JP5697710B2 - Refrigeration cycle equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus, and more particularly to a refrigeration cycle apparatus mounted on an air conditioner, a water heater, a refrigerator, a vending machine, or the like.

Conventionally, an apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “refrigeration cycle apparatus”) equipped with a device that performs a refrigeration cycle represented by an air conditioner uses an “HFC refrigerant” such as R410A that is nonflammable as a refrigerant. It has been. Unlike the conventional “HCFC refrigerant” like R22, this R410A has zero ozone depletion coefficient (hereinafter referred to as “ODP”) and does not destroy the ozone layer. (Hereinafter referred to as “GWP”).
Therefore, as part of the prevention of global warming, studies are underway to change from an HFC refrigerant with a high GWP such as R410A to a refrigerant with a low GWP.

As such low GWP refrigerant candidates, there are HC refrigerants such as R290 (C ₃ H ₈ ; propane) and R 1270 (C ₃ H ₆ ; propylene) which are natural refrigerants, but unlike R410A which is nonflammable. Because of its high flammability level, caution must be exercised against refrigerant leakage.

Further, as such a low GWP refrigerant candidate, there is, for example, R32 (CH ₂ F ₂ ; difluoromethane) having a lower GWP than R410A as an HFC refrigerant having no carbon double bond in the composition.
As a similar candidate refrigerant, there is a halogenated hydrocarbon which is a kind of HFC refrigerant as in R32 and has a carbon double bond in its composition. Examples of such halogenated hydrocarbons include HFO-1234 yf (CF ₃ CF═CH ₂ ; tetrafluoropropene ) and HFO-1234 ze (CF ₃ —CH═CHF ). In order to distinguish from an HFC refrigerant having no carbon double bond in the composition such as R32, an HFC refrigerant having a carbon double bond is changed to an olefin (unsaturated hydrocarbon having a carbon double bond). It is often expressed as “HFO” using “O” (called olefin).

Such low GWP HFC refrigerants (including HFO refrigerants) are not as flammable as HC refrigerants such as natural refrigerant R290 (C ₃ H ₈ ; propane), but different from non-flammable R410A, It has flammability of a slight burn level. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to refrigerant leakage as in the case of R290. Henceforth, the refrigerant | coolant which has flammability even if it is a slight combustion level is called "flammable refrigerant | coolant."
Further, R717 (NH ₃ ; ammonia) is a candidate for low GWP refrigerant. Like R32 (CH ₂ F ₂ ; difluoromethane), the refrigerant has a slightly flammable level and also has toxicity. . Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to refrigerant leakage as in the case of R290. Hereinafter, the toxic refrigerant is referred to as “toxic refrigerant”.

With regard to the leakage of flammable refrigerant or toxic refrigerant, attention should be paid to the leakage of the refrigerant as described above. In particular, when charging the refrigerant to be used, a service person (hereinafter referred to as “local worker”). A cooling device is disclosed in which a refrigerant name display label indicating the refrigerant name used by the device is attached in the vicinity of the service port connecting the charge hose so that the refrigerant used can be reconfirmed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
In addition, on the outer shell of the compressor, refrigerant indication such as “refrigerant name, refrigerant number, chemical name, chemical formula, refrigerant characteristics”, “surprise mark, flammability mark, danger / warning indication, high pressure caution, handling caution”, etc. A vending machine for attaching a tape with a warning display is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-311629 (page 3, FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-40652 (page 6, FIG. 2)

However, in the cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the refrigerant name (refrigerant name) used for the refrigerant name display label is shown, characteristics of the refrigerant such as flammability and toxicity are not shown.
In addition, in the vending machine disclosed in Patent Document 2, in addition to the refrigerant name, characteristics of the refrigerant and flammability marks are shown, but for example, there is a distinction between nonflammability and flammability, The degree of flammability, that is, the degree of characteristics of the refrigerant such as whether it is strong or slightly flammable, is not shown.

For this reason, in the field work such as installation, repair, removal, etc., the specific method of the work method, tools, protective equipment, work environment, etc. that the local worker should prepare depending on the degree of the characteristics of the refrigerant used. It is not always connected to grasping a general working environment guideline.
For this reason, in the unlikely event that the refrigerant leaks during field work, there is a problem in that it is not possible to take appropriate measures for the field worker and people around the field. For example, depending on the degree of flammability of the refrigerant used, the level of work environment guidelines such as restrictions on the use of fire, specification restrictions on power tools, work environments for ventilation and ventilation, etc. differ, so the work environment guidelines cannot be accurately grasped. If you go on-site as it is, there may be a shortage of work preparation in accordance with the work environment guidelines with different required levels depending on the degree of flammability of the refrigerant. There was a problem that a situation that could not be taken could occur.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in the stage of starting on-site work such as installation, repair, and removal of a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a flammable or toxic refrigerant, a local worker Provides a refrigeration cycle system that can grasp the work environment guidelines according to the degree of characteristics of the refrigerant, and can take adequate measures even if the refrigerant leaks during field work. The purpose is to do.

