Flow divider, and refrigeration cycle device including the flow divider

Abstract

To provide a flow divider which has suppressed a drift current by the gravity when placed horizontally.SOLUTION: A flow divider 60 includes: a first partition part 67 for dividing the inside of a trunk part 65 into a first space 651 and a second space 652 arranged side by side in the X direction from an inlet part 61 toward an outlet part 63; and a second partition part 69 for partitioning the second space 652 into a third space 653 and a fourth space 654. The first partition part 67 includes a first introduction opening 67a and a second introduction opening 67b for introducing a fluid from the first space 651 to the second space 652. The second partition part 69 includes a first guide opening 69a, a second guide opening 69b, a third guide opening 69c and a fourth guide opening 69d for guiding the fluid in the second space 652 to the outlet part. Each introduction opening and each guide opening are arranged in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, and arranged on the same plane surface which is in parallel both with the X direction and the Y direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] It relates to a diverter used in a refrigeration cycle device.

Background Art

[0002] A diverter that guides the incoming refrigerant into a plurality of spaces and then branches and discharges the refrigerant flowing into each space is widely known. For example, the diverter described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-83079) guides the incoming fluid evenly into three spaces through three openings, and the refrigerant flowing into each space is guided to the corresponding outlet through a diverter path provided for each space.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The above diverter is premised on a vertical installation where the refrigerant flows in the vertical direction, and the installation space tends to be large. Therefore, when the fan motor is enlarged for the purpose of increasing the air volume, the installation space can only be secured by arranging the diverter horizontally.

[0004] However, when the diverter is placed horizontally, uneven flow occurs due to gravity, so the refrigerant cannot be evenly diverted. Therefore, there is a problem of providing a diverter that suppresses uneven flow due to gravity when placed horizontally.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The diverter of the first aspect includes an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a barrel portion, a first partition portion, and a second partition portion. The inlet portion has one inlet through which fluid flows in. The outlet portion has a plurality of outlets through which fluid flows out. The barrel portion forms a space between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The first partition portion divides the inside of the barrel portion into a first space and a second space arranged in the X direction from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion, and is provided with a plurality of introduction openings for guiding fluid from the first space to the second space. The second partition portion divides the second space and is provided with a plurality of guide openings for guiding the fluid further downstream. The plurality of introduction openings and the plurality of guide openings are arranged in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction. The plurality of guide openings are arranged on the same plane parallel to both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0006] Generally, if the diverter is in a vertical posture with the X direction from the inlet portion toward the outlet portion being the vertical direction, the fluid will not be deflected even if it branches into a plurality in the diverter. However, when in a horizontal posture, deflection due to gravity is likely to occur.

[0007] Therefore, in this diverter, the plurality of introduction openings and the plurality of guide openings are arranged in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, and the plurality of guide openings are arranged on the same plane parallel to both the X direction and the Y direction. Therefore, for example, when the diverter is in a horizontal posture, by arranging the diverter so that the Y direction is horizontal, deflection due to gravity is suppressed.

[0008] The diverter of the second aspect is the diverter of the first aspect, and the first partition portion branches the fluid flowing into the first space into two and flows it into the second space.

[0009] The diverter of the third aspect is the diverter of the first aspect, and the second partition portion further branches each of the fluids branched into two by the first partition portion into two.

[0010] The diverter from the fourth perspective is one of the diverters from the first to the third perspectives, and the plurality of introduction openings of the first partition portion include the first opening and the second opening. The second space includes a third space communicating with the first opening and a fourth space communicating with the second opening. The third space and the fourth space are symmetric with respect to an axis in the same direction as the X direction and passing through the center of the inlet.

[0011] In this diverter, the fluid inflow rate from the first opening to the third space and the fluid inflow rate from the second opening to the fourth space are likely to be equal.

[0012] The diverter from the fifth perspective is one of the diverters from the first to the fourth perspectives, and when viewed from the X direction, the inlet of the inlet portion and the introduction opening of the first partition portion do not overlap.

[0013] In this diverter, since the fluid that enters the first space from the inlet hits the first partition portion once and then flows to each introduction opening, it is possible to suppress the fluid from flowing concentratedly only to one introduction opening.

[0014] The diverter from the sixth perspective is one of the diverters from the first to the fourth perspectives, and when viewed from the X direction, the introduction opening of the first partition portion does not overlap with the inlet of the inlet portion and the plurality of outlets of the outlet portion.

[0015] In this diverter, it is possible to suppress the fluid that enters the first space from the inlet from flowing concentratedly from one introduction opening to a specific outlet.

[0016] The diverter from the seventh perspective is one of the diverters from the first to the fourth perspectives, and when viewed from the X direction, the inlet of the inlet portion and the introduction opening of the first partition portion have a portion that overlaps with each other.

[0017] In this diverter, miniaturization of the diverter is possible.

[0018] The diverter from the eighth perspective is one of the diverters from the first to the seventh perspectives, and in the second partition portion, the plurality of guide openings are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction.

[0019] In this flow diverter, at least the uneven flow caused by the difference in the intervals in the Y direction of the guide openings is suppressed.

[0020] The flow diverter according to the ninth aspect is any one of the flow diverters according to the first to eighth aspects, and the distances from the inlet of the inlet portion to the plurality of introduction openings of the first partition portion are equal.

