WO2023166705A1

WO2023166705A1 - Refrigerant storage container and refrigeration cycle device provided with said refrigerant storage container

Info

Publication number: WO2023166705A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/009404
Authority: WO
Inventors: 亮築山; 拓未西山
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2022-03-04
Filing date: 2022-03-04
Publication date: 2023-09-07

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerant storage container comprising a container body which stores liquid, an inflow pipe which includes an inflow opening and which allows a refrigerant to flow into the container body, an outflow pipe which includes an outflow opening and which allows the refrigerant to flow out from the container body, and an oil return mechanism which allows refrigerator oil to flow out from the container body, wherein the outflow opening of the outflow pipe is opened toward a bottom portion of the container body.

Description

Refrigerant storage container and refrigeration cycle device provided with the refrigerant storage container

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant storage container having an oil return mechanism, and a refrigeration cycle device including the refrigerant storage container.

In a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a refrigerant storage container, if refrigeration oil stays in the refrigerant storage container, the refrigeration oil in the compressor will be depleted, causing damage to the compressor. Therefore, a refrigerant storage container having an outflow pipe with an oil return hole has been proposed in order to cause the refrigerating machine oil staying in the refrigerant storage container to flow out together with the refrigerant. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a U-shaped outflow pipe provided with an oil return hole. In Patent Document 1, the oil return hole is positioned at the bottom of the refrigerant reservoir so that the distance between the oil return hole and the bottom of the refrigerant reservoir is short.

Japanese Patent No. 5425221

In Patent Document 1, refrigerating machine oil flows out from an oil return hole provided in an outflow pipe and returns to the compressor. Here, in the refrigerating cycle device, when the compressor sucks the liquid refrigerant, the refrigerating machine oil in the compressor shell is diluted, which causes seizure of the sliding parts of the compressor. In Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to provide an oil return hole in the lower portion of the refrigerant storage container, the outflow pipe has a U-shape, and the outflow port of the outflow pipe is provided so as to be positioned in the upper portion of the refrigerant storage container. It is In Patent Document 1, the outflow port of the outflow pipe opens upward. Here, since the refrigerant in a state in which gas and fine droplets are mixed flows vigorously into the refrigerant storage container from the inflow pipe, the liquid refrigerant is in the form of droplets or mist in the refrigerant storage container. Floating, this refrigerant falls due to gravity. For this reason, in Patent Document 1, droplets of the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inflow pipe are likely to be sucked into the outlet of the upwardly opening outflow pipe, and the liquid refrigerant may flow into the compressor together with the gas refrigerant. That is, although the refrigerant storage container is provided with an oil return hole for letting the refrigerator oil flow out, there is a problem that the liquid refrigerant tends to flow out from the outflow pipe because the outlet is open upward.

The present disclosure has been made against the background of the problems described above, and provides a refrigerant storage container having an oil return mechanism for flowing out refrigerating machine oil and a structure for suppressing the outflow of liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe, and the refrigerant. A refrigeration cycle device having a storage container is provided.

A refrigerant storage container according to the present disclosure includes a container body that stores liquid, an inflow pipe that has an inlet and allows refrigerant to flow into the container body, an outflow pipe that has an outlet and allows the refrigerant to flow out of the container body, An oil return mechanism for flowing out the refrigerating machine oil from the container body is provided, and the outflow port of the outflow pipe opens toward the bottom of the container body.

A refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure includes the above refrigerant storage container, and a compressor connected to the refrigerant storage container through an outflow pipe of the refrigerant storage container, and the oil return mechanism extends from the bottom of the container body to the container body. Refrigerant oil flowing out from the oil return pipe of the refrigerant storage container flows into the compressor.

The refrigerant storage container according to the present disclosure has an oil return mechanism. Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil remaining in the refrigerant reservoir can flow out of the refrigerant reservoir and return to the compressor by the oil return mechanism. Further, the outflow port of the outflow pipe inserted into the container body of the refrigerant storage container opens toward the bottom of the container body. That is, the outflow port of the outflow pipe opens downward. Therefore, the liquid droplets floating inside the container body are less likely to be sucked into the outlet of the outflow pipe, and the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerant storage container that includes an oil return mechanism and a structure that suppresses the outflow of liquid refrigerant from the outlet of the outflow pipe, and a refrigeration cycle device that includes the refrigerant storage container.

1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle device having a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container and a compressor of a refrigeration cycle device according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1; FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container and a compressor of a refrigeration cycle device according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2; FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 4; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 4; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 5; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 5; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 5; FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 6 from the top side; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 6 from the front side; FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 6; FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a refrigerant storage container according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 6; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container according to Embodiment 7 from the front side; FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant storage container viewed from direction A shown in FIG. 21;

A refrigerant storage container according to the present embodiment and a refrigeration cycle apparatus including the refrigerant storage container will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Also, in the following description, terms representing directions (for example, "up", "down", "right", "left", "front", "back", etc.) are used as appropriate for ease of understanding. They are intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the present disclosure.

Also, in each figure, the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and this is common throughout the specification. In each drawing, the relative dimensional relationship, shape, etc. of each component may differ from the actual one. Also, in each figure, the X direction indicates the horizontal direction of the refrigerant storage container, and the arrow indicates the direction from right to left. The Y direction indicates the front-to-rear direction of the refrigerant storage container, and the arrow indicates the front-to-rear direction. The Z direction indicates the vertical direction of the refrigerant storage container, and the arrow indicates the upward direction from the bottom. The Z direction is the vertical direction.

Embodiment 1.
(Refrigeration cycle device 100)
A refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 including a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of a refrigeration cycle device 100 having a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1 , a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes a compressor 10 , a condenser 12 , an expansion mechanism 13 , an evaporator 14 and a refrigerant storage container 101 . Compressor 10 , condenser 12 , expansion mechanism 13 , evaporator 14 , and refrigerant storage container 101 are connected by refrigerant pipe 15 . Thereby, a refrigerant circuit 200 is formed in which the refrigerant containing the refrigerator oil circulates through the refrigerant pipe 15 . In the following description, when referring to refrigerant, it is assumed that refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil are mixed unless otherwise specified.

