JP3376534B2 - Refrigerant distributor - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerant distributor, a refrigerant distribution mechanism, and an air conditioner, and more particularly, to a plurality of gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows in a refrigeration cycle such as an air conditioner and a refrigeration system. The present invention relates to a refrigerant distributor for evenly distributing to pipes, a refrigerant distributor having the refrigerant distributor, and an air conditioner incorporating the refrigerant distributor or the refrigerant distributor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional air conditioner, a refrigerant distributor for distributing a gas-liquid two-phase flow of a refrigerant to a plurality of tubes is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 6-2990 and 4-68274.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-292760, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 58-1582.
No. 76, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 58-158278, and the like.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-2990, a flow path extending from an inflow pipe connected to one end of a refrigerant distributor body to a stirring area inside the main body is provided with a throttle portion coaxial with the inflow pipe and having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter thereof. At the bottom of the stirring area, a conical portion that radially guides the refrigerant is projected, and the outflow pipes are equally arranged in concentric circles centering on the axial center, and are installed at the intermediate position between the throttle portion and the apex.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-68274, one end is used as a refrigerant inlet and a hemispherical collision wall is formed at the other end, and a plurality of radial outlets are provided on the peripheral wall of the hemispherical collision wall. A throttle is provided between the inlet and the throttle, and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow is contracted and jetted by the throttle action of the throttle to collide with the facing collision wall to make the mixed state of gas and liquid uniform, and to further increase the internal volume. Is made small, and a plurality of outlets are radially provided so as to prevent the formation of liquid pools and air pools, and the refrigerant distribution is made uniform.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-292760 discloses a hemispherical collision wall provided at one end, a plurality of outlets radially provided on a peripheral wall of the collision wall, a throttle portion provided adjacent to the outlet, and the other end. To form a sealing end, and to provide an inflow port on the side surface of the substantially central portion between the throttle portion and the sealing end, to stabilize the refrigerant diversion, and also to allow the refrigerant to once flow into the cylindrical cylinder with a large inner diameter. It suppresses the pulsation of, and suppresses the refrigerant flow noise at the time of contraction / collision.

In Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 58-158276, a disc having open cells such as sintered metal is inserted before the inlet pipe of the refrigerant distributor is brazed to the refrigerant distributor, and a gas-liquid two-phase flow of the refrigerant is obtained. It is said that the refrigerant can be satisfactorily distributed by a low-cost refrigerant distributor provided with a distribution chamber while stirring the refrigerant.

Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 58-158278 discloses a low-cost refrigerant distributor in which an orifice is inserted before the distributor inlet pipe is brazed to the refrigerant distributor, and a distribution chamber is provided at the same time as the contraction section. Can be distributed well.

[0008]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention
In the No. 0 refrigerant distributor, the agitation region for dividing the gas-liquid two-phase flow of the refrigerant is enlarged, so even if the pulsation of the jet flow flowing into the refrigerant distributor can be attenuated, the gas phase A gas-liquid interface is generated as a boundary between the liquid phase and the liquid phase, and pulsation occurs. We have observed that the pulsation due to the fluctuation of the gas-liquid interface is large in an experiment using the same type of model, and it is conceivable that the pulsation causes the flow noise of the refrigerant.

The above-mentioned JP-A-4-68274 and JP-A-4-68274.
In the refrigerant distributor of No. 292760, the collision wall has a hemispherical shape and has a structure in which there is a difference in height between the collision wall and the outlet, so that there is an inflowing gas-liquid two-phase flow, that is, an upward flow and a spherical surface. It is conceivable that the gas flow and the liquid phase are mixed with each other due to the collision with the downward flow that falls along with them to generate pressure pulsation, and as a result, a refrigerant flow noise is generated from the refrigerant distributor.

In the refrigerant distributor of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-292760 described above, a cylindrical cylinder having a part of an inlet is provided adjacent to the throttle portion, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical cylinder is connected to the inlet. Since it is larger than the inner diameter of the pipe and the inner diameter of the collision wall, the flow velocity of the inflowing refrigerant flow is reduced, and the refrigerant flow noise due to the reduced momentum of the fluid is reduced. The speed difference with the phase becomes large, and the refrigerant liquid accumulates at the lower end of the cylindrical body, where a gas-liquid interface occurs,
It causes pulsation. We have confirmed the cause of this pulsation by experiments using the same model. Even with this phenomenon, a refrigerant flowing sound is generated.

In the refrigerant distributors of JP-A-58-158276 and JP-A-58-158278, since the axis of the inflow pipe and the axis of the outflow pipe are arranged in parallel, the size of the refrigerant distributor is large. Therefore, it was not suitable for reducing the volume of the air conditioner. In addition, there is a drawback that the number of parts such as an orifice piece to be inserted therein increases.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerant distributor which has a reduced internal volume and a reduced refrigerant flow noise.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant distribution mechanism which stabilizes the distribution of the refrigerant, optimizes the structure of the refrigerant distributor and downsizes it, and minimizes the number of constituent parts to reduce the cost.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner equipped with the refrigerant distributor and / or the refrigerant distribution mechanism.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a refrigerant inflow pipe connected to one end thereof, and has the other end perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe as a refrigerant collision wall. In a refrigerant distributor in which a plurality of outflow pipes are connected to the side wall of the space connecting with and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe is distributed to the plurality of outflow pipes, the collision wall faces the outlet of the inflow pipe and The present invention proposes a refrigerant distributor which has a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis and whose outflow pipes are radially arranged with respect to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention connects the inflow pipe and the collision wall with the refrigerant inflow pipe connected to one end and the other end perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe as a refrigerant collision wall. In a refrigerant distributor in which a plurality of outlet pipes are connected to the side wall of the space and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inlet pipe is distributed to the plurality of outlet pipes, the collision wall faces the outlet of the inlet pipe and is perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inlet pipe. The present invention proposes a refrigerant distributor in which the outflow pipe is arranged in a radial plane so that the axis of the outflow pipe is orthogonal to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention connects the refrigerant inflow pipe to one end and connects the inflow pipe and the collision wall with the other end perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe as a refrigerant collision wall. In a refrigerant distributor that connects a plurality of outflow pipes to the side wall of the space and distributes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to a plurality of outflow pipes,
The collision wall is a plane facing the outlet of the inflow pipe and perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe, and the upper end position of the inner wall of the outflow pipe and the position of the lower surface of the collision wall are made to substantially coincide with each other so that the outflow pipe is in relation to the inflow pipe axis. Thus, a refrigerant distributor in which the axes of the outflow pipes are arranged in a radial pattern is proposed.

In any of the refrigerant distributors, the cross-sectional area of the space connecting the inflow pipe and the collision wall, which is orthogonal to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe, is not less than the total cross-sectional area of the plurality of outflow pipes, and the inflow pipe is disconnected. It is preferable that the area is less than or equal to the area.

Further, the axial length from the inflow pipe outlet to the collision wall in the space connecting the inflow pipe and the collision wall can be made equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the outflow pipe.

In any of the refrigerant distributors, the collision wall may be provided with a projection facing the inflow pipe on the central axis of the inflow pipe. More specifically, the protrusion is any one of a conical protrusion, a polygonal pyramidal protrusion, a truncated cone-shaped protrusion, a polygonal truncated cone-shaped protrusion, a columnar protrusion, and a polygonal columnar protrusion.

Instead of forming such a protrusion, the space connecting the inflow pipe and the collision wall may be tapered from the outlet of the inflow pipe toward the collision wall.

