Refrigerant flow path module and heat source unit

Abstract

This enables miniaturization and cost reduction of devices such as heat source units that house shut-off valves. [Solution] The first refrigerant pipe 13, the second refrigerant pipe 52a, the third refrigerant pipe 51a, and the fourth refrigerant pipe 53a are connected to first connection ports 58a, 57a, second connection port 52b3, third connection port 51b3, and fourth connection port 53b3, and first refrigerant flow paths 56, 58, 55, 57 communicate with the first connection ports 58a, 57a, second connection port 52b3, third connection port 51b3, and fourth connection port 53b3. The system comprises a flow path body 31 in which a second refrigerant flow path 52b, a third refrigerant flow path 51b, and a fourth refrigerant flow path 53b are formed, and closing valve bodies 24a and 23a disposed inside the flow path body 31 for closing the first refrigerant flow paths 56, 58, 55, and 57, wherein the closing valve bodies 24a and 23a are movable between a first position that closes the first refrigerant flow paths 56, 58, 55, and 57 and a second position that opens the first refrigerant flow paths.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant flow path module and a heat source unit.

Background Art

[0002] Some air conditioners that adjust the temperature and humidity indoors include an outdoor unit (heat source unit) and an indoor unit (usage unit) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The outdoor unit houses a compressor, a four-way switching valve (flow path switching valve), an outdoor heat exchanger, a shut-off valve, etc., and the indoor unit houses an indoor heat exchanger. These devices are connected by refrigerant pipes to form a refrigerant circuit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the outdoor unit houses many devices such as a compressor, a four-way switching valve, a shut-off valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and these are connected by refrigerant pipes, it is difficult to miniaturize and reduce costs.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable miniaturization and cost reduction of devices such as a heat source unit in which a shut-off valve is housed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The refrigerant flow path module of the present disclosure includes a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port, and a fourth connection port to which a first refrigerant pipe, a second refrigerant pipe, a third refrigerant pipe, and a fourth refrigerant pipe are connected, and a flow path body in which a first refrigerant flow path, a second refrigerant flow path, a third refrigerant flow path, and a fourth refrigerant flow path communicating with the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, and the fourth connection port are formed. The system includes a closing valve body disposed inside the flow path body for closing the first refrigerant flow path, The closing valve body is movable between a first position that closes the first refrigerant flow path and a second position that opens the first refrigerant flow path.

[0007] According to the above configuration, by incorporating the shut-off valve body into the flow path body of the refrigerant flow path module, structures around the shut-off valve body, such as a dedicated casing for the shut-off valve to house the valve body and refrigerant flow channels connected to this casing, can be omitted or reduced. This allows for miniaturization and cost reduction of equipment such as the heat source unit that houses the refrigerant flow path module. Furthermore, by integrating the refrigerant flow path and the shut-off valve into the refrigerant flow path module, vibration design and other related processes can be easily performed.

[0008] (2) The above (1) further comprises a switching mechanism arranged in the flow path body, The switching mechanism has a first configuration in which it connects the first refrigerant flow path and the second refrigerant flow path, and connects the fourth refrigerant flow path and the third refrigerant flow path, It is possible to switch to a second configuration in which the first refrigerant flow path and the third refrigerant flow path are connected, and the fourth refrigerant flow path and the second refrigerant flow path are connected.

[0009] According to the above configuration, by incorporating a switching mechanism that functions as a four-way switching valve, along with a closing valve body, into the refrigerant flow path module, it is possible to further miniaturize and reduce the cost of equipment such as the heat source unit that houses the refrigerant flow path module.

[0010] (3) In (1) or (2) above, the flow path body has a flow path section formed of synthetic resin in which the first refrigerant flow path, the second refrigerant flow path, the third refrigerant flow path, and the fourth refrigerant flow path are formed, The system includes a metal casing that houses the flow channel section inside.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the first to fourth refrigerant flow paths can be easily formed by making the flow path portion of the flow path body from synthetic resin, and the pressure resistance of the flow path portion, which is made of synthetic resin, can be compensated for by the metal casing.

[0012] (4) In (1) or (2) above, the flow channel body is formed of a material mainly composed of aluminum.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the pressure resistance of the flow channel body can be easily ensured.

[0014] (5) The present disclosure provides that a heat source unit connected to a utilization unit via a connecting pipe comprises a refrigerant flow path module as described in any of (1) to (4) above, The connecting pipe is connected to the first connection port.

[0015] (6) In the heat source unit of (5) above, the first connection port is formed on the lower surface of the flow path body of the refrigerant flow path module, An operating part for operating the closing valve body is provided on the side surface of the flow path body.

[0016] (7) In the heat source unit of (5) or (6) above, the flow path body is provided with an operating part for operating the closing valve body from a direction intersecting any of the second refrigerant pipe, the third refrigerant pipe, or the fourth refrigerant pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device including a refrigerant flow path module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the inside of the heat source unit. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the machine room of the heat source unit. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path module when cut horizontally. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path module along the VI-VI line in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path module along the VII-VII line in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the switching mechanism (four-way switching valve) in the first aspect. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the switching mechanism (four-way switching valve) in the second aspect. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the valve body of the switching mechanism (four-way switching valve). [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the cross-section of the casing along the XI-XI line in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the shut-off valve. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing the valve body of the switching mechanism (four-way switching valve) in the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail while referring to the accompanying drawings. [[ID=3X]] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a flow path switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 includes a refrigerant circuit 30 that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is an air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 1, this air conditioner 10 has an outdoor unit (heat source unit) 11 and an indoor unit (usage unit) 12. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are connected by connection pipes 13 and 14, respectively. The refrigerant circuit 30 is formed by the outdoor unit 11, the indoor unit 12, and the connection pipes 13 and 14. In the outdoor unit 11, shut-off valves 23 and 24 are provided at the connection portions of the connection pipes 13 and 14. Note that the refrigeration cycle apparatus 10 is not limited to an air conditioner, and may be a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, a ventilation device, or the like.

[0019] (Refrigerant circuit configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the outdoor unit 11 is equipped with a compressor 15, an accumulator 25, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat source heat exchanger; second heat exchanger) 16, an expansion valve 17, and a four-way switching valve (switching mechanism) 18, which constitute the refrigerant circuit 30. The outdoor unit 11 is also equipped with an outdoor fan 19. The indoor unit 12 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (utilizing heat exchanger; first heat exchanger) 21, which constitutes the refrigerant circuit 30. The indoor unit 12 is also equipped with an indoor fan 22. In this embodiment, the four-way switching valve 18 and the shut-off valves 23 and 24 are modularized or integrated into a refrigerant flow path module 40, including the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 55, 56, 57, and 58 connected to them. Details of this will be described later.

