FREEZER

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit configured to execute vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation has been known to collectively include a plurality of refrigerant pipes allowing a refrigerant to flow therein, for reduction in size of the refrigerant circuit. For example, PATENT LITERATURE 1 discloses a substrate (refrigerant flow path unit) that includes two plates stacked together and is provided therein with a refrigerant flow path. The substrate has one of surfaces connected with a compressor, an accumulator, a four-way switching valve, and the like.CITATION LIST [PATENT LITERATURE]

[0003] PATENT LITERATURE 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 9-79616

[0004] JP S51-76156 U discloses a refrigerant-path device for an air conditioner in which refrigerant flow paths are formed in the upright stacked plates, and the components such as the compressor, accumulator and the expansion valve are either directly connected to the pipes or by fitting connections to one surface of the refrigerant-path device. JP H07-198229 A also discloses a prior art air conditioner. US 9,651,283 B2 discloses, according to its abstract, a refrigerant channel switching unit that is disposed between a heat source unit and a utilization unit to switch flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant channel switching unit includes a first refrigerant pipe connected to a suction gas communicating pipe extending from the heat source unit, a second refrigerant pipe connected to a high-low pressure gas communicating pipe extending from the heat source unit, a third refrigerant pipe connected to a gas pipe extending to the utilization unit, a coupling portion, a first switch valve mounted to the first refrigerant pipe, and a second switch valve mounted to the second refrigerant pipe. The coupling portion is connected to the first, second and third refrigerant pipes. The First second and third are coupled through the coupling portion.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [TECHNICAL PROBLEM]

[0005] According to the technique described in PATENT LITERATURE 1, only one of the surfaces of the substrate is connected with components constituting a refrigerant circuit, such as the compressor and the four-way switching valve. The substrate thus needs to have a large area, which leads to increase in size of the substrate.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigeration apparatus enabling reduction in size of a refrigerant flow path unit.[SOLUTION TO PROBLEM]

[0007] The invention is defined by claim 1. (1) A refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention includes: a refrigerant flow path unit that includes a plurality of plates stacked together and is provided therein with a refrigerant flow path; a first component and a second component constituting a refrigerant circuit; and a casing accommodating the refrigerant flow path unit and the first and second components, in which the refrigerant flow path unit has a first surface and a second surface on both sides in a normal direction of the plates, and is disposed in the casing in a posture with the first surface and the second surface being upstanding, the first component is connected to the first surface, and the second component is connected to the second surface.

[0008] In the refrigeration apparatus thus configured, both the first surface and the second surface of the refrigerant flow path unit are connected with the first and second components, respectively. The refrigerant flow path unit can thus be reduced in area of the first surface and the second surface, for reduction in size of the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0009] Note that the "posture with the first surface and the second surface being upstanding" described above indicates a posture with the first surface and the second surface being slanted by within ±45 degrees from a posture with the first surface and the second surface extending in a perpendicular direction. Furthermore, "connecting" indicates that each of the first and second components is connected indirectly via a refrigerant pipe or directly to the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0010] (2) Preferably, the first component is a functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0011] The "functional component" in this case corresponds to a component having a predetermined function, such as a valve or a sensor. Furthermore, "supporting" indicates supporting while receiving weight of the functional component, and includes directly supporting the functional component as well as indirectly supporting the functional component via a refrigerant pipe or the like.

[0012] (3) Preferably, the second component is a compressor supported by the casing.

[0013] The refrigerant flow path unit in this configuration blocks vibration of the compressor, so as to inhibit transmission of the vibration to the first component connected to the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0014] (4) Preferably, the compressor is disposed closer to the second surface than the first surface.

[0015] This configuration facilitates routing of a pipe provided between the compressor and the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0016] (5) According to the present invention, the refrigerant flow path unit includes a joint tube that connects a pipe linked to the second component, the joint tube has a first end connected to the second surface, and the joint tube has a second end directed upward.

[0017] This configuration facilitates connecting a pipe linked to the second component to the joint tube.

[0018] (6) Preferably, the first component is a flow path switching valve.

[0019] (7) Preferably, the casing has a side surface provided with an opening for maintenance, the casing includes a side plate configured to close the opening and be detachable, and the first surface and the second surface are directed to cross the side plate.

[0020] In a state where the side plate is detached in this configuration, the first surface and the second surface of the refrigerant flow path unit are accessible via the opening for maintenance, to enable maintenance of the first and second components.

