Valve mechanism

Abstract

To provide a small valve device capable of suppressing leakage of a refrigerant.SOLUTION: A valve device 5 includes a valve module 10 and a receiver drier 20. The valve module 10 includes one valve body 100 having a plurality of refrigerant passages, and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body 100. The receiver drier 20 includes a cylindrical receiver drier body 210 which can store a refrigerant, and a lid body 220 which is joined to an upper end of the receiver drier body 210. The lid body 220 is arranged in contact with the valve body 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional refrigeration cycle device. The refrigeration cycle device of Patent Document 1 includes a refrigerant circuit switching unit including first to third on-off valves. The refrigerant circuit switching unit switches between a first circuit and a second circuit. In the first circuit, the refrigerant flowing out from the indoor condenser flows in order to the receiver-drier, the heating expansion valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger. In the second circuit, the refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger flows in order to the receiver-drier, the cooling expansion valve, and the indoor evaporator. In the first circuit, the refrigeration cycle device has a receiver-drier disposed upstream of the heating expansion valve, and in the second circuit, the receiver-drier disposed upstream of the cooling expansion valve. The receiver-drier stores the surplus of the liquid-phase refrigerant condensed in the indoor condenser. This allows the refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor evaporator as an evaporator to have a degree of superheat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-176824 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned refrigeration cycle device, the indoor condenser, the first on-off valve, and the second on-off valve are connected via a three-way joint and piping. The receiver dryer and other components are also connected in a similar manner. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device has many connections, which increases the possibility of refrigerant leakage. In addition, the refrigeration cycle device is large in size because each component is connected via a three-way joint and piping.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized valve device capable of suppressing leakage of refrigerant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a valve device according to the present invention comprises: A valve assembly having a valve module and a receiver dryer, The valve module includes a valve body having a plurality of refrigerant passages and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body, The receiver-drier has a cylindrical receiver-drier body capable of storing a refrigerant, and a lid body joined to an upper end portion of the receiver-drier body, The cover is disposed in contact with the valve body.

[0007] In the present invention, The cover has a screw hole, The valve body has a through hole arranged corresponding to the screw hole, It is preferable that the cover be attached to the valve body by a bolt that passes through the through hole and is screwed into the screw hole.

[0008] In the present invention, The lid body has two screw holes and two connection holes leading to an inner space of the receiver-drier body, It is preferable that a line segment connecting the centers of the two screw holes intersects with a line segment connecting the centers of the two connection holes.

[0009] In the present invention, The valve device has a cylindrical coupling member, the coupling member having a first portion and a second portion axially connected; the first portion is disposed in the connection hole, It is preferable that the second portion is disposed in the coolant passage.

[0010] In the present invention, the plurality of valve units includes a check valve unit; the check valve unit is disposed in a refrigerant passage in which the joint member is disposed, It is preferable that the joint member is a holding member that holds the check valve unit.

[0011] In the present invention, A first indoor side opening, a second indoor side opening, a first outdoor side opening, a second outdoor side opening, a first intermediate opening and a second intermediate opening are formed on an outer surface of the valve body, The plurality of refrigerant passages are a first refrigerant passage connecting the first indoor opening and the second intermediate opening; a second refrigerant passage connecting the first indoor opening and the second outdoor opening; a third refrigerant passage connecting the first intermediate opening and the second refrigerant passage; a fourth refrigerant passage connecting the first outdoor opening and the second intermediate opening; a fifth refrigerant passage connecting the first intermediate opening and the second indoor opening, The plurality of valve units are a first on-off valve unit capable of opening and closing the first refrigerant passage; a second on-off valve unit capable of opening and closing a first passage portion between the first indoor opening and a connection point of the second refrigerant passage with the third refrigerant passage; a flow rate regulating valve unit capable of steplessly changing a passage area of ​​a second passage portion between the second outdoor side opening and a connection point of the second refrigerant passage with the third refrigerant passage; a first check valve unit that allows a refrigerant to flow from the first intermediate opening in the third refrigerant passage to the second refrigerant passage and prevents a refrigerant from flowing from the second refrigerant passage to the first intermediate opening; It is preferable that the fourth refrigerant passage further includes a second check valve unit that allows refrigerant to flow from the first outdoor side opening to the second intermediate opening in the fourth refrigerant passage and prohibits refrigerant from flowing from the second intermediate opening to the first outdoor side opening.

[0012] In the present invention, A third chamber side opening is formed on the outer surface of the valve body, the plurality of refrigerant passages includes a sixth refrigerant passage connecting the first outdoor side opening and the third outdoor side opening, It is preferable that the plurality of valve units include a third on-off valve unit capable of opening and closing the sixth refrigerant passage.

[0013] In the present invention, the outer surface of the valve body has a first plane, a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and a third plane parallel to the second plane; The first plane has a second mounting hole and a third mounting hole formed therein and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the first plane, The second plane has a first mounting hole and a fourth mounting hole spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, A first valve port that is opened and closed by the first on-off valve unit is disposed inside the first mounting hole, A second valve port that is opened and closed by the second on-off valve unit is disposed inside the second mounting hole, a third valve port that is opened and closed by the third on-off valve unit is disposed inside the third mounting hole; A fourth valve port, the opening area of ​​which is continuously changed by the flow rate adjusting valve unit, is disposed inside the fourth mounting hole, the through hole extends from the second plane to the third plane; When viewed from a normal direction of the first plane, the position of the through hole in the longitudinal direction is between the second valve port and the third valve port, It is preferable that, when viewed from the normal direction of the second plane, the position of the through hole in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is between the first valve port and the fourth valve port.

[0014] In the present invention, the second refrigerant passage includes the second valve port and the fourth valve port, It is preferable that a portion of the second refrigerant passage between the second valve port and the fourth valve port has an L-shape. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The valve device according to the present invention includes a valve module and a receiver dryer. The valve module includes a valve body having a plurality of refrigerant passages and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body. The receiver dryer includes a cylindrical receiver dryer body capable of storing a refrigerant and a lid body joined to the upper end of the receiver dryer body. The lid body is disposed in contact with the valve body. This allows the valve module and the receiver dryer to be disposed as close as possible to each other. This allows the valve device to be made compact. The valve device also includes a valve body having a plurality of refrigerant passages and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body. This allows refrigerant leakage to be suppressed at the connection points between the refrigerant passages and the connection points between the refrigerant passages and the valve units, and also allows the number of parts for connection to be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner having a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 4 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner in FIG. 1 is in a heating mode. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner in FIG. 1 is in a cooling mode. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner in FIG. 1 is in a dehumidifying and heating mode. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a front view of a valve device provided in the air conditioner of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of a valve module included in the valve device of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a front view of the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a right side view of the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 11]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 12] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 13] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 9. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line JJ in FIG. [Diagram 23] 7 is a plan view of a valve body included in the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 24] 7 is a right side view of the valve body of the valve module of FIG. 6. [Diagram 25] 7 is a cross-sectional view of a first on-off valve unit included in the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 26] 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second on-off valve unit included in the valve module of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 27] 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flow rate adjustment valve unit included in the valve module of FIG. 6. [Figure 28] 6 is a perspective view of a receiver dryer included in the valve device of FIG. 5. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a front view of the receiver-drier of FIG. 28. [Diagram 30] FIG. 29 is a plan view of the receiver-drier of FIG. 28. [Diagram 31] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing the valve device in FIG. 5 (state before the receiver dryer is attached to the valve body). [Diagram 32]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing the valve device in FIG. 5 (showing the state after the receiver dryer has been attached to the valve body). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a valve device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner having a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner of FIG. 1 is in heating mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner of FIG. 1 is in cooling mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioner of FIG. 1 is in dehumidification heating mode. FIG. 5 is a front view of the valve device of the air conditioner of FIG. 1. FIGS. 6 to 13 are a perspective view, another perspective view, a front view, a right side view, a left side view, a plan view, a bottom view, and a rear view of a valve module of the valve device of FIG. 5. FIGS. 14 to 17 are cross-sectional views along the AA line, the BB line, the CC line, and the DD line of FIG. 9. FIGS. 18 to 22 are cross-sectional views along the EE line, the FF line, the GG line, the HH line, and the JJ line of FIG. 8. 23 and 24 are a plan view and a right side view of the valve body of the valve module of FIG. 6. FIGS. 25 to 27 are cross-sectional views of the first on-off valve unit, the second on-off valve unit, and the flow rate control valve unit of the valve module of FIG. 6. FIGS. 28 to 30 are perspective views, front views, and plan views of the receiver dryer of the valve device of FIG. 5. FIGS. 31 and 32 are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing method of the valve device of FIG. 5. FIG. 31 shows a state before the receiver dryer is attached to the valve body. FIG. 32 shows a state after the receiver dryer is attached to the valve body. In each figure, the X direction indicated by the arrow X is the left-right direction, the Y direction indicated by the arrow Y is the front-rear direction, and the Z direction indicated by the arrow Z is the up-down direction. The side with the letter "X" in the arrow X is the right side, the side with the letter "Y" in the arrow Y is the rear, and the side with the letter "Z" in the arrow Z is the up side.