[0020] The compressor 15 is a positive displacement compressor, such as a scroll type or rotary type, and has a built-in compressor motor. The compressor 15 compresses the refrigerant drawn in from the suction pipe 52a and then discharges it from the discharge pipe 51a. In the outdoor unit 11, the discharge side of the compressor 15 is connected to port A of the four-way switching valve 18 via the discharge pipe 51a, which is refrigerant piping, and the refrigerant flow path 51b in the refrigerant flow path module 40. The suction side of the compressor 15 is connected to port B of the four-way switching valve 18 via the suction pipe 52a, which is refrigerant piping, and the refrigerant flow path 52b in the refrigerant flow path module 40. An accumulator 25 is provided in the middle of the suction pipe 52a.

[0021] The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is composed of a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger or a microchannel type heat exchanger, etc. The gas side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to port C of the four-way switching valve 18 via refrigerant piping 53a and refrigerant flow path 53b in the refrigerant flow path module 40. The liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to one end of the expansion valve 17 via refrigerant piping 54.

[0022] The expansion valve 17 is, for example, an electrically operated valve with an adjustable opening. The other end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to the liquid-side shut-off valve 23 via a refrigerant flow path 55 in the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0023] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is composed of a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger or a microchannel type heat exchanger, etc. The liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the liquid side shut-off valve 23 via the liquid side connecting pipe 14 and the refrigerant flow path 57 in the refrigerant flow path module 40. The gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the gas side shut-off valve 24 via the gas side connecting pipe 13 and the refrigerant flow path 58 in the refrigerant flow path module 40. The gas side shut-off valve 24 is connected to port D of the four-way switching valve 18 via the refrigerant flow path 56 in the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0024] The four-way switching valve 18 switches the flow path between a first mode (shown by a solid line in Figure 1) in which ports A and C are in communication with each other and ports B and D are in communication with each other, and a second mode (shown by a dotted line in Figure 1) in which ports A and D are in communication with each other and ports B and C are in communication with each other. In the first mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 16, and in the second mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0025] The outdoor fan 19 is positioned near the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The outdoor fan 19 is driven by a motor to rotate and blow air onto the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 16 exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 19, causing it to evaporate or condense.

[0026] The indoor fan 22 is positioned near the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor fan 22 is driven by a motor to rotate and blow air into the indoor heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 22, and condenses or evaporates.

[0027] The air conditioner 10 switches the four-way diverter valve 18 to a first mode when performing cooling operation, and switches the four-way diverter valve 18 to a second mode when performing heating operation. In cooling operation, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 16, which functions as a condenser, via the four-way diverter valve 18, and is condensed into liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is depressurized in the expansion valve 17 to become a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21, which functions as an evaporator. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air supplied by the indoor fan 22 and evaporates, becoming gaseous refrigerant. The air cooled by heat exchange is supplied to the room. The gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is drawn into the compressor 15 via the four-way diverter valve 18.

[0028] During heating operation, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21, which functions as a condenser, via the four-way switching valve 18. The gaseous refrigerant condenses by exchanging heat with the air supplied by the indoor fan 22, becoming a liquid refrigerant. The air heated by the heat exchange is supplied to the room. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is depressurized in the expansion valve 17 to become a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, which flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 16, which functions as an evaporator. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 16, becoming a gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 15 via the four-way switching valve 18.

[0029] (Structure of the outdoor unit) Figure 2 is a plan view showing the inside of the heat source unit. In the following explanation, the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 2 (first direction X) is considered the left-right direction, and the direction indicated by arrow Y (second direction Y) is considered the front-back direction. The outdoor unit 11 is equipped with a casing 91. The casing 91 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is rectangular in plan view. The interior of the casing 91 is divided into a machine room S1 and a heat exchange room S2 by a partition wall 92. The machine room S1 houses the compressor 15. In addition to the compressor 15, the machine room S1 also houses an accumulator 25, a refrigerant flow path module 40, and the like.

[0030] The heat exchange chamber S2 of the casing 91 houses an outdoor heat exchanger 16 and an outdoor fan 19, etc. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is formed in an L-shape in plan view. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is positioned along two adjacent side walls (rear side wall 91a, left side wall 91b) of the casing 91 which is located on the heat exchange chamber S2 side. Air intakes 91a1 and 91b1 are formed in these side walls 91a and 91b. The outdoor fan 19 is positioned opposite the other side wall (front side wall) 91c which is adjacent to the side wall (left side wall) 91b on which the air intake 91b1 is formed. An air outlet 91c1 is formed in this side wall 91c.

[0031] When the outdoor fan 19 is activated, air is drawn into the casing 91 from the air intakes 91a1 and 91b1 and discharged from the air outlet 91c1. The arrow a in Figure 2 indicates the direction of the airflow drawn into the casing 91.

[0032] Figure 3 is a front view showing the machine room of the heat source unit. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is located in the machine room S1 of the casing 91 of the outdoor unit 11. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is located in the vicinity of the adjacent side walls (front side wall) 91c and side wall (right side wall) 91d in the machine room S1. In other words, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is located in the corner between the side walls 91c and 91d.

[0033] The refrigerant flow path module 40 is fixed to the casing 91 by mounting members 93 and 94. Mounting member 93 is formed in the shape of a strip, with one end in the longitudinal direction fixed to the refrigerant flow path module 40 and the other end fixed to the partition wall 92 of the casing 91. Mounting member 94 has one end fixed to the side wall (right side wall) 91d of the casing 91 and the other end fixed to the refrigerant flow path module 40. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is mounted via mounting members 93 and 94 between the side wall 91d of the casing 91 and the partition wall 92 in the left-right direction X. The refrigerant flow path module 40 is located to the right of the compressor 15 (one side in the first direction X) and in front of the accumulator 25 (one side in the second direction Y).

[0034] The refrigerant flow path module 40 in this embodiment is rectangular in shape. One end of each of the multiple refrigerant pipes 51a, 52a, and 53a is connected to the upper surface of the refrigerant flow path module 40. Of these, the other end of the refrigerant pipe (discharge pipe) 51a is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 15. The other end of the refrigerant pipe (suction pipe) 52a is connected to the accumulator 25. The other end of the refrigerant pipe 53a is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 16. One end of the connecting pipes 13 and 14, or other refrigerant pipes connected to the connecting pipes 13 and 14, is connected to the lower surface of the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0035] (Refrigerant flow path module) Figure 4 is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path module when cut in a horizontal plane. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path module along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path module along the line VII-VII in Figure 5. These drawings show the first direction X and the second direction Y described above, as well as a third direction Z that is orthogonal to them. In this embodiment, the first direction X is the left-right direction, the second direction is the front-back direction, and the third direction Z is the up-down direction. However, these examples are not limiting to the present disclosure and can be modified as appropriate.

