EP3026374B1 - Unité extérieure et dispositif de conditionnement d'air - Google Patents

Unité extérieure et dispositif de conditionnement d'air Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3026374B1
EP3026374B1 EP14829739.3A EP14829739A EP3026374B1 EP 3026374 B1 EP3026374 B1 EP 3026374B1 EP 14829739 A EP14829739 A EP 14829739A EP 3026374 B1 EP3026374 B1 EP 3026374B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
refrigerant
indication
outdoor unit
hexagonal
sealing nut
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP14829739.3A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3026374A1 (fr
EP3026374A4 (fr
Inventor
Tatsuya Mochizuki
Yoshihiro Tanabe
Kenta Kawahara
Toshiyuki Kubono
Hiroyuki Jinnai
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Mitsubishi Electric Corp
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Publication of EP3026374A1 publication Critical patent/EP3026374A1/fr
Publication of EP3026374A4 publication Critical patent/EP3026374A4/fr
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B45/00—Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/26—Refrigerant piping
    • F24F1/32—Refrigerant piping for connecting the separate outdoor units to indoor units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F1/00—Room units for air-conditioning, e.g. separate or self-contained units or units receiving primary air from a central station
    • F24F1/06—Separate outdoor units, e.g. outdoor unit to be linked to a separate room comprising a compressor and a heat exchanger
    • F24F1/26—Refrigerant piping
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/89—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus including a compression refrigeration cycle, and particularly relates to an outdoor unit and an air-conditioning apparatus that provide improved safety and reliability during installation of the air-conditioning apparatus and during service work thereon.
  • R32 difluoromethane
  • hydrofluoroolefin-based refrigerants such as HFO1234yf, and HFO1234ze
  • refrigerant mixtures containing R32 and any HFO-based refrigerant and natural refrigerants such as R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutane).
  • R290 propane
  • R600a isobutane
  • the HFC-based refrigerant R32 and the HC-based refrigerant R290 (propane) have come to attract attention as alternative refrigerants.
  • the refrigerants R32 and R290 have global warming potentials (hereinafter referred to as GWPs) much lower than those of other refrigerants such as R22 and R410A, when released into the atmosphere.
  • GWPs global warming potentials
  • the refrigerants such as R32 and R290 are flammable, products that use these refrigerants need to be designed with full consideration for safety.
  • the refrigerant R290 is highly flammable, and needs to be handled with special care.
  • the refrigerant R32 is less flammable than R290, and therefore product design relatively similar to that for the non-flammable refrigerants R22 and R410A is possible.
  • R32 is flammable, safety design is needed. Therefore, in the case of using a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290, a certain amount of money needs to be spent in order to improve the safety.
  • An air-conditioning apparatus includes a compression refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a pressure reducing device, and so on are connected to each other by refrigerant pipes. Therefore, in the case of an air-conditioning apparatus using a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290, safety design is particularly necessary in view of situations such as when charging refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit during installation of the air-conditioning apparatus or during service work on the air-conditioning apparatus, for example.
  • a cooling apparatus having an inlet port for charging refrigerant into a refrigerant circuit, the cooling apparatus including an indication portion that is disposed in the vicinity of the inlet port and that indicates the type of refrigerant used" (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
  • the type of refrigerant used is indicated in the vicinity of the inlet port (service port) for charging refrigerant.
  • the type of refrigerant is indicated to the operator.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus may have to be installed under unfavorable conditions (for example, the work site is dark, or the operator needs to perform work in an unnatural posture). Then, the operator might overlook the indication and use a wrong refrigerant. Therefore, simply indicating the type of refrigerant according to the technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is not sufficient enough to inform the operator of the content of the indication with 100% reliability.
  • the existing air-conditioning apparatuses using R22 or R410A do not have safety design for flammable refrigerants.
  • a flammable refrigerant is mistakenly charged into such an existing air-conditioning apparatus. Then, if the refrigerant leaks while installation work or service work is performed, or if the refrigerant leaks due to damage to the refrigerant circuit while the air-conditioning apparatus is used, a flammable concentration may be reached in the ambient air. Thus, if there is any ignitable matter, the refrigerant might catch fire, resulting in a serious incident.
  • the port diameter of a charging portion of a refrigerant charging port may be changed in accordance with the type of refrigerant. This can be a straightforward measure to prevent a wrong refrigerant from being charged.
  • the port diameter of the charging portion of the refrigerant charging port is changed in accordance with the type of refrigerant, the types of a charging hose for charging refrigerant, a tank (cylinder) for storing refrigerant, and equipment for vacuuming the refrigerant circuit also need to be changed. Accordingly, the equipment service provider that offers installation work and service work needs to prepare new appropriate equipment, leading to a significant cost increase. Moreover, if the operator goes to an installation site or a service site without taking such equipment, the operator cannot perform the expected work, leading to a serious trouble.
  • the present invention has been made to overcome the above problems, and aims to provide an outdoor unit and an air-conditioning apparatus that provide increased safety and reliability by making the operator (the operator who performs installation work, the operator who performs service work, and the operator who performs recycling work) surely recognize the type of refrigerant.
  • An outdoor unit according to the present invention includes the combination of technical features of appended claim 1.
  • An air-conditioning apparatus includes the outdoor unit described above, and an indoor unit that is connected to the outdoor unit.
  • the outdoor unit according to the present invention since the above-described outdoor unit is provided, it is possible to suppress a reduction in performance and quality.
  • Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Embodiments 2 to 6 and 8 to 9 do not form part of the invention, and are merely used for better understanding of the application.
  • the dimensional relationship between the elements may be different from the actual one.
  • like reference numerals denote like or equivalent elements, and this applies throughout the specification.
  • the modes of the elements that will be described in the specification are only examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus A including an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of an indoor unit 1.
  • Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the outdoor unit 2.
  • the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus A will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 through 3 .
  • the outdoor unit 2 is configured such that the operator (for example, the operator who installs the air-conditioning apparatus A, the operator who performs service work on the air-conditioning apparatus A, and the operator who performs recycling work on the air-conditioning apparatus A) surely recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in the air-conditioning apparatus A.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus A is applied as, for example, a separate-type home air-conditioning apparatus, and includes the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2.