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a refrigerant inflow pipe is connected to one end of the space which connects the inflow pipe and the collision wall with the other end perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe as a refrigerant collision wall. In a refrigerant distributor in which a plurality of outlet pipes are connected to a side wall and a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inlet pipe is distributed to the plurality of outlet pipes, a collision wall is a plane facing the outlet of the inlet pipe and perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inlet pipe. age,
The present invention proposes a refrigerant distributor in which a pipe axis of an inflow pipe and an axis line of an outflow pipe intersect each other at an acute angle and the outflow pipe is radially arranged with respect to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention connects the inflow pipe and the collision wall with the refrigerant inflow pipe connected to one end and the other end perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe as a refrigerant collision wall. In a refrigerant distributor in which a plurality of outlet pipes are connected to the side wall of the space and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inlet pipe is distributed to the plurality of outlet pipes, the collision wall faces the outlet of the inlet pipe and is perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inlet pipe. The present invention proposes a refrigerant distributor in which a flat plane is formed, the inflow pipe axis intersects the outflow pipe axis at an obtuse angle, and the outflow pipe is radially arranged with respect to the inflow pipe axis.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides a refrigerant distributor which connects an inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes and distributes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to a plurality of outflow pipes. The outlet of the inflow pipe is covered with a flat plate perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe to form a collision wall, and the collision wall and the inflow pipe form a space connecting the inflow pipe and the plurality of outflow pipes, and the outflow pipe is connected to the inflow pipe. The present invention proposes a refrigerant distributor that projects inward from the pipe wall and is arranged radially with respect to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerant distributor for connecting an inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes and distributing a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to a plurality of outflow pipes. The outlet is closed by a flat plate perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe to form a collision wall, the collision wall and the inflow pipe form a space connecting the inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes, and the outflow pipe is a wall of the inflow pipe. The present invention proposes a refrigerant distributor that is joined to the pipe and is arranged radially with respect to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention also provides a refrigerant distributor for connecting an inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes and distributing a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to a plurality of outflow pipes.
The outlet of the inflow pipe is covered with a concave lid having a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe to form a collision wall, and the collision wall and the inflow pipe form a space connecting the inflow pipe and the plurality of outflow pipes, and the outflow A refrigerant distributor in which a pipe is joined to a pipe wall of an inflow pipe and is radially arranged with respect to a pipe axis of the inflow pipe is proposed.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides a refrigerant distributor which connects an inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes and distributes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to a plurality of outflow pipes. The outlet of the inflow pipe is covered with a concave lid having a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe and having a protrusion in the center to form a collision wall, and the collision wall and the inflow pipe connect the inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes. The present invention proposes a refrigerant distributor in which a space is formed, the outflow pipe is joined to the pipe wall of the inflow pipe, and is radially arranged with respect to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerant distributor for connecting an inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes and distributing a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to a plurality of outflow pipes. A refrigerant flow path is formed by joining two plate materials provided with uneven portions to each other, and each outflow pipe is radially connected to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe in the refrigerant flow path between the two plate materials. It proposes a refrigerant distributor in which an inflow pipe is connected to a hole formed in one central portion.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention also provides a refrigerant distributor for connecting an inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes and distributing a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to a plurality of outflow pipes.
A pair of petri dishes are joined together to form a container that serves as a refrigerant channel, and each outlet pipe is connected to the side wall of the container in a radial pattern with respect to the pipe axis of the inlet pipe, and a hole is provided in the center of the bottom surface of one petri dish. It proposes a refrigerant distributor to which an inflow pipe is connected.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides a refrigerant distributor for connecting an inflow pipe and a plurality of outflow pipes and distributing a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to a plurality of outflow pipes, Refrigerant distributor in which the tip of each outflow pipe is cut out in an inverted V shape, the cutout portion of the outflow pipe is joined, a hole centered on the tip of the cutout portion of the outflow pipe is provided, and the inflow pipe is connected to the hole Is proposed.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerant distribution mechanism in which any one of the refrigerant distributors is provided immediately after a pressure reducing device, and a refrigerant in which any one of the refrigerant distributors is provided immediately after an expansion valve. Distribution mechanism, a refrigerant distribution mechanism in which a capillary tube is provided immediately before any one of the above refrigerant distributors, and four times the inner diameter E of the inflow pipe from the inlet of the refrigerant distributor on the upstream side of any one of the above refrigerant distributors. Refrigerant distribution mechanism provided with an auxiliary throttle at the above distance L (≧ 4E), refrigerant having an auxiliary throttle provided at the outlet of the bent pipe arranged closest to the upstream side of any one of the refrigerant distributors or immediately after the outlet. It proposes a distribution mechanism.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is constructed by connecting at least a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and an evaporator in order by pipes, and a refrigerant is used for the compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing device, The present invention proposes an air conditioner in which any one of the refrigerant distributors is installed in a pipeline from the pressure reducing device to the evaporator in an air conditioner for circulating the evaporator and the compressor again.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further comprises at least a compressor, a four-way valve, a first heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a second heat exchanger, which are sequentially connected by pipes to perform a cooling operation. At times, the refrigerant is circulated to the compressor, the four-way valve, the first heat exchanger used as the condenser, the pressure reducing device, the second heat exchanger used as the evaporator, and the compressor again, while the refrigerant is compressed during the heating operation. , A four-way valve, a second heat exchanger used as a condenser, a pressure reducing device, a first heat exchanger used as an evaporator, and a cooling / heating dual-use air conditioner that is circulated back to the compressor. The present invention proposes an air conditioner in which the air conditioner is arranged in at least one of the conduits from the pressure reducing device to the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is constructed by connecting at least a compressor, a condenser, a decompression device and an evaporator in order by pipes, and a refrigerant, a compressor, a condenser, a decompression device and an evaporator. The present invention proposes an air conditioner in which any one of the above refrigerant distribution mechanisms is arranged in a pipe line from the pressure reducing device to the evaporator in the air conditioner which is circulated to the compressor again.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is constituted by connecting at least a compressor, a four-way valve, a first heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a second heat exchanger in sequence, and a cooling operation. At times, the refrigerant is circulated to the compressor, the four-way valve, the first heat exchanger used as the condenser, the pressure reducing device, the second heat exchanger used as the evaporator, and the compressor again, while the refrigerant is compressed during the heating operation. , A four-way valve, a second heat exchanger used as a condenser, a pressure reducing device, a first heat exchanger used as an evaporator, and a cooling / heating dual-use air conditioner that is circulated back to the compressor. An air conditioner is proposed in which the mechanism is arranged in at least one of the conduits from the pressure reducing device to the first heat exchanger or the second heat exchanger.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides an air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected in parallel to at least one outdoor unit, and any one of the refrigerant distributors is connected to the outdoor unit. From the air conditioner to the indoor unit, the inflow pipe of the refrigerant distributor is connected to the outdoor unit, and the outflow pipe is connected to each indoor unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is an air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected in parallel to at least one outdoor unit, and any one of the refrigerant distributors is arranged in the outdoor unit. Then, connect the inflow pipe of the refrigerant distributor to the pipe connected to the heat exchanger or the pressure reducing device in the outdoor unit,
An air conditioner is proposed in which each outflow pipe is connected to a pipe connected to each indoor unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention also provides an air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected in parallel to at least one outdoor unit, and any one of the refrigerant distribution mechanisms is installed in the outdoor unit. From the air conditioner to each indoor unit, the inflow side pipe of the refrigerant distribution mechanism is connected to the outdoor unit, and each outflow pipe is connected to each indoor unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further provides an air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected in parallel to at least one outdoor unit, and any one of the refrigerant distribution mechanisms is installed in the outdoor unit. Which proposes an air conditioner in which the piping on the inflow side of the refrigerant distribution mechanism is connected to the piping connected to the heat exchanger or pressure reducing device in the outdoor unit, and each outflow piping is connected to the piping connected to each indoor unit. Is.