[0019] The air conditioner 1 is, for example, a vehicle air conditioner that is mounted in a vehicle and cools or heats air to be blown into the vehicle compartment.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes a valve device 5, a compressor 30, an indoor condenser 40, an indoor evaporator 50, an outdoor heat exchanger 60, and a flow rate regulating valve .

[0021] The valve device 5 includes a valve module 10 and a receiver dryer 20 .

[0022] As shown in Figures 5 to 27, the valve module 10 has a valve body 100, a first on-off valve unit 300, a second on-off valve unit 400, a third on-off valve unit 500, a flow rate regulating valve unit 600, a first check valve unit 700, and a second check valve unit 800.

[0023] The valve body 100 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape by extruding an aluminum alloy, for example. The valve body 100 has a front surface 101, a back surface 102, a left side surface 103, a right side surface 104, an upper surface 105, and a lower surface 106. Each surface is an outer surface of the valve body 100 and is formed in a flat shape. The right side surface 104 is a first flat surface. The upper surface 105 is a second flat surface connected to the right side surface 104 at a right angle. The lower surface 106 is a third flat surface connected to the right side surface 104 at a right angle and parallel to the upper surface 105. The left side surface 103 is a fourth flat surface connected to the upper surface 105 at a right angle and parallel to the right side surface 104.

[0024] A first indoor side opening 111 is formed on the front surface 101 (FIGS. 6 and 8). A first outdoor side opening 121 is formed on the back surface 102 (FIGS. 7 and 13). A second indoor side opening 112, a third indoor side opening 113, and a second outdoor side opening 122 are formed on the left side surface 103 (FIGS. 7 and 10). A first intermediate opening 131 and a second intermediate opening 132 are formed on the bottom surface 106 (FIG. 12).

[0025] The valve body 100 has a plurality of refrigerant passages formed by cutting. Specifically, the valve body 100 has a first refrigerant passage 151, a second refrigerant passage 152, a third refrigerant passage 153, a fourth refrigerant passage 154, a fifth refrigerant passage 155, and a sixth refrigerant passage 156.

[0026] The first refrigerant passage 151 connects the first indoor opening 111 and the second intermediate opening 132. In the first refrigerant passage 151, a first on-off valve unit 300 is arranged.

[0027] The second refrigerant passage 152 connects the first indoor opening 111 and the second outdoor opening 122. A third refrigerant passage 153 is connected to the second refrigerant passage 152. A second on-off valve unit 400 is disposed in a first passage portion 152a between a connection point 152c of the first indoor opening 111 and the third refrigerant passage 153 in the second refrigerant passage 152. A flow rate adjustment valve unit 600 is disposed in a second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 between the second outdoor opening 122 and the connection point 152c.

[0028] The third refrigerant passage 153 connects the first intermediate opening 131 and the second refrigerant passage 152. A first check valve unit 700 is disposed in the third refrigerant passage 153.

[0029] The fourth refrigerant passage 154 connects the first exterior opening 121 and the second intermediate opening 132. A second check valve unit 800 is disposed in the fourth refrigerant passage 154.

[0030] The fifth refrigerant passage 155 connects the first intermediate opening 131 and the second indoor opening 112 .

[0031] The sixth refrigerant passage 156 connects the first outdoor side opening 121 and the third outdoor side opening 113. In the sixth refrigerant passage 156, a third on-off valve unit 500 is arranged.

[0032] Furthermore, the valve body 100 has a first through hole 171 and a second through hole 172 (FIGS. 8 and 19). The first through hole 171 and the second through hole 172 extend linearly from the upper surface 105 to the lower surface .

[0033] The first on-off valve unit 300 is disposed at a position close to the right side surface 104 of the upper surface 105. The first on-off valve unit 300 is configured to be capable of opening and closing the first refrigerant passage 151 (i.e., to be capable of changing the passage area to 0 or an area larger than 0).

[0034] The first on-off valve unit 300 and the valve body 100 constitute a pilot-type on-off valve. The first on-off valve unit 300 is of a normally closed type. A first mounting hole 161 in which the first on-off valve unit 300 is disposed is formed in the upper surface 105 of the valve body 100. The valve body 100 has a first valve chamber 311, a first valve port 312 that opens into the first valve chamber 311, and a first valve seat 313 that surrounds the first valve port 312, inside the first mounting hole 161. The first valve chamber 311 and the first valve port 312 are part of the first refrigerant passage 151.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 25, the first on-off valve unit 300 has a main valve element 320 and a valve element drive section 330.

[0036] The main valve element 320 has a disk shape. The main valve element 320 has a pilot passage 325 and a pressure equalizing passage 326. When the main valve element 320 comes into contact with the first valve seat 313, the first valve port 312 is closed, and when the main valve element 320 moves away from the first valve seat 313, the first valve port 312 is opened.

[0037] The valve element drive unit 330 includes a holder 331 , a case 332 , a plunger 333 , an electromagnetic coil 334 , a pilot valve element 335 , and a fixed core 336 .

[0038] The holder 331 has a cylindrical shape. The holder 331 is fitted into the first mounting hole 161 of the valve body 100. The main valve element 320 is arranged inside the holder 331 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The main valve element 320 divides the first valve chamber 311 and a back pressure chamber 314 inside the holder 331. The pilot passage 325 connects the back pressure chamber 314 and the first valve port 312. The pressure equalizing passage 326 connects the first valve chamber 311 and the back pressure chamber 314. A valve opening spring 337 is arranged between the main valve element 320 and the holder 331. The valve opening spring 337 is a compression coil spring. The valve opening spring 337 presses the main valve element 320 upward.

[0039] Case 332 has a cylindrical shape. A lower end portion of case 332 is disposed inside holder 331 and joined to holder 331. A cylindrical fixed core 336 is disposed inside an upper end portion of case 332. Fixed core 336 is joined to the upper end portion of case 332. A spring receiving member 336a is disposed on the lower end surface of fixed core 336.

[0040] Plunger 333 has a cylindrical shape. Plunger 333 is disposed inside case 332 so as to be vertically movable. A spring accommodating hole 333a is formed in the upper end surface of plunger 333. Plunger spring 338 is disposed between bottom surface 333b of spring accommodating hole 333a and spring receiving member 336a of fixed core 336. Plunger spring 338 is a compression coil spring. Plunger spring 338 presses plunger 333 downward.

[0041] The electromagnetic coil 334 has a cylindrical shape. The case 332 is disposed inside the electromagnetic coil 334. The electromagnetic coil 334 magnetizes the fixed core 336 and the plunger 333.

[0042] The pilot valve element 335 has a downwardly facing conical shape. The pilot valve element 335 is integrally connected to the lower end surface of the plunger 333. The pilot valve element 335 is disposed in the back pressure chamber 314. The pilot valve element 335 opens and closes the pilot passage 325.

[0043] In the first on-off valve unit 300, when the electromagnetic coil 334 is in a non-energized state, the plunger 333 is pushed downward by the plunger spring 338. The pilot valve element 335 also moves downward, and the pilot valve element 335 closes the pilot passage 325 and pushes the main valve element 320 downward. The main valve element 320 comes into contact with the first valve seat 313, and the first valve port 312 closes. When the first valve port 312 closes, the flow of refrigerant from the first valve chamber 311 and the back pressure chamber 314 to the first valve port 312 is blocked. The refrigerant remains in the first valve chamber 311 and the back pressure chamber 314. The main valve element 320 is pressed against the first valve seat 313 by the refrigerant.

