JPWO2016110998A1 - Outdoor unit and air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The outdoor unit B includes at least one of the type of refrigerant used and a cautionary document, covers the hexagonal columnar outer periphery of the sealing hexagon nut 24, and the gas side which is a refrigerant pipe connection valve A display cover 70 having a ring part 73 attached to the valve 9 and a connecting part 72 configured to be bent and connecting the cover part 71 and the ring part 73 is provided.

Description

  The present invention relates to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner using a compressor-type refrigeration cycle and an air conditioner including the outdoor unit, and particularly, to improve safety and reliability during installation and service of the air conditioner. The present invention relates to an outdoor unit and an air conditioner.

  Conventionally, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) -based R22 refrigerant, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) -based R410A refrigerant, or the like is often used in air conditioners. As current and existing air conditioners, there are many devices using R22 refrigerant or R410A refrigerant.

  However, in recent years, from the viewpoint of protecting the ozone layer and preventing global warming, R32 (difluoromethane) of HFC refrigerant, which is a flammable refrigerant, hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant (HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze, etc.), R32, A mixed refrigerant with an HFO system or a natural refrigerant such as R290 (propane) or R600a (isobutane) has attracted attention. Among them, the HFC-based R32 refrigerant is characterized in that the global warming potential (hereinafter referred to as GWP) due to atmospheric release is very small compared to the R22 refrigerant and the R410A refrigerant.

  However, since the R32 refrigerant and the like are flammable refrigerants, products with sufficient consideration for safety must be designed. For this reason, when using a flammable refrigerant such as R32 refrigerant, it is necessary to inject costs to improve safety.

  The air conditioner has a compression refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a decompressor, and the like are connected by a refrigerant pipe. Therefore, in the case of an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant such as R32 refrigerant, when the air conditioner is installed, or when the air conditioner is serviced, the refrigerant circuit is charged to the refrigerant circuit, etc. Special safety design is required.

  As such, a “cooling device having an inlet for filling refrigerant into a refrigerant circuit and having a display unit for displaying the type of refrigerant used in the vicinity of the inlet” is disclosed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-311629

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 suggests the type of refrigerant to the operator by a warning method of displaying the type of refrigerant to be used in the vicinity of an inlet (service port) filled with the refrigerant. However, depending on the installation location of the air conditioner, there may be installation work under adverse conditions (for example, the work location is dark and the work posture is difficult to load). However, there is a problem that it is not certain that the display content is 100% transmitted to the worker.

  In particular, when using a flammable refrigerant such as R32 refrigerant, safety cannot be ensured unless the possibility of oversight is completely eliminated even if installation work must be performed under adverse conditions. . Therefore, it has been necessary to make the type of refrigerant used for workers well known by a more reliable method than before.

  In addition, it is considered that in the future, by replacing refrigerants, service providers increase the types of refrigerants handled, and many cases of accidentally enclosing different refrigerants occur. In such a case, there exists a subject that safety | security and reliability will be impaired remarkably.

  For example, the existing R22 refrigerant or the air conditioner using R410A does not perform a safety design for the flammable refrigerant. Assuming that flammable refrigerant is accidentally sealed in this existing air conditioner, if the refrigerant leaks during installation or service work, or the refrigerant circuit is lost when using the air conditioner If the refrigerant leaks, the surroundings may reach a flammable concentration.

  In addition, when R22 refrigerant or R410A refrigerant is accidentally sealed in an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant, for example, especially for refrigeration oil, an appropriate type of refrigeration oil is selected according to the type of refrigerant. For this reason, the interior of the compressor is worn out, and cooling and heating performance are lowered, so that the reliability is remarkably lowered.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and the kind of refrigerant is given to workers (for example, workers who perform installation work, workers who perform service work, and workers who perform recycling work). It is an object of the present invention to provide an outdoor unit that is reliably recognized and has improved safety and reliability, and an air conditioner including the outdoor unit.