[0021] In this flow diverter, at least the uneven flow caused by the difference in the distances from the inlet to each introduction opening is suppressed.

[0022] The flow diverter according to the tenth aspect is any one of the flow diverters according to the first to ninth aspects, and the distances from one introduction opening to the plurality of guide openings corresponding to the introduction opening are equal.

[0023] In this flow diverter, at least the uneven flow caused by the difference in the distances from the introduction opening to each guide opening is suppressed.

[0024] The flow diverter according to the eleventh aspect is any one of the flow diverters according to the first to tenth aspects, and each of the plurality of introduction openings of the first partition portion is circular and has the same diameter. Each of the plurality of guide openings of the second partition portion is circular and has the same diameter.

[0025] In this flow diverter, at least the uneven flow caused by the difference in the diameters of the respective introduction openings and the difference in the diameters of the respective guide openings is suppressed.

[0026] The flow diverter according to the twelfth aspect is the flow diverter according to the eleventh aspect, and the diameter of the introduction opening is larger than the diameter of the guide opening.

[0027] In this flow diverter, since the fluid flow rate flowing through each introduction opening is larger than the fluid flow rate flowing through each guide opening, the pressure loss can be reduced by making the diameter of the introduction opening larger than the diameter of the guide opening.

[0028] The diverter of the 13th aspect is any one of the diverters from the 1st aspect to the 12th aspect, and refrigerant pipes are inserted into each of the plurality of outlets at the outlet portion. The pipe diameters of the respective refrigerant pipes are the same.

[0029] In this diverter, since the fluid flows evenly to each outlet, there is no need to change the refrigerant pipe diameter.

[0030] The diverter of the 14th aspect is any one of the diverters from the 1st aspect to the 13th aspect, and a concave portion is provided on one of the body portion and the first partition portion, and a convex portion to be inserted into the concave portion is provided on the other.

[0031] In this diverter, the alignment of the first partition portion with the body portion is easy, and it serves as a rotation prevention of the first partition portion with respect to the body portion.

[0032] The diverter of the 15th aspect is any one of the diverters from the 1st aspect to the 14th aspect, and a protruding portion surrounding the edges of the plurality of outlets is provided on the end face of the outlet portion. Yes.

[0033] In this diverter, when brazing the outlet and the refrigerant pipe, the periphery of the protruding portion may be heated, so that the brazing work becomes easy.

[0034] The refrigeration cycle apparatus of the 16th aspect is a refrigeration cycle apparatus including any one of the diverters from the 1st aspect to the 15th aspect, and the diverter is arranged in a posture in which the Y direction is horizontal.

[0035] In this refrigeration cycle apparatus, since the diverter is arranged so that the Y direction is horizontal, the uneven flow due to gravity is suppressed.

[0036] The refrigeration cycle apparatus of the 17th aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the 16th aspect, and the refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via a refrigerant connection pipe. The diverter is arranged in the indoor unit.

[0037] In this refrigeration cycle device, since the diverter is arranged such that the Y direction is horizontal, it is suitable for being arranged in an indoor unit where the installation space for the diverter cannot be large.

[0038] The refrigeration cycle device of the 18th aspect is the refrigeration cycle device of the 16th aspect, wherein the indoor unit includes a heat exchanger that causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and air. The heat exchanger has a first heat exchange part arranged at a location close to the front of the indoor unit and a second heat exchange part arranged at a location close to the back of the indoor unit. The diverter is arranged between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0039] In this refrigeration cycle device, since the diverter is arranged such that the Y direction is horizontal, it is suitable for being arranged in the narrow space between the first heat exchange part and the second heat exchange part.

[0040] The refrigeration cycle device of the 19th aspect is the refrigeration cycle device of the 16th aspect, wherein the indoor unit includes a heat exchanger that causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and air and a fan device that sends air to the heat exchanger. The diverter is arranged above the fan device.

[0041] In this refrigeration cycle device, since the diverter is arranged such that the Y direction is horizontal, it is suitable for being arranged in the narrow space above the fan device.

[0042] The refrigeration cycle device of the 20th aspect is the refrigeration cycle device of the 19th aspect, wherein the fan device has an impeller, a motor that rotates the impeller, and a drip-proof cover that prevents water droplets from falling onto the motor. The shortest distance between the diverter and the drip-proof cover is 5 mm or more.

[0043] In this refrigeration cycle device, if the shortest distance between the diverter and the drip-proof cover is 5 mm or more, interference between the two is prevented.

[0044] The refrigeration cycle device of the 21st aspect is the refrigeration cycle device of the 16th aspect, wherein the diverter is arranged in a posture with the X direction and the Y direction horizontal, or in a posture with the X direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane about the horizontal Y direction as an axis.

[0045] In this refrigeration cycle device, since gravity acts evenly on the refrigerant guided to each outlet, the deviation of the flow due to gravity is suppressed.

[0046] The refrigeration cycle device according to the 22nd aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the 16th aspect, and in the flow divider, the outlet portion is located above the inlet portion in the direction of gravity.

[0047] In this refrigeration cycle device, it is possible to prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing unevenly due to gravity.

