Outdoor unit for air-conditioning device and air-conditioning device

Abstract

The invention provides an outdoor unit of an air conditioner or the air conditioner, which can switch connection of a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers, the discharge side of a compressor and the suction side of the compressor, and is excellent in pipe laying path. The present invention is provided with: a compressor (2) that compresses a refrigerant; a main heat exchanger (31a) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outside air; a first switching valve (12A) that conveys a refrigerant from the compressor (2) to the main heat exchanger (31a) and causes the main heat exchanger (31a) to function as a condenser; an auxiliary heat exchanger (31b) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outside air; a second switching valve (12B) that conveys the refrigerant from the compressor (2) to the sub-heat exchanger (31b) and causes the sub-heat exchanger (31b) to function as a condenser; and a third switching valve (12C) capable of blocking the circulation of the refrigerant from the compressor (2) to the indoor heat exchangers (21A, 21B,...) of all the indoor units (6A, 6B,...), causing the main heat exchanger (31a) and the sub heat exchanger (31b) to function as condensers, and conveying the refrigerant from the compressor (2) to the indoor heat exchangers (21A, 21B,...) of at least one of the indoor units (6A, 6B,...). At least one indoor heat exchanger (21A) functions as a condenser. The first switching valve (12A) is closer to the end surface (101) of the main heat exchanger (31a) than the third switching valve (12C), and the second switching valve (12B) is closer to the end surface (101) of the main heat exchanger (31a) than the first switching valve (12A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus and an air-conditioning apparatus. Background Art

[0002] An air conditioning system is known that includes an outdoor unit, multiple indoor units, multiple switching units, and a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, and a third connecting pipe. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and a compressor. The outdoor unit includes a first outdoor pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger to the first connecting pipe, a second outdoor pipe connecting the compressor to the second connecting pipe, and a third outdoor pipe connecting the compressor to the third connecting pipe. Each indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger.

[0003] Each switching unit includes: an indoor first pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger to the first connecting pipe; an indoor second pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger to the second connecting pipe; an indoor third pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger to the third connecting pipe; and an indoor third pipe valve provided on the indoor third pipe. Each indoor third pipe valve switches the connection between the three pipes of the outdoor unit and the two pipes of each indoor unit.

[0004] This conventional air-conditioning apparatus is capable of performing not only a heating operation in all indoor units or a cooling operation in all indoor units, but also a heating operation in some indoor units and a cooling operation in the remaining indoor units.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-180882 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] Conventional air conditioners have room for improvement in the piping routing within the outdoor unit.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor unit of an air conditioner or an air conditioner that can switch the connection between a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers, a discharge side of a compressor, and a suction side of the compressor and has an excellent piping layout.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus involved in the embodiment of the present invention includes: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a first outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the outside air; a first switching valve capable of connecting the discharge side of the compressor to the first outdoor heat exchanger to make the first outdoor heat exchanger function as a condenser, or connecting the suction side of the compressor to the first outdoor heat exchanger to make the first outdoor heat exchanger function as an evaporator; a second outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the outside air; and a second switching valve capable of connecting the discharge side of the compressor to the second outdoor heat exchanger to make the second outdoor heat exchanger function as an evaporator. The first switching valve is closer to the first heat exchanger than the third switching valve, and the second switching valve is closer to the first heat exchanger than the first switching valve.

[0013] In the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve are arranged outside a projection area in a normal direction of the end surface.

[0014] In the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first outdoor heat exchanger and the second outdoor heat exchanger are preferably integrated, and the end surface of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the end surface of the second outdoor heat exchanger are preferably a single continuous plane.

[0015] The outdoor unit of the air conditioning device involved in an embodiment of the present invention is preferably such that the first switching valve, the second switching valve and the third switching valve are four-way valves, and have a first connection port that can be connected to the condenser and a second connection port that can be connected to the evaporator, and either the first connection port and the second connection port is blocked.

[0016] The outdoor unit of the air conditioning device involved in the embodiment of the present invention is preferably equipped with a shell for accommodating the compressor, the outdoor first heat exchanger, the outdoor second heat exchanger, the first switching valve, the second switching valve and the third switching valve, the end surface of the outdoor first heat exchanger and the end surface of the outdoor second heat exchanger face the horizontal direction of the shell, the first switching valve, the second switching valve and the third switching valve respectively include: a valve body; a valve box, which accommodates the valve body so as to be movable in the horizontal direction; a third connection port, which hangs down to the bottom of the valve box and is connected to the discharge side of the compressor; and a fourth connection port, which stands up to the top of the valve box and is connected to the suction side of the compressor.

[0017] In the outdoor unit of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, the casing preferably has a detachable side surface, and the first, second, and third switching valves include pilot solenoid valves facing inner surfaces of the side surfaces.

[0018] The outdoor unit of the air conditioning device involved in an embodiment of the present invention preferably has a liquid accumulator connected to the suction side of the compressor, the first heat exchanger is arranged above the second heat exchanger, and the first switching valve, the second switching valve and the third switching valve are arranged above the liquid accumulator.

[0019] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the air conditioning device involved in the embodiment of the present invention includes: the above-mentioned outdoor unit; a plurality of the indoor units; and a plurality of switching units, which can switch the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the corresponding indoor units, and the indoor unit has an outdoor expansion valve connected to the discharge side of the first heat exchanger, and each of the indoor units has an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit can make the flow directions of the refrigerant flowing in the plurality of indoor units different from each other, and the indoor units performing cooling operation and the indoor units performing heating operation are mixed.

[0020] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the air-conditioning device involved in an embodiment of the present invention comprises: the above-mentioned outdoor unit; and a plurality of the indoor units, the indoor units having an outdoor expansion valve connected to the discharge side of the first heat exchanger, each of the indoor units having an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, and a branch of the third switching valve being blocked so that the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor through the third switching valve during cooling operation, and the refrigerant is delivered to the plurality of indoor units through the third switching valve during heating operation.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the air conditioning device involved in an embodiment of the present invention includes: the above-mentioned outdoor unit; and multiple indoor units, each of the indoor units has an outdoor expansion valve connected to the discharge side of the first heat exchanger, and each of the indoor units has an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. When there are multiple switching units that can switch the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the corresponding indoor units, the flow directions of the refrigerant flowing in the multiple indoor units can be different from each other, and the indoor units performing cooling operation and the indoor units performing heating operation can be mixed. When there are no multiple switching units, one branch of the third switching valve is blocked so that the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor through the third switching valve during cooling operation, and the refrigerant is transported to the multiple indoor units through the third switching valve during heating operation, so that the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the multiple indoor units is unified and all the indoor units perform cooling operation or heating operation.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner or an outdoor unit of an air conditioner that can switch the connection between a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers, a discharge side of a compressor, and a suction side of the compressor and has an excellent piping routing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a first example of the flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mixed operation state of the air-conditioning apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a second example of the flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mixed operation state of the air-conditioning apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the refrigerant in the heating mixed operation state of the air-conditioning apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of a first example of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a front view of a first example of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7It is a schematic front view of a first example of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 It is a plan view of a first example of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of three switching valves of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 10 It is a schematic front view of a first comparative example of an outdoor unit.

[0034] Figure 11 It is a schematic front view of a second comparative example of an outdoor unit.

[0035] Figure 12 It is a front view of a second example of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 13 It is a schematic front view of a second example of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 14 It is a plan view of a second example of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of three switching valves of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 16 It is a schematic front view of a third comparative example of an outdoor unit.

[0040] Figure 17 It is a schematic front view of a fourth comparative example of an outdoor unit.

[0041] Figure 18 This is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Reference Figures 1 to 18 An embodiment of an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention and an embodiment of an air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention will be described. In the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a heat recovery multi-split air-conditioning apparatus. The air-conditioning apparatus 1 includes: at least one outdoor unit 5 having a compressor 2 for compressing refrigerant; a plurality of indoor units 6A, 6B, ...; and a plurality of switching units 7A, 7B, ... capable of switching the flow direction of the refrigerant in the indoor units 6A, 6B, ..., respectively. The air-conditioning apparatus 1 also includes refrigerant piping 8 that sequentially connects the outdoor unit 5, the plurality of switching units 7A, 7B, ..., and the plurality of indoor units 6A, 6B, ..., and circulates the refrigerant.

[0045] The air conditioning device 1 performs full cooling operation and full heating operation. In the full cooling operation, the refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 5 and multiple indoor units 6A, 6B,..., so that the outdoor unit 5 functions as a condenser and all the indoor units 6A, 6B,... function as evaporators. In the full heating operation, the outdoor unit 5 functions as an evaporator and all the indoor units 6A, 6B,... function as condensers.