In the refrigeration cycle device 100, the refrigerant storage container 101 and the compressor 10 are connected. In FIG. 1 , the outflow pipe 3 provided in the refrigerant storage container 101 is connected to the suction port 10 a of the compressor 10 . Outflow pipe 3 of refrigerant storage container 101 may be connected to refrigerant pipe 15 . Although not shown, the refrigerant pipe 15 connected to the suction port 10a of the compressor 10 and the outflow pipe 3 may be connected by a joint. The compressor 10 compresses the refrigerant sucked from the suction port 10a and discharges the refrigerant in a high-temperature and high-pressure state. Compressor 10 is, for example, an inverter compressor. Refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows into the condenser 12 . The refrigerant that has flowed into the condenser 12 exchanges heat with the air that passes through the condenser 12 to become high-pressure liquid refrigerant and flows out of the condenser 12 . The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed out of the condenser 12 flows into the expansion mechanism 13 .

The expansion mechanism 13 is a decompression device that decompresses and expands the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 200 . The expansion mechanism 13 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening is variably controlled. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the expansion mechanism 13 is decompressed to become a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and flows into the evaporator 14 .

The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that has flowed into the evaporator 14 exchanges heat with the air passing through the evaporator 14 and flows out of the evaporator 14 . Here, in the refrigeration cycle device 100 , the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 10 is ideally a superheated gas, but the state of the refrigerant depends on the refrigerant distribution within the refrigerant circuit 200 . Therefore, the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 14 may be gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. However, when the refrigerant containing the liquid refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 10, the refrigerating machine oil inside the shell of the compressor 10 is diluted, and the sliding parts of the compressor 10 may be seized. Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle device 100, the refrigerant storage container 101 is installed on the upstream side of the compressor 10 in the refrigerant flow direction. The refrigerant that has flowed out of the evaporator 14 flows into the refrigerant storage container 101 through the inflow pipe 2 provided in the refrigerant storage container 101 . The inflow pipe 2 may be connected to the refrigerant pipe 15 connected to the outflow side of the evaporator 14 or may be directly connected to the outflow side of the evaporator 14 .

The refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant storage container 101 is separated into gas refrigerant and liquid refrigerant, and the liquid refrigerant stays in the refrigerant storage container 101 . Gas refrigerant flows out of the refrigerant storage container 101 through the outflow pipe 3 and is sucked into the compressor 10 . Therefore, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the liquid refrigerant is separated from the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant and stored in the refrigerant storage container 101, so that the suction of the liquid refrigerant into the compressor 10 can be suppressed. .

The refrigerant storage container 101 has an oil return mechanism for causing the refrigerating machine oil remaining in the refrigerant storage container 101 to flow out. In FIG. 1, an oil return pipe 4, which is an oil return mechanism, is indicated by a broken line. The oil return pipe 4 only needs to allow the refrigerating machine oil to flow out from the refrigerant storage container 101 . For example, in FIG. 1 the oil return line 4 is connected to the outflow line 3 . Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil flowing out from the oil return pipe 4 flows into the suction port 10 a of the compressor 10 together with the gas refrigerant flowing out from the outflow pipe 3 . However, the oil return pipe 4 does not have to be connected to the outflow pipe 3 . As will be described later, the oil return pipe 4 may not be connected to the outflow pipe 3 but may be connected to the compressor 10 via the oil regulator 20 . Also, the oil return mechanism may not be the oil return pipe 4 . As will be described later, the oil return mechanism may be an oil return hole 3 b provided in the outflow pipe 3 .

The refrigeration cycle device 100 can be applied to dehumidifiers, refrigerator-freezers, air conditioners, and the like. Further, although not shown, by providing a flow path switching device capable of switching the flow path of the refrigerant on the discharge side of the compressor 10 of the refrigerant circuit 200, the air conditioner capable of switching between cooling and heating operation can be provided with a refrigeration cycle device. 100 may be applied. In cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger functions as the condenser 12 and the indoor heat exchanger functions as the evaporator 14 . In heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger functions as the condenser 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger functions as the evaporator 14 . The channel switching device is, for example, a four-way valve. Also, the channel switching device may be configured by combining two-way valves or three-way valves.

[Refrigerant storage container 101]
Refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the first embodiment. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 2 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 2 , the refrigerant storage container 101 includes a container body 1 , an inflow pipe 2 , an outflow pipe 3 and an oil return pipe 4 . The container main body 1 has a closed cylindrical shape and stores a liquid inside. The container main body 1 of the refrigerant storage container 101 is of a vertical type installed so that the axial direction of the cylindrical shape is vertical. Refrigerant oil and liquid refrigerant flowing in from the inflow pipe 2 are stored in the bottom portion 1 b of the container body 1 .

The refrigerant mixed with the refrigerating machine oil flows in a gas-liquid two-phase state through the inflow pipe 2 and into the container body 1 from the inflow port 2 a of the inflow pipe 2 . The liquid refrigerant includes those in the state of fine droplets. The liquid refrigerant that has flowed in from the inlet 2 a falls to the bottom 1 b of the container body 1 due to gravity and stays inside the container body 1 . The gas refrigerant that has flowed into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a flows into the outlet pipe 3 from the outlet 3a. The gas refrigerant that has flowed into the outflow pipe 3 flows out of the container body 1 through the outflow pipe 3 and is sucked into the compressor 10 (see FIG. 1).

The inflow pipe 2 is inserted from the side wall 1c of the container body 1, as shown in FIG. The inflow pipe 2 has a straight pipe shape inside the container body 1 . An inflow port 2 a opens toward the inner surface of the side wall 1 c of the container body 1 at the tip of the straight inflow pipe 2 . The inflow pipe 2 is provided such that the inflow port 2 a is positioned above the container body 1 . The inflow pipe 2 may be provided so that the inflow port 2a is positioned above the center of the container body 1 in the vertical direction. Also, the inflow pipe 2 may be inserted from any of the upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the container body 1 . The inlet 2a may be oriented horizontally, or may be oriented obliquely upward or obliquely downward with respect to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the shape of the inflow pipe 2 is not limited to a straight pipe shape, and may have a U shape.

The outflow pipe 3 is inserted from the ceiling 1a of the container body 1, as shown in FIG. The outflow pipe 3 has a straight pipe shape inside the container body 1 . An outflow port 3 a opens toward the bottom portion 1 b of the container body 1 at the tip of the straight outflow pipe 3 . In other words, the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 opens downward. The outflow pipe 3 of the container body 1 is provided so that the outflow port 3a is positioned above the center of the container body 1 in the vertical direction. The liquid refrigerant in the state of fine droplets that flows in from the inlet 2 a may float inside the container body 1 . Since the outflow port 3a is open downward, it is difficult for the liquid refrigerant floating in the container body 1 to be sucked. However, the shape of the outflow pipe 3 is not limited to a straight pipe shape, and may have a U shape. Also, the outflow pipe 3 may be inserted from any of the upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the container body 1 .

