WO2008069092A1 - Refrigeration device - Google Patents
Refrigeration device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008069092A1 WO2008069092A1 PCT/JP2007/073059 JP2007073059W WO2008069092A1 WO 2008069092 A1 WO2008069092 A1 WO 2008069092A1 JP 2007073059 W JP2007073059 W JP 2007073059W WO 2008069092 A1 WO2008069092 A1 WO 2008069092A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- oil
- pipe
- compressor
- amount
- refrigerant
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B43/00—Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat
- F25B43/02—Arrangements for separating or purifying gases or liquids; Arrangements for vaporising the residuum of liquid refrigerant, e.g. by heat for separating lubricants from the refrigerant
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B31/00—Compressor arrangements
- F25B31/002—Lubrication
- F25B31/004—Lubrication oil recirculating arrangements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2313/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for
- F25B2313/027—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for characterised by the reversing means
- F25B2313/02741—Compression machines, plants or systems with reversible cycle not otherwise provided for characterised by the reversing means using one four-way valve
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/16—Lubrication
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25B2500/19—Calculation of parameters
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/25—Control of valves
- F25B2600/2519—On-off valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/03—Oil level
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus, and particularly relates to measures for recovering excess oil of a compressor.
- the refrigeration apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a refrigerant circuit that is a closed circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe.
- a refrigerant circuit that is a closed circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe.
- the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor returns to the compressor through the condensation process, the expansion process, and the evaporation process in order.
- Patent Document 1 JP 2001-304699 A
- a refrigerating machine oil storage section for lubricating each sliding section is provided.
- a part of the refrigerating machine oil supplied to each sliding portion is discharged together with the compressed high-pressure refrigerant. Therefore, in general, an oil separator is provided in the discharge pipe of the compressor to separate the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil, and the separated refrigerating machine oil is returned to the suction side of the compressor.
- the refrigeration oil since the refrigeration oil cannot be completely separated, the refrigeration oil that has not been separated flows through the refrigerant circuit together with the refrigerant. A part of the refrigerating machine oil flowing through the refrigerant circuit returns to the compressor together with the refrigerant, but the rest adheres to the refrigerant pipe and the like. Accordingly, since the amount of return of the refrigeration oil in the compressor is insufficient in this state and poor lubrication occurs, conventionally, the amount of refrigeration oil estimated in advance by the amount adhering to the refrigerant pipe or the like is stored in the compressor. .
- the amount of refrigerating machine oil to be accommodated in the compressor may be changed according to the total length of the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerating apparatus to be mounted, but this takes a lot of labor and labor, Generally, the total length of the refrigerant piping is set to be the same for the longest.
- the compressor is mounted on a refrigeration apparatus of a type having a short refrigerant pipe length, excess refrigeration oil is generated.
- the amount of refrigerating machine oil that flows out of the compressor and adheres to the refrigerant piping and the like increases.
- the present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to recover surplus oil (surplus refrigerating machine oil) discharged from the compressor in a refrigerating apparatus having a compressor, This is to reduce the amount of oil adhering to the refrigerant piping.
- the first invention communicates with the compressor (21), an oil separator (22) connected to the discharge side of the compressor (21), and the oil separator (22).
- a freezing device With a freezing device!
- the refrigerant is circulated in the refrigerant circuit (20), and the vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed. That is, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) returns to the compressor (21) again through the condensation process (heat radiation process), the expansion process, and the evaporation process in order.
- the compressor (21) contains refrigeration oil. Most of the refrigeration oil that flows out of the compressor (21) together with the refrigerant is separated by the oil separator (22). Slight refrigeration oil that has not been separated by the oil separator (22) flows together with the refrigerant, a part of it stays attached to the refrigerant pipe and the like, and the rest is sucked together with the refrigerant into the compressor (21).
- the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil reservoir (32) is adjusted. Thereby, even if surplus refrigeration oil is stored in the compressor (21), the surplus oil can be stored (collected) in the oil reservoir (32). As a result, the amount of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the oil separator (22) and flowing through the refrigerant circuit (20) is suppressed, and the amount of oil adhering to the refrigerant pipe is reduced.
- the oil separator (22) and the oil sump container (32) are arranged such that the refrigerating machine oil of the oil separator (22) flows therethrough (31 ).
- the oil reservoir container (32) is disposed below the oil separator (22).
- the oil sump container (32) is located under the oil separator (22)! /, So that it is separated by the oil separator (22). Refrigerating machine oil flows into the sump container (32) through its flow pipe (31) by its own weight. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a means for allowing the refrigerating machine oil to flow from the oil separator (22) to the oil sump container (32). That is, the oil sump container (32) of the present invention is provided at a position where the refrigerating machine oil flows down from the oil separator (22) by its own weight.
- a gas refrigerant is sealed in the oil sump container (32).
- the refrigerant circuit (20) has an on-off valve (36), one end communicating with the gas refrigerant space in the oil reservoir (32) and the other end on the on-off valve (35) in the connection pipe (35).
- 33) provided with a pressure reducing pipe (38) connected to the downstream of the oil sump container (32) for pressure reduction.
- the pressure reducing pipe (38) allows the oil reservoir (32) and the suction side of the compressor (21) to communicate with each other. Therefore, when the on-off valve (36) is opened, the gas refrigerant in the oil reservoir (32) flows to the suction side of the compressor (21) through the pressure reducing pipe (38), and the pressure in the oil reservoir (32) is reduced. The Then, the pressure inside the oil separator (22) is almost the same as the discharge pressure of the compressor (21), and a pressure difference is generated between the oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32). Due to this pressure difference, the refrigeration oil in the oil separator (22) flows into the oil reservoir (32). Thereby, the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) is stored (collected) in the oil sump container (32).
- the surplus oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil stored in the compressor (21) is calculated based on the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20), Control means (4) for opening the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35) at predetermined intervals determined in advance according to the excess oil amount. 0).
- the surplus oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil is calculated based on the refrigerant pipe length of the actual refrigerant circuit (20).
- the amount of refrigeration oil stored in the compressor (21) takes into account the amount of refrigeration oil adhering to the longest possible refrigerant piping length. Therefore, if the actual refrigerant pipe length is shorter than expected, an excess oil amount is generated by that short amount, and the excess oil amount is calculated from the actual refrigerant pipe length.
- the refrigerant pipe length referred to here is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the pipe from the both ends of the indoor heat exchanger (26) to the second port of the four-way selector valve (23) and the expansion mechanism (25). The length of the pipe up to and the tube length of each heat exchanger (24, 26).
- a predetermined time is set in advance according to the calculated surplus oil amount, and the on-off valve (33) is switched to the open state every predetermined time.
- the on-off valve (33) opens, the refrigeration oil flows from the oil reservoir (32) through the connection pipe (35) into the compressor (21).
- the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil reservoir (32) is adjusted. That is, by changing the opening / closing timing of the on-off valve (33), the amount of refrigerating machine oil in the oil sump container (32) is adjusted, and the force S for storing the desired surplus oil amount in the sump container (32) can be achieved. .
- the surplus oil amount of the refrigeration oil stored in the compressor (21) is calculated based on a refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20),
- Control means (40) is provided for opening the on-off valve (33) of the connecting pipe (35) and closing the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) at predetermined time intervals determined in advance according to the surplus oil amount.
- the surplus oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil is calculated based on the actual refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20).
- a predetermined time is preset according to the calculated surplus oil amount, and the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35) is opened at every predetermined time, and the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is opened. Switches to the closed state. That is, when the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is opened, the on-off valve (33) of the connecting pipe (35) is closed, and when the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is closed, the connecting pipe The open / close valve (33) of (35) opens.
- control means (40) is configured such that the refrigerating machine oil adheres to the refrigerant pipe according to the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20). The amount is estimated, and the excess oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil stored in the compressor (21) is calculated from the estimated adhesion amount! /.
- the amount of refrigeration oil attached to the refrigerant pipe is estimated from the actual refrigerant pipe length. Then, the difference between the estimated amount of adhesion and the amount of refrigeration oil adhering to the assumed longest refrigerant pipe length is calculated as the surplus of the refrigeration oil stored in the compressor (21).
- control means (40) is configured to lengthen the predetermined time as the calculated surplus oil amount increases. .
- the heat source side heat exchanger (24), the compressor (21), the oil separator (22), and the oil reservoir (32) are provided. It is equipped with a heat source unit (11) in which is stored and a usage unit (12) in which the usage-side heat exchanger (26) is stored.
- the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20) is the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) that connects the heat source unit (11) and the utilization unit (12).
- the evaporated refrigerant returns to the compressor (21) through the connecting pipe (2c).
- the refrigerant that has also discharged the compressor (21) force flows through the connecting pipe (2c) to the user-side heat exchanger (26), condenses (heatsinks), and then Heat source side heat exchanger through connecting pipe (2d) (24) To flow and evaporate.
- the refrigeration apparatus (10) has a particular difference in the length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) depending on the installation location. That is, depending on the installation location of the refrigeration system (10), the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) becomes longer, and the amount of oil attached to the pipe increases accordingly. Therefore, in the present invention, the surplus oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil stored in the compressor (21) is calculated based on the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d). Therefore, the excess oil amount of refrigeration oil can be accurately grasped.
- a plurality of the use units (12) are provided and connected in parallel to each other.
- the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20) is the average length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) connecting the heat source unit (11) and each utilization unit (12).
- the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) are branched and connected to each utilization unit (12).
- the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) for each usage unit (12) differs depending on the installation location of the usage unit (12). Therefore, in the present invention, the surplus oil amount of the refrigeration oil accommodated in the compressor (21) is calculated based on the average length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) of each utilization unit (12). Therefore, the excess oil amount of refrigeration oil can be grasped without excess or deficiency.
- a connecting pipe (35) is provided to return the refrigeration oil stored in the tank to the suction side of the compressor (21). Therefore, all the refrigerating machine oil that has flowed out of the compressor (21) and separated by the oil separator (22) is recovered in the oil sump container (32), and a part of the recovered refrigerating machine oil can be optionally added to the compressor ( 21).
- the surplus refrigeration oil can always be stored in the oil sump container (32), and the amount of refrigeration oil flowing through the refrigerant circuit (20) through the oil separator (22). Can suppress force S.
- the oil sump container (32) is disposed below the oil separator (22). As a result, it is possible to force the refrigeration oil in the oil separator (22) to flow into the sump container (32) by its own weight. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost and reduce the cost of the refrigeration apparatus, which does not require a separate means for injecting refrigeration oil from the oil separator (22) into the oil reservoir (32).
- the pressure reducing pipe (38) for reducing the pressure of the oil reservoir (32) is provided, the arrangement relationship between the oil reservoir (32) and the oil separator (22) is provided. Therefore, the refrigeration oil of the oil separator (22) can be introduced into the oil sump container (32). Therefore, the degree of freedom of installation of the oil sump container (32) can be increased, and the refrigeration apparatus can be simplified.
- the opening / closing timing of the on-off valve (33) is determined based on the surplus oil amount calculated according to the total length of the pipe.
- the surplus refrigeration oil can be reliably stored in the storage container (32). In other words, the amount of refrigeration oil necessary for lubrication of the compressor (21) can be reliably returned to the compressor (21). Accordingly, excess refrigeration oil can be recovered while preventing poor lubrication of the compressor (21).
- the larger the calculated excess oil amount the longer the closing time of the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35).
- the shorter the calculated excess oil amount the shorter the closing time of the on-off valve (33) of the connecting pipe (35).
- the on-off valve (33) can be appropriately controlled according to the surplus oil amount, and surplus refrigerating machine oil can be reliably stored in the oil reservoir (32).
- the surplus oil amount of the refrigeration oil is calculated based on the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) connecting the heat source unit (11) and the utilization unit (12).
- the excess oil amount can be determined appropriately according to the installation location. Therefore, excess refrigeration oil in the compressor (21) can be reliably recovered.
- the freezing is performed based on the average length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) of each usage unit (12).
- the excess oil amount of machine oil was calculated. Therefore, the excess oil amount can be grasped without excess and deficiency, and excess refrigeration oil in the compressor (21) can be reliably recovered.
- FIG. 1 is a piping system diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.
- FIG. 2 is a piping system diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2.
- FIG. 3 is a piping system diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3. Explanation of symbols
- Air conditioning equipment (refrigeration equipment)
- the air conditioner (10) of this embodiment includes a refrigerant circuit (20) that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating refrigerant.
- This air conditioner (10) constitutes a refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention.
- the refrigerant circuit (20) includes a compressor (21), an oil separator (22), a four-way selector valve (23), an outdoor heat exchanger (24), and an expansion mechanism (25). And an indoor heat exchanger (26).
- the compressor (21) and the four-way selector valve (23) are connected to each other by refrigerant piping. It is.
- the suction pipe (2b) of the compressor (21) is connected to the third port of the four-way switching valve (23).
- the discharge pipe (2a) of the compressor (21) is connected to the first port of the four-way selector valve (23) via the oil separator (22).
- the oil separator (22) is for separating the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and the refrigerating machine oil.
- the fourth port of the four-way selector valve (23) is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (24).
- the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (24) is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger (26) via the expansion mechanism (25).
- the other end of the indoor heat exchanger (26) is connected to the second port of the four-way selector valve (23).
- the compressor (21) is constituted by, for example, a hermetic high-pressure dome type scroll compressor. That is, the inside of the casing of the compressor (21) is a high pressure space. Although not shown, a refrigerating machine oil reservoir is provided at the bottom of the casing.
- the outdoor heat exchanger (24) and the indoor heat exchanger (26) are so-called cross fin type fin 'and' tube heat exchangers. That is, in these heat exchangers (24, 26), a copper tube passes through a plurality of aluminum fins.
- An outdoor fan (27) and an indoor fan (28) are provided near the outdoor heat exchanger (24) and the indoor heat exchanger (26), respectively.
- the outdoor heat exchanger (24) constitutes a heat source side heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air taken in by the outdoor fan (27).
- the indoor heat exchanger (26) constitutes a use side heat exchanger in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan (28).
- the expansion mechanism (25) is composed of an expansion valve with variable opening.
- the four-way selector valve (23) includes a first state (state indicated by a solid line in Fig. 1) in which the first port and the fourth port communicate with each other and the second port and the third port communicate with each other. It is configured to switch to a second state (state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) in which the first port and the second port communicate and the third port and the fourth port communicate.
- a first state state indicated by a solid line in Fig. 1
- the refrigerant circulates in the cooling cycle
- the outdoor heat exchanger (24) serves as a condenser (radiator) for indoor heat exchange.
- Vessels (26) each function as an evaporator.
