Refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

Provided is a structure in which unnecessary stress is not applied when fixing a heat pipe and a cooling pipe. A refrigeration cycle device (1) comprises a cooling pipe (26), a printed circuit board (45), an electrical component box (50), a heat pipe (61), a first block (71), and a second block (72). A refrigerant circulates through the cooling pipe (26). A first heat-generating component (41) and a second heat-generating component (42) are mounted on the printed circuit board (45). The electrical component box (50) accommodates the printed circuit board (45). The heat pipe (61) cools the first heat-generating component (41) and the second heat-generating component (42). The first block (71) is a metal block to which the cooling pipe (26) is fixed. The second block (72) is a metal block to which the heat pipe (61) is fixed and which includes a first portion (721) disposed inside of the electrical component box (50) and a second portion (722) disposed outside of the electrical component box (50). The first block (71) and the second portion (722) of the second block (72) are in thermal contact and perform heat exchange with each other.

Description

Refrigeration cycle equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle device using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0002] In refrigeration cycle devices, a combination of a heat pipe for cooling the heat-generating component mounted on a printed circuit board and a cooling pipe for cooling the heat pipe is widely used. For example, in the refrigeration cycle device described in Patent Document 1 (JP 2023-088377 A), a heat pipe and a cooling pipe are incorporated into a single metal block, and heat exchange occurs between the heat pipe and the cooling pipe.

[0003] However, in the above configuration, since one of the heat pipe and the cooling pipe is fixed to the metal block after the other is fixed, unnecessary stress acts on the heat pipe and the cooling pipe during assembly, which can cause damage.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide a structure that does not apply unnecessary stress when fixing the heat pipe and the cooling pipe.

[0005] A refrigeration cycle device of a first aspect is a refrigeration cycle device that performs cooling operation or heating operation using a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, and includes a cooling pipe, a printed circuit board, an electrical component box, a heat pipe, a first block, and a second block. A refrigerant flows through the cooling pipe. Heat-generating components are mounted on the printed circuit board. The electrical component box houses the printed circuit board. The heat pipe cools the heat-generating components. The first block is a metal block to which the cooling pipe is fixed. The second block is a metal block to which the heat pipe is fixed, and has a first portion disposed inside the electrical component box and a second portion disposed outside the electrical component box. The first block and the second portion of the second block are in thermal contact and exchange heat with each other.

[0006] In this refrigeration cycle device, the second block to which the heat pipe is fixed extends from the inside to the outside of the electrical equipment box, so that after assembling the electrical equipment box, the first block can be attached to the second part of the second block extending outside the electrical equipment box, making the installation work easy and suppressing unnecessary stress on the cooling pipe and heat pipe.

[0007] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a second aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a heat dissipation member interposed between the first block and the second block.

[0008] In this refrigeration cycle device, the heat dissipation member fills the space created by the minute irregularities between the first block and the second block, thereby promoting heat transfer.

[0009] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a third aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a fixing means for fixing the first block and the second block together.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the fastening means is fastening by screws. The screws fasten a region of the first block excluding the cooling pipes to a region of the second block excluding the heat pipes.

[0011] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the screws secure the first block and the second block together with their central portions in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal directions overlapping one another.

[0012] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the third aspect, further comprising an assembly member that holds the first block and the second block in an overlapping state. The fixing means fixes the first block, the second block, and the assembly member.

[0013] In this refrigeration cycle apparatus, the assembly member functions as a positioning member before the first block and the second block are fixed together, thereby improving workability.

[0014] A refrigeration cycle device of a seventh aspect is the refrigeration cycle device of the sixth aspect, in which the fixing means fixes the first block and the second block by fixing the first block and the assembly member or by fixing the second block and the assembly member in an area where the first block and the second block do not overlap.

[0015] The refrigeration cycle device of an eighth aspect is the refrigeration cycle device of the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the fixing means fixes the first block and the second block by fixing the first block and the assembly member together or by fixing the second block and the assembly member together at a step portion formed by the first block and the second block overlapping each other.

[0016] In this refrigeration cycle apparatus, the assembly member functions as a positioning member before the first block and the second block are fixed together, thereby improving workability.

[0017] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration cycle apparatus of any one of the sixth aspect to the eighth aspect, wherein the fixing means is fastening by screws.

[0018] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a tenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the cooling pipe is inserted into a hole or a groove formed in the first block.

[0019] In this refrigeration cycle apparatus, the cooling pipe is inserted into the hole or groove in the first block, thereby increasing the contact area between the cooling pipe and the first block.

[0020] The refrigeration cycle apparatus of an eleventh aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the tenth aspect, wherein the cooling pipe is fixed to the first block by caulking.

[0021] In this refrigeration cycle device, the cooling pipe is inserted into the hole or groove in the first block and crimped, thereby bringing the cooling pipe and the first block into close contact with each other, thereby increasing thermal conductivity.

