Outdoor unit for air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an outdoor unit for an air conditioning system for reducing workload in arranging the outdoor unit even when the size or weight of the outdoor unit for the air conditioning system is increased, while enabling good arrangement also in a space having a small installation area or in a complicated or constrained space.SOLUTION: The outdoor unit for the air conditioning system includes a first unit having a first refrigerant pipe, and a second unit having a second refrigerant pipe. The first unit and the second unit are constructed to be freely joined to and separated from each other. A specified unit including at least one of the first unit and the second unit has: at least one joint member configured so that the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are freely joined to and separated from each other; and a support member for supporting the joint member in a reciprocating movable manner between a joint position where the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are joined by the joint member and a separation position where the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe can be separated from each other in the state in which the first unit and the second unit are joined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an outdoor unit for an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, an air conditioner includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit that exchanges heat between the refrigerant sent from the indoor unit and outdoor air. The outdoor unit includes multiple components, such as a heat exchanger, a blower, and a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, and a housing that houses these components together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-52365 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-288578 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-281202 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-217947 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Because outdoor units are relatively heavy, transporting them to the desired installation location when installing an air conditioning system requires a significant amount of work. Furthermore, because outdoor units are relatively large, it can be difficult to install them in spaces with limited installation area or in convoluted spaces. Furthermore, installing an outdoor unit in such a constrained space requires manual labor, which increases the workload. In recent years, outdoor units have tended to become larger and heavier, making these problems more pronounced.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to reduce the workload involved in placing an outdoor unit even when the outdoor unit of an air conditioning device becomes larger or heavier, and to enable the outdoor unit to be placed well in a space with a small installation area or a constrained space such as a complicated space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an outdoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first unit having a first refrigerant pipe and a second unit having a second refrigerant pipe, the first unit and the second unit being configured to be freely connectable and separable to each other, and a specific unit including at least one of the first unit and the second unit having at least one connecting member configured to be freely connectable and separable to the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, and a support member that supports the connecting member so that it can move back and forth between a connecting position where the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are connected by the connecting member and a separating position where the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe can be separated when the first unit and the second unit are connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when an outdoor unit of an air conditioning device is constructed by combining multiple units, the outdoor unit can be installed in a desired location while reducing the workload of connecting refrigerant pipes between multiple units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the outdoor unit in a combined state in which the first unit and the second unit of FIG. 1 are combined. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the outdoor unit immediately before the first unit and the second unit in FIG. 1 are coupled together. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe shown in FIG. 3 and the surrounding structure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe shown in FIG. 3 are connected. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the state immediately after the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe shown in FIG. 3 are connected. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state of the support member when the coupling member shown in FIG. 3 is in the disengaged position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the state of the support member when the coupling member shown in FIG. 3 is in the coupling position.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the outdoor unit 3 in a combined state in which the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 in Fig. 1 are combined.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 comprises an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, and multiple refrigerant pipes RP1 to RP4 connecting the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3. The air conditioner 1 is driven (operated) in one of multiple modes, including cooling mode, heating mode, and dehumidification mode. As will be described in detail below, the outdoor unit 3 comprises a first unit 4 and a second unit 5. The first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are configured to be freely connectable and detachable to each other. As a result, the air conditioner 1 is configured to allow the outdoor unit 3 to be conveniently positioned even if the outdoor unit 3 becomes larger or heavier.

[0011] The indoor unit 2 of this embodiment includes an indoor heat exchanger 20 that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and indoor air, and a blower 21 that blows indoor air toward the heat exchanger 20. The blower 21 has a fan 23 and a fan motor FM1 that rotates the fan 23. The indoor unit 2 further includes a temperature sensor S that detects the indoor temperature, and an operation unit 22 that allows the user to turn the air conditioner 1 on and off, switch the operation mode, etc.

[0012] The outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 30 that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and outside air, a compressor 31 that compresses the refrigerant, a pressure reducing device 32 that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and a blower 33 that blows outside air toward the heat exchanger 30. The pressure reducing device 32 includes a pressure reducing valve, for example. The blower 33 has a fan 38 and a fan motor FM2 that rotates the fan 38. In this embodiment, the fan motors FM1 and M2 are electric motors. A refrigerant circulates through the heat exchanger 20, the heat exchanger 30, the compressor 31, and the pressure reducing device 32 via a plurality of refrigerant pipes RP1 to PR4.

[0013] The outdoor unit 3 further includes a switching valve V that switches the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing inside the outdoor unit 3. The switching valve V is a four-way valve, for example. The outdoor unit 3 further includes various valve devices, strainers, and the like, as appropriate. For example, a refrigerant pipe RP1 connects the heat exchanger 20 and the pressure reducing device 32. A refrigerant pipe RP2 connects the pressure reducing device 32 and the heat exchanger 30. A refrigerant pipe RP3 connects the heat exchanger 20 and the switching valve V. A refrigerant pipe RP4 connects the heat exchanger 30 and the switching valve V. The outdoor unit 3 of this embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, with the X direction as the width direction, the Y direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figures 2 and 3) as the depth direction, and the Z direction as the height direction.