- the outdoor heat exchanger (24) serves as an evaporator
- the indoor heat exchanger (26) As a condenser (heatsink) It functions.
- the refrigerant circuit (20) is provided with a surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) as a feature of the present invention.
- This surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) includes an oil inflow pipe (31), an oil sump container (32), an on-off valve (33), a capillary tube (34) and an oil outflow pipe (35)! /,
- the oil reservoir container (32) constitutes a sealed container, and is connected to the oil separator (22) by an oil inflow pipe (31).
- the oil sump container (32) is disposed below the oil separator (22).
- the oil sump container (32) is configured such that the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) flows through the oil inflow pipe (31) by its own weight. That is, the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) is configured to recover all the refrigerating machine oil that has flowed out of the compressor (21) and separated by the oil separator (22) into the oil reservoir (32).
- the oil inflow pipe (31) constitutes a flow pipe according to the present invention.
- the oil outflow pipe (35) is connected to the bottom of the oil sump container (32) and to the middle of the suction pipe (2b) of the compressor (21) to constitute a connection pipe according to the present invention.
- the oil spill pipe (35) is provided with the on-off valve (33) and the capillary tube (34) in this order from the oil reservoir container (32) side. That is, in the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30), when the on-off valve (33) is opened, the refrigerating machine oil in the oil reservoir (32) passes through the oil outflow pipe (35) and the suction pipe (2b) of the compressor (21). ). Further, the refrigerating machine oil flowing through the oil outflow pipe (35) is adjusted to a predetermined flow rate by the capillary tube (34).
- the on-off valve (33) is composed of a solenoid valve.
- the refrigeration system (10) includes the compressor (21), the oil separator (22), the four-way switching valve (23), the outdoor heat exchanger (24), the expansion mechanism (25), and the outdoor fan. And an outdoor unit (11) in which the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) is stored, and an indoor unit (12) in which the indoor heat exchanger (27) and the indoor fan (28) are stored. .
- the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) constitute a heat source unit and a utilization unit according to the present invention.
- the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) are connected by a communication gas pipe (2c) and a communication liquid pipe (2d) which are communication pipes.
- the communication liquid pipe (2d) is connected between the expansion mechanism (25) and one end of the indoor heat exchanger (26).
- the communication gas pipe (2c) is connected between the other end of the indoor heat exchanger (26) and the second port of the four-way selector valve (23). That is, the communication gas pipe (2c) and the communication liquid pipe (2d) constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit (20).
- the air conditioner (10) includes a controller (40).
- the controller (40) is provided with a surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) and an on-off valve control unit (42).
- the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) manually inputs the total length of the communication gas pipe (2c) and the communication liquid pipe (2d) (hereinafter referred to as the communication pipe length). Then, the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) calculates the surplus portion (hereinafter referred to as surplus oil amount) of the refrigeration oil in the compressor (21) based on the input connection pipe length. It is configured. That is, in this embodiment, the communication pipe length is the refrigerant pipe length according to the present invention. Specifically, the “surplus oil amount” is calculated by the following formula.
- the amount of oil adhering to the refrigerant oil flowing out of the compressor (21) flows without being separated by the oil separator (22), and flows through the refrigerant pipes and the heat exchangers (24, 26).
- This is the estimated amount attached to the tube, and is estimated according to the communication pipe length.
- the “designed amount of attached oil” is the amount of attached oil estimated for the longest possible connecting pipe length. That is, it is a fixed value that is uniformly determined for any air conditioner.
- “Actual oil adhesion amount” is the amount of oil estimated with respect to the length of the connecting pipe in the actual air conditioner (10), and is the adhesion amount according to the present invention. Therefore, the “surplus oil amount” is calculated by the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) by estimating the “actual machine attached oil amount” corresponding to the inputted actual connection pipe length.
- the on-off valve control unit (42) stores the on-off valve (33) so that the refrigeration oil is stored in the oil reservoir container (32) by the amount of surplus oil calculated by the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41). ) Is controlled. Specifically, the on-off valve control unit (42) opens the on-off valve (33) every predetermined time T1 determined in advance according to the excess oil amount. The predetermined time T1 is set to become longer as the calculated excess oil amount increases. In other words, the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) always flows refrigeration oil from the oil separator (22) into the oil sump container (32) during operation, but the refrigeration oil exceeding the surplus oil amount enters the sump container (32). Periodically, the oil reservoir (32) force refrigeration oil is returned to the compressor (21) so that the machine oil is not stored. Detailed control contents will be described later.
- This air conditioner (10) is configured to be switchable between a cooling operation and a heating operation.
- the refrigerant circulates in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 1, and a cooling cycle is performed. Specifically, the four-way selector valve (23) is set to the first state, and the opening degree of the expansion mechanism (25) is adjusted as appropriate.
- the compressor (21) is driven in this state (when operation is started)
- the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) to the discharge pipe (2a) passes through the oil separator (22).
- the outdoor heat exchanger (24) In the outdoor heat exchanger (24), the high-pressure refrigerant dissipates heat to the outdoor air and condenses.
- the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (24) is depressurized by the expansion mechanism (25) and then flows to the indoor heat exchanger (26).
- the indoor heat exchanger (26) the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates.
- the room air is cooled and supplied to the room.
- the low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (26) is drawn into the compressor (21) from the suction pipe (2b).
- the refrigerant circulates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1, and a heating cycle is performed.
- the four-way selector valve (23) is set to the second state, and the opening degree of the expansion mechanism (25) is adjusted as appropriate.
- the compressor (21) force high-pressure refrigerant is discharged to the discharge pipe (2a), and then to the indoor heat exchanger (26) via the oil separator (22).
- the indoor heat exchanger (26) the high-pressure refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air and condenses.
- the room air is heated and supplied to the room.
- the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (26) is depressurized by the expansion mechanism (25) and then flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (24).
- the outdoor heat exchanger (24) the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates.
- the low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (24) is sucked into the compressor (21) through the suction pipe (2b).
- the on-off valve (33) is set to the closed state, and the communication pipe length is manually input to the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41). Then, the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) calculates the surplus oil amount.
- the on-off valve control section (42) switches the on-off valve (33) to an open state. During this predetermined time T1, the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil sump container (32) increases. Then, when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since switching to the open state, the on-off valve control section (42) closes the on-off valve (33) again. While this on-off valve (33) is open (during a predetermined time T2), refrigeration oil flows from the oil separator (22) into the oil reservoir (32), while refrigeration oil from the oil reservoir (32). Flows into the suction pipe (2b) of the compressor (21) at a predetermined flow rate.
- An oil outflow pipe (35) is provided to return to the suction pipe (2b) of 21). Therefore, all the refrigerating machine oil flowing out from the compressor (21) and separated by the oil separator (22) is recovered in the oil reservoir (32), and a part of the recovered refrigerating machine oil is optionally compressed. Return to (21).
- surplus refrigeration oil can always be stored in the oil reservoir (32), and the amount of refrigeration oil flowing through the refrigerant circuit (20) through the oil separator (22) can be reduced. Can be suppressed.
- the oil sump container (32) can be arranged below the oil separator (22), and the refrigerating machine oil of the oil separator (22) can be guided to the sump container (32) by its own weight. Therefore, the oil separator (22) Therefore, surplus refrigeration oil can be recovered in the oil sump container (32) with a simple configuration without separately providing power means for introducing the refrigeration oil into the oil sump container (32). As a result, a compact and low-cost air conditioner (10) can be provided.
- the amount of oil attached to the actual machine varies greatly depending on the length of the connecting pipe, the amount of oil attached to the actual machine is estimated based on the length of the connecting pipe, so that the excess oil amount is calculated. Accurate extra power Can understand IJ oil amount. Since the opening / closing timing of the on-off valve (33) is determined based on the calculated surplus oil amount, the refrigerating machine oil necessary for lubrication is securely stored while the surplus refrigerating machine oil is securely stored in the oil reservoir (32). Can be reliably returned to the compressor (21). Therefore, the force S can be used to recover excess refrigerating machine oil while preventing poor lubrication of the compressor (21).
- Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.
- the air conditioner (10) of the present embodiment is obtained by changing the configuration of the excess oil recovery mechanism (30) to the above-described first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the pressure reducing pipe (38) is provided in the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) of the first embodiment.
- One end of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is connected to the oil reservoir (32) and communicates with a gas space (refrigerant gas space) in the oil reservoir (32).
- the other end of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is connected to the downstream side of the capillary tube (34) in the oil outflow pipe (35) and communicates with the suction side of the compressor (21).
- the pressure reducing pipe (38) is provided with an on-off valve (36) and a capillary tube (37) in order from the oil reservoir (32) side.
- the on-off valve (36) is a solenoid valve.
- the open / close valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is opened so that the gas refrigerant in the oil sump container (32) is compressed by the compressor (21).
- the oil reservoir (32) is depressurized by being sucked into the suction pipe (2b).
- the pressure in the oil separator (22) is almost the same as the discharge pressure of the compressor (21), so there is a pressure difference between the oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32). Arise. Due to this pressure difference, the refrigeration oil in the oil separator (22) flows into the oil reservoir (32) through the oil inflow pipe (31).
- the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) is taken up by its own weight. Even if it is not introduced into the oil sump container (32), the refrigerating machine oil in the oil separator (22) must be reliably recovered in the sump container (32) by opening the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38). Power S can be. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the oil sump container (32) may be disposed on the side or upper side of the oil separator (22) which does not need to be disposed below the oil separator (22). That is, the degree of freedom in installing the oil sump container (32) is increased, and the air conditioner (10) can be made compact.
- the controller (40) of the present embodiment performs the following control operation.
- the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) calculates the “surplus oil amount” based on the connection pipe length manually input in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
- the on-off valve control section (42) alternately opens and closes the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) and the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38). Specifically, the on-off valve control unit (42) opens the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) every predetermined time T1 set in advance according to the excess oil amount, as in the first embodiment. Put it in a state.
- the on-off valve controller (42) closes the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) when the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) is opened, and When the on-off valve (33) is closed, the open / close valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is opened. That is, the on-off valve control section (42) closes the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) every predetermined time T1 set in advance according to the excess oil amount.
- the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) is set to the closed state and the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is set to the open state, so The length is manually input to the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41). Then, the surplus oil amount is calculated in the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41).
- the refrigeration oil flows out of the compressor (21) together with the refrigerant, and most of the oil is separated by the oil separator (22).
- the gas refrigerant in the oil reservoir (32) is sucked into the compressor (21) through the pressure reducing pipe (38) and the oil outflow pipe (35).
- the pressure in the oil sump container (32) is reduced.
- the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) is the pressure between the oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32). Due to the force difference, the oil flows into the oil reservoir (32) through the oil inflow pipe (31). A small amount of refrigeration oil that has not been separated by the oil separator (22) flows through the refrigerant circuit (20) together with the refrigerant. A part of the refrigerating machine oil adheres to the refrigerant piping and the tubes of the heat exchangers (24, 26), and the rest returns to the compressor (21) together with the refrigerant.
- the on-off valve controller (42) causes the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) to be closed and the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) to be closed. Are each switched to the open state. During this predetermined time T1, the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil sump container (32) increases.
- the on-off valve control unit (42) again closes the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35), and the pressure reducing pipe.
- the on-off valve (36) of (38) is switched to the open state.
- the oil reservoir (32) is also supplied with the refrigerating machine oil at the predetermined flow rate and the suction pipe (2b ). At that time, the same amount of refrigerating machine oil as that of the refrigerating machine oil flows into the oil sump container (32) from the oil separator (22). In this way, the opening / closing of the on-off valves (33, 36) is repeated. As a result, surplus refrigerating machine oil is always stored in the oil sump container (32).
- the pressure reducing pipe (38) is provided in the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30), the oil separator that has no problem with the positional relationship between the oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32) is provided.
- the refrigerating machine oil separated in (22) can be recovered in the oil reservoir (32). Therefore, the installation restriction of the oil sump container (32) can be relaxed, and the air conditioner (10) can be made compact.
- the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is determined based on the surplus oil amount calculated according to the communication pipe length, the oil reservoir (32)
- the surplus refrigeration machine oil can be stored in the tank.
- Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.
- the air conditioner (10) of the present embodiment includes a plurality of indoor units (12) in the first embodiment (in this embodiment, 2 Stand) and connected in parallel to each other.
- the refrigerant circuit (20) of the present embodiment includes an outdoor expansion mechanism (25a) and an indoor expansion mechanism (25b) instead of the expansion mechanism (25) in the first embodiment! It is.
- the communication gas pipe (2c) and the communication liquid pipe (2d) extending from the outdoor unit (11) are branched and connected to each indoor unit (12).
- the outdoor expansion mechanism (25a) is housed in the outdoor unit (11) and is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger (24) and the communication liquid pipe (2d).
- the indoor expansion mechanism (25b) is housed in each indoor unit (12) and is connected between the indoor heat exchanger (26) and the communication liquid pipe (2d).
- the outdoor expansion mechanism (25a) in the cooling operation, is set to a fully open state, and the opening degree of each indoor expansion mechanism (25b) is appropriately adjusted.
- the refrigerant condensed (dissipated) in the outdoor heat exchanger (24) is diverted to each indoor unit (12) through the connecting liquid pipe (2d), and then decompressed by the indoor expansion mechanism (25b). Evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (26).
- each indoor expansion mechanism (25b) is set to a fully open state, and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion mechanism (25a) is adjusted as appropriate.
- the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is diverted to each indoor unit (12) through the communication gas pipe (2c) and condensed (radiated) by the indoor heat exchanger (26), and then contacted. Flows into the liquid pipe (2d).
- Other driving operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
- the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) is manually input the average length of the communication pipe length of each indoor unit (12).
- the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) is configured to calculate the “surplus oil amount” based on the input average length. In other words, the “actual oil adhesion amount” corresponding to the average length of the communication pipe length is estimated, and the “surplus oil amount” is calculated.
- the force with different connecting pipe lengths for each indoor unit (12) calculates the surplus oil amount based on the average length, so that the surplus oil amount can be grasped without excess or deficiency. . Accordingly, surplus refrigeration oil can be reliably recovered in the oil reservoir (32).
- Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.
- the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) when the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) is open.
- the interval (predetermined time T2) is a fixed time, but it may be changed according to the amount of surplus oil calculated. In this case, the predetermined time 2 is shortened as the excess oil amount increases.
- the opening / closing valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) may be always opened when the opening / closing valve (36) is switched to the closed state every predetermined time T1.
- the excess oil amount is calculated based on the communication pipe length.
- the present invention is not limited to this, and the connection pipe length and the tube length of each heat exchanger (24, 26) are calculated.