[0022] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a twelfth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the heat pipe is inserted into a hole or a groove formed in the second block.

[0023] In this refrigeration cycle apparatus, the heat pipe is inserted into the hole or groove in the second block, thereby increasing the contact area between the heat pipe and the second block.

[0024] A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect is the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the heat pipe is fixed to the second block by caulking.

[0025] In this refrigeration cycle device, the heat pipe is inserted into the hole or groove in the second block and crimped, thereby bringing the heat pipe and the second block into close contact with each other and increasing thermal conductivity.

[0026] 5 is a perspective view of the exterior of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration cycle device; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the interior of an electrical component box; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between a first heat-generating component and a second heat-generating component and a cooling unit; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cooling unit with assembly members removed; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first block to which a cooling pipe is fixed, viewed from a second surface side; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the second block cut along a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the heat pipe of FIG. 5; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the cooling unit viewed from the first block side; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixing structure between the first block and the second block according to a first modified example; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixing structure between the first block and the second block according to a second modified example; FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixing structure between the first block and the second block according to a third modified example; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixing structure between the first block and the second block according to a fourth modified example; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixing structure between the first block and the second block according to a fifth modified example; FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the first block and the second block when the first block is fitted with the second block of FIG. 8 through a refrigerant pipe passed through a through hole. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first block and the second block when the second block having a heat pipe fitted in a groove and tightly attached thereto is combined with the first block of Fig. 8. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the first block and the second block when the first block of Fig. 14 is combined with the second block of Fig. 15.

[0027] (1) Configuration of Refrigeration Cycle Apparatus 1 Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the top panel removed to show the interior. Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of a refrigerant circuit 5 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1. In Figs. 1 and 2, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 has a casing 100. The casing 100 forms the outer shell of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1.

[0028] The casing 100 is formed in a box shape and houses the refrigerant circuit 5 and the electrical component box 50. The refrigerant circuit 5 is connected so that, during heating operation, the refrigerant circulates through the compressor 21, the user-side heat exchanger 11, the bridge circuit 24, the economizer heat exchanger 25, the liquid-gas heat exchanger 27, the pressure reducing valve 28, the bridge circuit 24, and the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 in this order.

[0029] The refrigerant circuit 5 further includes an injection circuit 29. The electrical component box 50 accommodates electrical components that constitute the control unit 40 therein.

[0030] The refrigeration cycle device 1 circulates a refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit 5 to transfer thermal energy between the heat source side heat exchanger 23 and the user side heat exchanger 11. The refrigerant is preferably a hydrocarbon such as R290, which has low ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential.

[0031] A partition member 131 extending in the front-rear direction is disposed inside the casing 100. The partition member 131 divides the inside of the casing 100 into a machine chamber 132 and a blower chamber 133.

[0032] The machinery room 132 is arranged with the following elements that make up the refrigerant circuit 5: the compressor 21, the user side heat exchanger 11, the bridge circuit 24, the economizer heat exchanger 25, the liquid-gas heat exchanger 27, the pressure reducing valve 28, and the injection circuit 29.

[0033] The blower chamber 133 accommodates the heat source-side heat exchanger 23, a fan 33 that blows air to the heat source-side heat exchanger 23, and an electrical component box 50, all of which are components of the refrigerant circuit 5. Although the electrical component box 50 in Fig. 1 is covered with a lid, it does not necessarily have to be covered with a lid.

[0034] Intake ports 100a communicating with the blower chamber 133 are formed in the rear and left side walls of the casing 100. When the fan 33 is driven, outside air is drawn into the blower chamber 133 through the intake ports 100a. When the fan 33 is driven, air is blown out of the blower chamber 133 through the outlet ports 100b.

[0035] (2) Detailed Configuration of the Refrigerant Circuit 5 (2-1) Compressor 21 The compressor 21 has a suction port 21 a, an injection port 21 b, and a discharge port 21 c. The refrigerant flows into the compressor 21 through the suction port 21 a, is compressed to a high temperature and high pressure, and flows out from the discharge port 21 c.

[0036] The refrigerant can also flow into the compressor 21 through an inlet 21b located midway through the compression process.

[0037] (2-2) Four-way switching valve 22 During cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 22 connects the discharge port 21c of the compressor 21 to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23, and connects the suction port 21a of the compressor 21 to the user-side heat exchanger 11. During heating operation, the four-way switching valve 22 connects the discharge port 21c of the compressor 21 to the user-side heat exchanger 11, and connects the suction port 21a of the compressor 21 to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23.

[0038] The four-way switching valve 22 reverses the flow of the refrigerant, causing the utilization-side heat exchanger 11 to function as an evaporator and the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 to function as a radiator during cooling operation, and causing the utilization-side heat exchanger 11 to function as a radiator and the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 to function as an evaporator during heating operation.