[0036] The refrigerant flow path module 40 has a flow path body 31 and valve bodies 60, 23a, and 24a that constitute various valves 18, 23, and 24. The flow path body 31 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The flow path body 31 includes a flow path section 32 and a casing 33. The flow path section 32 has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 55, 56, 57, and 58, and a plurality of hollow sections 31A, 31B, and 31C that house the valve bodies 60, 23a, and 24a.

[0037] The flow channel section 32 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped block. The flow channel section 32 is formed from, for example, synthetic resin. The flow channel section 32 is formed by mold molding such as injection molding. The material of the flow channel section 32 can be PA66 (polyamide 66), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), etc. However, the material and manufacturing method of the flow channel section 32 are not limited to those mentioned above.

[0038] Although not shown in the figures, the flow path section 32 in this embodiment is composed of multiple members (divided parts). For example, the flow path section 32 is divided at one or more points in the middle of the left-right direction X, the middle of the up-down direction Z, and / or the middle of the front-back direction Y.

[0039] The casing 33 covers the outside of the flow channel section 32. The casing 33 is a hollow box in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The casing 33 is made of metal. The casing 33 is formed from, for example, iron, stainless steel, etc. The casing 33 is formed by sheet metal processing, etc. However, the material and manufacturing method of the casing 33 are not particularly limited.

[0040] The casing 33 is composed of multiple members (divided parts) that are divided along any face or edge constituting a rectangular parallelepiped. After covering the flow path section 32 with the multiple divided parts, the multiple divided parts are joined together by welding or brazing to form a rectangular parallelepiped box shape. By covering the flow path section 32 with the casing 33 in this way, the pressure resistance of the flow path section 32 against the pressure applied from the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 55~58 and the refrigerant in the hollow sections 31A~31C can be increased. In addition, it is possible to suppress the leakage of refrigerant that leaks from the flow path section 32 to the outside.

[0041] The flow path body 31 may be entirely made of a metal, such as a material mainly composed of aluminum. In this case, holes that constitute the refrigerant flow path and hollow sections that house valves are formed inside the metal flow path body 31.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the flow path body 31 houses the valve body 60 of the four-way switching valve 18 and the valve bodies 23a and 24a of the shut-off valves 23 and 24. Specifically, the flow path section 32 has hollow sections 31A, 31B, and 31C formed to accommodate each of the valve bodies 60, 23a, and 24a. Therefore, the flow path body 31 also functions as a common casing for the various valve bodies 60, 23a, and 24a. More specifically, the flow path section 32 of the flow path body 31 functions as the inner casing for the valve bodies 60, 23a, and 24a, and the casing 33 functions as the outer casing for the valve bodies 60, 23a, and 24a.

[0043] (Four-way switching valve (switching mechanism) 18) The hollow section 31A that houses the valve body 60 of the four-way switching valve 18 is spherical in shape. Multiple ports (openings) A, B, C, and D are formed on the inner surface of the hollow section 31A. These ports A to D correspond to the ports A to D described with reference to Figure 1. In this embodiment, ports A to D are arranged at approximately the same height in the vertical direction. Ports A to D are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the hollow section 31A. The centers of ports A to D are located on the same horizontal plane as the center of the spherical shape of the hollow section 31A.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the main flow path body 31 has refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56, and 58 that communicate with ports A to D. The refrigerant flow path 51b communicating with port A includes a horizontal flow path 51b1 and a vertical flow path 51b2. The horizontal flow path 51b1 extends horizontally from port A. Specifically, the horizontal flow path 51b1 extends forward from port A.

[0045] The vertical flow path 51b2 extends vertically from the end of the horizontal flow path 51b1. Specifically, the vertical flow path 51b2 extends upward from the front end of the horizontal flow path 51b1. The upper end of the vertical flow path 51b2 is open on the upper surface of the flow path body 31 (casing 33), as shown in Figure 4. This opening 51b3 constitutes a connection port to which the refrigerant piping 51a is connected.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the refrigerant flow path 52b communicating with port B includes a horizontal flow path 52b1 and a vertical flow path 52b2. The horizontal flow path 52b1 extends horizontally from port B. Specifically, the horizontal flow path 52b1 extends diagonally to the right and rear from port B.

[0047] The vertical flow path 52b2 extends vertically from the end of the horizontal flow path 52b1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the vertical flow path 52b2 extends upward from the rear end of the horizontal flow path 52b1. The upper end of the vertical flow path 52b2 is open on the upper surface of the flow path body 31 (casing 33), as shown in Figure 4. This opening 52b3 constitutes a connection port to which the refrigerant piping 52a is connected.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the refrigerant flow path 53b communicating with port C includes a horizontal flow path 53b1 and a vertical flow path 53b2. The horizontal flow path 53b1 extends horizontally from port B. Specifically, the horizontal flow path 53b1 extends diagonally to the left and rear from port C.

[0049] The vertical flow path 53b2 extends vertically from the end of the horizontal flow path 53b1. Specifically, the vertical flow path 53b2 extends upward from the rear end of the horizontal flow path 53b1. The upper end of the vertical flow path 53b2 is open on the upper surface of the flow path body 31 (casing 33). As shown in Figure 4, this opening 53b3 constitutes a connection port to which the refrigerant piping 53a is connected.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the refrigerant passages 56 and 58 communicating with port D include a horizontal passage 56 and a vertical passage 58. The horizontal passage 56 extends horizontally from port D. Specifically, the horizontal passage 56 extends forward from port D.

[0051] The vertical flow path 58 extends vertically from the end of the horizontal flow path 56. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the vertical flow path 58 extends downward from the front end of the horizontal flow path 56. The lower end of the vertical flow path 58 is open on the lower surface of the flow path body 31 (casing 33). As shown in Figure 4, this opening 58a constitutes a connection port to which the connecting pipe (refrigerant pipe) 13 is connected. The connecting pipe 13 extends downward from the lower surface of the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0052] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the valve body of the switching mechanism (four-way switching valve). The valve body 60 is positioned in the hollow portion 31A of the flow path body 31. The valve body 60 is formed in a spherical shape. The outer diameter of the valve body 60 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A.