The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention includes a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, an expansion unit, a load side heat exchanger, the compressor, the heat source side heat exchanger, the expansion unit, and the load side heat. A refrigerating cycle device for performing a refrigerating cycle, wherein the refrigerating cycle device includes a refrigerating pipe connected to an exchanger to circulate a refrigerating medium having at least one of flammable and toxic characteristics. A display part is provided in at least one of a part of the pipe support member that supports the pipe or around the part, and the display part indicates a work environment guideline according to the characteristics of the refrigerant , A heat source side unit provided with the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger; and a load side unit provided with the load side heat exchanger. In the department A heat source side connection valve provided in the heat source side refrigerant pipe and a load side connection valve provided in a load side refrigerant pipe that is a part of the refrigerant pipe arranged in the load side unit. Both ends of a part of the extension pipe are connected to each other, and the display unit is at least one of the position of the load side connection valve, the position of the load side valve support member where the load side connection valve is installed, and the periphery of the position. It is characterized by being provided .

According to the present invention, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus using the refrigerant having at least one of the combustible and toxic characteristics, the display unit indicating the work environment guideline corresponding to the characteristics of the refrigerant is a part of the refrigerant pipe or the refrigerant It is provided in at least one of a part of the pipe support member that supports the pipe, or the periphery of the part.
Therefore, when installing the refrigeration cycle device, when opening the valve for connecting an extension pipe or for trial operation, when repairing, when closing the valve for collecting the refrigerant, when connecting the refrigerant cylinder for charging the refrigerant, Alternatively, the display unit must be in contact with the local worker in any field work where the refrigerant may leak, such as when the valve is closed for refrigerant recovery during removal.
If it does so, attention required for field work will be drawn and field workers will be able to grasp the work environment guideline indicated on the display part quickly and surely. Therefore, in the unlikely event that a flammable or toxic refrigerant leaks during field work such as installation, repair, or removal, it is possible to take appropriate measures against the field workers and those around the site. A refrigeration cycle apparatus with improved reliability against refrigerant leakage can be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram for explaining an air conditioner as a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and schematically showing a configuration of a refrigerant circuit. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner as a refrigeration cycle apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the state which removed the front panel of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner as a refrigerating-cycle apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the top | upper surface panel. It is a front view explaining the display part arrange | positioned at the air conditioner shown in FIGS. 1-3, Comprising: (a) is the case where a refrigerant | coolant is R32, (b) is the case where a refrigerant | coolant is R290 (propane), (c ) Is when the refrigerant is R717 (ammonia). The front view at the time of changing the display point in the display part arrange | positioned at the air conditioner shown in FIGS. The front view at the time of changing the display point in the display part arrange | positioned at the air conditioner shown in FIGS. The perspective view explaining the modification of the indoor unit which comprises the air conditioner shown in FIGS.

[Embodiment 1]
1 to 3 illustrate an air conditioner as a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram schematically showing the configuration of a refrigerant circuit, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the outdoor unit with the front panel and the top panel removed. In addition, each figure is shown typically and this invention is not limited to the form shown in figure.
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Here, as a refrigeration cycle apparatus using a refrigeration cycle that compresses and circulates refrigerant by a compressor, absorbs heat from a low-temperature heat source, and exhausts heat to a high-temperature heat source, an air conditioner that performs indoor cooling or heating will be described. . The present invention is not limited to an air conditioner, and may be, for example, a heating / cooling system, a water heater, a refrigerator, a vending machine or the like as long as it executes a refrigeration cycle.

(Air conditioner)
In FIG. 1, an air conditioner 100 as a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 includes an indoor unit (same as a load side unit) 101 installed indoors and an outdoor unit (same as a heat source side unit) installed outdoors. ) 102 and the extension pipes 10a and 10b that connect the indoor unit 101 and the outdoor unit 102.

(Refrigerant circuit of outdoor unit)
The outdoor unit 102 includes a compressor 3 that compresses and discharges the refrigerant, and a refrigerant flow switching valve (hereinafter referred to as “four-way valve”) that changes the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit between the cooling operation and the heating operation. 4), an outdoor heat exchanger 5 that is a heat source side heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the outside air and the refrigerant, an electronically controlled expansion valve that can change the opening degree and depressurize the high-pressure refrigerant to a low pressure, etc. A decompression device (hereinafter referred to as an expansion valve) 6 that is an expansion means is arranged, and these are connected by an outdoor refrigerant pipe (same as the heat source side refrigerant pipe) 8.
An outdoor fan 5 f that supplies (blows) outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 5 is installed to face the outdoor heat exchanger 5. By rotating the outdoor fan 5f, an air flow passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 5 is generated. In the outdoor unit 102, a propeller fan is used as the outdoor blower fan 5f, and in the form of sucking outside air through the outdoor heat exchanger 5, the air flow generated downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 5 (the air flow generated by the outdoor blower fan 5f) It is arranged on the downstream side.

