JP3386780B2 - Refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a gas detection sensor for detecting a leak of flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a refrigerant for a refrigeration cycle device such as a refrigerator or an air conditioner, a hydrocarbon refrigerant having a zero ozone depletion potential and a zero global warming potential is used as compared with conventional refrigerants from the viewpoint of protecting the global environment. Has been done. However, hydrocarbon refrigerants have the drawback of being flammable, and when using hydrocarbon refrigerants in refrigeration cycle devices, a safety device for flammability is provided by detecting leakage of hydrocarbon refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle device to the outside. Refrigeration cycle devices have been proposed.

For example, when leakage is detected by a leak sensor for a flammable refrigerant provided outside the refrigeration cycle apparatus, JP-A-6-180166 and JP-A-8-166171 disclose that the flammable refrigerant is stored outside the air conditioner. Collect it in a unit,
Further, JP-A-8-178481 and JP-A-8-24
Japanese Patent No. 7646 discloses means for stopping the operation of the compressor of the refrigerator.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator for a hydrocarbon refrigerant, which is one of conventional refrigeration cycle apparatuses, will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a conventional refrigerator. 1 is a main body of a refrigerator, 2 is a heat insulating box, 3 is an outer box made of steel plate,
Reference numeral 4 denotes an inner box made of ABS or PS, 5 a heat insulating material made of urethane or the like, and 6 a door provided on the heat insulating box 2.

A machine room 7 is installed in the lower rear part of the main body 1, an evaporator 8 is installed on the back side of the inner box 4, and a compressor 9 is installed in the machine room 7. A lubricating oil 10 is installed in the compressor 9. It is included. Further, the compressor 9 is connected to the condenser 11, the expansion device 12, and the evaporator 8 sequentially in an annular shape to form a refrigeration cycle, and a hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is enclosed in the refrigeration cycle, and the refrigeration cycle is supplied from the power outlet 14. It is designed to supply electricity.

FIG. 10 is a simple electrical connection diagram of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 9. Reference numerals 15 and 16 are gas detection sensors, 18 is a gas detection control box, and 19 is a power relay.

The operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus configured as described above will be described below. Power outlet 1
When the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from 4, the combustible hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 and becomes high temperature and high pressure, and the condenser 11 exchanges heat with the outside air to be condensed and liquefied. Next, the expansion device 12 reduces the temperature to a low pressure and vaporizes it in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to squeeze the refrigeration cycle and circulate the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

Here, when the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator for some reason such as a crack in the pipe due to vibration, the gas detection sensor 15,
16 detects the hydrocarbon refrigerant, and the gas detection control box 18 operates the power relay 19 by the signals of the gas detection sensors 15 and 16 to stop the supply of electricity from the power outlet 14.

The system used as a sensor for detecting the leakage of such a flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant is generally a catalytic combustion type or a semiconductor type, and is a relatively inexpensive gas detector. The catalytic combustion type detection principle utilizes the amount of heat generated by the resistance change of the platinum wire coil when combustible gas burns on the oxidation catalyst.The main feature is that the output from the sensor is the gas up to the lower explosion limit concentration. It is almost proportional to the concentration, and is not easily affected by temperature and humidity in the operating environment.
It also has features such as excellent accuracy and reproducibility. On the other hand, the semiconductor-type detection principle utilizes the resistance change that occurs when a metal oxide semiconductor comes into contact with gas, and its main feature is that the sensor output in the low concentration range is large and the concentration is high, and flammable gas In addition to being able to detect various gases such as toxic gases, it has a strong resistance to relatively harsh environments.