  The outdoor unit according to the present invention is an outdoor unit including a refrigerant pipe connection valve provided with a service port for refrigerant charging that is sealed by a hexagon nut for sealing that is removed when charging refrigerant. At least one of the type of refrigerant being used and a cautionary note is described, and a cover part covering the hexagonal columnar outer periphery of the sealing hex nut, a ring part attached to the refrigerant pipe connection valve, and bendable The display cover is configured and includes a connecting portion that connects the cover portion and the ring portion.

  An air conditioner according to the present invention includes the above-described outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit.

  According to the outdoor unit according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the operator from erroneously enclosing the refrigerant during the refrigerant filling operation, and to improve safety.

  Since the air conditioner according to the present invention includes the outdoor unit described above, it is possible to suppress degradation in performance and quality.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the whole structure of the air conditioning apparatus provided with the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed an example of the structure of the display cover attached to the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the expansion schematic which expanded further and showed a part of side surface of the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention which attached the display cover. It is the perspective view which showed another example of the structure of the display cover attached to the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the expansion schematic which expanded further and showed a part of side surface of the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention which attached the display cover. It is the perspective view which showed another example of the structure of the display cover attached to the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the expansion schematic which expanded further and showed a part of side surface of the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention which attached the display cover. It is the perspective view which showed another example of the structure of the display cover attached to the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the expansion schematic which expanded further and showed a part of side surface of the outdoor unit which concerns on embodiment of this invention which attached the display cover.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the following drawings including FIG. 1, the relationship of the size of each component may be different from the actual one. Further, in the following drawings including FIG. 1, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts, and this is common throughout the entire specification. Furthermore, the forms of the constituent elements shown in the entire specification are merely examples, and are not limited to these descriptions.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an air conditioner A including an outdoor unit B according to an embodiment of the present invention. Based on FIG. 1, the structure of the air conditioning apparatus A is demonstrated.

The air conditioner A is applied as, for example, a separate-type home air conditioner, and includes an indoor unit C and an outdoor unit B.
The outdoor unit B installs the support base 51 in a space (for example, outdoors) different from the air-conditioning target space, is fixed to the support base 51, and supplies cold or hot heat to the indoor unit C. The outdoor unit B may be installed at a position where the air path during operation can be secured and the distance from the indoor unit C is not so long.
The indoor unit C fixes the installation plate 21 to, for example, a room-side wall surface with screws 59 and the like, and is fixed so as to be hooked on the installation plate 21, and supplies conditioned air to the air-conditioning target space.

  Here, the outdoor unit B according to the present embodiment includes an operator (for example, an operator who performs installation work of the air conditioner A, an operator who performs service work of the air conditioner A, and recycling work of the air conditioner A). The type of the refrigerant sealed in the air conditioner A is surely recognized.

To the indoor unit C, a liquid pipe side pipe connection joint 12 and a gas side pipe connection joint 13 are connected. A liquid side valve (refrigerant pipe connection valve) 8 and a gas side valve (refrigerant pipe connection valve) 9 are connected to the outdoor unit B. Then, the liquid pipe side pipe connection joint 12 of the indoor unit C and the liquid side valve 8 of the outdoor unit B are coupled using an extension pipe (internal / external connection refrigerant pipe) 7 that has been subjected to flare processing.
Similarly, the gas side pipe connection joint 13 of the indoor unit C and the gas side valve 9 of the outdoor unit B are coupled using the extension pipe 7 that has been subjected to flaring. Thereby, the element device of the indoor unit C and the element device of the outdoor unit B are connected by piping, and a refrigerant circuit is configured.

  In addition, in order to electrically join the indoor unit C and the outdoor unit B, the terminal block of the indoor unit C and the terminal block 17 of the outdoor unit B are coupled using the cable 22. Furthermore, the liquid side valve 8, the gas side valve 9, and the terminal block 17 of the outdoor unit B are arranged at positions where the work can be performed by removing the service cover 10 from the outdoor unit B. That is, the service cover 10 is detachably attached to the side surface of the outdoor unit B. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid side valve 8 and the gas side valve 9 are fixed to the valve fixing plate 14.