[0014] 1 and 2, the outdoor unit 3 of this embodiment includes a first unit 4 having a first housing 36, a second unit 5 having a second housing 37 and configured to be freely connectable to and disconnectable from the first unit 4, and a predetermined component group 35. The component group 35 includes a compressor 31, a heat exchanger 30, and a blower 33. As an example, the first housing 36 houses some of the components in the component group 35, including the heat exchanger 30 and the blower 33. The second housing 37 houses the remaining components in the component group 35, including the compressor 31.

[0015] Furthermore, at least one of the first housing 36 and the second housing 37 has an engaging portion 39 that allows one housing to engage with the other housing. When the first housing 36 and the second housing 37 have a pair of engaging portions 39, the pair of engaging portions 39 is configured to include, for example, a groove provided in one of the first housing 36 and the second housing 37 and a protrusion provided in the other housing that fits into the groove and engages with the surface of the groove. The outdoor unit 3 of this embodiment also includes a cover 90 that externally covers the connecting member 6 and the support member 7, which will be described later. The cover 90 is detachably attached to the second unit 5.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1 , the component group 35 of this embodiment includes a plurality of electric components E housed in each of a first housing 36 and a second housing 37. As an example, the electric components E housed in the first housing 36 include a compressor 31. The electric components E housed in the second housing 37 include a fan motor FM2. As another example, the second unit 5 has a power line PL to which electric power is supplied from the outside. In this case, the electric components E housed in the first housing 36 include a power supply device 34 that supplies power to each of the electric components E housed in the first housing 36 and the second housing 37. In the outdoor unit 3, electric power supplied from the outside to the power line PL is supplied to each of the electric components E via the power supply device 34 of the second unit 5.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the outdoor unit 3 immediately before the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 of FIG. 1 are coupled. The cover 90 shown in FIG. 2 is not shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the first unit 4 has at least one first refrigerant pipe L1, L2. The second unit 5 has at least one second refrigerant pipe M1, M2. When the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are coupled, the first refrigerant pipe L1 is coupled to the second refrigerant pipe M1, and the first refrigerant pipe L2 is coupled to the second refrigerant pipe M2. To reduce the workload of the worker involved in coupling the refrigerant pipes L1, L2, M1, and M2, a specific unit including at least one of the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 has at least one coupling member 6 and a support member 7 that supports the coupling member 6.

[0018] As an example, the specific unit of this embodiment includes only the second unit 5 of the first unit 4 and the second unit 5. That is, the second unit 5 includes both a connecting member 6 and a support member 7. The connecting member 6 is configured to be able to freely connect and separate the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2. When the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are connected, the support member 7 supports the connecting member 6 so that it can move back and forth between a connecting position P1 where the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 are connected by the connecting member 6 (described later) and a separating position P2 where the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 can be separated (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0019] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 shown in Fig. 3 and their surrounding structure. Fig. 4 shows only the pipe ends 11-14 as a partial structure of the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and second refrigerant pipes M1, M2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 shown in Fig. 3 just before they are connected. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 shown in Fig. 3 just after they are connected. In Fig. 5, the coupling member 6 is positioned at the separation position P2. In Fig. 6, the coupling member 6 is positioned at the coupling position P1.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 4, the first unit 4 has two first refrigerant pipes L1 and L2. The second unit 5 of this embodiment has two second refrigerant pipes M1 and M2, two connecting members 6, and a single support member 7 that supports the two connecting members 6. The two connecting members 6 are inserted through respective pipe ends 11 and 12 of the second refrigerant pipes M1 and M2. The two connecting members 6 include connecting member 6A inserted through pipe end 11 and connecting member 6B inserted through pipe end 12.

[0021] As an example, two first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and two second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the outdoor unit 3. Furthermore, the pipe ends 11-14 of the refrigerant pipes L1, L2, M1, M2 extend in the same direction. The support member 7 supports the two connecting members 6 from below. The pipe axis X1 of each pipe end 11, 12 and the pipe axis X2 of each pipe end 13, 14 are linear. The pipe ends 11, 12 are parallel to each other, and the pipe ends 13, 14 are parallel to each other. When the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are connected, the pipe ends 11, 13 are arranged so that their pipe axes X1, X2 coincide, and the pipe ends 12, 14 are arranged so that their pipe axes X1, X2 coincide. In this embodiment, the pipe axes X1, X2 in the connected state are oriented parallel to the vertical direction.

[0022] The following describes the configurations of the refrigerant pipes L1, L2, M1, and M2 and the connecting member 6, taking the configurations of the refrigerant pipes L1 and M1 and the connecting member 6A as an example. As shown in FIG. 5 , the first refrigerant pipe L1 includes a first pipe body 15 and a first pipe end portion 11. The first pipe body 15 extends inside the first unit 4. The first pipe end portion 11 is attached to the periphery of the opening of the first pipe body 15. The second refrigerant pipe M1 includes a second pipe body 16 and a second pipe end portion 13. The second pipe body 16 extends inside the second unit 5. The second pipe end portion 13 is attached to the periphery of the opening of the second pipe body 16.

[0023] The first pipe end 11 is tapered toward the tip of the first refrigerant pipe L1. The first pipe end 11 has a shape that allows it to be inserted into the second pipe end 13. An annular seal member 17 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the second pipe end 13, extending circumferentially around the second pipe end 13 and coming into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first pipe end 11. As shown in FIG. 6 , when the refrigerant pipes L1 and M2 are connected, the outer peripheral surface of the second pipe end 13 comes into surface contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first pipe end 11. The seal member 17 prevents refrigerant leakage from the flow path formed by the first pipe end 11 and the second pipe end 13.

