JP2006052863A - Pipe-connecting joint of refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pipe-connecting joint of a refrigeration cycle device for disabling reuse of the pipe-connecting joint or a flare part of a pipe in reinstallation work or disabling reuse of the flare part of the flare part although enabling re-piping after wrong piping. <P>SOLUTION: In relation to a pipe-connecting joint of a refrigeration cycle device for connecting one-side refrigerant pipe to the other-side refrigerant pipe by screwing a nut member fitted onto the other-side refrigerant pipe having the flare part at an end to a connection opening body with the one-side refrigerant pipe connected thereto, this pipe-connecting joint of a refrigeration cycle device has a reuse prevention means for preventing reuse of the flare part of the other-side refrigerant pipe. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a pipe connection joint of a refrigeration cycle apparatus, and more particularly to a pipe connection joint of a refrigeration cycle apparatus that makes it impossible to reuse a pipe connection joint or a flare portion of a pipe.

  As an air conditioner that performs air conditioning such as indoor air conditioning, a split type air conditioner in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are separated is often employed.

  In recent years, the use of non-fluorocarbon refrigerants has been studied for this type of air conditioner, but it is difficult to handle because it is flammable. Especially, it is not suitable for pipe connection joints that connect indoor unit piping to outdoor unit piping. There is a need for joint structures that limit their use.

  That is, there is a demand for a pipe connection joint of a refrigeration cycle apparatus that makes it impossible to reuse the flare portion or makes it impossible to reuse the pipe connection joint during re-installation work.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and pipe connection of a refrigeration cycle apparatus that makes it impossible to reuse the flare part or to make it impossible to reuse the pipe connection joint during re-installation work. The object is to provide a joint.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention is externally fitted to the other refrigerant pipe having the flare portion at the end part in the connection port body to which one refrigerant pipe is connected. In the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus that connects the one refrigerant pipe and the other refrigerant pipe by screwing the nut member, the pipe connection joint has a reuse prevention means for preventing the flare portion of the other refrigerant pipe from being reused. It is characterized by that.

  In the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention, a nut member externally fitted to the other refrigerant pipe having a flare portion at the end is screwed into the connection port body to which one refrigerant pipe is connected. In the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus for connecting the one refrigerant pipe to the other refrigerant pipe, the pipe connection joint has a reuse prevention means for preventing the reuse of the pipe connection joint. The contact surface between the screw portion of the mouth body and the screw portion of the nut member has a structure that changes according to the number of times of use.

  According to the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus that makes it impossible to reuse the flare portion.

  Further, according to the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus that makes it impossible to reuse the pipe connection joint during the re-installation work.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pipe connection joint of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pipe connection joint 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a pipe connection joint) of a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment is used for pipe connection of a refrigeration cycle apparatus of an air conditioner. A connection port body 3 to which the refrigerant pipe 2 is connected by welding or the like, and a nut member 6 externally fitted to the other refrigerant pipe 5 made of, for example, copper having a flare portion 4 at the end portion. The refrigerant pipe 2 and the refrigerant pipe 5 are connected by screwing the nut member 6 to the connection port body 3 while sandwiching the flare portion 4 between the nut pipe 6 and the nut member 6.

  Furthermore, the connection port main body 3 is made of metal, and is provided with a threaded portion 3a on the outer periphery, a butt portion 3b having a predetermined flare angle at the end, and a reuse prevention means 7 inside. The reuse prevention means 7 includes an engagement mechanism that engages the connection port body 3 and the other refrigerant pipe 5 in the refrigerant pipe 5 when the nut member 6 is screwed into the connection port body 3. Furthermore, this engaging mechanism is provided with a locking member 9 having a locking claw portion 9a that protrudes somewhat outward from the tube wall of the refrigerant flow path 8 provided in the connection port body 3 and extends outward in the diameter. The plurality of locking grooves 10 are provided over the entire circumference of the refrigerant pipe 5 in the circumferential direction.

  The locking member 9 is made of metal, forms a ring, and is integrally attached to the connection port body 3. The locking member 9 is made of thin metal at two or more places at equal intervals along the circumference of the locking member 9. A claw member 9b having an appropriate elasticity and extending in the direction of the refrigerant pipe 5 is integrally or integrally provided, and a locking claw portion 9a is provided at the tip of the claw member 9b.

  Further, on the rear side (the anti-flare side) of the locking groove 10, a next use locking groove 10 a is provided with an appropriate interval, and the outer peripheral surface of the refrigerant pipe 5 corresponding to the next usage locking groove 10 a. The first cutting guide wire 11 and the second cutting guide wire 12 for cutting are engraved, and the next use locking groove 10a is cut when the refrigerant pipe 5 is cut by the first cutting guide wire 11. It is located to be suitable for the next use.

