WO2008053752A1

WO2008053752A1 - Heat source unit for refrigerating apparatus, and refrigerating apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008053752A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/070655
Authority: WO
Inventors: Satoshi Kawano; Shinya Matsuoka; Osamu Tanaka
Original assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-10-30
Filing date: 2007-10-23
Publication date: 2008-05-08
Also published as: CN101529169A; JP4079184B1; KR100989460B1; AU2007315521A1; BRPI0716309A2; EP2078905A4; JP2008111589A; EP2078905B1; ES2574090T3; KR20090089298A; EP2078905A1; TW200827637A; CN101529169B; US20100319376A1; RU2395044C1; AU2007315521B2; TWI342944B

Abstract

A heat source side circuit (12) is provided with a first gas side port (31) which constantly communicates with the outlet side of a compressor (14); a second gas side port (32) which constantly communicates with the inlet side of the compressor (14); a third gas side port (33) which selectively communicates with a first gas line (25) or a second gas line (26); a liquid side port (34) which constantly communicates with the liquid side end of a heat source side heat exchanger (15); a first switching mechanism (17) for switching the communication status of the gas side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15); and a second switching mechanism (18) for switching the communication status of the third gas line (27).

Description

Specification

Refrigeration unit heat source unit and refrigeration unit

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat source unit of a refrigeration apparatus connected to a utilization unit via a communication pipe, and a refrigeration apparatus including the heat source unit.

Background art

Conventionally, a heat source unit of a refrigeration apparatus including a compressor and a heat source side heat exchanger is known. The heat source unit constitutes a refrigeration system together with a utilization unit connected via a communication pipe. This type of heat source unit is described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor unit of an air conditioner as this type of heat source unit. This outdoor unit has one gas side port and one liquid side port. The gas side port is connected to a four-way switching valve connected to the discharge side and the suction side of the compressor. The liquid side port is connected to the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger. This air conditioner can switch between cooling operation and heating operation as an operating state by switching the four-way switching valve.

[0004] FIG. 3 of Patent Document 2 describes an outdoor unit provided with two gas side ports and one liquid side port. In this outdoor unit, one gas side port is always connected to the discharge side of the compressor via the discharge line, and the other gas side port is always connected to the suction side of the compressor via the suction line. . The liquid side port is always connected to the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger. The gas side end of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to a four-way switching valve connected to the discharge side and suction side of the compressor.

[0005] Patent Document 2 describes an air conditioner to which the outdoor unit is applied. This air conditioner includes a plurality of indoor units, each of which is provided with a BS unit for switching the operation state of the indoor units. The BS unit switches the indoor unit's gas pipe between communicating with the discharge line and communicating with the suction line. In this air conditioner, when the BS unit communicates the gas pipe of the indoor unit with the discharge line of the outdoor unit, the heating operation in which the use side heat exchanger of the indoor unit becomes a condenser is performed. Done. When the BS unit communicates the gas pipe of the indoor unit with the suction line of the outdoor unit, the cooling operation is performed in which the use side heat exchanger of the indoor unit becomes an evaporator. This air conditioner is a so-called cooling / heating-free air conditioner that can select whether to perform a cooling operation or a heating operation as an operation state for each indoor unit.

[0006] By the way, the refrigeration apparatus is provided with a switching mechanism (for example, a four-way switching valve) provided in the heat source unit as in Patent Document 1 for switching the operating state of the usage unit, or provided for each usage unit. There is one such as Patent Document 2 in which the operating state of the utilization unit is switched by a switching mechanism housed in the unit. Since the heat source unit of Patent Document 1 has only gas side port power, it cannot be applied to the latter refrigeration apparatus. Further, the heat source unit of Patent Document 2 is provided with a switching mechanism for switching the operating state of the utilization unit in the heat source side circuit! /, NA! /, So it cannot be applied to the former refrigeration apparatus! / ,.

[0007] When the heat source unit is configured so that it can be applied to both the former refrigeration apparatus and the latter refrigeration apparatus, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 13 is obtained. The heat source side circuit (12) of the heat source unit (10) of FIG. 13 is provided with two gas side ports (32, 33) and one liquid side port (34). One gas side port (32) always communicates with the suction side of the compressor (14), and the other gas side port (33) communicates with either the discharge side or the suction side of the compressor (14). Selective communication. The liquid side port (34) always communicates with the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger (15) is selectively in communication with either the discharge side or the suction side of the compressor (14). When the utilization unit (7) is connected to the heat source unit (10) as shown in FIG. 13 (A), the former refrigeration apparatus (5) is configured. When the utilization unit (7) is connected to the heat source unit (10) as shown in FIG. 13 (B), the latter refrigeration apparatus (5) is configured.

[0008] Here, in the refrigeration apparatus to which the heat source unit is applied, the use unit is used when a relatively large cooling capacity or heating capacity is required on the use unit side, for example, when the number of use units is large. There may be a case where a sufficient heat exchange amount cannot be secured with only the heat source side heat exchanger of the heat source unit relative to the heat exchange amount in the side heat exchanger! /. In such a case, an appropriate refrigeration cycle cannot be performed and the coefficient of performance (COP) becomes relatively small. Therefore, an auxiliary unit that houses the auxiliary heat exchanger is connected to the refrigerant circuit. By doing so, such a problem can be solved. As shown in FIG. 14, the auxiliary unit (50) has an auxiliary heat exchanger (52) during heating operation when the required heating capacity on the unit (7, 7,...) Side is large. It is connected to become an evaporator together with the heat source side heat exchanger (15). Further, when the auxiliary unit (50) has a large required cooling capacity on the use unit (7, 7,...) Side, as shown in FIG. 15, the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) is installed during the cooling operation. It is connected to become a condenser together with the heat source side heat exchanger (15).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-078087