[0044] In the first on-off valve unit 300, when the electromagnetic coil 334 is in an energized state, the plunger 333 moves upward by magnetic force. The pilot valve element 335 also moves upward, and the pilot passage 325 opens. The refrigerant in the back pressure chamber 314 flows through the pilot passage 325 to the first valve port 312, and the refrigerant pressure in the back pressure chamber 314 becomes lower than the refrigerant pressure in the first valve chamber 311. In addition, the valve-opening spring 337 presses the main valve element 320 upward. As a result, the main valve element 320 moves away from the first valve seat 313, and the first valve port 312 opens.

[0045] The second on-off valve unit 400 is disposed at a location on the right side surface 104 closer to the front surface 101. The second on-off valve unit 400 is configured to be capable of opening and closing the first passage portion 152a of the second refrigerant passage 152 (i.e., to be capable of changing the passage area to 0 or an area larger than 0).

[0046] The second on-off valve unit 400 and the valve body 100 constitute a pilot-type on-off valve. The second on-off valve unit 400 is of a normally open type. A second mounting hole 162 in which the second on-off valve unit 400 is disposed is formed in the right side surface 104 of the valve body 100. The valve body 100 has a second valve chamber 411, a second valve port 412 that opens into the second valve chamber 411, and a second valve seat 413 that surrounds the second valve port 412, inside the second mounting hole 162. The second valve chamber 411 and the refrigerant passage 151a (FIGS. 18 and 22) that extends from the first chamber side opening 111 to the second valve chamber 411 are part of the first refrigerant passage 151 and are also part of the second refrigerant passage 152. The second valve port 412 is part of the second refrigerant passage 152.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 26, the second on-off valve unit 400 has a main valve element 420 and a valve element drive section 430.

[0048] The main valve body 420 integrally includes a body portion 421, a first flange portion 422, and a second flange portion 423. The body portion 421 has a cylindrical shape. The first flange portion 422 has an annular shape. The inner peripheral edge of the first flange portion 422 is connected to the right end portion of the body portion 421. The second flange portion 423 has an annular shape. The inner peripheral edge of the second flange portion 423 is connected to the left end portion of the body portion 421. The body portion 421 has a pilot passage 425. The first flange portion 422 has a pressure equalizing passage 426. A packing having an annular plate shape is disposed in the second flange portion 423. When the main valve body 420 (specifically, the packing of the second flange portion 423) comes into contact with the second valve seat 413, the second valve port 412 closes, and when the main valve body 420 moves away from the second valve seat 413, the second valve port 412 opens. A valve-opening spring 437 is disposed between the first flange portion 422 of the main valve body 420 and the valve body 100. The valve-opening spring 437 is a compression coil spring. The valve-opening spring 437 presses the first flange portion 422 of the main valve body 420 to the right.

[0049] The valve element drive unit 430 has a fixed core 431 , a case 432 , a plunger 433 , an electromagnetic coil 434 , a pilot valve element 435 , and a valve shaft 436 .

[0050] The fixed core 431 has a large diameter cylindrical portion 431a and a small diameter cylindrical portion 431b integrally. The large diameter cylindrical portion 431a is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 162 of the valve body 100 by a screw structure. The small diameter cylindrical portion 431b is arranged coaxially with the large diameter cylindrical portion 431a. The outer diameter of the small diameter cylindrical portion 431b is smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter cylindrical portion 431a. The small diameter cylindrical portion 431b is arranged so as to protrude from the right side surface 104. A first flange portion 422 is arranged inside the large diameter cylindrical portion 431a so as to be movable in the left-right direction. The first flange portion 422 divides the second valve chamber 411 and the back pressure chamber 414 inside the large diameter cylindrical portion 431a. The pilot passage 425 connects the back pressure chamber 414 and the second valve port 412. The pressure equalizing passage 426 connects the second valve chamber 411 and the back pressure chamber 414 .

[0051] Case 432 has a cylindrical shape with an open left end and a closed right end. Small diameter cylindrical portion 431b of fixed core 431 is disposed inside the left end of case 432. The left end of case 432 is joined to fixed core 431.

[0052] Plunger 433 has a cylindrical shape. Plunger 433 is disposed inside case 432 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. Plunger spring 438 is disposed between plunger 433 and fixed iron core 431. Plunger spring 438 is a compression coil spring. Plunger spring 438 pushes plunger 433 to the right.

[0053] The electromagnetic coil 434 has a cylindrical shape. The case 432 is disposed inside the electromagnetic coil 434. The electromagnetic coil 434 magnetizes the fixed core 431 and the plunger 433.

[0054] The pilot valve element 435 is integrally connected to the left end of the valve shaft 436. The pilot valve element 435 is disposed in the back pressure chamber 414. The pilot valve element 435 is connected to the plunger 433 via the valve shaft 436. A disc-shaped packing is disposed in the pilot valve element 435. The pilot valve element 435 opens and closes the pilot passage 425.

[0055] The valve shaft 436 has an elongated cylindrical shape. A right end of the valve shaft 436 is fixed to a left end of the plunger 433. The valve shaft 436 is disposed inside the small diameter cylindrical portion 431b of the fixed core 431. The valve shaft 436 is supported by the small diameter cylindrical portion 431b so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

[0056] In the second on-off valve unit 400, when the electromagnetic coil 434 is in an energized state, the plunger 433 moves leftward by magnetic force. The pilot valve element 435 also moves leftward, and the pilot valve element 435 closes the pilot passage 425 and pushes the main valve element 420 leftward. The main valve element 420 comes into contact with the second valve seat 413, and the second valve port 412 closes. When the second valve port 412 closes, the flow of refrigerant from the second valve chamber 411 and the back pressure chamber 414 to the second valve port 412 is blocked. The refrigerant remains in the second valve chamber 411 and the back pressure chamber 414. The main valve element 420 is pressed against the second valve seat 413 by the refrigerant.

[0057] In the second on-off valve unit 400, when the electromagnetic coil 434 is in a non-energized state, the plunger 433 is pushed by the plunger spring 438 to move to the right. The pilot valve element 435 also moves to the right, and the pilot passage 425 opens. The refrigerant in the back pressure chamber 414 flows through the pilot passage 425 to the second valve port 412, and the refrigerant pressure in the back pressure chamber 414 becomes lower than the refrigerant pressure in the second valve chamber 411. In addition, the valve-opening spring 437 pushes the main valve element 420 to the right. As a result, the main valve element 420 moves away from the second valve seat 413, and the second valve port 412 opens.

[0058] The third on-off valve unit 500 is disposed at a location on the right side surface 104 closer to the rear surface 102. The third on-off valve unit 500 is configured to be capable of opening and closing the sixth refrigerant passage 156 (i.e., to be capable of changing the passage area to 0 or an area larger than 0).

[0059] The third on-off valve unit 500 and the valve body 100 constitute a pilot-type on-off valve. The third on-off valve unit 500 is of a normally open type. A third mounting hole 163 in which the third on-off valve unit 500 is disposed is formed in the right side surface 104 of the valve body 100. The valve body 100 has a third valve chamber 511, a third valve port 512 that opens into the third valve chamber 511, and a third valve seat 513 that surrounds the third valve port 512, inside the third mounting hole 163. The third valve chamber 511 and the refrigerant passage 154a (FIGS. 18 and 21) that extends from the first chamber outside opening 121 to the third valve chamber 511 are part of the fourth refrigerant passage 154 and are also part of the sixth refrigerant passage 156. The third valve port 512 is part of the sixth refrigerant passage 156.

[0060] The third on-off valve unit 500 has a main valve body 520 and a valve body drive section 530. The body of the main valve body 520 has a pilot passage 525. The fixed core of the valve body drive section 530 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the third mounting hole 163 of the valve body 100 by a screw structure. In the third on-off valve unit 500, when the electromagnetic coil of the valve body drive section 530 is in an energized state, the main valve body 520 contacts the third valve seat 513 and the third valve port 512 is closed. In the third on-off valve unit 500, when the electromagnetic coil of the valve body drive section 530 is in a non-energized state, the main valve body 520 separates from the third valve seat 513 and the third valve port 512 is opened. The third on-off valve unit 500 has the same (including substantially the same) configuration as the second on-off valve unit 400, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] The flow rate adjustment valve unit 600 is disposed at a position close to the left side surface 103 of the upper surface 105. The flow rate adjustment valve unit 600 is configured to be able to change the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 steplessly.