[0040]

The present invention is based on an experimental finding that the pressure pulsation of the gas-liquid two-phase flow decreases as the volume of the refrigerant distributor decreases, based on the observation result of the flow state of the gas-liquid two-phase flow in the refrigerant distributor. The volume inside the refrigerant distributor is minimized to reduce the refrigerant flow noise from the refrigerant distributor.

Further, in consideration of the flow after the flow flowing into the refrigerant distributor collides with the wall surface, the distribution of the refrigerant is stabilized,
The structure of the refrigerant distributor is optimized and downsized, the number of constituent parts is minimized, and the cost is reduced.

In the refrigerant distributor of the present invention, the refrigerant flow flowing from the inflow pipe into the refrigerant distributor collides with the flat collision wall orthogonal to the axis of the inflow pipe, the flow direction is bent, and the collision wall is formed. Flows into the outflow pipes that are radially arranged on the peripheral wall of the. Therefore, even in a state where the vapor phase and the liquid phase of the refrigerant are separated, the vapor phase and the liquid phase are mixed by the collision and are made uniform. In addition, since the inflowing refrigerant flow is obstructed by the collision wall to change its direction and flow out to the outflow pipes provided in the periphery from the outer peripheral side of the flow, the flow condition is relatively smooth. . Furthermore, there are no liquid or gas pool areas. As a result, the refrigerant distribution becomes stable and the pressure pulsation is suppressed, so that the refrigerant flow noise is suppressed. In addition, since a component to be inserted inside the refrigerant distributor is unnecessary, the cost can be reduced.

If a conical projection or a polygonal pyramidal projection is provided in the refrigerant distributor, it functions as a guide plate for the refrigerant flow, promotes good refrigerant distribution, and smoothes the flow.
Generation of pressure pulsation can be suppressed, and as a result, generation of refrigerant flowing noise is further suppressed.

Further, if the throttle is arranged on the upstream side of the refrigerant distributor, the flow of the refrigerant can be improved and the distribution performance can be further improved.

By using such a refrigerant distributor, it is possible to obtain a refrigerant distribution mechanism and a low-cost air conditioner which have a low refrigerant flow noise and improved heat exchange performance due to improved distribution performance.

[0046]

EXAMPLES Examples of the refrigerant distributor, the refrigerant distribution mechanism, and the air conditioner according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of an embodiment of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention and the flow state of the refrigerant inside the refrigerant distributor. The refrigerant distributor 1 is surrounded by a collision wall 4 which is a plane perpendicular to the tube axis of the inflow pipe 2, a peripheral wall 5 connecting the collision wall 4 and the inflow pipe 2, and a collision wall 4 and the peripheral wall 5. And the connection space 6 of the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3. The plurality of outflow pipes 3 are radially attached to the peripheral wall 5.

The arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe 2 flows into the connection space 6 in the refrigerant distributor 1, collides with the collision wall 4 located at the upper end of the connection space 6, and then flows out around the connection space 6. It flows into the passage 7 to the pipe 3 and flows out into the outflow pipe 3. At this time, even if the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant distributor 1 is in a gas-liquid two-phase flow state, when it collides with the collision wall 4, the gas phase 8 and the liquid phase 9 are mixed, so that the refrigerant flows into each outflow pipe 3. The refrigerant has a flow having a substantially uniform dryness. Further, the upper end position of the passage 7 to the outflow pipe 3, that is, the lower surface of the collision wall 4 and the upper end position of the inner wall of the outflow pipe 3 are made to coincide with each other, and the flow colliding with the collision wall 4 flows out along the lower surface of the collision wall 4. It is led to the pipe 3 to improve the flow condition and to distribute the refrigerant in a state where the gas and liquid are sufficiently mixed.

As a result, regarding the refrigerant distribution performance of the air conditioner, it is possible to distribute the refrigerant substantially evenly to each of the plurality of heat transfer tubes of the evaporator to improve the evaporation performance. Regarding the refrigerant flow noise of the refrigerant distributor, while suppressing the occurrence of pressure pulsation, it does not promote the pressure pulsation transmitted from the upstream side, so that it is possible to provide a refrigerant distributor with a low refrigerant flow noise. Note that the maximum distribution performance is obtained when the axial direction of the inflow pipe 2 matches the gravity direction.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the refrigerant distributor of the embodiment shown in FIG. An inflow pipe 2 and a plurality of outflow pipes 3 are connected to the refrigerant distributor 1. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The refrigerant flows in from the inflow pipe 2, enters the refrigerant distributor 1, is distributed to each outflow pipe 3 inside the refrigerant distributor 1, and flows out. At this time, the axes of the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipes 3 are orthogonal to each other, and the outflow pipes 3 are provided radially from the axis of the inflow pipe 2.

FIG. 3 is a system diagram showing the system configuration and the flow of the refrigerant of the embodiment of the cooling air conditioner using the refrigerant distributor of the present invention. The air conditioner of this embodiment includes a compressor 10, a condenser 11, a pressure reducing device 12 (an expansion valve in this embodiment), a refrigerant distributor 1, an evaporator 13, and pipes connecting these devices. 14 and piping 14 from the pressure reducing device 12
And an inflow pipe 2 connecting the refrigerant distributor 1, a plurality of outflow pipes 3 connecting the refrigerant distributor 1 and the evaporator 13, a fan 15a used in the condenser 11, and 15b used in the evaporator 13. Consists of.

The refrigerant in the air conditioner is compressed by the compressor 10 to become high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant vapor, cooled by the condenser 11 and condensed, and then decompressed by the decompressor 12 at a temperature lower than the indoor air temperature and a refrigerant gas-liquid two. In the phase state, heat is taken from the indoor air in the evaporator 13 to evaporate, and the vapor is circulated in the cycle of returning to the compressor 10 again. Therefore, during the cooling operation, the refrigerant flows into the refrigerant distributor 1 in a gas-liquid two-phase flow state. Further, in the air conditioner in which the indoor unit and the outdoor unit are separated, the expansion valve 1
2, the refrigerant distributor 1, the evaporator 13, the fan 15b, and the pipes connecting them are installed in the indoor unit. When the refrigerant distributor 1 of the present invention is used as the refrigerant distributor, the refrigerant having a substantially uniform dryness is supplied to the plurality of outflow pipes 3 of the evaporator 13, and the refrigerant flow noise generated in the refrigerant distributor 1 is reduced. it can.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing conditions of respective sectional areas in the internal structure of the refrigerant distributor of the present invention. here,
The cross-sectional area of the outflow pipe 3 is A1, the cross-sectional area of the connecting space 6 orthogonal to the axis of the inflow pipe 2 is A2, the cross-sectional area of the inflow pipe 2 is A3, and the cross-sectional area of the passage 7 to the outflow pipe 3 is orthogonal to the axis of the outflow pipe 3. The cross-sectional area to be taken is A4. The cross-sectional areas A1, A2, A3 and A4 are set as follows. The size of the cross-sectional area A2 is
The area is set to be equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area A3. Cross-sectional area A2
Is set to an area not less than the sum of the cross-sectional areas A1 of the outflow pipes 3. When the above conditions are satisfied, the volume of the connection space 6 can be reduced, so that the occurrence of pressure pulsation due to the interaction between the gas phase and the liquid phase of the gas-liquid two-phase flow in the connection space 6 can be suppressed to the minimum. .