Patent Document 2: JP-A-11 241844

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the conventional heat source unit, the auxiliary unit is used so that the auxiliary unit can be used for both the heating operation and the cooling operation in the refrigeration apparatus to which the heat source unit is applied. The power that could not be connected. Specifically, if an auxiliary unit is provided corresponding to the heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor during the cooling operation cannot be supplied to the auxiliary heat exchanger of the auxiliary unit, so the auxiliary heat exchanger becomes a condenser. It ’s a great power. Also, if an auxiliary unit is provided for cooling operation, the refrigerant evaporated by the auxiliary heat exchanger of the auxiliary unit during heating operation cannot be guided to the suction side of the compressor! /, So auxiliary heat exchange The vessel has a power that is the same as the evaporator.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the power and the point, and an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration apparatus that switches the operation state of the utilization unit by a switching mechanism provided in the heat source unit, and the utilization unit. A heat source unit that can be applied to any of the refrigeration systems that switch the operating state of the utilization unit by a switching mechanism housed in a unit provided for each unit, and a cooling unit that heats the auxiliary unit that houses the auxiliary heat exchanger It is to be configured so that it can be connected with both operation and connection.

Means for solving the problem

The first invention is directed to a heat source unit (10) of a refrigeration apparatus including a heat source side circuit (12) to which a compressor (14) and a heat source side heat exchanger (15) are connected. The heat source side circuit (12) of the heat source unit (10) is connected to the first gas line (25) that is always in communication with the discharge side of the compressor (14). A first gas side port (31) serving as an end of the second gas side port (32) serving as an end of a second gas line (26) always communicating with the suction side of the compressor (14), A third gas side port (33) serving as an end of a third gas line (27) that selectively communicates with either the first gas line (25) or the second gas line (26); The liquid side port (34) that is the end of the liquid line (28) that always communicates with the liquid side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15) and the gas side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15) A first switching mechanism (17) for switching between a state communicating with the discharge side of the compressor (14) and a state communicating with the suction side of the compressor (14); and the third gas line (27) A second switching mechanism (18) for switching between a state communicating with the first gas line (25) and a state communicating with the second gas line (26) is provided.

[0012] In the second invention, the heat source unit (10) of the refrigeration apparatus (5) according to claim 1, and the pressure reducing mechanism (41) and the use side heat exchanger (40) are connected in this order from the liquid side end. A use unit (7) having a connected use side circuit (8), a third gas side port (33) of the heat source side circuit (12) of the heat source unit (10) and the use side circuit (8 ) Is connected to the liquid side port (34) of the heat source side circuit (12) and the liquid side end of the use side circuit (8) is connected to the refrigerant side circuit (9) This is a refrigeration system (5) that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0013] A third invention is based on the second invention, wherein the auxiliary heat exchanger (52), the first connection port (56) always in communication with the liquid side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52), and the above The second connection port (57) and the third connection port (58) that selectively communicate with the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) and the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) are connected to the second connection port (57). An auxiliary unit (50) having an auxiliary switching mechanism (54) for switching between a state communicating with the connection port (57) and a state communicating with the third connection port (58), the refrigerant circuit (9) The first connection port (56) is connected to the liquid side port of the heat source side circuit (12), and the second connection port (57) is connected to the first gas side port (31 of the heat source side circuit (12). And the third connection port (58) is connected to the second gas side port (32) of the heat source side circuit (12).

[0014] A fourth invention is the above-mentioned second or third invention, comprising a plurality of the use units (7). In the refrigerant circuit (9), the plurality of use-side circuits (8) are heat source-side circuits ( Connected in parallel to 12).

[0015] In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, the fifth invention relates to the plurality of utilization units (7). A state in which the gas side end of the usage side circuit (8) of each usage unit (7) communicates with the second gas side port (32) and the third gas side port (33). A switching unit (60) having an operation state switching mechanism (63, 64) for switching to a state to be operated.

[0016] One action

In the first invention, the heat source unit (10) includes a heat source side circuit (12) force, three gas side ports (31, 32, 33) and one liquid side port (34). The first gas side port (31) always communicates with the discharge side of the compressor (14). The second gas side port (32) always communicates with the suction side of the compressor (14). The third gas side port (33) is switched between the state communicating with the first gas line (25) and the state communicating with the second gas line by switching the second switching mechanism (18). The liquid side port (34) always communicates with the liquid side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15). The gas side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15) communicates with the discharge side of the compressor (14) and communicates with the suction side of the compressor (14) by switching the first switching mechanism (17). And are switched. In other words, the heat source unit (10) includes a refrigeration apparatus (5) for switching the operating state of the utilization unit (7) by the switching mechanism (17) provided in the heat source unit (10), and the utilization unit (7). It can be applied to any of the refrigeration apparatus (5) for switching the operation state of the utilization unit (7) by the switching mechanism (63, 64) housed in the unit (60) provided in the unit, for example, FIG. In addition to the configuration of the heat source unit (10), a first gas side port (31) always communicating with the discharge side of the compressor (14) is provided.

In the second invention, in the refrigerant circuit (9) of the refrigeration apparatus (5), the third gas side port (33) of the heat source side circuit (12) of the heat source unit (10) and the usage side circuit (8) The gas side end of the heat source side circuit (12) and the liquid side port (34) of the heat source side circuit (12) are connected to the liquid side end of the use side circuit (8). In this refrigeration apparatus (5), when the switching unit (60) described later is not provided, the first switching mechanism (17) and the second switching mechanism (18) switch the operating state of the utilization unit (7). Specifically, the first switching mechanism (17) communicates the gas side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15) with the discharge side of the compressor (14), and the second switching mechanism (18) is connected to the third gas line ( When 27) is connected to the second gas line (26), a cooling operation is performed in which the heat source side heat exchanger (15) serves as a condenser and the use side heat exchanger (40) serves as an evaporator. The first switching mechanism (17) communicates the gas side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15) with the suction side of the compressor (14), and the second switching mechanism (18) is connected to the third gas line (27). The first gas line (25) and When connected, a heating operation is performed in which the use side heat exchanger (40) becomes a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger (15) becomes an evaporator.

