Refrigerant distributing pipe, and air conditioner

Abstract

To provide a refrigerant distributing pipe capable of suppressing an actual distribution flow rate of a refrigeration oil being deviated from a target flow rate, and to provide an air conditioner.SOLUTION: A refrigerant distributing pipe includes: an inflow pipe where a fluid flows in; a connection part which has an inflow opening extending in one direction from an end part of the inflow pipe and communicated with the inflow pipe at an end part on the inflow pipe side in the extension direction, and which has a first outflow opening and a second outflow opening provided side by side in the first direction orthogonal to the extension direction at an end part on the opposite side from the inflow pipe in the extension direction; a first outflow pipe communicated with the connection part at the first outflow opening, and allowing the fluid to flow out of an outdoor unit; and a second outflow pipe communicated with the connection part at the second outflow opening, and allowing the fluid to flow out of an outdoor unit different from the outdoor unit which is the flow-out destination from the first outflow pipe. The center of the cross section of the first outflow opening and the center of the cross section of the second outflow opening are positioned on one side in a second direction orthogonal to the extension direction and the first direction with respect to the center of the cross section of the inflow opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant distribution pipe and an air conditioning apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In air conditioners equipped with indoor units, outdoor units, and refrigerant circuits, multiple outdoor units may be installed in parallel. Refrigerant oil is used to lubricate the sliding parts of the compressor in each outdoor unit to prevent burnout. As the refrigerant circulates through the refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant oil adheres to and accumulates in the heat exchanger and refrigerant pipes outside the compressor. For this reason, the refrigerant must be circulated through the refrigerant pipes, and this accumulated refrigerant oil must be periodically recovered into the compressors of each outdoor unit. It is desirable for the refrigerant oil to be recovered evenly from each outdoor unit, and distribution pipes are provided in the refrigerant pipes to distribute the refrigerant oil at an appropriate flow rate. For example, the distribution pipe disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an extension section in which one end of a pipe having an approximately circular cross section is extended, and a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe arranged side by side within this extension section and branching in two directions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-2679 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using the distribution pipe disclosed in Patent Document 1, etc., depending on the installation posture and shape of the distribution pipe, the actual distribution flow rate of refrigeration oil through the distribution pipe may deviate significantly from the target distribution flow rate (hereinafter referred to as the "target flow rate").

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a refrigerant distribution pipe and an air conditioning apparatus that can prevent the actual distribution flow rate of refrigeration oil from deviating from the target flow rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a refrigerant distribution pipe according to the present disclosure is used in a refrigerant pipe connecting a plurality of outdoor units and indoor units each having a compressor, and distributes a fluid containing an air-conditioning refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil for lubricating the compressor to the plurality of outdoor units, the refrigerant distribution pipe comprising an inlet pipe into which the fluid flows, and an inlet opening extending in one direction from an end of the inlet pipe, the inlet opening communicating with the inlet pipe at an end on the inlet pipe side in the extending direction, and the inlet opening being arranged at an end on the opposite side from the inlet pipe in the extending direction, in a first direction perpendicular to the extending direction. a connecting part having a first outlet opening and a second outlet opening, a first outlet pipe communicating with the connecting part at the first outlet opening and discharging the fluid to the outdoor unit; and a second outlet pipe communicating with the connecting part at the second outlet opening and discharging the fluid to the outdoor unit different from the outdoor unit to which the fluid is to be discharged from the first outlet pipe, wherein the center of a cross section of the first outlet opening and the center of a cross section of the second outlet opening are located on one side of the center of a cross section of the inlet opening in a second direction perpendicular to the extension direction and the first direction.

[0007] The refrigerant distribution pipe according to the present disclosure is used in a refrigerant pipe connecting a plurality of outdoor units and indoor units each having a compressor, and distributes a fluid including an air-conditioning refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil for lubricating the compressor to the plurality of outdoor units, and includes an inlet pipe into which the fluid flows, and a refrigerant distribution pipe extending in one direction from an end of the inlet pipe, having an inlet opening communicating with the inlet pipe at an end on the inlet pipe side in the extending direction, and being arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to the extending direction at an end on the opposite side from the inlet pipe in the extending direction. a connecting portion having a first outlet opening and a second outlet opening, a first outlet pipe communicating with the connecting portion at the first outlet opening and discharging the fluid to the outdoor unit; and a second outlet pipe communicating with the connecting portion at the second outlet opening and discharging the fluid from the first outlet pipe to an outdoor unit different from the outdoor unit to which the fluid is to be discharged, wherein a cross section of the first outlet pipe and a cross section of the second outlet pipe are shaped like a rectangle having one side extending in the extension direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0008] The air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes the refrigerant pipe including any one of the above refrigerant distribution pipes, a plurality of the outdoor units, and the indoor units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the refrigerant distribution pipe and air conditioner of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the actual distributed flow rate of refrigeration oil from deviating from the target flow rate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a refrigerant distribution pipe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the refrigerant distribution pipe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where a refrigerant distribution pipe according to a comparative example to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is used. [Figure 6]4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the effects of the refrigerant distribution pipe according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerant distribution pipe according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerant distribution pipe according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where a refrigerant distribution pipe according to a comparative example to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is used. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the effects of the refrigerant distribution pipe according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerant distribution pipe according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment (Configuration of air conditioning device) A refrigerant distribution pipe 10 and an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning apparatus 100 includes an indoor unit 1, an outdoor unit 2, a refrigerant pipe 3, and a control unit 4. The air conditioning apparatus 100 of this embodiment is a so-called multi-air conditioner in which multiple indoor units 1 are provided. The air conditioning apparatus 100 is used, for example, in a building. Similarly to the indoor units 1, multiple outdoor units 2 are provided. In the following, an example will be described in which three indoor units 1 and three outdoor units 2 are provided.