[0024] The second refrigerant pipe M1 further includes a movable body 18 held by the second pipe end portion 13 so as to be movable in the radial direction of the second pipe end portion 13. The movable body 18 includes, for example, at least one sphere. The second pipe end portion 13 has a plurality of passages 19 extending radially and having the movable body 18 disposed therein. The movable body 18 moves back and forth within the passages 19 in the radial direction of the second pipe end portion 13. The connecting member 6 includes a sleeve 60 inserted into the first refrigerant pipe L1 and the second refrigerant pipe M2 at the connecting position P1. The sleeve 60 covers at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the second pipe end portion 13.

[0025] In this embodiment, when the coupling member 6 is positioned at the coupling position P1, the first pipe end 11 is inserted into the second pipe end 13, and the sleeve 60 comes into contact with the movable body 18. As a result, the movable body 18 comes into contact with the first pipe end 11 in the radial direction of the second pipe end 13, and the first pipe end 11 is coupled to the second pipe end 13. As an example, the first pipe end 11 has a groove 11a into which a portion of the movable body 18 fits. The groove 11a is disposed on the outer surface of the first pipe end 11 and extends in the circumferential direction of the first pipe end 11. Also, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the coupling member 6 is positioned at the separation position P2, the movable body 18 becomes separable in the radial direction of the first pipe end 11 and the second pipe end 13, and the movable body 18 separates from the first pipe end 11. As a result, the first pipe end 11 and the second pipe end 13 are separated.

[0026] The coupling member 6 of this embodiment includes a biasing member 61 that biases the sleeve 60 in a direction from the separation position P2 toward the coupling position P1 (downward in the drawing in the example shown in FIG. 5 ). The biasing member 61 includes, for example, a coil spring wound around the outer periphery of the second pipe end 13. The biasing member 61 is engaged with the sleeve 60 and the second pipe end 13. When the coupling member 6 is positioned at the separation position P2, the sleeve 60 moves relative to the second pipe end 13 against the biasing force of the biasing member 61, and the sleeve 60 is no longer able to restrict the movement of the movable body 18. This allows the movable body 18 to move away from the first pipe end 11 and the second pipe end 13 in the radial direction. The movable body 18 may have any other shape that can be coupled to the second refrigerant pipes M1 and M2, such as an axial shape whose longitudinal direction is in the radial direction of the second pipe main body 16. The biasing member 61 may also include a spring body other than a coil spring. The configurations of the coupling member 6A, the first refrigerant pipe L1, and the second refrigerant pipe M1 have been described above, but the configurations of the coupling member 6B, the first refrigerant pipe L2, and the second refrigerant pipe M2 are also similar.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the support member 7 has a support portion 70 and an operating portion 75. Each support member 7 also has at least one through-hole 71, a shaft portion 72, and a locking portion 73. The support member 7 of this embodiment is a processed product obtained by bending a single plate member. This simplifies the components of the support member 7 and reduces the number of parts.

[0028] The support portion 70 has a flat plate surface 70a. The plate surface 70a has, for example, a rectangular outline extending in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis X2. The support portion 70 supports the coupling member 6 above the plate surface 70a. The through hole 71 is arranged in the support portion 70. The through hole 71 penetrates the support portion 70 in the thickness direction. Either the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 or the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 (here, the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2) is inserted through the through hole 71. In this embodiment, the at least one through hole 71 includes two through holes 71A, 71B.

[0029] The support portion 70 of this embodiment includes at least one protrusion 74 that protrudes from the plate surface 70a and abuts against the connecting member 6. The at least one protrusion 74 of this embodiment includes a plurality of protrusions 74. The plurality of protrusions 74 have protrusion heights that abut against each of the two connecting members 6A, 6B at different height positions relative to the plate surface 70a.

[0030] As an example, the support portion 70 includes a plurality of protrusions 74A, 74B arranged on the periphery of each of the through holes 71A, 71B. The protrusions 74 are bent portions formed by bending a portion of the plate member. In this embodiment, the protrusions 74 have an inclined portion 74C on the end surface in the protruding direction that slopes downward from the shaft portion 72 toward the operating portion 75. The inclined portion 74C comes into surface contact with the lower end of the sleeve 60 of the connecting member 6 at the separation position P2 (see FIG. 7). The operating portion 75 is arranged contiguous with the support portion 70 and is operated by an operator. In this embodiment, the operating portion 75 is arranged in a portion of the support member 7 that is closest to the outside from the second unit 5.

[0031] The shaft portion 72 is connected to the support portion 70 at a position spaced apart from the operating portion 75, and extends in one direction parallel to the plate surface 70a. Specifically, the shaft portion 72 of this embodiment includes a pair of shaft portions 72A, 72B that extend and protrude outward from both sides of the support portion 70 in the one direction. The shaft portions 72A, 72B are inserted into the pivot support portion 37A (see FIG. 7) of the specific unit. As an example, the shaft portions 72A, 72B are plate-shaped portions whose cross section in a direction perpendicular to the one direction is rectangular.

