle device 10 is not limited to an air conditioner, and may also be a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, etc.

[0026] (Structure of the refrigerant circuit) As Figure 1 shown, in the outdoor unit 11, a compressor 15, an outdoor heat exchanger (first heat exchanger) 16, an expansion valve 17, and a four-way reversing valve (flow path switching valve) 18 that constitute the refrigerant circuit 30 are provided. An outdoor fan 19 is also provided in the outdoor unit 11. In the indoor unit 12, an indoor heat exchanger (second heat exchanger) 21 that constitutes the refrigerant circuit 30 is provided. An indoor fan 22 is also provided in the indoor unit 12.

[0027] The compressor 15 is, for example, a positive displacement compressor such as a scroll type or a rotary type, and a compressor motor is built therein. After compressing the low-pressure refrigerant sucked from the suction pipe 52a, the compressor 15 discharges it from the discharge pipe 51a. In the outdoor unit 11, the discharge side of the compressor 15 is connected to the first port P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via the refrigerant pipe 51. The suction side of the compressor 15 is connected to the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via the refrigerant pipe 52. In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the compressor 15 of the present embodiment includes a compressor main body 15a and a storage tank 15b attached to the compressor main body 15a. The storage tank 15b substantially constitutes the suction part of the compressor 15. The storage tank 15b is a container for separating the low-pressure refrigerant sucked into the compressor main body 15a into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

[0028] The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is constituted by a cross fin type finned tube heat exchanger or a microchannel type heat exchanger, etc. The gas side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to the fourth port P4 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via the refrigerant pipe 53. The liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to one end of the expansion valve 17 via the refrigerant pipe 54.

[0029] The expansion valve 17 is, for example, an electric valve whose opening can be adjusted. The other end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to the liquid side stop valve 23 via the refrigerant pipe 55.

[0030] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is composed of a finned tube heat exchanger of the cross fin type, a microchannel heat exchanger, or the like. The liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the liquid side stop valve 23 via the liquid side communication pipe 14. The gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the gas side stop valve 24 via the gas side communication pipe 13. The gas side stop valve 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via the refrigerant pipe 56.

[0031] The four-way reversing valve 18 switches the flow path to the first mode ( Figure 1 the mode shown by the solid line in the figure) and the second mode ( Figure 1 the mode shown by the dashed line in the figure). In the first mode, the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other, and the second port P2 and the third port P3 communicate with each other. In the second mode, the first port P1 and the second port P2 communicate with each other, and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other. In the first mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 16, and in the second mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0032] The outdoor fan 19 is arranged near the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The outdoor fan 19 is driven by a motor to rotate and send air to the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 exchanges heat with the outdoor air conveyed by the outdoor fan 19, thereby evaporating or condensing.

[0033] The indoor fan 22 is arranged near the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor fan 22 is driven by a motor to rotate and send air to the indoor heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the outdoor air conveyed by the indoor fan 22, thereby condensing or evaporating.

[0034] In the air conditioner 10, when the four-way reversing valve 18 is in the first mode, the refrigeration operation is performed. When the four-way reversing valve 18 is in the second mode, the heating operation is performed. During the refrigeration operation, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows through the four-way reversing valve 18 to the outdoor heat exchanger 16 acting as a condenser and is condensed into a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is decompressed in the expansion valve 17 to become a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 acting as an evaporator. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air conveyed by the indoor fan 22 and evaporates to become a gaseous refrigerant. The air cooled by the heat exchange is supplied to the room. The gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is sucked into the compressor 15 through the four-way reversing valve 18.

[0035] During the heating operation, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows through the four-way reversing valve 18 and reaches the indoor heat exchanger 21 that functions as a condenser. The gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the air conveyed by the indoor fan 22 and condenses, turning into a liquid refrigerant. The air heated through the heat exchange is supplied to the interior of the room. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is depressurized in the expansion valve 17 and becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 16 that functions as an evaporator. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 and becomes a gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 15 through the four-way reversing valve 18.

[0036] (Structure of the outdoor unit) As Figure 2 shown, the outdoor unit 11 includes a housing 61. The outer housing 61 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and appears as a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The interior of the housing 61 is divided into a mechanical chamber S1 and a heat exchange chamber S2 by a partition wall 62. The compressor 15 is housed in the mechanical chamber S1. In addition to the compressor 15, the stop valves 23, 24, the four-way reversing valve 18, the expansion valve 17, etc. are also housed in the mechanical chamber S1.

