JP6223324B2 - Refrigerant leak detection device and refrigeration cycle device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerant leakage detection device and a refrigeration cycle device.

  Conventionally, a non-flammable HFC refrigerant such as R410A has been used as a refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle. Unlike the conventional HCFC refrigerant like R22, this R410A does not destroy the ozone layer because the ozone layer depletion coefficient (hereinafter referred to as “ODP”) is zero. However, R410A has a property of having a high global warming potential (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.

Examples of such low GWP refrigerant candidates include HC refrigerants such as R290 (C ₃ H ₈ ; propane) or R 1270 (C ₃ H ₆ ; propylene), which are natural refrigerants. However, R290 and R1270, unlike R410A, which is nonflammable, have a high level of flammability (strong flammability). Therefore, when R290 or R1270 is used as a refrigerant, attention to refrigerant leakage is required.

Moreover, as a refrigerant candidate of low GWP, there is an HFC refrigerant having no carbon double bond in the composition, for example, R32 (CH ₂ F ₂ ; difluoromethane) having a lower GWP than R410A.

Similar refrigerant candidates include halogenated hydrocarbons which are a kind of HFC refrigerant as in R32 and have a carbon double bond in the composition. Examples of such a halogenated hydrocarbon include HFO-1234yf (CF ₃ CF═CH ₂ ; tetrafluoropropene), HFO-1234ze (CF ₃ —CH═CHF), and the like. In order to distinguish an HFC refrigerant having a carbon double bond in the composition from an HFC refrigerant having no carbon double bond in the composition, such as R32, an HFC refrigerant having a carbon double bond, Often expressed as “HFO” using “O” of olefin (unsaturated hydrocarbon with carbon double bond is called olefin).

  Although such low GWP HFC refrigerants (including HFO refrigerants) are not as flammable as HC refrigerants such as R290, which are natural refrigerants, they are slightly inflammable unlike R410A, which is nonflammable. doing. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to refrigerant leakage as in the case of R290. Henceforth, the refrigerant | coolant which has flammability more than a slight fuel level (for example, 2L or more by the classification | category of ASHRAE34) is called "flammable refrigerant | coolant."

  When the flammable refrigerant leaks into the indoor space, the refrigerant concentration in the indoor space increases and a flammable concentration region may be formed. Therefore, the conventional refrigeration cycle apparatus using a combustible refrigerant includes a sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner including a gas sensor in order to suppress the formation of a flammable concentration range even when a flammable refrigerant leaks. The air conditioner of patent document 1 is provided with the gas sensor for detecting the leakage of a refrigerant | coolant on the outer surface of the casing of an indoor unit. When the leakage of the refrigerant is detected by the gas sensor, the refrigerant leaked by the air blow from the indoor unit fan is diffused and the concentration of the combustible refrigerant is reduced, so that the formation of the combustible concentration region is suppressed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a refrigeration apparatus and a refrigerant leakage detection method that can detect refrigerant leakage without using a refrigerant sensor. In Patent Document 2, the temperature of the liquid refrigerant is detected by a temperature sensor attached to the lower part of the pipe of the indoor unit-side heat exchanger, and the leakage of the refrigerant is determined by a rapid decrease in the liquid refrigerant temperature when the compressor is stopped.

JP 2002-98393 A JP 2000-81258 A

  However, when the refrigerant leak is detected using a gas sensor as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the detection capability is lowered, for example, the refrigerant leak is erroneously detected due to deterioration over time or adhesion of dirt or the like.

  Moreover, when the refrigerant | coolant leakage was detected using the temperature sensor like patent document 2, since the leaked refrigerant | coolant was not detected directly, there existed a subject that the detection accuracy of a refrigerant | coolant leakage fell. In particular, when detecting the temperature of the liquid refrigerant when the compressor is stopped as in Patent Document 2, the amount of liquid refrigerant when the compressor is stopped is likely to vary. There was a problem that detection accuracy was lowered.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a refrigerant leakage detection device and a refrigeration cycle device that can detect refrigerant leakage with high accuracy and maintain detection capability. Objective.

  The refrigerant leakage detection device according to the present invention is a refrigeration in which a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a load side heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant pipe to circulate a refrigerant having a density higher than that of air at atmospheric pressure. An impeller that is used in a cycle and rotates by leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle; and a controller that determines leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle by detecting rotation of the impeller.