[0012] Each indoor unit 1 includes a cooling expansion valve (not shown) and an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), and each outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 2a, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown), and a heating expansion valve (not shown).

[0013] The refrigerant pipes 3 connect multiple indoor units 1 and multiple outdoor units 2. A fluid F, such as an air-conditioning refrigerant, flows through the refrigerant pipes 3. The refrigerant pipes 3 include a gas pipe 3a and a liquid pipe 3b. Both the gas pipe 3a and the liquid pipe 3b connect the indoor units 1 and the outdoor units 2. During normal operation, gas refrigerant flows through the gas pipe 3a, and liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid pipe 3b. Here, normal operation refers to cooling operation and heating operation when the oil return operation, which will be described later, is not performed.

[0014] The gas pipe 3a includes an indoor gas pipe 5, a main pipe 6, a refrigerant distribution pipe 10, and an outdoor branch pipe 7. In this embodiment, two refrigerant distribution pipes 10 are provided. One of the two refrigerant distribution pipes 10 is designated as a first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a, and the other is designated as a second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b.

[0015] The indoor gas pipe 5 connects the indoor units 1 to the main pipe 6, and the main pipe 6 connects the indoor gas pipe 5 to the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a. The main pipe 6 is a straight pipe having a length of, for example, 500 mm or more.

[0016] The outdoor branch pipe 7 is connected to the main pipe 6 via a refrigerant distribution pipe 10. In this embodiment, the outdoor branch pipe 7 includes a first outdoor branch pipe 7a and a second outdoor branch pipe 7b. Three first outdoor branch pipes 7a are provided, and one of these first outdoor branch pipes 7a extends from one outdoor unit 2 and is connected to the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a. The other two first outdoor branch pipes 7a extend from the remaining two outdoor units 2, respectively, and are connected to the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b. The second outdoor branch pipe 7b connects the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b and the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a. The second outdoor branch pipe 7b is a straight pipe having a length of, for example, 500 mm or more.

[0017] The air conditioner 100 described above can perform cooling operation to cool the indoor air and heating operation to heat the indoor air. During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. The compressor 2a, the outdoor heat exchanger, the cooling expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger form a refrigerant circuit.

[0018] During cooling operation, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2a of the outdoor unit 2 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger, where it condenses and liquefies by exchanging heat with outdoor air. This liquid refrigerant flows into the indoor unit 1 via liquid pipe 3b. The liquid refrigerant then undergoes adiabatic expansion as it passes through the cooling expansion valve, and is then sent to the indoor heat exchanger, where it evaporates by cooling the indoor air. The refrigerant that has absorbed heat and become gas in the indoor heat exchanger flows into the outdoor unit 2 via gas pipe 3a and is sent to the compressor 2a.

[0019] During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator. The compressor 2a, the indoor heat exchanger, the heating expansion valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger form a refrigerant circuit.

[0020] During heating operation, a four-way valve (not shown) provided in the outdoor unit 2 is switched to a different direction from that during cooling operation. Refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2a of the outdoor unit 2 flows through the gas pipe 3a into the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 1, where it condenses and liquefies by releasing heat to the indoor air. This liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid pipe 3b into the outdoor unit 2. The liquid refrigerant then undergoes adiabatic expansion as it passes through the heating expansion valve of the outdoor unit 2, and is then sent to the outdoor heat exchanger, where it evaporates by absorbing heat from the outdoor air. This gas refrigerant is then sent to the compressor 2a of the outdoor unit 2.

[0021] Furthermore, refrigeration oil is used in the compressor 2a of the outdoor unit 2 in the air conditioner 100 to lubricate the sliding parts inside the compressor 2a. The refrigeration oil prevents burnout in the compressor 2a. A portion of this refrigeration oil flows through the refrigerant circuits, such as the indoor heat exchanger and outdoor heat exchanger, together with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2a, and is then recovered back into the compressor 2a.

[0022] If this refrigeration oil adheres to the heat exchanger or the inner walls of the refrigerant pipes 3 as it flows through the refrigerant circuit, it will impede heat transfer and reduce the amount of refrigeration oil returned to the compressor 2a, resulting in insufficient lubrication of the compressor 2a. Therefore, in the air conditioning apparatus 100 of this embodiment, in order to recover the refrigeration oil that has adhered and accumulated on the heat exchanger or the inner walls of the refrigerant pipes 3, a so-called oil return operation is performed to periodically recover refrigeration oil to the compressor 2a side.

[0023] In the oil return operation, the control unit 4 controls the flow rate of the refrigerant so that the compressors 2a in all the outdoor units 2 draw in and discharge the same flow rate of refrigerant. This allows refrigeration oil to be collected evenly in all the outdoor units 2.

[0024] The oil return operation will be described below. During cooling operation, the control unit 4 starts the refrigeration oil recovery operation at a specified timing. During cooling, the refrigeration oil recovery operation involves reducing the rotation speed of the indoor unit 1 fan (not shown) and increasing the opening of the flow control valve (not shown) beyond a specified value. As a result, the amount of evaporation in the indoor heat exchanger is reduced, allowing the refrigerant to circulate in a liquid phase. The refrigeration oil adhering to the indoor heat exchanger and the walls of the gas pipe 3a, etc., is then recovered together with the liquid refrigerant into an accumulator (not shown) on the outdoor unit 2 side, and the refrigeration oil is returned to the compressor 2a through the accumulator's oil return pipe.