[0048] The refrigeration cycle device according to the 23rd aspect is the refrigeration cycle device according to the 16th aspect. The refrigerant pipe connected to the inlet portion has a bent portion that bends in the X direction.

[0049] In this refrigeration cycle device, the horizontal deviation of the refrigerant flowing into the flow divider is suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0050]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0051] <First Embodiment> (1) Schematic Configuration of Flow Divider FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a flow divider 60 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the flow divider 60 shown in FIG. 1.

[0052] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the flow divider 60 has an inlet portion 61, an outlet portion 63, and a body portion 65. The inlet portion 61 has one inlet port 61a through which fluid flows in. The outlet portion 63 has a plurality of outlet ports 63a, 63b, 63c, 63d through which fluid flows out. The body portion 65 forms a space between the inlet portion 61 and the outlet portion 63.

[0053] Also, the flow divider 60 includes a first partition portion 67 and a second partition portion 69 inside. The first partition portion 67 partitions the inside of the body portion 65 into a first space 651 and a second space 652 arranged in a direction from the inlet portion 61 toward the outlet portion 63 (hereinafter referred to as the X direction).

[0054] The first partition portion 67 is provided with a plurality of introduction openings 67a, 67b for guiding fluid from the first space 651 to the second space 652.

[0055] The second partition portion 69 partitions the second space 652. The second partition portion 69 is provided with a plurality of guide openings 69a, 69b, 69c, 69d for guiding fluid further downstream.

[0056] The plurality of introduction openings 67a, 67b and the plurality of guide openings 69a, 69b, 69c, 69d are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the X direction (hereinafter referred to as the Y direction). The plurality of guide openings 69a, 69b, 69c, 69d are arranged on the same plane parallel to both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0057] (2) Detailed Structure of the Flow Divider FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flow divider 60 to which a pipe is connected. In FIG. 3, this cross-section is also a plan view of the flow divider 60 cut along a plane parallel to the Y direction in which a plurality of guide openings 69a are arranged passing through the center of the inlet 61a. Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the flow divider 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0058] (2-1) Inlet Port 61 The inlet port 61 has one inlet 61a with a circular cross-section. A pipe PI is connected to the inlet 61a.

[0059] (2-2) Outlet Port 63 The outlet port 63 has four first outlets 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d with a circular cross-section. A pipe PO is connected to each of the outlets 63a, 63b, 63c, and 63d. The pipe diameters of the four pipes PO are the same.

[0060] (2-3) Barrel Portion 65 The barrel portion 65 is a cylindrical member that surrounds the space sandwiched between the inlet portion 61 and the outlet portion 63. Inside the barrel portion 65, an orifice 66 for guiding the fluid flowing in from the inlet portion 61 to the center is arranged. The orifice 66 is provided with a small hole 66a that is concentric with the inlet 61a and has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the inlet 61a.

[0061] The step between the inlet 61a and the small hole 66a serves as the positioning of the pipe PI inserted into the inlet 61a. In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of reducing the flow resistance of the fluid, the inner diameter of the pipe PI and the diameter of the small hole 66a are set to be equal so as to eliminate the step of the flow path.

[0062] (2-4) First Partition Portion 67 The first partition portion 67 is disposed on the downstream side of the orifice 66 in the X direction, and partitions the internal space of the body portion 65 into a first space 651 and a second space 652. The first space 651 and the second space 652 are arranged along the X direction. The first partition portion 67 is provided with a first introduction opening 67a and a second introduction opening 67b. Each of the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b is circular and has the same diameter. The distances from the inlet 61a of the inlet portion 61 to the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b of the first partition portion 67 are equal.

[0063] Further, a groove-shaped recess 671 that opens toward the second space 652 is formed at the center of the downstream surface of the first partition portion 67.

[0064] (2-5) Second partition portion 69 A convex portion 691 that protrudes toward the first partition portion 67 is formed at the center of the upstream surface of the second partition portion 69. When the convex portion 691 fits into the recess 671 of the first partition portion 67, the second space 652 is partitioned into a third space 653 and a fourth space 654.

[0065] The third space 653 and the fourth space 654 are arranged along the Y direction. Further, the first introduction opening 67a of the first partition portion 67 communicates with the third space 653, and the second introduction opening 67b communicates with the fourth space 654.

[0066] The second partition portion 69 is provided with a first guide opening 69a, a second guide opening 69b, a third guide opening 69c, and a fourth guide opening 69d. Each of the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d is circular and has the same diameter. The first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction.

[0067] Further, the distances from the first introduction opening 67a to the first guide opening 69a and the second guide opening 69b are equal, and the distances from the second introduction opening 67b to the third guide opening 69c and the fourth guide opening 69d are equal.

[0068] Further, the diameters of the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b are larger than the diameters of the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the second partition portion 69 and the outlet portion 63 are integrally formed. The first outlet 63a communicates with the first guide opening 69a, the second outlet 63b communicates with the second guide opening 69b, the third outlet 63c communicates with the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth outlet 63d communicates with the fourth guide opening 69d. Further, the second partition portion 69 may be integrally formed with the body portion 65, or may be integrally formed with the first partition portion 67.

