WO2022186205A1

WO2022186205A1 - Heat exchange unit

Info

Publication number: WO2022186205A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/008622
Authority: WO
Inventors: 隆平加治; 宏和藤野; 尚志前田; 智己廣川; 祥志松本
Original assignee: ダイキン工業株式会社
Priority date: 2021-03-03
Filing date: 2022-03-01
Publication date: 2022-09-09

Abstract

A heat exchange unit (100) is for a refrigeration cycle and comprises: a plurality of refrigerant flow passages (120); and a flow rate adjustment unit (140). A refrigerant flows in the plurality of the refrigerant flow passages (120). The flow rate adjustment unit (140) is provided to at least one of the refrigerant flow passages (120), and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow passages (120). The flow rate adjustment unit (140) decompresses the refrigerant only in a pressure range that is less than or equal to 1/20th of a maximum pressure difference value, which is the maximum value of the difference between a refrigerant high pressure and low pressure occurring during the operation of a refrigerant cycle device.

Description

heat exchange unit

Regarding the heat exchange unit.

Patent Document 1 (Patent No. 5197819) discloses a refrigeration cycle device having a distribution pipe that evenly distributes refrigerant flowing through a plurality of refrigerant flow paths. The distributor of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of Patent Literature 1 includes a vertical pipe into which a refrigerant flows, a plurality of branch pipes arranged vertically and substantially horizontally connected to the vertical pipe, and a flow rate control unit. The flow control unit has capillary tubes and flow control valves provided for each of the plurality of distribution pipes.

The flow control valve of Patent Document 1 opens and closes the refrigerant flow path. For this reason, the passage control valve must be large in order to operate when the pressure difference is large when the valve is fully closed.

A heat exchange unit according to the first aspect is a heat exchange unit of a refrigeration cycle device, and includes a plurality of refrigerant flow paths and a flow rate adjustment section. Coolant flows through the plurality of coolant channels. The flow rate adjuster is provided in at least one coolant channel and adjusts the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant channel. The flow rate adjusting unit reduces the pressure of the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value, which is the maximum value of the difference between the high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant that occurs during operation of the refrigeration cycle device.

As a result of extensive studies by the inventors of the present invention in order to suppress the increase in size, it was decided to use a flow rate adjustment unit that operates when the pressure difference is small, not when the pressure difference is large as in the flow control valve of Patent Document 1. This disclosure was completed with this in mind. A heat exchange unit according to a first aspect includes a flow rate adjusting section that decompresses a refrigerant only in a pressure range of 1/20 or less of a maximum differential pressure value. For this reason, it is sufficient to use a flow rate adjusting section that depressurizes the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value, so that an increase in the size of the flow rate adjusting section can be suppressed. Therefore, an increase in size of the heat exchange unit can be suppressed.

The heat exchange unit according to the second aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the first aspect, and the flow rate adjusting section reduces the pressure of the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/30 or less of the maximum differential pressure value.

In the heat exchange unit according to the second aspect, it is only necessary to use a flow rate adjusting section that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/30 or less of the maximum differential pressure value, so it is possible to further suppress an increase in the size of the flow rate adjusting section.

The heat exchange unit according to the third aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and the flow rate adjusting section includes a narrow path that communicates the upstream side and the downstream side at the time of minimum opening.

In the heat exchange unit according to the third aspect, the refrigerant can be communicated even at the minimum opening, so the pressure difference in the flow rate adjustment section can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the generated force required for the flow rate adjusting unit. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress an increase in the size of the flow rate adjusting unit.

A heat exchange unit according to a fourth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the first aspect to the third aspect, further comprising a bypass section that bypasses the flow rate adjustment section when a differential pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the flow rate adjustment section. .

In the heat exchange unit according to the fourth aspect, when a differential pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the flow rate adjustment section, the refrigerant can flow to the bypass section.

The heat exchange unit according to the fifth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the first to fourth aspects, and the flow rate adjusting section is operated by the applied voltage. The heat exchange unit further includes a control section that controls to change the time for which the applied voltage is turned on and the time for which it is turned off.

In the heat exchange unit according to the fifth aspect, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be adjusted by changing the ON state time and the OFF state time of the applied voltage that operates the flow rate adjustment unit.

The heat exchange unit according to the sixth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the first to fourth aspects, and the flow rate adjusting section is operated by the applied voltage. The heat exchange unit further includes a controller that controls to increase or decrease the applied voltage.

In the heat exchange unit according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant by controlling the voltage applied to operate the flow rate adjusting section to increase or decrease.

The heat exchange unit according to the seventh aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the first to sixth aspects, and the flow rate adjustment section includes a body section and a plate member. The main body has a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, and a channel that communicates the inlet and the outlet. The plate member has a piezoelectric body and a metal body. The piezoelectric body is made of a piezoelectric material that is deformed by an applied voltage. The metal body is laminated with the piezoelectric body and made of a metal material. The body portion is provided with a valve seat facing the plate member. The channel has an adjustment channel defined by the valve seat and the plate member. The cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel on the downstream side is changed by the displacement generated in the piezoelectric body by the applied voltage.

In the heat exchange unit according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to increase and decrease the cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path due to the displacement caused by applying voltage to the piezoelectric body. Therefore, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be easily adjusted within a predetermined pressure range.

The heat exchange unit according to the eighth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the seventh aspect, in which the direction in which the piezoelectric body is displaced intersects with the direction in which the flow path extends at the inlet.

In the heat exchange unit according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to reduce the force applied to the piezoelectric body, so it is possible to widen the range in which the flow rate can be adjusted.

The heat exchange unit according to the ninth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect, and the flow rate adjusting section further includes an electrode and an insulating member. The electrodes are connected with the piezoelectric body. The insulating member is made of an insulating material that insulates the electrode from the main body. A portion of the electrode protrudes from the main body into the atmosphere.

In the heat exchange unit according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to realize a structure in which voltage is applied from the electrodes to the piezoelectric body.

The heat exchange unit according to the tenth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the first aspect, and the flow rate adjusting section includes a valve main body and a plate member. The valve body has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The plate member is arranged inside the valve body. The plate-like member has a plate-like piezoelectric body and a metal plate. The valve body has a first channel connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a second channel connecting the inlet and the outlet. The plate member adjusts the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inflow port to the outflow port by opening and closing the first channel by displacement of the plate member caused by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric body.

In the heat exchange unit according to the tenth aspect, a bypass flow path (second flow path) is provided in the main flow path (first flow path) from the inflow port to the outflow port, so that the valve when the main flow path opens The load applied to the body (plate-shaped member) is reduced. Therefore, since a thin valve body can be used, the flow rate adjusting section can be miniaturized.

A heat exchange unit according to an eleventh aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the tenth aspect, wherein the plate-like member is periodically displaced in the first flow path by displacement of the plate-like member caused by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric body. By opening and closing, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inflow port to the outflow port is adjusted.

In the heat exchange unit according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to finely adjust the flow rate by periodically changing the opening of the main flow path by periodically displacing the valve body.

A heat exchange unit according to a twelfth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect, wherein the plate-like member further comprises a plate-like member which is changed by changing the magnitude of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric body. By adjusting the amount of displacement of the member, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet is adjusted.

In the heat exchange unit according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to finely adjust the flow rate by controlling the voltage applied to the valve body to adjust the amount of displacement of the valve body.

A heat exchange unit according to a thirteenth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, further comprising a first member. The first member is a conductive member arranged in a first space that communicates with the first flow path inside the valve body. The first member is electrically connected to the piezoelectric body and the metal plate.

In the heat exchange unit according to the thirteenth aspect, the conductive pin (first member) electrically connected to the valve body is arranged inside the valve body. Therefore, the valve body is protected by the valve body.

The heat exchange unit according to the fourteenth aspect is the heat exchange unit according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the valve body further has a first opening connecting the external space of the valve body and the first space. The first opening is sealed by a second member which is an insulating member. The first member extends from the first space to the external space of the valve body and passes through the second member without contacting the valve body.

In the heat exchange unit according to the fourteenth aspect, only part of the conductive pin is arranged inside the valve body. Therefore, by exposing a portion of the conductive pin to the outside of the valve body, the flow rate adjusting section can be made smaller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a schematic block diagram which shows the refrigerating-cycle apparatus provided with the heat exchange unit which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat exchange unit according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a sectional view showing roughly the flow volume adjustment part concerning an embodiment. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plate member and electrodes according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plate member and electrodes according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plate member and electrodes according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the control which concerns on embodiment. It is a sectional view showing roughly the flow volume adjustment part concerning a modification. It is a sectional view showing roughly the flow volume adjustment part concerning a modification. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the flow volume adjustment part of embodiment. It is a figure showing the state when the opening degree of a flow volume adjustment part is the minimum. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the flow volume adjustment part of embodiment. It is a figure showing a state when the opening degree of a flow volume adjustment part is not the minimum. FIG. 4 is an external view of a valve seat of the flow control unit; It is a top view of the valve seat of the flow control part. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plate member and electrodes of an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric body; 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plate member and electrodes of an embodiment; FIG. It is a figure showing the state by which the positive voltage is applied to the 1st piezoelectric body. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a plate member and electrodes of an embodiment; FIG. It is a figure showing the state by which the negative voltage is applied to the 2nd piezoelectric body. It is a figure for demonstrating control of the plate-shaped member of embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
A heat exchange unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and a refrigeration cycle device including the heat exchange unit will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) Refrigerating cycle device (1-1) Overall configuration As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerating cycle device 1 is capable of cooling and heating the interior of a building or the like by performing a vapor compression refrigerating cycle. device. The refrigeration cycle device 1 mainly includes an outdoor unit 2 , an indoor unit 3 , a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 . The liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 connect the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 . The vapor compression refrigerant circuit 6 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is configured by connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 via

refrigerant communication pipes

4 and 5 .

