JP2023030408A - Shut-off valve device and air conditioning device - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance the degree of freedom of installation of a shut-off valve device.SOLUTION: A shut-off valve device is provided in a liquid communication pipe 11 and a gas communication pipe 14 connecting an outdoor unit 110 and an indoor unit 120 of an air conditioner 100, and includes a first unit 72, and a second unit 73 separated from the first unit 72. The first unit 72 comprises: a first refrigerant pipe P11 connected to the liquid communication pipe 11; a first shut-off valve EV5 provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11, and switching between a circulation and a shut-off of a refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe P11; and a first casing 30 housing the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the first shut-off valve EV5. The second unit 73 comprises: a second refrigerant pipe P12 connected to the gas communication pipe 14; a second shut-off valve EV6 provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12, and switching between a circulation and a shut-off of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe P12; and a second casing 40 housing the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shut-off valve EV6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to a shutoff valve device and an air conditioner.

Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning unit that has a user side unit and a heat source side unit and performs indoor air conditioning, a refrigerant sensor that detects refrigerant leakage, and a safety device that operates when the refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant sensor. An air conditioning system is disclosed. This air conditioning system has a shutoff valve device as a safety device. The shut-off valve device includes a liquid-side shut-off valve and a gas-side shut-off valve respectively provided in the liquid refrigerant communication pipe and the gas refrigerant communication pipe that connect the heat source side unit and the user side unit. When refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant sensor, the liquid-side shutoff valve and the gas-side shutoff valve are closed to suppress further leakage of refrigerant from the user-side unit.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-14961

In the air conditioning system disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is desired that the cutoff valve device be arranged as close to the user-side unit as possible in order to suppress the amount of refrigerant leakage from the user-side unit. However, depending on the installation site, it may not be possible to secure a sufficient installation space around the user-side unit, and the place to install the cutoff valve device may be limited to a place away from the user-side unit.

An object of the present disclosure is to increase the degree of freedom in installing a shutoff valve device in view of the above circumstances.

(1) The shut-off valve device of the present disclosure is
A shutoff valve device provided in a liquid communication pipe and a gas communication pipe that connect an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of an air conditioner,
including a first unit and a second unit separate from the first unit,
The first unit includes a first refrigerant pipe connected to the liquid communication pipe, a first cutoff valve provided in the first refrigerant pipe for switching between circulation and cutoff of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe, and the first refrigerant pipe. 1 refrigerant pipe and a first casing that houses the first shutoff valve,
The second unit includes: a second refrigerant pipe connected to the gas communication pipe; a second cutoff valve provided in the second refrigerant pipe for switching between flow and cutoff of refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe; and a second casing housing two refrigerant pipes and the second shutoff valve.

According to this configuration, the shut-off valve device includes the first unit and the second unit separate from the first unit, and is divided into the first unit and the second unit. can be made smaller. Therefore, the shut-off valve device can be installed in a narrower place than before, such as near the indoor unit, and the degree of freedom in installation of the shut-off valve device can be increased.

(2) Preferably, the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are connected to liquid-side and gas-side connection ports of the indoor unit, respectively.
According to this configuration, the first unit and the second unit can be installed close to the indoor unit.

(3) Preferably, the shut-off valve device includes an electrical component box containing a control device for controlling the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve,
The electrical component box is attached to one of the first unit and the second unit.
According to this configuration, since the electric component box is attached to one of the first and second units, the first unit and the second unit can be installed separately.

(4) Preferably, the electrical component box is attached to the first unit.
According to this configuration, the first refrigerant pipe through which the liquid refrigerant flows is thinner and lighter than the second refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant flows. Lightweight. By attaching the electrical component box to the lighter first unit, it is possible to suppress an increase in the weight difference between the first unit and the second unit.

(5) Preferably, the shut-off valve device includes a first electrical component box that houses a first control device that controls the first shut-off valve, and a second control device that controls the second shut-off valve. and a second electrical component box, wherein the first electrical component box is attached to the first unit, and the second electrical component box is attached to the second unit.
According to this configuration, the first unit and the second unit can be individually installed by attaching the first and second electrical component boxes to the first and second units, respectively.