- the surplus oil amount may be calculated based on the total length. In this case, a more appropriate amount of oil attached to the actual machine is estimated, and the excess oil amount can be ascertained reliably. Of course, other pipe lengths may be taken into account.
- the air conditioner has been described.
- the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is a refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit in which an oil separator is connected to the discharge side of the compressor. As long as it is (for example, a refrigerator), it may be applied to anything.
- the present invention is useful as a refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit having an oil separator connected to the discharge side of a compressor.
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Abstract
An oil container (32), into which separated refrigeration machine oil flows and is contained, is connected to an oil separator (22). An oil outlet pipe (35), in which the refrigeration machine oil in the oil container (32) flows, is connected between the oil container (32) and a suction pipe (2b) of a compressor (21). An open/close valve (33) is provided in the oil outlet pipe (35). The surplus amount of refrigeration machine oil received in the compressor (21) is calculated based on the length of connection piping of a refrigeration circuit (20), and the open/close valve (33) is switched to an open state at predetermined intervals previously set according to the amount of the surplus oil.
Description
明 細 書 Specification
冷凍装置 Refrigeration equipment
技術分野 Technical field
[0001] 本発明は、冷凍装置に関し、特に、圧縮機の余剰油の回収対策に係るものである 背景技術 TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus, and particularly relates to measures for recovering excess oil of a compressor.
[0002] 従来より、圧縮機を有して冷凍サイクルを行う冷凍装置が知られて!/、る。例えば特 許文献 1の冷凍装置は、圧縮機と凝縮器と膨張弁と蒸発器とが順に冷媒配管によつ て接続された閉回路である冷媒回路を備えている。この冷媒回路では、圧縮機から 吐出された高圧冷媒が凝縮行程、膨張行程および蒸発行程を順に経て圧縮機に戻 特許文献 1:特開 2001— 304699号公報 Conventionally, a refrigeration apparatus that performs a refrigeration cycle with a compressor is known! For example, the refrigeration apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a refrigerant circuit that is a closed circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe. In this refrigerant circuit, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor returns to the compressor through the condensation process, the expansion process, and the evaporation process in order. Patent Document 1: JP 2001-304699 A
発明の開示 Disclosure of the invention
発明が解決しょうとする課題 Problems to be solved by the invention
[0003] ところで、上述した圧縮機のケーシング内には、一般に、各摺動部を潤滑するた めの冷凍機油の貯留部が設けられている。そして、圧縮機では、各摺動部に供給さ れた冷凍機油の一部が圧縮された高圧冷媒と共に吐出されてしまう。したがって、一 般には、圧縮機の吐出配管に油分離器を設けて冷媒と冷凍機油とを分離し、その分 離した冷凍機油を圧縮機の吸入側に戻すようにして!/、る。 [0003] Incidentally, in the above-described compressor casing, generally, a refrigerating machine oil storage section for lubricating each sliding section is provided. In the compressor, a part of the refrigerating machine oil supplied to each sliding portion is discharged together with the compressed high-pressure refrigerant. Therefore, in general, an oil separator is provided in the discharge pipe of the compressor to separate the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil, and the separated refrigerating machine oil is returned to the suction side of the compressor.
[0004] ところ力 油分離器において、冷凍機油を完全には分離しきれないため、分離さ れなかった冷凍機油はそのまま冷媒と共に冷媒回路を流れることになる。そして、冷 媒回路を流れる冷凍機油の一部は、冷媒と共に再び圧縮機へ戻るが、残りは冷媒配 管等に付着して留まってしまう。したがって、このままでは、圧縮機における冷凍機油 の戻り量が不足して潤滑不良が生じるため、従来では、予め冷媒配管等に付着する 分だけ多く見積もった量の冷凍機油が圧縮機に収容されている。 However, in the hydraulic oil separator, since the refrigeration oil cannot be completely separated, the refrigeration oil that has not been separated flows through the refrigerant circuit together with the refrigerant. A part of the refrigerating machine oil flowing through the refrigerant circuit returns to the compressor together with the refrigerant, but the rest adheres to the refrigerant pipe and the like. Accordingly, since the amount of return of the refrigeration oil in the compressor is insufficient in this state and poor lubrication occurs, conventionally, the amount of refrigeration oil estimated in advance by the amount adhering to the refrigerant pipe or the like is stored in the compressor. .
[0005] ここで、圧縮機に収容する冷凍機油の量は、搭載される冷凍装置の冷媒配管の 総長に応じて変更すればよいが、これでは多大な手間と労力がかかってしまうため、
冷媒配管の総長が最も長いものに合わせて一律同量に設定されているのが一般的 である。し力、しながら、その圧縮機を冷媒配管の総長が短いタイプの冷凍装置に搭 載した場合、余剰な冷凍機油が発生することになる。そうすると、圧縮機から流出して 冷媒配管等に付着する冷凍機油の量が増大する。これにより、冷媒配管における冷 媒の流動損失が増大し、圧縮機の負荷が増大するという問題があった。 [0005] Here, the amount of refrigerating machine oil to be accommodated in the compressor may be changed according to the total length of the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerating apparatus to be mounted, but this takes a lot of labor and labor, Generally, the total length of the refrigerant piping is set to be the same for the longest. However, if the compressor is mounted on a refrigeration apparatus of a type having a short refrigerant pipe length, excess refrigeration oil is generated. As a result, the amount of refrigerating machine oil that flows out of the compressor and adheres to the refrigerant piping and the like increases. As a result, there is a problem that the flow loss of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe increases and the load on the compressor increases.
[0006] 本発明は、斯かる点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、圧縮機を有する 冷凍装置において、圧縮機から吐出される余剰油(余剰な冷凍機油)を回収して、冷 媒配管等に付着する油量を低減することである。 [0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to recover surplus oil (surplus refrigerating machine oil) discharged from the compressor in a refrigerating apparatus having a compressor, This is to reduce the amount of oil adhering to the refrigerant piping.
課題を解決するための手段 Means for solving the problem
[0007] 第 1の発明は、圧縮機(21)と、該圧縮機(21)の吐出側に接続された油分離器 (22 )と、該油分離器 (22)に連通し、該油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油を貯留させ るための油溜め容器 (32)と、該油溜め容器 (32)と上記圧縮機(21)の吸入側とに接 続され且つ開閉弁(33)を有して上記油溜め容器 (32)の冷凍機油を上記圧縮機(21 )の吸入側に戻す接続管(35)とを有し、蒸気圧縮式冷凍サイクルを行う冷媒回路 (20 )を備えて!/、る冷凍装置である。 [0007] The first invention communicates with the compressor (21), an oil separator (22) connected to the discharge side of the compressor (21), and the oil separator (22). An oil sump container (32) for storing the refrigerating machine oil separated by the separator (22), and an on-off valve connected to the oil sump container (32) and the suction side of the compressor (21) (33) and a connecting pipe (35) for returning the refrigeration oil in the oil reservoir (32) to the suction side of the compressor (21), and a refrigerant circuit for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle (20) ) With a freezing device!
[0008] 上記の発明では、冷媒回路(20)にお!/、て、冷媒が循環して蒸気圧縮式冷凍サイ クルが行われる。つまり、圧縮機(21)から吐出された高圧冷媒は、凝縮行程 (放熱行 程)、膨張行程および蒸発行程を順に経て再び圧縮機(21)へ戻る。圧縮機(21)に は、冷凍機油が収容されている。圧縮機(21)から冷媒と共に流出した冷凍機油は、 殆どが油分離器 (22)で分離される。油分離器 (22)で分離されなかった僅力、な冷凍 機油は、冷媒と共に流れて、一部が冷媒配管等に付着して留まり、残りが冷媒と共に 圧縮機(21)へ吸入される。 [0008] In the above invention, the refrigerant is circulated in the refrigerant circuit (20), and the vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed. That is, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) returns to the compressor (21) again through the condensation process (heat radiation process), the expansion process, and the evaporation process in order. The compressor (21) contains refrigeration oil. Most of the refrigeration oil that flows out of the compressor (21) together with the refrigerant is separated by the oil separator (22). Slight refrigeration oil that has not been separated by the oil separator (22) flows together with the refrigerant, a part of it stays attached to the refrigerant pipe and the like, and the rest is sucked together with the refrigerant into the compressor (21).
[0009] 上記油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油の全ては、油溜め容器 (32)に貯留(回 収)される。つまり、圧縮機(21)から流出した冷凍機油の殆どが油溜め容器 (32)に貯 留される。このままでは、冷凍機油が油溜め容器 (32)に貯留されていき、圧縮機(21 )には戻らないため、圧縮機(21)の冷凍機油が不足して潤滑不良が生じる。そこで、 接続管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)を開くことにより、油溜め容器 (32)の冷凍機油が圧縮機 (2 1)の吸入側へ流れる。したがって、運転中における開閉弁(33)の開閉時間を調節す
ることにより、油溜め容器 (32)の冷凍機油の貯留量が調節される。これにより、圧縮 機(21)に余剰な冷凍機油が収容されても、その余剰油を油溜め容器 (32)に貯留さ せる(回収する)ことができる。そうすると、油分離器 (22)を通過して冷媒回路(20)を 流れる冷凍機油の量が抑制され、冷媒配管に付着する油量が減少する。 [0009] All the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) is stored (collected) in an oil sump container (32). That is, most of the refrigerating machine oil flowing out from the compressor (21) is stored in the oil reservoir (32). In this state, the refrigerating machine oil is stored in the oil sump container (32) and does not return to the compressor (21). Therefore, the refrigerating machine oil in the compressor (21) is insufficient, resulting in poor lubrication. Therefore, by opening the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35), the refrigeration oil in the oil sump container (32) flows to the suction side of the compressor (21). Therefore, adjust the open / close time of the open / close valve (33) during operation. As a result, the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil reservoir (32) is adjusted. Thereby, even if surplus refrigeration oil is stored in the compressor (21), the surplus oil can be stored (collected) in the oil reservoir (32). As a result, the amount of refrigerating machine oil flowing through the oil separator (22) and flowing through the refrigerant circuit (20) is suppressed, and the amount of oil adhering to the refrigerant pipe is reduced.
[0010] 第 2の発明は、上記第 1の発明において、上記油分離器 (22)と油溜め容器 (32)と は、上記油分離器 (22)の冷凍機油が流通する流通管(31)で接続されている。一方 、上記油溜め容器 (32)は、上記油分離器 (22)の下方に配置されているものである。 [0010] In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the oil separator (22) and the oil sump container (32) are arranged such that the refrigerating machine oil of the oil separator (22) flows therethrough (31 ). On the other hand, the oil reservoir container (32) is disposed below the oil separator (22).
[0011] 上記の発明では、図 1に示すように、油溜め容器 (32)が油分離器 (22)の下方に 位置して!/、るので、油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油がその自重で流通管(31) を通って油溜め容器 (32)に流入する。したがって、油分離器 (22)から油溜め容器 (3 2)に冷凍機油を流入させる手段を別途設ける必要がない。つまり、本発明の油溜め 容器 (32)は、油分離器 (22)から冷凍機油がその自重で流れ落ちる位置に設けられ ている。 [0011] In the above invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the oil sump container (32) is located under the oil separator (22)! /, So that it is separated by the oil separator (22). Refrigerating machine oil flows into the sump container (32) through its flow pipe (31) by its own weight. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a means for allowing the refrigerating machine oil to flow from the oil separator (22) to the oil sump container (32). That is, the oil sump container (32) of the present invention is provided at a position where the refrigerating machine oil flows down from the oil separator (22) by its own weight.
[0012] 第 3の発明は、上記第 1の発明において、上記油溜め容器 (32)にガス冷媒が封 入されている。そして、上記冷媒回路(20)は、開閉弁(36)を有し、一端が油溜め容 器 (32)内のガス冷媒空間に連通し且つ他端が上記接続管 (35)における開閉弁 (33 )の下流に接続されて油溜め容器 (32)内を減圧するための減圧管(38)を備えている [0012] In a third aspect based on the first aspect, a gas refrigerant is sealed in the oil sump container (32). The refrigerant circuit (20) has an on-off valve (36), one end communicating with the gas refrigerant space in the oil reservoir (32) and the other end on the on-off valve (35) in the connection pipe (35). 33) provided with a pressure reducing pipe (38) connected to the downstream of the oil sump container (32) for pressure reduction.
[0013] 上記の発明では、図 2に示すように、減圧管(38)が油溜め容器 (32)と圧縮機 (21 )の吸入側とを連通させている。したがって、開閉弁(36)を開くと、油溜め容器 (32)の ガス冷媒が減圧管(38)を通って圧縮機 (21)の吸入側に流れ、油溜め容器 (32)内が 減圧される。そうすると、油分離器 (22)内は圧縮機(21)の吐出圧力とほぼ同じ圧力 になっており、その油分離器 (22)と油溜め容器 (32)との間に圧力差が生じる。この圧 力差により、油分離器 (22)の冷凍機油が油溜め容器 (32)に流入する。これにより、 油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油が油溜め容器 (32)に貯留(回収)される。 In the above invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the pressure reducing pipe (38) allows the oil reservoir (32) and the suction side of the compressor (21) to communicate with each other. Therefore, when the on-off valve (36) is opened, the gas refrigerant in the oil reservoir (32) flows to the suction side of the compressor (21) through the pressure reducing pipe (38), and the pressure in the oil reservoir (32) is reduced. The Then, the pressure inside the oil separator (22) is almost the same as the discharge pressure of the compressor (21), and a pressure difference is generated between the oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32). Due to this pressure difference, the refrigeration oil in the oil separator (22) flows into the oil reservoir (32). Thereby, the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) is stored (collected) in the oil sump container (32).
[0014] 第 4の発明は、上記第 1の発明において、上記冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さに 基づいて上記圧縮機(21)に収容された冷凍機油の余剰油量を算出し、該余剰油量 に応じて予め定められた所定時間毎に接続管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)を開く制御手段 (4
0)を備えているものである。 [0014] In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the surplus oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil stored in the compressor (21) is calculated based on the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20), Control means (4) for opening the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35) at predetermined intervals determined in advance according to the excess oil amount. 0).
