Refrigeration equipment

Abstract

In a refrigeration system, multiple flow path switching valves are arranged compactly. [Solution] The system comprises first flow path switching valves 23, 24 having first main body parts H3, H4 housing a first valve body and switching the flow path of the refrigerant, second flow path switching valves 21, 22 having second main body parts H1, H2 housing a second valve body and switching the flow path of the refrigerant, and refrigerant flow path modules 50A, 50B having a connection surface 51a in which a refrigerant flow path is formed and the first flow path switching valves 23, 24 and the second flow path switching valves 21, 22 are connected directly or via refrigerant piping, wherein the first main body parts H3, H4 and the second main body parts H1, H2 are arranged to overlap when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a.

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 circuit that includes a refrigerant flow path module having a refrigerant flow path formed therein and a plurality of four-way switching valves connected to the refrigerant flow path module. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023 / 153516 [Summary of Invention] [Problem to be Solved by Invention]

[0004] A refrigerant circuit including a plurality of four-way switching valves also includes many other functional components and refrigerant pipes, and tends to have a complicated or enlarged structure. Therefore, it is desired to make the structure of the refrigerant circuit as compact as possible and reduce the accommodation space in the casing of the refrigeration apparatus. The refrigerant flow path module contributes to reducing the number of refrigerant pipes and reducing the accommodation space by forming the refrigerant flow path therein. On the other hand, since the four-way switching valve is large in size, it causes an increase in the accommodation space for the refrigerant circuit in the casing. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to compactly arrange a plurality of flow path switching valves. [Means for Solving Problem]

[0005] (1) The refrigeration apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a first flow path switching valve that has a first main body portion accommodating a first valve body and switches a flow path of a refrigerant; a second flow path switching valve that has a second main body portion accommodating a second valve body and switches a flow path of a refrigerant; A refrigerant flow path module having a refrigerant flow path formed inside and a connection surface to which the first flow path switching valve and the second flow path switching valve are connected directly or via refrigerant piping, When viewed from the direction normal to the connecting surface, the first main body and the second main body are arranged in an overlapping manner.

[0006] This configuration allows for a compact arrangement of the first and second flow path switching valves when viewed from the normal direction to the connection surface of the refrigerant flow path module. As a result, the space required to house multiple flow path switching valves inside the refrigeration system can be reduced.

[0007] (2) In the refrigeration apparatus described in (1) above, preferably, at least a part of the first main body and the second main body are arranged within the projected area of ​​the connecting surface in the normal direction. This configuration allows the flow path switching valve and refrigerant flow path module to be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface.

[0008] (3) In the refrigeration apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, preferably, the longitudinal direction of the first main body and the longitudinal direction of the second main body are arranged to intersect when viewed from the normal direction. This configuration allows the first flow path switching valve and the second flow path switching valve to be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface.

[0009] (4) In the refrigeration apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, preferably, the longitudinal direction of the first main body and the longitudinal direction of the second main body are arranged in parallel when viewed from the normal direction. This configuration allows the first flow path switching valve and the second flow path switching valve to be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface.

[0010] (5) A refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) above, preferably further comprising a third flow path switching valve having a third main body containing a third valve body, connected directly to the connection surface or via refrigerant piping, for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, Viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the third main body and the longitudinal direction of the second main body are arranged to intersect. This configuration allows the first, second, and third flow path switching valves to be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0011] (6) In the refrigeration apparatus described in (5) above, preferably, the first main body and the third main body are arranged to overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the normal direction. This configuration allows the first flow path switching valve and the third flow path switching valve to be compactly arranged when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the normal direction of the connection surface of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0012] (7) In the refrigeration apparatus described in (5) or (6) above, preferably, the second main body is provided with a high-pressure port into which high-pressure refrigerant flows, Viewed from the normal direction, the high-voltage port is located between the first main body and the third main body. With this configuration, the first flow path switching valve and the third flow path switching valve can be placed close together, and when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface, the first flow path switching valve, the second flow path switching valve, and the third flow path switching valve can be arranged more compactly.