[0011]

However, in the above structure, when silicon adheres to the dust detection sensor, it becomes a solid oxide such as SO _{2 on} the surface of the gas detection sensor and covers the catalyst surface. The catalytic activity is lowered and the sensitivity of the detection sensor is lowered. On the other hand, when sulfide adheres to the gas detection sensor, it acts as a catalyst poison on the platinum-based catalyst and may corrode especially when the humidity is high. If the sulfide contained in the exhaust gas adheres to the gas detection sensor, the sensitivity will decrease, and there is a possibility that it may not be able to fulfill its original role of avoiding danger by detecting leakage of hydrocarbon refrigerant. It was

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and does not include silicon that reduces the sensitivity of the gas detection sensor in the lubricating oil, and silicon or sulfide adheres to the gas detection sensor and cannot be detected. Even if it happens, it will be possible to replace it with a new gas detection sensor, and even if it is in an environment where silicon or sulfide is present, by attaching a filter to prevent it from adhering to the gas detection sensor. By using a gas detection sensor of a type that is not affected by silicon or sulfide, the purpose is to normally detect the leakage of hydrocarbon refrigerant and operate the safety device.

[0013]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention as set forth in claim 1 uses a lubricating oil which does not contain silicon, whereby a catalytic combustion type or a semiconductor type which is weak against silicon is used. Even a gas detection sensor of such a system can be used for a refrigeration cycle device using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

A second aspect of the present invention is provided to solve the above problems.
In the present invention described in 1, the sensor part for detecting hydrocarbons is made detachable, and even if the gas detection sensor is disabled by silicon or sulfide, it can be replaced with a new gas detection sensor to replace silicon or sulfide. Even a weak gas detection sensor can be used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, a third aspect of the present invention is provided.
In the present invention described in 1, a sensor unit for detecting hydrocarbons is provided with a silicon filter, and a gas detection sensor of a system weak to silicon by removing silicon with a filter even in an environment where silicon is present. Even if it is, it can be used for a refrigeration cycle device using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a fourth aspect of the invention is provided.
In the present invention described in, a sulfide filter is attached to the sensor unit that detects hydrocarbons, and a system that is weak against sulfide by removing sulfide with a filter even in an environment where sulfide is present Even the above gas detection sensor can be used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is provided to solve the above problems.
In the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, the filter is detachable, and the gas detection sensor can be replaced with a new filter. Can be extended and the life can be extended, and even a gas detection sensor that is weak against silicon or sulfide can be used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a sixth aspect is provided.
In the present invention described in 1, the non-dispersive infrared type sensor is provided, and since this type of sensor is not affected by silicon or sulfide, it is included in silicon contained in lubricating oil or exhaust gas of automobiles. It can be used for a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant even in an environment in which sulfides are present.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a seventh aspect of the present invention is provided.
In the present invention described in 1), a hydrogen flame ionization type sensor is provided, and since this type of sensor is not affected by silicon or sulfide, it is included in silicon contained in lubricating oil or exhaust gas of automobiles. Even in an environment in which sulfides exist, the refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant can be used.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention
In the present invention described in (1), a sensor of an optical interference method is provided, and since the sensor of this method is not affected by silicon and sulfides, sulfides contained in silicon contained in lubricating oil and exhaust gas of automobiles, etc. It can be used for a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant even in an environment in which things exist.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The same parts as in the prior art are designated by the same reference numerals,
Detailed description is omitted.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a refrigerator showing an embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 1.
Is a lubricating oil that does not contain silicon.

With the above structure, when the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from the power outlet 14, the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the condenser 11 opens the outside air. And heat exchange with to condense and liquefy. Next, the expansion device 12 causes a low temperature and low pressure to be vaporized in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to repeat this refrigeration cycle and the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 circulates. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

Here, when the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator for some reason such as a crack in the pipe due to vibration, the gas detection sensors 15 and 16 detect the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the gas detection control is performed. In the box 18, the power supply relay 19 is activated by the signals of the gas detection sensors 15 and 16, and the supply of electricity from the power supply outlet 14 is stopped.

At this time, the mist-like lubricating oil 10 leaks together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13, and the gas detection sensors 15 and 16 are leaked.
Even if a gas detection sensor of a relatively inexpensive contact combustion type or a semiconductor type, which is weak against silicon because the lubricating oil 10 does not contain silicon even when it comes into contact with, is used in a refrigeration cycle device using a hydrocarbon refrigerant. be able to.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a refrigerator showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention as defined in claim 2.
Is a detachable gas detection sensor.