[0062] The flow rate regulating valve unit 600 constitutes a flow rate regulating valve together with the valve body 100. A fourth mounting hole 164 in which the flow rate regulating valve unit 600 is disposed is formed in the upper surface 105 of the valve body 100. The valve body 100 has, inside the fourth mounting hole 164, a fourth valve chamber 611, a fourth valve port 612 that opens into the fourth valve chamber 611, and a fourth valve seat 613 that surrounds the fourth valve port 612. The fourth valve chamber 611 and the fourth valve port 612 are part of the second refrigerant passage 152.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 27, the flow rate regulating valve unit 600 has a valve element 620 and a valve element drive section 630.

[0064] The valve body 620 has a stem 621, a valve portion 622, a spring receiving portion 623, and a ball receiving portion 624. The stem 621 has a cylindrical shape. The valve portion 622 is disposed at the lower end of the stem 621. The valve portion 622 has an annular shape. The valve portion 622 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the stem 621. The spring receiving portion 623 is disposed at the upper end of the stem 621. The spring receiving portion 623 has a flange 623a protruding radially outward. The ball receiving portion 624 has a disk portion and a protrusion formed on the lower surface of the disk portion. The protrusion of the ball receiving portion 624 is fitted into a hole formed in the spring receiving portion 623. The valve element 620 changes the opening area of ​​the fourth valve port 612 (that is, the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152) steplessly by the valve portion 622 moving forward and backward relative to the fourth valve port 612.

[0065] The valve element drive unit 630 moves the valve element 620 in the vertical direction so that the valve portion 622 advances and retreats relative to the fourth valve port 612. The valve element drive unit 630 has a holder 640, a can 650, a rotor 660, a planetary gear mechanism 670, a drive shaft 682, a ball 684, and a stator unit 690.

[0066] The holder 640 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The holder 640 has a cylindrical shape. The holder 640 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the fourth mounting hole 164 by a screw structure. A cylindrical drive shaft support member 642 is arranged inside the upper part of the holder 640. A female screw 642c is formed on the lower part of the inner circumferential surface of the drive shaft support member 642. A valve body support member 644 is arranged between the lower end of the holder 640 and the valve body 100. The valve body support member 644 has a cylindrical shape. The valve body support member 644 has a valve body support hole 644a that penetrates in the vertical direction. The stem 621 of the valve body 620 is arranged inside the valve body support hole 644a. A valve opening spring 646 is arranged between the flange 623a and the valve body support member 644. The valve opening spring 646 is a compression coil spring. The valve-opening spring 646 presses the valve body 620 upward.

[0067] The can 650 has a cylindrical shape with an open lower end and a closed upper end. The lower end of the can 650 is joined to the holder 640 via an annular member 651.

[0068] The rotor 660 has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the rotor 660 is smaller than the inner diameter of the can 650. The rotor 660 is rotatably disposed inside the can 650. A disk-shaped connecting member 662 is joined to the upper end of the rotor 660. The connecting member 662 closes the upper end of the rotor 660. A rotor shaft 663 passes through the center of the connecting member 662. The rotor 660 is connected to the rotor shaft 663 via the connecting member 662.

[0069] The planetary gear mechanism 670 has a fixed ring gear 671, a sun gear 672, a plurality of planetary gears 673, a carrier 674, an output gear 675, and an output shaft 676. The sun gear 672 is coaxially coupled to the connecting member 662. The sun gear 672 is rotated together with the rotor 660 and the connecting member 662. The rotation of the sun gear 672 is reduced in speed by the fixed ring gear 671, the plurality of planetary gears 673, the carrier 674, and the output gear 675, and is transmitted to the output shaft 676. The output shaft 676 is disposed inside the drive shaft support member 642.

[0070] The drive shaft 682 has a cylindrical portion 682a and a flat plate portion 682b. The flat plate portion 682b is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 682a. The cylindrical portion 682a and the flat plate portion 682b are integrally formed. A male screw 682c is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 682a. The male screw 682c is screwed into the female screw 642c of the drive shaft support member 642. The flat plate portion 682b is arranged inside the slit 676a of the output shaft 676 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The drive shaft 682 is rotated by the output shaft 676 and moves in the vertical direction by the screw feed action. The ball 684 is arranged between the drive shaft 682 and the ball receiving portion 624 of the valve body 620.

[0071] The stator unit 690 has a cylindrical shape. The can 650 is disposed inside the stator unit 690. The stator unit 690 has a stator (not shown). The stator of the stator unit 690 and the rotor 660 constitute a stepping motor.

[0072] In the flow rate regulating valve unit 600, electricity is applied to the stator of the stator unit 690 so that the rotor 660 rotates in one direction. The rotation of the rotor 660 is decelerated by the planetary gear mechanism 670, and the drive shaft 682 is rotated by the output shaft 676. When the drive shaft 682 rotates, the drive shaft 682 moves downward by a screw feed action. The drive shaft 682 pushes the valve body 620 downward via the ball 684. The valve body 620 moves downward, and the opening area of ​​the fourth valve port 612 becomes smaller. In this embodiment, the minimum opening area of ​​the fourth valve port 612 is 0, and the fourth valve port 612 is in a fully closed state.

[0073] In the flow rate regulating valve unit 600, electricity is applied to the stator of the stator unit 690 so that the rotor 660 rotates in the other direction. The rotation of the rotor 660 is decelerated by the planetary gear mechanism 670, and the drive shaft 682 is rotated by the output shaft 676. When the drive shaft 682 rotates, the drive shaft 682 moves upward by the screw feed action. The valve body 620 pressed by the valve opening spring 646 moves upward, and the opening area of ​​the fourth valve port 612 increases. When the fourth valve port 612 is fully open, the refrigerant flows through the fourth valve port 612 without expanding.

[0074] The second refrigerant passage 152 includes a second valve port 412 and a fourth valve port 612. The second refrigerant passage 152 has a portion extending leftward from the second valve port 412 and a portion extending downward from the fourth valve port 612, and these portions are connected at a right angle. In other words, the portion of the second refrigerant passage 152 between the second valve port 412 and the fourth valve port 612 has an L-shape (FIG. 14).

[0075] The first check valve unit 700 is disposed in the third refrigerant passage 153. The first check valve unit 700 is configured to permit the flow of refrigerant from the first intermediate opening 131 in the third refrigerant passage 153 to the second refrigerant passage 152 and to prohibit the flow of refrigerant from the second refrigerant passage 152 to the first intermediate opening 131.

[0076] The first check valve unit 700 constitutes a check valve together with the valve body 100. The valve body 100 has a valve seat 713 having a tapered annular shape in the third refrigerant passage 153. The refrigerant passage 153a (FIGS. 16 and 20) extending upward from the first intermediate opening 131 is part of the third refrigerant passage 153 and is also part of the fifth refrigerant passage 155.

[0077] The first check valve unit 700 has a valve body 720, a coil spring 730, and a holding member 740. The valve body 720 is arranged in the third refrigerant passage 153 so as to be movable in the refrigerant flow direction (front-rear direction). The valve body 720 has a valve portion 721 having an annular shape. The central axis of the coil spring 730 is arranged in the third refrigerant passage 153 along the refrigerant flow direction. One end of the coil spring 730 is connected to the valve body 720, and the other end is held by a holding member 740 fixed to the valve body 100. The valve body 720 is pushed backward by the coil spring 730. The valve body 720 moves backward so that the valve portion 721 comes into contact with the valve seat 713.

[0078] When the refrigerant pressure at the first intermediate opening 131 is greater than the refrigerant pressure at the connection point 152c of the second refrigerant passage 152, the valve body 720 is pushed forward by the refrigerant, and the coil spring 730 is compressed. Then, the valve portion 721 moves away from the valve seat 713, and the third refrigerant passage 153 opens. This allows the refrigerant to flow from the first intermediate opening 131 to the second refrigerant passage 152 in the third refrigerant passage 153.