[0025] On the other hand, during heating operation, the control unit 4 starts the refrigeration oil recovery operation at a specified timing. During refrigeration oil recovery operation during heating, the fan of the indoor unit 1 is first stopped to stop the indoor air conditioning. Then, to circulate the refrigerant in the same direction as during cooling operation, the four-way valve is switched to a direction different from that used during normal heating operation. Then, high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 2a of the outdoor unit 2 is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger, where it is condensed and liquefied into liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant flows into the liquid pipe 3b and is guided to the indoor unit 1 via the liquid pipe 3b. The liquid refrigerant does not undergo heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger, but instead passes through the gas pipe 3a and is guided back to the outdoor unit 2 in its liquid state. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor unit 2 passes through the accumulator and is returned to the compressor 2a. This allows the refrigeration oil that has diffused in the indoor heat exchanger and liquid pipe 3b to be returned to the compressor 2a.

[0026] In this way, during oil return operation, not only the refrigerant but also the refrigerating machine oil flows through the refrigerant pipes 3. In other words, the fluid F flowing through the refrigerant pipes 3 contains the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil, and by evenly distributing this fluid F to each outdoor unit 2, it is possible to evenly supply the refrigerating machine oil to each outdoor unit 2. In this embodiment, in order to more evenly distribute the fluid F containing the air-conditioning refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil, the refrigerant distribution pipe 10 has the following configuration.

[0027] (Refrigerant distribution pipe configuration) Next, the configuration of the refrigerant distribution pipe 10 will be described. The refrigerant distribution pipe 10 is used in the refrigerant pipe 3 connecting the indoor unit 1 and multiple outdoor units 2, each having a compressor 2a, and is a piping component that distributes a fluid F containing an air-conditioning refrigerant and a refrigeration oil for lubricating the compressors 2a to the multiple outdoor units 2. The fluid F flowing through the refrigerant distribution pipe 10 is assumed to be primarily a liquid (liquid phase), but the fluid F may also contain a gas (gas phase). The fluid F flowing through the refrigerant distribution pipe 10 may also be composed of only a liquid phase or only a gas phase. As described above, two refrigerant distribution pipes 10 are provided in this embodiment, and the one directly connected to one main pipe 6 is designated as the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a, and the other is designated as the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b.

[0028] The first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a and the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b have the same configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the refrigerant distribution pipe 10 will be described using the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b as an example, and the description of the configuration of the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a will be omitted as appropriate.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b includes an inlet pipe 11, a connection part 12, a first outlet pipe 13, and a second outlet pipe . In the following description of each component such as the inlet pipe 11, the connection portion 12, the first outlet pipe 13, and the second outlet pipe 14, as a general rule, "cross section" means the cross section of the flow path space through which the fluid F flows, and is perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid F, and "cross-sectional area" means the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path space through which the fluid F flows.

[0030] The inlet pipe 11 opens to the indoor unit 1 side. A fluid F containing a refrigerant and a lubricating refrigeration oil flows into the inlet pipe 11 during oil return operation. The inlet pipe 11 of the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b is connected to the main pipe 6. The inlet pipe 11 is a straight pipe that extends linearly in one direction. In this embodiment, the inlet pipe 11 is a circular pipe with a circular cross section.

[0031] The connection portion 12 extends in one direction from the end of the inlet pipe 11 . Hereinafter, the extension direction De of the connection portion 12 will be simply referred to as the "extension direction De." Furthermore, one of the directions perpendicular to the extension direction De will be referred to as the "first direction D1," and the direction perpendicular to the extension direction De and the first direction D1 will be referred to as the "second direction D2." In this embodiment, the connection portion 12 extends linearly in the same direction as the inlet pipe 11. That is, the inlet pipe 11 extends in the extension direction De.

[0032] The fluid F that has flowed into the inlet pipe 11 flows through the connecting portion 12. The connecting portion 12 connects the inlet pipe 11 to the first outlet pipe 13 and the second outlet pipe 14. The connecting portion 12 has an inlet portion 12a, a tapered portion 12b, and a branch portion 12c.

[0033] The inlet portion 12a is provided at the end of the connecting portion 12 on the inlet pipe 11 side in the extension direction De. The inlet portion 12a has an inlet opening 15 connected to the inlet pipe 11. The inlet opening 15 opens in the extension direction De and communicates with the inlet pipe 11. The fluid F is supplied to the inlet opening 15 from the inlet pipe 11.

[0034] The tapered portion 12b extends from the inlet portion 12a in the extension direction De to the opposite side to the inlet pipe 11. When viewed from the second direction D2, the tapered portion 12b is formed in a tapered shape (trapezoidal shape) that gradually widens in the first direction D1 as it moves away from the inlet portion 12a in the extension direction De. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, when viewed from the first direction D1, the tapered portion 12b gradually inclines toward one side in the second direction D2 as it moves away from the inlet portion 12a in the extension direction De. The surface of the tapered portion 12b on the other side in the second direction D2 has a smaller inclination angle than the surface of the tapered portion 12b on one side in the second direction D2.

[0035] The branch portion 12c is provided at the end of the connecting portion 12 opposite the inlet pipe 11 side in the extension direction De. The branch portion 12c has a first branch pipe 12c1, a second branch pipe 12c2, and a connecting wall 12d. The first branch pipe 12c1 and the second branch pipe 12c2 are arranged side by side in the first direction D1. The first branch pipe 12c1 and the second branch pipe 12c2 both extend in the extension direction De and communicate with the tapered portion 12b. The connecting wall 12d is provided between the first branch pipe 12c1 and the second branch pipe 12c2 in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 4 , the connecting wall 12d is curved so as to protrude toward the center 15a of the inlet opening 15 in the second direction D2 when viewed from the extension direction De.