With the above-described structure, when the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from the power outlet 14, the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the condenser 11 opens the outside air. And heat exchange with to condense and liquefy. Next, the expansion device 12 causes a low temperature and low pressure to be vaporized in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to repeat this refrigeration cycle and the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 circulates. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

If the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator for some reason such as cracks in the pipe due to vibration, the gas detection sensors 21 and 22 detect the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the gas detection control is performed. In the box 18, the power relay 19 is activated by the signals of the gas detection sensors 21 and 22, and the supply of electricity from the power outlet 14 is stopped.

At this time, the lubricating oil 10 containing silicon that has become mist with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks near the gas detection sensors 21 and 22 and adheres to the gas detection sensors 21 and 22 that are weak against silicon. If it becomes undetectable, it can be used again by replacing it with a new sensor. If a sulfide contained in the exhaust gas of an automobile drifts around the gas detection sensors 21 and 22 and corrodes the gas detection sensors 21 and 22 that are vulnerable to sulfides and the subsequent detection becomes impossible, a new sensor is replaced. By doing so, it can be used again. This is an inexpensive gas detection sensor that is vulnerable to silicon and sulfide when it is rare that silicon or sulfide that affects the gas detection sensor is present or when the replacement cost of the gas detection sensor is low. Even if it exists, it can be used for a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a refrigerator showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention as defined in claim 3, and 2
3 and 24 are silicon filters, and the silicon filters 23 and 24 are attached so as to cover the gas detection sensors 15 and 16.

With the above structure, when the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from the power outlet 14, the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the condenser 11 can cool the outside air. And heat exchange with to condense and liquefy. Next, the expansion device 12 causes a low temperature and low pressure to be vaporized in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to repeat this refrigeration cycle and the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 circulates. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

Here, when the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks from the refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator due to some reason such as a crack in the pipe due to vibration, the silicon filters 23, 2
4, the gas detection sensors 15 and 16 located therein detect the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13, and the gas detection control box 18 operates the power relay 19 in response to the signal from the gas detection sensors 15 and 16 to disconnect the power from the power outlet 14. Stop supplying electricity.

At this time, even if the lubricating oil 10 containing silicon that has become mist with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks near the gas detection sensors 15 and 16, the gas detection sensor 1
Before attaching to 5, 16, the silicon filter 2
By removing with 3, 24, the gas detection sensor can be protected. Further, it is effective not only when the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerator but also when silicon exists in the atmosphere around the gas detection sensor for any reason such as when it drifts from the outside.

This is because even if it is unlikely that there is silicon that affects the gas detection sensor, or if the replacement cost of the silicon filter is low, even if the gas detection sensor of a cheap system weak to silicon is carbonized. It can be used for a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrogen refrigerant.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention as defined in claim 4.
Reference numerals 5 and 26 are sulfide filters, and the sulfide filters 25 and 26 are attached so as to cover the gas detection sensors 15 and 16.

With the above-described structure, when the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from the power outlet 14, the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the condenser 11 discharges the outside air. And heat exchange with to condense and liquefy. Next, the expansion device 12 causes a low temperature and low pressure to be vaporized in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to repeat this refrigeration cycle and the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 circulates. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

Here, when the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 which is inflammable leaks from the refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator for some reason such as cracks in the pipe due to vibration, the sulfide filters 25, 26.
Gas detection sensors 15 and 16 in the gas detection control box 18 passing through the
In response to the signals from the gas detection sensors 15 and 16, the power relay 19 is activated to stop the supply of electricity from the power outlet 14.

At this time, even if sulfides are present in the atmosphere around the gas detection sensors 15 and 16 for some reason such as the intrusion of sulfides from the outside due to the exhaust gas of the automobile, the gas detection sensors 15 and 16 will be affected. The gas detection sensor can be protected by removing the sulfide filters 25 and 26 before adhering.

This is an inexpensive gas detection sensor that is vulnerable to sulfides when the possibility of the presence of sulfides affecting the gas detection sensor is rare, or when the replacement cost of the sulfide filter is low. However, it can also be used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention as defined in claim 5, and FIG.
7 and 28 are removable silicon filters, 29 and
Denoted at 30 is a removable sulfide filter, which includes silicon filters 27 and 28 and sulfide filters 29 and 30.
Is mounted so as to cover the gas detection sensors 15 and 16.