(1-2) Detailed Configuration (1-2-1) Indoor Unit The indoor unit 3 is installed indoors (a living room, a space above the ceiling, etc.) and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 6 . The indoor unit 3 mainly has an indoor heat exchanger 31 . The indoor heat exchanger 31 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant evaporator to cool indoor air during cooling operation, and functions as a refrigerant radiator to heat indoor air during heating operation. The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is connected to the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 , and the gas side of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is connected to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 .

(1-2-2) Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit 2 is installed outdoors (on the roof of the building, near the wall of the building, etc.) and forms part of the refrigerant circuit 6 . The outdoor unit 2 mainly has a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an outdoor expansion valve 24, an accumulator 25, a liquid closing valve 26, and a gas closing valve 27. is doing.

The compressor 21 is a device that compresses low-pressure refrigerant to high pressure. Here, as the compressor 21, a closed-type compressor is used in which a positive displacement compression element (not shown) such as a rotary type or a scroll type is rotationally driven by a compressor motor.

The four-way switching valve 22 switches the connection state of the internal piping of the outdoor unit 2 . When the refrigeration cycle device 1 performs cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 22 realizes the connection state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. When the refrigeration cycle device 1 performs heating operation, the four-way switching valve 22 realizes the connection state indicated by the solid line in FIG.

The outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat between the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 6 and the outdoor air. The outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a refrigerant radiator during cooling operation, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during heating operation.

As shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 of this embodiment includes a plurality of heat exchange units 23a to 23i. The heat exchange portions 23a to 23i are portions where heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. In FIG. 2, nine heat exchange portions 23a to 23i are arranged in order from the bottom. The heat exchange portions 23a to 23i have refrigerant channels through which refrigerant flows, and heat transfer fins in contact with outdoor air. Each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i shares heat transfer fins.

Returning to FIG. 1, the outdoor expansion valve 24 is an electrically operated valve or a solenoid valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. The outdoor expansion valve 24 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the internal piping of the outdoor unit 2 . The outdoor expansion valve 24 controls the flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the internal piping of the outdoor unit 2 .

The accumulator 25 is installed in the piping on the suction side of the compressor 21 . The accumulator 25 separates the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 6 into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and stores the liquid refrigerant. Gas refrigerant separated by the accumulator 25 is sent to the suction port of the compressor 21 .

The liquid shutoff valve 26 and the gas shutoff valve 27 are valves capable of shutting off the refrigerant flow path. The liquid closing valve 26 is installed between the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor expansion valve 24 . A gas shutoff valve 27 is installed between the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the four-way switching valve 22 . The liquid shutoff valve 26 and the gas shutoff valve 27 are opened and closed by an operator, for example, when installing the refrigeration cycle device 1 or the like.

The controller 28 controls components of the outdoor unit 2 including the heat exchange unit 100 . The control unit 28 is implemented by a computer. The control unit 28 includes a control arithmetic device and a storage device. A processor, such as a CPU or a GPU, can be used for the control computing unit. The control arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing according to the program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic unit can write the arithmetic result to the storage device and read the information stored in the storage device according to the program.

(1-2-3) Refrigerant Connection Pipe The liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 are constructed on site when the refrigeration cycle device 1 including the refrigerant circuit 6 is installed in a building or the like. Refrigerant pipes having various lengths and pipe diameters are used according to installation conditions such as the installation location and the combination of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 .

It should be noted that the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 may be liquid or may be gas-liquid two-phase.

(1-3) Operation The operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The refrigeration cycle device 1 performs a cooling operation and a heating operation.

(1-3-1) Heating Operation When the refrigeration cycle device 1 performs the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the outdoor evaporation state (the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1). In the refrigerant circuit 6, the low-pressure gas refrigerant of the refrigerating cycle is sucked into the compressor 21, compressed to a high pressure of the refrigerating cycle, and then discharged. A high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 31 through the four-way switching valve 22 , the gas shut-off valve 27 and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 5 . The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 31 to radiate heat and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This heats the indoor air. The liquid refrigerant that has radiated heat in the indoor heat exchanger 31 is sent to the outdoor expansion valve 24 through the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 4 and the liquid closing valve 26 . The refrigerant sent to the outdoor expansion valve 24 is reduced in pressure to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle by the outdoor expansion valve 24 . The low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 . The low-pressure refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, which functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is sucked into the compressor again through the four-way switching valve 22 and the accumulator 25 .

(1-3-2) Cooling Operation When the refrigerating cycle device 1 performs cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the outdoor heat radiation state (the state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1). In the refrigerant circuit 6, the low-pressure gas refrigerant of the refrigerating cycle is sucked into the compressor 21, compressed to a high pressure of the refrigerating cycle, and then discharged. A high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 through the four-way switching valve 22 . The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 23, which functions as a refrigerant radiator, and releases heat to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 31 through the outdoor expansion valve 24 , the liquid closing valve 26 and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 4 . The refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat with the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 31 that functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant. This cools the indoor air. The gas refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 31 is sucked into the compressor 21 again through the gas refrigerant communication pipe 5 , the gas shutoff valve 27 , the four-way switching valve 22 and the accumulator 25 .

(2) Heat Exchange Unit (2-1) Overall Configuration The heat exchange unit 100 is included in the refrigeration cycle device 1 described above. The heat exchange unit 100 of this embodiment is provided in the outdoor unit 2 . Therefore, the heat exchange unit 100 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 23 .

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat exchange unit 100 mainly includes a flow divider 110, a refrigerant flow path 120, a header 130, a flow rate adjustment section 140, and a control section 28.

(2-2) Detailed Configuration (2-2-1) Flow Divider The flow divider 110 is provided between the outdoor expansion valve 24 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 . In FIG. 2, the flow divider 110 is arranged on one end side (left side in FIG. 2) of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i. Although the flow divider 110 is shown below the heat exchange sections 23a to 23i in FIG. 2, it may be arranged on the side of the heat exchange sections 23a to 23i.

During heating operation, the flow divider 110 branches the refrigerant heading for the outdoor heat exchanger 23 in the refrigerant circuit 6 to each of the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. In this case, liquid refrigerant flows into the flow divider 110 . In FIG. 2, the flow divider 110 branches into nine refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i. Note that the number of branched refrigerant flow paths is not particularly limited.

(2-2-2) Refrigerant Flow Paths Refrigerant flows through a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i branched by the flow divider 110. FIG. The coolant channel 120 is a pipe through which coolant flows. The inner diameter of this pipe is, for example, 10 mm or less, preferably 7 mm or less. One end of each of the refrigerant flow paths 120a-120i is connected to the flow divider 110, and the other end of each of the refrigerant flow paths 120a-120i is connected to the header .

Each of the coolant channels 120a to 120i shown in FIG. 2 has a vertically extending portion and a horizontally extending portion. The vertically extending portion extends upwardly from the flow divider 110 . The laterally extending portions constitute part of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i of the outdoor heat exchanger 23. As shown in FIG. In other words, each heat exchange portion 23a-23i of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 includes each refrigerant flow path 120a-120i. Here, three vertically arranged refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i are arranged in each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i. The three coolant channels 120a to 120i are formed by folding one coolant channel twice. A plurality of common heat transfer fins are arranged in the plurality of coolant channels 120a to 120i.

(2-2-3) Header The header 130 is connected to a plurality of coolant channels 120a-120i. Here, the header 130 is erected on the other end side (right side in FIG. 2) of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i. Header 130 is a tubular member.

The header 130 joins the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i during heating operation. In this case, the gas refrigerant flows into the header 130 . This gas refrigerant is sent to the four-way switching valve 22 in the refrigerant circuit 6 .

(2-2-4) Flow Adjusting Section The flow adjusting section 140 is provided in at least one refrigerant channel 120 . In FIG. 2, one flow rate adjusting section 140a to 140i is provided for each of the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i. In other words, the number of flow rate adjusting units 140 is the same as the number of multiple coolant channels 120 . The flow rate adjusting unit 140 is attached to the pipe that is the refrigerant flow path 120 .

The flow rate adjusting unit 140 is provided between the outdoor expansion valve 24 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23. Specifically, a plurality of flow rate adjustment units 140a-140i are provided between the flow divider 110 and the heat exchange units 23a-23i. In this case, drift can be prevented.

The flow rate adjusting unit 140 adjusts the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant channel 120 . In other words, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 increases or decreases the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path 120 according to the degree of opening. The flow rate adjusting unit 140 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value, which is the maximum value of the difference between the high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant that occurs during the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 . The flow rate adjusting unit 140 preferably decompresses the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/30 or less of the maximum differential pressure value, and more preferably decompresses the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/40 or less of the maximum differential pressure value. . In addition, the pressure range in which the flow rate adjustment unit 140 decompresses the refrigerant is preferably low within a range of 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in size, but the lower limit value is, for example, the maximum differential pressure 1/200 of the value.

