JPH11230581A - Outdoor machine of air-conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To set the size of a multi-type outdoor machine nearly equal to that of a pair-type one. SOLUTION: In an outdoor machine 1 of an air-conditioning device, connection port units 3 and 4 for connecting a pair of pipes being connected to an indoor machine and a closing valve unit 5 including a closing valve are arranged on a side surface 2a that is longer than it is wide of an outdoor machine body 2 while being aligned in a vertical direction. In the connection port units 3 and 4, a pipe structure body 8 including the connection port and an electric motor driven valve unit 6 including the connection port and an automated valve are aligned in a vertical direction. The strainer of the electric motor driven valve unit 6 is arranged also inside a suction pipe and a joint member 32.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an outdoor unit of a multi-type air conditioner which can be connected to a plurality of indoor units. In particular, 1
And a small capacity unit capable of connecting two indoor units to the outdoor unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Usually, an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of an air conditioner are connected by a pair of pipes through which a refrigerant or the like passes. For this reason, in the multi-type outdoor unit, a large number of joint members forming connection ports for connecting pipes are arranged according to the pair of pipes and the plurality of indoor units.

[0003] By the way, as a multi-type outdoor unit, an outdoor unit main body functioning as a pair type outdoor unit connected to only one indoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units connected to connection ports of the outdoor unit main body. And a branch unit that can be connected to the power supply. The branch unit includes a branch path that branches from a connection port of the outdoor unit main body, a motor-operated valve provided in this branch path to control the flow of refrigerant, and a number of joint members that form connection ports to a plurality of indoor units. And
The branch unit and the outdoor unit main body are connected to each other so that they can be integrally mounted on the upper surface of the outdoor unit main body. However, such an outdoor unit is larger than a pair-type outdoor unit by the height of the branch unit.

Further, as a multi-type outdoor unit, only a large number of joint members for a plurality of indoor units are arranged so as to protrude from the side surface of the outdoor unit main body, and the above-mentioned branch path, electric valve and the like are mounted on the outdoor unit main body. Some are housed inside. However, the planar shape of the outdoor unit has been increased in size in order to accommodate the branch path, the electric valve, and the like inside the outdoor unit main body. Regardless of the multi-type outdoor unit, a large installation space was required because it was larger than the pair-type outdoor unit.

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and to provide a small-sized outdoor unit of an air conditioner which can be used as a multi-type.

[0006]

In some cases, a multi-type outdoor unit is constructed using a pair-type outdoor unit connected to only one indoor unit. In this case, a main part such as a heat exchanger of a pair-type outdoor unit is shared with a multi-type outdoor unit, and a plurality of indoor units can be connected to the shared main part. Here, considering a pair-type outdoor unit, a single connection port unit including a closing valve is protrudingly provided on a vertically long side surface, and an empty space may be generated above or below this connection port unit.
If a configuration for the multi-type is arranged in this empty space, the side surface can be used effectively.

Therefore, in order to achieve the above object, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a connection including a connection port of a path for exchanging refrigerant corresponding to each of a plurality of indoor units. In an outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided with a port unit, a first type of connection port unit including a closing valve used only when combined with a single indoor unit, and when combined with a plurality of indoor units. A plurality of second type connection port units to be used are provided, and the first and second type connection port units are vertically arranged on a vertically long side surface of the outdoor unit main body. .

