Refrigerant flow path module, refrigeration cycle apparatus, and method of manufacturing refrigeration cycle apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerant flow path modules face issues with brazing materials peeling off and entering the refrigerant circuit, potentially hindering the operation of components due to the use of stainless steel plates and copper connecting pipes with insufficient length, leading to potential contamination and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The refrigerant flow path module design includes copper connecting pipes with a length of 25 mm to 56 mm, featuring a connected surface on the outer peripheral surface to prevent brazing material from reaching the stainless steel module body, ensuring secure brazing workability and preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If copper connecting pipes are used with stainless steel plates, then brazing workability is improved, but brazing material may peel off and enter the refrigerant circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting pipe as an intermediary component between the stainless steel module body and copper refrigerant pipes. This mediator allows brazing to be performed on the copper side away from the module body, preventing brazing material from contaminating the refrigerant circuit while maintaining good brazing workability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection structure into three distinct parts: the stainless steel module body, the copper connecting pipe, and the copper refrigerant pipe. This segmentation allows the brazing operation to be isolated from the module body, preventing contamination while maintaining manufacturing ease.
2Ease of manufacture
If connecting pipe length is increased, then brazing workability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the connecting pipe length to a specific range (30mm to 60mm, preferably 40mm to 50mm). This parameter change provides sufficient space for brazing operations while preventing excessive module size increase, achieving a balance between manufacturability and compactness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design effectively prevents brazing material from entering the module body, maintaining the integrity and functionality of the refrigerant circuit components, enhancing operational reliability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
one end portion of the first connecting pipe in a pipe axial direction is connected to the module body in a state of being inserted into the first opening
Implementation Method 2
a connected surface to which a refrigerant pipe including a material containing copper as a main component is connected is provided on an outer peripheral surface of another end portion of the first connecting pipe in the pipe axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigerant flow path module includes: a module body having a refrigerant flow path therein and including a stack of stainless steel plates; and a first straight connecting pipe, made of a material containing copper as a main component, that is connected to the module body. The module body has a first surface at one end in a stacking direction of the stainless steel plates and a second surface at the other end in the stacking direction. One end of the first straight connecting pipe is inserted into a first opening on the first surface of the module body. The other end of the first straight connecting pipe has a connected surface to which a first refrigerant pipe, made of a material containing copper as a main component, is connected. The first connecting pipe has a length of 25 mm or more and less than 56 mm.