[0053] The valve body 60 is made of synthetic resin or metal. The valve body 60 is formed by mold molding, such as injection molding or die casting. Examples of materials used for the valve body 60 include synthetic resins such as PA66 (polyamide 66) and PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), aluminum alloys, aluminum-based materials such as pure aluminum, and steel materials such as SUJ2 (high-carbon chromium bearing steel). However, the material and manufacturing method of the valve body 60 are not limited to these.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, the valve body 60 rotates around a predetermined rotation axis C2. In this embodiment, the rotation axis C2 is located in the vertical direction Z. The rotation axis C2 of the valve body 60 passes through the spherical center P of the valve body 60. A drive shaft 66 is located on the rotation axis C2. One end (lower end) of the drive shaft 66 is fixed to the valve body 60. The drive shaft 66 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flow path body 31. Above the flow path body 31, a drive unit 64 is connected to the upper part of the drive shaft 66.

[0055] The drive unit 64 is, for example, an electric motor. The drive unit 64 generates and outputs rotational power. The drive unit 64 employs an electric motor that can adjust the rotation angle of the drive shaft 66, such as a stepping motor.

[0056] (Specific structure of valve body 60) Figure 10 shows a reference axis C3 perpendicular to the rotation axis C2 of the valve body 60, and a reference axis C4 perpendicular to both the rotation axis C2 and the reference axis C3. The rotation axis C2, the reference axis C3, and the reference axis C4 are perpendicular to each other at the spherical center P of the valve body 60.

[0057] The valve body 60 has a through hole 61 and a recess 62. Both the through hole 61 and the recess 62 constitute passages for the refrigerant. The through hole 61 is a hole that penetrates the valve body 60. In contrast, the recess 62 is formed by recessing the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60.

[0058] The through-hole 61 is formed at two locations on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. One opening 61a of the through-hole 61 is formed on the reference axis C3. The other opening 61b is formed on the reference axis C4. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the through-hole 61 is formed in a roughly L-shaped curve. The areas of both openings 61a and 61b are the same. The cross-sectional area of ​​the through-hole 61 (the area of ​​the cross section perpendicular to the center line of the through-hole 61; the cross-sectional area) is approximately the same as the area of ​​each opening 61a and 61b.

[0059] The recess 62 is formed on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 over a range (approximately 90° around the rotation axis C2) that spans from position G1, located on the opposite side of the reference axis C3 with respect to one opening 61a of the through hole 61, to position G2, located on the opposite side of the reference axis C4 with respect to the other opening 61b of the through hole 61.

[0060] The bottom surface 62a of the recess 62 is a single flat surface. This bottom surface 62a is formed across positions G1 and G2. The bottom surface 62a may be composed of multiple flat surfaces or of curved surfaces. The bottom surface 62a of the recess 62 and the openings 61a and 61b of the through hole 61 are positioned at an angle of approximately 45°.

[0061] The valve body 60 is not a perfect sphere because of the formation of the through hole 61 and the recess 62, and is a sphere with a portion of its spherical surface (outer surface 60a) missing. In Figure 8, which will be explained next, the shape of a perfect sphere without any missing portion is shown by the dashed line L.

[0062] (Switching of the flow path by the valve body 60) Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the switching mechanism (four-way switching valve) in the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the switching mechanism (four-way switching valve) in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the valve body 60 is switched between a first mode (see Figure 8) and a second mode (see Figure 9) by rotating 90 degrees around the rotation axis C2.

[0063] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 8, port B and port D are connected by a through-hole 61 of the valve body 60, and port A and port C are connected by a recess 62. Therefore, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 1, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the four-way directional control valve 18 from port A through the refrigerant piping 51a and refrigerant flow path 51b, flows out of the four-way directional control valve 18 from port C through the recess 62 (see Figure 8), and is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 16 through the refrigerant flow path 53b and refrigerant piping 53a. The refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 21 flows into the four-way directional control valve 18 from port D through the connecting piping 13 and refrigerant flow paths 58 and 56, flows out of the four-way directional control valve 18 from port B through the through-hole 61 (see Figure 8), and is drawn into the compressor 15 through the refrigerant flow path 52b, refrigerant piping 52a, and accumulator 25. This enables the air conditioner 10 to perform cooling operation.

[0064] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 9, port B and port C are connected by a through-hole 61 of the valve body 60, and port A and port D are connected by a recess 62. Therefore, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 1, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the four-way directional control valve 18 from port A through the refrigerant piping 51a and refrigerant flow path 51b, flows out to the outside of the four-way directional control valve 18 from port D through the recess 62 (see Figure 9), and is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 through the refrigerant flow paths 56, 58 and connecting piping 13. The refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger 16 flows into the four-way directional control valve 18 from port C through the refrigerant piping 53a and refrigerant flow path 53b, flows out to the outside of the four-way directional control valve 18 from port B through the through-hole 61 (see Figure 9), and is drawn into the compressor 15 through the refrigerant flow path 52b, refrigerant piping 52a, and accumulator 25. This allows the air conditioner 10 to perform heating operation.

[0065] The through-hole 61 is always in communication with port B, and the valve body 60 selectively communicates with port D and port C by rotating 90° around the rotation axis C2. Since port B is connected to the suction pipe 52a and refrigerant flow path 52b of the compressor 15, the through-hole 61, which is always in communication with port B, becomes a passage through which "low-pressure refrigerant" flows.

[0066] The recess 62 is always in communication with port A, and the valve body 60 selectively communicates with port C and port D by rotating 90° around the rotation axis C2. Since port A is connected to the discharge pipe 51a and refrigerant flow path 51b of the compressor 15, the recess 62, which is always in communication with port A, becomes a passage through which "high-pressure refrigerant" flows.

[0067] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the cross-section of the casing along the line XI-XI in Figure 9. As shown in Figures 8, 9, and 11, sealing portions 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d are integrally formed on the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A of the flow path body 31, around each of the ports A to D. The sealing portions 34a to 34d are annular projections that protrude from the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A. The tips of these sealing portions 34a to 34d are in contact with the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60.

[0068] Specifically, in the first embodiment shown in Figure 8, the sealing portion 34b formed around port B on the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A is in contact with the area around the opening 61b of the through hole 61 on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. The sealing portion 34d formed around port D on the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A is in contact with the area around the opening 61a of the through hole 61 on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60.

[0069] Therefore, the sealing portions 34b and 34d can prevent the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports B, D, and the through-hole 61 from leaking into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A. Furthermore, the sealing portions 34b and 34d can prevent the refrigerant flowing through other ports (high-pressure refrigerant) from flowing into ports B, D, and the through-hole 61. This prevents the mixing of low-pressure and high-pressure refrigerants.

[0070] In contrast, the sealing portions 34a and 34c formed around ports A and C on the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A partially contact the area around the recess 62 on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60, but other portions are located radially outside the recess 62 and do not contact the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. Therefore, the high-pressure refrigerant leaks through ports A, C, and the recess 62 into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A.

