Patent Publication Number: US-2007113582-A1

Title: Branching pipe joint and an air conditioner provided therewith

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The present invention relates to a branching pipe joint and an air conditioner provided therewith.  
     BACKGROUND ART  
      Conventionally, there is a so-called separate type air conditioner constituted by connecting outdoor units and indoor units via a connecting piping, such as a gas refrigerant connecting piping and a liquid refrigerant connecting piping. An example of such an air conditioner  1  is one that, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , disposes a plurality (four units in  FIG. 1 ) of indoor units  3  and branches a connecting piping  4  so that a refrigerant can be distributed therefrom to all indoor units  3 , and also disposes a plurality (three units in  FIG. 1 ) of outdoor units  2  and branches the connecting piping  4  (a gas refrigerant connecting piping  5  and a liquid refrigerant connecting piping  6  in  FIG. 1 ) so that the refrigerant can be distributed therefrom to all outdoor units  2 .  
      The following explains the branch structure of the connecting piping  4  for distributing the refrigerant to the plurality of outdoor units  2  and the plurality of indoor units  3 , e.g., the gas refrigerant connecting piping  5  that distributes a gas refrigerant to the plurality of outdoor units  2 . The gas refrigerant connecting piping  5  principally comprises: a union connecting piping  51  that extends from the indoor units  3  to the plurality of outdoor units  2 ; a plurality (two in  FIG. 1 ) of branching pipe joints  52  connected to the union connecting piping  51  in accordance with the number of outdoor units  2 , and that distribute the flow of the refrigerant to two flows; branch connecting pipings  53  that each conjoin branching pipe joints  52  as needed; and unit branch pipings  54  that each connect one of the branching pipe joints  52  and a connection port  21  of the corresponding outdoor unit  2 . Such a gas refrigerant connecting piping  5  is plumbed by connecting one of the branching pipe joints  52  to the union connecting piping  51  by brazing and the like, connecting each unit branch piping  54  to the connection port  21  of the corresponding outdoor unit  2 , and connecting each branch connecting piping  53  to the corresponding branching pipe joint  52  by braising and the like. In addition, the branch structure of the gas refrigerant connecting piping  5  for distributing the gas refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units  3  is also constituted by connecting branching pipe joints  55 , branch connecting pipings  56 , and unit branch pipings  57  to the union connecting piping  51 , the same as above. Furthermore, the liquid refrigerant connecting piping  6  also has a branch structure that includes branching pipe joints  62 ,  65 , the same as the gas refrigerant connecting piping  5 .  
      Furthermore, examples of the branching pipe joints (the branching pipe joints  52 ,  55  of the gas refrigerant connecting piping  5  in  FIG. 1 ) used to branch such a connecting piping include a Y-shaped branch pipe  81  and a T-shaped branch pipe  91  depicted in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 .  
      The Y-shaped branch pipe  81  principally comprises a Y-shaped branch part  82 , and a first branch nozzle part  83  and a second branch nozzle part  84  connected to the Y-shaped branch part  82 . The Y-shaped branch part  82  is a substantially Y-pipe shaped member, and has an inlet pipe part  82   a , wherethrough flows the refrigerant that flows in from the union connecting piping or the branch connecting piping (corresponding to the union connecting piping  51  and the branch connecting pipings  53  in  FIG. 1 ), and a first outlet pipe part  82   b  and a second outlet pipe part  82   c , wherethrough flows the refrigerant along a flow direction (hereinafter referred to as the first direction A) of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe part  82   a  and in directions along the first direction A substantially symmetric to a centerline O-O of the inlet pipe part  82   a . The first branch nozzle part  83  is a pipe member connected to the first outlet pipe part  82   b , and extends away from the second branch nozzle part  84  and then along the first direction A; further, at the tip thereof a first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a  is formed, wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps so that it can connect to a differently diametered pipe. The second branch nozzle part  84  is a pipe member connected to the second outlet pipe part  82   c , and extends substantially straight along the first direction A; further, at the tip thereof a second reducer pipe connecting part  84   a  is formed, wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps, the same as the first branch nozzle part  83 . Here, even if the unit branch piping (corresponding to the unit branch piping  54  in  FIG. 1 ) to be connected to the first branch nozzle part  83  is a differently diametered pipe, it is still possible to make the connection by brazing and the like because the first branch nozzle part  83  can be made to conform to the pipe diameter of the unit branch piping by cutting the first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a  using a pipe cutter. In addition, even if the branch connecting piping or the unit branch piping to be connected to the second branch nozzle part  84  is a differently diametered pipe, it is still possible to make the connection by brazing and the like because the second branch nozzle part  84  can be made to conform to the pipe diameter of the branch connecting piping or the unit branch piping by cutting the second reducer pipe connecting part  84   a  using a pipe cutter, the same as the first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a . Furthermore, by making the first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a  and the second reducer pipe connecting part  84   a  shaped so that the first branch nozzle part  83  extends away from the second branch nozzle part  84  and then extends along the first direction A, as discussed above, a spacing is created that can secure the space needed to perform the cutting work with the pipe cutter (corresponding to the spacing S between the portion of the first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a  nearest the second branch nozzle part  84  side and the portion of the second branch nozzle part  84  nearest to the first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a  of the first branch nozzle part  83  in  FIG. 2 ).  