  Furthermore, the conductive wire 13 a of the transmission means 13 is electrically attached to the refrigerant pipe 5, and the electrical signal transmitted from the transmission means 13 is electrically connected to the locking member 9 electrically insulated from the connection port body 3. The conductive wire 14a of the receiving means 14 for receiving the signal is electrically attached, and the engagement state of the locking claw 9a and the locking groove 10 by the electric signal (current) flowing from the transmitting means 13 to the receiving means 14 is shown. It is possible to check whether or not the reuse prevention means 7 is functioning. Note that the function check of the reuse prevention means 7 by exchanging electrical signals is performed immediately after the pipe is joined and the refrigerant is not collected in the refrigerant pipe and after the refrigerant is recovered, and not during normal air conditioner operation. It is preferable for safety.

  Next, a method of using the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pipe connection joint 1 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus is provided in the refrigerant pipes 2 and 5 that communicate the outdoor unit 92 and the indoor unit 93 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 91 of the air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the connection port body 3 is welded to one refrigerant pipe 2 connected to the indoor unit.

  First, the flare portion 4 is formed at the opening end of the refrigerant pipe 5 in which the nut member 6 is fitted, and then the nut member 6 is screwed into the connection port main body 3, and the nut member 6 is rotated to be screwed. Proceed. In this screwing process, the flare portion 4 is abutted against the abutting portion 3b and maintains an airtight state, while the claw member 9b of the locking member 9 is pressed radially inward by the inner wall of the refrigerant pipe 5 that enters. Due to the deformation, the locking claw portion 9a also moves inward in the diameter. In the state where the flare portion 4 is abutted against the abutting portion 3b as described above, the claw member 9b is returned to the original position by the elastic force, the locking claw portion 9a is also returned, and the locking groove 10 of the other refrigerant pipe 5 is returned. Engage with. Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant piping 2 and the refrigerant | coolant piping 5 are firmly couple | bonded by the pipe connection joint 1, and do not remove | deviate.

  For example, when the refrigerant pipe 5 is removed from the indoor unit or the outdoor unit when the air conditioner is moved, the nut member 6 is removed and then the first cutting guide line 11 displayed on the surface of the refrigerant pipe 5 is removed. Then, the refrigerant pipe 5 is cut, the locking claw part 9a is lifted from the locking groove 10 using a long and narrow tool or the like, the engagement state is released, and then the remaining part of the refrigerant pipe 5 is pulled out.

  Further, by cutting from the cutting guide wire 11, the locking claw portion 9a engages with the next use locking groove 10a at the time of reconnection. Thus, when the air conditioner is installed, the refrigerant pipe is mistakenly connected to the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, and even if the reuse prevention means 7 functions, the refrigerant pipe 5 is cut and flared. The refrigerant pipe 5 can be reused without reusing the flare portion and without using a new refrigerant pipe.

  Therefore, it is possible to avoid accidents such as leakage of flammable refrigerant due to deterioration of the flare part due to reuse of used refrigerant piping, fire and explosion caused by this leakage, and safety is improved.

  Further, it is checked whether or not the reuse prevention means 7 is functioning, that is, the engagement state of the engagement groove 10 of the refrigerant pipe 5 to which the transmission means 13 is connected and the engagement member 9 to which the reception means 14 is connected. The air conditioner is activated only when an electrical signal is received from the transmission means 13 by the reception means 14. Therefore, it can be checked that the locking claw portion 9a is deformed or cut by natural or human factors before the refrigerant pipe is installed and the reuse preventing means 7 is not activated. Thus, it is safe to check that the reuse prevention means is not functioning due to an accident or human operation when installing the air conditioner.

  In addition, a second embodiment of the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the reuse prevention means includes a locking claw provided in the connection port body and a locking groove provided in the refrigerant pipe, whereas the second embodiment is reused. The preventing means is a nut member that damages the flare portion of the refrigerant pipe when the nut member is removed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the pipe connection joint 21 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the second embodiment is airtightly butted against the connection port body 23 and the butting portion 23 b of the connection port body 23, and other refrigerant pipes A trumpet-shaped flare portion 24 provided at an end portion of 25 and a nut member 26 as a reuse preventing means for sandwiching the flare portion 24 between the connection port main body 23.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the nut member 26 as the reuse preventing means is provided with a projection 27 on the inner surface 26a that contacts the flare 24, and this projection 27 is connected to the nut inner surface 26a. The connecting portion has a spring action, and protrudes from the nut inner surface portion 26a in a normal state (released state). However, when a force in a predetermined direction is applied to the protruding portion 27, a recess 26c provided in the nut inner surface portion 26a It is designed to be stored.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, when the connection port main body 23 and the nut member 26 are screwed together, the flare portion 24 relatively moves in the direction in which the projection 27 is stored in the recess 26b. As shown, at the time of removal, the flare portion 24 relatively moves in a direction that prevents the projection 27 from being housed in the recess 26 b, and the surface of the flare 24 is damaged or deformed by the projection 27.

