Valve device

Abstract

To provide a valve device capable of suppressing leakage of a refrigerant, deterioration of cooling efficiency, and noise due to a refrigerant flow.SOLUTION: A valve module 10 has a valve body 100 having a plurality of refrigerant passages, and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body 100. The plurality of refrigerant passages includes a high-temperature refrigerant passage through which a high-temperature refrigerant flows, a medium-temperature refrigerant passage through which a medium-temperature refrigerant with a temperature lower than that of the high-temperature refrigerant flows, and a low-temperature refrigerant passage through which a low-temperature refrigerant with a temperature lower than that of the medium-temperature refrigerant flows. The shortest distance between the low-temperature refrigerant passage and the medium-temperature refrigerant passage is shorter than the shortest distance between the high-temperature refrigerant passage and the medium-temperature refrigerant passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 37

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional refrigeration cycle apparatus. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 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 sequentially through a receiver dryer, a heating expansion valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger. In the second circuit, the refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger flows sequentially through a receiver dryer, a cooling expansion valve, and an indoor evaporator. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus, in the first circuit, the receiver dryer is disposed upstream of the heating expansion valve, and in the second circuit, the receiver dryer is disposed upstream of the cooling expansion valve. The receiver dryer stores the surplus of the liquid-phase refrigerant condensed in the indoor condenser. Thereby, the refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor evaporator as an evaporator has superheat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described refrigeration cycle apparatus, the indoor condenser, the first on-off valve, and the second on-off valve are connected via a three-way joint and piping. Also, the receiver dryer and other components are similarly connected. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle apparatus has many connection points, increasing the possibility of refrigerant leakage. Further, since each component of the refrigeration cycle apparatus is connected via a three-way joint and piping, the apparatus becomes large-sized.

[0005] For example, by using a valve device in a refrigeration cycle system that has one valve body with multiple refrigerant passages and multiple valve units attached to the valve body that change the passage area of ​​the multiple refrigerant passages, the number of connection points can be reduced. An example of such a valve device is shown in Figure 41.

[0006] The valve device 905 shown in Figure 41 is incorporated into the air conditioning system 901, which is a refrigeration cycle system. The valve device 905 has a valve body 910. The outer surface of the valve body 910 has a first indoor opening 911, a second indoor opening 912, a third indoor opening 913, a first outdoor opening 914, a second outdoor opening 915, a first intermediate opening 916, and a second intermediate opening 917.

[0007] The valve body 910 has a first refrigerant passage 921, a second refrigerant passage 922, a third refrigerant passage 923, a fourth refrigerant passage 924, a fifth refrigerant passage 925, and a sixth refrigerant passage 926. The first refrigerant passage 921 connects the first indoor opening 911 and the second intermediate opening 917. The second refrigerant passage 922 connects the first indoor opening 911 and the second outdoor opening 915. The third refrigerant passage 923 connects the first intermediate opening 916 and the connection point 922c of the second refrigerant passage 922. The fourth refrigerant passage 924 connects the first outdoor opening 914 and the second intermediate opening 917. The fifth refrigerant passage 925 connects the first intermediate opening 916 and the second indoor opening 912. The sixth refrigerant passage 926 connects the first outdoor opening 914 and the third indoor opening 913. The second refrigerant passage 922 has a first passage portion 922a between the first indoor opening 911 and the connection point 922c, and a second passage portion 922b between the second outdoor opening 915 and the connection point 922c.

[0008] The valve device 905 includes a first on-off valve unit 930, a second on-off valve unit 940, a third on-off valve unit 950, a flow control valve unit 960, a first check valve unit 970, and a second check valve unit 980. These valve units are attached to the valve body 910.

[0009] The first on-off valve unit 930 can open and close the first refrigerant passage 921. The second on-off valve unit 940 can open and close the first passage portion 922a of the second refrigerant passage 922. The third on-off valve unit 950 can open and close the sixth refrigerant passage 926. The flow rate control valve unit 960 can steplessly change the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 922b of the second refrigerant passage 922. The first check valve unit 970 allows the flow of refrigerant from the first intermediate opening 916 in the third refrigerant passage 923 to the second refrigerant passage 922 and prohibits the flow of refrigerant from the second refrigerant passage 922 to the first intermediate opening 916. The second check valve unit 980 allows the flow of refrigerant from the first outdoor opening 914 in the fourth refrigerant passage 924 to the second intermediate opening 917 and prohibits the flow of refrigerant from the second intermediate opening 917 to the first outdoor opening 914.

[0010] The first indoor opening 911 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 30 via the indoor condenser 40. The second indoor opening 912 is connected to the flow control valve 70, which is an expansion valve for cooling. The flow control valve 70 is connected to the inlet of the indoor evaporator 50. The outlet of the indoor evaporator 50 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 30. The third indoor opening 913 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 30. The first outdoor opening 914 is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 60. The second outdoor opening 915 is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 60. The first intermediate opening 916 is connected to the outlet of the receiver dryer 20. The second intermediate opening 917 is connected to the inlet of the receiver dryer 20.

[0011] In cooling mode, the first on-off valve unit 930 closes the first refrigerant passage 921, the second on-off valve unit 940 opens the first passage portion 922a, the flow control valve unit 960 sets the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 922b to its maximum area (fully open state), and the third on-off valve unit 950 closes the sixth refrigerant passage 926. In cooling mode, the refrigerant passes in the following order: compressor 30, indoor condenser 40, second refrigerant passage 922 (second on-off valve unit 940, flow control valve unit 960), outdoor heat exchanger 60, fourth refrigerant passage 924 (second check valve unit 980), receiver dryer 20, fifth refrigerant passage 925, flow control valve 70, indoor evaporator 50, and returns to the compressor 30. In Figure 41, the flow of the refrigerant is schematically shown by arrows.

[0012] In cooling mode, the high-temperature refrigerant flowing out of the indoor condenser 40 flows through the second refrigerant passage 922 and the fourth refrigerant passage 924. The medium-temperature refrigerant flowing into the flow control valve 70 flows through the fifth refrigerant passage 925. As a result, the temperature of the valve body 910 rises due to the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant passage 922 and the fourth refrigerant passage 924, which can heat the medium-temperature refrigerant flowing through the fifth refrigerant passage 925. This can lead to a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning unit 901 or the generation of noise when the medium-temperature refrigerant passes through the flow control valve 70.

[0013] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a valve device that can suppress refrigerant leakage, reduction in cooling efficiency, and noise caused by refrigerant flow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above objective, the valve device according to the present invention is A valve device used in a refrigeration cycle system, The valve device comprises a valve body having a plurality of refrigerant passages, and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body. The aforementioned plurality of refrigerant passages A high-temperature refrigerant passage through which a high-temperature refrigerant flows, A medium-temperature refrigerant passage through which a medium-temperature refrigerant, which is at a lower temperature than the aforementioned high-temperature refrigerant, flows. It is characterized by including a low-temperature refrigerant passage through which a low-temperature refrigerant having a temperature lower than that of the medium-temperature refrigerant flows.

[0015] In the present invention, It is preferable that the outlet of the low-temperature refrigerant passage is adjacent to the outlet of the medium-temperature refrigerant passage.

[0016] In the present invention, It is preferable that the outlet of the low-temperature refrigerant passage is arranged between the outlet of the medium-temperature refrigerant passage and the outlet of the high-temperature refrigerant passage.

[0017] In the present invention, It is preferable that the shortest distance between the low-temperature refrigerant passage and the medium-temperature refrigerant passage is shorter than the shortest distance between the high-temperature refrigerant passage and the medium-temperature refrigerant passage.

[0018] In the present invention, It is preferable that the low-temperature refrigerant passage has a heat exchange mechanism that promotes heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the low-temperature refrigerant passage and the valve body.

[0019] In the present invention, It is preferable that the heat exchange mechanism is a plurality of grooves formed on the inner surface of the low-temperature refrigerant passage.

[0020] In the present invention, The heat exchange mechanism is a heat exchange member having a cylindrical shape, the outer peripheral surface of the heat exchange member is in close contact with the inner surface of the low-temperature refrigerant passage, and the refrigerant passes through the inside of the heat exchange member, It is preferable that the heat conductivity of the heat exchange member is higher than the heat conductivity of the valve body.

[0021] In the present invention, The refrigeration cycle device has a compressor and an indoor condenser downstream of the compressor, the high-temperature refrigerant passage is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser, It is preferable that the low-temperature refrigerant passage is connected to the suction port of the compressor.

[0022] In the present invention, the refrigeration cycle device or the valve device has an expansion valve, and it is preferable that the medium-temperature refrigerant passage is connected to the expansion valve.

