Refrigerant flow path module and heat source unit

Abstract

The refrigerant flow path module (40) includes a first piping section (41) and a second piping section (42), which are integrally formed. The first piping section (41) is connected to a discharge piping (51a, 71) for refrigerant to flow from the compressor (15) of the refrigerant circuit (30) and has a cylindrical flow path. The second piping section (42) is connected to a suction piping (52a, 72) for refrigerant to flow into the compressor (15) and has a cylindrical flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerant flow path module and a heat source unit. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, which includes a refrigeration cycle consisting of a compressor, a four-way reversing valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a throttling mechanism piping, as well as a housing housing them. In this type of outdoor unit, suppressing the transmission of vibrations that occur during compressor operation becomes a problem. To solve this problem, in the outdoor unit described in Patent Document 1, the discharge and suction pipes, as well as other piping and housing components, are fixedly connected to the compressor and the four-way reversing valve using fasteners made of vibration-damping elastic material. Vibrations transmitted from the compressor to each pipe are attenuated by these fasteners. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-125699 Summary of the Invention The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, multiple pipes are simply connected to each other along their length using fasteners, and this operation can be considered to be done manually. Therefore, the position of the fasteners relative to the pipes, for example, the position of the fasteners along the length of the pipes, may deviate. Even a small deviation between the position of the fasteners and their designed position can unexpectedly change the vibration pattern (direction, magnitude, etc.), thus failing to achieve the desired vibration suppression effect.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a refrigerant flow path module and a heat source unit that can connect the discharge piping and suction piping connected to the compressor in the correct positions. Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0006] (1) The refrigerant flow path module of this disclosure includes: a first piping section, the first piping section being connected to a discharge piping for refrigerant discharged from the compressor in the refrigerant circuit, and having a cylindrical flow path; and The second piping section is connected to the suction piping that supplies refrigerant flow to the compressor and has a cylindrical flow path. The first piping section and the second piping section are integrally formed.

[0007] According to the refrigerant flow path module with the above structure, the discharge pipe and the suction pipe are respectively connected to the integrally formed first and second pipe sections, ensuring that the discharge pipe and the suction pipe are connected to each other at a specific location. Therefore, in terms of design, the intended vibration pattern can be reproduced, and the desired vibration suppression effect can be obtained. Furthermore, by integrally forming the first and second pipe sections, the bending stiffness (second moment of section) of the refrigerant flow path module is increased, thus suppressing deformation of the refrigerant flow path module accompanying vibration. Therefore, the variation in the relative position of the discharge pipe and the suction pipe is suppressed, making vibration analysis easier and contributing to vibration suppression.

[0008] (2) In the refrigerant flow path module of (1) above, it is preferred that it further includes a connecting part, which is disposed between the first piping part and the second piping part and is integrally formed with the first piping part and the second piping part.

[0009] According to this structure, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module can be further improved by integrally forming the first piping section and the second piping section via a connecting part. In addition, the distance between the first piping section and the second piping section can be increased by the connecting part, thus improving the degree of freedom in the configuration of the first piping section and the second piping section.

[0010] (3) In the refrigerant flow path module of (1) or (2) above, preferably, the refrigerant circuit further includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a flow path switching valve, wherein the flow path switching valve switches the refrigerant flow path from the compressor to the first heat exchanger and the refrigerant flow path from the compressor to the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant flow path module also includes: A third piping section, which supplies refrigerant flow from the flow path switching valve toward the first heat exchanger, and has a cylindrical flow path; and The fourth piping section, which supplies refrigerant flow from the flow path switching valve toward the second heat exchanger, has a cylindrical flow path. The first piping section, the second piping section, the third piping section, and the fourth piping section are integrally formed.

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

[0012] (4) In the refrigerant flow path module of (3) above, preferably, the refrigerant flow path module further includes the flow path switching valve. The flow path switching valve includes a rotary valve core, which switches the connection between the first piping section and the third or fourth piping section. The first piping section, the second piping section, the third piping section, and the fourth piping section extend from the flow path switching valve in the same direction.