[0032] The locking portion 73 is inserted into the holding portion 37B (see FIG. 7) of the specific unit and is locked to the holding portion 37B. The locking portion 73 is connected to the support portion 70 at a position spaced apart from the shaft portion 72 and extends in one direction parallel to the plate surface 70a. The locking portion 73 of this embodiment includes a pair of locking portions 73A that protrude outward from both sides of the support portion 70 in the one direction. The shaft portion 72 and the locking portion 73A of this embodiment extend in the same direction.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the state of the support member 7 when the connecting member 6 shown in FIG. 3 is in the separation position P2. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the state of the support member 7 when the connecting member 6 shown in FIG. 3 is in the connection position P1. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a cross section of the support member 7 and the positions of the shaft portion 72 and the locking portion 73A. The specific unit has a pivotal support portion 37A and a holding portion 37B. The pivotal support portion 37A pivotally supports the shaft portion 72. The holding portion 37B holds the support member 7 when the locking portion 73 is inserted and the connecting member 6 is positioned at the separation position P2. In this embodiment, the second housing 37 of the second unit 5, which is a specific unit, has a pair of pivotal support portions 37A and a pair of holding portions 37B. The pivotal support portions 37A and the holding portions 37B are peripheral portions of through-holes in the second housing 37. For example, the through-holes constituting the pivotal support portion 37A and the holding portions 37B penetrate the second housing 37 in parallel directions. An internal space S1 is disposed inside the pivot support portion 37A.

[0034] The holding portion 37B includes a restricting portion 37C that restricts movement of the locking portion 73 accompanying the swinging of the support portion 70 within a certain range, and a releasing portion 37D that is continuous with the restricting portion 37C and releases the restriction. As shown in FIG. 8 , when viewed from the axial direction of the shaft portion 72 (e.g., the X direction), an internal space S2 is disposed within the restricting portion 37C, and an internal space S3 is disposed within the releasing portion 37D. The internal spaces S2 and S3 extend perpendicular to each other and communicate with each other. In the internal space S2, the locking portion 73 abuts against a portion of the second housing 37 that defines the restricting portion 37C in the tube axis X1-X2 direction (here, the Z direction, for example). This holds the coupling member 6 supported by the support member 7 at the separation position P2. Furthermore, since the locking portion 73 is positioned in the internal space S3 arranged inside the release portion 37D, the locking portion 73 can move within a certain range in the internal space S3 in the directions of the tube axis X1 and X2, and the connecting member 6 supported by the support member 7 can move from the separation position P2 to the connecting position P1.

[0035] In the outdoor unit 3 of this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction of the shaft portion 72, the area of ​​the internal space S1 of the pivotal support portion 37A is sufficiently larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft portion 72, and the total area of ​​the internal spaces S2, S3 of the holding portion 37B is sufficiently larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the locking portion 73. This allows the operator to operate the operating portion 75 to move the support portion 70 relative to the pivotal support portion 37A with the shaft portion 72 pivotally supported by the pivotal support portion 37A. In this embodiment, the operator can operate the operating portion 75 to move the shaft portion 72 in the internal space S1 of the pivotal support portion 37A, thereby moving the locking portion 73 in the internal spaces S2, S3 of the holding portion 37B.

[0036] In this embodiment, when an operator operates the operating unit 75 and pushes the operating unit 75 into the second housing 37 toward the refrigerant pipes L1 and M1, the shaft 72 moves in the pushing direction (direction Y in this case) within the internal space S1, and the locking portion 73 is positioned within the internal space S2 of the restricting portion 37C. As a result, the connecting members 6 (6A, 6B) are simultaneously held at the separation position P2 (FIG. 7).

[0037] Furthermore, when the operator operates the operating unit 75 and pulls it out from inside the second housing 37 in the direction opposite to the pushing direction, the shaft 72 moves within the internal space S1, and the locking portion 73 moves from the internal space S2 to the internal space S1. This allows the connecting member 6 (6A, 6B) to simultaneously move from the separation position P2 to the connecting position P1 (FIG. 8). Note that FIG. 8 shows a state in which, after the locking portion 73 moves from the internal space S2 to the internal space S3, the operating unit 75 moves the locking portion 73 to the bottom end of the portion of the second housing 37 that defines the release portion 37D.

[0038] Next, the steps performed by the operator when connecting the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 will be described. When the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are separated, the operator operates the operating portion 75 of the support member 7 to cause the locking portion 73 of the support member 7 to be held by the holding portion 37B. This simultaneously holds the connecting members 6 (6A, 6B) in the separated position P2 (FIG. 7). In this embodiment, multiple refrigerant pipes L1, L2 are supported by a common support member 7. Therefore, by operating the operating portion 75 once, all of the connecting members 6 (6A, 6B) are simultaneously held in the separated position P2. At this time, in each connecting member 6 (6A, 6B), the sleeve 60 is supported by the protrusion 74 of the support member 7 and moves relative to the second pipe ends 13, 14 against the biasing force of the biasing member 61 (FIG. 5).

[0039] Next, the worker places the second unit 5 close to the first unit 4 and aligns the pipe ends 11, 12 of the refrigerant pipes L1, L2 of the second unit 5 with the pipe ends 13, 14 of the refrigerant pipes M1, M2 of the first unit 4 so that their pipe axes X1, X2 are aligned (FIG. 3). After that, the worker inserts the pipe end 13 into the pipe end 11, and the pipe end 14 into the pipe end 12 (FIG. 7). The worker operates the operating part 75 to move the locking part 73 of the support member 7 from the restricting part 37C of the holding part 37B to the releasing part 37D (FIG. 8). At this time, the support member 7 becomes movable relative to the second housing 37.

