Refrigerant channel unit, refrigeration device, and production method for refrigerant channel unit

Abstract

A refrigerant channel unit (40) comprises: a channel part (32) that is made of resin and has refrigerant channels (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A) through which refrigerant is to flow; and a casing (33) that is made of metal and accommodates the channel part (32). The channel part (32) includes a first channel member (32A) that includes a portion of the refrigerant channels (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A), a second channel member (32B) that includes another portion of the refrigerant channels (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A), and a joining part (32D) that joins the first channel member (32A) and the second channel member (32B).

Description

Refrigerant Flow Path Unit, Refrigeration Device, and Method for Manufacturing Refrigerant Flow Path Unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant flow path unit, a refrigeration device, and a method for manufacturing a refrigerant flow path unit.

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a flow rate adjustment valve that adjusts the fluid flow rate by rotating a cylindrical valve body housed in a valve case. Both the valve case and the valve body in this flow rate adjustment valve are formed of resin.

[0003] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-23567

[0004] Since the flow rate adjustment valve described in Patent Document 1 has a valve case and a valve body made of resin, it can be formed by die molding or the like, and the productivity and workability can be improved. However, using the flow rate adjustment valve described in Patent Document 1 for flowing a refrigerant that is pressurized by a compressor, such as in an air conditioner, is disadvantageous in terms of pressure resistance.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerant flow path unit, a refrigeration device, and a method for manufacturing a refrigerant flow path unit that can enhance pressure resistance.

[0006] (1) The refrigerant flow path unit of the present disclosure includes a resin-made flow path portion in which a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant flows is formed, and a metal-made casing that houses the flow path portion. The flow path portion includes a first flow path member having a part of the refrigerant flow path, a second flow path member having another part of the refrigerant flow path and forming the refrigerant flow path together with the first flow path member, and a joining portion that joins the first flow path member and the second flow path member.

[0007] According to the above configuration, since the resin-made flow path portion in which the refrigerant flow path is formed is housed in the metal-made casing, even if high-pressure refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path and high pressure is applied to the flow path portion, the pressure resistance of the flow path portion can be enhanced by the casing. Since the flow path portion includes a first flow path member having a part of the refrigerant flow path, a second flow path member having another part of the refrigerant flow path, and a joining portion that joins the first and second flow path members, at the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit, by separating the first and second flow path members, it is possible to easily incorporate functional components such as valves and filters into the refrigerant flow path.

[0008] (2) In the refrigerant flow path unit of (1) above, the first flow path member has a portion in the circumferential direction of the cross-section of the refrigerant flow path, and the second flow path member has the other portion in the circumferential direction of the cross-section of the refrigerant flow path.

[0009] This configuration allows for the opening of a portion of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow path by separating the first and second flow path members, making it easier to incorporate functional components such as valves and filters into the refrigerant flow path. Furthermore, when attempting to mold a cylindrical refrigerant flow path using mold molding, the shape of the refrigerant flow path is restricted in order to enable demolding from the refrigerant flow path. However, the flow path section of this disclosure allows for the molding of a first flow path member and a second flow path member, each with a portion of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow path open. This facilitates demolding from the refrigerant flow path in the first and second flow path members and reduces the restrictions on the shape of the refrigerant flow path.

[0010] (3) In the refrigerant flow path unit described in (2) above, functional components that function with respect to the refrigerant are housed in the refrigerant flow path.

[0011] With this configuration, during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit, the first and second flow path members can be separated to open a portion of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow path, making it easier to incorporate functional components such as valves and filters into the refrigerant flow path.

[0012] (4) In the refrigerant flow path unit of (3) above, the refrigerant flow path has a first refrigerant flow path having one end open on the surface of the flow path and the other end located inside the flow path, and a second refrigerant flow path communicating with the other end of the first refrigerant flow path and housing the functional components, wherein the second refrigerant flow path has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first refrigerant flow path.

[0013] With this configuration, first and second flow path members can be molded during the manufacturing stage in a state where a part of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow path is open. Therefore, even if the flow path section has a second refrigerant flow path inside it that has a larger cross-sectional area than the first refrigerant flow path, the flow path section can be easily manufactured.

[0014] (5) In any one of the refrigerant flow path units described in (2) to (4) above, the refrigerant flow path has a curved central axis.

[0015] With this configuration, the first and second flow path members can be molded during the manufacturing stage with a portion of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow path open, making it easy to mold even refrigerant flow paths with a curved central axis.

[0016] (6) In any one of the refrigerant flow path units described in (1) to (5) above, the flow path portion has a reinforcing portion on the outside of the refrigerant flow path.

[0017] This configuration makes it possible to increase the pressure resistance of the refrigerant flow path against the pressure applied by the refrigerant.

[0018] (7) In the refrigerant flow path unit of (6) above, the refrigerant flow path includes a low-pressure refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant at a lower pressure than the pressure outside the refrigerant flow path flows.

[0019] With this configuration, if a pressure higher than that of the refrigerant flowing through the low-pressure refrigerant path is applied from outside the refrigerant path, the reinforcing part can suppress deformation of the refrigerant path.

[0020] (8) In the refrigerant flow path unit of (6) or (7) above, the refrigerant flow path includes a valve chamber that houses a valve body having a first passage through which a first refrigerant flows and a second passage through which a second refrigerant having a higher pressure than the first refrigerant flows; a low-pressure refrigerant flow path communicating with the first passage; and a high-pressure refrigerant flow path communicating with the second passage.

[0021] With this configuration, since the flow path section is equipped with a reinforcing section, deformation of the flow path section due to the pressure difference between the refrigerant flowing through the low-pressure refrigerant flow path and the refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure refrigerant flow path can be suppressed.

[0022] (9) In any one of the refrigerant flow path units described in (6) to (8) above, the reinforcing portion is formed integrally with the first flow path member and the second flow path member.

[0023] This configuration allows for robust reinforcement of the refrigerant flow path formed by the first flow path member and the second flow path member.

[0024] (10) In any one of the refrigerant flow path units described in (6) to (9) above, the reinforcing portion (32F) is a rib extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the refrigerant flow path.

[0025] This configuration allows for effective reinforcement of the refrigerant flow path against the pressure of the refrigerant applied to it.

[0026] (11) In any one of the refrigerant flow path units described in (2) to (5) above, the refrigerant flow path has an end that opens on the surface of the flow path portion, the flow path portion has an annular sealing member attached to the end of the refrigerant flow path, and further comprises a joint pipe fixed to the casing and inserted into the sealing member.

[0027] With this configuration, the sealing member can suppress the leakage of refrigerant from between the refrigerant flow path and the joint pipe.

[0028] (12) The refrigerant flow path unit of (11) further comprises a second joint that joins the entire circumference of the sealing member to the end of the refrigerant flow path.

[0029] This configuration makes it possible to suppress refrigerant leakage from between the sealing member and the refrigerant flow path.

[0030] (13) The refrigeration apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a refrigerant circuit including the refrigerant flow path unit described in (1) to (12) above.

[0031] (14) A method for manufacturing a refrigerant flow path unit of the present disclosure includes: a first step of molding a first flow path member made of resin and having a part of the refrigerant flow path, and a second flow path member having the other part of the refrigerant flow path; a second step of temporarily assembling the first flow path member and the second flow path member by arranging functional components that function with respect to the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path; a third step of joining the temporarily assembled first flow path member and the second flow path member to form a flow path section; and a fourth step of housing the flow path section in a metal casing.

[0032] With this configuration, by separating the first and second flow path members during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit, it becomes easier to incorporate functional components such as valves and filters into the refrigerant flow path.

[0033] (15) In the manufacturing method of (14) above, in the third step, a reinforcing portion is formed on the outside of the refrigerant flow path.

[0034] This configuration makes it possible to increase the pressure resistance of the refrigerant flow path against the pressure from the refrigerant.

