Refrigeration equipment

Abstract

This prevents the accumulation of refrigerant and lubricating oil in the three-way valve when it is in the closed position. [Solution] The refrigerant flow path module 50A has a refrigerant flow path formed inside, and a first three-way valve 21 that switches the flow path of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flow path module 50A includes a first inlet port 52a for allowing refrigerant to flow in from the first three-way valve 21, a second inlet port 52c for allowing refrigerant to flow in, an outlet port 52e for allowing refrigerant to flow out, a first refrigerant flow path 55a connecting the first inlet port 52a and the outlet port 52e, and a second refrigerant flow path 55c connecting the second inlet port 52c and the outlet port 52e. The first three-way valve 21 can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the first inlet port 52a and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the first inlet port 52a. The second refrigerant flow path 55c is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path 52a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant flow path module having a refrigerant flow path formed therein, and three four-way switching valves connected to the refrigerant flow path module. Each four-way switching valve is substantially used as a three-way valve by completely closing one of the four ports to form a closed port. Further, in each four-way switching valve, one of the other three ports is connected to a suction pipe leading to a compressor via a refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant flow path module, and the four-way switching valve can be switched between an operation mode in which refrigerant flows toward the compressor through the port, and a closed mode in which the port is connected to the closed port to stop the flow of refrigerant. Furthermore, when one four-way switching valve is switched between the operation mode and the closed mode, at least one other four-way switching valve is switched to the opposite mode.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When one four-way switching valve is switched to the operation mode and refrigerant flows from the four-way switching valve toward the compressor through the refrigerant flow path in the refrigerant flow path module, refrigerant and lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant may flow into and accumulate in the four-way switching valve that is in the closed mode. An object of the present disclosure is to suppress accumulation of refrigerant or lubricating oil in a three-way valve that is in a closed mode.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] (1) The refrigeration apparatus of the present disclosure includes a refrigerant flow path module in which a refrigerant flow path is formed inside, It includes a first three-way valve for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module is A first inlet port through which refrigerant flows in from the first three-way valve, A second inlet port for introducing refrigerant, An outlet port for releasing the refrigerant, A first refrigerant flow path connecting the first inlet port and the outlet port, The device comprises a second refrigerant flow path connecting the second inlet port and the outlet port, The first three-way valve can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the first inlet port and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the first inlet port. The second refrigerant flow path is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path.

[0006] Furthermore, "individually formed" means that the first refrigerant flow path and the second refrigerant flow path are formed independently between each inlet port and outlet port, without merging or sharing. With the above configuration, when the first three-way valve is in the closed position, the refrigerant flowing from the second inlet port to the outlet port, and the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into and accumulating in the first three-way valve via the first refrigerant flow path.

[0007] (2) The refrigeration apparatus described in (1) above preferably further comprises a second three-way valve for introducing refrigerant into the second inlet port, The second three-way valve can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the second inlet port and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the second inlet port. With this configuration, for example, when the first three-way valve is in the operating position and the second three-way valve is in the closed position, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant flowing from the first inlet port to the outlet port, and the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, from flowing into the second three-way valve via the second refrigerant flow path and accumulating therein.

[0008] (3) The refrigeration apparatus described in (2) above preferably further comprises a third three-way valve for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module includes a third inlet port for allowing refrigerant from the third three-way valve to flow in, and a third refrigerant flow path connecting the third inlet port and the outlet port. The third three-way valve can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the third inlet port and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the third inlet port. The third refrigerant flow path is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path and the second refrigerant flow path. With this configuration, when one of the first to third three-way valves is set to the operating position and the others to the closed position, the refrigerant flowing from the operating three-way valve through the inlet port and refrigerant flow path to the outlet port, as well as the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into the closed three-way valve via the other refrigerant flow paths and accumulating therein.

[0009] (4) The refrigeration apparatus described in (3) above preferably further comprises a fourth three-way valve for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module comprises a fourth inlet port for allowing refrigerant from the fourth three-way valve to flow in, and a fourth refrigerant flow path connecting the fourth inlet port and the outlet port. The fourth three-way valve can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the fourth inlet port and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the fourth inlet port. The fourth refrigerant flow path is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path, the second refrigerant flow path, and the third refrigerant flow path. With this configuration, when one of the first to fourth three-way valves is set to the operating position and the others to the closed position, the refrigerant flowing from the operating three-way valve through the inlet port and refrigerant flow path to the outlet port, as well as the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into the closed three-way valve via the other refrigerant flow paths and accumulating therein.

[0010] (5) In the refrigeration apparatus described in (4) above, preferably, two of the first refrigerant flow path, the second refrigerant flow path, the third refrigerant flow path, and the fourth refrigerant flow path are arranged in a straight line, the other two refrigerant flow paths are arranged in a straight line, and the two refrigerant flow paths and the other two refrigerant flow paths intersect so as to merge at the outlet port (52e). This configuration allows for a simple formation of the first to fourth refrigerant flow paths within the refrigerant flow path module.

[0011] (6) The refrigeration apparatus described in (2) above preferably further comprises a third three-way valve for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module includes a third inlet port for allowing refrigerant from the third three-way valve to flow in, and a third refrigerant flow path connecting the third inlet port and the outlet port. The third three-way valve is switchable between an operating mode in which refrigerant flows to the third inlet port when the first three-way valve is in an operating mode, and a closed mode in which refrigerant stops flowing to the third inlet port when the first three-way valve is in a closed mode. The third refrigerant flow path is formed separately from the second refrigerant flow path. With this configuration, for example, when the second three-way valve is in the operating state and the first and third three-way valves are in the closed state, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of refrigerant and lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant flowing from the second inlet port to the outlet port, via the first and third refrigerant flow paths, into the first and third three-way valves. Conversely, when the second three-way valve is in the closed state and the first and third three-way valves are in the operating state, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of refrigerant and lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant flowing from the first and third inlet ports to the outlet port, via the second refrigerant flow path, into the second three-way valve.