Here, each connection port unit includes a connection port for a supply path for sending the refrigerant to the indoor unit and a connection port for a return path for returning the refrigerant from the indoor unit. According to the configuration described above, the following operations are provided. That is, the main outdoor unit is
By connecting to only one indoor unit via the connection port unit of the type, it can be applied as a pair type outdoor unit, and by connecting to a plurality of indoor units via the second connection port unit, It can be applied as a multi-type outdoor unit. Since the first and second types of connection port units are vertically arranged on the vertically long side surface of the outdoor unit main body, the side surfaces can be used efficiently. That is, assuming a configuration in which only the first type of connection port unit is provided and connected to only one indoor unit, in this configuration, the first type of connection port unit in the vertical direction (upward or downward) This is because the second type of connection port unit can be arranged there by utilizing the empty space generated in (1). As a result, the planar shape of the outdoor unit can be prevented from increasing in size, so that the outdoor unit that can be used as a multi-type outdoor unit can be reduced in size to, for example, the same size as a pair-type outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the second aspect of the present invention is the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the first aspect,
The plurality of connection units of the second type are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. According to this configuration, the following operation is achieved in addition to the operation of the first aspect of the invention. That is, the region where the plurality of connection port units of the second type can be arranged on the vertically long side surface tends to be vertically long. In such a region, the connection port units can be easily arranged in the longitudinal direction, which is the longitudinal direction. In addition, since the pipe and the like of the connection port unit can be shortened, the vertically long side surfaces can be used more efficiently. In addition, when the connection port units are arranged vertically in a vertically long area, the distance between the connection ports can be made wider than when the connection port units are arranged horizontally in a vertically long area. Easy to connect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the air conditioner outdoor unit according to the first or second aspect, wherein the second type of connection port unit is provided with a refrigerant having a connection port. It is characterized by including a motor-operated valve for controlling passage. According to this configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the motor-operated valve is disposed on the vertically long side surface, and this side surface can be used more efficiently.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects, the second type of connection port unit is provided in the path. Including a strainer that captures dust in the refrigerant at
At least a part of the strainer is held inside a joint member defining a connection port. According to this configuration, in addition to the function of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3, the following function is provided. That is, since at least a part of the strainer is held by the joint member, the pipe can be shortened as compared with the conventional case where the strainer is held only by the pipe. In addition, they can be arranged efficiently without difficulty. Therefore, the outdoor unit can be reliably reduced in size.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, each of the plurality of connection port units of the second type is provided. Are connected in parallel with each other on a branch path from the first type connection port unit. According to this configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the first type connection port unit of the pair type outdoor unit is connected in parallel to the branch path. By adding a second type of connection port unit to the above, a multi-type outdoor unit can be easily configured. In addition, since the branch path is shared by the plurality of second-type connection port units, the configuration for connecting to the first-type connection port unit can be simplified. Therefore, the side surface can be used more efficiently.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an outdoor unit of the air conditioner includes a connection port unit including a connection port of a path for exchanging refrigerant corresponding to each of the plurality of indoor units, and a path for closing the connection port. An air conditioner outdoor unit comprising: a plurality of connection port units and a closing valve are arranged side by side on a vertically long side surface of the outdoor unit main body. .

According to this configuration, the following operations are provided.
That is, a plurality of indoor units can be connected using a plurality of connection port units. Since such a plurality of connection port units are vertically arranged on the vertically long side surface of the outdoor unit main body, the side surfaces can be used efficiently. That is, assuming a configuration in which only one indoor unit is connected, in this configuration, a connection port is usually provided in a closing valve, and an empty space generated in a vertical direction (above or below) of the connection port is provided. This is because a plurality of connection port units can be arranged there using. As a result, it is possible to prevent the outdoor unit from being enlarged in plan view,
An outdoor unit that can be used as a multi-type outdoor unit can be reduced in size, for example, to the same size as a pair-type outdoor unit.

An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to a seventh aspect of the present invention has a plurality of refrigerant connection port units connectable to a plurality of indoor units, respectively. Are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the vertically long side surface of According to this configuration, for example, the vertically long side surface of the multi-purpose type outdoor unit main body can be efficiently used, so that a small outdoor unit can be realized.

That is, assuming a configuration in which a single connection port unit is provided and connected to only one indoor unit, in this configuration, an empty space generated in the vertical direction of the single connection port unit is used. This is because the remaining connection port units can be arranged there. As a result, it is possible to prevent the planar shape of the outdoor unit from being increased, so that the outdoor unit that can be used as the multi-purpose type can be reduced in size to, for example, the same size as the pair-type outdoor unit.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.
1 is a right side view, partly in section, of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a main part near the right side surface of the outdoor unit in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a rear view of a main part of the outdoor unit of FIG.