[0039] (2-3) Heat Source Side Heat Exchanger 23 The heat source side heat exchanger 23 is an air heat exchanger. The heat source side heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outside air sent from the fan 33. As the heat source side heat exchanger 23, a heat exchanger suitable for the application, such as a fin and tube heat exchanger or a microchannel heat exchanger, is used.

[0040] (2-4) Bridge Circuit 24 The bridge circuit 24 has four check valves 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d connected in a bridge configuration. A first connection point S1 between the check valve 24a and the check valve 24b is connected to the user-side heat exchanger 11. A second connection point S2 between the check valve 24a and the check valve 24c is connected to the economizer heat exchanger 25. A third connection point S3 between the check valve 24c and the check valve 24d is connected to the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23. A fourth connection point S4 between the check valve 24b and the check valve 24d is connected to the pressure-reducing valve 28.

[0041] (2-5) Economizer Heat Exchanger 25 The economizer heat exchanger 25 is configured to exchange heat between the high-temperature liquid refrigerant and the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flowing out from the injection valve 30. This causes the liquid refrigerant to be subcooled.

[0042] A solenoid valve 31 is connected between the suction port 21 a of the compressor 21 and the injection circuit 29 .

[0043] (2-6) Liquid-Gas Heat Exchanger 27 The liquid-gas heat exchanger 27 exchanges heat between the high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant flowing toward the suction port 21 a of the compressor 21 .

[0044] (2-7) Pressure Reducing Valve 28 The pressure reducing valve 28 is an electric expansion valve. The liquid refrigerant flowing through the pressure reducing valve 28 expands into a gas-liquid mixed refrigerant, thereby reducing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. The pressure reducing valve 28 controls the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through it by adjusting the valve opening.

[0045] (2-8) Injection Circuit 29 The injection circuit 29 is a circuit that supplies intermediate-pressure refrigerant to the inlet 21b of the compressor 21 using, for example, an injection valve 30. The injection valve 30 may be an on / off valve such as a solenoid valve or a flow control valve such as an electric expansion valve. In this embodiment, the injection valve 30 is an electric expansion valve.

[0046] (2-9) Accumulator 32 The accumulator 32 is connected between the four-way switching valve 22 and the suction port 21a of the compressor 21. The accumulator 32 recovers the liquid refrigerant that was not gasified in the evaporator, and prevents the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the suction port 21a of the compressor 21.

[0047] (2-10) User-Side Heat Exchanger 11 The user-side heat exchanger 11 is a water heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the user-side heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the water of the domestic hot water supply device. As the user-side heat exchanger 11, a heat exchanger suitable for the application, such as a plate heat exchanger, is used.

[0048] (2-11) Control Unit 40 The control unit 40 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 21, monitors the discharge temperature of the compressor 21, controls the switching of the four-way switching valve 22, controls the opening degree of the pressure reducing valve 28, controls the operation of the injection valve 30, and controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 31.

[0049] The control unit 40 is configured by a printed circuit board 45 on which electrical components such as a microprocessor, memory, etc. are mounted. The control unit 40 is housed in an electrical component box 50.

[0050] (3) Operation of the Refrigeration Cycle Apparatus 1 Here, a description will be given of the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 during heating operation. The dashed arrows in Fig. 2 indicate the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 5 during heating operation.

[0051] During heating operation, the control unit 40 switches the flow path of the four-way switching valve 22 as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 2 , and circulates the refrigerant through the compressor 21, the user-side heat exchanger 11, the bridge circuit 24, the economizer heat exchanger 25, the liquid-gas heat exchanger 27, the pressure reducing valve 28, the bridge circuit 24, and the heat-source-side heat exchanger 23 in this order.

[0052] The refrigerant compressed to a high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 21 becomes a high-temperature gas refrigerant, flows out from the discharge port 21c, and flows into the user-side heat exchanger 11. In the user-side heat exchanger 11, the high-temperature gas refrigerant heats the water in the domestic hot water supply machine, and the refrigerant is liquefied.

[0053] The control unit 40 monitors the temperature of the refrigerant coming out of the discharge port 21c of the compressor 21 via a temperature sensor 46, and when the temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 40 opens the injection valve 30.

[0054] The liquid refrigerant flowing out from the user-side heat exchanger 11 flows toward the economizer heat exchanger 25 via the first connection point S1, the check valve 24a, and the second connection point S2 of the bridge circuit 24, and a portion of the liquid refrigerant flows into the first flow path 25a of the economizer heat exchanger 25. The remainder flows into the injection circuit 29.

[0055] The refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 25 a exchanges heat with the refrigerant decompressed by the injection valve 30 of the injection circuit 29 , is subcooled, and flows through the cooling pipe 26 into the liquid refrigerant flow path 27 a of the liquid-gas heat exchanger 27 .