[0070] Also, in the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of reducing the flow resistance of the fluid, in order to eliminate the step of the flow path, the inner diameter of the insertion portion of the pipe PO and the diameters of the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d are set to be equal.

[0071] (3) Flow of fluid in the diverter 60 Here, on the premise that the diverter 60 shown in FIG. 3 is arranged such that the Y direction is horizontal, the flow of fluid in the diverter 60 will be described.

[0072] The fluid flowing in from the inlet 61a passes through the small hole 66a and enters the first space 651. The fluid in the first space 651 branches and flows into the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b of the first partition portion 67 respectively.

[0073] The first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b are arranged side by side in the Y direction. Since gravity acts equally on the fluid branching into the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b respectively, the uneven flow of the fluid due to the influence of gravity is suppressed.

[0074] The fluid branched into the first introduction opening 67a enters the third space 653 in the second space 652. The fluid branched into the second introduction opening 67b enters the fourth space 654 in the second space 652.

[0075] The refrigerant in the third space 653 branches and flows into the first guide opening 69a and the second guide opening 69b of the second partition portion 69 respectively, and exits the flow divider 60 through the corresponding first outlet 63a and second outlet 63b.

[0076] The refrigerant in the fourth space 654 branches and flows into the third guide opening 69c and the fourth guide opening 69d of the second partition portion 69 respectively, and exits the flow divider 60 through the corresponding third outlet 63c and fourth outlet 63d.

[0077] The first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d are arranged side by side in the Y direction. Since gravity acts equally on the fluids branching into the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d respectively, the uneven flow of the fluid due to the influence of gravity is suppressed.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a front view of the flow divider 60 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the inlet portion 61 side. In FIG. 4, the two circles of the same diameter drawn with broken lines indicate the contours of the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b, and the four circles of the same diameter drawn with two-dot chain lines indicate the first outlet 63a, the second outlet 63b, the third outlet 63c, and the fourth outlet 63d.

[0079] When viewed from the side of the inlet 61a, the inlet 61a and the first introduction opening 67a partially overlap, and the first introduction opening 67a and the first outlet 63a and the second outlet 63b partially overlap. Also, when viewed from the side of the inlet 61a, the inlet 61a and the second introduction opening 67b partially overlap, and the second introduction opening 67b and the third outlet 63c and the fourth outlet 63d partially overlap.

[0080] The above-described overlap is a configuration that cannot be avoided in order to reduce the size of the flow divider 60. As shown in FIG. 4, in the section from the inlet 61a to the second outlet 63b and the section from the inlet 61a to the third outlet 63c, linear flow paths are formed. However, since the overlap between the inlet 61a and the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b is minute, there is no possibility of causing uneven flow.

[0081] (4) Application of the flow divider 60 to the air conditioner 100 FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle apparatus equipped with a flow divider 60. In FIG. 5, the refrigeration cycle apparatus is an air conditioner 100 in which an outdoor unit 2 on the heat source side installed outdoors and an indoor unit 3 on the utilization side installed indoors are connected via two refrigerant connection pipes 11, 12.

[0082] (4-1) Outline of the air conditioner 100 In the air conditioner 100, a refrigerant circuit 10 is formed by annularly connecting a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, and an electric expansion valve 24 included in the outdoor unit 2 and an indoor heat exchanger 32 included in the indoor unit 3. In the refrigerant circuit 10, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating the filled refrigerant.

[0083] An outdoor fan 29 is installed near the outdoor heat exchanger 23. In the outdoor heat exchanger 23, heat exchange occurs between the air conveyed by the outdoor fan 29 and the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0084] An indoor fan 34 is located near the indoor heat exchanger 32. The indoor fan 34 is composed of a horizontally long impeller 34a and a motor 34b that drives the impeller 34a. A drip-proof cover 34c for preventing water droplets is attached to the motor 34b. When the impeller 34a rotates, air is taken in from the room and applied to the indoor heat exchanger 32. In the indoor heat exchanger 32, heat exchange occurs between the air conveyed by the indoor fan 34 and the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 32.

[0085] In the cooling operation mode, dehumidifying operation mode, and reheating dehumidifying operation mode, the four-way switching valve 22 switches to the first state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1), and the first port P1 and the third port P3 communicate with each other and the second port P2 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other. Therefore, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 circulates in the direction of the solid line arrow in FIG. 1.

[0086] In the heating operation mode, the four-way switching valve 22 switches to the second state (the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 1), and the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other and the second port P2 and the third port P3 communicate with each other. Therefore, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 circulates in the direction of the broken line arrow in FIG. 1.

[0087] (4-2) Position of the diverter 60 and flow of the refrigerant As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor heat exchanger 32 has a first heat exchange section 321 and a second heat exchange section 322, and the reheating and dehumidifying valve 33 and the diverter 60 are arranged to connect between the first heat exchange section 321 and the second heat exchange section 322.

