WO2015029094A1

WO2015029094A1 - Leak detecting structure for flammable refrigerant

Info

Publication number: WO2015029094A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/072631
Authority: WO
Inventors: 啓至増田; 清秀中尾; 大久保　修
Original assignee: Masuda Keiji; Nakao Kiyohide
Priority date: 2013-08-25
Filing date: 2013-08-25
Publication date: 2015-03-05
Also published as: JP5633986B1; JPWO2015029094A1

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a leak detecting structure capable of detecting a leak at an early stage when a small amount of flammable refrigerant gas has leaked from a temperature regulating device that uses flammable refrigerant and that comprises a circulation route. [Solution] A leak detecting structure (10) comprises a leak detecting space (12) into which a mixed gas of flammable refrigerant gas, which is gas leaked from a circulation route, and a temperature regulating gas flows, and a leak detecting sensor (13) that detects leaks of the flammable refrigerant gas. The leak detecting space (12) is provided with an inlet port (14) by which the mixed gas flows into the leak detecting space and an outlet port (15) from which the temperature regulating gas, which is separated from the mixed gas, flows. The inlet port (14) is disposed in a position that is lower than the outlet port (15), and the leak detecting sensor (13) is disposed below the inlet port (14) in the leak detecting space (12).

Description

Combustion refrigerant leakage detection structure

In the present invention, when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the temperature adjusting device having a circulation path for circulating the flammable refrigerant, the leakage can be detected at an early stage when the amount of the flammable refrigerant gas leaked is small. It relates to the detection structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a leak detection structure that detects flammable refrigerant gas leaked from a refrigerant pipe connection portion or the like of a temperature control device into heavy flammable refrigerant gas and light air in a leak detection space and detects them early.

In recent years, from the viewpoint of protecting the ozone layer, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants that have been used until now are no longer used as refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. As for hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants, developed countries are expected to be completely abolished by 2020 according to the Montreal Protocol on substances that destroy the ozone layer.

Due to these restrictions on chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants, refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment are being converted to alternative chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants (hydrofluorocarbons (HFC)) that do not contain chlorine atoms and do not destroy the ozone layer. However, although these alternative chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants do not destroy the ozone layer, their global warming potential is extremely high, several hundred to several thousand times that of carbon dioxide, and they are considered to contribute to global warming. Yes. Therefore, it has been decided that alternative CFC refrigerants aim to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

On the other hand, from the viewpoint of preventing ozone layer destruction, the refrigerant in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment has been converted to alternative chlorofluorocarbons, and the amount of alternative chlorofluorocarbon emissions is increasing. Under such circumstances, measures to suppress emissions of alternative chlorofluorocarbons, etc. are urgently needed, and suppression of alternative chlorofluorocarbon emissions from the refrigeration and air conditioning field, which is regarded as a major emission source, has become an important issue.

Therefore, the use of natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbon refrigerants (hydrocarbon (HC)), which do not destroy the ozone layer and have a global warming potential several times that of carbon dioxide, is desired as alternative refrigerants for alternative chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants. It has been. However, since natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbon refrigerants are flammable, in order to spread them to temperature control devices such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and showcases equipped with a refrigeration cycle, leaked flammable refrigerants Ensuring safety by preventing gas fires is an important issue.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of a refrigerated showcase using a combustible refrigerant in which a plurality of communication holes and legs are provided in a bottom plate portion of a machine room. Thereby, when the flammable refrigerant leaks, the flammable refrigerant leaked not only from the side surface of the machine room but also from the lower part of the machine room can be discharged to the outside of the refrigerated showcase. In addition, since a communication hole is provided between the product storage and the machine room, even if the flammable refrigerant leaks in the product storage, the leaked flammable refrigerant does not reach the flammable concentration, improving the safety at the time of refrigerant leakage It is supposed to be possible.

However, according to the technology of Patent Document 1, even if the concentration increase of the combustible refrigerant in the commodity storage can be suppressed, the leaked combustible refrigerant diffuses to the periphery, and if there is an ignition source in the vicinity, There was a possibility of causing a fire with flammable refrigerant. Moreover, since the cool air in the product storage is always flowing out from the product storage through the communication hole to the machine room, there is a problem that the temperature adjustment efficiency is deteriorated.

Next, Patent Document 2 discloses an automatic system in which outside air is introduced from a machine room into a temperature adjustment chamber, outside air is mixed with a combustible refrigerant leaked in a storage, and the concentration of the combustible refrigerant is reduced and discharged to the outside. Vending machine technology is disclosed. Also in this technique, a vent hole that connects the temperature control chamber and the machine chamber is formed. The air vent located on the suction side of the internal fan of the temperature adjustment chamber is opened when the refrigerant is leaked, and the leaked refrigerant diluted with the air introduced from the machine room in the temperature adjustment chamber is used as the product outlet. It is supposed to be discharged from.

According to the technique of Patent Document 2, the flammable refrigerant leaked into the storage / temperature adjustment chamber is guided to the front of the temperature adjustment chamber by driving the internal fan, and passes through a conduit leading from the temperature adjustment chamber to the machine room. Then, it is led to a leak detection sensor provided in the machine room. And if the combustible refrigerant | coolant density | concentration of a leak detection sensor increases, the leak of a combustible refrigerant | coolant will be detected by the leak detection sensor.