In order to further reduce the vibration force due to the gas-liquid two-phase flow inside the refrigerant distributor 1, it is effective to reduce the momentum of the refrigerant. For that purpose, it is important to prevent the flow velocity from increasing, so that the cross-sectional area A3 is
Each cross-sectional area is set so as to be almost equal to the sum of 2 and the cross-sectional area A1. The cross-sectional area A4 of the passage 7 to the outflow pipe 3 at this time is preferably the same as the cross-sectional area A1.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the height condition in the internal structure of the refrigerant distributor 1 of the present invention. Here, the inner diameter of the outflow pipe 3 is D, the refrigerant distributor inlet 16 to the collision wall 4
The height up to is H. The height H of the connection space 6 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 is set so that the height H is larger than the inner diameter D of the outflow pipe 3. By doing so, the loss of pressure caused by the change of the flow direction by 90 ° between the inflow and outflow of the refrigerant is reduced, and the inflow pipe 2 due to the reduction of the outflow side resistance is reduced.
This is to improve the flow state of the gas-liquid two-phase flow in the connection space 6 between the and the outflow pipe 3 and suppress the occurrence of pressure pulsation.

When the shape of the inside of the refrigerant distributor 1 is set so as to simultaneously satisfy the conditions of FIGS. 4 and 5, the occurrence of pressure pulsation of the gas-liquid two-phase flow flowing inside the refrigerant distributor 1 is suppressed. Also, the pressure pulsation transmitted from the upstream side can be suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of pipe vibration can be suppressed, and the refrigerant flow noise can be reduced. Further, the refrigerant is distributed inside the refrigerant distributor 1 in a state where the gas phase and the liquid phase are sufficiently mixed, and is distributed to the outflow pipes 3 with substantially even dryness.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the structure of an embodiment of a refrigerant distributor in which a convex projection is provided on the collision wall located at the upper end of the connection space between the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 17 provided on the collision wall 4 is the inflow pipe 2
The refrigerant has a role of guiding the refrigerant flowing in to the passage 7 to the outflow pipe 3, and also has a role of reducing the inner volume of the connection space 6 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 to promote the mixing of gas and liquid. . As the shape of the protrusion 17, a conical shape, a polygonal pyramid shape,
The shape of a truncated cone, the shape of a truncated pyramid, the shape of a cylinder, the shape of a polygonal prism, etc. can be adopted. The connection space 6 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3
Since the convex protrusions are present, the space volume becomes small, and the pressure pulsation due to the interaction between the gas phase and the liquid phase of the gas-liquid two-phase flow in the connection space 6 can be suppressed to the minimum.

That is, when a projection is provided in the connection space 6 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 to reduce the internal volume, a gas-liquid two-phase flow will flow into the narrow connection space 6, and gas-liquid mixing will occur. Is promoted. Further, for example, when the projection has a conical shape or a polygonal pyramid shape, it is possible to use the inclined side surface to mitigate a sudden change in the flow direction. Furthermore, gas-liquid mixing due to the collision of fluid with the protrusions can be expected. As a result, it is possible to distribute the refrigerant with a substantially uniform dryness, suppress the occurrence of pressure pulsation by improving the flow, and reduce the refrigerant flow noise.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a part of the internal structure of a refrigerant distributor provided with a conical projection as a convex projection according to the present invention. The conical protrusion 18 is provided on the collision wall 4 so as to taper in the direction of the inflow pipe 2. The refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe 2 collides with the tip of the conical protrusion 18, and then flows along the wall surface of the conical protrusion 18. In order to distribute them substantially evenly, it is a necessary condition that the central axis of the conical protrusion 18 and the axis of the inflow pipe 2 are arranged on the same line.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a part of the internal shape of the refrigerant distributor provided with the polygonal pyramidal protrusions as the convex protrusions according to the present invention. The polygonal pyramidal protrusion 19 is provided on the collision wall 4 so as to taper in the direction of the inflow pipe 2. The refrigerant flowing in from the inflow pipe 2 collides with the tip of the polygonal pyramidal projection 19 and then flows along the wall surface of the polygonal pyramidal projection 19. In order to distribute almost evenly, the central axis of the polygonal pyramidal projection 19 and the axis of the inflow pipe 2 are arranged on the same line, the number of side faces of the polygonal pyramid is made equal to the number of outflow pipes 3, and It is necessary to match the direction with the direction of each outflow pipe 3.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a part of the internal shape of the refrigerant distributor provided with the truncated cone-shaped projection as the convex projection according to the present invention. The truncated cone-shaped projection 20 is provided on the collision wall 4 so as to taper in the direction of the inflow pipe 2. The refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe 2 collides with the tip of the truncated cone-shaped projection 20 and then flows along the wall surface of the truncated cone-shaped projection 20. In order to distribute them substantially evenly, it is necessary to arrange the central axis of the truncated cone-shaped projection 20 and the axis of the inflow pipe 2 on the same line.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a part of the internal shape of the refrigerant distributor provided with the polygonal truncated pyramidal projections as the convex projections according to the present invention. The polygonal frustum-shaped projection 21 is provided on the collision wall 4 so as to be tapered toward the inflow pipe 2. Inflow pipe 2
The coolant flowing in from collides with the tip of the polygonal frustum-shaped projection 21 and then flows along the wall surface of the polygonal frustum-shaped projection 21. In order to distribute almost evenly, the central axis of the polygonal pyramid-shaped projection 21 and the axis of the inflow pipe 2 are arranged on the same line, and the number of side faces of the polygonal pyramid is made equal to the number of outflow pipes 3, and It is necessary to match the direction with the direction of each outflow pipe 3.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a part of the internal shape of a refrigerant distributor provided with a cylindrical protrusion as a convex protrusion according to the present invention. The columnar protrusion 22 is provided on the collision wall 4 and the inflow pipe 2
It is provided so as to be convex in the direction of. The refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe 2 collides with the tips of the columnar protrusions 22 to promote gas-liquid mixing, then flows along the wall surface of the columnar protrusions 22 and further collides with the collision wall 4 to generate gas. The liquids are remixed. In order to distribute almost uniformly, it is a necessary condition that the central axis of the cylindrical protrusion 22 and the axis of the inflow pipe 2 are arranged on the same line.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a part of the internal shape of the refrigerant distributor provided with polygonal columnar projections as the convex projections of the present invention. The polygonal columnar protrusion 23 is provided on the collision wall 4 so as to be convex in the direction of the inflow pipe 2. The refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe 2 collides with the tip of the polygonal columnar projection 23 to promote gas-liquid mixing, and thereafter collides with the tip of the polygonal columnar 23.
The gas-liquid is remixed. At this time, in order to distribute them substantially evenly, it is a necessary condition that the central axis of the polygonal columnar projection 23 and the axis of the inflow pipe 2 are arranged on the same line.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention in which the connecting space between the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe is a conical space. The refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe 2 flows into the conical space 25. The conical space 25 has a tapered shape in the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the inflow pipe 2. Therefore, the passage 7 of the conical space 25 to the outflow pipe 3
In the region connected to, the flow channel is narrowed, the mixing of gas and liquid is promoted, and the ratio of gas and liquid in the cross section of the conical space 25 orthogonal to the axis of the inflow pipe 2 is the conical space. Since it becomes almost uniform as it goes to the tip of 25, each outflow pipe 3
The refrigerant can be distributed at a substantially even dryness. Further, the gas-liquid two-phase flow flowing into the conical space 25 is
Since the volume of is small, the gas-liquid interface is also small, pressure pulsation is less likely to occur, and as a result, the refrigerant flow noise can be reduced.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention in which the axis of the inflow pipe and the three axes of the outflow pipe intersect at an acute angle. The inflow pipe 2 and the connection space 6 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 have the same specifications as the distributor of the above-mentioned embodiment.
The feature of this embodiment is that the axis of the outflow pipe 3 and the axis of the inflow pipe 2 intersect at an acute angle. That is, when the angle formed by the axis of the outflow pipe 2 of the refrigerant distributor 26 and the axis of the outflow pipe 3 is R, the range of the angle R is larger than 0 degree and smaller than 90 degrees.