      In addition, the T-shaped branch pipe  91  principally comprises a T-shaped branch part  92 , and a first branch nozzle part  93  and a second branch nozzle part  94  connected to the T-shaped branch part  92 . The T-shaped branch part  92  is a substantially T-shaped member, and has an inlet pipe part  92   a , wherethrough flows the refrigerant that flows in from the union connecting piping or the branch connecting piping (corresponding to the union connecting piping  51  or the branch connecting piping  53  in  FIG. 1 ), a first outlet pipe part  92   b , wherethrough flows the refrigerant in a direction substantially orthogonal to the flow direction (hereinafter, referred to as the first direction A) of the refrigerant flowing through the inlet pipe part  92   a , and a second outlet pipe part  92   c , wherethrough flows the refrigerant in a direction along the first direction A. The first branch nozzle part  93  is a pipe member connected to the first outlet pipe part  92   b , and extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction A; further, at the tip thereof a first reducer pipe connecting part  93   a  is formed, wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps. The second branch nozzle part  94  is a pipe member connected to the second outlet pipe part  92   c , and extends substantially straight along the first direction A; further, at the tip thereof, a second reducer pipe connecting part  94   a  is formed wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps, the same as the first branch nozzle part  93 . Here, even if the unit branch piping (corresponding to the unit branch piping  54  in  FIG. 1 ) to be connected to the first branch nozzle part  83  is a differently diametered pipe, it is possible to make the connection by brazing and the like because the first branch nozzle part  83  can be made to conform to the pipe diameter of the unit branch piping by cutting the first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a  using a pipe cutter. In addition, even if the branch connecting piping or the unit branch piping to be connected to the second branch nozzle part  84  is a differently diametered pipe, it is possible to make the connection by brazing and the like because the second branch nozzle part  84  can be made to conform to the pipe diameter of the branch connecting piping or the unit branch piping by cutting the second reducer pipe connecting part  84   a  using a pipe cutter, the same as the first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a . Furthermore, because the first branch nozzle part  83  and the second branch nozzle part  84  extend in mutually orthogonal directions, a space is secured between the first reducer pipe connecting part  83   a  and the second reducer pipe connecting part  84   a  to perform the cutting work with the pipe cutter.  
      &lt;Non-Patent Document 1&gt; 
      1998 Cooling and Heating Handbook-Air Conditioning Volume, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.  
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION  
     Problems Solved by the Invention  
      If the Y-shaped branch pipe  81 , which is the former branch pipe discussed above, is used as the branching pipe joint, then it is normally disposed so that the Y-shaped branch part  82  faces the horizontal direction and so that the first branch nozzle part  83  and the second branch nozzle part  84  are positioned at the same height (hereinafter referred to as the horizontal branch arrangement). Thereby, the refrigerant that flows in from the union connecting piping or the branch connecting piping into the Y-shaped branch pipe  81  tends not to drift because the refregerant branches in the Y-shaped branch part  82  without any height differential between the directions substantially symmetric to the centerline O-O of the inlet pipe part  82   a . However, because the shape of the first branch nozzle part  83  of the Y-shaped branch pipe  81  extends away from the second branch nozzle part  84  and then extends along the first direction A, there is a problem in that a heat insulating material  85  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) must be affixed around the portion of the first and second branch nozzle parts  83 ,  84  where the first branch nozzle part  83  extends away from the second branch nozzle part  84  in the first direction A from the inlet pipe part  82   a  of the Y-shaped branch part  82 , and the vicinity of the branching pipe joint therefore cannot be made compact. In addition, there is a problem in that it is troublesome to do the finishing work (hereinafter referred to as the racking process) of wrapping tape around the outer circumference of the heat insulating material  85  after affixing it to the connecting piping and then affixing a face cover.  