[0035] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system including a refrigerant flow path unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the interior of the outdoor unit. Figure 3 is a front view showing the machine room of the outdoor unit. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the unit body of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the flow path portion of the unit body. Figure 7A is a perspective view of the flow path portion before the joint and ribs are formed. Figure 7B is an exploded perspective view of the flow path portion before the joint and ribs are formed. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path, sealing member, and joint pipe. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the valve body of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path unit taken along the line E-E in Figure 4. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the refrigerant flow path unit in the first embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the refrigerant flow path unit in the second embodiment.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system including a refrigerant flow path unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The refrigeration system 10 is equipped with a refrigerant circuit 30 that performs vapor compression type refrigeration cycle operation. The refrigeration system 10 of this embodiment is an air conditioner. As shown in Figure 1, this air conditioner 10 has an outdoor unit (heat source unit) 11 and an indoor unit (utilization unit) 12. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 12 are connected by connecting pipes 13 and 14, respectively. The refrigerant circuit 30 is formed by the outdoor unit 11, the indoor unit 12 and the connecting pipes 13 and 14. In the outdoor unit 11, shut-off valves 23 and 24 are provided at the connection parts of the connecting pipes 13 and 14. Note that the refrigeration system 10 is not limited to an air conditioner, but may be a refrigerator, freezer, water heater, ventilation system, etc.

[0037] (Refrigerant Circuit Configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the outdoor unit 11 is equipped with a compressor 15, an accumulator 25, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat source heat exchanger) 16, an expansion valve 17, and a four-way switching valve (flow path switching valve) 18, which constitute the refrigerant circuit 30. The outdoor unit 11 is also equipped with an outdoor fan 19. The indoor unit 12 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (utilizing heat exchanger) 21, which constitutes the refrigerant circuit 30. The indoor unit 12 is also equipped with an indoor fan 22. In this embodiment, the four-way switching valve 18 is composed of a refrigerant flow path unit 40 that is unitized or integrated with the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b and other refrigerant flow paths 57, 58, 59 connected to these. Details of this will be described later.

[0038] The compressor 15 is a positive displacement compressor, such as a scroll type or rotary type, and has a built-in compressor motor. The compressor 15 compresses the refrigerant drawn in from the suction pipe 52a and then discharges it from the discharge pipe 51a. In the outdoor unit 11, the discharge side of the compressor 15 is connected to port A of the four-way switching valve 18 via the discharge pipe 51a, which is a refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant flow path 51b in the refrigerant flow path unit 40. The refrigerant flow path 51b is provided with a check valve 71 to suppress backflow of refrigerant.

[0039] The suction side of the compressor 15 is connected to port B of the four-way switching valve 18 via the suction pipe 52a, which is a refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant flow path 52b in the refrigerant flow path unit 40. An accumulator 25 is provided in the middle of the suction pipe 52a.

[0040] The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is composed of a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger or a microchannel type heat exchanger, etc. The gas side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to port C of the four-way switching valve 18 via refrigerant piping 53a and refrigerant flow path 53b in the refrigerant flow path unit 40. The liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 16 is connected to one end of the expansion valve 17 via refrigerant piping 54, 73 and refrigerant flow path 57 in the refrigerant flow path unit 40. A strainer (filter) 72 for removing foreign matter from the refrigerant is provided in this refrigerant flow path 57.

[0041] The expansion valve 17 is, for example, an electric valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. The other end of the expansion valve 17 is connected to the liquid-side shutoff valve 23 via the refrigerant flow path 58 and the refrigerant pipe 55 in the refrigerant flow path unit 40. A strainer (filter) 72 for removing foreign substances in the refrigerant is provided in the refrigerant flow path 58.

[0042] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is composed of, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger or a microchannel type heat exchanger. The liquid-side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the liquid-side shutoff valve 23 via the liquid-side connection pipe 14. The gas-side end of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is connected to the gas-side shutoff valve 24 via the gas-side connection pipe 13. The gas-side shutoff valve 24 is connected to port D of the four-way switching valve 18 via the refrigerant pipe 56a and the refrigerant flow path 56b in the refrigerant flow path unit 40.

[0043] The four-way switching valve 18 switches the flow path between a first mode (the mode shown by the solid line in FIG. 1) in which port A and port C communicate with each other and port B and port D communicate with each other, and a second mode (the mode shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1) in which port A and port D communicate with each other and port B and port C communicate with each other. In the first mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 16, and in the second mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 21.

[0044] The outdoor fan 19 is arranged near the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The outdoor fan 19 is rotationally driven by a motor and blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 exchanges heat with the outdoor air sent by the outdoor fan 19 and evaporates (absorbs heat) or condenses (releases heat).

[0045] The indoor fan 22 is arranged near the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor fan 22 is rotationally driven by a motor and blows air to the indoor heat exchanger 21. The refrigerant flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the indoor air sent by the indoor fan 22 and condenses (releases heat) or evaporates (absorbs heat).

[0046] When the air conditioner 10 performs a cooling operation, it switches the four-way switching valve 18 to the first mode, and when performing a heating operation, it switches the four-way switching valve 18 to the second mode. In the cooling operation, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 16 that functions as a condenser through the four-way switching valve 18 and is condensed into a liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is decompressed in the expansion valve 17 to become a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 that functions as an evaporator. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air sent by the indoor fan 22 and evaporates to become a gaseous refrigerant. The air cooled by the heat exchange is supplied indoors. The gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is sucked into the compressor 15 through the four-way switching valve 18.

[0047] In the heating operation, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 21 that functions as a condenser through the four-way switching valve 18. The gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the air sent by the indoor fan 22 and condenses into a liquid refrigerant. The air heated by the heat exchange is supplied indoors. The liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 21 is decompressed in the expansion valve 17 to become a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 16 that functions as an evaporator. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 16 to become a gaseous refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 15 through the four-way switching valve 18.

[0048] (Structure of Outdoor Unit) Figure 2 is a plan view showing the inside of the outdoor unit. Figure 3 is a front view showing the machine room of the outdoor unit. In the following description, in Figures 2 and 3, the direction indicated by arrow X (the first direction X) is the left-right direction, the direction indicated by arrow Y (the second direction Y) is the front-back direction, and the direction indicated by arrow Z (the third direction Z) is the up-down direction. However, the directions indicated by these arrows X, Y, and Z are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

[0049] The outdoor unit 11 is equipped with a casing 91. The casing 91 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is rectangular in plan view. The interior of the casing 91 is divided into a machine room S1 and a heat exchange room S2 by a partition wall 92. The machine room S1 houses the compressor 15. In addition to the compressor 15, the machine room S1 also houses an accumulator 25, a refrigerant flow path unit 40, and the like.

[0050] The heat exchange chamber S2 of the casing 91 houses an outdoor heat exchanger 16 and an outdoor fan 19, etc. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is formed in an L-shape in plan view. The outdoor heat exchanger 16 is positioned along two adjacent side walls (rear side wall 91a, left side wall 91b) of the casing 91 which is located on the heat exchange chamber S2 side. Air intakes 91a1 and 91b1 are formed in these side walls 91a and 91b. The outdoor fan 19 is positioned opposite the other side wall (front side wall) 91c which is adjacent to the side wall (left side wall) 91b on which the air intake 91b1 is formed. An air outlet 91c1 is formed in this side wall 91c.

[0051] When the outdoor fan 19 is activated, air is drawn into the casing 91 from the air intakes 91a1 and 91b1 and discharged from the air outlet 91c1. The arrow a in Figure 2 indicates the direction of the airflow drawn into the casing 91.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 is located in the machine room S1 of the casing 91 of the outdoor unit 11. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 is located in the vicinity of the adjacent side walls (front side wall) 91c and side wall (right side wall) 91d in the machine room S1. In other words, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 is located in the corner between the side walls 91c and 91d.

