Oil separator and refrigeration device

Abstract

To provide an oil separator of centrifugal separation type that incorporates a check valve internally, while suppressing the reduction in oil separation efficiency.SOLUTION: An oil separator 50 includes a container 51, an inlet pipe 52 for introducing a discharge refrigerant from a compressor 30 into the interior of the container 51, and an outlet pipe 53 that is at least partially provided inside the container 51 to discharge a gas refrigerant, formed by separating oil from the discharged refrigerant, from the container 51. Inside the container 51, an outer peripheral surface 53x of the outlet pipe 53 faces an inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51. The outlet pipe 53 includes a check valve 54, where the check valve 54 includes a straight pipe portion 55, and a large diameter portion 56 that is larger in diameter than the straight pipe portion 55 and is provided inside the container 51. The straight pipe portion 55 includes a lower straight pipe portion 55b extending downward from the large diameter portion 56. The inlet pipe 52 has an opening 52a that allows the discharge refrigerant to flow into the container 51. In an extension direction X of the outlet pipe 53, a range A1 of the opening 52a and a range A4 of the lower straight pipe portion 55b overlap with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an oil separator and a refrigeration device.

Background Art

[0002] A refrigeration device includes an oil separator in an outdoor unit that separates oil from the refrigerant discharged from a compressor (discharged refrigerant). There are types of oil separators such as a gravity separation method and a centrifugal separation method (see Patent Document 1). Generally, an outlet pipe extending from the oil separator to the outside is provided with a check valve.

[0003] Conventionally, in a refrigeration device, in order to make the outdoor unit more compact, simplifying the piping around the oil separator has been considered. A configuration in which a check valve is provided inside the oil separator is considered effective for simplifying the piping around the oil separator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a centrifugal separation type oil separator, when a check valve is provided inside, there is a concern about a decrease in oil separation efficiency.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a centrifugal separation type oil separator with a check valve provided inside while suppressing a decrease in oil separation efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] (1) The oil separator of the present disclosure includes a cylindrical container, an inlet pipe for allowing the discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow into the interior of the container, and an outlet pipe at least a part of which is provided inside the container for allowing the gas refrigerant from which oil has been separated from the discharged refrigerant to flow out of the container. Inside the container, the outer peripheral surface of the outlet pipe faces the inner peripheral surface of the container. The outlet pipe includes a check valve. The check valve includes a straight pipe portion and a diameter-expanded portion that is larger in diameter than the straight pipe portion and is provided inside the container. The straight pipe portion includes a lower straight pipe portion that extends downward from the diameter-expanded portion. The inlet pipe has an opening for allowing the discharged refrigerant to flow out into the interior of the container. In the oil separator of the present disclosure, in the extending direction of the outlet pipe, the range where the opening exists and the range where the lower straight pipe portion exists overlap.

[0008] The oil separator configured as described above can reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant gas flowing inside the container. Thereby, in the oil separator of the centrifugal separation method, while providing a check valve inside, it is possible to suppress a decrease in oil separation efficiency.

[0009] (2) In the oil separator according to the aspect (1) above, inside the container, it is preferable that the range where the opening exists and the range where the diameter-expanded portion exists do not overlap in the extending direction of the outlet pipe.

[0010] The oil separator configured as described above can reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant gas flowing inside the container. Thereby, in the oil separator of the centrifugal separation method, while providing a check valve inside, it is possible to suppress a decrease in oil separation efficiency.

[0011] (3) In the oil separator according to the aspect (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that the lower end of the opening and the lower end of the lower straight pipe portion are separated by 45 mm or more in the extending direction of the outlet pipe.

[0012] The oil separator configured as described above can surely suppress the outflow of oil from the outlet pipe.

[0013] (4) In the oil separator according to any one of the aspects (1) to (3) above, it is preferable that the opening surface of the opening does not face the outlet pipe.

[0014] In the oil separator having the above configuration, the inlet pipe can cause the discharged refrigerant to flow out toward the inner peripheral surface of the container without contacting the outlet pipe. In this case, the generation of the swirling flow is not inhibited by the outlet pipe, and thus, a decrease in the oil separation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0015] (5) In the oil separator according to any one of the aspects (1) to (4) above, the opening surface of the opening includes a first end point having the smallest distance from the inner peripheral surface of the container and a second end point having the largest distance from the inner peripheral surface of the container. Based on a straight line passing through the first end point and intersecting the axis of the outlet pipe, it is preferable that the second end point, when viewed from the direction of the axis of the outlet pipe, is located upstream of the straight line with respect to the flow direction of the discharged refrigerant swirling and flowing inside the container.