[0012] (7) The refrigeration apparatus described in (6) above preferably further comprises a fourth three-way valve for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module comprises a fourth inlet port for allowing refrigerant from the fourth three-way valve to flow in, and a fourth refrigerant flow path connecting the fourth inlet port and the outlet port. The fourth three-way valve is switchable between an operating mode in which refrigerant flows to the fourth inlet port when the second three-way valve is in the operating mode, and a closed mode in which refrigerant flow to the fourth inlet port is stopped when the second three-way valve is in the closed mode. The fourth refrigerant channel is formed separately from the first refrigerant channel and the third refrigerant channel. According to this configuration, for example, when the second and fourth three-way valves are set to the operating mode and the first and third three-way valves are set to the closed mode, it is possible to suppress the refrigerant flowing from the second and fourth inlet ports to the outlet port and the lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant from flowing into the first and third three-way valves via the first and third refrigerant channels and accumulating therein. Conversely, when the first and third three-way valves are set to the operating mode and the second and fourth three-way valves are set to the closed mode, it is possible to suppress the refrigerant flowing from the first and third inlet ports to the outlet port and the lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant from flowing into the second and fourth three-way valves via the second and fourth refrigerant channels and accumulating therein.

[0013] (8) In the refrigeration apparatus according to (6) or (7) above, preferably, the first refrigerant channel merges with or is shared with the third refrigerant channel. With such a configuration, the first refrigerant channel and the third refrigerant channel can be simplified.

[0014] (9) In the refrigeration apparatus according to (8) above, preferably, the second refrigerant channel merges with or is shared with the fourth refrigerant channel. According to this configuration, the second refrigerant channel and the fourth refrigerant channel can be simplified.

[0015] (10) In the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9) above, preferably, the refrigerant channel module has a horizontally arranged lower surface, The outlet port is formed on the lower surface of the refrigerant channel module. According to this configuration, the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant channel can easily flow out of the refrigerant channel module from the outlet port, and accumulation of refrigerant in the closed three-way valve can be suppressed.

[0016] (11) In any one of the refrigeration systems described in (1) to (10) above, preferably, an intake pipe for drawing refrigerant into the compressor is connected to the outlet port. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the inside of a refrigeration unit. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 5] This is a bottom view of the upper refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 6A] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant within the refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 6B] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant within the refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 7A] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in a refrigerant flow path module in a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant within the refrigerant flow path module in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9A] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant within the refrigerant flow path module in the third embodiment. [Figure 9B] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant within the refrigerant flow path module in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant within a refrigerant flow path module related to a comparative example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigeration system 10 is equipped with a refrigerant circuit 20 that performs a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration system 10 in this embodiment is an air conditioner. This air conditioner 10 has an outdoor unit (heat source unit) 11 and an indoor unit (utilization unit) 12. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are connected by connecting pipes 13, 14, and 15 that constitute the refrigerant circuit 20. The air conditioner 10 in this embodiment has one outdoor unit 11 and two indoor units 12. The air conditioner 10 may have three or more indoor units 12. The refrigeration system 10 is not limited to an air conditioner, and may be a refrigerator, freezer, water heater, etc.

[0019] (Refrigerant circuit configuration) In the outdoor unit 11, the refrigerant circuit 20 includes a compressor 40, flow path switching valves 21, 22, 23, 24, outdoor heat exchangers (heat source side heat exchangers) 25, 26, expansion valves 27, 28, subcooling heat exchanger 29, subcooling valve 30, liquid shut-off valve 31, gas shut-off valves 32, 33, and an accumulator 34, etc. In the indoor unit 12, the refrigerant circuit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger (utilizing side heat exchanger) 35 and an expansion valve 36. These components are connected via refrigerant piping. The outdoor unit 11 is equipped with outdoor fans 37, 38 that supply air to the outdoor heat exchangers 25, 26. The indoor unit 12 is equipped with an indoor fan 39 that supplies air to the indoor heat exchanger 35.

[0020] The compressor 40 is, for example, a variable-capacity inverter compressor. However, the compressor 40 may also be a constant-capacity compressor. The compressor 40 has an inlet 40a and a discharge port 40b. The compressor 40 compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant drawn in from the inlet 40a and discharges the high-pressure gas refrigerant obtained by compression from the discharge port 40b. The discharge port 40b is connected to flow path switching valves 21 to 24 via a discharge pipe P2. The inlet 40a is connected to flow path switching valves 21 to 24 via an inlet pipe P1. An accumulator 34 is provided in the inlet pipe P1.

[0021] The accumulator 34 stores the liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant, thereby preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the suction port 40a of the compressor 40. The gaseous refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 34 flows into the suction port 40a of the compressor 40 via the suction pipe P1.

[0022] The outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 employ either fin-and-tube type heat exchangers or microchannel type heat exchangers, which are composed of numerous heat transfer tubes and fins. Similarly, the indoor heat exchanger 35 also employs either fin-and-tube type heat exchangers or microchannel type heat exchangers.

[0023] The expansion valves 27, 28, and 36 are electrically operated valves with adjustable opening degrees. The expansion valves 27, 28, and 36 regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant. Furthermore, depending on the opening degree, the expansion valves 27, 28, and 36 reduce the pressure (expand) of the refrigerant passing through them. The subcooling valve 30 is also an electrically operated valve with adjustable opening degrees. The subcooling valve 30 regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant. Depending on the opening degree, the subcooling valve 30 reduces the pressure (expand) of the refrigerant passing through it.

[0024] The flow path switching valves 21-24 switch the flow of refrigerant. In this embodiment, the flow path switching valves 21-24 are four-way switching valves (four-way valves) having four ports A-D. However, the flow path switching valves 21-24 function effectively as three-way switching valves (three-way valves) by keeping one of the four ports A-D, port C, closed at all times. In Figure 1, the closed port C is indicated by a black circle. Port A of the flow path switching valves 21-24 is connected to the suction pipe P1, and port D is connected to the discharge pipe P2. Therefore, port A is a low-pressure port through which low-pressure refrigerant flows out, and port D is a high-pressure port through which high-pressure refrigerant flows in. The flow path switching valves 21-24 may not be repurposed four-way switching valves, but rather dedicated products that only function as three-way switching valves.

[0025] Port B of the flow path switching valve 21 and one end (gas side end) of the outdoor heat exchanger 25 are connected via gas piping P3. The flow path switching valve 21 switches the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 25. Specifically, the flow path switching valve 21 switches the flow of refrigerant between a first mode (shown as a solid line in Figure 1) in which the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port 40b of the compressor 40 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 25, causing the outdoor heat exchanger 25 to function as a heat radiator, and a second mode (shown as a dotted line in Figure 1) in which the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 25, which functions as an evaporator, flows into the suction port 40a of the compressor 40. In the first mode, the flow path switching valve 21 connects gas piping P3 to discharge piping P2, and in the second mode, it connects gas piping P3 to suction piping P1. In the first mode, the flow path switching valve 21 closes the suction pipe P1 by connecting the suction pipe P1 to the closed port C via port A, and in the second mode, it closes the discharge pipe P2 by connecting the discharge pipe P2 to the closed port C via port D.