(Indoor unit C)
The indoor unit C has at least an indoor heat exchanger and a blower fan.
The indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser (heat radiator) during heating operation and as an evaporator during cooling operation.
The blower fan is disposed near the indoor heat exchanger and supplies air to the indoor heat exchanger.

  In the indoor unit C, a suction port for sucking air in the air-conditioning target space is formed on the upper surface, for example. In addition, the indoor unit C is formed with, for example, a front lower portion of the air outlet through which the air sucked from the suction port is passed through the indoor heat exchanger to exchange heat, and the conditioned air is blown into the air-conditioning target space.

(Outdoor unit B)
The outdoor unit B includes, for example, a variable speed compressor that compresses refrigerant, a four-way valve that switches the flow of refrigerant, an evaporator during heating operation, an outdoor heat exchanger that functions as a condenser (heat radiator) during cooling operation, and refrigerant At least an outdoor fan that sends air to the outdoor heat exchanger.
The outdoor unit B includes a casing (outer wall) formed by a front plate 62 that forms part of the front and side surfaces, a top plate 65 that forms a top surface, and a side plate 66 that forms part of the side surface. Have.

The front plate 62 has an opening 63 serving as an air passage. A fan guard 64 formed of a wire is attached to the opening 63.
The side plate 66 is formed with an opening 68 through which the cable 22 is drawn out of the outdoor unit B. The cable 22 exposed from the opening 68 of the side plate 66 is covered with the service cover 10. In addition, the outdoor unit B includes a compressor, a four-way valve, a driving device for driving the outdoor fan, and a terminal block 17 for electrical connection with the indoor unit C.

(Refrigerant circuit)
A refrigerant circuit is configured by connecting the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit C, the compressor of the outdoor unit B, the four-way valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, and the flow rate control device. Specifically, during the heating operation, the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor, the four-way valve, the indoor heat exchanger, the flow control device, and the outdoor heat exchanger. During the cooling operation, the compressor, the four-way valve, and the outdoor heat exchanger The refrigerant circuit is configured such that the refrigerant flows in the order of the flow rate control device and the indoor heat exchanger.
Note that only the cooling operation or the heating operation may be performed without providing the four-way valve. Further, as a substitute for the four-way valve, for example, a plurality of two-way valves or three-way valves may be used so that the refrigerant flow can be switched in the same manner.

(Refrigerant)
As a refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner A, there is, for example, R32 refrigerant having flammability. However, the refrigerant used for the air conditioner A is not limited to the R32 refrigerant. For example, other flammable refrigerants (for example, R290 refrigerant), natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), hydrocarbons, helium, etc., refrigerants that do not contain chlorine, such as R410A, as well as alternative refrigerants such as R407C and R404A May be adopted.

(Installation method of air conditioner A)
Next, a method for installing the air conditioner A will be described.
First, the installation plate 21 for fixing the indoor unit C is fixed to the wall surface on the indoor side with screws 59 or the like. The indoor unit C is hooked on the installation plate 21 and fixed.
Then, the outdoor unit B is installed in a position (for example, a space around the house, a veranda, a roof, a garage, a garden, etc.) where the air path during operation can be secured and the distance from the indoor unit C is not so long.

  And in order to comprise the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning apparatus A, the liquid pipe side piping connection joint 12 of the indoor unit C and the liquid side valve 8 of the outdoor unit B are used by the extension pipe 7 which performed the flare process. Join. Similarly, the gas side pipe connection joint 13 of the indoor unit C and the gas side valve 9 of the outdoor unit B are coupled using the extension pipe 7 that has been subjected to flaring. Further, in order to electrically join the indoor unit C and the outdoor unit B, the terminal block of the indoor unit C and the terminal block 17 of the outdoor unit B are coupled using the cable 22.