[0046] Furthermore, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 can cause the refrigerant flowing through the multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, ... to flow in different directions, resulting in a mixture of indoor units 6A, 6B, ... performing cooling operations and indoor units 6A, 6B, ... performing heating operations. The air-conditioning apparatus 1 performs both cooling-mixed operation and heating-mixed operation. In cooling-mixed operation, the outdoor unit 5 functions as a condenser, some indoor units 6A, 6B function as evaporators, and the remaining indoor units 6C function as condensers. In heating-mixed operation, the outdoor unit 5 functions as an evaporator, some indoor units 6A, 6B function as condensers, and the remaining indoor units 6C function as evaporators. Cooling-mixed operation is cooling-dominated operation, with the majority of indoor units 6A, 6B performing cooling operations and the minority of indoor units 6C performing heating operations. Heating-mixed operation is heating-dominated operation, with the majority of indoor units 6A, 6B performing heating operations and the minority of indoor units 6C performing cooling operations.

[0047] The outdoor unit 5 includes a compressor 2 that compresses and discharges drawn-in refrigerant; an oil separator 11 located on the discharge side of the compressor 2; at least three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C that switch the refrigerant circulation path between the outdoor unit 5 and the indoor units 6A, 6B, etc.; two outdoor heat exchangers 13 that exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outside air; two outdoor expansion valves 15 that decompress the refrigerant flowing from the indoor units 6A, 6B, etc. into the respective outdoor heat exchangers 13; and an accumulator 16 located on the suction side of the compressor 2. The outdoor unit 5 also includes an outdoor fan 17 that circulates the outside air that has undergone heat exchange in the two outdoor heat exchangers 13. Furthermore, the outdoor unit 5 includes an inverter circuit 18 that controls the operating frequency of the compressor 2 and a control unit 19 that controls the inverter circuit 18.

[0048] Multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, etc. all have the same structure. A representative indoor unit 6A will be described below. The indoor unit 6A includes an indoor heat exchanger 21A that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air, and an indoor expansion valve 22A that reduces the pressure on the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit 5 into the indoor heat exchanger 21A. Furthermore, the indoor unit 6A includes an indoor fan 23A that circulates the indoor air undergoing heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 21A. The indoor unit 6A also includes an indoor control unit (not shown).

[0049] The multiple switching units 7A, 7B, ... all have the same structure. A representative switching unit 7A will be described below. The switching unit 7A includes an exhaust gas pipe shut-off valve 25A that allows or cuts off the flow of refrigerant from the compressor 2 to the indoor heat exchanger 21A, and an intake gas pipe shut-off valve 26A that allows or cuts off the flow of refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger 21A to the compressor 2. By closing the exhaust gas pipe shut-off valve 25A and opening the intake gas pipe shut-off valve 26A, the indoor heat exchanger 21A of the indoor unit 6A functions as an evaporator. By opening the exhaust gas pipe shut-off valve 25A and closing the intake gas pipe shut-off valve 26A, the indoor heat exchanger 21A functions as a condenser.

[0050] Compressor 2 is housed in outdoor unit 5. Compressor 2 changes its operating frequency based on the output of inverter circuit 18. Air conditioning apparatus 1 may also include multiple compressors 2. In this case, the number of inverter circuits 18 is preferably the same as the number of compressors 2, with each inverter circuit 18 independently controlling the operating frequency of the corresponding compressor 2. Compressor 2 changes its operating frequency through well-known inverter control. Compressor 2 may also operate at a constant operating frequency.

[0051] The compressor 2 includes a sealed shell, a compression mechanism for compressing the refrigerant, and an electric motor for driving the compression mechanism. The sealed shell houses the compression mechanism and the electric motor. The sealed shell is used to store refrigeration oil for lubricating the compression mechanism. The discharge side of the compressor 2 is connected to the oil separator 11. The suction side of the compressor 2 is connected to the accumulator 16. In addition, the compressor 2 includes an accumulator 2a having a smaller capacity than the accumulator 16. The small-capacity accumulator 2a is a gas-liquid separator that separates the gas refrigerant from the liquid refrigerant and transports the gas refrigerant to the compressor 2. The small-capacity accumulator 2a is also called an intake muffler or an intake cup and is arranged between the intake side of the compressor 2 and the large-capacity accumulator 16.

[0052] The oil separator 11 separates the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 from the refrigeration oil. The refrigeration oil separated by the oil separator 11 is returned to the compressor 2 via a return pipe (not shown). The oil separator 11 is, for example, a centrifugal separator.

[0053] Each outdoor heat exchanger 13 and each indoor heat exchanger 21A is, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. Each outdoor heat exchanger 13 and each indoor heat exchanger 21A includes: a plurality of passages 28 through which refrigerant flows; a header 29 for distributing the refrigerant to the plurality of passages 28 or for merging the refrigerant distributed to the plurality of passages 28; and a plurality of fins extending orthogonally to the plurality of passages 28.

[0054] The two outdoor heat exchangers 13 include a main heat exchanger 31a as a first outdoor heat exchanger and a sub-heat exchanger 31b as a second outdoor heat exchanger connected in parallel with the main heat exchanger 31a. The main heat exchanger 31a is connected to the first switching valve 12A. The sub-heat exchanger 31b is connected to the second switching valve 12B.

[0055] The switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are electrically connected to the control unit 19 via signal lines (not shown). The air conditioning apparatus 1 switches the cooling operation ( Figure 1 The flow of refrigerant indicated by the solid arrows) and heating operation ( Figure 1 The flow of refrigerant is shown by the dotted arrows in the figure).

[0056] The first switching valve 12A connects the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the main heat exchanger 31a, causing the main heat exchanger 31a to function as a condenser. The first switching valve 12A connects the suction side of the compressor 2 to the main heat exchanger 31a, causing the main heat exchanger 31a to function as an evaporator.

[0057] The second switching valve 12B connects the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the sub-heat exchanger 31b, causing the sub-heat exchanger 31b to function as a condenser. The second switching valve 12B connects the suction side of the compressor 2 to the sub-heat exchanger 31b, causing the sub-heat exchanger 31b to function as an evaporator.

[0058] The third switching valve 12C cuts off the connection between the discharge side of the compressor 2 and the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, ... of all indoor units 6A, 6B, ..., so that the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 function as condensers, or connects the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, ... of at least one indoor unit 6A, 6B, ..., so that the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, ... of at least one indoor unit 6A, 6B, ... function as a condenser.

[0059] The two outdoor expansion valves 15 are a first outdoor expansion valve 15 a connected to the main heat exchanger 31 a and a second outdoor expansion valve 15 b connected to the sub-heat exchanger 31 b .

[0060] The main heat exchanger 31a is located between the first switching valve 12A and the first outdoor expansion valve 15a, and the sub-heat exchanger 31b is located between the second switching valve 12B and the second outdoor expansion valve 15b. Specifically, the refrigerant is distributed at the inlets of the main heat exchanger 31a and the sub-heat exchanger 31b and merges at their outlets.

[0061] Outdoor fan 17 and indoor fan 23A are, for example, axial flow fans. Outdoor fan 17 promotes heat exchange between outside air and the refrigerant flowing through two outdoor heat exchangers 13. Indoor fan 23A promotes heat exchange between indoor air and the refrigerant flowing through indoor heat exchanger 21A.

[0062] The two outdoor expansion valves 15 and the indoor expansion valve 22A are, for example, electronic expansion valves (Pulse Motor Valve, PMV) capable of adjusting the valve opening. The electronic expansion valve comprises: a valve box having a through-hole; and a needle serving as a valve body that can move forward and backward relative to the through-hole. When the needle blocks the through-hole, the electronic expansion valve cuts off the flow of refrigerant. At this time, the electronic expansion valve is in a closed state, and the valve opening of the electronic expansion valve is minimal. When the needle is farthest from the through-hole, the electronic expansion valve maximizes the flow rate of the refrigerant. At this time, the electronic expansion valve is in a fully open state, and the valve opening of the electronic expansion valve is maximum.

[0063] The accumulator 16 is a gas-liquid separator that separates gas refrigerant from liquid refrigerant and sends the gas refrigerant to the compressor 2 .

[0064] The discharge gas pipe shutoff valve 25A and the intake gas pipe shutoff valve 26A can be on-off valves or electronic expansion valves with adjustable openings. The discharge gas pipe shutoff valve 25A allows or blocks the flow of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 and discharged to the indoor heat exchanger 21A through the third switching valve 12C. The intake gas pipe shutoff valve 26A allows or blocks the flow of refrigerant drawn from the indoor heat exchanger 21A to the compressor 2.

[0065] Refrigerant piping 8 includes three connecting pipes 35, 36, and 37 that connect the outdoor unit 5 to the multiple switching units 7A, 7B, ..., allowing refrigerant to circulate; and two connecting pipes 38A and 39A that connect the switching unit 7A to the indoor unit 6A, allowing refrigerant to circulate. Connecting pipes 35, 36, and 37 are branch pipes that connect a single outdoor unit 5 to the multiple switching units 7A, 7B, ....