(6) Preferably, the first unit and the second unit are supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, respectively.
According to this configuration, since the shutoff valve device is divided into the first unit and the second unit, the weight of each unit can be reduced. It can be supported by other refrigerant pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe without being lowered and supported. Therefore, the support structure of the shutoff valve device can be simplified.

(7) Preferably, the first casing and the second casing have casing bodies made of synthetic resin.
With this configuration, the weight of the first unit and the second unit can be reduced.

(8) Preferably, electrical wiring drawn out from the first unit and the second unit is connected to a control device provided in the indoor unit.
According to this configuration, since the shutoff valve device is divided into the first unit and the second unit, it is easy to install them near the indoor unit. It is also possible to connect the electric wiring to the control device of the indoor unit, and the control of the first cutoff valve and the second cutoff valve can be performed by the control device of the indoor unit.

(9) The air conditioner of the present disclosure is
outdoor unit and
indoor unit and
a liquid communication pipe and a gas communication pipe provided between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and forming a refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit;
and the shutoff valve device according to any one of the above (1) to (7) provided in the liquid communication pipe and the gas communication pipe.

1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. It is a perspective view of a shut-off valve device. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the casing of the cut-off valve apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the valve of a shut-off valve apparatus, and a refrigerant pipe. It is a schematic side view which shows the installation state of a shut-off valve apparatus. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of attachment of an electrical component box to a casing; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of attachment of an electrical component box to a casing; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of attachment of an electrical component box to a casing; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of attachment of an electrical component box to a casing;

Hereinafter, the shut-off valve device and air conditioner of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is indicated by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner]
FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The air conditioner 100 cools and heats the air-conditioned space by performing vapor compression refrigeration cycle operation. The air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 110 as a heat source unit, an indoor unit 120 as a utilization unit, and a cutoff valve device 71 provided between the outdoor unit 110 and the indoor unit 120 . In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, a plurality of indoor units 120 are connected to one outdoor unit 110 via the liquid communication pipe 11 and the gas communication pipe 14 . The liquid communication pipe 11 and the gas communication pipe 14 are branched into a plurality corresponding to the plurality of indoor units 120 .

In the air conditioner 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of indoor units 120 can perform only cooling operation at the same time or only heating operation at the same time. When the air conditioner 100 performs cooling operation, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid connection pipe 11 from the outdoor unit 110 toward the indoor unit 120, and flows through the gas connection pipe 14 from the indoor unit 120 toward the outdoor unit 110. Low pressure gas refrigerant flows. When the air conditioner 100 performs heating operation, a high-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the gas communication pipe 14 from the outdoor unit 110 toward the indoor unit 120, and flows through the liquid communication pipe 11 from the indoor unit 120 toward the outdoor unit 110. High pressure liquid refrigerant flows.

The outdoor unit 110 is provided with a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a four-way switching valve, etc., which constitute a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit in the outdoor unit 110 is connected to the refrigerant circuit of the indoor unit 120 via the liquid communication pipe 11 and the gas communication pipe 14 .

A refrigerant circuit having an indoor heat exchanger 52 and an indoor fan 53 are provided in the indoor unit 120 . A liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 52 is connected to one end of the liquid pipe 54 . A gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger 52 is connected to one end of a gas pipe 55 . The other ends of the liquid pipe 54 and the gas pipe 55 form a joint portion (connection port) T3 (see FIG. 5) for connecting other pipes. The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat with the airflow generated by the indoor fan 53 and is discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 52 . The indoor fan 53 generates an airflow that flows into the indoor unit 120 from the indoor space, passes through the indoor heat exchanger 52, and then flows out into the indoor space.

