Compressor unit and refrigeration cycle device

Abstract

Intake pipe members (21a, 21b) are each connected to a respective cylinder (70, 75) of a compression mechanism (40) in a casing (15). A first distance is defined as the distance between the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the center (CP1, CP2) of an inflow end of each intake pipe member. A second distance is defined as the distance between the central axis (CL2) of a body portion (91) of an accumulator (90) and the center (CP1, CP2) of the inflow end of each intake pipe member. Among the first distances of the intake pipe members, the first distance of the first intake pipe member (21a) is shortest. Among the second distances of the intake pipe members, the second distance of the first intake pipe member (21a) is shortest.

Description

Compressor unit and refrigeration cycle apparatus

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compressor unit and a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a compressor unit including a compressor and an accumulator. The compressor is a rotary compressor provided with two cylinders. One suction pipe is connected to each cylinder. Each suction pipe is formed in an L-shape and provided on a side portion of the compressor. The accumulator is formed in an upright cylindrical shape. The accumulator is arranged on the side of the compressor. The inflow end of each suction pipe is connected to the bottom of the accumulator.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-140011

[0004] In conventional compressor units, the inflow ends of the respective suction pipes are often installed such that the distance between the center of each inflow end and the central axis of the accumulator is equal to each other. As a result, the gap between the compressor and the accumulator becomes large, making it difficult to suppress vibration of the accumulator caused by operation of the compressor.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce vibration of a compressor unit equipped with an accumulator.

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a compressor unit (1) comprising an upright cylindrical container-shaped casing (15), a compression mechanism (40) housed in the casing (15) having a plurality of cylinders (70, 75), and an accumulator (90) positioned to the side of the casing (15) for separating the refrigerant drawn into the compression mechanism (40) into gas and liquid, wherein each of the plurality of cylinders (70, 75) is connected to an accumulator (90) for separating the refrigerant drawn into the cylinders (70, 75) into gas and liquid. The device comprises multiple suction tube members (21a, 21b) through which a medium flows, and the multiple cylinders (70, 75) are arranged in a single row in the vertical direction. Each of the multiple suction tube members (21a, 21b) has an inlet end (24a, 24b) which is an upward-facing circular opening. The accumulator (90) has an upright cylindrical container-shaped main body (91), and the direction parallel to the line perpendicular to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) is the reference direction. The first distance is the distance in the reference direction between the centers (CP1, CP2) of the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each of the multiple suction tube members (21a, 21b) and the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15), and the second distance is the distance in the reference direction between the centers (CP1, CP2) of the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each of the multiple suction tube members (21a, 21b) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91), and the multiple syringes The uppermost of the elements (70, 75) is the first cylinder (70), the suction pipe member connected to the first cylinder (70) is the first suction pipe member (21a), the first distance of the first suction pipe member (21a) is the shortest of the first distances of each of the multiple suction pipe members (21a, 21b), and the second distance of the first suction pipe member (21a) is the shortest of the second distances of each of the multiple suction pipe members (21a, 21b).

[0007] In the first embodiment, the first distance of the first suction tube member (21a) is the shortest of the first distances of the multiple suction tube members (21a, 21b). Therefore, the inlet end (24a) of the first suction tube member (21a) is located closest to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) in the reference direction among the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction tube member (21a, 21b). Also, the second distance of the first suction tube member (21a) is the shortest of the second distances of each of the multiple suction tube members (21a, 21b). Therefore, the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) is closest to the inlet end (24a) of the first suction tube member (21a) among the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction tube member (21a, 21b).

[0008] Thus, in the first embodiment, the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a) is closest to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15), and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) is closest to the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a). Therefore, the distance from the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) to the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) in the reference direction is shortened, and the vibration of the accumulator (90) is reduced. As a result, the vibration of the compressor unit (1) equipped with the accumulator (90) is reduced.

[0009] A second aspect of the present disclosure is, in the first aspect described above, the distance in the reference direction between the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) is the third distance, and of the first distances of each of the plurality of intake pipe members (21a, 21b), only the first distance of the first intake pipe member (21a) is less than or equal to the third distance.

[0010] In the second embodiment, of the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction pipe member (21a), only the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a) is located between the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) in the reference direction.

[0011] A third aspect of this disclosure is the second aspect described above, wherein the first distance of the first suction pipe member (21a) is equal to the third distance.

[0012] In the third embodiment, the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a) is located on the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90).

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is that the distance in the reference direction between the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) is the third distance, and the first distance of each of the plurality of suction pipe members (21a, 21b) is longer than the third distance.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment, the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) is located closer to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) than to the centers (CP1, CP2) of the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction pipe member (21a, 21b) in the reference direction.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the accumulator (90) has a refrigerant outlet pipe (93) that penetrates the bottom of the main body (91), the central axis of the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) coincides with the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91), and the compressor unit (1) includes a branching member (5) that connects the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) to the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of all the suction pipe members (21a, 21b).