[0021] (8) Preferably, the first component includes a first functional component and a second functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit, and the first functional component and the second functional component have maintenance target parts positioned not to be overlapped with each other when viewed from the opening.

[0022] The maintenance target parts of the first functional component and the second functional component can be maintained easily in this configuration.

[0023] (9) Preferably, the first functional component and the second functional component are flow path switching valves including driving units corresponding to the maintenance target parts.

[0024] (10) Preferably, the first component includes a third functional component and a fourth functional component of similar types, supported by the refrigerant flow path unit, and the third functional component and the fourth functional component have maintenance target parts positioned not to be overlapped with each other when viewed from above.

[0025] The maintenance target parts of the third functional component and the fourth functional component can be maintained easily from above in this configuration.

[0026] (11) Preferably, each the third functional component and the fourth functional component is an electric valve or an electromagnetic valve including a driving unit corresponding to a maintenance target part.

[0027] (12) Preferably, the refrigeration apparatus further includes a heat exchanger accommodated in the casing and including a header, in which the header is connected to a closer one of the first surface and the second surface.

[0028] This configuration facilitates routing of a refrigerant pipe provided between the header and the refrigerant flow path unit.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigeration apparatus. FIG. 3 is a plan view depicting the interior of the refrigeration apparatus. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first surface of a refrigerant flow path unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second surface of the refrigerant flow path unit. FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the refrigerant flow path unit. FIG. 7 is a front view of the refrigerant flow path unit. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a plurality of expansion valves attached to the refrigerant flow path unit. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the plurality of expansion valves attached to the refrigerant flow path unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration apparatus.

[0032] A refrigeration apparatus 1 includes a refrigerant circuit configured to execute vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment functions as an air conditioner. As depicted in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 31, a plurality of indoor units 32, and a flow path switching device 33. The outdoor unit 31 and the flow path switching device 33, as well as the flow path switching device 33 and the indoor units 32, are connected via connection pipes 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. The air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment is of a so-called freely cooling and heating type configured to allow each of the indoor units 32 to individually execute cooling operation or heating operation. The refrigeration apparatus 1 is not limited to the air conditioner, but may alternatively function as a refrigerator, a freezer, a hot-water supplier, or the like.(Configuration of refrigerant circuit)

[0033] The outdoor unit 31 includes a refrigerant circuit 30. The refrigerant circuit 30 is connected to a refrigerant circuit in the flow path switching device 33 via a liquid connection pipe 34, a sucked gas connection pipe 35, and a high and low-pressure gas connection pipe 36. The refrigerant circuit in the flow path switching device 33 is connected to a refrigerant circuit in each of the indoor units 32 via the connection pipes 37 and 38.

[0034] The refrigerant circuit 30 includes a first shutoff valve 39a, a second shutoff valve 39b, a third shutoff valve 39c, a compressor 40, an accumulator 41, a plurality of flow path switching valves 42 (42a, 42b, and 42c), an outdoor heat exchanger 43, a plurality of expansion valves 44 (44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d), a subcooler 45, an oil separator 46, and the like. These components are connected via refrigerant pipes to constitute the refrigerant circuit. The outdoor unit 31 is provided therein with a fan 62 (see FIG. 2), a controller 61a (see FIG. 3), and the like.

[0035] The first shutoff valve 39a has a first end connected to the sucked gas connection pipe 35. The first shutoff valve 39a has a second end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the accumulator 41.

[0036] The second shutoff valve 39b has a first end connected to the high and low-pressure gas connection pipe 36. The second shutoff valve 39b has a second end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the flow path switching valve 42b.

[0037] The third shutoff valve 39c has a first end connected to the liquid connection pipe 34. The third shutoff valve 39c has a second end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the subcooler 45.

[0038] The compressor 40 has a hermetic structure incorporating a compressor motor, and is of a positive-displacement type such as a scroll type or a rotary type. The compressor 40 compresses a low-pressure refrigerant sucked from a suction pipe 47 and then discharges the compressed refrigerant from a discharge pipe 48. The compressor 40 contains refrigerating machine oil. This refrigerating machine oil occasionally circulates in the refrigerant circuit 30 along with a refrigerant. The compressor 40 is a kind of container.

[0039] The oil separator 46 is a container used to separate the refrigerating machine oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 40. The refrigerating machine oil thus separated is returned to the compressor 40 via an oil return tube 46a.