[0040] As the support member 7 moves relative to the pipe ends 13 and 14, the sleeve 60, biased by the biasing member 61, moves along the pipe axes X1 and X2 in the direction in which the biasing member 61 extends. This moves the sleeve 60 to the coupling position P1. The movable bodies 18 of the pipe ends 13 and 14 move radially of the pipe ends 13 and 14 and come into contact with the pipe ends 11 and 12. At this time, portions of the movable bodies 18 fit into grooves (see grooves 11a in FIG. 8 ) in the pipe ends 11 and 12. This couples the refrigerant pipes L1 and M1, and couples the refrigerant pipes M1 and M2. In this way, the refrigerant pipes L1, L2, M1, and M2 are connected without the operator applying an external force directly to the coupling member 6. The operator attaches covers 90 to the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 so as to cover the coupling member 6 and the support member 7 from the outside. This completes the assembly of the outdoor unit 3.

[0041] Next, the air conditioner 1 during operation will be described. In heating mode, the refrigerant exchanges heat with outside air in the heat exchanger 30 and vaporizes. The vaporized refrigerant is sent to the compressor 31 via the refrigerant pipe RP4 and the switching valve V. The compressor 31 compresses and discharges the vaporized refrigerant. The vaporized refrigerant is sent to the heat exchanger 20 via the switching valve V and the refrigerant pipe RP3. The heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat between the vaporized refrigerant and indoor air. The blower 21 blows the air that has been heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 20 into the room. As a result of this heat exchange, the refrigerant is liquefied. The liquefied refrigerant is sent to the pressure reducing device 32 via the refrigerant pipe RP1. The refrigerant is decompressed by the pressure reducing device 32 and becomes a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. The two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant returns to the heat exchanger 30 via the refrigerant pipe RP2.

[0042] In the cooling mode or dehumidification mode, the refrigerant is liquefied through heat exchange with outside air in the heat exchanger 30. The liquefied refrigerant is sent to the pressure reducing device 32 via the refrigerant pipe RP2. The pressure reducing device 32 reduces the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant. The liquefied refrigerant is sent to the heat exchanger 20 via the refrigerant pipe RP1. The heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat between the liquefied refrigerant and the indoor air. The blower 21 blows the air that has been cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 20 into the room. As a result of this heat exchange, the refrigerant is vaporized. The vaporized refrigerant is sent to the compressor 31 via the refrigerant pipe RP3 and the switching valve V. The compressor 31 compresses and discharges the vaporized refrigerant. The vaporized refrigerant returns to the heat exchanger 30 via the switching valve V and the refrigerant pipe RP4.

[0043] As described above, according to this embodiment, the outdoor unit is configured to include a first unit 4 and a second unit 5 through which a refrigerant flows. By separating the first unit 4 and the second unit 5, the outdoor unit 3 can be easily installed in a desired location by individually transporting each unit 4 and 5 to a predetermined location, even when there are few workers or limited space. Furthermore, for example, when the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 are in a coupled state, the first refrigerant pipes L1 and L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1 and M2 can be coupled or separated by operating the support member 7 to move the coupling member 6 to the coupling position P1 or the separation position P2. This allows the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 to be easily coupled or separated. This reduces the workload of installing the outdoor unit 3 in a desired location and connecting the refrigerant pipes L1, L2, M1, and M2 between the multiple units 4 and 5, even when the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is configured with multiple units 4 and 5 through which a refrigerant flows.

[0044] Furthermore, the specific unit of this embodiment includes only the second unit 5 of the first unit 4 and second unit 5, and in the coupled state, the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 are arranged so that the pipe axes X1, X2 of their respective pipe ends 11-14 coincide, and the coupling member 6 is supported by the support member 7 while inserted through the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2. Therefore, the second unit 5 can be equipped with both the coupling member 6 and the support member 7. Furthermore, the coupling member 6 moves back and forth over the pipe ends 11-14 of the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2, which are arranged so that the pipe axes X1, X2 coincide, thereby efficiently coupling and separating the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2. Furthermore, because the connecting member 6 is supported by the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 and the support member 7 while inserted through the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2, it is possible to prevent the connecting member 6 from falling off and to facilitate positioning of the connecting member 6. This further reduces the workload of connecting the refrigerant pipes L1, L2, M1, M2 between multiple units 4, 5.

[0045] Furthermore, since the support member 7 of this embodiment has a single support portion 70 that supports multiple connecting members (6A, 6B), for example, an operator can operate the support portion 70 to move multiple connecting members 6 (6A, 6B) between the connecting position P1 and the separating position P2 at one time, thereby efficiently connecting or separating the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2. This further reduces the workload of connecting the refrigerant pipes L1, L2, M1, M2 between multiple units 4, 5.