[0015] 上記の発明では、実際の冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さに基づいて冷凍機油の 余剰油量が算出される。圧縮機(21)に収容される冷凍機油の量には、想定する最長 の冷媒配管長さに対して付着する冷凍機油の付着量が考慮されている。したがって 、実際の冷媒配管長さが想定したよりも短い場合、その短い分だけ余剰油量が発生 し、その余剰油量が実際の冷媒配管長さから算出される。なお、ここで言う冷媒配管 長さとは、例えば図 1に示すように、室内熱交換器 (26)の両端部から四路切換弁(23 )の第 2ポートまでの配管および膨張機構(25)までの配管の長さと、各熱交換器 (24, 26)のチューブ長さをいう。 [0015] In the above invention, the surplus oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil is calculated based on the refrigerant pipe length of the actual refrigerant circuit (20). The amount of refrigeration oil stored in the compressor (21) takes into account the amount of refrigeration oil adhering to the longest possible refrigerant piping length. Therefore, if the actual refrigerant pipe length is shorter than expected, an excess oil amount is generated by that short amount, and the excess oil amount is calculated from the actual refrigerant pipe length. Note that the refrigerant pipe length referred to here is, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the pipe from the both ends of the indoor heat exchanger (26) to the second port of the four-way selector valve (23) and the expansion mechanism (25). The length of the pipe up to and the tube length of each heat exchanger (24, 26).
[0016] そして、本発明では、算出された余剰油量に応じて所定時間が予め設定されて おり、その所定時間毎に開閉弁 (33)が開状態に切り換わる。開閉弁 (33)が開くと、 油溜め容器 (32)から冷凍機油が接続管(35)を通って圧縮機(21)に流入する。これ により、油溜め容器 (32)において冷凍機油の貯留量が調節される。つまり、開閉弁( 33)の開閉タイミングを変更することにより、油溜め容器 (32)の冷凍機油量が調節さ れ、所望の余剰油量を油溜め容器 (32)に貯留させること力 Sできる。 In the present invention, a predetermined time is set in advance according to the calculated surplus oil amount, and the on-off valve (33) is switched to the open state every predetermined time. When the on-off valve (33) opens, the refrigeration oil flows from the oil reservoir (32) through the connection pipe (35) into the compressor (21). As a result, the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil reservoir (32) is adjusted. That is, by changing the opening / closing timing of the on-off valve (33), the amount of refrigerating machine oil in the oil sump container (32) is adjusted, and the force S for storing the desired surplus oil amount in the sump container (32) can be achieved. .
[0017] 第 5の発明は、上記第 3の発明において、上記冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さに 基づいて上記圧縮機(21)に収容された冷凍機油の余剰油量を算出し、該余剰油量 に応じて予め定められた所定時間毎に、接続管(35)の開閉弁(33)を開くと共に減圧 管(38)の開閉弁(36)を閉じる制御手段(40)を備えて!/、るものである。 [0017] According to a fifth invention, in the third invention, the surplus oil amount of the refrigeration oil stored in the compressor (21) is calculated based on a refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20), Control means (40) is provided for opening the on-off valve (33) of the connecting pipe (35) and closing the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) at predetermined time intervals determined in advance according to the surplus oil amount. /!
[0018] 上記の発明では、上述した第 4の発明と同様に、実際の冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配 管長さに基づいて冷凍機油の余剰油量が算出される。そして、算出された余剰油量 に応じて所定時間が予め設定され、その所定時間毎に接続管(35)の開閉弁(33)が 開状態に、減圧管 (38)の開閉弁 (36)が閉状態に切り換わる。つまり、減圧管 (38)の 開閉弁 (36)が開くと、接続管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)が閉じられ、減圧管 (38)の開閉弁( 36)が閉じられると、接続管(35)の開閉弁(33)が開く。 [0018] In the above invention, similarly to the above-described fourth invention, the surplus oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil is calculated based on the actual refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20). A predetermined time is preset according to the calculated surplus oil amount, and the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35) is opened at every predetermined time, and the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is opened. Switches to the closed state. That is, when the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is opened, the on-off valve (33) of the connecting pipe (35) is closed, and when the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is closed, the connecting pipe The open / close valve (33) of (35) opens.
[0019] 上記減圧管(38)の開閉弁(36)が開状態では、油溜め容器 (32)が減圧されてそ の油溜め容器 (32)に油分離器 (22)の冷凍機油が貯留されていく。また、接続管(35 )の開閉弁(33)が開状態では、油溜め容器 (32)力 圧縮機(21)の吸入側へ冷凍機
油が流れる。つまり、各開閉弁(33,36)の開閉タイミングを変更することにより、油溜め 容器 (32)における冷凍機油の流入量と流出量が調節される。したがって、油溜め容 器 (32)に余剰分の冷凍機油を貯留させることができる。 [0019] When the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is in the open state, the oil sump container (32) is depressurized, and the refrigerating machine oil of the oil separator (22) is stored in the oil sump container (32). It will be done. When the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35) is in the open state, the oil sump container (32) is moved to the suction side of the compressor (21). Oil flows. That is, by changing the opening / closing timing of each on-off valve (33, 36), the inflow amount and outflow amount of refrigerating machine oil in the oil sump container (32) are adjusted. Therefore, surplus refrigeration oil can be stored in the oil reservoir (32).
[0020] 第 6の発明は、上記第 4または第 5の発明において、上記制御手段(40)は、冷媒 回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さに応じて該冷媒配管に冷凍機油が付着する付着量を推定 し、その推定付着量から上記圧縮機 (21)に収容された冷凍機油の余剰油量を算出 するように構成されて!/、るものである。 [0020] In a sixth aspect based on the fourth or fifth aspect, the control means (40) is configured such that the refrigerating machine oil adheres to the refrigerant pipe according to the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20). The amount is estimated, and the excess oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil stored in the compressor (21) is calculated from the estimated adhesion amount! /.
[0021] 上記の発明では、実際の冷媒配管長さからその冷媒配管に対する冷凍機油の付 着量が推定される。そして、この推定した付着量と、想定した最長の冷媒配管長さに 対する冷凍機油の付着量との差が、圧縮機 (21)に収容された冷凍機油の余剰分と して算出される。 In the above invention, the amount of refrigeration oil attached to the refrigerant pipe is estimated from the actual refrigerant pipe length. Then, the difference between the estimated amount of adhesion and the amount of refrigeration oil adhering to the assumed longest refrigerant pipe length is calculated as the surplus of the refrigeration oil stored in the compressor (21).
[0022] 第 7の発明は、上記第 4または第 5の発明において、上記制御手段(40)は、算出 した余剰油量が多いほど上記所定時間を長くするように構成されているものである。 [0022] In a seventh aspect based on the fourth or fifth aspect, the control means (40) is configured to lengthen the predetermined time as the calculated surplus oil amount increases. .
[0023] 上記の発明では、油溜め容器 (32)に貯留させる余剰油量が多いほど、所定時間 が長くなる。この所定時間が長くなるに従って、油溜め容器 (32)からの冷凍機油の流 出量が減少する。つまり、運転中において、接続管(35)の開閉弁(33)の開いている 時間が短くなる。これにより、油溜め容器 (32)における冷凍機油の貯留量が増大す [0023] In the above invention, the larger the amount of excess oil stored in the oil reservoir (32), the longer the predetermined time. As the predetermined time becomes longer, the flow rate of the refrigerating machine oil from the oil sump container (32) decreases. That is, during the operation, the open time of the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35) is shortened. This increases the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil reservoir (32).
[0024] 第 8の発明は、上記第 4または第 5の発明において、熱源側熱交換器 (24)、上記 圧縮機(21)、上記油分離器 (22)および上記油溜め容器 (32)が収納される熱源ュニ ット(11)と、利用側熱交換器 (26)が収納される利用ユニット(12)とを備えて!/、るもの である。そして、上記冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さは、上記熱源ユニット(11)と利用 ユニット(12)とを繋ぐ連絡配管(2c,2d)の長さである。 [0024] In an eighth aspect based on the fourth or fifth aspect, the heat source side heat exchanger (24), the compressor (21), the oil separator (22), and the oil reservoir (32) are provided. It is equipped with a heat source unit (11) in which is stored and a usage unit (12) in which the usage-side heat exchanger (26) is stored. The refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20) is the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) that connects the heat source unit (11) and the utilization unit (12).
[0025] 上記の発明では、冷媒回路 (20)において、熱源側熱交換器 (24)で凝縮 (放熱) した冷媒が連絡配管(2d)を通って利用側熱交換器 (26)へ流れて、蒸発する。蒸発 した冷媒は、連絡配管(2c)を通って圧縮機(21)へ戻る。または、冷媒回路(20)にお いて、圧縮機 (21)力も吐出された冷媒は、連絡配管(2c)を通って利用側熱交換器( 26)へ流れて凝縮 (放熱)し、その後、連絡配管(2d)を通って熱源側熱交換器 (24)
へ流れて蒸発する。 [0025] In the above invention, in the refrigerant circuit (20), the refrigerant condensed (heat dissipated) in the heat source side heat exchanger (24) flows through the connecting pipe (2d) to the user side heat exchanger (26). ,Evaporate. The evaporated refrigerant returns to the compressor (21) through the connecting pipe (2c). Alternatively, in the refrigerant circuit (20), the refrigerant that has also discharged the compressor (21) force flows through the connecting pipe (2c) to the user-side heat exchanger (26), condenses (heatsinks), and then Heat source side heat exchanger through connecting pipe (2d) (24) To flow and evaporate.
[0026] 一般に、冷凍装置(10)は、その設置場所によって特に連絡配管(2c,2d)の長さに 差が出る。つまり、冷凍装置(10)の設置場所によっては連絡配管(2c,2d)が長くなり 、その分配管の付着油量が多くなる。そこで、本発明では、圧縮機 (21)に収容された 冷凍機油の余剰油量が連絡配管(2c,2d)の長さに基づいて算出される。したがって、 冷凍機油の余剰油量が的確に把握される。 [0026] Generally, the refrigeration apparatus (10) has a particular difference in the length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) depending on the installation location. That is, depending on the installation location of the refrigeration system (10), the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) becomes longer, and the amount of oil attached to the pipe increases accordingly. Therefore, in the present invention, the surplus oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil stored in the compressor (21) is calculated based on the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d). Therefore, the excess oil amount of refrigeration oil can be accurately grasped.
[0027] 第 9の発明は、上記第 8の発明において、上記利用ユニット(12)が複数設けられ て互いに並列接続されているものである。そして、上記冷媒回路(20)の冷媒配管長 さは、上記熱源ユニット(11)と各利用ユニット(12)とを繋ぐ連絡配管(2c,2d)の平均 長さである。 [0027] In a ninth aspect based on the eighth aspect, a plurality of the use units (12) are provided and connected in parallel to each other. The refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20) is the average length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) connecting the heat source unit (11) and each utilization unit (12).
[0028] 上記の発明では、各利用ユニット(12)に対して連絡配管(2c,2d)が分岐して繋が つている。この場合、各利用ユニット(12)に対する連絡配管(2c,2d)の長さは、その利 用ユニット(12)の設置場所によって互いに異なる。そこで、本発明では、圧縮機(21) に収容された冷凍機油の余剰油量が各利用ユニット(12)の連絡配管(2c,2d)の平均 長さに基づいて算出される。したがって、冷凍機油の余剰油量が過不足なく把握さ れる。 [0028] In the above invention, the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) are branched and connected to each utilization unit (12). In this case, the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) for each usage unit (12) differs depending on the installation location of the usage unit (12). Therefore, in the present invention, the surplus oil amount of the refrigeration oil accommodated in the compressor (21) is calculated based on the average length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) of each utilization unit (12). Therefore, the excess oil amount of refrigeration oil can be grasped without excess or deficiency.
発明の効果 The invention's effect
[0029] 以上説明したように、本発明によれば、油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油が流 入して貯留される油溜め容器 (32)と、その油溜め容器 (32)に貯留した冷凍機油を圧 縮機(21)の吸入側に戻す接続管(35)を設けるようにした。したがって、圧縮機(21) から流出して油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油の全てを油溜め容器 (32)に回収 し、その回収した冷凍機油の一部を任意に圧縮機(21)に戻すことができる。これによ り、運転中において、常に油溜め容器 (32)に余剰分の冷凍機油を貯留させることが でき、油分離器 (22)を通過して冷媒回路(20)を流れる冷凍機油の量を抑制すること 力 Sできる。よって、冷凍機油が冷媒配管に必要以上に付着するのを防止することがで きる。その結果、冷媒配管における冷媒の流動損失を低減でき、また各熱交換器 (24 ,26)の熱交換効率を向上させることができる。 [0029] As described above, according to the present invention, the oil reservoir (32) in which the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) flows in and is stored, and the oil reservoir (32) A connecting pipe (35) is provided to return the refrigeration oil stored in the tank to the suction side of the compressor (21). Therefore, all the refrigerating machine oil that has flowed out of the compressor (21) and separated by the oil separator (22) is recovered in the oil sump container (32), and a part of the recovered refrigerating machine oil can be optionally added to the compressor ( 21). As a result, during operation, the surplus refrigeration oil can always be stored in the oil sump container (32), and the amount of refrigeration oil flowing through the refrigerant circuit (20) through the oil separator (22). Can suppress force S. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the refrigeration oil from adhering to the refrigerant pipe more than necessary. As a result, the flow loss of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe can be reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency of each heat exchanger (24, 26) can be improved.
[0030] また、第 2の発明によれば、油溜め容器 (32)を油分離器 (22)の下方に配置するよ
うにしたので、油分離器 (22)の冷凍機油をその自重によって油溜め容器 (32)に流入 させること力 Sできる。これにより、油分離器 (22)から油溜め容器 (32)に冷凍機油を流 入させる手段を別途設ける必要がなぐ冷凍装置のコンパクト化およびコスト低減を 図ること力 Sでさる。 [0030] According to the second invention, the oil sump container (32) is disposed below the oil separator (22). As a result, it is possible to force the refrigeration oil in the oil separator (22) to flow into the sump container (32) by its own weight. As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost and reduce the cost of the refrigeration apparatus, which does not require a separate means for injecting refrigeration oil from the oil separator (22) into the oil reservoir (32).
[0031] また、第 3の発明によれば、油溜め容器 (32)を減圧する減圧管(38)を設けるよう にしたので、油溜め容器 (32)と油分離器 (22)の配置関係に問題なぐ油分離器 (22) の冷凍機油を油溜め容器 (32)に流入させることができる。したがって、油溜め容器 (3 2)の設置自由度を高めることができ、冷凍装置の簡素化を図ることができる。 [0031] Further, according to the third invention, since the pressure reducing pipe (38) for reducing the pressure of the oil reservoir (32) is provided, the arrangement relationship between the oil reservoir (32) and the oil separator (22) is provided. Therefore, the refrigeration oil of the oil separator (22) can be introduced into the oil sump container (32). Therefore, the degree of freedom of installation of the oil sump container (32) can be increased, and the refrigeration apparatus can be simplified.