[0016] In the fifth embodiment, the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) of the accumulator (90) is connected to the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction pipe member (21a, 21b) via the branching member (5).

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a) is located on a line perpendicular to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91).

[0018] In the sixth embodiment, the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a) is located between the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91).

[0019] A seventh aspect of this disclosure is a refrigeration cycle device (100) that includes a refrigerant circuit (110) provided with a compressor unit (1) according to any one of the first to sixth aspects described above, and which circulates a refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (110) to perform a refrigeration cycle.

[0020] In the seventh embodiment, one of the first to sixth compressor units (1) described above is provided in the refrigerant circuit (110) of the refrigeration cycle device (100).

[0021] Figure 1 is a piping diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the compressor unit of Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the compression mechanism showing a cross-section including the first cylinder. Figure 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the compression mechanism showing a cross-section including the second cylinder. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the compressor unit showing the VV cross-section of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the compressor unit of Embodiment 2. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the compressor unit showing the VII-VII cross-section of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the compressor unit of Embodiment 3. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the compressor unit showing the IX-IX cross-section of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the compressor unit of a first modified example of another embodiment, showing the cross-section corresponding to Figure 7. Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the compressor unit of a second modified example of another embodiment.

[0022] Embodiment 1 will now be described. This embodiment is an air conditioner (100) equipped with a compressor (10). The air conditioner (100) is a refrigeration cycle device that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0023] -Air Conditioner- As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner (100) comprises an outdoor unit (101) and an indoor unit (102). The air conditioner (100) also comprises a refrigerant circuit (110). The refrigerant circuit (110) includes a compressor unit (1), an outdoor heat exchanger (111), an expansion valve (112), an indoor heat exchanger (113), and a four-way switching valve (114). The compressor unit (1) comprises a compressor (10) and an accumulator (90).

[0024] The outdoor unit (101) houses a compressor unit (1), an outdoor heat exchanger (111), an expansion valve (112), and a four-way switching valve (114). The outdoor unit (101) is also equipped with an outdoor fan (106). The indoor unit (102) houses an indoor heat exchanger (113). The indoor unit (102) is also equipped with an indoor fan (107).

[0025] The refrigerant circuit (110) is constructed by connecting a compressor unit (1), an outdoor heat exchanger (111), an expansion valve (112), an indoor heat exchanger (113), and a four-way directional valve (114) with piping. The compressor (10) of the compressor unit (1) is connected to the first port of the four-way directional valve (114). The accumulator (90) of the compressor unit (1) is connected to the second port of the four-way directional valve (114). In the refrigerant circuit (110), the outdoor heat exchanger (111), the expansion valve (112), and the indoor heat exchanger (113) are arranged in order from the third port to the fourth port of the four-way directional valve (114).

[0026] The four-way switching valve (114) switches between a first state, shown by a solid line in Figure 1, and a second state, shown by a dashed line in Figure 1. In the first state, the four-way switching valve (114) communicates with the third port and the second port communicates with the fourth port. In the second state, the four-way switching valve (114) communicates with the fourth port and the second port communicates with the third port.

[0027] <Operation> The air conditioner (100) selectively performs cooling operation and heating operation.

[0028] In cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (114) is set to the first state, and the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit (110). In the refrigerant circuit (110), the outdoor heat exchanger (111) functions as a heat radiator, and the indoor heat exchanger (113) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (102) cools the air drawn in from the indoor space by the indoor heat exchanger (113), and blows the cooled air back into the indoor space.

[0029] During heating operation, the four-way switching valve (114) is set to the second state, and the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit (110). In the refrigerant circuit (110), the indoor heat exchanger (113) functions as a radiator, and the outdoor heat exchanger (111) functions as an evaporator. The indoor unit (102) heats the air drawn in from the indoor space using the indoor heat exchanger (113), and blows the heated air back into the indoor space.

[0030] - Compressor Unit - As shown in Figure 2, the compressor unit (1) comprises a compressor (10), an accumulator (90), and a branch pipe (5). The accumulator (90) is positioned to the side of the compressor (10). The accumulator (90) is fixed to the casing (15) of the compressor (10) by fasteners not shown.

[0031] The branch pipe (5) is a branching member. The branch pipe (5) is connected to the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) of the accumulator (90) and to the respective suction pipe members (21a, 21b) of the compressor (10). The branch pipe (5) connects the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) of the accumulator (90) to the respective suction pipe members (21a, 21b) of the compressor (10).