[0023] In the present invention, a first indoor-side opening, a second indoor-side opening, a third indoor-side opening, a fourth 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 the outer surface of the valve body, and the plurality of refrigerant passages include a first refrigerant passage connecting the first indoor-side opening and the second intermediate opening, a second refrigerant passage connecting the first indoor-side opening and the second outdoor-side opening, a third refrigerant passage connecting the first intermediate opening and the second refrigerant passage, a fourth refrigerant passage connecting the first outdoor-side opening and the second intermediate opening, a fifth refrigerant passage connecting the first intermediate opening and the second indoor-side opening, a sixth refrigerant passage connecting the first outdoor-side opening and the third indoor-side opening, and a seventh refrigerant passage connecting the fourth indoor-side opening and the third indoor-side opening, the second refrigerant passage has a first passage portion between the connection point where the first indoor-side opening and the third refrigerant passage are connected and the second outdoor-side opening and the connection point, and the plurality of valve units include 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 the first passage portion of the second refrigerant passage, a third on-off valve unit capable of opening and closing the sixth refrigerant passage, a flow rate adjustment valve unit capable of continuously changing the passage area of the second passage portion of the second refrigerant passage, and a first check valve unit that allows the flow of refrigerant from the first intermediate opening to the second refrigerant passage in the third refrigerant passage and prohibits the flow of refrigerant from the second refrigerant passage to the first intermediate opening. The fourth refrigerant passage includes a second check valve unit that allows the flow of refrigerant from the first outdoor opening to the second intermediate opening and prohibits the flow of refrigerant from the second intermediate opening to the first outdoor opening, In heating mode, the first refrigerant passage is the high-temperature refrigerant passage, the third refrigerant passage is the medium-temperature refrigerant passage, and the sixth refrigerant passage is the low-temperature refrigerant passage. In cooling mode, it is preferable that the second refrigerant passage and the fourth refrigerant passage are the high-temperature refrigerant passages, the fifth refrigerant passage is the medium-temperature refrigerant passage, and the seventh refrigerant passage is the low-temperature refrigerant passage. However, the heating mode is a state in which the first on-off valve unit opens the first refrigerant passage, the second on-off valve unit closes the first passage portion, the flow rate control valve unit sets the passage area of ​​the second passage portion to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand, and the third on-off valve unit opens the sixth refrigerant passage. The cooling mode is a state in which the first on-off valve unit closes the first refrigerant passage, the second on-off valve unit opens the first passage portion, the flow rate control valve unit sets the passage area of ​​the second passage portion to a size that prevents the refrigerant from expanding, and the third on-off valve unit closes the sixth refrigerant passage.

[0024] In the present invention, It is preferable that the third interior opening is adjacent to the second interior opening.

[0025] In the present invention, It is preferable that the third interior opening is located between the second exterior opening and the second interior opening.

[0026] In the present invention, The refrigeration cycle device comprises a compressor, an indoor condenser located downstream of the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a flow control valve, and an indoor evaporator located downstream of the flow control valve. The valve device has a receiver dryer, The first indoor opening is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser, The second indoor opening is connected to the flow control valve, The third indoor opening is connected to the intake port of the compressor, The fourth indoor opening is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator, The first outdoor opening is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger. The second outdoor opening is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger. The first intermediate opening is connected to the outlet of the receiver dryer, Preferably, the second intermediate opening is connected to the inlet of the receiver dryer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] The valve device according to the present invention has a valve body having multiple refrigerant passages and multiple valve units attached to the valve body. Therefore, it is possible to suppress refrigerant leakage at connection points between refrigerant passages and between refrigerant passages and valve units, and to reduce the number of connecting parts. Furthermore, the multiple refrigerant passages in the valve body include a high-temperature refrigerant passage through which high-temperature refrigerant flows, a medium-temperature refrigerant passage through which a medium-temperature refrigerant lower than the high-temperature refrigerant flows, and a low-temperature refrigerant passage through which a low-temperature refrigerant lower than the medium-temperature refrigerant flows. Therefore, the temperature rise of the valve body can be suppressed by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the low-temperature refrigerant passage. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the valve body has only high-temperature and medium-temperature refrigerant passages, it is possible to suppress the medium-temperature refrigerant from being heated by the high-temperature refrigerant via the valve body. Consequently, refrigerant leakage, a decrease in cooling efficiency, and noise caused by refrigerant flow can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system having a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioning system in Figure 1 is in heating mode. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioning unit in Figure 1 is in cooling mode. [Figure 4]This diagram shows the refrigerant flow when the air conditioning unit in Figure 1 is in dehumidifying heating mode. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a front view of the valve mechanism of the air conditioning unit. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the valve module of the valve device. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows another perspective view of the valve module. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a front view of the valve module. [Figure 9] Figure 6 is a right side view of the valve module. [Figure 10] Figure 6 is a left side view of the valve module. [Figure 11] Figure 6 is a plan view of the valve module. [Figure 12] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the valve module. [Figure 13] Figure 6 is a rear view of the valve module. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 9. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 9. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view along the CC line in Figure 9. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view along the DD line in Figure 9. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view along the EE line in Figure 9. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view along the FF line in Figure 8. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view along the GG line in Figure 8. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view along the HH line in Figure 8. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view along the JJ line in Figure 8. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view along the KK line in Figure 13. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view along the MM line in Figure 8. [Figure 25] Figure 6 is a plan view of the valve body of the valve module. [Figure 26]Figure 6 is a right side view of the valve body of the valve module. [Figure 27] This is a cross-sectional view of the first on / off valve unit of the valve module shown in Figure 6. [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view of the second on / off valve unit of the valve module shown in Figure 6. [Figure 29] This is a cross-sectional view of the flow control valve unit of the valve module shown in Figure 6. [Figure 30] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the receiver dryer of the valve device. [Figure 31] Figure 30 is a front view of the receiver dryer. [Figure 32] Figure 30 is a plan view of the receiver dryer. [Figure 33] Figure 5 illustrates the manufacturing method of the valve device (before the receiver dryer is attached to the valve body). [Figure 34] Figure 5 illustrates the manufacturing method of the valve device (the state after the receiver dryer has been attached to the valve body). [Figure 35] This diagram (Part 1) illustrates the flow of high-temperature, medium-temperature, and low-temperature refrigerants in heating mode. [Figure 36] This diagram (part 2) illustrates the flow of high-temperature, medium-temperature, and low-temperature refrigerants in heating mode. [Figure 37] This diagram (Part 1) illustrates the flow of high-temperature, medium-temperature, and low-temperature refrigerants in cooling mode. [Figure 38] This diagram (part 2) illustrates the flow of high-temperature, medium-temperature, and low-temperature refrigerants in cooling mode. [Figure 39] This figure shows the configuration of the first modified example of the valve device shown in Figure 5. [Figure 40] This figure shows the configuration of a second modified example of the valve device shown in Figure 5. [Figure 41] This diagram shows a schematic configuration of a conventional air conditioning system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Hereinafter, a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 40.

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an air conditioning system having a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioning system of Figure 1 is in heating mode. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioning system of Figure 1 is in cooling mode. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant when the air conditioning system of Figure 1 is in dehumidifying heating mode. Figure 5 is a front view of the valve device of the air conditioning system of Figure 1. Figures 6 to 13 are perspective views, other perspective views, a front view, a right side view, a left side view, a top view, a bottom view, and a rear view of the valve module of the valve device of Figure 5. Figures 14 to 18 are cross-sectional views along lines AA, BB, CC, DD, and EE of Figure 9. Figures 19 to 22 are cross-sectional views along lines FF, GG, HH, and JJ of Figure 8. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view along the KK line in Figure 13. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view along the MM line in Figure 8. Figures 25 and 26 are a plan view and a right side view of the valve body of the valve module in Figure 6. Figures 27 to 29 are cross-sectional views of the first on-off valve unit, the second on-off valve unit, and the flow control valve unit of the valve module in Figure 6. Figures 30 to 32 are perspective views, front views, and plan views of the receiver dryer of the valve device in Figure 5. Figures 33 and 34 are diagrams illustrating the manufacturing method of the valve device in Figure 5. Figure 33 shows the state before the receiver dryer is attached to the valve body. Figure 34 shows the state after the receiver dryer is attached to the valve body. Figures 35 and 36 are diagrams illustrating the flow of high-temperature refrigerant, medium-temperature refrigerant, and low-temperature refrigerant in heating mode. Figures 37 and 38 are diagrams illustrating the flow of high-temperature refrigerant, medium-temperature refrigerant, and low-temperature refrigerant in cooling mode. Figures 35 and 37 schematically show the flow of refrigerant in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 21. Figures 36 and 38 schematically show the flow of refrigerant in the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 22. In Figures 35 to 38, solid arrows schematically show the flow of high-temperature refrigerant, dashed arrows schematically show the flow of medium-temperature refrigerant, and broken arrows schematically show the flow of low-temperature refrigerant. Figure 39 shows the configuration of the first modified valve device of Figure 5. Figure 40 shows the configuration of the second modified valve device of Figure 5.In each diagram, the X direction indicated by arrow X represents the left-right direction, the Y direction indicated by arrow Y represents the front-back direction, and the Z direction indicated by arrow Z represents the up-down direction. In arrow X, the side with the letter "X" is to the right, in arrow Y, the side with the letter "Y" is to the rear, and in arrow Z, the side with the letter "Z" is to the top.

[0031] Air conditioning system 1 is, for example, a vehicle air conditioning system mounted on a vehicle that cools or heats the air supplied to the passenger compartment. Air conditioning system 1 is a refrigeration cycle system.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 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 control valve 70.

[0033] The valve device 5 includes a valve module 10 and a receiver dryer 20.

[0034] As shown in Figures 5 to 29, the valve module 10 includes 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 control valve unit 600, a first check valve unit 700, and a second check valve unit 800.

[0035] The valve body 100 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape by, for example, extruding an aluminum alloy. 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 planar shape.