[0032] また、第 4、第 5および第 6の発明によれば、また、開閉弁(33)の開閉タイミングを 配管総長に応じて算出した余剰油量に基づいて定めるようにしたので、油溜め容器( 32)に余剰分の冷凍機油を確実に貯留させることができる。つまり、圧縮機(21)の潤 滑に必要な冷凍機油量を圧縮機(21)に確実に戻すことができる。したがって、圧縮 機(21)の潤滑不良を防止しつつ、余分な冷凍機油を回収することができる。 [0032] Further, according to the fourth, fifth and sixth inventions, the opening / closing timing of the on-off valve (33) is determined based on the surplus oil amount calculated according to the total length of the pipe. The surplus refrigeration oil can be reliably stored in the storage container (32). In other words, the amount of refrigeration oil necessary for lubrication of the compressor (21) can be reliably returned to the compressor (21). Accordingly, excess refrigeration oil can be recovered while preventing poor lubrication of the compressor (21).
[0033] また、第 7の発明によれば、算出された余剰油量が多いほど、接続管(35)の開閉 弁(33)の閉じている時間を長くするようにした。つまり、算出された余剰油量が少ない ほど、接続管(35)の開閉弁(33)の閉じている時間を短くするようにした。これにより、 余剰油量に応じて開閉弁(33)を適切に制御することができ、確実に油溜め容器 (32) に余剰分の冷凍機油を貯留させることができる。 [0033] Further, according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the larger the calculated excess oil amount, the longer the closing time of the on-off valve (33) of the connection pipe (35). In other words, the shorter the calculated excess oil amount, the shorter the closing time of the on-off valve (33) of the connecting pipe (35). As a result, the on-off valve (33) can be appropriately controlled according to the surplus oil amount, and surplus refrigerating machine oil can be reliably stored in the oil reservoir (32).
[0034] また、第 8の発明によれば、熱源ユニット(11)と利用ユニット(12)とを繋ぐ連絡配 管(2c,2d)の長さに基づいて冷凍機油の余剰油量を算出するようにしたので、設置場 所に応じて適切に余剰油量を把握することができる。したがって、圧縮機(21)内の余 分な冷凍機油を確実に回収することができる。 [0034] Further, according to the eighth invention, the surplus oil amount of the refrigeration oil is calculated based on the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) connecting the heat source unit (11) and the utilization unit (12). As a result, the excess oil amount can be determined appropriately according to the installation location. Therefore, excess refrigeration oil in the compressor (21) can be reliably recovered.
[0035] また、第 9の発明によれば、利用ユニット(12)が複数並列に接続されている場合、 各利用ユニット(12)の連絡配管(2c,2d)の平均長さに基づいて冷凍機油の余剰油量 を算出するようにした。したがって、余剰油量を過不足なく把握することができ、圧縮 機(21)内の余分な冷凍機油を確実に回収することができる。 [0035] According to the ninth invention, when a plurality of usage units (12) are connected in parallel, the freezing is performed based on the average length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) of each usage unit (12). The excess oil amount of machine oil was calculated. Therefore, the excess oil amount can be grasped without excess and deficiency, and excess refrigeration oil in the compressor (21) can be reliably recovered.
図面の簡単な説明 Brief Description of Drawings
[0036] [図 1]図 1は、実施形態 1に係る空気調和装置の構成を示す配管系統図である。
[図 2]図 2は、実施形態 2に係る空気調和装置の構成を示す配管系統図である。 FIG. 1 is a piping system diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a piping system diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2.
[図 3]図 3は、実施形態 3に係る空気調和装置の構成を示す配管系統図である。 符号の説明 FIG. 3 is a piping system diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3. Explanation of symbols
10 空気調和装置 (冷凍装置) 10 Air conditioning equipment (refrigeration equipment)
11 室外機 (熱源ユニット) 11 Outdoor unit (heat source unit)
12 室内機 (利用ユニット) 12 Indoor unit (Usage unit)
20 冷媒回路 20 Refrigerant circuit
21 圧縮機 21 Compressor
22 油分離器 22 Oil separator
24 室外熱交換器 (熱源側熱交換器) 24 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger)
26 室内熱交換器 (利用側熱交換器) 26 Indoor heat exchanger (use side heat exchanger)
32 油溜め容器 32 Oil sump container
33 開閉弁 33 On-off valve
35 油流出管 (接続管) 35 Oil spill pipe (connection pipe)
36 開閉弁 36 On-off valve
38 減圧管 38 Pressure reducer
40 コントローラ (制御手段) 40 Controller (Control means)
2c 連絡ガス配管 (連絡配管) 2c Communication gas piping (Communication piping)
2d 連絡液配管 (連絡配管) 2d Communication liquid piping (Communication piping)
発明を実施するための最良の形態 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0038] 本発明の実施形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0039] 《発明の実施形態 1》 << Embodiment 1 of the Invention >>
本発明の実施形態 1について説明する。図 1に示すように、本実施形態の空気調 和装置(10)は、冷媒が循環して蒸気圧縮式冷凍サイクルを行う冷媒回路 (20)を備え ている。この空気調和装置(10)は、本発明に係る冷凍装置を構成している。 Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (10) of this embodiment includes a refrigerant circuit (20) that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating refrigerant. This air conditioner (10) constitutes a refrigeration apparatus according to the present invention.
[0040] 上記冷媒回路(20)には、圧縮機(21)と、油分離器 (22)と、四路切換弁(23)と、 室外熱交換器 (24)と、膨張機構 (25)と、室内熱交換器 (26)とが設けられている。そ して、これら圧縮機 (21)ゃ四路切換弁(23)などは、互いに冷媒配管によって接続さ
れている。 [0040] The refrigerant circuit (20) includes a compressor (21), an oil separator (22), a four-way selector valve (23), an outdoor heat exchanger (24), and an expansion mechanism (25). And an indoor heat exchanger (26). The compressor (21) and the four-way selector valve (23) are connected to each other by refrigerant piping. It is.
[0041] 具体的に、この冷媒回路(20)において、圧縮機(21)の吸入管(2b)は、四路切換 弁(23)の第 3ポートに接続されている。圧縮機(21)の吐出管(2a)は、油分離器 (22) を介して四路切換弁(23)の第 1ポートに接続されている。油分離器 (22)は、圧縮機( 21)から吐出された高圧冷媒と冷凍機油とを分離するためのものである。四路切換弁 (23)の第 4ポートは、室外熱交換器 (24)の一端に接続されている。室外熱交換器 (2 4)の他端は、膨張機構 (25)を介して室内熱交換器 (26)の一端に接続されて!/、る。 室内熱交換器 (26)の他端は、四路切換弁(23)の第 2ポートに接続されている。 [0041] Specifically, in the refrigerant circuit (20), the suction pipe (2b) of the compressor (21) is connected to the third port of the four-way switching valve (23). The discharge pipe (2a) of the compressor (21) is connected to the first port of the four-way selector valve (23) via the oil separator (22). The oil separator (22) is for separating the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) and the refrigerating machine oil. The fourth port of the four-way selector valve (23) is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (24). The other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (24) is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger (26) via the expansion mechanism (25). The other end of the indoor heat exchanger (26) is connected to the second port of the four-way selector valve (23).
[0042] 上記圧縮機(21)は、例えば、全密閉型の高圧ドーム型スクロール圧縮機で構成 されている。つまり、圧縮機(21)のケーシング内が高圧空間になっている。そして、図 示しないが、そのケーシングの底部には、冷凍機油の貯留部が設けられている。 [0042] The compressor (21) is constituted by, for example, a hermetic high-pressure dome type scroll compressor. That is, the inside of the casing of the compressor (21) is a high pressure space. Although not shown, a refrigerating machine oil reservoir is provided at the bottom of the casing.
[0043] 上記室外熱交換器(24)および室内熱交換器(26)は、いわゆるクロスフィン式のフ イン 'アンド '·チューブ型熱交換器である。つまり、これら熱交換器 (24,26)は、複数の アルミニウム製のフィンに、銅製のチューブが貫通している。そして、室外熱交換器(2 4)および室内熱交換器(26)の近傍には、それぞれ室外ファン(27)および室内ファン (28)が設けられている。室外熱交換器 (24)は、冷媒が室外ファン (27)によって取り 込まれた室外空気と熱交換する熱源側熱交換器を構成して!/、る。室内熱交換器 (26 )は、冷媒が室内ファン (28)によって取り込まれた室内空気と熱交換する利用側熱交 換器を構成している。膨張機構 (25)は、開度可変の膨張弁によって構成されている [0043] The outdoor heat exchanger (24) and the indoor heat exchanger (26) are so-called cross fin type fin 'and' tube heat exchangers. That is, in these heat exchangers (24, 26), a copper tube passes through a plurality of aluminum fins. An outdoor fan (27) and an indoor fan (28) are provided near the outdoor heat exchanger (24) and the indoor heat exchanger (26), respectively. The outdoor heat exchanger (24) constitutes a heat source side heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air taken in by the outdoor fan (27). The indoor heat exchanger (26) constitutes a use side heat exchanger in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air taken in by the indoor fan (28). The expansion mechanism (25) is composed of an expansion valve with variable opening.
〇 Yes
[0044] 上記四路切換弁(23)は、第 1ポートと第 4ポートが連通し且つ第 2ポートと第 3ポ 一トが連通する第 1状態(図 1に実線で示す状態)と、第 1ポートと第 2ポートが連通し 且つ第 3ポートと第 4ポートが連通する第 2状態(図 1に破線で示す状態)とに切り換 わるように構成されている。つまり、冷媒回路(20)において、四路切換弁(23)が第 1 状態の場合、冷媒が冷房サイクルで循環し、室外熱交換器 (24)が凝縮器 (放熱器) として、室内熱交換器 (26)が蒸発器としてそれぞれ機能する。また、冷媒回路 (20) において、四路切換弁(23)が第 2状態の場合、冷媒が暖房サイクルで循環し、室外 熱交換器 (24)が蒸発器として、室内熱交換器 (26)が凝縮器 (放熱器)としてそれぞ
れ機能する。 [0044] The four-way selector valve (23) includes a first state (state indicated by a solid line in Fig. 1) in which the first port and the fourth port communicate with each other and the second port and the third port communicate with each other. It is configured to switch to a second state (state indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) in which the first port and the second port communicate and the third port and the fourth port communicate. In other words, in the refrigerant circuit (20), when the four-way selector valve (23) is in the first state, the refrigerant circulates in the cooling cycle, and the outdoor heat exchanger (24) serves as a condenser (radiator) for indoor heat exchange. Vessels (26) each function as an evaporator. In the refrigerant circuit (20), when the four-way selector valve (23) is in the second state, the refrigerant circulates in the heating cycle, the outdoor heat exchanger (24) serves as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger (26) As a condenser (heatsink) It functions.
[0045] 上記冷媒回路(20)には、本発明の特徴として、余剰油回収機構(30)が設けられ ている。この余剰油回収機構(30)は、油流入管(31)、油溜め容器 (32)、開閉弁(33) 、キヤビラリチューブ(34)および油流出管(35)を備えて!/、る。 [0045] The refrigerant circuit (20) is provided with a surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) as a feature of the present invention. This surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) includes an oil inflow pipe (31), an oil sump container (32), an on-off valve (33), a capillary tube (34) and an oil outflow pipe (35)! /, The
[0046] 上記油溜め容器 (32)は、密閉された容器を構成し、油流入管(31)によって油分 離器 (22)に接続されている。油溜め容器 (32)は、油分離器 (22)の下方に配置され ている。そして、油溜め容器 (32)は、油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油がその自 重で油流入管(31)を通って流入するように構成されている。つまり、余剰油回収機構 (30)は、圧縮機(21)から流出して油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油の全てを油 溜め容器 (32)に回収するように構成されている。なお、油流入管(31)は、本発明に 係る流通管を構成している。 [0046] The oil reservoir container (32) constitutes a sealed container, and is connected to the oil separator (22) by an oil inflow pipe (31). The oil sump container (32) is disposed below the oil separator (22). The oil sump container (32) is configured such that the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) flows through the oil inflow pipe (31) by its own weight. That is, the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) is configured to recover all the refrigerating machine oil that has flowed out of the compressor (21) and separated by the oil separator (22) into the oil reservoir (32). . The oil inflow pipe (31) constitutes a flow pipe according to the present invention.
[0047] 上記油流出管(35)は、油溜め容器 (32)の底部と、圧縮機(21)の吸入管(2b)の 途中とに接続され、本発明に係る接続管を構成している。この油流出管(35)には、 油溜め容器 (32)側から順に上記開閉弁(33)およびキヤビラリチューブ (34)が設けら れている。つまり、余剰油回収機構(30)では、開閉弁(33)が開くことで、油溜め容器 (32)の冷凍機油が油流出管(35)を通って圧縮機(21)の吸入管(2b)へ流れるように 構成されている。また、油流出管(35)を流れる冷凍機油は、キヤビラリチューブ(34) によって所定流量に調整される。なお、開閉弁(33)は、電磁弁で構成されている。 [0047] The oil outflow pipe (35) is connected to the bottom of the oil sump container (32) and to the middle of the suction pipe (2b) of the compressor (21) to constitute a connection pipe according to the present invention. Yes. The oil spill pipe (35) is provided with the on-off valve (33) and the capillary tube (34) in this order from the oil reservoir container (32) side. That is, in the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30), when the on-off valve (33) is opened, the refrigerating machine oil in the oil reservoir (32) passes through the oil outflow pipe (35) and the suction pipe (2b) of the compressor (21). ). Further, the refrigerating machine oil flowing through the oil outflow pipe (35) is adjusted to a predetermined flow rate by the capillary tube (34). The on-off valve (33) is composed of a solenoid valve.
[0048] この冷凍装置(10)は、上述した圧縮機(21)、油分離器 (22)、四路切換弁(23)、 室外熱交換器 (24)、膨張機構 (25)、室外ファン (27)および余剰油回収機構 (30)が 収納された室外機(11)と、室内熱交換器 (27)および室内ファン (28)が収納された室 内機(12)とを備えている。室外機(11)および室内機(12)は、本発明に係る熱源ュニ ットおよび利用ユニットを構成して!/、る。 [0048] The refrigeration system (10) includes the compressor (21), the oil separator (22), the four-way switching valve (23), the outdoor heat exchanger (24), the expansion mechanism (25), and the outdoor fan. And an outdoor unit (11) in which the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) is stored, and an indoor unit (12) in which the indoor heat exchanger (27) and the indoor fan (28) are stored. . The outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) constitute a heat source unit and a utilization unit according to the present invention.