[0032] - Compressor Configuration - The compressor (10) of this embodiment will now be described. The compressor (10) of this embodiment is an oscillating piston type rotary compressor.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the compressor (10) comprises a compression mechanism (40), an electric motor (30), a drive shaft (35), and a casing (15).

[0034] The casing (15) is an upright, cylindrical, sealed container. The casing (15) comprises a cylindrical body (16) and a pair of end plates (17a, 17b) that close the ends of the body (16). The central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) extends substantially vertically. The central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) is the central axis of the body (16).

[0035] A discharge pipe (18) is attached to the upper end plate (17a). The discharge pipe (18) passes through the upper end plate (17a). The upper end of the discharge pipe (18) is connected to the first port of the four-way switching valve (114) via piping. A first suction pipe member (21a) and a second suction pipe member (21b) are attached to the lower part of the body (16). The suction pipe members (21a, 21b) will be described later.

[0036] <Electric Motor> The electric motor (30) is located in the upper part of the internal space of the casing (15). The electric motor (30) comprises a stator (31) and a rotor (32). The stator (31) is fixed to the body (16) of the casing (15). The rotor (32) is attached to the drive shaft (35).

[0037] <Drive Shaft> The drive shaft (35) comprises a first main shaft portion (36a), a second main shaft portion (36b), a first eccentric portion (37a), a second eccentric portion (37b), and a connecting portion (38). In the drive shaft (35), the first main shaft portion (36a), the first eccentric portion (37a), the connecting portion (38), the second eccentric portion (37b), and the second main shaft portion (36b) are arranged in order from top to bottom. The drive shaft (35) is a single member in which the first main shaft portion (36a), the first eccentric portion (37a), the connecting portion (38), the second eccentric portion (37b), and the second main shaft portion (36b) are integrally formed.

[0038] The first main shaft portion (36a) and the second main shaft portion (36b) are each cylindrical or round bar-shaped parts. The first main shaft portion (36a) and the second main shaft portion (36b) are arranged coaxially. The central axes of the first main shaft portion (36a) and the second main shaft portion (36b) coincide with the rotational axis of the drive shaft (35). The rotational axis of the drive shaft (35) substantially coincides with the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15). The rotor (32) of the electric motor (30) is attached to the first main shaft portion (36a).

[0039] The first eccentric portion (37a) and the second eccentric portion (37b) are each cylindrical parts with a larger diameter than the first main shaft portion (36a). The first eccentric portion (37a) and the second eccentric portion (37b) are located at the bottom of the drive shaft (35). The first eccentric portion (37a) and the second eccentric portion (37b) are connected via a connecting portion (38). The first eccentric portion (37a) and the second eccentric portion (37b) are each eccentric with respect to the rotation axis of the drive shaft (35). The eccentric direction of the first eccentric portion (37a) with respect to the rotation axis of the drive shaft (35) and the eccentric direction of the second eccentric portion (37b) with respect to the rotation axis of the drive shaft (35) are offset by 180°.

[0040] <Inhalation pipe members> The first inhalation pipe member (21a) comprises one first joint pipe (22a) and one first inhalation pipe (23a). The second inhalation pipe member (21b) comprises one second joint pipe (22b) and one second inhalation pipe (23b).

[0041] Each joint pipe (22a, 22b) is a straight, cylindrical member. Each joint pipe (22a, 22b) penetrates the body (16) of the casing (15). Each joint pipe (22a, 22b) extends radially through the body (16). One end of each joint pipe (22a, 22b) is exposed to the outside of the casing (15). The other end of each joint pipe (22a, 22b) is connected to the cylinders (70, 75) of the compression mechanism (40), which will be described later. The first joint pipe (22a) is connected to the first intake port (73) of the first cylinder (70). The second joint pipe (22b) is connected to the second intake port (78) of the second cylinder (75).

[0042] The first joint pipe (22a) and the second joint pipe (22b) are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. In other words, the positions of the first joint pipe (22a) and the second joint pipe (22b) in the circumferential direction of the barrel portion (16) are identical. The first joint pipe (22a) is located above the second joint pipe (22b).

[0043] Each of the suction pipes (23a, 23b) is an L-shaped bent cylindrical tubular member. Each of the suction pipes (23a, 23b) has an inflow end (24a, 24b) and an outflow end (25a, 25b). The inflow ends (24a, 24b) of the respective suction pipes (23a, 23b) are open ends oriented vertically upward. The inflow end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is the inflow end of the first suction pipe member (21a). The inflow end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) is the inflow end of the second suction pipe member (21b). The outflow ends (25a, 25b) of the respective suction pipes (23a, 23b) are laterally oriented open ends. The outflow end (25a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is connected to one end of the first joint pipe (22a). The outflow end (25b) of the second suction pipe (23b) is connected to one end of the second joint pipe (22b).