  A refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present invention is a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a load side heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant pipe to circulate a refrigerant having a density higher than that of air at atmospheric pressure. And an impeller that rotates due to leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle, and a controller that determines leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle by detecting rotation of the impeller.

  According to the present invention, since the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the rotation of the impeller, it is possible to obtain the refrigerant leakage detection device and the refrigeration cycle apparatus that can detect the refrigerant leakage with high accuracy and can maintain the detection capability.

It is a refrigerant circuit diagram which shows roughly the structure of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus 100 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the external appearance structure of the load side unit 101 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the internal structure of the load side unit 101 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a right view which shows roughly the internal structure of the load side unit 101 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the refrigerant | coolant leak detection process performed by the 2nd control part 30b of the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus 140 which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the internal structure of the load side unit 101 which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a right view which shows roughly the internal structure of the load side unit 101 which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the internal structure of the load side unit 101 which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a right view which shows roughly the internal structure of the load side unit 101 which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows roughly the structure of the 3rd impeller 120c (4th impeller 120d) which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a front view which shows schematically the structure of the 3rd impeller 120c (4th impeller 120d) which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a side view which shows roughly the structure of the 3rd impeller 120c (4th impeller 120d) which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a floor-standing air conditioner 100 will be described as an example of a refrigeration cycle apparatus. FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram schematically showing the configuration of the refrigerant circuit of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. In the following drawings including FIG. 1, the dimensions and shapes of the respective constituent members may be different from the actual ones.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 3, a refrigerant flow switching device 4, a heat source side heat exchanger 5 (for example, an outdoor heat exchanger), a decompression device 6, and a load side heat exchanger 7. (For example, indoor heat exchangers) are sequentially connected in an annular manner through the refrigerant pipes to constitute a refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 100 is a separate type having a load side unit 101 (for example, an indoor unit arranged indoors) and a heat source side unit 102 (for example, an outdoor unit arranged outdoor). The load side unit 101 and the heat source side unit 102 are connected via a first extension pipe 10a and a second extension pipe 10b which are part of the refrigerant pipe.

  As the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle, for example, a slightly flammable refrigerant such as R32, HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze, or a strong flammable refrigerant such as R290, R1270 is used. These refrigerants may be used as a single refrigerant, or may be used as a mixed refrigerant in which two or more kinds are mixed. These refrigerants have a characteristic that their density is higher than that of air at atmospheric pressure.

  The refrigerant is shipped in a state where a predetermined amount is enclosed in the heat source side unit 102 in advance, and when there is a shortage in the amount of the enclosed refrigerant, it is compensated by field work. For example, when the first extension pipe 10a and the second extension pipe 10b become longer when the air conditioner 100 is arranged, additional refrigerant is supplemented.

  The compressor 3 is a fluid machine that compresses sucked low-pressure refrigerant and discharges it as high-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant flow switching device 4 switches the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigeration cycle between the cooling operation and the heating operation. For example, a four-way valve is used as the refrigerant flow switching device 4. The heat source side heat exchanger 5 is a heat exchanger that functions as a condenser (radiator) during cooling operation and functions as an evaporator during heating operation. In the heat source side heat exchanger 5, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the inside and air (outside air) blown by a heat source side blowing fan 5f (for example, an outdoor blowing fan) described later. The decompression device 6 decompresses the high-pressure refrigerant into a low-pressure refrigerant. As the decompression device 6, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted is used. The load-side heat exchanger 7 is a heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and functions as a condenser during heating operation. In the load side heat exchanger 7, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the inside and air blown by a load side blower fan 7f described later. Here, the cooling operation is an operation for supplying a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant to the load-side heat exchanger 7, and the heating operation is an operation for supplying a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant to the load-side heat exchanger 7. It is.

  The heat source side unit 102 accommodates the compressor 3, the refrigerant flow switching device 4, the heat source side heat exchanger 5, and the decompression device 6. Further, the heat source side unit 102 accommodates a heat source side blower fan 5f that supplies (blows) outside air to the heat source side heat exchanger 5. The heat source side blower fan 5f is disposed to face the heat source side heat exchanger 5. The air flow passing through the heat source side heat exchanger 5 is generated by rotating the heat source side blower fan 5f and sucking outside air. For example, a propeller fan is used as the heat source side blowing fan 5f. The heat source side blower fan 5f is disposed downstream of the heat source side heat exchanger 5 (downstream side of the air flow generated by the heat source side blower fan 5f).