[0088] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the indoor heat exchanger 32. In FIG. 6, the indoor heat exchanger 32 has an inverted V shape with the upper and lower parts of the V shape reversed in side view. The first heat exchange section 321 is located on the front side of the indoor unit 3, and the second heat exchange section 322 is located on the back side of the indoor unit 3. In FIG. 6, in order to show the positional relationship between the drip-proof cover 34c of the motor 34b and the indoor heat exchanger 32, the drip-proof cover 34c is drawn with a dashed line.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, since the pipe PI connected to the inlet portion 61 has a bent portion PIx that bends in the X direction, the horizontal bias of the refrigerant flowing into the diverter 60 is suppressed. In FIG. 6, since the pipe PI extends from below toward the inlet portion 61 of the diverter 60 and then bends in the X direction, originally, the horizontal bias of the refrigerant is unlikely to occur. On the other hand, when the pipe PI extends toward the inlet portion 61 of the diverter 60 along the horizontal Y direction orthogonal to the X direction and then bends in the X direction, the section along the X direction of the bent portion PIx cancels the horizontal bias of the refrigerant flowing into the diverter 60.

[0090] The diverter 60 is arranged between the first heat exchange section 321 and the second heat exchange section 322 in a posture with the X direction and the Y direction in FIGS. 2 and 3 horizontal, or in a posture with the X direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane about the horizontal Y direction as an axis. In particular, a posture in which the outlet portion 63 is located above the inlet portion 61 in the direction of gravity is desirable, thereby preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing unevenly due to gravity.

[0091] The shunt 60 is disposed above the indoor fan 34 such that the shortest distance from the drip-proof cover 34c is 5 mm or more.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a side view of the indoor heat exchanger 32 showing the refrigerant path. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, the flow of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 32 during the reheating and dehumidifying operation will be described. In FIG. 7, during the reheating and dehumidifying operation, since the opening degree of the reheating and dehumidifying valve 33 is throttled, the first heat exchange section 321 functions as a condenser, and the second heat exchange section 322 functions as an evaporator.

[0093] During the reheating and dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant is supplied from the first branch section 130 to the refrigerant inlets 131 disposed near one end of each of the two auxiliary heat exchange sections 321a of the first heat exchange section 321. The supplied refrigerant flows out from the outlets 132 disposed near the other end of each auxiliary heat exchange section 321a and enters the second branch section 133.

[0094] Each of the refrigerants branched into eight in the second branch section 133 is supplied to the first heat exchange section 321 from the eight inlets 134 of the first heat exchange section 321. Thereafter, the refrigerant condenses in the first heat exchange section 321, becomes liquid refrigerant, flows out from the eight outlets 135, and merges at the first merging section 136.

[0095] The refrigerant exiting from the first merging section 136 enters the reheating and dehumidifying valve 33 and is depressurized by the reheating and dehumidifying valve 33 to a low pressure at which it can evaporate in the second heat exchange section 322. The refrigerant depressurized by the reheating and dehumidifying valve 33 is branched into four when passing through the shunt 60 and is supplied to the second heat exchange section 322 from the four inlets 137 of the second heat exchange section 322. Thereafter, the refrigerant evaporates in the second heat exchange section 322, becomes gaseous refrigerant, flows out from the four refrigerant outlets 138, and merges at the second merging section 139.

[0096] Since the flow divider 60 is arranged such that the arrangement direction of the first introduction openings 67a and 67b and the arrangement direction of the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d are horizontal, the uneven flow of the refrigerant due to the influence of gravity is suppressed within the flow divider 60.

[0097] (5) Features of the First Embodiment (5-1) The flow divider 60 includes a first partition portion 67 that partitions the interior of the body portion 65 into a first space 651 and a second space 652 arranged in the X direction from the inlet portion 61 toward the outlet portion 63, and a second partition portion 69 that partitions the second space 652 into a third space 653 and a fourth space 654.

[0098] The first partition portion 67 has a first introduction opening 67a and a second introduction opening 67b that guide fluid from the first space 651 to the second space 652. The second partition portion 69 has a first guide opening 69a, a second guide opening 69b, a third guide opening 69c, and a fourth guide opening 69d that guide the fluid in the second space 652 to the outlet portion 63.

[0099] The first introduction openings 67a and 67b and the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d are arranged in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, and the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d are arranged on the same plane parallel to both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0100] Therefore, when the flow divider 60 is in a horizontal posture, by arranging the flow divider 60 such that the Y direction is horizontal, the uneven flow due to gravity is suppressed.

[0101] (5-2) The first partition portion 67 branches the fluid flowing into the first space 651 into two flows to the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b and flows it into the second space 652.

[0102] (5-3) The second partition portion 69 branches the fluid that has been guided to the first introduction opening 67a of the first partition portion 67 and has flowed into the third space 653 in the second space 652 into two flows to the first guide opening 69a and the second guide opening 69b.

[0103] Also, the second partition portion 69 branches the fluid that has been guided to the second introduction opening 67b of the first partition portion 67 and has flowed into the fourth space 654 in the second space 652 into two flows to the third guide opening 69c and the fourth guide opening 69d.

[0104] (5-4) The third space 653 and the fourth space 654 are symmetric with respect to an axis that is in the same direction as the X direction and passes through the center of the inlet 61a. Therefore, the fluid inflow rate from the first introduction opening 67a to the third space 653 and the fluid inflow rate from the second introduction opening 67b to the fourth space 654 are likely to be equal.

[0105] (5-5) In the diverter 60, in the second partition portion 69, the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. Therefore, at least the uneven flow caused by the difference in the intervals in the Y direction of each guide opening is suppressed.