　In FIG. 2, the inflow pipe 2 is positioned below the outflow pipe 3. The outflow pipe 3 is provided such that the outflow port 3a is positioned above the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2 . However, the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 is not limited to that shown in FIG. The inflow pipe 2 may be provided such that the inflow port 2a is positioned above the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 . Inside the container body 1, the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 is not limited in any of the vertical, front, rear, left, and right directions.

As shown in FIG. 2, by inserting an outflow pipe 3 having an outflow port 3a opening downward from the ceiling 1a of the container body 1, the outflow pipe 3 in the refrigerant storage container 101 can be made straight. length can be shortened. Therefore, the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing out from the outflow pipe 3 can be suppressed inside the container body 1 . Therefore, the energy saving performance of the refrigeration cycle device 100 can be improved.

The refrigerant storage container 101 is provided with an oil return pipe 4 through which refrigerating machine oil flows out from the container body 1 . Refrigerant oil stays in the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 . The accumulated refrigerating machine oil flows out of the container main body 1 through the oil return pipe 4 . That is, the oil return pipe 4 is an oil return mechanism for causing the refrigerating machine oil to flow out from the refrigerant storage container 101 to the compressor 10 . In this embodiment, the oil return mechanism refers to the oil return pipe 4 . The oil return pipe 4 is provided so that the refrigerating machine oil staying in the bottom portion 1 b of the container body 1 flows out from the refrigerant storage container 101 . As shown in FIG. 2, the oil return pipe 4 is inserted into the container body 1 from the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1. As shown in FIG.

A refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment has a container body 1 for storing liquid, an inlet 2a, an inflow pipe 2 for allowing refrigerant to flow into the container body 1, and an outlet 3a. An outlet 3a of the outlet pipe 3 opens toward the bottom 1b of the container body 1.

According to this configuration, the refrigerating machine oil remaining in the container body 1 flows out of the refrigerant storage container 101 by the oil return mechanism. In addition, since the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 opens downward toward the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1, the liquid refrigerant that floats inside the container body 1 and falls due to gravity is sucked into the outflow port 3a. Hateful. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 . Therefore, the refrigerant storage container 101 can return the refrigerating machine oil to the compressor 10 by the oil return mechanism, and can suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow port 3 a of the outflow pipe 3 .

In addition, in the configuration of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment, the oil return mechanism is the oil return pipe 4 inserted into the container body 1 from the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 . Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil remaining in the bottom portion 1 b of the container body 1 can flow out of the refrigerant storage container 101 through the oil return pipe 4 .

In addition, in the configuration of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment, the outflow pipe 3 is provided such that the outflow port 3a is located above the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inflow port 2a is suppressed from being directly sucked into the outflow port 3a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

Further, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes the refrigerant storage container 101 described above, and the compressor 10 connected to the refrigerant storage container 101 via the outflow pipe 3 of the refrigerant storage container 101. The return mechanism is an oil return pipe 4 inserted into the container body 1 from the bottom 1 b of the container body 1 , and refrigerating machine oil flowing out of the oil return pipe 4 of the refrigerant storage container 101 flows into the compressor 10 . According to this configuration, the refrigerating machine oil that has flowed out of the refrigerant storage container 101 can return to the compressor 10 . Therefore, depletion of the refrigerating machine oil in the compressor 10 can be avoided, and damage to the compressor 10 can be suppressed. Further, since the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 of the refrigerant storage container 101 is suppressed, it is possible to restrain the liquid refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor 10 through the outflow pipe 3 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the refrigerating machine oil of the compressor 10 is diluted and seizure of the sliding portion of the compressor occurs. For this reason, it is possible to suppress troubles of the compressor 10 caused by depletion of the refrigerating machine oil of the compressor 10 and dilution of the refrigerating machine oil. Therefore, the reliability of the refrigeration cycle device 100 can be improved.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 1)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 3 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. In the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modified example, the shape of the outflow pipe 3 is different from the shape of the outflow pipe 3 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the outflow pipe 3 in this modification includes a first U-shaped portion 3e that protrudes downward from the container body 1 and a second U-shaped portion that protrudes upward. 3f. The outflow pipe 3 is inserted from the ceiling 1a of the container body 1, extends toward the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1, and is folded back toward the ceiling 1a near the bottom portion 1b. This folded portion forms the first U-shaped portion 3e. Further, the outflow pipe 3 is folded back toward the ceiling 1a at the first U-shaped portion 3e, extends to the vicinity of the ceiling 1a, and is folded back toward the bottom portion 1b near the ceiling 1a. A portion folded back near the ceiling 1a forms a second U-shaped portion 3f.

In this modified example, the first U-shaped portion 3e of the outflow pipe 3 is provided with an oil return hole 3b. Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil remaining in the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 flows into the outflow pipe 3 through the oil return hole 3b. The refrigerating machine oil that has flowed into the outflow pipe 3 flows out of the refrigerant storage container 101 together with the gas refrigerant. In this modification, the oil return hole 3b of the outflow pipe 3 serves as an oil return mechanism. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the oil return pipe 4 is not provided.

The outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 according to this modified example opens toward the bottom portion 1b, as in the first embodiment. That is, the outflow port 3a opens downward. Therefore, droplets floating inside the container body 1 are less likely to be sucked into the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3, and the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 can be suppressed, as in the first embodiment. Note that the difference between this modification and the first embodiment is the shape of the outflow pipe 3 and the oil return hole 3b, and the rest of the configuration and action are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

In the configuration of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modified example, the refrigerating machine oil flows out of the refrigerant storage container 101 through the oil return hole 3b. That is, the oil return mechanism is the oil return hole 3 b provided in the outflow pipe 3 . Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil can flow out from the refrigerant storage container 101 without providing the oil return pipe 4 in the refrigerant storage container 101 .

In addition, in this modified example, the outflow pipe 3 has a first U-shaped portion 3e that protrudes downward within the container body 1 and a second U-shaped portion 3f that protrudes upward within the container body 1. The first U-shaped portion 3e is located below the second U-shaped portion 3f, and the oil return hole 3b is provided in the first U-shaped portion 3e. In this configuration, since the oil return hole 3b is positioned below the inside of the container body 1, the refrigerating machine oil staying in the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 easily flows into the oil return hole 3b.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 1)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 4 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. In the refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 2, the shape of the outflow pipe 3 is different from the shape of the outflow pipe 3 in the first embodiment and the first modification. The outflow pipe 3 in Modification 2 is inserted into the container body 1 from the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1, as shown in FIG. The outflow pipe 3 inserted from the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 has a U-shaped portion 3d that protrudes upward. The outflow pipe 3 extends from the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 to near the ceiling 1a and turns back toward the bottom portion 1b near the ceiling 1a. A portion near the ceiling 1a that is folded toward the bottom 1b forms a U-shaped portion 3d.