  The heat source side unit 102 includes a first heat source side refrigerant pipe 8 a that connects the gas side (cooling operation) first extension pipe connection valve 13 a and the refrigerant flow switching device 4 as refrigerant pipes. A suction pipe 11 connected to the suction side, a discharge pipe 12 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 3, a second heat source side refrigerant pipe 8b connecting the refrigerant flow switching device 4 and the heat source side heat exchanger 5. The fourth heat source side refrigerant pipe 8c that connects the heat source side heat exchanger 5 and the decompression device 6 and the fourth extension pipe connection valve 13b that connects the pressure reduction device 6 and the second extension pipe connection valve 13b on the liquid side (during cooling operation). 8 d of heat source side refrigerant | coolant piping is arrange | positioned.

  The first extension pipe connection valve 13a is a two-way valve that can be switched between open and closed, and a first heat source side joint portion 16a is attached to one end thereof. The first extension pipe connection valve 13a connects the first extension pipe 10a and the first heat source side refrigerant pipe 8a.

  The second extension pipe connection valve 13b is configured by a three-way valve that can be switched between open and closed, and is used for evacuation (before the refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioner 100). The service port 14a is attached, and the second heat source side joint portion 16b is attached to the other end.

  In the first embodiment, the first heat source side joint portion 16a and the second heat source side joint portion 16b may be flare joints. Although not shown, when the first heat source side joint part 16a and the second heat source side joint part 16b are flare joints, the first heat source side refrigerant pipe 8a side and the fourth heat source side refrigerant pipe 8d of the flare joint are provided. Male thread processing is made on the side. When the heat source unit 102 is shipped (for example, when the air conditioner 100 is shipped), a flare nut (not shown) that has been subjected to female threading is attached to the male thread portion of the flare joint.

  The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3 flows through the discharge pipe 12 in both the cooling operation and the heating operation. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant (gas refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant) that has undergone an evaporating action flows through the suction pipe 11 in both the cooling operation and the heating operation. A second service port 14b with a low-pressure side flare joint (not shown) is connected to the suction pipe 11, and a third high-pressure side flare joint (not shown) is connected to the discharge pipe 12. Service port 14c is connected. The second service port 14b and the third service port 14c are used for measuring the operating pressure by connecting a pressure gauge at the time of installation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 or a trial operation at the time of repair.

  The flare joints of the second service port 14b and the third service port 14c are male threaded. At the time of shipment of the heat source side unit 102 (for example, at the time of shipment of the air conditioner 100), a flare nut (not shown) that has been subjected to female threading is provided to the second service port 14b and the third service port 14c. It is attached to the male thread part of the flare joint.

  The load side unit 101 houses the load side heat exchanger 7. In addition, a load-side blower fan 7 f (for example, an indoor blower fan) that supplies air to the load-side heat exchanger 7 is disposed in the load-side unit 101. By rotating the load-side blower fan 7f, an air flow passing through the load-side heat exchanger 7 is generated. Depending on the form of the load side unit 101, a centrifugal fan (for example, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, etc.), a cross flow fan, a mixed flow fan, an axial fan (for example, a propeller fan), or the like is used as the load side blower fan 7f. . The load-side blower fan 7f in the first embodiment is arranged on the upstream side of the load-side heat exchanger 7 in the air flow generated by the load-side blower fan 7f, but on the downstream side of the load-side heat exchanger 7 May be arranged.

  The load-side unit 101 includes a first load-side refrigerant pipe 9a that connects the load-side heat exchanger 7 and the first extension pipe 10a, and a second extension pipe 10b and the load-side heat exchanger 7 as refrigerant pipes. The second load-side refrigerant pipe 9b that connects the two is arranged. A first load-side joint portion 15a for connecting the first extension pipe 10a is provided at a connection portion between the first load-side refrigerant pipe 9a and the first extension pipe 10a. Moreover, the 2nd load side joint part 15b for connecting the 2nd extension piping 10b is provided in the connection part with the 2nd extension piping 10b of the 2nd load side refrigerant | coolant piping 9b.

