JP2007155308A - Flow divider and refrigeration cycle device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flow divider, in which an inflow passage for introducing refrigerant, a collision part for colliding the introduced refrigerant, and a flow dividing passage for dividing the refrigerant agitated by collision at a predetermined flow division ratio are formed within a single member, and a refrigeration cycle device using this flow divider. <P>SOLUTION: This flow divider 4 comprises the inflow passage for introducing the refrigerant and a plurality of flow dividing passages for dividing the refrigerant in parallel to the inflow passage, the inflow passage and the flow dividing passages being formed within the single member. This divider further comprises a flow dividing means dividing the refrigerant arriving at the flow dividing passages at the predetermined flow division ratio. This divider 4 enables reduction in size and weight of a refrigeration cycle device to enhance impact resistance and vibration resistance, and is respondable to diversification of the refrigeration cycle device by dividing the refrigerant at the predetermined division ratio. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a flow divider and a refrigeration cycle using the flow divider. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inflow path through which a refrigerant flows, a collision section that collides with the refrigerant that has flowed in, and a flow path that divides the refrigerant that has been collided and stirred. The present invention relates to a shunt formed inside a single member and a refrigeration cycle apparatus using the shunt.

  As a conventional refrigerant distributor and a refrigeration cycle apparatus using the same, even if the refrigerant is drifted and flows in regardless of the installation state of the refrigerant distributor, the refrigerant can be sufficiently stirred and mixed to uniformly distribute the refrigerant. The refrigerant distributor is used to improve the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. The refrigerant flowing in from the inflow pipe is divided into a plurality of outflow pipes via the mixing section and the branch space. A refrigerant distributor is disclosed in which the mixing portion is configured by a thin tube to obtain a homogeneous flow when distributing to the refrigerant, and the refrigerant distributor is provided at the refrigerant branching portion of the refrigerant flow path for circulating the refrigerant. A refrigeration cycle apparatus characterized by the above has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in the refrigerant distributor having the above-described configuration and the refrigeration cycle apparatus using the refrigerant distributor, the refrigerant distributor mixes the refrigerant distributor main body that distributes the refrigerant into a plurality of outflow pipes and the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. Since it is the structure which joined two kinds of members which consist of a mixing part, it will be disadvantageous in terms of cost because it requires the work of joining the two kinds of members individually and joining them. Had a point.

  Similarly, the refrigeration cycle apparatus using the refrigerant distributor having such a configuration is disadvantageous in cost, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 attached to Patent Document 1, the mixing unit is joined. When the refrigerant distributor having the above configuration is used in a refrigeration cycle device, the refrigerant distributor becomes larger and occupies a large space. There was a risk that the structure would be disadvantageous in terms of vibration resistance and impact resistance due to an increase in mass.

  Moreover, even if the refrigerant flows in a biased manner, the refrigerant is not limited to obtaining a refrigerant distributor that can sufficiently agitate and mix and uniformly distribute the refrigerant, but can be intentionally diverted at a predetermined diversion ratio. It has been desired to improve the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the refrigeration cycle apparatus by using a distributor so as to cope with diversification of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

JP 11-101530 A

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the purpose thereof is to uniformly distribute the inflow path through which the refrigerant flows, the colliding portion that collides with the inflowed refrigerant, and the refrigerant that has collided with stirring. Another object of the present invention is to provide a shunt formed in a single member with a shunt path for shunting at a predetermined shunt ratio and a refrigeration cycle apparatus using the shunt.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the present invention has the following features.
An inflow path for introducing the refrigerant, and a plurality of diversion paths for diverting the refrigerant in parallel to the inflow path,
The inflow path and the branch path are formed as a single member.

In addition, an inflow path for introducing the refrigerant, a collision portion for colliding the introduced refrigerant, and a plurality of diversion paths for diverting the refrigerant,
The inflow channel, the collision part, and the branch channel are formed in a single member.

  Further, the collision portion is formed in a planar shape or a curved shape.

  The inflow path is characterized by being provided with a guide tube having a smaller diameter than the inflow path.

  Further, when the guide pipe is provided in the inflow path, the guide pipe is fixed by an inflow pipe inserted and fixed in the inflow path and a step portion provided in the guide pipe. It is a feature.

  Further, the size of the communication path that connects the inflow path and the branch path is different.

  The inflow path or the guide tube is formed in an elliptical cross section.

  Further, the distal end edge of the guide tube has an inclination angle.

  Further, the center position of the guide tube is made different from the inflow path.