[0036] The first branch pipe 12c1 has a first outlet opening 16 at an end opposite the tapered portion 12b in the extension direction De. The second branch pipe 12c2 has a second outlet opening 17 at an end opposite the tapered portion 12b in the extension direction De. The first outlet opening 16 and the second outlet opening 17 are arranged side by side in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 4 , the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 in the second direction D2. Here, the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the inlet opening 15, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16, and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17. In this embodiment, the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are formed in a circular shape.

[0037] Furthermore, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are located closer to the center 15a of the inlet opening 15 in the first direction D1 than the ends 11a1 on both sides of the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11. In the illustrated example, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are located closer to the center 15a of the inlet opening 15 than the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11 when viewed from the extension direction De (radially inward from the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11).

[0038] The fluid F that flows into the connecting portion 12 through the inlet opening 15 flows out of the connecting portion 12 through the first outlet opening 16 and the second outlet opening 17. A first outlet pipe 13 is connected to the first outlet opening 16, and a second outlet pipe 14 is connected to the second outlet opening 17. The first outlet pipe 13 and the second outlet pipe 14 are provided on the opposite side of the connecting portion 12 from the inlet pipe 11 in the extension direction De.

[0039] The first outlet pipe 13 communicates with the connecting portion 12 at a first outlet opening 16, and allows the fluid F that has flowed in from the inlet pipe 11 to flow out to the outdoor unit 2. The first outlet pipe 13 of this embodiment is a curved pipe that is formed into an L-shape when viewed from the second direction D2. The first outlet pipe 13 is a curved pipe that has a first straight pipe portion 18, a curved portion 19, and a second straight pipe portion 20.

[0040] The first straight pipe section 18 extends linearly from the connecting section 12 in the extension direction De. The curved section 19 is provided at the end of the first straight pipe section 18 opposite the connecting section 12 in the extension direction De. The curved section 19 curves so as to move away from the second outlet opening 17 in the first direction D1 as it moves away from the first straight pipe section 18 in the extension direction De. The second straight pipe section 20 extends linearly from the curved section 19 in the first direction D1.

[0041] The second outlet pipe 14 communicates with the connection portion 12 at a second outlet opening 17, and is arranged alongside the first outlet pipe 13 in the first direction D1. The second outlet pipe 14 causes the fluid F that has flowed in from the inlet pipe 11 to flow out to an outdoor unit 2 different from the outdoor unit 2 to which the fluid is directed from the first outlet pipe 13. The second outflow pipe 14 of this embodiment is a straight pipe extending in the extension direction De.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first outflow pipe 13 and the second outflow pipe 14 are both circular pipes with a circular cross section.

[0043] The first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a has the same configuration as the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b as described above. That is, the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a includes an inlet pipe 11, a connection part 12, a first outlet pipe 13, and a second outlet pipe 14. However, the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a and the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b differ in the following points.

[0044] In the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a, the first outflow pipe 13 is connected to a first outdoor branch pipe 7a extending from one outdoor unit 2, and the second outflow pipe 14 is connected to a second outdoor branch pipe 7b that connects the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a and the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b. Furthermore, the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b is connected to the remaining two outdoor units 2 via two first outdoor branch pipes 7a. In the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b, the first outflow pipe 13 and the second outflow pipe 14 are both connected to the first outdoor branch pipes 7a extending from each of the remaining two outdoor units 2. In the first refrigerant distribution pipe 10a, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second outflow pipe 14 is designed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first outflow pipe 13. On the other hand, in the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b, the cross-sectional areas of the first outflow pipe 13 and the second outflow pipe 14 are designed to be approximately the same.

[0045] (Arrangement of inlet pipe, first outlet pipe and second outlet pipe) The arrangement of the inlet pipe 11, the first outlet pipe 13, and the second outlet pipe 14 will be described below using the second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b of the refrigerant distribution pipe 10 as an example.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the center 21 of the cross section of the inlet pipe 11 is located on the other side of the second direction D2 relative to the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 throughout the entire inlet pipe 11.

[0047] Furthermore, the center 22 of the cross section of the first outflow pipe 13 is located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inflow opening 15 in the second direction D2 throughout the first outflow pipe 13. Furthermore, the center 23 of the cross section of the second outflow pipe 14 is located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inflow opening 15 in the second direction D2 throughout the second outflow pipe 14. Here, the center 21 of the cross section of the inflow pipe 11 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the inflow pipe 11, the center 22 of the cross section of the first outflow pipe 13 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the first outflow pipe 13, and the center 23 of the cross section of the second outflow pipe 14 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the second outflow pipe 14. In this embodiment, the entire first outflow pipe 13 and the entire second outflow pipe 14 are located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inflow opening 15 in the second direction D2.

[0048] Furthermore, the first outflow pipe 13 and the second outflow pipe 14 are disposed closer to the inflow pipe 11 in the first direction D1. More specifically, near the connection portion 12, the center 22 of the cross section of the first outflow pipe 13 and the center 23 of the cross section of the second outflow pipe 14 are located closer to the center 21 of the inflow pipe 11 in the first direction D1 than the ends 11a1 on both sides of the outer wall surface 11a of the inflow pipe 11. In the illustrated example, near the connection portion 12, the center 22 of the cross section of the first outflow pipe 13 and the center 23 of the cross section of the second outflow pipe 14 are located closer to the center 21 of the inflow pipe 11 than the outer wall surface 11a of the inflow pipe 11 when viewed from the extension direction De (radially inward from the outer wall surface 11a of the inflow pipe 11).