[0036] A first interior opening 111 is formed on the front surface 101 (Figures 6 and 8). A first exterior opening 121 and a fourth interior opening 114 are formed on the rear surface 102 (Figures 7 and 13). A second interior opening 112, a third interior opening 113, and a second exterior opening 122 are formed on the left side surface 103 (Figures 7 and 10). On the left side surface 103, the third interior opening 113 is adjacent to the second interior opening 112. Also on the left side surface 103, the third interior opening 113 is positioned between the second exterior opening 122 and the second interior opening 112. The third interior opening 113 may also be formed on the top surface 105. A first intermediate opening 131 and a second intermediate opening 132 are formed on the bottom surface 106 (Figure 12).

[0037] The valve body 100 has a plurality of refrigerant passages formed by machining. 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, a sixth refrigerant passage 156, and a seventh refrigerant passage 157.

[0038] The first refrigerant passage 151 connects the first indoor opening 111 and the second intermediate opening 132. The first refrigerant passage 151 extends from the first indoor opening 111 towards the rear surface 102, then towards the upper surface 105, and then to the second intermediate opening 132 located on the lower surface 106. The first on / off valve unit 300 is located in the first refrigerant passage 151.

[0039] The second refrigerant passage 152 connects the first indoor opening 111 and the second outdoor opening 122. The second refrigerant passage 152 extends from the first indoor opening 111 towards the rear 102, then towards the left side 103, then towards the top 105, and then to the second outdoor opening 122 located on the left side 103. The third refrigerant passage 153 is connected to the connection point 152c of the second refrigerant passage 152. The second refrigerant passage 152 has a first passage portion 152a between the first indoor opening 111 and the connection point 152c, and a second passage portion 152b between the second outdoor opening 122 and the connection point 152c. A second on-off valve unit 400 is located in the first passage portion 152a. A flow control valve unit 600 is located in the second passage portion 152b.

[0040] The third refrigerant passage 153 connects the first intermediate opening 131 and the second refrigerant passage 152. The third refrigerant passage 153 extends from the first intermediate opening 131 toward the upper surface 105, and then extends toward the front surface 101 to connect to the second refrigerant passage 152. The first check valve unit 700 is located in the third refrigerant passage 153.

[0041] The fourth refrigerant passage 154 connects the first outdoor opening 121 and the second intermediate opening 132. The fourth refrigerant passage 154 extends from the first outdoor opening 121 towards the front 101 side, and then extends to the second intermediate opening 132 located on the bottom surface 106. The second check valve unit 800 is located in the fourth refrigerant passage 154.

[0042] The fifth refrigerant passage 155 connects the first intermediate opening 131 and the second indoor opening 112. The fifth refrigerant passage 155 extends from the first intermediate opening 131 towards the upper surface 105, and then extends to the second indoor opening 112 on the left side surface 103. The fifth refrigerant passage 155 does not have a valve unit that can change the passage area.

[0043] The sixth refrigerant passage 156 connects the first outdoor opening 121 and the third indoor opening 113. The sixth refrigerant passage 156 extends from the first outdoor opening 121 towards the front 101, then towards the left side 103, then towards the front 101 again, and then to the third indoor opening 113 located on the left side 103. The third on / off valve unit 500 is located in the sixth refrigerant passage 156.

[0044] The seventh refrigerant passage 157 connects the fourth indoor opening 114 and the third indoor opening 113. The seventh refrigerant passage 157 extends from the fourth indoor opening 114 towards the front 101, and then extends to the third indoor opening 113 on the left side 103. The seventh refrigerant passage 157 does not have a valve unit that can change the passage area.

[0045] The first refrigerant passage 151 and the second refrigerant passage 152 share a portion (refrigerant passage 151a) that is connected to the first indoor opening 111. The first refrigerant passage 151 and the fourth refrigerant passage 154 share a portion (refrigerant passage 151b) that is connected to the second intermediate opening 132. The third refrigerant passage 153 and the fifth refrigerant passage 155 share a portion (refrigerant passage 153a) that is connected to the first intermediate opening 131. The fourth refrigerant passage 154 and the sixth refrigerant passage 156 share a portion (refrigerant passage 154a) that is connected to the first outdoor opening 121. The sixth refrigerant passage 156 and the seventh refrigerant passage 157 share a portion (refrigerant passage 156a) that is connected to the third indoor opening 113.

[0046] The shortest distance D1 between the third refrigerant passage 153 (refrigerant passage 153a) and the sixth refrigerant passage 156 (refrigerant passage 156a) (Figure 17) is shorter than the shortest distance D2 between the third refrigerant passage 153 and the first refrigerant passage 151 (Figure 24). The shortest distance D1 is also the shortest distance between the fifth refrigerant passage 155 and the seventh refrigerant passage 157. The shortest distance D1 is shorter than the shortest distance D3 between the fifth refrigerant passage 155 (refrigerant passage 153a) and the fourth refrigerant passage 154 (Figure 17).

[0047] Furthermore, the valve body 100 has a first through hole 171 and a second through hole 172 (Figures 8 and 20). The first through hole 171 and the second through hole 172 extend in a straight line from the upper surface 105 to the lower surface 106.

[0048] The first on-off valve unit 300 is located near the right side surface 104 of the upper surface 105. The first on-off valve unit 300 is configured to open and close the first refrigerant passage 151 (i.e., to change the passage area to 0 or a larger area).

[0049] The first on-off valve unit 300, together with the valve body 100, constitutes a pilot-operated on-off valve. The first on-off valve unit 300 is of the normally closed type. A first mounting hole 161 is formed on the upper surface 105 of the valve body 100, in which the first on-off valve unit 300 is positioned. Inside the first mounting hole 161, the valve body 100 has a first valve chamber 311, a first valve port 312 opening into the first valve chamber 311, and a first valve seat 313 surrounding the first valve port 312. The first valve chamber 311 and the first valve port 312 are part of the first refrigerant passage 151.

[0050] As shown in Figure 27, the first on-off valve unit 300 includes a main valve body 320 and a valve body drive unit 330.

[0051] The main valve body 320 has a disc shape. The main valve body 320 has a pilot passage 325 and a pressure equalization passage 326. When the main valve body 320 comes into contact with the first valve seat 313, the first valve opening 312 closes, and when the main valve body 320 moves away from the first valve seat 313, the first valve opening 312 opens.

[0052] The valve body drive unit 330 includes a holder 331, a case 332, a plunger 333, an electromagnetic coil 334, a pilot valve body 335, and a fixed iron core 336.

[0053] The holder 331 has a cylindrical shape. The holder 331 is attached to the first mounting hole 161 of the valve body 100 by a screw structure. Inside the holder 331, the main valve body 320 is arranged so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The main valve body 320 separates the first valve chamber 311 from the back pressure chamber 314 inside the holder 331. The pilot passage 325 connects the back pressure chamber 314 to the first valve port 312. The pressure equalization passage 326 connects the first valve chamber 311 to the back pressure chamber 314. An opening spring 337 is positioned between the main valve body 320 and the holder 331. The opening spring 337 is a compression coil spring. The opening spring 337 pushes the main valve body 320 upward.

[0054] The case 332 has a cylindrical shape. The lower end of the case 332 is located inside the holder 331 and is joined to the holder 331. Inside the upper end of the case 332 is a cylindrical fixed core 336. The fixed core 336 is joined to the upper end of the case 332. A spring receiving member 336a is located on the lower end surface of the fixed core 336.

[0055] The plunger 333 has a cylindrical shape. The plunger 333 is positioned to be movable vertically inside the case 332. A spring housing hole 333a is formed on the upper end surface of the plunger 333. A plunger spring 338 is positioned between the bottom surface 333b of the spring housing hole 333a and the spring receiving member 336a of the fixed iron core 336. The plunger spring 338 is a compression coil spring. The plunger spring 338 pushes the plunger 333 downward.

[0056] The electromagnetic coil 334 has a cylindrical shape. The case 332 is placed inside the electromagnetic coil 334. The electromagnetic coil 334 magnetizes the fixed core 336 and the plunger 333.

[0057] The pilot valve body 335 has a downward-facing conical shape. The pilot valve body 335 is integrally connected to the lower end surface of the plunger 333. The pilot valve body 335 is located in the back pressure chamber 314. The pilot valve body 335 opens and closes the pilot passage 325.

[0058] In the first on-off valve unit 300, when the electromagnetic coil 334 is de-energized, the plunger 333 is pushed downward by the plunger spring 338. The pilot valve body 335 also moves downward, and the pilot valve body 335 closes the pilot passage 325, pushing the main valve body 320 downward. The main valve body 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 back pressure chamber 314 to the first valve port 312 is blocked. The refrigerant remains in the first valve chamber 311 and back pressure chamber 314. The main valve body 320 is pressed against the first valve seat 313 by the refrigerant.

[0059] In the first valve unit 300, when the electromagnetic coil 334 is energized, the plunger 333 moves upward due to magnetic force. The pilot valve body 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 pushes the main valve body 320 upward. As a result, the main valve body 320 separates from the first valve seat 313, and the first valve port 312 opens.

[0060] The second on-off valve unit 400 is located on the right side surface 104, closer to the front surface 101. The second on-off valve unit 400 is configured to open and close the first passage portion 152a of the second refrigerant passage 152 (i.e., to change the passage area to 0 or a greater than 0 area).