When the axis of the outflow pipe 3 is arranged horizontally and radially with respect to the axis of the inflow pipe 2, the refrigerant distributor 1 of the above embodiment may not be installed due to the installation space. In particular, when the installation space in the height direction is insufficient, if the angle R is set to an acute angle, the refrigerant distributor 26 can be installed in the case of the air conditioner while maintaining the basic performance as the refrigerant distributor. It will be possible.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention in which the axis of the inflow pipe and the axis of the outflow pipe intersect at an obtuse angle. The inflow pipe 2 and the connection space 6 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 have the same specifications as the refrigerant distributor of the above-described embodiment. The feature of this embodiment is that the axis of the outflow pipe 3 of the refrigerant distributor 27 and the axis of the inflow pipe 2 intersect at an obtuse angle.
That is, when the angle formed by the axis of the outflow pipe 2 and the axis of the outflow pipe 3 is R, the range of the angle R is larger than 90 degrees and 1
It is smaller than 80 degrees.

When the axial line of the outflow pipe 3 is arranged horizontally and radially with respect to the axial line of the inflow pipe 2, the refrigerant distributor 1 of the above embodiment is. In some cases, it cannot be installed due to the installation space. Therefore, if the angle R is made obtuse, it becomes possible to install the refrigerant distributor 27 in the case of the air conditioner while maintaining the basic performance as the refrigerant distributor.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention in which a flat surface perpendicular to the tube axis of the inflow pipe is provided at the end of the inflow pipe. A flat plate 28 perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2 is attached to the end of the inflow pipe 2. The plane plate 28 serves as the collision wall 4. The outflow pipe 3 is attached to the side wall of the inflow pipe 2 radially with respect to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2 and on a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis.

In this embodiment, the portion corresponding to the connection space 6 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 of the refrigerant distributor shown in FIG. 15 becomes the space 46 surrounded by the outflow pipe 3. By adjusting the protruding length of the outflow pipe 3 from the inflow pipe 2, an optimally sized space can be secured. As a result, the distribution performance can be improved. Further, the structure is simple, and the number of parts and the number of production steps are reduced, so that the cost can be reduced.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, which uses a flat plate to form a plane perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe. At the end of the inflow pipe 2, a collision wall is formed perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2 to form a refrigerant distributor. Further, the outflow pipes 3 are provided radially on a surface orthogonal to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2. Flat plate 2
When the inner collision wall 4 of 9 and the upper end of the inflow pipe 3 are made to coincide with each other, the volume of the connection space 46 between the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe can be minimized, the distribution performance is improved and the pressure pulsation is reduced. Refrigerant flow noise can be reduced.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, which uses a concave lid to form a plane plate perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe. The end portion of the inflow pipe 2 is covered with a concave lid 30 so as to be perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2 to form the collision wall 4, thereby forming a refrigerant distributor. Further, the outflow pipes 3 are provided radially on a surface orthogonal to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2. When the collision wall 4 inside the concave lid 30 and the upper end portion of the inflow pipe 3 are aligned with each other, the volume of the connection space 46 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 can be minimized, the distribution performance can be improved, and the pressure pulsation can be improved. As a result, the refrigerant flow noise can be reduced.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, which uses a plate material having convex projections to form a plane plate perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe. At the end of the inflow pipe 2, a plate member 31 having a convex projection in the center is attached so as to be perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2, the collision wall 4 is configured, and the refrigerant distributor is configured. .
Further, the outflow pipes 3 are radially mounted on a surface orthogonal to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2. The convex protrusions 45 provided on the collision wall 4 serve to guide the refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe 2 to the outflow pipe 3 and also to the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3.
It also has the role of promoting the mixing of gas and liquid by reducing the internal volume of the connection space with. As the convex protrusion 45, the cone-shaped, polygonal pyramid-shaped, truncated cone-shaped, polygonal truncated cone-shaped, columnar-shaped, or polygonal-column-shaped protrusion already shown in FIGS. 7 to 12 can be adopted. Since the convex projection is present in the connection space between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3, the space volume becomes small, and the pressure due to the interaction between the gas phase and the liquid phase of the gas-liquid two-phase flow in this connection space. The occurrence of pulsation can be suppressed to a minimum. In addition, abrupt changes in the flow direction can be alleviated by utilizing the inclined side surfaces of the convex protrusions. As a result, the refrigerant can be distributed at an almost even dryness, and the pressure pulsation can be suppressed by improving the flow,
As a result, the refrigerant flow noise can be reduced.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor using a pair of plate members having uneven portions as the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention. Two plate materials 3 with irregularities
When 2 and 33 are overlapped, the overlapping space of the plate members 32 and 33 becomes a refrigerant flow path and a refrigerant distributor. The inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are connected to this refrigerant distributor. Inflow pipe 2
After colliding with the plate material 32, the refrigerant flowing in from the inside passes through the space formed by the two plate materials 32 and 33, and flows into each outflow pipe 3
Will be distributed to.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor using two petri dishes as a pair according to the present invention. Two plate-shaped plate members are made to face the concave portions 34 and 35 to form the connection space 6. Connection space 6
The inflow pipe 2 is connected to the lower surface of the, and the outflow pipe 3 is radially connected to the side surface of the connection space 6 on a plane orthogonal to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2. The refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant distributor from the inflow pipe 2 collides with the collision wall 4, promotes gas-liquid mixing in the connection space 6, and flows out from each outflow pipe 3.

The refrigerant distributors shown in FIGS. 16 to 21 are manufactured by, for example, brazing a piped and processed plate material. Since the plate material can be easily processed by a press or the like, there is no need to specially machine it. As a result, the number of manufacturing steps is reduced, the processing cost and the material cost can be reduced, and a low-cost refrigerant distributor can be obtained.

FIG. 22 shows the structure of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, which is constructed by notching the ends of each outflow pipe in a V-shape, combining them and joining them, and attaching an inflow pipe to the lower surface of the joint. It is a top view shown. The tip of each outflow pipe 3 is notched in a V-shape 47 so as to taper in the inflow direction, and they are combined and joined. At this time, it is necessary that the pipe axes of the outflow pipes 3 are on the same plane and that the V-shaped openings are the same in each outflow pipe 3.

FIG. 23 is a side view showing the structure of the refrigerant distributor of FIG. The inflow pipe 2 is connected to the lower part of the combined portion of the outflow pipe 3. As a result, the refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe 2 can be distributed to the outflow pipes 3 with an even dryness.

