WO2005114067A1

WO2005114067A1 - Branch pipe coupling and air conditioner provided with the same

Info

Publication number: WO2005114067A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/009451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tadashi Sao; Kazuhide Mizutani; Satoru Okura
Original assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-05-24
Filing date: 2005-05-24
Publication date: 2005-12-01
Also published as: JP3742933B2; EP1750072A1; EP1750072B1; EP1750072A4; KR100813762B1; ES2684380T3; KR20060122885A; CN100473922C; AU2005246151A1; AU2005246151B2; US20070113582A1; CN1910413A; JP2005337524A

Abstract

In a branch pipe coupling for dividing a refrigerant flowing through a main pipe into two currents, and an air conditioner provided with the same, size compaction in the vicinity of the branch is made compatible with drift prevention in the branch. A branch pipe coupling (181) comprises a substantially Y-shaped tubular branch (182), a first branch nozzle (183), a second branch nozzle (184), and a first split pipe (186). The first split pipe (186) is a pipe member to be connected at one end thereof to the front end of the first branch nozzle (183) during piping work. The first branch nozzle (183) and the second branch nozzle (184) are disposed so that the distance between the portion of the front end of the first branch nozzle (183) closest to the second branch nozzle (184) and the portion of the second branch nozzle closest to the front end of the first branch nozzle is 40mm or less.

Description

Branch pipe joint and air conditioner provided with the same

Technical field

The present invention relates to a branch pipe joint and an air conditioner including the same.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a so-called separate type air conditioner configured by connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit via a communication pipe such as a gas refrigerant communication pipe or a liquid refrigerant communication pipe. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of indoor units 3 (four in FIG. 1) are installed as such an air conditioner 1 and a refrigerant can be distributed from the connecting pipe 4 to each indoor unit 3. In addition to branching the connecting pipe 4 and installing multiple outdoor units 2 (three in Fig. 1), the connecting pipe 4 (Fig. 1) can distribute the refrigerant from the connecting pipe 4 to each outdoor unit 2. Then, there is a branch of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 and the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6). Next, regarding the branch structure of the communication pipe 4 for distributing the refrigerant to the plurality of outdoor units 2 and the plurality of indoor units 3, for example, a gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 for distributing the gas refrigerant to the plurality of outdoor units 2 Will be described. The gas refrigerant connection pipe 5 is mainly connected to the junction connection pipe 51 from the indoor unit 3 to the plurality of outdoor units 2 and the junction connection pipe 51 depending on the number of outdoor units 2 and connected to the refrigerant. (Two in Fig. 1) branch pipe joints 52 that distribute the flow of water into two streams, branch connection pipes 53 connecting between each branch pipe joint 52 as necessary, and branch pipes 53 It comprises a unit branch pipe 54 for connecting the pipe joint 52 and the connection port 21 of each outdoor unit 2. In such a gas refrigerant communication pipe 5, the branch pipe joint 52 is connected to the junction connection pipe 51 by brazing or the like, the unit branch pipe 54 is connected to the connection port 21 of each outdoor unit 2, and the branch connection pipe is connected. Piping is performed by connecting 53 to each branch pipe joint 52 by brazing or the like. As for the branch structure of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 for distributing the gas refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 3, the branch pipe joint 55, the branch communication pipe 56, and the unit branch pipe 57 are also provided in the same manner as described above. It is constituted by being connected to the junction pipe 51. Further, as with the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5, the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 also includes branch pipe joints 62 and 65. It has a forked structure.

The branch fittings (branch fittings 52 and 55 of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 in FIG. 1) used for branching such a communication pipe include a Y-branch shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. There are tube 81 and T-branch tube 91.