[0026] Port B of the flow path switching valve 22 and one end (gas side end) of the outdoor heat exchanger 26 are connected via gas piping P4. The flow path switching valve 22 switches the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 26. Specifically, the flow path switching valve 22 switches the flow of refrigerant between a first mode (shown as a solid line in Figure 1) in which the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port 40b of the compressor 40 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 26, causing the outdoor heat exchanger 26 to function as a heat radiator, and a second mode (shown as a dotted line in Figure 1) in which the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 26, which functions as an evaporator, flows into the suction port 40a of the compressor 40. In the first mode, the flow path switching valve 22 connects gas piping P4 to discharge piping P2, and in the second mode, it connects gas piping P4 to suction piping P1. In the first mode, the flow path switching valve 22 closes the suction pipe P1 by connecting the suction pipe P1 to the closed port C via port A, and in the second mode, it closes the discharge pipe P2 by connecting the discharge pipe P2 to the closed port C via port D.

[0027] Port B of the flow path switching valve 23 and one end (gas side end) of one of the indoor heat exchangers 35 are connected via gas piping P5 and connecting pipe 14. The flow path switching valve 23 switches the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 35. Specifically, the flow path switching valve 23 switches the flow of refrigerant between a first mode (shown as a solid line in Figure 1) in which the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 35, which functions as an evaporator, flows into the suction port 40a of the compressor 40, and a second mode (shown as a dotted line in Figure 1) in which the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port 40b of the compressor 40 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 35, causing the indoor heat exchanger 35 to function as a heat radiator.

[0028] The flow path switching valve 23 connects the gas pipe P5 to the suction pipe P1 in the first mode, and connects the gas pipe P5 to the discharge pipe P2 in the second mode. In the first mode, the flow path switching valve 23 closes the discharge pipe P2 by connecting the discharge pipe P2 to the closed port C via port D, and in the second mode, it closes the suction pipe P1 by connecting the suction pipe P1 to the closed port C via port A.

[0029] Port B of the flow path switching valve 24 and one end (gas side end) of the other indoor heat exchanger 35 are connected via gas piping P6 and connecting pipe 15. The flow path switching valve 24 switches the direction of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 35. Specifically, the flow path switching valve 24 switches the flow of refrigerant between a first mode (shown as a solid line in Figure 1) in which the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 35, which functions as an evaporator, flows into the suction port 40a of the compressor 40, and a second mode (shown as a dotted line in Figure 1) in which the refrigerant discharged from the discharge port 40b of the compressor 40 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 35, causing the indoor heat exchanger 35 to function as a heat radiator.

[0030] The flow path switching valve 24 connects the gas pipe P6 to the suction pipe P1 in the first mode, and connects the gas pipe P6 to the discharge pipe P2 in the second mode. In the first mode, the flow path switching valve 24 closes the discharge pipe P2 by connecting the discharge pipe P2 to a closed port C via port D, and in the second mode, it closes the suction pipe P1 by connecting the suction pipe P1 to a closed port C via port A.

[0031] The other end (liquid side end) of the outdoor heat exchanger 25 and the other end (liquid side end) of the outdoor heat exchanger 26 are connected to the liquid shut-off valve 31 via the liquid piping P7. One end of the liquid piping P7 branches into two branch liquid pipes P7a and P7b, which are connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 25 and the outdoor heat exchanger 26. Each branch liquid pipe P7a and P7b is provided with an expansion valve 27 and an expansion valve 28, respectively.

[0032] A subcooled heat exchanger 29 is provided in the liquid piping P7. One end of the bypass pipe P8 is connected to the liquid piping P7. Specifically, one end of the bypass pipe P8 is connected to the liquid piping P7 between the outdoor heat exchangers 25, 26 and the subcooled heat exchanger 29. The other end of the bypass pipe P8 is connected to the suction pipe P1.

[0033] The refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe P7 and the refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe P8 exchange heat in the subcooling heat exchanger 29. A subcooling valve 30 is provided in the bypass pipe P8 before it passes through the subcooling heat exchanger 29. The subcooling valve 30 reduces the pressure and expands the refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe P8. Therefore, the subcooling heat exchanger 29 cools (supercools) the refrigerant flowing through the liquid pipe P7 with the refrigerant flowing through the bypass pipe P8.

[0034] The liquid shut-off valve 31 is a shut-off valve that is opened and closed manually. The liquid shut-off valve 31 and one end (liquid side end) of the indoor heat exchanger 35 are connected via a liquid connecting pipe 13. An expansion valve 36 is provided between the indoor heat exchanger 35 and the liquid connecting pipe 13.

[0035] The gas shut-off valves 32 and 33 are manually operated shut-off valves. Gas shut-off valve 32 is connected to the other end (gas side) of the indoor heat exchanger 35 via a gas connecting pipe 14. Gas shut-off valve 33 is connected to the other end (gas side) of the indoor heat exchanger 35 via a gas connecting pipe 15.

[0036] (Operation of the air conditioner) When the air conditioner 10 is in cooling operation, the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 are switched to the first mode so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 40 flows to the outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26. Also, the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 are switched to the first mode so that the refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 35 is drawn in by the compressor 40. As a result, the outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 function as radiators and the indoor heat exchanger 35 functions as an evaporator, and cooling operation is performed.

[0037] On the other hand, when the air conditioner 10 is operating in heating mode, the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 are switched to the second mode so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 40 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 35. Also, the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 are switched to the second mode so that the refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 is drawn in by the compressor 40. As a result, the outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 function as evaporators and the indoor heat exchanger 35 functions as a heat radiator, and heating operation is performed.

[0038] When the air conditioner 10 is operating in heating mode, it can perform a defrost operation to remove accumulated frost by allowing one of the outdoor heat exchangers to function as a heat radiator. In this case, the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 are switched to the second mode, and one of the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 is switched to the first mode, so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 40 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 35 and one of the outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26. In addition, the other of the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 is switched to the second mode so that the refrigerant that has passed through the other of the outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 is drawn in by the compressor 40.