FIG. 24 is a partial sectional view showing the structure of an embodiment of the refrigerant distribution mechanism in which the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention is arranged immediately after the expansion valve as the pressure reducing device. The expansion valve 37 of this embodiment is an example of the decompression device 12 of the embodiment of FIG. 3, and comprises a throttle 38, a valve rod 39, and a motor 40 that drives the valve rod 39 in the direction toward the throttle 38. Expansion valve inflow pipe 41
The refrigerant flowing from the expansion valve 37 into the expansion valve 37 is flushed by the throttle 38 to be in a gas-liquid two-phase state. At this time, the flushed refrigerant is a jet flow, and gas and liquid are ejected in a concentric manner with respect to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe 2 in a homogeneous state, so that the connection space between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 in the refrigerant distributor 36. Since it flows into No. 6, the distribution performance is further improved. Also, the refrigerant distributor 3 in the state of spray flow
6, the pressure pulsation is small and the flow noise from the refrigerant distributor 36 is reduced.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing the structure of an embodiment of a refrigerant distribution mechanism in which a capillary tube is installed immediately before the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention. The refrigerant passing through the capillary tube 42 is flushed in the capillary tube 42 and becomes a gas-liquid two-phase state. The flushed refrigerant becomes a jet flow in which gas and liquid are evenly mixed, passes through the inflow pipe 2, and flows into the connection space 6 between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 in the refrigerant distributor 36, so that the distribution performance is further improved. To do. Further, since it flows into the refrigerant distributor in the state of the spray flow, the pressure pulsation is small, and the flow noise from the refrigerant distributor can be reduced.

As already shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner is generally provided with a decompression device 12 such as an expansion valve or a capillary tube on the upstream side of the refrigerant distributor 1. When the inflow pipe 2 is directly connected to the pressure reducing device 12, the pressure reducing device 12
The pipe 14 between the refrigerant distributor 1 and the refrigerant distributor 1 can be reduced.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distribution mechanism having an auxiliary throttle provided upstream of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention and the internal flow state. As a structure of the refrigerant distribution mechanism, an auxiliary throttle 43 is arranged in the inflow pipe 2 connected to the refrigerant distributor 1, and a pipe 14 from the pressure reducing mechanism is connected to the auxiliary throttle 43. In this case, assuming that the length of the inflow pipe 2 is L and the inner diameter is E, L ≧ 4E,
The length L of the inflow pipe 2 up to the position where the auxiliary throttle 43 is arranged is set.

In the case of gas-liquid two-phase flow, the gas phase and the liquid phase in the pipe cross-section direction are often non-uniform due to the influence of the structure of the pipe 14 on the upstream side of the inflow pipe 2. When the gas flows into the refrigerant distributor 1, the dryness of the refrigerant flowing through each of the outflow pipes 3 may become uneven if the gas-liquid distribution is more uneven than the distribution performance of the refrigerant distributor 1. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, an auxiliary throttle 43 is provided on the upstream side of the inflow pipe 2 connected to the refrigerant distributor 1 so that the distribution of the gas phase and the liquid phase in the pipe cross-sectional direction is corrected substantially uniformly.

FIG. 27 shows the distribution of the gas phase and the liquid phase of a gas-liquid two-phase flow when an auxiliary throttle is provided at the outlet of the bent pipe when a horizontal pipe and a bent pipe are provided on the upstream side of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the refrigerant distribution mechanism which correct | amends. The refrigerant passes through the horizontal pipe 14 and flows into the bent pipe 44. Looking at the distribution of the gas phase 8 and the liquid phase 9 of the gas-liquid two-phase flow at this time, in the horizontal pipe 14, the liquid phase 9 is filled in the lower part of the pipe 14 due to the influence of gravity, and the upper part is the gas phase. 8 is full. On the other hand, in the bent pipe 44, due to the influence of centrifugal force, the liquid phase 9 is filled on the outer wall side and the gas phase 8 is filled on the inner wall side. Therefore, at the outlet of the bent pipe 44, the distribution of the gas phase 8 and the liquid phase 9 becomes non-uniform in the pipe cross-sectional direction, and when the refrigerant flows into the refrigerant distributor 1 in this state, the dryness of the refrigerant distributed to each outflow pipe 3 is increased. May be non-uniform. Therefore, the bent pipe 44
An auxiliary throttle 43 is provided at the outlet of the inflow pipe 2, the flow is corrected, and the distribution of the gas phase 8 and the liquid phase 9 in the pipe cross section is made uniform, and the gas is flowed into the refrigerant distributor 1. As a result, the refrigerant can be distributed to the outflow pipes 3 with a substantially uniform dryness.

FIG. 28 is a characteristic diagram showing the distribution performance when there is a bent pipe on the upstream side of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention. If an auxiliary throttle is provided immediately after the outlet of the bent pipe, the variation range of the dryness of the refrigerant distributed to each outflow pipe is improved,
It can be seen that the distribution performance is improved.

Therefore, according to the refrigerant distributor or the refrigerant distribution mechanism of the present invention, the plurality of outflow pipes can be evenly mixed with the gas-liquid two-phase flow flowing into the refrigerant distributor being sufficiently mixed. It is possible to distribute a refrigerant having a proper dryness. In addition, by improving the flow of gas-liquid two-phase flow, it is possible to suppress the pressure pulsation generated inside the refrigerant distributor, and at the same time suppress the increase of pressure pulsation transmitted from the refrigerant distributor upstream side to reduce the flow velocity change and It is possible to reduce the change in the momentum of the liquid crystal, reduce the vibration force, and reduce the pipe vibration and the refrigerant flow noise generated in the refrigerant distributor.

FIG. 29 is a system diagram showing a system configuration and a refrigerant flow of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling using a refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention. The air conditioner of this embodiment includes a compressor 10, a condenser 11, a pressure reducing device 12, and an auxiliary throttle 4.
8, the pipe 14 connecting these devices, the refrigerant distributor 1, the inflow pipe 2 connecting the auxiliary throttle 48 and the refrigerant distributor, the evaporator 13, and the refrigerant distributor 1 and the evaporator 13 are connected. It comprises a plurality of outflow pipes 3, a fan 15a used in the condenser 11, and a fan 15b used in the evaporator 13.

FIG. 30 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling and heating using a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention and a refrigerant flow during a cooling operation. The air conditioner of this embodiment includes a compressor 10, a four-way valve 49, a first heat exchanger 50 as a condenser, a combiner 54 (1a), and a pressure reducing device 1.
2, a refrigerant distributor 1b, a second heat exchanger 51 as an evaporator, a pipe 14 connecting these devices, and an inflow pipe 2b connecting the pipe 14 from the pressure reducing device 12 to the refrigerant distributor 1b. From the plurality of outflow pipes 3b connecting the refrigerant distributor 1b and the second heat exchanger 51, the fan 15a used in the first heat exchanger 50, and the fan 15b used in the second heat exchanger 51. Become.

In the embodiment of FIG. 30, during the cooling operation,
The refrigerant is the compressor 10, the four-way valve 49, the first heat exchanger 50,
The merger 54, the decompression device 12, the refrigerant distributor 1b, the second heat exchanger 51, and the compressor 10 are circulated again in this order. In this case, the merger 54 uses the refrigerant distributor 1a having the same structure as the refrigerant distributor 1b.