[0040] The accumulator 41 is a container temporarily storing the low-pressure refrigerant to be sucked into the compressor 40 and used for separation between a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 41 has an inflow port 41b connected to a refrigerant pipe extending from the first shutoff valve 39a. The accumulator 41 has an outflow port 41a connected to the suction pipe 47. The accumulator 41 is connected with a first end of an oil return tube 50. The oil return tube 50 has a second end connected to the suction pipe 47. The oil return tube 50 is provided to return the refrigerating machine oil from the accumulator 41 to the compressor 40. The oil return tube 50 is provided with a first on-off valve 51. The first on-off valve 51 is an electromagnetic valve. When the first on-off valve 51 is opened, the refrigerating machine oil in the accumulator 41 passes the oil return tube 50 and is sucked into the compressor 40 along with the refrigerant flowing in the suction pipe 47.

[0041] The flow path switching valves 42 are each configured as a four-way switching valve. Each of the flow path switching valves 42 switches a refrigerant flow in accordance with an operation condition of the air conditioner 1. Each of the flow path switching valves 42 has a refrigerant inflow port connected with a refrigerant pipe extending from the oil separator 46.

[0042] The flow path switching valves 42 are each configured to shut off a refrigerant flow in a refrigerant flow path during operation, and actually functions as a three-way valve. The plurality of flow path switching valves 42 will hereinafter also be referred to as a first flow path switching valve 42a, a second flow path switching valve 42b, and a third flow path switching valve 42c.

[0043] Each of the expansion valves 44 is an electric valve having an adjustable opening degree. Each of the expansion valves 44 has an opening degree adjusted in accordance with the operation condition, and decompresses the refrigerant passing therethrough in accordance with the opening degree. The plurality of expansion valves 44 will hereinafter also be referred to as a first expansion valve 44a, a second expansion valve 44b, a third expansion valve 44c, and a fourth expansion valve 44d.

[0044] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is of a cross-fin type or a microchannel type. The outdoor heat exchanger 43 includes a first heat exchange unit 43a, a second heat exchange unit 43b, a third heat exchange unit 43c, and a fourth heat exchange unit 43d. The first heat exchange unit 43a has a gas side end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the third flow path switching valve 42c. The first heat exchange unit 43a has a liquid side end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the first expansion valve 44a.

[0045] The second heat exchange unit 43b has a gas side end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the first flow path switching valve 42a. The second heat exchange unit 43b has a liquid side end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the second expansion valve 44b.

[0046] The third heat exchange unit 43c and the fourth heat exchange unit 43d each have a gas side end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending from the oil separator 46 and branched. The third heat exchange unit 43c and the fourth heat exchange unit 43d each have a liquid side end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the third expansion valve 44c.

[0047] The subcooler 45 includes a first heat transfer tube 45a and a second heat transfer tube 45b. The first heat transfer tube 45a has a first end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the first to third expansion valves 44a, 44b, and 44c. The first heat transfer tube 45a has a second end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to reach the third shutoff valve 39c. The second heat transfer tube 45b has a first end connected to a first branching tube 53 branching from a refrigerant pipe provided between the first heat transfer tube 45a and the first to third expansion valves 44a, 44b, and 44c. The first branching tube 53 is provided with the fourth expansion valve 44d. The second heat transfer tube 45b has a second end connected to a first end of an injection pipe 55. The injection pipe 55 has a second end connected to an intermediate port of the compressor 40.

[0048] The injection pipe 55 is connected with a first end of a second branching tube 56. The second branching tube 56 has a second end (outlet end) connected to the suction pipe 47. The second branching tube 56 is provided with a second on-off valve 57 and a check valve 58. The second on-off valve 57 is an electromagnetic valve.

[0049] The subcooler 45 causes heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 40, passing the outdoor heat exchanger 43 and the expansion valves 44, and flowing in the first heat transfer tube 45a, and the refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 44d and flowing in the second heat transfer tube 45b, to subcool the refrigerant flowing in the first heat transfer tube 45a. The refrigerant flowing in the second heat transfer tube 45b passes the injection pipe 55 and is sucked into the intermediate port of the compressor 40. When the second on-off valve 57 is opened, the refrigerant flowing in the injection pipe 55 branches into the second branching tube 56 to flow therein and passes the suction pipe 47 to be sucked into the compressor 40.(Structure of outdoor unit)

[0050] Description is made below to the outdoor unit 31 in terms of its specific structure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigeration apparatus. FIG. 3 is a plan view depicting the interior of the refrigeration apparatus.