  • the indoor unit 1 is hung and fixed on an installation plate 21 that is fixed to, for example, an indoor wall with screws 59 or the like.
  • the indoor unit 1 supplies conditioned air into an air-conditioned space.
  • the outdoor unit 2 is placed and fixed on support blocks 51 that are disposed in a space (for example, an outdoor space) different from the air-conditioned space.
  • the outdoor unit 2 supplies cooling energy or heating energy to the indoor unit 1.
  • the outdoor unit 2 is preferably installed at, for example, a position where an air passage is reserved during operation and which is not very far from the indoor unit 1.
  • a liquid-side pipe connecting joint 12 and a gas-side pipe connecting joint 13 are connected to the indoor unit 1.
  • a liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8 and a gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 are connected to the outdoor unit 2.
  • the liquid-side pipe connecting joint 12 of the indoor unit 1 and the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8 of the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other by a flared extension pipe (refrigerant pipe) 7.
  • the gas-side pipe connecting joint 13 of the indoor unit 1 and the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 of the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other by another flared extension pipe 7.
  • the components of the indoor unit 1 and the components of the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other by piping, whereby a refrigerant circuit is formed.
  • a terminal block 20 of the indoor unit 1 and a terminal block 17 of the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other by a VVF cable 22.
  • the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8, the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9, and the terminal block 17 of the outdoor unit 2 are disposed at positions where the intended work can be performable by detaching a pipe decorative cover 10 from the outdoor unit 2. That is, the pipe decorative cover 10 is detachably attached to a side surface of the outdoor unit 2.
  • the indoor unit 1 includes a base 52, an indoor heat exchanger 11, an indoor blower motor 18, a blower fan 19, an electric component box 53, a casing 54, and an openable and detachable front design panel 55.
  • the base 52 is fixed to the installation plate 21.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 11, the indoor blower motor 18, the blower fan 19, the electric component box 53, and the terminal block 20 are attached to the base 52.
  • the casing 54 is fixed to the base 52 by screws. That is, the indoor heat exchanger 11, the indoor blower motor 18, the blower fan 19, the electric component box 53, and the terminal block 20 are covered with the casing 54.
  • the front design panel 55 is attached to the casing 54.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a condenser (radiator) during a heating operation, and as an evaporator during a cooling operation.
  • the indoor blower motor 18 and the blower fan 19 are disposed in front of the indoor heat exchanger 11, and send air to the indoor heat exchanger 11.
  • the electric component box 53 accommodates an indoor driving device 56 that drives the indoor blower motor 18.
  • the terminal block 20 is for electrical connection to the outdoor unit 2.
  • the indoor unit 1 has an air inlet 57 for introducing air from the air-conditioned space.
  • the air inlet 57 is formed in the upper surface of the casing 54.
  • the indoor unit 1 also has an air outlet 58 formed at the lower front of the casing 54. The air taken from the air inlet 57 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 11, where the air exchanges heat. Then, the conditioned air is blown from the air outlet 58 into the air-conditioned space.
  • the outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 3 that compresses the refrigerant and is of, for example, a variable rotation speed type, a four-way valve 4 that switches the flow of the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 5 that functions as an evaporator during a heating operation and as a condenser (radiator) during a cooling operation, a flow rate control device 6 (a pressure reducing device) that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and an outdoor blower motor 15 and an outdoor fan 16 that send air to the outdoor heat exchanger 5.
  • the outdoor unit 2 has a casing that includes a panel 62 defining the front surface and one side surface, a top plate 65 defining the top surface, and a side panel 66 defining another side surface.
  • the panel 62 has an opening 63 at a position facing the outdoor fan 16.
  • the opening 63 allows air to pass therethrough.
  • a fan guard 64 that is formed of wires is attached on the opening 63.
  • the side panel 66 has an opening 68 from which the VVF cable 22 is exposed.
  • the VVF cable 22 exposed from the opening 68 of the side panel 66 is covered with a cable cover 67.
  • the cable cover 67 is further covered with the pipe decorative cover 10.
  • the outdoor unit 2 also includes a driving device 14 that drives the compressor 3, the four-way valve 4, and the outdoor blower motor 15, and the terminal block 17 that is for electrical connection to the indoor unit 1.
  • the indoor heat exchanger 11 of the indoor unit 1, the compressor 3, the four-way valve 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 5, and the flow rate control device 6 of the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other by piping, whereby a refrigerant circuit is formed.
  • the refrigerant circuit is configured such that the refrigerant flows through the compressor 3, the four-way valve 4, the indoor heat exchanger 11, the flow rate control device 6, and the outdoor heat exchanger 5 in this order during a heating operation, whereas the refrigerant flows through the compressor 3, the four-way valve 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 5, the flow rate control device 6, and the indoor heat exchanger 11 in this order during a cooling operation.
  • the four-way valve 4 may be omitted, and thus only one of the cooling operation and the heating operation may be performed.
  • the four-way valve 4 may be replaced with, for example, a plurality of two-way valves or three-way valves that are configured to be capable of switching the flow of the refrigerant in the same way.
  • refrigerant that circulates through the refrigerant circuit of the air-conditioning apparatus A examples include the flammable refrigerant R32.
  • the refrigerant to be used in the air-conditioning apparatus A is not limited to R32.
  • any of the following refrigerants may be employed: other flammable refrigerants (such as R290); natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), hydrocarbons, and helium; and chlorine-free refrigerants including alternative refrigerants such as R410A, R407C, and R404A.
  • the installation plate 21 for fixing the indoor unit 1 is fixed to the indoor wall with the screws 59 or the like.
  • the indoor unit 1 is hung and fixed on the installation plate 21.
  • the outdoor unit 2 is disposed at a position where an air passage is reserved during operation and which is not very far from the indoor unit 1 (for example, in the space around the house, on the balcony, on the roof, in the garage, in the yard, and the like).
  • the liquid-side pipe connecting joint 12 of the indoor unit 1 and the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8 of the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other by one of the flared extension pipes 7.
  • the gas-side pipe connecting joint 13 of the indoor unit 1 and the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 of the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other by the other one of the flared extension pipes 7.