[0049] In this embodiment, at the connection portion 12, the center 15a of the inlet opening 15 and the center 21 of the cross section of the inlet pipe 11 overlap in the extension direction De, the center 16a of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 22 of the cross section of the first outlet pipe 13 overlap in the extension direction De, and the center 17a of the second outlet opening 17 and the center 23 of the cross section of the second outlet pipe 14 overlap in the extension direction De.

[0050] (Action and effect) The refrigerant distribution pipe 10 having the above configuration can exhibit the following effects.

[0051] The refrigerant distribution pipe 10 of this embodiment is used in the refrigerant pipe 3 connecting multiple outdoor units 2, each having a compressor 2a, to the indoor units 1, and distributes a fluid F, including an air-conditioning refrigerant and a refrigeration oil for lubricating the compressors 2a, to the multiple outdoor units 2. The refrigerant distribution pipe 10 includes an inlet pipe 11, a connection portion 12, a first outlet pipe 13, and a second outlet pipe 14. The fluid F flows into the inlet pipe 11. The connection portion 12 extends in one direction (extension direction De) from the end of the inlet pipe 11. The connection portion 12 has an inlet opening 15 communicating with the inlet pipe 11 at an end on the inlet pipe 11 side in the extension direction De, and a first outlet opening 16 and a second outlet opening 17 at an end opposite the inlet pipe 11 in the extension direction De. The first outlet opening 16 and the second outlet opening 17 are arranged side by side in the first direction D1. A center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and a center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 in the second direction D2.

[0052] As a comparative example, consider a conventional refrigerant distribution pipe 10R as shown in FIG. 5. This refrigerant distribution pipe 10R includes an inlet pipe 11R, a connection portion 12R, a first outlet pipe 13R, and a second outlet pipe 14R. The center 16aR of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16R and the center 17aR of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17R are located at the same position in the second direction D2 relative to the center 15aR of the inlet opening 15. In this refrigerant distribution pipe 10R, at the connection portion 12R, the center 15aR of the cross section of the inlet opening 15R and the center 21R of the cross section of the inlet pipe 11R overlap in the extension direction De, the center 16aR of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16R and the center 22R of the cross section of the first outlet pipe 13R overlap in the extension direction De, and the center 17aR of the second outlet opening 17R and the center 23R of the cross section of the second outlet pipe 14R overlap in the extension direction De. Therefore, the center 22R of the cross section of the first outflow pipe 13R and the center 23R of the cross section of the second outflow pipe 14R are located at the same position in the second direction D2 with respect to the center 21R of the inflow pipe 11R. Such a refrigerant distribution pipe 10R is usually installed so that the inflow pipe 11R is along a horizontal plane.

[0053] When the refrigerant distribution pipe 10R is not filled with the fluid F, for example, if the refrigerant distribution pipe 10R is installed at an angle so that the first direction D1 intersects with a horizontal plane, the liquid level S of the fluid F will be inclined with respect to the first direction D1 as shown in Fig. 5. Also, if the downstream side of the first outflow pipe 13R is a curved pipe, the fluid F will be subjected to back pressure in the curved pipe in the opposite direction to the flow direction, and the liquid level S of the fluid F will be inclined with respect to the first direction D1.

[0054] When the liquid level S of the fluid F is inclined with respect to the first direction D1, the amount of the fluid F distributed between the first outflow pipe 13R and the second outflow pipe 14R becomes significantly unbalanced. For this reason, in the conventional refrigerant distribution pipe 10R, the actual distributed flow rate of the refrigeration oil significantly deviates from the target distributed flow rate (hereinafter referred to as the "target flow rate"). In addition, Figure 5 illustrates both the case where the liquid level S of the fluid F is a high liquid level HS and the case where the liquid level S is a low liquid level LS, and in both cases, the amount of fluid F distributed between the first outflow pipe 13R and the second outflow pipe 14R is significantly biased.

[0055] In contrast, according to this embodiment, when the refrigerant distribution pipe 10 is installed so that the inlet pipe 11 is aligned along a horizontal plane, both the first outlet pipe 13 and the second outlet pipe 14 can be positioned vertically below the inlet pipe 11. As a result, even if the liquid level S of the fluid F is inclined with respect to the first direction D1 as shown in FIG. 6 , unevenness in the amount of fluid F distributed between the first outlet pipe 13 and the second outlet pipe 14 is suppressed. Whether the liquid level S of the fluid F is high HS or low LS, unevenness in the amount of fluid F distributed between the first outlet pipe 13 and the second outlet pipe 14 is suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress unevenness in the amount of refrigeration oil supplied to each outdoor unit 2. This makes it possible to suppress deviation of the actual distributed flow rate of refrigeration oil from the target flow rate.

[0056] In this embodiment, the entire first outflow pipe 13 and the entire second outflow pipe 14 are located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inflow opening 15 in the second direction D2.

[0057] This further reduces the unevenness in the amount of fluid F distributed between the first outflow pipe 13 and the second outflow pipe 14. This further reduces the unevenness in the amount of refrigerating machine oil supplied to each outdoor unit 2. This further reduces the deviation of the actual distributed flow rate of refrigerating machine oil from the target flow rate.

[0058] In this embodiment, at the connection portion 12, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are located closer to the center 21 of the cross section of the inlet pipe 11 in the first direction D1 than the ends 11a1 on both sides of the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11.

[0059] This further reduces the unevenness in the amount of fluid F distributed between the first outflow pipe 13 and the second outflow pipe 14. This further reduces the unevenness in the amount of refrigerating machine oil supplied to each outdoor unit 2. This further reduces the deviation of the actual distributed flow rate of refrigerating machine oil from the target flow rate.