The Y-branch tube 81 mainly includes a Y-branch 82, a first branch nozzle 83 and a second branch nozzle 84 connected to the Y-branch 82. The Y-branch part 82 is a substantially Y-shaped pipe member, and is an inlet pipe through which the refrigerant flowing from the merging connection pipe or the branch connection pipe (corresponding to the merging connection pipe 51 or the branch connection pipe 53 in FIG. 1). Part 82a and the center line O—O of the inlet pipe part 82a along the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe part 82a (hereinafter, referred to as the first direction A) and along the first direction A. It has a first outlet pipe portion 82b and a second outlet pipe portion 82c through which the refrigerant flows in symmetrical directions. The first branch nozzle section 83 is a pipe member connected to the first outlet pipe section 82b, extending so as to move away from the second branch nozzle section 84, and then extending along the first direction A. A first different-diameter pipe connection portion 83a in which the pipe diameter changes stepwise is formed so that a different-diameter pipe can be connected. The second branch nozzle portion 84 is a pipe member connected to the second outlet pipe portion 82c and extending substantially straight along the first direction A. Like the first branch nozzle portion 83, the tip of the second branch nozzle portion 84 has a pipe diameter. A second different-diameter pipe connection portion 84a is formed, which changes stepwise. Here, the first different-diameter pipe connection section 83a is cut using a pipe cutter to convert the first branch nozzle section 83 to the pipe diameter of the unit branch pipe (corresponding to the unit branch pipe 54 in FIG. 1). Since the unit branch can be adapted, even if the unit branch pipe connected to the first branch nozzle unit 83 is a pipe having a different diameter, connection by porting or the like is enabled. Similarly to the first different-diameter pipe connection portion 83a, the second different-diameter pipe connection portion 84a is cut using a pipe cutter to connect the second branch nozzle portion 84 to the branch communication pipe or the unit branch pipe diameter. Therefore, even when the branch connection pipe or the unit branch pipe connected to the second branch nozzle portion 84 is a pipe of a different diameter, connection by brazing or the like is enabled. And, as described above, the first different-diameter pipe connection portion 83a and the second different-diameter pipe connection portion 84a are formed after the first branch nozzle portion 83 extends so as to be moved away from the first branch nozzle portion 84. By making the shape extend along the first direction A, the space for securing the space for the cutting operation by the pipe cutter (the first Corresponds to the distance S between the portion of the different-diameter pipe connection portion 83a closest to the second branch nozzle portion 84 and the portion of the second branch nozzle portion 84 closest to the first different-diameter pipe connection portion 83a of the first branch nozzle portion 83. ) Are arranged.

The T-shaped branch pipe 91 mainly includes a T-shaped branch portion 92, and a first branch nozzle portion 93 and a second branch nozzle portion 94 connected to the T-shaped branch portion 92. The T-shaped branch portion 92 is a substantially T-shaped member, and is an inlet pipe portion through which the refrigerant flowing from the junction connection pipe or the branch connection pipe (corresponding to the junction connection pipe 51 or the branch connection pipe 53 in FIG. 1). 92a, a first outlet pipe portion 92b through which the refrigerant flows in a direction substantially perpendicular to a flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe portion 92a (hereinafter, referred to as a first direction A), and a direction along the first direction A. And a second outlet pipe portion 92c through which the refrigerant flows in the direction of the arrow. The first branch nozzle section 93 is a pipe member connected to the first outlet pipe section 92b and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction A, and the pipe diameter changes stepwise at the tip end. A first different-diameter pipe connection portion 93a is formed. The second branch nozzle part 94 is a pipe member connected to the second outlet pipe part 92c and extending substantially straight along the first direction A. Like the first branch nozzle part 93, the tip of the second branch nozzle part 94 has a pipe diameter. A second-diameter pipe connecting portion 94a that changes stepwise is formed. Here, the first different-diameter pipe connection portion 83a is cut using a pipe cutter to convert the first branch nozzle portion 83 to a unit branch pipe diameter (corresponding to the unit branch pipe 54 in FIG. 1). Because it can be adapted, even if the unit branch pipe connected to the first branch nozzle section 83 is a pipe of different diameter, connection by brazing or the like is enabled. Similarly to the first different-diameter pipe connection section 83a, the second different-diameter pipe connection section 84a is cut using a pipe cutter to connect the second branch nozzle section 84 to the branch connection pipe or the unit branch pipe diameter. Therefore, even when the branch connection pipe or unit branch pipe connected to the second branch nozzle section 84 is a pipe of different diameter, connection by brazing or the like is enabled. The first different-diameter pipe connection portion 83a and the second different-diameter pipe connection portion 84a are formed by a pipe cutter because the first branch nozzle portion 83 and the second branch nozzle portion 84 extend in directions orthogonal to each other. There is space for cutting work.