[0016] In the oil separator having the above configuration, the inlet pipe can increase the velocity difference between a first flow velocity when the discharged refrigerant flowing out from near the first end point contacts the inner peripheral surface of the container and a second flow velocity when the discharged refrigerant flowing out from near the second end point contacts the inner peripheral surface of the container. In this case, the swirling flow of the discharged refrigerant is formed more smoothly, and the flow velocity of the discharged refrigerant can be ensured. Thereby, a decrease in the oil separation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0017] (6) In the oil separator according to any one of the aspects (1) to (5) above, the outlet pipe further includes a filter provided below the diameter-expanded portion, and it is preferable that the length of the filter in the extending direction of the outlet pipe is smaller than the pipe diameter of the outlet pipe.

[0018] The oil separator having the above configuration can simplify the configuration of the outlet pipe. Thereby, the piping around the oil separator can be simplified.

[0019] (7) In the oil separator according to the aspect of (6) above, it is preferable that the filter is provided in the check valve.

[0020] The oil separator having the above configuration can simplify the configuration of the outlet pipe. Thereby, the piping around the oil separator can be simplified.

[0021] (8) In the oil separator according to any one of the aspects of (1) to (5) above, the outlet pipe further includes an extension pipe extending downward from the lower straight pipe portion, and it is preferable that the filter is provided in the extension pipe.

[0022] The oil separator having the above configuration can simplify the configuration of the outlet pipe. Thereby, the piping around the oil separator can be simplified.

[0023] (9) The refrigeration device of the present disclosure includes the oil separator according to any one of the aspects of (1) to (8).

[0024] The refrigeration device of the present disclosure can suppress a decrease in oil separation efficiency in the oil separator and simplify the piping around the oil separator in the outdoor unit. Thereby, in the refrigeration device, the outdoor unit can be made more compact.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the oil separator and the refrigeration device of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0027] [Regarding the overall configuration of the refrigeration device] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration cycle device of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows a refrigeration device 10 which is an embodiment of the refrigeration device of the present disclosure. The refrigeration device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the refrigeration device of the present disclosure, and is an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of the air in the target space to be air-conditioned to a predetermined target temperature. Note that the refrigeration device of the present disclosure is not limited to an air conditioner, and may be, for example, a refrigerator or the like.

[0028] The refrigeration device 10 includes an outdoor unit 21 and an indoor unit 22. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which one indoor unit 22 is connected to one outdoor unit 21 is illustrated. However, the number of outdoor units 21 and indoor units 22 provided in the refrigeration device 10 is not limited to this, and a configuration in which two or more indoor units 22 are connected in parallel to one outdoor unit 21 may be used. In the case of a configuration in which a plurality of indoor units 22 are connected to the outdoor unit 21, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a heat pump type air conditioner of the cooling / heating switching type is illustrated, but the type of the refrigeration device of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and for example, a so-called cooling / heating free type air conditioner in which cooling and heating can be individually switched for each indoor unit 22 may be used.

[0029] The refrigeration device 10 has a communication pipe 23. The communication pipe 23 circulates the refrigerant between the outdoor unit 21 and the indoor unit 22. The refrigeration device 10 includes a refrigerant circuit 40 including a compressor 30, a four-way switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 31, an outdoor expansion valve 34, a liquid shut-off valve 38, an indoor heat exchanger 25, a gas shut-off valve 39, and refrigerant pipes connecting these. The refrigerant circuit 40 includes a gas refrigerant pipe 40G and a liquid refrigerant pipe 40L.

[0030] The indoor unit 22 includes an indoor heat exchanger 25. The indoor heat exchanger 25 forms part of the refrigerant circuit 40. The indoor heat exchanger 25 is a cross fin tube type or microchannel type heat exchanger and is used for heat exchange with indoor air.

[0031] The indoor unit 22 includes an indoor fan 26. The indoor fan 26 is configured to take indoor air into the interior of the indoor unit 22, perform heat exchange between the taken-in air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 25, and then blow out the air into the room. The indoor fan 26 includes a motor whose operating rotational speed can be adjusted by inverter control.