[0013] According to this structure, other refrigerant piping can be connected from the same direction (opposite to the flow path switching valve) relative to the first to fourth piping sections, thereby improving the assembly workability of the refrigerant circuit.

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

[0015] (6) The refrigerant flow path module described in any one of (1) to (5) above is preferably made of a material with aluminum as the main component.

[0016] Based on this structure, a refrigerant flow path module that integrates the first piping section and the second piping section can be easily manufactured using manufacturing methods with a high degree of freedom in forming shapes, such as aluminum die casting.

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

[0018] (8) In the heat source unit of (7) above, preferably, 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 component installed on the housing.

[0019] According to this structure, the vibration transmitted from the compressor via the discharge and suction pipes can be blocked by the refrigerant flow path module, thereby suppressing the transmission of vibration to other refrigerant pipes connected to the refrigerant flow path module.

[0020] (9) In the heat source unit of (8) above, preferably, the component is a mounting component for mounting a shut-off valve to the housing, the shut-off valve connecting the refrigerant piping in the refrigerant piping that constitutes the refrigerant circuit located outside the heat source unit to the refrigerant piping located inside the heat source unit.

[0021] According to this structure, the flow path switching valve can be fixed using a mounting component that is fixed to the housing and used to install the shut-off valve.

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

[0023] According to this structure, during the assembly of the heat source unit, other refrigerant piping can be easily connected from the upper side of the first to fourth piping sections. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat source unit of the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a top view showing the interior of the heat source unit. Figure 3 This is a front view showing the mechanical compartment of the heat source unit. Figure 4 This is a schematic 3D diagram of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat source unit of the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6 This is a schematic 3D diagram of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 7 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing a section of the refrigerant flow path module cut out. Figure 8 This is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of the use of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating another example of the use of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 10 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing a modified example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 11 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing a modified example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 12 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing a modified example of the refrigerant flow path module. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [First Implementation Method] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat source unit of the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a top view showing the interior of the heat source unit. The refrigeration cycle unit 10 includes a refrigerant circuit 30 that operates in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle unit 10 is an air conditioner. Figure 1 As 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 connected by connecting pipes 13 and 14, respectively. A refrigerant circuit 30 is formed through the outdoor unit 11, the indoor unit 12, and the connecting pipes 13 and 14. In addition, the refrigeration cycle device 10 is not limited to an air conditioner, but can also be a cold storage, a freezer, a water heater, etc.

[0026] (Structure of the refrigerant circuit) like Figure 1 As shown, the outdoor unit 11 is equipped with 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, which constitute the refrigerant circuit 30. An outdoor fan 19 is also provided in the outdoor unit 11. The indoor unit 12 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (second heat exchanger) 21, which constitutes the refrigerant circuit 30. 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 or rotary compressor, and has a built-in compressor motor. The compressor 15 compresses the low-pressure refrigerant drawn in from the suction pipe 52a and 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. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, the compressor 15 of this embodiment includes a compressor body 15a and a storage tank 15b attached to the compressor body 15a. The storage tank 15b substantially constitutes the suction section of the compressor 15. The storage tank 15b is a container for separating the low-pressure refrigerant drawn into the compressor body 15a into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant.

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

[0029] The expansion valve 17 is, for example, an electrically operated valve with an adjustable opening. The other end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to the liquid-side shut-off valve 23 via a refrigerant pipe 55.

[0030] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is composed of a cross-finned finned tube heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger, etc. The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the liquid side shut-off valve 23 via the liquid side connecting pipe 14. The gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the gas side shut-off valve 24 via the gas side connecting pipe 13. The gas side shut-off valve 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way reversing valve 18 via the refrigerant piping 56.

