WO2019049746A1 - Air conditioning system and refrigerant branching unit - Google Patents
Air conditioning system and refrigerant branching unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2019049746A1 WO2019049746A1 PCT/JP2018/031929 JP2018031929W WO2019049746A1 WO 2019049746 A1 WO2019049746 A1 WO 2019049746A1 JP 2018031929 W JP2018031929 W JP 2018031929W WO 2019049746 A1 WO2019049746 A1 WO 2019049746A1
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- Prior art keywords
- refrigerant
- unit
- indoor
- pipe
- outdoor
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
- F25B41/24—Arrangement of shut-off valves for disconnecting a part of the refrigerant cycle, e.g. an outdoor part
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B1/00—Compression machines, plants or systems with non-reversible cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system or a refrigerant branch unit.
- Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-118720
- a predetermined control valve a solenoid valve or an electrically operated valve in a refrigerant circuit at the time of refrigerant leakage detection
- Etc. by controlling the valve capable of opening control to the closed state (minimum opening)
- the flow of the refrigerant to the indoor unit is obstructed, and the space where the indoor unit is installed (living space and storage where people enter and leave)
- a method has been proposed to suppress further refrigerant leakage to the inner space, etc.
- a pair of control valves is disposed for each indoor unit on the connection pipe between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and a refrigerant leak occurs.
- the corresponding control valve is controlled to be closed.
- connection piping between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is constructed in a narrow space under the ceiling.
- Patent Document 1 when the control valve is disposed for each indoor unit, it becomes necessary to install many control valves on the connecting pipe as the number of indoor units increases, and the working time required for the construction Efforts will increase significantly and the workability is not excellent.
- An air conditioning system is an air conditioning system that performs a refrigeration cycle in a refrigerant circuit, and includes an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, a refrigerant communication pipe, and a control valve.
- the refrigerant communication pipe connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.
- the control valve is disposed on the refrigerant communication pipe.
- the control valve impedes the flow of refrigerant.
- the refrigerant communication pipe includes a plurality of indoor side pipes, an outdoor side pipe, and a branch portion.
- the indoor piping communicates with the corresponding indoor unit.
- the outdoor piping communicates with the corresponding plurality of indoor pipings on the outdoor unit side.
- the branch portion connects the indoor side piping group and the outdoor side piping.
- An indoor side piping group is a piping group comprised by two or more indoor side piping.
- the outdoor piping forms a common refrigerant flow path for both the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit side to the indoor unit side via the corresponding indoor piping and the refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit via the corresponding indoor piping.
- the control valve is disposed on the outdoor side piping.
- the control valve for blocking the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units is disposed on the outdoor side piping, whereby the number of control valves is increased according to the number of indoor units. Is suppressed. That is, by arranging the control valve on the outdoor unit side rather than the indoor side piping group, the flow of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor side piping (the outdoor unit side) to the corresponding indoor side piping group (a plurality of indoor units) It is possible to For this reason, it is not necessary to arrange a control valve for every indoor unit in order to secure the security about refrigerant leak, and it is controlled that the number of control valves is increased according to the number of indoor units.
- the refrigerant communication piping between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is normally installed in a narrow ceiling space
- the increase in the number of control valves installed on the refrigerant communication piping is suppressed.
- the increase in work time and labor required for construction is also suppressed.
- the air conditioning system is an air conditioning system that performs a refrigeration cycle in a refrigerant circuit, and includes an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, a refrigerant communication pipe, and a control valve.
- the refrigerant communication pipe connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.
- the control valve is disposed on the refrigerant communication pipe.
- the control valve impedes the flow of refrigerant.
- the refrigerant communication pipe includes a plurality of indoor side pipes, an outdoor side pipe, and a branch portion.
- the indoor piping communicates with the corresponding indoor unit.
- the outdoor piping communicates with the corresponding plurality of indoor pipings on the outdoor unit side.
- the branch portion connects the indoor side piping group and the outdoor side piping.
- An indoor side piping group is a piping group comprised by two or more indoor side piping.
- the outdoor piping forms a common refrigerant flow path for both the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit side to the indoor unit side via the corresponding indoor piping and the refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit via the corresponding indoor piping.
- the control valve is arranged on the corresponding indoor side piping.