[0061] The second on-off valve unit 400, together with the valve body 100, constitutes a pilot-operated on-off valve. The second on-off valve unit 400 is of the normally open type. A second mounting hole 162 is formed on the right side surface 104 of the valve body 100, in which the second on-off valve unit 400 is positioned. Inside the second mounting hole 162, the valve body 100 has a second valve chamber 411, a second valve port 412 opening into the second valve chamber 411, and a second valve seat 413 surrounding the second valve port 412. The second valve chamber 411 and the refrigerant passage 151a (Figures 19 and 24) extending from the first indoor opening 111 to the second valve chamber 411 are part of the first refrigerant passage 151 and part of the second refrigerant passage 152. The second valve port 412 is part of the second refrigerant passage 152.

[0062] As shown in Figure 28, the second on-off valve unit 400 includes a main valve body 420 and a valve body drive unit 430.

[0063] The main valve body 420 integrally comprises 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 circumferential edge of the first flange portion 422 is connected to the right end of the body portion 421. The second flange portion 423 has an annular shape. The inner circumferential edge of the second flange portion 423 is connected to the left end of the body portion 421. The body portion 421 has a pilot passage 425. The first flange portion 422 has a pressure equalization passage 426. An annular plate-shaped packing is arranged in the second flange portion 423. The second valve opening 412 closes when the main valve body 420 (specifically, the packing of the second flange portion 423) comes into contact with the second valve seat 413, and opens when the main valve body 420 moves away from the second valve seat 413. An opening spring 437 is positioned between the first flange portion 422 of the main valve body 420 and the valve body 100. The opening spring 437 is a compression coil spring. The opening spring 437 pushes the first flange portion 422 of the main valve body 420 to the right.

[0064] The valve body drive unit 430 includes a fixed iron core 431, a case 432, a plunger 433, an electromagnetic coil 434, a pilot valve body 435, and a valve stem 436.

[0065] The fixed core 431 integrally comprises a large-diameter cylindrical portion 431a and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 431b. 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 positioned to protrude from the right side surface 104. Inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 431a, a first flange portion 422 is arranged to be movable in the left-right direction. The first flange portion 422 separates the second valve chamber 411 from the back pressure chamber 414 inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 431a. The pilot passage 425 connects the back pressure chamber 414 to the second valve port 412. The pressure equalization passage 426 connects the second valve chamber 411 and the back pressure chamber 414.

[0066] Case 432 has a cylindrical shape with an open left end and a closed right end. Inside the left end of case 432 is the small-diameter cylindrical portion 431b of the fixed core 431. The left end of case 432 is joined to the fixed core 431.

[0067] The plunger 433 has a cylindrical shape. The plunger 433 is positioned inside the case 432 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. A plunger spring 438 is positioned between the plunger 433 and the fixed iron core 431. The plunger spring 438 is a compression coil spring. The plunger spring 438 pushes the plunger 433 to the right.

[0068] The electromagnetic coil 434 has a cylindrical shape. The case 432 is positioned inside the electromagnetic coil 434. The electromagnetic coil 434 magnetizes the fixed core 431 and the plunger 433.

[0069] The pilot valve body 435 is integrally connected to the left end of the valve stem 436. The pilot valve body 435 is located in the back pressure chamber 414. The pilot valve body 435 is connected to the plunger 433 via the valve stem 436. A disc-shaped packing is placed on the pilot valve body 435. The pilot valve body 435 opens and closes the pilot passage 425.

[0070] The valve stem 436 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The right end of the valve stem 436 is fixed to the left end of the plunger 433. The valve stem 436 is positioned inside the small-diameter cylindrical portion 431b of the fixed core 431. The valve stem 436 is supported by the small-diameter cylindrical portion 431b so as to be movable in the left-right direction.

[0071] In the second on-off valve unit 400, when the electromagnetic coil 434 is energized, the plunger 433 moves to the left by magnetic force. The pilot valve body 435 also moves to the left, and the pilot valve body 435 closes the pilot passage 425 and pushes the main valve body 420 to the left. The main valve body 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 back pressure chamber 414 to the second valve port 412 is blocked. The refrigerant remains in the second valve chamber 411 and back pressure chamber 414. The main valve body 420 is pressed against the second valve seat 413 by the refrigerant.

[0072] In the second valve unit 400, when the electromagnetic coil 434 is de-energized, the plunger 433 is pushed to the right by the plunger spring 438. The pilot valve body 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 body 420 to the right. As a result, the main valve body 420 separates from the second valve seat 413, and the second valve port 412 opens.

[0073] The third on-off valve unit 500 is located on the right side surface 104, near the rear surface 102. The third on-off valve unit 500 is configured to open and close the sixth refrigerant passage 156 (i.e., to change the passage area to 0 or greater than 0).

[0074] The third on-off valve unit 500, together with the valve body 100, constitutes a pilot-operated on-off valve. The third on-off valve unit 500 is of the normally open type. A third mounting hole 163 is formed on the right side surface 104 of the valve body 100, in which the third on-off valve unit 500 is positioned. Inside the third mounting hole 163, the valve body 100 has a third valve chamber 511, a third valve port 512 opening into the third valve chamber 511, and a third valve seat 513 surrounding the third valve port 512. The third valve chamber 511 and the refrigerant passage 154a (Figures 19 and 23) extending from the first outer opening 121 to the third valve chamber 511 are part of the fourth refrigerant passage 154 and also part of the sixth refrigerant passage 156. The third valve port 512 is part of the sixth refrigerant passage 156. Furthermore, the refrigerant passage 156a (Figure 22), which extends from the connection point 156c where the 7th refrigerant passage 157 is connected in the 6th refrigerant passage 156 to the 3rd indoor opening 113, is part of both the 6th refrigerant passage 156 and the 7th refrigerant passage 157.

[0075] The third on-off valve unit 500 includes a main valve body 520 and a valve body drive unit 530. The main valve body 520 has a pilot passage 525 and a pressure equalization passage 526. The fixed iron core of the valve body drive unit 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 unit 530 is energized, the main valve body 520 contacts the third valve seat 513 and the third valve port 512 closes. In the third on-off valve unit 500, when the electromagnetic coil of the valve body drive unit 530 is not energized, the main valve body 520 moves away from the third valve seat 513 and the third valve port 512 opens. Since the third on-off valve unit 500 has the same configuration (including substantially the same configuration) as the second on-off valve unit 400, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0076] The flow control valve unit 600 is located near the left side surface 103 of the top surface 105. The flow control valve unit 600 is configured to allow stepless adjustment of the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152.

[0077] The flow control valve unit 600, together with the valve body 100, constitutes a flow control valve. A fourth mounting hole 164 is formed on the upper surface 105 of the valve body 100, in which the flow control valve unit 600 is positioned. Inside the fourth mounting hole 164, the valve body 100 has a fourth valve chamber 611, a fourth valve port 612 opening into the fourth valve chamber 611, and a fourth valve seat 613 surrounding the fourth valve port 612. The fourth valve chamber 611 and the fourth valve port 612 are part of the second refrigerant passage 152.

[0078] As shown in Figure 29, the flow control valve unit 600 includes a valve body 620 and a valve body drive unit 630.

[0079] The valve body 620 has a stem 621, a valve portion 622, a spring receptacle 623, and a ball receptacle 624. The stem 621 has a cylindrical shape. The valve portion 622 is located 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 receptacle 623 is located at the upper end of the stem 621. The spring receptacle 623 has a flange 623a that protrudes radially outward. The ball receptacle 624 has a disc portion and a protrusion formed on the lower surface of the disc portion. The protrusion of the ball receptacle 624 is fitted into a hole formed in the spring receptacle 623. The valve body 620 continuously changes the opening area of ​​the fourth valve port 612 (i.e., the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152) by moving the valve portion 622 forward and backward relative to the fourth valve port 612.

[0080] The valve drive unit 630 moves the valve body 620 vertically so that the valve portion 622 moves forward and backward relative to the fourth valve opening 612. The valve drive unit 630 includes 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.

[0081] 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 located inside the upper part of the holder 640. A female thread 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 located 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 located inside the valve body support hole 644a. An opening spring 646 is located between the flange 623a and the valve body support member 644. The opening spring 646 is a compression coil spring. The valve opening spring 646 pushes the valve body 620 upward.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 positioned inside the can 650. A disc-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. The 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.

[0084] The planetary gear mechanism 670 includes 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 a connecting member 662. The sun gear 672 rotates together with the rotor 660 and the connecting member 662. The rotation of the sun gear 672 is reduced by the fixed ring gear 671, the plurality of planetary gears 673, the carrier 674, and the output gear 675, and transmitted to the output shaft 676. The output shaft 676 is located inside the drive shaft support member 642.

[0085] 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 thread 682c is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 682a. The male thread 682c is screwed into the female thread 642c of the drive shaft support member 642. The flat plate portion 682b is positioned to be vertically movable inside the slit 676a of the output shaft 676. The drive shaft 682 is rotated by the output shaft 676 and moves vertically by a screw-feed action. The ball 684 is positioned between the drive shaft 682 and the ball bearing portion 624 of the valve body 620.

[0086] The stator unit 690 has a cylindrical stator 691. A can 650 is positioned inside the stator 691. The stator 691 and rotor 660 constitute a stepping motor.