[0037] The outdoor heat exchanger 16 and the outdoor fan 19, etc. are housed in the heat exchange chamber S2 of the housing 61. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 appears as an L shape when viewed from above. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is arranged along two adjacent side walls 61a, 61b of the housing 61 disposed on the side of the heat exchange chamber S2. Air inlets 61a1, 61b1 are formed on the above-mentioned side walls 61a, 61b. The outdoor fan 19 is arranged to face another side wall 61c, and this other side wall 61c is adjacent to the side wall 61b where the air inlet 61b1 is formed. An air outlet 61c1 is formed on this side wall 61c.

[0038] When the outdoor fan 19 operates, air is sucked into the housing 61 from the air inlets 61a1, 61b1 and discharged from the air outlet 61c1. Figure 2 The arrow a shown indicates the flow direction of the air sucked into the housing 61.

[0039] (Structure of the refrigerant piping) As Figure 1 shown, the refrigerant piping 51 connecting the discharge side of the compressor 15 and the first port P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18 includes a first refrigerant piping 51a and a second refrigerant piping 51b. The first refrigerant piping 51a among them is a discharge piping with one end directly connected to the discharge port of the compressor 15. One end of the second refrigerant piping 51b is connected to the first port P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the first refrigerant piping 51a is connected to the other end of the second refrigerant piping 51b via a refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0040] The refrigerant pipe 52 connected between the suction side of the compressor 15 and the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18 includes a third refrigerant pipe 52a and a fourth refrigerant pipe 52b. One end of the third refrigerant pipe 52a is a suction pipe directly connected to the suction port of the compressor 15 (substantially the suction port of the storage tank 15b; refer to Figure 2 ). One end of the fourth refrigerant pipe 52b is connected to the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the third refrigerant pipe 52a and the other end of the fourth refrigerant pipe 52b are connected via the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0041] Figure 3 is a front view showing the machine room of the heat source unit. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is arranged in the machine room S1 in the housing 61 of the outdoor unit 11. The refrigerant flow path module 40 is fixed to the mounting member 63 mounted to the housing 61. The mounting member 63 is formed in a strip plate shape, one end in the length direction thereof is fixed to the side wall 61d (the side wall opposite to the side wall 61b) of the housing 61, and the other end is fixed to the partition wall 62. Therefore, the mounting member 63 is spanned between the side wall 61d and the partition wall 62 so as to cross the machine room S1. As Figure 2 shown, the mounting member 63 is also used for mounting the liquid side stop valve 23 and the gas side stop valve 24 to the housing 61.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. As Figure 4 shown, the refrigerant flow path module 40 has a first pipe portion 41, a second pipe portion 42, and a connecting portion 48. The first pipe portion 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first pipe portion 41 has a cylindrical flow path inside. The pipe axis (the center of the cylindrical shape) C1 of the first pipe portion 41 is linear and is arranged in the vertical direction. The upper end and the lower end of the first pipe portion 41 are respectively open. A discharge pipe 51a for the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 15 is connected to the upper end opening of the first pipe portion 41. A second refrigerant pipe 51b connected to the first port P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18 is connected to the lower end opening of the first pipe portion 41. In addition, the first pipe portion 41 and the second pipe portion 42 can be connected to the refrigerant pipes 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b by brazing. However, it is not limited to brazing. For example, connection can also be made by providing insertion type joint portions at the ends of the first pipe portion 41 and the second pipe portion 42 and inserting the refrigerant pipes 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b through the joint portions.

[0043] The second pipe section 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second pipe section 42 has a flow path with a cylindrical shape inside. The pipe axis (the center of the cylindrical shape) of the second pipe section 42 is linear and is arranged in a direction toward the vertical direction. The upper end and the lower end of the second pipe section 42 are each open. An intake pipe 52a through which refrigerant flows to the compressor 15 is connected to the upper end opening of the second pipe section 42. A fourth refrigerant pipe 52b connected to the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18 is connected to the lower end opening of the second pipe section 42.

[0044] The first pipe section 41 and the second pipe section 42 are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction. The pipe axis C1 of the first pipe section 41 and the pipe axis C2 of the second pipe section 42 are parallel to each other. The length of the first pipe section 41 in the direction of the pipe axis is the same as the length of the second pipe section 42 in the direction of the pipe axis.