The leaked combustible refrigerant gas is mixed with the air in the temperature adjustment chamber by driving the internal fan and discharged outside from the product outlet, while part of it is covered with a resin cover part through the conduit. Into the leak detection sensor section. However, since the leak detection sensor unit is entirely covered, the internal air is not easily replaced by the leaked refrigerant gas, and the leak gas flowing into the leak detection sensor unit is small in the initial stage of the leak. In addition, since it is mixed with air in the temperature adjustment chamber and has a low concentration, leakage is difficult to detect. If the leakage of the flammable refrigerant is not detected, there is a problem that the vent cannot be opened and air cannot be introduced from the machine room, and the leaked flammable refrigerant cannot be diluted.

Patent Document 3 discloses a technology for ensuring the life of a leak detection sensor and quickly detecting refrigerant leakage in a vending machine that discharges the refrigerant leaked into the storage to reduce the risk of explosion. Yes. A conduit that communicates the inside of the storage and the outside of the storage is provided at the lower front part of the storage, and a leak detection sensor is installed in the machine room that is lower than the conduit outside the storage. By detecting the leakage of the refrigerant in the machine room, it is said that deterioration of the leaked refrigerant sensor is prevented, unlike in a storage cabinet that is heated and stored.

According to the technique of Patent Document 3, even if the deterioration of the leaked refrigerant sensor is prevented, the leaked combustible refrigerant is mixed with the air in the temperature adjustment chamber by the operation of the internal fan, as in Patent Document 2, and the The concentration is reduced. For this reason, Patent Document 3 also has a common problem that it is difficult to detect the leakage of the flammable refrigerant at the initial stage where the amount of leakage is small.

In addition, because the refrigerator for home use, which is one of the temperature control devices, is installed in a kitchen with an ignition source, it detects leaks when the amount of flammable refrigerant gas leakage is small, and installs the temperature control device. It was a very important issue to stop and prevent the combustible refrigerant from being diffused to the surroundings.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-107823 Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-93468 Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-93467

The problem to be solved by the present invention is a leakage detection structure capable of detecting leakage at an early stage when the amount of flammable refrigerant gas leaked from a temperature control device using a flammable refrigerant having a circulation path is small. Is to provide.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a leakage detection structure provided in a temperature control device provided with a circulation path of a combustible refrigerant heavier than air, wherein the leakage detection structure leaks from the circulation path. A leakage detection space into which a mixed gas of combustible refrigerant gas and temperature-adjusted gas that has become gas flows, and a leakage detection sensor that detects leakage of the combustible refrigerant gas, wherein the leakage detection space includes the mixture An inflow port through which gas flows into the leak detection space and an outflow port through which a temperature adjusting gas separated from the mixed gas flows out are provided, and the inflow port is disposed at a position lower than the outflow port. The leak detection sensor is disposed below the inflow port in the leak detection space.

The combustible refrigerant heavier than air may be any natural refrigerant heavier than air and flammable. The natural refrigerant refers to a substance having a property of becoming a refrigerant that exists in nature, and includes hydrocarbon refrigerants, mixed refrigerants of a plurality of types of hydrocarbon refrigerants, and the like. Specifically, propane, butane, isobutane, or the like may be used alone as a refrigerant, or a refrigerant in which ethane, propane, isobutane, butane, propylene, or the like is mixed, and is not limited. Further, in the case of a mixed refrigerant, any refrigerant may be used as long as it contains a combustible refrigerant heavier than air, and may be a mixed refrigerant with a nonflammable refrigerant such as carbon dioxide.

The temperature adjusting device may be a device provided with a circulation path for circulating the refrigerant to heat or cool the surroundings. For example, a refrigerator, a showcase, an air conditioner, etc. are mentioned, and any device that can be used as a cooling device or a heat dissipation device by switching the refrigerant circuit may be used. The circulation path includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator, which are connected to each other in a ring shape to form the circulation path, but are not limited to this configuration.

A mixed gas of air that has been heated or cooled to adjust the temperature (hereinafter referred to as temperature adjusting gas) and the leaked combustible refrigerant gas flows into the leakage detection space from the inlet, and the temperature adjusting gas is supplied from the outlet. What is necessary is just to be able to flow out, and the shape and size are not limited. The position where the leakage detection space is disposed may be any position of the temperature adjustment device, but if it is provided below the temperature adjustment space or below the evaporator, the combustible refrigerant gas flows into the leakage detection space. It is easy to be done and is suitable.

By providing the inlet at a position lower than the outlet, a mixed gas of combustible refrigerant gas and temperature adjusting gas heavier than air flows from the inlet and stays in the lower part of the leakage detection space. And the light temperature control gas which existed in the leak detection space is made to flow out from the outflow port above the inflow port. Thereby, the air in the leak detection space and the mixed gas can be quickly replaced. Also, at the bottom of the leak detection space, heavy flammable refrigerant gas of the mixed gas is separated and collected, and its concentration increases and leakage occurs at an early stage when the amount of leaked flammable refrigerant is small. It becomes easy to be detected.