[0018] In the third invention, the refrigeration apparatus (5) includes the auxiliary unit (50). In the auxiliary unit (50), when the auxiliary switching mechanism (54) is switched, the gas-side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) communicates with the second connection port (57) and the third connection port (58). You can switch to Therefore, in the refrigeration apparatus (5) of the third aspect of the invention, the second connection port (57) is connected to the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) by switching the auxiliary switching mechanism (54). The state communicating with the first gas side port (31) and the state communicating with the second gas side port (32) to which the third connection port (58) is connected are switched.

In the fourth invention, the refrigeration apparatus (5) includes a plurality of utilization units (7). The usage side circuit (8) of the usage unit (7) is connected in parallel to the heat source side circuit (12)! The gas side end of each usage unit (7) is connected to the third gas side port (33), and the liquid side end of each usage unit (7) is connected to the liquid side port (34).

[0020] In the fifth invention, the operating state switching mechanism (63, 64) of the switching unit (60) provided in each usage unit (7), the usage side circuit (8) of the usage unit (7) Switch between the state where the gas side end communicates with the second gas side port (32) and the state where it communicates with the third gas side port (33). When the operation state switching mechanism (63, 64) communicates the gas side end of the usage side circuit (8) with the second gas side port (32), the usage side circuit (8) serves as an evaporator. Is done. Specifically, the refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (15) is introduced into the use side circuit (8) through the liquid side port (34). The refrigerant introduced into the use side circuit (8) evaporates in the use side heat exchanger (40) and then returns to the suction side of the compressor (14) through the second gas side port (32). When the operating state switching mechanism (63, 64) connects the gas side end of the use side circuit (8) to the third gas side port (33), the heating operation in which the use side circuit (8) becomes a condenser is performed. Done. Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) is introduced into the use side circuit (8) through the third gas side port (33). The refrigerant introduced into the use side circuit (8) is condensed in the use side heat exchanger (40) and then introduced into the heat source side heat exchanger (15) through the liquid side port (34), where it is evaporated and then the compressor. (14) Inhaled. In the fifth invention, the heat source unit (10) of the first invention is used by the switching mechanism (63, 64) housed in the unit (60) provided for each usage unit (7). ) Applied to switching refrigeration equipment (5).

The invention's effect

In the present invention, the heat source unit (10) includes a refrigeration apparatus (5) that switches the operating state of the usage unit (7) by the switching mechanism (17) provided in the heat source unit (10), and the usage unit ( 7) A heat source that can be applied to any of the refrigeration apparatus (5) that switches the operation state of the utilization unit (7) by the switching mechanism (63, 64) housed in the unit (60) provided for each unit In addition to the structure of the unit (10), the first gas side port (31) always communicating with the discharge side of the compressor (14) is provided. In this heat source unit (10), when the second switching mechanism (18) connects the third gas side port (33) to the first gas line (25), the third gas side port (33) is connected to the compressor (14 ) From which the refrigerant discharged after compression flows out, and the liquid side port (34) becomes a port into which the condensed liquid refrigerant evaporated by the heat source side heat exchanger (15) flows, and the second gas The side port (32) serves as a port through which the evaporated refrigerant sucked by the compressor (14) flows. On the other hand, when the second switching mechanism (18) connects the third gas side port (33) to the second gas line (26), the liquid side port (34) is condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (15). The liquid refrigerant flows out, the second gas side port (32) becomes the port through which evaporated refrigerant sucked by the compressor (14) flows, and the first gas side port (31) becomes the compressor (14 ) From which the compressed refrigerant discharged from the outlet flows out.

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas side end of the usage side circuit (8) is connected to the third gas side port (33), and the liquid side end of the usage side circuit (8) is connected to the liquid side port. (34) and the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) by connecting the liquid side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) to the liquid side port (34). Is selectively connected to the first gas side port (31) and the second gas side port (32), the second switching mechanism (18) connects the third gas side port (33) to the first gas line (25 ), A high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) is supplied through the third gas side port (33), and a heating operation is performed in which the use side heat exchanger (40) serves as a condenser. . Then, when the refrigerant condensed in the use side heat exchanger (40) during the heating operation is introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger (52), the introduced refrigerant evaporates in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) and then the second gas side. It flows into the heat source side circuit (12) from the port (32) and is sucked into the compressor (14). When the second switching mechanism (18) connects the third gas side port (33) to the second gas line (26), the liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (15) is transferred to the liquid side port. (34) The use side heat exchanger (40) supplied through A cooling operation is performed. Then, when the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) through the first gas side port (31) during the cooling operation is introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger (52), the introduced refrigerant is transferred to the auxiliary heat exchanger (52). After being condensed, it is introduced into the use side heat exchanger (40) together with the liquid refrigerant condensed in the heat source side heat exchanger (15). The refrigerant introduced into the use side heat exchanger (40) evaporates in the use side heat exchanger (40), and the low-pressure refrigerant after evaporation flows into the heat source side circuit (12) from the third gas side port (33). And sucked into the compressor (14).

[0023] In this way, the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) is selectively connected to the first gas side port (31) and the second gas side port (32). Thus, during the heating operation, the low-pressure gas refrigerant from the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) serving as an evaporator can be introduced into the compressor (14) through the second gas side port (32). In this case, high-pressure gas refrigerant can be supplied to the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) serving as a condenser through the first gas side port (31). Therefore, the auxiliary unit (50) can be used corresponding to both the cooling operation and the heating operation. In other words, the heat source unit (10) of the present invention can connect the auxiliary unit (50) in response to both the cooling operation and the heating operation.