  • the terminal block 20 of the indoor unit 1 and the terminal block 17 of the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other by the VVF cable 22.
  • the pipe decorative cover 10 is attached to the side surface of the outdoor unit 2 so as to cover the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8, the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9, and the terminal block 17 of the outdoor unit 2.
  • each of the two extension pipes 7 is covered with a heat insulator 60. Then, the two extension pipes 7 covered with the respective heat insulators 60 are wrapped together with tape 61.
  • Fig. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating a part of the side surface of the outdoor unit 2.
  • Fig. 5 is an explanatory view for explaining the procedure of charging refrigerant. A typical procedure for charging refrigerant will now be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 .
  • the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 has a refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • a charging hose 26 connected to a vacuum pump 25 is connected to the refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • a pressure gauge 27 is connected between the vacuum pump 25 and the refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 has a gas-pipe-side stem 30, in addition to the refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • a hexagonal sealing nut (cap) 24 that seals the refrigerant charging service port 23 is disposed on the refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • a push-pin valve 33 is disposed in the refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • a hexagonal stem nut (cap) 28 is disposed on the gas-pipe-side stem 30.
  • the gas-pipe-side stem 30 is operable with a hexagonal key 29.
  • the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8 has a liquid-pipe-side stem 32.
  • a hexagonal stem nut (cap) 31 is disposed on the liquid-pipe-side stem 32.
  • the liquid-pipe-side stem 32 is operable with the hexagonal key 29.
  • the extension pipes 7 and the pipes included in the indoor heat exchanger 11 of the indoor unit 1 are filled with air. Therefore, the air needs to be released.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 disposed on the refrigerant charging service port 23 of the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 is removed, and the charging hose 26 of the vacuum pump 25 is connected to the refrigerant charging service port 23. Then, vacuuming is performed. Completion of the vacuuming is determined using the pressure gauge 27 or the like.
  • the hexagonal stem nut 28 on the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 is removed, and the gas-pipe-side stem 30 is operated with the hexagonal key 29, whereby the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 is opened.
  • the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8 is opened in the same manner. That is, the hexagonal stem nut 31 is removed, and the liquid-pipe-side stem 32 is operated with the hexagonal key 29, whereby the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8 is opened.
  • the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 and the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8 are opened, the refrigerant that is charged in the outdoor unit 2 in advance at the time of manufacture fills the extension pipes 7 and the indoor heat exchanger 11.
  • the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 are connected to each other, whereby a refrigerant circuit is formed.
  • the amount of refrigerant charged in the outdoor unit 2 in advance at the time of manufacture may be insufficient.
  • an additional amount of refrigerant needs to be charged.
  • the operator charges a required amount of refrigerant from a refrigerant cylinder that is prepared in advance through the refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • the operator needs to carefully check that the type of refrigerant contained in the air-conditioning apparatus A and the type of refrigerant contained in the prepared refrigerant cylinder are the same.
  • Fig. 6 is a further enlarged view illustrating a part of the side surface of the outdoor unit 2. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in the air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Fig. 6 .
  • the liquid-side pipe connecting valve 8 and the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 are provided on the side surface of the outdoor unit 2. Further, the refrigerant charging service port 23 is provided in the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9. As described with reference to Fig. 5 , at the installation site, the operator removes the hexagonal sealing nut 24, and then attaches the charging hose 26 for charging refrigerant to the refrigerant charging service port 23. Thus, the push-pin valve 33 disposed in the refrigerant charging service port 23 is opened so as to allow the refrigerant to be charged.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 that is used in the currently most widely used R410A air-conditioning apparatuses is of the 1/2 inch thread specifications. Further, the hexagonal sealing nut 24 has a width across flats of 17 mm. However, if the hexagonal sealing nut 24 with such specifications is used, in the case where a type of refrigerant different from R410A is contained in the installed air-conditioning apparatus, the operator is likely to charge a wrong type of refrigerant.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 corresponds to a "hexagonal sealing nut which is provided on another refrigerant charging service port" of the present invention.
  • a hexagonal nut (hereinafter referred to as a hexagonal sealing nut (cap) 34) having a width across flats of 18 mm or greater, which is greater than that of the currently most widely used hexagonal sealing nut 24, is used in the outdoor unit 2.
  • the use of the hexagonal sealing nut 34 prevents the use of a wrench that is usually used for the hexagonal sealing nut 24 by the operator. That is, the operator needs to use a wrench (tool) dedicated to the hexagonal sealing nut (cap) 34. Therefore, in the step in which the operator removes the hexagonal sealing nut 34, it is possible to make the operator recognize that a type of refrigerant different from the conventional refrigerant is used, and thus the effect of attracting attention can be expected.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 34 does not need to be different from the hexagonal sealing nut 24 in diameter, and only needs to be configured so as to be different in at least one of outer diameter, shape, and appearance so as to prevent the use of the wrench that is usually used (the wrench for the hexagonal sealing nut 24). Further, the use of the hexagonal sealing nut 34 makes it possible to create a safety design particularly for the case where a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290 is used, without spending a large amount of money.
  • Fig. 6 has been described in conjunction with the example in which R32 is used, the type of refrigerant used is not limited to R32. However, the advantageous effects are enhanced in the case where a flammable refrigerant, such as R32 and R290, is used that requires a large amount of money for safety design. Further, the width across flats of the hexagonal sealing nut 34 is not limited to the value that is given as an example.
  • the outdoor unit 2 by changing the configuration of a part (hexagonal sealing nut) that the operator always holds in their hand when charging refrigerant, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A. In particular, in the case where a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290 is used, this provides a great effect in terms of safety, and also contributes to suppression of global warming.
  • a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290
  • the indication 35 may include not only the type of refrigerant, but also a mark representing a flammable refrigerant, initials, and textual precautions. Further, engraving is more suitable for the indication 35 than printing, in terms of being hard to fade away. For example, engraving is suitable when identifying the type of refrigerant upon collecting refrigerant in recycle centers. Printing is suitable for indicating precautions clearly and in detail, whereas marks and initials are suitable in the case of marketing the apparatuses globally. These forms may be used in accordance with the purpose of use.
  • the type of refrigerant and precautions are information to be provided to the operator who performs installation or service work.