The leak detection sensor is disposed below the inflow port in the leak detection space. Since the leakage detection sensor is disposed below the inflow port, the leakage of the combustible refrigerant gas retained below can be reliably detected at an early stage. Moreover, the leak detection sensor should just detect a desired combustible refrigerant | coolant, and the kind is not limited.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the leakage detection structure according to the first aspect of the present invention, the leakage detection space is disposed in a temperature adjustment space in which the temperature of the object is adjusted by the temperature adjustment device. It is characterized by. Since the leak detection space is arranged not in the cooler drive unit installation space but in the temperature adjustment space, the temperature adjustment gas that has flowed into the leak detection space is returned to the temperature adjustment space, and the temperature adjustment is performed. There is no waste of gas. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the temperature adjustment efficiency is not lowered.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the leakage detection structure according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the leakage detection space is vertically divided into an inlet side and an outlet side, and the inlet side A partition wall having an upper portion open to the outlet side, the upper edge of which is lower than the inlet, and the leakage detection sensor is disposed in a partitioned space on the inlet side. It is characterized by being. A flammable refrigerant gas heavier than the air contained in the gas mixture flowing into the leak detection space from the inlet stays in the lower part of the partitioned space on the inlet side, and the light temperature adjustment gas flows from the upper part of the partition to the outlet side. It is pushed out into the space and further flows out from the outlet to the cooling space. Thereby, it becomes easier to detect only the combustible refrigerant gas leaked in the leak detection space, and the leak can be detected early in the early stage of the leak.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the leak detection structure according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, the leak detection space is at least partially covered with a heat insulating material. . By providing the heat insulating material, the leakage detection space is not easily affected by heat from the outside, and the temperature adjustment efficiency of the temperature adjustment device is not lowered.

The leak detection structure according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the leak detection structure according to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the outlet is provided on a standing pipe extending upward from the leak detection space. It is characterized by that. By providing the outlet in the standing pipe, the position of the outlet can be made higher. This makes the periphery of the outlet less susceptible to the flow of the temperature adjustment gas in the cooling space, making it difficult for the flammable refrigerant gas staying below to flow out of the leak detection space together with the temperature adjustment gas, and flammable early. It becomes possible to detect the refrigerant.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the leakage detection structure according to the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the temperature adjusting device includes a leakage monitoring control means, and the leakage detection structure allows leakage of the flammable refrigerant. Detecting and stopping the driving of the temperature adjusting device by the leakage monitoring control means, and displaying leakage by the leakage warning display means. Thereby, it is prevented that the flammable refrigerant is further leaked from the circulation path, and the user of the temperature adjusting device can know the leakage of the flammable refrigerant at an early stage.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the leak detection structure according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, wherein the leak detection structure is an openable / closable discharge port for discharging the combustible refrigerant gas stored in the leak detection space. The leakage detection sensor detects leakage of flammable refrigerant gas, and the leakage monitoring control means opens the closed outlet to discharge the flammable refrigerant gas. It is characterized by letting. By discharging the flammable refrigerant gas in the leak detection space once, after stopping the driving of the temperature control device, it is possible to detect whether or not the leakage of the flammable refrigerant has stopped by the same leak detection structure It becomes possible.

An eighth invention of the present invention is a heating / cooling machine provided with a storage for displaying articles, and includes a temperature adjusting device provided with the leakage detection structure of the first to seventh inventions of the present invention. It is characterized by that. Here, examples of the heating / cooling machine include a showcase and a vending machine. According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, even in a showcase, a vending machine or the like installed in a large space such as a convenience store / supermarket where an unspecified number of people gather, an initial stage of leakage of the flammable refrigerant Can quickly detect leaks and prevent fire accidents.

A ninth invention of the present invention is a freezer / refrigerator provided with a storage for refrigeration of articles, and the leak detection structure according to the first to seventh inventions of the present invention is provided in at least one of the freezer and the refrigerator. It includes a temperature control device. Here, the refrigeration / refrigerator may have only one of the refrigeration / refrigeration functions. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even if a refrigeration / refrigerator is installed in a kitchen or kitchen with an ignition source, leakage can be detected at an early stage in the early stage of leakage of the combustible refrigerant, and an ignition accident can be prevented. Can do.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner for adjusting the temperature of indoor air, the indoor unit comprising an evaporator provided with a circulation path for heating and cooling the surroundings by evaporating the combustible refrigerant The leak detection structure according to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention is provided below the evaporator in the indoor unit.

If flammable refrigerant is leaked during the operation of the air conditioner, the flammable refrigerant gas is leaked so that it is widely diffused in the room. Absent. However, when the air conditioner is not used for a long time, the combustible refrigerant gas may leak into the indoor unit of the air conditioner. Even in such a case, if the leakage of the flammable refrigerant is not detected at an early stage and the leakage is not stopped, there is a possibility of ignition by an indoor ignition source. On the other hand, when the air conditioner is not in operation, no airflow is generated inside the indoor unit. Therefore, it is preferable that the leak detection structure is disposed below the evaporator where the flammable refrigerant may leak. . As a result, even if the temperature control device is an indoor unit of an air conditioner, even if the flammable refrigerant leaks when the user is absent, the leak can be detected early in the initial stage of the leak, and an ignition accident can be prevented. be able to.

-According to the first invention of the present invention, the air and the mixed gas in the leak detection space can be quickly replaced, and the bottom of the leak detection space has a heavy combustible refrigerant gas in the mixed gas. As a result, the concentration becomes high and the leakage becomes easy to be detected at the initial stage where the amount of the combustible refrigerant leaked is small. Further, the leakage of the combustible refrigerant gas staying below can be reliably detected at an early stage.
-According to the second aspect of the present invention, the temperature adjustment gas that has flowed into the leak detection space is returned to the temperature adjustment space, and the temperature adjustment efficiency is reduced without wasting the temperature adjustment gas. There is no.
-According to the third aspect of the present invention, it becomes easier to detect only the combustible refrigerant gas leaked in the leak detection space, and leak can be detected early in the early stage of leak.
-According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the leakage detection space is not easily affected by heat from the outside, and the temperature adjustment efficiency of the temperature adjustment device is not reduced.
-According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the periphery of the outlet is less affected by the flow of the temperature adjusting gas in the cooling space, and the combustible refrigerant gas retained below is caused to flow out of the leakage detection space. This makes it possible to detect the flammable refrigerant at an early stage.

