JP2020204464A - Refrigerant branch unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve a construction property of an air conditioning system in relation to the improvement of a security property with respect to refrigerant leakage.SOLUTION: In an air conditioning system 100 (which includes an outdoor unit 10 and a plurality of indoor units 40 connected via refrigerant connection pipelines (La, Ga), and in which the refrigerant connection pipelines include a plurality of indoor side connection pipelines (L2, L3, G2, G3) communicating with the corresponding indoor units 40, and outdoor side connection pipelines (L1, G1) communicating with the plurality of indoor side connection pipelines on the outdoor unit 10 side), a branch pipe unit 50 connects the outdoor side connection pipelines and the plurality of indoor side connection pipelines. The branch unit 50 includes: a first connection pipe part 81 communicating with the outdoor side connection pipeline; a plurality of second connection pipe parts 82 communicating with the corresponding indoor side connection pipelines; a branch pipe part 83 for communicating the first connection pipe part 81 and the plurality of second connection pipe parts 82; and a cut-off valve 84 for cutting off the flow of a refrigerant by being connected to the first connection pipe part 81 and brought into a closed state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerant branching unit.

In an air conditioning system, refrigerant may leak from the refrigerant circuit due to damage to the equipment that makes up the refrigerant circuit or improper installation. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to ensure safety in the event of a refrigerant leak. Become. In particular, in recent years, from the viewpoint of improving energy saving and reducing environmental load, for example, a slightly flammable refrigerant such as R32 (although the flammability is not large, the characteristic of burning when the concentration becomes a predetermined value (combustion lower limit concentration) or more) (Refrigerant) is used, and there is an increasing demand for such measures.

Conventionally, as a countermeasure related to refrigerant leakage, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-118720), a predetermined control valve (solenoid valve or electric valve) in the refrigerant circuit is detected when the refrigerant leakage is detected. By controlling the opening control valve) to the closed state (minimum opening), the flow of refrigerant to the indoor unit is obstructed, and the space in which the indoor unit is installed (living space or storage space where people enter and exit) A method of suppressing further refrigerant leakage to the inner space, etc.) has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, in an air conditioning system including a plurality of indoor units in the same refrigerant system, a pair of control valves are arranged for each indoor unit on a connecting pipe between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and when a refrigerant leak occurs. The corresponding control valve is controlled to the closed state.

Here, the connecting pipe between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is usually installed in a narrow space (for example, an attic space). On the other hand, in an air conditioning system applied to a large-scale facility such as a building or a factory, the number of indoor units increases according to the size of the facility. Therefore, when the control valves are arranged for each indoor unit as in Patent Document 1, it becomes necessary to install many control valves on the connecting pipe as the number of indoor units increases, and each of them in a narrow space. Since the control valve is forced to be installed, the work time and labor required for the installation are significantly increased, and the workability is not excellent.

Therefore, instead of arranging a plurality of control valves individually at the site, it is conceivable to collect a plurality of control valves and construct them as an integrated control valve unit. However, even in such a case, since the size of the unit itself increases according to the number of control valves, it is assumed that construction in a narrow space becomes difficult.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in workability in relation to improving safety against refrigerant leakage in an air conditioning system.

The refrigerant branching unit according to the first aspect of the present invention has (an outdoor unit connected via a refrigerant communication pipe and a plurality of indoor units, and a plurality of chambers in which the refrigerant communication pipe communicates with the corresponding indoor unit. In an air conditioning system (including an inner communication pipe and an outdoor communication pipe that communicates with a plurality of indoor communication pipes on the outdoor unit side), the outdoor communication pipe and a plurality of indoor communication pipes are connected. The refrigerant branching unit includes a first connecting pipe, a plurality of second connecting pipes, a branching portion, and a control valve. The first connecting pipe communicates with the outdoor connecting pipe. The plurality of second connecting pipes communicate with the corresponding indoor communication pipes. The branch portion communicates the first connecting pipe with a plurality of second connecting pipes. The control valve is closed to obstruct the flow of refrigerant. The control valve is connected to the first connecting pipe.

In the refrigerant branching unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, the outdoor side connecting pipe and a plurality of indoor side connecting pipes are connected, and the first connecting pipe communicating with the outdoor side connecting pipe and the corresponding indoor side connecting pipe are connected. A control valve that obstructs the flow of refrigerant by being connected to a plurality of second connecting pipes, a branch portion that communicates the first connecting pipe and a plurality of second connecting pipes, and a closed state. And. As a result, the first connecting pipe, the plurality of second connecting pipes, the branch portion, and the control valve can be installed on the refrigerant connecting pipe in a state of being assembled in advance. In this respect, if the control valve and the branch pipe are joined at the site during construction, the man-hours will increase, but the work time and labor required for construction will be reduced by this refrigerant branching unit. Therefore, in the air conditioning system, deterioration of workability can be suppressed in relation to improving the safety against refrigerant leakage.

The refrigerant branching unit according to the second aspect of the present invention has (an outdoor unit connected via a refrigerant communication pipe and a plurality of indoor units, and the refrigerant communication pipe communicates with the corresponding indoor unit. In an air conditioning system (including an inner communication pipe and an outdoor communication pipe that communicates with a plurality of indoor communication pipes on the outdoor unit side), the outdoor communication pipe and a plurality of indoor communication pipes are connected. The refrigerant branching unit includes a first connecting pipe, a plurality of second connecting pipes, a branching portion, and a control valve. The first connecting pipe communicates with the outdoor connecting pipe. The plurality of second connecting pipes communicate with the corresponding indoor communication pipes. The branch portion communicates the first connecting pipe with a plurality of second connecting pipes. The control valve is closed to obstruct the flow of refrigerant. The control valve is connected to the corresponding second connecting pipe.

In the refrigerant branching unit according to the second aspect of the present invention, the outdoor side connecting pipe and a plurality of indoor side connecting pipes are connected, and the first connecting pipe communicating with the outdoor side connecting pipe and the corresponding indoor side connecting pipe are connected. A plurality of second connecting pipes communicating with the above, a branch portion communicating the first connecting pipe and the plurality of second connecting pipes, and the corresponding second connecting pipes are connected to each other and closed, thereby obstructing the flow of the refrigerant. It is equipped with a control valve. As a result, the first connecting pipe, the plurality of second connecting pipes, the branch portion, and the control valve can be installed on the refrigerant connecting pipe in a state of being assembled in advance. In this respect, if the control valve and the branch pipe are joined at the site at the time of construction, the man-hours will increase, but the work time and labor required for the construction will be reduced by this refrigerant branching unit. Therefore, in the air conditioning system, deterioration of workability can be suppressed in relation to improving the safety against refrigerant leakage.

The refrigerant branching unit according to the third aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant branching unit according to the first aspect, and the control valve includes a valve body, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The first end is connected to one end of the first connecting pipe or the outdoor connecting pipe. The second end is connected to the branch or the other end of the first connecting pipe (more specifically, if the first end is connected to one end of the first connecting pipe, it is connected to the branch. , When the first end is connected to the outdoor connecting pipe, it is connected to the other end of the first connecting pipe). The longitudinal direction of the second end intersects the longitudinal direction of the first end. The second end is the branch or the first connecting pipe so that the second connecting pipes are lined up horizontally and the longitudinal direction of each second connecting pipe extends along the horizontal direction in the installed state. Connected to the end.

Here, at the time of construction, the refrigerant branch unit is connected to the indoor side connecting pipe at each second connecting pipe, but at the construction site, the indoor side connecting pipe usually extends mainly along the horizontal direction. .. In this regard, in relation to the shape of the control valve (for example, an L-shape in which the first end and the second end are orthogonal to each other), the second connecting pipes are lined up in the horizontal direction and the second connecting pipes are arranged. If it is difficult to install so that the longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction, it is necessary to bend the indoor side connecting pipe and joints when connecting the second connecting pipe and the indoor side connecting pipe, which complicates the construction. It becomes.

In the refrigerant branching unit according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the installed state, the second end of the control valve has the second connecting pipes lined up in the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the second connecting pipes is in the horizontal direction. By being connected to the branch portion or the other end of the first connecting pipe so as to extend along, the extending direction of the second connecting pipe matches the extending direction (horizontal direction) of the indoor connecting pipe regardless of the shape of the control valve. It becomes possible to connect both pipes easily. Therefore, the workability is further improved.

The term "along the horizontal direction" here includes not only a state in which the direction is exactly the same as the horizontal direction but also a state in which the surface is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Specifically, in the installed state, if the angle between each second connecting pipe and the horizontal line is 0 ° or more and 30 ° or less in the side view, it is interpreted as "each second connecting pipe is lined up along the horizontal direction". It can also be interpreted as "the longitudinal direction of each second connecting tube extends along the horizontal direction" (as is the case with the other description herein).

The refrigerant branching unit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant branching unit according to the second aspect, and the control valve includes a valve body, a third end portion, and a fourth end portion. The third end is connected to one end or a branch of the second connecting pipe. The fourth end is connected to the other end of the indoor connecting pipe or the second connecting pipe (more specifically, when the third end is connected to one end of the second connecting pipe, the indoor connecting pipe is connected. It is connected to the pipe, and when the third end is connected to the branch, it is connected to the other end of the second connection pipe). The longitudinal direction of the fourth end intersects the longitudinal direction of the third end. At the fourth end, in the installed state, the indoor side connecting pipe or the second connecting pipe is arranged so that the second connecting pipes are lined up in the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of each second connecting pipe extends in the horizontal direction. Is connected to the other end of the.

Here, at the time of construction, the refrigerant branch unit is connected to the indoor side connecting pipe at each second connecting pipe, but at the construction site, the indoor side connecting pipe usually extends mainly along the horizontal direction. .. In this respect, when it is difficult to install the second connecting pipes so that the second connecting pipes are lined up in the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of each second connecting pipe extends in the horizontal direction in relation to the shape of the control valve. When connecting the second connecting pipe to the indoor connecting pipe, it is necessary to bend the indoor connecting pipe and to make a joint, which complicates the construction.

In the refrigerant branching unit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the installed state, the fourth end of the control valve has the second connecting pipes lined up in the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the second connecting pipes is in the horizontal direction. By being connected to the indoor side connecting pipe or the other end of the second connecting pipe so as to extend along, the extending direction of the second connecting pipe is the extending direction (horizontal direction) of the indoor connecting pipe regardless of the shape of the control valve. It becomes possible to match with, and it becomes easy to connect both pipes. Therefore, the workability is further improved.

The term "along the horizontal direction" here includes not only a state in which the direction is exactly the same as the horizontal direction but also a state in which the surface is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Specifically, in the installed state, if the angle between each second connecting pipe and the horizontal line is 0 ° or more and 30 ° or less in the side view, it is interpreted as "each second connecting pipe is lined up along the horizontal direction". It can also be interpreted as "the longitudinal direction of each second connecting tube extends along the horizontal direction" (as is the case with the other description herein).

The refrigerant branching unit according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant branching unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and includes a first connecting pipe, a plurality of second connecting pipes, a branching portion, and the like. The control valve is included in the first component. The refrigerant branching unit further includes a second component and an electric wire. The second component includes a substrate. The board is mounted with electrical components for controlling the state of the control valve. The electric wire connects the control valve and the substrate. The second component is provided independently of the first component so that it can be freely moved with respect to the first component.

As a result, the second component can be movably installed with respect to the first component during construction. Therefore, the degree of freedom of construction is increased at the site, and the reduction of work time and labor required for construction is promoted.

The refrigerant branching unit according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant branching unit according to the fifth aspect, and the second component has a casing for accommodating the substrate. As a result, construction becomes easier even in a narrow space, and workability is further improved.

The refrigerant branching unit according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant branching unit according to the fifth or sixth aspect, and the electric wire has a dimension of 1 m or more in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the first component and the second component can be installed at a distance of 1 m or more, further increasing the degree of freedom of construction at the site. Therefore, the workability is further improved.

In the refrigerant branching unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to install the first connecting pipe, a plurality of second connecting pipes, the branching portion, and the control valve on the refrigerant connecting pipe in a state of being assembled in advance. Become. In this respect, if the control valve and the branch pipe are joined at the site during construction, the man-hours will increase, but the work time and labor required for construction will be reduced by this refrigerant branching unit. Therefore, in the air conditioning system, deterioration of workability can be suppressed in relation to improving the safety against refrigerant leakage.

In the refrigerant branching unit according to the second aspect of the present invention, the first connecting pipe, a plurality of second connecting pipes, the branching portion, and the control valve can be installed on the refrigerant connecting pipe in a state of being assembled in advance. Become. In this respect, if the control valve and the branch pipe are joined at the site during construction, the man-hours will increase, but the work time and labor required for construction will be reduced by this refrigerant branching unit. Therefore, in the air conditioning system, deterioration of workability can be suppressed in relation to improving the safety against refrigerant leakage.

The refrigerant branching unit according to the third to seventh aspects of the present invention further improves workability.

The schematic block diagram of the air-conditioning system which has the branch pipe unit which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. Schematic diagram of the main body unit in the branch pipe unit. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the installation mode of a branch pipe unit. A block diagram schematically showing a controller and each part connected to the controller. A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the controller. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system having a branch pipe unit according to the first modification. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on modification 2. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the installation mode of the branch pipe unit which has the main body unit which concerns on modification 2. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on modification 3. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on modification 4. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on modification 5. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on modification 6. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on modification 7. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on modification 8. The schematic block diagram of another main body unit which concerns on modification 8. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on modification 9. The schematic block diagram of the air-conditioning system which has the branch pipe unit which concerns on modification 8 or 9.

Hereinafter, the branch pipe unit 50 (refrigerant branch unit) according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention, do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the invention. Further, in the following description, the "liquid refrigerant" includes not only a liquid refrigerant in a saturated liquid state but also a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state. Further, the "closed state" is the minimum opening degree (including fully closed) that the valve can take, and the "open state" is an opening degree larger than the minimum opening degree.

In the present embodiment, the branch pipe unit 50 is applied to the air conditioning system 100 (refrigerating device).

(1) Air conditioning system 100
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 100 having a branch pipe unit 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system 100 is a refrigerating device that performs air conditioning such as cooling or heating of a target space (a space such as a living space, a storage, a low temperature warehouse, or a transportation container) by a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioning system 100 mainly includes an outdoor unit 10, a plurality of indoor units 40 (40a, 40b), a liquid side connecting pipe La and a gas side connecting pipe Ga, and a plurality of branch pipe units 50 (50a, 50b). It has a plurality of refrigerant leakage sensors 60 (60a, 60b), a plurality of remote control 65s (65a, 65b), and a controller 70 that controls the operation of the air conditioning system 100.