[0045] The connecting portion 48 connects the first pipe section 41 and the second pipe section 42. The connecting portion 48 is formed in a plate shape. The connecting portion 48 is arranged such that its plate surface is along a direction parallel to the pipe axes C1 and C2 of the first pipe section 41 and the second pipe section 42. The plate thickness of the connecting portion 48 is smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the first pipe section 41 and the second pipe section 42. The connecting portion 48 is provided over the entire length in the direction of the pipe axes of the first pipe section 41 and the second pipe section 42.

[0046] The refrigerant flow path module 40 is formed of a material mainly composed of aluminum, such as an aluminum alloy or pure aluminum. The refrigerant flow path module 40 is formed by casting. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is formed by die casting. The first pipe section 41, the second pipe section 42, and the connecting portion 48 of the refrigerant flow path module 40 are simultaneously formed by one mold. Therefore, the first pipe section 41, the second pipe section 42, and the connecting portion 48 are integrally formed. Here, "integrally formed" means that a plurality of elements are of the same material and are joined in a continuous form without a parting surface. Therefore, it does not include a form in which a plurality of elements are mechanically joined by screws or the like or a form in which joining is performed without melting the base material such as by hard soldering.

[0047] The first pipe section 41 and the second pipe section 42 are not limited to a material mainly composed of aluminum, and may also be formed of a material mainly composed of magnesium, zinc, or the like. The first pipe section 41 and the second pipe section 42 may also be formed of stainless steel or iron. The first pipe section 41 and the second pipe section 42 are not limited to being formed by casting (die casting), and may also be formed by machining or the like.

[0048] As Figure 3As shown, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is connected to the discharge pipe 51a and the suction pipe 52a, one end of which is connected to the compressor 15. Therefore, the vibration generated during the operation of the compressor 15 is transmitted to the refrigerant flow path module 40 via the discharge pipe 51a and the suction pipe 52a. The refrigerant flow path module 40 is fixed to the mounting member 63 mounted on the housing 61. Therefore, the transmitted vibration is blocked at the refrigerant flow path module 40 and is difficult to be transmitted to the other refrigerant pipes 51b and 52b connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0049] The first pipe portion 41 and the second pipe portion 42 of the refrigerant flow path module 40 are integrally formed via the connecting portion 48. Therefore, compared with the case where the first pipe portion 41 and the second pipe portion 42 are separated from each other, the cross-sectional area and the second moment of area in the cross-section ( Figure 4 the cross-section of the A-A line in) perpendicular to the pipe axes C1 and C2 of the refrigerant flow path module 40 increase. Thereby, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module 40 is improved, and it becomes a structure that is difficult to deform.

[0050] In the outdoor unit 11 having the compressor 15, the form (vibration mode) of vibration such as to what extent the vibration from the compressor 15 is and how the vibration is transmitted is analyzed, and the length and path of the pipes connected to the compressor 15 are designed to suppress the transmission of the vibration. In the present embodiment, the ends of the discharge pipe 51a and the suction pipe 52a connected to the compressor 15 are connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40. Therefore, the discharge pipe 51a and the suction pipe 52a are connected via the refrigerant flow path module 40 at a certain position in the pipe axis direction. Therefore, during the assembly of the outdoor unit 11 or the like, the position of the refrigerant flow path module 40 hardly changes from the designed position. Therefore, in terms of design, the assumed form of vibration can be reproduced, and the desired vibration suppression effect can be obtained.

[0051] In addition, since the refrigerant flow path module 40 has improved bending stiffness by being integrally formed by the first pipe portion 41, the second pipe portion 42, and the connecting portion 48, the deformation accompanying the vibration of the compressor 15 is suppressed. Therefore, the change in the relative positions of the refrigerant pipes 51a, 51b and the refrigerant pipes 52a, 52b connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40 is also suppressed. Thereby, the analysis of vibration becomes easy, and the design for vibration suppression also becomes easy.

[0052] In the present embodiment, since the first pipe portion 41 and the second pipe portion 42 are connected by the connecting portion 48, the cross-sectional area of the refrigerant flow path module 40 further increases, and the bending stiffness (second moment of area) further improves.

[0053] Figure 5It is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device including a heat source unit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerant flow path module. Figure 7 It is a schematic perspective view of a part of the refrigerant flow path module cut away. The refrigerant flow path module 40 of the present embodiment includes not only the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42, but also the third to fifth piping portions 43 to 45. In addition, the refrigerant flow path module 40 of the present embodiment further includes a four-way reversing valve 18.