-According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, further leakage of the combustible refrigerant from the circulation path is prevented, and the user can know the leakage of the combustible refrigerant at an early stage.
-According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect whether or not the leakage of the flammable refrigerant is stopped after the drive of the temperature adjusting device is stopped by the same leakage detection structure.
-According to the eighth invention of the present invention, even in a showcase, a vending machine, etc. installed in a large space such as a convenience store / supermarket where an unspecified number of people gather, the initial stage of leakage of the flammable refrigerant Leakage can be detected at an early stage, and ignition accidents can be prevented.
-According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, even if a refrigeration / refrigerator is installed in a kitchen or kitchen with an ignition source, the leakage can be detected at an early stage of the leakage of the flammable refrigerant, thereby preventing a fire accident. be able to.
-According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, even if the temperature control device is an indoor unit of an air conditioner, even if the flammable refrigerant leaks when the user is absent, it leaks early in the initial stage of the leak Can be detected and a fire accident can be prevented.

Explanatory drawing by the cross section of a leak detection structure (Example 1). Explanatory drawing of the detection process of a leak detection structure (Example 1). Explanatory drawing of the leak detection unit provided with the inflow port opened to the side (Example 2). Explanatory drawing (Example 3) of the leak detection structure provided with the partition, the standing pipe, and the outflow port. Explanatory drawing of the detection process of the leak detection structure provided with the partition (Example 3). FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration including leakage monitoring control means (third embodiment). FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the leakage monitoring control means (third embodiment). Explanatory drawing of other leak detection structures (Example 4). Explanatory drawing of the freezing and refrigeration showcase provided with the leak detection structure (Example 5). Explanatory drawing of the vending machine provided with the leak detection structure (Example 6). Explanatory drawing of the freezing / refrigerator provided with the leak detection structure (Example 7). Explanatory drawing of the air conditioning apparatus provided with the leak detection structure (Example 8).

Hereinafter, examples of the leak detection structure of the present invention will be described as examples 1 to 4, and a temperature control apparatus including the leak detection structure of the present invention will be described as examples 5 to 8, and will be described with reference to the drawings. .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a description will be given of a first embodiment of the leakage detection structure in which the inlet is opened upward. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the leakage detection structure of the first embodiment with a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the steps until the combustible refrigerant gas is detected in the first embodiment. FIG.

The leakage detection structure 10 of the first embodiment is provided integrally with the temperature adjustment device at the bottom 16 of the temperature adjustment space 11. The leakage detection structure 10 includes a substantially cubic leakage detection space 12 having a side of 3 cm and a leakage detection sensor 13 at the bottom of the leakage detection space. Of course, the size and shape of the leakage detection space is not limited to this. The leak detection space is provided with an inlet 14 through which the gas inside flows in and an outlet 15 through which the gas in the leak detection space flows out.

The inlet 14 opens upward at a position lower than the bottom 16 of the temperature adjustment space, and the outlet 15 opens upward at a position higher than the bottom 16 of the temperature adjustment space. The inlet and outlet may be a small opening, for example a hole with a diameter of 5 mm, or a gap so that the gas inside the leak detection space is not disturbed by the inflow and outflow of the gas mixture in the temperature control space. The size and shape are not limited. Further, by covering the lower part of the leakage detection space with the heat insulating material 17, the temperature of the gas whose temperature is adjusted in the temperature adjustment space is not transmitted to the outside, and the temperature adjustment function of the temperature adjustment space is impaired. Absent.

Although not shown, the leak detection sensor 13 is connected to the control means of the temperature adjusting device by a signal transmission cable, and notifies the control means that the flammable refrigerant has leaked. The leak detection sensor is sufficient if it can detect the refrigerant depending on the type of the combustible refrigerant to be detected. If the combustible refrigerant is a mixture of multiple refrigerants, It may correspond to either a heavy flammable refrigerant, a largest amount of flammable refrigerant, or a flammable refrigerant having the lowest boiling point. Moreover, when the substance which does not exist in air is mixed with the combustible refrigerant | coolant, the leak detection sensor which can detect the substance may be sufficient.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a process until the concentration of the combustible refrigerant gas becomes higher than the mixed gas in the leakage detection space and is detected by the leakage detection sensor will be described. FIG. 2A shows the state of the temperature adjustment gas in the temperature adjustment space 11 in a normal state where there is no leakage of the combustible refrigerant. In a state where there is no leakage of the combustible refrigerant, the temperature adjustment space is filled only with the temperature adjustment gas 18. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the combustible refrigerant leaks into the temperature adjustment space and the combustible refrigerant gas 19 starts to be mixed with the temperature adjustment gas 18 in the temperature adjustment space. When the combustible refrigerant leaks into the temperature adjustment space 11, the combustible refrigerant becomes a gas and is mixed with the temperature adjustment gas.

FIG. 2C shows a state in which the mixed gas reaches the lower part of the temperature adjustment space and starts to flow into the leakage detection space 12 from the inlet 14. When the mixed gas of the temperature adjustment gas 18 and the combustible refrigerant gas 19 reaches the bottom 16 of the temperature adjustment space, the combustible refrigerant gas 19 flows into the leak detection space 12 together with the temperature adjustment gas 18. FIG. 2D shows a state in which the mixed gas begins to be separated into a heavy combustible refrigerant gas 19 and a light temperature adjustment gas 18 in the leak detection space 12. In the mixed gas flowing into the leak detection space 12, the heavy combustible refrigerant gas 19 moves downward, the light temperature adjustment gas 18 moves upward, and the two gases begin to separate.