[0044] As described above, the first joint pipe (22a) is located above the second joint pipe (22b). Therefore, the first suction pipe (23a) connected to the first joint pipe (22a) is located above the second suction pipe (23b) connected to the second joint pipe (22b). The inflow end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) and the inflow end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) are arranged side by side in the radial direction of the barrel portion (16) of the casing (15). The inflow end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is closer to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) than the inflow end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b).

[0045] - Configuration of Compression Mechanism - As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the compression mechanism (40) includes two cylinders (70, 75), two rollers (80, 85), and two vanes (81, 86). Each of the first cylinder (70) and the second cylinder (75) is provided with a pair of bushes (82, 87). The compression mechanism (40) further includes one front head (50), one intermediate plate (45), and one rear head (55).

[0046] In the compression mechanism (40), a front head (50), a first cylinder (70), an intermediate plate (45), a second cylinder (75), and a rear head (55) are arranged in order from top to bottom. In the compression mechanism (40), the front head (50) is fixed to the body portion (16) of the casing (15).

[0047] 〈Cylinder〉 Each of the first cylinder (70) and the second cylinder (75) is a thick disk-shaped member. Each of the cylinders (70, 75) is formed with a cylinder bore (71, 76) and a blade accommodation hole (72, 77). The first cylinder (70) is formed with a first suction port (73). The second cylinder (75) is formed with a second suction port (78).

[0048] In each of the first cylinder (70) and the second cylinder (75), the cylinder bore (71, 76) is a circular hole penetrating the cylinder (70, 75) in the thickness direction. The cylinder bore (71, 76) is formed at the central portion of the cylinder (70, 75). The cylinder bore (71) of the first cylinder (70) accommodates a first roller (80). The cylinder bore (76) of the second cylinder (75) accommodates a second roller (85).

[0049] In the first cylinder (70), a first fluid chamber (41) is formed between the wall surface of the cylinder bore (71) and the first roller (80). In the second cylinder (75), a second fluid chamber (42) is formed between the wall surface of the cylinder bore (76) and the second roller (85) described later.

[0050] The blade accommodation hole (72, 77) is a hole penetrating the cylinder (70, 75) in the thickness direction. The blade accommodation hole (72, 77) is formed outside the cylinder bore (71, 76), and opens to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder (70, 75) (that is, the outer edge of the cylinder bore (71, 76)). This blade accommodation hole (72, 77) penetrates the cylinder (70, 75) in the thickness direction. The blade accommodation hole (72) of the first cylinder (70) accommodates a first vane (81). The blade accommodation hole (77) of the second cylinder (75) accommodates a second vane (86).

[0051] In the first cylinder (70) and the second cylinder (75), the intake ports (73, 78) are located to the right of the blade housing holes (72, 77) in Figures 3 and 4. The intake ports (73, 78) are through holes extending radially through the cylinders (70, 75). In each cylinder (70, 75), the intake ports (73, 78) open into the cylinder bore (71, 76). The first intake port (73) of the first cylinder (70) is into which the first joint pipe (22a) of the first intake pipe member (21a) is inserted. The second intake port (78) of the second cylinder (75) is into which the second joint pipe (22b) of the second intake pipe member (21b) is inserted.

[0052] <Front Head> The front head (50) is a member that closes the end face of the first cylinder (70) on the motor (30) side (the upper surface of the first cylinder (70) in Figure 2).

[0053] The front head (50) is provided with a cylindrical boss portion (51). The first main shaft portion (36a) of the drive shaft (35) is inserted through the boss portion (51). The boss portion (51) constitutes a sliding bearing that supports the first main shaft portion (36a) of the drive shaft (35).

[0054] A first discharge port (52) is formed in the front head (50). The first discharge port (52) penetrates the front head (50) in the direction of its thickness. The first discharge port (52) is located to the left of the blade housing hole (72) in Figure 3. Although not shown in the illustration, a discharge valve for opening and closing the first discharge port (52) is provided on the back surface (top surface in Figure 2) of the front head (50).

[0055] <Rear Head> The rear head (55) is a member that closes the end face of the second cylinder (75) on the side opposite to the electric motor (30) (the lower surface of the second cylinder (75) in Figure 2). The rear head (55) is provided with a cylindrical section (56). The second main shaft section (36b) of the drive shaft (35) is inserted through the cylindrical section (56). The cylindrical section (56) constitutes a sliding bearing that supports the second main shaft section (36b) of the drive shaft (35).