With the above-described structure, when the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from the power outlet 14, the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the condenser 11 opens the outside air. And heat exchange with to condense and liquefy. Next, the expansion device 12 causes a low temperature and low pressure to be vaporized in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to repeat this refrigeration cycle and the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 circulates. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

Here, when the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator for some reason such as cracks in the pipe due to vibration, the silicon filters 27, 2 are used.
8 and the sulfide filters 29, 30 and the gas detection sensors 15 and 16 therein detect the hydrocarbon refrigerant, and the gas detection control box 18 is the gas detection sensor 1.
The power relay 19 is activated by the signals 5 and 16 to stop the supply of electricity from the power outlet 14.

At this time, if silicon or sulfide adheres to each filter due to leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigerator or exhaust gas from an automobile, and the removal capacity becomes saturated, the filter is replaced with a new filter. By doing so, the removal function can be restored. This is an inexpensive gas detection sensor that is vulnerable to silicon and sulfide when the possibility of the presence of silicon or sulfide affecting the gas detection sensor is rare or the maintenance cost for filter replacement is low. Can also be used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant. Further, either the silicon filter or the sulfide filter can be selected depending on the atmosphere environment in which the refrigerator is installed.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention as defined in claim 6, and FIG.
Reference numerals 1 and 32 are non-dispersive infrared type sensors. The detection principle of the non-dispersive infrared method utilizes the amount of infrared rays absorbed by gas, and its main feature is that it can perform measurements with good accuracy and stability. Sensitivity is less likely to deteriorate over the long term. In addition, it is characterized by being less affected by coexisting gases and water vapor, and having excellent selectivity.

With the above structure, when the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from the power outlet 14, the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the condenser 11 can cool the outside air. And heat exchange with to condense and liquefy. Next, the expansion device 12 causes a low temperature and low pressure to be vaporized in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to repeat this refrigeration cycle and the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 circulates. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

Here, when the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks from the refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator for some reason such as a crack in the pipe due to vibration, the gas detection sensors 31 and 32 detect the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the gas detection control is performed. In the box 18, the power relay 19 is activated by the signals of the gas detection sensors 31 and 32 to stop the supply of electricity from the power outlet 14.

At this time, the non-dispersive infrared type sensor detects infrared rays by the amount absorbed by gas and is not affected by silicon or sulfides, and therefore is included in silicon contained in lubricating oil or exhaust gas of automobiles. Even in an environment in which sulfides are present, it is possible to fulfill the essential role of avoiding a danger by detecting leakage of a hydrocarbon refrigerant without affecting the gas detection sensor such as a decrease in sensitivity.

(Embodiment 7) FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention as defined in claim 7, and
3, 34 are hydrogen flame ionization type sensors. The detection principle of the hydrogen flame ionization method utilizes a change in current value due to ionization of a gas such as hydrocarbon in a hydrogen flame, and its main characteristics are fast response speed and high sensitivity. It has an output almost proportional to the carbon number of hydrocarbons. It is characterized by being unaffected by inorganic carbon compounds.

With the above structure, when the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from the power outlet 14, the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the condenser 11 opens the outside air. And heat exchange with to condense and liquefy. Next, the expansion device 12 causes a low temperature and low pressure to be vaporized in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to repeat this refrigeration cycle and the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 circulates. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

When the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator for some reason, such as cracks in the pipe due to vibration, the gas detection sensor 15 detects the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the gas detection control box 18 is provided. Is the power relay 1 according to the signals of the gas detection sensors 33, 34.
9 operates to stop the supply of electricity from the power outlet 14.

At this time, the hydrogen flame ionization type sensor detects a change in current value due to ionization of a gas such as a hydrocarbon in a hydrogen flame, and is not affected by silicon or sulfide, so that it is included in lubricating oil or the like. Even in an environment where sulfides contained in silicon or automobile exhaust gas exist, the original purpose of avoiding danger by detecting leakage of hydrocarbon refrigerant without affecting the gas detection sensor such as sensitivity decrease. Can play a role.