In the third aspect of the invention, the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) is selectively connected to the first gas side port (31) and the second gas side port (32). . Therefore, as described above, during the heating operation, the low-pressure gas refrigerant from the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) serving as an evaporator is introduced into the compressor (14) through the second gas side port (32). In the cooling operation, high-pressure gas refrigerant can be introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) serving as a condenser through the first gas side port (31). The auxiliary unit (50) of the third aspect of the invention can operate to supplement the heat exchange amount in the heat source side heat exchanger (15) with the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) in both the cooling operation and the heating operation. It can be connected to the refrigeration apparatus (5) as possible.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an outdoor unit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an operation during a cooling operation in the air conditioner of the first embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an operation during a heating operation in the air conditioner of the first embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner of a second form to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an operation during a cooling operation in the air conditioner of the second embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an operation at the time of heating operation in the air conditioner of the second embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an operation at the time of cooling operation in the air conditioner of the third embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an operation at the time of heating operation in the air conditioner of the third embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an operation at the time of air-conditioning operation in the air conditioner of the third embodiment to which the outdoor unit according to the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus according to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a refrigeration apparatus provided with a conventional heat source unit, (A) is a schematic configuration diagram when the former refrigeration apparatus described in the background art is configured, and (B) FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram when the latter refrigeration apparatus described in the background technology is configured.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram when an auxiliary unit is connected to a refrigeration apparatus to which a conventional heat source unit is applied in correspondence with a heating operation.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram in the case where an auxiliary unit is connected to a refrigeration apparatus to which a conventional heat source unit is applied in correspondence with a cooling operation.

Explanation of symbols

5 Air conditioning equipment (refrigeration equipment)

7 Indoor unit (Usage unit)

8 Indoor circuit (use side circuit) 9 Refrigerant circuit

10 Outdoor unit (heat source unit)

12 Outdoor circuit (heat source side circuit)

14 Compressor

15 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger)

17 1st four way switching valve (1st switching mechanism)

18 Second four-way switching valve (second switching mechanism)

25 1st gas line

26 Second gas line

27 3rd gas line

28 liquid lines

31 1st gas side port

32 Second gas side port

33 Second gas side port

34 Liquid port

40 Indoor heat exchanger (use side heat exchanger)

41 Pressure reducing mechanism (indoor expansion valve)

50 Auxiliary unit

52 Auxiliary heat exchanger

54 Auxiliary switching mechanism

56 First connection port

57 Second connection port

58 Third connection port

63 1st solenoid valve (operating state switching mechanism)

64 2nd solenoid valve (operating state switching mechanism)

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] <Configuration of outdoor unit> The outdoor unit (10) according to this embodiment constitutes a heat source unit of the refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention. The outdoor unit (10) is connected to the utilization unit (7) through the gas side communication pipe (20) and the liquid side communication pipe (21).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit (10) accommodates an outdoor circuit (12) which is a heat source side circuit. The outdoor circuit (12) includes a compressor (14), an outdoor heat exchanger (15), an outdoor expansion valve (16), a first four-way switching valve (17), and a second four-way switching valve (18). It is connected. The first four-way switching valve (17) constitutes a first switching mechanism, and the second four-way switching valve (18) constitutes a second switching mechanism. The outdoor unit (10) is also provided with a first gas side port (31), a second gas side port (32), a third gas side port (33), and a liquid side port (34)! /

[0030] The compressor (14) is configured as a variable capacity compressor. The discharge side of the compressor (14) is connected to the first gas side port (31) via the first gas line (25). The first port of the first four-way selector valve (17) is connected to the first gas line (25). The suction side of the compressor (14) is connected to the second gas side port (32) via the second gas line (26). The second gas line (26) is connected to the third port of the first four-way selector valve (17)!

[0031] The outdoor heat exchanger (15) is a cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger, and constitutes a heat source side heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (15) has a liquid side end connected to the liquid side port (34) via a liquid line (28). The outdoor heat exchanger (15) has a gas side end connected to the second port of the first four-way selector valve (17). The fourth point of the first four-way selector valve (17) is sealed. The outdoor expansion valve (16) is configured as an electronic expansion valve and is provided in the liquid line (28).

[0032] The second four-way selector valve (18) has a first port connected to the second gas line (26). The second port of the second four-way selector valve (18) is sealed! The third port of the second four-way selector valve (18) is connected to the first gas line (25). The fourth port of the second four-way selector valve (18) is connected to the third gas side port (33) via the third gas line (27).

[0033] The first four-way switching valve (17) and the second four-way switching valve (18) are in a first state in which the first port and the second port communicate with each other and the third port and the fourth port communicate with each other. (The state shown by the solid line in Fig. 1) and the second state (the state shown by the broken line in Fig. 1) where the first port and the fourth port communicate with each other and the second port and the third port communicate with each other It is possible. Each four The first switching mechanism (17) and the second switching mechanism (18) may be configured using a three-way switching valve instead of the path switching valve (17, 18). Further, the first switching mechanism (17) and the second switching mechanism (18) may be configured using two solenoid valves.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the three types of refrigeration apparatus (5) to which the outdoor unit (10) according to the present invention is applied will be described.

[0035] <First refrigeration apparatus>

The refrigeration apparatus (5) of the first form is an air conditioner (5) capable of executing a cooling operation that is a cooling operation or a heating operation that is a heating operation. In the air conditioner (5), as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of indoor units (7a, 7lv) are provided in parallel to the outdoor unit (10). The number of indoor units (7) may be one.

[0036] Each indoor unit (7) accommodates an indoor circuit (8). The indoor circuit (8) is provided with an indoor heat exchanger (40) and an indoor expansion valve (41) in order from the gas side end. The indoor heat exchanger (40) is configured as a cross-fin fin 'and' tube heat exchanger! The indoor expansion valve (41) is configured as an electronic expansion valve!

[0037] The gas side end of each indoor circuit (8) is connected to the outdoor unit (10) through the gas side connecting pipe (20).