Non-Patent Document 1: 98 Air Conditioning Handbook, Air Conditioning, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Disclosure of the invention Problems the invention is trying to solve

[0005] When the former Y-branch pipe 81 is used as a branch pipe joint, the Y-branch pipe 81 is usually arranged so that the Y-branch section 82 faces in the horizontal direction and the first branch nozzle section. 83 and the second branch nozzle portion 84 are arranged so as to be at the same height position (hereinafter, referred to as horizontal branch arrangement). As a result, the refrigerant flowing from the junction connection pipe or the branch connection pipe into the Y-branch pipe 81 moves up and down in the Y-branch section 82 in a direction substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line O--O of the inlet pipe section 82a. Since the branch is made without any difference, the current is uneven. However, since the Y-branch 81 has a shape in which the first branch nozzle 83 extends so as to move away from the second branch nozzle 84 and then extends in the first direction A, the Y-branch 82 The first and second branch nozzle portions 83 and 84 of the first and second branch nozzle portions 83 and 84 extend from the inlet pipe portion 82a of the first branch nozzle portion 83 and 84 in the first direction A so that the force of the second branch nozzle portion 84 also increases. It is necessary to attach the material 85 (see Fig. 2), and there is a problem that the size near the branch pipe joint cannot be made compact. Another problem is that after attaching the heat insulating material to the connecting pipe, it is time-consuming to finish the process of wrapping the tape around the heat insulating material or attaching the decorative cover (hereinafter referred to as racking).

When the Y-shaped branch pipe 81 is used as a joint for branching, for example, as in the case where an outdoor cut is installed on a gantry, the Y-shaped branch pipe 81 is connected to an outdoor unit. It may be located below the port. In such a case, it is necessary to arrange the refrigerant pipes such as the unit branch pipes connected to the first branch nozzle portion 83 so as to rise upward. Piping work is performed so that the Y-branch 81 is arranged so that the Y-branch 82 faces in the horizontal direction, and the first branch nozzle 83 is above the second branch nozzle 84. Hope to do. However, when the Y-branch pipe 81 is arranged in this manner, when the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state and the gas refrigerant accompanied by the refrigerating machine oil flow in the communication pipe, a large amount of the liquid refrigerant flows into the second branch nozzle portion 84. (4) Refrigeration A drift will occur as oil flows. For this reason, when the Y-shaped branch pipe 81 is used as a joint for branching, there is also a problem in that the horizontal branch arrangement is maintained, so that there are many restrictions on piping work.

On the other hand, when the latter T-shaped branch pipe 91 is used as a pipe joint for branching, the heat insulating material 95 is used. The part to be attached is the part near the first and second outlet pipes 92b and 92c of the first and second branch nozzles 93 and 94 in the first direction A from the inlet pipe 92a of the T-shaped branch 92. (See Fig. 3), the size near the branch pipe joint can be made smaller than when the Y-shaped branch pipe 81 is used. However, the T-shaped branch pipe ₉₁ has a horizontal branching arrangement similar to that in the case of using the Y-shaped branch pipe 81, that is, the T-shaped branch pipe 91 has a T-shaped branch section 92 oriented in the horizontal direction. Also, even if the first branch nozzle section 93 and the second branch nozzle section 94 are arranged at the same height, the refrigerant flowing into the T-shaped branch pipe 91 from the merging connection pipe or the branch connection pipe remains at the inlet pipe section 82a. The force that branches off in the direction almost symmetrical to the center line O-O without causing a height difference at the T-shaped branch portion 92, the branching in the direction symmetrical to the center line O-O of the inlet pipe portion 92a. Therefore, there is a problem that drift is likely to occur.

[0008] As described above, regardless of which of the above-described conventional Y-branch pipe 81 and T-branch pipe 91 is used as the pipe joint for branching, it is possible to reduce the size of the vicinity of the branch part and to prevent the drift at the branch part. Can not be compatible! / ,.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a branch pipe joint for distributing a refrigerant flowing in a main pipe into two flows and an air conditioner equipped with the same, which is compact in size near the branch section and prevents drift in the branch section. And to make it compatible.

