EP4733685A1 - Air conditioning apparatus - Google Patents

Air conditioning apparatus

Info

Publication number
EP4733685A1
EP4733685A1 EP25208896.8A EP25208896A EP4733685A1 EP 4733685 A1 EP4733685 A1 EP 4733685A1 EP 25208896 A EP25208896 A EP 25208896A EP 4733685 A1 EP4733685 A1 EP 4733685A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shut
valve
indoor unit
air conditioning
refrigerant
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP25208896.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Kenji Yoshida
Daisuke Kajiwara
Masayuki Shimizu
Norikazu Yoshida
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2024185969A external-priority patent/JP2026075368A/ja
Application filed by Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd filed Critical Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Publication of EP4733685A1 publication Critical patent/EP4733685A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/32—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
    • F24F11/36—Responding to malfunctions or emergencies to leakage of heat-exchange fluid
    • 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
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of 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
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/22—Preventing, detecting or repairing leaks of refrigeration fluids
    • F25B2500/222—Detecting refrigerant leaks

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an air conditioning apparatus that allows a shut-off valve to be easily opened/closed via an operation by a worker.
An air conditioning apparatus in the present disclosure includes: an outdoor unit; an indoor unit; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; a shut-off valve that is provided at the refrigerant pipe and accommodates a shut-off part capable of interrupting refrigerant flow; and a refrigerant leakage sensor that detects refrigerant leakage, wherein when refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor, a closing signal is transmitted to the shut-off valve by the indoor unit, and the shut-off valve having received the closing signal is closed, and the shut-off valve is capable of being opened/closed by performing a predetermined operation on the shut-off valve, regardless of the closing signal from the indoor unit.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
  • The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning apparatus.
    • Description of the Related Art
  • Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-77040 discloses an air conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, a shut-off valve capable of shutting off refrigerant flow, and a refrigerant sensor, wherein the shut-off valve is closed when refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant sensor.
  • The present disclosure provides an air conditioning apparatus that allows a shut-off valve to be easily opened/closed via an operation by a worker.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • An air conditioning apparatus in the present disclosure includes: an outdoor unit; an indoor unit; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; a shut-off valve that is provided at the refrigerant pipe and accommodates a shut-off part capable of interrupting refrigerant flow; and a refrigerant leakage sensor that detects refrigerant leakage, wherein when refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor, a closing signal is transmitted to the shut-off valve by the indoor unit, and the shut-off valve having received the closing signal is closed, and the shut-off valve is capable of being opened/closed by performing a predetermined operation on the shut-off valve, regardless of the closing signal from the indoor unit.
  • The present disclosure can provide an air conditioning apparatus that allows a shut-off valve to be easily opened/closed via an operation by a worker.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system of an outdoor unit in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system of an indoor unit in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a shut-off valve in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system of an indoor unit remote control in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a detection alarm in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shut-off valve in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a control board of the shut-off valve in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus during refrigerant leakage before restoration work by a worker is performed in Embodiment 1;
    • Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a restoration work method performed by the worker on the air conditioning apparatus during refrigerant leakage in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus during the restoration work performed by the worker in Embodiment 1;
    • FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an indoor unit remote control of an air conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 2; and
    • FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of the air conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 2.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Underlying Knowledge Forming Basis of Present Disclosure
  • When the inventors arrived at the idea of the present disclosure, it had been customary to place a shut-off valve corresponding to a refrigerant leakage location in a closed state upon detection of refrigerant leakage in an air conditioning apparatus to prevent excessive leakage of refrigerant from the refrigerant leakage location. However, before resuming operation of the air conditioning apparatus, it is necessary to fill a refrigerant system with nitrogen for identifying the leakage location, repair the identified leakage locations, and perform a vacuum evacuation test after the repair. Since such restoration work during refrigerant leakage is generally performed with an indoor unit in a de-energized state, it is not easy to temporarily open the shut-off valve during the work. Even if the indoor unit is in an energized state, there is a risk that the shut-off valve cannot be closed during refrigerant leakage, when an abnormality occurs in a communication line between the indoor unit and the shut-off valve. That is, the inventors have discovered that in the conventional air conditioning apparatus, the shut-off valve cannot be easily opened/closed via an operation by a worker. In order to solve this problem, the inventors have arrived at the subject matter of the present disclosure.
  • Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning apparatus that allows a shut-off valve to be easily opened/closed via an operation by a worker.
  • Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that excessively detailed description may be omitted. For example, details of matters already well known or overlapping description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary verbosity of the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.
  • It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter set forth in the claims.
    • Embodiment 1
  • Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described using FIGS. 1 to 11.
    • 1-1. Configuration 1-1-1. Configuration of Air Conditioning Apparatus
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 1000 in Embodiment 1.
  • The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is a system for performing air conditioning in an air conditioning target space S. The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is applicable in a facility such as a building or a school. The air conditioning target space S is a room included in the facility.
  • The air conditioning apparatus 1000 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerant system RS1.
  • The refrigerant system RS1 is constituted by an outdoor unit 1A, three indoor units 2 (indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C), and three shut-off valves 3 (shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C). That is, the outdoor unit 1A; the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C; and the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C belong to the refrigerant system RS1. The outdoor unit 1A is installed outside the facility. The indoor unit 2A is installed inside the facility and air-conditions an air conditioning target space S1. The indoor unit 2B is installed inside the facility and air-conditions an air conditioning target space S2. The indoor unit 2C is installed inside the facility and air-conditions an air conditioning target space S3. The outdoor unit 1A and the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C are connected via a refrigerant pipe RP1. In the refrigerant pipe RP1, the shut-off valve 3A for interrupting refrigerant flow between the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor unit 2A is provided between the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor unit 2A. In the refrigerant pipe RP1, the shut-off valve 3B for interrupting refrigerant flow between the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor unit 2B is provided between the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor unit 2B. In the refrigerant pipe RP1, the shut-off valve 3C for interrupting refrigerant flow between the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor unit 2C is provided between the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor unit 2C.
  • The indoor unit 2 of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 in the present embodiment is capable of performing a cooling operation, a dry operation, a heating operation, a fan operation, and the like. The air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes a so-called twin system in which each indoor unit 2 performs identical operation.
  • The air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes an indoor unit remote control 4A disposed in the air conditioning target space S1. The indoor unit remote control 4A is a remote control for performing various settings for the indoor unit 2A, such as setting a target temperature. The indoor unit remote control 4A is connected to the indoor unit 2A by remote control wiring RL, and is also connected to the shut-off valve 3A by the remote control wiring RL via the indoor unit 2A.
  • The air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes a detection alarm 5A disposed in the air conditioning target space S1. The detection alarm 5A is connected to the indoor unit remote control 4A by the remote control wiring RL via the indoor unit 2A.
  • The air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes an indoor unit remote control 4B disposed in the air conditioning target space S2. The indoor unit remote control 4B is a remote control for performing various settings for the indoor unit 2B, such as setting a target temperature. The indoor unit remote control 4B is connected to the indoor unit 2B by remote control wiring RL, and is also connected to the shut-off valve 3B by the remote control wiring RL via the indoor unit 2B.
  • The air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes a detection alarm 5B disposed in the air conditioning target space S2. The detection alarm 5B is connected to the indoor unit remote control 4B by the remote control wiring RL via the indoor unit 2B.
  • The air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes an indoor unit remote control 4C disposed in the air conditioning target space S3. The indoor unit remote control 4C is a remote control for performing various settings for the indoor unit 2C, such as setting a target temperature. The indoor unit remote control 4C is connected to the indoor unit 2C by remote control wiring RL, and is also connected to the shut-off valve 3C by the remote control wiring RL via the indoor unit 2C.
  • The air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes a detection alarm 5C disposed in the air conditioning target space S3. The detection alarm 5C is connected to the indoor unit remote control 4C by the remote control wiring RL via the indoor unit 2C.
  • In the following description, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C are referred to as "shut-off valve 3" denoted by reference sign "3" when no distinction is made therebetween. The shut-off valve 3 is an example of an "opening/closing apparatus" of the present disclosure.
  • The indoor unit remote controls 4A, 4B, and 4C are referred to as "indoor unit remote control 4" denoted by reference sign "4" when no distinction is made therebetween.
  • In the following description, the detection alarms 5A, 5B, and 5C are referred to as "detection alarm 5" denoted by reference sign "5" when no distinction is made therebetween.
  • Here, the shut-off valve 3 and the detection alarm 5 will be briefly described.
  • The shut-off valve 3 is an apparatus in the refrigerant pipe RP1 capable of switching between an open state in which a refrigerant circulates and a closed state in which refrigerant flow is interrupted. The shut-off valve 3 transitions to the closed state when refrigerant leakage occurs. This enables the shut-off valve 3 to ensure the safety of a user in the air conditioning target space S against refrigerant leakage when refrigerant leakage occurs.