Then, the service cover 10 is attached to the side surface of the outdoor unit B so as to cover the liquid side valve 8, the gas side valve 9, and the terminal block 17 of the outdoor unit B.
In general, each of the two extension pipes 7 is covered with a heat insulating material. Then, the two extension pipes 7 covered with the heat insulating material are collectively wrapped with the tape 61.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the display cover 70 attached to the outdoor unit B (hereinafter referred to as display cover 70A). FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view further showing a part of the side surface of the outdoor unit B to which the display cover 70A is attached. Based on FIG.2 and FIG.3, the recognition by the operator of the kind of refrigerant | coolant enclosed with the air conditioning apparatus A and the structure of 70 A of display covers are demonstrated.

  On the side surface of the outdoor unit B, a liquid side valve 8 and a gas side valve 9 are provided. The gas side valve 9 is provided with a service port 23 for refrigerant charging. An operator at the installation site removes the sealing hexagon nut 24 and then attaches a charging hose for charging the refrigerant to the refrigerant charging service port 23. By doing in this way, it has the structure which can open the push pin type valve built in service port 23 for refrigerant charge, and can enclose a refrigerant.

  The hexagon nut 24 for sealing used in the R410A refrigerant air conditioner currently used in the mainstream has a 1/2 inch screw specification. Moreover, the hexagon opposite side of the hexagon nut 24 for sealing is 17 mm. However, if the hexagon nut 24 for sealing having such a specification is used, when the type of refrigerant different from the R410A refrigerant is sealed in the installed air conditioner, the operator mistakes the type of refrigerant. Cheap.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, in the outdoor unit B, a display cover 70 </ b> A displaying the refrigerant name is installed at the connection part of the gas side valve 9 on the outdoor unit B side. The display cover 70A may be formed of an elastic member such as resin, metal, or rubber. As shown in FIG. 2, the display cover 70 </ b> A includes a cover part 71 </ b> A, a connecting part 72 </ b> A, and a ring part 73 </ b> A.

  71 A of cover parts are comprised so that the part used as the hexagonal column of the hexagon nut 24 for sealing may be covered (covered). That is, the cover portion 71 </ b> A is configured such that the hexagonal column of the sealing hexagon nut 24 is inserted therein and covers the hexagonal columnar outer periphery of the sealing hexagon nut 24. Also, a plurality of refrigerant names “R32” are displayed on the cover portion 71A, and the refrigerant name can be discriminated from any angle. It is possible to add not only the type of refrigerant but also a mark or initial indicating that it is a flammable refrigerant to the cover portion 71A, or display a wording of precautions.

  The connecting portion 72A connects the cover portion 71A and the ring portion 73A and is configured to be bendable. That is, the connecting portion 72A is configured to be connected to a part of the cover portion 71A and to be connected to a part of the ring portion 73A. The connecting portion 72A is formed in, for example, a flat belt shape and can be bent. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper and lower surfaces of the central portion of the connecting portion 72A are preferably recessed from the cover portion 71A and the ring portion 73A side, that is, the wall thickness is reduced so that it can be bent easily. By doing so, the connecting portion 72A can be easily bent, and workability when the cover portion 71A is put on the sealing hexagon nut 24 can be improved. In addition, what is necessary is just to determine suitably the thickness and width | variety of 72 A of connection parts according to the raw material to be used.

  The ring portion 73A is configured to have a larger diameter than the connection portion of the gas side valve 9 on the outdoor unit B side so as to be attached to the connection portion of the gas side valve 9 on the outdoor unit B side. As a specific example of attachment of the ring portion 73A, the gas side valve 9 is expanded as shown in FIG. 3 by spreading the ring portion 73A in the vicinity of the screw fixing portion of the gas side valve 9 screwed to the valve fixing plate 14. It is good to attach it in the state hooked on. If it carries out like this, the ring part 73A will be temporarily extended using the elasticity of rubber | gum in the case of attachment, and it can be set as the specification caught on the gas side valve | bulb 9. Therefore, it is possible to cope with a plurality of specifications of the sealing hex nut 24 and the gas side valve 9 having different sizes. Finally, if the cover portion 71A is put on the sealing hex nut 24, the attachment is completed.