[0051] The following description refers to a transverse direction, an anteroposterior direction, and a vertical direction according to arrows X, Y, and Z indicated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Specifically in the following description, the arrow X in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 indicates a first direction corresponding to the transverse direction, the arrow Y indicates a second direction corresponding to the anteroposterior direction, and the arrow Z indicates a third direction corresponding to the vertical direction. Note that these directions are described exemplarily without limiting the present invention which is defined by the appended claims.

[0052] Alternatively, the first direction X may correspond to the anteroposterior direction and the second direction Y may correspond to the transverse direction.

[0053] As depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the outdoor unit 31 includes a casing 60 accommodating components such as the compressor 40, the accumulator 41, the outdoor heat exchanger 43, and the oil separator 46 constituting the refrigerant circuit, an electric component unit 61, the fan 62, and the like. The fan 62 is provided at the top of the casing 60.

[0054] The casing 60 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The casing 60 has a bottom plate 63, a support 64, a top panel 65, a front panel 66, and the like. The bottom plate 63 has a quadrilateral shape in a top view. The support 64 is a long member having a substantially L sectional shape and elongating in the vertical direction, and is attached to each of four corners of the bottom plate 63.

[0055] The top panel 65 has a quadrilateral shape substantially identically to the bottom plate 63, is disposed above and spaced apart from the bottom plate 63. The top panel 65 has four corners attached to upper ends of the supports 64. The top panel 65 is provided with a vent hole having a substantially quadrilateral shape and provided with a grill 65a preventing entry of foreign matters.

[0056] As depicted in FIG. 3, the casing 60 has a front surface provided with an opening 60a for maintenance. The opening 60a is closed by the front panel (front side plate) 66. Detaching the front panel 66 from the casing 60 enables maintenance, replacement, and the like of the components in the casing 60 via the opening 60a.

[0057] The bottom plate 63 of the casing 60 is provided thereon with the components such as the compressor 40, the accumulator 41, the outdoor heat exchanger 43, and the oil separator 46. The bottom plate 63 is provided thereon with a refrigerant flow path unit 10.

[0058] The outdoor heat exchanger 43 is disposed to oppose (face) three side surfaces of the casing 60. Specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 43 has a U shape in a top view to extend along a left side surface, a right side surface, and a rear side surface of the casing 60. The outdoor heat exchanger 43 has a first end part provided with a gas header 43e, and a second end part provided with a liquid header 43f. The left side surface, the right side surface, and the rear side surface of the casing 60 are each provided with an intake port 60b for intake of outdoor air.

[0059] The outdoor unit 31 is configured to, when the fan 62 is driven, import air via the intake port 60b of the casing 60, cause heat exchange of the air in the outdoor heat exchanger 43, and then send out air upward from the top of the casing 60.

[0060] The compressor 40 is disposed at a substantially center in the transverse direction X in the vicinity of the front surface of the casing 60. The electric component unit 61 is disposed in the vicinity of the front surface of the casing 60 and adjacent to a right side of the compressor 40. The compressor 40 is provided therebehind with the accumulator 41. The accumulator 41 has a left side provided with the oil separator 46. The electric component unit 61 includes the controller 61a configured to control behavior of the compressor 40, the valves 42 and 44, the fan 62, and the like.

[0061] The refrigerant flow path unit 10 includes, collectively as a single unit, refrigerant pipes connecting components such as the compressor 40, the accumulator 41, the flow path switching valves 42, the outdoor heat exchanger 43, the expansion valves 44, and the oil separator 46. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 according to the present embodiment constitutes refrigerant flow paths disposed inside a frame F1 and outside frames F2 each indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1.

[0062] As depicted in FIG. 3, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is disposed between the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41 in the anteroposterior direction and on the left side of the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 is disposed ahead of the oil separator 46. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 is fixed onto the bottom plate 63 of the casing 60 with a supporting stand 68 interposed therebetween.(Configuration of refrigerant flow path unit)

[0063] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first surface of the refrigerant flow path unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second surface of the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0064] The refrigerant flow path unit 10 according to the present embodiment is fixed to the bottom plate 63 of the casing 60 for the outdoor unit 31 in an upstanding posture with the supporting stand 68 interposed therebetween. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 in the "upstanding posture" has surfaces 10A and 10B on both sides extending substantially in a perpendicular direction. Note that the "upstanding posture" according to the present disclosure also includes a posture with the surfaces 10A and 10B on the both sides being slanted by within ±45 degrees from the posture with the surfaces extending in the perpendicular direction.