[0079] When the refrigerant pressure at the first intermediate opening 131 is equal to or lower than the refrigerant pressure at the connection point 152c of the second refrigerant passage 152, the coil spring 730 returns to its original position, and the valve body 720 is pushed rearward by the coil spring 730. Then, the valve portion 721 comes into contact with the valve seat 713, and the third refrigerant passage 153 is closed. As a result, the flow of refrigerant from the second refrigerant passage 152 to the first intermediate opening 131 in the third refrigerant passage 153 is prohibited.

[0080] The second check valve unit 800 is disposed in the fourth refrigerant passage 154. The second check valve unit 800 is configured to permit the flow of refrigerant from the first outdoor side opening 121 to the second intermediate opening 132 in the fourth refrigerant passage 154 and to prohibit the flow of refrigerant from the second intermediate opening 132 to the first outdoor side opening 121.

[0081] The second check valve unit 800 constitutes a check valve together with the valve body 100. The valve body 100 has a valve seat 813 having a tapered annular shape in the fourth refrigerant passage 154. The refrigerant passage 151b (FIGS. 16 and 18) extending upward from the second intermediate opening 132 is part of the first refrigerant passage 151 and also part of the fourth refrigerant passage 154.

[0082] The second check valve unit 800 has a valve body 820 and a coil spring 830. The valve body 820 is arranged in the fourth refrigerant passage 154 so as to be movable in the refrigerant flow direction (up and down direction). The valve body 820 has a valve portion 821 having an annular shape. The central axis of the coil spring 830 is arranged along the refrigerant flow direction in the fourth refrigerant passage 154. One end of the coil spring 830 is connected to the valve body 820, and the other end is held by the second joint member 260 arranged in the refrigerant passage 151b. The valve body 820 is pushed upward by the coil spring 830. When the valve body 820 moves upward, the valve portion 821 comes into contact with the valve seat 813.

[0083] When the refrigerant pressure at the first outdoor side opening 121 is greater than the refrigerant pressure at the second intermediate opening 132, the valve body 820 is pushed downward by the refrigerant, and the coil spring 830 is compressed. Then, the valve portion 821 moves away from the valve seat 813, and the fourth refrigerant passage 154 opens. This allows the refrigerant to flow from the first outdoor side opening 121 to the second intermediate opening 132 in the fourth refrigerant passage 154.

[0084] When the refrigerant pressure at the first outdoor opening 121 is equal to or lower than the refrigerant pressure at the second intermediate opening 132, the coil spring 830 restores its original position, and the valve body 820 is pushed upward by the coil spring 830. Then, the valve portion 821 comes into contact with the valve seat 813, and the fourth refrigerant passage 154 is closed. As a result, the flow of refrigerant from the second intermediate opening 132 to the first outdoor opening 121 in the fourth refrigerant passage 154 is prohibited.

[0085] The receiver-drier 20 separates the refrigerant into gas and liquid phases and stores the excess liquid phase refrigerant. The receiver-drier 20 also removes moisture from the refrigerant. The receiver-drier 20 has a receiver-drier body 210 and a lid 220. The receiver-drier body 210 and the lid 220 are made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy.

[0086] R The receiver-drier body 210 has a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and a closed lower end. The receiver-drier body 210 contains a desiccant (not shown) for removing moisture from the refrigerant.

[0087] The cover 220 has a disk shape. The cover 220 has a first connection hole 231, a second connection hole 232, a first screw hole 271, and a second screw hole 272.

[0088] The first connection hole 231 is disposed corresponding to the first intermediate opening 131 of the valve body 100. The diameter of the first connection hole 231 is the same as the diameter of the first intermediate opening 131. The second connection hole 232 is disposed corresponding to the second intermediate opening 132 of the valve body 100. The diameter of the second connection hole 232 is the same as the diameter of the second intermediate opening 132. The first connection hole 231 and the second connection hole 232 communicate with the inner space of the receiver-drier body 210 directly or indirectly via piping (not shown).

[0089] The first screw hole 271 is disposed corresponding to the first through hole 171 of the valve body 100. The second screw hole 272 is disposed corresponding to the second through hole 172 of the valve body 100. A line segment L1 connecting the center of the first screw hole 271 and the center of the second screw hole 272 intersects with a line segment L2 connecting the center of the first connecting hole 231 and the center of the second connecting hole 232 (FIG. 30).

[0090] The first intermediate opening 131 and the first connection hole 231 are connected via a first joint member 250. The first joint member 250 has a cylindrical shape. The first joint member 250 has a first portion 251 and a second portion 252 that are connected in this order from the bottom to the top.

[0091] The first part 251 and the second part 252 are connected in the axial direction of the first joint member 250. The outer diameter of the first part 251 is the same as the diameter of the first connection hole 231. The first part 251 is disposed in the first connection hole 231. A sealing member (such as an O-ring made of rubber) is disposed between the first part 251 and the inner circumferential surface of the first connection hole 231. The outer diameter of the second part 252 is the same as the diameter of the first intermediate opening 131. The second part 252 is disposed in the refrigerant passage 153a extending upward from the first intermediate opening 131. A sealing member is disposed between the second part 252 and the inner circumferential surface of the refrigerant passage 153a. The refrigerant in the inner space of the receiver-drier body 210 passes through the first connection hole 231 and the inner space 250a of the first joint member 250, and flows into the refrigerant passage 153a (the third refrigerant passage 153, the fifth refrigerant passage 155).

[0092] The second intermediate opening 132 and the second connection hole 232 are connected via a second joint member 260. The second joint member 260 has a cylindrical shape with an open lower end and a closed upper end. The second joint member 260 has a first portion 261, a second portion 262, and a third portion 263 connected in this order from bottom to top.

[0093] The first portion 261, the second portion 262, and the third portion 263 are connected in the axial direction of the second joint member 260. The outer diameter of the first portion 261 is the same as the diameter of the second connection hole 232. The first portion 261 is disposed in the second connection hole 232. A sealing member is disposed between the first portion 261 and the inner circumferential surface of the second connection hole 232. The outer diameter of the second portion 262 is the same as the diameter of the second intermediate opening 132. The second portion 262 is disposed in the refrigerant passage 151b extending upward from the second intermediate opening 132. A sealing member is disposed between the second portion 262 and the inner circumferential surface of the refrigerant passage 151b. The third portion 263 has a peripheral wall portion 263a and an upper wall portion 263b. The lower end of the peripheral wall portion 263a is connected to the second portion 262. The outer diameter of the peripheral wall portion 263a is smaller than the outer diameter of the second portion 262. The upper wall portion 263b is connected to an upper end portion of the peripheral wall portion 263a. The peripheral wall portion 263a and the upper wall portion 263b have through holes. The refrigerant in the refrigerant passage 151b (the first refrigerant passage 151, the fourth refrigerant passage 154) passes through the through hole of the third portion 263, the inner space 260a of the second joint member 260, and the second connection hole 232, and flows into the inner space of the receiver-drier body 210.

[0094] The upper wall portion 263 b of the third portion 263 of the second joint member 260 holds the other end of the coil spring 830 of the second check valve unit 800 .

[0095] Next, an example of a manufacturing method of the valve device 5 will be described. Fig. 31, Fig. 32 This will be described with reference to the following.

[0096] The valve body 100 is fabricated by forming an opening, a refrigerant passage, a first through hole 171, and a second through hole 172 in a rectangular parallelepiped workpiece. Then, the first check valve unit 700 and the second check valve unit 800 are attached to the valve body 100 ( Fig. 31 ).

[0097] A first connecting hole 231, a second connecting hole 232, a first screw hole 271, and a second screw hole 272 are formed in a disk-shaped workpiece to produce a lid 220. A receiver-drier body 210 is produced by metal drawing. A desiccant (not shown) is placed in the receiver-drier body 210, and the lid 220 is welded to the upper end of the receiver-drier body 210 ( Fig. 31 ).

[0098] The first part 251 of the first joint member 250 is inserted into the first connection hole 231 of the cover body 220, and the second part 252 is inserted into the first intermediate opening 131 (refrigerant passage 153a) of the valve body 100. The first part 261 of the second joint member 260 is inserted into the second connection hole 232 of the cover body 220, and the second part 262 and the third part 263 are inserted into the second intermediate opening 132 (refrigerant passage 151b) of the valve body 100. The cover body 220 is brought into contact with the lower surface 106 of the valve body 100. As a result, the entire first joint member 250 is disposed inside the valve body 100 and the cover body 220. The entire second joint member 260 is disposed inside the valve body 100 and the cover body 220. The bolt 7 is inserted into the first through hole 171 and the second through hole 172 of the valve body 100 from the upper surface 105 side. The bolt 7 is screwed into the first screw hole 271 and the second screw hole 272, and the valve body 100 and the cover body 220 are fastened together by the bolt 7 ( Fig. 32 ).