      In addition, if the Y-shaped branch pipe  81  is used as the branching pipe joint, then there is a case wherein it is disposed below the connection ports of the corresponding outdoor unit as in the case, for example, where the outdoor unit is installed on a platform. In such a case, the refrigerant piping, such as the unit branch piping, connected to the first branch nozzle part  83  must be disposed so that it stands upward, and it is consequently preferable to plumb so that the Y-shaped branch pipe  81  is disposed so that the Y-shaped branch part  82  faces the horizontal direction and the first branch nozzle part  83  is on the upper side of the second branch nozzle part  84 , instead of the horizontal branch arrangement discussed above. However, if the Y-shaped branch pipe  81  is disposed in this manner, drift occurs such that a large amount of liquid refrigerant, refrigerator oil, and the like, flows to the second branch nozzle part  84  when the gas refrigerant, which accompanies the refrigerant in the vapor-liquid two-phase state and the refrigerator oil, flows inside the connecting piping. Consequently, if the Y-shaped branch pipe  81  is used as the branching pipe joint, then there is a problem in that numerous constraints occur during plumbing work in order to maintain the horizontal branch arrangement.  
      However, if the T-shaped branch pipe  91 , which is the latter branch pipe discussed above, is used as the branching pipe joint, then the portion where a heat insulating material  95  is affixed is just the portion in the vicinity of the first and second outlet pipe parts  92   b ,  92   c  of the first and second branch nozzle parts  93 ,  94  in the first direction A from the inlet pipe part  92   a  of the T-shaped branch part  92  (refer to  FIG. 3 ), and the vicinity of the branching pipe joint can be made more compact than the case of using the Y-shaped branch pipe  81 . However, even if the T-shaped branch pipe  91  is disposed so that it is in the horizontal branch arrangement, the same as the case of using the Y-shaped branch pipe  81 , i.e., so that the T-shaped branch part  92  of the T-shaped branch pipe  91  faces the horizontal direction, and is disposed so that the first branch nozzle part  93  and the second branch nozzle part  94  are at the same height position, then the refrigerant that flows in from the union connecting piping or the branch connecting piping into the T-shaped branch pipe  91  branches without any height differential between the directions substantially symmetric to the centerline O-O of the inlet pipe part  82   a , but there is a problem in that drift tends to occur in the T-shaped branch part  92  because it does not branch in directions symmetric to the centerline O-O of the inlet pipe part  92   a.    
      Thus, despite using either the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81  or the T-shaped branch pipe  91  discussed above as the branching pipe joint, it is not possible to achieve both the prevention of drift in the branch part and a compaction of the vicinity thereof.  
      It is an object of the present invention to achieve both the prevention of drift in the branch part and a compaction of the vicinity thereof in a branching pipe joint, for distributing the refrigerant flowing inside the main pipe into two flows, and in an air conditioner provided therewith.  
     Means for Solving the Problems  
      A branching pipe joint according to the first invention is a branching pipe joint for distributing a refrigerant flowing within a main pipe to two flows, comprising a substantially Y-pipe shaped branch part, a first branch nozzle part, a second branch nozzle part, and a first branch pipe. The branch part comprises an inlet pipe part wherethrough flows the refrigerant that flows in from the main pipe, and a first outlet pipe part and a second outlet pipe part wherethrough flows the refrigerant along a first direction, which is the flow direction of the refrigerant that flows through the inlet pipe part, and along the first direction in directions substantially symmetric to a centerline of the inlet pipe part. The first branch nozzle part is connected to the first outlet pipe part and extends along the first direction. The second branch nozzle part is connected to the second outlet pipe part and extends along the first direction. The first branch pipe is a pipe member, wherein one end part is connected to a tip part of the first branch nozzle during plumbing work, and is bent so that the other end part faces a direction that intersects the first direction in a state connected to the first branch nozzle part. The first branch nozzle part and the second branch nozzle part are disposed so that the spacing between the portion of the tip part of the first branch nozzle part nearest the second branch nozzle part side and the portion of the second branch nozzle part nearest the tip part of the first branch nozzle part is less than or equal to 40 mm.  