[0013] (8) The refrigeration apparatus described in any one of (5) to (7) above preferably has a fourth main body containing a fourth valve body, and further comprises a fourth flow path switching valve connected directly to the connection surface or via refrigerant piping for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, Viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body intersects with the longitudinal directions of the first and third main bodies. This configuration allows the first to fourth flow path switching valves to be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0014] (9) The refrigeration apparatus described in any one of (1) to (3) above preferably has a third main body containing a third valve body, and a third flow path switching valve connected directly to the connection surface or via refrigerant piping to switch the flow path of the refrigerant, The system further comprises a fourth flow path switching valve having a fourth main body containing a fourth valve body, which is connected directly to the connection surface or via refrigerant piping, and which switches the flow path of the refrigerant, Viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the third main body and the longitudinal direction of the first main body are arranged parallel to each other, and the longitudinal direction of the third main body and the longitudinal direction of the second main body intersect each other. Viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body and the longitudinal direction of the second main body are arranged in parallel, and the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body intersects with the longitudinal directions of the first and third main bodies. This configuration allows the first to fourth flow path switching valves to be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0015] (10) In the refrigeration apparatus described in (8) or (9) above, preferably, in the normal direction, the fourth main body is located on the same side as the second main body relative to the first main body and the third main body. This configuration allows the first to fourth flow path switching valves to be compactly arranged in the direction normal to the connection surface of the refrigerant flow path module.

[0016] (11) The refrigeration apparatus described in any one of (1) to (10) above preferably has a first drive unit that drives the first valve body of the first flow path switching valve. The second flow path switching valve has a second drive unit that drives the second valve body, The first drive unit is positioned closer to the outer edge of the connection surface than the first main body, The second drive unit is positioned closer to the outer edge of the connection surface than the second main body. With this configuration, the first and second main bodies do not get in the way when maintaining or replacing the first and second drive units, making the work easy.

[0017] (12) The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11) above preferably comprises a second refrigerant flow path module having a refrigerant flow path formed therein and a second connection surface to which the first flow path switching valve and the second flow path switching valve are connected directly or via a refrigerant pipe. According to this configuration, compared to a case where a large number of refrigerant flow paths are formed in one refrigerant flow path module, the refrigerant flow paths can be分散 to two refrigerant flow path modules and formed efficiently, and the overall size of the refrigerant flow path modules can be reduced.

[0018] (13) In the refrigeration apparatus according to (12) above, preferably, in the normal direction, the first flow path switching valve and the second flow path switching valve are arranged between the refrigerant flow path module and the second refrigerant flow path module. According to this configuration, the two refrigerant flow path modules can be arranged compactly when viewed from the normal direction of the connection surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing the inside of the refrigeration apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of a refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 5] It is a front view of a refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 6] It is a side view of a refrigerant flow path module. [Figure 7] It is a plan view of a flow path switching valve. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a plan view of a flow path switching valve in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a plan view of a flow path switching valve according to a modified example. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of a modified flow path switching valve. [Figure 12] This is a front view of a modified refrigerant flow path module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] 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.

[0021] (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.

[0022] The compressor 40 is, for example, a variable-capacity inverter compressor. However, the compressor 40 may 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.

[0023] The accumulator 34 stores the liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant flowing through the suction pipe P1, thereby preventing 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The flow path switching valve 21 connects the gas pipe P3 to the discharge pipe P2 in the first mode, and connects the gas pipe P3 to the suction pipe P1 in the second mode. In the first mode, the flow path switching valve 21 closes the suction pipe P1 by connecting the suction pipe P1 to a closed port C via port A, and in the second mode, it closes the discharge pipe P2 by connecting the discharge pipe P2 to a closed port C via port D.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The flow path switching valve 22 connects the gas pipe P4 to the discharge pipe P2 in the first mode, and connects the gas pipe P4 to the suction pipe P1 in the second mode. 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] (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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] (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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] (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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Each of the four flow path switching valves 21-24 has a main body H 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Figure 5 is a front view of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 6 is a side view of the refrigerant flow path module. Figure 7 is a plan view of the flow path switching valve. Figures 5 and 6 mainly show the arrangement of the flow path switching valves 21 to 24, which are located between the upper and lower refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B. In Figures 5 to 7, the center (axis) of the cylindrical main body H (H1 to H4) is indicated by C1.