In the air conditioning system 100, the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 40 are connected to each other via the liquid side connecting pipe La, the gas side connecting pipe Ga, the branch pipe unit 50 (50a, 50b), and the like, whereby the refrigerant circuit RC is formed. It is configured. In the air conditioning system 100, a refrigeration cycle is performed in the refrigerant circuit RC in which the refrigerant is compressed, cooled or condensed, depressurized, heated or evaporated, and then compressed again. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant circuit RC is filled with slightly flammable R32 as a refrigerant for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

The refrigerant circuit RC mainly communicates the outdoor circuit RC1 configured in the outdoor unit 10, the indoor circuit RC2 configured in each indoor unit 40, the outdoor circuit RC1 and each indoor circuit RC2. The communication circuit RC3 and is included. Further, the communication circuit RC3 includes a liquid side communication circuit RC3a that functions as a flow path for the liquid refrigerant flowing between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 40, and a gas refrigerant flowing between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 40. A gas-side communication circuit RC3b that functions as a flow path is included.

(1-1) Outdoor unit 10
The outdoor unit 10 is arranged outdoors. The outdoor unit 10 is connected to a plurality of indoor units 40 via a liquid side connecting pipe La, a gas side connecting pipe Ga, and a branch pipe unit 50 (50a, 50b), and is a part of a refrigerant circuit RC (outdoor circuit). It constitutes RC1).

The outdoor unit 10 mainly includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes (first pipe P1-11th pipe P11), a compressor 11, an accumulator 12, a four-way switching valve 13, as equipment constituting the outdoor circuit RC1. It has an outdoor heat exchanger 14, a compressor 15, an outdoor first motor-operated valve 16, an outdoor second motor-operated valve 17, a liquid-side closing valve 19, and a gas-side closing valve 20.

The first pipe P1 connects the gas side closing valve 20 and the first port of the four-way switching valve 13. The second pipe P2 connects the inlet port of the accumulator 12 and the second port of the four-way switching valve 13. The third pipe P3 connects the outlet port of the accumulator 12 and the suction port of the compressor 11. The fourth pipe P4 connects the discharge port of the compressor 11 and the third port of the four-way switching valve 13. The fifth pipe P5 connects the fourth port of the four-way switching valve 13 and the gas side inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The sixth pipe P6 connects the liquid side inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and one end of the outdoor first electric valve 16. The seventh pipe P7 connects the other end of the outdoor first motorized valve 16 and one end of the main flow path 151 of the supercooler 15. The eighth pipe P8 connects the other end of the main flow path 151 of the supercooler 15 and one end of the liquid side closing valve 19. The ninth pipe P9 connects a portion between both ends of the sixth pipe P6 and one end of the outdoor second electric valve 17. The tenth pipe P10 connects the other end of the outdoor second electric valve 17 and one end of the sub-flow path 152 of the supercooler 15. The eleventh pipe P11 connects the other end of the sub-flow path 152 of the supercooler 15 and the portion between both ends of the first pipe P1. It should be noted that these refrigerant pipes (P1-P11) may actually be configured by a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via a joint or the like.

The compressor 11 is a device that compresses the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle until it reaches a high pressure. In the present embodiment, the compressor 11 has a closed structure in which a positive displacement compression element such as a rotary type or a scroll type is rotationally driven by a compressor motor (not shown). Further, here, the compressor motor can control the operating frequency by an inverter, whereby the capacity of the compressor 11 can be controlled.

The accumulator 12 is a container for suppressing excessive suction of the liquid refrigerant into the compressor 11. The accumulator 12 has a predetermined volume according to the amount of the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit RC.

The four-way switching valve 13 is a flow path switching valve for switching the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC. The four-way switching valve 13 can switch between a normal cycle state and a reverse cycle state. When the four-way switching valve 13 enters the normal cycle state, the first port (first pipe P1) and the second port (second pipe P2) communicate with each other, and the third port (fourth pipe P4) and the fourth port (Fifth pipe P5) is communicated with (see the solid line of the four-way switching valve 13 in FIG. 1). When the four-way switching valve 13 is in the reverse cycle state, the first port (first pipe P1) and the third port (fourth pipe P4) communicate with each other, and the second port (second pipe P2) and the fourth port (Fifth pipe P5) is communicated with (see the broken line of the four-way switching valve 13 in FIG. 1).

The outdoor heat exchanger 14 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant condenser (or radiator) or evaporator. The outdoor heat exchanger 14 functions as a refrigerant condenser during normal cycle operation (operation in which the four-way switching valve 13 is in the normal cycle state). Further, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during reverse cycle operation (operation in which the four-way switching valve 13 is in the reverse cycle state). The outdoor heat exchanger 14 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins (not shown). The outdoor heat exchanger 14 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant in the heat transfer tube and the air passing around the heat transfer tube or the heat transfer fin (outdoor air flow described later). ..

The supercooler 15 is a heat exchanger that uses the inflowing refrigerant as a liquid refrigerant in a supercooled state. The supercooler 15 is, for example, a double-tube heat exchanger, and the supercooler 15 includes a main flow path 151 and a sub flow path 152. The supercooler 15 is configured such that the refrigerant flowing through the main flow path 151 and the sub flow path 152 exchanges heat.

The outdoor first electric valve 16 is an electric valve capable of controlling the opening degree, and reduces the pressure of the inflowing refrigerant or adjusts the flow rate according to the opening degree. The outdoor first motorized valve 16 can switch between an open state and a closed state. The outdoor first electric valve 16 is arranged between the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the supercooler 15 (main flow path 151).

The outdoor second electric valve 17 is an electric valve capable of controlling the opening degree, and reduces the pressure of the inflowing refrigerant or adjusts the flow rate according to the opening degree. The outdoor second motorized valve 17 can switch between an open state and a closed state. The outdoor second motorized valve 17 is arranged between the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the supercooler 15 (sub flow path 152).

The liquid side closing valve 19 is a manual valve arranged at a connection portion between the eighth pipe P8 and the liquid side connecting pipe La. One end of the liquid side closing valve 19 is connected to the eighth pipe P8, and the other end is connected to the liquid side connecting pipe La.

The gas side closing valve 20 is a manual valve arranged at a connection portion between the first pipe P1 and the gas side connecting pipe Ga. One end of the gas side closing valve 20 is connected to the first pipe P1 and the other end is connected to the gas side connecting pipe Ga.

Further, the outdoor unit 10 has an outdoor fan 25 that generates an outdoor air flow that passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The outdoor fan 25 is a blower that supplies an outdoor air flow as a cooling source or a heating source of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 14 to the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The outdoor fan 25 includes an outdoor fan motor (not shown) as a drive source, and the start / stop and rotation speed are appropriately controlled according to the situation.

Further, the outdoor unit 10 is provided with a plurality of outdoor sensors 26 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the state (mainly pressure or temperature) of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC. The outdoor sensor 26 is a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermoelectric pair. The outdoor sensor 26 includes, for example, a suction pressure sensor that detects the suction pressure that is the pressure of the refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor 11, and a discharge pressure sensor that detects the discharge pressure that is the pressure of the refrigerant on the discharge side of the compressor 11. , And a temperature sensor or the like that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 14.

Further, the outdoor unit 10 has an outdoor unit control unit 30 that controls the operation and state of each device included in the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit control unit 30 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a memory, and the like. The outdoor unit control unit 30 is electrically connected to each device (11, 13, 16, 17, 25, etc.) included in the outdoor unit 10 and the outdoor sensor 26, and inputs and outputs signals to and from each other. Further, the outdoor unit control unit 30 individually transmits and receives control signals and the like via the communication line cb with the indoor unit control unit 48 (described later) and the remote controller 65 of each indoor unit 40.

(1-2) Indoor unit 40
Each indoor unit 40 is connected to the outdoor unit 10 via a liquid side connecting pipe La, a gas side connecting pipe Ga, and a branch pipe unit 50 (50a, 50b). Each indoor unit 40 is arranged in parallel with the other indoor units 40 with respect to the outdoor unit 10. Each indoor unit 40 is arranged in the target space and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit RC (indoor side circuit RC2). Each indoor unit 40 mainly includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes (17th pipe P17-18th pipe P18), an indoor expansion valve 41, and an indoor heat exchanger 42 as equipment constituting the indoor side circuit RC2. doing.

The 17th pipe P17 connects the liquid side connecting pipe La and the liquid side refrigerant inlet / outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 42. The 18th pipe P18 connects the gas side refrigerant inlet / outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 42 and the gas side connecting pipe Ga. It should be noted that these refrigerant pipes (P17-P18) may actually be configured by a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via a joint or the like.

The indoor expansion valve 41 is an electric valve capable of controlling the opening degree, and reduces the pressure of the inflowing refrigerant or adjusts the flow rate according to the opening degree. The indoor expansion valve 41 can switch between an open state and a closed state. The indoor expansion valve 41 is arranged on the 17th pipe P17, and is located between the liquid side connecting pipe La and the indoor heat exchanger 42.

The indoor heat exchanger 42 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant evaporator or condenser (or radiator). The indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during normal cycle operation. Further, the indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a refrigerant condenser during reverse cycle operation. The indoor heat exchanger 42 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins (not shown). The indoor heat exchanger 42 is configured to exchange heat between the refrigerant in the heat transfer tube and the air passing around the heat transfer tube or the heat transfer fin (indoor air flow described later). ..

Further, the indoor unit 40 has an indoor fan 45 for sucking air in the target space, passing it through the indoor heat exchanger 42 to exchange heat with the refrigerant, and then sending it back to the target space. The indoor fan 45 is arranged in the target space. The indoor fan 45 includes an indoor fan motor (not shown) which is a drive source. The indoor fan 45 generates an indoor air flow as a heating source or a cooling source of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 42 when driven.

Further, the indoor unit 40 is provided with an indoor sensor 46 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the state (mainly pressure or temperature) of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC. The indoor sensor 46 is a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermoelectric pair. The indoor sensor 46 includes, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 42, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the refrigerant in the indoor circuit RC2, and the like.

Further, the indoor unit 40 has an indoor unit control unit 48 that controls the operation and state of each device included in the indoor unit 40. The indoor unit control unit 48 has a microcomputer including a CPU, a memory, and the like. The indoor unit control unit 48 is electrically connected to the devices (41, 45) included in the indoor unit 40 and the indoor sensor 46, and inputs and outputs signals to and from each other. Further, the indoor unit control unit 48 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 30 and the remote controller 65 via the communication line cb, and transmits and receives control signals and the like.

(1-3) Liquid side connecting pipe La, gas side connecting pipe Ga
The liquid side connecting pipe La and the gas side connecting pipe Ga are connecting pipes connecting the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40, and are constructed on site. The pipe length and diameter of the liquid side connecting pipe La and the gas side connecting pipe Ga are appropriately selected according to the design specifications and the installation environment.

(1-3-1) Liquid side connecting pipe La
The liquid side communication pipe La constitutes a liquid side communication circuit RC3 (liquid side communication circuit RC3a) between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 together with the branch pipe unit 50 (the first branch pipe unit 50a described later). .. The liquid side connecting pipe La is configured by connecting a plurality of pipes. Specifically, the liquid side connecting pipe La includes a first liquid side connecting pipe L1, a second liquid side connecting pipe L2, and a third liquid side connecting pipe L3. The first liquid side connecting pipe L1, the second liquid side connecting pipe L2, and the third liquid side connecting pipe L3 are connected by a branch pipe unit 50 (first branch pipe unit 50a described later).

The first liquid side connecting pipe L1 is located closer to the outdoor unit 10 than the first branch pipe unit 50a, one end is connected to the outdoor unit 10 (liquid side closing valve 19), and the other end is the first branch pipe unit 50a. (Specifically, it is connected to the first connection pipe portion 81 described later). The first liquid side communication pipe L1 communicates with the second liquid side communication pipe L2 and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 on the outdoor unit 10 side, and corresponds to the "outdoor communication pipe" described in the claims. ..

The second liquid side connecting pipe L2 and the third liquid side connecting pipe L3 are located on the indoor unit 40 side of the first branch pipe unit 50a, and one end thereof is connected to the corresponding indoor unit 40 (17th pipe P17). The other end is connected to the first branch pipe unit 50a (specifically, the second connection pipe portion 82 described later). Here, the second liquid side connecting pipe L2 is associated with the indoor unit 40a, and the third liquid side connecting pipe L3 is associated with the indoor unit 40b. The second liquid side communication pipe L2 and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 communicate with the corresponding indoor unit 40, respectively, and correspond to the "indoor side communication pipe" described in the claims.

These liquid side connecting pipes (L1, L2 and / or L3) may actually be composed of a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via a joint or the like. May be done.

(1-3-2) Gas side connecting pipe Ga
The gas side connecting pipe Ga, together with the branch pipe unit 50 (second branch pipe unit 50b), constitutes a gas side connecting circuit RC3 (gas side connecting circuit RC3b) between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40. The gas side connecting pipe Ga is configured by connecting a plurality of pipes. The gas side connecting pipe Ga includes a first gas side connecting pipe G1, a second gas side connecting pipe G2, and a third gas side connecting pipe G3. The first gas side connecting pipe G1, the second gas side connecting pipe G2, and the third gas side connecting pipe G3 are connected by a branch pipe unit 50 (second branch pipe unit 50b).

The first gas side connecting pipe G1 is located closer to the outdoor unit 10 than the second branch pipe unit 50b, one end is connected to the outdoor unit 10 (gas side closing valve 20), and the other end is the second branch pipe unit 50b ( Specifically, it is connected to the first connection pipe portion 81) described later. The first gas side communication pipe G1 communicates with the second gas side communication pipe G2 and the third gas side communication pipe G3 on the outdoor unit 10 side, and corresponds to the "outdoor communication pipe" described in the claims. ..