[0053] The refrigerant flow path unit 40 is fixed to the casing 91 by mounting members 93 and 94. Mounting member 93 is formed, for example, in the shape of a strip, with one end in the longitudinal direction fixed to the refrigerant flow path unit 40 and the other end fixed to the partition wall 92 of the casing 91. Mounting member 94 is fixed, for example, with one end fixed to the side wall (right side wall) 91d of the casing 91 and the other end fixed to the refrigerant flow path unit 40. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 is mounted between the side wall 91d and the partition wall 92 of the casing 91 via mounting members 93 and 94. The refrigerant flow path unit 40 is located to the right of the compressor 15 (one side in the first direction X) and in front of the accumulator 25 (one side in the second direction Y).

[0054] In this embodiment, one end of each of the refrigerant pipes 51a, 52a, 53a, and 56a is connected to the refrigerant flow path unit 40. Of these, the other end of the refrigerant pipe (discharge pipe) 51a is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 15. The other end of the refrigerant pipe (suction pipe) 52a is connected to the accumulator 25. The other end of the refrigerant pipe 53a is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 16. The other end of the refrigerant pipe 56a is connected to the shut-off valve 24.

[0055] (Refrigerant flow path unit) Figure 4 is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path unit. As shown in Figure 4, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 has a unit body 40A and a drive mechanism 40B. The unit body 40A is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape overall. The central axis C1 of the cylindrical shape of the unit body 40A is oriented in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the following description of the unit body 40A, "vertical direction" means the direction along the central axis C1. The drive mechanism 40B is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the unit body 40A.

[0056] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the unit body of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the refrigerant flow path unit. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path unit taken along the line E-E in Figure 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the unit body 40A has a flow path body 31 and a valve body 60. The flow path body 31 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape. The flow path body 31 includes a resin flow path section 32 and a metal casing 33. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the flow path section 32 has a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59, and 31A. Of these, the refrigerant flow path 31A substantially constitutes a valve chamber in which the valve body 60 is housed, and refrigerant flows through passages 61 and 62 formed in the valve body 60. In Figures 11 and 12, the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, and 59 are denoted by the same reference numerals as the refrigerant flow paths in Figure 1.

[0057] The valve body 60 of the unit body 40A is a component of the four-way switching valve (flow path switching valve) 18. The valve body 60 is housed inside the flow path body 31. Therefore, the flow path body 31 functions as a casing for the valve body 60.

[0058] (Configuration of the flow channel section 32) Figure 6 is a perspective view of the flow channel section of the unit body. Figure 7A is a perspective view of the flow channel section before the joint and ribs are molded. The flow channel section 32 of the flow channel body 31 is made of resin. The flow channel section 32 is formed by mold molding such as injection molding. PA66 (polyamide 66), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), etc. are used as the material for the flow channel section 32.

[0059] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, among the multiple refrigerant passages, refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b have one end communicating with the valve chamber 31A and the other end opening on the surface of the passage section 32. In particular, the upper ends of refrigerant passages 51b and 56b communicate with the valve chamber 31A and the lower ends open on the lower surface of the passage section 32. The lower ends of refrigerant passages 52b and 53b communicate with the valve chamber 31A and the upper ends open on the upper surface of the passage section 32.

[0060] As shown in Figure 12, the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b have a portion of their central axis C5 on one end that communicates with the valve chamber 31A that is inclined with respect to the central axis C1 of the unit body 40A, and a portion of their central axis C5 on the other end that opens on the surface of the passage section 32 that is parallel to the central axis C1 of the unit body 40A. In other words, the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b have a bent central axis C5. However, the central axis C5 of the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b may have a central axis parallel to the central axis C1 throughout, or it may have a curved central axis.

[0061] The cross-sectional areas of the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b (areas of the cross-sections perpendicular to the central axis C5) are approximately constant in their longitudinal direction. As will be described later, the refrigerant passage 31A, which is the valve chamber, is spherical. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant passage 31A perpendicular to the axis passing through the center P of the refrigerant passage 31A (for example, the central axis C1) changes depending on the position along that axis. Depending on the position along that axis, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant passage 31A may be larger than the cross-sectional areas of the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the refrigerant passage 31A is largest in the cross-section passing through the center P, and this largest cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional areas of the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b.

[0062] As shown in Figure 11, the other refrigerant passages 57 and 58 penetrate the main passage body 31 without communicating with the valve chamber 31A, and both ends are open on the surface (upper and lower end faces) of the passage section 32. The central axis C6 (see Figure 6) of these refrigerant passages 57 and 58 is formed in a straight line along the vertical direction Z. Strainers 72 are inserted into these refrigerant passages 57 and 58. The strainers 72 are non-electric components incorporated into the refrigerant passages 57 and 58 and are functional components that function with respect to the refrigerant.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the other refrigerant passage 59 has one end that opens on the surface (upper surface) of the passage section 32 and the other end that communicates with the refrigerant passage 56b. In this refrigerant passage 59, the majority of the central axis C6 (see Figures 6 and 7A) on one end is formed in a straight line along the vertical direction Z, and a portion of the other end is formed in a straight line along the substantially horizontal direction. This refrigerant passage 59 does not communicate directly with the valve chamber 31A, but communicates with the valve chamber 31A via the refrigerant passage 56b.

[0064] As shown in Figures 6 and 7A, the flow path section 32 of this embodiment has a plurality of cylindrical tubular sections 81 and 82 and a spherical section 83. The refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b are formed by the inner circumferential surfaces of the tubular sections 81, and the refrigerant flow paths 57, 58, and 59 are formed by the cylindrical inner circumferential surfaces of the tubular sections 82. The refrigerant flow path (valve chamber) 31A is formed by the inner surface of the spherical section 83.

[0065] Figure 7B is an exploded perspective view of the flow channel before the joint and ribs are formed. As shown in Figure 7B, the flow channel 32 of this embodiment has a plurality of flow channel members 32A, 32B. The plurality of flow channel members 32A, 32B are the parts that mainly form the refrigerant flow channels 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59, 31A in the flow channel 32. The flow channel 32 of this embodiment includes two flow channel members (first flow channel member and second flow channel member) 32A, 32B. The two flow channel members 32A, 32B are individually molded during the manufacturing process of the flow channel 32 and are integrated by joining them together as shown in Figure 7A.

[0066] The two flow path members 32A and 32B each have a portion of the circumferential direction in the cross-section of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A. Here, "cross-section" refers to a cross-section perpendicular to the central axes C5 and C1 of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A. "Circumferential direction" refers to the direction of the circumference of a circle centered on the central axes C5 and C1. Specifically, the two flow path members 32A and 32B each have a portion of the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 81 that forms the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A, and a portion of the circumferential direction of the spherical portion 83. The two flow path members 32A and 32B each have half of the circumferential direction in the cross-section of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A. As shown in Figure 7B, when the two flow path members 32A and 32B are not joined to each other, the respective refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A are open, and their inner surfaces are exposed to the outside.

[0067] The two flow path members 32A and 32B are joined together by butting the end faces of the tubular portion 81 and the end face of the spherical portion 83 (hereinafter, these end faces are also referred to as "butt end faces 32A1 and 32B1") located at both ends in the circumferential direction of the open refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A, thereby forming cylindrical or spherical refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A. The boundary between the two joined flow path members 32A and 32B is located on a plane (virtual plane) on the central axis C1 of the unit body 40A.

[0068] Each flow path member 32A, 32B also has other refrigerant flow paths 57, 58, and 59 that do not directly communicate with the valve chamber 31A. These refrigerant flow paths 57, 58, and 59 are formed in a cylindrical shape with no opening in the circumferential direction.

[0069] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path. As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 12, the flow path section 32 has a joint section 32D that joins two flow path members 32A and 32B. The joint section 32D is formed along the portion where the two flow path members 32A and 32B are butted together. The joint section 32D is made of resin. The joint section 32D is made of the same material as the flow path members 32A and 32B. However, the joint section 32D may be made of a different material from the flow path members 32A and 32B.