  Further, the flow divider comprising an inflow path for introducing a refrigerant and a plurality of diversion paths for diverting the refrigerant in parallel to the inflow path is used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

  In addition, the flow divider comprising an inflow path for introducing a refrigerant, a collision portion for colliding the introduced refrigerant, and a plurality of branch channels for diverting the refrigerant is used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus. .

  According to the present invention, an inflow path for introducing a refrigerant by constituting a flow divider and a plurality of diversion paths for diverting the refrigerant in parallel to the inflow path are formed in a single member, or The outer dimensions of the inflow path through which the refrigerant is introduced by constituting the flow divider, the collision portion for colliding the introduced refrigerant, and the plurality of diversion paths for diverting the refrigerant are formed inside the single member. It becomes possible to provide a cost-effective diverter that can be easily manufactured without increasing the size of the refrigeration cycle device, and when the diverter is used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus, it does not occupy a large space. Since the mass can be reduced, the structure is advantageous in terms of vibration resistance and impact resistance.

  In addition, the refrigerant is not limited to be uniformly distributed, and the refrigerant can be diverted to the diversion channel at a predetermined diversion ratio, so that the refrigeration cycle apparatus can be diversified and the refrigeration cycle apparatus can be diversified. The performance, efficiency, and reliability of the cycle device can be improved.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1A and 1B are explanatory views of a first embodiment of a flow divider according to the present invention, FIG. 1A is an external view, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of connected Example 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of Example 1 in which an inflow pipe is connected to an inflow path and a shunt pipe is connected to a shunt path, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of Example 2 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is sectional drawing which shows an example of Example 2, (B) is a top view which shows the other example of Example 2, (C) is an Example. 2 is a side view showing another example of the second embodiment, FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second embodiment, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of a third embodiment of the flow divider according to the present invention, and FIG. Sectional drawing which shows an example of Example 3, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the other example of Example 3, FIG. 6 is explanatory drawing of Example 4 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is an external view , (B) is a sectional view FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a fifth embodiment of the flow divider according to the present invention, (A) is a cross-sectional view, (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line aa shown in (A), and FIG. 8 is a flow divider according to the present invention. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view, FIG. 9B is an explanatory view of a main part, FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a shunt according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIGS. 10A and 10B are plan views of main parts, FIG. 10 is a view showing a part of a refrigeration cycle using a flow divider according to the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view showing a refrigeration cycle using a flow divider according to the present invention. It is.

  As shown in the drawing, the flow divider 4 according to the present invention includes at least an inflow path 1 for introducing a refrigerant and a plurality of diversion paths 3 for diverting the refrigerant in parallel to the inflow path 1. .

  Or the flow divider 4 by this invention may be the structure provided with the inflow path 1 which introduce | transduces a refrigerant | coolant, the collision part 2 which collides the introduced refrigerant | coolant, and the some shunt flow path 3 which diverts a refrigerant | coolant, Here, it demonstrates as embodiment based on the structure provided with the said collision part 2 and the said some shunt flow path 3 which shunts a refrigerant | coolant in parallel with respect to the said inflow channel 1.

  The inflow path 1, the collision part 2, and the branch path 3 are machined in a parallel state from both ends by an end mill, a drill, or the like inside a single member, as shown by a broken line in FIG. The inflow path 1 and the branch path 3 are configured to communicate with each other at the tip positions machined from both ends.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (A) and FIG. 1 (B) as the first embodiment, the inflow path 1 is composed of a small diameter portion 1b having a step portion 1a and a large diameter portion 1c, and a distal end portion of the small diameter portion 1b. Is configured as the collision part 2 formed in a concave shape, whereby the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant introduced from the inflow path 1 is effectively agitated by colliding with the collision part 2. Will be mixed.

  Further, the tip of the small-diameter portion 1b can be processed at the same time when the inflow passage 1 is processed by using an end mill or a drill, so that the workability during the processing is improved and the processing cost is reduced. In addition, when the collision part 2 with respect to the inflow path 1 is formed in a concave shape, the small diameter part 1b and the concave collision part 2 can be processed simultaneously by using, for example, a ball end mill. At the same time, the concentricity of the small diameter portion 1b and the collision portion 2 can be processed with high accuracy, so that the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is effectively agitated and evenly divided.

  The tip of the small-diameter portion 1b is not limited to being formed in a concave shape, but is formed in a concave shape so as to form another step portion inside the step portion by using, for example, an end mill or a drill having a different diameter. Alternatively, it may be formed as the collision part 2 having a planar shape.