[0065] As depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is connected with the components of the refrigerant circuit, such as the flow path switching valves 42, the expansion valves (electric valves) 44, the on-off valves (electromagnetic valves) 51 and 57, the compressor 40, the accumulator 41, and the oil separator 46.

[0066] For example, the surface (first surface) 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is connected, via refrigerant pipes, with functional components exerting predetermined functions, such as the flow path switching valves 42, the expansion valves 44, and the on-off valves 51 and 57 as depicted in FIG. 4. The surface (second surface) 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is connected, via refrigerant pipes, with containers such as the compressor 40, the accumulator 41, and the oil separator 46. In the present invention, a component connected to the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is called a first component, and a component connected to the second surface 10B is called a second component.

[0067] The functional components such as the flow path switching valves 42, the expansion valves 44, and the on-off valves 51 and 57 are attached to the refrigerant flow path unit 10 via refrigerant pipes, and are supported by the refrigerant flow path unit 10. In other words, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 supports the functional components while receiving weights of the functional components via the refrigerant pipes. The functional components may alternatively be connected directly to the refrigerant flow path unit 10 via no refrigerant pipes.

[0068] The flow path switching valves 42, the expansion valves 44, and the on-off valves 51 and 57 are electric components including driving units 91, 92, and 93 such as motors or solenoids. These valves are thus connected with electric cables. The plurality of electric components connected to the identical surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 facilitates wiring management such as bundling the electric cables and routing the electric cables to the electric component unit.

[0069] As depicted in FIG. 2, the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 are directed to cross the front panel 66 of the casing 60 in a top view. Accordingly, detaching the front panel 66 from the casing 60 to expose the interior of the casing 60 via the opening 60a facilitates access to the components connected to both the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B, for easy maintenance and replacement of the components. According to the present embodiment, the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 are disposed perpendicularly to the front panel 66, but may alternatively be disposed obliquely thereto.

[0070] The second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is directed to a side (right side) provided with the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41. In other words, the compressor 40 and the accumulator 41 are disposed closer to the second surface 10B than the first surface 10A. The compressor 40 and the accumulator 41 are connected to the second surface 10B via refrigerant pipes, to facilitate routing of the refrigerant pipes.

[0071] The refrigerant flow path unit 10 is provided, on the left side, with the gas header 43e of the outdoor heat exchanger 43. The gas header 43e is thus disposed closer to the first surface 10A than the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. The gas header 43e is connected, via a refrigerant pipe 49, to the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 or the flow path switching valve 42 connected to the first surface 10A. The gas header 43e is connected directly or indirectly to the first surface 10A disposed closer in this manner, to facilitate routing of the refrigerant pipe 49.

[0072] The compressor 40 is connected to the refrigerant flow path unit 10 via a refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 thus blocks vibration of the compressor 40, so that the vibration is unlikely to be transmitted to other components such as the flow path switching valves 42 and the expansion valves 44 connected to the refrigerant flow path unit 10. This facilitates vibration control measures for the refrigerant pipes and the like connecting the refrigerant flow path unit 10 and the other components, and also facilitates routing and the like of the refrigerant pipes.(Specific structure of refrigerant flow path unit)

[0073] FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0074] As depicted in FIG. 6, the refrigerant flow path unit 10 includes a unit body 11, a first j oint tube 12, and a second joint tube 13.

[0075] The unit body 11 includes a plurality of plates 21, 22, and 23. The plurality of plates 21, 22, and 23 is stacked and joined together. The plates 21, 22, and 23 according to the present embodiment are made of stainless steel. The unit body 11 is provided therein with a refrigerant flow path 15. The first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 according to the present embodiment each correspond to a surface (outer surface) of the plate 21 disposed on the outermost side in a stacking direction among the plurality of plates 21, 22, and 23. The refrigerant flow path unit 10 according to the present embodiment is disposed such that the stacking direction (normal direction) of the plurality of plates 21, 22, and 23 matches the transverse direction X of the outdoor unit 31.

[0076] The plurality of plates 21, 22, and 23 includes a first plate 21, a second plate 22 stacked on the first plate 21, and a third plate 23 stacked on the second plate 22. The plates 21, 22, and 23 adjacent to each other are joined by brazing.