The shutoff valve device 71 is provided in the liquid communication pipe 11 and the gas communication pipe 14 and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 100 . The shutoff valve device 71 is provided to prevent further refrigerant leakage by shutting off the flow of refrigerant to the indoor unit 120 when cooling leakage occurs in the indoor unit 120 . A refrigerant sensor (not shown) for detecting refrigerant leakage is provided in the indoor unit 120 or in the room. , EV6 are configured to be closed.

The shut-off valve device 71 has a first unit 72 and a second unit 73 . The first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are configured separately.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing valves and refrigerant pipes of the shut-off valve device.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first unit 72 has a first cutoff valve EV5 and a first refrigerant pipe P11. The first refrigerant pipe P<b>11 is connected to the liquid communication pipe 11 . The first refrigerant pipe P<b>11 constitutes a part of the liquid communication pipe 11 by being connected to the liquid communication pipe 11 .

The first shutoff valve EV5 is provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11. The first shutoff valve EV5 is composed of an electric valve or an electromagnetic valve, and its opening degree can be adjusted. However, the first cutoff valve EV5 may be an on-off valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. Since the first shutoff valve EV5 of the present embodiment is also used as an expansion valve that decompresses the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 52 during the cooling operation, an electrically operated valve whose degree of opening can be adjusted is employed.

The second unit 73 has a second cutoff valve EV6 and a second refrigerant pipe P12. The second refrigerant pipe P<b>12 is connected to the gas communication pipe 14 . The second refrigerant pipe P<b>12 constitutes a part of the gas communication pipe 14 by being connected to the gas communication pipe 14 .

The second cutoff valve EV6 is provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12. The second shutoff valve EV6 is configured by an electric valve or an electromagnetic valve, and is adjustable in opening degree. However, the second cutoff valve EV6 may be an on-off valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. Both ends of the second refrigerant pipe P12 extend in the left-right direction X, and a portion between the ends is bent in a substantially Z shape. As a result, the second refrigerant pipe P12 is downsized while ensuring a sufficient length.

[Operation of air conditioner]
A case where one or more indoor units 120 perform cooling and a case where one or more indoor units 120 perform heating by the air conditioner 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. 7 .

(cooling operation)
In cooling operation, the degree of opening of the first shutoff valve EV5 is adjusted, and the second shutoff valve EV6 is fully opened. In the cooling operation, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 110 into the liquid communication pipe 11 and flows into the indoor unit 120 through the first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72 and the first shutoff valve EV5. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit 120 is decompressed by the first cutoff valve EV5.

The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit 120 evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 52 to cool the room. The evaporated low-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the gas pipe 55 through the second refrigerant pipe P12 of the second unit 73 and the second cutoff valve EV6, flows into the gas communication pipe 14, and returns to the outdoor unit 110.

(Regarding heating operation)
In heating operation, the first cutoff valve EV5 and the second cutoff valve EV6 are fully opened. In heating operation, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 110 into the gas communication pipe 14, flows through the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6 of the second unit 73, and flows into the gas pipe 55 of the indoor unit 120. .

The refrigerant that has flowed into the gas pipe 55 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 52 of the indoor unit 120 and is condensed to heat the room. The condensed liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid pipe 54 , the first refrigerant pipe P<b>11 of the first unit 72 , and the first cutoff valve EV<b>5 , flows into the liquid communication pipe 11 , and returns to the outdoor unit 110 .

[Specific Configuration of Shutoff Valve Device]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shut-off valve device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the casing of the cutoff valve device is opened.
The shutoff valve device 71 has a first unit 72 , a second unit 73 and an electrical component box 80 . The first unit 72 includes a first cutoff valve EV5, a first refrigerant pipe P11, and a first casing 30 that houses them. The second unit 73 includes a second cutoff valve EV6, a second refrigerant pipe P12, and a second casing 40 that houses them.

The first casing 30 has a casing body 31 . The casing main body 31 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box having a space inside. The first shutoff valve EV5 and the first refrigerant pipe P11 are housed in the casing main body 31 .