[0099] The first on-off valve unit 300 is attached to the first mounting hole 161 of the valve body 100. The second on-off valve unit 400 is attached to the second mounting hole 162 of the valve body 100. The third on-off valve unit 500 is attached to the third mounting hole 163 of the valve body 100. The flow rate regulating valve unit 600 is attached to the fourth mounting hole 164 of the valve body 100. In this manner, the valve device 5 is completed.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge port of the compressor 30 is connected to the inlet of the interior condenser 40 via a pipe P1. The compressor 30 draws in a refrigerant, compresses the refrigerant, and discharges a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The interior condenser 40 is configured to release heat from the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 30. The interior condenser 40 heats the air to be blown into the vehicle cabin. The outlet of the interior condenser 40 is connected to the first interior opening 111 of the valve device 5 via a pipe P2. The interior evaporator 50 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing therein and the air to be blown into the vehicle cabin. The interior evaporator 50 cools the air to be blown. The outlet of the interior evaporator 50 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 30 via a pipe P3. The inlet of the interior evaporator 50 is connected to the second interior opening 112 of the valve device 5 via a pipe P4. A flow rate control valve 70 is disposed in the pipe P4. The flow rate regulating valve 70 is configured to be able to change the passage area of ​​the pipe P4 steplessly. The outdoor heat exchanger 60 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the outside air. An outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 60 is connected to a first outdoor side opening 121 of the valve device 5 via a pipe P5. An inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 60 is connected to a second outdoor side opening 122 of the valve device 5 via a pipe P6. A third indoor side opening 113 of the valve device 5 is connected to a pipe P3 via a pipe P7. The pipes P1 to P7 are refrigerant passages.

[0101] The air conditioner 1 has a control device (not shown) that controls the compressor 30, the valve device 5 (first on-off valve unit 300, second on-off valve unit 400, third on-off valve unit 500, and flow rate control valve unit 600), and the flow rate control valve 70. The air conditioner 1 has a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a dehumidifying and heating mode.

[0102] The heating mode, cooling mode and dehumidifying and heating mode will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. In Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, the first on-off valve unit 300, the second on-off valve unit 400, the third on-off valve unit 500, the flow rate control valve unit 600 and the flow rate control valve 70 that are in a closed state are hatched.

[0103] In the heating mode, the control device of the air conditioner 1 opens the first refrigerant passage 151 with the first on-off valve unit 300 of the valve device 5, closes the first passage portion 152a of the second refrigerant passage 152 with the second on-off valve unit 400, adjusts the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand with the flow rate adjustment valve unit 600, opens the sixth refrigerant passage with the third on-off valve unit 500, and closes the pipe P4 with the flow rate adjustment valve 70. Then, the control device operates the compressor 30 to circulate the refrigerant. As shown in Fig. 2, in the heating mode, the refrigerant passes through the compressor 30, the interior condenser 40, the first refrigerant passage 151 (the first on-off valve unit 300), the receiver-drier 20, the third refrigerant passage 153 (the first check valve unit 700), the second passage portion 152b (the flow rate control valve unit 600) of the second refrigerant passage 152, the exterior heat exchanger 60, and the sixth refrigerant passage 156 (the third on-off valve unit 500), in this order, and returns to the compressor 30. As a result, the refrigerant expanded by the flow rate control valve unit 600 flows to the exterior heat exchanger 60. In the heating mode, the blown air is not cooled by the interior evaporator 50, but is heated by the interior condenser 40 and then sent to the vehicle cabin.

[0104] In the cooling mode, the control device of the air conditioner 1 closes the first refrigerant passage 151 with the first on-off valve unit 300 of the valve device 5, opens the first passage portion 152a of the second refrigerant passage 152 with the second on-off valve unit 400, maximizes the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 with the flow rate adjustment valve unit 600 (fully open state), closes the sixth refrigerant passage with the third on-off valve unit 500, and adjusts the passage area of ​​the pipe P4 to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand with the flow rate adjustment valve 70. Then, the control device operates the compressor 30 to circulate the refrigerant. 3, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant passes through the compressor 30, the indoor condenser 40, the second refrigerant passage 152 (second on-off valve unit 400, flow rate control valve unit 600), the outdoor heat exchanger 60, the fourth refrigerant passage 154 (second check valve unit 800), the receiver dryer 20, the fifth refrigerant passage 155, the flow rate control valve 70, the indoor evaporator 50, and returns to the compressor 30. As a result, the refrigerant expanded by the flow rate control valve 70 flows to the indoor evaporator 50. In the cooling mode, the blown air is cooled by the indoor evaporator 50 and then sent to the vehicle cabin.

[0105] In the dehumidifying and heating mode, the control device of the air conditioner 1 opens the first refrigerant passage 151 with the first on-off valve unit 300 of the valve device 5, closes the first passage portion 152a of the second refrigerant passage 152 with the second on-off valve unit 400, adjusts the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 with the flow rate adjustment valve unit 600 to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand, opens the sixth refrigerant passage with the third on-off valve unit 500, and adjusts the passage area of ​​the pipe P4 with the flow rate adjustment valve 70 to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand. Then, the control device operates the compressor 30 to circulate the refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 4, in the dehumidifying and heating mode, the refrigerant passes through the compressor 30, the indoor condenser 40, the first refrigerant passage 151 (the first on-off valve unit 300), the receiver-drier 20, the third refrigerant passage 153 (the first check valve unit 700), the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 (the flow rate control valve unit 600), the outdoor heat exchanger 60, and the sixth refrigerant passage 156 (the third on-off valve unit 500) in this order, and returns to the compressor 30. In addition, a part of the refrigerant passes through the fifth refrigerant passage, the flow rate control valve 70, and the indoor evaporator 50 from the receiver-drier 20, and returns to the compressor 30. As a result, the refrigerant expanded by the flow rate control valve unit 600 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 60, and the refrigerant expanded by the flow rate control valve 70 flows to the indoor evaporator 50. In the dehumidifying and heating mode, the blown air is cooled (dehumidified) by the indoor evaporator 50, heated by the indoor condenser 40, and then sent to the vehicle cabin.

[0106] The valve device 5 according to the present embodiment includes a valve module 10 and a receiver dryer 20. The valve module 10 includes a valve body 100 having a plurality of refrigerant passages and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body 100. The receiver dryer 20 includes a cylindrical receiver dryer body 210 capable of storing a refrigerant and a lid body 220 joined to the upper end of the receiver dryer body 210. The lid body 220 is disposed in contact with the valve body 100. This allows the valve module 10 and the receiver dryer 20 to be disposed as close as possible to each other. This allows the valve device 5 to be made compact. The valve device 5 also includes a valve body 100 having a plurality of refrigerant passages and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body 100. This allows the refrigerant to be prevented from leaking from the connection points between the refrigerant passages and the connection points between the refrigerant passages and the valve units, and also allows the number of parts for connection to be reduced.

[0107] Moreover, the cover 220 has a first screw hole 271 and a second screw hole 272. The valve body 100 has a first through hole 171 arranged corresponding to the first screw hole 271 and a second through hole 172 arranged corresponding to the second screw hole 272. The cover 220 is attached to the valve body 100 by a bolt 7 that passes through the first through hole 171 and is screwed into the first screw hole, and a bolt 7 that passes through the second through hole 172 and is screwed into the second screw hole 272. In this manner, the cover 220 of the receiver dryer 20 can be reliably attached to the valve body 100 by a relatively simple structure.

[0108] Additionally, cover body 220 has first connection hole 231 and second connection hole 232 which communicate with the inner space of receiver-drier body 210. Line segment L1 connecting the center of first screw hole 271 and the center of second screw hole 272 intersects with line segment L2 connecting the center of first connection hole 231 and the center of second connection hole 232. In this manner, first screw hole 271, second screw hole 272, first connection hole 231, and second connection hole 232 can be compactly arranged so as not to overlap one another.