The second gas side connecting pipe G2 and the third gas side connecting pipe G3 are located on the indoor unit 40 side of the second branch pipe unit 50b, and one end thereof is connected to the corresponding indoor unit 40 (18th pipe P18). The other end is connected to the second branch pipe unit 50b (specifically, the second connecting pipe portion 82 described later). Here, the second gas side connecting pipe G2 is associated with the indoor unit 40a, and the third gas side connecting pipe G3 is associated with the indoor unit 40b. The second gas side communication pipe G2 and the third gas side communication pipe G3 communicate with the corresponding indoor unit 40, respectively, and correspond to the "indoor side communication pipe" described in the claims.

It should be noted that these gas-side connecting pipes (G1, G2 and / or G3) may actually be composed of a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via a joint or the like. May be done.

(1-4) Branch pipe unit 50
The branch pipe unit 50 is a unit for forming a branch portion BP in the communication circuit RC3. The branch portion BP is a portion for branching the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit 10 side (that is, the first liquid side connecting pipe L1 or the first gas side connecting pipe G1 side), and the indoor unit 40 side (that is, the second liquid side). This is a portion where the refrigerant flowing from the side connecting pipe L2 or the third liquid side connecting pipe L3, or the second gas side connecting pipe G2 or the third gas side connecting pipe G3 side) is merged. Further, in the branch pipe unit 50, when a refrigerant leaks in the refrigerant circuit RC (particularly the indoor circuit RC2), the refrigerant flows between the outdoor circuit RC1 and the indoor circuit RC2 (mainly from the outdoor circuit RC1 side). It is also a unit for forming a blocking unit that blocks the flow of the refrigerant toward the RC2 side of the indoor circuit.

In the refrigerant circuit RC, as the branch pipe unit 50, a first branch pipe unit 50a arranged on the liquid side and a second branch pipe unit 50b arranged on the gas side are arranged.

The first branch pipe unit 50a constitutes the liquid side connecting circuit RC3a together with the liquid side connecting pipe La. The first branch pipe unit 50a is arranged between the first liquid side connecting pipe L1, the second liquid side connecting pipe L2, and the third liquid side connecting pipe L3, and connects the two. That is, the first branch pipe unit 50a includes a first liquid side connecting pipe L1 arranged on the outdoor unit 10 side, a second liquid side connecting pipe L2 arranged on the indoor unit 40 side, and a third liquid side connecting pipe L3. And connect. The first branch pipe unit 50a constitutes a branch portion BP (liquid side branch portion BPa) in the liquid side communication circuit RC3a. The first branch pipe unit 50a includes a refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit 10 side to the indoor unit 40 side via the first liquid side connecting pipe L1, the second liquid side connecting pipe L2, and the third liquid side connecting pipe L3, and the second. A common refrigerant flow path is formed for both the liquid side connecting pipe L2, the third liquid side connecting pipe L3, and the refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit 40 to the outdoor unit 10 via the first liquid side connecting pipe L1.

The second branch pipe unit 50b constitutes the gas side communication circuit RC3b together with the gas side communication pipe Ga. The second branch pipe unit 50b is arranged between the first gas side connecting pipe G1, the second gas side connecting pipe G2, and the third gas side connecting pipe G3, and connects the two. That is, the second branch pipe unit 50b has a first gas side connecting pipe G1 arranged on the outdoor unit 10 side, a second gas side connecting pipe G2 arranged on the indoor unit 40 side, and a third gas side connecting pipe G3. And connect. The second branch pipe unit 50b constitutes a branch portion BP (gas side branch portion BPb) in the gas side communication circuit RC3b. The second branch pipe unit 50b includes a refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit 10 side to the indoor unit 40 side via the first gas side connecting pipe G1, the second gas side connecting pipe G2, and the third gas side connecting pipe G3, and the second. A common refrigerant flow path is formed for both the refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit 40 to the outdoor unit 10 via the gas side connecting pipe G2, the third gas side connecting pipe G3, and the first gas side connecting pipe G1.

The details of the branch pipe unit 50 will be described later.

(1-5) Refrigerant leakage sensor 60
The refrigerant leakage sensor 60 is a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage in the target space (more specifically, in the indoor unit 40) in which the indoor unit 40 is arranged. In the present embodiment, as the refrigerant leakage sensor 60, a known general-purpose product is used according to the type of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit RC. The refrigerant leakage sensor 60 is arranged in the target space. More specifically, the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 is associated with the indoor unit 40 on a one-to-one basis and is arranged in the corresponding indoor unit 40.

The refrigerant leak sensor 60 continuously or intermittently outputs an electric signal (refrigerant leak sensor detection signal) according to the detected value to the controller 70. More specifically, the voltage of the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal output from the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 changes according to the concentration of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 60. In other words, the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal includes the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage in the refrigerant circuit RC and the concentration of the leaking refrigerant in the target space in which the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 is installed (more specifically, the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 60). Is output to the controller 70 in a identifiable manner. That is, the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 serves as a "refrigerant leakage detection unit" that detects refrigerant leakage in the indoor circuit RC2 by directly detecting the refrigerant flowing out from the indoor circuit RC2 (more specifically, the concentration of the refrigerant). Equivalent to.

(1-6) Remote control 65
The remote controller 65 is an input device for the user to input various commands for switching the operating state of the air conditioning system 100. For example, the remote controller 65 is input by the user with a command for switching the start / stop of the indoor unit 40, the set temperature, and the like.

The remote controller 65 also functions as a display device for displaying various information to the user. For example, the remote controller 65 displays the operating state (set temperature, etc.) of the indoor unit 40. Further, for example, the remote controller 65 displays information (refrigerant leakage notification information) for notifying the administrator of the fact that the refrigerant has leaked and the corresponding processing related thereto when the refrigerant leaks.

The remote controller 65 is connected to the controller 70 (more specifically, the corresponding indoor unit control unit 48) via the communication line cb, and transmits and receives signals to and from each other. The remote controller 65 transmits the command input by the user to the controller 70 via the communication line cb. Further, the remote controller 65 displays information in response to an instruction received via the communication line cb.

(1-7) Controller 70
The controller 70 is a computer that controls the operation of the air conditioning system 100 by controlling the state of each device. In the present embodiment, the controller 70 is configured such that the outdoor unit control unit 30 and the indoor unit control unit 48 in each indoor unit 40 are connected via the communication line cb. Details of the controller 70 will be described later.

(2) Flow of Refrigerant in Refrigerant Circuit RC The flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC will be described below. In the air conditioning system 100, a forward cycle operation and a reverse cycle operation are mainly performed. The low pressure in the refrigeration cycle here is the pressure of the refrigerant sucked by the compressor 11 (suction pressure), and the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle is the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 (discharge pressure).

(2-1) Flow of refrigerant during normal cycle operation During normal cycle operation (cooling operation, etc.), the four-way switching valve 13 is controlled to the normal cycle state, and the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit RC is mainly outside the outdoor side. Circuit RC1 (compressor 11, outdoor heat exchanger 14, outdoor first electric valve 16, and supercooler 15), liquid side communication circuit RC3a (first liquid side communication pipe L1, first branch pipe unit 50a, second Liquid side communication pipe L2 and / or third liquid side communication pipe L3), indoor side circuit RC2 (indoor expansion valve 41 and indoor heat exchanger 42) of the operating indoor unit 40, gas side communication circuit RC3b (first gas). The side connecting pipe G1, the second branch pipe unit 50b, the second gas side connecting pipe G2 and / or the third gas side connecting pipe G3), and the compressor 11 circulate in this order. During normal cycle operation, in the outdoor circuit RC1, a part of the refrigerant flowing through the sixth pipe P6 branches to the ninth pipe P9 and passes through the outdoor second solenoid valve 17 and the supercooler 15 (sub flow path 152). After that, it is returned to the compressor 11.

Specifically, when the normal cycle operation is started, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed in the outdoor circuit RC1 and then discharged. In the compressor 11, capacity control is performed according to the heat load required by the indoor unit 40 during operation. Specifically, the target value of the suction pressure is set according to the heat load required by the indoor unit 40, and the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is controlled so that the suction pressure becomes the target value. The gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 14.

The gas refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow sent by the outdoor fan 25 in the outdoor heat exchanger 14, dissipates heat, and condenses. The refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 branches in the process of flowing through the sixth pipe P6.

One of the refrigerants branched in the process of flowing through the sixth pipe P6 flows into the outdoor first solenoid valve 16, is depressurized or the flow rate is adjusted according to the opening degree of the outdoor first solenoid valve 16, and then the supercooler 15 is used. It flows into the main flow path 151. The refrigerant flowing into the main flow path 151 of the supercooler 15 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the sub flow path 152 and is further cooled to become a liquid refrigerant in a supercooled state. The liquid refrigerant flowing out from the main flow path 151 of the supercooler 15 flows out from the outdoor circuit RC1 and flows into the indoor circuit RC2 of the indoor unit 40 in operation via the liquid side communication circuit RC3a.

The other refrigerant branched in the process of flowing through the sixth pipe P6 flows into the outdoor second solenoid valve 17, and after depressurizing or adjusting the flow rate according to the opening degree of the outdoor second solenoid valve 17, the supercooler 15 It flows into the sub flow path 152. The refrigerant that has flowed into the sub-flow path 152 of the supercooler 15 exchanges heat with the refrigerant that flows through the main flow path 151, and then joins the refrigerant that flows through the first pipe P1 via the eleventh pipe P11.

The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor circuit RC2 of the indoor unit 40 during operation flows into the indoor expansion valve 41, is depressurized to a low pressure in the refrigeration cycle according to the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 41, and then exchanges indoor heat. It flows into the vessel 42.

The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 42 exchanges heat with the indoor air flow sent by the indoor fan 45 and evaporates to become a gas refrigerant, which flows out from the indoor heat exchanger 42. The gas refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 42 flows out from the indoor circuit RC2.

The refrigerant flowing out from the indoor circuit RC2 flows into the outdoor unit 10 via the gas side communication circuit RC3b. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor unit 10 flows through the first pipe P1, passes through the four-way switching valve 13 and the second pipe P2, and flows into the accumulator 12. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 12 is temporarily stored and then sucked into the compressor 11 again.

(2-2) Refrigerant flow during reverse cycle operation During reverse cycle operation (heating operation, etc.), the four-way switching valve 13 is controlled to a reverse cycle state, and the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit RC is mainly a compressor. 11. Gas side communication circuit RC3b, indoor unit 40 during operation (indoor heat exchanger 42 and indoor expansion valve 41), liquid side communication circuit RC3a, compressor 15, outdoor first electric valve 16, outdoor heat exchanger 14 , Compressor 11 circulates in this order.

Specifically, when the reverse cycle operation is started, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 11 and compressed in the outdoor circuit RC1 and then discharged. In the compressor 11, capacity control is performed according to the heat load required by the indoor unit 40 during operation. The gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows out from the outdoor circuit RC1 via the fourth pipe P4 and the first pipe P1, and flows into the indoor circuit RC2 of the operating indoor unit 40 via the gas side communication circuit RC3b. To do.

The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor circuit RC2 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 42 and exchanges heat with the indoor air flow sent by the indoor fan 45 to condense. The refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 42 flows into the indoor expansion valve 41, is depressurized to a low pressure in the refrigeration cycle according to the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 41, and then flows out from the indoor circuit RC2.

The refrigerant flowing out from the indoor circuit RC2 flows into the outdoor circuit RC1 via the liquid side communication circuit RC3a. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor circuit RC1 passes through the eighth pipe P8, the supercooler 15 (main flow path 151), the seventh pipe P7, the outdoor first electric valve 16 and the sixth pipe P6, and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 It flows into the liquid side inlet / outlet of.

The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 14 evaporates by exchanging heat with the outdoor air flow sent by the outdoor fan 25 in the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant flowing out from the gas side inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 flows into the accumulator 12 via the fifth pipe P5, the four-way switching valve 13, and the second pipe P2. The refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 12 is temporarily stored and then sucked into the compressor 11 again.

(3) Details of Branch Pipe Unit 50 The details of the branch pipe unit 50 will be described below. In the following, one or both of the liquid side connecting pipe La and the gas side connecting pipe Ga will be referred to as "refrigerant connecting pipe". Further, one or both of the first liquid side connecting pipe L1 and the first gas side connecting pipe G1 is referred to as "outdoor connecting pipe". Further, any / all of the second liquid side connecting pipe L2, the third liquid side connecting pipe L3, the second gas side connecting pipe G2, and the third gas side connecting pipe G3 are referred to as "indoor side connecting pipes". Further, in the following description, it is assumed that the "joining method" according to the installation environment and the design specifications is appropriately selected for the "joining" of each part. The "joining method" is not particularly limited, but for example, brazing connection, flare connection, flange connection, or the like is assumed.

Further, as described above, the air conditioning system 100 has the first branch pipe unit 50a and the second branch pipe unit 50b as the branch pipe unit 50, but the following description is the first unless otherwise specified. This is common for the 1 branch pipe unit 50a and the 2nd branch pipe unit 50b.

The branch pipe unit 50 mainly includes a main body unit 51, an electrical component unit 52, and an electric wire 53. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the installation mode of the branch pipe unit 50.

(3-1) Main unit 51
The main unit 51 (corresponding to the “first component” described in the claims) is a portion of the branch pipe unit 50 that constitutes the communication circuit RC3 and forms the flow path (branch portion BP) of the refrigerant. The main body unit 51 is brought into the construction site in a state of being pre-assembled at a factory or the like, and is connected to other pipes. The main body unit 51 mainly has a first connecting pipe portion 81, a plurality of (two in this case) second connecting pipe portions 82, a branch pipe portion 83, and a shutoff valve 84.

(3-1-1) First connection pipe portion 81
The first connecting pipe portion 81 (corresponding to the “first connecting pipe” described in the claims) is a tubular portion extending along a predetermined stretching direction (x direction in FIG. 3). The first connection pipe portion 81 communicates with the outdoor communication pipe to form a flow path for the refrigerant. One end (the end on the outdoor side connecting pipe side) of the first connecting pipe portion 81 is joined to the shutoff valve 84, and the other end (the end on the indoor side connecting pipe side) is joined to the branch pipe portion 83. There is. In the present embodiment, the first connecting pipe portion 81 is made of the same copper as the outdoor connecting pipe. The cross-sectional area and length dimension of the first connecting pipe portion 81 are appropriately selected according to the design specifications (for example, the diameter of the outdoor connecting pipe to be connected) and the installation environment.