The casing body 31 has a bottom plate 32, a top plate 33, and side plates 34-37. The bottom plate 32 and the top plate 33 are formed in a quadrangular shape in plan view. Side plates 34 to 37 connect four sides of bottom plate 32 and four sides of top plate 33 . The side plates 34 to 37 are composed of a first side plate 34 and a second side plate 35 arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (first direction) X, a third side plate 36 arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction Y, and a side plate 36 arranged on the rear side. and a fourth side plate 37 .

The second casing 40 has a casing body 41 . The casing main body 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box having a space inside. The second cutoff valve EV6 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 are housed in the casing main body 41 .

The casing main body 41 has a bottom plate 42, a top plate 43, and side plates 44-47. The bottom plate 42 and the top plate 43 are formed in a quadrangular shape in plan view. Side plates 44 to 47 connect four sides of bottom plate 42 and four sides of top plate 43 . The side plates 44 to 47 include a first side plate 44 and a second side plate 45 arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (first direction) X, a third side plate 46 arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction Y, and a side plate 46 arranged on the rear side. and a fourth side plate 47 .

The first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72 extends in the left-right direction X, penetrates the first and second side plates 34 and 35 of the casing main body 31, and protrudes to the outside. Both ends of the second refrigerant pipe P12 of the second unit 73 extend in the left-right direction X, pass through the first and second side plates 44 and 45 of the casing main body 41, and protrude to the outside.

The casing main bodies 31 and 41 of the first and second casings 30 and 40 are made of synthetic resin and form exteriors of the first and second casings 30 and 40 . Therefore, the first and second casings 30, 40 are lighter than conventional casings having sheet metal exteriors. Specifically, the casing bodies 31 and 41 are made of foamed resin such as foamed polystyrene.

A casing main body 31 of the first casing 30 is composed of a lower member 31A and an upper member 31B and divided into upper and lower parts. The lower member 31A is composed of a bottom plate 32, portions (first portions) 34A and 35A of first and second side plates 34 and 35, and third and fourth side plates 36 and 37, respectively. The upper member 31B is composed of an upper plate 33 and other portions (second portions) 34B and 35B of the first and second side plates 34 and 35, respectively. The first and second side plates 34 and 35 are divided into first portions 34A and 35A and second portions 34B and 35B at a portion through which the first refrigerant pipe P11 penetrates. The third and fourth side plates 36, 37 may be divided into the lower member 31A and the upper member 31B.

A casing main body 41 of the second casing 40 is composed of a lower member 41A and an upper member 41B and divided into upper and lower parts. The lower member 41A is composed of a bottom plate 42, portions (first portions) 44A and 45A of first and second side plates 44 and 45, and third and fourth side plates 46 and 47, respectively. The upper member 41B is composed of an upper plate 43 and other portions (second portions) 44B and 45B of the first and second side plates 44 and 45, respectively. The first and second side plates 44 and 45 are divided into first portions 44A and 45A and second portions 44B and 45B at a portion through which the second refrigerant pipe P12 penetrates. The third and fourth side plates 46, 47 may be divided into the lower member 41A and the upper member 41B.

The lower members 31A, 41A and the upper members 31B, 41B are held in a connected state by fitting the parts that are abutted against each other. For example, the upper edges of the lower members 31A and 41A are formed in a convex shape, the lower edges of the upper members 31B and 41B are formed in a concave shape, and the upper edges of the lower members 31A and 41A and the lower edges of the upper members 31B and 41B are formed in a concave shape. The edge can be connected by a concave-convex fit. However, the lower members 31A, 41A and the upper members 31B, 41B may be kept connected by an adhesive tape, glue, binding tool, or the like.

In the first unit 72, an elastic member 29 is wound around the portion of the first refrigerant pipe P11 that penetrates the first and second side plates 34, 35. As shown in FIG. The elastic member 29 is made of a heat insulating material and has a function of insulating the inside of the casing body 31 from the outside. The elastic member 29 is compressed by being sandwiched between the first portions 34A and 35A and the second portions 34B and 35B of the first and second side plates 34 and 35, respectively. Therefore, the elastic member 29 is the first portion 34A, 35A and the second portion 34B, 35B of the first and second side plates 34, 35 made of foamed resin material. It has a function of suppressing deformation of the first portions 34A, 35A and the second portions 34B, 35B.