[0032] The outdoor unit 21 includes a compressor 30, a four-way switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 31, an outdoor expansion valve 34, a liquid shut-off valve 38, and a gas shut-off valve 39. The compressor 30, the four-way switching valve 32, the outdoor heat exchanger 31, the outdoor expansion valve 34, the liquid shut-off valve 38, and the gas shut-off valve 39 form part of the refrigerant circuit 40.

[0033] The compressor 30 sucks in low-pressure gas refrigerant and discharges high-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor 30 includes a motor whose operating rotational speed can be adjusted by inverter control. The compressor 30 is a variable capacity type (capacity variable type) whose capacity can be changed by inverter control of the motor. However, the compressor 30 may be a fixed capacity type. Note that the refrigeration device 10 of the present embodiment includes one compressor 30, but the configuration of the outdoor unit in the refrigeration device (air conditioner) of the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration including two compressors may also be used. In this case, the first compressor may be a variable capacity type and the second compressor may be a fixed capacity type.

[0034] The four-way switching valve 32 reverses the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 40 and switches the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 30 to be supplied to either the outdoor heat exchanger 31 or the indoor heat exchanger 25. Thereby, the refrigeration device 10 can switch between cooling operation and heating operation.

[0035] The outdoor heat exchanger 31 is, for example, a cross fin tube type or microchannel type heat exchanger, and is used to exchange heat between the refrigerant and air as a heat source. The outdoor expansion valve 34 is composed of an electric valve capable of adjusting the refrigerant flow rate and the like.

[0036] The liquid shut-off valve 38 and the gas shut-off valve 39 are manual on-off valves. The liquid shut-off valve 38 and the gas shut-off valve 39 block the flow of refrigerant in the gas refrigerant pipe 40G and the liquid refrigerant pipe 40L when closed, and allow the flow of refrigerant in the gas refrigerant pipe 40G and the liquid refrigerant pipe 40L when opened.

[0037] The outdoor unit 21 includes an outdoor fan 33. The outdoor fan 33 includes a motor whose operating speed can be adjusted by inverter control. The outdoor fan 33 is configured to take in outdoor air into the outdoor unit 21, perform heat exchange between the taken-in air and the outdoor heat exchanger 31, and then blow out the air to the outside of the outdoor unit 21.

[0038] The outdoor unit 21 further includes an oil separator 50. The oil separator 50 is a device that separates the lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant (discharged refrigerant) discharged from the compressor 30. The oil separator 50 of the present disclosure is a centrifugal separation type oil separator. The oil separator 50 includes a container 51, an inlet pipe 52, an outlet pipe 53, and a return oil pipe 60. The inlet pipe 52 is connected to the discharge pipe 36 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 30. The outlet pipe 53 is connected to the communication pipe 37 communicating with the four-way switching valve 32. The return oil pipe 60 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 30. The outdoor unit 21 further includes a solenoid valve 35 provided in the middle of the return oil pipe 60.

[0039] The oil separator 50 allows the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 30 (discharge refrigerant) to flow into the container 51 via the discharge pipe 36 and the inlet pipe 52. The oil separator 50 separates the lubricating oil from the refrigerant by swirling the refrigerant within the container 51. The oil separator 50 allows the refrigerant from which the lubricating oil has been removed to flow out from the outlet pipe 53. The refrigerant flowing out from the outlet pipe 53 is sent to the four-way switching valve 32. The lubricating oil separated from the refrigerant accumulates within the oil separator 50. The lubricating oil accumulating within the oil separator 50 is returned to the compressor 30 via the oil return pipe 60 at the timing when the solenoid valve 35 is opened. Note that the configuration of the oil separator 50 will be described in detail later.

[0040] When the refrigeration device 10 with the above configuration performs a cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 32 is held in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 30 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 31 via the oil separator 50 and the four-way switching valve 32, and exchanges heat with the outdoor air by the operation of the outdoor fan 33 to condense and liquefy. When the refrigeration device 10 performs a cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 31 functions as a condenser. The liquefied refrigerant passes through the fully open outdoor expansion valve 34 and flows into the indoor unit 22. In the indoor unit 22, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 25 and evaporates. The indoor air cooled by the evaporation of the refrigerant is blown into the room by the indoor fan 26 to cool the said room. The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 25 returns to the outdoor unit 21 through the gas refrigerant pipe 40G, and is sucked into the compressor 30 via the four-way switching valve 32. When the refrigeration device 10 performs a cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 25 functions as an evaporator.