In this modified example, an oil return hole 3b is provided in a portion of the outflow pipe 3 near the bottom 1b. As shown in FIG. 4, the oil return hole 3b is provided in the immediate vicinity of the portion where the outflow pipe 3 contacts the inner surface of the bottom portion 1b. Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil remaining in the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 flows into the outflow pipe 3 through the oil return hole 3b. The refrigerating machine oil that has flowed into the outflow pipe 3 flows out of the refrigerant storage container 101 together with the gas refrigerant. In this modification, the oil return hole 3b of the outflow pipe 3 serves as an oil return mechanism. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the oil return pipe 4 is not provided.

The outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 according to this modified example opens toward the bottom portion 1b, as in the first embodiment. That is, the outflow port 3a opens downward. For this reason, as in the first embodiment, droplets that float inside the container body 1 and fall by gravity are less likely to be sucked into the outlet 3a of the outflow pipe 3, thereby preventing the liquid refrigerant from flowing out from the outflow pipe 3. can be suppressed. Note that the difference between this modification and the first embodiment is the shape of the outflow pipe 3 and the oil return hole 3b, and the rest of the configuration and action are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

In addition, in the configuration of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modification, the outflow pipe 3 is inserted into the container body 1 from the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 and has a U-shaped portion 3d that protrudes upward within the container body. , the oil return hole 3b is provided below the U-shaped portion 3d. In this configuration, since the oil return hole 3b is positioned below the inside of the container body 1, the refrigerating machine oil staying in the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 easily flows into the oil return hole 3b. Further, in this modified example, the outflow pipe 3 is inserted from the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 . Therefore, even if the refrigerant storage container 101 having the outflow pipe 3 inserted through the ceiling 1a of the container body 1 cannot be installed due to the installation location, the refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 2 can be installed.

(Modification 3 of Embodiment 1)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing refrigerant storage container 101 and compressor 10 of refrigeration cycle device 100 according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 5 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. In refrigerant storage container 101 of refrigeration cycle device 100 according to Modification 3, oil regulator 20 is provided between oil return pipe 4 and compressor 10 . The compressor 10 and the oil regulator 20 are connected by a pressure equalizing pipe 21 and a suction pipe 22 . Except for the configuration in which the oil return pipe 4 is connected to the oil regulator 20 and the oil regulator 20 and the compressor 10 are connected by the pressure equalizing pipe 21 and the suction pipe 22 in the modification 3, is the same as form 1 of Therefore, descriptions of the same points as in the first embodiment are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5 , a refrigeration cycle device 100 according to Modification 3 includes an oil regulator 20 that is connected to a compressor 10 and adjusts the amount of refrigeration oil supplied to the compressor 10 . is connected to the oil regulator 20 . Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil that has flowed out of the refrigerant storage container 101 through the oil return pipe 4 flows into the oil regulator 20 . The oil regulator 20 and the compressor 10 are connected by a pressure equalizing pipe 21 through which gas flows to equalize the pressure between the oil regulator 20 and the compressor 10 and a suction pipe 22 through which refrigerating machine oil flows. Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil that has flowed into the oil regulator 20 flows into the compressor 10 through the suction pipe 22 . That is, the refrigerating machine oil that has flowed out of the refrigerant storage container 101 flows into the compressor 10 via the oil regulator 20 .

Since the refrigeration cycle device 100 according to Modification 3 includes the oil regulator 20, the amount of refrigeration oil supplied to the compressor 10 can be adjusted. That is, the amount of refrigerating machine oil in the compressor 10 is adjusted to an appropriate amount, and the refrigerating machine oil in the compressor 10 can be prevented from running out. Therefore, the occurrence of damage to the compressor 10 is suppressed, and the reliability of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can be improved.

(Modification 4 of Embodiment 1)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing refrigerant storage container 101 and compressor 10 of refrigeration cycle device 100 according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 6 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. In the refrigerant storage container 101 of the refrigeration cycle device 100 according to Modification 4, the oil return pipe 4 is provided with the electromagnetic valve 30 . Further, the compressor 10 is provided with an oil level sensor 31 . In Modified Example 4, the configuration and operation are the same as those of Embodiment 1 except for the configuration that the oil return pipe 4 is provided with the solenoid valve 30 and the compressor 10 is provided with the oil level sensor 31 . Therefore, descriptions of the same points as in the first embodiment are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 according to Modification 4 includes an oil level sensor 31 provided in the compressor 10 and an electromagnetic valve 30 provided in the oil return pipe 4. is connected to the inflow pipe 2 . Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil flowing out of the refrigerant storage container 101 through the oil return pipe 4 flows into the outflow pipe 3 and into the compressor 10 from the suction port 10 a of the compressor 10 . The solenoid valve 30 and the oil level sensor 31 are provided to keep the amount of refrigerating machine oil in the compressor 10 at an appropriate level. The oil level sensor 31 is a sensor that detects the position of the oil level of the refrigerating machine oil in the compressor 10 . Oil level sensor 31 is an example of a sensor that detects the amount of refrigerating machine oil in compressor 10 . The solenoid valve 30 opens and closes according to the value detected by the oil level sensor 31 provided in the compressor 10 .

Since the refrigeration cycle device 100 according to Modification 4 includes the solenoid valve 30 provided in the oil return pipe 4 and the oil level sensor 31 provided in the compressor 10, the amount of refrigeration oil supplied to the compressor 10 is can be adjusted. In other words, it is possible to prevent the refrigerating machine oil of the compressor 10 from running out by adjusting the amount of the refrigerating machine oil of the compressor 10 to an appropriate amount. Therefore, the occurrence of damage to the compressor 10 is suppressed, and the reliability of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 can be improved.