[0106] (5-6) In the diverter 60, the distances from the inlet 61a of the inlet portion 61 to the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b of the first partition portion 67 are equal. Therefore, at least the uneven flow caused by the difference in the distances from the inlet 61a to each introduction opening is suppressed.

[0107] (5-7) In the diverter 60, the distances from the first introduction opening 67a to the first guide opening 69a and the second guide opening 69b are equal, and the distances from the second introduction opening 67b to the third guide opening 69c and the fourth guide opening 69d are equal. Therefore, the diverter 60 suppresses at least the uneven flow caused by the difference in the distances from each introduction opening to each guide opening.

[0108] (5-8) Each of the first introduction openings 67a and the second introduction openings 67b of the first partition portion 67 is circular and has the same diameter. Each of the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d of the second partition portion 69 is circular and has the same diameter. Therefore, in the flow divider 60, the uneven flow caused by at least the difference in the diameters of the introduction openings and the difference in the diameters of the guide openings is suppressed.

[0109] (5-9) The diameters of the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b are larger than the diameters of the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d. In the flow divider 60, the fluid flow rate flowing through each of the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b is larger than the fluid flow rate flowing through each of the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d. Therefore, by making the diameters of the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b larger than the diameters of the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d, the pressure loss can be reduced.

[0110] (5-10) Pipes PO are inserted into each of the first outlet 63a, the second outlet 63b, the third outlet 63c, and the fourth outlet 63d of the outlet portion 63. The pipe diameters of each of the pipes PO are the same. In the flow divider 60, since the fluid flows evenly to each of the first outlet 63a, the second outlet 63b, the third outlet 63c, and the fourth outlet 63d, there is no need to change the pipe diameter.

[0111] (5-11) In the air conditioner 100, since the flow divider 60 is arranged in a posture in which the Y direction is horizontal, it is suitable for arrangement in the indoor unit 3 where the installation space of the flow divider 60 cannot be large, and the uneven flow due to gravity is suppressed.

[0112] (5-12) Since the diverter 60 is arranged above the indoor fan 34 such that the Y direction is horizontal, it is suitable for being arranged in the narrow space between the first heat exchange part 321 and the second heat exchange part 322 of the indoor heat exchanger 32.

[0113] (5-13) The indoor fan 34 includes an impeller 34a, a motor 34b that rotates the impeller 34a, and a drip-proof cover 34c that prevents water droplets from falling onto the motor 34b. To prevent interference between the diverter 60 and the drip-proof cover 34c, the shortest distance between the two is set to 5 mm or more.

[0114] (5-14) In the air conditioner 100, the diverter 60 is arranged in a posture with the X direction and the Y direction horizontal, or in a posture with the X direction inclined with respect to the horizontal plane about the horizontal Y direction as an axis. In the diverter 60, since gravity acts equally on the refrigerant guided to each of the first outlet 63a, the second outlet 63b, the third outlet 63c, and the fourth outlet 63d, the deviation of the flow due to gravity is suppressed.

[0115] (5-15) In the air conditioner 100, by setting the posture of the diverter 60 such that the outlet part 63 is located above the inlet part 61 in the direction of gravity, it is possible to prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing unevenly due to gravity.

[0116] (5-16) In the air conditioner 100, the pipe PI connected to the inlet part 61 has a bent part PIx that bends in the X direction. When the pipe PI extends along the Y direction to the inlet part 61, by having the bent part PIx that bends in the X direction, the horizontal deviation of the refrigerant flowing into the diverter 60 is suppressed.

[0117] <Second Embodiment> (1) Configuration of the diverter 60 FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a part of the diverter 60 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in a cut-away state. FIG. 9 is a front view of the diverter 60 shown in FIG. 8 viewed from the inlet part 61 side.

[0118] In FIGS. 8 and 9, the difference from the first embodiment is that two first introduction openings 67a and two second introduction openings 67b are provided in the first partition portion 67. Since the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is the same as that in FIG. 3.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 9, the two first introduction openings 67a are arranged vertically in the front view of FIG. 9 so as not to overlap with the inlet 61a, the first outlet 63a, and the second outlet 63b. Similarly, the two second introduction openings 67b are arranged vertically in the front view of FIG. 9 so as not to overlap with the inlet 61a, the third outlet 63c, and the fourth outlet 63d.

[0120] (2) Flow of fluid in the diverter 60 In FIG. 9, when the diverter 60 is arranged such that the Y direction is horizontal, the fluid flowing in from the inlet 61a once hits the first partition portion 67 and branches into two first introduction openings 67a and two second introduction openings 67b. The fluid passing through the two first introduction openings 67a enters the third space 653 shown in FIG. 3, and the fluid passing through the two second introduction openings 67b enters the fourth space 654 shown in FIG. 3.

[0121] Since the two first introduction openings 67a are arranged vertically, the fluid passing through the two first introduction openings 67a may be deflected to the lower first introduction opening 67a under the influence of gravity. However, since the fluid passing through the two first introduction openings 67a merges in the third space 653, the deflection is eliminated.

[0122] Similarly, since the two second introduction openings 67b are also arranged vertically, the fluid passing through the two second introduction openings 67b may also be deflected to the lower second introduction opening 67b under the influence of gravity. However, since the fluid passing through the two second introduction openings 67b merges in the fourth space 654, the deflection is eliminated.