[0049] 上記室外機(11)と室内機(12)は、連絡配管である連絡ガス配管(2c)および連絡 液配管(2d)によって繋がっている。具体的に、連絡液配管(2d)は、膨張機構 (25)と 室内熱交換器 (26)の一端との間に接続されている。連絡ガス配管(2c)は、室内熱交 換器 (26)の他端と四路切換弁(23)の第 2ポートとの間に接続されている。つまり、連 絡ガス配管(2c)および連絡液配管(2d)は、冷媒回路(20)の一部を構成して!/、る。
[0050] 上記空気調和装置(10)は、コントローラ (40)を備えている。コントローラ (40)には 、余剰油量算出部(41)と開閉弁制御部(42)が設けられて!/、る。 [0049] The outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) are connected by a communication gas pipe (2c) and a communication liquid pipe (2d) which are communication pipes. Specifically, the communication liquid pipe (2d) is connected between the expansion mechanism (25) and one end of the indoor heat exchanger (26). The communication gas pipe (2c) is connected between the other end of the indoor heat exchanger (26) and the second port of the four-way selector valve (23). That is, the communication gas pipe (2c) and the communication liquid pipe (2d) constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit (20). [0050] The air conditioner (10) includes a controller (40). The controller (40) is provided with a surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) and an on-off valve control unit (42).
[0051] 上記余剰油量算出部 (41)は、連絡ガス配管(2c)および連絡液配管(2d)の合計 長さ(以下、連絡配管長さという。)が手動入力される。そして、余剰油量算出部 (41) は、入力された連絡配管長さに基づいて圧縮機(21)内の冷凍機油のうち余剰分(以 下、余剰油量という。)を算出するように構成されている。つまり、本実施形態では、連 絡配管長さを本発明に係る冷媒配管長さとしている。具体的に、「余剰油量」は以下 の式により算出される。 [0051] The surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) manually inputs the total length of the communication gas pipe (2c) and the communication liquid pipe (2d) (hereinafter referred to as the communication pipe length). Then, the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) calculates the surplus portion (hereinafter referred to as surplus oil amount) of the refrigeration oil in the compressor (21) based on the input connection pipe length. It is configured. That is, in this embodiment, the communication pipe length is the refrigerant pipe length according to the present invention. Specifically, the “surplus oil amount” is calculated by the following formula.
[0052] 「余剰油量」 =「設計付着油量」 「実機付着油量」 [0052] “Excess oil amount” = “Designed oil amount” “Actual oil amount”
ここに、先ず、付着油量とは、圧縮機(21)から流出した冷凍機油が油分離器 (22)で 分離されずにそのまま流れて、冷媒配管および各熱交換器 (24,26)のチューブに付 着する推定量であり、連絡配管長さに応じて推定される。そして、「設計付着油量」と は、想定される最長の連絡配管長さに対して推定した付着油量である。つまり、何れ の空気調和装置に対しても一律に定められる固定値である。「実機付着油量」とは、 実際の空気調和装置(10)における連絡配管長さに対して推定される付着油量であ り、本発明に係る付着量である。したがって、余剰油量算出部 (41)において、入力さ れた実際の連絡配管長さに応じた「実機付着油量」が推定されて、「余剰油量」が算 出される。 Here, first, the amount of oil adhering to the refrigerant oil flowing out of the compressor (21) flows without being separated by the oil separator (22), and flows through the refrigerant pipes and the heat exchangers (24, 26). This is the estimated amount attached to the tube, and is estimated according to the communication pipe length. The “designed amount of attached oil” is the amount of attached oil estimated for the longest possible connecting pipe length. That is, it is a fixed value that is uniformly determined for any air conditioner. “Actual oil adhesion amount” is the amount of oil estimated with respect to the length of the connecting pipe in the actual air conditioner (10), and is the adhesion amount according to the present invention. Therefore, the “surplus oil amount” is calculated by the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) by estimating the “actual machine attached oil amount” corresponding to the inputted actual connection pipe length.
[0053] 上記開閉弁制御部(42)は、冷凍機油を余剰油量算出部(41)で算出された余剰 油量の分だけ油溜め容器 (32)に貯留させるように、開閉弁(33)を制御する。具体的 に、開閉弁制御部(42)は、予め余剰油量に応じて定められた所定時間 T1毎に開閉 弁(33)を開状態にする。所定時間 T1は、算出された余剰油量が多いほど長くなるよ うに設定されている。つまり、余剰油回収機構(30)は、運転時常に油分離器 (22)か ら油溜め容器 (32)に冷凍機油が流入するが、油溜め容器 (32)に余剰油量以上の冷 凍機油が貯留されないように、定期的に油溜め容器 (32)力 冷凍機油を圧縮機 (21 )へ戻すようにしている。なお、詳細な制御内容については後述する。 The on-off valve control unit (42) stores the on-off valve (33) so that the refrigeration oil is stored in the oil reservoir container (32) by the amount of surplus oil calculated by the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41). ) Is controlled. Specifically, the on-off valve control unit (42) opens the on-off valve (33) every predetermined time T1 determined in advance according to the excess oil amount. The predetermined time T1 is set to become longer as the calculated excess oil amount increases. In other words, the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) always flows refrigeration oil from the oil separator (22) into the oil sump container (32) during operation, but the refrigeration oil exceeding the surplus oil amount enters the sump container (32). Periodically, the oil reservoir (32) force refrigeration oil is returned to the compressor (21) so that the machine oil is not stored. Detailed control contents will be described later.
[0054] 運転動作 [0054] Driving operation
次に、上記空気調和装置(10)の運転動作について説明する。この空気調和装置
(10)は、冷房運転と暖房運転とが切換可能に構成されている。 Next, the operation of the air conditioner (10) will be described. This air conditioner (10) is configured to be switchable between a cooling operation and a heating operation.
[0055] 〈冷房運転〉 [0055] <Cooling operation>
この冷房運転では、冷媒回路(20)において、冷媒が図 1に実線の矢印で示す方 向に循環し、冷房サイクルが行われる。具体的に、四路切換弁(23)が第 1状態に設 定され、膨張機構 (25)の開度が適宜調節される。この状態で、圧縮機 (21)が駆動さ れると(運転が開始されると)、圧縮機(21)から吐出管(2a)に吐出された高圧冷媒は 、油分離器 (22)を介して室外熱交換器 (24)へ流れる。室外熱交換器 (24)では、高 圧冷媒が室外空気へ放熱して凝縮する。室外熱交換器 (24)で凝縮した冷媒は、膨 張機構(25)で減圧された後、室内熱交換器 (26)へ流れる。室内熱交換器 (26)では 、低圧冷媒が室内空気から吸熱して蒸発する。室内空気は、冷却されて室内へ供給 される。室内熱交換器 (26)で蒸発した低圧冷媒は、吸入管(2b)から圧縮機 (21)へ 吸入される。 In this cooling operation, in the refrigerant circuit (20), the refrigerant circulates in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow in FIG. 1, and a cooling cycle is performed. Specifically, the four-way selector valve (23) is set to the first state, and the opening degree of the expansion mechanism (25) is adjusted as appropriate. When the compressor (21) is driven in this state (when operation is started), the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) to the discharge pipe (2a) passes through the oil separator (22). To the outdoor heat exchanger (24). In the outdoor heat exchanger (24), the high-pressure refrigerant dissipates heat to the outdoor air and condenses. The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (24) is depressurized by the expansion mechanism (25) and then flows to the indoor heat exchanger (26). In the indoor heat exchanger (26), the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates. The room air is cooled and supplied to the room. The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (26) is drawn into the compressor (21) from the suction pipe (2b).
[0056] 〈暖房運転〉 [0056] <Heating operation>
この暖房運転では、冷媒回路(20)において、冷媒が図 1に破線の矢印で示す方 向に循環し、暖房サイクルが行われる。具体的に、四路切換弁(23)が第 2状態に設 定され、膨張機構 (25)の開度が適宜調節される。この状態で、圧縮機 (21)が駆動さ れると、圧縮機 (21)力 高圧冷媒が吐出管(2a)に吐出され、油分離器 (22)を介して 室内熱交換器 (26)へ流れる。室内熱交換器 (26)では、高圧冷媒が室内空気へ放 熱して凝縮する。室内空気は、加熱されて室内へ供給される。室内熱交換器 (26)で 凝縮した冷媒は、膨張機構 (25)で減圧された後、室外熱交換器 (24)へ流れる。室 外熱交換器 (24)では、低圧冷媒が室外空気から吸熱して蒸発する。室外熱交換器 ( 24)で蒸発した低圧冷媒は、吸入管(2b)から圧縮機 (21)へ吸入される。 In this heating operation, in the refrigerant circuit (20), the refrigerant circulates in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1, and a heating cycle is performed. Specifically, the four-way selector valve (23) is set to the second state, and the opening degree of the expansion mechanism (25) is adjusted as appropriate. In this state, when the compressor (21) is driven, the compressor (21) force high-pressure refrigerant is discharged to the discharge pipe (2a), and then to the indoor heat exchanger (26) via the oil separator (22). Flowing. In the indoor heat exchanger (26), the high-pressure refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air and condenses. The room air is heated and supplied to the room. The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (26) is depressurized by the expansion mechanism (25) and then flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (24). In the outdoor heat exchanger (24), the low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates. The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger (24) is sucked into the compressor (21) through the suction pipe (2b).
[0057] 〈余剰油回収機構の動作およびコントローラの制御動作〉 <Operation of surplus oil recovery mechanism and control operation of controller>
先ず、運転開始前に、開閉弁 (33)が閉状態に設定されると共に、連絡配管長さ が余剰油量算出部(41)に手動入力される。そして、余剰油量算出部(41)において 余剰油量が算出される。 First, before the operation is started, the on-off valve (33) is set to the closed state, and the communication pipe length is manually input to the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41). Then, the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) calculates the surplus oil amount.
[0058] 次に、運転が開始されると、圧縮機(21)から冷凍機油が冷媒と共に流出し、その 殆どが油分離器 (22)で分離される。分離された冷凍機油は、その自重により油流入
管(31)を通って油溜め容器 (32)に流入する。また、油分離器 (22)で分離されなかつ た僅かな冷凍機油は、冷媒と共に冷媒回路(20)を流れる。その冷凍機油の一部は、 連絡配管(2c,2d)や各熱交換器 (24,26)のチューブに付着して留まり、残りは、冷媒と 共に圧縮機 (21)へ戻る。 [0058] Next, when the operation is started, the refrigeration oil flows out of the compressor (21) together with the refrigerant, and most of the oil is separated by the oil separator (22). The separated refrigeration oil flows into the oil due to its own weight. It flows into the sump container (32) through the pipe (31). A small amount of refrigeration oil that has not been separated by the oil separator (22) flows through the refrigerant circuit (20) together with the refrigerant. Part of the refrigeration oil stays attached to the communication pipes (2c, 2d) and the tubes of the heat exchangers (24, 26), and the rest returns to the compressor (21) together with the refrigerant.
[0059] 運転開始から所定時間 T1が経過すると、開閉弁制御部(42)により、開閉弁(33) が開状態に切り換えられる。この所定時間 T1の間は、油溜め容器 (32)の冷凍機油 の貯留量が増大していく。そして、開状態に切り換えてから所定時間 T2が経過する と、再び開閉弁制御部(42)によって開閉弁(33)が閉じられる。この開閉弁(33)が開 いている間 (所定時間 T2の間)は、油分離器 (22)から油溜め容器 (32)に冷凍機油 が流入する一方、油溜め容器 (32)から冷凍機油が所定の流量で圧縮機(21)の吸入 管(2b)へ流出する。続いて、開閉弁(33)が閉じられてから所定時間 T1が経過すると 、再び開閉弁(33)が所定時間 T2の間開状態に切り換えられ、この開閉制御が繰り 返される。これにより、常に油溜め容器 (32)には余剰分の冷凍機油が貯留される。ま た、所定時間 T1は、算出された余剰油量が多くなるに従って長くなるので、確実に 余剰分の冷凍機油が油溜め容器 (32)に貯留される。 [0059] When a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the start of operation, the on-off valve control section (42) switches the on-off valve (33) to an open state. During this predetermined time T1, the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil sump container (32) increases. Then, when a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since switching to the open state, the on-off valve control section (42) closes the on-off valve (33) again. While this on-off valve (33) is open (during a predetermined time T2), refrigeration oil flows from the oil separator (22) into the oil reservoir (32), while refrigeration oil from the oil reservoir (32). Flows into the suction pipe (2b) of the compressor (21) at a predetermined flow rate. Subsequently, when a predetermined time T1 elapses after the on-off valve (33) is closed, the on-off valve (33) is switched to the open state again for the predetermined time T2, and this on-off control is repeated. As a result, surplus refrigeration oil is always stored in the oil sump container (32). Further, since the predetermined time T1 becomes longer as the calculated surplus oil amount increases, the surplus refrigerating machine oil is reliably stored in the oil sump container (32).
[0060] 一実施形態 1の効果 [0060] Effect of Embodiment 1
本実施形態によれば、油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油が流入して貯留され る油溜め容器 (32)と、その油溜め容器 (32)に貯留した冷凍機油を圧縮機(21)の吸 入管(2b)に戻す油流出管(35)を設けるようにした。したがって、圧縮機(21)から流 出して油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油の全てを油溜め容器 (32)に回収し、そ の回収した冷凍機油の一部を任意に圧縮機(21)に戻すことができる。これにより、運 転中において、常に油溜め容器 (32)に余剰分の冷凍機油を貯留させることができ、 油分離器 (22)を通過して冷媒回路(20)を流れる冷凍機油の量を抑制することができ る。よって、冷凍機油が連絡配管(2c,2d)や各熱交換器 (24,26)のチューブに必要以 上に付着するのを防止することができる。その結果、冷媒配管における冷媒の流動 損失を低減でき、また各熱交換器 (24,26)の熱交換効率を向上させることができる。 According to the present embodiment, the oil reservoir (32) in which the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) flows in and stored, and the refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil reservoir (32) are compressed by the compressor ( An oil outflow pipe (35) is provided to return to the suction pipe (2b) of 21). Therefore, all the refrigerating machine oil flowing out from the compressor (21) and separated by the oil separator (22) is recovered in the oil reservoir (32), and a part of the recovered refrigerating machine oil is optionally compressed. Return to (21). As a result, during operation, surplus refrigeration oil can always be stored in the oil reservoir (32), and the amount of refrigeration oil flowing through the refrigerant circuit (20) through the oil separator (22) can be reduced. Can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the refrigeration oil from adhering to the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) and the tubes of the heat exchangers (24, 26) more than necessary. As a result, the flow loss of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe can be reduced, and the heat exchange efficiency of each heat exchanger (24, 26) can be improved.