  Thereby, both ends of the first extension pipe 10a are detachably connected between the first heat source side joint part 16a and the first load side joint part 15a, and both ends of the second extension pipe 10b are It is detachably connected between the second heat source side joint portion 16b and the second load side joint portion 15b. That is, the refrigerant circuit is formed by connecting the load side unit 101 and the heat source side unit 102 by the first extension pipe 10a and the second extension pipe 10b, and the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3 is circulated. A refrigeration cycle (compression heat pump cycle) is configured.

  In the first embodiment, the first load side joint portion 15a and the second load side joint portion 15b may be flare joints. Although not shown, when the first load side joint portion 15a and the second load side joint portion 15b are flare joints, the first extension pipe 10a and the second extension pipe 10b are connected to the flare joint. The male thread is processed. At the time of shipment of the load side unit 101 (for example, at the time of shipment of the air conditioner 100), a flare nut (not shown) subjected to female threading is attached to the male thread portion of the flare joint.

  The load-side unit 101 includes an intake air temperature sensor 91 that detects the temperature of outside air (for example, room air) sucked by the load-side fan 7f, and an inlet portion during cooling operation of the load-side heat exchanger 7 (during heating operation) A heat exchanger inlet temperature sensor 92 for detecting the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger, a heat exchanger temperature sensor 93 for detecting the refrigerant temperature (evaporation temperature or condensation temperature) of the two-phase part of the load-side heat exchanger 7, and the like. It has been. These sensors are configured to output a detection signal to the first control unit 30a that controls the entire load side unit 101 or the air conditioning apparatus 100.

  The first control unit 30a has a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O port, and the like. The 1st control part 30a is comprised so that data communication can be mutually performed between the operation part 26 mentioned later and the 2nd control part 30b. The first control unit 30a controls the entire operation of the load side unit 101 or the air conditioner 100 including the operation of the load side blower fan 7f based on the operation signal from the operation unit 26, the detection signal from the sensors, and the like. To do. The first control unit 30 a may be provided in the casing of the load side unit 101 or may be provided in the casing of the heat source side unit 102.

  The load-side unit 101 according to the first embodiment is configured to detect a rotation of the first impeller 120a and the first impeller 120a and the second impeller 120a that are rotated by leakage of the refrigerant. A rotation detection sensor 130a and a second rotation detection sensor 130b that detects the rotation of the second impeller 120b are provided. The first rotation detection sensor 130a and the second rotation detection sensor 130b are configured to output detection signals to the second control unit 30b. As described later, in the first embodiment, the first impeller 120a, the second impeller 120b, the first rotation detection sensor 130a, the second rotation detection sensor 130b, and the second control unit 30b are The refrigerant leakage detection device 140 is configured.

  Next, operation | movement of the refrigerating cycle of the air conditioning apparatus 100 is demonstrated. First, the operation during the cooling operation will be described. In FIG. 1, a solid line arrow indicates the flow direction of the refrigerant during the cooling operation. In the cooling operation, the refrigerant flow path switching device 4 switches the refrigerant flow path as indicated by a solid line, and the refrigerant circuit is configured so that the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flows through the load-side heat exchanger 7.

  The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 3 first flows into the heat source side heat exchanger 5 through the refrigerant flow switching device 4. In the cooling operation, the heat source side heat exchanger 5 functions as a condenser. That is, in the heat source side heat exchanger 5, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant flowing through the inside and the air (outside air) blown by the heat source side blower fan 5f, and the heat of condensation of the refrigerant is radiated to the blown air. Thereby, the refrigerant flowing into the heat source side heat exchanger 5 is condensed and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the decompression device 6 and is decompressed to become a low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure two-phase refrigerant flows into the load-side heat exchanger 7 of the load-side unit 101 via the second extension pipe 10b. In the cooling operation, the load side heat exchanger 7 functions as an evaporator. That is, in the load side heat exchanger 7, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant circulating in the interior and the air (indoor air) blown by the load side blower fan 7f, and the evaporation heat of the refrigerant is absorbed from the blown air. . Thereby, the refrigerant that has flowed into the load-side heat exchanger 7 evaporates into a low-pressure gas refrigerant or a two-phase refrigerant with a high degree of dryness. Further, the air blown by the load side blower fan 7f is cooled by the heat absorbing action of the refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant evaporated in the load side heat exchanger 7 or the two-phase refrigerant having high dryness is sucked into the compressor 3 via the first extension pipe 10a and the refrigerant flow switching device 4. The refrigerant sucked into the compressor 3 is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant. In the cooling operation, the above cycle is repeated.