[0056] A second discharge port (57) is formed in the rear head (55). The second discharge port (57) penetrates the rear head (55) in the direction of its thickness. The second discharge port (57) is located to the left of the blade housing hole (77) in Figure 4. Although not shown in the illustration, a discharge valve for opening and closing the second discharge port (57) is provided on the back surface (bottom surface in Figure 2) of the rear head (55).

[0057] <Intermediate Plate> The intermediate plate (45) is sandwiched between the first cylinder (70) and the second cylinder (75). The intermediate plate (45) covers the lower end surface of the first cylinder (70) and the upper end surface of the second cylinder (75). A central hole is formed in the center of the intermediate plate (45), penetrating through the intermediate plate (45) in the thickness direction. The drive shaft (35) is inserted through the central hole of the intermediate plate (45).

[0058] <Rollers> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first roller (80) and the second roller (85) are each cylindrical members with a slightly thick wall.

[0059] The first roller (80) is housed in the first cylinder (70). The first eccentric portion (37a) of the drive shaft (35) is inserted through the first roller (80). The first roller (80) rotates eccentrically when driven by the drive shaft (35). In the compression mechanism (40), a first fluid chamber (41) is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the first roller (80) and the inner circumferential surface of the first cylinder (70).

[0060] The second roller (85) is housed in the second cylinder (75). The second eccentric portion (37b) of the drive shaft (35) is inserted through the second roller (85). The second roller (85) rotates eccentrically when driven by the drive shaft (35). In the compression mechanism (40), a second fluid chamber (42) is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the second roller (85) and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylinder (75).

[0061] <Vanes> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each vane (81, 86) is a slightly thick rectangular flat plate-shaped member. The first vane (81) is formed integrally with the first roller (80). The second vane (86) is formed integrally with the second roller (85). Each vane (81, 86) extends from the outer surface of the corresponding roller (80, 85) radially outward from the roller (80, 85).

[0062] The first vane (81) fits into the blade housing hole (72) of the first cylinder (70). The first vane (81) divides the first fluid chamber (41) formed inside the first cylinder (70) into a first chamber on the intake side (first intake port (73) side) and a second chamber on the discharge side (first discharge port (52) side).

[0063] The second vane (86) fits into the blade housing hole (77) of the second cylinder (75). The second vane (86) divides the second fluid chamber (42) formed within the second cylinder (75) into a first chamber on the intake side (second intake port (78)) and a second chamber on the discharge side (second discharge port (57)).

[0064] <Bush> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the bushes (82, 87) are small, plate-shaped members with flat front surfaces on opposite sides and an arcuate back surface.

[0065] A pair of bushings (82) provided on the first cylinder (70) are positioned to sandwich the first vane (81), which is fitted into the blade housing hole (72) of the first cylinder (70), from both sides. The first vane (81), which is integrated with the first roller (80), is supported by the first cylinder (70) via these bushings (82) so as to be able to swing and move back and forth.

[0066] A pair of bushings (87) provided on the second cylinder (75) are positioned to sandwich the second vane (86), which is fitted into the blade housing hole (77) of the second cylinder (75), from both sides. The second vane (86), which is integrated with the second roller (85), is supported by the second cylinder (75) via these bushings (87) so as to be able to swing and move back and forth.

[0067] - Accumulator - As shown in Figure 2, the accumulator (90) comprises a main body (91), a refrigerant inlet pipe (92), and a refrigerant outlet pipe (93).

[0068] The main body (91) is an upright cylindrical container-shaped member. The central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) extends substantially vertically. The central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) is substantially parallel to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) of the compressor (10).

[0069] The refrigerant inlet pipe (92) is a straight tubular member that penetrates the top of the main body (91). The refrigerant outlet pipe (93) is a straight tubular member that penetrates the bottom of the main body (91). The refrigerant inlet pipe (92) and the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) are arranged coaxially with the main body (91). Therefore, the central axis of the refrigerant inlet pipe (92) and the central axis of the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) coincide with the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91).

[0070] An oil return hole (94) is formed in the refrigerant outlet pipe (93). The oil return hole (94) is a through hole formed in the lower part of the refrigerant outlet pipe (93). The oil return hole (94) is located near the inner surface of the bottom of the main body (91).

[0071] Within the internal space of the main body (91), the lower end of the refrigerant inlet pipe (92) and the upper end of the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) face each other at a predetermined distance. The upper end of the refrigerant inlet pipe (92) is connected to the second port of the four-way switching valve (114) via piping. A branch pipe (5) is joined to the lower end of the refrigerant outlet pipe (93). The refrigerant outlet pipe (93) communicates with both the first suction pipe (23a) and the second suction pipe (23b) via the branch pipe (5).

[0072] -Compressor Unit Operation- The operation of the compressor unit (1) is described below. The refrigerant drawn into the compressor unit (1) first passes through the accumulator (90) and is then drawn into the compressor (10).