  As described above, the branch channel 3 is configured to be parallel to the inflow channel 1 by machining. As a result, for example, the branch flow path 3 can be processed more easily and the processing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the branch flow path 3 is radially formed with an angle with respect to the inflow path 1. The accuracy of the position of the branch channel 3 with respect to can be processed well.

  Further, for example, compared with the case where the shunt flow path 3 is radially formed with an angle with respect to the inflow path 1, it is possible to suppress the outer dimensions of the flow shunt 4 from being increased, and the shunt flow A plurality of flow-dividing pipes 7 parallel to each other can be easily and accurately connected to and fixed to the path 3 so that the weight of the flow-divider 4 can be reduced. When used in the cycle 11, space saving can be achieved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIGS. 2 and 3, a guide tube 5 having a step portion 5a corresponding to the step portion 1a is detachably provided in the inflow passage 1. It is configured as follows. The guide tube 5 is configured to have a smaller diameter than the collision portion 2, whereby the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant introduced into the inflow path 1 is reduced in the guide tube 5 with a small diameter. By being squeezed, after sufficiently colliding with the collision part 2 and being sufficiently agitated, it is smoothly diverted toward the plurality of diversion channels 3 at a uniform flow rate.

  At this time, for example, even when the inflow pipe 6 connected to the inflow path 1 is curved and the gas-liquid two-phase ratio of the refrigerant is introduced in a biased state, the guide pipe By being squeezed at 5, it is sufficiently agitated by accurately colliding with the collision part 2, and then is smoothly diverted toward the plurality of diversion channels 3 at a uniform gas-liquid ratio.

  The plurality of branch channels 3 are arranged at equal positions with respect to the inflow channel 1 and are formed with an equal cross-sectional shape. For example, the specific branch channels 3 are arranged at specific positions. Alternatively, it is possible to set so that a large amount (or a small amount) of refrigerant is diverted to the specific diversion flow path 3 by forming the specific internal diameter.

  Further, the guide tube 5 is formed long so that the tip portion is brought close to the collision portion 2 as in the length dimension a shown in FIG. 2, and the length dimension b shown in FIG. It is possible to replace the tip portion so as to be separated from the collision portion 2 in a replaceable manner.

  As a result, for example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus having different specifications can be assembled by selecting the guide tube 5 that matches the refrigeration cycle apparatus, and in the assembly line, the refrigerant is caused to collide from near the collision portion 2. Alternatively, it can be assembled as a refrigeration cycle apparatus that is caused to collide from a permissible remote position of the collision unit 2.

  At that time, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the guide pipe 5 is sandwiched between a step portion 5 a provided in the guide pipe 5 and the inflow pipe 6 inserted and fixed in the inflow path 1. This eliminates the need to fix the guide tube 5 to the inflow channel 1 by individual fixing means.

  Next, another configuration of the flow divider 4 will be described based on FIGS. 4A to 4D shown as the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, a nozzle 8 is provided in the step portion 1a of the inflow passage 1 as an example of the second embodiment. As a result, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant introduced into the inflow passage 1 is effectively mixed by the nozzle 8 having a small diameter and is sufficiently stirred after colliding with the collision portion 2. Then, the flow is diverted smoothly and at an equal flow rate toward the plurality of diversion channels 3.

  Alternatively, instead of providing the guide pipe 5 or the nozzle 8 made of another member in the step portion 1a of the inflow passage 1, other examples of the second embodiment are shown in FIGS. 4B to 4D. ), The tip of the inflow pipe 6 connected to the inflow passage 1 is squeezed like a small diameter portion 6b through the step portion 6a, so that the refrigerant is caused to collide with the collision portion 2 accurately. It may be configured as described above.

  As a result, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant introduced into the inflow path 1 is effectively squeezed by the small diameter portion 6b of the inflow pipe 6 and accurately collides with the collision portion 2 and sufficiently stirred. After that, the flow is smoothly diverted toward the plurality of diversion channels 3 with a uniform gas-liquid ratio.

  Although not shown, the small diameter portion 6b of the inflow pipe 6 may be formed in a tapered shape by increasing the diameter on the step portion 6a side.

Next, another configuration of the flow divider 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The plurality of branch flow paths 3 are configured to be radially formed with an angle with respect to the inflow path 1, and the collision unit 2 is configured such that the plurality of branch flow paths are, as shown in FIG. It may be formed in a flat shape at a position where the passage 3 and the inflow passage 1 intersect, or may be formed in a curved shape as shown in FIG.