[0062] The main bodies H1 to H4 of the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 are all positioned with their longitudinal direction (axis C1) oriented horizontally. The main body H1 of flow path switching valve 21 and the main body H2 of flow path switching valve 22 are positioned parallel to each other at approximately the same height. The main body H3 of flow path switching valve 23 and the main body H4 of flow path switching valve 24 are positioned parallel to each other at approximately the same height. The main body H1 of flow path switching valve 21 and the main body H2 of flow path switching valve 22 do not have to be positioned strictly parallel; they may be inclined relative to each other to an extent that they can be perceived as substantially parallel, for example, within a range of about 10°. Also, the main body H1 of flow path switching valve 21 and the main body H2 of flow path switching valve 22 do not have to be positioned at exactly the same height; they may be positioned at overlapping heights when viewed from the horizontal. The same applies to the main body H3 of flow path switching valve 23 and the main body H4 of flow path switching valve 24.

[0063] The main bodies H3 and H4 of the two flow path switching valves 23 and 24 are positioned lower than the main bodies H1 and H2 of the other two flow path switching valves 21 and 22. The main bodies H1 and H2 of the two flow path switching valves 21 and 22 and the main bodies H3 and H4 of the two flow path switching valves 23 and 24 are positioned overlapping each other when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0064] Specifically, the main bodies H1 and H2 of the two flow path switching valves 21 and 22, and the main bodies H3 and H4 of the two flow path switching valves 23 and 24, intersect each other in their longitudinal direction (axis C1). Therefore, the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 are arranged in a # shape when viewed from above. More specifically, the main bodies H1 and H2 of the two flow path switching valves 21 and 22, and the main bodies H3 and H4 of the two flow path switching valves 23 and 24, are perpendicular to each other in their longitudinal direction (axis C1). The main bodies H1 to H4 of each flow path switching valve 21 to 24 are arranged to overlap with the main bodies H1 to H4 of the other two flow path switching valves 21 to 24 when viewed from above.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, at least a portion of the main body H1 to H4 of each flow path switching valve 21 to 24 is located within the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A. More specifically, more than half of the area of ​​the main body H1 to H4 in a top view is located within the projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A. The entire main body H1 to H4 of each flow path switching valve 21 to 24 may also be located within the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A.

[0066] The refrigerant circuit 20 of the air conditioner 10 in this embodiment is equipped with four flow path switching valves 21 to 24, so a large housing space is required to accommodate them within the casing 91. For example, if the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 are arranged horizontally parallel to each other, a large housing space is required in the direction in which they are arranged. In this embodiment, the main bodies H1 to H4 of the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 are arranged to overlap each other when viewed from the vertical direction, so the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 can be arranged compactly in the horizontal direction, and the horizontal housing space (installation space) when housing them in the casing 91 of the outdoor unit 11 can be reduced.

[0067] The four flow path switching valves 21-24 have at least a portion of their main body sections H1-H4 positioned within the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A. As a result, both the four flow path switching valves 21-24 and the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A can be compactly arranged horizontally, further reducing the horizontal space required within the casing 91.

[0068] The drive units K, which are attached to the sides of each main body section H1 to H4, are positioned closer to the outer edge of the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A than the main body sections H1 to H4. Therefore, maintenance work such as maintenance and replacement of the drive units K can be performed from the side of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B without the main body sections H1 to H4 getting in the way.

[0069] The drive units K of the two flow path switching valves 21 and 22, which are arranged side by side, are located not in the space between the main body sections H1 and H2, but on the side of the main body sections H1 and H2 opposite to the space between them. Similarly, the drive units K of the two flow path switching valves 23 and 24, which are arranged side by side, are located not in the space between the main body sections H3 and H4, but on the side of the main body sections H3 and H4 opposite to the space between them. This also allows maintenance and replacement of the drive units K to be performed without the main body sections H1 to H4 getting in the way.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, in the two flow path switching valves 23 and 24 located on the lower side, the three ports A to C are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the main body H3 and H4 from the upper surface of the main body H3 and H4. Therefore, the main body H1 and H2 of the two flow path switching valves 21 and 22 located on the upper side are arranged with a gap L2 between them that allows the three ports A to C to be placed in between.