The outdoor unit 1 is used by connecting to an indoor unit (not shown), and the indoor unit and the outdoor unit 1 constitute an air conditioner. The indoor unit and the outdoor unit 1 each include a heat exchanger, and the two heat exchangers are connected to each other so that a heat transfer material such as a refrigerant can move therebetween, and receive heat received by one of the heat exchangers on the other side. The heat exchanger is configured to release the heat. That is, the indoor unit and the outdoor unit 1 are connected via a pair of pipes as a path for exchanging the refrigerant. The pair of pipes includes a first pipe and a second pipe. For example, if the air conditioner is for cooling,
The second pipe constitutes a return path for sending refrigerant from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit 1 during cooling, and the second pipe constitutes a supply path for sending refrigerant from the outdoor unit 1 to the indoor unit during cooling. When the air conditioner is used for heating, the moving direction of the refrigerant in the first pipe and the second pipe is opposite to the above-described direction. In the outdoor unit 1, the pair of pipes is connected to a connection port unit including a pair of corresponding connection ports, as described later.

The outdoor unit 1 is configured as a multi-type which can be connected to a plurality of, for example, two indoor units. The outdoor unit 1 includes two connection port units 3 and 4 corresponding to the first and second indoor units, respectively, and a closing valve unit 5 including a closing valve. Connection port unit 3,
4 and the closing valve unit 5 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction on the vertically long side surface 2 a of the outdoor unit main body 2.

By arranging the connection port units 3 and 4 and the closing valve unit 5 in the vertical direction in this manner, the space of the vertically long side surface 2a of the outdoor unit main body 2 can be effectively used. Enlargement can be prevented. Less than,
This will be described in detail. The outdoor unit 1 includes a box-shaped outdoor unit body 2 having a substantially rectangular planar shape, a connection port cover 21 attached to one side surface of the outdoor unit body 2, for example, a right side surface 2a, and a side surface 2a. And a plate-shaped mounting member 22 for mounting each connection port unit. The side surface 2a is formed vertically long. Here, the connection port unit 3, the connection port unit 4, and the closing valve unit 5 are arranged in order from top to bottom.

The mounting member 22 is arranged near the rear of the side surface 2a. The mounting member 22 is located on the front 2 of the outdoor unit main body 2.
It has a plane portion substantially parallel to d. In this flat part,
Through this, the joint members 31, 4 of the connection port units 3, 4
32 is fixed. Many portions of collecting pipes 51 and 52 and connection port units 3 and 4 described later are arranged in front of the flat portion.

The connection port cover 21 includes a mounting member 22, a connection port unit 3, a connection port unit 4, collecting pipes 51 and 52,
And part 5 of the closing valve unit 5 protruding from the side surface 2a
0a covers the upper, front, lower and right sides of each part. The connection port cover 21 covers the rear of the portion 50a of the closing valve unit 5. The above-described components are arranged in a storage room 2b partitioned between the connection port cover 21 and the side surface 2a of the outdoor unit main body 2. The accommodation room 2b has an opening 21a in the upper part of the rear surface. The mounting member 22 is disposed near the opening 21a, and a pair of connection ports of the joint members 31, 32 fixed to the flat portion of the mounting member 22 can be connected to the pair of pipes through the opening 21a.

The closing valve unit 5 can be operated when the connection port cover 21 is removed. The closing valve unit 5 includes a pair of closing valves 50, which are arranged in a horizontal direction. The pair of closing valves 50 are connected to the respective connection ports 31 when not connected to the indoor unit.
c, 32c. The closing valve unit 5 constitutes a first type connection port unit. In addition, each of the closing valves 50 is connected to the above-mentioned collecting pipes 51 and 52 as branch paths to a path closer to the indoor unit. The collecting pipes 51 and 52 extend upward, respectively, and are connected in parallel with the connection port units 3 and 4, respectively. In the closing valve 50, a portion connected to the collecting pipes 51 and 52 and a portion forming the connection port 50c are provided to protrude from the side surface 2a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the connection port units 3 and 4, the closing valve unit 5, and the mounting member 22
The amount of protrusion from a to the right is substantially the same. The collecting pipes 51 and 52 are arranged on the side surface 2a with a smaller amount than the projecting amount. Connection port units 3 and 4
1, it is housed inside the side surface 2a of the outdoor unit main body 2, and is prevented from protruding from the front surface 2d and the rear surface 2e of the outdoor unit main body 2. The connection port units 3 and 4 are arranged immediately above the closing valve unit 5. At least a part of each of the connection port units 3 and 4 and the portion 50a of the closing valve 50 protruding from the side surface 2a overlaps in plan view.