[0041] When the refrigeration device 10 performs a heating operation, the four-way switching valve 32 is held in the state shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 30 passes through the oil separator 50 and the four-way switching valve 32 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 25 of each indoor unit 22. In the indoor heat exchanger 25, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air and condenses and liquefies. When the refrigeration device 10 performs a heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 25 functions as a condenser. The indoor air heated by the condensation of the refrigerant is blown into the room by the indoor fan 26 to heat the room. The refrigerant liquefied in the indoor heat exchanger 25 returns to the outdoor unit 21 through the liquid refrigerant pipe 40L, is depressurized to a predetermined low pressure by the outdoor expansion valve 34, and further exchanges heat with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 31 and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated and vaporized in the outdoor heat exchanger 31 is sucked into the compressor 30 through the four-way switching valve 32. When the refrigeration device 10 performs a heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 31 functions as an evaporator.

[0042] [Overall Structure of Oil Separator] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the oil separator of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the oil separator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow Y-Y in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the first embodiment of the oil separator 50 of the present disclosure. In the following description, the oil separator 50 according to the first embodiment is also referred to as the first oil separator 50A. In the following description, when simply referring to the "oil separator 50", the common configurations in the first oil separator 50A and the oil separator 50 (the second oil separator 50B, see FIG. 6) according to the second embodiment to be described later are described.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the oil separator 50 of the present disclosure includes a container 51, an inlet pipe 52, and an outlet pipe 53.

[0044] (Container) As shown in FIG. 2, the container 51 is composed of a cylindrical portion 51a and a pair of upper and lower end plates 51b. The container 51 is substantially cylindrical and has a substantially cylindrical internal space surrounded by the pair of upper and lower end plates 51b and the inner peripheral surface 51c. An inlet pipe 52 is inserted into a through hole 51d formed in the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51a, and an outlet pipe 53 is inserted into a through hole 51e formed at the top of the upper end plate 51b.

[0045] (Inlet pipe) The inlet pipe 52 communicates with the discharge pipe 36 (see FIG. 1) of the compressor 30 and is a pipe member for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the internal space of the container 51. The oil separator 50 is provided with a pipe member 61 for filling the gap of the through portion between the inlet pipe 52 and the through hole 51d. The inlet pipe 52 allows the refrigerant to flow out from an opening 52a formed at the tip on the internal space side of the container 51. The opening surface 52b of the opening 52a is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the inlet pipe 52 at the opening 52a. Note that in FIG. 4, the formation range of the opening surface 52b at the opening 52a is shown as range B. In FIG. 3, the range where the opening 52a exists in the extending direction of the outlet pipe 53 (the direction of arrow X, hereinafter also referred to as direction X) is shown as range A1.