Embodiment 2.
A refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. A difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 . The following description focuses on differences from the first embodiment. Except for the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3, the configurations and functions of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the second embodiment. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 7 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are provided so that the distance between the inflow port 2a and the outflow port 3a is large. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are provided with the inflow port 2a and the outflow port 3a on opposite sides of each other with the center axis CL of the container body 1 interposed therebetween. Each of the inlet 2a and the outlet 3a is located near the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 . The distance between the inlet 2a and the outlet 3a is preferably 20% or more of the inner diameter of the container body 1. The shape of the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 is not limited as long as the distance between the inflow port 2a and the outflow port 3a is 20% or more of the inner diameter. Also, the positions where the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are inserted into the container body 1 are not limited.

In the configuration of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment, the distance between the inlet port 2a of the inflow pipe 2 and the outlet port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 is 20% or more of the inner diameter of the container body 1. That is, the outflow port 3a is provided at a position distant from the inflow port 2a. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a is prevented from being directly sucked into the outlet 3a. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 8 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The difference between this modification and the first and second embodiments is the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 . In the following, differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described. Except for the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3, the configuration and operation of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of this modified example are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, so the description is omitted. .

As shown in FIG. 8, the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are provided side by side in the vertical direction. In other words, the outflow pipe 3 is provided directly above the inflow pipe 2 . Although not shown, when the container body 1 is seen through from the ceiling 1a, the outflow pipe 3 partially overlaps the inflow pipe 2. As shown in FIG. The inflow pipe 2 is inserted from the side wall 1c of the container body 1, and the outflow pipe 3 is inserted from the ceiling 1a of the container body 1. As shown in FIG. An inflow pipe 2 is present between an outflow port 3 a of the outflow pipe 3 and the bottom portion 1 b of the container body 1 . Since the outflow port 3 a opens toward the bottom portion 1 b of the container body 1 , it opens toward the upper outer circumference of the inflow pipe 2 . Moreover, both the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 have a straight pipe shape. In the horizontal direction, the distance between the inlet 2a and the central axis CL of the container body 1 is greater than the distance between the outlet 3a and the central axis CL of the container body 1 . In other words, comparing the inflow port 2a and the outflow port 3a, the outflow port 3a is located closer to the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1. As shown in FIG.

In the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modification, the inflow pipe 2 is inserted from the side wall 1c of the container main body 1, and the outflow pipe 3 has an outflow port 3a that extends into the inflow pipe 2 when the container main body 1 is seen through from the ceiling 1a. , and the outflow port 3 a of the outflow pipe 3 is located above the inflow pipe 2 . In this configuration, the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 is located right above the inflow pipe 2, so that the inflow pipe 2 itself separates the inflow port 2a and the outflow port 3a. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a is prevented from being directly sucked into the outlet 3a. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 9 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The differences between this modification and the first and second embodiments are the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 and the shape of the inflow pipe 2 . In the following, differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described. Except for the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 and the shape of the inflow pipe 2, the configuration and operation of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of this modification are the same as those of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the explanation is omitted.

In this modified example, the outflow pipe 3 is provided such that the outflow port 3a is located above the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2. In FIG. 9, the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are provided side by side in the vertical direction. In addition, when the container body 1 is seen through from the ceiling 1a, the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 do not need to overlap. The outflow pipe 3 has an inclined portion 2b that inclines downward, and the outflow port 3a is provided at the tip of the inclined portion 2b. The inflow pipe 2 is inserted from the side wall 1c of the container body 1. As shown in FIG. The inlet 2a opens obliquely downward as shown in FIG. Also, although not shown, the inlet 2a may be provided so as to open toward the bottom 1b of the container body 1 .

In the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modified example, the inflow pipe 2 has an inclined portion 2b that inclines downward inside the container body 1, and the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2 is at the tip of the inclined portion 2b and obliquely downward. open towards. In this configuration, since the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2 opens obliquely downward, droplets of the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inflow port 2a are suppressed from scattering upward. Also, the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 is located above the inflow port 2a. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a is prevented from being directly sucked into the outlet 3a. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

Embodiment 3.
A refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. The difference between the present embodiment and Embodiments 1 and 2 is the shape of the inflow pipe 2 . In the following, differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be mainly described. The configurations and functions of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first and second embodiments except for the shape of the inflow pipe 2, so the description is omitted.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 10 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The inflow pipe 2 has an enlarged-diameter portion 2c having an inner cross-sectional area that gradually increases inside the container body 1 as the inner diameter gradually widens toward the outflow port 3a. In FIG. 10, the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 2c is shown to gradually widen inside the container body 1, but the inner diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 2c also gradually widens along with the outer diameter. In FIG. 10, the inflow pipe 2 gradually widens from a position a little away from the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1. As shown in FIG. However, the inflow pipe 2 may have a shape that gradually expands from the portion in contact with the inner surface of the side wall 1 c of the container body 1 . In other words, in the present embodiment, it is sufficient that the inflow pipe 2 has the enlarged-diameter portion 2c where the inner diameter gradually widens, and the position where the inner diameter starts to expand is not limited.

In the configuration of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment, the inflow pipe 2 has an enlarged diameter portion 2c having a cross-sectional area that gradually increases toward the inflow port 2a within the container body 1 . Therefore, the flow velocity of the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant flowing into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a decreases at the enlarged diameter portion 2c. As a result, the force of the gas refrigerant to attract fine droplets of the liquid refrigerant is weakened, and the amount of the fine droplets of the liquid refrigerant that are attracted by the gas refrigerant and rise up in the container body 1 is also reduced. Therefore, the amount of liquid refrigerant that is directly sucked into the outlet 3a by being attracted by the gas refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 3)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 11 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The difference between this modified example and Embodiments 1 to 3 is the shape of the inflow pipe 2 . The following description focuses on differences from the first to third embodiments. Except for the shape of the inflow pipe 2, the configuration and operation of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of this modified example are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, so the description is omitted.

In this modified example, a plurality of inflow pipes 2 are provided. As shown in FIG. 11, two inflow pipes 2 may be provided, or three or more inflow pipes 2 may be provided. In FIG. 11, two inflow pipes 2 are inserted from opposite portions of the side wall 1c of the container body 1, respectively. However, each of the two inflow pipes 2 may be inserted from any of the upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the container body 1 . Moreover, in this modification, it is sufficient that a plurality of inflow pipes 2 are provided, and the position and shape of each inflow pipe 2 are not limited.