[0071] In contrast, in the two upper flow control valves 21 and 22, only one port D protrudes downward from the lower surface of the main body H1 and H2. Therefore, the main body H3 and H4 of the two lower flow control valves 23 and 24 have one port D positioned between them. This spacing L1 is narrower than the spacing L2 between the main body H1 and H2. As a result, the two lower flow control valves 23 and 24 can be arranged more compactly when viewed from the vertical direction. Specifically, the two lower flow control valves 23 and 24, including their drive units K, are positioned within the length of the main body H1 and H2 of the flow control valves 21 and 22.

[0072] In the above embodiment, it is sufficient that the main bodies H1 to H4 of at least two of the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 overlap when viewed from the vertical direction. Also, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the main body H1 to H4 of one or more of the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 is located within the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A. The main bodies H1 to H4 of the flow path switching valves 21 to 24 may be located outside the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A.

[0073] The relationship between the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and the flow path switching valves 21-24 has been described above, but the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B and the flow path switching valves 21-24 can be arranged in a similar relationship. In this embodiment, of the body parts H1-H4 of the four flow path switching valves 21-24, at least a portion of the body parts H2-H4 of flow path switching valves 22-24 is located within the vertical projection area of ​​the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B. The body part H1 of flow path switching valve 21 is located outside the vertical projection area of ​​the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B.

[0074] The upper refrigerant flow module 50A and the lower refrigerant flow module 50B do not necessarily have to be positioned in the same orientation (horizontal orientation). For example, one of the upper refrigerant flow module 50A or the lower refrigerant flow module 50B may be positioned in an orientation aligned with the vertical direction.

[0075] [Second Embodiment] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system according to the second embodiment of the present 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.

[0076] Figure 9 is a plan view of the flow path switching valve in the second embodiment. Of the three flow path switching valves 21 to 23, two of the flow path switching valves 21 and 22 are arranged horizontally with their main bodies H1 and H2 parallel to each other, similar to the first embodiment. The main body H3 of the flow path switching valve 23 is located below the main bodies H1 and H2. The longitudinal direction (axis C1) of the main body H3 and the longitudinal direction (axis C1) of the main bodies H1 and H2 overlap when viewed from above.

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the three flow path switching valves 21 to 23 can be compactly arranged horizontally. Furthermore, at least a portion of the main bodies H1 to H3 of the three flow path switching valves 21 to 23 are positioned within the vertical projection area of ​​the upper refrigerant flow path module 50A and the lower refrigerant flow path module 50B. As a result, all three flow path switching valves 21 to 23 and the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B can be compactly arranged horizontally, reducing the horizontal space required for installation. In this embodiment, the main body H1 of the flow path switching valve 21 and the main body H2 of the flow path switching valve 22 may overlap when viewed from the vertical direction, and the three main body bodies H1 to H3 may be arranged in a substantially triangular shape.

[0078] [Differentiation] Figures 10 to 12 show the arrangement of the flow path switching valve according to a modified example. Figures 10 and 11 are plan views of a modified flow path switching valve. In the modified example shown in Figure 10, the main bodies H1 and H3 of the two flow path switching valves 21 and 23 are arranged to overlap, with their longitudinal directions (axis C1) intersecting when viewed from above. In the modified example shown in Figure 11, the main bodies H1 and H3 of the two flow path switching valves 21 and 23 are arranged to overlap while being parallel in the longitudinal direction (axis C1) when viewed from above.

[0079] In these modified examples, the two flow path switching valves 21 and 23 can be compactly arranged horizontally. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, an example of a refrigerant circuit equipped with two flow path switching valves 21 and 23 is the refrigerant circuit shown in Figure 8, but with the flow path switching valve 22 omitted.

[0080] Figure 12 is a front view of a modified refrigerant flow path module. In this modified configuration, the main bodies H1 and H2 of two of the three flow path switching valves 21-22 are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (axis C1). However, when viewed from the horizontal direction, they are positioned above and below the main body H3 of the other flow path switching valve 23, and are positioned at heights that do not overlap with each other. The main body H3 of the other flow path switching valve 23 is positioned overlapping with the two main bodies H1 and H2, with their longitudinal direction (axis C1) intersecting when viewed from above and below.