FIG. 2 (E) shows a state in which the combustible refrigerant gas 19 in the leak detection space 12 becomes thick and the light temperature adjustment gas 18 is pushed out from the outlet 15. When the heavy combustible refrigerant gas 19 increases in the leak detection space 12, the light temperature adjustment gas 18 moved upward flows out from the outlet 15. FIG. 2F shows a state in which the combustible refrigerant gas 19 has a concentration that can be detected by a leak detection sensor (not shown) in the leak detection space 12. Further, when the mixed gas is introduced, the heavy flammable refrigerant gas 19 stays at the bottom of the leak detection space 12 and becomes a high concentration, and becomes a concentration that can be detected by a leak detection sensor not shown in the figure. Leakage is detected.

In Example 2, a leakage detection structure that is a unit 20 in which an inlet and an outlet are opened on opposing wall plates will be described with reference to a cross-sectional view. Hereinafter, the same components as those of the leakage detection structure of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof is omitted.

The unit 20 having the leakage detection structure of the second embodiment is provided so that the upper portion thereof protrudes upward from the bottom 16 of the temperature adjustment space 11. The unit 20 includes a substantially cubic leakage detection space 12 having a side of 3 cm and a leakage detection sensor 13 at the bottom of the leakage detection space. The unit top plate 21 is formed to extend laterally from the lower wall plate 22 so that droplets such as condensed water do not enter the leak detection space from above. Further, since the outside of the temperature adjustment space is covered with the heat insulating material 17, the unit is not covered with the heat insulating material, and has a simple configuration.

The gas inlet 24 in the temperature adjustment space is provided in the wall plate at a position below the top plate 21 and is opened to the side near the bottom 16 of the temperature adjustment space. A gas outlet 25 from the leak detection space 12 is provided in the vicinity of the top plate of the wall plate of the unit, and is opened to the side at a position higher than the inlet 24. The space of the temperature adjustment space in which the unit 20 is installed is depressed, a gap 26 is formed between the unit and the installation space, and an inclined surface 27 that opens upward is formed in the periphery.

When a liquid such as condensed water or water flows in the temperature adjustment space 11, the liquid flows through the wall plate 28 or the bottom plate 16 of the temperature adjustment space and flows into the gap 26 via the inclined surface 27, and is discharged from the outlet. 28, and is discharged by a discharge means (not shown). This prevents water in the temperature adjustment space from flowing into the unit 20 and prevents the leak detection sensor from malfunctioning.

With reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, Example 3 of the leak detection structure provided with the partition, the standing pipe, and the discharge port will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the leakage detection structure 30 according to the third embodiment with a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the process until the combustible refrigerant gas is detected in the third embodiment. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the leakage detection structure of Example 3 will be described. The leak detection structure 30 is provided integrally with the temperature adjustment device at the bottom 16 of the temperature adjustment space 11, and the lower part is covered with the heat insulating material 17. The leak detection structure 30 has a substantially cubic shape with a side of 3 cm, and includes a leak detection space divided into two and a leak detection sensor 13 at the bottom of the leak detection space. The leak detection structure 30 is partitioned by a partition wall 31 into a leak detection space 33 on the inlet 32 side and a space 35 on the outlet 34 side. The upper part of the partition wall is opened to a leakage detection space 33 on the inlet side and a space 35 on the outlet side. Since the plane area of the leak detection space 33 provided with the leak detection sensor 13 is reduced by the section, the concentration of the combustible refrigerant gas tends to increase.

The leakage detection sensor 13 is provided below the leakage detection space 33 on the inlet 32 side. A discharge port 36 is provided below the leak detection sensor 13 for communicating the leak detection space 33 with the outside of the temperature adjustment device. The discharge port 36 is closed with a lid 37, and the lid 37 is rotatable about a hinge 38. The outlet 25 opens upward in a standing pipe 39 that extends upward from the bottom plate 16 of the temperature adjustment space 11. By providing the standing pipe 39, the height difference between the outlet and the inlet is increased, and the heavy combustible refrigerant gas 19 and the light temperature adjusting gas 18 are mixed in the leak detection space 33 and the space 35. The light temperature adjustment gas 18 is less likely to be returned and easily returns to the temperature adjustment space 11, and leakage is detected quickly.

FIG. 4B shows a state in which the discharge port 36 is opened after the flammable refrigerant leaks and the leak detection sensor 13 detects the flammable refrigerant gas in a process described later. After the combustible refrigerant is detected, the lid 37 is rotated around the hinge 38, the discharge port 36 opens downward, and the combustible refrigerant gas accumulated in the leak detection space is discharged (FIG. 4B). After a predetermined time, it is closed by a closing means (not shown), and the leaked combustible refrigerant gas can be detected (see FIG. 4A).

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a process until the concentration of the combustible refrigerant gas becomes higher than the mixed gas in the leakage detection space and is detected by the leakage detection sensor will be described. The normal state where there is no leakage of the flammable refrigerant and the state where the flammable refrigerant starts to leak and the flammable refrigerant gas and the temperature adjustment gas in the temperature adjustment space start to be mixed are shown in FIG. Since it is the same as FIG. 2 (B), description is abbreviate | omitted with reference to these figures, and it is from FIG. 2 (C) to FIG. Corresponding to FIG. 5 (F), FIG. 5 (C) to FIG. 5 (F) will be described.