[0087] In the flow control valve unit 600, the stator 691 is energized so that the rotor 660 rotates in one direction. The rotation of the rotor 660 is reduced by the planetary gear mechanism 670, and the drive shaft 682 is rotated by the output shaft 676. When the drive shaft 682 rotates, it moves downward due to the screw feed action. The drive shaft 682 pushes the valve body 620 downward via the ball 684. As the valve body 620 moves downward, the opening area of ​​the fourth valve port 612 decreases. 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.

[0088] In the flow control valve unit 600, the stator 691 is energized so that the rotor 660 rotates in opposite directions. The rotation of the rotor 660 is reduced by the planetary gear mechanism 670, and the drive shaft 682 is rotated by the output shaft 676. When the drive shaft 682 rotates, it moves upward due to the screw feed action. The valve body 620, pushed 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.

[0089] 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 to the left 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 (Figure 14).

[0090] As shown in Figures 21 and 24, the first check valve unit 700 is located in the third refrigerant passage 153. The first check valve unit 700 is configured to allow 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.

[0091] The first check valve unit 700, together with the valve body 100, constitutes a check valve. The valve body 100 has an annular tapered valve seat 713 in the third refrigerant passage 153. The refrigerant passage 153a (Figures 17 and 21) extending upward from the first intermediate opening 131 is part of the third refrigerant passage 153 and also part of the fifth refrigerant passage 155.

[0092] The first check valve unit 700 includes a valve body 720, a coil spring 730, and a retaining member 740. The valve body 720 is positioned to be movable in the direction of refrigerant flow (forward and backward direction) within the third refrigerant passage 153. The valve body 720 has an annular valve portion 721. The central axis of the coil spring 730 is positioned along the direction of refrigerant flow within the third refrigerant passage 153. One end of the coil spring 730 is connected to the valve body 720, and the other end is held by a retaining member 740 fixed to the valve body 100. The valve body 720 is pushed backward by the coil spring 730. As the valve body 720 moves backward, the valve portion 721 comes into contact with the valve seat 713.

[0093] If 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 separates from the valve seat 713, and the third refrigerant passage 153 opens. This allows the flow of refrigerant from the first intermediate opening 131 to the second refrigerant passage 152 in the third refrigerant passage 153.

[0094] When the refrigerant pressure at the first intermediate opening 131 is less than or equal to 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 backward by the coil spring 730. Then, the valve portion 721 comes into contact with the valve seat 713, and the third refrigerant passage 153 closes. 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.

[0095] As shown in Figures 16 and 19, the second check valve unit 800 is located in the fourth refrigerant passage 154. The second check valve unit 800 is configured to allow the flow of refrigerant from the first outdoor 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 opening 121.

[0096] The second check valve unit 800, together with the valve body 100, constitutes a check valve. The valve body 100 has an annular tapered valve seat 813 in the fourth refrigerant passage 154. The refrigerant passage 151b (Figures 16 and 19) extending upward from the second intermediate opening 132 is part of both the first refrigerant passage 151 and the fourth refrigerant passage 154.

[0097] The second check valve unit 800 includes a valve body 820 and a coil spring 830. The valve body 820 is positioned to be movable in the direction of refrigerant flow (up and down) within the fourth refrigerant passage 154. The valve body 820 has an annular valve portion 821. The central axis of the coil spring 830 is positioned along the direction of refrigerant flow within 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 a second joint member 260 located in the refrigerant passage 151b. The valve body 820 is pushed upward by the coil spring 830. As the valve body 820 moves upward, the valve portion 821 contacts the valve seat 813.

[0098] When the refrigerant pressure at the first outdoor 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 separates from the valve seat 813, and the fourth refrigerant passage 154 opens. This allows the flow of refrigerant from the first outdoor opening 121 to the second intermediate opening 132 in the fourth refrigerant passage 154.

[0099] When the refrigerant pressure at the first outdoor opening 121 is less than or equal to the refrigerant pressure at the second intermediate opening 132, the coil spring 830 returns to 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 closes. 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.

[0100] The receiver dryer 20 separates the refrigerant into gas and liquid phases and stores the excess liquid phase refrigerant. The receiver dryer 20 also removes moisture from the refrigerant. As shown in Figures 30 to 32, the receiver dryer 20 comprises a receiver dryer body 210 and a lid 220. The receiver dryer body 210 and lid 220 are made of metal such as aluminum alloy.

[0101] The receiver dryer body 210 has a cylindrical shape with an open upper end and a closed lower end. The receiver dryer body 210 contains a desiccant (not shown) for removing moisture from the refrigerant.

[0102] The lid 220 has a disc shape. The lid 220 has a first connecting hole 231, a second connecting hole 232, a first screw hole 271, and a second screw hole 272.

[0103] The first connection hole 231 is positioned 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 positioned 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 are connected to the inner space of the receiver dryer body 210 directly or indirectly via piping (not shown).

[0104] The first threaded hole 271 is positioned to correspond to the first through-hole 171 of the valve body 100. The second threaded hole 272 is positioned to correspond to the second through-hole 172 of the valve body 100.

[0105] The first intermediate opening 131 and the first connecting 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 sequentially from bottom to top.

[0106] The first part 251 and the second part 252 are connected axially to 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 positioned in the first connection hole 231. A sealing member (such as a rubber O-ring) is positioned 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 positioned in the refrigerant passage 153a extending upward from the first intermediate opening 131. A sealing member is positioned between the second part 252 and the inner circumferential surface of the refrigerant passage 153a. The refrigerant in the inner space of the receiver dryer body 210 flows through the first connection hole 231 and the inner space 250a of the first joint member 250 into the refrigerant passage 153a (third refrigerant passage 153, fifth refrigerant passage 155).

[0107] The second intermediate opening 132 and the second connecting 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 that are connected in order from bottom to top.

[0108] The first part 261, the second part 262, and the third part 263 are connected axially to the second joint member 260. The outer diameter of the first part 261 is the same as the diameter of the second connection hole 232. The first part 261 is positioned in the second connection hole 232. A sealing member is positioned between the first part 261 and the inner circumferential surface of the second connection hole 232. The outer diameter of the second part 262 is the same as the diameter of the second intermediate opening 132. The second part 262 is positioned in the refrigerant passage 151b extending upward from the second intermediate opening 132. A sealing member is positioned between the second part 262 and the inner circumferential surface of the refrigerant passage 151b. The third part 263 has a circumferential wall portion 263a and an upper wall portion 263b. The lower end of the circumferential wall portion 263a is connected to the second part 262. The outer diameter of the circumferential wall portion 263a is smaller than the outer diameter of the second part 262. The upper wall portion 263b is connected to the upper end 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 (first refrigerant passage 151, fourth refrigerant passage 154) flows through the through hole in the third portion 263, the inner space 260a of the second joint member 260, and the second connection hole 232, into the inner space of the receiver dryer body 210.

[0109] The upper wall portion 263b 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.

[0110] Next, an example of a manufacturing method for the valve device 5 will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34.

[0111] A 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, a first check valve unit 700 and a second check valve unit 800 are attached to the valve body 100 (Figure 33).

[0112] A cover 220 is fabricated by forming a first connecting hole 231, a second connecting hole 232, a first screw hole 271, and a second screw hole 272 on a disc-shaped workpiece. The receiver dryer body 210 is fabricated by metal drawing. A desiccant (not shown) is placed inside the receiver dryer body 210, and the cover 220 is welded to the upper end of the receiver dryer body 210 (Figure 33).

[0113] Insert the first portion 251 of the first joint member 250 into the first connection hole 231 of the cover 220, and insert the second portion 252 into the first intermediate opening 131 (refrigerant passage 153a) of the valve body 100. Insert the first portion 261 of the second joint member 260 into the second connection hole 232 of the cover 220, and insert the second portion 262 and the third portion 263 into the second intermediate opening 132 (refrigerant passage 151b) of the valve body 100. Bring the cover 220 into contact with the lower surface 106 of the valve body 100. As a result, the entire first joint member 250 is positioned inside the valve body 100 and inside the cover 220. The entire second joint member 260 is positioned inside the valve body 100 and inside the cover 220. Insert the bolts 7 from the upper surface 105 side into the first through hole 171 and the second through hole 172 of the valve body 100. The bolt 7 is screwed into the first threaded hole 271 and the second threaded hole 272, thereby fastening the valve body 100 and the cover 220 together with the bolt 7 (Figure 34).

[0114] 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 control valve unit 600 is attached to the fourth mounting hole 164 of the valve body 100. In this way, the valve device 5 is completed.

[0115] As shown in Figure 1, the discharge port of the compressor 30 is connected to the inlet of the indoor condenser 40 via piping P1. The compressor 30 draws in refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The indoor condenser 40 is configured to release the heat from the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 30. The indoor condenser 40 heats the air supplied to the passenger compartment. The outlet of the indoor condenser 40 is connected to the first indoor opening 111 of the valve device 5 via piping P2. The indoor evaporator 50 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing inside it and the air supplied to the passenger compartment. The indoor evaporator 50 cools the supplied air. The outlet of the indoor evaporator 50 is connected to the fourth indoor opening 114 via piping P3. The inlet of the indoor evaporator 50 is connected to the second indoor opening 112 of the valve device 5 via piping P4. A flow control valve 70 is located in piping P4. The flow control valve 70 is configured to allow stepless adjustment of the passage area of ​​piping P4. The outdoor heat exchanger 60 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outside air. The outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 60 is connected to the first outdoor opening 121 of the valve device 5 via piping P5. The inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 60 is connected to the second outdoor opening 122 of the valve device 5 via piping P6. The third indoor opening 113 of the valve device 5 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 30 via piping P7. Piping P1 to P7 are refrigerant passages.