[0060] In the first embodiment described above, the entire first outflow pipe 13 and the entire second outflow pipe 14 are located on one side of the center 21 of the cross section of the inflow pipe 11 in the second direction D2, but this is not limited to this. For example, in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction De, a portion of the first outflow pipe 13 and a portion of the second outflow pipe 14 may be located on the other side of the center 21 of the cross section of the inflow pipe 11 in the second direction D2.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are located closer to the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 than the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11 when viewed from the extension direction De (i.e., radially inward in the inlet pipe 11). However, this is not limiting. For example, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 may be located farther from the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 than the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11 when viewed from the extension direction De (i.e., radially outward from the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , in the first direction D1, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 may be located outside a tangent to the outer wall surface 11a at the end 11a1 or on a tangent to the outer wall surface 11a at the end 11a1 when viewed from the extension direction De.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the cross sections of the inlet opening 15, the first outlet opening 16, and the second outlet opening 17 are circular, but this is not limiting. The cross sections of the inlet opening 15, the first outlet opening 16, and the second outlet opening 17 may be polygonal or irregularly shaped with a protruding or recessed portion. In this case, the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the inlet opening 15, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16, and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the cross sections of the inlet pipe 11, the first outlet pipe 13, and the second outlet pipe 14 in the flow direction are circular, but this is not limited to this. The cross sections of the inlet pipe 11, the first outlet pipe 13, and the second outlet pipe 14 in the flow direction may be polygonal or may be distorted with a protruding or recessed portion. In this case, too, the center 21 of the cross section of the inlet pipe 11 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the inlet pipe 11, the center 22 of the first outlet pipe 13 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the first outlet pipe 13, and the center 23 of the cross section of the second outlet pipe 14 is the center of gravity of the cross section of the second outlet pipe 14.

[0064] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a refrigerant distribution pipe 210 and an air conditioning apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Configurations similar to those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and symbols as in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0065] 8, in the refrigerant distribution pipe 210 of this embodiment, the first outlet pipe 213 and the second outlet pipe 214 are rectangular pipes. The shapes of the first outlet pipe 213 and the second outlet pipe 214 will be described using the first refrigerant distribution pipe 210a as an example, and description of the second refrigerant distribution pipe 210b will be omitted as appropriate.

[0066] In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the extension direction De, the cross section of the first outflow pipe 213 and the cross section of the second outflow pipe 214 are formed into a rectangular shape having one side extending in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the first outflow pipe 213 is formed so that both ends of the first outflow pipe 213 in the second direction D2 overlap with both ends of the inflow pipe 11 in the second direction D2 in the extension direction De. Similarly, the second outflow pipe 214 is formed so that both ends of the second outflow pipe 214 in the second direction D2 overlap with both ends of the inflow pipe 11 in the second direction D2 in the extension direction De.

[0067] Furthermore, in the first refrigerant distribution pipe 210a, similar to the first embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second outflow pipe 214 is designed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first outflow pipe 213. More specifically, while the dimensions L2a, L2b in the second direction D2 of both the first outflow pipe 213 and the second outflow pipe 214 are maintained, the dimension L1b in the first direction D1 of the second outflow pipe 214 is made larger than the dimension L1a in the first direction D1 of the first outflow pipe 213.

[0068] On the other hand, in the second refrigerant distribution pipe 210b, the cross-sectional areas of the first outflow pipe 213 and the second outflow pipe 214 are designed to be approximately the same, as in the first embodiment. More specifically, the first outflow pipe 213 and the second outflow pipe 214 are designed such that the dimension L1a of the first outflow pipe 213 in the first direction D1 and the dimension L1b of the second outflow pipe 214 in the first direction D1 are approximately the same, while the dimensions L2a, L2b of both the first outflow pipe 213 and the second outflow pipe 214 in the second direction D2 are maintained.

[0069] (Action and effect) The refrigerant distribution pipe 210 having the above configuration can exhibit the following effects.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first outflow pipe 213 and the second outflow pipe 214 are rectangular pipes, and when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the extension direction De, the cross section of the first outflow pipe 213 and the cross section of the second outflow pipe 214 are shaped like a rectangle along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0071] As a comparative example, consider a conventional refrigerant distribution pipe 210R as shown in Fig. 9. In this refrigerant distribution pipe 210R, the cross sections of the first outflow pipe 213R and the second outflow pipe 214R are circular in cross section perpendicular to the extension direction De. This type of refrigerant distribution pipe 210R is usually installed so that the inflow pipe 11R is aligned along a horizontal plane.

[0072] 9, when the height of the liquid level S of the fluid F changes, the cross-sectional area ratio of the fluid F between the first outflow pipe 213R and the second outflow pipe 214R changes. For this reason, in the conventional refrigerant distribution pipe 210R, the actual distributed flow rate of the refrigeration oil significantly deviates from the target distributed flow rate (hereinafter referred to as the "target flow rate").

[0073] In contrast, according to this embodiment, by installing the refrigerant distribution pipe 210 so that the inlet pipe 11 is along a horizontal plane, the first outlet pipe 213 and the second outlet pipe 214 can be arranged so that the rectangular cross section of the first outlet pipe 213 and the rectangular cross section of the second outlet pipe 214 extend in the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 10. This makes it possible to maintain a constant cross-sectional area ratio occupied by the fluid F in the first outlet pipe 213 and the second outlet pipe 214. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the actual distributed flow rate of refrigeration oil from deviating from the target flow rate.