[0109] The valve device 5 has a cylindrical first coupling member 250 and a cylindrical second coupling member 260. The first coupling member 250 has a first part 251 and a second part 252 that are connected in the vertical direction. The first part 251 is disposed in the first connecting hole 231, and the second part 252 is disposed in the refrigerant passage 153a that extends upward from the second intermediate opening 132. The second coupling member 260 has a first part 261, a second part 262, and a third part 263 that are connected in the vertical direction. The first part 261 is disposed in the second connecting hole 232, and the second part 262 and the third part 263 are disposed in the refrigerant passage 151b that extends upward from the first intermediate opening 131. In this manner, the refrigerant passage of the valve body 100 and the inner space of the receiver-drier 20 can be connected by the first joint member 250 and the second joint member 260 arranged inside the valve body 100 and the cover body 220. Therefore, the first joint member 250 and the second joint member 260 do not affect the size of the valve device 5, and the valve module 10 and the receiver-drier 20 can be more reliably connected while the valve device 5 is made smaller.

[0110] The valve module 10 also has a second check valve unit 800. The second check valve unit 800 is disposed in the refrigerant passage 151b in which the second joint member 260 is disposed. The second joint member 260 is a holding member that holds the second check valve unit 800 so that it does not fall out of the refrigerant passage 151b. This eliminates the need to separately dispose a holding member that holds the second check valve unit 800, allowing the number of parts to be reduced.

[0111] Further, a first indoor side opening 111, a second indoor side opening 112, a first outdoor side opening 121, a second outdoor side opening 122, a first intermediate opening 131, and a second intermediate opening 132 are formed on the outer surface of the valve body 100. In the valve body 100, a first refrigerant passage 151 connecting the first indoor side opening 111 and the second intermediate opening 132, a second refrigerant passage 152 connecting the first indoor side opening 111 and the second outdoor side opening 122, a third refrigerant passage 153 connecting the first intermediate opening 131 and the second refrigerant passage 152, a fourth refrigerant passage 154 connecting the first outdoor side opening 121 and the second intermediate opening 132, and a fifth refrigerant passage 155 connecting the first intermediate opening 131 and the second indoor side opening 112 are formed. The valve module 10 includes a first on-off valve unit 300 capable of opening and closing the first refrigerant passage 151, a second on-off valve unit 400 capable of opening and closing a first passage portion 152a between a first indoor side opening 111 and a connection portion 152c of the third refrigerant passage 153 in the second refrigerant passage 152, a flow rate adjustment valve unit 600 capable of steplessly changing a passage area of ​​a second passage portion 152b between a second outdoor side opening 122 and the connection portion 152c in the second refrigerant passage 152, and a third refrigerant passage unit 400. The fourth refrigerant passage 154 has a first check valve unit 700 that allows refrigerant to flow from the first intermediate opening 131 to the second refrigerant passage 152 in the third refrigerant passage 153 and prohibits refrigerant from flowing from the second refrigerant passage 152 to the first intermediate opening 131, and a second check valve unit 800 that allows refrigerant to flow from the first outdoor side opening 121 to the second intermediate opening 132 in the fourth refrigerant passage 154 and prohibits refrigerant from the second intermediate opening 132 to the first outdoor side opening 121. This makes it possible to prevent refrigerant leakage from connection points between the refrigerant passages and between the refrigerant passages and the valve unit, and also reduces the number of parts for connection.

[0112] Further, a third indoor side opening 113 is formed on the outer surface of the valve body 100. A sixth refrigerant passage 156 that connects the first outdoor side opening 121 and the third indoor side opening 113 is formed in the valve body 100. The valve module 10 has a third on-off valve unit 500 that can open and close the sixth refrigerant passage 156. This can further prevent refrigerant leakage from the connection points between the refrigerant passages and the connection points between the refrigerant passages and the valve unit, and can further reduce the number of parts for connection. Note that the valve module 10 may be configured to omit the third indoor side opening 113, the sixth refrigerant passage 156, and the third on-off valve unit 500.

[0113] The outer surface of the valve body 100 has a right side surface 104, an upper surface 105 perpendicular to the right side surface 104, and a lower surface 106 parallel to the upper surface 105. A second mounting hole 162 and a third mounting hole 163 are formed in the right side surface 104 at an interval in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the right side surface 104. A first mounting hole 161 and a fourth mounting hole 164 are formed in the upper surface 105 at an interval in a direction (X direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the right side surface 104. A first valve port 312 opened and closed by the first opening / closing valve unit 300 is disposed inside the first mounting hole 161. A second valve port 412 opened and closed by the second opening / closing valve unit 400 is disposed inside the second mounting hole 162. A third valve port 512 opened and closed by the third opening / closing valve unit 500 is disposed inside the third mounting hole 163. A fourth valve port 612, whose opening area is steplessly changed by the flow rate adjustment valve unit 600, is disposed inside the fourth mounting hole 164. The first through hole 171 and the second through hole 172 extend from the upper surface 105 to the lower surface 106. When viewed from the normal direction of the right side surface 104, the Y-direction position of the first through hole 171 and the Y-direction position of the second through hole 172 are between the second valve port 412 and the third valve port 512. When viewed from the normal direction of the upper surface 105, the X-direction position of the first through hole 171 and the X-direction position of the second through hole 172 are between the first valve port 312 and the fourth valve port 612. In this way, the refrigerant passages extending linearly from each valve port and the first through hole 171 and the second through hole 172 can be arranged so as not to overlap with each other.

[0114] Further, the second refrigerant passage 152 includes a second valve port 412 and a fourth valve port 612. The portion of the second refrigerant passage 152 between the second valve port 412 and the fourth valve port 612 has an L-shape. In this way, the portion of the second refrigerant passage 152 between the second valve port 412 and the fourth valve port 612 can be arranged compactly.

[0115] In the above-mentioned valve device 5, the first indoor side opening 111 is formed on the front surface 101, the first indoor side opening 121 is formed on the back surface 102, and the second indoor side opening 112, the third indoor side opening 113 and the second outdoor side opening 122 are formed on the left side surface 103, but these may also be formed on other outer surfaces of the valve body 100.

[0116] For example, the first indoor opening 111 may be formed on the upper surface 105. In this case, at least a part of the refrigerant passage 151a is formed along the Z-axis direction and is connected to the first indoor opening 111 on the upper surface 105. Also, the first outdoor opening 121 may be formed on the upper surface 105. In this case, at least a part of the refrigerant passage 154a is formed along the Z-axis direction and is connected to the first outdoor opening 121 on the upper surface 105. Also, the second outdoor opening 122 may be formed on the front surface 101. In this case, the second refrigerant passage 152 (a part in the second refrigerant passage 152 that connects the fourth valve chamber 611 and the second outdoor opening 122) is formed along the Y-axis direction and is connected to the second outdoor opening 122 on the front surface 101. Also, the second indoor opening 112 may be formed on the back surface 102 or the upper surface 105. In this case, at least a part of the fifth refrigerant passage 155 is formed along the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction and is connected to the second indoor side opening 112 on the back surface 102 or the top surface 105. The third indoor side opening 113 may also be formed on the back surface 102 or the top surface 105. In this case, at least a part of the sixth refrigerant passage 156 is formed along the Y-axis direction or the Z-axis direction and is connected to the third indoor side opening 113 on the back surface 102 or the top surface 105.

[0117] In the valve device 5 of this embodiment, the positions of the openings (first indoor side opening 111, second indoor side opening 112, third indoor side opening 113, first outdoor side opening 121 and second outdoor side opening 122) formed on the outer surface of the valve body 100 are set so as to minimize the size (volume) of the valve device 5; however, by appropriately changing the positions of the openings and changing the piping layout as described above, it may be possible to contribute to reducing the size and occupied space of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0118] The above-mentioned valve device 5 has a configuration in which each valve unit is controlled by a control device of a higher-level device or system in which it is incorporated. In addition to this configuration, for example, the valve device 5 may have a control unit, which receives all signals from the higher-level device or system and centrally controls a plurality of valve units.