[0066] The outdoor unit 5 includes a pipe connection portion 41 to which the connection pipe 35 is connected, a pipe connection portion 42 to which the connection pipe 36 is connected, and a pipe connection portion 43 to which the connection pipe 37 is connected.

[0067] The switching unit 7A includes a pipe connection portion 45A to which the connection pipe 35 is connected, a pipe connection portion 46A to which the connection pipe 36 is connected, and a pipe connection portion 47A to which the connection pipe 37 is connected.

[0068] The connecting pipe 35 is a branch pipe connecting the single pipe connection portion 41 with a plurality of pipe connection portions 45A, 45B, .... The connecting pipe 36 is a branch pipe connecting the single pipe connection portion 42 with a plurality of pipe connection portions 46A, 46B, .... The connecting pipe 37 is a branch pipe connecting the single pipe connection portion 43 with a plurality of pipe connection portions 47A, 47B, ....

[0069] Furthermore, the switching unit 7A includes a pipe connection portion 48A to which the connection pipe 38A is connected, and a pipe connection portion 49A to which the connection pipe 39A is connected.

[0070] The indoor unit 6A includes a pipe connection portion 51A to which the connection pipe 38A is connected, and a pipe connection portion 52A to which the connection pipe 39A is connected.

[0071] The piping connection parts 41, 42, 43 of the outdoor unit 5, the piping connection parts 45A, 45B, 45C, 46A, 46B, 46C, 47A, 47B, 47C on the outdoor unit 5 side of the switching units 7A, 7B, ..., the piping connection parts 48A, 48B, 48C, 49A, 49B, 49C on the indoor unit 6A, 6B, ... sides of the switching units 7A, 7B, ..., and the piping connection parts 51A, 51B, 51C, 52A, 52B, 52C of the indoor units 6A, 6B, ... are packing valves (sealing type valve back) having a structure that prevents the refrigerant from being released into the atmosphere.

[0072] The refrigerant piping 8 connects the compressor 2, the oil separator 11, three switching valves 12A, 12B, 12C, two outdoor heat exchangers 13, two outdoor expansion valves 15, multiple indoor expansion valves 22A, 22B, ..., multiple indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, ..., multiple exhaust gas pipe shut-off valves 25A, 25B, ..., multiple intake gas pipe shut-off valves 26A, 26B, ..., and the liquid storage tank 16 in sequence.

[0073] The refrigerant piping 8 in the outdoor unit 5 includes: a first pipe 61 connecting the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the oil separator 11; a second branch pipe 62 connecting the oil separator 11 to the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C; a third pipe 63 connecting the first switching valve 12A to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 on one side; a fourth pipe 64 connecting the second switching valve 12B to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 on the other side; a fifth pipe 65 connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 13 on one side to the outdoor expansion valve 15 on one side; a sixth pipe 66 connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 13 on the other side to the outdoor expansion valve 15 on the other side; and a seventh branch pipe 67 connecting the two outdoor expansion valves 15 to the piping connection portion 41.

[0074] The first pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 are refrigerant transport pipes connected to the discharge side of the compressor 2 regardless of the switching states of the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C.

[0075] In addition, the refrigerant piping 8 in the outdoor unit 5 includes: an eighth branch pipe 68 connecting the piping connection 43, three switching valves 12A, 12B, 12C and the liquid accumulator 16; a ninth piping 69 connecting the liquid accumulator 16 and the suction side of the compressor 2; and a tenth piping 70 connecting the third switching valve 12C and the piping connection 42.

[0076] The eighth branch pipe 68 and the ninth pipe 69 are refrigerant return pipes connected to the suction side of the compressor 2 regardless of the switching states of the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C.

[0077] The refrigerant piping 8 within each switching unit 7A includes: an eleventh piping 71A connecting the piping connection part 45A and the piping connection part 48A; a twelfth branch pipe 72A connecting the exhaust gas pipe shut-off valve 25A, the intake gas pipe shut-off valve 26A and the piping connection part 49A; a thirteenth piping 73A connecting the piping connection part 46A and the exhaust gas pipe shut-off valve 25A; and a fourteenth piping 74A connecting the piping connection part 47A and the intake gas pipe shut-off valve 26A.

[0078] The refrigerant piping 8 in each indoor unit 6A includes: a fifteenth piping 75A connecting the piping connection portion 51A and the indoor expansion valve 22A; a sixteenth piping 76A connecting the indoor expansion valve 22A and the indoor heat exchanger 21A; and a seventeenth piping 77A connecting the indoor heat exchanger 21A and the piping connection portion 52A.

[0079] Inverter circuit 18 rectifies AC power supplied from a commercial AC power source, converts the rectified DC power into a frequency corresponding to a command from control unit 19, and outputs the frequency to the motor of compressor 2. In other words, inverter circuit 18 can control the operating frequency of compressor 2.

[0080] The control unit 19 controls the inverter circuit 18 to control the operating frequency of the compressor 2. In addition, the control unit 19 controls the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, the plurality of exhaust gas pipe shutoff valves 25A, 25B, and the plurality of intake gas pipe shutoff valves 26A, 26B, and so on based on the operation operation input to the remote controller (not shown), and controls the full cooling operation ( Figure 1 The flow of refrigerant indicated by the solid arrows) and full heating operation ( Figure 1 The controller 19 can also be distributed across the outdoor unit 5 and the indoor units 6A, 6B, etc. For example, the controller 19 of the outdoor unit 5 controls the inverter circuit 18 and the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, while the controllers 19 of the indoor units 6A, 6B, etc. control the corresponding exhaust gas pipe shutoff valves 25A, 25B, etc. and the intake gas pipe shutoff valves 26A, 26B, etc.

[0081] Here, the operating state of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 will be described. In any operation, the compressor 2 discharges refrigerant into the first pipe 61 and the second branch pipe 62 , and draws refrigerant into the eighth branch pipe 68 and the ninth pipe 69 .

[0082] Figure 1The solid arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in full cooling operation. The first switching valve 12A and the second switching valve 12B are switched to connect the discharge side of the compressor 2 to their respective outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b). That is, the second branch pipe 62 is connected to the third pipe 63 and the fourth pipe 64. The third switching valve 12C is switched to cut off the connection between the discharge side of the compressor 2 and the tenth pipe 70. The exhaust gas pipe shut-off valves 25A, 25B, ... are fully closed. The intake gas pipe shut-off valves 26A, 26B, ... are fully opened to connect the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, ... to the intake side of the compressor 2.

[0083] The compressor 2 discharges high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant into the first pipe 61. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the first pipe 61 into the oil separator 11. The oil separator 11 separates refrigeration oil from the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant, from which the oil has been separated, flows out of the oil separator 11, passes through the first switching valve 12A and the second switching valve 12B, and reaches the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b). The two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b) exchange heat between the outside air and the gas refrigerant, condensing the refrigerant and causing liquid refrigerant to flow out. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b) passes through the two outdoor expansion valves 15 (15a, 15b), the eleventh pipes 71A, 71B, etc. within the respective switching units 7A, 7B, etc., and the respective indoor expansion valves 22A, 22B, etc., and reaches the respective indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, etc. The two outdoor expansion valves 15 (15a, 15b) adjust the flow rate of the liquid refrigerant to adjust the degree of subcooling. Each indoor expansion valve 22A, 22B, ... reduces the pressure on the liquid refrigerant, converting it into a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Each indoor heat exchanger 21A, 21B, ... exchanges heat between the indoor air and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and allowing the gas refrigerant to flow out. The gas refrigerant flowing out of each indoor heat exchanger 21A, 21B, ... is returned to the outdoor unit 5 through the intake gas pipe shut-off valve 26A, 26B, ... of each switching unit 7A, 7B, .... At this time, the discharge gas pipe shut-off valve 25A, 25B, ... is fully closed, blocking the flow of refrigerant in the connecting pipe 36. The gas refrigerant reaching the outdoor unit 5 is sucked into the accumulator 16 through the eighth branch pipe 68. The accumulator 16 separates the small amount of liquid refrigerant mixed with the gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant from which the liquid component has been separated flows out of the accumulator 16 and is sucked into the compressor 2 . The sucked gas refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 2 and is discharged from the compressor 2 again.

[0084] Then, in Figure 1The dotted arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in full heating operation. The refrigerant flows roughly in the opposite direction to the full cooling operation. The third switching valve 12C is switched to connect the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the switching units 7A, 7B, .... That is, the second branch pipe 62 is connected to the tenth pipe 70. The exhaust gas pipe shut-off valves 25A, 25B, ... are fully opened to connect the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, .... The intake gas pipe shut-off valves 26A, 26B, ... are fully closed. The first switching valve 12A and the second switching valve 12B are switched to connect the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b) to the intake side of the compressor 2.