  By providing the display cover 70A, when charging the refrigerant when the outdoor unit B is installed or at the time of service, the operator removes the sealing hexagon nut 24 of the refrigerant charge service port 23 before the work. Therefore, the cover portion 71A of the display cover 70A must be removed. That is, the display cover 70 </ b> A acts as one of the accessory parts that require an operator's operation when removing the sealing hexagon nut 24.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the configuration of the display cover 70 attached to the outdoor unit B (hereinafter referred to as display cover 70B). FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic view further enlarging and showing a part of the side surface of the outdoor unit B to which the display cover 70B is attached. Based on FIG.4 and FIG.5, the recognition by the operator of the kind of refrigerant | coolant enclosed with the air conditioning apparatus A and the structure of the display cover 70B are demonstrated.

  The basic configuration of the display cover 70B is the same as that of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. 2, but the configuration of the ring portion (hereinafter referred to as the ring portion 73B) attached to the gas side valve 9 is different from the specification. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display cover 70B includes a cover portion 71B, a connecting portion 72B, and a ring portion 73B.
About the cover part 71B and the connection part 72B, it has the same structure as the cover part 71A and the connection part 72A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG.

  Since the ring portion 73B is assumed to be a portion different from the position where the ring portion 73A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. 2 is attached, the ring portion 73B is configured in a shape having a different specification from the ring portion 73A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. ing. Specifically, the ring portion 73B is attached not by being connected to the outdoor unit B side of the gas side valve 9 but by being fitted into the gas side valve 9 at the root portion where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached. It is configured.

The ring part 73 </ b> B has a first ring part 74 and a second ring part 75.
The first ring portion 74 is configured in a ring shape having a diameter equal to or less than that of the gas side valve 9 at the root portion to which the sealing hex nut 24 is attached, and is sealed using elastic force. It is fixed (locked) to the gas side valve 9 at the root portion to which the hexagon nut 24 is attached.
The second ring portion 75 has a central portion 75A and a U-shaped portion 75B (first U-shaped portion) that protrudes to the outer peripheral side from the central portion 75A, and the U-shaped portion 75B is deformed. Is configured to do.

  Therefore, the ring portion 73B may be made of elastically deformable rubber or resin. For example, if the ring part 73B is made of rubber, it becomes possible to cope with a plurality of specifications of the sealing hexagon nut 24 and the gas side valve 9 having different sizes, and the workability is further improved. Further, the number of U-shaped portions 75B is not limited to the number shown in the drawing.

  As a specific example of attachment of the ring part 73B, the U-shaped part 75B is deformed, and the gas side valve 9 at the base part where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached to the central part 75A is once fitted, and then Then, the ring part 73B is slid to move the gas side valve 9 at the root part where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached to the first ring part 74. By doing so, the gas side valve 9 at the base portion to which the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached is locked by the first ring portion 74. Finally, if the cover 71B is put on the sealing hexagon nut 24, the attachment is completed.

  By providing the display cover 70B, when charging the refrigerant when the outdoor unit B is installed or at the time of service, the operator removes the sealing hexagon nut 24 of the refrigerant charging service port 23 before the work. Therefore, the cover portion 71B of the display cover 70B must be removed. That is, the display cover 70 </ b> B acts as one of the accessory parts accompanied by the operator's operation when removing the sealing hex nut 24.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of the configuration of the display cover 70 attached to the outdoor unit B (hereinafter referred to as display cover 70C). FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic view showing a part of the side surface of the outdoor unit B to which the display cover 70 </ b> C is attached further enlarged. Based on FIG.6 and FIG.7, the recognition by the operator of the kind of refrigerant | coolant enclosed with the air conditioning apparatus A and the structure of the display cover 70C are demonstrated.

  The basic configuration of the display cover 70C is the same as that of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. 2, but the configuration of the ring portion (hereinafter referred to as the ring portion 73C) attached to the gas side valve 9 is different from the specification. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display cover 70 </ b> C includes a cover part 71 </ b> C, a connecting part 72 </ b> C, and a ring part 73 </ b> C.
The cover portion 71C and the connecting portion 72C have the same configuration as the cover portion 71A and the connecting portion 72A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG.