Here, the "maximum differential pressure value" is the difference between the highest pressure and the lowest pressure of the refrigerant that can occur during operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1. Specifically, the highest pressure that can occur during operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is the "design pressure of the refrigerant to be used". The lowest pressure that can occur during operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 is "the lowest pressure that occurs under the environment of use". More specifically, the "maximum differential pressure value" is, for example, 0.1 MPa or more and 4.3 MPa or less.

The flow rate adjustment unit 140 can finely adjust the flow rate within a pressure range below the maximum pressure that the flow rate adjustment unit 140 can reduce.

As shown in FIG. 3, the flow regulating section 140 mainly includes a body section 141, a plate member 142, an electrode 143, an insulating member 144, and side walls 145. Unlike the solenoid valve or the motor-operated valve used for the outdoor expansion valve 24, the flow rate adjusting section 140 of this embodiment uses a piezoelectric element. Therefore, the flow rate adjusting section 140 is operated by the applied voltage. Here, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 uses a bimorph type piezoelectric element that generates a force smaller than that of the electromagnetic coil used for the electromagnetic valve.

The body portion 141 is connected to the refrigerant channel 120 . The body portion 141 is composed of an upper body portion and a lower body portion. Although the upper body portion and the lower body portion may be composed of one member, they are composed of separate members here. A space is formed in the body portion 141 . A part of the space is a channel through which the coolant passes.

The main body 141 has a coolant inlet 141a, a coolant outlet 141b, a coolant flow path 141c, and a valve seat 141d. In the following description, inflow and outflow are defined based on the refrigerant flow during heating operation indicated by the arrows in FIG.

In this embodiment, the inlet 141a is provided at one end (the right end in FIG. 3), and the outlet 141b is provided at the other end (the left end in FIG. 3). Each of the inflow port 141 a and the outflow port 141 b communicates with the coolant channel 120 . In FIG. 3 , the diameter of the inlet 141 a is the same as the diameter of the coolant channel 120 . Also, the diameter of the outflow port 141b is smaller than the diameter of the coolant channel 120 .

The flow path 141c communicates the inflow port 141a and the outflow port 141b. In FIG. 3, the channel 141c extends generally rightward. The channel 141c has an adjustment channel 141c1, an inlet channel 141c2, and an outlet channel 141c3.

The adjustment flow path 141c is a portion whose cross-sectional area changes in order to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant. The adjustment channel 141c1 is defined by the valve seat 141d and the plate member 142. As shown in FIG. In other words, the adjustment channel 141c1 is a gap provided between the valve seat 141d and the plate member 142. As shown in FIG. The cross-sectional area of the downstream side of the adjustment channel 141c1 is changed by the displacement generated in the piezoelectric body 142b, which will be described later, due to the applied voltage. Here, the plate-like member 142 is displaced by the applied voltage, thereby changing the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 141c1 on the downstream side.

The adjustment channel 141c1 is a narrow channel that communicates between the upstream side and the downstream side at the minimum opening. In other words, the coolant flows through the adjustment channel 141c1 even at the minimum opening.

The inlet channel 141c2 is formed between the inlet 141a and the valve seat 141d. In FIG. 3, the inlet channel 141c2 has a channel that slopes upward toward the left and a channel that extends in the left-right direction.

The outlet channel 141c3 is formed between the valve seat 141d and the outlet 141b. In FIG. 3, the cross-sectional area of the outlet channel 141c3 increases toward the outlet 141b.

The valve seat 141d faces the plate member 142 as a valve body. The valve seat 141d receives a plate-like member 142 that moves up and down to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant.

A plate-like member 142 as a valve body is close to the valve seat 141d. The plate member 142 is arranged in the space of the body portion 141 and extends in the left-right direction in FIG. The plate member 142 has a cantilever structure in which one end (right end in FIG. 3) is supported and the other end (left end in FIG. 3) is unsupported. Specifically, one end of plate member 142 is fixed to electrode 143 attached to insulating member 144 . The other end of the plate member 142 includes a free end and faces the valve seat 141d.

The plate member 142 and the electrode 143 constitute a piezoelectric element. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the plate member 142 has a metal body 142a and a piezoelectric body 142b. Here, the plate member 142 includes a first piezoelectric body 142b, a metal body 142a formed on the first piezoelectric body 142b, and a second piezoelectric body 142b formed on the metal body 142a. have.

The metal body 142a is made of a metal material. The piezoelectric body 142b is laminated with the metal body 142a. The piezoelectric body 142b is made of a piezoelectric material (piezoelectric material) that is deformed by an applied voltage. In the longitudinal direction, the metal body 142a is longer than the piezoelectric body 142b. Here, the other ends (the left ends in FIGS. 4 to 6) of the metal body 142a and the piezoelectric body 142b are aligned. One end (right end in FIGS. 4 to 6) of the metal body 142a protrudes from one end (right end in FIGS. 4 to 6) of the piezoelectric body 142b. The metal body 142a has a positive or negative contact 142a1.

In FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction of the metal body 142a is parallel to the coolant channel 120 having the inlet 141a and the coolant channel 120 having the outlet 141b.

The piezoelectric body 142b is displaced in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric body 142b when a voltage is applied. Specifically, the other free end of the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced vertically in FIGS. Specifically, the piezoelectric body 142b extends straight in the left-right direction as shown in FIG. 4, moves downward at the other end as shown in FIG. , with the other end moved upward.

The direction in which the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced intersects with the direction in which the flow path 141c extends at the inlet 141a. In FIG. 3, the direction in which the channel 141c extends at the inlet 141a is 45 degrees with respect to the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The direction in which the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced is 180 degrees with respect to the left-right direction (horizontal direction).

Also, the stacking direction of the plate members 142 and the flow direction of the coolant intersect. Here, the stacking direction of the plate members 142 and the flow direction of the coolant are perpendicular to each other. Since the stacking direction of the plate members 142 is the vertical direction, it is 180 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. The flow direction of the coolant is the direction in which the coolant flows at the other end portion (adjustment flow path 141c1) where the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced, so that it is 0 degrees with respect to the left-right direction.

The electrode 143 is connected to the piezoelectric body 142b. 4-6, the electrode 143 is connected with the piezoelectric body 142b and the metal body 142a. Specifically, the electrode 143 has a first contact 143a and a second contact 143b. The first contact 143a is a positive contact connected to the upper piezoelectric body 142b. The second contact 143b is a negative contact connected to the lower piezoelectric body 142b. The first contact 143a and the second contact 143b are configured to be connectable with the contact 142a1 of the metal body 142a.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the contact 142a1 of the metal body 142a is not connected to the first contact 143a and the second contact 143b, no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric body 142b. At this time, the piezoelectric body 142b extends straight in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 5, when the contact 142a1 is connected to the first contact 143a, a positive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric body 142b connected to the first contact 143a. In this OFF state, the other end of the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced downward. As shown in FIG. 6, when the contact 142a1 is connected to the second contact 143b, a negative voltage is applied to the piezoelectric body 142b connected to the second contact 143b. In this ON state, the other end of the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced upward.

Thus, the plate member 142 having the piezoelectric body 142b is vertically displaced in FIG. 3 by the applied voltage. As a result, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path 141c1 defined by the plate member 142 and the valve seat 141d changes. In other words, by deforming the plate-like member 142 to change the gap between the plate-like member 142 and the valve seat 141d, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path 141c1 is increased or decreased. Specifically, when the plate-like member 142 is displaced downward as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cross-sectional area of the adjusting flow path 141c1 is reduced, so that the flow rate of the coolant can be reduced. When the plate-like member 142 is displaced upward as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the cross-sectional area of the adjusting flow path 141c1 increases, so that the flow rate of the coolant can be increased. Here, when the plate-like member 142 is displaced most downward and at the minimum opening degree, the adjustment flow path 141c1 communicates between the upstream and the downstream.

Here, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 141c1 is, for example, 1 mm ² or more and 5 mm ² or less. The height t (vertical distance) of the gap between the plate member 142 and the valve seat 141d is, for example, 0 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

The electrode 143 is made of a conductive material. Also, the electrode 143 can withstand the operating pressure of the flow rate regulator 140 .

As shown in FIG. 3, part of the electrode 143 protrudes from the main body 141 into the atmosphere. The rest of the electrode 143 is located inside the body portion 141 . Here, one end of the electrode 143 is exposed from the main body 141 to the atmosphere. The other end of the electrode 143 is housed inside the main body 141 and connected to the plate member 142 .

The insulating member 144 insulates the electrode 143 and the body portion 141 from each other. The insulating member 144 is made of an insulating material. In FIG. 3, the insulating member 144 is arranged so as to close the space in the central portion of the right end of the body portion 141 . Airtightness can be maintained by the insulating member 144 .

The side walls 145 are provided above and below the insulating member 144 respectively. Side walls 145 are constructed of metal. In FIG. 3 , side walls 145 are also arranged on the upper and lower left ends of the body portion 141 .

(2-2-5) Control Section The control section 28 shown in FIG. 1 controls the flow rate adjustment section 140 of the heat exchange unit 100 . In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the controller 28 performs control to change the time t1 for turning on the applied voltage and the time t2 for turning off the applied voltage. Here, the electrical signal input to the flow rate adjusting unit 140 is a pulse signal from the control unit 28, and by changing the ON width and the OFF width with respect to the cycle of the pulse, the ON time t1 of the applied voltage and off-time t2 are changed.