  The same effect can be obtained even if the protrusion and the recess are provided on the end face that is in close contact with the flare portion of the connection port body.

  Thereby, it is safe without removing the old flare part by removing the nut member and flaring the refrigerant pipe.

  A third embodiment of the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the reuse prevention means is a nut member that damages the flare portion of the refrigerant pipe when the nut member is removed, whereas in the third embodiment, the reuse prevention means includes the flare portion and the nut. The adhesive is entirely or partially interposed between the inner surface portions of the nuts of the member.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the reuse preventing means for the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the third embodiment is based on the adhesive 37 that is entirely or partially interposed between the flare portion and the nut inner surface portion 36 a of the nut member 36. Become.

  Thereby, at the time of removal, the flare part and the nut member 36 cannot be separated unless a considerably large force is applied compared to the case without the adhesive, and the flare part is inevitably damaged by the action of the large force, It can be deformed to prevent the flare from being reused.

  In addition, a fourth embodiment of the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the reuse preventing means is a nut member that damages the flare portion of the refrigerant pipe when the nut member is removed. In contrast, the fourth embodiment is a nut engaged with the reuse preventing means. It is formed by a protrusion that is easily destroyed by the member and a groove of the connection port body.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the reuse prevention means for the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the fourth embodiment is formed by the protrusion 47 a of the nut member 46 and the groove 47 b of the connection port main body 43.

  The protrusion 47a has a triangular cross section, and the groove 47b is formed of a plurality of grooves having a triangular cross section. Since the inclined surface abuts the inclined surface of the protrusion 47a and the groove 47b, the nut member 46 can be advanced, and the nut The member 46 can be attached to the connection port main body 43, and the vertical surface of the projection 47a and the vertical surface abut on the groove 47b, so that the nut member 46 cannot be retracted. Accordingly, the nut member 46 cannot be removed with a normal force, and the nut member 46 cannot be broken and removed unless it exceeds a predetermined force.

Therefore, when the nut member 46 is removed in order to separate the connection port main body 43, the nut member 46, and the flare portion 44 of the pipe 45 sandwiched between the both 43, 46, the projection 47a is damaged, and this projection Due to the breakage of the portion 47a, it becomes impossible to reuse the pipe connection joint using the same nut member. When replacing the nut member, the flare portion is cut, and a new nut member is inserted into the refrigerant pipe, and then the flare portion is re-formed, so that the same flare portion is prevented from being reused.
As shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion 47a is firmly integrated with the nut member 46 by a rivet member 47c embedded in the protrusion 47a. Accordingly, when disassembling, the protrusion 47a is separated from the nut member 46 by removing the rivet member 47c, and the rivet member 46 and its through hole are deformed. Therefore, the protrusion 47a and the nut member 46 can be reintegrated. As a result, the connecting function of the nut member is lost and reuse is prevented. As a result, the same flare portion is prevented from being reused as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the number of protrusions 47a of the nut member 46 is not limited to one, and a plurality of protrusions 47a may be provided.

  In addition, a fifth embodiment of the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  In the second embodiment, the reuse prevention means is a nut member that damages the flare portion of the refrigerant pipe when the nut member is removed, whereas in the fifth embodiment, the reuse prevention means is a force when the removal prevention means is removed. It is a nut member which reduced the intensity | strength of the part which receives.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the reuse prevention means for the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the fifth embodiment is a nut member that reduces the strength of the portion that receives the force during removal.

Accordingly, since the rotation direction is opposite when the nut member 56 is tightened and removed, the portion where the nut member 56 receives the force from the rotating jig is different when tightening and removing, and the force when removing is different. Since the strength of the weak body portion 57 that receives the power is small, the weak body portion 57 is damaged by the force applied during removal. Thereby, reuse of the nut member 56 is prevented, and as a result, reuse of the same flare part can be prevented.
In addition, a sixth embodiment of the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  The fifth embodiment is a nut member in which the strength of the portion that receives the force when the reuse preventing means is removed is reduced, whereas in the sixth embodiment, the reuse preventing means is finely ground on the screw portion. It is a nut member or a connection port body to which an agent is applied.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the reuse prevention means for the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the sixth embodiment is formed on the inner surface of the nut member 66 that is configured as a normal flare joint in appearance. A fine abrasive 67 a is applied to the screw portion 66 a or the screw portion 63 a of the connection port body 63.