[0071] When high-pressure refrigerant leaks into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A, the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is applied to most of the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60, excluding the through-hole 61. The pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is also applied to the recess 62 through which the high-pressure refrigerant passes. As a result, the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 is strongly pressed against the sealing portions 34b and 34d formed around ports B and D.

[0072] As a result, the sealing portions 34b and 34d can further suppress leakage of low-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports B, D, and the through-hole 61 into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A. Furthermore, the sealing portions 34b and 34d can further suppress the inflow of high-pressure refrigerant flowing through areas other than ports B, D, and the through-hole 61—in other words, high-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports A, C, and the recess 62, as well as high-pressure refrigerant leaking from these areas—into ports B, D, and the through-hole 61.

[0073] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 9, the sealing portion 34b formed around port B on the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A is in contact with the area around the opening 61a of the through hole 61 on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. The sealing portion 34c formed around port C on the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A is in contact with the area around the opening 61b of the through hole 61 on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60.

[0074] Therefore, the sealing portions 34b and 34c prevent the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports B, C, and the through-hole 61 from leaking into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A. Furthermore, the sealing portions 34b and 34c prevent the refrigerant flowing through areas other than ports B, C, and the through-hole 61 (high-pressure refrigerant) from flowing into ports B, C, and the through-hole 61. This prevents the mixing of low-pressure and high-pressure refrigerants.

[0075] In contrast, the sealing portions 34a and 34d formed around ports A and D on the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A partially contact the area around the recess 62 on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60, but other portions are located radially outside the recess 62 and do not contact the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through ports A, D, and the recess 62 leaks into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A.

[0076] When high-pressure refrigerant leaks into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A, the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is applied to most of the outer surface of the valve body 60, excluding the through-hole 61, and to the recess 62 through which the high-pressure refrigerant passes. As a result, the valve body 60 is strongly pressed against the sealing portions 34b and 34c formed around ports B and C.

[0077] As a result, the sealing portions 34b and 34c can further suppress the leakage of low-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports B, C, and the through-hole 61 into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A. Furthermore, the sealing portions 34b and 34c can further suppress the flow of high-pressure refrigerant flowing through areas other than ports B, C, and the through-hole 61—in other words, high-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports A, D, and the recess 62, as well as high-pressure refrigerant leaking from these areas—into ports B, C, and the through-hole 61.

[0078] The sealing portions 34a to 34d are formed integrally with the flow channel portion 32. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the sealing portions 34a to 34d are formed separately from the flow channel portion 32. In addition, if the flow channel portion 32 is molded using synthetic resin or the like, the sealing portions 34a to 34d can be easily molded integrally.

[0079] Of the four ports A to D, only high-pressure refrigerant flows through port A, so the seal portion 34a formed around port A is not used in practice. Therefore, the seal portion 34a can be omitted.

[0080] (Shut-off valve 24) Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a close-up of the shut-off valve. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a shut-off valve (gas-side shut-off valve) 24 is provided between the refrigerant flow path 56 and the refrigerant flow path 58 formed in the flow path body 31 (flow path section 32) of the refrigerant flow path module 40. As shown in Figure 12, the valve body (shut-off valve body) 24a of the shut-off valve 24 is housed in a hollow section 31C formed in the flow path section 32 of the flow path body 31. This hollow section 31C is formed in a cylindrical shape and communicates with the refrigerant flow paths 56 and 58. The axis of the cylindrical shape of the hollow section 31C is arranged concentrically with the axis of the refrigerant flow path 56. Therefore, the hollow section 31C extends in the horizontal direction. The upper end of the refrigerant flow path 58 communicates with the lower side of the hollow section 31C.

[0081] The hollow section 31C has a cylindrical mounting body 35 on its inner circumference. The mounting body 35 is made of metal. The mounting body 35 is made of stainless steel, iron, or the like. Female threads are formed on the inner surface of the mounting body 35. The mounting body 35 protrudes to the outside of the casing 33 through an opening 33a formed in the casing 33. Male threads 35a are formed on the outer surface of the mounting body 35 that protrudes from the casing 33. The mounting body 35 is inserted, for example, when the flow path section 32 is molded and integrated with the flow path section 32. Alternatively, the mounting body 35 is joined to the casing 33 by welding or brazing.

[0082] The valve body 24a is the same type as those used in known shut-off valves. The valve body 24a is made of metal or synthetic resin. The valve body 24a is formed in a cylindrical shape. Male threads are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 24a. The valve body 24a is housed in the hollow portion 31C (mounting body 35) by connecting the male threads on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 24a to female threads formed on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion 31C.

[0083] A valve seat 31C1 is formed at the boundary between the hollow portion 31C and the refrigerant flow path 56. The outer circumference of one end (rear end) of the valve body 24a can contact the valve seat 31C1. When the valve body 24a is rotated around its axis and moved rearward, bringing it into contact with the valve seat 31C1, the refrigerant flow path 56 is closed. The valve body 24a is operated manually. A hexagonal socket-shaped operating part 24a1 is formed at the other end (front end) of the valve body 24a. A tool such as a hex wrench can be inserted into the operating part 24a1 to rotate the valve body 24a.

[0084] A cap nut 36 is attached to a male thread 35a formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting body 35. The cap nut 36 is a cover that covers the operating portion 24a1 of the valve body 24a. By removing the cap nut 36 from the male thread 35a, the valve body 24a can be operated.

[0085] As described above, in order to close the shut-off valve 24, the valve body 24a is rotated to move it toward the direction of the refrigerant flow path 56 (rearward), so that one end (rear end) of the valve body 24a comes into contact with the valve seat 31C1. In this embodiment, this position is also called the first position. In order to open the shut-off valve 24, the valve body 24a is rotated to move it toward the direction away from the refrigerant flow path 56 (forward), so that one end (rear end) of the valve body 24a moves away from the valve seat 31C1. In this embodiment, this position is also called the second position.

[0086] The valve body 24a can be made of metal or synthetic resin. The valve body 24a is made of a material with higher hardness than the flow path portion 32 of the flow path body 31, such as copper such as brass, stainless steel, etc. Therefore, when the end of the valve body 24a is brought into contact with the valve seat 31C1 formed on the synthetic resin flow path portion 32, the valve seat 31C1 is brought into close contact with the valve body 24a, and the flow path 56 can be reliably closed.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is provided with a service port 26 for the shut-off valve 24. The service port 26 has a refrigerant flow path 59 formed in the flow path section 32 and a hollow section 31F. The refrigerant flow path 59 extends in the vertical direction. The lower end of the refrigerant flow path 59 communicates with the hollow section 31C in which the valve body 24a is housed. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path 58 and the refrigerant flow path 59 communicate with each other via the hollow section 31C.