[0056] The refrigerant decompressed by the injection valve 30 becomes a low-temperature gas-liquid mixed refrigerant and exchanges heat with the high-temperature liquid refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 25a of the economizer heat exchanger 25. As a result, the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant is heated to become a nearly saturated gas refrigerant, which flows into the inlet 21b of the compressor 21. The inlet 21b of the compressor 21 is located midway through the compression stage of the compressor 21. Therefore, the gas refrigerant flowing in through the inlet 21b enters a section where the refrigerant from the suction port 21a has already been partially compressed.

[0057] The refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant flow path 27a of the liquid-gas heat exchanger 27 flows toward the pressure reducing valve 28. The refrigerant that flows into the pressure reducing valve 28 expands in the pressure reducing valve 28 to become a low-temperature gas-liquid mixed refrigerant. This gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flows through the fourth connection point S4, check valve 24d, and third connection point S3 of the bridge circuit 24 into the heat source side heat exchanger 23, and evaporates in the heat source side heat exchanger 23.

[0058] The refrigerant flowing out from the heat source side heat exchanger 23 flows through the gas refrigerant flow path 27b of the liquid-gas heat exchanger 27 toward the accumulator 32. The refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 32 has excess liquid components recovered in the accumulator 32.

[0059] In the liquid-gas heat exchanger 27, heat is exchanged between the liquid refrigerant flowing toward the pressure reducing valve 28 and the gas refrigerant flowing out from the heat source side heat exchanger 23, so that the refrigerant flowing toward the pressure reducing valve 28 is supercooled.

[0060] The gas refrigerant that flows out of the accumulator 32 returns to the suction port 21a of the compressor 21. Thereafter, the gas refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 21 to a high temperature and high pressure.

[0061] (4) Interior of Electrical Component Box 50 Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the interior of electrical component box 50, with the top cover removed so that the interior can be seen. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between first heat-generating component 41, second heat-generating component 42, and cooling unit 60.

[0062] 3 and 4, the electrical equipment box 50 houses a printed circuit board 45 on which the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 are mounted, and a portion of a cooling unit 60 that cools the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42.

[0063] (4-1) Printed Circuit Board 45 In addition to the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42, other electrical components such as a capacitor are mounted on the printed circuit board 45.

[0064] (4-1-1) First Heat-Generating Component 41 In this embodiment, the first heat-generating component 41 is an inverter module that controls the operating frequency of the compressor 21.

[0065] (4-1-2) Second Heat-Generating Component 42 The second heat-generating component 42 is an inverter module that controls the operating frequency of the fan 33. The first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 generate heat during operation. The amount of heat generated by the first heat-generating component 41 is greater than that of the second heat-generating component 42.

[0066] In order for the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 to operate normally, the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 need to be cooled so that their temperatures do not exceed an operable temperature (e.g., 90°C). Therefore, the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 are cooled by the cooling unit 60.

[0067] (4-2) Cooling Unit 60 As shown in FIG. 4, the cooling unit 60 includes a heat pipe 61, a first block 71, a second block 72, a third block 73, a cooling pipe 26, and assembly members 76 and 77 that fix the first block 71 and the second block 72 together.

[0068] 5 is a perspective view of the cooling unit 60 with the assembly members 76 and 77 removed. However, in order to visualize the heat pipes 61, only the outer periphery of the second block 72 is drawn with a two-dot chain line.

[0069] 5, a working fluid is sealed in the heat pipe 61. For example, water, lithium, naphthalene, methanol, ammonia, etc. are used as the working fluid. In this embodiment, water is used as the working fluid.

[0070] The heat pipe 61 extends from the inside to the outside of the electrical component box 50 while being entirely covered by a metal second block 72. Hereinafter, the portion of the second block 72 that is disposed inside the electrical component box 50 will be referred to as a first portion 721, and the portion that is disposed outside the electrical component box 50 will be referred to as a second portion 722.

[0071] (4-2-2) First Block 71 The first block 71 is a metal block, and in this embodiment is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, the first block 71 may also be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper.

[0072] The first block 71 has a first surface 711 that contacts the second portion 722 of the second block 72, and a second surface 712 (see FIG. 6 ) that faces the first surface 711. The cooling pipe 26 is attached to the second surface 712 side of the first block 71.

[0073] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first block 71 to which the cooling pipes 26 are fixed, viewed from the second surface 712 side. In Figure 6, the second surface 712 has a concave surface 712a that is recessed in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the concave surface 712a has a plurality of grooves 712b formed in the longitudinal direction. The cooling pipes 26 are fixed in the grooves 712b. After the cooling pipes 26 are fitted into the grooves 712b, they are pressed toward the grooves 712b with a predetermined force and flattened. This processing method is called crimping. The crimping brings the cooling pipes 26 into tight contact with the grooves 712b.