[0081] In the modified example shown in Figure 12, the three flow path switching valves 21-23 are arranged in three stages vertically, which increases the vertical dimension, but allows for a compact arrangement horizontally, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0082] In addition to the above, as another variation, the body of at least one of the four flow path switching valves 21 to 24 may be arranged so as to overlap with the bodies of the other three flow path switching valves when viewed from above.

[0083] [Effects of the Embodiment] (1) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment includes, for example, as shown in Figures 7, 9 to 11, a first main body (for example, main body H3, H4) housing a first valve body and a first flow path switching valve (for example, flow path switching valves 23, 24) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, a second main body (for example, main body H1, H2) housing a second valve body and a second flow path switching valve (for example, flow path switching valves 21, 22) for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, and a refrigerant flow path module (for example, upper refrigerant flow path module 50A or lower refrigerant flow path module 50B) having a connection surface 51a in which a refrigerant flow path is formed and the first flow path switching valves 23, 24 and the second flow path switching valves 21, 22 are connected directly or via refrigerant piping 53. The first main body H3, H4 and the second main body H1, H2 are arranged to overlap when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a (for example, the vertical direction).

[0084] This configuration allows the first flow path switching valves 23 and 24 and the second flow path switching valves 21 and 22 to be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B. As a result, the space required to house the multiple flow path switching valves 21 to 24 in the casing 91 of the refrigeration system 10 can be reduced.

[0085] (2) In the refrigeration apparatus 10 of the above embodiment, at least a portion of the first main body H3, H4 and the second main body H1, H2 are arranged within the projected area of ​​the connection surface 51a in the normal direction. With this configuration, the flow path switching valves 21, 22, 23, 24 and the refrigerant flow path modules 50A, 50B can be compactly arranged when viewed from the normal direction of the connection surface 51a.

[0086] (3) In the refrigeration apparatus of the above embodiment, the longitudinal directions of the first main body H3 and H4 and the longitudinal directions of the second main body H1 and H2 intersect when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a. With this configuration, the first flow path switching valves 23 and 24 and the second flow path switching valves 21 and 22 can be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a.

[0087] (4) In the refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, for example, the longitudinal direction of the first main body H3 and the longitudinal direction of the second main body H1 are arranged in parallel when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a. With this configuration as well, the first flow path switching valve 23 and the second flow path switching valve 21 can be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a. In this specification, "parallel" means that the longitudinal directions of the main body parts are arranged side by side without intersecting each other, and they do not necessarily have to be arranged in parallel.

[0088] (5) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 9, for example, has a third main body (e.g., main body H4) housing a third valve body, and further comprises a third flow path switching valve (e.g., flow path switching valve 24) that is connected directly to the connection surface 51a or via refrigerant piping 53 and switches the flow path of the refrigerant. When viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a, the longitudinal direction of the third main body H4 and the longitudinal directions of the second main bodies H1 and H2 are arranged to intersect. With this configuration, the first flow path switching valve 23, the second flow path switching valves 21 and 22 and the third flow path switching valve 24 can be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B.

[0089] (6) In the refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment, the first main body H3 and the third main body H4 are arranged in an overlapping manner when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the normal direction of the connection surface 51a. This allows the first flow path switching valve 23 and the third flow path switching valve 24 to be compactly arranged in the normal direction of the connection surface 51a of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B.

[0090] (7) In the refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment, high-pressure ports D into which high-pressure refrigerant flows are provided in the second main body H1 and H2, and the high-pressure ports D are located between the first main body H3 and the third main body H4 when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a. This allows the first flow path switching valve 23 and the third flow path switching valve 24 to be placed close together, and the first flow path switching valve 23, the second flow path switching valves 21 and 22 and the third flow path switching valve 24 to be arranged more compactly when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a.