(3-1-2) Second connection pipe portion 82
Each second connecting pipe portion 82 (corresponding to the “second connecting pipe” described in the claims) is a tubular portion extending substantially parallel to the other second connecting pipe portion 82. In addition, "substantially parallel" here is not only when each second connecting pipe portion 82 is completely parallel, but also when the extending direction of each second connecting pipe portion 82 is slightly (for example, 30 degrees in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction). Including cases that differ (within). The same shall apply to other parts of the specification.

Each second connection pipe portion 82 has a one-to-one correspondence with any of the indoor side communication pipes and communicates with the corresponding indoor side communication pipe to form a refrigerant flow path. The longitudinal direction (extension direction) of each second connecting pipe portion 82 extends in a direction opposite to that of the first connecting pipe portion 81 along substantially the same direction as the longitudinal direction (extension direction) of the first connecting pipe portion 81. ing. In addition, "substantially the same" here is not only when the longitudinal direction of the second connecting pipe portion 82 and the longitudinal direction of the first connecting pipe portion 81 are completely coincident, but also slightly (for example, in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction). Including cases where they differ (within 30 degrees). The same shall apply to other parts of the specification.

One end (the end on the outdoor side connecting pipe side) of the second connecting pipe portion 82 is joined to the branch pipe portion 83, and the other end is joined to the corresponding indoor connecting pipe. In the present embodiment, the second connecting pipe portion 82 is made of the same copper as the corresponding indoor side connecting pipe. The cross-sectional area and length of each second connecting pipe portion 82 are individually selected according to the design specifications (for example, the diameter of the connected indoor side connecting pipe) and the installation environment.

(3-1-3) Branch pipe portion 83
The branch pipe portion 83 (corresponding to the “branch portion” described in the claims) is located between the first connection pipe portion 81 and each of the second connection pipe portions 82 to connect the two. The branch pipe portion 83 communicates the first connection pipe portion 81 and each of the second connection pipe portions 82 individually. The branch pipe portion 83 is a first branch point where the refrigerant flowing from the first connection pipe portion 81 side is branched and sent to each second connection pipe portion 82, or the refrigerant flowing from each second connection pipe portion 82 side is merged. It corresponds to the confluence point sent to the connecting pipe portion 81.

A plurality of branch pipe portions 83 to which a branch pipe main body portion 830, a first insertion portion 831 to which the first connection pipe portion 81 is joined, and a corresponding second connection pipe portion 82 are joined (second connection pipe). A second insertion portion 832 (a number corresponding to the number of portions 82) is provided.

The branch pipe main body 830 is a substantially U-shaped (bifurcated) tubular portion. The first insertion portion 831 extends from the portion between both ends of the branch pipe main body portion 830 along the extending direction of the first connection pipe portion 81, and forms a communication port that communicates with the first connection pipe portion 81. There is. The second insertion portion 832 extends from one end or the other end of the branch pipe main body portion 830 along the extending direction with the corresponding second connection pipe portion 82, and communicates with the corresponding second connection pipe portion 82. A communication port is formed.

In the present embodiment, the branch pipe portion 83 is made of the same copper as the first connection pipe portion 81 and the second connection pipe portion 82 to be connected. Regarding the cross-sectional area and length dimension of the branch pipe portion 83 (main body portion, first insertion portion 831, each second insertion portion 832), the design specifications (for example, the diameter of the connected indoor side connecting pipe, etc.) ) And individual selection according to the installation environment.

(3-1-4) Shutoff valve 84
The shutoff valve 84 (corresponding to the "control valve" described in the claims) is a valve that allows the flow of the refrigerant when it is in the open state and shuts off the flow of the refrigerant when it is in the closed state. In the present embodiment, the shutoff valve 84 is a valve that can switch between a closed state and an open state by being supplied with a predetermined drive voltage, and is a generally popular solenoid valve. The operation (opening / closing) of the shutoff valve 84 is directly controlled by the electrical component unit 52, and is collectively controlled by the controller 70.

The shutoff valve 84 is located between the first connecting pipe portion 81 and the outdoor connecting pipe, and switches the flow of the refrigerant. The shutoff valve 84 is connected to the end of the first connecting pipe portion 81 on the outdoor side connecting pipe side. The shutoff valve 84 mainly includes a valve main body portion 840, a first pipe connecting portion 841, and a second pipe connecting portion 842.

The valve body portion 840 (corresponding to the “valve body” described in the claims) is a body portion of the shutoff valve 84, and includes a valve body, a coil, and the like. Inside the valve body 840, a refrigerant flow path 840a for communicating the first pipe connection portion 841 and the second pipe connection portion 842 is formed, and the refrigerant to which the valve body N1 is concerned when the energization state is switched is formed. By closing the flow path 840a, the state is closed. In addition, in FIG. 2, the position of the valve body N1 in the closed state is schematically shown. As shown in FIG. 2, in the shutoff valve 84, the valve body N1 extends along the z direction (the same direction as the extension direction of the first pipe connecting portion 841). Further, in the present embodiment, the shutoff valve 84 has a substantially L-shaped appearance, and the refrigerant flow path 840a formed inside also has a substantially L-shaped appearance.

The first pipe connection portion 841 (corresponding to the “first end portion” described in the claims) is a tubular portion extending from the side portion of the valve body portion 840 along a predetermined extension direction (z direction in FIG. 2). Is. The first pipe connecting portion 841 communicates with one end of the refrigerant flow path 840a in the valve main body portion 840. One end of the first pipe connecting portion 841 is joined to the side portion of the valve main body portion 840. The other end of the first pipe connecting portion 841 is joined to the outdoor connecting pipe in the installed state.

The second pipe connection portion 842 (corresponding to the “second end portion” described in the claims) is a tubular portion extending from the bottom of the valve body portion 840 along a predetermined extension direction (x direction in FIG. 2). is there. As described above, in the present embodiment, the shutoff valve 84 has a substantially L-shaped appearance, and the refrigerant flow path 840a formed inside also has a substantially L-shaped appearance. In this connection, the extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the second pipe connecting portion 842 and the extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the first pipe connecting portion 841 are different and intersect. More specifically, the stretching direction of the second pipe connecting portion 842 and the stretching direction of the first pipe connecting portion 841 are different by approximately 90 degrees. In this respect, during normal cycle operation, the refrigerant flows from the first pipe connection portion 841 to the second pipe connection portion 842, but the valve body N1 extends along the same direction as the first pipe connection portion 841. Therefore, the reduction of noise when the shutoff valve 84 is controlled to the closed state is promoted.

In addition, "approximately 90 degrees" here is not only when the extending direction of the second pipe connecting portion 842 and the extending direction of the first pipe connecting portion 841 are completely different by 90 degrees, but also in a predetermined range from 90 degrees. It also includes the case where it increases or decreases (for example, within 30 degrees) and differs.

The second pipe connecting portion 842 communicates with the other end of the refrigerant flow path 840a in the valve main body portion 840. One end of the second pipe connection portion 842 is joined to the bottom portion of the valve body portion 840. The other end of the second pipe connecting portion 842 is joined to the other end of the first connecting pipe portion 81 (the end on the outdoor side connecting pipe side). More specifically, in the second pipe connection portion 842, in the installed state, the second connection pipe portions 82 are lined up in the horizontal direction, and the longitudinal direction of each second connection pipe portion 82 extends in the horizontal direction. It is connected to the other end of the first connecting pipe portion 81 in a posture that enables the above.

(3-2) Electrical component unit 52 (corresponding to "second component" described in the claims)
The electrical component unit 52 (see FIG. 3) is provided independently of the main body unit 51 in order to enable it to be freely moved with respect to the main body unit 51 at the construction site and improve workability. The electrical component unit 52 is fixed by a fixture 90 (see FIG. 3) at the construction site.

The electrical component unit 52 includes an electric component 521 for controlling the state (opening / closing) of the shutoff valve 84 (for example, a switching unit capable of switching the current flow such as an electromagnetic relay or a switching element, a connection terminal to which power is supplied, and the like. It has an input unit (etc., etc.) for inputting a signal from the controller 70). Further, the electrical component unit 52 has a substrate 522 for mounting the electrical component 521.

Further, the electrical component unit 52 has a unit casing 523 for accommodating the electrical component 521, the substrate 522, and the like. The unit casing 523 (corresponding to the “casing” described in the claims) is, for example, a housing made of synthetic resin, and has a volume capable of accommodating electrical components 521, a substrate 522, and the like. The unit casing 523 is provided with a fixing portion 524 for fixing the fixture 90. Since the unit casing 523 is expected to be installed in a narrow space, its height dimension is smaller than the height dimension of the installation location (general attic space).

(3-3) Electric wire 53
The electric wire 53 (see FIG. 3) is a conducting wire for supplying a driving voltage to the shutoff valve 84. The electric wire 53 electrically connects the shutoff valve 84 and the substrate 522 (electrical component 521). The electric wire 53 is a general-purpose product and is coated with an insulator.

The electric wire 53 is configured to have a dimension of 1 m or more in order to increase the degree of freedom regarding the arrangement of the electrical component unit 52 at the installation location. In the present embodiment, the dimension of the electric wire 53 in the longitudinal direction is 1.2 m.

(4) Installation of the branch pipe unit 50 FIG. 3 shows how the branch pipe unit 50 is installed in the attic space SP (the space behind the ceiling of the target space). In FIG. 3, each direction of top, bottom, left, and right is shown, the left-right direction corresponds to the x direction of FIG. 2, and the vertical direction corresponds to the y direction of FIG. Here, the horizontal direction is included in the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction is included in the vertical direction. Further, in FIG. 3, the front-rear direction orthogonal to the left-right direction corresponds to the z-direction of FIG. 2 and is included in the horizontal direction.

The branch pipe unit 50 is installed together with the refrigerant connecting pipe in the attic space SP. The attic space SP is a narrow space formed between the upper surface of the ceiling of the target space (attic bottom surface C1) and the roof or the floor of the upper floor (attic top surface C2). Specifically, the attic space SP is a space having a large horizontal dimension and a small vertical dimension.

In the present embodiment, in the main body unit 51, each of the second connecting pipe portions 82 is arranged in the horizontal direction (here, the z direction intersecting the extending direction x), and the first connection with the extending direction of each of the second connecting pipe portions 82. The pipe portions 81 are arranged in such a posture that they coincide with the stretching direction (here, the directions of the two are different, but the stretching directions of the two are both horizontal). In relation to this, in the ceiling space SP, the main extension direction of the indoor side connecting pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extension direction of the outdoor side connecting pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction). Are almost the same. That is, in the ceiling space SP where the length in the vertical direction is narrow, the main body unit 51 has the main extension direction of the indoor side connecting pipe (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extension direction of the outdoor side connecting pipe (here). In the case, they are arranged in such a posture that they are substantially the same in the left-right direction, that is, in the horizontal direction.

It should be noted that this is a connection mode between the first pipe connection portion 841 and the second pipe connection portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84 and the first connection pipe portion 81 and each second connection pipe portion 82 (each second connection in the installed state). A posture in which the pipe portions 82 are lined up along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the first connecting pipe portion 81 and each of the second connecting pipe portions 82 can extend along the horizontal direction, that is, the first piping of the shutoff valve 84. The connection portion 841 extends in the front-rear direction and the second pipe connection portion 842 extends in the left-right direction, and the second pipe connection portion 842 is connected to the other end of the first connection pipe portion 81). It is possible.

The outdoor-outer connecting pipe extends along the main extending direction (x direction in FIG. 3) of the indoor connecting pipe, and then before the connecting portion with the main body unit 51 (first pipe connecting portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84). The shutoff valve 84 is joined to the main body unit 51 by being curved toward the first pipe connection portion 841 direction (z direction).

Each part of the main body unit 51 (first connecting pipe part 81, second connecting pipe part 82, branch pipe part 83 and shutoff valve 84) is covered with a heat insulating material 95 for preventing dew condensation.

The electrical component unit 52 is installed apart from the main body unit 51. More specifically, the electrical component unit 52 is installed apart from the main body unit 51 within the length dimension of the electric wire 53 that electrically connects the main body unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52. In the present embodiment, the electrical component unit 52 is suspended from the ceiling in the attic space SP by mounting the fixture 90 fixed to the ceiling surface C2.

The electrical component unit 52 extends between the shutoff valve 84 of the main body unit 51 and the substrate 522 (electric component 521) of the electrical component unit 52, and electrically connects the two. The electric wire 53 is connected to one of the shutoff valve 84 and the main body unit 51 in advance before being installed, and is connected to the other at the site.

(5) Details of Controller 70 In the air conditioning system 100, the controller 70 is configured by connecting the outdoor unit control unit 30 and the indoor unit control unit 48 by a communication line cb. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the controller 70 and each part connected to the controller 70.

The controller 70 has a plurality of control modes, and controls the operation of each device according to the transitional control mode. In the present embodiment, the controller 70 has, as control modes, a normal operation mode that transitions to the operation (when no refrigerant leakage has occurred) and a case where a refrigerant leakage has occurred (more specifically, when a leaked refrigerant is detected). ), And has a refrigerant leakage mode.

The controller 70 includes equipment included in the air conditioning system 100 (specifically, a compressor 11 included in the outdoor unit 10, an outdoor first electric valve 16, an outdoor second electric valve 17, an outdoor fan 25, and an outdoor sensor 26. , Indoor expansion valve 41 included in each indoor unit 40, indoor fan 45 and indoor side sensor 46, electrical component 521 (shutoff valve 84) of each branch pipe unit 50, each refrigerant leakage sensor 60, each remote control 65, etc. ) And are electrically connected.

The controller 70 mainly includes a storage unit 71, an input control unit 72, a mode control unit 73, a refrigerant leakage determination unit 74, an equipment control unit 75, a drive signal output unit 76, and a display control unit 77. Have. It should be noted that each of these functional units in the controller 70 is realized by integrally functioning the CPU, memory, and various electric / electronic components included in the outdoor unit control unit 30 and / or the indoor unit control unit 48. There is.

(5-1) Storage unit 71
The storage unit 71 is composed of, for example, a ROM, RAM, a flash memory, or the like, and includes a volatile storage area and a non-volatile storage area. The storage unit 71 includes a program storage area M1 for storing a control program that defines processing in each unit of the controller 70.

Further, the storage unit 71 includes a detection value storage area M2 for storing the detection values of various sensors. In the detected value storage area M2, for example, the detected values of the outdoor sensor 26 and the indoor sensor 46 (suction pressure, discharge pressure, discharge temperature, refrigerant temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger 14, or in the indoor heat exchanger 42). (Refrigerant temperature, etc.) is stored.