[0039] (Structure of the outdoor unit) Figure 2 is a plan view showing the inside of the refrigeration unit. In the following explanation, the direction indicated by arrow X in Figure 2 (first direction X) is considered the left-right direction, the direction indicated by arrow Y (second direction Y) is considered the front-back direction, and the direction indicated by arrow Z (third direction Z) is considered the up-down direction. However, these directions indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] 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 40. In addition to the compressor 40, the machine room S1 also houses an accumulator 34, flow path switching valves 21-24, etc.

[0041] The heat exchange chamber S2 of the casing 91 houses outdoor heat exchangers 25, 26 and outdoor fans 37, 38, etc. The outdoor heat exchangers 25, 26 are formed in an L-shape in plan view. The outdoor heat exchangers 25, 26 are positioned along two adjacent side walls (rear side wall 91a, left side wall 91b) of the casing 91 located on the heat exchange chamber S2 side. Air intakes 91a1, 91b1 are formed in these side walls 91a, 91b. The outdoor fans 37, 38 are positioned opposite the other side wall (front side wall) 91c, which is adjacent to the side wall (left side wall) 91b where the air intake 91b1 is formed. An air outlet 91c1 is formed in this side wall 91c.

[0042] When the outdoor fans 37 and 38 are 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.

[0043] The machine room S1 of the outdoor unit 11 houses a refrigerant flow path module 50. This refrigerant flow path module 50 is a module (unit) that constitutes part of the flow path of the refrigerant piping that connects components such as the compressor 40, accumulator 34, flow path switching valves 21-24, and outdoor heat exchangers 25, 26. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path module 50 in this embodiment forms the refrigerant flow path in frames F1 and F2 shown by the dashed lines in Figure 1. The refrigerant flow path module 50 and the flow path switching valves 21-24 are designed to be housed in the limited space S1 inside the outdoor unit 11, and are particularly designed to minimize the planar housing space when viewed from above.

[0044] (Configuration of refrigerant flow path module 50) Figure 3 is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerant flow path module. The refrigerant flow path module 50 of this embodiment includes an upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and a lower refrigerant flow path module 50B. The upper refrigerant flow path module 50A forms the refrigerant flow path in frame F1 of Figure 1. The upper refrigerant flow path module 50A mainly forms a refrigerant flow path through which low-pressure refrigerant flows. The lower refrigerant flow path module 50B forms the refrigerant flow path in frame F2 of Figure 1. The lower refrigerant flow path module 50B mainly forms a refrigerant flow path through which high-pressure refrigerant flows.

[0045] The upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B each have a module body 51 having a refrigerant flow path inside, and a connecting pipe (refrigerant piping) 52 attached to the module body 51 and communicating with the flow path inside the module body 51.

[0046] The module body 51 is constructed by stacking a plurality of (for example, five) flat plates and is formed in a plate-like or block-like shape. In this embodiment, the module body 51 is formed by stacking a plurality of plates in the vertical direction. The module body 51 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0047] The module body 51 has a rectangular, flat top and bottom surface. However, the shape of the top and bottom surfaces of the module body 51 may be other polygonal shapes such as squares, circles, ellipses, etc. In this specification, the top and bottom surfaces of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B refer to the top and bottom surfaces of the module body 51, respectively. The number of plates constituting the module body 51 is not limited and may include one or more plates.

[0048] The module body 51 is positioned with its top and bottom surfaces in a horizontal orientation. In other words, the module body 51 is positioned with the normals of its top and bottom surfaces facing vertically. The thickness (vertical length) of the module body 51 is smaller than the lengths of the outer edges (long and short sides of the rectangle) of the top and bottom surfaces. Therefore, the module body 51 is formed in a vertically flattened shape. Note that the module body 51 does not have to be positioned strictly horizontally; it may be tilted to a degree that is substantially recognizable as horizontal, for example, within a range of about ±5° with respect to the horizontal.

[0049] The module body 51 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and the module body 51 of the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B are arranged parallel to each other. The upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B are arranged such that at least a portion of them overlap when viewed from the vertical direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, the area of ​​the module body 51 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A is larger than the area of ​​the module body 51 of the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B. The lower refrigerant flow path module 50B is located within the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A.

[0050] The connecting pipe 52 is a cylindrical body attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the module body 51. The connecting pipe 52 is made of a metal such as copper, a copper alloy, or stainless steel. The connecting pipe 52 is positioned so that its axis is oriented in the direction normal to the upper and lower surfaces of the module body 51. Refrigerant piping 53, which constitutes the refrigerant circuit 20, is connected to the connecting pipe 52.

[0051] The lower refrigerant flow path module 50B is positioned below the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A with a gap in between. The lower refrigerant flow path module 50B is positioned above the bottom plate of the casing 91 (Figure 2) with a gap in between. Four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 are positioned between the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B.

[0052] Each of the four flow path switching valves 21-24 has a main body H (H1-H4) containing a valve body, a plurality of tubular ports A-D that serve as inlets and outlets for refrigerant to the main body H, and a drive unit K that drives the valve body. The main body H is formed in a cylindrical shape. Inside the main body H, a valve body is housed so as to be movable in the axial direction of the cylinder. The valve body moves within the main body H due to the pressure of the refrigerant introduced into the main body H. The drive unit K includes a solenoid valve or the like that switches the flow of refrigerant introduced into the main body H. The drive unit K is mounted on the side of the main body H.

[0053] Of the multiple ports A through D, three ports A through C protrude upward from the top surface of the main body H, and one port D protrudes downward from the main body H. The three ports A through C are arranged parallel to each other. Of the three ports A through C, the central port A and the port D that protrudes downward are located approximately in the center of the main body H in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] Of ports A to C, the central port A is connected to the lower surface of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A either via refrigerant piping or directly. Specifically, the central port A is connected to a joint pipe 52 attached to the lower surface of the module body 51 of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A via refrigerant piping 53. The lower surface of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A constitutes a connection surface 51a to which the flow path switching valves 21 to 24 are connected. The central port A is connected to the suction pipe P1 via the refrigerant flow path within the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A. Port B is connected to the outdoor heat exchangers 25, 26 or gas shut-off valves 32, 33 via refrigerant piping. Port C is closed via a cover or the like (not shown).

[0055] Port D, which protrudes downward from the main body H, is connected to the upper surface of the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B either via refrigerant piping or directly. Specifically, port D is connected to a joint pipe 52 attached to the upper surface of the module body 51 of the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B via refrigerant piping 53. The upper surface of the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B constitutes a connection surface 51a to which flow path switching valves 21 to 24 are connected. Port D is connected to the discharge pipe P2 (see Figure 1) via the refrigerant flow path within the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B.