[0091] (8) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment has a fourth main body (e.g., main body H2) housing a fourth valve body, and further comprises a fourth flow path switching valve (e.g., flow path switching valve 22) that is connected directly to the connection surface 51a or via refrigerant piping and switches the flow path of the refrigerant, and is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body H2 intersects with the longitudinal directions of the first main body H3 and the third main body H4 when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a. As a result, the first to fourth flow path switching valves 23, 21, 24, and 22 can be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B.

[0092] (9) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment further comprises a third flow path switching valve (e.g., flow path switching valve 23) having a third main body (e.g., main body H4) housing a third valve body, connected directly to the connection surface 51a or via refrigerant piping, and switching the flow path of the refrigerant; and a fourth flow path switching valve (e.g., flow path switching valve 22) having a fourth main body (e.g., main body H2) housing a fourth valve body, connected directly to the connection surface 51a or via refrigerant piping, and switching the flow path of the refrigerant. Viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a, the longitudinal direction of the third main body H4 and the longitudinal direction of the first main body H3 are arranged in parallel, and the longitudinal direction of the third main body H4 and the longitudinal directions of the second main body H1 and H2 are arranged to intersect. Viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a, the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body H2 and the longitudinal direction of the second main body H1 are arranged in parallel, and the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body H2 intersects with the longitudinal directions of the first main body H3 and the third main body H4. As a result, the first to fourth flow path switching valves 23, 21, 24, and 22 can be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B.

[0093] (10) In the refrigeration apparatus 10 of the above embodiment, the fourth main body H2 is positioned on the same side as the second main body H1 relative to the first main body H3 and the third main body H4 in the direction normal to the connection surface 51a. With this configuration, the first to fourth flow path switching valves 23, 21, 24, and 22 can be compactly arranged in the direction normal to the connection surface 51a of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B.

[0094] (11) In the refrigeration apparatus 10 of the above embodiment, the first flow path switching valves 23 and 24 have a first drive unit K that drives the first valve body, and the second flow path switching valves 21 and 22 have a second drive unit K that drives the second valve body, the first drive unit K is positioned closer to the outer edge of the connection surface 51a than the first main body H3 and H4, and the second drive unit K is positioned closer to the outer edge of the connection surface 51a than the second main body H1 and H2. As a result, when maintaining or replacing the first and second drive units K, the first and second main body H1 to H4 do not get in the way, and work can be easily carried out.

[0095] (12) The refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment includes a second refrigerant flow path module (for example, a lower refrigerant flow path module 50B) having a refrigerant flow path formed inside and a second connection surface 51a to which the first flow path switching valves 23, 24 and the second flow path switching valves 21, 22 are connected directly or via refrigerant piping.

[0096] With this configuration, for example, if one attempts to connect multiple refrigerant pipes or form multiple refrigerant flow paths by concentrating them in only one refrigerant flow path module, it becomes necessary to make the refrigerant flow path module large to prevent interference between refrigerant pipes and between refrigerant flow paths. As a result, there are many parts where no flow paths are formed or where refrigerant pipes are not connected. Therefore, it becomes difficult to efficiently connect multiple refrigerant pipes or form flow paths to the refrigerant flow path module, and the refrigerant flow path module becomes larger. Consequently, the housing space within the casing 91 of the refrigeration unit 10 (especially the horizontal housing space) also increases.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path module is configured as two separate modules, refrigerant flow path module 50A and second refrigerant flow path module 50B. This allows for efficient formation of refrigerant flow paths in each of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B, and enables the overall miniaturization of the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the two refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B are arranged with a gap between them in the vertical direction and overlap when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a. Therefore, the two refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B can be arranged compactly when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a.

[0099] (13) In the refrigeration device 10 of the above embodiment, the first flow path switching valves 23, 24 and the second flow path switching valves 21, 22 are arranged between the refrigerant flow path module 50A and the second refrigerant flow module 50B in the direction normal to the connection surface 51a. With this configuration, the flow path switching valves 23, 24, 21, 22 and the refrigerant flow path modules 50A and 50B can be compactly arranged when viewed from the direction normal to the connection surface 51a.