[0074] 11 , the configuration of the second embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment. That is, the first outlet pipe 213 and the second outlet pipe 214 may be formed into a rectangular shape as described above, and the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 may be located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the entire first outlet pipe 213 and the entire second outlet pipe 214 may be located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 may be located closer to the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 than the ends 11a1 on both sides of the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11 in the first direction D1.

[0075] (Other embodiments) The above describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are also included within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure. In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which three indoor units 1 and three outdoor units 2 are provided, but this is not limited to this. As long as multiple outdoor units 2 are provided, the number of indoor units 1 and outdoor units 2 installed can be changed as appropriate. For example, two indoor units 1 and two outdoor units 2 may be provided. When there are two outdoor units 2, only one second refrigerant distribution pipe 10b, 210b may be provided as the refrigerant distribution pipe 10, 210.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the first outflow pipe 13, 213 is a curved pipe and the second outflow pipe 14, 214 is a straight pipe, but this is not limited to this. The shapes of the first outflow pipe 13, 213 and the second outflow pipe 14, 214 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first outflow pipe 13, 213 may be a straight pipe and the second outflow pipe 14, 214 may be a curved pipe. Furthermore, both the first outflow pipe 13, 213 and the second outflow pipe 14, 214 may be curved pipes or straight pipes. Furthermore, when the first outflow pipe 13, 213 and the second outflow pipe 14, 214 are curved pipes, the degree of curvature of the first outflow pipe 13, 213 and the second outflow pipe 14, 214 can also be changed as appropriate.

[0077] <Additional Notes> The refrigerant distribution pipe and the air conditioning apparatus described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0078] (1) The refrigerant distribution pipe 10, 210 according to the first aspect is used in a refrigerant pipe 3 connecting a plurality of outdoor units 2 having compressors 2a to indoor units 1, and distributes a fluid F containing an air-conditioning refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil for lubricating the compressors 2a to the plurality of outdoor units 2, and comprises an inlet pipe 11 into which the fluid F flows, an inlet opening 15 extending in one direction from an end of the inlet pipe 11, and having an inlet opening 15 communicating with the inlet pipe 11 at an end on the inlet pipe 11 side in the extending direction De, and a first outlet opening 16 provided at an end on the opposite side from the inlet pipe 11 in the extending direction De, aligned in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the extending direction De, and a connecting portion 12 having a first outlet opening 16 and a second outlet opening 17; a first outlet pipe 13, 213 communicating with the connecting portion 12 at the first outlet opening 16 and allowing the fluid F to flow out to the outdoor unit 2; and a second outlet pipe 14, 214 communicating with the connecting portion 12 at the second outlet opening 17 and allowing the fluid F to flow out to an outdoor unit 2 different from the outdoor unit 2 to which the fluid F is directed from the first outlet pipe 13, 213, wherein a center 16a of a cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and a center 17a of a cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are located on one side of a center 15a of a cross section of the inlet opening 15 in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the extension direction De and the first direction D1.

[0079] According to this aspect, when the refrigerant distribution pipes 10, 210 are installed so that the inlet pipe 11 is aligned along a horizontal plane, both the first outlet pipe 13, 213 and the second outlet pipe 14, 214 can be arranged vertically below the inlet pipe 11. This prevents uneven distribution of the fluid F between the first outlet pipe 13, 213 and the second outlet pipe 14, 214, even if the liquid level S of the fluid F is inclined with respect to the first direction D1. This prevents uneven distribution of the refrigerating machine oil supplied to each outdoor unit 2.

[0080] (2) The refrigerant distribution pipe 10, 210 of the second aspect may be the refrigerant distribution pipe 10, 210 of (1), in which the entire first outflow pipe 13, 213 and the entire second outflow pipe 14, 214 are located on one side of the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 in the second direction D2.

[0081] This further reduces the unevenness in the amount of fluid F distributed between the first outflow pipes 13, 213 and the second outflow pipes 14, 214. Therefore, the unevenness in the amount of refrigeration oil supplied to each outdoor unit 2 can be further reduced.

[0082] (3) The refrigerant distribution pipe 10, 210 of the third aspect may be the refrigerant distribution pipe 10, 210 of (1) or (2), in which the center 16a of the cross section of the first outlet opening 16 and the center 17a of the cross section of the second outlet opening 17 are located closer to the center 15a of the cross section of the inlet opening 15 than the ends 11a1 on both sides of the outer wall surface 11a of the inlet pipe 11 in the first direction D1.

[0083] This further reduces the unevenness in the amount of fluid F distributed between the first outflow pipes 13, 213 and the second outflow pipes 14, 214. Therefore, the unevenness in the amount of refrigeration oil supplied to each outdoor unit 2 can be further reduced.

[0084] (4) The refrigerant distribution pipe 10, 210 of the fourth aspect may be any one of the refrigerant distribution pipes 10, 210 of (1) to (3), and the cross section of the first outflow pipe 13, 213 and the cross section of the second outflow pipe 14, 214 may be shaped like a rectangle having one side extending in the second direction D2.

[0085] According to this aspect, by installing the refrigerant distribution pipes 10, 210 so that the inlet pipe 11 is along a horizontal plane, the first outlet pipes 13, 213 and the second outlet pipes 14, 214 can be arranged so that the rectangular cross sections of the first outlet pipes 13, 213 and the second outlet pipes 14, 214 extend in the vertical direction. As a result, even if the liquid level S of the fluid F changes, the cross-sectional area ratio occupied by the fluid F in the first outlet pipes 13, 213 and the second outlet pipes 14, 214 can be maintained constant.