Specifically, when the flow rate is to be reduced, the control section 28 sends a pulse signal to the flow rate adjustment section 140 so as to connect the contact 142a1 to the first contact 143a to turn off the contact 142a1 as shown in FIG. Send. The control unit 28 controls the time t2 for turning off. Further, when increasing the flow rate, the control section 28 transmits a pulse signal to the flow rate adjusting section 140 so as to connect the third contact 142a1 to the second contact 143b to turn it on, as shown in FIG. . The control unit 28 controls the time t1 for turning on.

The control unit 28 acquires the temperature of the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path 120, determines whether to increase or decrease the flow rate of the coolant in the flow rate adjusting unit 140 based on the temperature, and based on the determination, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 to control the opening of the Here, the control unit 28 acquires the temperature of the refrigerant in the vicinity of the outlet of the refrigerant flow path 120 of the heat exchange units 23a to 23i during the heating operation. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the control unit 28 measures the surface temperature of the piping forming the refrigerant flow path 120 by the temperature sensors provided in the vicinity of the outlets of the refrigerant flow paths 120 of the heat exchange units 23a to 23i in a non-contact manner. Obtain the temperature of the refrigerant from the array sensor detected by Then, the control unit 28 increases the amount of the coolant flowing through the coolant channel with a relatively high temperature among the plurality of coolant channels 120a to 120i, and/or the coolant with a relatively low temperature. The opening degrees of the respective flow rate adjusting units 140a to 140b are controlled so as to reduce the amount of coolant flowing through the flow path.

(2-3) Operation Next, the flow of refrigerant in the heat exchange unit 100 will be described.

(2-3-1) Heating Operation When the refrigeration cycle device 1 performs a heating operation, the low-pressure liquid refrigerant decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 24 flows into the flow divider 110 shown in FIG. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the flow divider 110 is branched into a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a-120i, and flows into the respective flow rate adjusters 140a-140i.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the inlet 141a of each flow rate adjusting unit 140 passes through the inlet channel 141c2 and flows into the adjustment channel 141c1. When the flow rate of the coolant is to be decreased, as shown in FIG. 5, the controller 28 applies an applied voltage to the piezoelectric body 142b of the plate-like member 142 to displace the other end of the plate-like member 142 downward. Thereby, the cross-sectional area of the downstream side of the adjustment channel 141c1 is reduced. Thereby, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be reduced. When increasing the flow rate of the coolant, the controller 28 applies voltage to the piezoelectric body 142b of the plate member 142 to displace the other end of the plate member 142 upward, as shown in FIG. By increasing the cross-sectional area of the downstream side of the adjustment flow path 141c1. Thereby, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be increased. The coolant whose flow rate is adjusted passes through the outlet channel 141c3 and flows into the coolant channel 120 from the outlet 141b. Refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 120 flows into each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i shown in FIG.

The liquid refrigerant that has flowed into each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i exchanges heat with the outdoor air in each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i, evaporates, becomes gas refrigerant, and flows into the header 130. Refrigerant flowing through each of the refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i through each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i joins at the header 130. As shown in FIG. The gas refrigerant joined at header 130 flows toward four-way switching valve 22 .

(2-3-2) Cooling Operation When the refrigeration cycle device 1 performs cooling operation, the high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 flows through the four-way switching valve 22 into the header 130 shown in FIG. The gas refrigerant that has flowed into the header 130 is branched into a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a-120i, and flows into the respective heat exchange portions 23a-23i. The gas refrigerant that has flowed into each of the heat exchange sections 23a to 23i exchanges heat with the outdoor air in the heat exchange sections 23a to 23i, releases heat, becomes liquid refrigerant, and flows into the flow rate adjustment sections 140a to 140i.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the outflow port 141b of each flow rate adjusting unit 140 flows into the adjusting channel 141c1. When the flow rate of the coolant is to be decreased, as shown in FIG. 5, the controller 28 applies an applied voltage to the piezoelectric body 142b of the plate-like member 142 to displace the other end of the plate-like member 142 downward. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the upstream side (downstream side during heating operation) of the adjustment flow path 141c1 is reduced. Thereby, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be reduced. When increasing the flow rate of the coolant, the controller 28 applies voltage to the piezoelectric body 142b of the plate member 142 to displace the other end of the plate member 142 upward, as shown in FIG. By increasing the cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path 141c1 on the upstream side (downstream side during heating operation). Thereby, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be increased. The coolant whose flow rate is adjusted passes through the inlet channel 141c2 and flows into the coolant channel 120 from the inlet 141a. The liquid refrigerant flowing through each of the refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i shown in FIG. The liquid refrigerant merged at the flow splitter 110 flows toward the outdoor expansion valve 24 .

(3) Features (3-1)
The heat exchange unit 100 according to the present embodiment is a heat exchange unit of the refrigeration cycle device 1, and includes a plurality of

refrigerant flow paths

120, 120a-120i and flow rate adjustment units 140, 140a-140i. Coolant flows through the plurality of

coolant channels

120, 120a to 120i. The flow rate adjusters 140, 140a-140i are provided in at least one

coolant channel

120, 120a-120i, and adjust the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the

coolant channels

120, 120a-120i. The flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i reduce the pressure of the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value, which is the maximum value of the difference between the high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant generated during the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1.

The heat exchange unit 100 according to the present embodiment includes flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i that reduce the pressure of the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value. As a result, the flow rate adjusting sections 140, 140a to 140i of the heat exchange unit 100 do not need to depressurize the refrigerant in a large range of pressure exceeding 1/20 of the maximum differential pressure value. In this way, it is sufficient to use the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i that depressurize the refrigerant only in a small range of pressure equal to or less than 1/20 of the maximum differential pressure value. can be suppressed. Therefore, an increase in size of the heat exchange unit 100 can be suppressed.

In addition, since the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i depressurize the refrigerant only in a small range of pressure equal to or less than 1/20 of the maximum differential pressure value, the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i can be simplified. . In addition, since the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i decompress the refrigerant only in a small and narrow range, the cost of the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i can be reduced.

(3-2)
In this embodiment, the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i reduce the pressure of the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/30 or less of the maximum differential pressure value. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the increase in size of the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i.

(3-3)
In this embodiment, the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i include narrow passages that communicate the upstream side and the downstream side when the opening is at a minimum. Here, since the refrigerant can be communicated even at the minimum opening, the pressure difference in the flow rate adjusting sections 140, 140a to 140i can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the force generated by the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the increase in size of the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i.

(3-4)
In this embodiment, the flow rate regulators 140, 140a-140i are operated by applied voltage. The heat exchange unit 100 further includes a control section 28 that controls to change the time t1 for turning on the applied voltage and the time t2 for turning off the applied voltage. This makes it possible to easily adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant.

(3-5)
In this embodiment, the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i each include a body portion 141 and a plate member 142. As shown in FIG. The body portion 141 has a coolant inlet 141a, a coolant outlet 141b, and a channel 141c that communicates the inlet 141a and the outlet 141b. The plate member 142 has a piezoelectric body 142b and a metal body 142a. The piezoelectric body 142b is made of a piezoelectric material that is deformed by an applied voltage. The metal body 142a is laminated with the piezoelectric body 142b and is made of a metal material. A valve seat 141 d facing the plate member 142 is provided on the body portion 141 . The channel 141c has an adjustment channel 141c1 defined by the valve seat 141d and the plate member 142 . Due to the displacement that occurs in the piezoelectric body 142b due to the applied voltage, the downstream cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 141c1 is changed.

Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path 141c1 can be increased and decreased by the displacement caused by applying voltage to the piezoelectric body 142b. Therefore, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be easily adjusted within a pressure range of 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value.

Although the displacement of the piezoelectric body 142b is smaller than that of the electromagnetic coil, it can be applied to adjust the flow rate as in the present embodiment.

Also, by controlling the applied voltage, the piezoelectric body 142b can be finely displaced within a range of 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value. Therefore, the flow rate adjusters 140, 140a to 140i can finely adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant within a pressure range equal to or lower than the maximum pressure that the flow rate adjuster 140 can reduce.

(3-6)
In this embodiment, the direction in which the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced intersects with the direction in which the flow path 141c extends at the inlet 141a. As a result, the force applied to the piezoelectric body 142b can be reduced, so the range in which the flow rate can be adjusted can be widened.

From this point of view, it is preferable that the direction in which the plate member 142 is displaced and the direction in which the coolant flows are perpendicular to each other. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric body 142b and the inlet channel 141c2 are preferably parallel. In other words, it is preferable that the inflow port 141a is positioned in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the plate-like member 142 . In this case, since the force is applied mainly in the extending direction of the plate-like member 142, the force applied to the plate-like member 142 can be greatly reduced.

Note that the inventors of the present invention have found that the plate-like member 142, in which the direction in which the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced and the direction in which the flow path 141c extends at the inlet 141a are perpendicular to each other, is arranged so that the direction in which the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced and the flow at the inlet 141a It has knowledge that the flow rate adjustment range can be widened about three times compared to the plate member 142 parallel to the extending direction of the path 141c.

(3-7)
In this embodiment, the flow rate adjusting units 140, 140a to 140i further include an electrode 143 and an insulating member 144. As shown in FIG. The electrode 143 is connected with the piezoelectric body 142b. The insulating member 144 is made of an insulating material that insulates the electrode 143 and the body portion 141 from each other. A portion of the electrode 143 protrudes from the body portion 141 into the atmosphere. Thereby, a structure in which a voltage is applied from the electrode 143 to the piezoelectric body 142b can be realized.