Means for solving the problem

[0009] The branch pipe joint according to the first invention is a branch pipe joint for distributing the refrigerant flowing in the main pipe into two flows, and is provided with a substantially Y-tube-shaped branch portion and a first branch pipe. A branch nozzle section, a second branch nozzle section, and a first split pipe are provided. The branch portion is substantially parallel to the inlet pipe through which the refrigerant flowing from the main pipe flows and the center line of the inlet pipe along the first direction, which is the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe. It has a first outlet pipe portion and a second outlet pipe portion through which the refrigerant flows in a symmetrical direction. The first branch nozzle section is connected to the first outlet pipe section, and extends along the first direction. The second branch nozzle section is connected to the second outlet pipe section and extends along the first direction. The first split pipe is a pipe member having one end connected to the tip of the first branch nozzle portion when the pipe is constructed, and the other end in the first direction while connected to the first branch nozzle portion. It bends in the direction of intersection. The first branch nozzle section and the second branch nozzle section are located at the end of the first branch nozzle section at the end of the second branch nozzle section. The gap between the part on the side of the nozzle and the part of the second branch nozzle closest to the tip of the first branch nozzle is arranged to be 40 mm or less.

This branch pipe fitting has a substantially Y-shaped branch part similar to the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe. However, unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe, the tip end of the first branch nozzle part is constructed at the time of piping construction. It can be connected to the first split pipe. For this reason, unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe, this branch pipe joint does not have a first different-diameter pipe connection portion at the tip of the first branch nozzle portion, and uses a Noive cutter to form the first branch nozzle. Since there is no need to secure a space for cutting the tip of the branch nozzle section, the space between the first branch nozzle section and the second branch nozzle section (that is, the space between the first branch nozzle section and the The distance between the portion closest to the second branch nozzle portion and the portion of the second branch nozzle portion closest to the first branch nozzle portion of the connection portion with one split pipe) is set to 40 mm or less. As a result, the size of the branch pipe joint in the vicinity of the branch pipe is smaller than that of the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe.

In this branch pipe joint, the first split pipe is connected to the first branch nozzle part and is bent so that the other end thereof is directed in a direction crossing the first direction. In addition, even when the refrigerant pipe connected to the first branch nozzle portion is arranged so as to rise upward, the horizontal branch arrangement of the branch portion can be maintained. Thereby, in this branch pipe joint, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from drifting in the branch portion.

As described above, the branch pipe joint has a structure in which the first split pipe bent so as to face in the direction intersecting with the first direction can be connected to the tip end of the first branch nozzle section, and the first branch nozzle section has Since the distance between the second branch nozzle portion and the second branch nozzle portion is reduced, it is possible to achieve both the compactness of the size near the branch portion and the prevention of drift in the branch portion.

The branch pipe joint according to the second invention is the branch pipe joint according to the first invention, wherein the first split pipe can be connected to the first branch nozzle portion by brazing. The distance between the portion of the tip of the first branch nozzle portion closest to the second branch nozzle portion and the portion of the second branch nozzle portion closest to the tip of the first branch nozzle portion is 7 mm or more.

In this branch fitting, the distance between the end of the first branch nozzle that is closest to the second branch nozzle and the part of the second branch nozzle that is closest to the end of the first branch nozzle is 7 mm. Because of the above, at the time of piping construction, the first split pipe was soldered to the tip of the first branch nozzle. It can be easily connected by attaching.

[0011] A branch pipe joint according to a third aspect of the present invention is the branch pipe joint according to the first or second aspect, wherein the first split pipe has, at the other end, a pipe diameter varying stepwise. 1. Has a different diameter pipe connection.

In this branch pipe joint, the first divided pipe is formed with the first different-diameter pipe connecting portion, so that refrigerant pipes of different diameters can be connected.

[0012] A branch pipe joint according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the branch pipe joint according to any of the first to third aspects, wherein the second branch nozzle portion has a first branch nozzle portion at a distal end thereof. The pipe joint for branching has a second different-diameter pipe connecting portion that protrudes in the first direction from the distal end of the second branch nozzle and has a pipe diameter that changes stepwise. The second different-diameter pipe connection protrudes in the first direction beyond the tip of the first branch nozzle, so there is enough space to use a pipe cutter to cut the second different-diameter pipe connection. can do.

[0013] A branch pipe joint according to a fifth invention is the branch pipe joint according to any of the first to third inventions, further comprising a second split pipe. The second divided pipe is a pipe member having one end connected to the second branch nozzle at the time of piping work, and has a second different-diameter pipe connection part whose pipe diameter changes stepwise at the other end, It extends along the first direction while being connected to the second branch nozzle portion.

The branch pipe joint has a structure in which a second split pipe extending along the first direction can be connected to the tip of the second branch nozzle, so that the size of the branch section in the first direction can be reduced. it can.