[0046] (Outlet pipe) FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the outlet pipe according to the first embodiment. The outlet pipe 53 is a pipe member for allowing the refrigerant from which oil has been separated to flow out from the internal space of the container 51. The outlet pipe 53 communicates with the four-way switching valve 32 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3, the outlet pipe 53 is inserted into the container 51 from the through hole 51e, and at least a part thereof is disposed in the internal space of the container 51. The outer peripheral surface 53x of the outlet pipe 53 faces the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51. The oil separator 50 is provided with a pipe member 62 for filling the gap of the through portion between the outlet pipe 53 and the through hole 51e. Note that FIGS. 3 and 5 show the outlet pipe 53 (hereinafter also referred to as the first outlet pipe 53A) according to the first embodiment. In this description, when simply referring to the "outlet pipe 53", the common configuration in the first outlet pipe 53A and the outlet pipe 53 (the second outlet pipe 53B, see FIG. 6) according to the second embodiment to be described later is explained.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the outlet pipe 53 is configured to include a check valve 54. In the oil separator 50 of the present disclosure, the check valve 54 constitutes part or all of the outlet pipe 53. The check valve 54 is a valve member that suppresses the reverse flow of the refrigerant flowing out from the internal space of the container 51 into the internal space. The check valve 54 includes a straight pipe portion 55 and a diameter-expanded portion 56. The straight pipe portion 55 is a straight pipe-shaped portion. The diameter-expanded portion 56 is a portion whose diameter is expanded compared to the straight pipe portion 55, and houses a valve body 54a therein. The straight pipe portion 55 includes an upper straight pipe portion 55a extending upward from the diameter-expanded portion 56 and a lower straight pipe portion 55b extending downward from the diameter-expanded portion 56. In the oil separator 50 of the present disclosure, at least the diameter-expanded portion 56 and the lower straight pipe portion 55b of the outlet pipe 53 are inside the container 51. In the present embodiment, the diameter-expanded portion 56 is provided at the midpoint in the axial direction of the straight pipe portion 55, but the arrangement position of the diameter-expanded portion 56 in the check valve 54 is not limited to this. In FIGS. 3 and 5, in the extending direction (direction X) of the outlet pipe 53, the range where the outlet pipe 53 exists is illustrated as range A2, the range where the diameter-expanded portion 56 exists is illustrated as range A3, the range where the lower straight pipe portion 55b exists is illustrated as range A4, and the range where the upper straight pipe portion 55a exists is illustrated as range A5.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the outlet pipe 53 is further configured to include a connection portion 58. The connection portion 58 includes an upper connection portion 58a located at the upper end of the outlet pipe 53 and a lower connection portion 58b located at the lower end 53y of the outlet pipe 53. The connection portion 58 is a portion subjected to flaring processing, has a diameter larger than that of the straight pipe portion 55, and is configured to be able to connect pipes. In the form shown in FIG. 3, the communication pipe 37 is connected to the upper connection portion 58a. The lower connection portion 58b is used as a portion for installing a filter to be described later.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, in this description, for convenience of explanation, the first end point P1 and the second end point P2 are defined for the opening 52a. FIG. 4 shows the position of the axis (center line) C of the outlet pipe 53. In the oil separator 50 of the present disclosure, the position of the axis C coincides with the center of the pipe of the outlet pipe 53. The first end point P1 is the part located most outward in the radial direction of the container 51 at the opening 52a when viewed from the direction of the axis C. The first end point P1 is the point where the shortest distance (M1) from the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51 at the opening 52a is the smallest. The second end point P2 is the part located most inward in the radial direction of the container 51 at the opening 52a when viewed from the direction of the axis C. The second end point P2 is the point where the shortest distance (M2) from the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51 at the opening 52a is the largest. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, in this description, for convenience of explanation, a straight line Z passing through the first end point P1 and perpendicular to the axis C is defined. Further, in this description, the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing swirling inside the container 51 is defined as the flow direction R.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, in the oil separator 50 of the present disclosure, when viewed from the direction of the axis C of the outlet pipe 53, the second end point P2 is located upstream of the straight line Z with respect to the flow direction R of the refrigerant flowing swirling inside the container 51.

[0051] By adopting such a configuration, the oil separator 50 of the present disclosure can increase the speed difference between the flow velocity when the refrigerant flowing out from near the first end point P1 of the inlet pipe 52 reaches the inner peripheral surface 51c and the flow velocity when the refrigerant flowing out from near the second end point P2 reaches the inner peripheral surface 51c. In this case, a swirling flow of the refrigerant is formed more smoothly inside the container 51, and the flow velocity of the swirling flow of the refrigerant can be ensured. Thereby, a decrease in the oil separation efficiency in the centrifugal separation type oil separator 50 can be suppressed.

[0052] [Oil Separator According to the First Embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first oil separator 50A includes a first outlet pipe 53A. In the extending direction (direction X) of the first outlet pipe 53A, the range A1 where the opening 52a is present overlaps with the range A4 where the lower straight pipe portion 55b is present. By adopting such a configuration, the first oil separator 50A can cause the refrigerant flowing into the container 51 from the opening 52a to reach the inner peripheral surface 51c without being obstructed by the first outlet pipe 53A. Thereby, the pressure loss of the refrigerant gas flowing in the container 51 can be reduced. In the first outlet pipe 53A shown in the present embodiment, the range A2 coincides with the range where the check valve 54 is present in the direction X. In other words, the total length of the first outlet pipe 53A in the axial direction coincides with the total length of the check valve 54 in the axial direction.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the first oil separator 50A arranges the opening 52a of the inlet pipe 52 aiming at the portion of the enlarged diameter portion 56 that is reduced in diameter toward the lower straight pipe portion 55b. With such a configuration, the first oil separator 50 secures the distance L between the lower end portion 53y of the first outlet pipe 53A and the lower end of the opening 52a. The distance L in the first oil separator 50A is referred to as the first distance L1. For this reason, in the first oil separator 50A, the range A1 where the opening 52a is present overlaps with the range A3 where the enlarged diameter portion 56 is present. Note that in the first oil separator 50A, the range A1 where the opening 52a is present may not overlap with the range A3 where the enlarged diameter portion 56 is present.