[0070] The joint portion 32D is provided over the entire portion where the two flow path members 32A and 32B are joined together. As shown in Figure 8, flange portions 32E projecting outward are formed on the abutting end faces 32A1 and 32B1 of the flow path members 32A and 32B. These flange portions 32E substantially enlarge the area of ​​the abutting end faces 32A1 and 32B1. The joint portion 32D is formed to cover the flange portions 32E of the two abutting flow path members 32A and 32B from the outside. In this embodiment, the joint portion 32D is formed in a substantially C-shape in cross-section to cover the flange portions 32E from the outside. However, the cross-sectional shape of the joint portion 32D is not limited to this. Furthermore, the flow path members 32A and 32B do not necessarily have flange portions 32E formed on them, and flow path members 32A and 32B without flange portions 32E may be joined by the joint portion 32D.

[0071] As shown in Figures 6 and 12, the flow path section 32 further has ribs 32F. The ribs 32F are reinforcing sections that reinforce the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59, and 31A from the outside. The ribs 32F are made of resin. The ribs 32F are made of the same material as the flow path members 32A and 32B. However, the ribs 32F may be made of a different material than the flow path members 32A and 32B. The ribs 32F are formed integrally with the joint section 32D.

[0072] The flow channel section 32 has a plurality of ribs 32F. Each rib 32F is formed in a disc shape. The ribs 32F are arranged perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the unit body 40A. The ribs 32F are provided at both ends of the flow channel section 32 and in the middle section in the direction along the central axis C1 (vertical direction).

[0073] The ribs 32F are formed on the outside of the tubular portions 81, 82 and spherical portion 83 that form the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59, 31A, and are arranged in a direction that intersects the central axes C5, C6 of the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59, 31A. The ribs 32F reinforce the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59, 31A against the pressure from the refrigerant flowing through them, thereby increasing the pressure resistance of the refrigerant passages 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59, 31A.

[0074] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerant flow path, sealing member, and joint pipe. As shown in Figures 6, 7A, and 9, the flow path section 32 further includes a sealing member 32G. The sealing member 32G is attached to the openings of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, and 59 at the vertical end faces of the flow path section 32. The sealing member 32G is made of resin. The sealing member 32G is formed from the same material as the flow path members 32A and 32B. However, the sealing member 32G may be made from a different material than the flow path members 32A and 32B.

[0075] The sealing member 32G is formed in an annular shape with a size corresponding to the openings at the ends of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, and 59. Multiple sealing members 32G attached to the upper surface of the flow path section 32 are directly connected to each other or connected by connecting parts 32H and integrated together. Multiple sealing members 32G attached to the lower surface of the flow path section 32 are connected by connecting parts 32H and integrated together. This makes it easy to handle multiple sealing members 32G and prevents loss. In addition, the relative positional relationship of the multiple sealing members 32G can be predetermined, making it easy to attach them to the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, and 59.

[0076] The inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 32G is provided with an annular sealing portion 37a that protrudes radially inward. The tip of this sealing portion 37a contacts the outer circumferential surface of the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d, which will be described later, and suppresses the leakage of refrigerant from between the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, and 59 and the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d.

[0077] The connecting pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are fittings for connecting the refrigerant pipes 51a, 52a, 53a, 56a, 54, 73, 55 and the service port 75 (see Figure 1) to the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, and 59 of the refrigerant flow path unit 40. In effect, the inside of the connecting pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d also constitutes a refrigerant flow path. Instruments such as pressure gauges and vacuum pumps can be connected to the service port 75.

[0078] The sealing member 32G is joined to the flow path members 32A and 32B by a joint 32F1. In this embodiment, the ribs 32F1 provided at the upper and lower ends of the flow path 32 function as the joint. As shown in Figure 9, annular flanges 32J protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surfaces of the ends of the tubular portions 81 and 82 in the flow path 32. Annular flanges 32K also protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the sealing member 32G. The two flanges 32J and 32K are superimposed vertically. The rib 32F1 is formed to cover the upper and lower surfaces and outer circumferential surfaces of the superimposed upper and lower flanges 32J and 32K. This joins the flow path members 32A and 32B to the sealing member 32G. Furthermore, the tubular portions 81, 82 and the sealing member 32G do not necessarily have flange portions 32J, 32K formed on them, and the tubular portions 81, 82 and the sealing member 32G without flange portions may be joined by the rib 32F1.

[0079] (Configuration of the casing 33) As shown in Figures 5 and 12, the casing 33 covers the outside of the flow path section 32. The casing 33 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends closed in the axial direction. The casing 33 is composed of two components 33A and 33B that are divided in the middle of the cylindrical shape in the axial direction. The casing 33 is made of steel material. For example, the casing 33 is made of stainless steel. Each component 33A and 33B of the casing 33 is formed by metalworking such as sheet metal processing and press working. For example, each component 33A and 33B is formed by deep drawing. However, the material and manufacturing method of the casing 33 are not limited to those described above. For example, the casing 33 may be made of other steel materials such as iron or a material mainly composed of aluminum (pure aluminum or aluminum alloy).

[0080] The two components 33A and 33B of the casing 33 are joined by welding. Specifically, the two components 33A and 33B of the casing 33 are joined by welding that involves melting the base material. The two components 33A and 33B are tightly joined to prevent refrigerant leakage between them. The casing 33 protects the flow path section 32 by covering the outside of the flow path section 32. The casing 33 enhances the pressure resistance of the flow path section 32 against the pressure applied from the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59, and 31A. The casing 33 prevents refrigerant leaking from the flow path section 32 from leaking to the outside.

[0081] As mentioned above, the valve body 60 of the four-way switching valve 18 is housed within the flow path body 31. Therefore, the flow path body 31 also functions as the casing for the valve body 60 in the four-way switching valve 18. More specifically, the flow path portion 32 of the flow path body 31 functions as the inner casing for the valve body 60, and the casing 33 of the flow path body 31 functions as the outer casing for the valve body 60.

[0082] The flow path body 31 has a plurality of joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the casing 33. These joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are inserted into openings 51c, 52c, 53c, 56c, 57c, 58c, and 59c formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the casing 33 and fixed to the casing 33 by welding or the like. For example, the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are joined to the casing 33 by brazing, which is a type of welding that does not involve melting the base material. The ends of the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are also inserted into the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b.

[0083] The fittings 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d of this embodiment are formed from a material mainly composed of copper (such as a copper alloy or pure copper). However, the material of the fittings 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d is not limited to this, and they may be formed from other materials such as a material mainly composed of aluminum or stainless steel.

[0084] (Four-way switching valve (switching mechanism) 18) As shown in Figure 12, the valve chamber 31A that houses the valve body 60 of the four-way switching valve 18 is spherical in shape. Multiple ports (openings) A, B, C, and D are formed on the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A. These ports A to D correspond to the ports A to D described with reference to Figure 1. Two ports B and C are located on the upper side of the valve chamber 31A, and two ports A and D are located on the lower side of the valve chamber 31A.

[0085] The main flow path body 31 has refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b that communicate with ports A to D. The refrigerant flow path 51b that communicates with port A extends approximately downward from port A. The end (upper end) of the joint pipe 51d is inserted into the lower end of the refrigerant flow path 51b and the sealing member 32G attached thereto. The refrigerant pipe 51a (see Figures 1 and 11) is connected to the joint pipe 51d.

[0086] The refrigerant flow path 51b has an annular projection 51e in its middle. A check valve 71 is housed in the refrigerant flow path 51b below the projection 51e. The check valve 71 is a non-electric component incorporated into the refrigerant flow path 51b. The check valve 71 restricts the flow of refrigerant from the valve body 60 side to the joint pipe 51d side and allows the flow of refrigerant in the reverse direction. The check valve 71 is a functional component that operates with respect to the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 51b. The specific structure of the check valve 71 is not particularly limited, and a known structure can be adopted.