  • the information indicated on the gas-side pipe connecting valve 9 can be viewed when the pipe decorative cover 10 is removed from the outdoor unit 2. Accordingly, unnecessary information is not provided to general users, and thus there is no risk of causing confusion.
  • slightly flammable refrigerants such as R32, although having flammable properties, are significantly less likely to catch fire. Therefore, as long as the operator does not use fire therearound during installation of the air-conditioning apparatus and during service work thereon, there is no risk of an accident due to fire.
  • the mechanism that provides precautions only to the operator is suitable for particularly the apparatuses using slightly flammable refrigerants, since the mechanism does not create unnecessary concerns for general users.
  • a thread with a thread diameter of 1/2 inch that is the same as that for the conventional refrigerant R410A is used. Accordingly, the operator only needs to prepare the charging hose 26, the vacuum pump 25, the pressure gauge 27, and so on that are the same as those having been used, and there is no need to prepare (buy) such equipment especially for R32. Therefore, the operator does not particularly need to spend money and time to develop infrastructure, and the air-conditioning apparatus A using a refrigerant having a low global warming potential can be expected to spread quickly.
  • Embodiment 1 has been described in conjunction with the example in which the air-conditioning apparatus A is applied to a separate-type home air-conditioning apparatus, the air-conditioning apparatus A is not limited to a separate-type home air-conditioning apparatus.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus A is also applicable to an industrial air-conditioning apparatus, a refrigeration apparatus, and so on as long as the refrigerant charging service port 23 is provided in the outdoor unit 2.
  • Fig. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining the specifications of a pipe connecting valve of an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 2. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in an air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Fig. 7 .
  • Fig. 7 (a) illustrates an enlarged view of a side surface of the outdoor unit 2; (b) illustrates a perspective view of an indication plate 36; and (c) illustrates a perspective view of an indication plate 37.
  • elements that are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.
  • the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 2 is different from the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 in that the indication plate 36 or the indication plate 37 is provided as attention attracting means.
  • the indication plate 36 or the indication plate 37 indicating the refrigerant name as the type of refrigerant is disposed on at least one of surfaces defining a hexagonal prism shape of a hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 may or may not be replaced with the hexagonal sealing nut 34 illustrated in Embodiment 1.
  • the indication plate 36 includes an indication portion 36a indicating the refrigerant name, and a projection portion 36b extending from an end of the indication portion 36a in a direction orthogonal to the indication surface of the indication portion 36a.
  • the projection portion 36b is provided with a C-shaped attachment portion 36c.
  • the indication portion 36a is formed of, for example, a planar member.
  • the attachment portion 36c is fitted on the neck of a thread portion of a refrigerant charging service port 23, using the elastic force of the attachment portion 36c.
  • the indication portion 36a and the projection portion 36b may be integrally formed of resin or the like, or may be separately formed of different materials and combined together.
  • the projection portion 36b is formed of an elastic material.
  • the projection portion 36b may be formed by bending one lateral end portion of the indication portion 36a as illustrated in Fig. 7(a) .
  • the projection portion 36b may be formed by bending one lateral end portion of the indication portion 36a which lateral end portion has a size smaller than the size of the indication portion 36a in the height direction.
  • the indication plate 37 includes an indication portion 37a indicating the refrigerant name, and a projection portion 37b extending from an end of the indication portion 37a in a direction orthogonal to the indication surface of the indication portion 37a.
  • the projection portion 37b is provided with a C-shaped attachment portion 37c.
  • the indication portion 37a is formed of, for example, a planar member.
  • On a surface of the indication portion 37a which faces outward when the indication plate 37 is attached the refrigerant name "R32" and "a mark representing a flammable refrigerant" are indicated.
  • the attachment portion 37c is fitted on the neck of the thread portion of the refrigerant charging service port 23, using the elastic force of the attachment portion 37c. By fitting the attachment portion 37c onto the neck of the thread portion of the refrigerant charging service port 23, it is possible to hold the indication portion 37a on at least one surface of the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • each of the indication plate 36 and the indication plate 37 is one of ancillary parts that need to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the outdoor unit 2 of Embodiment 2 by providing an ancillary part (the indication plate 36 or the indication plate 37) that needs to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A. In particular, in the case where a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290 is used, this provides a great effect in terms of safety, and also contributes to suppression of global warming.
  • a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290
  • Fig. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining the specifications of a pipe connecting valve of an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 3. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in an air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Fig. 8 .
  • elements that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the description will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2.
  • the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 3 is different from the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 in that an indication plate 38 is provided as attention attracting means. As illustrated in Fig. 8 , in the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 3, the indication plate 38 indicating the refrigerant name is disposed on a hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of a hexagonal sealing nut 24. Note that the hexagonal sealing nut 24 may or may not be replaced with the hexagonal sealing nut 34 illustrated in Embodiment 1.
  • the indication plate 38 includes an indication portion 38a indicating the refrigerant name, and a projection portion 38b extending from an end of the indication portion 38a in a direction orthogonal to the indication surface of the indication portion 38a.
  • the projection portion 38b is provided with a ring-shaped attachment portion 38c corresponding to the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the indication portion 38a is formed of, for example, a planar member. On a surface of the indication portion 38a which faces outward when the indication plate 38 is attached, the refrigerant name "R32" is indicated.
  • the attachment portion 38c is fitted on the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24, so that the projection portion 38b is attached to the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the indication portion 38a and the projection portion 38b may be integrally formed of resin, metal, or the like, or may be separately formed of different materials and combined together. Further, similar to the indication plate 37 described in Embodiment 2, not only the type of refrigerant, but also a mark representing a flammable refrigerant, and initials may be added. Further, textual precautions may be displayed.
  • the indication plate 38 is provided, in the case of charging refrigerant during installation of the outdoor unit 2 or during service work thereon, the operator needs to remove the indication plate 38 before removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24 from the refrigerant charging service port 23. This is because, unless the indication plate 38 is removed, it is not possible to hold the hexagonal sealing nut 24 with a wrench. That is, the indication plate 38 is one of ancillary parts that need to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the outdoor unit 2 of Embodiment 3 by providing an ancillary part (the indication plate 38) that needs to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A. In particular, in the case where a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290 is used, this provides a great effect in terms of safety, and also contributes to suppression of global warming.