  Since the ring portion 73C is assumed to be a portion different from the position where the ring portion 73A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. 2 is attached, the ring portion 73C is configured in a shape having a different specification from the ring portion 73A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. ing. Specifically, the ring portion 73 </ b> C is fitted and attached to the gas side valve 9 in the root portion where the sealing hex nut 24 is attached, not the connection portion of the gas side valve 9 on the outdoor unit B side. It is configured.

The ring part 73 </ b> C includes a ring center part 76 and a U-shaped part 77 (second U-shaped part) that protrudes more outward than the ring center part 76.
The ring center portion 76 is configured in a ring shape having a diameter equal to or less than that of the gas side valve 9 at the root portion to which the sealing hex nut 24 is attached, and the sealing hex nut 24 is attached thereto. It is fixed (locked) to the gas side valve 9 at the root portion.
The U-shaped portion 77 is configured to be deformable.

  For this reason, the ring portion 73C may be made of elastically deformable rubber or resin. For example, if the ring part 73C is made of rubber, it becomes possible to cope with a plurality of specifications of the sealing hexagon nut 24 and the gas side valve 9 having different sizes, and the workability is further improved. Further, at least two U-shaped portions 77 may be provided as shown in FIG.

  As a specific example of attaching the ring portion 73C, the U-shaped portion 77 is deformed, and the gas side valve 9 at the root portion where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached to the ring central portion 76 is attached. By doing so, the gas side valve 9 at the root portion to which the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached is locked at the ring central portion 76. Finally, if the cover 71B is put on the sealing hexagon nut 24, the attachment is completed.

  By providing the display cover 70 </ b> C, when the refrigerant is charged when the outdoor unit B is installed or at the time of service, the worker is required to remove the sealing hexagon nut 24 of the refrigerant charge service port 23 before the work. Therefore, the cover portion 71C of the display cover 70C has to be removed. That is, the display cover 70 </ b> C acts as one of the accessory parts accompanied by the operator's operation when removing the sealing hex nut 24.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the configuration of the display cover 70 attached to the outdoor unit B (hereinafter referred to as display cover 70D). FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic view further showing a part of the side surface of the outdoor unit B to which the display cover 70D is attached. Based on FIG.8 and FIG.9, the recognition by the operator of the kind of refrigerant | coolant enclosed with the air conditioning apparatus A and the structure of display cover 70D are demonstrated.

  The basic configuration of the display cover 70D is the same as that of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. 2, but the configuration of a ring portion (hereinafter referred to as a ring portion 73D) attached to the gas side valve 9 is different from the specification. It has become.

As shown in FIG. 8, the display cover 70D has a cover part 71D, a connecting part 72D, and a ring part 73D.
The cover portion 71D has the same configuration as the cover portion 71A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG.
About the connection part 72D, in FIG. 8, the flat strip | belt shape is shown.

  Since the ring part 73D is assumed to be a part different from the position where the ring part 73A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. 2 is attached, the ring part 73D is configured in a shape having a different specification from the ring part 73A of the display cover 70A shown in FIG. ing. Specifically, the ring portion 73D is attached not by being connected to the outdoor unit B side of the gas side valve 9 but by being fitted into the gas side valve 9 at the root portion where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached. It is configured.

The ring portion 73D is configured in a ring shape by providing an asterisk-shaped hole in a circular member.
Therefore, ring part 73D is good to comprise rubber or resin which can be elastically deformed. For example, if the ring portion 73D is made of rubber, it is possible to cope with a plurality of specifications of the sealing hexagon nut 24 and the gas side valve 9 having different sizes, and the workability is further improved.

  As a specific example of attachment of the ring portion 73D, the gas side valve 9 at the root portion of the sealing hexagon nut 24 is pushed into and attached to an asterisk-shaped hole. By doing so, the gas side valve 9 portion at the base to which the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached is pushed into the asterisk-shaped hole and locked. Finally, if the cover 71B is put on the sealing hex nut 24, the attachment is completed.