A plurality of inflow pipes 2 are provided in the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modification, and the refrigerant flows into the container main body 1 from the inflow ports 2 a of the plurality of inflow pipes 2 . That is, since the refrigerant flows into the container body 1 from a plurality of inflow pipes 2, the amount of refrigerant flowing from each inflow port 2a is the same as that of one inflow pipe 2 having the same inner cross-sectional area as the inflow pipe 2 of this modification. It is less than the amount of refrigerant flowing in from the inlet 2a. Therefore, the flow velocity of the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant flowing into the container main body 1 from each inlet 2a is reduced. As a result, the force of the gas refrigerant to attract fine droplets of the liquid refrigerant is weakened, and the amount of the fine droplets of the liquid refrigerant that are attracted by the gas refrigerant and rise up in the container body 1 is also reduced. Therefore, the amount of liquid refrigerant that is directly sucked into the outlet 3a by being attracted by the gas refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

Embodiment 4.
A refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiments 1 to 3 is the shape of the outflow pipe 3 . The following description focuses on differences from the first to third embodiments. The configurations and functions of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first to third embodiments except for the shape of the outflow pipe 3, so description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 12 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The outflow pipe 3 has an enlarged diameter portion 3c in which the inner cross-sectional area gradually increases inside the container body 1 as the inner diameter gradually widens toward the outflow port 3a. In FIG. 12, the outer diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 3c is shown to gradually widen inside the container body 1, but the inner diameter of the enlarged diameter portion 3c also gradually widens along with the outer diameter. In FIG. 12 , the outflow pipe 3 gradually widens from a position a little away from the inner surface of the ceiling 1 a of the container body 1 . However, the outflow pipe 3 may have a shape that gradually widens from a portion in contact with the inner surface of the ceiling 1 a of the container body 1 . In other words, in the present embodiment, it is sufficient that the outflow pipe 3 has the enlarged-diameter portion 3c where the inner diameter gradually widens, and the position where the inner diameter starts to expand is not limited.

In the configuration of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment, the outflow pipe 3 has an enlarged diameter portion 3c in which the cross-sectional area gradually increases toward the outflow port 3a within the container body 1 . Therefore, the flow velocity of the gas refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 3a decreases at the enlarged diameter portion 3c. Therefore, the force of the gas refrigerant to attract fine droplets of the liquid refrigerant floating inside the container body 1 is weakened. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant that is directly sucked into the outlet 3a by being attracted by the gas refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 3a is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 4)
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIG. 13 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The difference between this modification and Embodiments 1 to 4 is the shape of the outflow pipe 3 . The following description focuses on the differences from the first to fourth embodiments. Except for the shape of the outflow pipe 3, the configurations of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of this modification are the same as those of Embodiments 1 to 4, so description thereof will be omitted.

In this modified example, a plurality of outflow pipes 3 are provided. As shown in FIG. 13, two outflow pipes 3 may be provided, or three or more outflow pipes 3 may be provided. In FIG. 13, two outflow pipes 3 are inserted from the ceiling 1a of the container body 1 so as to be adjacent to each other. However, each of the two outflow pipes 3 may be inserted from any of the upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the container body 1 . In addition, in this modification, it is sufficient that a plurality of outflow pipes 3 having outflow ports 3a opening toward the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 are provided, and the position and shape of each outflow pipe 3 are not limited.

A plurality of outflow pipes 3 are provided in the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modified example. That is, the total value of the opening areas of the outflow ports 3a of the plurality of outflow pipes 3 is larger than the opening area of the outflow port 3a of one outflow pipe 3 having the same inner cross-sectional area as the outflow pipe 3 of this modification. big. Therefore, the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing out from each outlet 3a of the plurality of outflow pipes 3 is the same as that of the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 3a of one outflow pipe 3 having the same inner cross-sectional area as the outflow pipe 3 of this modification. slower than the current velocity. Therefore, the force of the gas refrigerant flowing out from each outlet 3a to attract fine droplets of the liquid refrigerant floating inside the container body 1 is weakened. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant that is directly sucked into the outlet 3a by being attracted by the gas refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 3a is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

Also, the total value of the opening areas of the outflow ports 3 a of the plurality of outflow pipes 3 is larger than the opening area of the inflow ports 2 a of the inflow pipe 2 . Therefore, the flow velocity of the gas refrigerant flowing out from each outlet 3a of the plurality of outflow pipes 3 is slower than the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing in from the inlet 2a. Therefore, the force of attracting fine droplets of the liquid refrigerant floating inside the container body 1 is greater for the refrigerant flowing in from the inlet 2a than for the gas refrigerant flowing out from each outlet 3a. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant that is directly sucked into the outlet 3a by being attracted by the gas refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 3a is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

Embodiment 5.
A refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 5 will be described. The differences between this embodiment and Embodiments 1 to 4 are that the refrigerant storage container 101 has a baffle plate 5 and the positional relationship between the outlet 3a and the inlet 2a. The following description focuses on the differences from the first to fourth embodiments. The configurations of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiments 1 to 4, except for the positional relationship between the baffle plate 5 and the outlet 3a and the inlet 2a. Description is omitted.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 5. FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 is located above the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2. As shown in FIG. As described in Embodiment 1, the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 opens downward toward the bottom portion 1b of the container body 1 . The liquid refrigerant flowing from the inflow port 2a drops due to gravity. Since the outflow port 3a is located above the inflow port 2a, the liquid refrigerant flowing in from the inflow port 2a is suppressed from being directly sucked into the outflow port 3a.

The baffle plate 5 has a flat plate shape. The baffle plate 5 is cantilevered on the inner surface of the container body 1 . The state in which the baffle plate 5 is supported in a cantilever manner on the inner surface of the container body 1 means that a part of the plate thickness surface of the baffle plate 5 is connected to the inner surface of the container body 1 and the other end of the connected plate thickness surface is a free end. As shown in FIG. 14, the baffle plate 5 is cantilevered on the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 facing the inlet 2a of the inflow pipe 2. As shown in FIG. The baffle plate 5 is provided so as to incline upward from the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 . The baffle plate 5 is provided so that the plate surface having the largest area of the baffle plate 5 faces the inlet 2a. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant flowing into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a collides with the plate surface of the baffle plate 5 having the largest area and flows downward. In addition, fine droplets of liquid refrigerant that flow into the container main body 1 from the inlet 2a and float inside the container main body 1 collide with the plate surface of the baffle plate 5 having the largest area, and the droplets collide with each other. gather and flow downwards. Hereinafter, the plate surface having the maximum area of the baffle plate 5 with which the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a collides is referred to as a collision surface 5a.