[0073] In the accumulator (90), the refrigerant flows into the internal space of the main body (91) through the refrigerant inlet pipe (92). Inside the main body (91), the incoming refrigerant is separated into gaseous refrigerant and liquid refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant flows out of the main body (91) through the refrigerant outlet pipe (93). The liquid refrigerant accumulates at the bottom of the main body (91).

[0074] Refrigerant oil that flows into the main body (91) along with the refrigerant accumulates at the bottom of the main body (91). The refrigerant oil accumulated at the bottom of the main body (91) flows through the oil return hole (94) to the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) and out of the main body (91) together with the gaseous refrigerant. The refrigerant that flows from the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) to the branch pipe (5) is distributed to the first suction pipe member (21a) and the second suction pipe member (21b) of the compressor (10).

[0075] The compressor (10) compresses the refrigerant drawn in from the accumulator (90) and discharges the compressed refrigerant. Specifically, in the compressor (10), the electric motor (30) rotates the drive shaft (35). In this embodiment, the drive shaft (35) rotates clockwise in Figures 3 and 4. When the drive shaft (35) rotates, the first roller (80) and the second roller (85) are driven. As a result, in the compression mechanism (40), the gaseous refrigerant that has passed through the first suction pipe member (21a) flows into the first chamber of the first fluid chamber (41), and the gaseous refrigerant that has passed through the second suction pipe member (21b) flows into the first chamber of the second fluid chamber (42).

[0076] In the compression mechanism (40), the refrigerant compressed in the second chamber of the first fluid chamber (41) is discharged into the internal space of the casing (15) through the first discharge port (52), and the refrigerant compressed in the second chamber of the second fluid chamber (42) is discharged into the internal space of the casing (15) through the second discharge port (57). The gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compression mechanism (40) into the internal space of the casing (15) is discharged to the outside of the casing (15) through the discharge pipe (18).

[0077] - Arrangement of Accumulator and Intake Tube Members - The arrangement of the accumulator (90) and intake tube members (21a, 21b) will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0078] The reference line (RL) is a line perpendicular to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) of the compressor (10) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90). The direction parallel to the reference line (RL) is the reference direction.

[0079] In the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) and the center (CP2) of the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) are located on the reference line (RL). The inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is the inlet end of the first suction pipe member (21a). The inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) is the inlet end of the second suction pipe member (21b).

[0080] The first distances LC1 and LC2 are the distances in the reference direction between the centers (CP1 and CP2) of the inlet ends (24a and 24b) of the first suction pipe (23a) and the second suction pipe (23b), respectively, and the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) of the compressor (10).

[0081] In the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the first distance LC1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is shorter than the first distance LC2 at the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) (LC1 < LC2). In other words, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, among the first distances at the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction pipe (23a, 23b), the first distance LC1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is the shortest.

[0082] The second distances LA1 and LA2 are the distances in the reference direction between the centers (CP1 and CP2) of the inlet ends (24a and 24b) of the first inlet tube (23a) and the second inlet tube (23b), respectively, and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90).

[0083] In the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is located on the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90). Therefore, the second distance LA1 of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is zero (LA1 = 0). In the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the second distance LA1 of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is shorter than the second distance LA2 of the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) (LA1 < LA2). In other words, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the second distance LA1 of the inlet end (24a, 24b) of the first suction pipe (23a) is the shortest among the second distances of the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction pipe (23a, 23b).

[0084] The third distance LM is the distance in the reference direction between the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) of the compressor (10) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90).

[0085] As described above, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is located on the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91). Therefore, the first distance LC1 of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is equal to the third distance LM (LC1 = LM). In the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the first distance LC2 of the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) is longer than the third distance LM (LC2 > LM). Thus, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, of the first distances of the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction pipe (23a, 23b), only the first distance LC1 of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is less than or equal to the third distance LM.

[0086] -Features of Embodiment 1- In the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the first distance LC1 of the first suction pipe (23a) is the shortest of the first distances of the two suction pipes (23a, 23b) provided in the compressor unit (1). Therefore, the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is located closest to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) in the reference direction among the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction pipe (23a, 23b).

[0087] Furthermore, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the second distance LA1 of the first suction pipe (23a) is the shortest of the second distances of the two suction pipes (23a, 23b) provided in the compressor unit (1). Therefore, the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) is closest to the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) among the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each suction pipe (23a, 23b).

[0088] Thus, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is closest to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15), and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) is closest to the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a).

[0089] Here, the L-shaped suction pipes (23a, 23b) are formed by bending a straight circular pipe. Due to limitations in the processing of bending a straight circular pipe, the first distance LC1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) cannot be shortened to a certain extent.