(Embodiment 8) FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention as defined in claim 8 and
Reference numerals 5 and 26 are optical interference type sensors. The detection principle of the optical interference method utilizes the property that light is refracted by gas, and the main characteristics are that there is no chemical change, so there is little sensitivity deterioration and excellent long-term stability. Continuous measurement of gas concentration in various processes can be performed accurately. 10
It has the feature that it can measure from 00ppm order to 100vol%.

With the above-described structure, when the compressor 9 is operated by supplying electricity from the power outlet 14, the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 is discharged from the compressor 9 to become high temperature and high pressure, and the outside air is condensed in the condenser 11. And heat exchange with to condense and liquefy. Next, the expansion device 12 causes a low temperature and low pressure to be vaporized in the evaporator 8 and returns to the compressor 9 again to repeat this refrigeration cycle and the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 circulates. At this time, the lubricating oil 10 in the compressor 9 is also slightly circulated together with the hydrocarbon refrigerant 13.

Here, when the flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant 13 leaks from the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator for some reason such as cracks in the pipe due to vibration, the gas detection sensors 35 and 26 detect the hydrocarbon refrigerant and the gas detection control is performed. In the box 18, the power relay 19 is activated by the signals of the gas detection sensors 35 and 26 to stop the supply of electricity from the power outlet 14.

At this time, the optical interference type sensor detects the light by utilizing the property that light is refracted by gas and is not affected by silicon or sulfide, so that it is contained in silicon contained in lubricating oil or exhaust gas of automobiles. Even in an environment where sulfide is present, it can fulfill its original role of avoiding danger by detecting leakage of the hydrocarbon refrigerant without affecting the gas detection sensor such as a decrease in sensitivity.

[0057]

As is apparent from the above embodiments, according to the invention of claim 1, a hydrocarbon refrigerant is used, and at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device and an evaporator are provided, and the hydrocarbon is In a refrigeration cycle device equipped with a sensor that detects hydrogen, even if it is a gas detection sensor such as a catalytic combustion type or semiconductor type gas detection sensor that is weak against silicon but relatively inexpensive by using a lubricating oil that does not contain silicon, hydrocarbons An effect that it can be used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a refrigerant is obtained.

According to the second aspect of the invention, a refrigeration cycle utilizing a hydrocarbon refrigerant, having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device and an evaporator, and having a sensor for detecting hydrocarbons. In the equipment, the sensor part that detects hydrocarbons is removable, and the silicon of the lubricating oil and the sulfide of the exhaust gas of the automobile adhere to the gas detection sensor of a weak system to silicon and sulfide, making it undetectable. Can be replaced with a new sensor and can be maintained. Further, by this, it is possible to obtain an effect that even a gas detection sensor of a type such as a catalytic combustion type or a semiconductor type, which is relatively weak against silicon and sulfide but is relatively inexpensive, can be used in a refrigeration cycle device using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