FIG. 5C shows a state in which the mixed gas reaches the lower part of the temperature adjustment space and starts to flow into the leakage detection space 32 on the inlet side from the inlet 14. When the mixed gas of the temperature adjustment gas 18 and the combustible refrigerant gas 19 reaches the bottom portion 16 of the temperature adjustment space, the combustible refrigerant gas 19 flows integrally into the leak detection space 33. FIG. 5D shows a state in which the mixed gas begins to be separated into a heavy combustible refrigerant gas 19 and a light temperature adjustment gas 18 in the leak detection space 33. When the mixed gas flows into the leakage detection space 33, the heavy combustible refrigerant gas 19 moves downward, the light temperature adjustment gas 18 moves upward, and the two gases begin to separate.

FIG. 5 (E) shows a state in which the combustible refrigerant gas 19 in the leak detection space 33 becomes thicker and the light temperature adjustment gas 18 starts to flow out to the space 35 on the outlet side over the partition wall 31. ing. When the heavy combustible refrigerant gas 19 becomes thicker in the leak detection space 33 and the mixed gas flows into the leak detection space 33, the light temperature adjusting gas 18 moved above the leak detection space 33 is changed to the partition wall 31. And is pushed out into the space 35 on the outlet side. FIG. 5F shows a state in which the combustible refrigerant gas 19 has a concentration that can be detected by a leak detection sensor (not shown) in the leak detection space 33. When the mixed gas flows into the leak detection space 33, the heavy flammable refrigerant gas 19 stays at the bottom of the leak detection space 33 and has a high concentration, which can be detected by a leak detection sensor not shown in the figure, and is combustible. Leakage of the functional refrigerant is detected.

Here, with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a temperature adjusting device provided with a leakage detection structure including leakage monitoring control means will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration including a leakage monitoring control unit, and FIG. 7 illustrates a control flow by the leakage monitoring control unit. The temperature adjusting device includes a leakage monitoring control unit 1, a power management unit 2, a leakage gas detection unit 3, a leakage display unit 4, and a leakage alarm unit 5. The leakage monitoring control means 1 comprises a central processing unit, and the power management means 2 performs power management of the motor of the temperature adjusting device and power management of a desired area where the temperature adjusting device is provided. The leakage gas detection means detects the leakage of the flammable refrigerant gas based on the signal from the leakage detection sensor 13. Leakage display means 4 displays that it has been leaked by an indicator lamp or the like in the vicinity of the temperature adjustment device. The leak alarm means 5 issues a leak alarm by a warning sound, flashing of a warning light, alarm mail to an administrator, alarm communication, or the like.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the temperature adjusting device provided with the leakage detection structure including the leakage monitoring control means will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the temperature adjusting device. First, the temperature control device is turned on (step 10, hereinafter, step is indicated as S). And the leak detection of the combustible refrigerant gas is started by the leak detection structure (S20). When the combustible refrigerant gas is detected by the leak detection sensor in the leak detection structure (S30), the soak leak detection sensor outputs a detection signal in S40. When the flammable refrigerant gas is not detected by the leak detection sensor, the detection of the flammable refrigerant is continued in S30. When the detection signal is input to the leakage monitoring control means, the leakage warning display means displays leakage (S50), and then the leakage monitoring control means stops the refrigerator drive motor (S60).

When it is confirmed that the refrigerator drive motor is stopped, the leakage monitoring control means opens the leakage gas discharge port (S70) and discharges the leakage gas from the leakage detection space (S80). After the leakage gas discharge port is continuously opened for a predetermined time, the leakage gas discharge port is closed (S90). And detection of a combustible refrigerant | coolant is restarted (S100), and if a leak detection sensor detects a combustible refrigerant | coolant, a detection signal will be output (S110). If the combustible refrigerant is not detected, the process returns to S30 and the detection of the combustible refrigerant is continued.

In S110, a detection signal is output, and the leakage monitoring control unit issues a leakage alarm from the leakage alarm unit (S120). Then, the main power supply in the area including the temperature adjusting device and the surrounding ignition source is turned off (S130), and the operation of the leakage monitoring control means is ended (S140). The leak detection structure of the third embodiment is preferably used in a refrigerator or the like that is disposed in a room with an ignition source such as a kitchen or a kitchen.

Hereinafter, the configuration of another embodiment of the leakage detection structure will be described with reference to FIG. Since the leakage detection structure may be configured integrally with the wall of the temperature adjustment device or may be configured as a unit alone, the portion of the wall of the temperature adjustment device is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line.

The leak detection structure 40 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 (A) is provided with an outlet 41 on the side surface of a standing pipe 39 having the configuration of the leak detection structure of the third embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment, and the same reference numerals as those of the third embodiment are attached to the drawings, and the description thereof is omitted. In Example 40, when there is a horizontal air flow in the temperature adjustment space, the mixed gas does not flow into the leakage detection space from the outlet by opening the outlet toward the downstream side. As a result, light temperature control gas tends to flow out, and the gas in the leak detection space is not stirred. Further, it is difficult for water drops or the like to flow from above.

In the leak detection structure 50 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, the top plate of the leak detection structure in the configuration of the leak detection structure of the third embodiment is a flat surface, and the inflow port 51 is a side surface as in the second embodiment. It is the example of a structure open | released by. When the air flow in the temperature adjustment space is small, the mixed gas is easily introduced, and the detection of the leaked gas is quick. When the airflow is fast, the size of the inlet 51 may be reduced.