[0086] (5) The refrigerant distribution pipe 10, 210 according to the fifth aspect is used in a refrigerant pipe 3 connecting a plurality of outdoor units 2 having compressors 2a to indoor units 1, and distributes a fluid F containing an air-conditioning refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil for lubricating the compressors 2a to the plurality of outdoor units 2, and includes an inlet pipe 11 into which the fluid F flows, and a second inlet pipe 12 extending in one direction from an end of the inlet pipe 11, having an inlet opening 15 communicating with the inlet pipe 11 at an end on the inlet pipe 11 side in the extending direction De, and arranged side by side in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the extending direction De at an end on the opposite side from the inlet pipe 11 in the extending direction De. The refrigerant coolant 10 includes a connecting portion 12 having a first outlet opening 16 and a second outlet opening 17, a first outlet pipe 13, 213 that communicates with the connecting portion 12 at the first outlet opening 16 and allows the fluid F to flow out to the outdoor unit 2, and a second outlet pipe 14, 214 that communicates with the connecting portion 12 at the second outlet opening 17 and allows the fluid F to flow out to an outdoor unit 2 different from the outdoor unit 2 to which the fluid F is directed from the first outlet pipe 13, 213, and the cross section of the first outlet pipe 13, 213 and the cross section of the second outlet pipe 14, 214 are shaped like a rectangle having one side extending in the extension direction De and in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0087] (6) The air conditioning apparatus 100 of the sixth aspect comprises the refrigerant pipe 3 having any one of the refrigerant distribution pipes 10, 210 of (1) to (5), a plurality of the outdoor units 2, and the indoor units 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...indoor unit, 2...outdoor unit, 2a...compressor, 3...refrigerant pipe, 3a...gas pipe, 3b...liquid pipe, 4...control unit, 5...indoor gas pipe, 6...main pipe, 7...outdoor branch pipe, 7a...first outdoor branch pipe, 7b...second outdoor branch pipe, 10...refrigerant distribution pipe, 10a...first refrigerant distribution pipe, 10b...second refrigerant distribution pipe, 100...air conditioner, 11...inlet pipe, 11a...exterior wall surface, 11a1...end, 12...connection portion, 12a...inlet portion, 12b...tapered portion, 12c...branch portion, 12c1...first branch pipe, 12d...connecting wall, 13...first outflow pipe, 14...second outflow pipe, 15...inflow opening , 15a...center, 16...first outflow opening, 16a...center, 17...second outflow opening, 17a...center, 18...first straight pipe section, 19...curved section, 20...second straight pipe section, 21...center, 22...center, 23...center, De...extending direction, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, F...fluid, S …liquid level, HS…high liquid level, LS…low liquid level, 210…refrigerant distribution pipe, 210a…first refrigerant distribution pipe, 210b…second refrigerant distribution pipe, 213…first outflow pipe, 214…second outflow pipe, 222…center, 223…center, L1a…dimension, L2a…dimension, L1b…dimension, L2b…dimension

Claims

1. A refrigerant distribution pipe is used in a refrigerant pipe connecting a plurality of outdoor units having compressors to indoor units, and distributes a fluid containing an air-conditioning refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil for lubricating the compressors to the plurality of outdoor units, an inlet pipe into which the fluid flows; a connecting portion extending in one direction from an end of the inflow pipe, having an inflow opening communicating with the inflow pipe at an end on the inflow pipe side in the extension direction, and having a first outflow opening and a second outflow opening arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to the extension direction at an end on the opposite side from the inflow pipe in the extension direction; a first outflow pipe that communicates with the connection portion at the first outflow opening and allows the fluid to flow out to the outdoor unit; a second outlet pipe that communicates with the connection portion at the second outlet opening and causes the fluid to flow out to the outdoor unit different from the outdoor unit that is the destination of the fluid from the first outlet pipe; Equipped with a center of a cross section of the first outlet opening and a center of a cross section of the second outlet opening are located on one side of the center of the cross section of the inlet opening in a second direction perpendicular to the extension direction and the first direction.

2. The refrigerant distribution pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the entire first outlet pipe and the entire second outlet pipe are located on one side of the center of a cross section of the inlet opening in the second direction.

3. 3. The refrigerant distribution pipe according to claim 1, wherein a center of a cross section of the first outlet opening and a center of a cross section of the second outlet opening are located closer to the center of the cross section of the inlet opening than both ends of the outer wall surface of the inlet pipe in the first direction.

4. The refrigerant distribution pipe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cross section of the first outflow pipe and a cross section of the second outflow pipe are formed into a rectangular shape having one side extending in the second direction.

5. A refrigerant distribution pipe is used in a refrigerant pipe connecting a plurality of outdoor units having compressors to indoor units, and distributes a fluid containing an air-conditioning refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil for lubricating the compressors to the plurality of outdoor units, an inlet pipe into which the fluid flows; a connecting portion extending in one direction from an end of the inflow pipe, having an inflow opening communicating with the inflow pipe at an end on the inflow pipe side in the extension direction, and having a first outflow opening and a second outflow opening arranged side by side in a first direction perpendicular to the extension direction at an end on the opposite side from the inflow pipe in the extension direction; a first outflow pipe that communicates with the connection portion at the first outflow opening and allows the fluid to flow out to the outdoor unit; a second outlet pipe that communicates with the connection portion at the second outlet opening and causes the fluid to flow out to the outdoor unit different from the outdoor unit that is the destination of the fluid from the first outlet pipe; Equipped with a cross section of the first outflow pipe and a cross section of the second outflow pipe each being shaped like a rectangle having one side extending in the extension direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;

6. The refrigerant pipe is provided with the refrigerant distribution pipe according to claim 1 or 5; A plurality of the outdoor units; The indoor unit; An air conditioning device comprising:

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