[0056] Expansion valves 27, 28 and a subcooling valve 30 are connected to the underside of the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B either via refrigerant piping or directly.

[0057] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the upper refrigerant flow path module. In the following explanation, the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A may be simply referred to as the refrigerant flow path module 50A. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, five fitting pipes 52 are connected to the lower surface (lower surface of the module body 51) 51a of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A. One of these fitting pipes 52e is connected to the suction pipe P1. The other four fitting pipes 52a to 52d are connected to ports A1 to A4 of the flow path switching valves 21 to 24, respectively, via refrigerant piping 53. In this embodiment, the fitting pipes 52a to 52d of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A are also referred to as inlet ports 52a to 52d through which refrigerant flows in from each of the flow path switching valves 21 to 24. The fitting pipe 52e of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A is also referred to as the outlet port 52e through which refrigerant flows out to the suction pipe P1.

[0058] Inside the module body 51, four refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d are formed. Refrigerant flow path 55a connects the inlet port 52a and the outlet port 52e. Refrigerant flow path 55b connects the inlet port 52b and the outlet port 52e. Refrigerant flow path 55c connects the inlet port 52c and the outlet port 52e. Refrigerant flow path 55d connects the inlet port 52d and the outlet port 52e. Therefore, one end of all refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d is in communication with the outlet port 52e. In other words, one end of all refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d converges at the outlet port 52e. All four refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d are formed in a straight line.

[0059] The four refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d are formed individually and independently, without merging or sharing with each other from the inlet ports 52a to 52d to the outlet port 52e. Refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b are arranged in a straight line. Refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d are arranged in a straight line. The two refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b, and the two refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d, which are also arranged in a straight line, intersect perpendicularly at the outlet port 52e, forming a cross shape (X shape). The four refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d are formed parallel to the lower surface 51a of the refrigerant flow path module 50A. Therefore, the four refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d are arranged horizontally. Note that the four refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d do not necessarily have to be arranged in a cross shape. For example, two refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b arranged in a straight line and two refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d arranged in a straight line do not have to be orthogonal with respect to the outlet port 52e, and may intersect at an angle other than 90°. Also, refrigerant flow path 55a may be arranged in a straight line with the other refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d other than refrigerant flow path 55b, and refrigerant flow path 55b may be arranged in a straight line with the other refrigerant flow paths 55b and 55d other than refrigerant flow path 55a.

[0060] Figures 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing the flow of refrigerant within the refrigerant flow path module. When the air conditioner 10 is operating in cooling mode, as shown in Figure 6A, the flow path switching valve 21 stops the flow of refrigerant to the inlet port 52a of the refrigerant flow path module 50A by connecting port A to port C. Similarly, the flow path switching valve 22 stops the flow of refrigerant to the inlet port 52b of the refrigerant flow path module 50A by connecting port A to port C. The state of the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 at this time is also called the "closed state".

[0061] In response, the flow path switching valve 23 connects port A to port B, thereby allowing refrigerant to flow into the inlet port 52c of the refrigerant flow path module 50A. Similarly, the flow path switching valve 24 connects port A to port B, thereby allowing refrigerant to flow into the inlet port 52d of the refrigerant flow path module 50A. The state of the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 at this time is also called the "operating mode". Therefore, the refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger 35 (Figure 1) is drawn into the compressor 40 via the flow path switching valves 23 and 24, and through the refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d of the refrigerant flow path module 50A and the suction pipe P1.

[0062] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in a refrigerant flow path module related to a comparative example. The comparative example shown in Figure 10 has the same state (closed state, operating state) of the flow path switching valves 21-24 as the embodiment described in Figure 6A, but the shape of the refrigerant flow path formed in the refrigerant flow path module 50A is different.

[0063] In the comparative example shown in Figure 10, the refrigerant flows from the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 through the inlet ports 52c and 52d into the refrigerant flow path module 50A, and then flows out through the refrigerant flow paths 55m, 55n, and 55p to the suction pipe P1 from the outlet port 52e. The inlet ports 52a and 52b are connected to the outlet port 52e via the refrigerant flow paths 55r, 55s, and 55p. Therefore, the refrigerant flow paths 55r and 55s and the refrigerant flow paths 55m and 55n merge or are shared at the refrigerant flow path 55p. Consequently, the refrigerant flowing from the inlet ports 52c and 52d into the refrigerant flow path module 50A may flow towards the inlet ports 52a and 52b before reaching the outlet port 52e, and may accumulate in the flow path switching valves 21 and 22. Since the refrigerant may contain lubricating oil used to lubricate the inside of the compressor 40, this lubricating oil may also accumulate in the flow path switching valves 21 and 22.

[0064] In this embodiment shown in Figure 6A, the refrigerant flows from the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 through the inlet ports 52c and 52d into the refrigerant flow path module 50A, and flows out through the refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d to the suction pipe P1 from the outlet port 52e. At this time, the other inlet ports 52a and 52b are not connected to the refrigerant path from the inlet ports 52c and 52d to the outlet port 52e. Therefore, the refrigerant and lubricating oil are less likely to flow toward the inlet ports 52a and 52b, and the accumulation of refrigerant and lubricating oil in the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 is suppressed.

[0065] When the air conditioner 10 is operating in heating mode, as shown in Figure 6B, the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 are in the operating mode, and the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 are in the closed mode. In this case, the refrigerant flows from the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 through the inlet ports 52a and 52b into the refrigerant flow path module 50A, and flows out through the refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b to the suction pipe P1 from the outlet port 52e. At this time, the other inlet ports 52c and 52d are not connected to the refrigerant path from the inlet ports 52a and 52b to the outlet port 52e. Therefore, the flow of refrigerant and lubricating oil to the inlet ports 52c and 52d and their accumulation in the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 is suppressed.

[0066] In this embodiment, since the four refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d of the refrigerant flow path module 50A are formed individually and independently, regardless of how the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 are switched between the operating and closed states, the accumulation of refrigerant and lubricating oil in the closed flow path switching valves 21 to 24 can be suppressed. For example, when defrosting one of the two outdoor heat exchangers 25 and 26 during heating operation, one of the two flow path switching valves 23 and 24 is switched from the closed state to the operating state. Therefore, three flow path switching valves 21, 22, 23 or 24 are in the operating state, and one flow path switching valve 24 or 23 is in the closed state. Even in such a case, the accumulation of refrigerant and lubricating oil in the closed flow path switching valves 23 and 24 can be suppressed.