[0116] The air conditioning unit 1 has a control device (not shown). The control device 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, flow rate control valve unit 600), and the flow rate control valve 70. The air conditioning unit 1 has a heating mode, a cooling mode, and a dehumidifying heating mode.

[0117] The heating mode, cooling mode, and dehumidifying heating mode will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 4 and 35 to 38. In Figures 2 to 4, hatching is applied to the closed state of the first on-off valve unit 300, the second on-off valve unit 400, the third on-off valve unit 500, the flow control valve unit 600, and the flow control valve 70.

[0118] In heating mode, the control device of the air conditioning unit 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, sets 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 control valve unit 600, opens the sixth refrigerant passage with the third on-off valve unit 500, and closes the piping P4 with the flow control valve 70. The control device then operates the compressor 30 to circulate the refrigerant. As shown in Figure 2, in heating mode, the refrigerant passes through the compressor 30, indoor condenser 40, first refrigerant passage 151 (first on-off valve unit 300), receiver dryer 20, third refrigerant passage 153 (first check valve unit 700), second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 (flow control valve unit 600), outdoor heat exchanger 60, and sixth refrigerant passage 156 (third on-off valve unit 500) in order, before returning to the compressor 30. The flow control valve unit 600 operates as a heating expansion valve. As a result, the refrigerant expanded by the flow control valve unit 600 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 60. In heating mode, the blown air is not cooled in the indoor evaporator 50, but is heated in the indoor condenser 40 before being sent to the passenger compartment.

[0119] As shown in Figures 35 and 36, in heating mode, the state of refrigerant RF1 flowing through the first refrigerant passage 151 is high-temperature gas-liquid (a high-temperature fluid containing both gas and liquid phases). The state of refrigerant RF3 flowing through the third refrigerant passage 153 is a medium-temperature liquid, which is cooler than refrigerant RF1. The state of refrigerant RF2 flowing through the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 is low-temperature gas-liquid (a low-temperature fluid containing both gas and liquid phases), which is cooler than refrigerant RF3. The state of refrigerant RF6 flowing through the sixth refrigerant passage 156 is a low-temperature gas, which is cooler than refrigerant RF3. In other words, in heating mode, the first refrigerant passage 151 is a high-temperature refrigerant passage, the third refrigerant passage 153 is a medium-temperature refrigerant passage, and the sixth refrigerant passage 156 is a low-temperature refrigerant passage. The medium-temperature refrigerant RF3 is the refrigerant that flows to the flow control valve unit 600, which is a heating expansion valve. As a result, the temperature rise of the valve body 100 can be suppressed by the low-temperature refrigerant RF6 flowing through the sixth refrigerant passage 156. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the medium-temperature refrigerant RF3 from being heated by the high-temperature refrigerant RF1 via the valve body 100. In addition, the shortest distance D1 between the third refrigerant passage 153 and the sixth refrigerant passage 156 is shorter than the shortest distance D2 between the third refrigerant passage 153 and the first refrigerant passage 151. Therefore, the low-temperature refrigerant RF6 flows closer to the medium-temperature refrigerant RF3 than to the high-temperature refrigerant RF1, and it is possible to more effectively suppress the medium-temperature refrigerant RF3 from being heated by the high-temperature refrigerant RF1 via the valve body 100. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the air conditioning system 1 can be increased. In addition, noise generated when the medium-temperature refrigerant RF3 passes through the flow control valve unit 600 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the low-temperature refrigerant RF6 is heated by absorbing heat from the valve body 100. Therefore, the compressor 30 can efficiently bring the low-temperature refrigerant RF6 to a high-temperature, high-pressure state.

[0120] In cooling mode, the control device of the air conditioning unit 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, sets the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 to its maximum area (fully open state) with the flow control valve unit 600, closes the sixth refrigerant passage with the third on-off valve unit 500, and sets the passage area of ​​the piping P4 to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand with the flow control valve 70. Note that in cooling mode, the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b only needs to be large enough that the refrigerant does not expand. The control device then operates the compressor 30 to circulate the refrigerant. As shown in Figure 3, in cooling mode, the refrigerant passes through the compressor 30, indoor condenser 40, second refrigerant passage 152 (second on-off valve unit 400, flow control valve unit 600), outdoor heat exchanger 60, fourth refrigerant passage 154 (second check valve unit 800), receiver dryer 20, fifth refrigerant passage 155, flow control valve 70, indoor evaporator 50, and seventh refrigerant passage 157 in order, before returning to the compressor 30. The flow control valve 70 operates as an expansion valve for cooling. As a result, the refrigerant expanded by the flow control valve 70 flows to the indoor evaporator 50. In cooling mode, the blown air is cooled in the indoor evaporator 50 before being sent to the passenger compartment.

[0121] As shown in Figures 37 and 38, in cooling mode, the state of refrigerant RF2 flowing through the second refrigerant passage 152 is high-temperature gas. The state of refrigerant RF4 flowing through the fourth refrigerant passage 154 is high-temperature gas-liquid. The state of refrigerant RF5 flowing through the fifth refrigerant passage 155 is a medium-temperature liquid, which is cooler than refrigerants RF2 and RF4. The state of refrigerant RF7 flowing through the seventh refrigerant passage 157 is a low-temperature gas, which is cooler than refrigerant RF5. In other words, in cooling mode, the second refrigerant passage 152 and the fourth refrigerant passage 154 are high-temperature refrigerant passages, the fifth refrigerant passage 155 is a medium-temperature refrigerant passage, and the seventh refrigerant passage 157 is a low-temperature refrigerant passage. The medium-temperature refrigerant RF5 is the refrigerant that flows to the flow control valve 70, which is an expansion valve for cooling. As a result, the temperature rise of the valve body 100 can be suppressed by the low-temperature refrigerant RF7 flowing through the seventh refrigerant passage 157. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the medium-temperature refrigerant RF5 from being heated by the high-temperature refrigerants RF2 and RF4 via the valve body 100. Also, the shortest distance D1 between the fifth refrigerant passage 155 and the seventh refrigerant passage 157 is shorter than the shortest distance D3 between the fifth refrigerant passage 155 and the fourth refrigerant passage 154. Therefore, the low-temperature refrigerant RF7 flows closer to the medium-temperature refrigerant RF5 than the high-temperature refrigerant RF4, and it is possible to more effectively suppress the medium-temperature refrigerant RF5 from being heated by the high-temperature refrigerant RF4 via the valve body 100. Thus, the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system 1 can be increased. In addition, noise generated when the medium-temperature refrigerant RF5 passes through the flow control valve 70 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the low-temperature refrigerant RF7 is heated by absorbing heat from the valve body 100. Therefore, in the compressor 30, the low-temperature refrigerant RF7 can be efficiently brought to a high-temperature, high-pressure state.

[0122] In dehumidifying heating mode, the control device of the air conditioning unit 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, sets 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 control valve unit 600, opens the sixth refrigerant passage with the third on-off valve unit 500, and sets the passage area of ​​the piping P4 to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand with the flow control valve 70. The control device then operates the compressor 30 to circulate the refrigerant. As shown in Figure 4, in dehumidifying heating mode, the refrigerant flows in the following order back to the compressor 30, indoor condenser 40, first refrigerant passage 151 (first on-off valve unit 300), receiver dryer 20, third refrigerant passage 153 (first check valve unit 700), second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 (flow control valve unit 600), outdoor heat exchanger 60, and sixth refrigerant passage 156 (third on-off valve unit 500). In addition, some of the refrigerant returns to the compressor 30 from the receiver dryer 20 through the fifth refrigerant passage 155, flow control valve 70, indoor evaporator 50, and seventh refrigerant passage 157. As a result, the refrigerant expanded by the flow control valve unit 600 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 60, and the refrigerant expanded by the flow control valve 70 flows to the indoor evaporator 50. In dehumidifying heating mode, the blown air is cooled (dehumidified) in the indoor evaporator 50, heated in the indoor condenser 40, and then sent to the passenger compartment.

[0123] In dehumidifying heating mode, the state of refrigerant RF1 flowing through the first refrigerant passage 151 is high-temperature gas-liquid. The state of refrigerant RF3 flowing through the third refrigerant passage 153 is a medium-temperature liquid, lower in temperature than refrigerant RF1. The state of refrigerant RF2 flowing through the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152 is a low-temperature gas-liquid, lower in temperature than refrigerant RF3. The state of refrigerant RF6 flowing through the sixth refrigerant passage 156 is a low-temperature gas, lower in temperature than refrigerant RF3. The state of refrigerant RF5 flowing through the fifth refrigerant passage 155 is a medium-temperature liquid, lower in temperature than refrigerant RF1. The state of refrigerant RF7 flowing through the seventh refrigerant passage 157 is a low-temperature gas, lower in temperature than refrigerant RF5. In other words, in dehumidifying heating mode, the first refrigerant passage 151 is a high-temperature refrigerant passage, the third refrigerant passage 153 and the fifth refrigerant passage 155 are medium-temperature refrigerant passages, and the sixth refrigerant passage 156 and the seventh refrigerant passage 157 are low-temperature refrigerant passages. This allows the temperature rise of the valve body 100 to be suppressed by the low-temperature refrigerants RF6 and RF7. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the medium-temperature refrigerants RF3 and RF5 from being heated by the high-temperature refrigerant RF1 via the valve body 100. Consequently, the efficiency of the dehumidifying and heating of the air conditioning unit 1 can be improved. In addition, noise generated when the medium-temperature refrigerant RF3 passes through the flow control valve unit 600 can be suppressed, and noise generated when the medium-temperature refrigerant RF5 passes through the flow control valve 70 can be suppressed.