[0087] The refrigerant flow path 52b, which communicates with port B, extends approximately upward from port B. The end (lower end) of the joint pipe 52d is inserted into the upper end of the refrigerant flow path 52b and the sealing member 32G attached thereto. The refrigerant piping 52a (see Figures 1 and 11) is connected to the joint pipe 52d.

[0088] The refrigerant flow path 53b, which communicates with port C, extends approximately upward from port C. The end (lower end) of the joint pipe 53d is inserted into the upper end of the refrigerant flow path 53b and the sealing member 32G attached thereto. The refrigerant piping 53a (see Figures 1 and 11) is connected to the joint pipe 53d.

[0089] The refrigerant flow path 56b, which communicates with port D, extends approximately downward from port D. The end (upper end) of the joint pipe 56d is inserted into the lower end of the refrigerant flow path 56b and the sealing member 32G attached thereto. The refrigerant piping 56a (see Figures 1 and 11) is connected to the joint pipe 56d.

[0090] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the valve body of the refrigerant flow path unit. As shown in Figure 10, the valve body 60 is formed in a spherical shape. As shown in Figure 12, the valve body 60 is positioned in the valve chamber 31A of the flow path body 31. The outer diameter of the valve body 60 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A.

[0091] The valve body 60 is made of metal or resin. The valve body 60 is manufactured, for example, by die casting or injection molding. Examples of materials used for the valve body 60 include aluminum alloys, pure aluminum, and other aluminum-based materials, steel materials such as SUJ2 (high-carbon chromium bearing steel), and synthetic resins such as PA66 (polyamide 66) and PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). However, the material and manufacturing method of the valve body 60 are not limited to these.

[0092] As shown in Figure 4, the valve body 60 rotates around a predetermined rotation axis C2. The rotation axis C2 of the valve body 60 passes through the spherical center P of the valve body 60. The rotation axis C2 is set to a fixed position, and the valve body 60 rotates at a fixed position.

[0093] A drive shaft 66 is positioned on the rotation axis C2. The drive shaft 66 constitutes the drive mechanism 40B. The drive shaft 66 is positioned on the rotation axis C2 and one end is fixed to the valve body 60. The other end of the drive shaft 66 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the flow path body 31 of the unit body 40A and is connected to the reduction unit 65 and the drive unit 64 that constitute the drive mechanism 40B.

[0094] In this embodiment, the drive shaft 66 is arranged horizontally perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the unit body 40A. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, insertion holes 32C and 33C into which the drive shaft 66 is inserted are formed in the flow path section 32 and casing 33 that constitute the flow path body 31.

[0095] The drive unit 64 is, for example, an electric motor. The drive unit 64 generates and outputs rotational power. The drive unit 64 employs an electric motor with an adjustable rotation angle, such as a stepping motor. The reduction unit 65 reduces the rotational power of the drive unit 64 and transmits it to the drive shaft 66. The reduction unit 65 is composed of, for example, multiple reduction gears.

[0096] (Specific structure of valve body 60) Figure 10 shows a reference axis C3 perpendicular to the rotation axis C2 of the valve body 60, and a reference axis C4 perpendicular to both the rotation axis C2 and the reference axis C3. The rotation axis C2, the reference axis C3, and the reference axis C4 are perpendicular to each other at the spherical center P of the valve body 60.

[0097] The valve body 60 has a through hole 61 and a recess 62. Both the through hole 61 and the recess 62 constitute passages for the refrigerant. The through hole 61 is a hole that penetrates the valve body 60. In contrast, the recess 62 is formed by recessing the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60.

[0098] The through-hole 61 is formed at two locations on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. One opening 61a of the through-hole 61 is formed on the reference axis C3. The other opening 61b is formed on the reference axis C4. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, the through-hole 61 is formed in a roughly L-shaped curve. The areas of both openings 61a and 61b are the same. The cross-sectional area of ​​the through-hole 61 (the area of ​​the cross section perpendicular to the center line of the through-hole 61; the cross-sectional area) is approximately the same as the area of ​​each opening 61a and 61b.

[0099] The recess 62 is formed on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 over a range (approximately 90° around the rotation axis C2) that spans from position G1, located on the opposite side of the reference axis C3 with respect to one opening 61a of the through hole 61, to position G2, located on the opposite side of the reference axis C4 with respect to the other opening 61b of the through hole 61.

[0100] The bottom surface 62a of the recess 62 is a single flat surface. This bottom surface 62a is formed across positions G1 and G2. The bottom surface 62a may be composed of multiple flat surfaces or of curved surfaces. The bottom surface 62a of the recess 62 and the openings 61a and 61b of the through hole 61 are positioned at an angle of approximately 45°.

[0101] The valve body 60 is not a perfect sphere because of the through hole 61 and the recess 62, and is a sphere with a portion of its spherical surface (outer surface 60a) missing. In Figure 12, the shape of a perfect sphere without any missing portion is shown by the dashed line L.

[0102] (Switching of flow path by valve body 60) Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the refrigerant flow path unit in the first embodiment. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the refrigerant flow path unit in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the valve body 60 is switched between the first embodiment (see Figure 13) and the second embodiment (see Figure 14) by rotating 90° around the rotation axis C2.

[0103] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 13, port B and port D are connected by a through-hole 61 in the valve body 60, and port A and port C are connected by a recess 62. Therefore, as shown by the solid arrows in Figure 1, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the four-way diverter valve 18 from port A through the refrigerant piping 51a and refrigerant flow path 51b, flows out of the four-way diverter valve 18 from port C through the recess 62 in the valve body 60, and is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 16 through the refrigerant flow path 53b and refrigerant piping 53a. The refrigerant flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 21 flows into the four-way diverter valve 18 from port D through the connecting piping 13, refrigerant piping 56a, and refrigerant flow path 56b, flows out of the four-way diverter valve 18 from port B through the through-hole 61 in the valve body 60, and is drawn into the compressor 15 through the refrigerant flow path 52b and refrigerant piping 52a. This enables the air conditioner 10 to perform cooling operation.

[0104] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 14, port B and port C are connected by a through-hole 61 in the valve body 60, and port A and port D are connected by a recess 62. Therefore, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 1, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 15 flows into the four-way directional control valve 18 from port A through the refrigerant piping 51a and refrigerant flow path 51b, flows out to the outside of the four-way directional control valve 18 from port D through the recess 62 in the valve body 60, and is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21 through the refrigerant flow path 56b, refrigerant piping 56a, and connecting piping 13. The refrigerant flowing out from the outdoor heat exchanger 16 flows into the four-way directional control valve 18 from port C through the refrigerant piping 53a and refrigerant flow path 53b, flows out to the outside of the four-way directional control valve 18 from port B through the through-hole 61 in the valve body 60, and is drawn into the compressor 15 through the refrigerant flow path 52b and refrigerant piping 52a. As a result, the air conditioner 10 can perform heating operation.

[0105] The through-hole 61 of the valve body 60 is always in communication with port B, and by rotating the valve body 60 90° around the rotation axis C2, it selectively communicates with port D and port C. Since port B is connected to the suction pipe 52a and refrigerant flow path 52b of the compressor 15, the through-hole 61, which is always in communication with port B, becomes a passage through which "low-pressure refrigerant" flows.

[0106] The recess 62 is always in communication with port A, and the valve body 60 selectively communicates with port C and port D by rotating 90° around the rotation axis C2. Since port A is connected to the discharge pipe 51a and refrigerant flow path 51b of the compressor 15, the recess 62, which is always in communication with port A, becomes a passage through which "high-pressure refrigerant" flows.