[0031] The four-way reversing valve 18 switches the flow path to the first mode. Figure 1 The method shown by the solid line) and the second method ( Figure 1 (As shown by the dashed line), in the first mode, the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 are connected to each other, and the second port P2 and the third port P3 are connected to each other. In the second mode, the first port P1 and the second port P2 are connected to each other, and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 are connected to 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] An outdoor fan 19 is positioned near an outdoor heat exchanger 16. The outdoor fan 19 is driven by a motor to rotate and delivers air to the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant flowing within the outdoor heat exchanger 16 exchanges heat with the outdoor air delivered by the outdoor fan 19, thereby evaporating or condensing.

[0033] An indoor fan 22 is positioned near an indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor fan 22 is driven by a motor to rotate and delivers air to the indoor heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flowing within the indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the outdoor air delivered by the indoor fan 22, thereby condensing or evaporating.

[0034] In the air conditioner 10, cooling operation is performed when the four-way reversing valve 18 is in the first mode, and heating operation is performed when the four-way reversing valve 18 is in the second mode. During cooling operation, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows through the four-way reversing valve 18 to the outdoor heat exchanger 16, which functions as a condenser, and is condensed into liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is depressurized in the expansion valve 17, becoming a two-phase refrigerant, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21, which functions as an evaporator. The two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air supplied by the indoor fan 22, evaporates, and becomes gaseous refrigerant. The air cooled by the heat exchange is supplied to the room. The gaseous refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 21 is drawn into the compressor 15 through the four-way reversing valve 18.

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

[0036] (Structure of the outdoor unit) like Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor unit 11 includes a housing 61. The housing 61 is formed in a cuboid shape, and appears rectangular when viewed from above. The interior of the housing 61 is divided into a machine room S1 and a heat exchange room S2 by a partition wall 62. The machine room S1 houses a compressor 15. In addition to housing the compressor 15, the machine room S1 also houses shut-off valves 23 and 24, a four-way reversing valve 18, an expansion valve 17, etc.

[0037] The heat exchange chamber S2 of the casing 61 houses an outdoor heat exchanger 16 and an outdoor fan 19. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is L-shaped when viewed from above. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is arranged along two adjacent sidewalls 61a and 61b of the casing 61 located on the side of the heat exchange chamber S2. Air intake ports 61a1 and 61b1 are formed on these sidewalls 61a and 61b. The outdoor fan 19 is positioned opposite another sidewall 61c, which is adjacent to the sidewall 61b on which the air intake port 61b1 is formed. An air outlet 61c1 is formed on this sidewall 61c.

[0038] When the outdoor fan 19 is working, air is drawn into the housing 61 through the air intakes 61a1 and 61b1 and discharged through the air outlet 61c1. Figure 2 Arrow a indicates the direction of airflow into housing 61.

[0039] (Structure of refrigerant piping) like Figure 1 As 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 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 ends of the first refrigerant piping 51a and the second refrigerant piping 51b are connected via the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0040] The refrigerant piping 52 connecting the suction side of compressor 15 to the third port P3 of four-way reversing valve 18 includes a third refrigerant piping 52a and a fourth refrigerant piping 52b. The third refrigerant piping 52a is connected at one end to the suction port of compressor 15 (essentially the suction port of storage tank 15b; see reference). Figure 2 The fourth refrigerant pipe 52b is directly connected to the suction pipe. 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 is connected to the other end of the fourth refrigerant pipe 52b via the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the mechanical compartment of the heat source unit. like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is disposed in the mechanical compartment S1 within the housing 61 of the outdoor unit 11. The refrigerant flow path module 40 is fixed to a mounting member 63 installed to the housing 61. This mounting member 63 is formed in the shape of a strip plate, with one end fixed along its length to the side wall 61d (the side wall opposite to side wall 61b) of the housing 61, and the other end fixed to the partition wall 62. Therefore, the mounting member 63 is mounted on the side wall 61d and the partition wall 62 in a manner that cuts across the mechanical compartment S1. Figure 2 As shown, the mounting component 63 is also used to mount the liquid-side shut-off valve 23 and the gas-side shut-off valve 24 to the housing 61.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a schematic 3D diagram of the refrigerant flow path module. like Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant flow path module 40 includes a first piping section 41, a second piping section 42, and a connecting section 48. The first piping section 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first piping section 41 has a cylindrical flow path inside. The pipe axis (center of the cylindrical shape) C1 of the first piping section 41 is straight and arranged in a vertical direction. The upper and lower ends of the first piping section 41 are open. A discharge pipe 51a for refrigerant from the compressor 15 is connected to the upper opening of the first piping section 41. A second refrigerant pipe 51b connected to the first port P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18 is connected to the lower opening of the first piping section 41. In addition, the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 can be connected to the refrigerant pipes 51a, 51b and refrigerant pipes 52a, 52b by brazing. However, it is not limited to brazing. For example, it can also be connected by providing an insertable connector at the end of the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42, and inserting the refrigerant pipes 51a, 51b and refrigerant pipes 52a, 52b through the connector.