  • The detection alarm 5 is an alarm device including a refrigerant leakage sensor 54. The detection alarm 5 issues an alarm via a buzzer when refrigerant leakage occurs. This enables the detection alarm 5 to ensure the safety of a user in the air conditioning target space S against refrigerant leakage when refrigerant leakage occurs. Note that in the following description, an alarm device not including the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 is simply referred to as an "alarm device" to distinguish from the detection alarm 5.
  • In the air conditioning apparatus 1000 of the present embodiment, three remote control wiring groups GP (remote control wiring groups GP1, GP2, and GP3) are formed. The remote control wiring group GP is a coherent group connected by the remote control wiring RL. More specifically, the remote control wiring group GP in the present embodiment is a group including the indoor unit 2 and devices connected by the indoor unit 2 and the remote control wiring RL.
  • The remote control wiring group GP1 includes the indoor unit 2A, the shut-off valve 3A, the indoor unit remote control 4A, and the detection alarm 5A.
  • The remote control wiring group GP2 includes the indoor unit 2B, the shut-off valve 3B, the indoor unit remote control 4B, and the detection alarm 5B.
  • The remote control wiring group GP3 includes the indoor unit 2C, the shut-off valve 3C, the indoor unit remote control 4C, and the detection alarm 5C.
  • A configuration of a control system of each of the outdoor unit 1, the indoor unit 2, the shut-off valve 3, the indoor unit remote control 4, and the detection alarm 5 will be described next.
    • 1-1-2. Configuration of Outdoor Unit
  • The configuration of the control system of the outdoor unit 1 will be described first.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the outdoor unit 1 in Embodiment 1.
  • The outdoor unit 1 includes an outdoor unit control section 10, an outdoor unit communication unit 11, and a compressor 13.
  • The outdoor unit communication unit 11 and the compressor 13 will be described prior to the description of the outdoor unit control section 10.
  • The outdoor unit communication unit 11 includes communication hardware, such as a communication circuit, that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 under the control of the outdoor unit control section 10. The outdoor unit communication unit 11 of the outdoor unit 1A communicates with the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C via a communication line CL1.
  • The compressor 13 is driven under the control of the outdoor unit control section 10. In the refrigerant system RS1, the compressor 13 takes in, compresses, and subsequently discharges the refrigerant.
  • The outdoor unit control section 10 controls the outdoor unit 1, the indoor unit 2, and the shut-off valve 3.
  • The outdoor unit control section 10 includes a processor 100 such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU), a memory 120, and an interface circuit for connecting to another apparatus, a sensor, or the like. Note that although illustration in the drawings is omitted, various devices included in the outdoor unit 1, such as the compressor, the outdoor blower fan, and various sensors, are connected in this interface circuit included in the outdoor unit control section 10.
  • The memory 120 is a storage apparatus for storing a program, data, or the like. The memory 120 stores a control program 121 and data processed by the processor 100. The memory 120 includes a non-volatile storage area. The memory 120 includes a volatile storage area and is implemented as a work area of the processor 100. The memory 120 is implemented as, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random-access memory (RAM).
  • The outdoor unit control section 10 controls each part of the outdoor unit 1 and performs various operations through the processor 100 reading and executing the control program 121 stored in the memory 120.
  • The outdoor unit control section 10 communicates with the indoor unit 2 via the outdoor unit communication unit 11, but this will be described in detail below.
  • The outdoor unit control section 10 is an example of a "compressor control section."
    • 1-1-3. Configuration of Indoor Unit
  • The configuration of the control system of the indoor unit 2 will be described next.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit 2 in Embodiment 1.
  • The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor unit control section 20, a first indoor unit communication unit 21, a second indoor unit communication unit 22, an indoor blower fan 23, and an indoor expansion valve 24.
  • The first indoor unit communication unit 21, the second indoor unit communication unit 22, and the indoor blower fan 23 will be described prior to the description of the indoor unit control section 20.
  • The first indoor unit communication unit 21 includes communication hardware, such as a communication circuit, that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the outdoor unit 1, which belongs to the same refrigerant system RS1, under the control of the indoor unit control section 20. The first indoor unit communication unit 21 of the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C communicates with the outdoor unit 1A.
  • The second indoor unit communication unit 22 includes communication hardware, such as a communication circuit, that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with each device connected by the indoor unit 2 and the remote control wiring RL under the control of the indoor unit control section 20. The second indoor unit communication unit 22 of the indoor unit 2A communicates with the shut-off valve 3A, the indoor unit remote control 4A, and the detection alarm 5A. The second indoor unit communication unit 22 of the indoor unit 2B communicates with the shut-off valve 3B, the indoor unit remote control 4B, and the detection alarm 5B. The second indoor unit communication unit 22 of the indoor unit 2C communicates with the shut-off valve 3C, the indoor unit remote control 4C, and the detection alarm 5C.
  • The indoor blower fan 23 rotates under the control of the indoor unit control section 20 and delivers air to a heat exchanger included in the indoor unit 2.
  • The indoor expansion valve 24 is a valve for adjusting a refrigerant flow rate to the heat exchanger included in the indoor unit 2.
    An opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 24 is adjusted under the control of the indoor unit control section 20.
  • The indoor unit control section 20 includes a processor 200 such as a CPU or an MPU, a memory 220, and an interface circuit for connecting to another apparatus, a sensor, or the like. Note that although illustration in the drawings is omitted, various devices included in the indoor unit 2, such as a temperature sensor, are connected in this interface circuit included in the indoor unit control section 20.
  • The memory 220 is a storage apparatus for storing a program, data, or the like. The memory 220 stores a control program 221 and data processed by the processor 200. The memory 220 includes a non-volatile storage area. The memory 220 includes a volatile storage area and is implemented as a work area of the processor 200. The memory 220 is implemented as, for example, a ROM or a RAM.
  • The indoor unit control section 20 controls each part of the indoor unit 2 and performs various operations through the processor 200 reading and executing the control program 221 stored in the memory 220.
  • The indoor unit control section 20 communicates with the outdoor unit 1, which belongs to the same refrigerant system RS1, via the first indoor unit communication unit 21, but this will be described in detail below. The indoor unit control section 20 communicates with each device connected by the indoor unit 2 and the remote control wiring RL via the second indoor unit communication unit 22. The indoor unit control section 20 controls the operation of the indoor unit 2, by controlling mechanisms related to air conditioning, such as the indoor blower fan 23 and the indoor expansion valve 24. Upon receipt of notification from the detection alarm 5 that refrigerant leakage has occurred, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits the notification that refrigerant leakage has occurred to each device in the same remote control wiring group GP and the outdoor unit.
  • The indoor unit control section 20 is an example of an "indoor unit control section" and an "indoor blower fan control section."
    • 1-1-4. Configuration of Shut-off Valve
  • The configuration of the control system of the shut-off valve 3 will be described next.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the shut-off valve 3 in Embodiment 1.
  • The shut-off valve 3 includes a shut-off valve control section 30, a shut-off valve communication unit 31, a shut-off part 32, and a notification part 33.
  • The shut-off valve 3 is an example of an "opening/closing apparatus."
  • The shut-off valve communication unit 31, the shut-off part 32, and the notification part 33 will be described prior to the description of the shut-off valve control section 30.
  • The shut-off valve communication unit 31 includes communication hardware, such as a communication circuit, that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 connected by the remote control wiring RL under the control of the shut-off valve control section 30.
  • The shut-off part 32 interrupts refrigerant flow within the refrigerant pipe RP. The shut-off part 32 of the present disclosure includes an electric valve including a drive apparatus such as an actuator, and switches the shut-off valve 3 to the open state or the closed state under the control of the shut-off valve control section 30.
  • The notification part 33 provides notification of predetermined content. The notification part 33 includes a light-emitting diode (LED) and provides notification of the predetermined content by turning on the LED under the control of the shut-off valve control section 30.
  • The shut-off valve control section 30 includes a processor 300 such as a CPU or an MPU, a memory 320, and an interface circuit for connecting to another apparatus, a sensor, or the like.
  • The memory 320 is a storage apparatus for storing a program, data, or the like. The memory 320 stores a control program 321 and data processed by the processor 300. The memory 320 includes a non-volatile storage area. The memory 320 includes a volatile storage area and is implemented as a work area of the processor 300. The memory 320 is implemented as, for example, a ROM or a RAM.
  • The shut-off valve control section 30 controls each part of the shut-off valve 3 and performs various operations through the processor 300 reading and executing the control program 321 stored in the memory 320.