[0014] An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner, comprising: at least one indoor unit; a plurality of outdoor units; a merging connection pipe as a main pipe extending from the indoor unit to the plurality of outdoor units; One or more branch pipe joints according to any of the first to fifth inventions, which are connected to the junction connecting pipe according to the number of units and distribute the refrigerant flow into two streams, a branch pipe joint, A plurality of unit branch pipes for connecting to the connection port of the outdoor unit are provided.

In this air conditioner, one or more branch pipes according to any of the first to fifth inventions are provided. A joint is used to form a branching structure that distributes the refrigerant from the junction connection pipe to the connection port of each outdoor unit, so that it is possible to achieve both compactness near the branch and prevention of drift at the branch. it can. As a result, compared to the case of using the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe, it is possible to reduce the labor required for racking after attaching the heat insulating material to the connecting pipe.

The invention's effect

[0015] As described in the above description, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

According to the first invention, the first branch nozzle section has a structure in which a first split pipe bent so as to face a direction intersecting with the first direction can be connected to a tip end of the first branch nozzle section. Since the distance between the branch part is reduced, it is possible to achieve both compactness near the branch part and prevention of drift in the branch part.

In the second invention, the distance between the portion of the tip portion of the first branch nozzle portion closest to the second branch nozzle portion and the portion of the second branch nozzle portion closest to the tip portion of the first branch nozzle portion is set to 7 mm or more. Therefore, the first split pipe can be easily connected to the connection portion of the first branch nozzle portion by brazing at the time of piping.

In the third invention, since the first different-diameter pipe connection portion is formed in the first split pipe, a refrigerant pipe having a different diameter can be connected.

In the fourth invention, since the second different-diameter pipe connecting portion formed at the tip of the second branch nozzle projects in the first direction from the tip of the first branch nozzle, a pipe cutter is used. Thus, a space for performing the operation of cutting the second different-diameter pipe connection portion can be secured.

In the fifth invention, the second branch pipe extending in the first direction can be connected to the tip of the second branch nozzle, so that the size of the branch in the first direction can be reduced. .

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor required for performing racking after attaching a heat insulating material to the communication pipe.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a conventional Y-branch pipe. 圆 3] is an outline drawing of a conventional T-shaped branch pipe.

[4] FIG. 4 is a view showing a structure of a branch pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view on arrow C in FIG. 4.

[6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example in which a branch pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in a branch structure of a communication pipe for distributing a refrigerant to a plurality of outdoor units.

[7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example in which a branch pipe joint according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in a branch structure of a communication pipe for distributing a refrigerant to a plurality of outdoor units.

[8] FIG. 8 is a view showing a structure of a branch pipe joint that is powerful in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1 Air conditioner

2 Outdoor unit

3 Indoor unit

21, 22 Connection port

51, 53 Confluence connection pipe, branch connection pipe (main pipe)

54 Unit branch piping

181 Branch pipe fitting

182 Branch

182a Inlet pipe

182b 1st outlet pipe

182c 2nd outlet pipe

183 1st branch nozzle

184 Second branch nozzle

184a 2nd diameter pipe connection

186 No. 1 split pipe

186a 1st diameter pipe connection

187 2nd split pipe

187a 2nd diameter pipe connection

S interval BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a branch pipe joint and an air conditioner including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Structure of branch pipe joint

FIG. 4 is a view showing a structure of a branch pipe joint 181 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The branch pipe joint 181 includes a branch section 182 having a substantially Y-shaped pipe shape, a first branch nozzle section 183, a second branch nozzle section 184, and a first split pipe 186.

The branch portion 182 is a portion having the same shape as the branch portion 82 (see FIG. 2) of the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81, and is connected to the main pipe (for example, the junction of the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 shown in FIG. 1). The inlet pipe 182a through which the refrigerant flowing from the pipe 51 and the branch connection pipe 53) flows, and the inlet along the first direction A, which is the first direction A which is the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe 182a. The tube portion 182a has a first outlet tube portion 182b and a second outlet tube portion 182c in which the refrigerant flows in a direction substantially symmetric with respect to a center line O-O of the tube portion 182a.