      This branching pipe joint comprises a substantially Y-pipe shaped branch part the same as a conventional Y-shaped branch pipe but, unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe, is structured so that the first branch pipe can be connected to the tip part of the first branch nozzle part during plumbing work. Consequently, this branching pipe joint, unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe, does not have a first reducer pipe connecting part formed at the tip part of the first branch nozzle part, and it is therefore not necessary to secure a space to perform the work of cutting the tip part of the first branch nozzle part using a pipe cutter, and the spacing between the first branch nozzle part and the second branch nozzle part (i.e., the spacing between the portion of the first branch pipe of the first branch nozzle part nearest the second branch nozzle part side of the connecting part and the portion of the second branch nozzle part nearest the first branch nozzle part side) is consequently less than or equal to 40 mm. Thereby, with this branching pipe joint, it is possible to compact the vicinity of the branch pipe more than the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe.  
      Moreover, because the branching pipe joint is bent so that the other end part thereof faces a direction that intersects the first direction, in a state wherein the first branch pipe is connected to the first branch nozzle part, it is possible to maintain the horizontal branch arrangement of the branch part even if, for example, the refrigerant piping connected to the first branch nozzle part is disposed so that it stands upwards. Thereby, this branching pipe joint can prevent drift of the refrigerant in the branch part.  
      Thus, this branching pipe joint is structured so that the first branch pipe, which is bent so that it faces a direction that intersects the first direction, can be connected to the tip part of the first branch nozzle part, and it is possible to achieve both a compaction of the vicinity of the branch part and the prevention of drift therein because the spacing between the first branch nozzle part and the second branch nozzle part is reduced.  
      A branching pipe joint according to the second invention is a branching pipe joint according to the first invention, wherein the first branch pipe is capable of connecting to the first branch nozzle part by brazing. The spacing between the portion of the tip part of the first branch nozzle part nearest the second branch nozzle part side and the portion of the second branch nozzle part nearest to the tip part of the first branch nozzle part is greater than or equal to 7 mm.  
      It is possible with this branching pipe joint to easily connect the first branch pipe to the tip part of the first branch nozzle part by brazing during plumbing work because the spacing between the portion of the tip part of the first branch nozzle part nearest the second branch nozzle part side and the portion of the second branch nozzle part nearest the tip part of the first branch nozzle part is greater than or equal to 7 mm.  
      A branching pipe joint according to the third invention is a branching pipe joint according to the first or second inventions, wherein the other end part of the first branch pipe comprises a first reducer pipe connecting part, wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps.  
      It is possible to connect a refrigerant piping having a different diameter with this branching pipe joint because the first reducer pipe connecting part is formed in the first branch pipe.  
      A branching pipe joint according to the fourth invention is a branching pipe joint according to any one invention of the first through third inventions, wherein the tip part of the second branch nozzle part comprises a second reducer pipe connecting part that protrudes further than the tip part of the first branch nozzle part toward the first direction side and wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps.  
      It is possible with this branching pipe joint to secure a space for performing the work of cutting the second reducer pipe connecting part using a pipe cutter because the second reducer pipe connecting part, which is formed at the tip part of the second branch nozzle part, protrudes further than the tip part of the first branch nozzle part toward the first direction side.  
      A branching pipe joint according to the fifth invention is a branching pipe joint according to any one invention of the first through third inventions, further comprising a second branch pipe. The second branch pipe is a pipe member wherein one end part is connected during plumbing work to the second branch nozzle part, comprising a second reducer pipe connecting part at the other end part wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps, and extending along the first direction in a state connected to the second branch nozzle part.  