The leak detection structure 60 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8C is replaced with a partition wall, and the bottom 62 of the leak gas detection space on the outlet 34 side is raised to the side of the inlet 32 where the leak detection sensor is provided. This is an example in which the plane area of the leakage detection space 61 is reduced. According to this example, even if a partition wall is not provided, heavy flammable refrigerant gas is concentrated in the leak detection space on the inflow side, and light temperature adjustment gas is likely to flow out from the outflow port.

In Example 5, a refrigerated / refrigerated showcase 100 having a leakage detection structure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a refrigerated / refrigerated showcase 100 provided with a leakage detection structure 70. The freezer / refrigerated showcase is provided with a door 110 for taking out the displayed products and a door 111 for taking it out. A storage 120 is provided above the showcase, and a machine room 130 is provided below.

The machine room is provided with a compressor 131, a condenser 132, a condenser fan 133, and an expansion valve 134. Above the storage 120, an evaporator 121 and an evaporator fan 122 are provided. Between the compressor 131, the condenser 132, the condenser fan 133, the expansion valve 134, the evaporator 121, and the evaporator fan 122, a circulation path is formed including a pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant is circulated. Of course, the showcase is not limited to a cooling showcase, and may be a warming showcase.

In the storage 120, the evaporator fan 122 blows air to the evaporator 121 that evaporates the combustible refrigerant and cools the surroundings, and the cool air 123 is sent into the storage. The cooled air (see the solid line arrow in FIG. 9; the same applies to the following examples) is circulated through the storage 120 to cool the goods and then return to the evaporator 121 again (see FIG. 9). (Refer to the broken arrow, the same applies to the drawings of the following embodiments), and it continues to circulate in the storage 120 after being cooled by the evaporator.

The bottom surface 124 of the storage of the freezer / refrigerated showcase 100 is inclined, and the leakage detection structure 70 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments is provided on the lower side of the inclination. The combustible refrigerant gas leaked into the storage 120 is heavier than the temperature adjustment gas for adjusting the temperature of the product, tends to accumulate below the storage, and further, the floor surface 124 is inclined. Into the leak detection structure 70. In the leakage detection structure 70, the flammable refrigerant gas is detected as described above.

In the sixth embodiment, a vending machine 200 having a leakage detection structure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the vending machine 200 including the leakage detection structure 71. The vending machine 200 is provided with a take-out port 221 for taking out a product, a product storage 220 for adjusting the temperature of the product in the upper part, and a machine room 230 in the lower part.

The machine room 230 includes a compressor 131, a condenser 132, a condenser fan 133, and an expansion valve 134. Below the storage 120, an evaporator 121 and an evaporator fan 122 are provided. Between the compressor 131, the condenser 132, the condenser fan 133, the expansion valve 134, the evaporator 121, and the evaporator fan 122, a circulation path is formed including a pipe (not shown) through which the refrigerant is circulated. The evaporator 121 and the evaporator fan 122 cool and circulate the air in the storage.

Cold air 223 is sent into the storage 220 from the evaporator fan 122 to the storage 220 at a position in front of the evaporator 121 where the combustible refrigerant is evaporated to cool the surroundings. The cooled air is circulated in the storage 220 to cool the product, and then cooled again by the evaporator 121 and continues to circulate in the storage 220.

The leak detection structure 71 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments is provided on the bottom surface 224 of the storage 220. The combustible refrigerant gas leaked into the storage 220 is heavier than the gas that adjusts the temperature of the product and tends to accumulate below the storage 220, and therefore flows into the leak detection structure 71 along the bottom surface 224. In the leak detection structure 71, the flammable refrigerant gas is detected as described above.

In Example 7, a refrigeration / refrigerator 300 including a leakage detection space 72 and a leakage detection structure 73 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the cooling mechanism of the cooling device for the freezer / refrigerator is the same as that of the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the drawings and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the refrigerator / refrigerator 300 including the leakage detection space 72 and the leakage detection structure 73. The freezer / refrigerator 300 is a commercial refrigerator, and includes a machine room 130 above. Below the machine room 130, there are provided a freezer room 320 and a refrigerator room 330 whose surroundings are covered with a heat insulating material 310.

A leak detection structure 73 according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments is provided on the bottom surface 331 on the back side of the refrigerator compartment 330. Similar to the fifth embodiment, the bottom surface 331 is inclined toward the leakage detection structure so that the leaked combustible refrigerant is easily collected. In addition, the bottom surface 321 of the freezer 320 is also inclined, and the leakage detection space 72 disposed at a low position thereof is a leakage detection space in which the leakage detection sensor is omitted from any of the leakage detection structures of the first to fourth embodiments. The leak detection structure 73 disposed below is communicated with a conduit 340. When the flammable refrigerant gas leaks in the freezer compartment 320, the flammable refrigerant gas flows from the upper leakage detection space 72 into the lower leakage detection structure 73 and is detected. It may be provided only in 73. Of course, the freezer / refrigerator may be a refrigerator for home use, or any one of them, and the conduit may be omitted and each may be provided with a leakage detection sensor.

In the ninth embodiment, an indoor unit 400 of an air conditioner equipped with a leakage detection structure 80 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the indoor unit 400 of the air conditioner having a leakage detection structure by a cross section. The leak detection structure 80 is disposed below the evaporator 52 and above the drain pan 82 that discharges condensed water from the evaporator 52. The inflow port 81 of the leak detection structure 80 is opened from the top plate protruding to the side toward the upper part of the wall plate located inward. The outlet 84 is opened to the side by a standing pipe 85 extending upward from the top plate. Since the inflow port 81 and the outflow port 84 face to the side, condensed water from the evaporator does not enter.