[0061] また、油溜め容器 (32)を油分離器 (22)の下方に配置して、油分離器 (22)の冷凍 機油をその自重で油溜め容器 (32)へ導くことができる。したがって、油分離器 (22)か
ら油溜め容器 (32)に冷凍機油を導入する動力手段を別途設けることなぐ簡易な構 成で余剰な冷凍機油を油溜め容器 (32)に回収することができる。その結果、コンパク ト且つ低コストな空気調和装置(10)を提供することができる。 [0061] Further, the oil sump container (32) can be arranged below the oil separator (22), and the refrigerating machine oil of the oil separator (22) can be guided to the sump container (32) by its own weight. Therefore, the oil separator (22) Therefore, surplus refrigeration oil can be recovered in the oil sump container (32) with a simple configuration without separately providing power means for introducing the refrigeration oil into the oil sump container (32). As a result, a compact and low-cost air conditioner (10) can be provided.
[0062] また、実機付着油量は、連絡配管長さに応じて大きく変動するところ、その連絡配 管長さに基づいて実機付着油量を推定して余剰油量を算出するようにしたので、的 確な余乗 IJ油量を把握すること力できる。そして、算出した余剰油量に基づいて開閉弁 (33)の開閉タイミングを定めるようにしたので、油溜め容器 (32)に余剰分の冷凍機油 を確実に貯留させつつ、潤滑に必要な冷凍機油を圧縮機(21)へ確実に戻すことが できる。したがって、圧縮機(21)の潤滑不良を防止しつつ、余剰な冷凍機油を回収 すること力 Sでさる。 [0062] In addition, since the amount of oil attached to the actual machine varies greatly depending on the length of the connecting pipe, the amount of oil attached to the actual machine is estimated based on the length of the connecting pipe, so that the excess oil amount is calculated. Accurate extra power Can understand IJ oil amount. Since the opening / closing timing of the on-off valve (33) is determined based on the calculated surplus oil amount, the refrigerating machine oil necessary for lubrication is securely stored while the surplus refrigerating machine oil is securely stored in the oil reservoir (32). Can be reliably returned to the compressor (21). Therefore, the force S can be used to recover excess refrigerating machine oil while preventing poor lubrication of the compressor (21).
[0063] 《発明の実施形態 2》 [0063] Embodiment 2 of the Invention
本発明の実施形態 2について説明する。図 2に示すように、本実施形態の空気調 和装置(10)は、上述した実施形態 1にお!/、て余剰油回収機構(30)の構成を変更し たものである。つまり、本実施形態は、上記実施形態 1の余剰油回収機構(30)にお いて、減圧管(38)を設けるようにした。 Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner (10) of the present embodiment is obtained by changing the configuration of the excess oil recovery mechanism (30) to the above-described first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the pressure reducing pipe (38) is provided in the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) of the first embodiment.
[0064] 上記減圧管(38)の一端は、油溜め容器 (32)に接続され、その油溜め容器 (32) 内のガス空間(冷媒ガス空間)に連通している。減圧管(38)の他端は、油流出管(35 )におけるキヤビラリチューブ(34)の下流側に接続され、圧縮機(21)の吸入側に連通 している。そして、この減圧管(38)には、油溜め容器 (32)側から順に、開閉弁(36)お よびキヤビラリチューブ(37)が設けられている。なお、開閉弁(36)は、電磁弁で構成 されている。 [0064] One end of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is connected to the oil reservoir (32) and communicates with a gas space (refrigerant gas space) in the oil reservoir (32). The other end of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is connected to the downstream side of the capillary tube (34) in the oil outflow pipe (35) and communicates with the suction side of the compressor (21). The pressure reducing pipe (38) is provided with an on-off valve (36) and a capillary tube (37) in order from the oil reservoir (32) side. The on-off valve (36) is a solenoid valve.
[0065] つまり、本実施形態の余剰油回収機構(30)は、減圧管(38)の開閉弁(36)が開く ことで、油溜め容器 (32)内のガス冷媒が圧縮機 (21)の吸入管(2b)に吸入されてそ の油溜め容器 (32)内を減圧するように構成されている。これにより、油分離器 (22)内 は圧縮機(21)の吐出圧力とほぼ同圧になっているため、油分離器 (22)と油溜め容 器 (32)との間に圧力差が生じる。そして、この圧力差により、油分離器 (22)の冷凍機 油が油流入管(31)を通って油溜め容器 (32)に流入する。 That is, in the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) of the present embodiment, the open / close valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is opened so that the gas refrigerant in the oil sump container (32) is compressed by the compressor (21). The oil reservoir (32) is depressurized by being sucked into the suction pipe (2b). As a result, the pressure in the oil separator (22) is almost the same as the discharge pressure of the compressor (21), so there is a pressure difference between the oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32). Arise. Due to this pressure difference, the refrigeration oil in the oil separator (22) flows into the oil reservoir (32) through the oil inflow pipe (31).
[0066] このように、本実施形態では、油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油をその自重で
油溜め容器 (32)に導入させなくても、減圧管 (38)の開閉弁 (36)を開くことにより油分 離器 (22)の冷凍機油を確実に油溜め容器 (32)に回収すること力 Sできる。したがって 、上記実施形態 1のように油溜め容器 (32)を油分離器 (22)の下方に配置する必要 がなぐ油分離器 (22)の側方や上方に配置してもよい。つまり、油溜め容器 (32)の設 置自由度が高まり、空気調和装置(10)のコンパクト化を図ることができる。 [0066] Thus, in this embodiment, the refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) is taken up by its own weight. Even if it is not introduced into the oil sump container (32), the refrigerating machine oil in the oil separator (22) must be reliably recovered in the sump container (32) by opening the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38). Power S can be. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the oil sump container (32) may be disposed on the side or upper side of the oil separator (22) which does not need to be disposed below the oil separator (22). That is, the degree of freedom in installing the oil sump container (32) is increased, and the air conditioner (10) can be made compact.
[0067] 本実施形態のコントローラ (40)は、以下のような制御動作を行う。 [0067] The controller (40) of the present embodiment performs the following control operation.
[0068] 上記余剰油量算出部 (41)は、上記実施形態 1と同様に、連絡配管長さが手動入 力され、その連絡配管長さに基づいて「余剰油量」を算出する。一方、開閉弁制御部 (42)は、油流出管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)と減圧管 (38)の開閉弁 (36)とを交互に開閉さ せる。具体的に、開閉弁制御部(42)は、実施形態 1と同様に、余剰油量に応じて予 め設定された所定時間 T1毎に油流出管(35)の開閉弁(33)を開状態にする。そして 、開閉弁制御部(42)は、油流出管(35)の開閉弁(33)を開いたときは減圧管(38)の 開閉弁 (36)を閉じて、油流出管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)を閉じたときは減圧管 (38)の開 閉弁(36)を開くように構成されている。つまり、開閉弁制御部(42)は、余剰油量に応 じて予め設定された所定時間 T1毎に減圧管(38)の開閉弁(36)を閉状態にする。 [0068] The surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) calculates the “surplus oil amount” based on the connection pipe length manually input in the same manner as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the on-off valve control section (42) alternately opens and closes the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) and the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38). Specifically, the on-off valve control unit (42) opens the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) every predetermined time T1 set in advance according to the excess oil amount, as in the first embodiment. Put it in a state. The on-off valve controller (42) closes the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) when the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) is opened, and When the on-off valve (33) is closed, the open / close valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is opened. That is, the on-off valve control section (42) closes the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) every predetermined time T1 set in advance according to the excess oil amount.
[0069] 運転動作 [0069] Driving action
次に、本実施形態の余剰油回収機構(30)の動作およびコントローラ (40)の制御 動作について説明する。なお、冷房運転および暖房運転の冷媒流れについては上 記実施形態 1と同様である。 Next, the operation of the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30) and the control operation of the controller (40) of this embodiment will be described. The refrigerant flow in the cooling operation and the heating operation is the same as that in the first embodiment.
[0070] 先ず、運転開始前に、油流出管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)が閉状態に設定されると共に 減圧管 (38)の開閉弁 (36)が開状態に設定され、連絡配管長さが余剰油量算出部 (4 1)に手動入力される。そして、余剰油量算出部(41)において余剰油量が算出される [0070] First, before the operation is started, the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) is set to the closed state and the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is set to the open state, so The length is manually input to the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41). Then, the surplus oil amount is calculated in the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41).
[0071] 次に、運転が開始されると、圧縮機(21)から冷凍機油が冷媒と共に流出し、その 殆どが油分離器 (22)で分離される。一方、油溜め容器 (32)内のガス冷媒が減圧管( 38)および油流出管(35)を通って圧縮機(21) 吸入される。これにより、油溜め容器 (32)内が減圧される。 Next, when the operation is started, the refrigeration oil flows out of the compressor (21) together with the refrigerant, and most of the oil is separated by the oil separator (22). On the other hand, the gas refrigerant in the oil reservoir (32) is sucked into the compressor (21) through the pressure reducing pipe (38) and the oil outflow pipe (35). As a result, the pressure in the oil sump container (32) is reduced.
[0072] 油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油は、油分離器 (22)と油溜め容器 (32)との圧
力差により、油流入管(31)を通って油溜め容器 (32)に流入する。また、油分離器 (22 )で分離されなかった僅かな冷凍機油は、冷媒と共に冷媒回路(20)を流れる。その 冷凍機油の一部は、冷媒配管や各熱交換器 (24,26)のチューブに付着して留まり、 残りは、冷媒と共に圧縮機 (21)へ戻る。 [0072] The refrigerating machine oil separated by the oil separator (22) is the pressure between the oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32). Due to the force difference, the oil flows into the oil reservoir (32) through the oil inflow pipe (31). A small amount of refrigeration oil that has not been separated by the oil separator (22) flows through the refrigerant circuit (20) together with the refrigerant. A part of the refrigerating machine oil adheres to the refrigerant piping and the tubes of the heat exchangers (24, 26), and the rest returns to the compressor (21) together with the refrigerant.
[0073] 運転開始から所定時間 T1が経過すると、開閉弁制御部(42)により、減圧管(38) の開閉弁 (36)が閉状態に、油流出管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)が開状態にそれぞれ切り換 えられる。この所定時間 T1の間は、油溜め容器 (32)の冷凍機油の貯留量が増大し ていく。そして、各開閉弁(33,36)を切り換えてから所定時間 T2が経過すると、再び 開閉弁制御部 (42)により、油流出管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)が閉状態に、減圧管 (38)の 開閉弁 (36)が開状態にそれぞれ切り換えられる。油流出管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)が開 いている間(所定時間 T2の間)は、油溜め容器 (32)力も冷凍機油が所定の流量で 圧縮機(21)の吸入管(2b)へ流出する。その際、油溜め容器 (32)において、冷凍機 油の流出量と同量の冷凍機油が油分離器 (22)から流入する。このように、各開閉弁( 33,36)の開閉が繰り返される。これにより、常に油溜め容器 (32)には余剰分の冷凍 機油が貯留されることになる。 [0073] When a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the start of operation, the on-off valve controller (42) causes the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) to be closed and the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) to be closed. Are each switched to the open state. During this predetermined time T1, the amount of refrigerating machine oil stored in the oil sump container (32) increases. When a predetermined time T2 elapses after the on-off valves (33, 36) are switched, the on-off valve control unit (42) again closes the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35), and the pressure reducing pipe. The on-off valve (36) of (38) is switched to the open state. While the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) is open (during the predetermined time T2), the oil reservoir (32) is also supplied with the refrigerating machine oil at the predetermined flow rate and the suction pipe (2b ). At that time, the same amount of refrigerating machine oil as that of the refrigerating machine oil flows into the oil sump container (32) from the oil separator (22). In this way, the opening / closing of the on-off valves (33, 36) is repeated. As a result, surplus refrigerating machine oil is always stored in the oil sump container (32).
[0074] 一実施形態 2の効果 [0074] Effect of Embodiment 2
本実施形態によれば、余剰油回収機構(30)に減圧管(38)を設けるようにしたの で、油分離器 (22)と油溜め容器 (32)の位置関係に問題なぐ油分離器 (22)で分離 された冷凍機油を油溜め容器 (32)に回収することができる。したがって、油溜め容器 (32)の設置制限を緩和することができ、空気調和装置(10)のコンパクト化を図ること ができる。 According to the present embodiment, since the pressure reducing pipe (38) is provided in the surplus oil recovery mechanism (30), the oil separator that has no problem with the positional relationship between the oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32) is provided. The refrigerating machine oil separated in (22) can be recovered in the oil reservoir (32). Therefore, the installation restriction of the oil sump container (32) can be relaxed, and the air conditioner (10) can be made compact.
[0075] また、減圧管(38)の開閉弁(36)の開閉タイミングを連絡配管長さに応じて算出し た余剰油量に基づいて定めるようにしたので、確実に油溜め容器 (32)に余剰分の冷 凍機油を貯留させることができる。その他の構成、作用および効果については実施 形態 1と同様である。 [0075] In addition, since the opening / closing timing of the opening / closing valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) is determined based on the surplus oil amount calculated according to the communication pipe length, the oil reservoir (32) The surplus refrigeration machine oil can be stored in the tank. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0076] 《発明の実施形態 3》 << Embodiment 3 of the Invention >>
本発明の実施形態 3について説明する。図 3に示すように、本実施形態の空気調 和装置(10)は、上記実施形態 1において、室内機(12)が複数 (本実施形態では、 2
台)設けられ、互いに並列接続されているものである。さらに、本実施形態の冷媒回 路 (20)は、上記実施形態 1における膨張機構 (25)に代えて、室外膨張機構 (25a)お よび室内膨張機構(25b)を備えて!/、るものである。 Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner (10) of the present embodiment includes a plurality of indoor units (12) in the first embodiment (in this embodiment, 2 Stand) and connected in parallel to each other. Further, the refrigerant circuit (20) of the present embodiment includes an outdoor expansion mechanism (25a) and an indoor expansion mechanism (25b) instead of the expansion mechanism (25) in the first embodiment! It is.
[0077] 具体的に、室外機(11)から延びる連絡ガス配管(2c)および連絡液配管(2d)は、 分岐して各室内機(12)に繋がっている。室外膨張機構(25a)は、室外機(11)に収納 され、室外熱交換器 (24)と連絡液配管 (2d)との間に接続されている。室内膨張機構 (25b)は、各室内機(12)に収納され、室内熱交換器 (26)と連絡液配管(2d)との間に 接続されている。 [0077] Specifically, the communication gas pipe (2c) and the communication liquid pipe (2d) extending from the outdoor unit (11) are branched and connected to each indoor unit (12). The outdoor expansion mechanism (25a) is housed in the outdoor unit (11) and is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger (24) and the communication liquid pipe (2d). The indoor expansion mechanism (25b) is housed in each indoor unit (12) and is connected between the indoor heat exchanger (26) and the communication liquid pipe (2d).