(Outdoor refrigerant piping)
The outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 connects the refrigerant pipe, the suction pipe 11, the discharge pipe 12, the four-way valve 4, and the outdoor heat exchanger 5 that connect the gas-side (cooling operation) extension pipe connection valve 13 a and the four-way valve 4. Refrigerant piping, refrigerant piping connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 5 and the expansion valve 6, and refrigerant piping connecting the expansion valve 6 and the extension piping connection valve 13 b on the liquid side (during cooling operation) are collectively referred to as such To call.

(Extended piping connection valve)
A gas-side extension pipe connection valve 13a is provided at the connection portion of the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 with the gas-side extension pipe 10a, while a liquid-side extension pipe is provided at the connection portion with the liquid-side extension pipe 10b. A connection valve 13b is arranged.
The extension pipe connection valve 13a on the gas side is a two-way valve that can be switched between open and closed, and a flare joint 16a is attached to one end thereof.
The extension pipe connection valve 13b on the liquid side is a three-way valve that can be switched between open and closed, and is a service port 14b that is used for evacuation (before the refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioner 100). A flare joint 16b is attached.
A male thread is machined on the side of the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 of the flare joints 16a and 16b attached to the extension pipe connection valves 13a and 13b (including the service port 14b). When the outdoor unit 102 is shipped (including when the air conditioner 100 is shipped), a flare nut (not shown) in which a female screw that engages with the male screw is processed is attached.

(Service unit)
For convenience of the following description, a range in the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 that connects the compressor 3 to the four-way valve 4 inlet on the discharge side of the compressor 3 is referred to as a discharge pipe 12 and is sucked into the compressor 3. A range connecting the four-way valve 4 to the compressor 3 on the side is referred to as a suction pipe 11.
Then, the discharge pipe 12 can be used at any time during the cooling operation (operation for supplying the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 7) or the heating operation (operation for supplying the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 7). Always flows through a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3, and a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant through an evaporating action flows through the suction pipe 11.

The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flowing through the suction pipe 11 may be a gas refrigerant or a two-phase state. The suction pipe 11 is provided with a service port 14a with a low-pressure side flare joint, and the discharge pipe 12 is provided with a service port 14c with a high-pressure side flare joint. A pressure gauge is installed during a trial operation during installation or repair. Used to connect and measure operating pressure.
The flare joints (not shown) of the service ports 14a and 14c are cut off with a male screw. When the outdoor unit 102 is shipped (including when the air conditioner 100 is shipped), the male screw has a flare nut. (Not shown) is attached.

(Indoor unit refrigerant circuit)
The indoor unit 101 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 7 that is a use-side heat exchanger that exchanges heat between indoor air and refrigerant, and the indoor heat exchanger 7 has an indoor refrigerant pipe (same as the use-side refrigerant pipe) 9. It is connected.
A flare joint 15a for connecting the gas-side extension pipe 10a is provided at a connection portion between the indoor refrigerant pipe 9 and the gas-side extension pipe 10a, while the liquid-side extension pipe of the indoor refrigerant pipe 9 is provided. A flare joint 15b for connecting the liquid-side extension pipe 10b is disposed at the connection portion with 10b.
The flare joints 15a and 15b are cut off with a male screw. When the indoor unit 101 is shipped (including when the air conditioner 100 is shipped), a female screw that is screwed into the male screw is processed. A flare nut (not shown) is attached.
Moreover, the indoor air blower fan 7f is installed facing the indoor heat exchanger 7, and the air flow which passes the indoor heat exchanger 7 is produced | generated by rotation of the indoor air blower fan 7f. Note that the indoor blower fan 7f may vary depending on the form of the indoor unit 101, such as a crossflow fan or a turbo fan. Further, the position may be downstream or upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 7 in the air flow generated by the indoor fan 7f.

(Air conditioner refrigerant circuit)
Both ends of the gas-side extension pipe 10a are detachably attached to a flare joint 16a attached to the gas-side extension pipe connection valve 13a of the outdoor unit 102 and a flare joint 15a attached to the indoor refrigerant pipe 9 of the indoor unit 101, respectively. On the other hand, both ends of the liquid-side extension pipe 10 b are connected to the flare joint 16 b attached to the liquid-side extension pipe connection valve 13 b of the outdoor unit 102 and the flare joint attached to the indoor refrigerant pipe 9 of the indoor unit 101. 15b is detachably connected to each other.
That is, the refrigerant circuit is formed by connecting the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 and the indoor refrigerant pipe 9 by the extension pipes 10 a and 10 b, and a compression heat pump cycle in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3 is circulated is configured.