Each of the connection port units 3 and 4 has a pipe structure 8 as a portion including the connection port 31c and a motor-operated valve unit 6 as a portion including the connection port 32c and the motor-operated valve. The motor-operated valve unit 6 and the pipe structure 8 are arranged in the vertical direction. The connection port units 3 and 4 are used when combined with a plurality of indoor units. The connection port unit 3 corresponds to a first indoor unit, and the connection port unit 4 corresponds to a second indoor unit. The connection port 31c is connected to the first pipe, and the connection port 32c is connected to the second pipe.

The connection port unit 3 and the connection port unit 4 have substantially the same configuration, and each of them constitutes a second type of connection port unit. Hereinafter, the connection port unit 3 will be mainly described, and the connection port unit 4 will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the connection port unit 3 and the description thereof will be omitted. The pipe structure 8 of the connection port unit 3 has a joint member 31 having a connection port 31c formed at one end, and a pipe 30 connected to the other end of the joint member 31. Tube 3
Reference numeral 0 denotes a portion near the joint member 31, which extends horizontally in parallel with the short side of the side surface 2a, bends in the middle, and has a front surface 2 at the front.
It extends horizontally in parallel with d and is connected to the collecting pipe 51.
The joint member 31 is fixed to the side surface 2a of the outdoor unit main body 2 via the mounting member 22, and is configured to connect a pipe to the connection port 31c from behind. As described above, since the pipe structures 8 are arranged so as to extend horizontally, they can be easily arranged in the vertical direction. The pipes 30 of the connection port units 3 and 4 are connected to the collecting pipes 51, respectively.

The motor-operated valve unit 6 of the connection unit 3 is
A joint member 32 having a connection port 32c formed at one end thereof, an electric valve body 33 including an electric valve for opening and closing a refrigerant passage to the joint member 32, and a suction pipe protruding from the electric valve body 33 to constitute a refrigerant passage. 34 and the suction pipe 35, and the suction pipe 34
And the like, and a strainer 36 (see FIG. 4) provided in the path of the refrigerant. The joint member 32 is fixed to the side surface 2a of the outdoor unit main body 2 via the mounting member 22, and is configured to connect a pipe to the connection port 32c from behind.
The other end of the joint member 32 and one end 34a of the suction pipe 34 are connected. The suction pipe 34 is a straight tube and extends back and forth. The other end 34b of the suction pipe 34 and the motor-operated valve body 33 are connected. The suction pipe 35 extends downward from the motor-operated valve body 33, bends halfway, extends horizontally rearward, and
2 are connected. The suction pipes 35 of the connection port unit 3 and the connection port unit 4 are connected to the collecting pipe 52, respectively.

In this embodiment, since at least a part of the strainer 36 is disposed in the joint member 32, the pipe structure 7 constituted by the suction pipe 34, the joint member 32 and the strainer 36 can be unitized. Therefore, it is convenient when it can be integrally treated and connected to another pipe structure by the joint member 32. In addition, since the length of the pipe structure 7 can be reduced, the plurality of motor-operated valve units 6 can be arranged in the vertical direction with good space efficiency on the side surface 2a. In particular, the suction pipe 34
The tube structure 7 can be arranged in parallel with the short side of the vertically long side surface 2a, so that the space can be more efficiently arranged.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of the motor-operated valve unit of FIG. The joint member 32 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 32a. The through-hole 32a forms a passage for the refrigerant, and the above-described connection port 32c is formed at one end of the through-hole 32a. A union screw portion 32b made of a male screw is provided on the outer peripheral surface near the connection port 32c.
The union thread portion 32b and a female thread of a union nut (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 4) provided at the end of the second pipe are screw-engaged to form a union joint and easily connect. be able to. The joint member 32 has a suction pipe 3 at the other end of the through hole 32a opposite to the connection port 32c.
There is provided a pipe fastening port 40 into which the fitting 4 is fitted.