[0043] The second piping section 42 is cylindrical in shape. The second piping section 42 has a cylindrical flow path inside. The pipe axis (center of the cylindrical shape) of the second piping section 42 is straight and arranged in a vertical direction. The upper and lower ends of the second piping section 42 are open. A suction pipe 52a for supplying refrigerant to the compressor 15 is connected to the upper opening of the second piping section 42. A fourth refrigerant pipe 52b is connected to the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18 at the lower opening of the second piping section 42.

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

[0045] A connecting portion 48 connects the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42. The connecting portion 48 is plate-shaped. Its plate surface is arranged parallel to the pipe axes C1 and C2 of the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42. The plate thickness of the connecting portion 48 is less than the outer and inner diameters of the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42. The connecting portion 48 extends along the entire length of the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 in the direction of their pipe axes.

[0046] The refrigerant flow path module 40 is formed of a material with aluminum as the main component, such as 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 piping section 41, the second piping section 42, and the connecting section 48 of the refrigerant flow path module 40 are simultaneously formed using a single mold. Therefore, the first piping section 41, the second piping section 42, and the connecting section 48 are integrally formed. Here, "integrally formed" means that multiple elements are made of the same material and are joined in a continuous form without dividing surfaces. Therefore, it does not include forms where multiple elements are mechanically joined by screws or similar means, or forms where the base material is not melted, such as brazing.

[0047] The first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 are not limited to materials with aluminum as the main component, but may also be formed from materials with magnesium, zinc, or other similar materials as the main component. The first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 may also be formed from stainless steel or iron. The first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 are not limited to being formed by casting (die casting), but may also be formed by machining or other methods.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is connected to the discharge pipe 51a and the suction pipe 52a, both of which are connected to the compressor 15. Therefore, vibrations occurring during the operation of the compressor 15 are 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 installed on the housing 61; therefore, the transmitted vibrations are blocked at the refrigerant flow path module 40 and are difficult to transmit to the other refrigerant pipes 51b and 52b connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0049] The first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 of the refrigerant flow path module 40 are integrally formed via a connecting section 48. Therefore, compared to the case where the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 are separate, the cross-section of the refrigerant flow path module 40 in the direction orthogonal to the pipe axes C1 and C2 ( Figure 4 The cross-sectional area and the second moment of the section on line AA in the middle increase. As a result, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module 40 is improved, making it a structure that is difficult to deform.

[0050] In the outdoor unit 11 equipped with compressor 15, the vibration pattern (vibration mode) of the vibration from compressor 15 is analyzed, including its magnitude and transmission method. The length and path of the piping connected to compressor 15 are designed to suppress the transmission of this vibration. In this embodiment, the ends of the discharge piping 51a and suction piping 52a connected to compressor 15 are connected to refrigerant flow path module 40. Therefore, discharge piping 51a and suction piping 52a are connected at a specific position along the pipe axis via refrigerant flow path module 40. Thus, during assembly of the outdoor unit 11, the position of refrigerant flow path module 40 hardly changes from its designed position. Therefore, the intended vibration pattern can be reproduced in the design, and the desired vibration suppression effect can be obtained.