[0085] The gaseous refrigerant, from which the oil has been separated, flows out of the oil separator 11, passes through the third switching valve 12C, and reaches the switching units 7A, 7B, etc. The gaseous refrigerant reaching the switching units 7A, 7B, etc. passes through the discharge gas pipe shutoff valves 25A, 25B, etc. and reaches the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, etc. At this time, the intake gas pipe shutoff valves 26A, 26B, etc. are fully closed. The indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, etc. exchange heat with the gaseous refrigerant, condensing the refrigerant and causing liquid refrigerant to flow out. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, etc. passes through the indoor expansion valves 22A, 22B, etc., the eleventh pipes 71A, 71B, etc. within the switching units 7A, 7B, etc., and the two outdoor expansion valves 15 (15a, 15b) to reach the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b). The two outdoor expansion valves 15 (15a, 15b) reduce the pressure on the liquid refrigerant, converting it into a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b) exchange heat between the outside air and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, evaporating the refrigerant and causing the gas refrigerant to flow out. The gas refrigerant flowing out of the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b) passes through the first switching valve 12A and the second switching valve 12B and is drawn into the accumulator 16.

[0086] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a first example of the flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mixed operation state of the air-conditioning apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0087] Figure 2 The diagram shows a case where the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b) function as condensers and the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B function as evaporators while the indoor heat exchanger 21C functions as a condenser during the cooling operation. Figure 2 The solid arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in the cooling operation. Figure 2 The dotted arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heating operation.

[0088] The control unit 19 controls the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, multiple exhaust gas pipe shut-off valves 25A, 25B, and multiple intake gas pipe shut-off valves 26A, 26B, and so on based on the operating operation input to the remote controller (not shown), and performs the first example of the cooling mixed operation of the air conditioning device 1.

[0089] In the first example of cooling mixed operation, the first switching valve 12A and the second switching valve 12B are switched to connect the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b). The third switching valve 12C is switched to connect the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the switching units 7A, 7B, ... . In other words, the discharge side of the compressor 2 is connected to the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b) and also to the switching units 7A, 7B, ...

[0090] In the cooling mixed operation of the first example, the switching state of the third switching valve 12C is different from that of the full cooling operation, and the opening and closing states of the exhaust gas pipe shut-off valve 25C and the intake gas pipe shut-off valve 26C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C performing the heating operation are reversed.

[0091] The exhaust gas shutoff valves 25A and 25B connected to the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B performing cooling operation are fully closed, while the intake gas shutoff valves 26A and 26B connected to the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B performing cooling operation are fully open. The indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B are connected to the suction side of the compressor 2.

[0092] The discharge gas pipe shutoff valve 25C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C in heating operation is fully open, and the intake gas pipe shutoff valve 26C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C in heating operation is fully closed. The indoor heat exchanger 21C is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 2.

[0093] Regarding the refrigerant flow during the first example of cooling mixed operation, the difference from the refrigerant flow during full cooling operation will be emphasized. A portion of the gaseous refrigerant, after the oil has been separated, flows out of the oil separator 11, passes through the first switching valve 12A and the second switching valve 12B, and reaches the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 (31a, 31b). The remaining portion passes through the third switching valve 12C and reaches the exhaust gas shutoff valves 25A, 25B, etc. of the respective switching units 7A, 7B, etc. Fully closed exhaust gas shutoff valves 25A, 25B block the flow of refrigerant to the indoor units 6A, 6B, while fully open exhaust gas shutoff valve 25C allows the flow of refrigerant to the indoor unit 6C. The indoor heat exchanger 21C exchanges heat between the indoor air and the gaseous refrigerant, condensing the refrigerant and causing liquid refrigerant to flow out. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21C passes through the indoor expansion valve 22C and the eleventh pipe 71 in the switching unit 7C, and merges with the refrigerant flowing into the other indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B in the connecting pipe 35 .

[0094] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a second example of the flow of the refrigerant in the cooling mixed operation state of the air-conditioning apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0095] Figure 3 The diagram shows a case where a cooling operation is performed in which the sub-heat exchanger 31b functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B function as evaporators, and a heating operation is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger 21C functions as a condenser. Figure 3 The solid arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in the cooling operation. Figure 3 The dotted arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heating operation.

[0096] The control unit 19 controls the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, multiple exhaust gas pipe shut-off valves 25A, 25B, and multiple intake gas pipe shut-off valves 26A, 26B, and so on based on the operating operation input to the remote controller (not shown), and performs the second example of the refrigeration mixed operation of the air conditioning device 1.

[0097] In the cooling mixed operation of the second example, the first switching valve 12A is switched to cut off the main heat exchanger 31 a from the discharge side of the compressor 2 , and the second switching valve 12B is switched to connect the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the sub-heat exchanger 31 b .

[0098] The third switching valve 12C is switched to connect the discharge side of the compressor 2 to the plurality of switching units 7A, 7B, ... That is, the discharge side of the compressor 2 is connected to the sub-heat exchanger 31b and also to the switching units 7A, 7B, ... .

[0099] In the refrigeration mixed operation of the second example, compared with the case of full refrigeration operation, the switching states of the first switching valve 12A and the third switching valve 12C are different, the opening and closing states of the first outdoor expansion valve 15a are reversed, and the opening and closing states of the exhaust gas pipe shut-off valve 25C and the intake gas pipe shut-off valve 26C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C performing heating operation are reversed.

[0100] The exhaust gas pipe shutoff valves 25A and 25B connected to the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B performing cooling operation are fully closed, while the intake gas pipe shutoff valve 26C connected to the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B performing cooling operation is fully open. The indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B are connected to the suction side of the compressor 2.

[0101] The discharge gas pipe shutoff valve 25C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C in heating operation is fully open, and the intake gas pipe shutoff valve 26C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C in heating operation is fully closed. The indoor heat exchanger 21C is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 2.

[0102] In the cooling mixed operation of the second example, the refrigerant flows substantially in the same manner as in the cooling mixed operation of the first example, but the first switching valve 12A and the first outdoor expansion valve 15a block the flow of the refrigerant to the main heat exchanger 31a.

[0103] The cooling mixed operation of the second example requires less refrigeration capacity than the cooling mixed operation of the first example, and is an advantageous operation mode when the outside air temperature is close to the target temperature.

[0104] In addition, the outdoor unit 5 of the air conditioning device 1 that performs the cooling mixed operation of the first example instead of the second example only needs to have at least one outdoor heat exchanger 13 and at least one outdoor expansion valve 15, and may not have the second switching valve 12B connected to the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b.

[0105] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the refrigerant in the heating mixed operation state of the air-conditioning apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0106] Figure 4 The figure shows a heating operation in which the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 ( 31 a , 31 b ) function as evaporators and the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B function as condensers, and a cooling operation in which the indoor heat exchanger 21C functions as an evaporator. Figure 4 The solid arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in the cooling operation. Figure 4 The dotted arrows in the figure indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heating operation.

[0107] The control unit 19 controls the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, multiple exhaust gas pipe shut-off valves 25A, 25B, and multiple intake gas pipe shut-off valves 26A, 26B, and so on based on the operating operation input to the remote controller (not shown), thereby performing the heating mixed operation of the air conditioning device 1.

[0108] The switching states of the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C in the heating mixed operation are the same as the switching states of the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C in the heating only operation.

[0109] In the heating mixed operation, the opening and closing states of the exhaust gas pipe shutoff valve 25C and the intake gas pipe shutoff valve 26C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C performing the cooling operation are reversed compared to the case of the heating only operation.

[0110] The discharge gas pipe shutoff valves 25A and 25B connected to the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B in heating operation are fully open, while the intake gas pipe shutoff valves 26A and 26B connected to the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B in heating operation are fully closed. In other words, the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B are connected to the discharge side of the compressor 2.

[0111] Furthermore, the exhaust gas pipe shutoff valve 25C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C in cooling operation is fully closed, and the intake gas pipe shutoff valve 26C connected to the indoor heat exchanger 21C in cooling operation is fully open. That is, the indoor heat exchanger 21C is connected to the intake side of the compressor 2.

[0112] During heating-mixed operation, the refrigerant flows in a similar manner to that of heating-only operation. However, the liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchangers 21A and 21B branches at the connecting pipe 35, is decompressed at the indoor expansion valve 22C, and reaches the indoor heat exchanger 21C. The indoor heat exchanger 21C exchanges heat between the indoor air and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, evaporating the refrigerant and causing the gas refrigerant to flow out. The gas refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21C passes through the intake gas pipe shutoff valve 26C and is drawn into the accumulator 16.

[0113] Next, the outdoor unit 5 will be described in detail.