  • The shut-off valve control section 30 communicates with the indoor unit 2 in connection with the remote control wiring RL via the shut-off valve communication unit 31, but this will be described in detail below. The shut-off valve control section 30 causes the shut-off valve 3 to be in the open state by causing an opening/closing valve of the shut-off part 32 to be in the open state, and causes the shut-off valve 3 to be in the closed state by causing the opening/closing valve of the shut-off part 32 to be in the closed state. Upon causing the shut-off valve 3 to be in the closed state, the shut-off valve control section 30 causes the notification part 33 to notify that the shut-off valve 3 is in the closed state. Note that only notification may be provided when the shut-off valve control section 30 instructs opening/closing of the shut-off valve 3 without notifying the open/closed state of the shut-off valve 3.
  • In the present embodiment, the shut-off valve 3 requires a predetermined amount of time of, for example, 20 seconds to approximately 1 minute to transition from the open state to the closed state.
  • The shut-off valve control section 30 is an example of an "opening/closing apparatus control section."
    • 1-1-5. Configuration of Indoor Unit Remote Control
  • The configuration of the control system of the indoor unit remote control 4 will be described next.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit remote control 4 in Embodiment 1.
  • The indoor unit remote control 4 includes a remote control control section 40, a remote control communication unit 41, a remote control display part 42, and a remote control operation part 43.
  • The remote control communication unit 41, the remote control display part 42, and the remote control operation part 43 will be described prior to the description of the remote control control section 40.
  • The remote control communication unit 41 includes communication hardware, such as a communication circuit, that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 connected by the remote control wiring RL under the control of the remote control control section 40.
  • The remote control display part 42 includes an LED, a display, and the like, and displays various information on the LED, the display, or the like under the control of the remote control control section 40.
  • The remote control operation part 43 includes a plurality of operation keys for accepting various instructions from the user. The remote control operation part 43 outputs a signal corresponding to an operated operation key to the remote control control section 40.
  • The remote control control section 40 includes a processor 400 such as a CPU or an MPU, a memory 420, and an interface circuit for connecting to another apparatus, a sensor, or the like.
  • The memory 420 is a storage apparatus for storing a program, data, or the like. The memory 420 stores a control program 421 and data processed by the processor 400. The memory 420 includes a non-volatile storage area. The memory 420 includes a volatile storage area and is implemented as a work area of the processor 400. The memory 420 is implemented as, for example, a ROM or a RAM.
  • The remote control control section 40 controls each part of the indoor unit remote control 4 and performs various operations by reading and executing the control program 421 stored in the memory 420.
  • The remote control control section 40 communicates with the indoor unit 2 via the remote control communication unit 41, but this will be described in detail below. The remote control control section 40 displays various information through the remote control display part 42. The remote control control section 40 accepts various instructions from the user based on the signal output by the remote control operation part 43.
    • 1-1-6. Configuration of Detection Alarm
  • The configuration of the control system of the detection alarm 5 will be described next.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the detection alarm 5 in Embodiment 1.
  • The detection alarm 5 includes an alarm control section 50, an alarm communication unit 51, an issuing part 52, an alarm operation part 53, and the refrigerant leakage sensor 54.
  • The detection alarm 5 is an example of a "detection apparatus."
  • The alarm communication unit 51, the issuing part 52, the alarm operation part 53, and the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 will be described prior to the description of the alarm control section 50.
  • The alarm communication unit 51 includes communication hardware, such as a communication circuit, that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 connected by the remote control wiring RL under the control of the alarm control section 50.
  • The issuing part 52 includes an LED, a buzzer, and the like, and issues an alarm by turning on the LED and outputting sound through the buzzer.
  • The alarm operation part 53 includes a plurality of operation keys for accepting various instructions from the user. The alarm operation part 53 outputs a signal corresponding to an operated operation key to the alarm control section 50.
  • The refrigerant leakage sensor 54 is a sensor for detecting the occurrence of refrigerant leakage. Upon detection of the occurrence of refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 outputs a signal indicating that refrigerant leakage has been detected to the alarm control section 50.
  • The alarm control section 50 includes a processor 500 such as a CPU or an MPU, a memory 520, and an interface circuit for connecting to another apparatus, a sensor, or the like.
  • The memory 520 is a storage apparatus for storing a program, data, or the like. The memory 520 stores a control program 521 and data processed by the processor 500. The memory 520 includes a non-volatile storage area. The memory 520 includes a volatile storage area and is implemented as a work area of the processor 500. The memory 520 is implemented as, for example, a ROM or a RAM.
  • The alarm control section 50 controls each part of the detection alarm 5 and performs various operations by reading and executing the control program 521 stored in the memory 520.
  • The alarm control section 50 communicates with the indoor unit 2 via the alarm communication unit 51, but this will be described in detail below. The alarm control section 50 issues an alarm through the issuing part 52. The alarm control section 50 accepts various instructions from the user based on the signal output by the alarm operation part 53. Upon receipt of the signal from the refrigerant leakage sensor 54, the alarm control section 50 transmits notification that refrigerant leakage has occurred to the indoor unit 2, assuming that refrigerant leakage has occurred.
  • Note that the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 may be formed separately from the alarm control section 50, the alarm communication unit 51, the issuing part 52, and the alarm operation part 53.
    • 1-1-7. Detailed Configuration of Shut-off Valve
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shut-off valve 3 in Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a control board 71 of the shut-off valve 3 in Embodiment 1.
  • The shut-off valve 3 includes a box-shaped housing 60 and an electrical equipment box 70 supported by the housing 60. The housing 60 and the electrical equipment box 70 are covered by a cover member not shown in the drawings.
  • The housing 60 accommodates a first pipe 61 connected to the refrigerant pipe RP1, a second pipe 62 arranged in parallel with the first pipe 61 and connected to the refrigerant pipe RP1, a first shut-off valve 63 for opening and closing the first pipe 61, and a second shut-off valve 64 for opening and closing the second pipe 62. The first shut-off valve 63 and the second shut-off valve 64 are implemented as a solenoid valve, an electric valve, or the like. The shut-off part 32 (see FIG. 4) is constituted by the first shut-off valve 63 and the second shut-off valve 64. That is, the first shut-off valve 63 and the second shut-off valve 64 are controlled by the shut-off valve control section 30 (see FIG. 4).
  • The electrical equipment box 70 accommodates the control board 71 as an example of a substrate, and a predetermined electrical component. The electrical equipment box 70 is provided with an electric power supply line (not shown) connected to an external power source. The shut-off valve 3 is capable of being supplied with electric power independently from the indoor unit 2. The shut-off valve control section 30, the shut-off valve communication unit 31, and the notification part 33 shown in FIG. 4 are mounted on the control board 71. The control board 71 is provided with a DIP switch 72 as an example of an operation part. The DIP switch 72 is capable of being switched between ON causing the shut-off valve 3 to be in the open state and OFF causing the shut-off valve 3 to be in the closed state. The ON and OFF state signals of the DIP switch 72 are input to the shut-off valve control section 30. The DIP switch 72 is capable of being operated by a worker.
  • When the first shut-off valve 63 and the second shut-off valve 64 (that is, the shut-off part 32) are in the closed state, the shut-off valve control section 30 on the control board 71 controls the shut-off part 32 so as to be in the open state, upon an input indicating that the DIP switch 72 is switched from OFF to ON. When the shut-off part 32 is in the open state, the shut-off valve control section 30 on the control board 71 controls the shut-off part 32 so as to be in the closed state, upon an input indicating that the DIP switch 72 is switched from ON to OFF.
    • 1-2. Operation
  • An operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 in the present embodiment will be described next.
    • 1-2-1. Until Restoration After Refrigerant Leakage is Detected
  • The operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 and restoration work performed by a worker until the air conditioning apparatus 1000 is restored after refrigerant leakage is detected will be described. In the present embodiment, the restoration work of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 during refrigerant leakage is performed in accordance with a procedure shown in the following Table 1. [Table 1]
    Resume procedure Air conditioning target space S1 Outdoor unit Air conditioning target space S2, S3
    Shut-off valve Detection alarm Remote control Indoor unit Indoor unit Shut-off valve
    LED Buzzer Leakage sensor
    1 Normal operation Open Green - - - Operating Operating Operating Open
    2 Detection alarm: leakage detection - ↓ - Detected - ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
    3 Issue alarm Open→ closed Blinking red Issue buzzer ↓ Issue alarm Circulation operation Stop for predetermined amount of time Automatic resume Thermostat turned off by outdoor unit stop ↓
    4 Contact worker Closed ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Operating Operating ↓
    5 Buzzer stop, indoor unit/outdoor unit stop ↓ ↓ Buzzer stop ↓ ↓ Stop Stop Stop ↓
    6 First refrigerant recovery: room B, C & outdoor unit ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Refrigerant recovery ↓
    7 Target shut-off valve open operation Closed→ open ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
    8 Second refrigerant recovery: entirety including room A Open ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Refrigerant recovery ↓
    9 Fill with nitrogen/leakage location identification ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Leakage location identification ↓ ↓ ↓
    10 Work performed by worker Power OFF of outdoor unit, indoor unit, shut-off valve Power OFF Power OFF Power OFF Power OFF Power OFF Power OFF Power OFF
    11 Leakage sensor repair/replacement ↓ ↓ ↓ Replace with new ↓ Leakage location repair ↓ ↓ ↓
    12 Power ON of outdoor unit, indoor unit, shut-off valve Power ON ↓ Power ON Power ON Issue alarm Power ON Power ON Power ON Power ON
    13 Airtightness check → evacuation/fill with refrigerant ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
    14 Target shut-off valve closing operation Open→ closed ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ Power ON
    15 Reset alarm with remote control Closed→ Open Green - - Alarm reset ↓ ↓ ↓
    16 Check operation Open ↓ - - - Operating Operating Operating ↓
    17 Resume normal operation ↓ ↓ - - - ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
  • Hereinafter, the procedure of the restoration work of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 shown in Table 1 will be described using sequence diagrams and a flowchart.