  • a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290
  • Fig. 9 is an explanatory view for explaining the specifications of a pipe connecting valve of an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 4. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in an air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Fig. 9 .
  • elements that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1 through 3 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the description will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 through 3.
  • the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 4 is different from the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 in that an indication plate 40 is provided as attention attracting means.
  • an indication plate 40 is provided as attention attracting means.
  • a circumferential groove 39 is provided in a hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of a hexagonal sealing nut 24, and the indication plate 40 indicating the refrigerant name is disposed in the groove 39.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 may or may not be replaced with the hexagonal sealing nut 34 illustrated in Embodiment 1.
  • the groove 39 does not have to be circumferential, and may be formed to have about the height that allows a projection portion 40b to be attached on at least a part of the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the indication plate 40 includes an indication portion 40a indicating the refrigerant name, and the projection portion 40b extending from the back of the indication portion 40a in a direction orthogonal to the indication surface of the indication portion 40a.
  • the projection portion 40b is provided with a C-shaped attachment portion 40c.
  • the indication portion 40a is formed of, for example, a planar member.
  • On a surface of the indication portion 40a which faces outward when the indication plate 40 is attached the refrigerant name "R32" is indicated.
  • the attachment portion 40c is fitted in the groove 39, using the elastic force of the attachment portion 40c. By fitting the attachment portion 40c into the groove 39, it is possible to hold the indication portion 40a on the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the indication portion 40a and the projection portion 40b may be integrally formed of resin or the like, or may be separately formed of different materials and combined together.
  • the projection portion 40b is formed of an elastic material.
  • the indication plate 37 described in Embodiment 2 not only the type of refrigerant, but also a mark representing a flammable refrigerant, and initials may be added. Further, textual precautions may be displayed.
  • the indication plate 40 is provided, in the case of charging refrigerant during installation of the outdoor unit 2 or during service work thereon, the operator needs to remove the indication plate 40 before removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24 from the refrigerant charging service port 23. This is because, unless the indication plate 40 is removed, it is not possible to hold the hexagonal sealing nut 24 with a wrench. That is, the indication plate 40 is one of ancillary parts that need to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the outdoor unit 2 of Embodiment 4 by providing an ancillary part (the indication plate 40) that needs to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A. In particular, in the case where a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290 is used, this provides a great effect in terms of safety, and also contributes to suppression of global warming.
  • a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290
  • Fig. 10 is an explanatory view for explaining the specifications of a pipe connecting valve of an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 5. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in an air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Fig. 10 .
  • elements that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1 through 4 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the description will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 through 4.
  • the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 5 is different from the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 in that an indication cover 41 is provided as attention attracting means.
  • the indication cover 41 having a cylindrical shape and indicating the refrigerant name is disposed on a hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of a hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 may or may not be replaced with the hexagonal sealing nut 34 illustrated in Embodiment 1.
  • the indication cover 41 indicates the refrigerant name "R32", and is configured to cover the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24. That is, the indication cover 41 is configured to allow the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24 to be inserted therein, and thus cover the outer periphery of the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24. In the indication cover 41, the two cylindrical ends may be open, or only one cylindrical end into which the hexagonal sealing nut 24 is inserted may be open.
  • the indication cover 41 is preferably formed of an elastic member made of resin, metal, rubber, or the like. Further, similar to the indication plate 37 described in Embodiment 2, not only the type of refrigerant, but also a mark representing a flammable refrigerant, and initials may be added. Further, textual precautions may be displayed.
  • the indication cover 41 is provided, in the case of charging refrigerant during installation of the outdoor unit 2 or during service work thereon, the operator needs to remove the indication cover 41 before removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24 from the refrigerant charging service port 23. This is because, unless the indication cover 41 is removed, it is not possible to hold the hexagonal sealing nut 24 with a wrench. That is, the indication cover 41 is one of ancillary parts that need to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the outdoor unit 2 of Embodiment 5 by providing an ancillary part (the indication cover 41) that needs to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A. In particular, in the case where a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290 is used, this provides a great effect in terms of safety, and also contributes to suppression of global warming.
  • a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290
  • Fig. 11 is an explanatory view for explaining the specifications of a pipe connecting valve of an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 6. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in an air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Fig. 11 .
  • elements that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1 through 5 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the description will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 through 5.
  • the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 6 is different from the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 in that an indication plate 42 is provided as attention attracting means. As illustrated in Fig. 11 , in the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 6, the indication plate 42 indicating the refrigerant name is disposed on the neck of a thread portion of a refrigerant charging service port 23. Note that the hexagonal sealing nut 24 may or may not be replaced with the hexagonal sealing nut 34 illustrated in Embodiment 1.
  • the indication plate 42 includes an indication portion 42a indicating the refrigerant name, and a projection portion 42b extending from an end of the indication portion 42a in such a direction that the indication surface of the indication portion 42a extends.
  • the projection portion 42b is provided with a ring-shaped attachment portion 42c corresponding to the neck of the thread portion of the refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • the indication portion 42a is formed of, for example, a planar member. On a surface of the indication portion 42a which faces the direction of a hexagonal sealing nut 24 when the indication plate 42 is attached, the refrigerant name "R32" is indicated.
  • the attachment portion 42c is fitted on the neck of the thread portion of the refrigerant charging service port 23.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 is attached to the refrigerant charging service port 23, while the indication plate 42 is attached to the neck of the thread portion of the refrigerant charging service port 23. Accordingly, the hexagonal sealing nut 24 prevents the indication plate 42 from coming off. Further, the operator sees the indication portion 42a of the indication plate 42 when holding the hexagonal sealing nut 24 with a wrench.
  • the indication portion 42a and the projection portion 42b may be integrally formed of resin, metal, or the like, or may be separately formed of different materials and combined together. Further, similar to the indication plate 37 described in Embodiment 2, not only the type of refrigerant, but also a mark representing a flammable refrigerant, and initials may be added. Further, textual precautions may be displayed.