[0114] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of a first example of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] like Figure 5As shown, the outdoor unit 5 of this embodiment includes a housing 81. The housing 81 is a rectangular parallelepiped box that is elongated vertically. The housing 81 includes: a bottom plate 82 that is rectangular when viewed from above; four pillars 83 that rise from the bottom plate 82; a detachable rectangular front panel 85 that covers the front of the housing 81; a rectangular front upper plate 86 that covers the upper portion of the front of the housing 81; two rectangular side upper plates 87 that cover the upper portions of the left and right side surfaces of the housing 81; a rectangular side lower plate 88 that covers the lower front portion of the right side of the housing 81; a rectangular back panel 89 that covers the upper portion of the back of the housing 81; and a fan guard 90 that covers the top surface of the housing 81.

[0116] Four pillars 83 extend upward from the vicinity of each of the four corners of the bottom plate 82 .

[0117] The lower portions of the left and right side surfaces and the lower portion of the rear surface of the housing 81 are relatively large openings. These openings serve as intakes for drawing outside air from the outside of the outdoor unit 5 to the inside by driving the outdoor fan 17. Two outdoor heat exchangers 13 are disposed in these openings.

[0118] Housing 81 houses compressor 2, oil separator 11, three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, two outdoor heat exchangers 13, two outdoor expansion valves 15, accumulator 16, and refrigerant pipes 8 connecting them. Housing 81 also includes an electrical component box 91 that houses control unit 19.

[0119] The outdoor fan 17 is located at the top of the housing 81. The outdoor fan 17 draws in outside air from the intake port where the two outdoor heat exchangers 13 are located, and exhausts the air from the bell mouth 92. The outdoor fan 17 blows air upward from the outdoor unit 5. The outdoor fan 17 is supported by a fan stand 93, which is supported by four support columns 83 of the housing 81. The fan stand 93 supports the outdoor fan 17 and the bell mouth 92. The bell mouth 92 is the outlet of the outdoor fan 17 and straightens the heat-exchanged outside air flowing out of the outdoor fan 17. The bell mouth 92 is surrounded on all four sides by a front upper plate 86, two side upper plates 87, and a back plate 89.

[0120] Figure 6 It is a front view of a first example of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 7 It is a schematic front view of a first example of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Figure 8 It is a plan view of a first example of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] exist Figures 6 to 8, the bottom plate 82 of the outdoor unit 5, two outdoor heat exchangers 13, three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, the oil separator 11, the accumulator 16, and the refrigerant pipe 8 are shown, and other main components are omitted.

[0124] If the front panel 85, which is a detachable side surface, is removed from the housing 81, the Figure 8 The direction of the hollow solid arrow extending from the front to the back of the housing 81 is directly viewed into the outdoor unit 5. In this state, the equipment in the outdoor unit 5 is maintained, replaced or repaired.

[0125] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, one side of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 5 in this embodiment is a main heat exchanger 31a serving as the first outdoor heat exchanger, and the other side of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is a sub-heat exchanger 31b serving as the second outdoor heat exchanger. The main heat exchanger 31a is positioned above the sub-heat exchanger 31b. The main heat exchanger 31a is preferably positioned directly above the sub-heat exchanger 31b.

[0126] The plurality of passages 28 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the sub-heat exchanger 31b extend horizontally in the housing 81 to allow refrigerant to flow. The plurality of fins of the main heat exchanger 31a and the sub-heat exchanger 31b extend vertically in the housing 81 perpendicular to the plurality of passages 28.

[0127] The main heat exchanger 31a and the sub-heat exchanger 31b have end surfaces 101 and 102 arranged on one plane. These end surfaces 101 and 102 face the horizontal direction of the casing 81.

[0128] The plurality of fins of the main heat exchanger 31a and the plurality of fins of the sub-heat exchanger 31b are divided. It is preferable that the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the end surface 102 of the sub-heat exchanger 31b are arranged substantially on a single plane.

[0129] The main heat exchanger 31a and the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b may also be an integrated heat exchanger. Figure 6The heat exchanger 31a is divided by the dashed line D shown. For example, the main heat exchanger 31a is the upper half of the integrated heat exchanger, and the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b is the lower half of the integrated heat exchanger. The multiple fins of the main heat exchanger 31a and the multiple fins of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b extend continuously across both heat exchangers 31a and 31b in both heat exchangers. A single heat exchanger including the main heat exchanger 31a and the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b and sharing multiple fins has a lower manufacturing cost than a main heat exchanger 31a and an auxiliary heat exchanger 31b divided into two. The multiple passages 28 of the main heat exchanger 31a pass through the upper half of the multiple fins, and the multiple passages 28 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b pass through the lower half of the multiple fins. In this case, the single plane where the end face 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the end face 102 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b are aligned constitutes a single end face of the integrated heat exchanger. In other words, the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the end surface 102 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b form a continuous plane. This plane is one of the two main surfaces of the fin located at one end of the integrated heat exchanger and faces the horizontal direction of the casing 81, similarly to the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the end surface 102 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b.

[0130] The end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the end surface 102 of the sub-heat exchanger 31b face the inner surface of the detachable front plate 85. In other words, the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the end surface 102 of the sub-heat exchanger 31b face the front surface of the casing 81.

[0131] Each passage 28 has a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, which are arranged on the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a or the end surface 102 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b, which are arranged on a single plane. In other words, the inlet and outlet of the multiple passages 28 of the main heat exchanger 31a are arranged on the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a, and the inlet and outlet of the multiple passages 28 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b are arranged on the end surface 102 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b.

[0132] The accumulator 16 and the oil separator 11 are arranged to face the inner surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The accumulator 16 and the oil separator 11 face the inner surface of the sub-heat exchanger 31b located therebelow.

[0133] The three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged above the reservoir 16 and the oil separator 11. The three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are located closer to the front surface of the housing 81 than the reservoir 16 and the oil separator 11.

[0134] The tenth pipe 70 is equipped with a gas valve 105 that shuts off the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 5 to the outside during factory shipment or installation. Gas valve 105 is a manually openable and closable shutoff valve with an operating portion for manual operation. Gas valve 105 is positioned so that the operating portion faces the inner surface of the front panel 85. In other words, gas valve 105 is positioned so that it can be easily opened and closed from the front side of the housing 81 when the front panel 85 is removed from the housing 81.

[0135] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of three switching valves of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Figure 9 The hollow solid arrows indicate the direction from the front to the back of the housing 81. The end surfaces 101 and 102 of the two heat exchangers 13 are arranged on the right side of the second switching valve 12B when viewed in the direction indicated by the hollow solid arrows.

[0137] like Figures 6 to 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the first switching valve 12A of the outdoor unit 5 in this embodiment is closer to the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a than the third switching valve 12C, and the second switching valve 12B is closer to the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a than the first switching valve 12A. In other words, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged in the order of the second switching valve 12B, the first switching valve 12A, and the third switching valve 12C, starting from the position closest to the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a.

[0138] The three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are located closer to the main heat exchanger 31a than the sub-heat exchanger 31b. That is, the switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged in the order of the second switching valve 12B, the first switching valve 12A, and the third switching valve 12C from the position closer to the main heat exchanger 31a.

[0139] Furthermore, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are positioned outside of a projection area A1 of the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the end surface 102 of the sub-heat exchanger 31b in the normal direction. In other words, the switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are positioned outside of a projection area A1 of the end surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 in the normal direction. This projection area A1 faces the front of the housing 81.

[0140] The three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are all four-way valves and have the same structure. Hereinafter, the representative first switching valve 12A will be described.

[0141] The first switching valve 12A includes a valve body 111a, a valve box 112a that accommodates the valve body 111a so as to be movable in a horizontal direction, a first connection port 115a that can be connected to the condenser during refrigeration operation, a second connection port 116a that can be connected to the evaporator during refrigeration operation, a third connection port 117a that hangs down below the valve box 112a and is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 2, and a fourth connection port 118a that stands up above the valve box 112a and is connected to the suction side of the compressor 2.

[0142] In addition, the first switching valve 12A includes a pilot solenoid valve 119a for actuating the valve body 111a. The pilot solenoid valve 119a is connected to the interior of the valve box 112a via a plurality of capillary tubes 121a. When the coil (not shown) is not energized, the pilot solenoid valve 119a connects the first connection port 115a of the first switching valve 12A to the third connection port 117a, and connects the second connection port 116a of the first switching valve 12A to the fourth connection port 118a. Furthermore, when the coil is energized, the pilot solenoid valve 119a connects the first connection port 115a of the first switching valve 12A to the fourth connection port 118a, and connects the second connection port 116a of the first switching valve 12A to the third connection port 117a.

[0143] The first connection port 115 a , the second connection port 116 a , and the fourth connection port 118 a are arranged in parallel along the length direction of the valve box 112 a .

[0144] The first connection port 115b of the second switching valve 12B is connected to the fourth pipe 64 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 (sub-heat exchanger 31b).

[0145] The second connection port 116 b of the second switching valve 12B is blocked by a sealing plug 125 .

[0146] The first connection port 115a of the first switching valve 12A is connected to the third pipe 63 connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 (main heat exchanger 31a).

[0147] The second connection port 116 a of the first switching valve 12A is blocked by a sealing plug 125 .