[0046] The specific unit also has a holding portion 37B that holds the support member 7 when the coupling member 6 is located at the separation position P2. Therefore, by holding the support member 7 by the holding portion 37B when the coupling member 6 is located at the separation position P2, it is possible to easily align the pipe ends 11-14 of the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 while preventing the coupling member 6 from interfering with the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2. After aligning the pipe ends 11-14, the holding of the support member 7 by the holding portion 37B is released, allowing the coupling member 6 to move to the coupling position P1 and efficiently couple the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2.

[0047] In this embodiment, when the coupling member 6 is positioned at the coupling position P1, the first pipe ends 11, 12 are inserted into the second pipe ends 13, 14 and the sleeve 60 comes into contact with the movable body 18, so that the movable body 18 comes into contact with the first pipe ends 11, 12 in the radial direction of the second pipe ends 13, 14, thereby coupling the first pipe ends 11, 12 to the second pipe ends 13, 14. When the coupling member 6 is positioned at the separation position P2, the movable body 18 becomes separable from the first pipe ends 11, 12 and the second pipe ends 13, 14 in the radial direction, so that the first pipe ends 11, 12 and the second pipe ends 13, 14 are separated.

[0048] According to the above configuration, the sleeve 60 of the connecting member 6 contacts the movable body 18 to connect the first pipe ends 11, 12 and the second pipe ends 13, 14, thereby connecting the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 to the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2. Furthermore, because the movable body 18 can separate the first pipe ends 11, 12 and the second pipe ends 13, 14 in the radial direction, the first pipe ends 11, 12 and the second pipe ends 13, 14 can be separated to release the connection between the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2. This allows the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 to be efficiently connected or disconnected. This further reduces the workload of connecting the refrigerant pipes L1, L2, M1, M2 between multiple units 4 and 5.

[0049] In addition, the connecting member 6 of this embodiment includes a biasing member 61 that biases the sleeve 60 in the direction from the separation position P2 toward the connecting position P1, and when the sleeve 60 moves in the direction from the connecting position P1 toward the separation position P2 against the bias of the biasing member 61, the movable body 18 can be radially separated from the first pipe ends 11, 12 and the second pipe ends 13, 14.

[0050] According to the above configuration, for example, by operating the support member 7 to position the coupling member 6 at the separation position P2, the sleeve 60 can be released from contact with the movable body 18, thereby releasing the coupling between the first pipe ends 11, 12 and the second pipe ends 13, 14. Furthermore, by operating the support member 7 to position the coupling member 6 at the coupling position P1, the biasing member 61 biases the sleeve 60 in the direction from the separation position P2 toward the coupling position P1, thereby efficiently coupling the first pipe ends 11, 12 and the second pipe ends 13, 14. Therefore, the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 can be connected with a reduced workload.

[0051] Furthermore, the support member 7 of this embodiment has a support portion 70, a shaft portion 72, and a through hole 71. The specific unit also has a support portion 37A that supports the shaft portion 72. With the shaft portion 72 supported by the support portion 37A, the support portion 70 moves relative to the support portion 37A, causing the connecting member 6 to move back and forth between the connecting position P1 and the separating position P2.

[0052] According to the above configuration, for example, an operator can operate the support member 7 and move the support portion 70 relative to the pivotal support portion 37A with the shaft portion 72 pivotally supported by the pivotal support portion 37A, thereby efficiently moving the coupling member 6 back and forth between the coupling position P1 and the separation position P2. This allows the first refrigerant pipes L1, L2 and the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 to be coupled or separated more reliably and efficiently.

[0053] Furthermore, the support portion 70 of this embodiment includes at least one protrusion 74 (74A, 74B) that protrudes from the plate surface 70a and abuts against the connecting member 6. By abutting the protrusion 74 (74A, 74B) against the connecting member 6, the connecting member 6 can be supported by the support member 7. Furthermore, for example, by changing the protrusion height position of the protrusion 74 (74A, 74B) from the plate surface 70a, the connecting position P1 and the separating position P2 can be adjusted without making any changes to the connecting member 6.

[0054] In this embodiment, the at least one connecting member 6 includes two connecting members 6 (6A, 6B), and the at least one protrusion 74 (74A, 74B) includes a plurality of protrusions 74 (74A, 74B) having protrusion heights that abut each of the two connecting members 6 (6A, 6B) at different height positions relative to the plate surface 70a.

[0055] According to this configuration, even if the second refrigerant pipes M1, M2 include two refrigerant pipes M1, M2 that have different joining positions P1 or separation positions P2, by using multiple protrusions 74 (74A, 74B) that abut against the two joining members 6 (6A, 6B) at different height positions relative to the plate surface 70a, the support portion 70 can be swung to move the two joining members 6 (6A, 6B) corresponding to the two refrigerant pipes M1, M2 back and forth between the individual joining position P1 and separation position P2.

[0056] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 3 of this embodiment is provided with a cover 90 that covers the connecting member 6 and the support member 7 from the outside. This makes it possible for the cover 90 to prevent the connecting member 6 and the support member 7 from being inadvertently operated by an external force.

[0057] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques. [Technology 1] a first unit having a first refrigerant pipe; a second unit having a second refrigerant pipe, the first unit and the second unit are configured to be connectable and detachable to each other, A specific unit including at least one of the first unit and the second unit is at least one connecting member configured to be able to connect and disconnect the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe; an outdoor unit for an air conditioning apparatus, comprising: a support member that supports the connecting member so that the connecting member can move back and forth between a connecting position where the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are connected by the connecting member in a connected state in which the first unit and the second unit are connected, and a separation position where the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe can be separated.