  • the indication plate 42 is provided, in the case of charging refrigerant during installation of the outdoor unit 2 or during service work thereon, the operator sees the indication plate 42 when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24 from the refrigerant charging service port 23. This is because the indication plate 42 is attached while being prevented by the hexagonal sealing nut 24 from coming off. Further, when attaching the charging hose 26, the indication plate 42 often needs to be removed. This is because, the charging hose 26 needs to be securely attached to the refrigerant charging service port 23. That is, the indication plate 42 is one of ancillary parts that need to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the outdoor unit 2 of Embodiment 6 by providing an ancillary part (the indication plate 42) that needs to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A. In particular, in the case where a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290 is used, this provides a great effect in terms of safety, and also contributes to suppression of global warming.
  • a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290
  • Figs. 12 through 14 are explanatory views for explaining the specifications of a pipe connecting valve of an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in an air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Figs. 12 through 14 .
  • elements that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1 through 6 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the description will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 through 6.
  • the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 7 is different from the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 in that an indication cover 43 is provided as attention attracting means.
  • the indication cover 43 is provided, which is configured such that one end thereof is attached to a base portion of a refrigerant pipe connecting port (hereinafter referred to as a refrigerant pipe connecting port 45) of the body of a gas-side pipe connecting valve 9, and such that the other end thereof detachably covers at least a part of a hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of a hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 may or may not be replaced with the hexagonal sealing nut 34 illustrated in Embodiment 1.
  • the indication cover 43 includes an indication portion 43a indicating the refrigerant name and detachably covering the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24, an extension portion 43b extending from a part of the indication portion 43a to the refrigerant pipe connecting port 45, a ring-shaped attachment portion 44 that is provided at an end of the extension portion 43b and is attached to the base portion of the refrigerant pipe connecting port 45, a flexing portion 46 that flexibly couples the extension portion 43b and the attachment portion 44 to each other, and a projection 47 that is formed at a side opposite to the side at which the extension portion 43b of the indication portion 43a is formed and that abuts the hexagonal sealing nut 24 when the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24 is covered with the indication cover 43.
  • extension portion 43b corresponds to a "holding portion" of the present invention.
  • the indication portion 43a is, for example, configured to have a surface parallel to at least two surfaces of the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24, and a surface parallel to the front end of the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the refrigerant name "R32" is indicated on at least one of these surfaces.
  • Figs. 12 and 13 an example is illustrated in which the refrigerant name is indicated on the surface of the indication portion 43a at the near side of the paper of Figs. 12 and 13 .
  • the extension portion 43b connects the indication portion 43a and the attachment portion 44 to each other.
  • the length of the extension portion 43b is about a length that extends from the refrigerant pipe connecting port 45 to the neck of the thread portion of the refrigerant charging service port 23, for example.
  • Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate an example in which the extension portion 43b has a shape extending from one surface of the indication portion 43a toward the refrigerant pipe connecting port 45
  • the extension portion 43b may have the shape of, for example, a string made of resin, fiber, metal, or the like as illustrated in Fig. 14 .
  • the attachment portion 44 is configured to be attached to the refrigerant pipe connecting port 45 while the refrigerant pipe connecting port 45 is inserted through the ring-shaped portion thereof.
  • the flexing portion 46 is a hinge, and is configured to move the indication portion 43a and the extension portion 43b while the attachment portion 44 is attached to the base portion of the refrigerant pipe connecting port 45. Note that as illustrated in Fig. 14 , in the case where the extension portion 43b has the shape of a string, there is no need to provide the flexing portion 46.
  • the projection 47 is formed so as to project toward the hexagonal sealing nut 24, at the side opposite to the side at which the extension portion 43b of the indication portion 43a is formed, that is, at a position where the projection 47 is caught by the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24 when removing the indication portion 43a from the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24. That is, with the indication portion 43a and the projection 47, the indication cover 43 fits on the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24, and thus covers the hexagonal sealing nut 24. Note that as illustrated in Fig. 14 , in the case where the indication portion 43a has the shape of a cap, there is no need to provide the projection 47.
  • the indication cover 43 opens via the flexing portion 46 toward the side opposite to the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the indication portion 43a, the extension portion 43b, the attachment portion 44, and the projection 47 may be integrally formed of resin, metal, or the like, or may be separately formed of different materials and combined together.
  • the projection 47 is formed of an elastic material. Further, similar to the indication plate 37 described in Embodiment 2, not only the type of refrigerant, but also a mark representing a flammable refrigerant, and initials may be added. Further, textual precautions may be displayed.
  • the indication cover 43 Since the indication cover 43 is provided, in the case of charging refrigerant during installation of the outdoor unit 2 or during service work thereon, the operator needs to remove the indication portion 43a of the indication cover 43 before removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24 from the refrigerant charging service port 23. This is because, unless the indication portion 43a is removed, it is not possible to hold the hexagonal sealing nut 24 with a wrench. That is, the indication cover 43 is one of ancillary parts that need to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the outdoor unit 2 of Embodiment 7 by providing an ancillary part (the indication cover 43) that needs to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A. In particular, in the case where a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290 is used, this provides a great effect in terms of safety, and also contributes to suppression of global warming.
  • a flammable refrigerant such as R32 and R290
  • Figs. 15 through 17 are explanatory views for explaining the specifications of a pipe connecting valve of an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 8. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in an air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Figs. 15 through 17 .
  • elements that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1 through 7 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the description will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 through 7.
  • the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 8 is different from the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 in how the indication cover 41 described in Embodiment 5 is attached.
  • the indication cover 41 of Embodiment 8 is referred to as an indication cover 41A so as to be distinguished from the indication cover of Embodiment 5.
  • the indication cover 41A having a cylindrical shape and indicating the refrigerant name is disposed on a hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of a hexagonal sealing nut 24, as described in Embodiment 5.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 may or may not be replaced with the hexagonal sealing nut 34 illustrated in Embodiment 1.
  • the indication cover 41A indicates the refrigerant name "R32", and is configured to cover the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24. That is, the indication cover 41A is configured to allow the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24 to be inserted therein, and thus covers the outer periphery of the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24. In the indication cover 41A, the two cylindrical ends may be open, or only one cylindrical end into which the hexagonal sealing nut 24 is inserted may be open.