(4) Modification (4-1) Modification A
In the above-described embodiment, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 in which the direction in which the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced and the direction in which the coolant flows intersect has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the flow rate adjusting unit 140 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 8, the direction in which the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced is parallel to the direction in which the coolant flows.

Specifically, the adjustment flow path 141c1 formed in the main body portion 141 extends in the left-right direction as in the embodiment. The inlet channel 141c2 has a portion extending in the horizontal direction and a portion extending in the vertical direction. The outlet channel 141c3 has a vertically extending portion and a horizontally extending portion. Therefore, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 8, which shows the flow during the heating operation, the refrigerant that has flowed into the inlet 141a flows leftward in the inlet channel 141c2, then upward, and then flows upward. It flows leftward in 141c1, flows downward in outlet channel 141c3, and then flows leftward. Therefore, in this modification, the direction in which the piezoelectric body 142b is displaced is parallel to the direction in which the flow path 141c extends in the inlet 141a.

(4-2) Modification B
(4-2-1) Configuration The heat exchange unit of Modification B shown in FIG. 9 has basically the same configuration as the heat exchange unit of Modification A shown in FIG. different in that

Specifically, the bypass section 150 bypasses the flow rate adjustment section 140 when a differential pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the flow rate adjustment section 140 . The bypass unit 150 of this modification is a check valve that functions during heating operation and does not function during cooling operation.

The bypass portion 150 is provided in a protruding portion that separates the inlet channel 141c2 and the outlet channel 141c3 of the body portion 141 from each other. The bypass portion 150 connects the laterally extending portions of the inlet channel 141c2 and the outlet channel 141c3.

The bypass section 150 has a channel section 151 through which the coolant flows and a blocking section 152 that blocks the channel section. Flow path portion 151 extends in the left-right direction. The blocking portion 152 is arranged inside the flow path portion 151 . The blocking part 152 has a ball member and an elastic member. The ball member is connected with the elastic member. When a differential pressure of less than a predetermined value is applied to the flow rate adjusting portion 140, the ball member is pressed by the elastic member and blocks the flow path portion 151 by the ball member. Therefore, the coolant does not flow into the channel portion 151, but flows through the inlet channel 141c2, the adjustment channel 141c1, and the outlet channel 141c3. On the other hand, when a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value is applied to the flow rate adjusting section 140, the ball member moves and the flow path section 151 is opened. Therefore, the flow path portion 151 communicates with the inlet flow path 141 c 2 and the outlet flow path 141 c 3 , so that the coolant flows through the flow path portion 151 .

It should be noted that the predetermined value is 1/20 or less of the maximum differential pressure value, and here, it is equal to or less than the maximum pressure that the flow rate adjusting section 140 can reduce.

(4-2-2) Features This modification further includes a bypass section 150 that bypasses the flow rate adjusting sections 140 and 140a to 140i when a differential pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the flow rate adjusting sections 140 and 140a to 140i. As a result, the refrigerant can flow to the bypass section 150 when a differential pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the flow rate adjusting sections 140, 140a to 140i. Therefore, the safety of the heat exchange unit can be improved.

(4-3) Modification C
In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 28 performs control to change the ON state time and the OFF state time of the applied voltage that operates the flow rate adjusting unit 140, but the present invention is not limited to this. In this modification, the controller 28 controls to increase or decrease the applied voltage. Specifically, the electrical signal input to the flow rate adjusting section 140 is a signal for increasing or decreasing the voltage from the control section 28 . The voltage applied to the electrode 143 of the flow control unit 140 is increased or decreased by the control unit 28 sending a signal for increasing or decreasing the voltage to the flow control unit 140 . In such control, the flow rate of the coolant can be adjusted by changing the voltage applied to the ON state to increase or decrease the displacement of the piezoelectric body 142b.

(4-4) Modification D
In the above-described embodiment, the flow rate adjusting section 140 adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant by using the piezoelectric element, but it is not limited to this. The flow rate adjusting unit 140 may adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant by having a capacitance type structure, for example.

(4-5) Modification E
Although the heat exchange unit 100 is provided in the outdoor unit 2 in the above-described embodiment, the heat exchange unit 100 is not limited to this and may be provided in the indoor unit 3 .

(4-6) Modification F
In the above-described embodiment, the flow rate adjustment units 140a-140i are arranged between the flow divider 110 and the heat exchange units 23a-23i, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the flow control units 140a-140i may be arranged between the heat exchange units 23a-23i and the header 130. FIG.

(4-7) Modification G
In the above-described embodiment, the number of flow rate adjusting units 140 is the same as the number of multiple coolant channels 120, but the present invention is not limited to this. The flow rate adjusting section 140 may be arranged in at least one of the plurality of coolant channels 120 . However, if x is the number of flow rate adjusting units 140 and y is the number of a plurality of refrigerant flow paths, x is preferably the same as y or y−1. In the case of y−1, no flow rate adjustment section 140 is arranged in one refrigerant flow path, and one flow rate adjustment section 140 is arranged in the remaining refrigerant flow path.

(4-8) Modification H
In the above-described embodiment, the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 share the fins, but the invention is not limited to this. In this modification, the fins shared by the

heat exchange portions

23a and 23b located below the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i and the fins shared by the heat exchange portions 23c to 23h located in the center and above are separated. there is

(4-9) Modification I
In the embodiment described above, the indoor unit 3 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes one indoor heat exchanger 31, but is not limited to this. The indoor unit 3 of this modified example includes a plurality of indoor heat exchangers.

<Second embodiment>
The heat exchange unit of this embodiment has the same basic configuration and operation as the heat exchange unit of the first embodiment. The structure of the flow rate adjusting unit, which is the difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment, will be described below.

(1) Configuration (1-1) Flow Adjusting Section The flow adjusting section 140 is provided in at least one refrigerant channel 120 . In FIG. 2, one flow rate adjusting section 140a to 140i is provided for each of the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i. In other words, the number of flow rate adjusting units 140 is the same as the number of multiple coolant channels 120 . The flow rate adjusting unit 140 is attached to the pipe that is the refrigerant flow path 120 .

The flow rate adjusting unit 140 is provided between the outdoor expansion valve 24 and the outdoor heat exchanger 23. Specifically, a plurality of flow rate adjustment units 140a-140i are provided between the flow divider 110 and the heat exchange units 23a-23i.

The flow rate adjusting unit 140 adjusts the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant channel 120 . In other words, the flow rate adjusting section 140 increases or decreases the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path 120 according to the degree of opening thereof. The flow rate adjusting section 140 can adjust the flow rate within a pressure range equal to or lower than the maximum pressure that the flow rate adjusting section 140 can reduce. As a result, it is possible to prevent the drift of the refrigerant due to the refrigerant flowing through some of the plurality of refrigerant passages 120a to 120i in a larger amount than the other refrigerant passages. The opening degree of the flow rate adjusting section 140 can be adjusted within a range from a predetermined minimum opening degree to a predetermined maximum opening degree. The minimum opening degree of the flow rate adjusting section 140 is a predetermined value greater than zero. Therefore, the refrigerant can pass through the flow rate adjusting section 140 even if the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting section 140 is the smallest.

As shown in FIG. 10, the flow regulating portion 140 mainly includes a valve body 241, a plate member 242, an electrode 243, and an insulating member 244. Unlike the electromagnetic valve or the motor-operated valve used for the outdoor expansion valve 24, the flow rate adjusting section 140 of this embodiment uses a piezoelectric element. Therefore, the flow rate adjusting section 140 is operated by voltage application. Here, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 uses a bimorph type piezoelectric element having a generated force smaller than that of the electromagnetic coil used for the electromagnetic valve.

(1-1-1) Valve Body The valve body 241 is connected to the refrigerant channel 120 . The valve body 241 may be composed of one member, or may be composed of a plurality of members. A space for the refrigerant to pass is formed inside the valve body 241 .

The valve body 241 has a refrigerant inlet 241 a , a refrigerant outlet 241 b , a first flow path 241 c 1 , a second flow path 241 c 2 , and a valve seat 245 . The first flow path 241c1 and the second flow path 241c2 connect the inflow port 241a and the outflow port 241b, and in FIGS. 10 and 11, extend from right to left and then downward. The valve seat 245 is a member arranged inside the valve body 241 . The following description is based on the refrigerant flow during the heating operation indicated by the arrows in FIG.

In this embodiment, the inflow port 241a is provided at the longitudinal end of the valve body 241 (the right side in FIG. 10), and the outflow port 241b is provided at the lower portion of the longitudinal central portion of the valve body 241 (the lower side in FIG. 10). ). Each of the inlet 241 a and the outlet 241 b is connected to the coolant channel 120 . In FIG. 10 , the end of the refrigerant flow path 120 extends inside the valve body 241 beyond the inflow port 241a and the outflow port 241b.

An inlet channel 241d1, an adjustment channel 241d2, and a bypass channel 241d3 are formed inside the valve body 241. The first channel 241c1 includes an inlet channel 241d1 and an adjustment channel 241d2. The second channel 241c2 includes an inlet channel 241d1 and a bypass channel 241d3.