  By providing the display cover 70D, when the refrigerant is charged when the outdoor unit B is installed or at the time of service, the operator removes the sealing hexagon nut 24 of the refrigerant charge service port 23 before the work. Therefore, the cover portion 71D of the display cover 70D must be removed. That is, the display cover 70 </ b> D acts as one of the accessory parts accompanied by the operator's operation when removing the sealing hex nut 24.

  As described above, according to the outdoor unit B, the accessory type (display covers 70 </ b> A to 70 </ b> D) that accompanies the operator's operation when removing the sealing hexagon nut 24 is simply provided, so that the type of refrigerant is simply set. The type of refrigerant used can be surely recognized by the operator, rather than the method of writing on a seal or the like and pasting it around the connection valve. For this reason, at the time of a refrigerant | coolant filling operation | work, the mistaken enclosure of the refrigerant | coolant by an operator is lose | eliminated, it becomes possible to improve safety | security, and also there is no worry of the performance of the air conditioning apparatus A and the fall of quality. In particular, when a flammable refrigerant such as R32 refrigerant is used, the effect from the viewpoint of safety is great, and in addition, it contributes to suppressing global warming.

  In addition, the shape of the connection part 72 (connection part 72A-72D) is not limited to what is shown in figure, respectively, It can set suitably. As described above, the display on the cover unit 71 (the cover units 71A to 71D) may include not only the type of refrigerant but also a mark indicating that it is a flammable refrigerant, initials, and precautions in words. In addition, the stamp is more suitable than the printed matter from the viewpoint that the display is not easily erased even after long-term use. For example, it is suitable for identifying the type of refrigerant at the time of refrigerant collection at a recycling center. Printed materials are suitable for clarifying the precautions, but marks and initials are suitable when the display space is small or when devices are deployed globally.

  In addition, regarding the type of refrigerant and precautions, information is provided to workers during installation and service. In the configuration of the outdoor unit B, the gas side valve 9 can be obtained by removing the service cover 10 from the outdoor unit B. The information described in can be confirmed. For this reason, unnecessary information is not given to general users, and there is no fear of causing confusion. In particular, a slightly flammable refrigerant such as R32 has flammability, but it is very difficult to burn, and if an operator does not use fire in the surroundings when installing or servicing an air conditioner, an accident caused by combustion will occur. There is no worry to invite. For this reason, if a mechanism for giving precautions only to the worker is provided, it is most suitable for an apparatus using a slightly flammable refrigerant so as not to give unnecessary unease to general users.

  Here, the description has been given of prevention of misfilling of the refrigerant when the air conditioner A is installed, but the same effect can be obtained in the service of the air conditioner A. For example, when recovering the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit when repairing the refrigerant circuit due to a malfunction or the like, a refrigerant recovery device is connected to the refrigerant charge service port 23 to recover the refrigerant. Then, a refrigerant cylinder prepared in advance is connected to the refrigerant charging service port 23 to enclose the refrigerant, and the refrigerant filled in the refrigerant cylinder is enclosed in the device. In other words, even during service, it is possible to recognize that the type of refrigerant differs from that of the conventional refrigerant at the stage of removing the sealing hexagon nut 24 of the refrigerant charging service port 23.

  Further, the port specifications of the refrigerant charging service port 23 are screws having a screw diameter of 1/2 inch which is the same as that of the conventional R410A refrigerant. For this purpose, the charging hose, vacuum pump, pressure gauge, etc. prepared by the operator need only be the same as the previous ones, and it is necessary to prepare (purchase) these equipment for R32. Absent. Therefore, it is possible to expect the operator to quickly disseminate the air conditioner A using a refrigerant having a low global warming potential in the market without the need for the expense and period for special infrastructure maintenance.