      It is possible with this branching pipe joint to reduce the size of the branch part in the first direction because it is structured so that the second branch pipe, which extends along the first direction, can connect to the tip part of the second branch nozzle part.  
      An air conditioner according to the sixth invention comprises: at least one indoor unit; a plurality of outdoor units; a union connecting piping that serves as a main pipe extending from the indoor unit to the plurality of outdoor units; at least one branching pipe joint, according to any one invention of the first through fifth inventions, that is connected to the union connecting piping in accordance with a number of the outdoor units and that distributes the flow of a refrigerant to two flows; and a plurality of unit branch pipings that each connects the branching pipe joint to a connection port of one of the outdoor units.  
      It is possible with this air conditioner to achieve both a compaction of the vicinity of the branch part and the prevention of drift therein because it constitutes a branch structure that distributes the refrigerant from the union connecting piping to the connection port of each outdoor unit using at least one branching pipe joint according to any one invention of the first through fifth inventions. Thereby, compared with the case of using a conventional Y-shaped branch pipe, it is possible to reduce the troublesome time when performing the racking process after affixing the heat insulating material to the connecting piping.  
     Effects of the Invention  
      The following are the effects obtained according to the present invention, as discussed in the explanation above.  
      With the first invention, the structure is such that the first branch pipe, which is bent so that it faces a direction that intersects the first direction, can be connected to the tip part of the first branch nozzle part, and it is possible to achieve both a compaction of the vicinity of the branch part and the prevention of drift therein because the spacing between the first branch nozzle part and the second branch nozzle part is reduced.  
      With the second invention, it is possible to easily connect the first branch pipe to the connecting part of the first branch nozzle part by brazing during plumbing work because the spacing between the portion of the tip part of the first branch nozzle part nearest the second branch nozzle part side and the portion of the second branch nozzle part nearest the tip part of the first branch nozzle part is greater than or equal to 7 mm.  
      With the third invention, it is possible to connect a refrigerant piping having a different diameter because the first reducer pipe connecting part is formed in the first branch pipe.  
      With the fourth invention, it is possible to secure a space for performing the work of cutting the second reducer pipe connecting part using a pipe cutter because the second reducer pipe connecting part, which is formed at the tip part of the second branch nozzle part, protrudes further than the tip part of the first branch nozzle part toward the first direction side.  
      With the fifth invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the branch part in the first direction because it is structured so that the second branch pipe, which extends along the first direction, can connect to the tip part of the second branch nozzle part.  
      With the sixth invention, it is possible to reduce the troublesome time when performing the racking process after affixing the heat insulating material to the connecting piping. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of an air conditioner.  
       FIG. 2  is an outline drawing of a conventional Y-shaped branch pipe.  
       FIG. 3  is an outline drawing of a conventional T-shaped branch pipe.  
       FIG. 4  is an outline drawing that depicts the structure of a branching pipe joint according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view taken along the C arrow in  FIG. 4 .  
       FIG. 6  is an oblique view that depicts an example wherein branching pipe joints, according to an embodiment of the present invention, are used in the branch structure of a connecting piping for distributing a refrigerant to a plurality of outdoor units.  
       FIG. 7  is an oblique view that depicts an example wherein branching pipe joints, according to an embodiment of the present invention, are used in the branch structure of a connecting piping for distributing a refrigerant to a plurality of outdoor units.  
       FIG. 8  is an outline drawing that depicts the structure of a branching pipe joint according to a modified example. 
    
    
     EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS  
     
         
           1  Air conditioner  
           2  Outdoor unit  
           3  Indoor unit  
           21 ,  22  Connection ports  
           51 ,  53  Union connecting piping, branch connecting piping, (main pipes)  
           54  Unit branch piping  
           181  Branching pipe joint  
           182  Branch part  
           182   a  Inlet pipe part  
           182   b  First outlet pipe part  
           182   c  Second outlet pipe part  
           183  First branch nozzle part  
           184  Second branch nozzle part  
           184   a  Second reducer pipe connecting part  
           186  First branch pipe  
           186   a  First reducer pipe connecting part  
           187  Second branch pipe  
           187   a  Second reducer pipe connecting part  
          S Spacing  
       
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION  
      Referring to the drawings, a branching pipe joint and an air conditioner provided therewith according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below.  