The baffle plate 5 is provided below the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3. Since the liquid refrigerant flowing into the container main body 1 from the inlet 2a flows downward by the baffle plate 5, the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a reaches the outlet 3a located above the baffle plate 5 and the inlet 2a. Absorption is suppressed. The baffle plate 5 is provided at a position where the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2 a collides with the baffle plate 5 . The baffle plate 5 may extend from the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 to near the inlet 2a, or the inflow pipe 2 may be provided so that the inlet 2a is positioned near the baffle plate 5. good.

A refrigerant storage container 101 according to this embodiment has a baffle plate 5 that is cantilevered on the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1, and the baffle plate 5 faces the inlet port 2a of the inflow pipe 2. It is provided so as to be inclined upward from the inner surface portion of the side wall 1c. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a collides with the baffle plate 5 extending obliquely upward from the inner surface of the facing side wall 1c. The liquid refrigerant that collides with the baffle plate 5 flows downward. Further, fine droplets of liquid refrigerant that flow into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a and float inside the container body 1 also collide with the baffle plate 5, collect the droplets, and flow downward. In the present embodiment, the outflow port 3a of the outflow pipe 3 is positioned above the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2 . Therefore, the liquid refrigerant containing fine droplets that has flowed into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a is suppressed from being sucked into the outlet 3a positioned above. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 5)
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 5. As shown in FIG. Although the baffle plate 5 described above with reference to FIG. 14 has a flat plate shape, the baffle plate 5 may have a curved surface shape as shown in FIG. 15 . In this modified example, as shown in FIG. 15, the baffle plate 5 has an arcuate longitudinal cross-section that is upwardly convex. In other words, the collision surface 5a of the baffle plate 5 is curved to have an upwardly convex curved shape. Therefore, when the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a collides with the baffle plate 5, scattering of the liquid refrigerant is suppressed. Further, since the collision surface 5a is curved, the liquid refrigerant that has collided with the baffle plate 5 easily flows downward along the collision surface 5a and the inner surface of the container body 1. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant that has collided with the collision surface 5a is guided downward more reliably. In addition, since the curved collision surface 5a has a component extending in the horizontal direction, the liquid refrigerant containing fine droplets flowing into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a can be covered from above, and the fine droplets can be prevented from rising. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a is prevented from being sucked into the outlet 3a positioned above. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 5)
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 5. As shown in FIG. The baffle plate 5 has a flat plate shape. The baffle plate 5 extends downward from a portion of the inner surface of the container body 1 that is the inner surface of the ceiling 1 a of the container body 1 . The baffle plate 5 is cantilevered on the inner surface of the ceiling 1a of the container body 1 . The baffle plate 5 is provided so as to separate the inner surface of the side wall 1 c of the container body 1 facing the inflow port 2 a of the inflow pipe 2 from the outflow port 3 a of the outflow pipe 3 . Therefore, when the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a collides with the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 facing the inlet 2a and scatters, the scattered liquid refrigerant has the maximum area of the baffle plate 5. collide with the board. Hereinafter, the plate surface having the maximum area of the baffle plate 5 with which the liquid refrigerant collides with the inner surface of the container body 1 and scatters is referred to as a collision surface 5b.

The liquid refrigerant that flows into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a, collides with the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 and scatters, collides with the collision surface 5b of the baffle plate 5 and drops. Therefore, when the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a collides with the inner surface of the container body 1 and scatters, the baffle plate 5 can prevent the scattered droplets from being sucked into the outlet 3a. Further, the liquid refrigerant in the form of fine droplets flowing into the container main body 1 from the inlet 2a collides with the collision surface 5b of the baffle plate 5, and the droplets gather together and flow downward. Therefore, fine droplets of the liquid refrigerant can be prevented from floating inside the container body 1 and being sucked into the outflow port 3 a of the outflow pipe 3 .

The baffle plate 5 preferably separates the inlet 2a and the outlet 3a in all of the X, Y and Z directions. By doing so, fine liquid refrigerant droplets that have flowed into the container body 1 from the inlet 2a are blocked by the baffle plate 5 and are less likely to flow directly into the outlet 3a. Further, even if the liquid refrigerant collides with the baffle plate 5 and scatters, the scattered droplets are less likely to be sucked into the outlet 3a.

Embodiment 6.
A refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 6 will be described. The difference between this embodiment and Embodiments 1 to 5 is that the refrigerant storage container 101 is a cyclone-type refrigerant storage container 101 that utilizes centrifugal force. The following description focuses on the differences from the first to fifth embodiments. The configurations and functions of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments except that the refrigerant storage container 101 is of the cyclone type. omitted.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 6 from the top side. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 6 from the front side. Solid-line arrows shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant.

A refrigerant storage container 101 of the present embodiment has a cylindrical container body 1 . The container main body 1 is of a vertical type installed so that the axial direction of the cylindrical shape is vertical. The inflow pipe 2 has an inflow port 2a that opens toward the tangential direction of the curved inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2 flows downward along the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 while swirling in the circumferential direction. In this manner, the liquid refrigerant that has flowed in from the inlet 2a flows downward along the inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1, thereby suppressing scattering of the liquid refrigerant. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inflow port 2a is suppressed from being sucked into the outflow port 3a.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 6)
FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a schematic front view of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 6. As shown in FIG. Solid-line arrows shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. The shape of the inflow pipe 2 of this modified example will be described below, focusing on the differences from the sixth embodiment. Except for the shape of the inflow pipe 2, the configurations of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigerating cycle device 100 of this modified example are the same as those of the sixth embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20, the inflow pipe 2 according to this modified example has a sloped portion 2b that slopes downward. The inlet 2a is provided at the tip of the inclined portion 2b. The inlet 2a opens in a tangential direction to the curved inner surface of the side wall 1c of the container body 1 . Since the inclined portion 2b of the inflow pipe 2 is inclined downward, the shape of the inflow pipe 2 does not differ between the sixth embodiment and this modified example when the refrigerant storage container 101 is viewed from above. Therefore, FIGS. 17 and 19 are not different. The inlet 2a opens obliquely downward as shown in FIG.

In the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modified example, the inflow pipe 2 has an inclined portion 2b that inclines downward inside the container body 1, and the inflow port 2a of the inflow pipe 2 is at the tip of the inclined portion 2b and obliquely downward. open towards. Therefore, droplets of the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inlet 2a are prevented from scattering upward. Therefore, the liquid refrigerant flowing from the inflow port 2a is suppressed from being directly sucked into the outflow port 3a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the liquid refrigerant from the outflow pipe 3 .