    • 1-2-1-1. Before Work Performed by Worker After Refrigerant Leakage is Detected
  • FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 during refrigerant leakage before restoration work by a worker is performed in Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 9 shows the operation of the outdoor unit 1, the indoor unit 2, the shut-off valve 3, the detection alarm 5, and the indoor unit remote control 4. FIG. 9 shows a case in which the detection alarm 5A corresponding to air conditioning target space S1 detects refrigerant leakage, and the detection alarms 5B and 5C corresponding to air conditioning target space S2 and the air conditioning target space S3 do not detect refrigerant leakage.
  • As shown in FIG. 9, in the detection alarm 5A of the air conditioning target space S1, when the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 detects refrigerant leakage (step SA1), the alarm control section 50 transmits a leakage detection signal indicating that refrigerant leakage has been detected to the indoor unit 2A of the same remote control wiring group GP (hereinafter simply referred to as "the same group GP") (step SA2). The alarm control section 50 causes the issuing part 52 to issue an alarm (step SA3). Specifically, in step SA3, the alarm control section 50 causes the LED of the issuing part 52 to blink red and output sound from the buzzer of the issuing part 52.
  • In the indoor unit 2A, upon receiving the leakage detection signal from the detection alarm 5A, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits a closing drive signal for causing the shut-off part 32 of the shut-off valve 3A of the same group GP to be in the closed state (step SA4). The indoor unit control section 20 transmits the leakage detection signal to the outdoor unit 1A (step SA5).
  • In the shut-off valve 3A, upon receiving the closing drive signal from the indoor unit 2A, the shut-off valve control section 30 causes the shut-off part 32 to be in the closed state (step SA6). Note that in the present embodiment, as shown in step SA4 to step SA6, the shut-off valve control section 30 is described as receiving the closing drive signal from the indoor unit 2A and causing the shut-off part 32 to be in the closed state, but the outdoor unit 1A may instead identify an address of the shut-off valve 3A based on a corresponding address table of the indoor unit 2A and the shut-off valve 3A and transmit the closing instruction signal to the identified address, after the indoor unit 2A in which leakage has been detected transmits the leakage detection signal to the outdoor unit 1A.
  • In the outdoor unit 1A, upon receiving the leakage detection signal from the indoor unit 2A, the outdoor unit control section 10 causes the compressor 13 to stop being driven (step SA7). With this, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, discharge of the refrigerant from the compressor 13 to each of the indoor units 2 is suppressed.
  • Upon receiving the leakage detection signal from the indoor unit 2A, the outdoor unit control section 10 transmits the leakage detection signal indicating that refrigerant leakage has been detected to each of the indoor units 2B and 2C that are not the origin of the leakage detection signal, that is, to the non-leaking indoor units 2B and 2C in which the refrigerant is not leaking (step SA8).
  • In the indoor units 2B and 2C, upon receiving the leakage detection signal from the outdoor unit 1A, each of the indoor unit control sections 20 controls a rotation of the indoor blower fan 23 as follows (step SA9).
  • For example, when the indoor units 2B and 2C perform the heating operation, the indoor unit control section 20 causes the indoor blower fan 23 to rotate with a rotational speed that is equal to or slower than a minimum rotational speed of a normal heating operation.
  • When the indoor units 2B and 2C perform the cooling operation, the dry operation, or the fan operation, the indoor unit control section 20 causes the indoor blower fan 23 to rotate with the same rotational speed as a rotational speed of a normal cooling operation or dry operation.
  • This enables the indoor units 2B and 2C to more accurately detect a room temperature of the air conditioning target spaces S2 and S3, since the air in the air conditioning target spaces S2 and S3 is continuously circulated. Thus, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, it is possible to more appropriately air condition the air conditioning target spaces S2 and S3 once normal operation is resumed.
  • When the indoor units 2B and 2C perform the heating operation, the indoor unit control section 20 can suppress a decrease in the temperature of the air conditioning target spaces S2 and S3, by causing the indoor blower fan 23 to rotate with a rotational speed that is equal to or slower than the minimum rotational speed of the normal heating operation.
  • Here, normal operation is an operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 in a state in which refrigerant leakage is not detected, such as an operation performed in accordance with an operation by the user via the indoor unit remote control 4.
  • Note that, upon receipt of the leakage detection signal, the indoor unit control section 20 of the indoor units 2B and 2C may continuously perform the above-described rotational control of the indoor blower fan 23 until resuming the normal operation, or may perform the rotational control intermittently.
  • In the indoor unit 2A, upon receiving the leakage detection signal from the detection alarm 5A, the indoor unit control section 20 controls the rotation of the indoor blower fan 23 as follows (step SA11).
  • For example, when the indoor unit 2A has performed the heating operation, the indoor unit control section 20 causes the indoor blower fan 23 to rotate with a maximum rotational speed of the normal heating operation.
  • When the indoor unit 2A has performed the cooling operation, the dry operation, or the fan operation, the indoor unit control section 20 causes the indoor blower fan 23 to rotate with a maximum rotational speed of the normal cooling operation or dry operation.
  • With this, an increase in concentration of the refrigerant in the air can be suppressed even when the refrigerant leaks into the air conditioning target space S1, since the air in the air conditioning target space S1 is continuously circulated.
  • In the indoor unit 2A, upon receiving the leakage detection signal from the detection alarm 5A, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits a leakage display signal for causing the indoor unit remote control 4A of the same group GP to display that refrigerant leakage has occurred (step SA12).
  • In the indoor unit remote control 4A, upon receipt of the leakage display signal from the indoor unit 2A, the remote control control section 40 causes the remote control display part 42 to display that refrigerant leakage has been detected (step SA13).
  • In the indoor units 2B and 2C, upon receiving the leakage detection signal from the outdoor unit 1A, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits the leakage display signal to the indoor unit remote controls 4B and 4C of the same group GP (step SA14).
  • In the indoor unit remote controls 4B and 4C, upon receipt of the leakage display signal from the indoor units 2B and 2C, the remote control control section 40 causes the remote control display part 42 to display that refrigerant leakage is detected (step SA15).
  • As shown in step SA8 to step SA15, it is possible in the air conditioning apparatus 1000 to reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage before the shut-off valve 3A reaches the closed state, by controlling the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor units 2B and 2C.
  • A processing order from steps SA3 to SA5 and from SA7 to SA15 is not limited to this order. For example, the processing order of step SA4 and step SA5 may be reversed. With this, it is possible to more promptly cause the compressor 13 to stop being driven and to aim for a reduction in the amount of refrigerant leakage.
  • Furthermore, the processing of steps SA2 and SA3; the processing from SA3 to SA7, SA12, and SA13; or the like may be carried out at least partially simultaneously.
  • In this way, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, the shut-off valve 3A corresponding to the refrigerant leakage location is caused to be in the closed state and the operation of the indoor unit 2A is stopped, through the operation from step SA1 to step SA15.
  • Step SA1 to step SA15 correspond to 1 to 4 of a resume procedure shown in Table 1.
    • 1-2-1-2. Restoration Work Performed by Worker
  • Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a restoration work method performed by the worker on the air conditioning apparatus 1000 during refrigerant leakage in Embodiment 1.
  • Upon detecting refrigerant leakage, the user of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 recognizes that refrigerant leakage has been detected, through the buzzer sound of the detection alarm 5. The restoration work of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is started by the user contacting the worker.
  • In step SB1, the worker performs a predetermined stop operation during refrigerant leakage by using any of the indoor unit remote control 4A, 4B, or 4C in order to stop the operation of the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C. In the present embodiment, the indoor unit remote controls 4A, 4B, and 4C are provided with a button for the stop operation during refrigerant leakage, and the predetermined stop operation during refrigerant leakage is performed by operating this button for the stop operation. Note that in the present embodiment, the buzzer sound of the issuing part 52 can also be stopped through the stop operation during refrigerant leakage.