[0067] [Second Embodiment] Figures 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing the flow of refrigerant in a refrigerant flow path module in a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 50A has a different configuration of internally formed refrigerant flow paths compared to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a refrigerant flow path 55a connecting the inlet port 52a and the outlet port 52e, and a refrigerant flow path 55b connecting the inlet port 52b and the outlet port 52e, merge downstream. This merging portion is indicated by reference numeral 55f.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 55c connecting the inlet port 52c and the outlet port 52e, and the refrigerant flow path 55d connecting the inlet port 52d and the outlet port 52e, merge downstream. This merging portion is indicated by reference numeral 55g.

[0069] When the air conditioner 10 is operating in cooling mode, as shown in Figure 7A, the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 are in the closed position, and the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 are in the open position. In this case, the refrigerant flows from the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 through the inlet ports 52c and 52d into the refrigerant flow path module 50A, and flows out through the refrigerant flow paths 55c, 55d, and 55g to the suction pipe P1 from the outlet port 52e. At this time, the other inlet ports 52a and 52b are not connected between the inlet ports 52c and 52d and the outlet port 52e. Therefore, the flow of refrigerant and lubricating oil into the inlet ports 52a and 52b and their accumulation in the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 is suppressed.

[0070] When the air conditioner 10 is operating in heating mode, as shown in Figure 6B, the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 are in the operating mode, and the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 are in the closed mode. In this case, the refrigerant flows from the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 through the inlet ports 52a and 52b into the refrigerant flow path module 50A, and flows out through the refrigerant flow paths 55a, 55b, and 55f to the suction pipe P1 from the outlet port 52e. At this time, the other inlet ports 52c and 52d are not connected to the refrigerant path from the inlet ports 52a and 52b to the outlet port 52e. Therefore, the flow of refrigerant and lubricating oil into the inlet ports 52c and 52d and their accumulation in the flow path switching valves 23 and 24 is suppressed.

[0071] Therefore, this embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment described above. However, in this embodiment, in order to suppress the accumulation of refrigerant and lubricating oil in the closed flow path switching valves 21-24, it is necessary for the two flow path switching valves 21 and 22 to switch to the same state (operating state or closed state), and for the two flow path switching valves 23 and 24 to switch to the same state (operating state or closed state). Therefore, in this respect, the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B is more advantageous.

[0072] [Third Embodiment] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the refrigeration system (air conditioner) 10 is equipped with a flow path switching device 95 between the outdoor unit 11 and the multiple indoor units 12 in order to perform cooling and heating individually in the multiple indoor units 12. The outdoor unit 11 and the flow path switching device 95 are connected by a liquid connecting pipe 13, a high / low pressure gas connecting pipe 14, and a gas connecting pipe 15. The refrigerant circuit 20 of this air conditioner 10 is equipped with three flow path switching valves 21 to 23. The refrigerant circuit 20 shown in Figure 8 is known from Patent Document 1, etc.

[0073] Figures 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing the flow of refrigerant within the refrigerant flow path module in the third embodiment. When the air conditioner 10 is operating in cooling mode, as shown in Figure 9A, the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 are in the closed position, and the flow path switching valve 23 is in the open position. In this case, the refrigerant flows from the flow path switching valve 23 through the inlet port 52c into the refrigerant flow path module 50A, and flows out through the refrigerant flow path 55c to the suction pipe P1 from the outlet port 52e. At this time, the other inlet ports 52a and 52b are not connected between the inlet port 52c and the outlet port 52e. Therefore, the flow of refrigerant and lubricating oil into the inlet ports 52a and 52b and their accumulation in the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 is suppressed.

[0074] When the air conditioner 10 is operating in heating mode, as shown in Figure 9B, the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 are in the operating mode, and the flow path switching valve 23 is in the closed mode. In this case, the refrigerant flows from the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 through the inlet ports 52a and 52b into the refrigerant flow path module 50A, and flows out through the refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b to the suction pipe P1 from the outlet port 52e. At this time, no other inlet port 52c is connected to the refrigerant path from the inlet ports 52a and 52b to the outlet port 52e. Therefore, the flow of refrigerant and lubricating oil into the inlet port 52c and accumulation in the flow path switching valve 23 is suppressed.

[0075] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A was arranged horizontally, but it may be arranged along other directions, such as vertically. The refrigeration system 10 may have five or more flow path switching valves, or it may have two flow path switching valves. The inlet port and refrigerant flow path of the upper refrigerant flow path module can be appropriately changed depending on the number of flow path switching valves connected to the upper refrigerant flow path module.

[0076] The relationship between the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and the flow path switching valves 21-24 described above may also be applied to the relationship between the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B and the flow path switching valves 21-24. The refrigeration system 10 may have only one refrigerant flow path module connected to the flow path switching valves 21-24.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the two refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b were arranged in a straight line, but are not limited to this, and may be arranged in a bent relationship with respect to each other. Similarly, the other two refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d were arranged in a straight line, but are not limited to this, and may be arranged in a bent relationship with respect to each other. Each of the refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d may be bent or curved rather than straight.

[0078] [Effects of the Embodiment] (1) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment includes a refrigerant flow path module (for example, an upper refrigerant flow path module 50A) having refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d formed inside, and a first three-way valve (for example, a flow path switching valve 21) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flow path module 50A includes a first inlet port (for example, an inlet port 52a) for allowing refrigerant to flow in from the first three-way valve 21, a second inlet port (for example, an inlet port 52c) for allowing refrigerant to flow in, an outlet port 52e for allowing refrigerant to flow out, a first refrigerant flow path (for example, a refrigerant flow path 55a) connecting the first inlet port 52a and the outlet port 52e, and a second refrigerant flow path (for example, a refrigerant flow path 55c) connecting the second inlet port 52c and the outlet port 52e. The first three-way valve 21 can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the first inlet port 52a and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the first inlet port 52a, and the second refrigerant flow path 55c is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path 55a.

[0079] With this configuration, when the first three-way valve 21 is in the closed position, the refrigerant flowing from the second inlet port 52c to the outlet port 52e, and the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into the first three-way valve 21 via the first refrigerant flow path and accumulating.