[0148] The first connection port 115 c of the third switching valve 12C is blocked by a sealing plug 125 .

[0149] The second connection port 116c of the third switching valve 12C is connected to the tenth pipe 70 connected to the exhaust gas pipe shutoff valves 25A, 25B, ... of the switching units 7A, 7B, ... .

[0150] The third connection ports 117 a , 117 b , and 117 c of the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are connected to the second branch pipe 62 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 2 via the oil separator 11 .

[0151] The fourth connection ports 118 a , 118 b , and 118 c of each of the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are connected to the eighth branch pipe 68 connected to the suction side of the compressor 2 via the accumulator 16 .

[0152] Each switching valve 12A, 12B, and 12C is positioned so that the center lines of the long cylindrical valve housings 112a, 112b, and 112c face horizontally. Furthermore, each switching valve 12A, 12B, and 12C is positioned so that it faces the inner surface of the front plate 85, to which the pilot solenoid valves 119a, 119b, and 119c are detachably mounted. In other words, all pilot solenoid valves 119a, 119b, and 119c face the inner surface of the front plate 85. In other words, all pilot solenoid valves 119a, 119b, and 119c are positioned so that their coils can be easily attached and detached with the front plate 85 removed from the housing 81.

[0153] The three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are disposed at substantially the same height position on the housing 81. The height difference between the switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C is preferably within the size of the switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C alone before the refrigerant pipe 8 is connected.

[0154] Furthermore, the fourth pipe 64 extending from the second switching valve 12B to the sub-heat exchanger 31 b is laid so as to hang down within the projection area A1 toward the sub-heat exchanger 31 b.

[0155] The third pipe 63 extending from the first switching valve 12A to the main heat exchanger 31 a is laid so as to cross over the second switching valve 12B toward the main heat exchanger 31 a .

[0156] The functions of the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C can be fulfilled by three-way valves instead of four-way valves. However, by using four-way valves that independently switch between cooling and heating operations as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-180882 as the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C of this embodiment can be shared with four-way valves of different models of air conditioners.

[0157] Figure 10 It is a schematic front view of a first comparative example of an outdoor unit.

[0158] like Figure 10As shown, the outdoor unit 201A of the first comparative example includes three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C arranged in order from the position close to the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a: a first switching valve 12A, a second switching valve 12B, and a third switching valve 12C.

[0159] In the first comparative example, the third pipe 63 extending from the first switching valve 12A to the main heat exchanger 31 a is laid along the shortest route toward the main heat exchanger 31 a .

[0160] However, the fourth pipe 64 extending from the second switching valve 12B to the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b is routed around the area between the second switching valve 12B and the third switching valve 12C and below the second switching valve 12B, and then toward the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b. The route of the fourth pipe 64 in the first comparative example can be said to be slightly longer than the route of the fourth pipe 64 in the outdoor unit 5 of this embodiment.

[0161] Figure 7 The installation path of the refrigerant pipe 8 of the outdoor unit 5 of the present embodiment is superior to the installation path of the refrigerant pipe 8 of the first comparative example in terms of the total length of the refrigerant pipe 8 and simplicity of the installation path.

[0162] Figure 11 It is a schematic front view of a second comparative example of an outdoor unit.

[0163] like Figure 11 As shown, the outdoor unit 201B of the second comparative example includes three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C arranged in order from the position close to the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a: a first switching valve 12A, a second switching valve 12B, and a third switching valve 12C.

[0164] In the second comparative example, the third pipe 63 extending from the first switching valve 12A to the main heat exchanger 31 a is laid along the shortest route toward the main heat exchanger 31 a .

[0165] However, the fourth pipe 64 extending from the second switching valve 12B to the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b is routed toward the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b, bypassing the first switching valve 12A and extending downward within the projected area A1. The route of the fourth pipe 64 in the second comparative example can be said to be slightly larger than the route of the fourth pipe 64 in the outdoor unit 5 of this embodiment.

[0166] Furthermore, in the second comparative example, to avoid three-dimensional interference with the third pipe 63, the fourth pipe 64, and the header 29 of the main heat exchanger 31a, a sufficient space is required between the first switching valve 12A, which is closest to the end face 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a, and the end face 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a. This sufficient space increases the width of the outdoor unit 201B, hindering miniaturization of the outdoor unit 201B.

[0167] Figure 7 The installation path of the refrigerant pipe 8 of the outdoor unit 5 of the present embodiment is superior to the installation path of the refrigerant pipe 8 of the first comparative example in terms of the total length of the refrigerant pipe 8 , simplicity of the installation path, and miniaturization of the outdoor unit 5 .

[0168] Next, an outdoor unit 5A according to a second example of the present embodiment will be described.

[0169] Figure 12 It is a front view of a second example of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] Figure 13 It is a schematic front view of a second example of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Figure 14 It is a plan view of a second example of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] like Figures 12 to 14 As shown, the outdoor unit 5A of this embodiment includes four outdoor heat exchangers 13A. The four outdoor heat exchangers 13A include two main heat exchangers 31a and two sub-heat exchangers 31b. The two main heat exchangers 31a are connected in parallel between the first switching valve 12A and the first outdoor expansion valve 15a. The two sub-heat exchangers 31b are connected in parallel between the second switching valve 12B and the second outdoor expansion valve 15b.

[0173] The number of second outdoor expansion valves 15b may be the same as the number of sub-heat exchangers 31b. In this case, one sub-heat exchanger 31b is connected in series with one second outdoor expansion valve 15b, and the other sub-heat exchanger 31b is connected in series with the other second outdoor expansion valve 15b, and these two series systems are connected in parallel.

[0174] exist Figures 12 to 14 , the bottom plate 82 of the outdoor unit 5A, four outdoor heat exchangers 13A, three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, the oil separator 11, the accumulator 16, and the refrigerant pipe 8 are shown, and other main components are omitted.

[0175] If the front panel 85, which is a detachable side surface, is removed from the housing 81, the Figure 14 The direction of the hollow solid arrow extending from the front to the back of the housing 81 is viewed directly into the housing 81. In this state, the equipment in the outdoor unit 5A is maintained, replaced or repaired.

[0176] The four outdoor heat exchangers 13A have a substantially bilaterally symmetrical shape with respect to the center plane CP, which extends in the front-to-rear direction of the casing 81 and bisects the casing 81 left and right. The two outdoor heat exchangers 13A on the right side extend from one end surface 131 located near the right side of the center plane CP of the casing 81 toward the rear side of the casing 81, extending toward the right half of the rear side of the casing 81 and the right side of the casing 81. The two outdoor heat exchangers 13A on the left side extend from one end surface 132 located near the left side of the center plane CP of the casing 81 toward the rear side of the casing 81, extending toward the left half of the rear side of the casing 81 and the left side of the casing 81.

[0177] The left and right outdoor heat exchangers 13A have the same structure. Hereinafter, the representative right outdoor heat exchanger 13A will be described. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the same structure as the outdoor heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 5 of the first example, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0178] One side of the right outdoor heat exchanger 13 is the main heat exchanger 31a, which serves as the first outdoor heat exchanger, and the other side of the right outdoor heat exchanger 13 is the sub-heat exchanger 31b, which serves as the second outdoor heat exchanger. The main heat exchanger 31a is positioned above the sub-heat exchanger 31b. The main heat exchanger 31a is preferably positioned directly above the sub-heat exchanger 31b.

[0179] The end surface 101 of the right main heat exchanger 31a is mirror-symmetrical to the end surface 101 of the left main heat exchanger 31a. The end surface 102 of the right sub-heat exchanger 31b is mirror-symmetrical to the end surface 102 of the left sub-heat exchanger 31b.

[0180] The oil separator 11 is arranged to face the inner surface of the left outdoor heat exchanger 13. The oil separator 11 faces the inner surface of the left sub-heat exchanger 31b.

[0181] The accumulator 16 is arranged to face the inner surface of the right outdoor heat exchanger 13. The accumulator 16 faces the inner surface of the right sub-heat exchanger 31b.

[0182] The three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged on the right side of the housing 81 where the accumulator 16 is arranged, that is, on the right side of the center plane CP.

[0183] Furthermore, the arrangement of the four outdoor heat exchangers 13A, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, the oil separator 11 , the accumulator 16 , and the refrigerant pipe 8 within the outdoor unit 5A may be reversed left and right relative to the center plane CP of the casing 81 .

[0184] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of three switching valves of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0185] Figure 15 The hollow solid arrows shown indicate the direction from the front to the back of the housing 81. The end surfaces 131 and 132 of the two heat exchangers 13A are arranged on the left side of the second switching valve 12B when viewed in the direction indicated by the hollow solid arrows.

[0186] like Figures 12 to 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, the first switching valve 12A of the outdoor unit 5A in this embodiment is closer to the end surfaces 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a than the third switching valve 12C, and the second switching valve 12B is closer to the end surfaces 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a than the first switching valve 12A. In other words, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged in the order of the second switching valve 12B, the first switching valve 12A, and the third switching valve 12C, starting from the position closest to the end surfaces 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a.