[0054] In the first oil separator 50A of the present embodiment, the first distance L1 is about 67 mm. In other words, the first oil separator 50A secures a first distance L1 of 45 mm or more. By securing a first distance L1 of 45 mm or more, the first oil separator 50A can surely suppress the refrigerant before oil separation from flowing out to the outside from the first outlet pipe 53A.

[0055] [Outlet Pipe According to the First Embodiment] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first outlet pipe 53A is provided with a filter 57. In the first oil separator 50A, the filter 57 is built into the lower connection part 58b of the first outlet pipe 53A (check valve 54). The filter 57 is held in the pipe of the lower connection part 58b by a protruding caulking part 55c formed in the lower connection part 58b.

[0056] The filter 57 provided in the first oil separator 50A has a disk-like form and has a thickness (length) E in the axial direction. In the first oil separator 50A, the thickness E of the filter 57 is smaller than the pipe diameter (outer diameter D) of the lower straight pipe part 55b (E < D). Note that the outer diameter D of the lower straight pipe part 55b is the pipe diameter of the portion where the diameter is the smallest in the first outlet pipe 53. The first oil separator 50A adopting such a configuration can suppress an increase in the total length of the first outlet pipe 53A even when the filter 57 is provided in the first outlet pipe 53A. The first oil separator 50A can be made compact by such a configuration. Note that the oil separator 50 of the present disclosure may have the length E of the filter 57 equal to or larger than the pipe diameter (outer diameter D) of the lower straight pipe part 55b in order to secure the filtration area of the filter 57.

[0057] [Oil Separator According to the Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing an oil separator according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing an outlet pipe according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an oil separator 50 according to the second embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as the second oil separator 50B). As shown in FIG. 6, the second oil separator 50B includes a second outlet pipe 53B which is the outlet pipe 53 according to the second embodiment.

[0058] In the second oil separator 50B, the range A1 where the opening 52a is present overlaps with the range A4 where the lower straight pipe portion 55b is present in the direction X. On the other hand, in the second oil separator 50B, the range A1 does not overlap with the range A3 where the diameter-expanded portion 56 is present. The second oil separator 50B is different from the first oil separator 50A described above in this regard. By adopting such a configuration, the second oil separator 50B can surely suppress the flow of the refrigerant flowing into the container 51 from the opening 52a from being obstructed by the second outlet pipe 53B. As a result, the second oil separator 50B can make the refrigerant flowing into the container 51 from the opening 52a reach the inner peripheral surface 51c more smoothly, and can reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant gas flowing in the container 51. Note that in the second oil separator 50B, the range A1 where the opening 52a is present may overlap with the range A3 where the diameter-expanded portion 56 is present.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the second oil separator 50B, the second outlet pipe 53B further includes an extension pipe 59 extending downward from the check valve 54. The second oil separator 50B is further different from the first oil separator 50A described above in this regard. In other words, the second outlet pipe 53B is constituted by the check valve 54 and the extension pipe 59. The range A2 where the second outlet pipe 53B is present in the X direction is the range where the check valve 54 and the extension pipe 59 are present.

[0060] The extension pipe 59 is a pipe member connected to the lower connection part 58b of the check valve 54, and is provided to extend downward from the lower connection part 58b. The lower end part 53y of the second outlet pipe 53B is the lower end part of the extension pipe 59. The second oil separator 50B secures the distance L between the lower end part 53y of the second outlet pipe 53B and the lower end of the opening part 52a by providing the extension pipe 59. Note that the distance L in the second oil separator 50B is referred to as the second distance L2. The second oil separator 50B secures a second distance L2 of 45 mm or more. By securing a second distance L2 of 45 mm or more, the second oil separator 50B can surely suppress the refrigerant before oil separation from flowing out to the outside from the second outlet pipe 53B.

[0061] The second oil separator 50B adopting such a configuration can easily secure the distance L necessary for preventing the outflow of lubricating oil from the second outlet pipe 53B by adjusting the length of the extension pipe 59 in the second outlet pipe 53B.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second outlet pipe 53B includes a filter 57 built in the extension pipe 59. The filter 57 is held inside the pipe of the extension pipe 59 by a protruding caulking part 59a formed in the extension pipe 59.

[0063] The second oil separator 50B can suppress an increase in the total length of the second outlet pipe 53B by providing the filter 57 in the extension pipe 59. With such a configuration, the second oil separator 50B can be made compact.