[0107] Furthermore, the refrigerant passages 51b, 53b, and 56b of the flow path section 32 can be called "high-pressure refrigerant passages" because high-pressure refrigerant flows through them, while the refrigerant passages 52b, 53b, and 56b can be called "low-pressure refrigerant passages" because low-pressure refrigerant flows through them. The refrigerant passages 53b and 56b can be switched between high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerant passages by switching the valve body 60.

[0108] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, sealing portions 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d are integrally formed on the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A of the flow path body 31, around each of the ports A to D. For example, the sealing portions 34a to 34d are integrally formed with the flow path body 32 when the flow path body 32 is molded by injection molding or die casting. The sealing portions 34a to 34d are annular projections that protrude from the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A. The tips of these sealing portions 34a to 34d are in contact with the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. In this embodiment, the sealing portions 34a to 34d are formed in a circular annular shape substantially along the periphery of the cylindrical refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b. However, the sealing portions 34a to 34d may also be annular in shape such as a rectangular shape.

[0109] Specifically, in the first embodiment shown in Figure 13, the sealing portion 34b formed around port B on the inner surface of valve chamber 31A is in contact with the area around the opening 61b of the through hole 61 on the outer surface 60a of valve body 60. The sealing portion 34d formed around port D on the inner surface of valve chamber 31A is in contact with the area around the opening 61a of the through hole 61 on the outer surface 60a of valve body 60.

[0110] Therefore, the sealing portions 34b and 34d can prevent the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports B, D, and the through-hole 61 from leaking into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A. Furthermore, the sealing portions 34b and 34d can prevent the refrigerant flowing through areas other than ports B, D, and the through-hole 61 (high-pressure refrigerant) from flowing into ports B, D, and the through-hole 61. This prevents the mixing of low-pressure and high-pressure refrigerants.

[0111] In contrast, the sealing portions 34a and 34c formed around ports A and C on the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A partially contact the area around the recess 62 on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60, but other portions are located radially outside the recess 62 and do not contact the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. Therefore, the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports A, C, and the recess 62 leaks into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A.

[0112] When high-pressure refrigerant leaks into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A, the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is applied to most of the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60, excluding the openings 61a and 61b of the through-hole 61. The pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is also applied to the recess 62 through which the high-pressure refrigerant passes. As a result, the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 is strongly pressed against the sealing portions 34b and 34d formed around ports B and D.

[0113] As a result, the sealing portions 34b and 34d can further suppress the leakage of low-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports B, D, and the through-hole 61 into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A. Furthermore, the sealing portions 34b and 34d can further suppress the flow of high-pressure refrigerant flowing through areas other than ports B, D, and the through-hole 61—in other words, high-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports A, C, and the recess 62, as well as high-pressure refrigerant leaking from these areas—into ports B, D, and the through-hole 61.

[0114] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 14, the sealing portion 34b formed around port B on the inner surface of valve chamber 31A is in contact with the area around the opening 61a of the through hole 61 on the outer surface 60a of valve body 60. The sealing portion 34c formed around port C on the inner surface of valve chamber 31A is in contact with the area around the opening 61b of the through hole 61 on the outer surface 60a of valve body 60.

[0115] Therefore, the sealing portions 34b and 34c can prevent the low-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports B, C, and the through-hole 61 from leaking into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A. Furthermore, the sealing portions 34b and 34c can prevent the refrigerant flowing through areas other than ports B, C, and the through-hole 61 (high-pressure refrigerant) from flowing into ports B, C, and the through-hole 61. This prevents the mixing of low-pressure and high-pressure refrigerants.

[0116] In contrast, the sealing portions 34a and 34d formed around ports A and D on the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A partially contact the area around the recess 62 on the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60, but other portions are located radially outside the recess 62 and do not contact the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through ports A, D, and the recess 62 leaks into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A.

[0117] When high-pressure refrigerant leaks into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A, the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant is applied to most of the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60, excluding the through-hole 61, and to the recess 62 through which the high-pressure refrigerant passes. As a result, the valve body 60 is strongly pressed against the sealing portions 34b and 34c formed around ports B and C.

[0118] As a result, the sealing portions 34b and 34c can further suppress the leakage of low-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports B, C, and the through-hole 61 into the gap between the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60 and the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A. Furthermore, the sealing portions 34b and 34c can further suppress the flow of high-pressure refrigerant flowing through areas other than ports B, C, and the through-hole 61—in other words, high-pressure refrigerant flowing through ports A, D, and the recess 62, as well as high-pressure refrigerant leaking from these areas—into ports B, C, and the through-hole 61.

[0119] The sealing portions 34a to 34d are formed integrally with the flow channel portion 32. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the sealing portions 34a to 34d are formed separately from the flow channel portion 32. In addition, since the flow channel portion 32 is molded from resin, the sealing portions 34a to 34d can be easily molded integrally.

[0120] Of the four ports A to D, only high-pressure refrigerant flows through port A, so the seal portion 34a formed around port A is not used in practice. Therefore, the seal portion 34a may be omitted.

[0121] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the two flow path members 32A and 32B that constitute the flow path section 32 are butted against each other at their abutting end faces 32A1 and 32B1 and joined by a joint 32D. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b from the boundary between the two flow path members 32A and 32B is suppressed.

[0122] Even if the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passages 51b, 53b, and 56b were to leak from the passage section 32 by passing through the sealing member 32G between the refrigerant passages 51b, 53b, and 56b and the connecting pipes 51d, 53d, and 56d, the connecting pipes 51d, 53d, and 56d are joined and fixed to the casing 33 by welding or the like, so leakage of high-pressure refrigerant from the casing 33 is suppressed.

[0123] Furthermore, at this time, the casing 33 is filled with high-pressure refrigerant, and the pressure of this high-pressure refrigerant acts on the outer surface of the flow path section 32. In particular, a large pressure acts on the outside of the refrigerant flow paths 52b, 53b, and 56b (outside the tubular section 81) due to the differential pressure of the refrigerant. However, since reinforcing ribs 32F are provided on the outside of the refrigerant flow paths 52b, 53b, and 56b, deformation of the refrigerant flow paths 52b, 53b, and 56b is suppressed.

[0124] (Method for manufacturing the refrigerant flow path unit 40) The refrigerant flow path unit 40 is manufactured as follows. First, as shown in Figure 7B, the flow path members 32A, 32B and sealing member 32G that constitute the flow path section 32, the valve body 60, the components 33A, 33B of the casing 33, and the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are manufactured individually. In particular, the two flow path members 32A and 32B are manufactured by mold molding such as injection molding.

[0125] Next, the two flow path members 32A and 32B are brought together while the valve body 60 and check valve 71 are assembled between them. At this time, the drive shaft 66 attached to the valve body 60 is inserted into the insertion hole 32C. Also, the strainer 72 is assembled into the refrigerant flow paths 57 and 58. Furthermore, the sealing members 32G are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the two flow path members 32A and 32B. Through these operations, a part of the flow path section 32 is temporarily assembled as shown in Figure 7A. Hereinafter, the part of the flow path section 32 shown in Figure 7A will also be referred to as the temporary assembly.

[0126] Next, the temporary assembly of the flow channel section 32 is inserted into a mold for forming the joint section 32D and the rib 32F, and injection molding is performed. As a result, the joint section 32D and the rib 32F are formed, the two flow channel members 32A and 32B and the sealing member 32G are joined together, and the entire flow channel section 32 is formed.

[0127] Next, the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are joined to the components 33A and 33B of the casing 33. Specifically, the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are inserted into the openings 51c, 52c, 53c, 56c, 57c, 58c, and 59c formed in each component 33A and 33B, and the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are brazed to each component 33A and 33B. In this embodiment, the casing 33 is made of stainless steel, for example, and the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are made of copper, for example, and the two are formed from different materials. Therefore, the components 33A and 33B of the casing 33 and the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are joined by furnace brazing. By performing furnace brazing in this manner, it is possible to braze dissimilar materials without using flux, and it is also possible to suppress the sensitization of stainless steel.