[0019] The first branch nozzle portion 183 is connected to the first outlet pipe portion 182b, and extends almost straight along the first direction A. At the tip of the first branch nozzle portion 183, a first flare portion 183a expanded so that one end of the first splitting tube 186 can be inserted is formed. A first different-diameter pipe connection portion such as a first branch nozzle portion 83 (see FIG. 2) of the U-shaped branch pipe 81 is formed.

The second branch nozzle part 184 is connected to the second outlet pipe part 182c, and extends substantially straight along the first direction A. At the tip of the second branch nozzle portion 184, a second different-diameter pipe connection portion 184a whose pipe diameter changes stepwise is formed. The second different-diameter pipe connecting portion 184a protrudes further in the first direction A than the tip end of the first branch nozzle portion 183 (specifically, the first flare portion 183a). This secures a space around the second different-diameter pipe connection portion 184a for performing a cutting operation by the pipe force cutter. As described above, the second branch nozzle section 184 has the same shape as the second branch nozzle section 84 (see FIG. 2) of the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81.

Then, in the branch pipe joint 181 of the present embodiment, unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81 (see FIG. 2), a pipe cutter is provided around the tip of the first branch nozzle section 183 using a pipe cutter. 1 branch Since there is no need to secure a space for cutting the tip portion of the chirping part 183, the space S between the first branch nozzle part 183 and the second branch nozzle part 184 (that is, the first branch nozzle part 183 The distance between the part closest to the second branch nozzle part 184 of the one flare section 183a and the part closest to the first flare part 183a of the second branch nozzle part 183 of the second branch nozzle part 184) is as small as 40 mm or less. You can get to it. As a result, in the branch pipe joint 181 of the present embodiment, the size near the branch portion 182 is smaller than that of the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81 (see FIG. 2). When the heat insulating material 185 is attached to the heat insulating material 185, the size of the heat insulating material 185 can be reduced, so that it is possible to reduce the trouble when performing the racking force on the outer periphery of the heat insulating material 185. I have.

The first split pipe 186 is a pipe member having one end connected to the tip of the first branch nozzle part 183 at the time of piping. In the present embodiment, the first split pipe 186 is arranged such that the first split pipe 186 approaches the first flare section 183a of the first branch nozzle section 183 from the direction of arrow B as shown in FIG. It is inserted and connected to the first flare portion 183a of the first branch nozzle portion 183 by brazing. Here, of the tip portion (specifically, the first flare portion 183a) of the first branch nozzle portion 183, the portion closest to the second branch nozzle portion 184 and the most first flare portion of the second branch nozzle portion 184. The distance from the part close to 183a should be at least 7 mm. Thus, the work of connecting the first divided pipe 186 to the first flare portion 183a of the first branch nozzle portion 183 by brazing can be easily performed. That is, in the branch pipe joint 181 of the present embodiment, the interval S between the first branch nozzle section 183 and the second branch nozzle section 184 is such that the first split pipe 186 is brazed to the first branch nozzle section 183. The dimensions are set to 7 mm or more and 40 mm or less so that the size near the branch 182 can be made compact while ensuring the workability of the connection work.

[0022] At the other end of the first split pipe 186, a first different-diameter pipe connection part 186a whose pipe diameter changes stepwise is formed. In the state where the first split pipe 186 is connected to the first branch nozzle portion 183, the other end crosses the first direction A (in the present embodiment, the direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction A). ). Therefore, even in a state where the first divided pipe 186 is connected to the first branch nozzle part 183, a space for cutting the first different diameter pipe connection part 186a of the first divided pipe 186 using a pipe cutter is secured. Has been, furthermore, A space for performing the operation of cutting the second different-diameter pipe connection portion 184a of the second branch nozzle portion 184 using a Neue cutter is secured. As a result, workability during piping construction has been improved.

In the state where the first split pipe 186 is connected to the first branch nozzle portion 183, the other end of the first split pipe 186 is bent so as to face a direction intersecting the first direction A. In the present embodiment, the first split tube 186 is bent in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction A. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5 (viewed in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 4), when the pipe is constructed, the first branch pipe 186 is connected to the first different-diameter pipe connection portion while the horizontal branch arrangement of the branch portion 182 is maintained. The 186a can be connected to the first branch nozzle portion 183 in various directions (for example, arrows D, E, F, and the like in FIG. 5). As shown in Fig. 2), there is a problem in that there are many restrictions on piping work in order to maintain the horizontal branch arrangement.