Further, the storage unit 71 includes a sensor signal storage area M3 for storing a refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal (detection value of the refrigerant leakage sensor 60) transmitted from the refrigerant leakage sensor 60. The sensor signal storage area M3 has a storage area corresponding to the number of refrigerant leakage sensors 60, and the received refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal is stored in an area corresponding to the source refrigerant leakage sensor 60. The refrigerant leakage signal stored in the sensor signal storage area M3 is updated every time the refrigerant leakage signal output from the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 is received.

Further, the storage unit 71 includes a command storage area M4 for storing commands input to each remote controller 65.

Further, the storage unit 71 is provided with a plurality of flags having a predetermined number of bits. For example, the storage unit 71 is provided with a control mode determination flag M5 capable of determining the control mode in which the controller 70 is transitioning. The control mode determination flag M5 includes a number of bits corresponding to the number of control modes, and a bit corresponding to the transition control mode can be set.

Further, the storage unit 71 is provided with a refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 for determining that a refrigerant leakage in the target space has been detected. More specifically, the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 has a number of bits corresponding to the number of installed indoor units 40, and corresponds to the indoor unit 40 (refrigerant leakage unit) in which the refrigerant leakage is assumed to have occurred. You can make a bit. That is, the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is configured to be able to determine which indoor unit 40 (indoor side circuit RC2) has caused the refrigerant leakage when the refrigerant leakage has occurred in the indoor side circuit RC2. The refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is switched by the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74.

(5-2) Input control unit 72
The input control unit 72 is a functional unit that serves as an interface for receiving signals output from each device connected to the controller 70. For example, the input control unit 72 receives a signal output from each sensor (26, 46, 60) or the remote controller 65, stores the signal in the corresponding storage area of the storage unit 71, or sets a predetermined flag.

(5-3) Mode control unit 73
The mode control unit 73 is a function unit for switching the control mode. The mode control unit 73 switches the control mode to the normal operation mode in the normal state (when the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is not set). The mode control unit 73 switches the control mode to the refrigerant leakage mode when the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is set. The mode control unit 73 sets the control mode determination flag M5 according to the transitioned control mode.

(5-4) Refrigerant leakage determination unit 74
The refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 is a functional unit that determines whether or not a refrigerant leakage has occurred in the refrigerant circuit RC (indoor circuit RC2). Specifically, when the predetermined refrigerant leakage detection condition is satisfied, the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 determines that the refrigerant leakage has occurred in the refrigerant circuit RC (indoor side circuit RC2), and sets the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6. ..

In the present embodiment, whether or not the refrigerant leakage detection condition is satisfied is determined based on the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal in the sensor signal storage area M3. Specifically, the refrigerant leakage detection condition is that the time when the voltage value (detection value of the refrigerant leakage sensor 60) related to any of the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signals is equal to or greater than the predetermined first reference value continues for a predetermined time t1 or more. Filled with. The first reference value is a value (refrigerant concentration) in which refrigerant leakage is assumed in the indoor circuit RC2. The predetermined time t1 is set to a time during which it can be determined that the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal is not instantaneous. The refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 identifies the refrigerant leakage unit (indoor unit 40 in which the refrigerant leakage is presumed to have occurred) based on the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 that is the transmission source of the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal that satisfies the refrigerant leakage detection condition. , Set the bit corresponding to the refrigerant leakage unit in the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6. That is, the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 corresponds to each refrigerant leakage sensor 60 and a "refrigerant leakage detection unit" that individually detects the refrigerant leakage of each indoor circuit RC2.

The predetermined time t1 is appropriately set according to the type of the refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit RC, the specifications of each device, the installation environment, and the like, and is defined in the control program. The refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 is configured to be able to measure t1 for a predetermined time.

Further, the first reference value is appropriately set according to the type of the refrigerant enclosed in the refrigerant circuit RC, the design specifications, the installation environment, and the like, and is defined in the control program.

(5-5) Equipment control unit 75
The device control unit 75 controls the operation of each device (for example, 11, 13, 16, 17, 25, 41, 45, 84, etc.) included in the air conditioning system 100 according to the situation according to the control program. The device control unit 75 determines the transitioning control mode by referring to the control mode determination flag M5, and controls the operation of each device based on the determined control mode.

For example, in the normal operation mode, the device control unit 75 operates the compressor 11, the outdoor fan 25, and the indoor so that the forward cycle operation or the reverse cycle operation is performed according to the set temperature, the detection value of each sensor, and the like. The rotation speed of the fan 45, the opening degree of the outdoor first electric valve 16, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 41, and the like are controlled in real time.

During normal cycle operation, the equipment control unit 75 controls the four-way switching valve 13 to the normal cycle state, causes the outdoor heat exchanger 14 to function as a refrigerant condenser (or radiator), and of the indoor unit 40 during operation. The indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. Further, the equipment control unit 75 controls the four-way switching valve 13 to the reverse cycle state during the reverse cycle operation, causes the outdoor heat exchanger 14 to function as a refrigerant evaporator, and exchanges the indoor heat of the indoor unit 40 during operation. The vessel 42 functions as a refrigerant condenser (or radiator).

Further, the device control unit 75 executes various controls as follows according to the situation. The device control unit 75 is configured to be capable of measuring time.

<Refrigerant leakage first control>
When it is assumed that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the target space (specifically, when the refrigerant leak detection flag M6 is set), the device control unit 75 executes the first refrigerant leak control. The device control unit 75 controls the indoor expansion valve 41 of the refrigerant leakage unit (indoor unit 40 in which the refrigerant leakage has occurred) in the closed state in the first control of the refrigerant leakage. As a result, the inflow of the refrigerant into the refrigerant leakage unit is suppressed, and further refrigerant leakage is suppressed. That is, the first refrigerant leakage control is a control for suppressing the refrigerant leakage in the indoor circuit RC2 when the refrigerant leakage occurs.

<Refrigerant leakage second control>
When it is assumed that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the target space, the device control unit 75 executes the second refrigerant leak control. The equipment control unit 75 operates the indoor fan 45 of each indoor unit 40 at the rotation speed (air volume) for the refrigerant leakage second control in the refrigerant leakage second control. The second refrigerant leakage control is a control in which the indoor fan 45 is operated at a predetermined rotation speed in order to prevent a region having a high concentration of the leaked refrigerant from being locally generated in the target space.

The rotation speed of the indoor fan 45 in the second control of refrigerant leakage is not particularly limited, but is set to the maximum rotation speed (that is, the maximum air volume) in the present embodiment. Even if a refrigerant leaks in the target space due to the second control of the refrigerant leak, the leaked refrigerant is agitated in the target space by the air flow on the utilization side generated by the indoor fan 45 and leaks in the target space. It is suppressed that a region where the concentration of the refrigerant is a dangerous value is generated.

<Refrigerant leakage third control>
When it is assumed that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the target space, the device control unit 75 executes the third refrigerant leak control. In the third control of refrigerant leakage, the equipment control unit 75 controls the shutoff valve 84 of each branch pipe unit 50 to be in a closed state in order to separate the outdoor circuit RC1 and each indoor side circuit RC2. That is, the third control of refrigerant leakage is a control in which when a refrigerant leak occurs, the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor side circuit RC2 of the leakage unit is cut off by the liquid side communication circuit RC3a and the gas side communication circuit RC3b. is there.

Specifically, the device control unit 75 closes the liquid side communication circuit RC3a by controlling the shutoff valve 84 of the first branch pipe unit 50a to be closed via the electric component 521 in the refrigerant leakage third control. .. Further, the device control unit 75 closes the gas side communication circuit RC3b by controlling the shutoff valve 84 of the second branch pipe unit 50b to be closed via the electric component 521 in the refrigerant leakage third control. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 is blocked by the communication circuit RC3, and the amount of leaked refrigerant in the indoor circuit RC2 is surely suppressed.

(5-6) Drive signal output unit 76
The drive signal output unit 76 corresponds to a drive signal (drive) corresponding to each device (11, 13, 16, 17, 25, 41, 45, 521 (84), etc.) according to the control content of the device control unit 75. Voltage) is output. The drive signal output unit 76 includes a plurality of inverters (not shown), and drives a specific device (for example, a compressor 11, an outdoor fan 25, an indoor fan 45, etc.) from a corresponding inverter. Output a signal.

(5-7) Display control unit 77
The display control unit 77 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the remote controller 65 as a display device. The display control unit 77 causes the remote controller 65 to output predetermined information in order to display the information related to the operating state and the situation to the user. For example, the display control unit 77 causes the remote controller 65 to display various information such as the set temperature during operation in the normal mode.

Further, when the refrigerant leak detection flag M6 is set, the display control unit 77 causes the remote controller 65 to display the refrigerant leak notification information. As a result, the manager can grasp the fact that the refrigerant has leaked, and can take a predetermined measure.

(6) Processing Flow of Controller 70 Hereinafter, an example of the processing flow of the controller 70 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the controller 70. When the power is turned on, the controller 70 performs processing according to the flow shown in steps S101 to S110 of FIG. The processing flow shown in FIG. 5 is an example and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the order of steps may be changed within a consistent range, some steps may be executed in parallel with other steps, or other steps may be newly added.

In step S101, the controller 70 proceeds to step S105 when it is assumed that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the indoor circuit RC2 (that is, when YES). The controller 70 proceeds to step S102 when it is assumed that no refrigerant leakage has occurred in the indoor circuit RC2 (that is, in the case of NO).

In step S102, the controller 70 returns to step S101 when the operation start command is not input (that is, in the case of NO). On the other hand, when the operation start command is input (that is, YES), the controller 70 proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the controller 70 transitions to the normal operation mode (or maintains the normal operation mode). Then, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the controller 70 performs a normal cycle operation by controlling the state of each device in real time according to the input command, the set temperature, the detected value of each sensor (26, 46), and the like. .. Further, although not shown, the controller 70 causes the remote controller 65 to display various information such as the set temperature. After that, the process returns to step S101.

In step S105, the controller 70 transitions to the refrigerant leakage mode. After that, the controller 70 proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the controller 70 causes the remote controller 65 to output the refrigerant leakage notification information. This allows the manager to know that a refrigerant leak has occurred. After that, the controller 70 proceeds to step S107.

In step S107, the controller 70 executes the first refrigerant leakage control. Specifically, the controller 70 controls the indoor expansion valve 41 of the refrigerant leakage unit to be closed. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant to the indoor circuit RC2 of the refrigerant leakage unit is obstructed, and further refrigerant leakage is suppressed. After that, the controller 70 proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the controller 70 executes the second refrigerant leakage control. Specifically, the controller 70 drives the indoor fan 45 at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, the maximum rotation speed). As a result, it is possible to prevent the leaking refrigerant from being agitated in the target space and having a locally dangerous concentration. After that, the controller 70 proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the controller 70 executes the refrigerant leakage third control. Specifically, the controller 70 closes the liquid side communication circuit RC3a by controlling the shutoff valve 84 of the first branch pipe unit 50a to be closed. Further, the device control unit 75 closes the gas side communication circuit RC3b by controlling the shutoff valve 84 of the second branch pipe unit 50b to be closed in the refrigerant leakage third control. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 of the leak unit is suppressed, and the amount of the leaked refrigerant is suppressed. After that, the controller 70 proceeds to step S110.

In step S110, the controller 70 stops the compressor 11. After that, the controller 70 waits until it is released by the administrator.

(7) Features (7-1)
In the above embodiment, the branch pipe unit 50 connects the outdoor side connecting pipes (L1, G1) and a plurality of indoor side connecting pipes (L2, L3, G2, G3) and communicates with the outdoor connecting pipes. A branch pipe portion 83 that communicates the first connection pipe portion 81, a plurality of second connection pipe portions 82 that communicate with the corresponding indoor connecting pipes, and the first connection pipe portion 81 and the plurality of second connection pipe portions 82. And a shutoff valve 84 that is connected to the first connecting pipe portion 81 and is closed to prevent the flow of the refrigerant. That is, the refrigerant flow path (communication circuit RC3) branches between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 according to the number of indoor units 40 and other devices, but before the branch of the refrigerant flow path in the branch pipe unit 50. The shutoff valve 84 can be arranged (on the outdoor unit 10 side of the branch portion BP). As a result, one shutoff valve 84 can be shared with the plurality of indoor units 40 in order to shut off the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 40. As a result, even if the shutoff valve 84 is not arranged for each indoor unit 40, it is possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 side to the plurality of indoor units 40 when the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, it is not necessary to dispose the shutoff valve 84 for each indoor unit 40 in relation to the measures against refrigerant leakage, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of shutoff valves 84 installed on the refrigerant communication pipes (La, Ga). Has been done.

Further, in the branch pipe unit 50 according to the above embodiment, the refrigerant communication pipe (the first connection pipe portion 81, the plurality of second connection pipe portions 82, the branch pipe portion 83, and the shutoff valve 84 are assembled in advance. It is possible to construct on La, Ga), and the work time and labor required for the construction are reduced as compared with the conventional case.

Further, when a plurality of shutoff valves 84 are collected to form an integrated shutoff valve 84 unit, the size of the unit itself is expected to increase according to the number of shutoff valves 84, but the branch pipe unit. In No. 50, compactification is promoted in relation to the fact that the number of shutoff valves 84 is unlikely to increase in unitization, and deterioration of workability is suppressed even in a narrow space.

Therefore, in the air conditioning system 100, the decrease in workability is suppressed in relation to improving the safety against refrigerant leakage.

(7-2)
In the branch pipe unit 50 according to the above embodiment, in the second pipe connection portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84, the second connection pipe portions 82 are lined up in the horizontal direction in the installed state, and the length of each second connection pipe portion 82 is long. It is connected to the first connecting pipe portion 81 so that the direction extends along the horizontal direction. This makes it possible to match the extension direction of the second connecting pipe portion 82 with the main extension direction (horizontal direction) of the indoor side connecting pipes (L2, L3, G2, G3) regardless of the shape of the shutoff valve 84. This makes it easy to connect both pipes. In connection with this, construction is particularly easy even in a narrow space. Therefore, it is particularly excellent in workability.