[0074] (4-2-3) Cooling Pipe 26 As shown in FIG. 2, the cooling pipe 26 carries refrigerant that has been supercooled by heat exchange with refrigerant whose pressure has been reduced by the injection valve 30 in the economizer heat exchanger 25 of the refrigerant circuit 5 .

[0075] The cooling pipe 26 branches into two branch pipes 26a and 26b along the way, extending toward one longitudinal end of the first block 71, then turning back toward the other end and joining again. The two branch pipes 26a and 26b are in close contact with the first block 71, increasing the heat exchange area between the first block 71 and the refrigerant, improving cooling efficiency. As a result, the first block 71 and the second portion 722 of the second block 72 are cooled.

[0076] 4 and 5, the second block 72 is a metal block, and in this embodiment is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, the second block 72 may also be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper.

[0077] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second block 72 cut along a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the heat pipe 61 in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, the second block 72 is provided with four bottomed holes 72a extending from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction.

[0078] The four holes 72a are aligned in the width direction of the second block 72, with the two central holes 72a being deeper than the two holes 72a at either end. After a heat pipe 61 of a length corresponding to the depth of the hole 72a is inserted into the hole 72a, the area excluding the opening of the hole 72a is pressed with a predetermined force in the thickness direction to flatten it. This processing method is called crimping. This crimping tightly attaches the heat pipe 61 to the hole 72a. The opening of the hole 72a is closed with a plug 72b. The plug 72b is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0079] 4 is a metal block, and in this embodiment is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, the third block 73 may also be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as copper.

[0080] One of the two flat surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction of the third block 73 is in close contact with the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42 , and the other is in close contact with the first portion 721 of the second block 72 .

[0081] In this embodiment, the third block 73 and the second block 72 are separate bodies, but they may be molded integrally.

[0082] (4-2-6) Heat Dissipation Member 74 A heat dissipation member 74 (see FIG. 8) is interposed between the first block 71 and the second block 72. The heat dissipation member 74 fills the space created by the minute irregularities between the first block 71 and the second block 72 to promote heat transfer. The heat dissipation member 74 is made of a heat dissipation sheet, heat dissipation grease, or silicone compound. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation member 74 is a heat dissipation sheet.

[0083] (4-2-7) Assembly Members 76 and 77 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are stacked so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to each other, and are positioned by assembly members 76 and 77.

[0084] The assembly member 76 covers the first block 71. The assembly member 77 covers the second portion 722 of the second block 72. The assembly member 76 and the assembly member 77 are fixed together by a fixing member 75. In this embodiment, the fixing member 75 includes a tapping screw 751 or a short tapping screw 752 (see FIGS. 12 and 13 ). However, the fixing member 75 may be something other than a screw, such as a cable tie.

[0085] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the cooling unit 60 viewed from the side of the first block 71. In Fig. 8, the width dimension of the first block 71 is larger than the width dimension of the second block 72. Therefore, when the first block 71 and the second block 72 are stacked so that their respective widthwise centers are aligned, step portions 711a, which are portions that do not overlap with the second block 72, are generated on both widthwise sides of the first surface 711 of the first block 71.

[0086] The first block 71 is provided with a through-hole 71 c that penetrates from the step portion 711 a toward the second surface 712 .

[0087] 8, the assembly member 76 is a concave member that covers the second surface 712 and both side surfaces of the first block 71. The assembly member 76 has a pilot hole 76c formed in a position corresponding to the through hole 71c of the first block 71. The diameter of the pilot hole 76c is large enough to receive the effective thread portion of the tapping screw 751.

[0088] 8 , the assembly member 77 has a cap portion 77a that covers the top surface and both side surfaces of the second block 72, and a flange portion 77b that covers the step portion 711a of the first block 71. The flange portion 77b has a through hole 77c formed in a position corresponding to the through hole 71c of the first block 71. The diameter of the through hole 77c is larger than the maximum diameter of the effective thread portion of the tapping screw 751.

[0089] The tapping screw 751 passes through the through-hole 77c of the assembly member 77 and the through-hole 71c of the first block 71, and engages with the pilot hole 76c of the assembly member 76, and is fixed by self-tapping. As a result, the assembly members 76 and 77 are fastened together by the tapping screw 751, sandwiching the first block 71 and the second block 72 therebetween.

[0090] (5) Operation of cooling unit 60 Here, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the third block 73 that is in close contact with the first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42, the first portion 721 of the second block 72 that is in close contact with the third block 73, and the evaporation region 611 of the heat pipe 61 that is in close contact with the first portion 721 are collectively referred to as the evaporation section 62.

[0091] In addition, the cooling pipe 26, the first block 71 that is in close contact with the cooling pipe 26, the second portion 722 of the second block 72 that is in close contact with the first block 71, and the condensation region 612 of the heat pipe 61 that is in close contact with the second portion 722 are collectively referred to as the condensation section 63.