[0080] (2) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment further includes a second three-way valve (for example, a flow path switching valve 23) that allows refrigerant to flow into the second inlet port 52c. The second three-way valve 23 can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow into the second inlet port 52c and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing into the second inlet port 52c. With this configuration, for example, when the first three-way valve 21 is in the operating position and the second three-way valve 23 is in the closed position, the refrigerant flowing from the first inlet port 52a to the outlet port 52e, and the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into the second three-way valve 23 via the second refrigerant flow path 55c and accumulating.

[0081] (3) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment further includes a third three-way valve (for example, a flow path switching valve 22) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flow path module 50A includes a third inlet port 52b for allowing refrigerant to flow in from the third three-way valve 22, and a third refrigerant flow path 55b connecting the third inlet port 52b and the outlet port 52e. The third three-way valve 22 can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the third inlet port 52b and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the third inlet port 52b. The third refrigerant flow path 55b is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path 55a and the second refrigerant flow path 55c. With this configuration, when one of the first to third three-way valves 21 to 23 is set to the operating state and the others to the closed state, the refrigerant flowing from the operating three-way valves 21 to 23 to the outlet port 52e via the inlet ports 52a to 52c and refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55c, as well as the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into the closed three-way valves 21 to 23 via the other refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55c and accumulating.

[0082] (4) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment further includes a fourth three-way valve (for example, a flow path switching valve 24) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flow path module 50A includes a fourth inlet port 52d for allowing refrigerant from the fourth three-way valve 24 to flow in, and a fourth refrigerant flow path 55d connecting the fourth inlet port 52d and the outlet port 52e. The fourth three-way valve 24 can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow into the fourth inlet port 52d and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing into the fourth inlet port 52d. The fourth refrigerant flow path 55d is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path 55a, the second refrigerant flow path 55c, and the third refrigerant flow path 55b.

[0083] With this configuration, when one of the first to fourth three-way valves 21 to 24 is set to the operating position and the others to the closed position, the refrigerant flowing from the operating three-way valves 21 to 24 to the outlet port 52e via the inlet ports 52a to 52d and the refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d, as well as the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into the closed three-way valves 21 to 24 via the other refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d and accumulating.

[0084] (5) In the refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment, of the first refrigerant flow path 55a, 55c, third refrigerant flow path 55b, and fourth refrigerant flow path 55d, two refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b are arranged in a straight line, and the other two refrigerant flow paths 55b and 55d are also arranged in a straight line, and the two refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b and the other two refrigerant flow paths 55b and 55d intersect so as to merge at the outlet port 52e. With this configuration, the refrigerant flow paths 55a to 55d in the refrigerant flow path module 50A can be formed simply.

[0085] In the above explanation, the four three-way valves 21-24 are referred to as the 1st to 4th three-way valves, the four refrigerant flow paths 55a-55d are referred to as the 1st to 4th refrigerant flow paths, and the four inlet ports 52a-52d are referred to as the 1st to 4th inlet ports. However, these names are merely assigned for convenience. Therefore, for example, any of the three-way valves 21-24 could be the 1st three-way valve, any of the refrigerant flow paths 55a-55d could be the 1st refrigerant flow path, and any of the inlet ports 52a-52d could be the 1st inlet port. The same applies to the 2nd to 4th three-way valves, the 2nd to 4th flow path switching valves, and the 2nd to 4th inlet ports.

[0086] (6) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment includes a third three-way valve (for example, a flow path switching valve 22) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, and the refrigerant flow path module 50A includes a third inlet port 52b for allowing refrigerant to flow in from the third three-way valve 22, and a third refrigerant flow path 55b connecting the third inlet port 52b and the outlet port 52e. The third three-way valve 22 is switchable between an operating mode in which refrigerant flows to the third inlet port 52b when the first three-way valve 21 is in the operating mode, and a closed mode in which refrigerant to the third inlet port 52b is stopped when the first three-way valve 21 is in the closed mode, and the third refrigerant flow path 55b is formed separately from the second refrigerant flow path 55c.

[0087] With this configuration, for example, when the second three-way valve 23 is in the operating state and the first and third three-way valves 21 and 22 are in the closed state, the refrigerant flowing from the second inlet port 52c to the outlet port 52e, and the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can flow into the first and third three-way valves 21 and 22 via the first and third refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b, preventing them from accumulating. Conversely, when the first and third three-way valves 21 and 22 are in the operating state and the second three-way valve 23 is in the closed state, the refrigerant flowing from the first and third inlet ports 52a and 52b to the outlet port 52e, and the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can flow into the second and fourth three-way valves 23 and 24 via the second and fourth refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d, preventing them from accumulating. Since the first three-way valve 21 and the third three-way valve 22 can be switched to the same configuration (operating configuration and operating configuration, closed configuration and closed configuration), as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, even if the first refrigerant flow path 55a and the third refrigerant flow path 55b are not formed separately, it is possible to prevent refrigerant or lubricating oil from accumulating in either of the three-way valves 21 or 22.

[0088] (7) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment further includes a fourth three-way valve (e.g., flow path switching valve 24) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flow path module 50A includes a fourth inlet port (e.g., inlet port 52d) for allowing refrigerant to flow in from the fourth three-way valve 24, and a fourth refrigerant flow path (e.g., refrigerant flow path 55d) connecting the fourth inlet port 52d and the outlet port 52e. The fourth three-way valve 24 is switchable between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the fourth inlet port 52d when the second three-way valve 23 is in the operating mode, and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the fourth inlet port 52d when the second three-way valve 23 is in the closed mode. The fourth refrigerant flow path 55d is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path 55a and the third refrigerant flow path 55b.

[0089] With this configuration, for example, when the second and fourth three-way valves 23 and 24 are in the operating state and the first and third three-way valves 21 and 22 are in the closed state, the refrigerant flowing from the second and fourth inlet ports 52c and 52d to the outlet port 52e, and the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into the first and third three-way valves 21 and 22 via the first and third refrigerant flow paths 55a and 55b and accumulating. Conversely, when the first and third three-way valves 21 and 22 are in the operating state and the second and fourth three-way valves 23 and 24 are in the closed state, the refrigerant flowing from the first and third inlet ports 52a and 52b to the outlet port 52e, and the lubricating oil contained in that refrigerant, can be prevented from flowing into the second and fourth three-way valves 23 and 24 via the second and fourth refrigerant flow paths 55c and 55d and accumulating. Since the second three-way valve 23 and the fourth three-way valve 24 can be switched to the same configuration (operating configuration and operating configuration, closed configuration and closed configuration), as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, even if the second refrigerant flow path 55c and the fourth refrigerant flow path 55d are not individually formed, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of refrigerant or lubricating oil in either of the three-way valves 23 or 24.