The inlet channel 241d1 extends along the longitudinal direction of the valve body 241 (horizontal direction in FIG. 10). The inlet channel 241d1 communicates with the coolant channel 120 connected to the inlet 241a. Refrigerant that has flowed into the valve body 241 through the inflow port 241a first flows through the inlet channel 241d1. When the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting unit 140 is not the minimum, part of the refrigerant that has passed through the inlet channel 241d1 flows into the adjusting channel 241d2, and the rest flows into the bypass channel 241d3. The refrigerant that has passed through the adjustment channel 241d2 and the refrigerant that has passed through the bypass channel 241d3 join and flow through the outlet 241b into the coolant channel 120 connected to the outlet 241b. In other words, inside the valve body 241, the first flow path 241c1 and the second flow path 241c2 join after being divided once.

The adjustment flow path 241d2 is a portion whose cross-sectional area changes in order to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the flow rate adjustment section 140. The adjustment flow path 241 d 2 is mainly composed of a first through hole 241 e 1 passing through the valve seat 245 and the plate member 242 . The plate-like member 242 is a member for opening and closing the first through hole 241e1 in order to change the cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path 241d2. The cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path 241d2 changes according to the size of the gap between the valve seat 245 and the plate member 242. As shown in FIG. As will be described later, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 changes according to the displacement of the plate member 242. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first through hole 241e1 of the valve seat 245 is closed by the plate-like member 242 when the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting section 140 is the minimum. Therefore, when the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting section 140 is minimum, the refrigerant cannot pass through the adjusting flow path 241d2, so the flow rate adjusting section 140 is in a state where the first flow path 241c1 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first through-hole 241e1 of the valve seat 245 is not closed by the plate-like member 242 when the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting section 140 is not the minimum. Therefore, when the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting section 140 is not the minimum, the coolant can pass through the adjusting flow path 241d2, so the flow rate adjusting section 140 is in a state where the first flow path 241c1 is open.

The bypass flow path 241d3 is mainly composed of a second through hole 241e2 penetrating through the valve seat 245. The second through hole 241 e 2 is not opened or closed by an external member such as the plate member 242 . Therefore, since the bypass channel 241d3 is always open, the second channel 241c2 is always open. Therefore, even when the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting unit 140 is minimum, the refrigerant that has flowed into the valve body 241 through the inlet port 241a passes through the inlet channel 241d1 and then the bypass channel 241d3. to reach the outflow port 241b. In addition, the bypass channel 241d3 and the upstream side of the adjustment channel 241d2 are arranged when the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting portion 140 is the minimum, in other words, when the first through hole 241e1 is closed by the plate-like member 242. It has the function of communicating with the downstream side. The upstream side is the inlet 241a side, and the downstream side is the outlet 241b side.

As described above, the valve seat 245 has the first through hole 241e1 and the second through hole 241e2. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first through hole 241 e 1 is a substantially cylindrical hole penetrating through the central portion of the valve seat 245 . Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction (the penetrating direction) of the first through hole 241e1 is defined as the first direction. The first direction is, for example, the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 13, when viewed along the first direction, the second through hole 241e2 is a substantially arcuate hole formed around the first through hole 241e1. In this embodiment, the number of substantially arc-shaped second through holes 241 e 2 is one, but the number and shape of the second through holes 241 e 2 can be arbitrarily set according to the shape of the valve seat 245 . For example, the second through holes 241e2 may be a plurality of substantially circular holes formed around the first through holes 241e1 when viewed along the first direction. Also, the shape of the valve seat 245 is not limited to the forms shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 .

(1-1-2) Plate-shaped member The plate-shaped member 242 is a valve element arranged near the valve seat 245 . The plate member 242 is arranged in the space inside the valve body 241 and extends in the left-right direction in FIG. The plate member 242 has a cantilever structure in which one end (the left end in FIG. 10) is supported and the other end (the right end in FIG. 10) is not supported. Specifically, one end of the plate member 242 is fixed to the valve body 241 while being connected to the electrode 243 . The other end of plate-like member 242 is a free end facing valve seat 245 . By displacing the free end of the plate member 242 in the first direction, the upstream opening (upper opening in FIG. 10) of the first through hole 241e1 of the valve seat 245 opens and closes.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the free end of the plate-like member 242 is in contact with the valve seat 245, the first through hole 241e1 is closed by the plate-like member 242, so the cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path 241d2 is becomes zero.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the free end of the plate-like member 242 is not in contact with the valve seat 245, the first through-hole 241e1 is not blocked by the plate-like member 242, so the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 is is not zero. Since the dimension of the gap between the plate-like member 242 and the valve seat 245 changes depending on the position of the free end of the plate-like member 242 in the first direction, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 also changes. Therefore, the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the first flow path 241c1 changes according to the amount of displacement of the plate member 242. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the plate member 242 has a metal plate 242a, a pair of piezoelectric bodies 242b, and an elastic member 242c. The pair of piezoelectric bodies 242b is composed of a first piezoelectric body 242b1 and a second piezoelectric body 242b2. The plate-like member 242 has a configuration in which a first piezoelectric body 242b1, a metal plate 242a, and a second piezoelectric body 242b2 are laminated in the first direction. The metal plate 242a is sandwiched between the first piezoelectric body 242b1 and the second piezoelectric body 242b2. Due to the displacement of the piezoelectric body 242b caused by the applied voltage, the free end of the plate member 242 is displaced in the first direction, and the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 is changed. In FIGS. 14-16, the free end of plate-like member 242 is the right end of plate-like member 242 .

The metal plate 242a is made of a metal material. The piezoelectric body 242b is made of a piezoelectric material (piezoelectric material) that is deformed by an applied voltage. The metal plate 242a is longer than the piezoelectric body 242b in the longitudinal direction of the plate member 242 (horizontal direction in FIGS. 10 and 11). One ends of the metal plate 242a and the piezoelectric body 242b (right ends in FIGS. 14 to 16) are aligned. The other end of the metal plate 242a (the left end in FIGS. 14 to 16) protrudes from the other end of the piezoelectric body 242b (the left end in FIGS. 14 to 16). The metal plate 242a has a positive or negative third contact 243c.

When a voltage is applied, the piezoelectric body 242b is displaced in a first direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric body 242b. Specifically, the free end of the piezoelectric body 242b (the end on the free end side of the plate member 242) is displaced in the vertical direction in FIGS. The piezoelectric body 242b extends straight in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG. 14, has its free end moved downward as shown in FIG. 15, and has its free end moved upward as shown in FIG. It can be in a state of being moved.

The elastic member 242c is attached to the second piezoelectric body 242b2, which is the piezoelectric body 242b on the side closer to the valve seat 245, on the free end side of the plate member 242. The elastic member 242c is, for example, a rubber plate. As shown in FIG. 10, when the free end of the plate member 242 is in contact with the valve seat 245, the elastic member 242c closes the upstream opening of the first through hole 241e1. As shown in FIG. 11, when the free end of the plate member 242 is not in contact with the valve seat 245, the elastic member 242c does not close the upstream opening of the first through hole 241e1. 10 and 11, the elastic member 242c corresponds to a portion protruding downward at the free end of the plate-like member 242. As shown in FIG.

(1-1-3) Electrode The electrode 243 is connected to the piezoelectric body 242b and forms a piezoelectric element together with the plate member 242. FIG. 14-16, the electrode 243 is connected with the piezoelectric body 242b and the metal plate 242a. Specifically, the electrode 243 has a first contact 243a and a second contact 243b. The first contact 243a is a positive contact connected to the first piezoelectric body 242b1. The second contact 243b is a negative contact connected to the second piezoelectric body 242b2. The first contact 243a and the second contact 243b are configured to be connectable with the third contact 243c of the metal plate 242a.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the third contact 243c of the metal plate 242a is not connected to the first contact 243a and the second contact 243b, no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric body 242b. At this time, the piezoelectric body 242b extends straight in the longitudinal direction.

As shown in FIG. 15, when the third contact 243c is connected to the first contact 243a, a positive voltage is applied to the first piezoelectric body 242b1 connected to the first contact 243a. In this off state, the free end of piezoelectric body 242b is displaced downward.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the third contact 243c is connected to the second contact 243b, a negative voltage is applied to the second piezoelectric body 242b2 connected to the second contact 243b. In this ON state, the free end of piezoelectric body 242b is displaced upward.

Thus, the free end of the plate member 242 having the piezoelectric body 242b is displaced in the first direction by the applied voltage. As a result, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 changes. In other words, by displacing the free end of the plate-like member 242 to change the size of the gap between the plate-like member 242 and the valve seat 245, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment flow path 241d2 increases or decreases. The flow rate of the coolant flowing through the first channel 241c1 increases or decreases.

Specifically, when the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 is zero as shown in FIG. 10, when the free end of the plate member 242 is displaced upward as shown in FIG. The cross-sectional area increases from zero. As a result, the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the first flow path 241c1 increases from zero. After that, when the free end of the plate-like member 242 is displaced downward as shown in FIG. 15, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 is reduced. This reduces the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the first flow path 241c1. When the free end of the plate-like member 242 is positioned at the lowest position, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 becomes zero, and the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the first channel 241c1 becomes zero. Thus, the amount of displacement of the free end of the plate member 242 in the first direction changes the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the first flow path 241c1.