FIG. 31 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling and heating using a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention and a refrigerant flow during heating operation. The air conditioner of this embodiment includes a compressor 10, a four-way valve 49, a second heat exchanger 51 as a condenser, a confluencer 54 (1b), and a pressure reducing device 1.
2, a refrigerant distributor 1a, a first heat exchanger 50 as an evaporator, a pipe 14 connecting these devices, and an inflow pipe 2a connecting the pipe 14 from the pressure reducing device 12 to the refrigerant distributor 1a. From the plurality of outflow pipes 3a connecting the refrigerant distributor 1a and the first heat exchanger 50, the fan 15a used in the first heat exchanger 50, and the fan 15b used in the second heat exchanger 51. Become.

In the embodiment of FIG. 31, during the heating operation,
The refrigerant is the compressor 10, the four-way valve 49, the second heat exchanger 51,
The merger 54, the decompression device 12, the refrigerant distributor 1a, the first heat exchanger 50, and the compressor 10 are circulated again in this order. In this case, the merger 54 uses the refrigerant distributor 1b having the same structure as the refrigerant distributor 1a.

FIG. 32 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling and heating using a refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention and a refrigerant flow during a cooling operation. The air conditioner of this embodiment includes a compressor 10, a four-way valve 49, a first heat exchanger 50 as a condenser, a combiner 54 (1a), an auxiliary throttle 48, a pressure reducing device 12, and an auxiliary. Restrictor 48, refrigerant distributor 1b, second heat exchanger 51 as an evaporator, pipe 14 connecting these devices, inflow pipe 2b connecting auxiliary restrictor 48 to refrigerant distributor 1b, and refrigerant distributor A plurality of outflow pipes 3b connecting the vessel 1b and the second heat exchanger 51,
It is composed of a fan 15a used in the heat exchanger 50 and 15b used in the second heat exchanger 51.

In the embodiment of FIG. 32, during the cooling operation,
The refrigerant is the compressor 10, the four-way valve 49, the first heat exchanger 50,
Combiner 54, auxiliary throttle 48, pressure reducing device 12, auxiliary throttle 4
8, refrigerant distributor 1b, second heat exchanger 51, compressor 1 again
It cycles in the order of 0. In this case, the merger 54 uses the refrigerant distributor 1a having the same structure as the refrigerant distributor 1b.

FIG. 33 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling and heating using a refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention and a refrigerant flow during heating operation. The air conditioner of the present embodiment includes a compressor 10, a four-way valve 49, a second heat exchanger 51 as a condenser, a combiner 54, and an auxiliary throttle 48.
, Pressure reducing device 12, auxiliary throttle 48, and refrigerant distributor 1a
A first heat exchanger 50 as an evaporator, a pipe 14 connecting these devices, an inflow pipe 2a connecting the auxiliary throttle 48 and the refrigerant distributor 1a, a refrigerant distributor 1a and a first heat exchanger It is composed of a plurality of outflow pipes 3a connecting 50, a first heat exchanger 50 fan 15a, and a fan 15b used in the second heat exchanger 51.

In the embodiment of FIG. 33, during the heating operation,
The refrigerant is the compressor 10, the four-way valve 49, the second heat exchanger 51,
Combiner 54, auxiliary throttle 48, pressure reducing device 12, auxiliary throttle 4
8, refrigerant distributor 1a, first heat exchanger 50, compressor 1 again
It cycles in the order of 0. In this case, the merger 54 uses the refrigerant distributor 1b having the same structure as the refrigerant distributor 1a.

FIG. 34 shows a system configuration of an embodiment of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit using the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention and the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation. FIG. In the air conditioner of the present embodiment, a plurality of indoor units 56 is provided for one outdoor unit 55.
a, 56b, 56c, 56d are connected, the refrigerant distributor 1 is arranged in the inflow pipe 2 through which the refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 55 to the indoor units 56a to 56d, and the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor unit 55 is the refrigerant. It is distributed to each indoor unit 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d by the distributor 1 and the outflow pipe 3.

FIG. 35 is a system configuration of an embodiment of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit having a built-in refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, and a refrigerant flow during cooling operation. FIG. In the air conditioner of the present embodiment, a plurality of indoor units 56 is provided for one outdoor unit 55.
a, 56b, 56c, 56d are connected via the refrigerant distributor 1, and the refrigerant distributor 1 is arranged in the outdoor unit 55 on the downstream side of the pressure reducing device 12. The refrigerant flowing out of the decompression device 12 is distributed to the indoor units 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d by the refrigerant distributor 1 and the outflow pipe 3.

FIG. 36 is a system configuration of an embodiment of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit using the refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention and the refrigerant flow during cooling operation. FIG. The air conditioner of the present embodiment has a plurality of indoor units 56a, 5 for one outdoor unit 55.
6b, 56c, 56d are connected, and a pipe 1 through which the refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 55 to the indoor units 56a to 56d
The refrigerant distribution mechanism 57 is arranged on the upper surface of the indoor unit 56.
a, 56b, 56c, 56d.

FIG. 37 is a system configuration of an embodiment of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit having a refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention and a refrigerant flow during cooling operation. FIG. The air conditioner of the present embodiment has a plurality of indoor units 56a, 5 for one outdoor unit 55.
6b, 56c, 56d are connected via a refrigerant distribution mechanism 57, and the refrigerant distribution mechanism 57 is arranged in the outdoor unit 55 on the downstream side of the pressure reducing device 12. The refrigerant flowing out from the decompression device 12 is transferred to the indoor units 56 by the refrigerant distribution mechanism 57.
a, 56b, 56c, 56d.

Incidentally, in the air conditioner for cooling and heating, FIG.
Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 36, by disposing the refrigerant distributor or the refrigerant distribution mechanism of the present invention also on the pipeline from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, the refrigerant is generated even during the heating operation in which the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to the cooling operation. Can be distributed well.

Also in the embodiment of FIG. 35 or FIG.
By arranging the refrigerant distributor or the refrigerant distribution mechanism of the present invention on the inlet side of the compressor 10 in the outdoor unit, the refrigerant can be distributed well even in the heating operation in which the refrigerant flows in the direction opposite to the cooling operation.

In the above embodiments, the case where there is one outdoor unit has been described, but the present invention is also effective when there are multiple outdoor units.

Therefore, in these embodiments of the air conditioner according to the present invention, the refrigerant flow noise from the refrigerant distributor is suppressed, the performance of the heat exchanger is improved by improving the refrigerant distribution performance, and the cost is also reduced. Can be realized.

[0105]

According to the present invention, when a refrigerant gas-liquid two-phase flow flows in from a single inflow pipe and splits into a plurality of outflow pipes, the refrigerant can be distributed with substantially equal dryness, and the evaporator The performance is improved and the performance of the refrigeration cycle can be enhanced. Also,
The pressure pulsation generated in the refrigerant distributor is reduced, and the pressure pulsation transmitted from the upstream side of the refrigerant distributor is prevented from increasing, so pipe vibration and refrigerant flow noise generated from the refrigerant distributor are reduced by these pressure pulsations. it can. Further, the refrigerant distributor can be downsized, and in particular, if the attachment angle of the outflow pipe is changed to an acute angle or an obtuse angle, it can be installed in a narrow space.