[0100] 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]

[0101] 10: Refrigeration equipment 21: Flow path switching valve (second flow path switching valve) 22: Flow path switching valves (2nd flow path switching valve, 4th flow path switching valve) 23: Flow path switching valve (first flow path switching valve) 24: Flow path switching valve (1st flow path switching valve, 3rd flow path switching valve) 50A: Upper refrigerant flow path module 50B: Lower refrigerant flow path module 51a: Connection surface D: High-voltage port H1: Main body (second main body) H2: Main body (second main body, fourth main body) H3: Main body (First main body) H4: Main body (First main body, Second main body) K: Drive unit

Claims

1. It has a first main body (H3, H4) housing a first valve body, and a first flow path switching valve (23, 24) that switches the flow path of the refrigerant, It has a second main body (H1, H2) housing a second valve body, and a second flow path switching valve (21, 22) that switches the flow path of the refrigerant, The system comprises a refrigerant flow path module (50A, 50B) having a refrigerant flow path formed inside and a connection surface (51a) to which the first flow path switching valves (23, 24) and the second flow path switching valves (21, 22) are connected directly or via refrigerant piping, A refrigeration apparatus in which the first main body (H3, H4) and the second main body (H1, H2) are arranged in an overlapping manner when viewed from the direction normal to the connecting surface (51a).

2. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first main body (H3, H4) and the second main body (H1, H2) is arranged within the projected area of ​​the connecting surface (51a) in the normal direction.

3. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the first main body (H3, H4) and the longitudinal direction of the second main body (H1, H2) are arranged to intersect.

4. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the first main body (H3) and the longitudinal direction of the second main body (H1) are arranged in parallel.

5. It further comprises a third main body (H4) housing a third valve body, and a third flow path switching valve (23) connected directly to the connection surface (51a) or via refrigerant piping for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, when viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the third main body (H4) and the longitudinal directions of the second main body (H1, H2) are arranged to intersect.

6. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first main body (H3) and the third main body (H4) are arranged to overlap when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the normal direction.

7. The second main body (H1, H2) is provided with a high-pressure port (D) through which high-pressure refrigerant flows in. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, viewed from the normal direction, the high-pressure port (D) is located between the first main body (H3) and the third main body (H4).

8. It further comprises a fourth main body (H2) housing a fourth valve body, and a fourth flow path switching valve (22) connected directly to the connection surface (51a) or via refrigerant piping for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body (H2) intersects with the longitudinal directions of the first main body (H3) and the third main body (H4).

9. A third flow path switching valve (23) has a third main body (H4) housing a third valve body, and is connected to the connection surface (51a) directly or via refrigerant piping to switch the flow path of the refrigerant, The system further comprises a fourth main body (H2) housing a fourth valve body, a fourth flow path switching valve (22) connected directly to the connection surface (51a) or via refrigerant piping, and for switching the flow path of the refrigerant, Viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the third main body (H4) and the longitudinal direction of the first main body (H3) are arranged in parallel, and the longitudinal direction of the third main body (H4) and the longitudinal direction of the second main body (H1) intersect. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, viewed from the normal direction, the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body (H2) and the longitudinal direction of the second main body (H1) are arranged in parallel, and the longitudinal direction of the fourth main body (H2) and the longitudinal directions of the first main body (H3) and the third main body (H4) are arranged to intersect.

10. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, in the normal direction, the fourth main body (H2) is positioned on the same side as the second main body (H1) relative to the first main body (H3) and the third main body (H4).

11. The first flow path switching valve (23, 24) has a first drive unit (K) that drives the first valve body, The second flow path switching valve (21, 22) has a second drive unit (K) that drives the second valve body, The first drive unit (K) is positioned closer to the outer edge of the connection surface (51a) than the first main body (H3, H4), The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second drive unit (K) is positioned closer to the outer peripheral edge of the connection surface (51a) than the second main body (H1, H2).

12. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a second refrigerant flow path module (50B, 50A) having a refrigerant flow path formed inside and a second connection surface (51a) to which the first flow path switching valves (23, 24) and the second flow path switching valves (21, 22) are connected directly or via refrigerant piping.

13. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 12, wherein in the normal direction, the first flow path switching valves (23, 24) and the second flow path switching valves (21, 22) are arranged between the refrigerant flow path modules (50A, 50B) and the second refrigerant flow path modules (50B, 50A).

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