[0077] The first plate 21 is disposed at each end part of the unit body 11 in the stacking direction of the plurality of plates 21, 22, and 23 (hereinafter, also simply called the "stacking direction X"). The first plate 21 is made thinner than the remaining second and third plates 22 and 23. The first plate 21 is provided with a connecting sleeve 21b protruding outward from the unit body 11 in the stacking direction X. The connecting sleeve 21b has a cylindrical shape. The connecting sleeve 21b has a sleeve axis extending in the stacking direction X. The connecting sleeve 21b has a sleeve interior constituting a first opening 21a. The first opening 21a is a circular hole penetrating the first plate 21. The connecting sleeve 21b and the first opening 21a are formed by burring the first plate 21.

[0078] The second plate 22 is positioned as a second one from each end in the stacking direction X. The second plate 22 is made thicker than the first plate 21. The second plate 22 is provided with a second opening 22a. The second opening 22a is a circular hole penetrating the second plate 22. The second opening 22a communicates with the first opening 21a in the first plate 21. The first opening 21a and the second opening 22a are identical in inner diameter.

[0079] The third plate 23 is disposed between the two second plates 22 spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction X. The two second plates 22 according to the present embodiment interpose three third plates 23 stacked together. The third plates 23 are identical in thickness to the second plates 22. The second plates 22 and the third plates 23 can thus be formed by processing an identical material.

[0080] The third plates 23 are each provided with a third opening 23a constituting the refrigerant flow path 15. The third opening 23a is a hole penetrating each of the third plates 23 or a slit extending perpendicularly to the stacking direction X. FIG. 6 exemplifies a case where the third opening 23a is formed to range between two second openings 22a in the second plate 22 on a side (left side in FIG. 6) in the stacking direction X. The third opening 23a communicates with the second openings 22a in the second plate 22.

[0081] The first, second, and third plates 21, 22, and 23 may alternatively be made of a material other than stainless steel, such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or iron.

[0082] In the example shown in FIG. 6,the first joint tube 12 is attached to the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 disposed close to the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. The first joint tube 12 is inserted to the first opening 21a and the second opening 22a. The first joint tube 12 has an outer circumferential surface joined by brazing with use of a brazing filler material B3 to an inner circumferential surface of the first opening 21a and an inner circumferential surface of the second opening 22a.

[0083] The inner circumferential surface of the first opening 21a indicates a surface constituting the first opening 21a in the first plate 21. Similarly, the inner circumferential surface of the second opening 22a indicates a surface constituting the second opening 22a in the second plate 22. The first joint tube 12 may alternatively be brazed only to the first plate 21.

[0084] The first joint tube 12 is connected with a different refrigerant pipe 101. As depicted in FIG. 4 and the like, the refrigerant pipe 101 extends from the flow path switching valve 42, the expansion valve 44, or the on-off valve 51 or 57. The refrigerant pipe 101 of this type is typically made of copper or a material chiefly containing copper, such as a copper alloy. The refrigerant pipe 101 has a first end part inserted to the first joint tube 12, and an outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 101 and an inner circumferential surface of the first joint tube 12 are joined by brazing with use of a brazing filler material B2.

[0085] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second joint tube 13 is attached to the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 disposed close to the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. The second joint tube 13 is connected with a different refrigerant pipe 102 linked to a container such as the compressor 40 or the accumulator 41. The second joint tube 13 has a first end part 13a inserted to the first opening 21a and the second opening 22a. The second joint tube 13 has an outer circumferential surface joined by brazing with use of the brazing filler material B3 to the inner circumferential surface of the first opening 21a and the inner circumferential surface of the second opening 22a. The second joint tube 13 may alternatively be brazed only to the first plate 21.

[0086] The second joint tube 13 has the first end part 13a connected to the first and second plates 21 and 22, a curved part 13b curved by 90 degrees from the first end part 13a, and a linear part 13c extending in the vertical direction Z from the curved part 13b. As depicted in FIG. 5, the refrigerant pipe 102 has a second end part 13d disposed upward or laterally in the refrigerant flow path unit 10 in the upstanding posture. This facilitates connecting, by burner brazing or the like, the different refrigerant pipe 102 extending from a container such as the compressor 40 to the second end part 13d of the second joint tube 13. The refrigerant pipe 102 has a first end part inserted to the second end part 13d of the second joint tube 13, and an outer circumferential surface of the refrigerant pipe 102 and an inner circumferential surface of the second end part 13d are joined by brazing with use of the brazing filler material B2.

[0087] The first joint tube 12 and the second joint tube 13 according to the present embodiment are each made of copper or a material chiefly containing copper, such as a copper alloy. The first joint tube 12 may alternatively be made of a material other than the above, such as stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or iron.