Therefore, by using the refrigerant distributor or the refrigerant distribution mechanism of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an air conditioner in which the refrigerant flow noise is suppressed, the heat exchange performance is improved, and the cost is reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an embodiment of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention and a flow state of a refrigerant inside the refrigerant distributor.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the refrigerant distributor of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a system diagram showing a system configuration and a refrigerant flow of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling using the refrigerant distributor of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing conditions of respective cross-sectional areas in the internal structure of the refrigerant distributor of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing height conditions in the internal structure of the refrigerant distributor 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a structure of an embodiment of a refrigerant distributor in which a convex protrusion is provided on a collision wall located at an upper end of a connection space between an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a part of the internal structure of a refrigerant distributor provided with a conical protrusion as a convex protrusion according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a part of the internal shape of a refrigerant distributor provided with polygonal pyramidal protrusions as convex protrusions according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a part of the internal shape of a refrigerant distributor provided with a truncated cone-shaped protrusion as a convex protrusion according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a part of the internal shape of a refrigerant distributor provided with polygonal truncated pyramidal projections as convex projections according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a part of the internal shape of a refrigerant distributor provided with a cylindrical protrusion as a convex protrusion according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a part of the internal shape of a refrigerant distributor provided with polygonal columnar protrusions as the convex protrusions of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a refrigerant distributor in which a connection space between an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe is a conical space according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention in which the axis of the inflow pipe and the axis of the outflow pipe 3 intersect at an acute angle.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a refrigerant distributor in which the axis of the inflow pipe and the axis of the outflow pipe intersect at an obtuse angle according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, in which a flat surface perpendicular to the tube axis of the inflow pipe is provided at the end of the inflow pipe.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a refrigerant distributor as a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, which uses a flat plate to form a plane perpendicular to a pipe axis of an inflow pipe.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing a structure of a refrigerant distributor using a concave lid for forming a flat plate perpendicular to the tube axis of the inflow pipe as the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a refrigerant distributor as a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, which uses a plate material having convex projections to form a plane plate perpendicular to the tube axis of the inflow pipe.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a structure of a refrigerant distributor that uses a pair of plate members having uneven portions as a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor using two petri dishes as a pair as the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the structure of a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, which is configured by notching the tip of each outflow pipe in a V shape and joining them in combination, and attaching the inflow pipe to the lower surface of the joint as the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention. Is.

FIG. 23 is a side view showing the structure of the refrigerant distributor of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of an embodiment of the refrigerant distribution mechanism in which the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention is arranged immediately after the expansion valve as the pressure reducing device.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an embodiment of a refrigerant distribution mechanism in which a capillary tube is installed immediately before the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a refrigerant distribution mechanism having an auxiliary throttle provided on the upstream side of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention and the internal flow state.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a distribution of a gas phase and a liquid phase of a gas-liquid two-phase flow provided with an auxiliary throttle at the outlet of the bent pipe when a horizontal pipe and a bent pipe are provided on the upstream side of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows a refrigerant distribution mechanism.

FIG. 28 is a characteristic diagram showing distribution performance when a bent pipe is provided on the upstream side of the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a system diagram showing a system configuration and a refrigerant flow of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling using a refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention.

[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling and heating using a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, and a refrigerant flow during a cooling operation.

FIG. 31 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling and heating using a refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, and a refrigerant flow during heating operation.

FIG. 32 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an embodiment of an air conditioner for cooling and heating using a refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention, and a refrigerant flow during a cooling operation.

FIG. 33 is a system diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner for cooling and heating using the refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention and the flow of refrigerant during heating operation.

FIG. 34 shows a system configuration of an embodiment of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit using the refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, and a refrigerant flow during a cooling operation. It is a system diagram.

FIG. 35 shows a system configuration of an embodiment of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit having a built-in refrigerant distributor according to the present invention, and a refrigerant flow during a cooling operation. It is a system diagram.

FIG. 36 shows a system configuration of an embodiment of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit using the refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention and a refrigerant flow during a cooling operation. It is a system diagram.

FIG. 37 shows a system configuration of an embodiment of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit having a built-in refrigerant distribution mechanism according to the present invention, and a refrigerant flow during a cooling operation. It is a system diagram.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,1a, 1b Refrigerant distributor 2,2a, 2b Inflow pipe 3,3a, 3b Outflow pipe 4 collision wall 5 Surrounding wall 6 Connection space between inflow pipe and outflow pipe Passage to 7 outflow pipes 8 gas phase 9 liquid phase 10 compressor 11 condenser 12 Pressure reducing device 13 Evaporator 14 Piping 15a, 15b fan 16 Refrigerant distributor inlet 17 Convex projection 18 Conical protrusion 19 Polygonal pyramidal protrusion 20 Conical protrusion 21 Polygonal frustum projection 22 Cylindrical protrusion 23 Polygonal columnar protrusion 24 Refrigerant distributor 25 Connection space between inflow pipe and outflow pipe 26 Refrigerant distributor 27 Refrigerant distributor 28 Flat plate 29 flat plate 30 lid 31 lid 32 Upper uneven plate 33 Lower uneven plate 34 Upper Petri dish 35 Lower Petri dish 36 Refrigerant distributor 37 Expansion valve 38 aperture 39 valve rod 40 motor 41 Expansion valve inlet pipe 42 Capillary tube 43 Auxiliary diaphragm 44 curved piping 45 Flat convex protrusion 46 mixed space 47 V-shaped notch 48 Auxiliary diaphragm 49 four-way valve 50 First heat exchanger 51 Second heat exchanger 52 Check valve 53 Bypass pipeline 54 merger 55 Outdoor unit 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d Indoor unit 57 Refrigerant distribution mechanism A1 Outflow pipe cross-sectional area A2 Space 6 cross section A3 Inflow pipe cross-sectional area A4 cross-sectional area of passage 7 H space 6 height D Outflow pipe diameter L diaphragm installation length E Inlet pipe diameter R Angle between inflow pipe axis and outflow pipe axis

Front page continued (72) Inventor Hiroshi Yasuda 502 Jinrachicho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachi Ltd., Mechanical Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Mitsuo Kudo, 502, Jinmachicho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Hitachi Ltd., Mechanical Laboratory (72) ) Inventor Shozo Nakamura 502 Jinrachi-cho, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki Machinery Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Futoshi Kawamura 4-6, Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Hitachi, Ltd., Air Conditioning Systems Division (72) Inventor Yasuyuki Igarashi 4-6 Kanda Sugawadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Inside Hitachi Air Conditioning Systems Division (56) References JP-A-3-191269 (JP, A) JP-A-3-45871 (JP, A) 58-148582 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho 54-104550 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho 54-67367 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho 50-4345 (JP, U) Actual opening 3-20266 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F25B 41/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of outlet pipes are connected to one end of the inlet pipe, and the other end perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inlet pipe is used as a collision wall of the refrigerant, and a side wall of a space connecting the inlet pipe and the collision wall. In the refrigerant distributor for connecting the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flow of the inflow pipe to the plurality of outflow pipes, the collision wall is a plane facing the outlet of the inflow pipe and perpendicular to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe. The outflow pipes are arranged radially with respect to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe, and the cross-sectional area A3 of the inflow pipe is orthogonal to the pipe axis of the inflow pipe in the space connecting the inflow pipe and the collision wall. Cross-sectional area A
2. A refrigerant distributor characterized in that it is made substantially equal to the sum of 2 and the cross-sectional areas A1 of the plurality of outflow pipes. 2. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 1 , wherein a space connecting the inflow pipe and the collision wall has a tapered shape from an outlet of the inflow pipe toward the collision wall. And a refrigerant distributor. 3. The refrigerant distributor according to claim 1 , wherein the outflow pipes are arranged so that their axes are orthogonal to each other.