Embodiment 7.
FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the refrigerant storage container 101 according to Embodiment 7 from the front side. Solid line arrows shown in FIG. 21 conceptually indicate the flow of the refrigerant. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant storage container 101 viewed from direction A shown in FIG. Note that the A direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the container body 1 .

In the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment, the shape of the container body 1 is different from the shape of the container body 1 in the first to fifth embodiments. In Embodiments 1 to 5, the container body 1 of the refrigerant storage container 101 is of the vertical type. As shown in FIG. 21, the container body 1 according to the present embodiment is of a horizontal type which is installed so that the axial direction of the cylindrical shape is horizontal. The configuration and operation of the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first to fifth embodiments except that the container body 1 is of a horizontal type, so description thereof will be omitted. omitted. Since Embodiment 6 is a cyclone-type refrigerant storage container 101, this Embodiment and Embodiment 6 cannot be combined.

21 and 22 show the horizontal container body 1 having a perfect circular shape when viewed from the side. However, the shape of the container body 1 when viewed from the side is not limited to a perfect circle. Although not shown, the shape of the container body 1 when viewed from the side may be an ellipse. 21, the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are inserted into the container main body 1 from the ceiling 1a of the container main body 1. However, as in the first embodiment, the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 are connected to the container. It may be inserted from any of the upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the main body 1 . Further, the positional relationship between the inflow pipe 2 and the outflow pipe 3 inside the container body 1 is not limited in any of the vertical, front, rear, left, and right directions.

Since the container body 1 of the refrigerant storage container 101 according to the present embodiment is of a horizontal type, the height of the refrigerant storage container 101 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the refrigerant storage container 101 having the vertical container body 1 cannot be installed due to the installation location, the refrigerant storage container 101 according to this modification can be installed.

The modifications of Embodiments 1 to 7 and Embodiments 1 to 6 have been described above. The refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 are not limited to the modifications of the first to seventh embodiments and the modifications of the first to sixth embodiments described above, and are within the scope of the gist. Various modifications and applications are possible. That is, the refrigerant storage container 101 and the refrigeration cycle device 100 include a range of design changes and application variations that are normally made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical idea thereof.

1 container body, 1a ceiling, 1b bottom, 1c side wall, 2 inflow pipe, 2a inflow port, 2b inclined portion, 2c enlarged diameter portion, 3 outflow pipe, 3a outflow port, 3b oil return hole, 3c enlarged diameter portion, 3d U 3e 1st U-shaped part 3f 2nd U-shaped part 4 Oil return pipe 5 Baffle plate

5a Collision surface

5b Collision surface 10 Compressor 10a Suction port 12 Condenser 13 Expansion mechanism 14 Evaporation vessel, 15 refrigerant pipe, 20 oil regulator, 21 pressure equalizing pipe, 22 suction pipe, 30 electromagnetic valve, 31 oil level sensor, 100 refrigeration cycle device, 101 refrigerant storage container, 200 refrigerant circuit, CL central axis.

Claims

a container body for storing liquid;
an inflow pipe that has an inflow port and allows the refrigerant to flow into the container body;
an outflow pipe that has an outflow port and causes the refrigerant to flow out from the container body;
an oil return mechanism for flowing out refrigerating machine oil from the container body,
The refrigerant storage container, wherein the outlet of the outflow pipe opens toward the bottom of the container body.
The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein the outflow pipe is provided such that the outflow port is positioned above the inflow port of the inflow pipe.
3. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the inlet of the inlet pipe and the outlet of the outlet pipe is 20% or more of the inner diameter of the container body.
The inflow pipe is inserted from the side wall of the container body,
The outflow pipe is provided so that the outflow port overlaps a part of the inflow pipe when the container body is seen through from the ceiling,
The refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outflow port of the outflow pipe is located above the inflow pipe.
The inflow pipe has an inclined portion that inclines downward within the container body,
3. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 2, wherein the inflow port of the inflow pipe opens obliquely downward at the tip of the inclined portion.
6. The refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inflow pipe has an enlarged diameter portion in the container body, the cross-sectional area of which gradually increases toward the inflow port.
A plurality of the inflow pipes are provided,
The refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the refrigerant flows into the container body from the inlets of the plurality of inflow pipes.
6. The refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outflow pipe has an enlarged diameter portion in which the cross-sectional area gradually increases toward the outflow port within the container main body.
A plurality of outflow pipes are provided,
The refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the total opening area of the outflow ports of the plurality of outflow pipes is larger than the opening area of the inflow ports of the inflow pipe. .
A baffle plate supported in a cantilever manner on the inner surface of the side wall of the container body,
3. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 2, wherein the baffle plate is inclined upward from the portion of the inner surface of the side wall facing the inlet of the inflow pipe.
11. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 10, wherein the baffle plate has an upwardly convex curved shape.
A baffle plate supported in a cantilever manner on the inner surface of the ceiling of the container body,
3. The refrigerant storage container according to claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the side wall of the container body facing the inflow port of the inflow pipe and the outflow port of the outflow pipe are separated from each other by the baffle plate.
The container body has a vertical cylindrical shape,
The refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inflow port of the inflow pipe opens in a tangential direction to the inner surface of the side wall of the container body.
The refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the oil return mechanism is an oil return pipe inserted into the container body from the bottom portion of the container body.
The refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the oil return mechanism is an oil return hole provided in the outflow pipe.
The outflow pipe is
a first U-shaped portion projecting downward within the container body;
a second U-shaped portion that protrudes upward within the container body,
The first U-shaped portion is positioned below the second U-shaped portion,
The refrigerant storage container according to claim 15, wherein the oil return hole is provided in the first U-shaped portion.
The outflow pipe is inserted into the container body from the bottom of the container body and has a U-shaped portion that protrudes upward within the container body,
The refrigerant storage container according to claim 15, wherein the oil return hole is provided below the U-shaped portion.
a refrigerant storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 13;
a compressor connected to the refrigerant storage container via the outflow pipe of the refrigerant storage container,
The oil return mechanism is an oil return pipe inserted into the container body from the bottom of the container body,
A refrigeration cycle device in which the refrigerating machine oil flowing out from the oil return pipe of the refrigerant storage container flows into the compressor.
an oil regulator connected to the compressor for adjusting the amount of the refrigerating machine oil supplied to the compressor;
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the oil return pipe is connected to the oil regulator.
an oil level sensor provided in the compressor;
and a solenoid valve provided in the oil return pipe,
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the oil return pipe is connected to the outflow pipe.