[0058] According to the outdoor unit having the above configuration, the outdoor unit is configured to include a first unit and a second unit through which a refrigerant flows, and the first unit and the second unit are separated. By separating the first unit and the second unit, it is possible to easily install the outdoor unit in a desired location by carrying each unit individually to a predetermined location, even when there are few workers or when space is limited. Furthermore, for example, when the first unit and the second unit are in a coupled state, the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe can be coupled or separated by operating the support member to move the coupling member to a coupled position or a separated position. This allows the first unit and the second unit to be easily coupled or separated.

[0059] This allows the outdoor unit of an air conditioner to be installed in a desired location, even when the outdoor unit is made up of multiple units through which a refrigerant flows, reducing the workload of connecting refrigerant pipes between the multiple units. As a result, even when the outdoor unit is large or heavy, the workload of installing the outdoor unit can be reduced, and the outdoor unit can be conveniently installed in spaces with small installation areas, complicated spaces, or other restricted spaces.

[0060] [Technology 2] the specific unit includes only the second unit of the first unit and the second unit, In the outdoor unit described in Technology 1, in the connected state, the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are arranged so that the pipe axes of the pipe ends coincide with each other, and the connecting member is supported by the support member while being inserted into the second refrigerant pipe.

[0061] According to the above configuration, the second unit can be equipped with both a connecting member and a support member. Furthermore, the connecting member moves back and forth over the pipe ends of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, which are arranged so that their pipe axes coincide, allowing the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe to be efficiently connected or disconnected. Furthermore, because the connecting member is supported by the second refrigerant pipe and the support member while inserted into the second refrigerant pipe, the connecting member can be prevented from falling off and can be easily positioned. This further reduces the workload of connecting refrigerant pipes between multiple units.

[0062] [Technology 3] The outdoor unit according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the support member has a single support portion that supports a plurality of the connecting members.

[0063] With the above configuration, for example, by operating a single support portion of the support member, multiple connecting members can be moved between the connecting position and the separating position at one time, efficiently connecting or separating the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, thereby further reducing the workload of connecting refrigerant pipes between multiple units.

[0064] [Technology 4] The outdoor unit according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the specific unit has a holding portion that holds the support member in a state where the connecting member is located at the separation position.

[0065] According to the above configuration, the support member is held by the holding portion with the coupling member located in the separation position, which prevents the coupling member from interfering with the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe and facilitates alignment of the pipe ends of the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe. Furthermore, after aligning the pipe ends, the holding portion releases the support member, allowing the coupling member to move to the coupling position and efficiently couple the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.

[0066] [Technology 5] the connecting member includes a sleeve inserted into the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe at the connecting position, the first refrigerant pipe includes a tapered first pipe end portion; the second refrigerant pipe includes a second pipe end portion, at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of which is covered by the sleeve, and a movable body held by the second pipe end portion so as to be movable in a radial direction of the second pipe end portion, When the coupling member is disposed at the coupling position, the first pipe end is inserted into the second pipe end and the sleeve comes into contact with the movable body, whereby the movable body comes into contact with the first pipe end in the radial direction and the first pipe end is coupled to the second pipe end, The outdoor unit according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, wherein when the connecting member is arranged at the separation position, the movable body can be separated from the first pipe end in the radial direction, thereby separating the first pipe end and the second pipe end.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the first refrigerant pipe can be connected to the second refrigerant pipe by bringing the sleeve of the connecting member into contact with the movable body and connecting the first pipe end and the second pipe end. Furthermore, because the movable body can be separated in the radial direction of the first pipe end and the second pipe end, the first pipe end and the second pipe end can be separated, thereby releasing the connection between the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe. This allows the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe to be efficiently connected or disconnected. This further reduces the workload of connecting refrigerant pipes between multiple units.

[0068] [Technology 6] the coupling member further includes a biasing member that biases the sleeve in a direction from the separated position toward the coupled position, The outdoor unit described in Technology 5, wherein the sleeve moves in a direction from the coupled position toward the separated position against the biasing force of the biasing member, thereby enabling the movable body to be separated from the first pipe end in the radial direction.

[0069] According to the above configuration, for example, by operating the support member to place the coupling member in the separation position, the sleeve can be released from contact with the movable body, thereby releasing the coupling between the first pipe end and the second pipe end. Furthermore, for example, by operating the support member to place the coupling member in the coupling position, the biasing member can bias the sleeve in a direction from the separation position toward the coupling position, thereby efficiently coupling the first pipe end and the second pipe end. Therefore, the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe can be connected with reduced workload.

[0070] [Technology 7] The support member is a support portion having a flat plate surface and supporting the connecting member in a direction intersecting the plate surface; a shaft portion connected to the support portion and extending in one direction parallel to the plate surface; a through hole disposed in the support portion and through which the first refrigerant pipe or the second refrigerant pipe is inserted, the specific unit has a support portion that supports the shaft portion, The outdoor unit according to any one of techniques 1 to 6, wherein the support portion moves relative to the pivotal support portion while the shaft portion is pivotally supported on the pivotal support portion, thereby causing the connecting member to move back and forth between the connecting position and the separating position.