[0054] The four-way reversing valve 18 of the present embodiment is a rotary (rotary type). The four-way reversing valve 18 has a cylindrical housing 18a and a cylindrical valve core 18b that rotates within the housing 18a. The valve core 18b rotates about the rotation axis C7 of the cylindrical shape. In the rotation axis direction of the valve core 18b, first to fourth ports P1 to P4 are provided on one end face of the housing 18a. A plurality of flow paths are formed in the valve core 18b. Through the rotation of the valve core 18b, the first port P1 is selectively connected to one of the second port P2 and the fourth port P4, and the third port P3 is selectively connected to one of the fourth port P4 or the second port P2. Regarding the rotary four-way reversing valve 18, a conventionally well-known structure can be adopted. In the present embodiment, the rotation axis C7 of the valve core 18b is arranged along the vertical direction.

[0055] The first piping portion 41 has a linear pipe axis C1 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The pipe axis C1 of the first piping portion 41 is arranged parallel to the rotation axis C7 of the valve core 18b of the four-way reversing valve 18. One end of the first piping portion 41 is connected to the first port P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the first piping portion 41 is connected to a discharge pipe 71 through which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows. The first piping portion 41 has a silencer 47 in the middle of the pipe axis direction. The silencer 47 suppresses the noise caused by the pressure pulsation of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15.

[0056] The second piping portion 42 has a linear pipe axis C2 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The pipe axis C2 of the second piping portion 42 is arranged parallel to the pipe axis C1 of the first piping portion 41. One end of the second piping portion 42 is connected to the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the second piping portion 42 is connected to a suction pipe 72 through which the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 15 flows.

[0057] The first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 are connected by a connecting section 48. In the present embodiment, the length of the second piping section 42 in the pipe axis direction is shorter than the length of the first piping section 41 in the pipe axis direction. The second piping section 42 has a bifurcated section 42a that bifurcates in a direction orthogonal to the pipe axis direction in the middle of the pipe axis direction. This bifurcated section 42a is used to converge the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 15 from other than the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The bifurcated section 42a is closed with a cap or the like when not in use.

[0058] The third piping section 43 has a straight pipe axis C3. The pipe axis C3 of the third piping section 43 is arranged parallel to the pipe axes C1 and C2 of the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42. One end of the third piping section 43 is connected to the fourth port P4 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the third piping section 43 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 73 connected to the gas side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16. In the present embodiment, the length of the third piping section 43 in the pipe axis direction is shorter than the length of the first piping section 41 in the pipe axis direction and is substantially the same as the length of the second piping section 42 in the pipe axis direction.

[0059] The fourth piping section 44 has a pipe axis C4 bent by approximately 90°. One end of the fourth piping section 44 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the fourth piping section 44 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 76 connected to the gas side stop valve 24. The portion of the fourth piping section 44 connected to the second port P2 is arranged along the vertical direction, and the portion connected to the refrigerant pipe 76 is arranged along the horizontal direction.

[0060] The fifth piping section 45 has a straight pipe axis C5. An end portion or a middle portion in the pipe axis direction of the fifth piping section 45 is connected to the housing 18a of the four-way reversing valve 18. One end of the fifth piping section 45 is directly connected to one end of the expansion valve 17. The other end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 74 connected to the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The other end of the fifth piping section 45 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 75 connected to the liquid side stop valve 23. Therefore, the fifth piping section 45 is not connected to the port of the four-way reversing valve 18.

[0061] The first to fifth piping sections 41 to 45 are integrally formed. In addition, the housing 18a of the four-way reversing valve 18 is integrally formed with the first to fifth piping sections 41 to 45. Specifically, the first to fifth piping sections 41 to 45 and the housing 18a are formed by die casting or the like using a material mainly composed of aluminum.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 are integrally formed. However, in this embodiment, in addition to this, other components 43 to 45 and 18a are also integrally formed. Therefore, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module 40 is further improved, and deformation accompanying vibrations from the compressor 15 is suppressed.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first to fifth piping portions 41 to 45 are integrally formed, and thus they are concentrated and arranged in one part. Therefore, the refrigerant pipes 71 to 76 and the valves 17 connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40 can be arranged compactly, and thus piping can be efficiently performed in the limited space (machine room S1) inside the outdoor unit 11.