  Next, operation during heating operation will be described. In FIG. 1, the dotted line arrows indicate the flow direction of the refrigerant during the heating operation. In the heating operation, the refrigerant flow path switching device 4 switches the refrigerant flow path as indicated by the dotted line, and the refrigerant circuit is configured so that the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows through the load-side heat exchanger 7. During the heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction to that during the cooling operation, and the load side heat exchanger 7 functions as a condenser. That is, in the load-side heat exchanger 7, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant circulating in the interior and the air blown by the load-side fan 7f, and the heat of condensation of the refrigerant is radiated to the blown air. Thereby, the air blown by the load side blower fan 7f is heated by the heat radiation action of the refrigerant.

  Next, the internal structure of the load side unit 101 according to the first embodiment will be described. The positional relationship (for example, vertical relationship etc.) between each structural member in the following description is a thing when the load side unit 101 is arrange | positioned on the floor.

  FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing an external configuration of the load side unit 101 according to the first embodiment. The load side unit 101 includes a casing 111 having a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape. A suction port 112 for sucking outside air (for example, room air) is formed in the lower part of the front panel of the casing 111. In the first embodiment, the suction port 112 is provided below the center portion in the vertical direction of the casing 111 and at a position near the floor surface. An air outlet 113 that blows out air sucked from the air inlet 112 is formed in the upper part of the front surface of the casing 111, that is, at a position higher than the air inlet 112. In the first embodiment, the air outlet 113 is provided above the central portion of the casing 111 in the vertical direction.

  An operation unit 26 is provided on the front surface of the casing 111 above the suction port 112 and below the air outlet 113. The operation unit 26 is connected to the first control unit 30a via a communication line, and data communication can be performed with the first control unit 30a. In the operation unit 26, an operation start operation, an operation end operation, an operation mode switching, a set temperature, a set air volume, and the like of the load side unit 101 (air conditioner 100) are performed by a user operation. The operation unit 26 may be provided with a display unit, an audio output unit, and the like that notify the user of information.

  FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the load-side unit 101 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a right side view schematically showing the internal structure of the load side unit 101 according to the first embodiment.

  3 and 4, the load side heat exchanger 7 is disposed above the load side unit 101, and the upper side of the load side heat exchanger 7 is inclined rearward when viewed from the front. The load-side heat exchanger 7 is provided with a heat exchanger temperature sensor 93 that outputs a detection signal to the first control unit 30a. A drain pan 20 that receives condensed water condensed on the surface of the load side heat exchanger 7 is disposed below the load side heat exchanger 7.

  Below the drain pan 20 is provided, for example, an electrical component storage box 25 that stores a microcomputer, various electrical components, a substrate, and the like that configure the first control unit 30a or the second control unit 30b described later. .

  3 and 4, the load-side blower fan 7f is disposed at a position facing the suction port 112 of FIG. An intake air temperature sensor 91 that outputs a detection signal to the first controller 30a is disposed in front of the load-side blower fan 7f. The load-side fan 7f is driven by an induction motor or a DC brushless motor. The load-side blower fan 7 f is disposed in the air path 81 formed in the housing 111. The outside air sucked from the suction port 112 by the load-side blower fan 7f passes through the air passage 81, undergoes heat exchange in the load-side heat exchanger 7, and is blown out from the outlet 113.

  3 and 4, the first extension pipe 10a is connected to the first load-side refrigerant pipe 9a via the first load-side joint portion 15a. The second extension pipe 10b is connected to the second load-side refrigerant pipe 9b via the second load-side joint portion 15b. The first extension pipe 10 a and the second extension pipe 10 b are routed to the heat source side unit 102 through a knockout hole (not shown) provided on the lower front side of the right side surface of the casing 111. A heat exchanger inlet temperature sensor 92 that outputs a detection signal to the first control unit 30a is disposed in the second load-side refrigerant pipe 9b.

  A header main pipe 61 is connected to the first load-side refrigerant pipe 9a. A plurality of header branch pipes 62 are branched and connected to the header main pipe 61. A plurality of load-side refrigerant branch pipes 63 are branched and connected to the second load-side refrigerant pipe 9b. A connection part between the first load side refrigerant pipe 9a and the header main pipe 61, a connection part between the header main pipe 61 and the header branch pipe 62, and a second load side refrigerant pipe 9b and the load side refrigerant branch pipe 63. The connection between the two is joined by brazing. Henceforth, these connection parts joined by the above-mentioned brazing are called "the piping brazing part of a heat exchanger."