  Thus, as in the case of the above-described first and second embodiments, the refrigerant is sufficiently agitated by colliding with the collision portion 2 and then smoothly and evenly directed toward the plurality of branch channels 3. It will be diverted at a proper gas-liquid ratio.

  However, since the plurality of branch channels 3 are inclined, it is necessary to process the plurality of branch channels 3 at an angle as compared to the case of the first and second embodiments described above, There is a possibility that the external dimensions of the container 4 will be large, and this is a disadvantageous configuration.

  Next, based on FIG. 6 (A) and FIG. 6 (B) shown as the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the flow divider 4 other than the above will be described.

  As in the case of the first embodiment described above, the inflow path 1 includes the small-diameter portion 1b having the step portion 1a and the large-diameter portion 1c, and the collision portion in which the distal end portion of the small-diameter portion 1b is formed in a concave shape. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant introduced from the inflow path 1 is effectively agitated and mixed by colliding with the collision part 2.

  Further, the tip of the small-diameter portion 1b can be processed at the same time when the inflow passage 1 is processed by using an end mill or a drill, so that the workability at the time of processing is improved and the processing cost is reduced. In addition, when the collision part 2 with respect to the inflow path 1 is formed in a concave shape, the small diameter part 1b and the concave collision part 2 can be processed simultaneously by using, for example, a ball end mill. At the same time, the concentricity of the small diameter portion 1b and the collision portion 2 can be processed with high accuracy, so that the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is effectively agitated and evenly divided.

  As described above, the plurality of diversion channels 3 are formed in parallel to the inflow channel 1 by machining, and the dimension from the collision part 2 is as shown in FIG. Are formed so as to be different from each other. As a result, for example, the branch flow path 3 can be processed more easily and the processing cost can be reduced as compared with the case where the branch flow path 3 is radially formed with an angle with respect to the inflow path 1. The accuracy of the position of the branch channel 3 with respect to can be processed well.

  The plurality of branch passages 3 are formed such that the dimensions from the collision part 2 are different from each other by adjusting the cutting distance (depth dimension) as shown in FIG. As a result, the refrigerant reaching the plurality of branch channels 3 from the inlet channel 1 is intentionally distributed by the branching means 12 including the communication channels 13 having different sizes in communication between the inlet channel 1 and the plurality of branch channels 3. Therefore, it is possible to divert in a state set to have a predetermined diversion ratio.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B) as the fifth embodiment, the diverting means 12 for diverting the refrigerant in a state where it is intentionally set to a predetermined diversion ratio is the guide pipe 5 (or The small diameter portion 1b) of the inflow channel 1 may be formed in an elliptical cross section.

  Although the cross-sectional shape of the guide tube 5 (or the small-diameter portion 1b of the inflow channel 1) is not circular but elliptical, for example, the branch channel 3 is configured in three or four channels. In such a case, it is possible to increase or decrease the flow rate of the refrigerant toward the specific branch path 3.

  Further, the diversion means 12 for diverting the refrigerant in a state where it is intentionally set to a predetermined diversion ratio is not limited to the configuration including the communication passages 13 having different sizes as described above, and FIG. ) And FIG. 8B, the tip edge of the guide tube 5 may be cut so as to have an inclination angle.

  The tip edge of the guide tube 5 is not cut in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the refrigerant, but is obliquely cut with an inclination angle, thereby increasing or decreasing the refrigerant flow rate toward the specific branch flow path 3. It becomes possible.

  In addition to the configuration described above, the diversion means 12 for diverting the refrigerant in a state where it is intentionally set to a predetermined diversion ratio, as shown in FIGS. 9 (A) and 9 (B) as a seventh embodiment, The guide tube provided in the step portion 1a of the inflow path 1 may be configured as an eccentric nozzle 8 ′ that is eccentric with respect to the inflow path 1 so that the center position is different.

  By providing a guide pipe formed as an eccentric nozzle 8 ′ in the step portion 1 a of the inflow path 1, it becomes possible to increase or decrease the flow rate of refrigerant directed to the specific branch path 3.

  The plurality of diversion channels 3 are formed so as to be parallel to the inflow channel 1 by machining, so that the diversion device is compared with a case where the diversion channels 3 are formed radially with an angle with respect to the inflow channel 1. The outer dimensions of 4 can be suppressed so as not to increase, and a plurality of flow-dividing pipes 7 parallel to each other can be easily and accurately connected and fixed to the flow-dividing flow path 3. It becomes possible to reduce the weight of the flow divider 4 and save space when used in the refrigeration cycle 11 described later.