(7-3)
Further, in the above embodiment, the branch pipe unit 50 includes the first connection pipe portion 81, the plurality of second connection pipe portions 82, the branch pipe portion 83, and the shutoff valve 84, and the main body unit 51 (first component). ), The branch pipe unit 50 includes an electrical component unit 52 (second component) including a substrate 522 on which an electrical component 521 for controlling the state of the shutoff valve 84 is mounted, a shutoff valve 84 and a substrate. The electric wire 53 connecting the 522 and the main body unit 51 are provided separately. The electrical component unit 52 is provided independently of the main body unit 51 so that it can be freely moved with respect to the main body unit 51 (first component).

As a result, the electrical component unit 52 can be movably installed with respect to the main body unit 51 during construction. For this reason, the degree of freedom of construction is increased at the site, and the reduction of work time and labor required for construction is promoted. Further, since the main body unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 are provided independently, the compactification of the main body unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 is promoted, and eventually the compactification of the entire branch pipe unit 50 is promoted. There is. In connection with this, construction is easy even in a narrow space. Therefore, it is particularly excellent in workability.

(7-4)
In the branch pipe unit 50 according to the above embodiment, the electrical component unit 52 (second component) has a unit casing 523 for accommodating the substrate 522. This makes construction particularly easy even in a narrow space.

(7-5)
In the branch pipe unit 50 according to the above embodiment, the electric wire 53 has a dimension of 1 m or more in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the main body unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 can be installed at a distance of 1 m or more, and the degree of freedom of construction at the site is particularly improved.

(8) Modification Example The above embodiment can be appropriately modified as shown in the following modification examples. In addition, each modification may be applied in combination with another modification as long as there is no contradiction.

(8-1) Modification 1
In the above embodiment, the branch pipe unit 50 is applied to an air conditioning system 100 in which two indoor units 40 are connected in parallel to one outdoor unit 10 by connecting pipes (Ga, La). However, the configuration mode of the air conditioning system to which the branch pipe unit 50 is applied is not necessarily limited to such a mode. That is, regarding the air conditioning system to which the branch pipe unit 50 is applied, the number of outdoor units 10 and / or indoor units 40 and the connection mode thereof can be appropriately changed according to the installation environment and design specifications. In the air conditioning system to which the branch pipe unit 50 is applied, a plurality of outdoor units 10 may be arranged in series or in parallel. Further, three or more indoor units 40 may be connected to one outdoor unit 10.

For example, in the branch pipe unit 50, as in the air conditioning system 200 shown in FIG. 6, three or more indoor units 40 are connected to one outdoor unit 10, and each indoor unit 40 is connected to another indoor unit 40. It may be applied to air conditioning systems arranged in series or in parallel. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 200 having a branch pipe unit 50. In FIG. 6, the liquid side connecting pipe La and the gas side connecting pipe Ga are also shown for simplification of the illustration.

In the air conditioning system 200, the indoor units 40 arranged at the branch destinations by branching each connecting pipe (La, Ga) extending between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 into a plurality of (largely four here). A plurality of (4) groups (AD) are formed with respect to. In the air conditioning system 200, each group AD includes a plurality of indoor units 40.

In FIG. 6, the branch portion BP1 located on the start end side (most outdoor unit 10 side) of each group AD is composed of the branch pipe unit 50. As a result, when a refrigerant leak occurs in any of the groups A to D, the shutoff valve 84 is controlled to be closed at the branch portion BP1 corresponding to the group in which the refrigerant leak occurs, so that the amount of leaked refrigerant is suppressed. It is supposed to be done. That is, where the refrigerant flow path (communication circuit RC3) branches between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 according to the number of indoor units 40 and other devices, in the air conditioning system 200, before the branching of the refrigerant flow path ( The shutoff valve 84 can be arranged on the outdoor unit 10 side of the branch portion BP), and one shutoff valve 84 can be used as a plurality of indoor units in order to shut off the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 40. It is possible to share it with respect to 40. As a result, even if the shutoff valve 84 is not arranged for each indoor unit 40, it is possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 side to the plurality of indoor units 40 when the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, it is not necessary to dispose the shutoff valve 84 for each indoor unit 40 in relation to the measures against refrigerant leakage, and the increase in the number of shutoff valves 84 is suppressed. Such an effect can be expected especially when the number of indoor units 40 is large as in the air conditioning system 200. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 200, a decrease in workability is particularly suppressed in relation to improving the safety against refrigerant leakage.

Further, in the air conditioning system 200, since the number of indoor units 40 is large, the man-hours would increase remarkably if the control valve and the branch pipe were joined at the site at the time of construction. Effort is especially reduced.

Further, in the air conditioning system 200, since the branch pipe unit 50 is arranged for each group, when a refrigerant leak occurs, only the group in which the refrigerant leak occurs is blocked, and the group in which the refrigerant leak does not occur is blocked. Can continue to operate.

In the air conditioning system 200, a shutoff valve 84 is arranged in the branch portion BP2 closest to the outdoor unit 10, the branch portion BP3 between the branch portion BP2 and the branch portion BP1, and the branch portion BP4-6 in each group. Not. That is, in the air conditioning system 200, the branch portion BP2 and the branch portion BP3 are configured by the branch pipe unit 50 having no shutoff valve 84.

In the refrigerant circuit, the position where the branch pipe unit 50 is arranged (branch portion BP) can be appropriately changed. Specifically, the branch pipe unit 50 is a portion that needs to be shut off in order to ensure safety (for example, the branch portion BP1 shown in FIG. 6) based on the amount of refrigerant leakage assumed when a refrigerant leak occurs. It may be arranged in any of -6). For example, regarding the position (branch portion) where the branch pipe unit 50 is arranged, the total number, total capacity, or chamber of the indoor units 40 that need to be shut off by the shutoff valve 84 in order to ensure safety when the refrigerant leaks. It may be determined based on the total capacity of the inner connecting pipe. Alternatively, the branch pipe unit 50 may be arranged for each device including the refrigerant filling amount corresponding to these.

That is, the branch pipe unit 50 may be connected to any / all outdoor connecting pipes of (a), (b) and (c) below.

(A): Outdoor communication pipe arranged between the plurality of indoor units 40 having a total capacity of 1 or less of the first threshold value ΔTh1 and the outdoor unit 10 (b): The total number of units is 2 or less of the second threshold value of ΔTh2. Outdoor communication pipes (c) arranged between the plurality of indoor units 40 and the outdoor units 10: Outdoor communication pipes in which the total capacity of the communication indoor communication pipes communicating is equal to or less than the third threshold value ΔTh3.

In this case, the first threshold value ΔTh1, the second threshold value ΔTh2, and / or the third threshold value ΔTh3 are the sizes of any target space (for example, the narrowest target space) in which the indoor unit 40 is installed and air conditioning is performed. Based on the above, the concentration of the leaked refrigerant may be set in consideration of the possibility that the concentration of the leaked refrigerant becomes a dangerous value (combustion lower limit concentration or oxygen deficiency limit concentration) in the target space when the refrigerant leaks.

For example, the first threshold value ΔTh1, the second threshold value ΔTh2, and / or the third threshold value ΔTh3 are the refrigerant amount m (kg), the lower limit combustion concentration G (kg / m ³ ) of the refrigerant, and the floor area A (m ² ) of the target space. ), The branch pipe unit 50 may be set so as to be arranged within the range where the following condition 1 is satisfied with respect to the leakage height hr (m). The amount of refrigerant m here is the amount of refrigerant that can be filled in the equipment that is shut off from the outdoor unit 10 by the shutoff valve 84 of the branch pipe unit 50 in order to ensure the safety in the target space when the refrigerant leaks. The leakage height hr is the height position of the portion where the leaked refrigerant is expected to flow out in the target space.

m ≤ G / 4, A, hr ... (Condition 1)

By determining the arrangement position of the branch pipe unit 50 in such an manner, the safety property (for example, the lower limit concentration of combustion and the acid) when a refrigerant leak occurs depends on the scale and environment of the facility where the air conditioning system is installed. It is possible to accurately arrange the shutoff valve 84 in the portion where it is necessary to shut off the refrigerant in consideration of the critical concentration and the like. Therefore, ensuring the safety against refrigerant leakage is further promoted while suppressing the increase in the number of shutoff valves 84.

(8-2) Modification 2
In the above embodiment, the main body unit 51 of the branch pipe unit 50 is configured as shown in FIG. 2, but it is not necessarily limited to such a mode and can be appropriately changed. That is, as long as there is no contradiction in realizing the effects of the present invention, the shape, dimensions, position, and the like of each part included in the main body unit 51 can be changed according to the installation environment and design specifications. It is possible and may be omitted as appropriate.

For example, the main body unit 51 may be configured as shown in the main body unit 51a shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the main body unit 51a will be described with reference to parts different from the main body unit 51.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51a. The main body unit 51a has a shutoff valve 84a instead of the shutoff valve 84. The shutoff valve 84a differs from the shutoff valve 84a in the following points.

The shutoff valve 84a includes a second pipe connection portion 842a instead of the second pipe connection portion 842. The second pipe connection portion 842a (corresponding to the “second end portion” described in the claims) is a tubular portion extending from the side portion of the valve body portion 840 along a predetermined extension direction (x direction in FIG. 7). Is. In the present embodiment, the shutoff valve 84a has a substantially T-shape, and a substantially I-shaped refrigerant flow path 840a'is formed inside. In this regard, in the shutoff valve 84a, the second pipe connection portion 842a extends in the direction opposite to that of the first pipe connection portion 841. That is, the extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the second pipe connecting portion 842a and the extending direction (longitudinal direction) of the first pipe connecting portion 841 are the same direction (x direction), but the directions in which they extend are opposite. Further, the extending direction of the first pipe connecting portion 841 is a direction intersecting the extending direction of the valve body N1.

The second pipe connection portion 842a communicates with the end portion of the refrigerant flow path 840a'in the valve main body portion 840. One end of the second pipe connecting portion 842a is joined to the side portion of the valve main body portion 840. The other end of the second pipe connecting portion 842a is joined to the end portion of the first connecting pipe portion 81 (the end portion on the outdoor side connecting pipe side). More specifically, in the second pipe connecting portion 842a, in the installed state, the second connecting pipe portions 82 are lined up in the horizontal direction, and the longitudinal direction of each of the second connecting pipe portions 82 extends in the horizontal direction. It is connected to the first connecting pipe portion 81 in a posture that enables the above.

Such a main body unit 51a may be arranged in the manner shown in FIG. 8, for example. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example of an installation mode of the branch pipe unit 50 ′ having the main body unit 51a. Hereinafter, in FIG. 8, unlike the installation mode of FIG. 3, the first pipe connecting portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84a is installed so as to extend in the left-right direction (x direction) instead of the front-rear direction (z direction). .. In relation to this, in the ceiling space SP, the main extension direction of the indoor side connecting pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extension direction of the outdoor side connecting pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction). Are almost the same. That is, in the ceiling space SP where the length in the vertical direction is narrow, the main body unit 51a has the main extension direction of the indoor side connecting pipe (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extension direction of the outdoor side connecting pipe (here). In the case, they are arranged in such a posture that they are substantially the same in the left-right direction, that is, in the horizontal direction.

The branch pipe unit 50'with such a main body unit 51a can also realize the same operation and effect as the above embodiment.

(8-3) Modification 3
Further, for example, the main body unit 51 may be configured as shown in the main body unit 51b shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the main body unit 51b will be described as being different from the main body unit 51.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51b. The main body unit 51b has a branch pipe portion 83a instead of the branch pipe portion 83. Further, the main body unit 51b has three second connecting pipe portions 82.

The branch pipe portion 83a is different from the branch pipe portion 83 in the following points. The branch pipe portion 83a (corresponding to the “branch portion” described in the claims) has a branch pipe main body 830a instead of the branch pipe main body 830. The branch pipe main body 830a is a substantially I-shaped header pipe. The first insertion portion 831 extends from a portion between both ends of the branch pipe main body portion 830a along the extending direction (x direction in FIG. 9) of the first connecting pipe portion 81. Each of the second insertion portions 832 is located on the side opposite to the arrangement position of the first connection pipe portion 81 between both ends of the branch pipe main body portion 830a, and is spaced from the other second insertion portion 832 in the z direction. They are arranged so as to line up along. Each of the second insertion portions 832 extends in the opposite direction along the extending direction of the first insertion portion 831, and is arranged substantially parallel to the other second insertion portions 832.

Even when the branch pipe unit 50 has such a main body unit 51b, the same operation and effect as those in the above embodiment can be realized. Further, in the main body unit 51b, the distance between each of the second insertion portions 832 can be made smaller than that of the main body unit 51, so that even when the number of the second insertion portions 832 increases, the main body unit The 51b can be configured compactly, and in connection with this, improvement in workability can be expected.

(8-4) Modification 4
Further, in the main body unit 51, the first connection pipe portion 81 may be omitted as appropriate. In such a case, the main body unit 51 may be configured as, for example, the main body unit 51c shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the main body unit 51c will be described as being different from the main body unit 51.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51c. In the main body unit 51c, the first connecting pipe portion 81 is omitted. Therefore, the second pipe connecting portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84 is joined (connected) to the first insertion portion 831 of the branch pipe portion 83.

Even when the branch pipe unit 50 has such a main body unit 51c, the same operation and effect as those in the above embodiment can be realized. When the first connection pipe portion 81 is omitted and the second pipe connection portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84 is joined to the first insertion portion 831 of the branch pipe portion 83 as in the main body unit 51c, the branch pipe portion It is also possible to interpret the first insertion portion 831 of 83 as the "first connecting pipe" described in the claims. It is also possible to interpret the second pipe connecting portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84 as an independent element and interpret it as the "first connecting pipe" described in the claims.

(8-5) Modification 5
Further, in the main body unit 51, any or all of the plurality of second connecting pipe portions 82 may be omitted as appropriate. In such a case, the main body unit 51 may be configured as, for example, the main body unit 51d shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the main body unit 51d will be described with reference to parts different from the main body unit 51.

FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51d. In the main body unit 51d, each second connection pipe portion 82 is omitted. Therefore, in the main body unit 51d, the indoor side connecting pipes (L2, L3, G2, G3) are joined to the second insertion portion 832 of the branch pipe portion 83.

Even when the branch pipe unit 50 has such a main body unit 51d, the same operation and effect as those in the above embodiment can be realized. When one of the second connecting pipes 82 is omitted and the indoor connecting pipe is joined to the second insertion portion 832 of the branch pipe 83 as in the main body unit 51d, the second connecting pipe 83 is connected to the branch pipe 83. It is also possible to interpret the 2 insertion portion 832 as an independent element and interpret it as the "second connecting pipe" described in the claims.