[0064] In addition, in the refrigerant flow path module 40 of this embodiment, the first to fourth piping portions 41 to 44 extend in the same direction from the four-way reversing valve 18, specifically, upward. Therefore, it is possible to easily connect the refrigerant piping to the first to fourth piping portions 41 to 44 from the same direction (upper side). In addition, the first to fourth ports P1 to P4 are provided on the upper surface of the four-way reversing valve 18. Therefore, there is no need to connect the refrigerant piping to the lower surface of the four-way reversing valve 18. Therefore, the four-way reversing valve 18 can also be arranged at a lower position, and thus the degree of freedom in arranging the four-way reversing valve 18 inside the machine room S1 can be improved. In addition, in this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is also fixed to the mounting member 63.

[0065] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a perspective view for explaining a usage example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 8 and Figure 9 show different usage forms of the refrigerant flow path module 40 having the same shape. In addition to including the first to fifth piping portions 41 to 45 in the same manner as in the second embodiment, this refrigerant flow path module 40 further includes a sixth piping portion 46. The sixth piping portion 46 has substantially the same shape as the fifth piping portion 45. The sixth piping portion 46 is connected to the housing 18a of the four-way reversing valve 18. The sixth piping portion 46 is also connected to the first piping portion 41 via a plate-like connecting portion 49.

[0066] The number of valves and the like included in the outdoor unit 11 varies depending on specifications and the like. In Figure 8 the usage example shown, the fifth piping portion 45 is connected to the expansion valve 17. Nothing is connected to the sixth piping portion 46. In Figure 9 the usage example shown, expansion valves 17 are provided on both the fifth piping portion 45 and the sixth piping portion 46. In addition, in Figure 9 the example shown, an on-off valve 77 is installed at the bifurcation portion 42a of the second piping portion 42.

[0067] Thus, for outdoor units 11 with different specifications, the same refrigerant flow path module 40 can be used, and only the necessary piping parts are used to connect functional components such as refrigerant pipes or connection valves. Therefore, cost reduction can be achieved through component commonalization.

[0068] Figures 10 to 12 It is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 10 The shown refrigerant flow path module includes first to fourth piping parts 41 to 44 and does not include a four-way reversing valve 18. The first to fourth piping parts 41 to 44 are arranged in a quadrilateral shape. The first to fourth piping parts 41 to 44 are connected by a first connecting part 48a and a second connecting part 48b arranged in a cross shape.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the first to fourth piping parts 41 to 44 have the same length in the direction of the pipe axis. However, they may have different lengths. The connecting parts may also connect adjacent piping parts to each other.

[0070] Figure 11 The first piping part 41 and the second piping part 42 of the shown refrigerant flow path module 40 are integrally formed directly without passing through a connecting part. Figure 12 The first to fourth piping parts 41 to 44 of the shown refrigerant flow path module 40 are integrally formed directly without passing through a connecting part. In any of the modified examples, a plurality of piping parts are integrally formed with each other, so that the cross-sectional area and the second moment of area in the direction orthogonal to the pipe axis increase, and the bending stiffness can be improved. Therefore, deformation caused by vibration transmitted from the compressor 15 can be suppressed.

[0071] [Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, each piping part constituting the refrigerant flow path module 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but for example, the outer peripheral surface may be formed in an angular shape (block shape).

[0072] In the refrigerant flow path module 40 described in the second embodiment ( Figure 6 ), the four-way reversing valve 18 is arranged on the lower side, and the first to fourth piping parts 41 to 44 extend upward from the four-way reversing valve 18, but it is not limited thereto, and it may also be a form in which the four-way reversing valve 18 is arranged on the upper side and the first to fourth piping parts 41 to 44 extend downward from the four-way reversing valve 18.

[0073] [Functions and Effects of the Embodiment] (1) The refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above-described embodiment includes a first piping portion 41 and a second piping portion 42, which are integrally formed. Among them, the first piping portion 41 is connected to the discharge piping 51a, 71 for the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 of the refrigerant circuit 30 and has a cylindrical flow path, and the second piping portion 42 is connected to the suction piping 52a, 72 for the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 15 and has a cylindrical flow path. In this way, by connecting the discharge piping 51a, 71 and the suction piping 52a, 72 to the integrally formed first piping portion 41 and second piping portion 42 respectively, the discharge piping 51a, 71 and the suction piping 52a, 72 will surely be connected to each other at a determined position. Therefore, in terms of design, the assumed vibration mode can be reproduced, and the desired vibration suppression effect can be obtained. Therefore, by integrally forming the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42, the bending stiffness (second moment of area) of the refrigerant flow path module 40 is increased. Therefore, the deformation of the refrigerant flow path module 40 accompanied by vibration is suppressed. Therefore, the change in the relative position between the discharge piping 51a, 71 and the suction piping 52a, 72 is suppressed, and the analysis of vibration and the like becomes easy, which can contribute to vibration suppression.