     (1) Structure of the Branching Pipe Joint  
       FIG. 4  depicts the structure of a branching pipe joint  181  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
      The branching pipe joint  181  comprises a substantially Y-pipe shaped branch part  182 , a first branch nozzle part  183 , a second branch nozzle part  184 , and a first branch pipe  186 .  
      The branch part  182  is a portion that has a shape the same as a branch part  82  of a conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81  (refer to  FIG. 2 ), and comprises: an inlet pipe part  182   a , wherethrough flows the refrigerant that flows in from the main pipe (e.g., a union connecting piping  51  and a branch connecting piping  53  of a gas refrigerant connecting piping  5  depicted in  FIG. 1 ); and a first outlet pipe part  182   b  and a second outlet pipe part  182   c , wherethrough flows the refrigerant along a first direction A, which is the flow direction of the refrigerant that flows through the inlet pipe part  182   a  and in directions along the first direction A substantially symmetric to a centerline O-O of the inlet pipe part  182   a.    
      The first branch nozzle part  183  is connected to the first outlet pipe part  182   b , and extends substantially straight along the first direction A. Moreover, at the tip part of the first branch nozzle part  183  a first flared part  183   a  is formed, wherein the pipe is expanded so that one end part of the first branch pipe  186  can be inserted, and a first reducer pipe connecting part is not formed as in the first branch nozzle part  83  of the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81  (refer to  FIG. 2 ).  
      The second branch nozzle part  184  is connected to the second outlet pipe part  182   c , and extends substantially straight along the first direction A. At the tip part of the second branch nozzle part  184  a second reducer pipe connecting part  184   a  is formed, wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps. Furthermore, the second reducer pipe connecting part  184   a  protrudes further than the tip part (specifically, the first flared part  183   a ) of the first branch nozzle part  183  toward the first direction A side. Thereby, it is possible to secure a space around the circumference of the second reducer pipe connecting part  184   a  for performing the cutting work with the pipe cutter. Thus, the second branch nozzle part  184  has a shape the same as a second branch nozzle part  84  of a conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81  (refer to  FIG. 2 ).  
      Furthermore, unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81  (refer to  FIG. 2 ), the branching pipe joint  181  of the present embodiment does not need to secure space around the tip part of the first branch nozzle part  183  to perform the work of cutting such using a pipe cutter, and a spacing S between the first branch nozzle part  183  and the second branch nozzle part  184  (i.e., the spacing between the portion of the first flared part  183   a  of the first branch nozzle part  183  nearest the second branch nozzle part  184  side and the portion of the second branch nozzle part  184  nearest the first flared part  183   a  of the first branch nozzle part  183 ) can consequently be reduced to less than or equal to 40 mm. Thereby, the vicinity of the branch part  182  of the branching pipe joint  181  of the present embodiment can be compacted more that the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81  (refer to  FIG. 2 ), the size of the heat insulating material  185  can be reduced when affixing such to the branching pipe joint  181 , and the troublesome work when performing the racking process at the outer circumference of the heat insulating material  185  can be reduced.  
      The first branch pipe  186  is a pipe member wherein one end part is connected to the tip part of the first branch nozzle part  183  during plumbing work. In the present embodiment, the first branch pipe  186  is inserted during plumbing work by approaching the first flared part  183   a  of the first branch nozzle part  183  from the direction of the arrow B as depicted in  FIG. 4 , and is connected thereto by brazing. Here, a spacing of at least 7 mm is secured between the portion of the tip part of the first branch nozzle part  183  (specifically, the first flared part  183   a ) nearest the second branch nozzle part  184  side and the portion of the second branch nozzle part  184  nearest the first flared part  183   a . Thereby, it is possible to easily perform the work of connecting the first branch pipe  186  to the first flared part  183   a  of the first branch nozzle part  183  by brazing. Namely, with the branching pipe joint  181  of the present embodiment, the spacing S between the first branch nozzle part  183  and the second branch nozzle part  184  is set to a dimensional range of greater than or equal to 7 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm so that the vicinity of the branch part  182  can be made compact while ensuring the efficiency of the work of connecting the first branch pipe  186  to the first branch nozzle part  183  by brazing.  