(Refrigerant flow during cooling operation)
In FIG. 1, a solid line arrow indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant during the cooling operation. In the cooling operation, the four-way valve 4 is switched to a refrigerant circuit as shown by a solid line, and the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 3 first flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 5 through the four-way valve 4.
The outdoor heat exchanger 5 acts as a condenser. That is, when the air flow generated by the rotation of the outdoor fan 5f passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 5, the outdoor air passing therethrough exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 5, and the heat of condensation of the refrigerant Is added to the outdoor air. In this way, the refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 5 to become a high-pressure medium-temperature liquid refrigerant.
Next, the high-pressure and intermediate-temperature liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion valve 6 and adiabatically expands in the expansion valve 6 to become a low-pressure and low-temperature two-phase refrigerant.

Subsequently, the low-pressure and low-temperature two-phase refrigerant is supplied to the indoor unit 101 via the liquid-side extension pipe 10 b and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7. This indoor heat exchanger 7 acts as an evaporator. That is, when the flow of indoor air generated by the rotation of the indoor blower fan 7f passes through the indoor heat exchanger 7, the indoor air passing therethrough exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 7, so that the refrigerant becomes room air. It evaporates by taking the heat of evaporation (warm heat) from it, and becomes a low-temperature low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant state. On the other hand, the passing indoor air takes the cold from the refrigerant and is cooled to cool the room.
Furthermore, the refrigerant that has evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 7 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant or a two-phase refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor unit 102 via the gas-side extension pipe 10 a and passes through the four-way valve 4. Then, it is sucked into the compressor 3. Then, it is compressed again into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant in the compressor 3. This cycle is repeated in the cooling operation.

(Refrigerant flow during heating operation)
In FIG. 1, a dotted line arrow indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant during the heating operation. If the four-way valve 4 is switched to a refrigerant circuit as indicated by a dotted line, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to that during the cooling operation, and first flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7, and this indoor heat exchanger 7 is connected to the condenser, Then, the outdoor heat exchanger 5 is caused to act as an evaporator, and the indoor air that passes through the indoor heat exchanger 7 is heated by condensing heat (warm heat) to be in a heating operation.

(Refrigerant)
In the air conditioner 100, as the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, the GWP is smaller than the HFC refrigerant R410A widely used in the air conditioner at present, and has relatively little influence on global warming. R32 (CH ₂ F ₂ ; difluoromethane) which is a refrigerant is used. Refrigerant is shipped in a state in which a predetermined amount is enclosed in the outdoor unit 102 in advance, and when the air conditioner 100 is installed, if there is a shortage due to the length of the extension pipes 10a and 10b, additional filling is performed in the field work. Is done.

Note that the refrigerant is not limited to R32, and is a kind of HFC refrigerant as described above, which is slightly flammable like R32, but is a halogenated hydrocarbon having a carbon double bond in the composition. in it, GWP is smaller e.g. _{HFO- 1234yf (CF 3 CF = CH} 2; tetrafluoropropene) than R32 refrigerant may be or _{HFO-1234 ze (CF 3 -CH} = CHF) HFO refrigerant or the like.
Also, R290 having a strong retardancy and; (propylene _C 3 _{H 6)} HC refrigerant such as, slightly combustible and toxic properties R717 _(C 3 _{H 8} propane) and R1270; be (NH ₃ ammonia) Good. Moreover, the mixed refrigerant | coolant which mixed 2 or more types of these refrigerant | coolants may be sufficient.

(Outdoor unit structure)
2 and 3, the casing 2 that forms the outline of the outdoor unit 102 of the air conditioner 100 is configured by combining a plurality of plate-shaped sheet metal parts. A partition plate 50 that divides the inside of the outdoor unit 102 (inside the housing 2) into left and right is installed upright. The casing 2 is divided by a partition plate 50 into a fan chamber F having an outdoor fan 5f and an outdoor heat exchanger 5, and a machine chamber M in which the compressor 3, the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8, and the electrical unit 20 are disposed. ing.

(Casing)
The casing 2 that forms the outline of the outdoor unit 102 includes, in addition to the bottom plate 56, a fan chamber front panel 51 that covers the front of the fan chamber F, a front portion of the side that is the opposite side of the front of the machine room M and the partition plate 50. The L-shaped machine room front panel 52 covering the rear side, the L-shaped machine room side panel 53 covering the rear part and the rear side of the side of the machine room M, and the outdoor unit 102 straddling the fan chamber F and the machine room M. It is formed by a top panel 55 that covers the upper surface. These panels are all sheet metal parts. In addition, the panel which comprises these housing | casing 2 may be comprised more finely disassembled, and some may be shape | molded integrally.
A product name plate 60 is affixed to the outer surface of the machine room front panel 52, and the name of the refrigerant used is one of the descriptions. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the top panel 55, the fan room front panel 51, and the machine room front panel 52 are removed from the housing. However, at least the machine room front panel 52 is required for field work during installation, repair, and removal. It is performed in the removed state. In FIG. 3, illustration of electrical wirings is omitted.