[0123] The refrigerant in the third space 653 branches and flows into the first guide opening 69a and the second guide opening 69b of the second partition portion 69 respectively, and exits the diverter 60 through the corresponding first outlet 63a and second outlet 63b.

[0124] The refrigerant in the fourth space 654 branches and flows into the third guide opening 69c and the fourth guide opening 69d of the second partition portion 69 respectively, and exits the flow divider 60 through the corresponding third outlet 63c and fourth outlet 63d.

[0125] The first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d are arranged side by side in the Y direction. Since gravity acts equally on the fluids that branch into the first guide opening 69a, the second guide opening 69b, the third guide opening 69c, and the fourth guide opening 69d respectively, the uneven flow of the fluid due to the influence of gravity is suppressed.

[0126] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, in the section from the inlet 61a to the second outlet 63b and the section from the inlet 61a to the third outlet 63c, there is no linearly connected flow path, so there is no risk of causing uneven flow.

[0127] Therefore, if the flow divider 60 of the second embodiment is applied to the air conditioner 100, the same effect as when the flow divider of the first embodiment is applied to the air conditioner can be obtained.

[0128] (3) Features of the Second Embodiment The second embodiment inherits the features of the first embodiment and has the following features.

[0129] (3-1) When viewed from the X direction, the inlet 61a of the inlet portion 61 of the flow divider 60 does not overlap with the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b of the first partition portion 67. Therefore, the fluid that enters the first space 651 from the inlet 61a hits the first partition portion 67 once and then flows into the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b, so that it is possible to suppress the fluid from flowing concentratedly into only one introduction opening.

[0130] (3-2) When viewed from the X direction, the first introduction opening 67a and the second introduction opening 67b of the first partition portion 67 of the diverter 60 do not overlap with the inlet 61a of the inlet portion 61 and the first outlet 63a, the second outlet 63b, the third outlet 63c, and the fourth outlet 63d of the outlet portion 63. Therefore, it is suppressed that the fluid that has entered the first space 651 from the inlet 61a flows concentratedly from the first introduction opening 67a or the second introduction opening 67b to a specific outlet.

[0131] <Modification common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment> (1) First modification FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a state in which a part of the diverter 60 according to the first modification is cut away. In FIG. 10, the difference from the second embodiment is that the first partition portion 67, which was circular in plan view in the second embodiment, is changed to a shape surrounded by two arc portions and two straight portions 68a in the first modification.

[0132] With the change in the shape of the first partition portion 67, a flat portion 68b is formed in a portion of the body portion 65 into which the straight portion 68a of the first partition portion 67 is inserted. Compared with the original first partition portion 67 and the body portion 65, the straight portion 68a of the first partition portion 67 corresponds to a concave portion, and the flat portion 68b of the body portion 65 corresponds to a convex portion. Therefore, by fitting the convex portion into the concave portion, the alignment of the first partition portion 67 with the body portion 65 becomes easy and the first partition portion 67 is prevented from rotating with respect to the body portion 65.

[0133] The first modification can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0134] (2) Second modification FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the diverter 60 according to the second modification. In FIG. 11, the difference from the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that a protruding portion 661 surrounding the edges of the first outlet 63a, the second outlet 63b, the third outlet 63c, and the fourth outlet 63d is provided on the end surface of the outlet portion 63.

[0135] The protrusion 661 can be formed by raising a part of the end face of the outlet portion 63 or by machining away a part of the end of the body portion 65.

[0136] Pipes PO are inserted into and brazed to the first outlet 63a, the second outlet 63b, the third outlet 63c, and the fourth outlet 63d. At this time, since the periphery of the protrusion 661 may be heated, the brazing work becomes easier compared to the case where there is no protrusion 661.

[0137] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained. It will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0138] 2 Outdoor unit 3 Indoor unit 32 Indoor heat exchanger 34 Indoor fan (fan device) 34a Impeller 34b Motor 34c Drip-proof cover 321 First heat exchange section 322 Second heat exchange section 60 Divider 61 Inlet section 61a Inlet 63 Outlet section 63a First outlet (outlet) 63b Second outlet (outlet) 63c Third outlet (outlet) 63d Fourth outlet (outlet) 65 Body 651 First space 652 Second space 653 Third space 654 Fourth space 661 Protrusion 67 First partition 67a First introduction opening (first opening) 67b Second introduction opening (second opening) 68a Straight part (concave part) 68b Flat part (convex part) 69 Second partition part 69a First guide opening (guide opening) 69b Second guide opening (guide opening) 69c Third guide opening (guide opening) 69d Fourth guide opening (guide opening) 100 Air conditioner (refrigeration cycle device) PI Pipe PIx Bending part PO Pipe

Prior art documents

Patent documents

[0139]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An inlet part (61) having one inlet port (61a) through which a fluid flows in, An outlet part (63) having a plurality of outlet ports (63a, 63b, 63c, 63d) through which the fluid flows out, A body part (65) forming a space between the inlet part (61) and the outlet part (63), The inside of the body part (65) is partitioned into a first space (651) and a second space (652) arranged in the X direction from the inlet part (61) toward the outlet part (63), and a first partition part (67) provided with a plurality of introduction openings (67a, 67b) for guiding the fluid from the first space (651) to the second space (652), A second partition part (69) that partitions the second space (652) and is provided with a plurality of guide openings (69a, 69b, 69c, 69d) for guiding the fluid further downstream, Comprising, The plurality of introduction openings (67a, 67b) and the plurality of guide openings (69a, 69b, 69c, 69d) are arranged in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, The plurality of guide openings (69a, 69b, 69c, 69d) are arranged on the same plane parallel to both the X direction and the Y direction, A flow divider (60).