In the second unit 73, the elastic member 29 is wound around the portion of the second refrigerant pipe P12 that penetrates the first and second side plates 44, 45. As shown in FIG. The elastic member 29 is made of a heat insulating material and has a function of insulating the inside of the casing body 31 from the outside. The elastic member 29 is compressed by being sandwiched between the first portions 44A, 45A and the second portions 44B, 45B of the first and second side plates 44, 45. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the elastic member 29 is the first portion 44A, 45A and the second portion 44B, 45B of the first and second side plates 44, 45 made of foamed resin material. It has a function of suppressing deformation of the first portions 44A, 45A and the second portions 44B, 45B.

The shut-off valve device 71 of this embodiment has a first unit 72 and a second unit 73 separate from the first unit 72 . The first unit 72 houses a first refrigerant pipe P11 connected to the liquid communication pipe 11, a first shutoff valve EV5 provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11, the first refrigerant pipe P11, and the first shutoff valve EV5. A first casing 30 is provided. The second unit 73 accommodates a second refrigerant pipe P12 connected to the gas communication pipe 14, a second shutoff valve EV6 provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12, the second refrigerant pipe P12, and the second shutoff valve EV6. A second casing 40 is provided. As described above, the cutoff valve device 71 is divided into the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, so that each unit 72, 73 can be made smaller. Therefore, the degree of freedom in installing the shut-off valve device 71 can be increased, and the shut-off valve device 71 can be installed in a narrower place than conventionally.

In the shut-off valve device 71 of this embodiment, the casing main bodies 31, 41 are divided into the lower members 31A, 41A and the upper members 31B, 41B, so the upper members 31B, 41B are removed from the lower members 31A, 41A. As a result, the first and second shutoff valves EV5 and EV6 and the first and second refrigerant pipes P11 and P12 can be exposed, and maintenance of these can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the electrical component box 80 is attached to the first casing 30 of the first unit 72 . Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the third side plate 36 of the casing main body 31 . The electrical component box 80 accommodates a control board (control device) for controlling the first and second cutoff valves EV5 and EV6. This control board and the first and second cutoff valves EV5 and EV6 are connected by harnesses (electric wiring).

The electrical component box 80 may be attached to the second casing 40 of the second unit 73 . However, since the thickness and length of the first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72 are smaller than the thickness and length of the second refrigerant pipe P12 of the second unit 73 and are lighter, the electrical component box 80 is attached. Even so, the overall weight is not that great. Therefore, it is more preferable to attach the electrical component box 80 to the first unit 72 in order to balance the weights of the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 .

[Installation of refrigerant circuit unit]
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing an installed state of the shutoff valve device.
The shutoff valve device 71 is housed in a space S behind the ceiling of the room (above the ceiling 140). In the shutoff valve device 71, one end T2 of each of the first and second refrigerant pipes P11 and P12 is connected to one end T4 of the liquid connecting pipe 11 and the gas connecting pipe 14, respectively. The end T1 is connected to one end (liquid side and gas side connection port) T3 of the liquid pipe 54 and the gas pipe 55 of the indoor unit 120 . The ends T1 to T4 of each tube form joints for connecting other tubes.

The liquid communication pipe 11, the gas communication pipe 14, and the indoor unit 120 are attached to suspension bolts 131 suspended from the frame 141 or the like of the building. The first and second casings 30, 40 (casing main bodies 31, 41) of the cutoff valve device 71 are made of synthetic resin and are lighter than conventional ones. However, it can be supported by other pipes 11 and 14 attached to hanging bolts 131 and the indoor unit 120 . Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of support parts for the cutoff valve device 71, and to increase the degree of freedom in installation.