[0051] Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path module 40, being integrally formed by the first piping section 41, the second piping section 42, and the connecting section 48, improves its bending stiffness, thus suppressing deformation associated with the vibration of the compressor 15. Consequently, changes in the relative positions of the refrigerant pipes 51a, 51b and 52a, 52b connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40 are also suppressed. This simplifies vibration analysis and facilitates the design for vibration suppression.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 are connected by the connecting section 48. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant flow path module 40 is further increased, and the bending stiffness (second moment of section) is further improved.

[0053] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the heat source unit of the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 6 This is a schematic 3D diagram of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 7 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing a section of the refrigerant flow path module cut out. The refrigerant flow path module 40 of this embodiment includes not only the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42, but also the third to fifth piping sections 43 to 45. Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path module 40 of this embodiment also includes a four-way reversing valve 18.

[0054] The four-way directional valve 18 of this embodiment is a rotary type. The four-way directional 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 center C7 of the cylinder. First to fourth ports P1 to P4 are provided on one end face of the housing 18a in the direction of the valve core 18b's rotation axis. Multiple 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. The rotary four-way directional valve 18 can employ a conventionally known structure. In this embodiment, the rotation axis C7 of the valve core 18b is arranged in the vertical direction.

[0055] The first piping section 41, like in the first embodiment, has a straight pipe axis C1. The pipe axis C1 of the first piping section 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 section 41 is connected to the first port P1 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the first piping section 41 is connected to the discharge pipe 71 for the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15. The first piping section 41 has a muffler 47 midway along the pipe axis. The muffler 47 suppresses noise caused by pressure pulsations of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15.

[0056] The second piping section 42, like in the first embodiment, has a straight pipe axis C2. The pipe axis C2 of the second piping section 42 is arranged parallel to the pipe axis C1 of the first piping section 41. One end of the second piping section 42 is connected to the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18. The other end of the second piping section 42 is connected to the suction pipe 72 for supplying refrigerant to the compressor 15.

[0057] The first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 are connected by a connecting section 48. In this embodiment, the length of the second piping section 42 in the axial direction is shorter than the length of the first piping section 41 in the axial direction. The second piping section 42 has a branch section 42a midway along the axial direction, branching in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. This branch section 42a is used to allow refrigerant drawn into the compressor 15 from outside the third port P3 of the four-way reversing valve 18. This branch 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 the refrigerant piping 73, which is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 16. In this 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 approximately 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 that is bent at 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 the refrigerant piping 76, which is connected to the gas-side shut-off valve 24. The portion of the fourth piping section 44 connected to the second port P2 is arranged vertically, while the portion connected to the refrigerant piping 76 is arranged horizontally.

[0060] The fifth piping section 45 has a straight pipe axis C5. The end or middle portion of the fifth piping section 45 along the pipe axis 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 the refrigerant piping 74, which is connected to the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The other end of the fifth piping section 45 is connected to the refrigerant piping 75, which is connected to the liquid side shut-off 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. Furthermore, the housing 18a of the four-way directional 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 using a material primarily composed of aluminum through a die-casting or other molding process.

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

[0063] In this embodiment, the first to fifth piping sections 41 to 45 are integrally formed, and therefore, they are concentrated in one location. As a result, the refrigerant piping 71 to 76 and valve 17 connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40 can be compactly arranged, thereby enabling efficient piping within the limited space (mechanical room S1) of the outdoor unit 11.

[0064] Furthermore, in the refrigerant flow path module 40 of this embodiment, the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 extend from the four-way reversing valve 18 in the same direction, specifically, upwards. Therefore, the refrigerant piping can be easily connected to the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 from the same direction (upper side). Furthermore, since the first to fourth ports P1 to P4 are provided on the upper surface of the four-way reversing valve 18, it is unnecessary to connect the refrigerant piping to the lower surface of the four-way reversing valve 18. Therefore, the four-way reversing valve 18 can be positioned at a lower location, thereby increasing the freedom of arrangement of the four-way reversing valve 18 within the machine room S1. Additionally, in this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is also fixed to the mounting member 63.