(8-6) Modification 6
Further, in the main body unit 51, the first connection pipe portion 81 may be joined to the first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84. In such a case, the main body unit 51 may be configured as, for example, the main body unit 51e shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the main body unit 51e will be described with reference to parts different from the main body unit 51.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51e. The main body unit 51e further has another first connecting pipe portion 81, and the first connecting pipe portion 81 is joined (connected) to one end of the first pipe connecting portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84. .. Then, the outdoor side connecting pipe (L1 / G1) is joined to the other end of the first connecting pipe portion 81.

Even when the branch pipe unit 50 has such a main body unit 51e, the same operation and effect as those in the above embodiment can be realized. When the first connection pipe portion 81 is joined to the first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84 as in the main body unit 51e, one of the first connections is made as in the main body unit 51c according to “Modification 4”. The pipe portion 81 may be omitted, and the second pipe connecting portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84 may be joined (connected) to the first insertion portion 831 of the branch pipe portion 83.

(8-7) Modification 7
Further, in the main body unit 51, the valve main body portion 840 is configured so that the extension direction of the valve body N1 is the z direction, but the extension direction of the valve body N1 is not necessarily limited to the z direction. For example, the main body unit 51 may be configured as, for example, the main body unit 51f shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the main body unit 51f will be described as being different from the main body unit 51.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51f. The main body unit 51f is configured with a valve main body portion 840'so that the extension direction of the valve body N1 is the x direction. Even when the branch pipe unit 50 has such a main body unit 51f, the same operation and effect as those in the above embodiment can be realized.

(8-8) Modification 8
Further, in the main body unit 51, the shutoff valve 84 was located between the first connecting pipe portion 81 and the outdoor connecting pipe, and was connected to the first connecting pipe portion 81. However, the arrangement mode of the shutoff valve 84 is not necessarily limited to this, and the shutoff valve 84 may be connected to the second connecting pipe portion 82 as long as there is no contradiction in realizing the effects of the present invention. ..

For example, the main body unit 51 may be configured as, for example, the main body unit 51g shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the portion of the main body unit 51g different from that of the main body unit 51 will be described.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51 g. The main body unit 51g has a plurality of shutoff valves 84a (the same number as the second connection pipe portion 82) similar to the main body unit 51a, instead of the shutoff valve 84. As will be described later, the shutoff valve 84a arranged in the main body unit 51g has a smaller size than that arranged in the main body unit 51a.

In the main body unit 51g, each shutoff valve 84a is associated with any second connecting pipe portion 82 on a one-to-one basis. Further, in connection with this, in the main body unit 51g, each shutoff valve 84a is associated with one of the indoor side connecting pipes (indoor unit 40) in a one-to-one or one-to-many manner.

In the main body unit 51g, one end of the first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84a (corresponding to the "third end portion" described in the claims) is joined to the side portion of the valve main body portion 840, and the other end corresponds to the side portion. It is joined to the end of the second connecting pipe 82 (the end on the indoor side connecting pipe side).

In the main body unit 51g, one end of the second pipe connection portion 842a of the shutoff valve 84a (corresponding to the "fourth end portion" described in the claims) is joined to the side portion of the valve main body portion 840, and the other end corresponds to it. It is joined to the indoor side connecting pipe. More specifically, in the second pipe connecting portion 842a, in the installed state, the second connecting pipe portions 82 are lined up in the horizontal direction, and the longitudinal direction of each of the second connecting pipe portions 82 extends in the horizontal direction. It is connected to the indoor side connecting pipe in a posture that enables.

Such a main body unit 51g may be arranged in the same manner as shown in FIG. 8, for example. That is, the main body unit 51g is installed so that the first pipe connecting portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84a extends not in the front-rear direction (z direction) but in the left-right direction (x direction), and in connection with this, the ceiling space SP In, the main extension direction of the indoor side connecting pipe (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extension direction of the outdoor-outside connecting pipe (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) are arranged so as to be substantially the same. May be good. That is, in the ceiling space SP where the length in the vertical direction is narrow, the main body unit 51 g has the main extension direction of the indoor side connecting pipe (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extension direction of the outdoor side connecting pipe (here). Then, they may be arranged in such a posture that they are substantially the same in the left-right direction, that is, in the horizontal direction.

In the shutoff valve 84a arranged in the main body unit 51g, the first pipe connection portion 841 is connected to the second connection pipe portion 82 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the first connection pipe portion 81, and the second pipe connection portion 842 is connected to the chamber. It is connected to the indoor connecting pipe, which has a smaller inner diameter than the outer connecting pipe. In this connection, the shutoff valve 84a arranged in the main body unit 51g has a smaller size than that arranged in the main body unit 51a.

Even when the branch pipe unit 50 (50') has such a main body unit 51 g, the same operation and effect as those in the above embodiment can be realized.

That is, the main body unit 51g connects the outdoor side connecting pipe and the plurality of indoor side connecting pipes, and the first connecting pipe portion 81 communicating with the outdoor side connecting pipe and a plurality of communicating with the corresponding indoor side connecting pipes. The second connection pipe portion 82 of the above, the branch pipe portion 83 that communicates the first connection pipe portion 81 and the plurality of second connection pipe portions 82, and the corresponding second connection pipe portion 82 are connected to each other and are closed. It is provided with a plurality of shutoff valves 84a that obstruct the flow of the refrigerant. That is, the refrigerant flow path branches between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 according to the number of indoor units 40 and other devices, and even when the branch pipe unit 50 has the main body unit 51 g, the refrigerant flow path is concerned. The shutoff valve 84a may be arranged before the branching (more specifically, the outdoor unit 10 side of the branching portion located on the indoor unit 40 side of the branch pipe portion 83). As a result, one shutoff valve 84a can be shared with the plurality of indoor units 40 in order to shut off the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 40. As a result, even if the shutoff valve 84a is not arranged for each indoor unit 40, it is possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 side to the plurality of indoor units 40 when the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, it is not necessary to dispose the shutoff valve 84a for each indoor unit 40 in relation to the measures against refrigerant leakage, and the increase in the number of shutoff valves 84a installed on the refrigerant connecting pipe is suppressed.

Further, the main body unit 51g shall be installed on the refrigerant connecting pipe in a state where the first connecting pipe portion 81, the plurality of second connecting pipe portions 82, the branch pipe portion 83, and the plurality of shutoff valves 84a are assembled in advance. Is possible. In this respect, the man-hours increase if a plurality of shutoff valves 84a and the branch pipe are joined at the site at the time of construction, but when the branch pipe unit 50 has the main body unit 51 g, the work time and labor required for the construction are reduced. It has become so.

Further, in the main body unit 51g, a plurality of shutoff valves 84a are arranged, but by connecting the shutoff valve 84a to the second connection pipe portion 82, the cutoff valve 84a is shut off from the first connection pipe portion 81. It is possible to use a shutoff valve 84a having a smaller size than when the valve 84a is connected. In relation to this, in the main body unit 51g, although a plurality of shutoff valves 84a are arranged, compactification is promoted, and deterioration of workability is suppressed even in a narrow space.

Therefore, in the air conditioning system, deterioration of workability is suppressed in relation to improving the safety against refrigerant leakage.

In the main body unit 51g, the first connecting pipe portion 81 is not always necessary and can be omitted as appropriate. Further, in the main body unit 51g, one shutoff valve 84a (more specifically, the shutoff valve 84a that is associated one-to-one with the indoor side connecting pipe (indoor unit 40) is not always necessary. It may be omitted as appropriate.

Of course, the main body unit 51g may have a shutoff valve 84 instead of the shutoff valve 84a. In such a case, the main body unit 51g may be configured as the main body unit 51g'shown in FIG. The main body unit 51g'has a branch pipe portion 83'instead of the branch pipe portion 83'. The branch pipe portion 83'is not substantially U-shaped like the branch pipe portion 83, but is formed in a substantially T shape. In this regard, in the branch pipe portion 83', the second connecting pipe portion 82 extends along the z direction (horizontal direction). In each shutoff valve 84, the first pipe connecting portion 841 extending along the z direction is connected to the corresponding second connecting pipe portion 82, and the second pipe connecting portion 842 extending along the x direction corresponds to the indoor side connecting pipe. It is connected to the.

Even in such a case, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be realized. In the main body unit 51g', the longitudinal direction of the first pipe connecting portion 841 and the longitudinal direction of the second pipe connecting portion 842a intersect with each other, but in the main body unit 51g', each of the second connecting pipe portions 82 They are arranged in the horizontal direction (here, the z direction intersecting the stretching direction x), and the stretching direction of each second connecting pipe portion 82 and the stretching direction of the first connecting pipe portion 81 are the same (here, the directions of both are different). By arranging them in such a posture that the extending directions of both are horizontal), in the ceiling space SP, the main extending direction of the indoor side connecting pipe (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the outdoor side communication The main extending direction of the pipe (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) is substantially the same. That is, even in such a case, in the ceiling space SP where the length in the vertical direction is narrow, the main body unit 51g'is the main extension direction (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) of the indoor side connecting pipe and the outdoor side connecting pipe. Can be arranged in such a posture that the main stretching directions (here, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) of the above are substantially the same. Further, since the main body unit 51g'uses a substantially T-shaped branch pipe portion 83', the main body unit 51g' has a substantially U-shaped branch pipe portion 83 as compared with the case where a substantially U-shaped branch pipe portion 83 is used as in the main body unit 51g. It is possible to make the length in the x direction compact.

(8-9) Modification 9
Further, the main body unit 51 may be configured as, for example, the main body unit 51h shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the portion of the main body unit 51h different from that of the main body unit 51g will be described.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of the main body unit 51h. In the main body unit 51h, one end of the first pipe connection portion 841 (corresponding to the "third end portion" described in the claims) of the shutoff valve 84a is joined to the side portion of the valve main body portion 840, and the other end is branched. It is joined to the pipe portion 83. Further, in the main body unit 51g, one end of the second pipe connection portion 842a (corresponding to the "fourth end portion" described in the claims) of the shutoff valve 84a is joined to the side portion of the valve main body portion 840, and the second The other end of the pipe connecting portion 842a is joined to the end portion of the second connecting pipe portion 82 (the end portion on the outdoor side connecting pipe side).

Even when the branch pipe unit 50 (50') has such a main body unit 51h, it is possible to realize the same operation and effect as when the branch pipe unit 50 has the main body unit 51g.

(8-10) Modification 10
When the branch pipe unit 50 (50') has a main body unit 51 g (51 g') or a main body unit 51h, for example, as in the air conditioning system 300 shown in FIG. 17, three or more indoor units 40 are one outdoor unit. It may be applied to an air conditioning system connected to a unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 is arranged in series or in parallel with another indoor unit 40. FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 300 to which a branch pipe unit 50 having a main body unit 51 g (51 g ′) or a main body unit 51h is applied. In FIG. 17, the liquid side connecting pipe La and the gas side connecting pipe Ga are also shown for simplification of the illustration.

In the air-conditioning system 300, as in the air-conditioning system 200, each connecting pipe (La, Ga) extending between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 is branched into a plurality of (largely four in this case) and arranged at the branch destination. A plurality of (4) groups (AD) are formed with respect to the indoor unit 40 to be formed. In the air conditioning system 300, each group AD includes a plurality of indoor units 40.

In FIG. 17, the branch portion BP1 located on the start end side (most outdoor unit 10 side) of each group AD is composed of a branch pipe unit 50 having a main body unit 51 g or a main body unit 51h. In FIG. 17, one shutoff valve 84a is associated with the indoor unit 40 located closest to the outdoor unit 10 side in the group on a one-to-one basis, and is controlled to the closed state to the corresponding indoor unit 40. Interfere with the flow of refrigerant. Further, the other shutoff valve 84a is associated with other indoor units 40 included in the group in a one-to-many manner, and is controlled to a closed state to prevent the flow of the refrigerant to the corresponding indoor unit 40. .. That is, even in the air conditioning system 300, one shutoff valve 84a is shared by the plurality of indoor units 40 in order to shut off the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 40.

When the branch pipe unit 50 is configured and arranged in the manner shown in FIG. 17, when a refrigerant leak occurs in any of the groups AD, each branch portion BP1 corresponding to the group in which the refrigerant leak occurs occurs. By controlling the shutoff valve 84a in the closed state, the amount of leaked refrigerant is suppressed. As a result, even if the shutoff valve 84a is not arranged for each indoor unit 40, it is possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 side to the plurality of indoor units 40 when the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, it is not necessary to dispose the shutoff valve 84a for each indoor unit 40 in relation to the measures against refrigerant leakage, and the increase in the number of shutoff valves 84a is suppressed. Such an effect can be expected especially when the number of indoor units 40 is large as in the air conditioning system 300. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 300, a decrease in workability is particularly suppressed in relation to improving the safety against refrigerant leakage.

Further, in the air conditioning system 300, since the number of indoor units 40 is large, the man-hours would increase significantly if the control valve and the branch pipe were joined at the site at the time of construction. Effort is especially reduced.

Further, in the air conditioning system 300, since the branch pipe unit 50 is arranged for each group, when a refrigerant leak occurs, only the group in which the refrigerant leak occurs is blocked, and the group in which the refrigerant leak does not occur is blocked. Can continue to operate.

In the air conditioning system 300, the shutoff valve 84a is not arranged in the branch portion BP2 closest to the outdoor unit 10, the branch portion BP3 between the branch portion BP2 and the branch portion BP1, and the branch portion BP4-6 in each group. .. That is, in the air conditioning system 300, the branch portion BP2 and the branch portion BP3 are configured by the branch pipe unit 50 having no shutoff valve 84a.

The idea of the air conditioning system 200 described in the above "(8-1) Modification 1" can be applied to the air conditioning system 300 shown in FIG. 17 as long as there is no contradiction.

Further, in FIG. 17, one shutoff valve 84a was associated with the indoor unit 40 located closest to the outdoor unit 10 side in the group on a one-to-one basis, but the shutoff valve 84a is also associated with the other shutoff valve. Similar to 84a, the indoor unit 40 may be associated with one-to-many. Further, the shutoff valve 84a is not always necessary and may be omitted as appropriate.