[0090] In conventional compressor units, the second distance LA1 of the first suction pipe (23a) is usually equal to the second distance LA2 of the second suction pipe (23b). In contrast, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the second distance LA1 of the first suction pipe (23a) is shorter than the second distance LA2 of the second suction pipe (23b). Therefore, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the distance (third distance LM) from the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) in the reference direction to the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) is shortened compared to conventional units.

[0091] The center of gravity of the accumulator (90) is located above or near the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91). The accumulator (90) is subjected to the excitation force generated in the compressor (10). Therefore, the shorter the third distance LM, the smaller the vibration of the accumulator (90). As described above, according to this embodiment, the third distance LM can be shortened compared to the conventional embodiment. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, the vibration of the compressor unit (1) equipped with the accumulator (90) can be reduced.

[0092] Embodiment 2 will now be described. This embodiment is an air conditioner (100) of Embodiment 1 in which the configuration of the compressor unit (1) has been changed.

[0093] In the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the position of the accumulator (90) differs from that of the compressor unit (1) of Embodiment 1. Here, we will explain the differences between the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment and the compressor unit (1) of Embodiment 1.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) is closer to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) of the compressor (10) than the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a).

[0095] As shown in Figure 7, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the third distance LM is shorter than the first distance LC1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) (LM < LC1). Also, the second distance LA1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is greater than zero (LA1 > 0).

[0096] According to this embodiment, the distance (third distance LM) from the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) in the reference direction to the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) can be shortened even further than in Embodiment 1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, vibrations of the compressor unit (1) equipped with the accumulator (90) can be reduced.

[0097] Embodiment 3 will now be described. This embodiment is an air conditioner (100) of Embodiment 1 in which the configuration of the compressor unit (1) has been changed.

[0098] In the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the position of the accumulator (90) differs from that of the compressor unit (1) of Embodiment 1. Here, we will explain the differences between the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment and the compressor unit (1) of Embodiment 1.

[0099] As shown in Figure 8, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) is further from the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) of the compressor (10) than the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a).

[0100] As shown in Figure 9, in the compressor unit (1) of this embodiment, the third distance LM is longer than the first distance LC1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) (LM > LC1). Also, the second distance LA1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is greater than zero (LA1 > 0).

[0101] According to this embodiment, the distance (third distance LM) from the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) in the reference direction to the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) can be shortened compared to the conventional method. Therefore, according to this embodiment, vibrations of the compressor unit (1) equipped with the accumulator (90) can be reduced.

[0102] 《Other Embodiments》 The compressor unit (1) of embodiments 1 to 3 described above may be modified in the following ways. The following modifications may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the function of the compressor unit (1).

[0103] -First Modification- In the compressor unit (1) of Embodiments 1 to 3, the compression mechanism (40) of the compressor (10) may be equipped with three or more cylinders. Here, the compressor unit (1) of this modification will be described with reference to Figure 10, in the case where the compression mechanism (40) of the compressor unit (1) of Embodiment 2 is equipped with three cylinders. Figure 10 shows an example of the compressor unit (1) of this modification.

[0104] The compressor (10) is provided with the same number of suction pipe members (21a, 21b, 21c) as there are cylinders. Each suction pipe member (21a, 21b, 21c) is connected to the suction port of a corresponding cylinder. Each suction pipe member (21a, 21b, 21c) is equipped with one fitting pipe and one suction pipe (23a, 23b, 23c).

[0105] In the compressor unit (1) of this modified example, the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is located above the reference line (RL). The center (CP2) of the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) and the center (CP3) of the inlet end (24c) of the third suction pipe (23c) are not located above the reference line (RL). In the example shown in Figure 10, the distance from the center (CP2) of the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) to the reference line (RL) is equal to the distance from the center (CP3) of the inlet end (24c) of the third suction pipe (23c) to the reference line (RL).

[0106] In the compressor unit (1) of this modified example, the first distance LC1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is shorter than the first distance LC2 at the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) (LC1 < LC2), and also shorter than the first distance LC3 at the inlet end (24c) of the third suction pipe (23c) (LC1 < LC3). In the example shown in Figure 10, the first distance LC2 at the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) is equal to the first distance LC3 at the inlet end (24c) of the third suction pipe (23c) (LC2 = LC3).

[0107] In the compressor unit (1) of this modified example, the second distance LA1 at the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) is shorter than the second distance LA2 at the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) (LA1 < LA2), and shorter than the second distance LA3 at the inlet end of the third suction pipe (23c) (LA1 < LA3). In the example shown in Figure 10, the second distance LA2 at the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) is equal to the second distance at the inlet end of the third suction pipe (23c) (LA2 ​​= LA3).