[0074] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 40 further includes connecting portions 48, 48a, which are arranged between the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 and are integrally formed with the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42. In this way, by integrally forming the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 via the connecting portions 48, 48a, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module 40 can be further improved. The interval between the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 can be increased by the connecting portions 48, 48a. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 can be improved.

[0075] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 30 further includes: a first heat exchanger (outdoor heat exchanger) 16; a second heat exchanger (indoor heat exchanger) 21; and a flow path switching valve (four-way reversing valve) 18 that switches the refrigerant flow path from the compressor 15 toward the first heat exchanger 16 and the refrigerant flow path from the compressor 15 toward the second heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flow path module 40 further includes: a third piping portion 43 through which the refrigerant flowing from the flow path switching valve 18 toward the first heat exchanger 16 passes and that has a cylindrical flow path; and a fourth piping portion 44 through which the refrigerant flowing from the flow path switching valve 18 toward the second heat exchanger 21 passes and that has a cylindrical flow path. The first piping portion 41, the second piping portion 42, the third piping portion 43, and the fourth piping portion 44 are integrally formed. Thus, by integrally forming the first to fourth piping portions 41 to 44, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module 40 can be further increased, and thus deformation caused by vibration from the compressor 15 can be suppressed.

[0076] (4) The refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above-described embodiment further includes a flow path switching valve 18. The flow path switching valve 18 includes a rotary valve element 18b that switches and connects the first piping portion 41 to the third piping portion 43 or the fourth piping portion 44. The first piping portion 41, the second piping portion 42, the third piping portion 43, and the fourth piping portion 44 extend from the flow path switching valve 18 in the same direction (e.g., upward). Thereby, other refrigerant piping can be connected to the first to fourth piping portions 41 to 44 from the same direction (the direction opposite to the flow path switching valve 18), and thus the assembly workability of the refrigerant circuit 30 can be improved.

[0077] (5) In the refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above-described embodiment, at least two of the first piping portion 41, the second piping portion 42, the third piping portion 43, and the fourth piping portion 44 are integrally formed at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18. For example, in Figure 6 the embodiment shown, the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 are connected via a connecting portion 48 at the portion protruding upward from the flow path switching valve 18. According to this structure, the bending stiffness between the piping portions can be increased at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18. In addition, not limited to Figure 6 the embodiment shown, the first piping portion 41 and the third piping portion 43 and / or the fourth piping portion 44 may be integrally formed at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18, the second piping portion 42 and the third piping portion 43 and / or the fourth piping portion 44 may be integrally formed at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18, or the third piping portion 43 and the fourth piping portion 44 may be integrally formed at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18.

[0078] (6) The refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above-described embodiment is made of a material mainly composed of aluminum. Therefore, it is possible to easily manufacture, by means of a manufacturing method such as aluminum die casting with a relatively high degree of freedom in the shape that can be formed, a refrigerant flow path module in which the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 or the first to fourth piping portions 41 to 44 are integrally formed.

[0079] (7) The heat source unit (outdoor unit) 11 of the above-described embodiment includes a housing 61 that houses the compressor 15 and the refrigerant flow path module 40. The refrigerant flow path module 40 is fixed to the housing 61 or to a member 63 attached to the housing 61. Thus, it is possible to block the vibration transmitted from the compressor 15 via the discharge piping 51a, 71 and the suction piping 52a, 72 by the refrigerant flow path module 40, and thereby suppress the transmission of vibration to other refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0080] (8) In the heat source unit 11 of the above-described embodiment, the member 63 attached to the housing 61 also serves as a mounting member for mounting the stop valves 23, 24 to the housing 61, the stop valves 23, 24 connecting the refrigerant piping (communication pipes) 13, 14 disposed outside the heat source unit 11 and the refrigerant piping 55, 56, 75, 76 disposed inside the heat source unit 11 among the refrigerant piping constituting the refrigerant circuit 30. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize the mounting member 63 fixed to the housing 61 and used for mounting the stop valves 23, 24 to fix the piping portions 41 to 44 and the flow path switching valve 18.