  Next, the refrigerant leak detection apparatus 140 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerant leakage detection device 140 includes a first impeller 120a, a second impeller 120b, a first rotation detection sensor 130a, a second rotation detection sensor 130b, and a second control unit. 30b.

  In the first embodiment, the first impeller 120a is disposed substantially vertically below the first load side joint portion 15a and the second load side joint portion 15b. The second impeller 120b is disposed above the drain pan 20 and substantially vertically below the pipe brazing part of the heat exchanger. In the first embodiment, the first impeller 120a and the second impeller 120b are of a propeller type (horizontal axis windmill type) and are attached so that the rotation axis faces the vertical direction. In the first embodiment, the first impeller 120a or the second impeller 120b is leaked refrigerant at all times including during operation and stop of the air conditioner 100, or only when the air conditioner 100 is stopped. Rotates at the first impeller 120a or the second impeller 120b due to the density difference between the refrigerant and the air.

  The first rotation detection sensor 130a and the second rotation detection sensor 130b are arranged at positions where the rotation of the first impeller 120a and the second impeller 120b can be detected, respectively. In the first embodiment, the types of the first rotation detection sensor 130a and the second rotation detection sensor 130b are not limited as long as they can detect the rotations of the first impeller 120a and the second impeller 120b. .

  For example, the first rotation detection sensor 130a (second rotation detection sensor 130b) attaches a DC brushless motor to the first impeller 120a (second impeller 120b), and the first impeller 120a (second You may comprise so that generation | occurrence | production of the counter electromotive force by rotation of the 2nd impeller 120b) may be detected. The first rotation detection sensor 130a (second rotation detection sensor 130b) is rotated by a gap sensor that can detect a minute change in distance from the first impeller 120a (second impeller 120b). May be detected. The first rotation detection sensor 130a (second rotation detection sensor 130b) may detect rotation by a magnetic sensor using a Hall element. Further, the first rotation detection sensor 130a and the second rotation detection sensor 130b may not be of the same type.

  The second control unit 30b has a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O port, and the like. The second control unit 30 b is configured to be able to perform data communication with the operation unit 26. In the second control unit 30b, the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage is determined based on the detection signal from the first rotation detection sensor 130a or the second rotation detection sensor 130b. Moreover, the 2nd control part 30b carries out the whole operation | movement of the air conditioning apparatus 100 including the operation | movement of the load side ventilation fan 7f based on the detection signal from the 1st rotation detection sensor 130a or the 2nd rotation detection sensor 130b. Configured to control. The second control unit 30 b may be provided in the casing of the load side unit 101 or may be provided in the casing of the heat source side unit 102. In addition, the second control unit 30b may be configured to perform mutual data communication with the first control unit 30a, or may be integrated with the first control unit 30a to be a control unit. May be configured.

  Next, the refrigerant leak detection process in the second control unit 30b of the refrigerant leak detection apparatus 140 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the refrigerant leak detection process executed by the second control unit 30b of the refrigerant leak detection apparatus 140 according to the first embodiment. This refrigerant leakage detection process is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals at all times including during operation and stop of the air conditioner 100 or only when the air conditioner 100 is stopped.

  In step S1 of FIG. 5, the second control unit 30b uses the first impeller 120a or the second impeller 120b based on the detection signal from the first rotation detection sensor 130a or the second rotation detection sensor 130b. It is determined whether or not is rotating. When it determines with the 1st impeller 120a or the 2nd impeller 120b rotating, it progresses to step S2 and S3, and when it determines with not rotating, a process is complete | finished.

  In step S2, the operation of the load side blower fan 7f is started. If the load-side fan 7f has already been operated, the operation is continued as it is. This stirs the airflow, diffuses the refrigerant, and prevents the combustible concentration region from being formed. Further, the operation of the air conditioner 100 other than the load-side blower fan 7f is prevented from starting.

  In step S3, an abnormality is displayed on the operation unit 26 to notify the user to that effect. Further, instructions for refrigerant leakage are displayed on the operation unit 26 to notify the user to that effect. For example, “Gas leaking, window open” may be displayed. Moreover, you may make it alert | report a abnormality and an instruction matter to a user using the audio | voice output part of the operation part 26. FIG.