According to the third aspect of the invention, a refrigeration cycle utilizing a hydrocarbon refrigerant, having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device and an evaporator, and having a sensor for detecting hydrocarbons. In the device, by attaching a silicon filter to the sensor portion that detects hydrocarbons, the gas detection sensor can be protected from silicon and the life can be extended. Further, as a result, it is possible to obtain the effect that even a gas detection sensor of a type such as a catalytic combustion type or a semiconductor type, which is weak against silicon but is relatively inexpensive, can be used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, a refrigeration cycle utilizing a hydrocarbon refrigerant, having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device and an evaporator, and equipped with a sensor for detecting hydrocarbons. In the device, by attaching a sulfide filter to the sensor unit that detects hydrocarbons, the gas detection sensor can be protected from sulfides and the service life can be extended.
Further, by this, it is possible to obtain the effect that even a gas detection sensor of a catalytic combustion type or a semiconductor type, which is weak against sulfide but is relatively inexpensive, can be used for a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 5, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 3 and claim 4, the filter can be attached and detached, so that a gas detection sensor from silicon or sulfide can be obtained. Can be protected and the life of the filter can be extended, and maintenance can be performed by replacing the filter with a new filter even when the removal ability of the filter becomes saturated and becomes impossible. Also,
As a result, it is possible to obtain the effect that even a gas detection sensor of a type such as a catalytic combustion type or a semiconductor type, which is weak against sulfide but is relatively inexpensive, can be used in a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, in a refrigeration cycle apparatus utilizing a hydrocarbon refrigerant and having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device and an evaporator, a non-dispersion which is not affected by silicon or sulfide. -Type infrared type sensor does not affect the gas detection sensor such as sensitivity drop even in the environment where silicon contained in lubricating oil or sulfide contained in automobile exhaust gas exists. In addition, it can play the original role of avoiding the danger by detecting the leakage of the hydrocarbon refrigerant, and can improve the reliability of the alarm device. In addition, the main characteristics of the non-dispersive infrared type sensor can be measured with good accuracy and stability, and sensitivity can be reduced for a long period of time, and the effects of coexisting gas and water vapor can be reduced, resulting in excellent selectivity.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, in a refrigeration cycle apparatus which uses a hydrocarbon refrigerant and has at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device and an evaporator, a hydrogen flame which is not affected by silicon or sulfide. By including an ionization type sensor, even in an environment where sulfides contained in silicon or automobile exhaust gas contained in lubricating oil etc. exist, without affecting the gas detection sensor such as sensitivity decrease, It can play the original role of avoiding the danger by detecting the leakage of the hydrocarbon refrigerant, and can improve the reliability of the alarm device. Further, the main characteristics of the hydrogen flame ionization type sensor are that the response speed is fast, the sensitivity is high, and there is an effect that it is not affected by the inorganic carbide compound.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, in a refrigeration cycle apparatus that uses a hydrocarbon refrigerant and has at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator, optical interference that is not affected by silicon or sulfide. Since it is equipped with a sensor of the type, carbonization can be performed without affecting the gas detection sensor such as sensitivity deterioration even in the environment where silicon contained in lubricating oil and sulfides contained in automobile exhaust gas exist. It can play the original role of avoiding the danger by detecting the leakage of the hydrogen refrigerant, and can improve the reliability of the alarm device. In addition, sensitivity deterioration, which is the main feature of the optical interference type sensor, is extremely small, it has excellent long-term stability, and continuous measurement of gas concentration in various processes can be performed with high accuracy.
The effect that a wide range of concentrations up to 00 vol% can be measured is also obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 1;

2 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention as set forth in claim 2; FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 3;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 4;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 5;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 6;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 7;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a refrigerator according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention as set forth in claim 8.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a conventional refrigerator.

FIG. 10 is an electric wiring diagram of a conventional refrigerator.

[Explanation of symbols]

8 evaporator 9 compressor 11 condenser 12 Aperture device 13 Hydrocarbon refrigerants 15 Gas detection sensor 20 Non-silicone lubricating oil 21 Detachable gas detection sensor 22 Silicon filter 23 Sulfide filter 24 Detachable Silicon Filter 25 Desorption type sulfide filter 26 Non-dispersive infrared sensor 27 Hydrogen flame ionization type sensor 28 Optical interference type sensor

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant, having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator, and having a sensor for detecting hydrocarbons, wherein the lubricating oil of the compressor is used. A refrigeration cycle device characterized by using a lubricating oil that does not contain silicon. 2. A refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant, having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator, and having a sensor for detecting hydrocarbons, a sensor portion for detecting hydrocarbons. A refrigeration cycle device characterized in that it is detachable. 3. A refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant, having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator, and having a sensor for detecting hydrocarbons, a sensor section for detecting hydrocarbons. A refrigeration cycle device characterized in that a silicon filter is attached to the. 4. A refrigeration cycle apparatus that uses a hydrocarbon refrigerant, has at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator, and has a sensor that detects hydrocarbons. A sensor unit that detects hydrocarbons. Refrigeration cycle device characterized in that a sulfide filter is attached to the. 5. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the filter is removable. 6. A refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant and having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator, comprising a non-dispersive infrared type sensor. 7. A refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant and having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator, comprising a hydrogen flame ionization type sensor. 8. A refrigeration cycle apparatus using a hydrocarbon refrigerant and having at least a compressor, a condenser, a throttle device, and an evaporator, which is provided with an optical interference type sensor.