  The port specification for the refrigerant charge service port 23 uses the same 1/2 inch screw as that of the currently mainstream R410A refrigerant, but the port specification used for the conventional R22 refrigerant is used. 7/16 inch screws may be used. Since the operator already possesses the charge hose, vacuum pump, pressure gauge, etc. that have been used in the R22 refrigerant and R410A refrigerant devices that have been used in the past, the same effect can be obtained even for the R22 refrigerant. Is obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the air conditioner A is applied to a separate type home air conditioner has been described as an example. However, the air conditioner A is not limited to a separate type home air conditioner, and the refrigerant charge If the outdoor service port 23 is provided in the outdoor unit B, the air conditioner A can be applied to a commercial air conditioner, a refrigeration apparatus, and the like.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the description about the external color of the cover part 71 (cover part 71A-71D) is not special. However, since the display color of the refrigerant cylinder differs depending on the refrigerant, it is preferable that the appearance color of these display boards and display covers be the same color as the refrigerant cylinder so that the type of refrigerant can be easily understood. For example, since the cylinder display color of the refrigerant R32 is light blue, the display board and the display cover are also preferably light blue.

  Further, all of the cover part 71 (cover parts 71A to 71D, connecting part 72 (connecting parts 72A to 72D), ring part 73 (ring parts 73A to 73D) may be integrally formed of the same material. For example, the ring portion 73 is formed of metal, the connecting portion 72 is formed of a soft rubber, and the cover portion 71 is softer than the connecting portion 72. It is also possible to form the cover part 71, the connecting part 72, and the ring part 73 all from the same material, for example, rubber.

  As described above, the ring portion 73 is preferably made of rubber, but is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the ring part 73 can be made of metal and the others can be made of rubber or resin, or the ring part 73 can be made of metal and can be formed with an elastic spring interposed therebetween. is there.

  7 Extension piping, 8 Liquid side valve, 9 Gas side valve, 10 Service cover, 12 Liquid pipe side piping connection joint, 13 Gas side piping connection joint, 14 Valve fixing plate, 17 Terminal block, 21 Installation plate, 22 Cable, 23 Refrigerant charge service port, 24 Sealing hexagon nut, 51 Support base, 59 Screw, 61 Tape, 62 Front plate, 63 Opening, 64 Fan guard, 65 Top plate, 66 Side plate, 68 Opening, 70 Display cover 70A display cover, 70B display cover, 70C display cover, 70D display cover, 71 cover part, 71A cover part, 71B cover part, 71C cover part, 71D cover part, 72 connection part, 72A connection part, 72B connection part, 72C Connecting part, 72D Connecting part, 73A Ring part, 73B Ring part, 73 C ring part, 73D ring part, 74 1st ring part, 75 2nd ring part, 75A center part, 75B U-shaped part, 76 ring center part, 77 U-shaped part, A air conditioner, B outdoor unit, C Indoor unit.

The outdoor unit according to the present invention is an outdoor unit including a refrigerant pipe connection valve provided with a service port for refrigerant charging that is sealed by a hexagon nut for sealing that is removed when charging refrigerant. has been that kind of coolant, and, at least one is described, and a cover portion covering the outer periphery of the hexagonal columnar said sealing hexagonal nut, a ring portion attached to the refrigerant pipe connecting the valve, before Symbol cover care document A display cover having a connecting portion that connects the portion and the ring portion is provided.

Claims (6)

An outdoor unit comprising a refrigerant pipe connection valve provided with a service port for refrigerant charging sealed by a hexagon nut for sealing removed when charging the refrigerant,
The type of refrigerant used, and at least one of caution documents are described, and a cover portion covering the hexagonal columnar outer periphery of the sealing hex nut;
A ring portion attached to the refrigerant pipe connection valve;
An outdoor unit comprising a display cover that is configured to be bendable and includes a connecting portion that connects the cover portion and the ring portion. The display cover is
The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the cover part, the ring part, and the connection part are integrally formed of elastically deformable rubber. The ring part is
The outdoor unit according to claim 1, wherein the outdoor unit is fixed to the refrigerant pipe connection valve using an elastic force. The connecting portion is
The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outdoor unit is formed in a bendable belt shape. The connecting portion is
The outdoor unit according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of the central portion is made thinner than the thickness of other portions. The outdoor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An air conditioner comprising: an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit.

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