[0088] The refrigerant flow path unit 10 may alternatively be constituted by the unit body 11, without including the first joint tube 12 and the second joint tube 13. In this case, the different refrigerant pipes 101 and 102 are directly connected to the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. Still alternatively, the second joint tube 13 may be replaced with the first joint tube 12. In this case, a pipe curved into an L shape serving as the different refrigerant pipe 102 may be connected to the second joint tube 13.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a front view of the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0090] In FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, the plurality of (three) flow path switching valves 42 is disposed at levels different from one another. Two of the three flow path switching valves 42 are disposed at levels higher than the refrigerant flow path unit 10. The flow path switching valve 42 at the highest level is positioned to be overlapped with an upper portion of the unit body 11 in the refrigerant flow path unit 10. The flow path switching valve 42 at a vertically intermediate level and the flow path switching valve 42 at the lowest level are disposed closer to the first surface 10A than the unit body 11. In the present embodiment, the flow path switching valve 42 at the highest level and the flow path switching valve 42 at the vertically intermediate level correspond to the first and third flow path switching valves 42a and 42c in FIG. 3, and the flow path switching valve 42 at the lowest level corresponds to the second flow path switching valve 42b.

[0091] Each of the flow path switching valves 42 is provided, on a side surface in the transverse direction X, with the driving unit 91 constituted by a solenoid. The driving unit 91 corresponds to a maintenance target part as a target of maintenance such as adjustment or replacement. The plurality of flow path switching valves 42 is disposed at the levels different from one another, and the driving units 91 are thus positioned not to be overlapped with one another when viewed from ahead. As depicted in FIG. 2, when the front panel 66 of the casing 60 is detached to reveal the opening 60a for maintenance, the driving units 91 can be accessed via the opening 60a for easier maintenance of the driving units 91.

[0092] As depicted in FIG. 7, the plurality of (two) on-off valves 51 and 57 includes driving units 93 constituted by solenoids, respectively. The driving units 93 each correspond to a maintenance target part as a target of maintenance such as adjustment or replacement. The driving units 93 are disposed at substantially equal levels, but are displaced from each other in the transverse direction. The driving units 93 of the plurality of on-off valves 51 and 57 are thus positioned not to be overlapped with each other when viewed from ahead. As depicted in FIG. 2, when the front panel 66 of the casing 60 is detached to reveal the opening 60a for maintenance, the driving units 93 can be accessed via the opening 60a for easier maintenance of the driving units 93.

[0093] The driving units 91 of the plurality of flow path switching valves 42 and the driving units 93 of the plurality of on-off valves 51 and 57 are positioned not to be overlapped with one another when viewed from ahead. This facilitates access to the driving units 91 and 93 via the opening 60a for maintenance.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the plurality of expansion valves attached to the first surface of the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0095] As depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, each of the expansion valves 44 has an upper end provided with the driving unit 92 such as a motor. The driving unit 92 also corresponds to a maintenance target part as a target of maintenance such as adjustment or replacement. The first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with the plurality of (four) expansion valves 44 aligned in the anteroposterior direction. The driving units 92 of the plurality of expansion valves 44 are positioned to be overlapped with one another when viewed from ahead.

[0096] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the plurality of expansion valves attached to the first surface of the refrigerant flow path unit.

[0097] The driving units 92 of the plurality of expansion valves 44 are positioned not to be overlapped with one another in a top view. As depicted in FIG. 7, no other components attached to the refrigerant flow path unit 10 are disposed right above the driving units 92 of the plurality of expansion valves 44. For example, the flow path switching valve 42c at the vertically intermediate level is positioned closer to the first surface 10A in the transverse direction X than the driving units 92 of the expansion valves 44, so as not to be overlapped with the driving units 92. There is thus no obstacle in a space above each of the driving units 92, for easy maintenance of the driving units 92 from above.

[0098] As depicted in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, the plurality of on-off valves 51 and 57 is displaced from each other in the transverse direction X. The driving units 93 of the on-off valves 51 and 57 are thus positioned not to be overlapped with each other when viewed from above. This facilitates maintenance from above, of the driving units 93 of the on-off valves 51 and 57.