  • the indication cover 41A is preferably formed of an elastic member made of resin, metal, rubber, or the like. Further, similar to the indication plate 37 described in Embodiment 2, not only the type of refrigerant, but also a mark representing a flammable refrigerant, and initials may be added. Further, textual precautions may be displayed.
  • the indication "R32” is preferably engraved (hereinafter referred to as an engraved indication 80). If the engraved indication 80 is displayed on a bottom surface of the indication cover 41A, the engraved indication 80 is hard to be seen when the indication cover 41A is attached. Therefore, the engraved indication 80 is preferably displayed at a position from which the engraved indication 80 is easily seen and which is on the near side of a side surface of the indication cover 41A.
  • the indication cover 41A When the indication cover 41A is removed during installation work or during service work, the indication cover 41A might be lost and fail to play the role of a refrigerant identification part. In view of that, the indication cover 41A is attached to the side panel 66 via a string-shaped coupling portion 70. Thus, it is not possible to remove the indication cover 41A from the side panel 66, and therefore the indication cover 41A will be present when charging refrigerant after some years.
  • the coupling portion 70 is excessively short, it becomes difficult to attach and detach the indication cover 41A. Further, if the coupling portion 70 is excessively long, the coupling portion 70 disturbs the work. In view of that, as illustrated in Fig. 16 , it is preferable that the coupling portion 70 be formed integrally with the indication cover 41A, and have a length of 3 to 5 times the size (height dimension) of the indication cover 41A. Thus, the workability is not reduced. Note that the coupling portion 70 and the indication cover 41A may be formed separately. In any case, a proximal end of the coupling portion 70 only has to be coupled to the indication cover 41A.
  • a distal end (an end not in contact with the indication cover 41A) of the coupling portion 70 is attached to the side panel 66.
  • the distal end of the coupling portion 70 is preferably fixed to the side panel 66 by a screw or the like so as to prevent the indication cover 41A from being removed.
  • fixing of the distal end of the coupling portion 70 is not limited to fixing by a screw.
  • the distal end of the coupling portion 70 may be configured to have a shape illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17 .
  • the coupling portion 70 includes a body portion 74 that connects between the distal end side and the proximal end side, a distal locking portion 71 having the shape of an arrow, a rib 72 that is disposed at the proximal end side (the indication cover 41A side) with respect to the distal locking portion 71 and that serves as a stopper, and a connecting portion 73 that connects the distal locking portion 71 and the rib 72 to the body portion 74.
  • the distal end of the coupling portion 70 includes the distal locking portion 71 and the rib 72. If all the elements of the coupling portion 70 are integrally formed, there is no need to provide the connecting portion 73.
  • the distal locking portion 71 is inserted in a hole formed in the side panel 66, and thus serves to lock the entire coupling portion 70 onto the side panel 66.
  • the distal locking portion 71 is formed such that its diameter increases from the distal end toward the proximal end.
  • the distal locking portion 71 is elastically deformed by the hole.
  • the distal locking portion 71 is released from the elastic deformation, so that the proximal end portion of the distal locking portion 71 abuts the inner wall of the side panel 66.
  • the distal locking portion 71 is locked on the side panel 66, so that the entire coupling portion 70 is attached to the side panel 66. Further, the proximal end portion of the distal locking portion 71 abuts the inner wall of the side panel 66, thereby preventing coming-off.
  • the rib 72 is formed in the shape of a bowl, and is located on the outer side of the side panel 66 when the distal locking portion 71 is locked on the side panel 66. More specifically, the rib 72 has a function of a suction cup, and adheres to the outer surface of the side panel 66 so as to serve as a stopper for maintaining the coupling portion 70 attached to the side surface.
  • the connecting portion 73 connects the distal locking portion 71 and the rib 72 to the body portion 74.
  • the connecting portion 73 is formed in a shape that extends beyond the outer periphery of the body portion 74, and is reinforced such that the distal locking portion 71 and the rib 72 are not easily removed from the body portion 74.
  • the body portion 74 is deformable, and is coupled to the indication cover 41.
  • the outdoor unit 2 of Embodiment 8 by providing an ancillary part (the indication cover 41A) that needs to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A.
  • Figs. 18 and 19 are explanatory views for explaining the specifications of a pipe connecting valve of an outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 9. The following describes how the operator recognizes the type of refrigerant contained in an air-conditioning apparatus A, with reference to Figs. 18 and 19 .
  • elements that are the same as those described in Embodiments 1 through 8 are denoted by the same reference signs, and the description will focus on the differences from Embodiments 1 through 8.
  • the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 8 is different from the outdoor unit 2 according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the indication cover 41 illustrated in Embodiment 5.
  • the indication cover 41 of Embodiment 9 is referred to as an indication cover 41B so as to be distinguished from the indication cover of Embodiment 5.
  • the indication cover 41B having a cylindrical shape and indicating the refrigerant name is disposed on a hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of a hexagonal sealing nut 24, as described in Embodiment 5.
  • the hexagonal sealing nut 24 may or may not be replaced with the hexagonal sealing nut 34 illustrated in Embodiment 1.
  • the indication cover 41B indicates the refrigerant name "R32", and is configured to cover the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24. That is, the indication cover 41B is configured to allow the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24 to be inserted therein, and thus cover the outer periphery of the hexagonal-prism-shaped portion of the hexagonal sealing nut 24.
  • the two cylindrical ends may be open, or only one cylindrical end into which the hexagonal sealing nut 24 is inserted may be open.
  • the indication cover 41B is preferably formed of an elastic member made of resin, metal, rubber, or the like. Further, similar to the indication plate 37 described in Embodiment 2, not only the type of refrigerant, but also a mark representing a flammable refrigerant, and initials may be added. Further, textual precautions may be displayed.
  • the indication "R32” is preferably an engraved indication 80 as in the case of the indication cover 41A. If the engraved indication 80 is displayed on a bottom surface of the indication cover 41B, the engraved indication 80 is hard to be seen when the indication cover 41B is attached. Therefore, the engraved indication 80 is preferably displayed at a position from which the engraved indication 80 is easily seen and which is on the near side of a side surface of the indication cover 41B.