  • In step SB2, the worker executes first refrigerant recovery. That is, the worker recovers, as the first refrigerant recovery, the refrigerant from the refrigerant system RS1 of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 at a portion in which the outdoor unit 1A and the non-leaking indoor units 2B and 2C in which the refrigerant is not leaking are connected. In the refrigerant system RS1 at the portion in which the outdoor unit 1A and the non-leaking indoor units 2B and 2C in which the refrigerant is not leaking are connected, the refrigerant system RS1 is maintained in an airtight state. Therefore, it is possible to recover the refrigerant without a foreign substance from outside contaminating the refrigerant. That is, the refrigerant recovered during the first refrigerant recovery is reusable.
  • In step SB3, the worker performs a predetermined opening operation for opening the shut-off valve 3A. In the present embodiment, the worker performs an operation for switching the DIP switch 72 of the shut-off valve 3A from OFF to ON as the predetermined opening operation. At this time, in the shut-off valve 3A, the shut-off valve control section 30 controls the shut-off part 32 so as to be in the open state upon the DIP switch 72 being switched from OFF to ON.
  • In step SB4, the worker executes second refrigerant recovery. That is, the worker recovers the refrigerant from an entirety of the refrigerant system RS1 of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 including a portion in which the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor unit 2A in which refrigerant leakage has been detected are connected. At this time, the refrigerant is recovered in a state in which a foreign substance such as air has contaminated the refrigerant, since the refrigerant is recovered also from the refrigerant system RS1 at the portion in which refrigerant leakage has occurred. That is, the refrigerant recovered during the second refrigerant recovery is not reusable.
  • In step SB5, the worker fills the refrigerant system RS1 with nitrogen as an example of a leakage location identification agent, and identify the leakage location of the refrigerant.
  • In step SB6, the worker causes the outdoor unit 1A, all of the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the shut-off valve 3A to be in a de-energized state. In the present embodiment, the worker disconnects the power supply of the outdoor unit 1A, all of the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the shut-off valve 3A and causes them to be in the de-energized state. The shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C are supplied with electric power independently from the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C. Therefore, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C are maintained in an energized state even when the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C are caused to be in the de-energized state.
  • In step SB7, the worker repairs the leaking refrigerant system RS1, replaces the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 of the detection alarm 5 in which refrigerant leakage has been detected with a new refrigerant leakage sensor 54, and the like.
  • In step SB8, the worker causes the outdoor unit 1A, all of the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the shut-off valve 3A to be in the energized state. In the present embodiment, the worker can cause the outdoor unit 1A, all of the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the shut-off valve 3A to be in the energized state by reconnecting them to the power supply.
  • In step SB9, the worker checks the airtightness of the repaired refrigerant system RS1, evacuates the refrigerant system RS1, fills the refrigerant system RS1 with refrigerant, and the like.
  • In step SB10, the worker performs a predetermined closing operation for closing the shut-off valve 3A. In the present embodiment, the worker performs an operation for switching the DIP switch 72 of the shut-off valve 3A from ON to OFF as the predetermined closing operation. At this time, in the shut-off valve 3A, the shut-off valve control section 30 controls the shut-off part 32 so as to be in the closed state upon the DIP switch 72 being switched from ON to OFF.
  • In step SB11, the worker performs a predetermined alarm reset operation by using any of the indoor unit remote control 4A, 4B, or 4C in order to restart the operation of the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C. In the present embodiment, the indoor unit remote controls 4A, 4B, and 4C are provided with an alarm reset button, and the predetermined alarm reset operation is performed by operating this alarm reset button.
  • In step SB12, the worker confirms the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000. That is, the series of restoration work ends when the operation is normal. If an abnormality occurs in the operation, the worker can take measures such as stopping the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000.
  • In this way, the restoration work is executed by the worker in step SB1 to step SB12. Step SB1 to step SB12 correspond to 5 to 16 of the resume procedure shown in Table 1.
    • 1-2-1-3. Operation of Air Conditioning Apparatus During Restoration Work Performed by Worker
  • FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 during the restoration work performed by the worker in Embodiment 1. In other words, FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the continuation of FIG. 9. In FIG. 11, the restoration work by the worker is indicated by triangular symbols. In FIG. 11, the work performed by the worker in steps SB3 and SB9 indicates a case in which an operation is performed on the shut-off valve 3A among the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C. In FIG. 11, the work performed by the worker in steps SB1 and SB11 indicates a case in which an operation is performed on the indoor unit remote control 4A among the indoor unit remote controls 4A, 4B, and 4C.
  • As shown in FIG. 11, upon the worker performing the stop operation during refrigerant leakage (step SB1), the remote control control section 40 in the indoor unit remote control 4A transmits the stop signal for stopping the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 to the indoor unit 2A of the same group GP (step SC1).
  • In the indoor unit 2A, upon receiving the stop signal from the indoor unit remote control 4A, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits the stop signal for stopping the operation to the outdoor unit 1A (step SC2).
  • Upon receiving the stop signal from the indoor unit remote control 4A, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits the stop signal for stopping output of the buzzer sound to the detection alarm 5A (step SC3).
  • In the outdoor unit 1A, upon receiving the stop signal from the indoor unit 2A, the outdoor unit control section 10 transmits the stop signal for stopping the operation to the indoor units 2B and 2C of another group GP (step SC4).
  • In the outdoor unit 1A, upon receiving the stop signal from the indoor unit 2A, the outdoor unit control section 10 causes the compressor 13 to stop being driven (step SC5).
  • In the indoor unit 2A, upon receiving the stop signal from the indoor unit remote control 4A, the indoor unit control section 20 stops the indoor blower fan 23 (step SC6).
  • In the indoor units 2B and 2C, upon receiving the stop signal from the outdoor unit 1A, the indoor unit control section 20 stops the indoor blower fan 23 (step SC7).
  • In the detection alarm 5A, upon receiving the stop signal from the indoor unit 2A, the alarm control section 50 causes the issuing part 52 to stop outputting the buzzer sound (step SC8). Note that the LED of the issuing part 52 continues blinking red.
  • In the shut-off valve 3A, upon the worker performing the opening operation (step SB3), the shut-off valve control section 30 controls the shut-off part 32 to be in the open state (step SC9).
  • The outdoor unit 1A, the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the shut-off valve 3A are caused to be in the de-energized state through the work performed by the worker in step SB6 (step SC10 to step SC13).
  • In the detection alarm 5A, the power supply is shared with the indoor unit 2A. In conjunction with the indoor unit 2A being caused to be in the de-energized state (step SC14), the detection alarm 5A is caused to be in the de-energized state (step SC15).
  • The outdoor unit 1A, the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the shut-off valve 3A are caused to be in the energized state through the work performed by the worker in step SB8 (step SC 20 to step SC23).
  • In conjunction with the indoor unit 2A being caused to be in the energized state (step SC24), the detection alarm 5A is caused to be in the energized state (step SC25).
  • In the shut-off valve 3A, upon the worker performing the closing operation (step SB10), the shut-off valve control section 30 controls the shut-off part 32 to be in the closed state (step SC26).
  • In the indoor unit remote control 4A, upon the worker performing the alarm reset operation (step SB11), the remote control control section 40 transmits an alarm reset signal for resetting the refrigerant leakage alarm to the indoor unit 2A of the same group GP (step SC27).
  • In the indoor unit 2A, upon receiving the alarm reset signal from the indoor unit remote control 4A, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits the alarm reset signal to the outdoor unit 1A (step SC28).
  • Upon receiving the alarm reset signal from the indoor unit remote control 4A, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits the alarm reset signal to the detection alarm 5A of the same group GP (step SC29).
  • Furthermore, upon receiving the alarm reset signal from the indoor unit remote control 4A, the indoor unit control section 20 transmits the alarm reset signal to the shut-off valve 3A of the same group GP (step SC30).
  • In the detection alarm 5A, upon receiving the alarm reset signal from the indoor unit 2A, the alarm control section 50 switches the control of the LED of the issuing part 52 from blinking red to steady green (step SC31).
  • In the shut-off valve 3A, upon receiving the alarm reset signal from the indoor unit 2A, the shut-off valve control section 30 controls the shut-off part 32 so as to be in the open state (step SC32).
  • In the outdoor unit 1A, upon receiving the alarm reset signal from the indoor unit 2A, the outdoor unit control section 10 transmits a drive signal for restarting the operation to the indoor unit 2A (step SC33).