The pipe connection port 40 has an inlet at the other end of the through hole 32a opposite to the connection port 32c, and a stepped surface 3 having a small inner diameter at an inner deep portion substantially at the center of the through hole 32a.
2g, and is constituted by a through hole 32a between the step surface 32g and the above-described entrance. Inside the pipe fastening port 40, a pipe arrangement portion 40a in which the suction pipe 34 is arranged, and a stepped surface 32 more than the pipe arrangement portion 40a, near the entrance.
A ring disposing portion 40b which is located near g and holds the holding ring 36b of the strainer 36 is set. Pipe arrangement part 40
The outer peripheral surface of the suction pipe 34 arranged at a and the inlet peripheral edge of the pipe fastening port 40 of the joint member 32 are fixed to each other by brazing.

The strainer 36 has a net 36a for catching dust in the refrigerant, and the above-mentioned annular holding ring 36b for holding the net 36a. The holding ring 36b is connected to one end 3 of the suction pipe 34 while being housed inside the ring arrangement portion 40b.
4a and the step surface 32g of the joint member 32. As a result, the strainer 36 is held inside the pipe fastening port 40 of the joint member 32.

The mesh portion 36a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and one end near the holding ring 36b is opened as an entrance into the inside, and the other end is closed, so that dust trapped inside can be collected. The mesh portion 36a is arranged inside the suction pipe 34. In particular, the portion of the net portion 36a near the holding ring 36b is
The closed end of the mesh portion 36a is located in the tube arrangement portion 40a.
The suction pipe 34 is disposed closer to the motor-operated valve body 33 than the inlet of the pipe connection port 40.

As described above, the motor-operated valve body 33 includes a motor-operated valve driven by a motor to drive the valve body. This motor-operated valve is for controlling the passage of the refrigerant through the connection port 32c. The mechanism for driving the valve element is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an electromagnetic valve having a valve element driven by a solenoid, or a pilot-type electromagnetic valve for indirectly driving the valve element.

Next, the installation of the strainer 36 in the motor-operated valve unit 6 will be described. Here, the electric valve body 33
And the case where the suction pipe 34 and the suction pipe 35 are joined in advance, but the joining may be performed after the strainer 36 is assembled. The mesh portion 36a of the strainer 36 is inserted into the suction pipe 34 from one end 34a side, and the holding ring 36b of the strainer 36 is set at one end 34a of the suction pipe 34.
The strainer 36 and the suction pipe 34 that have been set are connected to the pipe fastening port 4 of the joint member 32 with the strainer 36 facing backward.
Push it to zero. At this time, since the mesh portion 36a is inserted into the suction pipe 34, the strainer 36 does not fall out of the one end 34a of the suction pipe 34 carelessly.
6 can be easily interposed between one end 34 a of the suction pipe 34 and the joint member 32.

Thereafter, the suction pipe 34 and the joint member 32 are connected by brazing or the like. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, the outdoor unit 1 is connected to only one indoor unit via the connection port 50c of the closing valve unit 5, and can be applied as a pair-type outdoor unit. By connecting to a plurality of indoor units via 32c, it can be applied as a multi-type outdoor unit. Since such a closing valve unit 5 and the connection port units 3 and 4 are vertically arranged on the vertically long side surface 2a of the outdoor unit main body 2, the side surface 2a can be used efficiently. This is because, assuming the configuration of a pair-type outdoor unit, the vertical direction (upper or lower) of the closing valve unit 5 serving as a connection port in this configuration,
This is because the connection port units 3 and 4 can be arranged there by utilizing the empty space generated beside a. As a result, the planar shape of the outdoor unit 1 can be prevented from being increased in size. Therefore, when the main unit is shared by the main unit 2 and the outdoor unit of the pair type, the outdoor unit 1 that can be used as a multi-type is It can be downsized to the same size as a pair type outdoor unit.

Further, since the connection port units 3 and 4 can be arranged on the side surface 2a of the outdoor unit main body 2, the height of the outdoor unit 1 is increased as in the conventional case where the branch unit is mounted on the outdoor unit main body. Can also be prevented. In particular, since the plurality of connection port units 3 and 4 are also arranged in the vertical direction, the vertically long side surface 2a can be used more efficiently. This is because the region where the plurality of connection port units 3 and 4 can be arranged on the vertically long side surface 2a tends to be vertically long, but in such a region,
This is because the connection port units 3 and 4 can be easily arranged in the longitudinal direction, which is the longitudinal direction, and the pipes and the like of the connection port units 3 and 4 can be shortened. Moreover, in the case where the connection port units 3 and 4 are arranged vertically in the above-described vertically long area, the interval between the connection ports can be made wider than in the case where the connection port units 3 and 4 are arranged horizontally in the vertically long area. It is easy to connect the first pipe and the second pipe to the connection port.