[0088] The hollow section 31F is formed in a cylindrical shape and communicates with the upper end of the refrigerant flow path 59. The axis of the cylindrical shape of the hollow section 31F is concentric with the axis of the refrigerant flow path 59. The hollow section 31F has a cylindrical mounting body 37 on its inner circumference. The mounting body 37 is made of metal. The mounting body 37 is made of stainless steel, copper alloy, or the like. The mounting body 37 protrudes to the outside of the casing 33 through an opening 33b formed in the casing 33. In this embodiment, the mounting body 37 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the casing 33. A male screw 37a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting body 37 that protrudes from the casing 33.

[0089] A valve core 26a, which constitutes the valve body of the service port 26, is inserted and fixed inside the mounting body 37. The valve core 26a has a pin 26a1 for opening and closing. A cap nut 38 is attached to a male thread 37a formed on the outer circumference of the mounting body 37. The cap nut 38 functions as a cover that covers the pin 26a1.

[0090] When the cap nut 38 is removed and the pin 26a1 of the valve core 26a is pushed downward, the inside of the valve core 26a communicates with the refrigerant flow path 59. Instruments such as pressure gauges and vacuum pumps can be connected to the service port 26.

[0091] (Expansion valve 17) As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the expansion valve 17 is mounted on the upper surface of the flow path body 31 of the refrigerant flow path module 40. The flow path body 31 has a refrigerant flow path 55 that communicates with the expansion valve 17. The refrigerant flow path 55 includes a horizontal flow path 55a and a vertical flow path 55b. The horizontal flow path 55a extends horizontally. Specifically, the horizontal flow path 55a extends in the front-to-back direction. The vertical flow path 55b extends vertically from the end of the horizontal flow path 55a. Specifically, the vertical flow path 55b extends upward from the rear end of the horizontal flow path 55a. The upper end of the vertical flow path 55b opens on the upper surface of the flow path body 31 (casing 33), and one end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to it. The other end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 54 that leads to the outdoor heat exchanger 16.

[0092] The front end of the refrigerant flow path 55 communicates with a refrigerant flow path 57 formed in the flow path body 31. The refrigerant flow path 57 extends vertically, and its upper end is connected to the refrigerant flow path 55. The lower end of the refrigerant flow path 57 is open on the lower surface of the flow path body 31 (casing 33). This opening 57a serves as a connection port to which the upper end of the connecting pipe 14 is connected.

[0093] (Shut-off valve 23) As shown in Figures 5 and 7, a shut-off valve (liquid-side shut-off valve) 23 is provided between the refrigerant flow path 55 (lateral flow path 55a) and the refrigerant flow path 57 formed in the flow path body 31 (flow path section 32) of the refrigerant flow path module 40. The valve body 23a of this shut-off valve 23 is housed in a hollow section 31B formed in the flow path section 32 of the flow path body 31. This hollow section 31B is formed in a cylindrical shape and communicates with the refrigerant flow paths 55 and 57. The cylindrical axis of the hollow section 31B is concentric with the axis of the lateral flow path 55a of the refrigerant flow path 55. Therefore, the hollow section 31B extends in the horizontal direction. The upper end of the refrigerant flow path 57 communicates with the lower side of the hollow section 31B.

[0094] The hollow section 31B has a cylindrical mounting body 45 on its inner circumference. The mounting body 45 is made of metal. The mounting body 45 is made of stainless steel, copper alloy, or the like. Male threads are formed on the inner surface of the mounting body 45. The mounting body 45 protrudes to the outside of the casing 33 through an opening 33c formed in the casing 33. Male threads 45a are formed on the outer surface of the mounting body 45 that protrudes from the casing 33. The mounting body 45 is inserted, for example, when the flow path section 32 is molded and integrated with the flow path section 32. Alternatively, the mounting body 35 is joined to the casing 33 by welding or brazing.

[0095] The valve body 23a is the same type as those used in known shut-off valves. The valve body 23a is formed in a cylindrical shape. Male threads are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 23a. The valve body 23a is housed in the hollow portion 31B (mounting body 45) by connecting the male threads on its outer circumferential surface to female threads formed on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow portion 31B.

[0096] A valve seat 31B1 is formed at the boundary between the hollow portion 31B and the refrigerant flow path 55. The outer circumference of one end (rear end) of the valve body 23a can contact the valve seat 31B1. When the valve body 23a is rotated around its axis and moved rearward, bringing it into contact with the valve seat 31B1, the refrigerant flow path 55 is closed. The valve body 23a is operated manually. An operating part 23a1 is formed at the other end (front end) of the valve body 23a. The operating part 23a1 is shaped like a hexagonal socket. A tool such as a hex wrench can be inserted into the operating part 23a1 to rotate the valve body 23a.

[0097] A cap nut 46 is attached to a male thread 45a formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting body 45. The cap nut 46 is a cover that covers the operating portion 23a1 of the valve body 23a. By removing the cap nut 46 from the male thread 45a, the valve body 23a can be operated.

[0098] As shown in Figure 7, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is provided with a service port 27 for the shut-off valve 23. The service port 27 has a refrigerant flow path 69 formed in the flow path section 32 and a hollow section 31E. The refrigerant flow path 59 extends in the vertical direction. The lower end of the refrigerant flow path 69 communicates with the hollow section 31B in which the valve body 23a is housed. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path 57 and the refrigerant flow path 69 communicate with each other via the hollow section 31B.

[0099] The hollow section 31E is formed in a cylindrical shape and communicates with the upper end of the refrigerant flow path 69. The cylindrical axis of the hollow section 31E is concentric with the axis of the refrigerant flow path 69. The hollow section 31E has a cylindrical mounting body 47 on its inner circumference. The mounting body 47 is made of metal. The mounting body 47 is made of stainless steel, copper alloy, or the like. The mounting body 47 protrudes to the outside of the casing 33 through an opening 33d formed in the casing 33. In this embodiment, the mounting body 37 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the casing 33. A male screw 47a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the mounting body 47 that protrudes from the casing 33.

[0100] A valve core 27a, which constitutes the valve body of the service port 27, is inserted into the mounting body 47. The valve core 27a has an opening and closing pin 27a1. A cap nut 48 is detachably attached to a male thread 47a formed on the outer circumference of the mounting body 47. The cap nut 48 functions as a cover that covers the pin 26a1.

[0101] When the cap nut 48 is removed and the pin 27a1 of the valve core 27a is pushed downward, the inside of the valve core 27a communicates with the refrigerant flow path 69. Instruments such as pressure gauges and vacuum pumps can be connected to the service port 27.