[0081] (9) The heat source unit 11 of the above-described embodiment includes the compressor 15 and the refrigerant flow path module 40, and the first piping portion 41, the second piping portion 42, the third piping portion 43, and the fourth piping portion 44 extend upward from the flow path switching valve 18. Therefore, when assembling the heat source unit 11, it is possible to easily connect other refrigerant piping from above the first to fourth piping portions 41 to 44.

[0082] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, but is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning equivalent to the claims and within their scope. Reference Numerals

[0083] 11 Outdoor unit (heat source unit); 15 Compressor; 16 Outdoor heat exchanger (first heat exchanger); 17 Expansion valve; 18 Four-way reversing valve (flow path switching valve); 21 Indoor heat exchanger (second heat exchanger); 23 Liquid-side stop valve; 24 Gas-side shut-off valve; 30 Refrigerant circuit; 40 Refrigerant flow path module; 41 First piping section; 42 Second piping section; 43 Third piping section; 44 Fourth piping section; 45 Fifth piping section; 48 Connecting section; 48a First connecting section; 48b Second connecting section; 51a Discharge piping; 52a Suction piping; 61 Housing; 63 Mounting member; 71 Discharge piping; 72 Suction piping.

Claims

1. A refrigerant flow path module, characterized in that, Comprising: A first piping section (41) which is connected to a discharge pipe (51a, 71) through which refrigerant discharged from a compressor (15) of a refrigerant circuit (30) flows, and has a cylindrical flow path; And A second piping section (42) which is connected to a suction pipe (52a, 72) through which refrigerant sucked into the compressor (15) flows, and has a cylindrical flow path, The first piping section (41) and the second piping section (42) are integrally formed.

2. The refrigerant flow path module according to claim 1, characterized in that The refrigerant flow path module further includes a connecting section (48, 48a) which is disposed between the first piping section (41) and the second piping section (42), and is integrally formed with the first piping section (41) and the second piping section (42).

3. The refrigerant flow path module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The refrigerant circuit (30) further includes: a first heat exchanger (16); a second heat exchanger (21); and a flow path switching valve (18) which switches a refrigerant flow path from the compressor (15) to the first heat exchanger (16) and a refrigerant flow path from the compressor (15) to the second heat exchanger (21), The refrigerant flow path module (40) further includes: A third piping section (43) through which refrigerant from the flow path switching valve (18) to the first heat exchanger (16) flows, and has a cylindrical flow path; and A fourth piping section (44) through which refrigerant from the flow path switching valve (18) to the second heat exchanger (21) flows, and has a cylindrical flow path, The first piping section (41), the second piping section (42), the third piping section (43) and the fourth piping section (44) are integrally formed.

4. The refrigerant flow path module according to claim 3, characterized in that The refrigerant flow path module further includes the flow path switching valve (18), The flow path switching valve (18) includes a rotary valve element which switchably connects the first piping section (41) to the third piping section (43) or the fourth piping section (44), The first piping section (41), the second piping section (42), the third piping section (43) and the fourth piping section (44) extend in the same direction from the flow path switching valve (18).

5. The refrigerant flow path module according to claim 4, characterized in that At least two of the first piping section (41), the second piping section (42), the third piping section (43) and the fourth piping section (44) are integrally formed at a portion protruding from the flow path switching valve (18).

6. The refrigerant flow path module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The refrigerant flow path module is made of a material mainly composed of aluminum.

7. A heat source unit, characterized in that The heat source unit includes the compressor (15) and the refrigerant flow path module (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The heat source unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the heat source unit includes a housing (61) that houses the compressor (15) and the refrigerant flow path module (40), the refrigerant flow path module (40) is fixed to the housing (61) or fixed to a member (63) mounted to the housing (61).

9. The heat source unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the member (63) is a mounting member for mounting the stop valves (23, 24) to the housing (61), and the stop valves connect the refrigerant pipes (13, 14) arranged outside the heat source unit and the refrigerant pipes (55, 56, 75, 76) arranged inside the heat source unit in the refrigerant pipes constituting the refrigerant circuit (30).

10. A heat source unit, characterized in that the heat source unit includes the compressor (15) and the refrigerant flow path module (40) according to claim 4 or 5, the first pipe portion (41), the second pipe portion (42), the third pipe portion (43), and the fourth pipe portion (44) of the refrigerant flow path module (40) extend upward from the flow path switching valve (18).

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