[0064] [Operation and Effect of Embodiment] (1) The oil separator 50 of the above embodiment includes a cylindrical container 51, an inlet pipe 52 for allowing the discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor 30 to flow into the interior of the container 51, and an outlet pipe 53 at least a part of which is provided inside the container 51 for allowing the gas refrigerant from which oil has been separated from the discharged refrigerant to flow out of the container 51. Inside the container 51, the outer peripheral surface 53x of the outlet pipe 53 faces the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51. The outlet pipe 53 includes a check valve 54. The check valve 54 includes a straight pipe portion 55 and a diameter-expanded portion 56 that is larger in diameter than the straight pipe portion 55 and is provided inside the container 51. The straight pipe portion 55 includes a lower straight pipe portion 55b that extends downward from the diameter-expanded portion 56. The inlet pipe 52 has an opening 52a for allowing the discharged refrigerant to flow into the interior of the container 51. In the oil separator 50, in the extending direction (direction X) of the outlet pipe 53, the range A1 where the opening 52a exists and the range A4 where the lower straight pipe portion 55b exists overlap.

[0065] According to the oil separator 50 having the above configuration, the pressure loss of the refrigerant gas flowing in the container 51 can be reduced. Thereby, in the oil separator 50 of the centrifugal separation method, while providing the check valve 54 inside, it is possible to suppress a decrease in oil separation efficiency.

[0066] (2) In the oil separator 50 of the above embodiment, inside the container 51, the range A1 where the opening 52a exists and the range A3 where the diameter-expanded portion 56 exists do not overlap in the extending direction (direction X) of the outlet pipe 53. According to the oil separator 50 having the above configuration, the pressure loss of the refrigerant gas flowing in the container 51 can be reduced. Thereby, in the oil separator 50 of the centrifugal separation method, while providing the check valve 54 inside, it is possible to suppress a decrease in oil separation efficiency.

[0067] (3) In the oil separator 50 of the above embodiment, the lower end of the opening 52a and the lower end of the lower straight pipe portion 55b are separated by 45 mm or more in the extending direction (direction X) of the outlet pipe. According to the oil separator 50 having the above configuration, it is possible to reliably suppress the outflow of oil from the outlet pipe 53.

[0068] (4) In the oil separator 50 of the above embodiment, the opening surface 52b of the opening 52a does not face the outlet pipe 53. According to the oil separator 50 configured as described above, the inlet pipe 52 can cause the discharged refrigerant to flow out toward the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51 without contacting the outlet pipe 53. In this case, the generation of the swirling flow is not inhibited by the outlet pipe 53, and thus, a decrease in the oil separation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0069] (5) In the oil separator 50 of the above embodiment, the opening surface 52b of the opening 52a includes a first end point P1 having the smallest distance from the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51 and a second end point P2 having the largest distance from the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51. Based on a straight line Z passing through the first end point P1 and intersecting the axis C of the outlet pipe 53, the second end point P2 as viewed from the direction of the axis C of the outlet pipe 53 is located on the upstream side of the straight line Z with respect to the flow direction R of the discharged refrigerant swirling and flowing inside the container 51. According to the oil separator configured as described above, the inlet pipe 52 can increase the velocity difference between a first flow velocity when the discharged refrigerant flowing out from the vicinity of the first end point P1 reaches the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51 and a second flow velocity when the discharged refrigerant flowing out from the vicinity of the second end point P2 reaches the inner peripheral surface 51c of the container 51. In this case, the swirling flow of the discharged refrigerant can be formed more smoothly, and the flow velocity of the discharged refrigerant can be ensured. Thereby, a decrease in the oil separation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0070] (6) In the oil separator 50 of the above embodiment, the outlet pipe 53 further includes a filter 57 provided below the diameter-expanded portion 56. The filter 57 has a thickness E in the extending direction (direction X) of the outlet pipe 53 that is smaller than the outer diameter D of the outlet pipe 53. According to the oil separator 50 configured as described above, the configuration of the outlet pipe 53 can be simplified. Thereby, the piping around the oil separator 50 can be simplified.

[0071] (7) In the first oil separator 50A of the above embodiment, the filter 57 is provided in the check valve 54. According to the first oil separator 50A having the above configuration, the configuration of the first outlet pipe 53A can be simplified. Thereby, the piping around the first oil separator 50A can be simplified.