3 Connected to the gas port (33). The liquid side end of each indoor circuit (8) is connected to the liquid side port (34) of the outdoor unit (10) via the liquid side connecting pipe (21). In this air conditioner (5), the outdoor circuit (12) and the indoor circuit (8a, 8l ···) are connected via the gas side connecting pipe (20) and the liquid side connecting pipe (21). A refrigerant circuit (9) for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is configured.

[0038] Driving action

The operation of the air conditioner (5) according to the first embodiment will be described below. In this air conditioner (5), whether the cooling operation or the heating operation is performed is adjusted by the first four-way switching valve (17) and the second four-way switching valve (18) of the outdoor unit (10). Is done. When the first four-way selector valve (17) and the second four-way selector valve (18) are set to the cooling operation state, the cooling operation is performed in all the indoor units (7) that are in operation. When the four-way selector valve (17) and the second four-way selector valve (18) are set to the heating operation state, the heating operation is performed in all the indoor units (7) in operation. [0039] Cooling operation>

In the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the first four-way selector valve (17) is set to the first state, and the second four-way selector valve (18) is set to the second state. When the compressor (14) is operated in this state, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (15) serves as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (40) serves as an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit (9). Done.

[0040] Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) is condensed by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (15) is distributed to each indoor circuit (8a, 8lv). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor circuit (8) is depressurized by the indoor expansion valve (41), and then evaporates by exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (40). The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (40) flows into the outdoor circuit (12), is sucked into the compressor (14), and is compressed.

[0041] Heating operation>

In the heating operation, as shown in FIG. 4, the first four-way selector valve (17) is set to the second state, and the second four-way selector valve (18) is set to the first state. When the compressor (14) is operated in this state, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (40) serves as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger (15) serves as an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit (9). Done.

Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) is distributed to each indoor circuit (8a, 8lv). In each indoor circuit (8), the refrigerant flowing in is condensed by exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (40). The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (40) flows into the outdoor circuit (12). The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor circuit (12) is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve (16) and then evaporates by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (15) is sucked into the compressor (14) and compressed.

[0043] <Second form of refrigeration apparatus>

As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioner (5) of the second form is further provided with an auxiliary unit (50) in addition to the configuration of the air conditioner (5) of the first form. The auxiliary unit (50) is installed outdoors together with the outdoor unit (10). The number of auxiliary units (50) may be multiple.

The auxiliary unit (50) accommodates an auxiliary unit circuit (51). Auxiliary unit circuit

(51) is provided with an auxiliary heat exchanger (52), an expansion valve (53), and a four-way selector valve (54). The The auxiliary unit (50) is provided with a first connection port (56), a second connection port (57), and a third connection port (58).

[0045] The auxiliary heat exchanger (52) is configured as a cross fin type fin 'and' tube type heat exchanger. The auxiliary heat exchanger (52) has a liquid side end connected to the first connection port (56). The gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) is connected to the second port of the four-way selector valve (54). The first port of the four-way selector valve (54) is connected to the third connection port (58). The third port of the four-way selector valve (54) is connected to the second connection port (57). The fourth port of the four-way selector valve (54) is sealed. The expansion valve (53) is configured as an electronic expansion valve, and is provided between the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) and the first connection port (56).

[0046] The four-way selector valve (54) includes a first state (state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 5) in which the first port and the second port communicate with each other and the third port and the fourth port communicate with each other, It is possible to switch to the second state (state indicated by the broken line in Fig. 5) in which the 1st port and 4th port communicate with each other and the 2nd port and 3rd port communicate with each other. When the four-way selector valve (54) is set to the first state, the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) is in communication with the third connection port (58). When the four-way selector valve (54) is set to the second state, the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) is in communication with the second connection port (57). Thus, the four-way selector valve (54) constitutes an auxiliary switching mechanism. The auxiliary switching mechanism may be configured using a three-way switching valve instead of the four-way switching valve (54)! /, Or the auxiliary switching mechanism may be configured using two solenoid valves! /.

[0047] The first connection port (56) of the auxiliary unit (50) is connected to the liquid side communication pipe (21).

The second connection port (57) is connected to the first gas side port (31) of the outdoor unit (10). The third connection port (58) is connected to the second gas side port (32) of the outdoor unit (10).

[0048] Driving operation

The operation of the air conditioner (5) according to the second embodiment will be described below. In this air conditioner (5), the first four-way selector valve (17) and the second four-way selector valve (18) are in the cooling operation state, as in the air conditioner (5) of the first embodiment. When set, all the indoor units (7) in operation are cooled, and the first four-way selector valve (17) and the second four-way selector valve (18) are set to the heating operation state. And all indoor units (7) in operation are heated. [0049] Cooling operation>

In the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 6, the first four-way selector valve (17) is set to the first state, and the second four-way selector valve (18) is set to the second state. When the compressor (14) is operated in this state, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (15) serves as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (40) serves as an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit (9). Done.

[0050] The four-way selector valve (54) of the auxiliary unit (50) is in the second state when a relatively large cooling capacity is required, such as when the number of indoor units (7) that perform cooling operation is large. Set to. In this state, the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) becomes a condenser together with the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The four-way selector valve (54) of the auxiliary unit (50) is set to the first state when the required cooling capacity is relatively small. In this case, the expansion valve (53) is further set to a closed state. In this state, the refrigerant does not flow through the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50). This air conditioner (5) adjusts whether or not the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) is used or not, so that an appropriate refrigeration cycle is always provided for the required cooling capacity. Is possible. Thus, the air conditioner (5) can always be operated with a high coefficient of performance (COP).

[0051] Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant when the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) is used as a condenser will be described. Note that the flow of the refrigerant in the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (7) is the same as that in the cooling operation of the air conditioner (5) of the first embodiment, and is omitted.