[0099] The flow path switching valve 42a at the highest level and the flow path switching valve 42c at the vertically intermediate level are positioned to be higher than the refrigerant flow path unit 10. This leads to easy avoidance of interference with the different components connected to the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10. As depicted in FIG. 7, any component attached to the first surface 10A of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be reduced in protruding length W from the first surface 10A. This achieves reduction in footprint of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 on the bottom plate 63 of the casing 60, for more flexible disposition of the refrigerant flow path unit 10.

[0100] The flow path switching valve 42a at the highest level is positioned to be overlapped with the upper portion of the unit body 11 in the refrigerant flow path unit 10. This achieves effective use of a space above the refrigerant flow path unit 10 and easy avoidance of interference between the flow path switching valve 42a and the different components (the remaining flow path switching valves 42b and 42c, the refrigerant pipes, and the like).

[0101] The present invention should not be limited to the above exemplification, the scope of the present invention is solely defined by the appended claims.

[0102] For example, the number of the plates constituting the refrigerant flow path unit 10 should not be limited to the number according to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the unit body 11 of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 is not limited to a plate shape, but may have any form such as a block shape.

[0103] The components connected to the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B of the refrigerant flow path unit 10 can be changed appropriately in terms of the types. One or a plurality of functional components may be connected to the second surface 10B, and one or a plurality of containers may be connected to the first surface 10A.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0104] 1refrigeration apparatus 10refrigerant flow path unit 10Afirst surface 10Bsecond surface 15refrigerant flow path 21plate 22plate 23plate 30refrigerant circuit 40compressor (second component, container) 41accumulator (second component, container) 42flow path switching valve (first component, functional component) 43outdoor heat exchanger 43egas header 44expansion valve (first component, functional component) 46oil separator (second component, container) 51first on-off valve (first component, functional component) 57second on-off valve (first component, functional component) 60casing 60aopening 66front panel (side plate) 91driving unit 92driving unit 93driving unit

Claims

1. A refrigeration apparatus comprising: a refrigerant flow path unit (10) that includes a plurality of plates (21, 22, 23) stacked together and is provided therein with a refrigerant flow path (15); a first component (42, 44, 51, 57) and a second component (40, 41, 46) constituting a refrigerant circuit (30); a casing (60) accommodating the refrigerant flow path unit (10) and the first and second components, and a pipe (102) linked to the second component (40, 41, 46), wherein the refrigerant flow path unit (10) has a first surface (10A) and a second surface (10B) on both sides in a normal direction of the plates (21, 22, 23), and is disposed in the casing (60) in a posture with the first surface (10A) and the second surface (10B) being upstanding, the first component (42, 44, 51, 57) is connected to the first surface (10A), and the second component (40, 41, 46) is connected to the second surface (10B), and wherein the refrigerant flow path unit (10) includes a joint tube (13) that connects the pipe (102), the joint tube (13) has a first end part connected to the second surface (10B), and the joint tube (13) has a second end part (13) directed upward, wherein the pipe (102) has a first end part inserted to the second end part (13d) of the joint tube (13), and an outer circumferential surface of the pipe (102) and an inner circumferential surface of the second end part (13d) are joined by brazing with use of a brazing filler material (B2).

2. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first component (42, 44, 51, 57) is a functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit (10).

3. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second component (40) is a compressor supported by the casing (60).

4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the compressor (40) is disposed closer to the second surface (10B) than the first surface (10A).

5. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first component (42) is a flow path switching valve.

6. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the casing (60) has a side surface provided with an opening (60a) for maintenance, the casing (60) includes a side plate (66) configured to close the opening (60a) and be detachable, and the first surface (10A) and the second surface (10B) are directed to cross the side plate (66).

7. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first component (42, 51, 57) includes a first functional component and a second functional component supported by the refrigerant flow path unit (10), and the first functional component and the second functional component have maintenance target parts (91, 93) positioned not to be overlapped with each other when viewed from the opening (60a).

8. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first functional component and the second functional component are flow path switching valves (42) including driving units (91, 93) corresponding to the maintenance target parts.

9. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first component (44) includes a third functional component and a fourth functional component of similar types, supported by the refrigerant flow path unit, and the third functional component and the fourth functional component have maintenance target parts (92) positioned not to be overlapped with each other when viewed from above.

10. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each the third functional component and the fourth functional component is an electric valve (44) or an electromagnetic valve (51, 57) including a driving unit (93) corresponding to a maintenance target part.

11. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the refrigeration apparatus further comprising a heat exchanger (43) accommodated in the casing (60) and including a header (43e), wherein the header (43e) is connected to a closer one of the first surface (10A) and the second surface (10B).