  Next, the effect of the refrigerant leak detection device 140 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, it is possible to configure the refrigerant leak detection device 140 that can directly detect the refrigerant leak by the rotation of the first impeller 120a or the second impeller 120b. Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain the refrigerant leakage detection device 140 and the air conditioner 100 that can detect the leakage of the refrigerant with high accuracy.

  Moreover, in the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus 140 of this Embodiment 1, since the leakage of a refrigerant | coolant is detected by rotation of the 1st impeller 120a or the 2nd impeller 120b, detection capability is due to aged deterioration or adhesion of dirt. It will not decline. Therefore, in this Embodiment 1, the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus 140 and the air conditioning apparatus 100 which can maintain a detection capability over a long period of time can be obtained.

  Further, the refrigerant (for example, R32) used in the first embodiment has a higher density than air at atmospheric pressure, and flows downward when leaked. In the first embodiment, the first impeller 120a is disposed below the first load side joint portion 15a or the second load side joint portion 15b. Moreover, the 2nd impeller 120b is arrange | positioned under the piping brazing part of a heat exchanger. That is, in the first embodiment, since the first impeller 120a or the second impeller 120b is disposed below the portion where the refrigerant is likely to leak, it is possible to detect minute refrigerant leakage. it can. Therefore, in this Embodiment 1, the refrigerant | coolant leak detection apparatus 140 and the air conditioning apparatus 100 which can detect a refrigerant | coolant leak at an early stage before a combustible concentration range is formed can be obtained.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment described above, the first impeller 120a is disposed substantially vertically below the first load-side joint portion 15a and the second load-side joint portion 15b, and the second impeller 120b is replaced with a heat exchanger. However, it is also possible to arrange only one of the first impeller 120a and the second impeller 120b. By making only one of the first impeller 120a and the second impeller 120b, the manufacturing cost of the refrigerant leakage detection device 140 can be reduced.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 6 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the load side unit 101 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a right side view schematically showing the internal structure of the load side unit 101 according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the first leakage refrigerant guiding member 95a is provided on the side of the first load side joint portion 15a and the second load side joint portion 15b. Is formed. The first leakage refrigerant guiding member 95a surrounds the side of the first load side joint portion 15a and the second load side joint portion 15b, and the first load side joint portion 15a or the second load side joint portion 15b. The refrigerant leaking from the first impeller 120a is guided to the first impeller 120a.

  Further, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the second leakage refrigerant guiding member 95b is formed on the side and rear of the pipe brazing part of the heat exchanger as viewed from the front of the casing 111. The second leakage refrigerant guiding member 95b receives the refrigerant that leaks from the pipe brazing portion and flows downward, and guides the received refrigerant to the second impeller 120b. Since the other configuration is the same as the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  In the third embodiment, by forming the first leakage refrigerant guiding member 95a and the second leakage refrigerant guiding member 95b, the pipe brazing portion of the heat exchanger, the first load side joint portion 15a, or the first Since the refrigerant leaked from the second load side joint portion 15b is guided to the first impeller 120a or the second impeller 120b, the refrigerant detection capability in the first impeller 120a or the second impeller 120b is increased. be able to.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 8 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the load-side unit 101 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a right side view schematically showing the internal structure of the load side unit 101 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  In FIGS. 8 and 9, an open peripheral flow type (water turbine type) third impeller 120 c is used instead of the propeller type first impeller 120 a in the first embodiment. Further, an open peripheral flow type fourth impeller 120d is used instead of the propeller type second impeller 120b in the first embodiment. Since the other configuration is the same as the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the third impeller 120c (fourth impeller 120d) according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view schematically showing a structure of a third impeller 120c (fourth impeller 120d) according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side view schematically showing the structure of the third impeller 120c (fourth impeller 120d) according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the third impeller 120 c (fourth impeller 120 d) includes a rotation shaft 121 and a plurality of blades 122 arranged on a circumference around the rotation shaft 121. Is provided. The third impeller 120c or the fourth impeller 120d of the fourth embodiment is arranged so that the rotating shaft 121 of the impeller is parallel to the bottom surface of the casing 111, so that the leakage refrigerant is the first. It can be rotated when the third impeller 120c or the fourth impeller 120d is reached.