Further, since the connection port units 3 and 4 including the motor-operated valve are arranged on the vertically long side surface 2a, the side surface 2a can be used more efficiently. Furthermore, since the motor-operated valve units 6 of the connection port units 3 and 4 and the pipe structure 8 are arranged in the vertical direction, and the connection ports 31c and 32c are arranged in the vertical direction, it is possible to use the apparatus more efficiently.

In the connection port units 3 and 4, the holding ring 36b of the strainer 36 and the portion of the net portion 36a near the holding ring 36b are arranged inside the pipe fastening port 40 of the joint member 32. 36, the strainer 3 in the pipe is different from the conventional case in which the strainer 3 is disposed only inside the suction pipe.
As a result, the suction pipe 34 and the pipe structure 7 can be shortened, and the longitudinal direction of the motor-operated valve unit 6 can be easily and efficiently arranged with the longitudinal direction parallel to the short side of the vertically long side surface 2a. . As a result, the plurality of connection port units 3 and 4 can be arranged efficiently in the vertical direction. Therefore, the outdoor unit 1 can be reliably reduced in size.

More specifically, according to the above-described pipe structure 7, the strainer is sandwiched between a pair of pipe members, and the suction force is smaller than that of a conventional pipe structure in which a joint member is connected to one of the pipe members. The length of the pipe 34 can be shortened by about 40 mm, and as a result, the motor-operated valve unit 6 can be extended in the horizontal direction and can be easily arranged along the side surface 2a. Note that the entire strainer 36 may be disposed inside the joint member 32, and the strainer 3
If at least a part of 6 is arranged in the joint member 32, the suction pipe 34 can be shortened as described above. Further, as described later, the joint member on which the strainer 36 is disposed may be configured by a plurality of members.

The connection port 50c of the closing valve unit 5
Since the port also serves as a connection port for a single indoor unit and a connection port for replenishing refrigerant, the side surface 2a can be used more efficiently. Further, since each of the plurality of connection port units 3 and 4 is connected in parallel to the collecting pipes 51 and 52 as branch paths from the closing valve unit 5,
In the pair type outdoor unit, the connection port units 3 and 4 as the second type connection port unit are additionally configured to the closing valve unit 5 as the first type connection port unit of the pair type outdoor unit, so that a multi-type can be easily formed. Outdoor unit can be configured. Further, since the branch path is shared by the plurality of connection port units 3 and 4, the configuration for connecting to the closing valve unit 5 can be simplified. Therefore, the side surface 2a can be used more efficiently. That is, when the main parts are shared between the multi-type outdoor unit and the pair-type outdoor unit, the multi-type outdoor unit is compared with the case where the multi-type outdoor unit is not shared. This is because the configuration of the outdoor unit may be complicated.

In the multi-type outdoor unit, the main part is shared with the pair-type outdoor unit, and the closing valve 50 is provided on one side surface of the outdoor unit main body 2 in some cases. . Even in such a case, as described above, the plurality of connection port units 3 and 4 and the closing valve 50 are arranged in the longitudinal direction on the vertically long side surface 2 a of the outdoor unit main body 2. In the pair type configuration, an empty space generated beside the side surface 2a can be used, and the vertically long side surface 2a can be used efficiently. As a result, it is possible to prevent the outdoor unit 1 from being enlarged in the height direction and the planar shape, so that the outdoor unit that can be used as a multi-type outdoor unit can be downsized to, for example, the same size as a pair-type outdoor unit. .

Further, in the multi-type outdoor unit, a plurality of connection port units and a closing valve may not be provided on the same side in some cases. Even in such a case, as described above, since the plurality of connection port units 3 and 4 corresponding to the plurality of indoor units are vertically arranged on the vertically long side surface 2a of the outdoor unit main body 2, Since the side surface 2a can be used efficiently, a small outdoor unit can be realized. For example, an outdoor unit that can be used as a multi-dedicated type can be reduced in size to about the same size as a pair-type outdoor unit.