[0102] [Second Embodiment] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the valve body of the switching mechanism (four-way switching valve) in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the valve body 60 of the four-way switching valve (switching mechanism) 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The axis of the cylindrical shape of the valve body 60 becomes the rotation axis C2. The valve body 60 has through holes 61 and recesses 62, similar to those of the valve body 60 in the first embodiment. Although not shown, the shape of the hollow portion 31A in which the valve body 60 is housed is also formed in a cylindrical shape. The configuration of the four-way switching valve 18 other than the valve body 60 and the hollow portion 31A is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0103] [Other embodiments] In each of the above embodiments, the valve body 60 of the switching mechanism 18 has a through hole 61 that constitutes a passage for low-pressure refrigerant and a recess 62 that constitutes a passage for high-pressure refrigerant. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the valve body 60 may have a recess formed as a passage for low-pressure refrigerant, or a through hole formed as a passage for high-pressure refrigerant. The valve body 60 is not limited to the spherical or cylindrical shape described above, but may also have other known shapes.

[0104] The valve bodies 23a and 24a of the shut-off valves 23 and 24 may be formed in a spherical shape, for example, like the valve body of the four-way switching valve 18. The operating parts 23a1 and 24a1 of the shut-off valves 23 and 24 may be provided not only on the front side of the refrigerant flow path module 40, but also on other sides (left and right sides, rear side, or top and bottom). The service ports 27 and 26 of the shut-off valves 23 and 24 may also be provided not only on the top surface of the refrigerant flow path module 40, but also on other sides (left and right sides, front and rear sides, or bottom).

[0105] The rotation axis C2 of the valve body 60 of the four-way switching valve 18 may be arranged not only in the vertical direction but also along the horizontal direction. The ports A to D of the four-way switching valve 18 may be formed on the upper or lower part of the inner surface of the hollow portion 31A. The refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56, and 58 communicating with ports A to D may extend upward or downward from ports A to D.

[0106] The refrigerant piping connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40 may be connected not only to the top and bottom surfaces of the refrigerant flow path module 40, but also to other surfaces (left and right sides, front and rear sides). The flow path body 31 of the refrigerant flow path module 40 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but may also be formed in a cylindrical shape, a spherical shape, or the like.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the openings 58a, 57a, 51b3, 52b3, and 53b3 formed on the outer surface of the refrigerant flow path module 40 constitute connection ports for connecting the refrigerant pipes 13, 14, 51a, 52a, and 53a. However, other pipes, such as fitting pipes attached to these openings, may also constitute connection ports.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the switching mechanism 18 was configured with a four-way switching valve, but for example, it may be configured to switch and connect multiple refrigerant flow paths within the flow path body 31 using multiple on-off valves such as solenoid valves.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 40 was equipped with a shut-off valve 23 and refrigerant flow paths 55 and 57 connected thereto, but these are not required. The expansion valve 17 is not directly connected to the refrigerant flow path module 40.

[0110] The refrigerant flow path module 40 may be built into a device other than the outdoor unit (heat source unit) 11.

[0111] [Effects of the Embodiment] (1) As shown in Figure 4, the refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above embodiment includes a first connection port (e.g., openings 58a, 57a), a second connection port (e.g., opening 52b3), a third connection port (e.g., opening 51b3), and a fourth connection port (e.g., opening 53b3) to which a first refrigerant pipe (e.g., connecting pipes 13, 14), a second refrigerant pipe (e.g., refrigerant pipe 52a), a third refrigerant pipe (e.g., refrigerant pipe 51a), and a fourth refrigerant pipe (e.g., refrigerant pipe 53a) are connected.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the refrigerant flow path module 40 includes a flow path body 31 in which a first refrigerant flow path (e.g., refrigerant flow paths 56, 58, 55, 57), a second refrigerant flow path (e.g., refrigerant flow path 52b), a third refrigerant flow path (e.g., refrigerant flow path 51b), and a fourth refrigerant flow path (e.g., refrigerant flow path 53b) are formed, communicating with the first connection port 58a, the second connection port 52b3, the third connection port 51b3, and the fourth connection port 53b3.

[0113] Furthermore, the refrigerant flow path module 40 is located inside the flow path body 31 and includes closing valve bodies 24a and 23a that close the first refrigerant flow paths 56, 58, 55, and 57. The closing valve bodies 24a and 23a are movable between a first position that closes the first refrigerant passages 56, 58, 55, and 57, and a second position that opens the first refrigerant passages 56, 58, 55, and 57.

[0114] In this way, by incorporating the shut-off valve bodies 24a and 23a into the flow path body 31 of the refrigerant flow path module 40, structures around the valve bodies 24a and 23a of the shut-off valves 24 and 23, such as dedicated casings for the shut-off valves 24 and 23 and the refrigerant piping connected to these casings, can be omitted, thereby enabling miniaturization of the heat source unit 11 and cost reduction. Furthermore, by integrating the refrigerant flow paths 56 and 58 and the shut-off valve bodies 24a and 23a (shut-off valves 24 and 23) into the refrigerant flow path module 40, vibration design and other related processes can be easily performed.

[0115] (2) The refrigerant flow path module 40 described in (1) above further comprises a switching mechanism (four-way switching valve) 18 located on the flow path body 31. The switching mechanism 18 is switchable between a first mode, as shown in Figure 8, which connects the first refrigerant flow paths 56, 58 to the second refrigerant flow path 52b and the fourth refrigerant flow path 53b to the third refrigerant flow path 51b, and a second mode, as shown in Figure 9, which connects the first refrigerant flow paths 56, 58 to the third refrigerant flow path 51b and the fourth refrigerant flow path 53b to the second refrigerant flow path 52b.

[0116] With this configuration, by incorporating the switching mechanism 18, which functions as a four-way switching valve, together with the closing valve body 24a into the refrigerant flow path module 40, it is possible to further miniaturize the heat source unit 11 and reduce costs.

[0117] (3) In the refrigerant flow path module 40 described in (1) or (2) above, the flow path body 31 includes a flow path section 32 made of synthetic resin, on which first refrigerant flow paths 56, 58, 55, 57, second refrigerant flow path 52b, third refrigerant flow path 51b, and fourth refrigerant flow path 53b are formed, and a metal casing 33 that houses the flow path section 32 inside.

[0118] With this configuration, the first to fourth refrigerant passages can be easily formed by making the passage section 32 of the main passage body 31 from synthetic resin. By providing a metal casing 33 to house the passage section 32, the pressure resistance of the passage section 32 against the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the first to fourth refrigerant passages can be supplemented by the casing 33.