      In addition, a first reducer pipe connecting part  186   a , wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps, is formed at the other end part of the first branch pipe  186 . Furthermore, in the state wherein the first branch pipe  186  is connected to the first branch nozzle part  183 , the other end part of the first branch pipe  186  is bent so that it faces a direction that intersects the first direction A (in the present embodiment, a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction A). Consequently, even in the state wherein the first branch pipe  186  is connected to the first branch nozzle part  183 , a space is secured for performing the work of cutting the first reducer pipe connecting part  186   a  of the first branch pipe  186  using the pipe cutter; furthermore, a space is secured for performing the work of cutting the second reducer pipe connecting part  184   a  of the second branch nozzle part  184  using the pipe cutter. Thereby, the work efficiency during plumbing is improved.  
      Moreover, in a state wherein the first branch pipe  186  is connected to the first branch nozzle part  183 , the other end part is bent so that it faces a direction that intersects the first direction A. In the present embodiment, the first branch pipe  186  is bent in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction A. Consequently, in a state wherein the branch part  182  maintains the horizontal branch arrangement during plumbing work as depicted in  FIG. 5  (view taken along the C arrow in  FIG. 4 ), the first reducer pipe connecting part  186   a  of the first branch pipe  186  can be connected to the first branch nozzle part  183  facing a variety of directions (e.g., arrows D, E, F in  FIG. 5 ), and the problem with the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81  (refer to  FIG. 2 ), wherein there is an increase in the number of constraints during plumbing work to support the horizontal branch arrangement, tends not to occur.  
      As described above, the branching pipe joint  181  of the present embodiment comprises a substantially Y-pipe shaped branch part  182  the same as the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81  (refer to  FIG. 2 ); however, unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81 , it is structured so that the first branch pipe  186  can be connected to the tip part (specifically, the first flared part  183   a ) of the first branch nozzle part  183  during plumbing work. Consequently, the branching pipe joint  181  is constituted so that the spacing S between the first branch nozzle part  183  and the second branch nozzle part  184  can be reduced because a first reducer pipe connecting part is not formed at the tip part of the first branch nozzle part  183 , unlike the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81 , and there is therefore no need to secure space for performing the work of cutting the tip part of the first branch nozzle part  183  using the pipe cutter. Thereby, with this branching pipe joint  181 , the vicinity of the branch part  182  can be made more compact than the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81 .  
      Moreover, with this branching pipe joint  181 , in a state wherein the first branch pipe  186  is connected to the first branch nozzle part  183 , the other end part of the first branch pipe  186  is bent so that it faces a direction that intersects the first direction A, and it is consequently possible for the branch part  182  to maintain the horizontal branch arrangement even if, for example, the refrigerant piping connected to the first branch nozzle part  183  is disposed so that it stands upward (refer to arrows E, F in  FIG. 5 ). Thereby, it is possible with this branching pipe joint  181  to prevent drift of the refrigerant in the branch part  182 .  
      In other words, this branching pipe joint  181  is structured so that the first branch pipe  186 , which is bent so that it faces a direction that intersects the first direction A, can be connected to the tip part of the first branch nozzle part  183 , and the spacing S between the first branch nozzle part  183  and the second branch nozzle part  184  can be reduced; consequently, it is possible to achieve both a compaction of the vicinity of the branch part  182  and the prevention of drift therein.  
     (2) Branch Structure of a Connecting Piping for Distributing Refrigerant to a Plurality of Outdoor Units  
      The following explains an example of using the branching pipe joint  181  of the present embodiment in a branch structure of connecting piping  4  for distributing the refrigerant to a plurality of outdoor units  2  in an air conditioner  1  depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 6  depicts the branch structure for the case wherein the connecting piping  4  and connection ports  21 ,  22  of the outdoor units  2  are positioned at the same height. In this case, the first branch pipe  186  of each branching pipe joint  181  is connected by brazing to the corresponding first branch nozzle part  183  so that the first reducer pipe connecting part  186   a  thereof faces toward the corresponding outdoor unit  2  in the horizontal direction (i.e., in the arrow D direction in  FIG. 5 ). Furthermore, each first reducer pipe connecting part  186   a  is cut using a pipe cutter so that it conforms to the pipe diameter of the corresponding unit branch piping  54 , which extends in the horizontal direction and is connected to the connection ports  21 ,  22  of the plurality of outdoor units  2 , and is then connected to the unit branch piping  54  by brazing. However, each second branch nozzle part  184  is cut using the pipe cutter so that it conforms to the pipe diameter of the corresponding branch connecting piping  53 , unit branch piping  54 , and the like, and is then connected thereto by brazing. The horizontal branch arrangement of the branching pipe joints  181  is maintained in the branch structure of the connecting piping  4 .  