[0052] In this cooling operation, a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) flows into the auxiliary unit circuit (51). In the auxiliary unit circuit (51), the refrigerant that has flowed in is condensed by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52). The refrigerant condensed in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) merges with the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (15) and is distributed to each indoor circuit (8).

[0053] Heating operation>

In the heating operation, as shown in FIG. 7, the first four-way selector valve (17) is set to the second state, and the second four-way selector valve (18) is set to the first state. When the compressor (14) is operated in this state, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (40) serves as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger (15) serves as an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit (9). Done. [0054] Note that the four-way selector valve (54) of the auxiliary unit (50) is in the first state when a relatively large heating capacity is required, such as when the number of indoor units (7) that perform heating operation is large. Set to. In this state, the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) becomes an evaporator together with the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The four-way selector valve (54) of the auxiliary unit (50) is set to the second state when the required cooling capacity is relatively small. In this case, the expansion valve (53) is further set to a closed state. In this state, the refrigerant does not flow through the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50). This air conditioner (5) adjusts whether or not the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) is used or not, so that a refrigeration cycle that is always appropriate for the required heating capacity is achieved. Is possible. Thus, the air conditioner (5) can always be operated with a high coefficient of performance (COP).

[0055] Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant when the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) is used as an evaporator will be described. Note that the flow of refrigerant in the outdoor unit (10) and the indoor unit (7) is the same as that in the heating operation of the air conditioner (5) of the first embodiment, and is omitted.

[0056] In this heating operation, a part of the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (40) flows into the auxiliary unit circuit (51). In the auxiliary unit circuit (51), the refrigerant flowing in is reduced in pressure by the expansion valve (53), and then evaporated by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52). The refrigerant evaporated in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) flows into the outdoor circuit (12), merges with the refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (15), and is sucked into the compressor (14).

[0057] Refrigeration apparatus of third form

The air conditioner (5) of the third form is a so-called cooling / heating-free air conditioner (5) that can select whether to perform the heating operation or the heating operation for each indoor unit (7a, 7l ···). . In this air conditioner (5), as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of indoor units (7a, 7l...) Are connected in parallel to the outdoor unit (10), and each indoor unit (7a, 7l. ···) BS unit (60a, 60b, ···) is provided for each! Each BS unit (60a, 60b, ...) «constitutes a switching unit. In FIG. 8, descriptions of indoor units other than the first indoor unit (7a) and the second indoor unit (7b) are omitted.

[0058] Each BS unit (60) contains a liquid side circuit (61) and a gas side circuit (62), respectively. V, ru. One end of the liquid side circuit (61) is connected to a liquid side communication pipe (21) extending from the liquid side port (34) of the outdoor unit (10). The other end of the liquid side circuit (61) is connected to a refrigerant pipe connected to the liquid side end of the indoor circuit (8).

[0059] The gas side circuit (62) includes a first pipe provided with the first electromagnetic valve (63) and a second pipe provided with the second electromagnetic valve (64). One end of the first pipe and the second pipe are connected to each other. A refrigerant pipe extending from a connection portion between one end of the first pipe and one end of the second pipe is connected to the gas side end of the indoor circuit (8). The other end of the first pipe is connected to the first gas side connecting pipe (20a) extending from the third gas side port (33) of the outdoor unit (10). The other end of the second pipe is connected to a second gas side connecting pipe (20b) extending from the second gas side port (32) of the outdoor unit (10). The first solenoid valve (63) and the second solenoid valve (64) constitute an operating state switching mechanism.

[0060] This air conditioner (5) is provided with the same auxiliary unit (50) as the air conditioner (5) of the second embodiment. The first connection port (56) of the auxiliary unit (50) is connected to the liquid side communication pipe (21). The second connection port (57) is connected to the first gas side port (31) of the outdoor unit (10). The third connection port (58) is connected to the second gas side communication pipe (20b).

[0061] Driving operation

The operation of the air conditioner (5) according to the third embodiment will be described below. In the air conditioner (5), in addition to the cooling operation and the heating operation, an air conditioning operation in which the indoor unit (7) performing the cooling operation and the indoor unit (7) performing the heating operation exist simultaneously is performed.

[0062] Cooling operation>

In the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 9, the second four-way selector valve (18) of the outdoor unit (10) is set to the second state. In the auxiliary unit (50), the four-way selector valve (54) is set to the second state. In each BS unit (60), the first solenoid valve (63) is set to the closed state, and the second solenoid valve (64) is set to the open state. When the compressor (14) is operated in this state, in the refrigerant circuit (9), the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) becomes a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger (40) becomes an evaporator. A vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed.

[0063] The first four-way selector valve (17) of the outdoor unit (10) is provided with an indoor unit (7) that performs a cooling operation. If the required cooling capacity is large, such as when there are many units, the first state is set. In this state, the outdoor heat exchanger (15) becomes a condenser together with the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50). The first four-way selector valve (17) is set to the second state when the required cooling capacity is small. In this case, the outdoor expansion valve (16) is further set to a closed state. In this state, the refrigerant does not flow through the outdoor heat exchanger (15). This air conditioner (5) can always perform an appropriate refrigeration cycle for the required cooling capacity by adjusting whether the outdoor heat exchanger (15) is used or not. . As a result, the air conditioner (5) can always be operated with a high coefficient of performance (COP).

[0064] Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant when the outdoor heat exchanger (15) is used as a condenser will be described.

In this cooling operation, a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) flows into the auxiliary unit circuit (51) from the second connection port (57) of the auxiliary unit (50). The refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary unit circuit (51) is condensed by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52). The remaining part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) is condensed by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (15) merges with the refrigerant condensed in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50).