2. The first partition part (67) branches the fluid flowing into the first space (651) into two and flows it into the second space (652), The flow divider (60) according to claim 1.

3. The second partition part (69) further branches each of the fluids branched into two by the first partition part (67) into two, The flow divider (60) according to claim 1.

4. The plurality of introduction openings (67a, 67b) of the first partition part (67) include a first opening (67a) and a second opening (67b), The second space (652) includes a third space (653) communicating with the first opening (67a) and a fourth space (654) communicating with the second opening (67b), The third space (653) and the fourth space (654) are symmetric with respect to an axis in the same direction as the X direction and passing through the center of the inlet port (61a), The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When viewed from the X direction, the inlet port (61a) of the inlet part (61) and the introduction openings (67a, 67b) of the first partition part (67) do not overlap, The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. When viewed from the X direction, the introduction openings (67a, 67b) of the first partition portion (67) do not overlap with the inlet opening (61a) of the inlet portion (61) and the plurality of outlet openings (63a, 63b, 63c, 63d) of the outlet portion (63). The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. When viewed from the X direction, the inlet opening (61a) of the inlet portion (61) and the introduction openings (67a, 67b) of the first partition portion (67) have a portion that overlaps with each other. The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. In the second partition portion (69), the plurality of guide openings (69a, 69b, 69c, 69d) are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. Each distance from the inlet opening (61a) of the inlet portion (61) to the plurality of introduction openings (67a, 67b) of the first partition portion (67) is equal. The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. Each distance from one of the introduction openings (67a, 67b) to the plurality of guide openings (69a, 69b, 69c, 69d) corresponding to the introduction openings (67a, 67b) is equal. The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. Each of the plurality of introduction openings (67a, 67b) of the first partition portion (67) is circular and has the same diameter. Each of the plurality of guide openings (69a, 69b, 69c, 69d) of the second partition portion (69) is circular and has the same diameter. The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The diameter of the introduction openings (67a, 67b) is larger than the diameter of the guide openings (69a, 69b, 69c, 69d). The flow divider according to claim 11.

13. A refrigerant pipe (PO) is inserted into each of the plurality of outlet openings (63a, 63b, 63c, 63d) of the outlet portion (63). The pipe diameter of each of the refrigerant pipes (PO) is the same. The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. One of the body portion (65) and the first partition portion (67) is provided with a concave portion (68a), and the other is provided with a convex portion (68b) inserted into the concave portion (68a). The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. On the end face of the outlet portion (63), a protruding portion (661) surrounding the edges of the plurality of the outlet ports (63a, 63b, 63c, 63d) is provided. The flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. A refrigeration cycle apparatus including the flow divider (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow divider (60) is arranged in a posture in which the Y direction is horizontal. Refrigeration cycle apparatus (100).

17. The refrigeration cycle apparatus further includes an outdoor unit (2) and an indoor unit (3) connected to the outdoor unit (2) via a refrigerant connection pipe, and the flow divider (60) is arranged in the indoor unit (3). The refrigeration cycle apparatus (100) according to claim 16.

18. The indoor unit (3) includes a heat exchanger (32) for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and air, and the heat exchanger (32) has a first heat exchange portion (321) arranged at a location close to the front surface of the indoor unit (3) and a second heat exchange portion (322) arranged at a location close to the back surface of the indoor unit (3), and the flow divider (60) is arranged between the first heat exchange portion (321) and the second heat exchange portion (322). The refrigeration cycle apparatus (100) according to claim 16.

19. The indoor unit (3) includes a heat exchanger (32) for performing heat exchange between refrigerant and air and a fan device (34) for sending air to the heat exchanger (32), and the flow divider (60) is arranged above the fan device (34). The refrigeration cycle apparatus (100) according to claim 16.

20. The fan device (34) has an impeller (34a), a motor (34b) for rotating the impeller (34a), and a drip-proof cover (34c) for preventing water droplets from dropping onto the motor (34b), and the shortest distance between the flow divider (60) and the drip-proof cover (34c) is 5 mm or more. The refrigeration cycle apparatus (100) according to claim 19.

21. The flow divider (60) is arranged in a posture in which the X direction and the Y direction are horizontal, or in a posture in which the X direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane about the horizontal Y direction as an axis. The refrigeration cycle apparatus (100) according to claim 16.

22. In the flow divider (60), the outlet portion (63) is located above the inlet portion (61) in the direction of gravity. The refrigeration cycle apparatus (100) according to claim 16.

23. The refrigerant pipe (PI) connected to the inlet portion (61) has a bending portion (PIx) that bends in the X direction. The refrigeration cycle device (100) according to claim 16.

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