[0065] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a perspective diagram illustrating an example of the use of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Different usage configurations of the refrigerant flow path module 40 with the same shape are shown. In addition to including the first to fifth piping sections 41 to 45, as in the second embodiment, this refrigerant flow path module 40 also includes a sixth piping section 46. The sixth piping section 46 has a shape substantially the same as the fifth piping section 45. The sixth piping section 46 is connected to the housing 18a of the four-way reversing valve 18. The sixth piping section 46 is also connected to the first piping section 41 via a plate-shaped connecting portion 49.

[0066] The number of valves, etc., included in outdoor unit 11 varies depending on specifications. Figure 8 In the illustrated usage example, the fifth piping section 45 is connected to the expansion valve 17. The sixth piping section 46 is not connected to anything. Figure 9 In the illustrated usage example, expansion valves 17 are provided on both the fifth piping section 45 and the sixth piping section 46. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the example shown, an on / off valve 77 is installed at the branch section 42a of the second piping section 42.

[0067] In this way, the same refrigerant flow path module 40 can be used for outdoor units 11 of different specifications, and only the necessary piping sections are used to connect refrigerant piping or connecting valves and other functional components. Therefore, cost reduction can be achieved through component standardization.

[0068] Figures 10-12 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing a modified example of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 10 The refrigerant flow path module shown includes first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44, but excludes the four-way reversing valve 18. The first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 are configured in a quadrilateral shape. The first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 are connected by a first connecting section 48a and a second connecting section 48b configured in a cross shape.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 have the same length along the pipe axis. However, they may also have different lengths. Connecting sections may also connect adjacent piping sections to each other.

[0070] Figure 11 The first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 of the refrigerant flow path module 40 shown are integrally formed directly without a connecting part. Figure 12 The first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 of the refrigerant flow path module 40 shown are integrally formed directly without any connecting parts. In any variation, multiple piping sections are integrally formed with each other, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area and the second moment of the section in the direction orthogonal to the pipe axis, which can improve the bending stiffness. Therefore, deformation caused by vibration transmitted from the compressor 15 can be suppressed.

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

[0072] Second implementation method ( Figure 6 In the refrigerant flow path module 40 described in the document, the four-way reversing valve 18 is disposed on the lower side, and the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 extend upward from the four-way reversing valve 18. However, this is not limited to this configuration. It is also possible for the four-way reversing valve 18 to be disposed on the upper side and for the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 to extend downward from the four-way reversing valve 18.

[0073] [Effects of the Implementation Method] (1) The refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above embodiment includes a first piping section 41 and a second piping section 42, which are integrally formed. The first piping section 41 is connected to discharge pipes 51a and 71 for refrigerant flowing from the compressor 15 of the refrigerant circuit 30, and has a cylindrical flow path. The second piping section 42 is connected to suction pipes 52a and 72 for refrigerant flowing into the compressor 15, and also has a cylindrical flow path. Thus, by connecting the discharge pipes 51a and 71 and the suction pipes 52a and 72 to the integrally formed first piping section 41 and second piping section 42 respectively, the discharge pipes 51a and 71 and the suction pipes 52a and 72 will necessarily be connected to each other at specific locations. Therefore, in terms of design, the envisioned vibration pattern can be reproduced, and the desired vibration suppression effect can be obtained. Therefore, by integrally forming the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42, the bending stiffness (second moment of section) of the refrigerant flow path module 40 is increased, thereby suppressing the deformation of the refrigerant flow path module 40 accompanied by vibration. As a result, the variation in the relative positions of the discharge piping 51a, 71 and the suction piping 52a, 72 is suppressed, making vibration analysis easier and contributing to vibration suppression.