[0066] The condensed refrigerant after condensing is distributed to each indoor circuit (8). The distributed refrigerant flows into the indoor circuit (8) through the liquid side circuit (61) of the BS unit (60). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor circuit (8) is depressurized by the indoor expansion valve (41) and then evaporates by exchanging heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (40). The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (40) flows into the outdoor circuit (12) through the second pipe of the gas side circuit (62) of the BS unit (60) and is absorbed by the compressor (14). The

[0067] Heating operation>

In the heating operation, as shown in FIG. 10, the second four-way selector valve (18) of the outdoor unit (10) is set to the first state. In the auxiliary unit (50), the four-way selector valve (54) is set to the first state. In each BS unit (60), the first solenoid valve (63) is set in the open state, and the second solenoid valve (64) is set in the closed state. When the compressor (14) is operated in this state, the indoor heat exchanger (40) becomes a condenser in the refrigerant circuit (9), and the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50). A vapor compression refrigeration cycle in which becomes an evaporator is performed.

[0068] The first four-way selector valve (17) of the outdoor unit (10) is in the second state when the required heating capacity is large, such as when the number of indoor units (7) that perform heating operation is large. Set to. In this state, the outdoor heat exchanger (15) becomes an evaporator together with the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50). The first four-way selector valve (17) is set to the first state when the required heating capacity is small. In this case, the outdoor expansion valve (16) is set in a closed state. In this state, the refrigerant does not flow through the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The air conditioner (5) can always perform an appropriate refrigeration cycle for the required heating capacity by using or not using the outdoor heat exchanger (15). Thus, the air conditioner (5) can always be operated with a high coefficient of performance (COP).

[0069] Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant when the outdoor heat exchanger (15) is used as an evaporator will be described.

[0070] In this heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) is distributed to each indoor circuit (8). The distributed refrigerant flows into the indoor circuit (8) through the first pipe of the gas side circuit (62) of the BS unit (60). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor circuit (8) is condensed by exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (40).

[0071] A part of the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (40) flows into the auxiliary unit circuit (51).

The refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary unit circuit (51) is depressurized by the expansion valve (53), and then evaporates by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52). The remaining part of the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (40) flows into the outdoor circuit (12). The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor circuit (12) is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve (16), and then evaporates by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (15) merges with the refrigerant evaporated in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50), and is sucked into the compressor (14).

[0072] Air-conditioning operation>

The air conditioning operation will be described. Here, only the first indoor unit (7a) will be cooled and operated, and the other indoor units (7b,...) Will be heated! In this air conditioning operation, as shown in FIG. 11, the second four-way selector valve (18) of the outdoor unit (10) is set to the first state. In the BS unit (60a) of the first indoor unit (7a), the first solenoid valve ( 63b) is set to the closed state, and the second solenoid valve (64b) is set to the open state. In the BS unit (601ν ··) other than the first indoor unit (7a), the first solenoid valve (631ν ··) is set to the open state and the second solenoid valve (641ν ··) is set to the closed state. The When the compressor (14) is operated in this state, in the refrigerant circuit (9), the indoor heat exchangers (40b, ···) of the indoor units (7b, ···) other than the first indoor unit (7a) As a condenser, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger (40a) of the first indoor unit (7a) is an evaporator.

[0073] The outdoor heat exchanger (15) is in a state where it becomes a condenser, a state where it becomes an evaporator, and a state where no refrigerant flows by the first four-way switching valve (17) or the outdoor expansion valve (16). It is adjusted to either. Specifically, when the outdoor expansion valve (16) is set to the open state and the first four-way switching valve (17) is set to the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger (15) becomes a condenser. When the outdoor expansion valve (16) is set to the open state and the first four-way selector valve (17) is set to the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger (15) becomes an evaporator. When the outdoor expansion valve (16) is set to the closed state, the outdoor heat exchanger (15) is in a state where no refrigerant flows.

[0074] Further, the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) includes the expansion valve (53) and the four-way switching valve (54), which are in a condenser state, an evaporator state, and a refrigerant. It is adjusted to one of the states where the product does not circulate. Specifically, when the expansion valve (53) is set to the open state and the four-way switching valve (54) is set to the second state, the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) becomes a condenser. When the expansion valve (53) is set to the open state and the four-way selector valve (54) is set to the first state, the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) becomes an evaporator. When the expansion valve (53) is set in the closed state, the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) is in a state where no refrigerant flows.

[0075] In this air conditioner (5), the four-way switching of the first four-way switching valve (17), the outdoor expansion valve (16), and the auxiliary unit (50) according to the required cooling capacity and heating capacity. By appropriately adjusting the valve (54) and the expansion valve (53), the usage state of the outdoor heat exchanger (15) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) is adjusted. As a result, the air conditioner (5) can always maintain a high coefficient of performance (COP) by performing an appropriate refrigeration cycle.

[0076] Hereinafter, the refrigerant flow when the outdoor heat exchanger (15) and the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) serve as a condenser will be described.

[0077] In this cooling / heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) is discharged from the first indoor unit (7a). It is distributed to the indoor circuit (81ν ··) other than the indoor circuit (8a). In each indoor circuit (81ν ··), the refrigerant that has flowed in is condensed by exchanging heat with room air in the indoor heat exchanger (4 (¾, ···). The refrigerant condensed in (...) is distributed to the outdoor circuit (12), the auxiliary unit circuit (51), and the indoor circuit (8a) of the first indoor unit (7a).

[0078] The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor circuit (12) is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve (16), and then evaporates by exchanging heat with the outdoor air by the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The refrigerant flowing into the auxiliary unit circuit (51) is depressurized by the expansion valve (53), and then evaporates by exchanging heat with outdoor air in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor circuit (8a) of the first indoor unit (7a) is depressurized by the indoor expansion valve (41a) and then evaporates by exchanging heat with indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (40a). The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (15), the refrigerant evaporated in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50), and the indoor heat exchanger (40a) of the first indoor unit (7a) The evaporated refrigerant joins and is sucked into the force compressor (14).