[0119] (4) In the refrigerant flow path module 40 of (1) or (2) above, the flow path body 31 may be made of a material mainly composed of aluminum. This configuration makes it possible to increase the strength of the flow path body 31 and easily ensure pressure resistance against the refrigerant pressure.

[0120] (5) The heat source unit (outdoor unit) 11 of the above embodiment is connected to a user unit (for example, an indoor unit 12) via connecting pipes 13 and 14. The heat source unit 11 includes a refrigerant flow path module 40 as described in any one of (1) to (4) above, and the connecting pipes 13 and 14 are connected to the first connection ports 58a and 57a of the refrigerant flow path module 40. With this configuration, instead of directly connecting the connecting pipes 13 and 14 to the shut-off valve as in conventional heat source units, the connecting pipes 13 and 14 are connected to a refrigerant flow path module 40 equipped with shut-off valve bodies 24a and 23a. Therefore, the connecting pipes 13 and 14 can be connected to the refrigerant flow paths 58, 56, 55, 57 and other valve bodies within the refrigerant flow path module 40 in a compact configuration.

[0121] (6) In the heat source unit 11 described in (5) above, the first connection ports 58a and 57a are formed on the lower surface of the flow path body 31 of the refrigerant flow path module 40, and operating parts 24a1 and 23a1 for operating the closing valve bodies 24a and 23a are provided on one side (for example, the front) of the flow path body 31. With this configuration, the closing valve bodies 24a and 23a can be easily operated (opened and closed) via the operating parts 24a1 and 23a1.

[0122] (7) In the heat source unit 11 of (5) or (6) above, the flow path body 31 is provided with operating parts 24a1 and 23a1 for operating the closing valve bodies 24a and 23a from a direction intersecting any of the second refrigerant pipe 52a, the third refrigerant pipe 51a, and the fourth refrigerant pipe 53a. For example, in the refrigerant flow path module 40 of the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the second refrigerant pipe 52a, the third refrigerant pipe 51a, and the fourth refrigerant pipe 53a connected to the compressor 15 and the outdoor heat exchanger 16 are arranged along the vertical direction Z, and the operating parts 24a1 and 23a1 of the closing valve bodies 24a and 23a can be operated from the front-to-back direction Y, which intersects the second refrigerant pipe 52a, the third refrigerant pipe 51a, and the fourth refrigerant pipe 53a, more specifically from the front. Therefore, the operability of the closing valve bodies 24a and 23a can be ensured without being affected by the second refrigerant pipe 52a, the third refrigerant pipe 51a, and the fourth refrigerant pipe 53a connected to the flow path body 31.

[0123] Although embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 10: Air conditioner (refrigeration cycle device) 11: Outdoor unit (heat source unit) 12: Indoor Unit 13: Gas side connecting piping (first refrigerant piping) 14: Liquid side connecting piping (first refrigerant piping) 18: Four-way switching valve (switching mechanism) 23: Shut-off valve 23a: Valve body (closing valve body) 23a1 :Operation unit 24: Shut-off valve 24a: Valve body (closing valve body) 24a1 :Operation unit 31: Main body of the flow channel 32: Flow channel section 33: Casing 40: Refrigerant flow path module 51a: Discharge piping (third refrigerant piping) 51b: Refrigerant flow path (Third refrigerant flow path) 51b3: Opening (Third connection port) 52a: Intake piping (second refrigerant piping) 52b: Refrigerant flow path (second refrigerant flow path) 52b3: Opening (second connection port) 53a: Refrigerant piping (4th refrigerant piping) 53b3: Opening (4th connection port) 55: Refrigerant flow path (First refrigerant flow path) 56: Refrigerant flow path (First refrigerant flow path) 57: Refrigerant flow path (first refrigerant flow path) 58: Refrigerant flow path (First refrigerant flow path) 57a: Opening (First connection port) 58a: Opening (First connection port)

Claims

1. A flow path body (31) having first connection ports (58a, 57a), second connection port (52b3), third connection port (51b3), and fourth connection port (53b3) to which the first refrigerant pipes (13, 14), second refrigerant pipe (52a), third refrigerant pipe (51a), and fourth refrigerant pipe (53a) are connected, and a first refrigerant flow path (56, 58, 55, 57), second refrigerant flow path (52b), third refrigerant flow path (51b), and fourth refrigerant flow path (53b) communicating with the first connection ports (58a, 57a), second connection port (52b3), third connection port (51b3), and fourth connection port (53b3), The flow path body (31) is equipped with closing valve bodies (24a, 23a) which are located inside the first refrigerant flow paths (56, 58, 55, 57), A refrigerant flow path module wherein the closing valve bodies (24a, 23a) are movable between a first position that closes the first refrigerant flow path (56, 58, 55, 57) and a second position that opens the first refrigerant flow path (56, 58, 55, 57).

2. The flow path body (31) further comprises a switching mechanism (18), In one embodiment, the switching mechanism (18) connects the first refrigerant flow path (56, 58) and the second refrigerant flow path (52b), and connects the fourth refrigerant flow path (53b) and the third refrigerant flow path (51b). The refrigerant flow path module according to claim 1, which is switchable to a second embodiment in which the first refrigerant flow path (56, 58) and the third refrigerant flow path (51b) are connected, and the fourth refrigerant flow path (53b) and the second refrigerant flow path (52b) are connected.

3. The flow path body (31) has the first refrigerant flow paths (56, 58, 55, 57), the second refrigerant flow path (52b), the third refrigerant flow path (51b), and the fourth refrigerant flow path (53b) formed therein, and a flow path section (32) made of synthetic resin, A refrigerant flow path module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a metal casing (33) that houses the flow path portion (32) inside.

4. The refrigerant flow path module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow path body (31) is formed of a material mainly composed of aluminum.

5. A heat source unit connected to a user unit (12) via connecting pipes (13, 14), The refrigerant flow path module (40) according to claim 1 or 2 is provided, A heat source unit to which the connecting pipes (13, 14) are connected to the first connection ports (58a, 57a).

6. The first connection ports (58a, 57a) are formed on the lower surface of the flow path body (31) of the refrigerant flow path module (40), The heat source unit according to claim 5, wherein an operating section (24a1, 23a1) for operating the closing valve body (24a, 23) is provided on the side surface of the flow path body (31).

7. The heat source unit according to claim 5, wherein the flow path body (31) is provided with operating parts (24a1, 23a1) for operating the shut-off valve bodies (24a, 23a) from a direction intersecting any of the second refrigerant pipe (52a), the third refrigerant pipe (51a), and the fourth refrigerant pipe (53a).

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