[0187] Furthermore, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are closer to the two main heat exchangers 31a than to the two sub-heat exchangers 31b. That is, the switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged in the order of the second switching valve 12B, the first switching valve 12A, and the third switching valve 12C, starting from the position closest to the two main heat exchangers 31a.

[0188] Furthermore, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged outside of a projection area A2 of the end surfaces 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a and the end surfaces 102 of the two sub-heat exchangers 31b, as viewed in the front direction of the casing 81. In other words, the switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged outside of a projection area A2 of the end surfaces of the four outdoor heat exchangers 13.

[0189] The fourth pipe 64 extending from the second switching valve 12B to the two left and right sub-heat exchangers 31 b is laid so as to hang down within the projection area A toward the sub-heat exchanger 31 b.

[0190] The third pipe 63 extending from the first switching valve 12A to the two left and right main heat exchangers 31 a is laid toward the main heat exchanger 31 a so as to cross over the second switching valve 12B.

[0191] Figure 16It is a schematic front view of a third comparative example of an outdoor unit.

[0192] like Figure 16 As shown, the outdoor unit 201C of the third comparative example includes three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C arranged in order from the position close to the end surface 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a: a first switching valve 12A, a second switching valve 12B, and a third switching valve 12C.

[0193] In the third comparative example, the third pipe 63 extending from the first switching valve 12A to the two main heat exchangers 31 a is laid along the shortest route toward the main heat exchanger 31 a .

[0194] However, the fourth pipe 64 extending from the second switching valve 12B to the two auxiliary heat exchangers 31b is routed around the left side of the end surface 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a and toward the two auxiliary heat exchangers 31b. The route of the fourth pipe 64 in the third comparative example can be said to be slightly longer than the route of the fourth pipe 64 in the outdoor unit 5A of this embodiment.

[0195] Figure 15 The installation route of the refrigerant pipe 8 of the outdoor unit 5A of the present embodiment is superior to the installation route of the refrigerant pipe 8 of the third comparative example in terms of the total length of the refrigerant pipe 8 and simplicity of the installation route.

[0196] Figure 17 It is a schematic front view of a fourth comparative example of an outdoor unit.

[0197] like Figure 17 As shown, the outdoor unit 201D of the fourth comparative example includes three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C arranged in order from the position close to the end surface 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a: a first switching valve 12A, a second switching valve 12B, and a third switching valve 12C.

[0198] In the fourth comparative example, the third pipe 63 extending from the first switching valve 12A to the main heat exchanger 31 a is laid along the shortest route toward the main heat exchanger 31 a .

[0199] However, the fourth pipe 64 extending from the second switching valve 12B to the two sub-heat exchangers 31b is laid toward the two sub-heat exchangers 31b so as to bypass the top of the first switching valve 12A and hang down within the projected area A. The laying path of the fourth pipe 64 in this fourth comparative example can be said to be slightly larger than the laying path of the fourth pipe 64 in the outdoor unit 5A of this embodiment.

[0200] Furthermore, in the fourth comparative example, to avoid three-dimensional interference with the third and fourth pipes 63, 64, and the headers 29 of the two main heat exchangers 31a, a sufficient space is required between the first switching valve 12A, which is closest to the end faces 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a, and the end faces 101 of the two main heat exchangers 31a. This sufficient space increases the width of the outdoor unit 201D, hindering miniaturization of the outdoor unit 201D.

[0201] Figure 15 The installation path of the refrigerant pipe 8 of the outdoor unit 5A of the present embodiment is superior to the installation path of the refrigerant pipe 8 of the fourth comparative example in terms of the total extension of the refrigerant pipe 8, simplicity of the installation path, and miniaturization of the outdoor unit 5A.

[0202] Figure 18 This is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] like Figure 18 As shown, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment does not need to include the multiple switching units 7A, 7B, .... A connecting pipe 35 connects a single piping connection 41 of the outdoor unit 5, 5A to the piping connections 51A, 51B, ... of the multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, .... A connecting pipe 36 connects a single piping connection 42 of the outdoor unit 5, 5A to the piping connections 52A, 52B, ... of the multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, .... The connecting pipe 37 is unnecessary, and the piping connection 43 remains closed. The third switching valve 12C of the outdoor unit 5, 5A switches to draw refrigerant from the multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, ... into the compressor 2 during cooling operation, and to deliver refrigerant from the compressor 2 to the multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, ... during heating operation.

[0204] The air-conditioning apparatus 1 may include a sealing plug 135 that closes the pipe connection portion 43 of the outdoor unit 5 or 5A.

[0205] That is, the air conditioning apparatus 1 can be used in a second mode in which the pipe connection portion 43 is blocked, the plurality of switching units 7A, 7B, ... and the connecting pipe 37 are not provided, and the outdoor unit 5, 5A and the plurality of indoor units 6A, 6B, ... are directly connected by the connecting pipes 35, 36. The air conditioning apparatus 1 in the second mode is used by directing the refrigerant to the Figure 18 The cooling operation is carried out by circulating the refrigerant in the direction indicated by the solid arrow. Figure 18 The heating is carried out by circulating in the direction indicated by the dotted arrow.

[0206] Therefore, when the pipe connection portion 43 of the outdoor unit 5 or 5A is blocked, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 functions as a multi-type air-conditioning apparatus that performs cooling-only operation or heating-only operation.

[0207] However, the eighth branch pipe 68, which is not connected to the connecting pipe 37, is a pipe that connects the third switching valve 12C to the accumulator 16 arranged on the suction side of the compressor 2 and connects the piping connection portion 43 to the accumulator 16, and has a branch portion where three pipes intersect toward these third switching valve 12C, the accumulator 16, and the piping connection portion 43. The piping between the branch portion and the piping connection portion 43 becomes a so-called blind path in the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. Refrigerant and refrigeration oil mixed in the refrigerant may be retained in this blind path. In order to recover the refrigerant and refrigeration oil retained in the blind path of the eighth branch pipe 68 to the compressor 2, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 may also have a recovery pipe 136 shown by a double-dotted line, which is connected to the piping connection portion 43 and the suction side of the accumulator 16.

[0208] As described above, the outdoor unit 5, 5A of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes the first switching valve 12A, which is closer to the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a than the third switching valve 12C, and the second switching valve 12B, which is closer to the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a than the first switching valve 12A. Therefore, the outdoor unit 5, 5A is excellent in terms of the total length of the refrigerant piping 8, the simplicity of the installation path, and the miniaturization of the outdoor unit 5.

[0209] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 5, 5A of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C. These three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are positioned outside of the projected areas A1 and A2 of the end surfaces of the plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 13, 13A, including the projected area of ​​the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a. Therefore, the outdoor unit 5, 5A can easily visually access and easily access the passages 28 of the plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 13, 13A, resulting in excellent operability with respect to the passages 28.

[0210] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 5, 5A of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment may include a heat exchanger that integrates the main heat exchanger 31a and the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b. This heat exchanger has the end surface 101 of the main heat exchanger 31a and the end surface 102 of the auxiliary heat exchanger 31b as a single continuous plane. This makes it easier for the outdoor unit 5, 5A to visually access the passages 28 of the multiple outdoor heat exchangers 13, 13A, making access easier and improving operability of the passages 28.

[0211] Furthermore, the outdoor units 5 and 5A of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment are equipped with three four-way valves as the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C. By appropriately blocking the connection ports of the four-way valves, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C of this embodiment can be shared with the four-way valves of different models of air-conditioning apparatuses.

[0212] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 5, 5A of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes three four-way valves as the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C. These valves each have a valve box 112a, 112b, and 112c that accommodates a valve body 111a, 111b, and 111c so that it can move horizontally; third connection ports 117a, 117b, and 117c that extend downward from the valve box 112a, 112b, and 112c and connect to the discharge side of the compressor 2; and fourth connection ports 118a, 118b, and 118c that extend upward from the valve box 112a, 112b, and 112c and connect to the suction side of the compressor 2. Consequently, the outdoor unit 5, 5A is superior in terms of the total length of the refrigerant piping 8 between the compressor 2 and the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, the simplicity of the installation path, and the miniaturization of the outdoor unit 5.

[0213] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 5, 5A of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 81 having a removable front panel 85. Furthermore, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C are equipped with pilot solenoid valves 119a, 119b, and 119c facing the inner surface of the front panel 85. Therefore, the outdoor unit 5, 5A allows easy visual access to the coils mounted on the pilot solenoid valves 119a, 119b, and 119c of the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C, resulting in excellent workability.