[0078] この場合、冷房運転では、室外膨張機構 (25a)が全開状態に設定され、各室内 膨張機構 (25b)の開度が適宜調節される。この冷房運転では、室外熱交換器 (24)で 凝縮 (放熱)した冷媒が連絡液配管(2d)を通って各室内機(12)へ分流し、室内膨張 機構(25b)で減圧された後、室内熱交換器 (26)で蒸発する。また、暖房運転では、 各室内膨張機構 (25b)が全開状態に設定され、室外膨張機構 (25a)の開度が適宜 調節される。この暖房運転では、圧縮機 (21)の吐出冷媒が連絡ガス配管(2c)を通つ て各室内機(12)へ分流し、室内熱交換器 (26)で凝縮 (放熱)した後、連絡液配管(2 d)へ流れる。その他の運転動作は、上記実施形態 1と同様である。 In this case, in the cooling operation, the outdoor expansion mechanism (25a) is set to a fully open state, and the opening degree of each indoor expansion mechanism (25b) is appropriately adjusted. In this cooling operation, the refrigerant condensed (dissipated) in the outdoor heat exchanger (24) is diverted to each indoor unit (12) through the connecting liquid pipe (2d), and then decompressed by the indoor expansion mechanism (25b). Evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (26). In the heating operation, each indoor expansion mechanism (25b) is set to a fully open state, and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion mechanism (25a) is adjusted as appropriate. In this heating operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) is diverted to each indoor unit (12) through the communication gas pipe (2c) and condensed (radiated) by the indoor heat exchanger (26), and then contacted. Flows into the liquid pipe (2d). Other driving operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0079] 本実施形態のコントローラ (40)において、余剰油量算出部(41)は、各室内機(12 )の連絡配管長さの平均長さが手動入力される。そして、余剰油量算出部 (41)は、入 力された平均長さに基づいて「余剰油量」を算出するように構成されている。つまり、 連絡配管長さの平均長さに応じた「実機付着油量」が推定され、「余剰油量」が算出 される。 [0079] In the controller (40) of the present embodiment, the surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) is manually input the average length of the communication pipe length of each indoor unit (12). The surplus oil amount calculation unit (41) is configured to calculate the “surplus oil amount” based on the input average length. In other words, the “actual oil adhesion amount” corresponding to the average length of the communication pipe length is estimated, and the “surplus oil amount” is calculated.
[0080] 本実施形態では、各室内機(12)に対する連絡配管長さが異なる力 その平均長 さに基づいて余剰油量を算出するので、過不足なく余剰油量が把握することができ る。したがって、余剰な冷凍機油を確実に油溜め容器 (32)に回収することができる。 その他の構成、作用および効果は、実施形態 1と同様である。 [0080] In the present embodiment, the force with different connecting pipe lengths for each indoor unit (12) calculates the surplus oil amount based on the average length, so that the surplus oil amount can be grasped without excess or deficiency. . Accordingly, surplus refrigeration oil can be reliably recovered in the oil reservoir (32). Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0081] 《その他の実施形態》 [0081] << Other Embodiments >>
上記各実施形態にっレ、ては、以下のような構成としてもょレ、。 According to each of the above embodiments, the following configuration may be used.
[0082] 例えば、上記各実施形態において、油流出管(35)の開閉弁(33)が開いている時
間(所定時間 T2)を一定時間としたが、算出される余剰油量に応じて変更するように してもよい。この場合、余剰油量が多くなるに従って、所定時間 Τ2を短くする。 [0082] For example, in each of the above embodiments, when the on-off valve (33) of the oil outflow pipe (35) is open. The interval (predetermined time T2) is a fixed time, but it may be changed according to the amount of surplus oil calculated. In this case, the predetermined time 2 is shortened as the excess oil amount increases.
[0083] また、上記実施形態 2では、減圧管 (38)の開閉弁 (36)を所定時間 T1毎に閉状 態に切り換えた力 常に開状態にするようにしてもよい。 [0083] In the second embodiment, the opening / closing valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) may be always opened when the opening / closing valve (36) is switched to the closed state every predetermined time T1.
[0084] また、上記各実施形態では、連絡配管長さに基づいて余剰油量を算出するように したが、これに限らず、連絡配管長さと各熱交換器 (24,26)のチューブ長さの総長に 基づいて余剰油量を算出するようにしてもよい。この場合、より適切な実機付着油量 が推定され、余剰油量が確実に把握される。なお、上記以外の配管の長さを加味す るようにしてあよいことは、勿論である。 [0084] In each of the above embodiments, the excess oil amount is calculated based on the communication pipe length. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connection pipe length and the tube length of each heat exchanger (24, 26) are calculated. The surplus oil amount may be calculated based on the total length. In this case, a more appropriate amount of oil attached to the actual machine is estimated, and the excess oil amount can be ascertained reliably. Of course, other pipe lengths may be taken into account.
[0085] また、上記実施形態 2において室内機(12)を複数並列に設けた場合も、実施形 態 3と同様に、各室内機(12)に対する連絡配管長さの平均長さに基づいて余剰油量 を算出するようにすればよい。 [0085] Also, when a plurality of indoor units (12) are provided in parallel in the second embodiment, as in the third embodiment, based on the average length of the connecting pipe lengths for each indoor unit (12). The surplus oil amount may be calculated.
[0086] また、上記各実施形態では、各開閉弁(33,36)に電磁弁を用いるようにした力 こ れに代えて、開度調整可能な流量調整弁を用いるようにしてもよい。その場合、キヤ ビラリチューブ(34,37)は省略される。 [0086] Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, instead of the force that uses an electromagnetic valve for each on-off valve (33, 36), a flow rate adjusting valve capable of adjusting the opening degree may be used. In that case, the capillary tube (34, 37) is omitted.
[0087] また、上記各実施形態では、空気調和装置について説明したが、これに限らず、 本発明は、圧縮機の吐出側に油分離器が接続された冷媒回路を備えている冷凍装 置 (例えば、冷蔵庫等)であれば、如何なるものにも適用してもよい。 Further, in each of the above embodiments, the air conditioner has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention is a refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit in which an oil separator is connected to the discharge side of the compressor. As long as it is (for example, a refrigerator), it may be applied to anything.
[0088] なお、以上の実施形態は、本質的に好ましい例示であって、本発明、その適用物[0088] The above embodiment is essentially a preferable example, and the present invention and its applied products are described.
、あるいはその用途の範囲を制限することを意図するものではなレ、。 , Or not intended to limit the scope of its use.
産業上の利用可能性 Industrial applicability
[0089] 以上説明したように、本発明は、圧縮機の吐出側に油分離器が接続された冷媒 回路を備えている冷凍装置として有用である。
[0089] As described above, the present invention is useful as a refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant circuit having an oil separator connected to the discharge side of a compressor.
Claims
[1] 圧縮機 (21)と、該圧縮機 (21)の吐出側に接続された油分離器 (22)と、該油分離 器 (22)に連通し、該油分離器 (22)で分離された冷凍機油を貯留させるための油溜 め容器 (32)と、該油溜め容器 (32)と上記圧縮機(21)の吸入側とに接続され且つ開 閉弁(33)を有して上記油溜め容器 (32)の冷凍機油を上記圧縮機(21)の吸入側に 戻す接続管 (35)とを有し、蒸気圧縮式冷凍サイクルを行う冷媒回路 (20)を備えて!/、 る [1] The compressor (21), the oil separator (22) connected to the discharge side of the compressor (21), and the oil separator (22) communicated with the oil separator (22). An oil sump container (32) for storing the separated refrigerating machine oil; and an open / close valve (33) connected to the oil sump container (32) and the suction side of the compressor (21). And a connection pipe (35) for returning the refrigeration oil in the oil reservoir (32) to the suction side of the compressor (21), and a refrigerant circuit (20) for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. , Ru
ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。 A refrigeration apparatus characterized by that.
[2] 請求項 1において、 [2] In claim 1,
上記油分離器 (22)と油溜め容器 (32)とは、上記油分離器 (22)の冷凍機油が流 通する流通管(31)で接続される一方、 The oil separator (22) and the oil reservoir (32) are connected by a circulation pipe (31) through which the refrigeration oil of the oil separator (22) flows,
上記油溜め容器 (32)は、上記油分離器 (22)の下方に配置されている ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。 The refrigeration apparatus, wherein the oil sump container (32) is disposed below the oil separator (22).
[3] 請求項 1において、 [3] In claim 1,
上記油溜め容器 (32)は、ガス冷媒が封入されており、 The oil sump container (32) is filled with a gas refrigerant,
上記冷媒回路 (20)は、開閉弁(36)を有し、一端が油溜め容器 (32)内のガス冷媒 空間に連通し且つ他端が上記接続管(35)における開閉弁(33)の下流に接続されて 油溜め容器 (32)内を減圧するための減圧管(38)を備えてレ、る The refrigerant circuit (20) has an on-off valve (36), one end communicating with the gas refrigerant space in the oil reservoir (32) and the other end of the on-off valve (33) in the connection pipe (35). A pressure reducing pipe (38) for reducing the pressure in the oil sump container (32) connected downstream is provided.
ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。 A refrigeration apparatus characterized by that.
[4] 請求項 1において、 [4] In claim 1,
上記冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さに基づいて上記圧縮機 (21)に収容された冷 凍機油の余剰油量を算出し、該余剰油量に応じて予め定められた所定時間毎に接 続管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)を開く制御手段 (40)を備えてレ、る Based on the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20), the surplus oil amount of the refrigeration machine oil accommodated in the compressor (21) is calculated, and the predetermined amount of time predetermined according to the surplus oil amount is calculated. It is equipped with control means (40) that opens the on-off valve (33) of the connecting pipe (35).
ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。 A refrigeration apparatus characterized by that.
[5] 請求項 3において、 [5] In claim 3,
上記冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さに基づいて上記圧縮機 (21)に収容された冷 凍機油の余剰油量を算出し、該余剰油量に応じて予め定められた所定時間毎に、 接続管 (35)の開閉弁 (33)を開くと共に減圧管 (38)の開閉弁 (36)を閉じる制御手段
(40)を備えている Based on the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20), the surplus oil amount of the refrigeration machine oil accommodated in the compressor (21) is calculated, and the predetermined amount of time predetermined according to the surplus oil amount is calculated. Control means for opening the on-off valve (33) of the connecting pipe (35) and closing the on-off valve (36) of the pressure reducing pipe (38) (40) with
ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。 A refrigeration apparatus characterized by that.
[6] 請求項 4または 5において、 [6] In claim 4 or 5,
上記制御手段 (40)は、冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さに応じて該冷媒配管に冷 凍機油が付着する付着量を推定し、その推定付着量から上記圧縮機 (21)に収容さ れた冷凍機油の余剰油量を算出するように構成されている The control means (40) estimates the amount of attachment of refrigeration oil to the refrigerant pipe according to the refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20), and stores it in the compressor (21) from the estimated amount of attachment. It is configured to calculate the excess oil amount of the refrigerating machine oil
ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。 A refrigeration apparatus characterized by that.
[7] 請求項 4または 5において、 [7] In claim 4 or 5,
上記制御手段 (40)は、算出した余剰油量が多いほど上記所定時間を長くするよ うに構成されている The control means (40) is configured to increase the predetermined time as the calculated surplus oil amount increases.
ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。 A refrigeration apparatus characterized by that.
[8] 請求項 4または 5において、 [8] In claim 4 or 5,
熱源側熱交換器 (24)、上記圧縮機 (21)、上記油分離器 (22)および上記油溜め 容器 (32)が収納される熱源ユニット(11)と、利用側熱交換器 (26)が収納される利用 ユニット(12)とを備え、 A heat source unit (11) in which the heat source side heat exchanger (24), the compressor (21), the oil separator (22), and the oil sump container (32) are housed, and a use side heat exchanger (26) And a use unit (12) in which is stored,
上記冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さは、上記熱源ユニット(11)と利用ユニット(12) とを繋ぐ連絡配管(2c,2d)の長さである The refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20) is the length of the connecting pipe (2c, 2d) connecting the heat source unit (11) and the utilization unit (12).
ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。 A refrigeration apparatus characterized by that.
[9] 請求項 8において、 [9] In claim 8,
上記利用ユニット(12)は、複数設けられて互いに並列接続され、 A plurality of the use units (12) are provided and connected in parallel to each other,
上記冷媒回路 (20)の冷媒配管長さは、上記熱源ユニット(11)と各利用ユニット(1 2)とを繋ぐ連絡配管(2c,2d)の平均長さである The refrigerant pipe length of the refrigerant circuit (20) is the average length of the connecting pipes (2c, 2d) connecting the heat source unit (11) and each utilization unit (12).
ことを特徴とする冷凍装置。
A refrigeration apparatus characterized by that.
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CN107975978A (en) | 2017-11-10 | 2018-05-01 | 广东美的暖通设备有限公司 | Multi-line system and its compressor oil amount adjustment method and regulating device |
EP3722700B1 (en) | 2017-12-06 | 2023-10-18 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Refrigeration cycle device |
CN111433531B (en) | 2017-12-06 | 2022-02-18 | 三菱电机株式会社 | Refrigeration cycle device |
JP2021139520A (en) * | 2020-03-03 | 2021-09-16 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Refrigeration cycle device |
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JPH06241590A (en) * | 1993-02-19 | 1994-08-30 | Hitachi Ltd | Oil cycle system for screw refrigerator |
JPH11337194A (en) * | 1998-05-28 | 1999-12-10 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Chiller |
JP2002257427A (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2002-09-11 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Refrigerating air conditioner and its operating method |
JP2004205175A (en) * | 2002-12-26 | 2004-07-22 | Toshiba Kyaria Kk | Refrigerator |
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- 2006-12-05 JP JP2006328687A patent/JP4274235B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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- 2007-11-29 WO PCT/JP2007/073059 patent/WO2008069092A1/en active Application Filing
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JPH06241590A (en) * | 1993-02-19 | 1994-08-30 | Hitachi Ltd | Oil cycle system for screw refrigerator |
JPH11337194A (en) * | 1998-05-28 | 1999-12-10 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Chiller |
JP2002257427A (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2002-09-11 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Refrigerating air conditioner and its operating method |
JP2004205175A (en) * | 2002-12-26 | 2004-07-22 | Toshiba Kyaria Kk | Refrigerator |
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CN103743157A (en) * | 2014-01-09 | 2014-04-23 | 广东美的制冷设备有限公司 | Compressor system, air conditioner and oil return control method of compressor |
Also Published As
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JP2008139001A (en) | 2008-06-19 |
JP4274235B2 (en) | 2009-06-03 |
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