(Outdoor fan)
A substantially circular air outlet 57 is formed on the fan chamber front panel 51 so as to face the outdoor air blowing fan 5f, and the air outlet 57 passes through the air outlet 57 and something touches the outdoor air blowing fan 5f. In order to prevent this, a fan guard 58 having a ventilated area is secured.
The outdoor heat exchanger 5 has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and is fixed on the bottom plate 56 so that the long side portion thereof is located at the rear portion of the fan chamber F. And the short side part is located in the side part opposite to the partition plate 50 of the fan chamber F. Outdoor fan 5f is located in front of the long side portion of outdoor heat exchanger 5 in fan chamber F. The outdoor heat exchanger 5 is positioned upstream of the air flow generated by the rotation of the outdoor blower fan 5f, and the outdoor blower fan 5f is positioned downstream.

  A fan motor 5m that is connected to the outdoor blower fan 5f via a rotating shaft and rotationally drives the outdoor blower fan 5f is disposed behind the outdoor blower fan 5f. The fan motor 5m is fixed to a fan motor support plate 59 which is fixed to the bottom plate 56 and stands upright. The fan motor support plate 59 is positioned between the outdoor blower fan 5f and the long side portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 5 in the front-rear direction.

(Compressor)
On the other hand, in the machine room M, the compressor 3 whose mass is larger than that of other devices is installed on the bottom plate 56 via a vibration-proof rubber. The compressor 3 has a compression mechanism part that rotates the compression element to compress the refrigerant and a motor part that rotationally drives the compression element of the compression mechanism part inside the sealed container. The refrigerant is sucked, and the refrigerant gas compressed by the compression mechanism is caused to flow out to the discharge pipe 12.

  At least an upper part of the machine room M above the compressor 3 is mounted with electric and electronic parts constituting a control device for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 100 in conjunction with the control device of the indoor unit 101. An electrical unit 20 containing the electrical board is installed.

(Outdoor refrigerant piping)
The outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 is routed around the space of the machine room M other than the compressor 3 located at the lower part and the electrical component unit 20 located at the upper part.
Of the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8, the extended pipe connection valves 13a and 13b are arranged close to the machine room front panel 52 side in the machine room M so as to be fixed to the partition plate 50 and the machine room side panel 53. It is fixed to a base (same as the piping support member) 54. Similarly, the service port 14a on the low pressure side and the service port 14c on the high pressure side are also disposed in the vicinity of the valve base 54 that is routed from the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 and disposed close to the machine room front panel 52 side. .
Due to this arrangement, the extension pipe connection valves 13a and 13b and the service ports 14a, 14b and 14c, which may be touched by hands during installation, repair or removal work, remove the machine room front panel 52. It is located at the forefront in the state. That is, the field work can be performed without being disturbed by the compressor 3 and the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 housed in the machine room M.
The valve base 54 has a display unit 61 on the surface of the machine room front panel 52 side, and accesses the refrigerant classification, the characteristics of the refrigerant, the work environment guideline, and the work environment guideline in addition to the refrigerant name to be used. Information is displayed (this will be described in detail separately).
In the above, the display unit 61 is provided in a part of the valve stand (pipe support member) 54. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 61 may be provided directly in a part of the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8. Alternatively, it may be provided in the vicinity of a part of the valve base 54 or in the vicinity of the part of the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8 (close to the valve base 54) (referred to as “periphery” in the present invention). That is, when the valve base 54 is formed (divided) from a plurality of members and each member is small, the display unit 61 is provided around the member or across the member and the periphery thereof. May be.

(Field work)
Next, an example of on-site work will be described taking the installation as an example. First, at least the machine room front panel 52 is removed from the casing 2 that forms the outline of the outdoor unit 102.
Next, one end of each of the extension pipes 10a and 10b is connected to the flare joints 16a and 16b attached to the extension pipe connection valves 13a and 13b of the outdoor unit 102, and the other end of each of the extension pipes 10a and 10b is connected to the indoor unit 101. The flare joints 15a and 15b are each connected to a flare pipe to constitute a refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 100 (recirculation of the refrigerant is possible).
In addition to power and ground connections, electrical wiring work for the indoor unit 101, the outdoor unit 102, a remote controller (not shown), and the like is also performed so that the air conditioner 100 can be operated.

(Refilling refrigerant)
Next, the flare nut (not shown) of the service port 14b of the liquid side extension pipe connection valve 13b is removed, and a vacuum pump prepared in advance is connected to the service port 14b using a charge hose, and the extension pipe 10a. 10b, the indoor refrigerant pipe 9 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 of the indoor unit 101 are evacuated to remove air and moisture in the refrigerant circuit.
The vacuum pump is connected via a pressure gauge (vacuum gauge), and it is confirmed by the pressure gauge (vacuum gauge) that a predetermined vacuum degree has been reached, and evacuation is terminated. And a vacuum pump is removed and the flare nut (not shown) of the service port 14b is attached again.