[0214] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 5, 5A of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C disposed above the accumulator 16. Specifically, when the outdoor unit 5, 5A is installed, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C can be disposed at a height of approximately several tens of centimeters from the installation surface of the outdoor unit 5, 5A. Therefore, the three switching valves 12A, 12B, and 12C of the outdoor unit 5, 5A are disposed at a height that is easier to operate than when the valves are disposed closer to the bottom plate 82 of the casing 81.

[0215] Furthermore, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 5, 5A, multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, ..., and multiple switching units 7A, 7B, .... The air-conditioning apparatus 1 equipped with multiple switching units 7A, 7B, ... can make the refrigerant flow in the multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, ... in different directions, resulting in a mixture of indoor units 6A, 6B, ..., performing cooling operations and indoor units 6A, 6B, ..., performing heating operations. The air-conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment can also include an outdoor unit 5, 5A and multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, ..., with one branch of the third switching valve 12C blocked. An air-conditioning apparatus 1 without multiple switching units 7A, 7B, ..., but with one branch of the third switching valve 12C blocked, can unify the refrigerant flow in the multiple indoor units 6A, 6B, ..., and cause all indoor units 6A, 6B, ... to perform either cooling or heating operations. That is, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 can function as a heat recovery multi-type air-conditioning apparatus by selecting the plurality of switching units 7A, 7B, ..., and can function as a multi-type air-conditioning apparatus by selecting not to use the plurality of switching units 7A, 7B, ....

[0216] Therefore, according to the outdoor unit 5, 5A of the air conditioning apparatus 1 and the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the connection with multiple outdoor heat exchangers 13, 13A, the discharge side of the compressor 2 and the suction side of the compressor 2 can be switched, and the laying path of the refrigerant piping 8 is excellent.

[0217] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention and are encompassed by the invention as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0218] Description of Reference Numerals

[0219] 1…Air conditioning unit; 2…Compressor; 2a…Accumulator; 5, 5A…Outdoor unit; 6A, 6B, 6C…Indoor unit; 7A, 7B, 7C…Switching unit; 8…Refrigerant piping; 11…Oil separator; 12A…First switching valve; 12B…Second switching valve; 12C…Third switching valve; 13, 13A…Outdoor heat exchanger; 15, 15a, 15b…Outdoor expansion valve; 16…Accumulator; 17…Outdoor fan; 18…Inverter circuit; 19…Control unit; 21A; 21B, 21C…Indoor heat exchanger; 22A, 22B, 22C…Indoor expansion valve; 23A, 23B, 23C…Indoor fan; 25A, 25B, 25C…Exhaust gas pipe shutoff valve; 26A, 27A, 28A, 29A, 30A, 31A, 32A, 33A, 34A, 35A, 36A, 37A, 38A, 39A, 40A, 41A, 42A, 43A, 44A, 45A, 46A, 47A, 48A, 49A, 50A, 51A, 52A, 53A, 54A, 55A, 56A, 57A, 58A, 59A, 60A, 61A, 62A, 63A, 64A, 65A, 66A, 67A, 68A, 69A, 70A, 71A, 72A, 73A, 74A, 6B, 26C…suction gas pipe shutoff valve; 28…passageway; 29…manifold; 31a…main heat exchanger; 31b…auxiliary heat exchanger; 35, 36, 37, 38A, 38B, 38C, 39A, 39B, 39C…connecting pipe; 41, 42, 43…outdoor unit piping connection; 45A, 45B, 45C, 46A, 46B, 46C, 47A, 47B, 47C…switch unit outdoor unit-side piping connection; 48A, 48B, 48C, 49A, 49B, 49C…switch unit indoor unit-side piping connection; 51A, 51B, 51C, 52A, 52B, 52C…indoor unit piping connection; 61…first piping; 62…second branch 63…3rd pipe; 64…4th pipe; 65…5th pipe; 66…6th pipe; 67…7th branch pipe; 68…8th branch pipe; 69…9th pipe; 70…10th pipe; 71…11th pipe; 72A, 72B, 72C…12th branch pipe; 73A, 73B, 73C…13th pipe; 74A, 74B, 74C…14th pipe; 75A, 75B, 75C…15th pipe; 76A, 76B, 76C…16th pipe; 77A, 77B, 77C…17th pipe; 81…Casing; 82…Base plate; 83…Pillar; 85…Front panel; 86…Front upper panel; 87…Side upper panel; 88…Side lower panel; 89…Back panel; 90…Fan protection Protective parts; 91…Electrical component box; 92…Bell mouth; 93…Fan table; 101, 102…End face of heat exchanger; 105…Gas valve; 111a, 111b, 111c…Valve body; 112a, 112b, 112c…Valve box; 115a, 115b, 115c…First connection port; 116a, 116b, 116c…Second connection port; 117a, 117b, 117c…Third connection port; 118a, 118b, 118c…Fourth connection port; 119a, 119b, 119c…Pilot solenoid valve; 121a, 121b, 121c…Capillary tube; 125…Sealing plug; 131, 132…End face of heat exchanger; 135…Sealing plug; 136…Recovery pipe;201A, 201B, 201C, 201D... Comparative example of outdoor units. ;

Claims

1. An outdoor unit of an air conditioning device, comprising: Compressor, which compresses the refrigerant; an outdoor first heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and external air; a first switching valve capable of connecting the discharge side of the compressor to the first outdoor heat exchanger to enable the first outdoor heat exchanger to function as a condenser, or connecting the suction side of the compressor to the first outdoor heat exchanger to enable the first outdoor heat exchanger to function as an evaporator; an outdoor second heat exchanger for performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and external air; a second switching valve capable of connecting the discharge side of the compressor to the second outdoor heat exchanger to enable the second outdoor heat exchanger to function as a condenser, or connecting the suction side of the compressor to the second outdoor heat exchanger to enable the second outdoor heat exchanger to function as an evaporator; as well as The third switching valve is capable of disconnecting the discharge side of the compressor from the indoor heat exchangers of all indoor units to allow the first outdoor heat exchanger and the second outdoor heat exchanger to function as condensers, or connecting the discharge side of the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger of at least one indoor unit to allow the indoor heat exchanger of at least one indoor unit to function as a condenser. The first switching valve is closer to the first heat exchanger than the third switching valve. The second switching valve is closer to the first heat exchanger than the first switching valve.

2. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve are arranged outside a projection area in a normal direction of the end surface.

3. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The first outdoor heat exchanger and the second outdoor heat exchanger are integrated, and the end surface of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the end surface of the second outdoor heat exchanger are a continuous plane.

4. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve are four-way valves and have a first connection port that can be connected to the condenser and a second connection port that can be connected to the evaporator. One of the first connection port and the second connection port is blocked.

5. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: A housing for housing the compressor, the first outdoor heat exchanger, the second outdoor heat exchanger, the first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve is provided. The end surface of the first outdoor heat exchanger and the end surface of the second outdoor heat exchanger face the horizontal direction of the shell, The first switching valve, the second switching valve and the third switching valve respectively include: a valve body; a valve box that accommodates the valve body so that it can move in the horizontal direction; a third connection port that hangs down to the bottom of the valve box and is connected to the discharge side of the compressor; and a fourth connection port that stands up to the top of the valve box and is connected to the suction side of the compressor. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein: The housing has a detachable side surface. The first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve include pilot solenoid valves facing the inner surface of the side surface.

7. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: A liquid accumulator connected to the suction side of the compressor is provided, The first heat exchanger is arranged above the second heat exchanger, The first switching valve, the second switching valve, and the third switching valve are arranged above the accumulator.

8. An air conditioning device comprising: The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a plurality of said indoor units; and A plurality of switching units are capable of switching the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the corresponding indoor units, The indoor unit includes an outdoor expansion valve connected to the discharge side of the first heat exchanger. Each of the indoor units has an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. The refrigerant flowing through the plurality of indoor units may have different flow directions from each other, so that the indoor units performing a cooling operation and the indoor units performing a heating operation may coexist.

9. An air conditioning device comprising: The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a plurality of said indoor units, The indoor unit includes an outdoor expansion valve connected to the discharge side of the first heat exchanger. Each of the indoor units has an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. One branch of the third switching valve is blocked so that the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor through the third switching valve during cooling operation and is delivered to the plurality of indoor units through the third switching valve during heating operation.

10. An air conditioning device comprising: The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a plurality of said indoor units, The indoor unit includes an outdoor expansion valve connected to the discharge side of the first heat exchanger. Each of the indoor units includes an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor expansion valve connected to the outdoor heat exchanger. In the case of providing a plurality of switching units capable of switching the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the corresponding indoor units, the flow directions of the refrigerant flowing in the plurality of indoor units can be made different from each other, so that the indoor units performing cooling operation and the indoor units performing heating operation can be mixed. In the absence of the multiple switching units, one branch of the third switching valve is blocked so that the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor through the third switching valve during cooling operation, and the refrigerant is delivered to the multiple indoor units through the third switching valve during heating operation, so that the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing in the multiple indoor units is unified and all the indoor units perform cooling operation or heating operation.

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