By displacing the free end of the plate member 242, the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 changes, for example, within the range of 0 mm ² or more and 5 mm ² or less. Due to the displacement of the free end of the plate-like member 242, the dimension of the gap (the distance in the first direction) between the plate-like member 242 and the valve seat 245 changes, for example, within the range of 0 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

The electrode 243 is made of a conductive material that can withstand the operating pressure of the flow rate regulator 140. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , one end of the electrode 243 is positioned in an electrode-side space 246 that is the internal space of the valve body 241 . The electrode-side space 246 communicates with the first channel 241c1 (inlet channel 241d1). In the electrode-side space 246 , one end of the electrode 243 is connected to the non-free end of the plate member 242 . The other end of the electrode 243 extends from the electrode-side space 246 to the external space of the valve body 241 and is exposed to the outside air. The other end of electrode 243 is connected to an external power supply as shown in FIGS. 14-16.

(1-1-4) Insulating Member The insulating member 244 insulates the electrode 243 and the valve body 241 from each other. The insulating member 244 is made of an insulating material such as silicone rubber. The valve body 241 has an electrode-side opening 247 that connects the external space of the valve body 241 and the electrode-side space 246 . The insulating member 244 seals the electrode-side opening 247 to ensure the airtightness of the internal space of the valve body 241 . The electrode 243 is fixed by an insulating member 244 and passes through the electrode side opening 247 without contacting the valve body 241 .

(1-2) Control Section The control section 28 controls the flow rate adjustment section 140 of the heat exchange unit 100 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 28 controls the time t1 for turning on the applied voltage and the time t2 for turning off the applied voltage. The electrical signal input from the control unit 28 to the flow rate adjustment unit 140 is a pulse signal from the control unit 28, and by adjusting the applied voltage according to the cycle of the pulse, the time t1 to turn on and the time t1 to turn off It controls the time t2 to make the state.

Specifically, when reducing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow rate adjusting section 140, the control section 28 connects the third contact point 243c to the first contact point 243a to turn it off, as shown in FIG. , a pulse signal is transmitted to the flow rate adjusting unit 140 .

Further, when increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow rate adjusting section 140, the control section 28 connects the third contact 243c to the second contact 243b to turn on the flow rate, as shown in FIG. A pulse signal is transmitted to the adjustment unit 140 .

The control unit 28 acquires the temperature of the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path 120, determines whether to increase or decrease the flow rate of the coolant in the flow rate adjusting unit 140 based on the temperature, and based on the determination, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 to control the opening of the Here, the control unit 28 acquires the temperature of the refrigerant in the vicinity of the outlet of the refrigerant flow path 120 of the heat exchange units 23a to 23i during the heating operation. Specifically, the control unit 28 detects temperature sensors provided in the vicinity of the outlets of the refrigerant flow paths 120 of the heat exchange units 23a to 23i and the surface temperatures of the pipes forming the refrigerant flow paths 120 in a non-contact manner. Obtain the temperature of the refrigerant from an array sensor or the like. Then, the control unit 28 controls the refrigerant flow path with a relatively high temperature among the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i to increase the amount of the refrigerant flowing therein, or the refrigerant flow path with a relatively low temperature. The opening degree of each of the flow rate adjusting units 140a to 140i is controlled so that the amount of refrigerant flowing through is reduced.

When the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow rate adjusting section 140 is temporarily increased, the control section 28 controls the ON state time t1, and when the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow rate adjusting section 140 is temporarily decreased. , the time t2 for turning off is controlled. Thereby, the control unit 28 can adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the inlet 241a toward the outlet 241b.

As shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 28 alternately switches between the ON state and the OFF state to periodically displace the plate-like member 242, thereby controlling the periodic opening and closing of the first channel 241c1. you can go In this case, the control unit 28 can finely adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the flow rate adjusting unit 140 by adjusting the cycle of switching between the ON state time t1 and the OFF state time t2.

The control unit 28 further changes the magnitude of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric body 242b to adjust the amount of displacement of the free end of the plate member 242, thereby increasing the flow rate of the coolant passing through the first flow path 241c1. may be controlled. The electric signal input from the control section 28 to the flow rate adjusting section 140 is a signal for increasing or decreasing the voltage applied to the piezoelectric body 242b. In this case, the control unit 28 finely adjusts the flow rate of the coolant flowing through the flow rate adjusting unit 140 by controlling the voltage applied to the piezoelectric body 242b to adjust the amount of displacement of the free end of the plate member 242. be able to.

(2) Operation Next, the flow of refrigerant in the heat exchange unit 100 will be described. Assume that the first flow path 241c1 of each flow rate adjusting unit 140 is in an open state as shown in FIG.

(2-1) Heating Operation When the refrigeration cycle device 1 performs a heating operation, the low-pressure liquid refrigerant decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 24 flows into the flow divider 110 shown in FIG. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the flow divider 110 is divided into a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i, and flows into the respective flow rate adjusters 140a to 140i.

As shown in FIG. 10, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the inlet 241a of each flow rate adjusting unit 140 passes through the first channel 241c1 and the second channel 241c2. When reducing the flow rate of the coolant passing through the flow rate adjusting section 140, the control section 28 applies an applied voltage to the piezoelectric body 242b of the plate-like member 242, as shown in FIG. is displaced downward to reduce the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 of the first channel 241c1. When increasing the flow rate of the coolant passing through the flow rate adjusting section 140, the control section 28 applies an applied voltage to the piezoelectric body 242b of the plate-like member 242, as shown in FIG. is displaced upward to increase the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 of the first channel 241c1. The coolant whose flow rate is adjusted flows into the coolant channel 120 from the outlet 241b. After that, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant channel 120 flows into each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i shown in FIG.

The liquid refrigerant that has flowed into each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i exchanges heat with the outdoor air in each of the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i, evaporates, and becomes a gas refrigerant. After passing through the heat exchange portions 23a to 23i, the refrigerants flowing through the refrigerant flow paths 120a to 120i merge at the header 130. FIG. The gas refrigerant joined at header 130 flows toward four-way switching valve 22 .

(2-2) Cooling Operation When the refrigeration cycle device 1 performs cooling operation, the high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 passes through the four-way switching valve 22 and flows into the header 130 shown in FIG. . The gas refrigerant that has flowed into the header 130 is divided into a plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120a-120i and flows into the respective heat exchange portions 23a-23i. The gas refrigerant that has flowed into each of the heat exchange sections 23a to 23i exchanges heat with the outdoor air in the heat exchange sections 23a to 23i, releases heat, becomes liquid refrigerant, and flows into the flow rate adjustment sections 140a to 140i.

As shown in FIG. 10, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the outlet 241b of each flow rate adjusting unit 140 passes through the first channel 241c1 and the second channel 241c2. When reducing the flow rate of the coolant passing through the flow rate adjusting section 140, the control section 28 applies an applied voltage to the piezoelectric body 242b of the plate-like member 242, as shown in FIG. is displaced downward to reduce the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 of the first channel 241c1. When increasing the flow rate of the coolant passing through the flow rate adjusting section 140, the control section 28 applies an applied voltage to the piezoelectric body 242b of the plate-like member 242, as shown in FIG. is displaced upward to increase the cross-sectional area of the adjustment channel 241d2 of the first channel 241c1. The coolant whose flow rate is adjusted flows into the coolant channel 120 from the inlet 241a. After that, the liquid refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path 120 flows out from the refrigerant flow path 120 and then joins at the flow splitter 110 . The liquid refrigerant merged at the flow splitter 110 flows toward the outdoor expansion valve 24 .

(3) Features (3-1)
The flow rate adjusting section 140 of this embodiment includes a plate-like member 242 arranged inside the valve body 241 . The plate member 242 has a piezoelectric body 242b. A first flow path 241c1 and a second flow path 241c2 are formed inside the flow rate adjusting section 140 . The flow rate adjusting unit 140 adjusts the flow rate of the coolant flowing from the inlet 241a toward the outlet 241b by opening and closing the first flow path 241c1 according to the displacement of the plate member 242 caused by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric body 242b. adjust.

The flow rate adjustment unit 140 internally has an adjustment channel 241d2 included in the first channel 241c1 and a bypass channel 241d3 included in the second channel 241c2. The bypass channel 241d3 is a channel that bypasses the adjustment channel 241d2. The plate member 242 closes the first flow path 241c1, allowing the refrigerant to pass through the bypass flow path 241d3 even while the refrigerant cannot pass through the adjustment flow path 241d2.

When the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting unit 140 is a predetermined minimum opening degree, the plate member 242 closes the first flow path 241c1. At this time, the space on the upstream side of the plate-like member 242 and the space on the downstream side of the plate-like member 242 communicate with each other through the bypass channel 241d3. Therefore, even when the first channel 241c1 is closed, the pressure in the space on the upstream side of the plate member 242 (inlet channel 241d1) and the space on the downstream side of the plate member 242 (adjustment channel 241d2) The difference from the pressure (hereinafter referred to as valve element differential pressure) is reduced by the bypass channel 241d3.