Next, the extension pipe connection valves 13a and 13b are opened to operate, and the refrigerant sealed in the outdoor unit 102 at the time of shipment is discharged to the indoor unit 101 and the extension pipes 10a and 10b.
Then, a trial run is performed by operating a remote control or a switch on the electrical component base of the electrical component unit 20. At this time, if the amount of refrigerant is insufficient due to the length of the extension pipes 10a and 10b, the flare nut (not shown) of the service port 14b of the extension pipe connection valve 13b is removed, and a refrigerant cylinder is charged to the service port 14b. Connect using a hose and add a predetermined amount of refrigerant.
Further, by connecting a pressure gauge to the service port 14a on the low pressure side and the service port 14c on the high pressure side, the operation state of the air conditioner 100 is confirmed. If there is no problem in the operation state, the test operation is terminated, the pressure gauge is removed, Reattach the flare nuts (not shown) of the service ports 14a and 14c.

  In this way, during field work, the field worker touches the extension pipe connection valves 13a, 13b and the service ports 14a, 14b, 14c, and always looks in the vicinity thereof, so the extension pipe connection valves 13a, The valve base 54, which is a fixed base of 13b, must always be looked at. Therefore, the display unit 61 on the surface of the valve stand 54 on the machine room front panel 52 side must be watched.

(Display section)
4-6 is a front view explaining the display part arrange | positioned at the air conditioner shown in FIGS. 1-3, Comprising: (a) of FIG. 4 is (b) of FIG. ) Is the case where the refrigerant is R290 (propane), FIG. 4C is the case where the refrigerant is R717 (ammonia), and FIGS. 5 and 6 are cases where the display procedure in the display unit is modified.
As described above, the outdoor unit 102 has the above-described basic configuration and executes the procedure of the field work. The air conditioner 100 is used as a refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit to prevent global warming. An effective low GWP HFC refrigerant (here R32) is used.
Since such an HFC refrigerant is slightly flammable, even if a flammable refrigerant leaks during field work of the air conditioner 100, it is highly safe for local workers and people around the site, It is necessary to grasp the work environment guidelines according to the degree of flammability and to prepare a work environment that ensures the necessary safety.
Therefore, in the outdoor unit 102, even after the machine room front panel 52 is removed during the field work, the display unit 61 is arranged on the valve base 54 that the field worker always takes care of.

  In (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 4, the display unit 61 displays (i) a refrigerant name to be used, (ii) a refrigerant classification, (iii) a characteristic of the refrigerant, (iv) a work environment guideline, and (V) Information for accessing the work environment guidelines is displayed.

(Refrigerant classification)
In Table 1, the refrigerant classification of the refrigerant is defined by a combination of a symbol indicating the degree of toxicity and a symbol indicating the degree of combustibility. In other words, “ASHRAE 34” classifies the toxicity as low toxicity A and toxicity as B. As for flammability, nonflammability is 1, low flammability is 2 L, low flammability is 2, strong flammability. Sex is classified by 3. Therefore, the refrigerant classification is classified into 8 levels from “A1” indicating low toxicity and nonflammability to “B3” indicating toxicity and strong flammability. For example, R32 having low toxicity and slightly flammability is “A2L”. "
In addition to “ASHRAE 34”, “ISO 817” is an international agreement, and the refrigerant classification in the present invention is limited to the classification shown in FIG. 1 (“ASHRAE 34” and “ISO 817”). is not.

(Characteristics of refrigerant)
In (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 4, the characteristics of the refrigerant displayed on the display unit 61 correspond to the refrigerant classification, and letters indicating the degree of toxicity and the degree of flammability It is the character which shows. Therefore, for example, for R32, the refrigerant classification is displayed as “A2L”, and the characteristic of the refrigerant is “low toxicity / slightly flammable”.
As described above, since the display is different corresponding to the refrigerant classification, the working environment guideline at the time of field work is of a different level. Specifically, it is indicated that it is necessary to secure each level of work environment, such as restrictions on the use of fire, specifications restrictions on power tools, and the need for ventilation and ventilation.

(Work environment guidelines)
In (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 4, “IEC 60335-2-40” and “ISO 5149” are displayed as international standard reference names that define the work environment guidelines. In other words, the working environment guidelines corresponding to the refrigerant classification are internationally defined by “ISO 5149” and “IEC 60335-2-40”, and in each country, the relevant government agencies, academic societies, refrigeration cycle equipment manufacturers, etc. It is disclosed as a guideline by the industrial associations that are formed. Further, it may be disclosed to manufacturers of refrigeration cycle devices in the form of installation instructions, service manuals, and the like.
Therefore, the work environment guideline displayed on the display unit 61 is not limited to the name of the international standard, but may be the name of the competent authority, academic society, industry association, or the like.