(8-11) Modification 11
In the above embodiment, the case where the shutoff valve 84 included in the main body unit 51 is a solenoid valve capable of switching the open / closed state has been described. However, the shutoff valve 84 is not necessarily limited to the solenoid valve, and may be another control valve. For example, the shutoff valve 84 may be an electric valve whose opening degree can be adjusted. In such a case, the arrangement mode of the shutoff valve 84 in the main body unit 51 may be the same as that in the above embodiment, or may be appropriately changed.

(8-12) Modification 12
In the above embodiment, in the electrical component unit 52, the electrical component 521 is mounted on the substrate 522. However, the electric component 521 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the substrate 522. For example, the electrical components 521 may be arranged independently within the unit casing 523.

(8-13) Modification 13
In the above embodiment, the electric wire 53 has a longitudinal dimension of 1.2 m. However, the electric wire 53 does not necessarily have to be configured in such a manner, and the dimensions of the electric wire 53 in the longitudinal direction can be appropriately changed. For example, the electric wire 53 may be configured to have a longitudinal dimension of 1 m or 2 m.

Further, from the viewpoint of making it possible to install the main body unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 at a distance of 1 m or more at the construction site and improving the degree of freedom of construction, the dimension in the longitudinal direction is 1.0 m or more. It is preferable that the electric wire 53 is configured as described above. However, the configuration of the electric wire 53 is not necessarily limited to this, and the dimension in the longitudinal direction may be less than 1 m.

(8-14) Modification 14
In the above embodiment, the electrical component unit 52 is provided independently of the main body unit 51 so that it can be freely moved with respect to the main body unit 51. From this point of view, from the viewpoint that the electrical component unit 52 is configured independently of the main body unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 is movable at the site to increase the degree of freedom of construction and to make each unit compact. It is preferable that the electrical component unit 52 is configured in such an embodiment. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the electrical component unit 52 may be integrally configured with the main body unit 51. Even in such a case, the action and effect described in (7-1) above can be realized.

(8-15) Modification 15
Although not particularly described in the above embodiment, the main body unit 51 and a part of the outdoor side connecting pipe and / or the indoor side connecting pipe may be carried to the site and constructed in an integrated state. .. That is, the main body unit 51 and a part of the outdoor side connecting pipe and / or the indoor side connecting pipe may be connected (joined) in advance at a factory or the like.

In particular, in FIG. 3, the outdoor side connecting pipe is curved near the connection portion with the main body unit 51. As described above, when the refrigerant connecting pipe includes the curved portion, the labor required for the construction is particularly reduced by constructing the curved portion in a state of being integrally configured with the main body unit 51 in advance. That is, workability is improved.

In this case, regarding a part of the refrigerant connecting pipe integrated with the main body unit 51, from a different point of view, the components of the main body unit 51 (for example, the first connecting pipe portion 81 and / or the second connecting pipe portion 82) ) Can also be interpreted.

(8-16) Modification 16
Although not particularly described in the above embodiment, the main body unit 51 and the heat insulating material 95 may be carried to the site and constructed in an integrated state. That is, the main body unit 51 may be pre-coated with the heat insulating material 95 at a factory or the like. As a result, the labor required for construction is reduced and the workability is improved. In such a case, the heat insulating material 95 integrated with the main body unit 51 can be interpreted as a component of the main body unit 51 from a different point of view.

The portion connected to the other pipes at the construction site may be covered with the heat insulating material 95 again after being connected to the other pipes.

(8-17) Modification 17
In the above embodiment, the case where the first connecting pipe portion 81 and the branch pipe portion 83 are joined and the second connecting pipe portion 82 and the branch pipe portion 83 are joined with respect to the main body unit 51 has been described. In this regard, any / all of the first connecting pipe portion 81 and each of the second connecting pipe portions 82 may be integrally molded with the branch pipe portion 83.

(8-18) Modification 18
In the above embodiment, regarding the main body unit 51, the case where the first connecting pipe portion 81, the second connecting pipe portion 82, and the branch pipe portion 83 are made of the same copper as the outdoor connecting pipe has been described. However, the materials of the first connection pipe portion 81, the second connection pipe portion 82, the branch pipe portion 83, and the other parts of the main body unit 51 are not particularly limited, and are individually and appropriately selected according to the design specifications and the installation environment. Just do it.

(8-19) Modification 19
In the above embodiment, the case where the main body unit 51 has one for the first connecting pipe portion 81 and two for the second connecting pipe portion 82 has been described. However, the number of the first connecting pipes 81 and the number of the second connecting pipes 82 in the main unit 51 are not necessarily limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the main body unit 51 may have two or more first connection pipe portions 81. Further, the main body unit 51 may have three or more second connection pipe portions 82. That is, the number of branches in the main unit 51 (branch portion BP) is not limited to two and may be three or more.

(8-20) Modification 20
In the above embodiment, the case where the main body unit 51 is installed without being housed in a casing or the like has been described. In this respect, from the viewpoint of promoting compactification, the main body unit 51 is preferably installed in such a manner. However, the installation mode of the main unit 51 is not necessarily limited to this, and may be appropriately selected according to the design specifications and the installation environment. For example, the main body unit 51 may be installed in a state of being housed in a casing.

(8-21) Modification 21
In the above embodiment, the case where the electrical component unit 52 is suspended from the ceiling in the attic space SP by mounting the fixture 90 fixed to the ceiling surface C2 has been described. However, the installation mode of the electrical component unit 52 is not necessarily limited to this, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specifications and the installation environment. For example, the electrical component unit 52 may be installed by being placed on the bottom surface C1 of the ceiling, a beam, or the like, or may be installed by being fixed to a pillar, a wall, or the like.

(8-22) Modification 22
In the above embodiment, as the branch pipe unit 50, the first branch pipe unit 50a is arranged in the liquid side communication circuit RC3a, and the second branch pipe unit 50b is arranged in the gas side communication circuit RC3b. In this regard, in order to achieve the effect of reliably suppressing the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 and reducing the amount of the leaked refrigerant when the refrigerant leaks, the liquid side communication circuit RC3a and the gas side communication circuit RC3b It is preferable that the branch pipe unit 50 (shutoff valve 84) is arranged on both sides. However, the branch pipe unit 50 does not necessarily have to be arranged in both the liquid side connecting circuit RC3a and the gas side connecting circuit RC3b, and may be arranged in only one of them.

For example, by controlling the indoor expansion valve 41 to be closed when the refrigerant leaks, it is possible to shut off the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 via the liquid side communication circuit RC3a. When this is done, the first branch pipe unit 50a (shutoff valve 84) arranged in the liquid side communication circuit RC3a is not always necessary and may be omitted as appropriate.

Further, for example, when a valve capable of blocking the flow of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 of the leak unit via the gas side communication circuit RC3b at the time of refrigerant leakage is separately arranged, such a valve. Is controlled to the closed state, so that the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 via the gas side communication circuit RC3b can be cut off. Therefore, when such control is performed, the gas side The second branch pipe unit 50b (shutoff valve 84) arranged in the communication circuit RC3b is not always necessary and may be omitted as appropriate.

(8-23) Modification 23
The configuration mode of the refrigerant circuit RC in the above embodiment is not necessarily limited to the mode shown in FIG. 1, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specifications and the installation environment. For example, the outdoor first motorized valve 16 is not always necessary and can be omitted as appropriate. Further, for example, the supercooler 15 and the outdoor second motorized valve 17 are not always necessary and may be omitted as appropriate. In addition, equipment not shown in FIG. 1 may be newly added to the refrigerant circuit RC.

(8-24) Modification 24
In the above embodiment, the controller 70 that controls the operation of the air conditioning system 100 is configured by connecting the outdoor unit control unit 30 and the indoor unit control unit 48 of each indoor unit 40 via the communication line cb. .. However, the configuration mode of the controller 70 is not necessarily limited to this, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specifications and the installation environment. That is, the configuration mode of the controller 70 is not particularly limited, and some or all of the elements included in the controller 70 do not necessarily have to be arranged in either the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 40, and other devices. It may be arranged in, or it may be arranged independently.

For example, the controller 70 may be configured by other devices such as a remote controller 65 and a centralized management device instead of / with one or both of the outdoor unit control unit 30 and each indoor unit control unit 48. In such a case, other devices may be arranged in a remote place connected to the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 40 by a communication network.

Further, for example, the controller 70 may be configured only by the outdoor unit control unit 30.

(8-25) Modification 25
In the above embodiment, R32 is used as the refrigerant that circulates in the refrigerant circuit RC. However, the refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit RC is not particularly limited and may be another refrigerant. For example, in the refrigerant circuit RC, HFC-based refrigerants such as R407C and R410A, CO ₂ and ammonia may be used.

(8-26) Modification 26
In the above embodiment, the branch pipe unit 50 has been applied to the air conditioning system 100. However, the branch pipe unit 50 is not limited to this, and can be applied to other refrigerating devices having a refrigerant circuit (for example, a water heater, a heat pump chiller, etc.).

The present invention can be used for refrigerant branching units.

10: Outdoor units 40, 40a, 40b: Indoor units 50, 50': Branch pipe unit (refrigerant branch unit)
50a: First branch pipe unit (refrigerant branch unit)
50b: Second branch pipe unit (refrigerant branch unit)
51, 51ah: Main unit (first part)
52: Electrical component unit (second part)
53: Electric wire 60: Refrigerant leakage sensor 65: Remote control 70: Controller 81: First connection pipe (first connection pipe)
82: Second connection pipe (second connection pipe)
83, 83', 83a: Branch pipe part (branch part)
84, 84a: Shutoff valve (control valve)
90: Fixture 95: Insulation material 100, 200, 300: Air conditioning system 521: Electrical component 522: Board 523: Unit casing (casing)
524: Fixed parts 830, 830a: Branch pipe main body 831: First insertion part 832: Second insertion part 840, 840': Valve main body (valve body)
841: 1st pipe connection (1st end, 3rd end)
842, 842a: Second pipe connection (second end, fourth end)
BP, BP1-6: Branch part BP: Liquid side branch part BPb: Gas side branch part C1: Ceiling back bottom surface C2: Ceiling back top surface G1: First gas side communication pipe (outdoor communication pipe)
G2: 2nd gas side connecting pipe (indoor side connecting pipe)
G3: 3rd gas side connecting pipe (indoor side connecting pipe)
Ga: Gas side connecting pipe L1: First liquid side connecting pipe (outdoor connecting pipe)
L2: Second liquid side connecting pipe (indoor side connecting pipe)
L3: 3rd liquid side connecting pipe (indoor side connecting pipe)
La: Liquid side communication pipe RC: Refrigerant circuit RC1: Outdoor circuit RC2: Indoor circuit RC3: Communication circuit RC3a: Liquid side communication circuit RC3b: Gas side communication circuit SP: Attic space

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-118720

Claims (7)

A plurality of indoor sides having an outdoor unit (10) and a plurality of indoor units (40) connected via refrigerant connecting pipes (Ga, La), and the refrigerant connecting pipe communicating with the corresponding indoor unit. In an air conditioning system (100, 200) including a connecting pipe (L2, L3, G2, G3) and an outdoor connecting pipe (L1, G1) communicating with a plurality of indoor side connecting pipes on the outdoor unit side. A refrigerant branching unit (50, 50') that connects the outdoor side connecting pipe and the plurality of indoor side connecting pipes.
The first connecting pipe (81) communicating with the outdoor communication pipe and
A plurality of second connecting pipes (82) communicating with the corresponding indoor communication pipes,
A branch portion (83, 83a) for communicating the first connecting pipe and the plurality of the second connecting pipes,
A control valve (84, 84a) that is connected to the first connecting pipe and is closed to prevent the flow of the refrigerant.
To prepare
Refrigerant branch unit (50, 50'). A plurality of indoor sides having an outdoor unit (10) and a plurality of indoor units (40) connected via refrigerant connecting pipes (Ga, La), and the refrigerant connecting pipe communicating with the corresponding indoor unit. In the air conditioning system (100, 300) including the connecting pipes (L2, L3, G2, G3) and the outdoor connecting pipes (L1, G1) communicating with the plurality of indoor side connecting pipes on the outdoor unit side. A refrigerant branching unit (50, 50') that connects the outdoor side connecting pipe and the plurality of indoor side connecting pipes.
The first connecting pipe (81) communicating with the outdoor communication pipe and
A plurality of second connecting pipes (82) communicating with the corresponding indoor communication pipes,
A branch portion (83, 83', 83a) for communicating the first connecting pipe and the plurality of the second connecting pipes,
Control valves (84, 84a) that block the flow of refrigerant by being closed,
With
The control valve is connected to the corresponding second connecting pipe.
Refrigerant branch unit (50, 50'). The control valve includes a valve body (840, 840'), one end of the first connecting pipe or the first end (841) connected to the outdoor connecting pipe, and the branch or the first connecting pipe. Includes a second end (842) connected to the other end of the
In the second end portion, the longitudinal direction intersects the longitudinal direction of the first end portion, and in the installed state, the second connecting pipes are lined up along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of each of the second connecting pipes is horizontal. Connected to the branch or the other end of the first connecting pipe so as to extend along the direction.
The refrigerant branching unit (50, 50') according to claim 1. The control valve includes a valve body (840, 840'), a third end portion (841) connected to one end of the second connecting pipe or the branch portion, and the indoor side connecting pipe or the second connecting pipe. Includes a fourth end (842) connected to the other end of the
In the fourth end portion, the longitudinal direction intersects the longitudinal direction of the third end portion, and in the installed state, the second connecting pipes are lined up along the horizontal direction, and the longitudinal direction of the second connecting pipe is horizontal. It is connected to the other end of the indoor side connecting pipe or the second connecting pipe so as to extend along the direction.
The refrigerant branching unit (50, 50') according to claim 2. The first connecting pipe, a plurality of the second connecting pipes, the branch portion, and the control valve are included in the first component (51, 51ah).
A second component (52) including a substrate (522) on which an electrical component (521) for controlling the state of the control valve is mounted, and
An electric wire (53) connecting the control valve and the substrate,
With more
The second component is provided independently of the first component so that it can be freely moved with respect to the first component.
The refrigerant branching unit (50, 50') according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The second component has a casing (523) that houses the substrate.
The refrigerant branching unit (50, 50') according to claim 5. The electric wire has a longitudinal dimension of 1 m or more.
The refrigerant branching unit (50, 50') according to claim 5 or 6.

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