[0074] (2) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 40 further includes connecting portions 48 and 48a, which are disposed 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. Thus, by integrally forming the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 via connecting portions 48 and 48a, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module 40 can be further improved. The distance between the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42 can be increased by connecting portions 48 and 48a, thereby improving the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first piping portion 41 and the second piping portion 42.

[0075] (3) In the above 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, which switches the refrigerant flow path from the compressor 15 to the first heat exchanger 16 and the 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, which supplies refrigerant flow from the flow path switching valve 18 to the first heat exchanger 16 and has a cylindrical flow path; and a fourth piping section 44, which supplies refrigerant flow from the flow path switching valve 18 to the second heat exchanger 21 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. Thus, by integrally forming the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44, the bending stiffness of the refrigerant flow path module 40 can be further improved, thereby suppressing deformation caused by vibration from the compressor 15.

[0076] (4) The refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above embodiment also includes a flow path switching valve 18, which includes a rotary valve core 18b. This rotary valve core 18b switches the connection of 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 from the flow path switching valve 18 in the same direction (e.g., upward). As a result, other refrigerant piping can be connected relative to the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 in the same direction (opposite to the flow path switching valve 18), thereby improving the assembly workability of the refrigerant circuit 30.

[0077] (5) In the refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above embodiment, 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 in the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18. For example, in Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 are connected via a connecting section 48 at the portion protruding upward from the flow path switching valve 18. This structure increases the bending stiffness of the piping sections at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18. Furthermore, it is not limited to... Figure 6 The embodiment shown may also have the first piping section 41 and the third piping section 43 and / or the fourth piping section 44 integrally formed at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18, or the second piping section 42 and the third piping section 43 and / or the fourth piping section 44 integrally formed at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18, or the third piping section 43 and the fourth piping section 44 integrally formed at the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve 18.

[0078] (6) The refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above embodiment is made of a material with aluminum as the main component. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path module that integrally forms the first piping section 41 and the second piping section 42 or the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44 can be easily manufactured using aluminum die casting or other manufacturing methods with a high degree of freedom in forming the shape.

[0079] (7) The heat source unit (outdoor unit) 11 in the above 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 the component 63 mounted to the housing 61. Thus, the refrigerant flow path module 40 can block vibrations transmitted from the compressor 15 via the discharge pipes 51a, 71 and the suction pipes 52a, 72, thereby suppressing the transmission of vibrations to other refrigerant pipes connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0080] (8) In the heat source unit 11 of the above embodiment, the component 63 installed to the housing 61 also serves as a mounting component. The mounting component is used to install the shut-off valves 23 and 24 to the housing 61. The shut-off valves 23 and 24 connect the refrigerant piping (connecting pipes) 13 and 14, which constitute the refrigerant circuit 30, located outside the heat source unit 11, to the refrigerant piping 55, 56, 75, 76 located inside the heat source unit 11. Therefore, the mounting component 63, which is fixed to the housing 61 and used to install the shut-off valves 23 and 24, can be effectively used to fix the piping sections 41 to 44 and the flow path switching valve 18.

[0081] (9) The heat source unit 11 in the above embodiment includes a compressor 15 and a refrigerant flow path module 40. The first piping section 41, the second piping section 42, the third piping section 43, and the fourth piping section 44 extend upward from the flow path switching valve 18. Therefore, when assembling the heat source unit 11, other refrigerant piping can be easily connected from the upper side of the first to fourth piping sections 41 to 44.

[0082] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the examples described above, but is shown by way of the claims and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope of the claims. Symbol Explanation

[0083] 11 Outdoor Unit (Heat Source Unit); 15 compressors; 16 Outdoor heat exchangers (first heat exchanger); 17. Expansion valve; 18. Four-way directional valve (flow path switching valve); 21. Indoor heat exchanger (second heat exchanger); 23. Liquid-side shut-off valve; 24. Gas-side shut-off valve; 30. Refrigerant circuit; 40 Refrigerant Flow Module; 41. First Piping Section; 42 Second Piping Section; 43. Third Piping Section; 44. Fourth Piping Section; 45 Fifth Piping Section; 48 connecting parts; 48a First connecting part; 48b Second connecting part; 51a discharge piping; 52a suction piping; 61. Casing; 63. Installation components; 71. Discharge piping; 72 suction piping.