(Information for accessing work environment guidelines)
4 (a), (b) and (c), in addition to the international standard numbers (“ISO 5149” and “IEC 60335-2-40”), the display unit 61 supports the international standard numbers. As information for accessing the contents (details of the work environment guideline), a matrix type QR code (registered trademark) indicating a site managing the international standard is displayed.
Therefore, even if you do not bring documents that describe the above-mentioned contents (details of work environment guidelines) during field work, you can easily use the contents (work) on-site using mobile phones and smartphones. It is possible to grasp and confirm details of environmental guidelines.
The information for accessing the work environment guideline is not limited to the matrix type QR code (registered trademark) indicating the site managing the international standard, and is defined by the international standard as described above. In addition to those specified by the competent authorities, academic societies, industrial associations, and manufacturers in each country, in addition to the sites that manage the international standards, the names of the relevant competent authorities, academic societies, or industrial associations It may be a URL of a corresponding website or its two-dimensional code (stacked barcode type PDF417, matrix type QR code (registered trademark), Data Matrix, Mix Code, etc.).

(Function and effect)
In the outdoor unit 102 of the air conditioner 100, attention is paid to the fact that the local worker always touches the extension pipe connection valves 13a and 13b of the outdoor unit 102 and the vicinity thereof and sees the vicinity in the field work. A display base 61 is provided on a valve base 54 which is a fixing base for the connection valves 13a and 13b. In addition to the (i) name of the refrigerant to be used, (ii) refrigerant classification, (iii) characteristics of the refrigerant, (iv) work environment guidelines, and (v) information for accessing the work environment guidelines on the display unit 61 Is displayed.
Therefore, although it has low GWP as a refrigerant, it uses R32, which is a slightly flammable HFC refrigerant. However, even if the refrigerant leaks during field work, it is sufficient for local workers and people around the field. It is possible to ensure appropriate measures.

Furthermore, as information for accessing the work environment guidelines according to the refrigerant classification, international standards, guidelines, international standards that can access manuals, URLs of relevant government agencies, academic societies, industrial associations, manufacturer websites and their two-dimensional Since the code is displayed, the details of the work environment guideline can be easily grasped and confirmed even at the site of the field work using a mobile phone or a smartphone. In other words, it is more reliable to ensure a work environment for a possible refrigerant leakage in advance. Therefore, the reliability with respect to the refrigerant leakage should be improved.
Although the display unit 61 is arranged on the valve base 54 in the above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display unit 61 may be provided at a position near the extension pipe connection valves 13a and 13b of the outdoor refrigerant pipe 8. .

(Display modification 1)
In FIG. 5, the main part of the guideline is displayed on the display unit 61 instead of the name of the international standard as a work environment guideline. In other words, specific contents necessary for ensuring the work environment (for use of fire, power tools, ventilation / ventilation) are displayed. Therefore, the local worker can directly know the precautions in the field work in detail at the field work site.
In addition to the display, the work environment guideline (name of international standard) and QR code (registered trademark) may be displayed.

(Display modification 2)
In FIG. 6, the display unit 61 displays the refrigerant characteristics in parentheses after the symbol indicating the refrigerant classification, and displays “work environment precautions” instead of the work environment guidelines.
Therefore, the local worker can know the precautions in the field work quickly and surely at the field work site.
In addition to the display, the work environment guideline (name of international standard) and QR code (registered trademark) may be displayed.

(Modification of indoor unit)
FIG. 7 is a perspective view for explaining a modification of the indoor unit constituting the air conditioner shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and shows a state in which some constituent members (indoor fans, decorative panels, etc.) are seen through. ing.
In FIG. 7, the indoor unit 101 of the air conditioner 100 includes a casing 1 of the indoor unit 101 embedded in an indoor ceiling (not shown), and a substantially rectangular decorative panel (not shown) below the indoor unit 101. It is installed detachably.
An indoor blower fan 7f (not shown) having a lower side as a suction port and a bell mouth (not shown) for introducing air into the indoor blower fan 7f are arranged at a substantially central portion in the housing 1.

(Indoor heat exchanger)
And the substantially cyclic | annular form which comprises the indoor heat exchanger part 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d arrange | positioned in parallel with the side surfaces 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the housing | casing 1 so that the indoor ventilation fan 7f which is not shown in figure is enclosed. An indoor heat exchanger 7 is arranged, and a drain pan (removed) is installed at the lower part of the indoor heat exchanger 7.
The indoor refrigerant pipe 9 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger portion 7a, and the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 102 passes through the indoor heat exchanger portions 7b, 7c, and 7d via the indoor heat exchanger portion 7a. Then, it is returned to the outdoor unit 102 via the indoor heat exchanger portion 7a, and the refrigeration cycle is executed.
Therefore, the room air is harmonized (cooled or heated, or dehumidified or humidified) by exchanging heat between the room air sent out by the indoor fan 7f and the refrigerant executing the refrigeration cycle. In addition, air outlets 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d are provided between the side surfaces 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d of the housing 1 on the outer peripheral side of the indoor heat exchanger portions 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. The conditioned room air is blown into the room.