When the shut-off valve device 71 is directly connected to the liquid-side and gas-side connection ports T3 of the indoor unit 120, the distance between the shut-off valve device 71 and the indoor unit 120 is the shortest, so refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 120. By closing the first and second shut-off valves EV5 and EV6 when this occurs, the amount of refrigerant that leaks can be suitably suppressed. The first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are separate units and can be arranged separately. Even in such a case, they can be connected to the connection port T3 on the liquid side and the connection port T3 on the gas side, respectively. However, the shutoff valve device 71 may be connected to the connection port T3 of the indoor unit 120 via another pipe.

[Installation example of electrical component box]
6 to 9 are cross-sectional views showing examples of attachment of the electrical component box to the casing.
In the example shown in FIG. 6, a hook 81 is provided on the upper part of the electrical component box 80, and this hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed in the upper end of the third side plate 36 of the casing main body 31 of the first casing 30, An electrical component box 80 is hooked on the third side plate 36 . A convex portion 82 protruding toward the electrical component box 80 is formed on the lower portion of the third side plate 36, and the convex portion 82 abuts against the lower side surface of the electrical component box 80, thereby maintaining the posture of the electrical component box 80. there is The hook 81 is made of metal like the electrical component box 80 .

The groove 86 and the protrusion 82 are also formed in the fourth side plate 37 , and the electrical component box 80 can be attached to the fourth side plate 37 as well. As shown in FIG. 3 , the side plates 46 and 47 of the casing main body 41 of the second casing 40 are also formed with grooves 86 and projections 82 . Therefore, the electrical component box 80 can be attached to the second casing 40 as well.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, a hook 81 is provided on the top of the electrical component box 80, and this hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed in the upper end of the third side plate 36 of the casing main body 31, so that the electrical component box 80 is It is hooked on the third side plate 36 . A metal support plate 83 protruding toward the electrical component box 80 is provided below the third side plate 36 . The electrical component box 80 is placed on a support plate (support member) 83 . The casing main body 31 is molded with the support plate 83 embedded therein.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, a hook 81 is provided on the upper portion of the electrical component box 80. The hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed in the upper end of the upper member 31B of the casing main body 31, and the electrical component box 80 is placed on the upper side. It is hooked on the member 31B. A support plate 83 projecting toward the electrical component box 80 is provided at the lower portion of the third side plate 36 . The electrical component box 80 is placed on a support plate 83 . In the example shown in FIG. 8, the support plate 83 may be omitted, and similarly to the example shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, a metal back plate (support member) 84 is provided on the inner surface of the third side plate 36, and a metal screw (support member) 85 inserted into the back plate 84 is attached to the electrical component box. It is screwed to 80. A support plate 83 projecting toward the electrical component box 80 is provided at the lower portion of the third side plate 36 . The electrical component box 80 is placed on a support plate 83 . In the example shown in FIG. 9, the support plate 83 may be omitted.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the lower member 31A of the casing body 31, so the upper member 31B is removed while the electrical component box 80 is attached to the lower member 31A. and maintainability can be improved. Since the electrical component box 80 is attached to the lower member 31A of the casing main body 31, the load of the electrical component box 80 is not applied to the portion of the lower member 31A through which the refrigerant pipe penetrates, thereby suppressing deformation of the lower member 31A. can do.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the weight of the electrical component box 80 can be borne by both the lower member 31A and the upper member 31B. Therefore, each deformation can be suppressed. By making the upper member 31B bear the weight of the electrical component box 80, the upper member 31B can be pressed against the lower member 31A in a closing direction, and the sealing performance between the lower member 31A and the upper member 31B can be improved. can be enhanced.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the first casing 30 includes a synthetic resin casing body 31 and metal support members (support plate 83, back plate 84, screws 85). Since the main part of the first casing 30 is composed of the lightweight casing main body 31, the overall weight of the casing can be reduced as compared with the conventional one. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first casing 30 is composed only of the casing main body 31 and is entirely made of synthetic resin, so that the weight of the first casing 30 can be further reduced.