[0092] (5-1) Operation in Evaporation Section 62 The first heat-generating component 41 and the second heat-generating component 42, which generate heat and reach high temperatures during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, exchange heat with the working fluid in the evaporation region 611 of the heat pipe 61 via the third block 73 and the first portion 721 of the second block 72, causing the working fluid to evaporate. Therefore, the evaporated working fluid flows toward the condensation region 612 within the heat pipe 61.

[0093] (5-2) Operation in the Condenser 63 In the condenser 63, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the cooling pipe 26 in close contact with the first block 71 and the working fluid in the condensation region 612 of the heat pipe 61, and the working fluid is condensed. The condensed working fluid flows toward the evaporation region 611 within the heat pipe 61.

[0094] (6) Modified Examples As described above in the section "(4-2-7) Assembly Members 76, 77," in this embodiment, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are fixed by the assembly members 76, 77 and the tapping screws 751. However, the fixing structure of the first block 71 and the second block 72 is not limited to the fixing structure of the above embodiment. Other fixing structures will be described below as modified examples.

[0095] (6-1) First Modified Example Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure of the first block 71 and the second block 72 according to the first modified example, taken at the longitudinal center of the first block 71 of the cooling unit 60, cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0096] 9, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are stacked together so that their widthwise centers are parallel to the longitudinal direction. The assembly member 87 has a cap portion 87a and a flange portion 87b.

[0097] The cap portion 87 a covers the top surface of the second block 72 that does not overlap with the first block 71 and the side surfaces at both ends in the width direction.

[0098] The flange portion 87 b covers the surface of the first surface 711 of the first block 71 that does not overlap with the second block 72 .

[0099] Furthermore, a through-hole 87c is provided in the center of the cap portion 87a in the width direction for passing through the tapping screw 751. A plurality of through-holes 87c may be provided lined up in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in front view of FIG.

[0100] The second block 72 is also provided with a through-hole 72c at a position corresponding to the through-hole 87c, through which a tapping screw 751 is passed.

[0101] The first block 71 is provided with a pilot hole 71d at a position corresponding to the through hole 72c of the second block 72, into which a tapping screw 751 is inserted.

[0102] The tapping screw 751 that passes through the through hole 87c and the through hole 72c engages with the pilot hole 71d and self-tap to tighten the first block 71 to the assembly member 87. As a result, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are tightly attached to each other with the heat dissipation member 74 sandwiched therebetween.

[0103] In the first modified example, the assembly member 87, the first block 71, and the second block 72 are fixed in a state where their central portions in the direction perpendicular to their longitudinal directions (width direction) are stacked one on top of the other, but the areas other than the central portions, excluding the cooling pipe 26 of the first block 71 and the areas other than the heat pipe 61 of the second block 72, may also be fastened with tapping screws 751.

[0104] (6-2) Second Modified Example Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure of the first block 71 and the second block 72 relating to the second modified example, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the longitudinal center of the first block 71 of the cooling unit 60, cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0105] 10, the second modified example is the first modified example of FIG. 9 without the assembly member 87, and has a structure in which the first block 71 and the second block 72 are directly fastened together by a tapping screw 751. Compared to the first modified example, the absence of the assembly member 87 reduces material costs.

[0106] (6-3) Third Modification Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure of the first block 71 and the second block 72 in the third modification, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the longitudinal center of the first block 71 of the cooling unit 60, cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0107] 11, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are stacked so that their widthwise centers are parallel to the longitudinal direction. The assembly member 97 has a cap portion 97a, a flange portion 97b, and a claw portion 97d.

[0108] The cap portion 97 a covers the top surface of the second block 72 that does not overlap with the first block 71 and the side surfaces at both ends in the width direction.

[0109] The flange portion 97 b covers the surface of the first surface 711 of the first block 71 that does not overlap with the second block 72 .

[0110] The claws 97d extend from the flange 97b in the thickness direction of the first block 71 and engage with both ends of the second surface 712 of the first block 71. Compared to the first modified example, there is no tapping screw 751, which reduces material costs.

[0111] (6-4) Fourth Modification Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure of the first block 71 and the second block 72 relating to the fourth modification, and is a cross-sectional view when the longitudinal center of the first block 71 of the cooling unit 60 is cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0112] 12, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are stacked so that their widthwise centers are parallel to the longitudinal direction. The assembly member 86 is formed to fit the contours of the stacked first block 71 and second block 72.

[0113] The assembly member 86 has a first flange portion 86a, a second flange portion 86b, and a through hole 86c.

[0114] The first flange portion 86 a is disposed along the first surface 711 of the first block 71 that does not overlap with the second block 72 .

[0115] The second flange portion 86b covers both widthwise ends of the top surface of the second block 72 that does not overlap with the first block 71. The through-holes 86c are holes provided in the second flange portion 86b for passing tapping short screws 752 through.