The water droplets of condensed water from the evaporator hang down from the top plate of the leak detection structure 80 and hang down on the tongue piece 83 extending inward from the side surface 83 of the indoor unit and falls to the drain pan 82. On the other hand, the mixed gas in which the leaked combustible refrigerant gas and the temperature adjusting gas are mixed flows downward from the top plate of the leakage detection structure, and further flows toward the inflow port 81 along the tongue piece 83. The leakage detection space is entered, and the remainder flows toward the drain pan 82 (see solid line arrow in FIG. 12).

In the leak detection space 22, the combustible refrigerant gas accumulates in the leak detection space on the inlet side, is separated from the temperature adjustment gas, becomes a dense state, and is detected by the leak detection sensor. The position where the leak detection structure 80 is disposed is not limited to the position above the drain pan 82 as long as it is below the evaporator 52. With this configuration, it is possible to detect leaked combustible refrigerant even when the air conditioner is in operation, but it is possible to detect leaked combustible refrigerant even when the air conditioner is stopped. Of course.

(Other)
The embodiments described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to all temperature adjusting devices that exhibit a temperature adjusting function by circulating a combustible refrigerant in a circulation path. It is.
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Leakage monitoring control means, 2 ... Power supply management means, 3 ... Leakage gas detection means, 4 ... Leakage display means, 5 ... Leakage alarm means, 10, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 71, 73, 80 ... Leakage detection structure, 11 ... temperature adjustment space, 12,72 ... leakage detection space, 13 ... leakage detection sensor, 14,24,32,81 ... inlet, 15,25,34,84 ... outlet, 16 ... bottom, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17,310 ... Thermal insulation material, 18 ... Temperature control gas, 19 ... Flammable refrigerant gas, 20 ... Unit, 21 ... Top plate, 22 ... Wall plate, 26 ... Gap, 27 ... Inclined surface, 28, 36 ... Discharge port, 31 ... partition wall, 33 ... leak detection space, 35 ... space, 37 ... lid, 38 ... hinge, 39, 85 ... standing pipe, 100 ... freezing / refrigeration showcase, 110, 111 ... door, 120 ... storage, 121 ... Evaporator, 122 ... evaporator fan, 123, 2 3 ... Cold, 124, 224, 331 ... Bottom, 130, 230 ... Machine room, 131 ... Compressor, 132 ... Condenser, 133 ... Condenser fan, 134 ... Expansion valve, 200 ... Vending machine, 220 ... Merchandise storage , 300 ... Refrigeration / refrigerator, 320 ... Freezing room, 321 ... Bottom, 330 ... Refrigeration room, 340 ... Conduit, 400 ... Indoor unit, 52 ... Evaporator, 82 ... Drain pan, 83 ... Tongue piece.

Claims

A leakage detection structure provided in a temperature adjustment device provided with a circulation path of a combustible refrigerant heavier than air,
The leak detection structure includes a leak detection space into which a mixed gas of a combustible refrigerant gas and a temperature adjusting gas that has leaked from the circulation path into a gas flows, and a leak detection sensor that detects a leak of the combustible refrigerant gas Including
The leak detection space is provided with an inlet through which the mixed gas flows into the leak detection space, and an outlet through which a temperature adjustment gas separated from the mixed gas flows out.
The inflow port is disposed at a position lower than the outflow port;
The leak detection sensor is disposed below the inflow port in the leak detection space.
Leakage detection structure characterized by that.
The leakage detection space is disposed in a temperature adjustment space for adjusting the temperature of the object by the temperature adjustment device.
The leak detection structure according to claim 1.
The leakage detection space is a partition wall that is vertically divided into an inlet side and an outlet side, and an upper part is opened to the inlet side and the outlet side, and an upper edge thereof is lower than the inlet A partition is provided,
The leak detection sensor is disposed in a partitioned space on the inlet side.
The leak detection structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein
The leakage detection space is covered with a heat insulating material at least a part of its periphery.
The leak detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
The outlet is provided in a standing pipe extending upward from the leak detection space.
The leak detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the leak detection structure is provided.
The temperature adjusting device includes leakage monitoring control means,
The leakage detection structure detects the leakage of flammable refrigerant,
The leakage monitoring control means stops driving of the temperature adjusting device, and the leakage warning display means causes leakage display.
The leak detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the leak detection structure is provided.
The leak detection structure includes an openable and closable discharge port under the leak detection sensor for discharging the combustible refrigerant gas stored in the leak detection space,
The leakage detection structure detects the leakage of flammable refrigerant gas,
The leakage monitoring control means opens the closed outlet and discharges the combustible refrigerant gas.
The leakage detection structure according to claim 6.
A heating / cooling machine equipped with a storage for displaying goods,
A temperature adjustment device comprising the leakage detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is included.
Heating / cooling machine.
A freezer / refrigerator equipped with a storage for refrigerated goods,
A refrigerator / freezer comprising at least one of a freezer and a refrigerator, the temperature adjusting device including the leakage detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
An air conditioner that adjusts the temperature and humidity of indoor air,
Including an indoor unit equipped with an evaporator provided with a circulation path in which a combustible refrigerant is evaporated to heat and cool the surroundings;
The leak detection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided below the evaporator in the indoor unit.
An air conditioner characterized by that.