(Display section)
Further, the flare joint 15a for connecting the gas-side extension pipe 10a and the liquid-side extension pipe between the end face of the outlet 31a and the end face of the outlet 31d are opposed to the end face of the indoor heat exchanger portion 7a. An indoor valve base (same as a pipe support member) 32 on which a flare joint 15b for connecting 10b is installed is fixed to the housing 1.
A display unit 61 is disposed on the indoor valve base 32.
Then, during the field work, the field worker always touches the flare joints 15a and 15b of the indoor unit 101 and the vicinity thereof, and sees the vicinity thereof. Therefore, the valve base on which the extension pipe connection valves 13a and 13b of the outdoor unit 102 are installed. Similarly to the display unit 61 arranged at 54, the display unit 61 arranged at the indoor valve stand 32 is surely touched by the eyes of the local worker.

Therefore, as in the case of the field work in the outdoor unit 102, the field work in the indoor unit 101 is sufficiently appropriate for the field worker and the people around the field even if the refrigerant leaks during the field work. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a proper measure, and it is more reliable to secure a work environment for the refrigerant leakage in advance, so that the reliability for the refrigerant leakage is improved.
Although the display unit 61 is arranged on the indoor valve base 32 in the above, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided around (close to) the flare joints 15a and 15b of the refrigerant pipe. . That is, when the indoor valve base 32 is formed (divided) from a plurality of members and each member is small, the display unit 61 is provided around the member or across the member and the periphery thereof. It may be provided.
Furthermore, the display unit 61 may be disposed in both the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor unit 101, or may be disposed only in the outdoor unit 102.

  So far, the refrigeration cycle apparatus of the present invention has been described with respect to the outdoor unit 102 and the indoor unit 101 by taking the air conditioner 100 as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the air conditioner 100. In other words, during on-site work such as installation, repair, and removal, it is equipped with units that connect refrigerant piping and charge refrigerant from the service port (heat source side unit, load side unit, etc.), and is combustible as refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit. Any refrigeration cycle apparatus may be used as long as it has properties and toxicity. For example, the present invention can be applied to other refrigeration cycle devices such as heat pump water heaters, refrigerators, and chillers, and the same effects can be obtained. Can be dealt with.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Housing | casing, 1a side surface, 1b side surface, 1c side surface, 1d side surface, 2 housing | casing, 3 compressor, 4 four-way valve (refrigerant flow path switching valve), 5 outdoor heat exchanger, 5f outdoor ventilation fan, 5m fan motor, 6 expansion valve (pressure reduction device), 7 indoor heat exchanger, 7a indoor heat exchanger part, 7b indoor heat exchanger part, 7c indoor heat exchanger part, 7d indoor heat exchanger part, 7f indoor fan, 8 outdoor refrigerant Piping, 9 indoor refrigerant piping, 10a extension piping, 10b extension piping, 11 suction piping, 12 discharge piping, 13a extension piping connection valve, 13b extension piping connection valve, 14a service port, 14b service port, 14c service port, 15a flare joint 15b Flare joint, 16a Flare joint, 16b Flare joint, 20 Electrical component unit, 31a Air outlet, 31b Air outlet, 31c Air outlet, 31d Air outlet, 32 Indoor valve base, 50 Partition plate, 51 Fan room front panel, 52 Machine room front panel, 53 Machine room side panel, 54 Valve base, 55 Top panel, 56 Bottom plate, 57 Air outlet, 58 fan guard, 59 fan motor support plate, 60 product name plate, 61 display unit, 100 air conditioner (refrigeration cycle apparatus), 101 indoor unit, 102 outdoor unit.

Claims (5)

Combustion is achieved by connecting the compressor, the heat source side heat exchanger, the expansion means, the load side heat exchanger, the compressor, the heat source side heat exchanger, the expansion means, and the load side heat exchanger. And a refrigerant pipe for circulating a refrigerant having at least one of the characteristics of toxicity, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus for executing a refrigeration cycle,
A display unit is provided on at least one of a part of the refrigerant pipe, a part of a pipe support member that supports the refrigerant pipe, or a part of the part,
The display unit indicates a working environment guideline according to the characteristics of the refrigerant,
A heat source side unit provided with the compressor and the heat source side heat exchanger;
A load side unit provided with the load side heat exchanger,
A heat source side connection valve provided in a heat source side refrigerant pipe which is a part of the refrigerant pipe arranged in the heat source side unit, and a load side refrigerant pipe which is a part of the refrigerant pipe arranged in the load side unit Both ends of the extension pipe, which is a part of the refrigerant pipe, are connected to the load side connection valve provided in
The refrigeration cycle is characterized in that the display unit is provided at least one of a position of the load side connection valve, a position of a load side valve support member on which the load side connection valve is installed, or a periphery of the position. apparatus.   The said display part is provided in at least any one of the position of the said heat source side connection valve, the position of the heat source side valve support member in which the said heat source side connection valve is installed, or the circumference | surroundings of this position. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to 1. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the refrigerant pipe has a service port for supplying the refrigerant, and the display unit is provided at a position of the service port. In addition to the working environment pointer on the display unit, the refrigerant name, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claim 1 to 3, characterized in that the characteristics of the refrigerant classification and coolant are shown. 5. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein information for accessing a work environment guideline is displayed on the display unit.

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