Claims

1. A refrigerant flow path module, characterized in that, include: The first piping section (41) is connected to the discharge piping (51a, 71) for the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor (15) of the refrigerant circuit (30), and has a cylindrical flow path. as well as The second piping section (42) is connected to the suction piping (52a, 72) for supplying refrigerant to the compressor (15) and has a cylindrical flow path. The first piping section (41) and the second piping section (42) are integrally formed. The ends of the first piping section (41) and the second piping section (42) are respectively connected to the ends of the discharge piping (51a, 71) and the suction piping (52a, 72). The refrigerant circuit (30) further includes: a first heat exchanger (16); and a second heat exchanger (21). And a flow path switching valve (18) that switches the refrigerant flow path from the compressor (15) to the first heat exchanger (16) and the refrigerant flow path from the compressor (15) to the second heat exchanger (21). The refrigerant flow path module has the flow path switching valve (18). The first piping section (41) and the second piping section (42) are integrally formed on the housing (18a) of the flow path switching valve (18).

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

3. The refrigerant flow path module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant flow path module (40) also includes: A third piping section (43) is provided for the refrigerant to flow from the flow path switching valve (18) toward the first heat exchanger (16), and has a cylindrical flow path; and A fourth piping section (44) is provided for the refrigerant to flow from the flow path switching valve (18) toward the second heat exchanger (21), 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. The ends of the third piping section (43) and the fourth piping section (44) are respectively connected to the ends of the refrigerant piping for refrigerant to flow from the flow path switching valve (18) to the first heat exchanger (16) and the ends of the refrigerant piping for refrigerant to flow from the flow path switching valve (18) to the second heat exchanger (21).

4. The refrigerant flow path module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow path switching valve (18) includes a rotary valve core that switches the first piping section (41) to either 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 from the flow path switching valve (18) in the same direction.

5. A refrigerant flow path module, characterized in that, include: A first piping section (41) is connected to a discharge piping (51a, 71) for refrigerant flow from the compressor (15) of the refrigerant circuit (30) and has a cylindrical flow path. The refrigerant circuit includes the compressor (15), a first heat exchanger (16), a second heat exchanger (21), and a flow path switching 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 second piping section (42) is connected to the suction piping (52a, 72) for supplying refrigerant to the compressor (15) and has a cylindrical flow path. The third piping section (43) supplies refrigerant flow from the flow path switching valve (18) toward the first heat exchanger (16) and has a cylindrical flow path. A fourth piping section (44), which supplies refrigerant flow from the flow path switching valve (18) toward the second heat exchanger (21) and has a cylindrical flow path; and The flow path switching valve (18) of the refrigerant circuit (30). The first piping section (41), the second piping section (42), the third piping section (43), and the fourth piping section (44) are integrally formed. The flow path switching valve (18) includes a rotary valve core that switches the first piping section (41) to either 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 from the flow path switching valve (18) in the same direction. 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 in the portion protruding from the flow path switching valve (18). The first piping section (41), the second piping section (42), the third piping section (43), and the fourth piping section (44) are integrally formed on the housing (18a) of 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 with aluminum as the main component.

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 5.

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 to a component (63) installed to the housing (61).

9. The heat source unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, The refrigerant flow path module (40) is fixed to the component (63) installed on the housing (61). The component (63) is a mounting component for mounting shut-off valves (23, 24) to the housing (61), the shut-off valves connecting the refrigerant piping (13, 14) located outside the heat source unit in the refrigerant piping constituting the refrigerant circuit (30) to the refrigerant piping (55, 56, 75, 76) located inside the heat source unit.

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

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