[0090] (8) In the refrigeration system 10 of the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the first refrigerant flow path 55a is merged with or shared with the third refrigerant flow path 55b. This configuration allows for simplification of the first refrigerant flow path 55a and the third refrigerant flow path 55b.

[0091] (9) In the refrigeration system 10 of the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the second refrigerant flow path 55c is merged with or shared with the fourth refrigerant flow path 55d. This configuration allows for simplification of the second refrigerant flow path 55c and the fourth refrigerant flow path 55d.

[0092] (10) In the refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module 50A has a horizontally positioned lower surface 51a. The outlet port 52e is formed on the lower surface 51a of the refrigerant flow path module 50A. With this configuration, the refrigerant flowing through each refrigerant flow path 55a to 55d can easily flow out of the refrigerant flow path module 50A from the outlet port 52e, and accumulation in the closed three-way valves 21 to 24 can be suppressed.

[0093] (11) In the above embodiment of the refrigeration device 10, an intake pipe P1 through which refrigerant is drawn is connected to the outlet port 52e. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant drawn into the compressor 40 from the three-way valves 21 to 24 via the refrigerant flow path module 50A and the lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant from accumulating in the closed three-way valves 21 to 24.

[0094] This disclosure is not limited to the examples given above, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims, as indicated by the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 10: Refrigeration equipment 21: Flow path switching valve (three-way valve; first three-way valve) 22: Flow path switching valve (three-way valve; third three-way valve) 23: Flow path switching valve (three-way valve; second three-way valve) 24: Flow path switching valve (three-way valve; fourth three-way valve) 40: Compressor 50A: Upper refrigerant flow path module (refrigerant flow path module) 51a: Bottom surface 52a: Fitting pipe (inlet port; first inlet port) 52b: Fitting pipe (inlet port; third inlet port) 52c: Fitting pipe (inlet port; second inlet port) 52d: Fitting pipe (inlet port; 4th inlet port) 52e: Exit port 55a: Refrigerant flow path (first refrigerant flow path) 55b: Refrigerant flow path (Third refrigerant flow path) 55c: Refrigerant flow path (second refrigerant flow path) 55d: Refrigerant flow path (4th refrigerant flow path) P1: Intake piping

Claims

1. A refrigerant flow path module (50A) having a refrigerant flow path formed inside, It includes a first three-way valve (21) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module (50A) is A first inlet port (52a) through which refrigerant flows in from the first three-way valve (21), A second inlet port (52c) into which refrigerant flows, An outlet port (52e) for releasing the refrigerant, A first refrigerant flow path (55a) connecting the first inlet port (52a) and the outlet port (52e), The system includes a second refrigerant flow path (55c) connecting the second inlet port (52c) and the outlet port (52e), The first three-way valve (21) can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the first inlet port (52a) and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the first inlet port (52a). The refrigeration system wherein the second refrigerant flow path (55c) is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path (52a).

2. The system further includes a second three-way valve (23) that allows refrigerant to flow into the second inlet port (52c), The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second three-way valve (23) can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the second inlet port (52c) and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the second inlet port (52c).

3. It is further equipped with a third three-way valve (22) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module (50A) includes a third inlet port (52b) for allowing refrigerant from the third three-way valve (22) to flow in, and a third refrigerant flow path (55b) connecting the third inlet port (52b) and the outlet port (52e), The third three-way valve (22) can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the third inlet port (52b) and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the third inlet port (52b). The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third refrigerant flow path (55b) is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path (55a) and the second refrigerant flow path (55c).

4. It further includes a fourth three-way valve (24) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module (50A) includes a fourth inlet port (52d) for allowing refrigerant from the fourth three-way valve (24) to flow in, and a fourth refrigerant flow path (55d) connecting the fourth inlet port (52d) and the outlet port (52e), The fourth three-way valve (24) can be switched between an operating mode that allows refrigerant to flow to the fourth inlet port (52d) and a closed mode that stops refrigerant from flowing to the fourth inlet port (52d). The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fourth refrigerant flow path (55d) is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path (55a), the second refrigerant flow path (55c), and the third refrigerant flow path (55b).

5. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, of the first refrigerant flow path (55a), the second refrigerant flow path (55c), the third refrigerant flow path (55b), and the fourth refrigerant flow path (55d), two refrigerant flow paths (55a, 55b) are arranged in a straight line, the other two refrigerant flow paths (55b, 55d) are arranged in a straight line, and the two refrigerant flow paths (55a, 55b) and the other two refrigerant flow paths (55b, 55d) intersect so as to merge at the outlet port (52e).

6. It is further equipped with a third three-way valve (22) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module (50A) includes a third inlet port (52b) for allowing refrigerant from the third three-way valve (22) to flow in, and a third refrigerant flow path (55b) connecting the third inlet port (52b) and the outlet port (52e), The third three-way valve (22) is switchable between an operating mode in which refrigerant flows to the third inlet port (52b) when the first three-way valve (21) is in an operating mode, and a closed mode in which refrigerant is stopped from flowing to the third inlet port (52b) when the first three-way valve (21) is in a closed mode. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third refrigerant flow path (55b) is formed separately from the second refrigerant flow path (55c).

7. It further includes a fourth three-way valve (24) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigerant flow path module (50A) includes a fourth inlet port (52d) for allowing refrigerant from the fourth three-way valve (24) to flow in, and a fourth refrigerant flow path (55d) connecting the fourth inlet port (52d) and the outlet port (52e), The fourth three-way valve (24) is switchable between an operating mode in which refrigerant flows to the fourth inlet port (52d) when the second three-way valve (23) is in an operating mode, and a closed mode in which refrigerant is stopped from flowing to the fourth inlet port (52d) when the second three-way valve (23) is in a closed mode. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fourth refrigerant flow path (55d) is formed separately from the first refrigerant flow path (55a) and the third refrigerant flow path (55b).

8. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first refrigerant flow path (55a) is merged with or shared with the third refrigerant flow path (55b).

9. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second refrigerant flow path (55c) is merged with or shared with the fourth refrigerant flow path (55d).

10. The refrigerant flow path module (50A) has a horizontally positioned lower surface (51a), The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outlet port (52e) is formed on the lower surface (51a) of the refrigerant flow path module (50A).

11. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an outlet port (52e) is connected to an intake pipe (P1) for drawing refrigerant into the compressor.

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