[0072] (8) In the second oil separator 50B of the above embodiment, the outlet pipe 53 further includes an extension pipe 59 extending downward from the lower straight pipe portion 55b. The filter 57 is provided in the extension pipe 59. According to the second oil separator 50B having the above configuration, the configuration of the second outlet pipe 53B can be simplified. Thereby, the piping around the second oil separator 50B can be simplified.

[0073] (9) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment includes an oil separator 50.

[0074] The refrigeration device 10 of the present disclosure can suppress a decrease in the oil separation efficiency in the oil separator 50 and simplify the piping around the oil separator 50 in the outdoor unit 21. Thereby, in the refrigeration device 10, the outdoor unit 21 can be made more compact.

[0075] As described above, the embodiments have been described, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0076] 10: Refrigeration device 30: Compressor 50: Oil separator 50A: First oil separator 50B: Second oil separator 51: Container 51c: Inner peripheral surface 52: Inlet pipe 52a: Opening 52b: Opening surface 53: Outlet pipe 53x: Outer peripheral surface 54: Check valve 55: Straight pipe section 55b: Lower straight pipe section 56: Diameter-expanded section 57: Filter 59: Extension pipe A1: Range where the opening exists A3: Range where the diameter-expanded section exists A4: Range where the lower straight pipe section exists P1: First endpoint P2: Second endpoint C: Axis of the outlet pipe D: Diameter of the straight pipe section E: Thickness (length) of the filter X: Extension direction of the outlet pipe Z: Straight line

Claims

1. a cylindrical container (51); an inlet pipe (52) for allowing the discharged refrigerant discharged from a compressor (30) to flow into the interior of the container (51); an outlet pipe (53A, 53B) at least a part of which is provided inside the container (51) for allowing the gas refrigerant from which oil has been separated from the discharged refrigerant to flow out of the container (51); comprising inside the container (51), an outer peripheral surface (53x) of the outlet pipe (53A, 53B) faces an inner peripheral surface (51c) of the container (51); the outlet pipe (53A, 53B) includes a check valve (54); the check valve (54) includes a straight pipe portion (55) and a diameter-expanded portion (56) that has a larger diameter than the straight pipe portion (55) and is provided inside the container (51); the straight pipe portion (55) includes a lower straight pipe portion (55b) extending downward from the diameter-expanded portion (56); the inlet pipe (52) has an opening (52a) for allowing the discharged refrigerant to flow out into the interior of the container (51); an oil separator (50A, 50B) in which a range (A1) where the opening (52a) exists and a range (A4) where the lower straight pipe portion (55b) exists overlap in a extending direction (X) of the outlet pipe (53A, 53B).

2. The oil separator (50B) according to claim 1, wherein inside the container (51), a range (A1) where the opening (52a) exists and a range (A3) where the diameter-expanded portion (56) exists do not overlap in an extending direction (X) of the outlet pipe (53B).

3. The oil separator (50A, 50B) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a lower end of the opening (52a) and a lower end of the lower straight pipe portion (55b) are separated from each other by 45 mm or more in an extending direction (X) of the outlet pipe (53A, 53B).

4. The oil separator (50A, 50B) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an opening surface (52b) of the opening (52a) does not face the outlet pipe (53A, 53B).

5. the opening surface (52b) of the opening (52a) includes a first end point (P1) having the smallest distance from the inner peripheral surface (51c) of the container (51) and a second end point (P2) having the largest distance from the inner peripheral surface (51c) of the container (51); with reference to a straight line (Z) passing through the first end point (P1) and intersecting an axis (C) of the outlet pipe (53A, 53B); when viewed from the direction of the axis (C) of the outlet pipe (53A, 53B), the second end point (P2) The oil separator (50A, 50B) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the flow direction (R) of the discharged refrigerant swirling inside the container (51) is located upstream of the straight line (Z).

6. The outlet pipe (53A) further includes a filter (57) provided below the enlarged diameter portion (56), The filter (57) is The oil separator (50A) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the length (E) of the outlet pipe (53A) in the extending direction (X) is smaller than the pipe diameter (D) of the outlet pipe (53).

7. The oil separator (50A) according to claim 6, wherein the filter (57) is provided on the check valve (54).

8. The outlet pipe (53B) further includes an extension pipe (59) extending downward from the lower straight pipe portion (55b), The oil separator (50B) according to claim 6, wherein the filter (57) is provided on the extension pipe (59).

9. A refrigeration device (10) comprising the oil separator (50) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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