Also, a small-capacity multi-type outdoor unit that can be connected to two indoor units can be used without any problem in practical use. Therefore, the main part may be shared with the pair-type outdoor unit in some cases. The outdoor unit that can be used as a multi-type as described above can be made as large as the outdoor unit of the pair type, so that the sharing can be further promoted. In this manner, the outdoor unit 1 can be used as a multi-type, and can be downsized to the same planar shape and height as the pair-type outdoor unit. For example, assuming a rectangular parallelepiped virtual space (installation space) surrounding the outdoor unit, the size of this virtual space can be the same between the main outdoor unit 1 and the pair type outdoor unit. 1 can be installed in an installation space for a pair-type outdoor unit.

The joint member 32 is formed by simply forming a connection port 32c and a pipe connection port 40 at both ends of a cylindrical member.
It has a simple configuration, which is preferable for miniaturization. The structure of the joint member 32 is not limited to the above. For example, although the connection port 32c is configured to be connected by a union joint, another known joint may be used.
Further, the pipe fastening port 40 may also use another known fastening structure. For example, each of the above-described structures may be a fastening structure including a tapered female screw and a tapered male screw that is screwed into the tapered female screw, and the structure can be simplified.

The structure of the pipe fastening port 40 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the suction pipe 34 may have a fastening structure capable of pressing the suction pipe 34 in the direction in which the suction pipe 34 extends and tightening and fixing the outer peripheral surface of the suction pipe 34. That is, the joint member 3
A nut 41 which is screwed into a male screw 32h formed on the outer peripheral surface and moves in the axial direction near the pipe fastening port 40 of No. 2
And a tightening member 42 for tightening the outer peripheral surface of the tube with the movement of the nut 41. When tightening the pipe, the tightening member 42 allows the pipe to move in a direction approaching the strainer 36 while allowing relative sliding with the pipe. The pipe connection port 40 is provided with a nut 41.
, An inner peripheral surface of the fastening member 42, and a part of the through hole 32a of the joint member 32. The fastening member 42 is arranged in the tube arrangement part 40a,
The ring holding portion 40b is provided in the through hole 32a on the back side of the fastening member 42.

In this fastening structure, when the nut 41 is screwed in, the joint member 32, the fastening member 42 and the suction pipe 34 can be brought into close contact with each other. At this time, the tightening member 42 presses the suction pipe 34 toward the strainer 36 and tightens it, so that the strainer 36 can be securely clamped between the suction pipe 34 and the joint member 32. Further, since the tightening member 42 can allow relative sliding with the suction pipe 34, it is possible to prevent the tightening member 42 from excessively tightening the holding ring 36b of the strainer 36, so that the moving amount of the nut 41 can be controlled with high precision. Without having to
Can be easily assembled. In addition, strainer 36
And the fastening member 42 can be brought into close contact with the inside of the pipe fastening port 40 appropriately, so that the sealing property and the clamping property of the strainer 36 can be compatible in a good state. In particular, since the ring holding portion 40b is set in the pipe fastening port 40 on the back side of the fastening member 42, reliable sealing performance can be obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, the closing valve unit 5 is disposed below the connection port units 3 and 4, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be arranged upside down, or a closing valve unit may be arranged between the connection port units. In short, the first type connection port units of the connection port units 3 and 4 and the second type connection port unit of the closing valve unit 5 may be arranged in the vertical direction.

In the above-described embodiment, the pipe structure 8 and the pipe structure 7 of the connection port unit 3 and the connection port unit 4 are connected.
Each part of, extending in the horizontal direction, was lined up in the vertical direction,
It is not limited to this. For example, each part may extend in an oblique direction, or each part may be arranged in a horizontal direction. Also,
Three or more connection port units for connecting to the indoor unit may be provided. In short, any outdoor unit that can be connected to a plurality of indoor units may be used.