[0119] The first on-off valve unit 300 of the valve device 5 described above is a pilot-type on-off valve unit operated by electromagnetic force, and requires energization to maintain the first valve port 312 in an open state. The second on-off valve unit 400 is a pilot-type on-off valve unit operated by electromagnetic force, and requires energization to maintain the second valve port 412 in a closed state. The third on-off valve unit 500 has a similar configuration to the second on-off valve unit 400. Instead of these on-off valve units, the valve device 5 may employ a latch-type on-off valve unit that maintains the open and closed states even when energization is stopped.

[0120] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments. Any addition, deletion, or design change of components by a person skilled in the art to the above-mentioned embodiments, or any combination of features of the embodiments as appropriate, is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it does not go against the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1...air conditioner, 5...valve device, 7...bolt, 10...valve module, 20...receiver dryer, 30...compressor, 40...indoor condenser, 50...indoor evaporator, 60...outdoor heat exchanger, 70...flow control valve, 100...valve body, 111...first indoor opening, 112...second indoor opening, 113...third indoor opening, 121...first outdoor opening, 122...second outdoor opening, 131...first intermediate opening, 132...second intermediate opening, 151...first refrigerant passage, 151a...refrigerant passage, 151b...refrigerant passage, 152...second refrigerant passage, 152a...first passage portion, 152b...second passage portion, 152c...connection portion 153...third refrigerant passage, 153a...refrigerant passage, 154...fourth refrigerant passage, 154a...refrigerant passage, 155...fifth refrigerant passage, 156...sixth refrigerant passage, 161...first mounting hole, 162...second mounting hole, 163...third mounting hole, 164...fourth mounting hole, 171...first through hole, 172...second through hole, 210...receiver-drier body, 220...lid, 231...first connection hole, 232...second connection hole, 271...first screw hole, 272...second screw hole, 250...first joint member, 250a...inner space, 251...first portion, 252...second portion, 260...second joint member, 261...first portion, 26 2...second part, 263...third part, 263a...circumferential wall part, 263b...upper wall part, 300...first on-off valve unit, 311...first valve chamber, 312...first valve port, 313...first valve seat, 314...back pressure chamber, 320...main valve body, 325...pilot passage, 326...equalizing passage, 330...valve body drive part, 331...holder, 332...case, 333...plunger, 333a...spring accommodating hole, 333b...bottom surface, 334...electromagnetic coil, 335...pilot valve body, 336...fixed iron core, 336a...spring receiving member, 337...valve opening spring, 338...plunger spring, 400...second on-off valve unit, 411... Second valve chamber, 412...second valve port, 413...second valve seat, 414...back pressure chamber, 420...main valve body, 421...body, 422...first flange portion, 423...second flange portion, 425...pilot passage, 426...pressure equalizing passage, 430...valve body drive portion, 431...fixed core, 431a...large diameter cylindrical portion, 431b...small diameter cylindrical portion, 432...case, 433...plunger, 434...electromagnetic coil, 435...pilot valve body, 436...valve stem, 437...valve opening spring, 438...plunger spring, 500...third opening / closing valve unit, 511...third valve chamber, 512...third valve port, 513...third valve seat, 520...main valve body,525...pilot passage, 530...valve body drive portion, 600...flow rate control valve unit, 611...fourth valve chamber, 612...fourth valve port, 613...fourth valve seat, 620...valve body, 621...stem, 622...valve portion, 623...spring receiving portion, 623a...flange, 624...ball receiving portion, 630...valve body drive portion, 640...holder, 642...drive shaft support member, 642c...female thread, 644...valve body support member, 644a...valve body support hole, 646...valve opening spring, 650...can, 651...annular member, 660...rotor, 662...connecting member, 663...rotor shaft, 670...play Star gear mechanism, 671... fixed ring gear, 672... sun gear, 673... planetary gear, 674... carrier, 675... output gear, 676... output shaft, 676a... slit, 682... drive shaft, 682a... cylindrical portion, 682b... flat plate portion, 682c... male thread, 684... ball, 690... stator unit, 700... first check valve unit, 713... valve seat, 720... valve body, 721... valve portion, 730... coil spring, 740... retaining member, 800... second check valve unit, 813... valve seat, 820... valve body, 821... valve portion, 830... coil spring, P1 to P7... piping,

Claims

1. A valve device having a valve module and a receiver dryer, The valve module includes a valve body having a plurality of refrigerant passages, and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body, The receiver-drier has a cylindrical receiver-drier body capable of storing a refrigerant, and a lid body joined to an upper end portion of the receiver-drier body, The cover has two screw holes and two connection holes leading to the inner space of the receiver-drier body, and is disposed in contact with the valve body; a line segment connecting the centers of the two screw holes intersects with a line segment connecting the centers of the two connection holes; The valve body has two through holes arranged corresponding to the two screw holes, the cover is attached to the valve body by a bolt that passes through the through hole and is screwed into the screw hole; The valve device has a cylindrical coupling member, The coupling member has a first portion and a second portion that are axially connected, The first portion is disposed in the connection hole, The second portion is disposed in the refrigerant passage, the plurality of valve units includes a check valve unit; the check valve unit is disposed in a refrigerant passage in which the joint member is disposed, The valve device, wherein the coupling member is a holding member that holds the check valve unit.

2. A valve device having a valve module and a receiver dryer, The valve module includes a valve body having a plurality of refrigerant passages, and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body, The receiver-drier has a cylindrical receiver-drier body capable of storing a refrigerant, and a lid body joined to an upper end portion of the receiver-drier body, The cover has a screw hole and is disposed in contact with the valve body; The valve body has a through hole arranged corresponding to the screw hole, the cover is attached to the valve body by a bolt that passes through the through hole and is screwed into the screw hole; A first indoor side opening, a second indoor side opening, a first outdoor side opening, a second outdoor side opening, a first intermediate opening and a second intermediate opening are formed on an outer surface of the valve body, The plurality of refrigerant passages are a first refrigerant passage connecting the first indoor opening and the second intermediate opening; a second refrigerant passage connecting the first indoor opening and the second outdoor opening; a third refrigerant passage connecting the first intermediate opening and the second refrigerant passage; a fourth refrigerant passage connecting the first outdoor opening and the second intermediate opening; a fifth refrigerant passage connecting the first intermediate opening and the second indoor opening, The plurality of valve units are a first on-off valve unit capable of opening and closing the first refrigerant passage; a second on-off valve unit configured to open and close a first passage portion between the first indoor opening and a connection portion of the second refrigerant passage with the third refrigerant passage; a flow rate regulating valve unit capable of steplessly changing a passage area of ​​a second passage portion between the second outdoor side opening and a connection point of the second refrigerant passage with the third refrigerant passage; a first check valve unit that allows a refrigerant to flow from the first intermediate opening in the third refrigerant passage to the second refrigerant passage and prevents a refrigerant from flowing from the second refrigerant passage to the first intermediate opening; a second check valve unit that allows refrigerant to flow from the first outdoor side opening to the second intermediate opening in the fourth refrigerant passage and prohibits refrigerant from flowing from the second intermediate opening to the first outdoor side opening.

3. A third chamber side opening is formed on the outer surface of the valve body, the plurality of refrigerant passages includes a sixth refrigerant passage connecting the first outdoor side opening and the third outdoor side opening, The valve device according to claim 2 , wherein the plurality of valve units includes a third on-off valve unit capable of opening and closing the sixth refrigerant passage.

4. the outer surface of the valve body has a first plane, a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and a third plane parallel to the second plane; The first plane has a second mounting hole and a third mounting hole formed therein and spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the first plane, The second plane has a first mounting hole and a fourth mounting hole that are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a first valve port that is opened and closed by the first on-off valve unit is disposed inside the first mounting hole; a second valve port that is opened and closed by the second on-off valve unit is disposed inside the second mounting hole; a third valve port that is opened and closed by the third on-off valve unit is disposed inside the third mounting hole; a fourth valve port, the opening area of ​​which is continuously changed by the flow rate adjusting valve unit, is disposed inside the fourth mounting hole; the through hole extends from the second plane to the third plane; When viewed from a normal direction of the first plane, a position of the through hole in the longitudinal direction is between the second valve port and the third valve port, The valve device according to claim 3 , wherein when viewed from a normal direction of the second plane, a position of the through hole in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is between the first valve port and the fourth valve port.

5. the second refrigerant passage includes the second valve port and the fourth valve port, The valve device according to claim 4 , wherein a portion of the second refrigerant passage between the second valve port and the fourth valve port has an L-shape.

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