[0079] Effect of one embodiment

In this embodiment, the outdoor unit (10) includes a refrigeration apparatus (5) for switching the operating state of the usage unit (7) by a switching mechanism (17) provided in the heat source unit (10), and each usage unit (7). The heat source unit (10) applicable to any of the refrigeration system (5) for switching the operating state of the utilization unit (7) by the switching mechanism (63, 64) housed in the unit (60) provided in ) In addition to the first gas side port (31) always communicating with the discharge side of the compressor (14).

[0080] Then, as in the second form refrigeration apparatus (5) or the third form refrigeration apparatus (5), the indoor circuit

Connect the gas side end of (8) to the third gas side port (33) and connect the liquid side end of the indoor circuit (8) to the liquid side port (34), and the auxiliary heat of the auxiliary unit (50). Connect the liquid side end of the exchanger (52) to the liquid side port (34) and connect the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) to the first gas side port (31) and the second gas side port (32 When the second switching mechanism (18) communicates the third gas side port (33) with the first gas line (25), the high pressure discharged from the compressor (14) is selectively connected. Heating operation is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger (40) to which the refrigerant is supplied through the third gas side port (33) serves as a condenser. Then, when the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (40) during the heating operation is introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger (52), the introduced refrigerant evaporates in the auxiliary heat exchanger (52). It flows into the outdoor circuit (12) from the second gas side port (32) and is sucked into the compressor (14). When the second switching mechanism (18) connects the third gas side port (33) to the second gas line (26), the liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (15) The cooling operation is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger (40) supplied through (34) serves as an evaporator. Then, when the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (14) through the first gas side port (31) is introduced into the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) during the cooling operation, the introduced refrigerant becomes the auxiliary heat exchanger (52). Then, it is introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (40) together with the liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (15). The refrigerant introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (40) evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (40), and the low-pressure refrigerant after evaporation flows into the outdoor circuit (12) from the third gas side port (33) and is compressed. Inhaled into the machine (14).

[0081] In this manner, the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) of the auxiliary unit (50) is selectively connected to the first gas side port (31) and the second gas side port (32). Thus, during the heating operation, the low-pressure gas refrigerant from the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) serving as an evaporator can be introduced into the compressor (14) through the second gas side port (32). In this case, high-pressure gas refrigerant can be supplied to the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) serving as a condenser through the first gas side port (31). Therefore, the auxiliary unit (50) can be used corresponding to both the cooling operation and the heating operation. That is, the outdoor unit (10) of the present embodiment can be connected to the auxiliary unit (50) in correspondence with both the cooling operation and the heating operation. Further, the auxiliary unit (50) of the present embodiment is configured so that the heat exchange amount in the outdoor heat exchanger (15) can be supplemented by the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) in both the cooling operation and the heating operation. Being! /

<< Other Embodiments >>

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the air conditioner (5) may be constituted by a plurality of outdoor units (10, 10,...) Connected in parallel to each other! /.

[0083] It should be noted that the above embodiments are essentially preferable examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its application, or its use! /.

Industrial applicability

As described above, the present invention is useful for a heat source unit of a refrigeration apparatus connected to a utilization unit via a communication pipe, and a refrigeration apparatus including the heat source unit.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A heat source unit of a refrigeration apparatus including a heat source side circuit (12) to which a compressor (14) and a heat source side heat exchanger (15) are connected,

In the heat source side circuit (12),

A first gas side port (31) serving as an end of a first gas line (25) always communicating with the discharge side of the compressor (14);

A second gas side port (32) serving as an end of a second gas line (26) always communicating with the suction side of the compressor (14);

A third gas side port (33) serving as an end of a third gas line (27) that selectively communicates with either the first gas line (25) or the second gas line (26);

A liquid side port (34) serving as an end of a liquid line (28) always communicating with the liquid side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15);

A first switching mechanism for switching the gas side end of the heat source side heat exchanger (15) to a state communicating with the discharge side of the compressor (14) and a state communicating with the suction side of the compressor (14) (17) and a second switching mechanism for switching the third gas line (27) between a state communicating with the first gas line (25) and a state communicating with the second gas line (26) (18 ) And a heat source unit for a refrigeration apparatus.

[2] The heat source unit (10) of the refrigeration apparatus (5) according to claim 1,

A use unit (7) having a use side circuit (8) to which a pressure reducing mechanism (41) and a use side heat exchanger (40) are connected in order from the liquid side end;

The third gas side port (33) of the heat source side circuit (12) of the heat source unit (10) and the gas side end of the use side circuit (8) are connected, and the liquid of the heat source side circuit (12) is connected. The refrigerant circuit (9) is configured by connecting the side port (34) and the liquid side end of the use side circuit (8) to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. .

[3] In claim 2,

The auxiliary heat exchanger (52), the first connection port (56) always communicating with the liquid side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52), and the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) are selectively The second connection port (57) and the third connection port (58) communicating with the gas side end of the auxiliary heat exchanger (52) are connected to the second connection port (57). An auxiliary unit (50) having an auxiliary switching mechanism (54) for switching between a state communicating with the connection port (57) and a state communicating with the third connection port (58),

In the refrigerant circuit (9), the first connection port (56) is connected to the liquid side port of the heat source side circuit (12), and the second connection port (57) is connected to the heat source side circuit (12). Connected to the first gas side port (31), and the third connection port (58) is connected to the second gas side port (32) of the heat source side circuit (12)! / Refrigeration equipment.

[4] In claim 2 or 3,

A plurality of the above-mentioned usages (7)

In the refrigerant circuit (9), a plurality of use side circuits (8) are connected in parallel to the heat source side circuit (12)!

[5] In claim 4,

A state in which the gas side end of the usage side circuit (8) of each usage unit (7) is in communication with the second gas side port (32), provided for each of the usage units (7); A refrigeration apparatus comprising a switching unit (60) having an operation state switching mechanism (63, 64) for switching to a state communicating with the third gas side port (33).