The shutoff valve device 71 may not include the electrical component box 80, and the controller of the indoor unit 120 may control the first and second shutoff valves EV5 and EV6. In this case, harnesses extending from the first and second shutoff valves EV5 and EV6 are connected to the control device of the indoor unit 120 . As described above, the first and second units 72 and 73 of the shut-off valve device 71 can be downsized and can be easily installed near the indoor unit 120 as shown in FIG. It is also possible to easily connect the harnesses of the first and second cutoff valves EV5 and EV6 to the control device.

[Other embodiments]
In the shut-off valve device 71 of the above embodiment, the control board (control device) for controlling the first and second shut-off valves EV5 and EV6 is accommodated in one electrical component box 80, and this electrical component box 80 is the first It was attached to the unit 72 or the second unit 73 . However, the shutoff valve device 71 includes a first electrical component box containing a first control board (first control device) that controls the first shutoff valve EV5 and a second control board (first control device) that controls the second shutoff valve EV6. second control device), the first electrical component box is attached to the first unit 72, and the second electrical component box is attached to the second unit 73. may Since the first and second electrical component boxes are attached to the first and second units 72 and 73, respectively, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed individually.

In the above case, the first control board and the second control board are preferably connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. In this case, when a refrigerant leak is detected, the first control board and the second control board communicate with each other to cooperate (simultaneously or , with a predetermined time lag).

[Action and effect of the embodiment]
(1) In the above embodiment, the shut-off valve device 71 includes the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 separate from the first unit 72, and the first unit 72 is connected to the liquid communication pipe 11. a first refrigerant pipe P11, a first shutoff valve EV5 provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11 for switching between circulation and shutoff of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe P11, and the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the first shutoff valve EV5. The second unit 73 includes a second refrigerant pipe P12 connected to the gas communication pipe 14, and a second refrigerant pipe P12 provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12 for circulating the refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe P12. and a second shutoff valve EV6 that switches between and shutoff, and a second casing 40 that houses the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6. Therefore, the first and second units 72 and 73 can be downsized, respectively, and can be installed in a narrower place than before, such as near the indoor unit 120 . Therefore, the degree of freedom in installing the cutoff valve device 71 can be increased.

(2) In the above embodiment, the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 are connected to the liquid-side and gas-side connection ports T3 of the indoor unit 120, respectively. Thereby, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed close to the indoor unit 120 . Therefore, the amount of refrigerant existing between the first and second shutoff valves EV5 and EV6 to the indoor unit 120 is reduced, and when the refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 120, the first and second shutoff valves EV5 and EV6 are closed. Thus, refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit 120 can be suppressed.

(3) In the above embodiment, the electrical component box 80 that houses the control device for controlling the first shutoff valve EV5 and the second shutoff valve EV6 is provided, and the electrical component box 80 is connected to the first unit 72 and the second unit 73. attached to one side. By attaching the electrical component box 80 to one of the first and second units 72 and 73 in this way, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed individually.

(4) In the above embodiment, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the first unit 72 . Since the first refrigerant pipe P11 through which the liquid refrigerant flows is thinner and lighter than the second refrigerant pipe P12 through which the gas refrigerant flows, the first unit 72 including the first refrigerant pipe P11 is lighter than the second unit 73. becomes. By attaching the electrical component box 80 to the lighter first unit 72, it is possible to suppress the weight difference between the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 from increasing.

(5) In the other embodiment described above, the first electrical component box housing the first control device that controls the first shutoff valve EV5 and the second control device housing the second control device that controls the second shutoff valve EV6 The first electrical component box is attached to the first unit 72 and the second electrical component box is attached to the second unit 73 . Since the first and second electrical component boxes are attached to the first and second units 72 and 73, respectively, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed individually.

(6) In the above embodiment, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12, respectively. Since the shutoff valve device 71 is divided into the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, the weight of each unit can be reduced. It can be supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 without being supported by the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12. Therefore, the support structure of the cutoff valve device 71 can be simplified.