      In addition, if the connecting piping  4  and the connection ports  21 ,  22  of the outdoor units  2  are positioned at different heights (e.g., if the connecting piping  4  is positioned lower than the connection ports  21 ,  22  of the outdoor units  2  by a height H) as depicted in  FIG. 7 , then it is possible to constitute, as follows, the branch structure of the connecting piping  4  for distributing the refrigerant to the plurality of outdoor units  2 . In this case, the first branch pipe  186  of the branching pipe joint  181  is connected to the first branch nozzle part  183  by brazing so that the first reducer pipe connecting part  186   a  thereof faces toward the outdoor unit  2  in the vertically upward direction (i.e., in the arrow E direction in  FIG. 5 ). Furthermore, the first reducer pipe connecting part  186   a  is cut using the pipe cutter so that it conforms to the pipe diameter of the unit branch piping  54 , which is connected to the connection ports  21 ,  22  of the outdoor unit  2  and extends in the horizontal direction and then in the vertically downward direction, and then connected to the unit branch piping  54  by brazing. On the other hand, the second branch nozzle part  184  is cut using the pipe cutter so that it conforms to the pipe diameter of the branch connecting piping  53 , the unit branch piping  54 , and the like, and is then connected thereto by brazing. The horizontal branch arrangement of the branching pipe joint  181  is maintained even in the branch structure of this connecting piping  4 .  
      Thus, by using the branching pipe joint  181  of the present embodiment in the branch structure of the connecting piping  4  for distributing the refrigerant to the plurality of outdoor units  2  in an air conditioner  1 , it is possible to achieve both a compaction of the vicinity of the branch part  182  and the prevention of drift therein. Thereby, compared with the conventional Y-shaped branch pipe  81 , it is possible to reduce the troublesome work when performing the racking process after affixing the heat insulating material  185  to the connecting piping  4 .  
     (3) Modified Example  
      The branching pipe joint  181  discussed above may be structured as depicted in  FIG. 8  so that the tip part of the second branch nozzle part  184  is formed as a second flared part  184   b , the same as the first flared part  183   a  of the first branch nozzle part  183 , and so that it has a second branch pipe  187 , wherein one end part is connected to this second flared part  184   b  by brazing (refer to the arrow G in  FIG. 8 ). The second branch pipe  187  is a pipe member that extends along the first direction A in a state connected to the second branch nozzle part  184 , and at the other end part thereof is formed a second reducer pipe connecting part  187   a  wherein the pipe diameter changes in steps. In addition, because the second flared part  184   b  of the second branch nozzle part  184  protrudes further than the end part of the first flared part  183   a  of the first branch nozzle part  183  toward the first direction A side, it is possible to ensure good work efficiency when connecting the second branch pipe  187  to the circumference of the second flared part  184   b  by brazing.  
      Thus, with the branching pipe joint  181  of the present modified example, it is possible to reduce the size of the branch part  182  in the first direction A because it is structured so that the second branch pipe  187 , which extends along the first direction A, can be connected to the tip part of the second branch nozzle part  184 .  
     (4) Other Embodiments  
      The above explained an embodiment of the present invention based on the drawings, but the specific constitution is not limited to these embodiments, and it is understood that variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
      For example, the branching pipe joint according to the present invention was used in the above embodiments to branch the union connecting piping of the connecting piping to the connection ports of the plurality of outdoor units, but it may be used to branch the union connecting piping of the connecting piping to other units so that, for example, it branches from the union connecting piping of the connecting piping to the connection ports of a plurality of indoor units.  
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
      By using the present invention, it is possible to achieve both a compaction of the vicinity of the branch part and the prevention of drift therein of a branching pipe joint, for distributing the refrigerant flowing within a main pipe to two flows, and an air conditioner provided therewith.