  • In the outdoor unit 1A, upon receiving the alarm reset signal from the indoor unit 2A, the outdoor unit control section 10 transmits the drive signal for restarting the operation to the non-leaking indoor units 2B and 2C (step SC34).
  • In the outdoor unit 1A, upon receiving the alarm reset signal from the indoor unit 2A, the outdoor unit control section 10 causes the compressor 13 to start being driven (step SC35).
  • In the indoor unit 2A, upon receiving the drive signal from the outdoor unit 1A, the indoor unit control section 20 causes the indoor blower fan 23 to perform the normal operation (step SC36).
  • In the indoor units 2B and 2C, upon receiving the drive signal from the outdoor unit 1A, the indoor unit control section 20 causes the indoor blower fan 23 to perform the normal operation (step SC37).
  • When the worker confirms that the normal operation is functioning without problem (step SB12), the restoration work of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 is completed.
  • Step SC1 to step SC37 shown in FIG. 11 correspond to 5 to 16 of the resume procedure shown in Table 1.
  • In the present embodiment, the shut-off valve 3 is supplied with electric power independently from the indoor unit 2, and the shut-off part 32 of the shut-off valve 3 can be opened/closed through the operation on the DIP switch 72 by the worker. Thus, even if hypothetically speaking the indoor unit 2 is in the de-energized state, the worker can easily perform the restoration work during refrigerant leakage, since the shut-off valve 3 can be opened/closed. Even if the indoor unit 2 is being energized, there is a risk that an abnormality is present in the communication line between the indoor unit 2 and the shut-off valve 3, and that the shut-off valve 3 cannot be closed during refrigerant leakage. The present disclosure makes it possible to close the shut-off valve 3 even in such a case, and to improve safety.
  • For example, since opening/closing work of the DIP switch 72 of the shut-off part 32 of the shut-off valve 3 is dependent on the operation performed by the worker, there is a risk that the shut-off part 32 remains in the open state while the DIP switch 72 remains ON without being operated. When the shut-off part 32 remains in the open state, the shut-off part 32 cannot be controlled through a control signal of the indoor unit 2.
  • Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the shut-off valve control section 30 determines whether the shut-off part 32 is in the closed state before causing the shut-off part 32 to be in the open state in step SC32, for example. When the shut-off valve control section 30 determines that the shut-off part 32 is in the closed state, the shut-off valve control section 30 causes the shut-off part 32 to be in the open state.
  • That is, the operation of step SC32 is performed. On the other hand, when the shut-off valve control section 30 determines that the shut-off part 32 is not in the closed state, the shut-off valve control section 30 transmits a signal for interrupting the restarting of the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 to the outdoor unit 1A or the like, by interrupting the operation of the alarm reset as an error. This enables suppression of an air conditioning operation in an open/closed state in which the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C are not dependent on the signal from the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C. Thus, even if hypothetically speaking refrigerant leakage occurs, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C can easily and reliably be caused to be in the closed state by the control signal from indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C.
    • 1-3. Effects, etc.
  • As described above, in the present embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes: the outdoor unit 1A; the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C; the refrigerant pipe RP1 that connects the outdoor unit 1A and the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C; the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C that are provided at the refrigerant pipe RP1 and accommodate the shut-off part 32 capable of interrupting refrigerant flow; and the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 that detects refrigerant leakage, wherein when refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 54, the closing signal is transmitted to the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C by the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C having received the closing signal are closed. In this air conditioning apparatus 1000, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C are capable of being opened/closed by performing the predetermined operation on the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C, regardless of the closing signal from the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C.
  • According to this configuration, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C can easily be opened/closed through an operation by the worker. Therefore, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C can be opened/closed, regardless of the closing signal from the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C. Thus, it is possible to provide the air conditioning apparatus 1000 for which the restoration work during refrigerant leakage can easily be performed, since the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C can be opened/closed even if the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C are in the de-energized state.
  • As described in the present embodiment, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C may include the control board 71, and the control board 71 may be provided with the DIP switch 72 that allows the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C to be opened/closed.
  • According to this configuration, the configuration can be made more compact as compared to when the DIP switch 72 is not provided on the control board 71, since the DIP switch 72 is provided on the control board 71.
  • As described in the present embodiment, the air conditioning operation may be prohibited when the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C have been opened by performing the predetermined operation on the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C.
  • According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the air conditioning operation in the open/closed state in which the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C are not dependent on the signal from the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C.
    • Embodiment 2
  • Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 will be described using FIGS. 12 and 13.
    • 2-1. Configuration 2-1-1. Overall Configuration
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of an indoor unit remote control 4 of an air conditioning apparatus 1000 in Embodiment 2.
  • In the indoor unit remote control 4 of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 in Embodiment 2, an image indicating an open/closed state of a shut-off valve 3 can be displayed on a remote control display part 42, when refrigerant leakage is detected. Specifically, the open/closed state of each shut-off valve 3A, 3B, and 3C in air conditioning target spaces S1, S2, and S3 is shown on the remote control display part 42. The remote control display part 42 is an example of an "opening/closing operation notification part."
  • FIG. 12 shows, as an example, a case in which the shut-off valve 3A of the air conditioning target space S1 is in a closed state, and the shut-off valves 3B and 3C of the air conditioning target spaces S2 and S3 are in an open state.
    • 2-2. Operation
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 in Embodiment 2. The operation according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is performed in parallel with the operation of the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. The flowchart shown in FIG. 13 indicates the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000, but to be more specific, this operation is realized through each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000, that is, any of an outdoor unit control section 10 of an outdoor unit 1, an indoor unit control section 20 of an indoor unit 2, a shut-off valve control section 30 of the shut-off valve 3, a remote control control section 40 of the indoor unit remote control 4, and an alarm control section 50 of a detection alarm 5 operating and exchanging appropriate signals with one other.
  • The operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is started by the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 being started.
  • In step SD1, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether refrigerant leakage has been detected based on a detection result from a refrigerant leakage sensor 54.
  • When it is determined that refrigerant leakage has not been detected (NO in step SD1), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 repeats the processing of step SD1.
  • When it is determined that refrigerant leakage has been detected (YES in step SD1), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 proceeds to the processing of step SD2.
  • In step SD2, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 identifies an indoor unit 2 in which refrigerant leakage has been detected and a non-leaking indoor unit 2 in which refrigerant leakage has not been detected.
  • In step SD3, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 displays the open/closed state of each of the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C of the air conditioning target spaces S1, S2, and S3 on the remote control display part 42 of all of the indoor unit remote controls 4 (see FIG. 12). This enables a worker to easily recognize that a predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C through a DIP switch 72.
  • Here, content displayed on the remote control display part 42 is not limited to the content shown in FIG. 12. For example, the remote control display part 42 may display whether opening/closing control of the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C has been performed through the DIP switch 72, that is, whether the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C have been operated manually. Specifically, the remote control display part 42 may display whether the shut-off valve 3A has been caused manually to be in the closed state in a way so as to be recognizable by the worker, such as "shut-off valve 3A of room A: closed (manual).".
  • In step SD4, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether an opening operation has been performed on the shut-off valve 3. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether the DIP switch 72 of any of the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, or 3C has been switched from OFF to ON.
  • Note that the opening operation on the shut-off valve 3 is generally performed after first refrigerant recovery is completed. However, a case is possible in which the opening operation is performed on the shut-off valve 3 while the first refrigerant recovery has not completed, though an erroneous operation performed by the worker.
  • When it is determined that the opening operation has been performed on the shut-off valve 3 (YES in step SD4), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 proceeds to the processing of step SD5.
  • When it is determined that the opening operation has not been performed on the shut-off valve 3 (NO in step SD4), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 repeats the processing of step SD4.
  • In step SD5, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 displays that the shut-off valve 3 being an operation target is in the open state on the remote control display part 42 of the indoor unit remote control 4.
  • In step SD6, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether the shut-off valve 3 being the operation target caused to be in the open state is a shut-off valve 3 of the non-leaking indoor unit 2.
  • When it is determined that the shut-off valve 3 being the operation target caused to be in the open state is the shut-off valve 3B or 3C of the non-leaking indoor unit 2B or 2C (YES in step SD6), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 proceeds to the processing of step SD7.
  • When it is determined that the shut-off valve 3 being the operation target caused to be in the open state is not the shut-off valve 3B or 3C of the non-leaking indoor unit 2B or 2C (NO in step SD6), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 proceeds to the processing of step SD21.
  • In step SD7, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 provides an error notification indicating that the shut-off valve 3 being the operation target is erroneous. At this time, the air conditioning apparatus 1000, for example, causes an issuing part 52 of the detection alarm 5 to output a buzzer sound, displays that the opened shut-off valve 3 is erroneous on the remote control display part 42, or the like. This enables the worker to easily recognize that the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valves 3B and 3C corresponding to the non-leaking indoor units 2B and 2C through the DIP switch 72. Thus, it is possible to suppress the air conditioning operation in the open/closed state in which the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C are not dependent on the signal from the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C during operation restarting.