[0124] The valve device 5 according to this embodiment includes a valve body 100 having multiple refrigerant passages and multiple valve units attached to the valve body 100. Therefore, it is possible to suppress refrigerant leakage at connection points between refrigerant passages and at connection points between refrigerant passages and valve units, and to reduce the number of connecting parts.

[0125] Furthermore, the valve device 5 includes a valve body 100 with multiple refrigerant passages, each containing a high-temperature refrigerant passage through which a high-temperature refrigerant flows, a medium-temperature refrigerant passage through which a medium-temperature refrigerant (lower than the high-temperature refrigerant) flows, and a low-temperature refrigerant passage through which a low-temperature refrigerant (lower than the medium-temperature refrigerant) flows. This allows the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the low-temperature refrigerant passage to suppress the temperature rise of the valve body 100. Therefore, the valve device 5 can prevent the medium-temperature refrigerant from being heated by the high-temperature refrigerant via the valve body 100. Consequently, refrigerant leakage and a decrease in heating and cooling efficiency can be suppressed.

[0126] Valve device 5 is used in air conditioning system 1. Air conditioning system 1 includes a compressor 30, an indoor condenser 40 located downstream of the compressor 30, an outdoor heat exchanger 60, a flow control valve 70, and an indoor evaporator 50 located downstream of the flow control valve 70. Valve device 5 includes a receiver dryer 20.

[0127] The outer surface of the valve body 100 has a first indoor opening 111, a second indoor opening 112, a third indoor opening 113, a fourth indoor opening 114, a first outdoor opening 121, a second outdoor opening 122, a first intermediate opening 131, and a second intermediate opening 132. Multiple refrigerant passages include a first refrigerant passage 151 connecting a first indoor opening 111 and a second intermediate opening 132, a second refrigerant passage 152 connecting a first indoor opening 111 and a second outdoor opening 122, a third refrigerant passage 153 connecting a first intermediate opening 131 and a second refrigerant passage 152, a fourth refrigerant passage 154 connecting a first outdoor opening 121 and a second intermediate opening 132, a fifth refrigerant passage 155 connecting a first intermediate opening 131 and a second indoor opening 112, a sixth refrigerant passage 156 connecting a first outdoor opening 121 and a third indoor opening 113, and a seventh refrigerant passage 157 connecting a fourth indoor opening 114 and a third indoor opening 113. The second refrigerant passage 152 has a first passage portion 152a between the first indoor opening 111 and the connection point 152c to which the third refrigerant passage 153 is connected, and a second passage portion 152b between the second outdoor opening 122 and the connection point 152c. The valve unit 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 the first passage portion 152a of the second refrigerant passage 152, a third on-off valve unit 500 capable of opening and closing the sixth refrigerant passage 156, a flow control valve unit 600 capable of steplessly changing the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b of the second refrigerant passage 152, a first check valve unit 700 that allows the flow of refrigerant from the first intermediate opening 131 in the third refrigerant passage 153 to the second refrigerant passage 152 and prohibits the flow of refrigerant from the second refrigerant passage 152 to the first intermediate opening 131, and a second check valve unit 800 that allows the flow of refrigerant from the first outdoor opening 121 to the second intermediate opening in the fourth refrigerant passage 154 and prohibits the flow of refrigerant from the second intermediate opening 132 to the first outdoor opening 121. The first indoor opening 111 is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser 40. The second indoor opening 112 is connected to the flow control valve 70. The third indoor opening 113 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 30. The fourth indoor opening 114 is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator 50. The first outdoor opening 121 is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 60.The second outdoor opening 122 is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 60. The first intermediate opening 131 is connected to the first connection hole 231, which is the outlet of the receiver dryer 20. The second intermediate opening 132 is connected to the second connection hole 232, which is the inlet of the receiver dryer 20.

[0128] In heating mode, the first refrigerant passage 151 is a high-temperature refrigerant passage, the third refrigerant passage 153 is a medium-temperature refrigerant passage, and the sixth refrigerant passage 156 is a low-temperature refrigerant passage. In cooling mode, the second refrigerant passage 152 and the fourth refrigerant passage 154 are high-temperature refrigerant passages, the fifth refrigerant passage 155 is a medium-temperature refrigerant passage, and the seventh refrigerant passage 157 is a low-temperature refrigerant passage. In heating mode, the first on-off valve unit 300 opens the first refrigerant passage 151, the second on-off valve unit 400 closes the first passage portion 152a, the flow control valve unit 600 sets the passage area of ​​the second passage portion 152b to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand, the third on-off valve unit 500 opens the sixth refrigerant passage 156, and the flow control valve 70 closes the piping P4 connecting the second indoor opening 112 and the inlet of the indoor evaporator 50. In cooling mode, the first on-off valve unit 300 closes the first refrigerant passage 151, the second on-off valve unit 400 opens the first passage portion 152a, the flow control valve unit 600 maximizes the passage area of ​​the second passage portion, the third on-off valve unit 500 closes the sixth refrigerant passage 156, and the flow control valve 70 sets the passage area of ​​piping P4 to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand. In this manner, in heating mode, the temperature rise of the valve body 100 can be suppressed by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the sixth refrigerant passage 156. In cooling mode, the temperature rise of the valve body 100 can be suppressed by the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the seventh refrigerant passage 157. Therefore, a decrease in heating and cooling efficiency can be suppressed.

[0129] Furthermore, the third indoor opening 113 is adjacent to the second indoor opening 112. In cooling mode, the third indoor opening 113 is the outlet for the seventh refrigerant passage 157, which is a low-temperature refrigerant passage, and the second indoor opening 112 is the outlet for the fifth refrigerant passage 155, which is a medium-temperature refrigerant passage. Therefore, the seventh refrigerant passage 157 is located close to the fifth refrigerant passage 155, and the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the seventh refrigerant passage 157 can cool the medium-temperature refrigerant flowing through the fifth refrigerant passage 155.

[0130] Furthermore, the third indoor opening 113 is positioned between the second outdoor opening 122 and the second indoor opening 112. In cooling mode, the third indoor opening 113 is the outlet for the seventh refrigerant passage 157, which is a low-temperature refrigerant passage; the second outdoor opening 122 is the outlet for the second refrigerant passage 152, which is a high-temperature refrigerant passage; and the second indoor opening 112 is the outlet for the fifth refrigerant passage 155, which is a medium-temperature refrigerant passage. Therefore, the seventh refrigerant passage 157 is positioned between the second refrigerant passage 152 and the fifth refrigerant passage 155, which can more effectively suppress the medium-temperature refrigerant flowing through the fifth refrigerant passage 155 from being heated by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant passage 152.

[0131] Furthermore, the valve device 5 includes a valve module 10 and a receiver dryer 20. The valve module 10 includes a valve body 100 having multiple refrigerant passages and multiple valve units attached to the valve body 100. The receiver dryer 20 includes a cylindrical receiver dryer body 210 capable of storing refrigerant and a cover 220 joined to the upper end of the receiver dryer body 210. The cover 220 is positioned in contact with the valve body 100. This arrangement allows the valve module 10 and the receiver dryer 20 to be positioned as close together as possible. Therefore, the valve device 5 can be miniaturized.

[0132] Furthermore, 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 positioned corresponding to the first screw hole 271 and a second through hole 172 positioned corresponding to the second screw hole 272. The cover 220 is attached to the valve body 100 by bolts 7 that pass through the first through hole 171 and are screwed into the first screw hole, and bolts 7 that pass through the second through hole 172 and are screwed into the second screw hole 272. In this way, the cover 220 of the receiver dryer 20 can be reliably attached to the valve body 100 with a relatively simple structure.

[0133] Figures 39 and 40 show modified examples of the valve module 10 of the valve device 5.

[0134] The valve module 10 shown in Figure 39 has multiple grooves 191 formed in the refrigerant passage 156a, which is shared by the sixth refrigerant passage 156 and the seventh refrigerant passage 157. The multiple grooves 191 extend in the circumferential direction of the refrigerant passage 156a and have a circular or C-shape. By forming multiple grooves 191, the surface area of ​​the inner surface of the refrigerant passage 156a is increased. Therefore, the multiple grooves 191 promote heat exchange between the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 156a and the valve body 100, and the temperature rise of the valve body 100 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0135] The valve module 10 shown in Figure 40 has a heat exchange member 192 positioned in the refrigerant passage 156a. The heat exchange member 192 has a cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the heat exchange member 192 is in close contact with the inner surface of the refrigerant passage 156a. The refrigerant passes inside the heat exchange member 192. The heat exchange member 192 is made of, for example, copper. The thermal conductivity of the heat exchange member 192 is greater than that of the valve body 100, which is made of aluminum alloy. Therefore, the heat exchange member 192 promotes heat exchange between the low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 156a and the valve body 100, and can more effectively suppress the temperature rise of the valve body 100. The multiple grooves 191 and the heat exchange member 192 constitute a heat exchange mechanism.