[0108] In the example shown in Figure 10, similar to Embodiment 2, the distance from the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) in the reference direction to the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90) (third distance LM) is shorter than the first distance LC1 of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction tube (23a) (LM < LC1).

[0109] -Second Modification- In the compressor unit (1) of Embodiments 1 to 3, the branch pipe (5) may be omitted. Here, the modification applied to the compressor unit (1) of Embodiment 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 11.

[0110] In the modified compressor unit (1), the first suction pipe (23a) and the second suction pipe (23b) are each inserted into the main body (91) of the accumulator (90). The inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe (23a) and the inlet end (24b) of the second suction pipe (23b) are located in the internal space of the main body (91) of the accumulator (90). Oil return holes (94) are formed in the portion of the first suction pipe (23a) that is located inside the main body (91) and in the portion of the second suction pipe (23b) that is located inside the main body (91).

[0111] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments described above may be combined or substituted as appropriate. In addition, the designations "First," "Second," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish the phrases to which these designations are given, and do not limit the number or order of such phrases.

[0112] As described above, this disclosure is useful for compressor units and refrigeration cycle systems.

[0113] 1 Compressor unit 5 Branch pipe (branch member) 15 Casing CL1 (Central axis of the casing) 21a First suction pipe member (suction pipe member) 24a Inlet end of the first suction pipe member CP1 Center of the inlet end of the first suction pipe member 21b Second suction pipe member (suction pipe member) 24b Inlet end of the second suction pipe member CP2 Center of the inlet end of the second suction pipe member 40 Compression mechanism 70 First cylinder (cylinder) 75 Second cylinder (cylinder) 90 Accumulator 91 Main body CL2 (Central axis of the main body) 93 Refrigerant outlet pipe 100 Air conditioner (refrigeration cycle device) 110 Refrigerant circuit

Claims

1. A compressor unit (1) comprising an upright cylindrical container-shaped casing (15), a compression mechanism (40) having a plurality of cylinders (70, 75) and housed in the casing (15), and an accumulator (90) positioned to the side of the casing (15) for separating the refrigerant drawn into the compression mechanism (40) into gas and liquid, wherein each of the plurality of cylinders (70, 75) is connected to a plurality of suction pipe members (21a, 21b) through which the refrigerant drawn into the cylinders (70, 75) flows, the plurality of cylinders (70, 75) are arranged in a single row in the vertical direction, each of the plurality of suction pipe members (21a, 21b) has an inlet end (24a, 24b) which is an upward-facing circular opening, and the accumulator (90) has an upright cylindrical container-shaped main body (91). The reference direction is the direction parallel to the line perpendicular to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91), the first distance is the distance in the reference direction between the centers (CP1, CP2) of the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each of the multiple suction pipe members (21a, 21b) and the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15), the second distance is the distance in the reference direction between the centers (CP1, CP2) of the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of each of the multiple suction pipe members (21a, 21b) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91), the first cylinder (70) is the one located at the top of the multiple cylinders (70, 75), and the suction pipe member connected to the first cylinder (70) is the first suction pipe member (21a). A compressor unit in which the first distance of the first suction pipe member (21a) is the shortest of the first distances of each of the plurality of suction pipe members (21a, 21b), and the second distance of the first suction pipe member (21a) is the shortest of the second distances of each of the plurality of suction pipe members (21a, 21b).

2. The compressor unit according to claim 1, wherein the distance in the reference direction between the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) is the third distance, and of the first distances of each of the plurality of suction pipe members (21a, 21b), only the first distance of the first suction pipe member (21a) is less than or equal to the third distance.

3. The compressor unit according to claim 2, wherein the first distance of the first suction pipe member (21a) is equal to the third distance.

4. The compressor unit according to claim 1, wherein the distance in the reference direction between the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91) is the third distance, and the first distance of each of the plurality of suction pipe members (21a, 21b) is longer than the third distance.

5. The compressor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the accumulator (90) has a refrigerant outlet pipe (93) that penetrates the bottom of the main body (91), the central axis of the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) coincides with the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91), and the compressor unit (1) comprises a branching member (5) that connects the refrigerant outlet pipe (93) to the inlet ends (24a, 24b) of all the suction pipe members (21a, 21b).

6. A compressor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the center (CP1) of the inlet end (24a) of the first suction pipe member (21a) is located on a line perpendicular to the central axis (CL1) of the casing (15) and the central axis (CL2) of the main body (91).

7. A refrigeration cycle device comprising a refrigerant circuit (110) provided with one of the compressor units (1) from claims 1 to 6, wherein a refrigerant is circulated in the refrigerant circuit (110) to perform a refrigeration cycle.

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