As described above, the branch pipe joint 181 of the present embodiment includes the substantially Y-shaped branch portion 182 similar to the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81 (see FIG. 2). Unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81, it has a structure in which the first split pipe 186 can be connected to the tip of the first branch nozzle part 183 (specifically, the first flare part 183a) during piping work. . Therefore, unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81, the branch pipe joint 181 does not have the first different-diameter pipe connection portion at the tip of the first branch nozzle portion 183, and uses a pipe cutter. Since there is no need to secure a space for cutting the tip of the first branch nozzle section 183, the distance S between the first branch nozzle section 183 and the second branch nozzle section 184 can be reduced. ing. Thereby, in the branch pipe joint 181, the size in the vicinity of the branch portion 182 is smaller than that of the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81.

In the branch pipe joint 181, the first split pipe 186 is connected to the first branch nozzle portion 183 so that the other end faces in the direction intersecting the first direction A. For example, even when the refrigerant pipe connected to the first branch nozzle portion 183 is arranged so as to rise upward (see arrows E and F in FIG. 5), it is bent. It is possible to maintain the horizontal branch arrangement. Thereby, in the branch pipe joint 181, the drift of the refrigerant in the branch part 182 can be prevented.

In other words, in this branch pipe joint 181, the first direction A The structure is such that the first divided pipe 186 bent so as to face the direction intersecting with the first branch pipe 186 can be connected, and the distance S between the first branch nozzle part 183 and the second branch nozzle part 184 is reduced, so that the branching is performed. It is now possible to achieve both a reduction in size near the part 182 and prevention of drift in the branch part 182!

(2) Branch structure of communication pipe for distributing refrigerant to a plurality of outdoor units

Next, in the air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1, an example in which the branch pipe joint 181 of the present embodiment is used for the branch structure of the communication pipe 4 for distributing the refrigerant to the plurality of outdoor units 2 Will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a branch structure when the communication pipe 4 and the connection ports 21 and 22 of the outdoor unit 2 are at the same height position. In this case, the first split pipe 186 of the branch pipe joint 181 is oriented in the horizontal direction (that is, in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5) with its first different-diameter pipe connecting portion 186a facing the outdoor unit 2. Is connected to the first branch nozzle part 183 by brazing. Then, the first different-diameter pipe connection portion 186a is cut using a pipe cutter so as to conform to the pipe diameter of the horizontally extending unit branch pipe 54 connected to the connection ports 21 and 22 of the outdoor unit 2. After that, it is connected to the unit branch piping 54 by brazing. On the other hand, the second branch nozzle part 184 is cut using a pipe cutter so as to match the pipe diameter of the branch connection pipe 53 and the unit branch pipe 54, and then brazed to form the branch connection pipe 53 and the unit branch pipe. Connected to piping 54. In the branch structure of the communication pipe 4, the horizontal branch arrangement of the branch pipe joint 181 is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the connecting pipe 4 and the connection ports 21 and 22 of the outdoor unit 2 are located at different heights (for example, the connecting pipe 4 is connected to the connection port 21 of the outdoor unit 2). , 22 and a height H lower than 22), a branch structure of the communication pipe 4 for distributing the refrigerant to the multiple outdoor units 2 as follows: Can be. In this case, the first split pipe 186 of the branch pipe joint 181 has its first different-diameter pipe connection portion 186a directed vertically to the outdoor unit 2 (ie, in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 5). It is brazed to the first branch nozzle part 183 so as to face. The first different-diameter pipe connection portion 186a is adapted to the pipe diameter of the unit branch pipe 54 that extends in the horizontal direction and that extends in the vertical downward direction after being connected to the connection ports 21 and 22 of the outdoor unit 2 and extending vertically. Like a pipe cutter After being cut using one, it is connected to the unit branch piping 54 by brazing. On the other hand, the second branch nozzle section 184 is cut using a pipe cutter so as to match the pipe diameter of the branch connection pipe 53 and the unit branch pipe 54, and then brazed to form the branch connection pipe 53 and the unit branch pipe. Connected to 54. Even in the branch structure of the communication pipe 4, the horizontal branch arrangement of the branch pipe joint 181 is maintained.