When the flow rate adjusting unit 140 does not have the bypass flow path 241d3 inside, during the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1, the pressure in the space on the upstream side of the plate-like member 242 is increased by the refrigerant flowing from the inlet 241a. Since the pressure is greater than the pressure in the space downstream of the member 242, the valve body differential pressure tends to increase. In this case, when the plate-like member 242 is in contact with the valve seat 245 to close the first flow path 241c1, the higher the valve element pressure difference, the more the free end of the plate-like member 242 is displaced. from the valve seat 245 (hereinafter referred to as valve body load) increases. As the load on the valve body increases, it is necessary to use a large plate-like member 242 having a larger generated force. tend to

Since the flow rate adjusting unit 140 of the present embodiment has the bypass flow path 241d3 inside, the valve element differential pressure is low, and therefore the valve element load is low as compared with a configuration that does not have the bypass flow path 241d3 inside. . Therefore, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 of this embodiment can use a plate-like member 242 that is smaller than the plate-like member 242 that is required in a configuration that does not have the bypass channel 241d3 inside. Therefore, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 of the present embodiment can suppress the size of the valve body 241, so that size reduction can be suppressed and downsizing can be realized. As a result, the cost of the flow rate adjusting section 140 can be reduced. Also, the heat exchange unit 100 including the flow rate adjusting section 140 of the present embodiment can be reduced in size by suppressing an increase in size.

(3-2)
In the flow rate adjusting section 140 of this embodiment, the electrode 243 is electrically connected to the plate member 242 inside the valve body 241 . Therefore, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 can protect the plate-like member 242 by housing the entire plate-like member 242 inside the valve main body 241 .

(3-3)
In the flow regulating part 140 of this embodiment, part of the electrode 243 is arranged inside the valve body 241 and part of the electrode 243 is exposed to the outside air outside the valve body 241 . Therefore, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 does not need to dispose the entire electrode 243 inside the valve body 241, so the size of the valve body 241 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the flow rate adjusting unit 140 and realize a reduction in size.

(3-4)
The flow rate adjusting unit 140 of the present embodiment is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the adjusting flow path 241d2 is changed by displacing the free end of the plate member 242 in the first direction due to the voltage applied to the piezoelectric body 242b. ing. The control unit 28 of the heat exchange unit 100 can easily adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the flow rate adjusting unit 140 by controlling the time t1 in which the applied voltage is turned on and the time t2 in which the applied voltage is turned off. can be done. Further, the control unit 28 can adjust the amount of displacement of the free end of the plate member 242 by controlling the voltage applied to the piezoelectric body 242b. Therefore, the flow rate adjusting section 140 can finely adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant in a pressure range equal to or lower than the maximum pressure that the flow rate adjusting section 140 can reduce.

(3-5)
In the flow rate adjusting unit 140 of the present embodiment, the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 241c1 flows through the inlet flow path 241d1 before reaching the plate member 242 during the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 . The direction in which the free end of the plate member 242 is displaced intersects with the direction in which the coolant flows in the inlet channel 241d1. Compared to the case where these two directions are parallel to each other, the force required to displace the free end of the plate member 242 can be suppressed in the flow rate adjusting section 140 of this embodiment. Therefore, since a small plate-like member 242 can be used, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the flow rate adjusting section 140 and realize a reduction in size.

From this point of view, it is preferable that the direction in which the free end of the plate member 242 is displaced and the direction in which the coolant flows in the inlet channel 241d1 are perpendicular to each other. In other words, it is preferable that the longitudinal direction of the plate member 242 and the flow direction of the coolant in the inlet channel 241d1 are parallel to each other. In other words, it is preferable that the inflow port 241a is positioned in a direction in which the plate member 242 is extended in its longitudinal direction. In this case, the force required to displace the free end of plate-like member 242 is greatly reduced.

(4) Modification (4-1) Modification J
The heat exchange unit 100 of the embodiment is provided in the outdoor unit 2, but is not limited to this. For example, the heat exchange unit 100 may be provided in the indoor unit 3.

(4-2) Modification K
The flow rate adjusting section 140 of the embodiment is arranged between the flow divider 110 and the heat exchanging sections 23a to 23i, but is not limited to this. For example, the flow rate adjusting section 140 may be arranged between the heat exchanging sections 23 a to 23 i and the header 130 .

(4-3) Modification L
The number of flow rate adjusting units 140 in the embodiment is the same as the number of multiple coolant channels 120, but is not limited to this. Specifically, the flow rate adjusting unit 140 may be arranged in at least one of the plurality of coolant channels 120 . If x is the number of flow rate adjusting units 140 and y is the number of a plurality of refrigerant flow paths, x is preferably the same as y or y−1. When x is y−1, one of the plurality of refrigerant flow paths 120 is not provided with the flow rate adjusting unit 140, and the remaining refrigerant flow paths are provided with one flow rate adjusting unit. 140 are arranged.

(4-4) Modification M
In the embodiment, the heat exchange parts 23a to 23i of the outdoor heat exchanger 23 share fins, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the fins shared by the

heat exchange units

23a and 23b located below the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the fins shared by the heat exchange units 23c to 23h located in the center and above the outdoor heat exchanger 23 are separated. may be

(4-5) Modification N
In the embodiment, the indoor unit 3 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes one indoor heat exchanger 31, but is not limited to this. For example, the indoor unit 3 may include multiple indoor heat exchangers 31 .

Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. .

Reference Signs List 1: Refrigeration cycle device 2: Outdoor unit 3: Indoor unit 28: Control unit 100: Heat exchange unit 110:

Flow dividers

120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h, 120i:

Refrigerant channel

140 , 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, 140f, 140g, 140h, 140i: flow rate adjusting portion 141: body portion 141a: inlet 141b: outlet 141c: flow path 141c1: adjustment flow path 141d: valve seat 142: plate Shaped member 142a : Metal body 142b : Piezoelectric body 143 : Electrode 144 : Insulating member 145 : Side wall 150 : Bypass part 241 : Valve body 241a : Inlet 241b : Outlet 241c1 : First channel 241c2 : Second channel 242 : Plate member 242a: Metal plate 242b: Piezoelectric body 243: Electrode (first member)
244: insulating member (second member)
246: Electrode side space (first space)
247: electrode side opening (first opening)

Patent No. 5197819

Claims

A heat exchange unit of a refrigeration cycle device (1),
a plurality of coolant channels (120) through which coolant flows;
a flow rate adjustment unit (140) provided in at least one of the refrigerant flow paths and adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path;
with
The flow rate adjusting unit decompresses the refrigerant only in a pressure range of 1/20 or less of a maximum differential pressure value, which is the maximum value of the difference between high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant generated during operation of the refrigeration cycle device,
A heat exchange unit (100).
The flow rate adjusting unit depressurizes the refrigerant only within a pressure range of 1/30 or less of the maximum differential pressure value.
A heat exchange unit according to claim 1 .
The flow rate adjustment unit includes a narrow passage that communicates the upstream side and the downstream side at the minimum opening,
A heat exchange unit according to claim 1 or 2.
Further comprising a bypass unit (150) that bypasses the flow rate adjustment unit when a differential pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the flow rate adjustment unit,
A heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The flow rate adjustment unit is operated by an applied voltage,
Further comprising a control unit (28) that controls to change the time to turn on the applied voltage and the time to turn off the applied voltage,
A heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The flow rate adjustment unit is operated by an applied voltage,
Further comprising a control unit (28) that controls to increase or decrease the applied voltage,
A heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The flow rate adjustment unit is
a main body (141) having a coolant inlet (141a), a coolant outlet (141b), and a channel (141c) connecting the inlet and the outlet;
a plate-like member (142) having a piezoelectric body (142b) made of a material having piezoelectricity that deforms with an applied voltage, and a metal body (142a) laminated with the piezoelectric body and made of a metal material; ,
including
The body portion is provided with a valve seat (141d) facing the plate member,
The flow path has an adjustment flow path (141c1) defined by the valve seat and the plate member,
changing the cross-sectional area on the downstream side of the adjustment channel by the displacement generated in the piezoelectric body by the applied voltage;
A heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
a direction in which the piezoelectric body is displaced and a direction in which the flow path extends at the inlet intersect;
A heat exchange unit according to claim 7.
The flow rate adjustment unit is
an electrode (143) connected to the piezoelectric body;
an insulating member (144) made of an insulating material that insulates the electrode from the main body;
further comprising
A portion of the electrode protrudes from the main body into the atmosphere,
A heat exchange unit according to claim 7 or 8.
The flow rate adjustment unit is
a valve body (241) having a fluid inlet (241a) and a fluid outlet (241b);
a plate-like member (242) disposed inside the valve body and having a plate-like piezoelectric body (242b) and a metal plate (242a);
with
The valve body is
a first channel (241c1) connecting the inlet and the outlet;
a second flow path (241c2) connecting the inlet and the outlet;
has
The plate member adjusts the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inflow port to the outflow port by opening and closing the first flow path according to displacement of the plate member caused by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric body. ,
A heat exchange unit according to claim 1 .
The plate-shaped member adjusts the flow rate by periodically opening and closing the first flow path due to displacement of the plate-shaped member caused by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric body.
11. A heat exchange unit according to claim 10.
The plate-shaped member further adjusts the flow rate by adjusting the amount of displacement of the plate-shaped member by changing the magnitude of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric body.
A heat exchange unit according to claim 10 or 11.
further comprising a first member (243) that is a conductive member arranged in a first space (246) that communicates with the first flow path inside the valve body,
wherein the first member is electrically connected to the piezoelectric body and the metal plate;
A heat exchange unit according to any one of claims 10-12.
The valve body further has a first opening (247) connecting the external space of the valve body and the first space,
the first opening is sealed by a second member (244) which is an insulating member;
The first member extends from the first space to an external space of the valve body, and penetrates the second member without contacting the valve body.
14. A heat exchange unit according to claim 13.