[0136] In the valve device 5 of this implementation, the positions of the openings formed on the outer surface of the valve body 100 (first indoor opening 111, second indoor opening 112, third indoor opening 113, fourth indoor opening 114, first outdoor opening 121, and second outdoor opening 122) are set to minimize the size (volume) of the valve device 5. However, by appropriately changing the positions of these openings and altering the piping layout, it may be possible to reduce the size and occupied space of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0137] The valve device 5 described above has a configuration in which each valve unit is controlled by the control device of the higher-level device or system into which it is incorporated. In addition to this configuration, for example, the valve device 5 may have a control unit that receives all signals from the higher-level device or system and centrally controls multiple valve units.

[0138] Furthermore, the first on-off valve unit 300 of the valve device 5 described above is a pilot-operated on-off valve unit that operates by electromagnetic force and requires power to be supplied to maintain the open state in which the first valve port 312 is open. The second on-off valve unit 400 is a pilot-operated on-off valve unit that operates by electromagnetic force and requires power to be supplied to maintain the closed state in which the second valve port 412 is closed. The third on-off valve unit 500 has the same configuration as the second on-off valve unit 400. In addition, in the valve device 5, a latch-type on-off valve unit that maintains the open and closed states even when the power supply is stopped may be used instead of these on-off valve units.

[0139] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments. Additions, deletions, design modifications, and combinations of features of the embodiments, as appropriate by those skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1...Air conditioning unit, 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, 114...Fourth 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 section, 152b...Second passage 152c…Connection point, 153…Third refrigerant passage, 153a…Refrigerant passage, 154…Fourth refrigerant passage, 154a…Refrigerant passage, 155…Fifth refrigerant passage, 156…Sixth refrigerant passage, 156a…Refrigerant passage, 157…Seventh 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, 191…Groove, 192…Heat exchange member, 210…Receiver dryer body, 220…Lid, 231…First connection hole, 232…Second connection hole, 271…First screw hole, 272…Second screw hole, 250…First joint member, 2 50a...Inner space, 251...First part, 252...Second part, 260...Second joint member, 261...First part, 262...Second part, 263...Third part, 263a...Peripheral wall, 263b...Upper wall, 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...Pressure equalization passage, 330...Valve body drive unit, 331...Holder, 332...Case, 333...Plunger, 333a...Spring housing hole, 333b...Bottom surface, 334...Electromagnetic coil, 335...Pilot valve body, 336...Fixed iron core, 33 6a...spring support member, 337...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, 423...second flange, 425...pilot passage, 426...pressure equalizing passage, 430...valve body drive unit, 431...fixed core, 431a...large diameter cylindrical section, 431b...small diameter cylindrical section, 432...case, 433...plunger, 434...electromagnetic coil, 435...pilot valve body, 436...valve stem, 437...opening spring, 438...plunger spring500...Third valve on / off unit, 511...Third valve chamber, 512...Third valve port, 513...Third valve seat, 520...Main valve body, 525...Pilot passage, 526...Pressure equalization passage, 530...Valve body drive unit, 600...Flow control valve unit, 611...Fourth valve chamber, 612...Fourth valve port, 613...Fourth valve seat, 620...Valve body, 621...Stem, 622...Valve section, 623...Spring receptacle, 623a...Flange, 624...Ball receptacle, 630...Valve body drive unit, 640...Holder, 642...Drive shaft support member, 642c...Female thread, 644...Valve body support member, 644a...Valve body support hole, 646...Opening spring, 650...Can, 651...Annular member, 660...Rotor 662...Connecting member, 663...Rotor shaft, 670...Planetary 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 part, 682b...Flat plate part, 682c...Male screw, 684...Ball, 690...Stator unit, 691...Stator, 700...First check valve unit, 713...Valve seat, 720...Valve body, 721...Valve part, 730...Coil spring, 740...Retaining member, 800...Second check valve unit, 813...Valve seat, 820...Valve body, 821...Valve part, 830...Coil spring, P1~P7...Piping,

Claims

1. A valve device used in a refrigeration cycle system, The valve device comprises a valve body having a plurality of refrigerant passages, and a plurality of valve units attached to the valve body. The aforementioned plurality of refrigerant passages A high-temperature refrigerant passage through which a high-temperature refrigerant flows, A medium-temperature refrigerant passage through which a medium-temperature refrigerant, which is at a lower temperature than the aforementioned high-temperature refrigerant, flows. It includes a low-temperature refrigerant passage through which a low-temperature refrigerant, which is at a lower temperature than the aforementioned medium-temperature refrigerant, A valve device in which the shortest distance between the low-temperature refrigerant passage and the medium-temperature refrigerant passage is shorter than the shortest distance between the high-temperature refrigerant passage and the medium-temperature refrigerant passage.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the outlet of the low-temperature refrigerant passage is located between the outlet of the medium-temperature refrigerant passage and the outlet of the high-temperature refrigerant passage.

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the low-temperature refrigerant passage has a heat exchange mechanism that promotes heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the low-temperature refrigerant passage and the valve body.

4. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the heat exchange mechanism is a plurality of grooves formed on the inner surface of the low-temperature refrigerant passage.

5. The heat exchange mechanism is a heat exchange member having a cylindrical shape, The outer surface of the heat exchange member is in close contact with the inner surface of the low-temperature refrigerant passage, and the refrigerant passes through the inside of the heat exchange member. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the thermal conductivity of the heat exchange member is higher than that of the valve body.

6. The refrigeration cycle device comprises a compressor and an indoor condenser located downstream of the compressor. The aforementioned high-temperature refrigerant passage is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser, The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the low-temperature refrigerant passage is connected to the suction port of the compressor.

7. The refrigeration cycle device or the valve device has an expansion valve, The valve device according to claim 6, wherein the medium-temperature refrigerant passage is connected to the expansion valve.

8. The outer surface of the valve body is formed with a first indoor opening, a second indoor opening, a third indoor opening, a fourth indoor opening, a first outdoor opening, a second outdoor opening, a first intermediate opening, and a second intermediate opening. The aforementioned plurality of refrigerant passages 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, A sixth refrigerant passage connecting the first exterior opening and the third interior opening, It includes a seventh refrigerant passage connecting the fourth indoor opening and the third indoor opening, The second refrigerant passage has a first passage portion between the first indoor opening and the connection point to which the third refrigerant passage is connected, and a second passage portion between the second outdoor opening and the connection point. The plurality of valve units 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 the first passage portion of the second refrigerant passage, A third on / off valve unit capable of opening and closing the sixth refrigerant passage, A flow control valve unit that can steplessly change the passage area of ​​the second passage portion of the second refrigerant passage, A first check valve unit that allows the flow of refrigerant from the first intermediate opening in the third refrigerant passage to the second refrigerant passage and prohibits the flow of refrigerant from the second refrigerant passage to the first intermediate opening, The fourth refrigerant passage includes a second check valve unit that allows the flow of refrigerant from the first outdoor opening to the second intermediate opening and prohibits the flow of refrigerant from the second intermediate opening to the first outdoor opening, In heating mode, the first refrigerant passage is the high-temperature refrigerant passage, the third refrigerant passage is the medium-temperature refrigerant passage, and the sixth refrigerant passage is the low-temperature refrigerant passage. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein in cooling mode, the second refrigerant passage and the fourth refrigerant passage are the high-temperature refrigerant passage, the fifth refrigerant passage is the medium-temperature refrigerant passage, and the seventh refrigerant passage is the low-temperature refrigerant passage. However, the heating mode is a state in which the first on-off valve unit opens the first refrigerant passage, the second on-off valve unit closes the first passage portion, the flow rate control valve unit sets the passage area of ​​the second passage portion to a size that allows the refrigerant to expand, and the third on-off valve unit opens the sixth refrigerant passage. The cooling mode is a state in which the first on-off valve unit closes the first refrigerant passage, the second on-off valve unit opens the first passage portion, the flow rate control valve unit sets the passage area of ​​the second passage portion to a size that prevents the refrigerant from expanding, and the third on-off valve unit closes the sixth refrigerant passage.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, wherein the third indoor opening is adjacent to the second indoor opening.

10. The valve device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the third indoor opening is located between the second outdoor opening and the second indoor opening.

11. The refrigeration cycle device comprises a compressor, an indoor condenser located downstream of the compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, a flow control valve, and an indoor evaporator located downstream of the flow control valve. The valve device has a receiver dryer, The first indoor opening is connected to the outlet of the indoor condenser. The second indoor opening is connected to the flow control valve, The third indoor opening is connected to the intake port of the compressor, The fourth indoor opening is connected to the outlet of the indoor evaporator, The first outdoor opening is connected to the outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger. The second outdoor opening is connected to the inlet of the outdoor heat exchanger. The first intermediate opening is connected to the outlet of the receiver dryer, The valve device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second intermediate opening is connected to the inlet of the receiver dryer.

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