As described above, the branch pipe joint according to the present embodiment is applied to the branch structure of the communication pipe 4 for distributing the refrigerant to the plurality of outdoor units 2 in the air conditioner 1. By using the 181, it is possible to achieve both the compact size near the branch portion 182 and the prevention of drift in the branch portion 182. As a result, compared to the case of using the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe 81, it is possible to reduce the time and labor required for performing the racking process after attaching the heat insulating material 185 to the connection pipe 4! .

(3) Modification

In the above-described branch pipe joint 181, as shown in FIG. 8, the distal end of the second branch nozzle portion 184 forms a second flare portion 184 b similar to the first flare portion 183 a of the first branch nozzle portion 183. However, the second flare portion 184b may be provided with a second split pipe 187 having one end connected to the second flare section 184b by brazing at the time of piping (see arrow G in FIG. 8). The second divided pipe 187 is a pipe member that extends in the first direction A while being connected to the second branch nozzle portion 184, and has a second end where the pipe diameter changes stepwise at the other end. The diameter pipe connection part 187a is formed. Also, the second flare portion 184b of the second branch nozzle portion 184 projects further in the first direction A than the end portion of the first flare portion 183a of the first branch nozzle portion 183, so that the second flare portion 184b The workability of the work of brazing and connecting the second branch pipe 187 to the surrounding area can be assured!

As described above, the branch pipe joint 181 of the present modification has a structure in which the second divided pipe 187 extending along the first direction A can be connected to the distal end of the second branch nozzle part 184. The size in the first direction A can be made compact.

(4) Other Embodiments

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and can be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. Noh.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the branch pipe joint according to the present invention is used to branch the connecting pipe of the connecting pipe to the connection ports of the plurality of outdoor units. It may be used for branching to other units, such as branching to a connection port of a unit.

Industrial applicability

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, a branch pipe joint for distributing a refrigerant flowing in a main pipe into two streams and an air conditioner equipped with the same are provided. It can be compatible with prevention of drift in the part.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A branch joint for distributing the refrigerant flowing in the main pipe (51, 53) into two streams,

An inlet pipe (182a) through which the refrigerant flowing from the main pipe flows, and the inlet along the first direction (A), which is the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe, and along the first direction. A substantially Y-shaped branch having a first outlet pipe (182b) and a second outlet pipe (182c) through which refrigerant flows in a direction substantially symmetric to the center line (0-0) of the pipe. (182), a first branch nozzle portion (183) connected to the first outlet pipe portion and extending along the first direction;

A second branch nozzle portion (184) connected to the second outlet pipe portion and extending along the first direction;

At the time of piping, one end is a pipe member connected to the tip of the first branch nozzle, and the other end crosses in the first direction in a state of being connected to the first branch nozzle. A first split tube (186) bent to face

The first branch nozzle portion and the second branch nozzle portion are a portion of a tip portion of the first branch nozzle portion closest to the second branch nozzle portion and a portion of the second branch nozzle portion most closest to the first branch nozzle portion. It is arranged so that the distance (S) from the part close to the tip of the nozzle is 40 mm or less.

Branch pipe joint (181).

[2] The first split pipe (186) can be connected to the first branch nozzle portion (183) by brazing,

The interval (S) is 7 mm or more;

The branch pipe coupling (181) according to claim 1.

[3] The first split pipe (186) has a first different-diameter pipe connection part having a pipe diameter that changes stepwise at the other end.

The branch pipe coupling (181) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising (186a).

[4] The second branch nozzle portion (184) protrudes toward the first direction (A) from the tip end of the first branch nozzle portion (183) at the tip thereof, and the pipe diameter is stepwise. The branch pipe joint (181) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second different-diameter pipe connecting portion (184a) that changes to:

[5] At the time of piping, one end is a pipe member connected to the second branch nozzle part (184), and the other end is a second different diameter pipe connection part (187a) in which the pipe diameter changes stepwise. And a second divided pipe (187) extending along the first direction (A) while being connected to the second branch nozzle portion. The pipe fitting for branching described.

[6] one or more indoor units (3),

A plurality of outdoor units (2),

A junction connecting pipe (51) as a main pipe extending from the indoor unit to the plurality of outdoor units in a directional manner;

The one or more branch pipe joints (181) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more branch pipe joints (181) are connected to the merging connection pipe according to the number of the outdoor units and distribute the refrigerant flow into two flows. ,

A plurality of unit branch pipes (54) for connecting the branch pipe joint and the connection ports (21, 22) of the outdoor unit;

Air conditioner equipped with (1).