  Therefore, when the nut member 66 is mounted on the connection port body 63 while rotating, for example, the abrasive 67a applied to the screw portion 66a polishes the screw portion 67b mounted on the connection port body 63, and this polishing. When the nut member 63 is repeatedly attached and detached, the screw portion 67a is polished, the frictional resistance of both screw surfaces 66a and 67b is reduced, the screwing force is reduced and the screw function is lost, and the reuse is not possible. It becomes possible. The number of reuses can be varied depending on the material and amount of the abrasive. For example, if the frictional force is reduced by polishing three times, a non-reusable joint in a flammable refrigerant is formed. be able to. In addition, as a coating form, you may take a multilayer structure like a normal friction layer + low-friction resistance layer.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), a fine and highly frictional member 67c is applied to the threaded portion 66a of the nut member 66 with a relatively coarse density, and as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the nut member 66 is applied. The member 67c which is fine and has a large friction may fall off with the rotation.

  In addition, a seventh embodiment of the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention will be described.

  The fourth embodiment is formed by the protrusion of the nut member meshing with the reuse prevention means and the groove portion of the connection port main body, whereas in the seventh embodiment, the reuse prevention means is a screw of the nut member. Engaging / disengaging means provided at one end of the portion.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, an engagement / disengagement means 77 as a reuse prevention means is provided at one end of a screw portion 76 a of the nut member 76, and the engagement / disengagement means 77 is larger than the pitch screw of the connection port body 73. A plurality of sharp blade-like members 77a projecting and having a triangular shape in diameter and an inclined surface (side) 77a ₁ facing the opening side, and the blade-like member 77a is attached to one end, and the blade-like member 77a is connected to the connection port A spring member 77b to be brought into contact with the main body 76 and a ring-shaped attachment member 77c attached to one end and fixed to the nut member 76 are configured.

Accordingly, when the nut member 76 is attached to the connection port main body 73 while rotating, the inclined surface 77a ₁ of the blade-shaped member 77b abuts on the most advanced screw portion 73a ₁ of the connection port main body 73, but its height. Is larger than the screw pitch of the screw portion 73a of the connection port body 73 and is elastically supported, so that the retracted state is maintained by contact with the screw portion 73a until both the screw portions 73a and 76a are completely screwed together. To do. When the screw end 73a ₁ of the threaded portion reaches the threaded end 76a ₂ of the threaded portion 76a, the blade-like member 77a is released from the contact with the threaded portion 73a, it is pressed by the spring member 77b, the blade-like member 77a protrudes , the inclined surface 77a ₁ and the screw end 76a ₂ is engaged.

  In this state, it is difficult to remove the nut member 76. However, if the nut member 76 is forcibly removed, the threaded portion 73a is cut off by the blade-like member 77a. Looseness will weaken the function as a screw. Thereby, the reuse of the nut member 76 is impossible. The blade member does not necessarily have a sharp blade shape.

The conceptual diagram which shows the use condition of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which shows the state incorporating the pipe connection coupling of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on this invention. The conceptual diagram of the pipe connection coupling of the refrigeration cycle apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the protrusion part of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram which shows the effect | action of the protrusion part of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram which shows the effect | action of the protrusion part of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the adhesive agent part of the piping connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the modification of the piping connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the other modification of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows the weak body part of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. (A), (b) is a conceptual diagram which shows the effect | action of a member with big friction of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the pipe connection joint of the refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pipe connection joint of refrigeration cycle apparatus, 2 ... One refrigerant | coolant piping, 3 ... Connection port main body, 3a ... Screw part, 3b ... Butt part, 4 ... Flare part, 5 ... Other refrigerant | coolant piping, 6 ... Nut member , 7 ... reuse prevention means, 9 ... locking member, 9a ... locking claw, 10 ... locking groove, 10a ... next use locking groove, 11 ... first cutting guide wire, 12 ... second cutting Guide wire.

Claims (5)

The one refrigerant pipe and the other refrigerant pipe are connected by screwing a nut member externally fitted to the other refrigerant pipe having a flare portion at the end to the connection port body to which one refrigerant pipe is connected. A pipe connection joint of a refrigeration cycle apparatus, comprising: a reuse prevention means for preventing reuse of a flare portion of the other refrigerant pipe in the pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. The reuse prevention means has an engagement structure in which the connection port main body and the other refrigerant pipe are engaged in the refrigerant pipe when the nut member is screwed into the connection port main body. The pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1. 2. The piping of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reuse preventing means is configured to damage a flare portion of the other refrigerant piping when the nut member is removed from the connection port main body. Connection fitting. 2. The pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reuse prevention means has a structure that damages the nut member when the nut member is removed from the connection port main body. The one refrigerant pipe and the other refrigerant pipe are connected by screwing a nut member externally fitted to the other refrigerant pipe having a flare portion at the end to the connection port body to which one refrigerant pipe is connected. The pipe connection joint of the refrigeration cycle apparatus has a reuse prevention means for preventing reuse of the pipe connection joint. The reuse prevention means is provided on the contact surface between the screw portion of the connection port body and the screw portion of the nut member. A pipe connection joint of a refrigeration cycle apparatus, characterized in that the state changes according to the number of uses.

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