In addition, various design changes can be made without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0050]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the connection port units are vertically arranged on the vertically long side surfaces of the outdoor unit main body, the space in the vertical direction beside the side surfaces can be efficiently used. The size of the above-mentioned dual-purpose outdoor unit can be reduced. According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the plurality of connection units of the second type are arranged in the vertical direction, so that the vertically long side surface can be used more efficiently. Moreover, it is easy to connect the tubes.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect, the second type of connection port unit includes a motor-operated valve, so that the connection port unit including the motor-operated valve is vertically elongated. It can be arranged on the side surface, and this side surface can be used more efficiently. According to the invention described in claim 4, claims 1 to 3 are provided.
In addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of the above, at least a part of the strainer is held inside the joint member, so that the pipe can be shortened, so that a plurality of connection port units are arranged along the vertically long side surface. The arrangement can be performed easily and efficiently, so that the outdoor unit can be reliably reduced in size.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the following effects are obtained in addition to the effects of the first aspect of the present invention. That is, since each of the plurality of connection units of the second type is connected in parallel to a branch path from the connection unit of the first type, the connection of the second type to the outdoor unit of the pair type is performed. By adding a mouth unit, a multi-type outdoor unit can be easily configured. Further, since the branch path is shared by the plurality of second type connection port units, the configuration can be simplified, and the side surface can be used more efficiently.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the plurality of connection port units and the closing valves respectively corresponding to the plurality of indoor units are vertically arranged on the vertically long side surface of the outdoor unit main body. As a result of efficiently using the vertically long side surfaces, it is possible to prevent the outdoor unit from increasing in size. For example, an outdoor unit that can be used as a multi-type outdoor unit can be reduced in size to about the same size as a pair-type outdoor unit.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the plurality of connection port units corresponding to the plurality of indoor units are arranged side by side on the vertically long side surface of the outdoor unit main body, the side surfaces can be used efficiently. A small outdoor unit can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a main part near the right side surface of the outdoor unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a main part of the outdoor unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a pipe structure of the outdoor unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a tube structure of another embodiment of the outdoor unit of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 outdoor unit 2 outdoor unit main body 2a side surface 3 connection port unit (second type connection port unit) 4 connection port unit (second type connection port unit) 5 closing valve unit (first type connection port unit) ) 31c connection port 32 joint member 32c connection port 33 motor-operated valve body 36 strainer 50 closing valve 50c connection port 51, 52 Collecting pipe (branch route)

Claims (7)

[Claims] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner provided with connection port units (3, 4) including connection ports (31c, 32c) of paths for exchanging refrigerant corresponding to a plurality of indoor units, respectively. 1)
A first type of connection port unit (5) including a closing valve (50) used only when combined with a single indoor unit, and a second type used when combined with a plurality of indoor units A plurality of connection port units (3, 4), and the first and second types of connection port units (3, 4, 5)
An outdoor unit for an air conditioner, wherein the outdoor unit is vertically arranged on a vertically long side surface (2a) of an outdoor unit main body (2). 2. An outdoor unit (1) for an air conditioner according to claim 1.
The outdoor unit for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connection port units (3, 4) of the second type are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 3. The outdoor unit (1) for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second type of connection port unit (3, 4) allows the refrigerant to pass through the connection port (32c). An outdoor unit of an air conditioner, comprising: a motor-operated valve (33) for controlling air conditioning. 4. The outdoor unit (1) for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second type connection port unit (3, 4) is provided with dust in refrigerant in a path. An outdoor unit for an air conditioner, comprising: a strainer (36) for capturing air; at least a part of the strainer (36) is held inside a joint member (32) defining a connection port (32c). . 5. The outdoor unit (1) for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of connection units (3, 4) of the second type comprises a first connection unit. An outdoor unit for an air conditioner, wherein the outdoor units are connected in parallel to a branch path (51, 52) from a connection port unit (5) of a type. 6. A connection port unit (3, 4) including a connection port (31c, 32c) of a path for exchanging refrigerant corresponding to each of a plurality of indoor units, and a connection port (31c, 32c). The outdoor unit (1) of the air conditioner provided with a shut-off valve (50) provided in the path for connecting the plurality of connection port units (3, 4), and the shut-off valve (50).
Is an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, which is vertically arranged on a vertically long side surface (2a) of the outdoor unit body (2). 7. A plurality of connection port units (3, 4) for a refrigerant connectable to a plurality of indoor units, respectively, and the plurality of connection port units (3, 4) are connected to the outdoor unit body (2).
An outdoor unit for an air conditioner, wherein the outdoor unit is vertically arranged on a vertically long side surface (2a) of the air conditioner.