[0128] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the molded flow channel section 32 is housed within the components 33A and 33B of the casing 33, and the two components 33A and 33B are joined by welding. At this time, as shown in Figure 12, a gap t is formed between the joint between components 33A and 33B of the casing 33 and the flow channel section 32 (essentially the tubular sections 81 and 82). Therefore, the heat generated when welding components 33A and 33B together is suppressed from being transferred to the flow channel section 32. This gap t can be set according to the constituent material of the flow channel section 32, and is preferably 5 mm or more.

[0129] Subsequently, the reduction gear 65 and drive unit 64, which constitute the drive mechanism 40B, are connected to the drive shaft 66 of the valve body 60 protruding from the casing 33. Thus, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 is manufactured. In this assembly method, the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d are attached to the casing 33 by brazing before the flow path section 32 is housed within the casing 33. Therefore, the heat generated when attaching the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, 56d, 57d, 58d, and 59d to the casing 33 is suppressed from being transferred to the flow path section 32.

[0130] [Other Embodiments] The refrigerant flow path unit 40 in the above embodiment comprises a unit body 40A having a cylindrical outer shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the unit body 40A may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0131] The flow path section 32 of the refrigerant flow path unit 40 had two flow path members 32A and 32B, but it may have three or more flow path members. In this case, a refrigerant flow path can be formed by three or more flow path members.

[0132] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, a refrigerant pipe 73 was connected to one end of the expansion valve 17, and a refrigerant flow path 58 (joint pipe 58d) of the flow path body 31 was connected to the other end of the expansion valve 17. However, a part of the expansion valve 17 may be housed in the flow path body 31. In other words, the expansion valve 17, which is a functional component that functions with respect to the refrigerant, may be housed within the refrigerant flow path 58.

[0133] As shown in Figure 11, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 of the first embodiment described above had a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 57, 58, 59 formed in the flow path section 32, which were broadly divided into those that communicate with the valve chamber 31A (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b) and those that do not (57, 58, 59). However, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 is not limited to this, and may have only the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b that communicate with the valve chamber 31A.

[0134] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the valve body 60 of the four-way switching valve (flow path switching valve) 18 is housed in the flow path body 31 of the refrigerant flow path unit 40, and the refrigerant flow path unit 40 substantially constitutes the four-way switching valve 18. However, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 does not necessarily have to constitute a four-way switching valve.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the sealing portions 34a to 34d were formed on the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A in the flow path portion 32, but they may also be integrally formed around the openings 61a and 61b of the through hole (passage) 61 in the valve body 60. In this case, the tips of the sealing portions 34a to 34d come into contact with the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A, thereby suppressing the leakage of refrigerant into the gap between them.

[0136] In the refrigerant flow path unit 40 of the above embodiment, the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the recess 62 of the valve body 60 and the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 53b, and 56b is configured to leak into the gap between the inner surface of the valve chamber 31A and the outer surface 60a of the valve body 60. However, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 may be configured so that such leakage does not occur.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the valve body 60 has a through hole 61 that constitutes a passage for low-pressure refrigerant and a recess 62 that constitutes a passage for high-pressure refrigerant. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the valve body 60 may have a recess formed as a passage for low-pressure refrigerant, or a through hole formed as a passage for high-pressure refrigerant. The valve body 60 is not limited to the spherical shape described above, but may also have other shapes such as a cylindrical shape.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the rotation axis C2 of the valve body 60 was oriented horizontally, but it may be oriented vertically. The rotation axis C2 of the valve body 60 may be oriented in a direction inclined with respect to both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path unit 40 was used as a four-way switching valve, but it may also be used as a three-way switching valve.

[0140] The flow path section 32 of the refrigerant flow path unit 40 may be composed of multiple flow path members bounded by a plane (virtual plane) perpendicular (intersecting) to the central axis C1 of the unit body 40A. In this case, during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit 40, the refrigerant flow path can be divided midway by separating the multiple flow path members, making it easier to incorporate functional components into the refrigerant flow path.

[0141] [Effects of the Embodiment] (1) The refrigerant flow path unit 40 of the above embodiment comprises a resin flow path section 32 on which refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A are formed, and a metal casing 33 in which the flow path section 32 is housed. The flow path section 32 includes a first flow path member 32A having part of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A, a second flow path member 32B having the other part of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A and forming the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A together with the first flow path member 32A, and a joint section 32D that joins the first flow path member 32A and the second flow path member 32B.

[0142] According to the above configuration, the resin flow channel section 32, in which refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A are formed, is housed in a metal casing 33. Therefore, even if high-pressure refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 53b, 56b, and 31A and high pressure is applied to the flow channel section 32, the casing 33 can increase the pressure resistance of the flow channel section 32. Since the flow path section 32 includes a first flow path member 32A having part of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A, a second flow path member 32B having the other part of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A and forming the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A together with the first flow path member 32A, and a joint section 32D that joins the first and second flow path members 32A, 32B, it is possible to easily incorporate functional components 71, 60 such as valves and filters into the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 31A by separating the first and second flow path members 32A, 32B during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit 40.

[0143] (2) In the above embodiment, the first flow channel member 32A has a portion of the circumferential direction in the cross-section of the refrigerant flow channels 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A, and the second flow channel member 32B has the other portion of the circumferential direction in the cross-section of the refrigerant flow channels 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A.

[0144] With this configuration, during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit 40, by separating the first and second flow path members 32A and 32B, a portion of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A can be opened, making it easier to incorporate components 71 and 60 such as valves and filters into the refrigerant flow paths. Furthermore, when forming a cylindrical refrigerant flow path by mold molding, the shape of the refrigerant flow path may be restricted in consideration of demolding from the refrigerant flow path. However, in the above embodiment, the flow path section 32 can be molded as a first flow path member 32A and a second flow path member 32B, each with a portion of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A open, thereby facilitating demolding from the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A and reducing the restrictions on the shape of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A.

[0145] (3) In the above embodiment, functional components 71 and 60 that function with respect to the refrigerant are housed in the refrigerant flow paths 51b and 31A.

[0146] With this configuration, during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit 40, the first and second flow path members 32A and 32B can be separated to open a portion of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A, making it easier to incorporate functional components 71 and 60 such as valves and filters into the refrigerant flow paths 51b and 31A.

[0147] (4) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path has first refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b, one end of which is open on the surface of the flow path section 32 and the other end of which is located inside the flow path section 32, and a second refrigerant flow path 31A that communicates with the other end of the first refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b and houses a functional component (valve body 60), and the second refrigerant flow path 31A has a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b.

[0148] With this configuration, during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit 40, first and second flow path members 32A and 32B can be formed in which a part of the circumferential direction of the first and second refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A is open. Therefore, even if the flow path section 32 has a second refrigerant flow path 31A with a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b, the flow path section 32 can be easily manufactured.

[0149] (5) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b have a curved central axis C5.

[0150] With this configuration, during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit 40, the first and second flow path members 32A and 32B, in which a portion of the circumferential direction of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b is open, can be formed. Therefore, even if the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b have a curved central axis C5, they can be easily formed.

[0151] (6) In the above embodiment, the flow path section 32 has a reinforcing section 32F on the outside of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A.

[0152] This configuration makes it possible to increase the pressure resistance of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A against the pressure applied from the refrigerant.

[0153] (7) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A include low-pressure refrigerant flow paths 52b, 53b, 56b through which refrigerant at a lower pressure than the pressure outside the refrigerant flow path flows.

[0154] With this configuration, if a pressure higher than that of the refrigerant flowing through the low-pressure refrigerant path (for example, the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant) is applied from outside the refrigerant paths 52b, 53b, and 56b, the reinforcing portion 32F can suppress deformation of the refrigerant paths 52b, 53b, and 56b.