  In the fourth embodiment, the third impeller 120c or the fourth impeller 120d can be arranged vertically long when viewed from the side surface of the casing 111. Accordingly, since the third impeller 120c or the fourth impeller 120d can be arranged in a narrow arrangement space (for example, between the refrigerant pipes), the space on the load side unit 101 can be saved. Can do.

Other embodiments.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, the air conditioner 100 of the above-described embodiment is a floor-standing type, but is not limited thereto, and may be a four-way ceiling embedded type or a wall-mounted type.

  Further, the refrigerant leakage detection device 140 of the above-described embodiment can be used in addition to the air conditioning device 100. For example, it can be used for refrigeration cycle devices (heat pump devices) such as refrigerators, freezers, vending machines, refrigeration devices (refrigerators), and water heaters.

  In addition, the impellers (120a to 120d) of the above-described embodiment have other locations (for example, the heat source side heat exchanger 5 and the first heat source side joint in the heat source side unit 102) where the refrigerant is likely to leak. You may arrange | position below the part 16a). In this case, in step S2 of the refrigerant leakage detection process of FIG. 5, an operation start process of the heat source side blower fan 5f is executed.

  In the above-described third embodiment, only one of the first leakage refrigerant guiding member 95a and the second leakage refrigerant guiding member 95b may be arranged.

  In addition, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be implemented in combination with each other.

  3 compressor, 4 refrigerant flow switching device, 5 heat source side heat exchanger, 5f heat source side blower fan, 6 decompression device, 7 load side heat exchanger, 7f load side blower fan, 8a first heat source side refrigerant pipe, 8b 2nd heat source side refrigerant | coolant piping, 8c 3rd heat source side refrigerant | coolant piping, 8d 4th heat source side refrigerant | coolant piping, 9a 1st load side refrigerant | coolant piping, 9b 2nd load side refrigerant | coolant piping, 10a 1st extension Pipe, 10b Second extension pipe, 11 Suction pipe, 12 Discharge pipe, 13a First extension pipe connection valve, 13b Second extension pipe connection valve, 14a First service port, 14b Second service port, 14c 3rd service port, 15a 1st load side joint part, 15b 2nd load side joint part, 16a 1st heat source side joint part, 16b 2nd heat source side joint part, 20 drain pan, 25 electrical goods storage box , 26 Operation part, 30a 1st control part, 30b 2nd control part, 61 header main pipe, 62 header branch pipe, 63 load side refrigerant branch pipe, 81 air path, 91 intake air temperature sensor, 92 heat exchanger inlet temperature sensor , 93 heat exchanger temperature sensor, 95a first leakage refrigerant guiding member, 95b second leakage refrigerant guiding member, 100 air conditioner, 101 load side unit, 102 heat source side unit, 111 housing, 112 suction port, 113 Air outlet, 120a 1st impeller, 120b 2nd impeller, 120c 3rd impeller, 120d 4th impeller, 121 rotating shaft, 122 blades, 130a 1st rotation detection sensor, 130b 2nd Rotation detection sensor, 140 refrigerant leakage detection device.

Claims (7)

A compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a load side heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant pipe and used for a refrigeration cycle for circulating a refrigerant having a density higher than air under atmospheric pressure.
An impeller rotating by leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle;
A refrigerant leakage detection device comprising: a control unit that determines leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle by detecting rotation of the impeller. A refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and a load side heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant pipe to circulate a refrigerant having a density higher than air under atmospheric pressure;
An impeller rotating by leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle;
A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising: a control unit that determines leakage of the refrigerant from the refrigeration cycle by detecting rotation of the impeller. A heat source side blower fan for supplying outside air to the heat source side heat exchanger;
A load-side fan that supplies outside air to the load-side heat exchanger;
Further comprising
When the control unit determines that the refrigerant leaks at all times including operation and stop of the refrigeration cycle, or only when the refrigeration cycle is stopped, the heat source side fan or the load side fan The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the operation start processing is performed to diffuse the leaked refrigerant.   The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the impeller is disposed below at least one of the heat source side heat exchanger, the load side heat exchanger, or a joint portion of the refrigerant pipe.   The leakage refrigerant induction member which guides the refrigerant which leaked from at least one of the heat source side heat exchanger, the load side heat exchanger, or the joint part of the refrigerant piping to the impeller. Refrigeration cycle equipment. The leakage refrigerant guide member is configured to surround a side of the joint portion.
The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 5. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6 , wherein the impeller is a propeller type or an open circumferential flow type.

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