(7) In the above embodiment, the first casing 30 and the second casing 40 have casing main bodies 31, 41 made of synthetic resin. Therefore, the weight of the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be reduced.

(8) In the above embodiment, the electrical wiring drawn out from the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 is connected to the controller provided in the indoor unit 120 . Since the shut-off valve device 71 is divided into the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, it is easy to install them near the indoor unit 120, and the It also becomes easier to connect the harness to the controller of the indoor unit 120 . Therefore, the control device of the indoor unit 120 can control the first shutoff valve EV5 and the second shutoff valve EV6.

[Other Modifications]
The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

The casing main bodies 31 and 41 constituting the first and second casings 30 and 40 of the cutoff valve device 71 are made of a material other than foamed resin, preferably a heat insulating material lighter than metal (for example, glass wool, etc.). material). The first and second casings 30, 40 may be made of sheet metal.

In addition to the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, the shut-off valve device 71 may include other separate units having shut-off valves and refrigerant pipes.

11 : Liquid connecting pipe 14 : Gas connecting pipe 30 : First casing 31 : Casing body 40 : Second casing 41 : Casing body 71 : Shutoff valve device 72 : First unit 73 : Second unit 80 : Electrical component box 100 : Air conditioner 110: Outdoor unit 120: Indoor unit EV5: First cutoff valve EV6: Second cutoff valve P11: First refrigerant pipe P12: Second refrigerant pipe

Claims (9)

A shut-off valve device provided in a liquid communication pipe (11) and a gas communication pipe (14) connecting an outdoor unit (110) and an indoor unit (120) of an air conditioner (100),
including a first unit (72) and a second unit (73) separate from the first unit (72),
The first unit (72) includes a first refrigerant pipe (P11) connected to the liquid communication pipe (11), and a refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe (P11) provided in the first refrigerant pipe (P11). A first shutoff valve (EV5) that switches between the flow and shutoff of the, and a first casing (30) that houses the first refrigerant pipe (P11) and the first shutoff valve (EV5),
The second unit (73) includes a second refrigerant pipe (P12) connected to the gas communication pipe (14), and a refrigerant pipe (P12) provided in the second refrigerant pipe (P12). a second shutoff valve (EV6) that switches between the flow and shutoff of the refrigerant; and a second casing (40) that houses the second refrigerant pipe (P12) and the second shutoff valve (EV6). valve device. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the first refrigerant pipe (P11) and the second refrigerant pipe (P12) are respectively connected to liquid-side and gas-side connection ports (T3) of the indoor unit (120). valve device. An electrical component box (80) containing a control device for controlling the first shutoff valve (EV5) and the second shutoff valve (EV6),
3. A shut-off valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said electrical component box (80) is attached to one of said first unit (72) and said second unit (73). 4. The isolation valve device of claim 3, wherein the electrical box (80) is attached to the first unit (72). A first electrical component box containing a first control device for controlling the first cutoff valve (EV5), and a second electrical component box containing a second control device for controlling the second cutoff valve (EV6). and
3. Isolation valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrical component box is attached to the first unit (72) and the second electrical component box is attached to the second unit (73). Claim 1, wherein said first unit (72) and said second unit (73) are supported by other pipes respectively connected to said first refrigerant pipe (P11) and said second refrigerant pipe (P12). 6. The shut-off valve device according to any one of 1 to 5. The shut-off valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first casing (30) and the second casing (40) have casing bodies (31, 41) made of synthetic resin. . 3. The shut-off valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein electrical wiring drawn from the first unit (72) and the second unit (73) is connected to a control device provided in the indoor unit (120). Device. an outdoor unit (110);
an indoor unit (120);
a liquid communication pipe (11) provided between the outdoor unit (110) and the indoor unit (120) and forming a flow path for a refrigerant between the outdoor unit (110) and the indoor unit (120); a gas communication pipe (14);
and the shutoff valve device (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is provided in the liquid communication pipe (11) and the gas communication pipe (14).

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