[0116] The second block 72 has a pilot hole 72d at a position corresponding to the through hole 86c, into which a short tapping screw 752 is inserted.

[0117] The tapping short screws 752 that pass through the through holes 86c engage with the pilot holes 72d and self-tap to fasten the second block 72 to the assembly member 86. As a result, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are tightly attached to each other with the heat dissipation member 74 sandwiched therebetween.

[0118] (6-5) Fifth Modification Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure of the first block 71 and the second block 72 relating to the fifth modification, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the longitudinal center of the first block 71 of the cooling unit 60, cut perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0119] 13, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are stacked so that their widthwise centers are parallel to the longitudinal direction. The assembly member 96 is formed to fit the contours of the stacked first block 71 and second block 72.

[0120] The assembly member 96 has a flange portion 96 a, a fixing portion 96 b, and a through hole 96 c. The flange portion 96 a is disposed along a portion of the first surface 711 of the first block 71 that does not overlap with the second block 72.

[0121] The fixing portion 96b is a wall that extends from the flange portion 96a along the side surface of the second block 72. The through-hole 96c is a hole that is provided in the fixing portion 96b and through which the tapping short screw 752 is passed.

[0122] The second block 72 has a pilot hole 72e at a position corresponding to the through hole 96c, into which a short tapping screw 752 is inserted.

[0123] The tapping short screws 752 that pass through the through holes 96c engage with the pilot holes 72e and self-tap to fasten the second block 72 to the assembly member 96. As a result, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are tightly attached to each other with the heat dissipation member 74 sandwiched therebetween.

[0124] (7) Features (7-1) In the refrigeration cycle device 1, the second block 72 to which the heat pipe 61 is fixed extends from the inside to the outside of the electrical equipment box 50. Therefore, after assembling the electrical equipment box 50, the first block 71 can be attached to the second portion 722 of the second block 72 extending outside the electrical equipment box. This simplifies the attachment work and suppresses unnecessary stress on the cooling pipe 26 and the heat pipe 61.

[0125] (7-2) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the heat dissipation member 74 fills the space created by the minute irregularities between the first block 71 and the second block 72, thereby promoting heat transfer.

[0126] (7-3) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the first block 71 and the second block 72 are fixed together by the tapping screws 751.

[0127] (7-4) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the tapping screws 751 fasten the first block 71 in a region other than the cooling pipes 26 to the second block 72 in a region other than the heat pipes 61.

[0128] (7-5) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the tapping screws 751 secure the first block 71 and the second block 72 together in a state where their central portions in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal directions are stacked one on top of the other.

[0129] (7-6) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the assembly members 76 and 77 function as positioning members before the first block 71 and the second block 72 are fixed together with the tapping screws 751. This improves workability.

[0130] (7-7) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the assembly member 77 is fixed to the first block 71 by the tapping screw 751 in the area where the first block 71 and the second block 72 do not overlap.

[0131] However, the assembly members 86 and 96 may be fixed to the second block 72 by short tapping screws 752 in the area where the first block 71 and the second block 72 do not overlap.

[0132] (7-8) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the assembly member 77 is fixed to the first block 71 by the tapping screw 751 at the step portion 711a formed when the first block 71 and the second block 72 overlap each other.

[0133] However, the assembly member 96 may be fixed to the second block 72 by a short tapping screw 752 at a step portion 721a formed when the first block 71 and the second block 72 overlap each other.

[0134] In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the assembly member 77 or the assembly member 96 functions as a positioning member before the first block 71 and the second block 72 are fixed together, thereby improving workability.

[0135] (7-9) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the cooling pipe 26 is inserted into the groove 712b formed in the first block 71, so the contact area between the cooling pipe 26 and the first block 71 is enlarged.

[0136] (7-10) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the cooling pipe 26 is inserted into the groove 712b of the first block 71 and crimped, so that the cooling pipe 26 and the first block 71 are in close contact with each other, thereby increasing thermal conductivity.

[0137] (7-11) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the heat pipe 61 is inserted into the hole 72a of the second block 72, so that the contact area between the heat pipe 61 and the second block 72 is enlarged.

[0138] (7-12) In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1, the heat pipe 61 is inserted into the hole 72a of the second block 72 and crimped, so that the heat pipe 61 and the second block 72 are in close contact with each other, thereby increasing thermal conductivity.

[0139] (8) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment and the first to fifth variants, the cooling pipe 26 is in close contact with the groove 712b of the first block 71, and the heat pipe 61 is in close contact with the hole 72a of the second block 72, but this is not limited to this.

[0140] For example, a through hole may be provided in the first block, and a refrigerant pipe may be inserted through the through hole and tightly fitted to the first block. Alternatively, a groove may be provided in the second block, and a heat pipe may be fitted to the groove. The following describes the configuration of the first block or the second block with reference to the drawings.