[0155] (8) In the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow path includes a valve chamber 31A that houses a valve body 60 having a first passage 61 through which a first refrigerant (low-pressure refrigerant) flows and a second passage 62 through which a second refrigerant (high-pressure refrigerant) with a higher pressure than the first refrigerant flows, low-pressure refrigerant flow paths 52b, 53b, 56b communicating with the first passage 61, and high-pressure refrigerant flow paths 51b, 53b, 56b communicating with the second passage 62.

[0156] With this configuration, since the flow path section 32 is equipped with a reinforcing section 32F, it is possible to suppress deformation of the flow path section 32 due to the differential pressure between the refrigerant flowing through the low-pressure refrigerant flow paths 52b, 53b, and 56b and the refrigerant flowing through the high-pressure refrigerant flow paths 51b, 53b, and 56b.

[0157] (9) In the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion 32F is formed integrally with the first flow channel member 32A and the second flow channel member 32B.

[0158] This configuration allows for robust reinforcement of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A formed by the first flow path member 32A and the second flow path member 32B.

[0159] (10) In the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion 32F is a rib that extends in a direction intersecting the central axes C5 and C1 of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A.

[0160] With this configuration, the ribs 32F can firmly reinforce the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, and 31A.

[0161] (11) In the refrigerant flow path unit 40 of the above embodiment, the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b have ends that open on the surface of the flow path section 32, and the flow path section 32 has annular sealing members 32G attached to the ends of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b, and further comprises joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, and 56d that are fixed to the casing 33 and inserted into the sealing members 32G.

[0162] With this configuration, leakage of refrigerant from between the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b and the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, and 56d can be suppressed by the sealing member 32G. In particular, since the sealing member 32G is formed in an annular shape and is not divided in the middle in the circumferential direction, it can reliably adhere to the joint pipes 51d, 52d, 53d, and 56d.

[0163] (12) The refrigerant flow path unit 40 of the above embodiment further includes a second joint portion 32F1 that joins the entire circumference of the sealing member 32G to the ends of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b.

[0164] This configuration makes it possible to suppress refrigerant leakage from between the sealing member 32G and the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 52b, 53b, and 56b.

[0165] (13) The method for manufacturing the refrigerant flow path unit 40 of the above embodiment is made of resin and includes a first step of molding a first flow path member 32A having part of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 31A and a second flow path member 32B having the other part of the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 31A; a second step of temporarily assembling the first flow path member 32A and the second flow path member 32B by arranging the refrigerant-functioning components 71, 60 in the refrigerant flow paths 51b, 31A; a third step of joining the temporarily assembled first flow path member 32A and the second flow path member 32B to form a flow path section 32; and a fourth step of housing the flow path section 32 in a metal casing 33.

[0166] With this configuration, during the manufacturing stage of the refrigerant flow path unit 40, separating the first and second flow path members 32A and 32B makes it easier to incorporate functional components 71 and 60 such as valves and filters into the refrigerant flow paths 51b and 31A.

[0167] (14) In the manufacturing method of the above embodiment, in the third step, a reinforcing portion 32F is formed on the outside of the refrigerant flow paths 51b and 31A.

[0168] This configuration makes it possible to increase the pressure resistance of the refrigerant flow paths 51b and 31A against the pressure from the refrigerant.

[0169] Although embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0170] 10: Refrigeration device 30: Refrigerant circuit 31A: Refrigerant flow path (valve chamber, second refrigerant flow path) 32: Flow path section 32A: First flow path member 32B: Second flow path member 32D: Joint 32F: Rib (reinforcement part) 32F1: Rib (reinforcement part, second joint) 32G: Seal member 33: Casing 40: Refrigerant flow path unit 51b: Refrigerant flow path (first refrigerant flow path) 51c: Opening 51d: Joint pipe 52b: Refrigerant flow path (first refrigerant flow path) 52c: Opening 52d: Joint pipe 53b: Refrigerant flow path (first refrigerant flow path) 53c: Opening 53d: Joint pipe 56b: Refrigerant flow path (first refrigerant flow path) 56c: Opening 56d: Joint pipe 60 : Valve body (functional component) 61: First passage 62: Second passage 71: Check valve (functional component) C1: Center axis C5: Center axis C6: Center axis

Claims

1. A refrigerant flow path unit comprising: a resin flow path section (32) having refrigerant flow paths (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A) through which a refrigerant flows; and a metal casing (33) housing the flow path section (32), wherein the flow path section (32) includes: a first flow path member (32A) having a part of the refrigerant flow path; a second flow path member (32B) having another part of the refrigerant flow path and forming the refrigerant flow paths (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A) together with the first flow path member (32A); and a joint section (32D) joining the first flow path member (32A) and the second flow path member (32B).

2. The refrigerant flow path unit according to claim 1, wherein the first flow path member (32A) has a portion of the circumferential direction in the cross-section of the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A), and the second flow path member (32B) has another portion of the circumferential direction in the cross-section of the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A).

3. The refrigerant flow path unit according to claim 2, wherein a functional component (71, 60) that functions with respect to the refrigerant is housed in the refrigerant flow path (51b, 31A).

4. The refrigerant flow path unit according to claim 3, wherein the refrigerant flow paths (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A) include a first refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b) having one end open on the surface of the flow path section (32) and the other end located inside the flow path section (32), and a second refrigerant flow path (31A) communicating with the other end of the first refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b) and housing the functional component (60), wherein the second refrigerant flow path (31A) has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the first refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b).

5. The refrigerant flow path unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the refrigerant flow paths (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b) have a curved central axis.

6. The refrigerant flow path unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flow path portion (32) has a reinforcing portion (32F) on the outside of the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A).

7. The refrigerant flow path unit according to claim 6, wherein the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A) includes a low-pressure refrigerant flow path (52b, 53b, 56b) through which a refrigerant at a lower pressure than the pressure outside the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A) flows.

8. The refrigerant flow path unit according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the refrigerant flow path includes a valve chamber (31A) housing a valve body (60) having a first passage (61) through which a first refrigerant flows and a second passage (62) through which a second refrigerant having a higher pressure than the first refrigerant flows; a low-pressure refrigerant flow path (52b, 53b, 56b) communicating with the first passage (61); and a high-pressure refrigerant flow path (51b, 53b, 56b) communicating with the second passage (62).

9. The refrigerant flow path unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the reinforcing portion (32F) is formed integrally with the first flow path member (32A) and the second flow path member (32B).

10. The refrigerant flow path unit according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the reinforcing portion (32F) is a rib extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A).

11. The refrigerant flow path unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the refrigerant flow paths (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b) have ends that open on the surface of the flow path section (32), the flow path section (32) has an annular sealing member (32G) attached to the ends of the refrigerant flow paths (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b), and further comprises joint pipes (51d, 52d, 53d, 56d) fixed to the casing (33) and inserted into the sealing member (32G).

12. The refrigerant flow path unit according to claim 11, further comprising a second joining portion (32F1) that joins the entire circumference of the sealing member (32G) to the ends of the refrigerant flow paths (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b).

13. A refrigeration apparatus comprising a refrigerant circuit (30) including a refrigerant flow path unit (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for manufacturing a refrigerant flow path unit, comprising: a first step of molding a first flow path member (32A) made of resin and having a part of the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A), and a second flow path member (32B) having the other part of the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A); a second step of temporarily assembling the first flow path member (32A) and the second flow path member (32B) by arranging functional components (71, 60) that function with respect to the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path (51b, 31A); a third step of joining the temporarily assembled first flow path member (32A) and the second flow path member (32B) to form a flow path section; and a fourth step of housing the flow path section (32) in a metal casing (33).

15. The method for manufacturing a refrigerant flow path unit according to claim 14, wherein in the third step, a reinforcing portion (32F) is formed on the outside of the refrigerant flow path (51b, 52b, 53b, 56b, 31A).

Images