  • the indication cover 41B is often attached in an inclined manner to the hexagonal sealing nut 24. If water droplets are condensed on the refrigerant charging service port 23, water collects in the indication cover 41B. When the water collects and remains in the indication cover 41B without being discharged, the hexagonal sealing nut 24 might corrode. In view of that, a drain hole 81 is formed in the indication cover 41B. Thus, it is possible to discharge the water collected in the indication cover 41B, and prevent the hexagonal sealing nut 24 from corroding.
  • the indication cover 41B may be formed with a cross-shaped reinforcing portion 82 therein as illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19 , than to form the drain hole 81 extending across the entire bottom surface (a surface opposite to the open surface) of the indication cover 41B. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 19 , the indication cover 41B may be attached to the side panel 66 using the coupling portion 70 described in Embodiment 8.
  • the outdoor unit 2 of Embodiment 9 by providing an ancillary part (the indication cover 41 B) that needs to be operated by the operator when removing the hexagonal sealing nut 24, it is possible to more reliably make the operator recognize the type of refrigerant used, than by using the method of simply applying a sticker or the like indicating the type of refrigerant in the vicinity of a connecting valve. This prevents the operator from charging a wrong refrigerant when performing a refrigerant charging work, and makes it possible to increase the safety. Further, this eliminates the risk of a reduction in the performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A.
  • Embodiments 2 through 9 there is no particular description of the exterior color of the indication plate 36, the indication plate 37, the indication plate 38, the indication plate 40, the indication cover 41 (including the indication cover 41A and the indication cover 41B), the indication plate 42, and the indication cover 43.
  • the exterior color of these indication plates and indication covers is preferably the same as the color of the refrigerant cylinder for easier recognition of the type of refrigerant.
  • the display color of the refrigerant cylinder for R32 is light blue, and therefore the color of the indication plates and indication covers is preferably light blue.

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Claims (6)

  1. Unité extérieure (2) comportant une vanne de raccordement tuyau de fluide réfrigérant (8, 9) ayant un orifice de service de chargement de fluide réfrigérant (23)
    caractérisée en ce que
    l'orifice de service de chargement de fluide réfrigérant (23) est étanchéifié par un écrou d'étanchéité hexagonal (24, 34), l'écrou d'étanchéité hexagonal (24, 34) étant amovible lors du chargement de fluide réfrigérant et l'unité extérieure (2) comprenant un capot d'indication (43) en tant que moyen pour attirer l'attention comprenant :
    une portion d'indication (43a) indiquant au moins l'un parmi un type de fluide réfrigérant qui est utilisé et un texte de mise en garde, et couvrant de manière détachable une portion en forme de prisme hexagonal de l'écrou d'étanchéité hexagonal (24, 34),
    une portion de fixation en forme d'anneau (44) qui est fixée à une portion de base de l'orifice de raccordement de tuyau de fluide réfrigérant de la vanne de raccordement de tuyau de fluide réfrigérant (8, 9), et
    une portion d'extension (43b) qui raccorde la portion d'indication (43a) et la portion de fixation (44) l'une à l'autre.
  2. Unité extérieure (2) selon la revendication 1,
    dans laquelle la portion d'extension (43b) a une forme s'étendant depuis une surface de la portion d'indication (43a) vers l'orifice de raccordement de tuyau de fluide réfrigérant de la vanne de raccordement de tuyau de fluide réfrigérant (8, 9), et
    dans laquelle la portion d'indication (43a) et la portion d'extension (43b) sont couplées de manière flexible.
  3. Unité extérieure (2) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la portion d'extension (43b) est formée sous la forme d'un cordon.
  4. Unité extérieure (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3,
    dans laquelle l'écrou d'étanchéité hexagonal (24, 34) qui requiert une opération à l'aide d'un outil dédié est fourni, et
    dans laquelle l'écrou d'étanchéité hexagonal (24, 34) correspond à l'orifice de service de chargement de fluide réfrigérant (23) ayant un diamètre de filet de 1/2 pouce ou moins, et a un surplat de 18 mm ou plus.
  5. Unité extérieure (2) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle le type de fluide réfrigérant est indiqué sur au moins une surface d'une portion en forme de prisme hexagonal de l'écrou d'étanchéité hexagonal (24, 34).
  6. Appareil de climatisation (A) comprenant :
    l'unité extérieure (2) de l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5; et
    une unité intérieure (1) qui est raccordée à l'unité extérieure (2).
EP14829739.3A 2013-07-24 2014-03-26 Unité extérieure et dispositif de conditionnement d'air Active EP3026374B1 (fr)

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JP2013153762 2013-07-24
JP2013222901A JP5984779B2 (ja) 2013-07-24 2013-10-28 室外機及び空気調和装置
PCT/JP2014/058628 WO2015011952A1 (fr) 2013-07-24 2014-03-26 Unité extérieure et dispositif de conditionnement d'air

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EP3026374A1 EP3026374A1 (fr) 2016-06-01
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EP3026374B1 true EP3026374B1 (fr) 2021-04-21

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EP (1) EP3026374B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP5984779B2 (fr)
CN (2) CN104344614B (fr)
AU (1) AU2014294470B2 (fr)
SG (1) SG11201510227UA (fr)
WO (1) WO2015011952A1 (fr)

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EP3062044B1 (fr) * 2015-01-09 2020-11-18 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Unité extérieure et dispositif de climatisation
CN105674435B (zh) * 2016-01-25 2018-11-02 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 一种空调室外机的冷媒灌注方法
JP6915294B2 (ja) * 2017-02-15 2021-08-04 ダイキン工業株式会社 冷凍装置の室外機
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Publication number Publication date
JP2015042933A (ja) 2015-03-05
US20160131404A1 (en) 2016-05-12
CN203940672U (zh) 2014-11-12
WO2015011952A1 (fr) 2015-01-29
SG11201510227UA (en) 2016-02-26
EP3026374A1 (fr) 2016-06-01
CN104344614A (zh) 2015-02-11
AU2014294470A1 (en) 2016-01-28
AU2014294470B2 (en) 2016-07-14
EP3026374A4 (fr) 2017-06-07
CN104344614B (zh) 2017-06-27
JP5984779B2 (ja) 2016-09-06

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