  • The remote control display part 42 is an example of a "second opening/closing operation notification part." The issuing part 52 is an example of the "second opening/closing operation notification part."
  • In step SD8, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether a closing operation has been performed on the opened shut-off valve 3. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether the DIP switch 72 of the opened shut-off valve 3 has been switched from ON to OFF.
  • When it is determined that the closing operation has been performed on the opened shut-off valve 3 (YES in step SD8), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 proceeds to the processing of step SD9.
  • When it is determined that the closing operation has not been performed on the opened shut-off valve 3 (NO in step SD8), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 repeats the processing of step SD8.
  • In step SD9, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 cancels the error notification indicating that the shut-off valve 3 being the operation target is erroneous. At this time, the air conditioning apparatus 1000, for example, causes the issuing part 52 of the detection alarm 5 to stop outputting the buzzer sound, displays that the error has been resolved on the remote control display part 42, or the like.
  • In step SD10, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 displays that the shut-off valve 3 being the operation target is in the closed state on the remote control display part 42 of the indoor unit remote control 4, and returns to the processing of step SD4.
  • In step SD21, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 acquires a pressure of refrigerant based on a pressure sensor (not shown) of a refrigerant system RS1 in the non-leaking indoor unit 2.
  • In step SD22, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether the pressure of the refrigerant system RS1 in the non-leaking indoor unit 2 is greater than a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is a value that allows for determining whether the refrigerant has been recovered from the non-leaking indoor unit 2. For example, the predetermined value is applicable to a lower limit pressure value before the refrigerant is recovered, and is set based on a pressure value that is not reached when the first refrigerant recovery is executed.
  • When it is determined that the pressure of the refrigerant system RS1 in the non-leaking indoor unit 2 is greater than the predetermined value (YES in step SD22), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 proceeds to the processing of step SD23.
  • When it is determined that the pressure of the refrigerant system RS1 in the non-leaking indoor unit 2 is not greater than the predetermined value (NO in step SD22), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 ends the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. Thus, the worker can execute second refrigerant recovery. Note that when executing the second refrigerant recovery, it is determined whether the leaking shut-off valve 3A, or the non-leaking shut-off valves 3B and 3C have been opened through other processing than shown in FIG. 13. When the leaking shut-off valve 3A or the non-leaking shut-off valves 3B and 3C have not been opened, an error notification may be provided by using the remote control display part 42 or the issuing part 52.
  • In step SD23, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 provides an error notification indicating that the first refrigerant recovery has not been executed. At this time, the air conditioning apparatus 1000, for example, causes the issuing part 52 of the detection alarm 5 to output the buzzer sound, displays that the first refrigerant recovery has not been executed on the remote control display part 42, or the like. This enables suppression of reusing refrigerant contaminated by a foreign substance, since it is possible to determine that a refrigerant system RS1 in which refrigerant leakage has not been detected is connected to a refrigerant system RS1 in which refrigerant leakage has been detected. That is, the worker can easily recognize the possibility of contamination by a foreign substance during the first refrigerant recovery (see step SB2 of FIG. 10), and for the worker to recognize that the first refrigerant recovery, which allows the refrigerant to be reused, cannot be executed properly.
  • In step SD24, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether the closing operation has been performed on the opened shut-off valve 3. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 determines whether the DIP switch 72 of the opened shut-off valve 3 has been switched from ON to OFF.
  • When it is determined that the closing operation has been performed on the opened shut-off valve 3 (YES in step SD24), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 proceeds to the processing of step SD25.
  • When it is determined that the closing operation has not been performed on the opened shut-off valve 3 (NO in step SD24), the air conditioning apparatus 1000 repeats the processing of step SD24.
  • In step SD25, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 cancels the error notification indicating that the shut-off valve 3 being the operation target is erroneous, since the first refrigerant recovery has not been executed. At this time, the air conditioning apparatus 1000, for example, causes the issuing part 52 of the detection alarm 5 to stop outputting the buzzer sound, displays that the error has been resolved on the remote control display part 42, or the like.
  • In step SD26, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 displays that the shut-off valve 3 being the operation target is in the closed state on the remote control display part 42 of the indoor unit remote control 4, and returns to the processing of step SD4.
  • Here, the first refrigerant recovery is normally executed by the worker before the process of step SD5 is executed. After the first refrigerant recovery is executed and the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 ends, the second refrigerant recovery is executed by the worker.
  • That is, the first refrigerant recovery is normally performed by the worker when the processing of step SD4 is repeated.
  • Thus, the worker can easily be made aware of an erroneous operation by determining whether the opening operation has been performed on the shut-off valve 3 through the processing of step SD4, and determining whether the DIP switch 72 of the non-leaking shut-off valves 3B and 3C has been operated through the processing of step SD6 when the opening operation has been performed. That is, it is possible to suppress the worker mistakenly continuing to believe that the opening operation has been performed on the leaking shut-off valve 3A, regardless of erroneously operating the DIP switch 72 of the non-leaking shut-off valves 3B and 3C when attempting to open the leaking shut-off valve 3A in order to execute the second refrigerant recovery.
  • The worker can easily be made aware of an erroneous operation of determining that the opening operation has been performed on the shut-off valve 3 through the processing of step SD4, and opening the leaking shut-off valve 3A in a state in which the first refrigerant recovery has not been executed through the processing of steps SD21 to SD22, when the DIP switch 72 of the leaking shut-off valve 3A has been operated through the processing of step SD6 when the opening operation has been performed.
    • 2-3. Effects, etc.
  • As described above, also in the present embodiment, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C can easily be opened/closed through an operation by the worker. Therefore, the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C can be opened, regardless of the closing signal from the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C. Thus, it is possible to provide the air conditioning apparatus 1000 for which the restoration work during refrigerant leakage can easily be performed, since the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C can be opened/closed even if the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C are in the de-energized state.
  • As described in the present embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 may include the remote control display part 42 that notifies that the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C.
  • According to this configuration, the worker can easily recognize that the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C.
  • As described in the present embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 may include the plurality of indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C; the plurality of shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C provided in accordance with the plurality of indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C; and the remote control display part 42 and the issuing part 52 that notify that the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C corresponding to the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C in which refrigerant leakage has not been detected.
  • According to this configuration, the worker can easily recognize that the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C corresponding to the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C in which refrigerant leakage has not been detected. Thus, it is possible to suppress the air conditioning operation in the open/closed state in which the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C are not dependent on the signal from the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C. In particular, the worker can easily recognize the possibility of contamination by a foreign substance during the first refrigerant recovery (see step SB2 of FIG. 10), and for the worker to recognize that the first refrigerant recovery, which allows the refrigerant to be reused, cannot be executed properly.
  • As described in the present embodiment, it may be determined whether the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C, when recovering the refrigerant from the refrigerant system RS1.
  • According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the predetermined operation has been performed when recovering the refrigerant, and to suppress recovery of the refrigerant when performing an erroneous operation.
    • Other Embodiments
  • The above Embodiments 1 and 2 have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the techniques in the present disclosure are not limited thereto and are also applicable to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, or the like have been made. It is possible to combine the functional elements described in the above Embodiments 1 and 2 to form a new embodiment.
  • Accordingly, other embodiments will be exemplified below.
  • In Embodiments 1 and 2, a configuration has been described in which the plurality of indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C are provided, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a single indoor unit 2 may be provided.
  • In Embodiments 1 and 2, a configuration has been described in which the first shut-off valve 63 and the second shut-off valve 64 are switched between the open state and the closed state through the DIP switch 72; but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the DIP switch 72, a shorting pin and a shorting part in which the shorting pin can be inserted may be provided. The first shut-off valve 63 and the second shut-off valve 64 may be switched between the open state and the closed state based on whether the shorting pin has been inserted into the shorting part. That is, the operation part is not limited to the DIP switch 72, and may be, for example, the shorting pin and the shorting part in which the shorting pin can be inserted.
  • In Embodiments 1 and 2, a configuration has been described in which the DIP switch 72 of the shut-off valve 3A in which refrigerant leakage has occurred is operated when the indoor unit 2A in which refrigerant leakage has occurred is in the energized state, but the shut-off valve 3A may be opened/closed by operating the DIP switch 72 of the shut-off valve 3A in which refrigerant leakage has occurred when the indoor unit 2A in which refrigerant leakage has occurred is in the de-energized state.
  • In Embodiments 1 and 2, a configuration has been described in which the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 is provided, but the refrigerant leakage sensor 54 may be incorporated into the indoor unit 2, or may be provided outside the indoor unit 2, that is, in a room being the air conditioning target space S2.