[0141] (8-1) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the first block 71X and the second block 72 when the first block 71X, in which the cooling pipe 26 is passed through the through hole 712c and brought into close contact with the second block 72 of FIG. 8, is combined with the first block 71X.

[0142] 14, the first block 71X has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided with four through holes 712c aligned in the width direction. The cooling pipes 26 are inserted into the four through holes 712c, and are caulked to tightly contact the through holes 712c of the first block 71X.

[0143] In this configuration, the weight of the first block 71X increases, but the machining of the concave surface and groove as shown in FIG. 6 becomes unnecessary.

[0144] The combination of the first block 71X and the second block 72 is the combination that increases the weight the most, but is easy to process.

[0145] (8-2) FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first block 71 and the second block 72X when the second block 72X, in which the heat pipe 61 is fitted into the groove 722b and tightly attached, is combined with the first block 71 of FIG. 8.

[0146] 15, the second block 72X has a concave surface 722a recessed in the thickness direction on an opposing surface 723 on the side that does not contact the first surface 711 of the first block 71. The concave surface 722a also has a plurality of grooves 722b formed in the longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). The heat pipes 61 are fitted into the grooves 722b and are caulked to tightly contact the grooves 722b.

[0147] In this embodiment, although it is necessary to machine the concave surface 722a and the groove 722b in the second block 72X, the weight of the second block 72X is reduced.

[0148] The combination of the first block 71 and the second block 72X is the combination that reduces the weight the most.

[0149] (8-3) FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the first block 71X of FIG. 14 and the second block 72X of FIG. 15 when they are combined.

[0150] 16, the weight of the first block 71X increases, but the machining of the concave surface and groove as shown in Fig. 6 is not necessary. On the other hand, the weight of the second block 72X is reduced, but the machining of the concave surface 722a and the groove 722b is necessary.

[0151] The combination of the first block 71X and the second block 72X is similar to the combination of the first block 71 and the second block 72 of the embodiment in terms of weight and processing.

[0152] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0153] REFRIGERATION CYCLE DEVICE 26 Cooling pipe 41 First heat-generating component 42 Second heat-generating component 45 Printed circuit board 50 Electrical component box 71 First block 71X First block 712b Groove 72 Second block 72X Second block 72a Hole 721 First portion 722 Second portion 74 Heat dissipation member 75 Fixing member (fixing means) 751 Tapping screw (fixing means) 752 Tapping short screw (fixing means) 76 Assembly member 77 Assembly member 86 Assembly member 87 Assembly member 96 Assembly member 97 Assembly member

[0154] JP 2023-088377 A

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device that performs cooling or heating operation using a refrigeration cycle, comprising: a cooling pipe (26) through which a refrigerant flows; a printed circuit board (45) on which heat-generating components (41, 42) are mounted; an electrical equipment box (50) that houses the printed circuit board (45); a heat pipe (61) that cools the heat-generating components (41, 42); a metal first block (71) to which the cooling pipe (26) is fixed; and a metal second block (72) to which the heat pipe (61) is fixed, the second block (72) having a first portion (721) disposed inside the electrical equipment box (50) and a second portion (722) disposed outside the electrical equipment box (50), wherein the first block (71) and the second portion (722) of the second block (72) are in thermal contact with each other and exchange heat with each other.

2. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a heat dissipation member (74) interposed between the first block (71) and the second block (72).

3. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising fixing means (75) for fixing the first block (71) and the second block (72).

4. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the fixing means (75) is fastened by a screw (751), and the screw (751) fastens a region of the first block (71) excluding the cooling pipe (26) to a region of the second block (72) excluding the heat pipe (61).

5. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the screws (751) secure the first block (71) and the second block (72) in a state where their central portions in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal directions are stacked one above the other.

6. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 3, further comprising assembly members (77, 86, 87, 96) that hold the first block (71) and the second block (72) in a stacked state, and the fixing means (75) fixes the first block (71), the second block (72), and the assembly members (77, 86, 87, 96).

7. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the fixing means (75) fixes the first block (71) and the second block (72) by fixing the first block (71) and the assembly member (77) or by fixing the second block (72) and the assembly member (86, 96) in an area where the first block (71) and the second block (72) do not overlap.

8. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the fixing means (75) fixes the first block (71) and the second block (72) by fixing the first block (71) and the assembly member (77) or by fixing the second block (72) and the assembly member (96) at a step portion (711a, 721a) formed by overlapping the first block (71) and the second block (72).

9. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the fixing means (75) is fastened by screws (751, 752).

10. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cooling pipe (26) is inserted into a hole or groove formed in the first block (71).

11. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 10, wherein the cooling pipe (26) is fixed to the first block (71) by caulking.

12. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the heat pipe (61) is inserted into a hole or groove formed in the second block (72).

13. The refrigeration cycle device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the heat pipe (61) is fixed to the second block (72) by caulking.

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