  Next, a configuration when the flow divider 4 configured as described above is used in the refrigeration cycle 11 based on FIGS. 10 and 11 will be described.

  FIG. 10 shows a part of the refrigeration cycle 11 used in an air conditioner and the like, a large number of fins 9a arranged in parallel at equal intervals, and a heat transfer tube 9b arranged so as to be orthogonal to the fins 9a. Is an explanatory diagram showing an indoor heat exchanger 9 branched into a plurality of refrigerant flow paths and a blower fan 10, wherein the flow divider 4 includes the inflow pipe 6 and the plurality of the diversion pipes 7. It is shown that a plurality of heat transfer tubes 9b are connected via

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the refrigeration cycle 11 used in an air conditioner or the like, and includes a compressor a, a flow path switching valve b, an outdoor heat exchanger c, an expansion valve d, and the indoor heat. The exchanger 9 and the flow path switching valve b are sequentially connected by piping, and a plurality of the flow dividers 4 are connected to the indoor heat exchanger 9 branched into a plurality of refrigerant flow paths. Yes.

  As described above, the flow divider 4 is used in the refrigeration cycle 11 in a light weight and space saving manner, so that it can contribute to the weight reduction and downsizing of the refrigeration cycle 11. Further, by reducing the weight of the flow divider 4, the shock resistance and vibration resistance of the inflow pipe 6 and the diversion pipe 7 constituting the refrigeration cycle 11 are compared with the case where the weight is not reduced. Will be relatively enhanced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is explanatory drawing of Example 1 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is an external view, (B) is sectional drawing. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of Example 1 which connected the inflow pipe to the shunt flow path and connected the shunt pipe to the shunt flow path. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of Example 1 which connected the inflow pipe to the shunt flow path, and connected the shunt pipe to the shunt flow path. It is explanatory drawing of Example 2 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is sectional drawing which shows an example of Example 2, (B) is a top view which shows the other example of Example 2, (C ) Is a side view showing another example of the second embodiment, and (D) is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of Example 3 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is sectional drawing which shows an example of Example 3, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the other example of Example 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of Example 4 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is an external view, (B) is sectional drawing. It is explanatory drawing of Example 5 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is sectional drawing, (B) is aa sectional drawing shown by (A). It is explanatory drawing of Example 6 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is sectional drawing, (B) is principal part explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing of Example 7 of the shunt by this invention, (A) is sectional drawing, (B) is a principal part top view. It is a figure which shows a part of refrigerating cycle using the shunt by this invention. It is a figure which shows the refrigerating cycle using the shunt by this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Inflow channel
1a Step
1b Small diameter part
1c Large diameter part 2 Collision part 3 Dividing flow path 4 Divider 5 Guide pipe
5a Step 6 Inflow pipe
6a Step
6b Small diameter part 7 Dividing pipe 8 Nozzle
8 'Eccentric nozzle 9 Heat exchanger
9a Fin
9b Heat transfer tube
10 Blower fan
11 Refrigeration cycle
12 Dividing means
13 Communication path a Compressor b Flow path switching valve c Outdoor heat exchanger d Expansion valve

Claims (10)

An inflow path for introducing the refrigerant, and a plurality of diversion paths for diverting the refrigerant in parallel to the inflow path,
The flow divider characterized in that the inflow path and the diversion path are formed in a single member. An inflow path for introducing the refrigerant, a collision portion for colliding the introduced refrigerant, and a plurality of branch paths for diverting the refrigerant,
The flow divider, wherein the inflow path, the collision portion, and the branch path are formed in a single member.   The shunt according to claim 2, wherein the collision portion is formed in a planar shape or a curved shape.   The shunt according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a guide pipe having a smaller diameter than the inflow path is provided in the inflow path.   When the guide pipe is provided in the inflow path, the guide pipe is fixed by an inflow pipe inserted and fixed in the inflow path and a step portion provided in the guide pipe. The shunt according to claim 4.   3. The flow divider according to claim 1, wherein the size of the communication path that connects the inflow path and the flow path is different.   The flow divider according to claim 4, wherein the inflow path or the guide pipe is formed in an elliptical cross section.   The shunt according to claim 4, wherein a tip edge of the guide tube has an inclination angle.   The shunt according to claim 4, wherein a center position of the guide tube is made different from the inflow path.   A refrigeration cycle apparatus using the shunt according to claim 1 or 2.

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