[0071] According to the above configuration, for example, an operator can operate the support member and move the support portion relative to the pivotal support portion while the shaft portion is pivotally supported by the pivotal support portion, thereby moving the coupling member back and forth between the coupling position and the decoupling position, thereby more reliably and efficiently coupling and decoupling the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe.

[0072] [Technology 8] The outdoor unit according to Technology 7, wherein the support portion includes at least one protrusion that protrudes from the plate surface and abuts against the connecting member.

[0073] According to the above configuration, the protrusions can be brought into contact with the connecting members, thereby allowing the supporting members to support the connecting members. Furthermore, for example, by changing the protruding height of the protrusions from the plate surface, the connecting position and the separating position can be adjusted without modifying the connecting members.

[0074] [Technology 9] the at least one coupling member includes two coupling members; The outdoor unit according to technique 8, wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions having protrusion heights that abut on each of the two connecting members at different height positions relative to the plate surface.

[0075] According to the above configuration, even if the second refrigerant pipe includes two refrigerant pipes that have different joining positions or separation positions, by using multiple protrusions that abut the two joining members at different height positions relative to the plate surface, the support part can be swung to move the two joining members corresponding to the two refrigerant pipes back and forth between their individual joining positions and separation positions.

[0076] [Technology 10] The outdoor unit according to any one of techniques 1 to 9, further comprising a cover that covers the connecting member and the supporting member from the outside.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the cover can prevent the connecting member and the supporting member from being inadvertently operated by an external force.

[0078] [Technology 11] An air conditioner comprising the outdoor unit according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.

[0079] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configuration may be changed, added, or deleted without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The plurality of electrical components E provided in the outdoor unit 3 may be appropriately distributed and arranged in each of the first unit 4 and the second unit 5. Furthermore, the number of refrigerant pipes connected between the first unit 4 and the second unit 5 may be appropriately set. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] L1, L2 1st refrigerant pipe M1, M2 2nd refrigerant pipe P1 bonding position P2 separation position X1, X2 Tube axis of tube end 1. Air conditioning equipment 3 Outdoor unit 4 Unit 1 5 Unit 2 6, 6A, 6B Connecting members 7 Support member 11~14 Pipe end 18 Mobile 37A Axial support 37B Holding part 60 sleeves 61 biasing member 70 Support part 70a plate surface 71, 71A, 71B through hole 72, 72A, 72B shaft part 74, 74A, 74B protrusion 90 Cover

Claims

1. a first unit having a first refrigerant pipe; a second unit having a second refrigerant pipe, the first unit and the second unit are configured to be connectable and detachable to each other, The specific unit including at least one of the first unit and the second unit is at least one connecting member configured to be able to connect and disconnect the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe; an outdoor unit for an air conditioning apparatus, the outdoor unit having: a support member that supports the connecting member so that the connecting member can move back and forth between a connected position where the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are connected by the connecting member and a separated position where the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe can be separated in a connected state where the first unit and the second unit are connected.

2. the specific unit includes only the second unit of the first unit and the second unit, 2. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein, in the coupled state, the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are arranged so that pipe axes of pipe ends coincide with each other, and the coupling member is supported by the support member while being inserted into the second refrigerant pipe.

3. The outdoor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the support member has a single support portion that supports a plurality of the connecting members.

4. The outdoor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the specific unit has a holding portion that holds the support member with the connecting member positioned at the separation position.

5. the connecting member includes a sleeve inserted into the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe at the connecting position, the first refrigerant pipe includes a tapered first pipe end portion; the second refrigerant pipe includes a second pipe end portion, at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of which is covered by the sleeve, and a movable body held by the second pipe end portion so as to be movable in a radial direction of the second pipe end portion, When the coupling member is disposed at the coupling position, the first pipe end is inserted into the second pipe end and the sleeve comes into contact with the movable body, whereby the movable body comes into contact with the first pipe end in the radial direction and the first pipe end is coupled to the second pipe end, 2. The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein when the connecting member is disposed at the separation position, the movable body can be separated from the first pipe end in the radial direction, thereby separating the first pipe end and the second pipe end.

6. the coupling member further includes a biasing member that biases the sleeve in a direction from the separated position toward the coupled position, The outdoor unit according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve moves in a direction from the coupled position toward the separated position against the bias of the biasing member, thereby enabling the movable body to be separated from the first pipe end in the radial direction.

7. The support member is a support portion having a flat plate surface and supporting the connecting member in a direction intersecting the plate surface; a shaft portion connected to the support portion and extending in one direction parallel to the plate surface; a through hole disposed in the support portion and through which the first refrigerant pipe or the second refrigerant pipe is inserted, the specific unit has a support portion that supports the shaft portion, The outdoor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting member moves back and forth between the connecting position and the separating position by the support portion moving relative to the supporting portion while the shaft portion is supported by the supporting portion.

8. The outdoor unit according to claim 7 , wherein the support portion includes at least one protrusion that protrudes from the plate surface and abuts against the connecting member.

9. the at least one coupling member includes two coupling members; The outdoor unit according to claim 8 , wherein the at least one protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions having protrusion heights that abut on each of the two connecting members at different height positions relative to the plate surface.

10. The outdoor unit according to claim 1 , further comprising a cover that covers the connecting member and the support member from the outside.

11. An air conditioning apparatus comprising the outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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