  • In Embodiment 2, a configuration has been described in which the remote control display part 42 displays whether the shut-off valves 3A, 3B, and 3C have been opened, but such display may be performed on a display part of a centralized remote control for managing the air conditioning apparatus 1000 centrally, instead of the indoor unit remote control 4 provided in each of the air conditioning target space S, for example.
  • In Embodiment 2, the remote control display part 42 has been exemplified as the opening/closing operation notification part, but the LED of the issuing part 52 or the LED of the notification part 33 of the shut-off valve 3 may also function as the opening/closing notification part, for example.
  • Note that since the above embodiments are provided to exemplify the techniques in the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, or the like can be made in within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.
    • Supplement
  • The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.
    • Technique 1
  • An air conditioning apparatus includes: an outdoor unit; an indoor unit; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; a shut-off valve that is provided at the refrigerant pipe and accommodates a shut-off part capable of interrupting refrigerant flow; and a refrigerant leakage sensor that detects refrigerant leakage, wherein when refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor, a closing signal is transmitted to the shut-off valve by the indoor unit, and the shut-off valve having received the closing signal is closed, and the shut-off valve is capable of being opened/closed by performing a predetermined operation on the shut-off valve, regardless of the closing signal from the indoor unit.
  • According to this configuration, the shut-off valve can easily be opened/closed through an operation by a worker. Therefore, the shut-off valve can be opened/closed, regardless of the closing signal from the indoor unit. Thus, it is possible to provide an air conditioning apparatus for which restoration work during refrigerant leakage can easily be performed, since the shut-off valve can be opened/closed even if the indoor unit is in a de-energized state.
    • Technique 2
  • The air conditioning apparatus according to technique 1, wherein the shut-off valve includes a substrate, and the substrate is provided with an operation part that allows the shut-off valve to be opened/closed.
  • According to this configuration, the configuration can be made more compact as compared to when the operation part is not provided on the substrate, since the operation part is provided on the substrate.
    • Technique 3
  • The air conditioning apparatus according to technique 1 or 2, wherein an air conditioning operation is prohibited when the shut-off valve has been opened by performing the predetermined operation on the shut-off valve.
  • According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the air conditioning operation in an open/closed state in which the shut-off valve is not dependent on a signal from the indoor unit.
    • Technique 4
  • The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 3, further including an opening/closing operation notification part that notifies that the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valve.
  • According to this configuration, the worker can easily recognize that the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valve.
    • Technique 5
  • The air conditioning apparatus according to technique 4, further including: a plurality of the indoor units; a plurality of the shut-off valves provided in accordance with the plurality of indoor units; and a second opening/closing operation notification part that notifies that the predetermined operation has been performed on one of the plurality of shut-off valves corresponding to one of the plurality of indoor units in which refrigerant leakage has not been detected.
  • According to this configuration, the worker can easily recognize that the predetermined operation has been performed on one of the plurality of shut-off valves corresponding to one of the plurality of indoor units in which refrigerant leakage has not been detected. Thus, it is possible to suppress the air conditioning operation in the open/closed state in which the shut-off valves are not dependent on the signal from the indoor units.
    • Technique 6
  • The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, wherein it is determined whether a predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valve, when recovering a refrigerant from a refrigerant system.
  • According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the predetermined operation has been performed when recovering the refrigerant, and to suppress recovery of the refrigerant when performing an erroneous operation.
  • The present disclosure is applicable to an air conditioning apparatus in which a closing signal is transmitted to a shut-off valve by an indoor unit and the shut-off valve is closed, when refrigerant leakage has been detected. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to a multi-type air conditioner for buildings and the like.
    • Reference Signs List
    • 1 outdoor unit
    • 1A outdoor unit
    • 2 indoor unit
    • 2A indoor unit
    • 2B indoor unit
    • 2C indoor unit
    • 3 shut-off valve
    • 3A shut-off valve
    • 3B shut-off valve
    • 3C shut-off valve
    • 4 indoor unit remote control
    • 4A indoor unit remote control
    • 4B indoor unit remote control
    • 4C indoor unit remote control
    • 5 detection alarm
    • 5A detection alarm
    • 5B detection alarm
    • 5C detection alarm
    • 10 outdoor unit control section
    • 11 outdoor unit communication unit
    • 13 compressor
    • 20 indoor unit control section
    • 21 first indoor unit communication unit
    • 22 second indoor unit communication unit
    • 23 indoor blower fan
    • 24 indoor expansion valve
    • 30 shut-off valve control section
    • 31 shut-off valve communication unit
    • 32 shut-off part
    • 33 notification part
    • 40 remote control control section
    • 41 remote control communication unit
    • 42 remote control display part (opening/closing operation notification part, second
    • opening/closing operation notification part)
    • 43 remote control operation part
    • 50 alarm control section
    • 51 alarm communication unit
    • 52 issuing part (second opening/closing operation notification part)
    • 53 alarm operation part
    • 54 refrigerant leakage sensor
    • 60 housing
    • 61 first pipe
    • 62 second pipe
    • 63 first shut-off valve
    • 64 second shut-off valve
    • 70 electrical equipment box
    • 71 control board (substrate)
    • 72 DIP switch (operation part)
    • 100 processor
    • 120 memory
    • 121 control program
    • 200 processor
    • 220 memory
    • 221 control program
    • 300 processor
    • 320 memory
    • 321 control program
    • 400 processor
    • 420 memory
    • 421 control program
    • 500 processor
    • 520 memory
    • 521 control program
    • 1000 air conditioning apparatus
    • CL1 communication line
    • GP1 remote control wiring group
    • GP2 remote control wiring group
    • GP3 remote control wiring group
    • RL remote control wiring
    • RP refrigerant pipe
    • RP1 refrigerant pipe
    • RS1 refrigerant system
    • S air conditioning target space
    • S1 air conditioning target space
    • S2 air conditioning target space
    • S3 air conditioning target space

Claims (6)

  1. An air conditioning apparatus comprising:
    an outdoor unit (1);
    an indoor unit (2);
    a refrigerant pipe (RP) that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit;
    a shut-off valve (3) that is provided at the refrigerant pipe and accommodates a shut-off part (32) capable of interrupting refrigerant flow; and
    a refrigerant leakage sensor (54) that detects refrigerant leakage, wherein
    when refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor, a closing signal is transmitted to the shut-off valve by the indoor unit, and the shut-off valve having received the closing signal is closed, characterized in that
    the shut-off valve is capable of being opened/closed by performing a predetermined operation on the shut-off valve, regardless of the closing signal from the indoor unit.
  2. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
    the shut-off valve includes a substrate (71), and
    the substrate is provided with an operation part (72) that allows the shut-off valve to be opened/closed.
  3. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
    an air conditioning operation is prohibited when the shut-off valve has been opened by performing the predetermined operation on the shut-off valve.
  4. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an opening/closing operation notification part (42) that notifies that the predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valve.
  5. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising:
    a plurality of the indoor units;
    a plurality of the shut-off valves provided in accordance with the plurality of indoor units; and
    a second opening/closing operation notification part (42) that notifies that the predetermined operation has been performed on one of the plurality of shut-off valves corresponding to one of the plurality of indoor units in which refrigerant leakage has not been detected.
  6. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
    it is determined whether a predetermined operation has been performed on the shut-off valve, when recovering a refrigerant from a refrigerant system.
EP25208896.8A 2024-10-22 2025-10-15 Air conditioning apparatus Pending EP4733685A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2024185969A JP2026075368A (ja) 2024-10-22 空気調和装置

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4733685A1 true EP4733685A1 (en) 2026-04-29

Family

ID=97303356

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP25208896.8A Pending EP4733685A1 (en) 2024-10-22 2025-10-15 Air conditioning apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4733685A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2018077040A (en) 2016-10-28 2018-05-17 ダイキン工業株式会社 Air conditioner
WO2023119506A1 (en) * 2021-12-22 2023-06-29 東芝キヤリア株式会社 Air conditioner
EP4379274A1 (en) * 2021-11-24 2024-06-05 Toshiba Carrier Corporation Air conditioner

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2018077040A (en) 2016-10-28 2018-05-17 ダイキン工業株式会社 Air conditioner
EP4379274A1 (en) * 2021-11-24 2024-06-05 Toshiba Carrier Corporation Air conditioner
WO2023119506A1 (en) * 2021-12-22 2023-06-29 東芝キヤリア株式会社 Air conditioner

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"IEC 60335-2-40 ED8: Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-40: Particular requirements for electrical heat pumps, air-conditioners and dehumidifiers", 16 June 2023 (2023-06-16), pages 1 - 158, XP082048315, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://api.iec.ch/harmonized/documents/download/3226072> [retrieved on 20230616] *

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