- an increase in the number of control valves according to the number of indoor units is suppressed. That is, the control valve for blocking the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units is disposed on the indoor side piping disposed closer to the outdoor unit than the indoor units, so that the outdoor outside piping (outdoor It is possible to prevent the flow of refrigerant flowing from the unit side to these indoor units. For this reason, it is not necessary to arrange a control valve for every indoor unit in order to secure the security about refrigerant leak, and it is controlled that the number of control valves is increased according to the number of indoor units.
- the refrigerant communication piping between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit is normally installed in a narrow ceiling space
- the increase in the number of control valves installed on the refrigerant communication piping is suppressed.
- the increase in work time and labor required for construction is also suppressed.
- by arranging the control valve on the indoor side pipe it is possible to use a control valve having a smaller size than in the case where the control valve is arranged on the outdoor side pipe. In connection with this, compactification is promoted, and the decrease in workability is suppressed even in a narrow space.
- the air conditioning system is the air conditioning system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the refrigerant communication pipe includes a plurality of first portions.
- the first portion is a portion having one outdoor side piping, one branch portion, and the indoor side piping group.
- the control valve when disposed on the outdoor piping, is disposed on the outdoor piping at a portion of the first portion.
- the control valve is arranged on the indoor side pipe in a part of the first portion.
- the control valve is disposed only in a specific first part (for example, the first part closest to the outdoor unit). Even if the control valve is omitted, it is possible to prevent the flow of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit side to each indoor unit side. For this reason, in the case where a plurality of first parts are included in the refrigerant communication pipe, the control valves are disposed only in a part of the first parts, so that the security regarding refrigerant leakage is ensured while the number of control valves is increased. It can be suppressed about increasing.
- the air conditioning system which concerns on a 2nd viewpoint is based on the thought which concerns. Therefore, cost control and improvement of workability are further promoted in connection with the improvement of the security against refrigerant leakage.
- An air conditioning system is the refrigerant air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the refrigerant communication pipe includes a gas side communication pipe and a liquid side communication pipe.
- the gas side connection pipe is a pipe through which a low pressure refrigerant flows.
- the liquid side communication pipe is a pipe through which a high pressure or intermediate pressure refrigerant flows.
- the control valve is arranged on the outdoor side piping included in the gas side connection piping.
- the control valve is arranged on the indoor side pipe included in the gas side connection pipe.
- an electronic expansion valve for decompressing the refrigerant is usually disposed on the refrigerant flow path communicating with the liquid side communication pipe.
- the electronic expansion valve it is possible to prevent the flow of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit into the indoor unit through the liquid side communication pipe by controlling the electronic expansion valve to the minimum opening degree.
- a control valve similar to the electronic expansion valve concerned is not disposed on the refrigerant flow path communicating with the gas side communication pipe, so in order to secure the safety against refrigerant leakage, the indoor unit via the gas side communication pipe It is important to prevent the flow of refrigerant towards the side.
- control valve is disposed on the outdoor side piping or the indoor side piping included in the gas side connection piping, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of control valves and preventing refrigerant leakage. Security assurance is promoted.
- the air conditioning system according to a fifth aspect is the air conditioning system according to the fourth aspect, and the control valve is disposed also on the outdoor side piping included in the liquid side communication piping when the control valve is disposed on the outdoor side piping Be done.
- the control valve is also arranged on the indoor side piping included in the liquid side communication piping.
- control valve is also disposed on the outdoor side piping or the indoor side piping included in the liquid side communication pipe, thereby further ensuring the security against refrigerant leakage.
- An air conditioning system is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, and the indoor unit includes an electrically operated valve.
- the motor-operated valve depressurizes the refrigerant according to the opening degree.
- the motor-operated valve prevents the refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit by being closed when the refrigerant leaks.
- the motor-operated valve which is controlled to be in the closed state when the refrigerant leaks, is arranged in the indoor unit to prevent the flow of the refrigerant, the refrigerant leaks from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. It is possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant more reliably. Therefore, ensuring the security against refrigerant leakage is further promoted.
- the air conditioning system according to a seventh aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, and the control valve is disposed on the outdoor piping, the following A, B and C Placed on any / all outdoor side piping.
- the control valve is arranged on any one or all of the following indoor side pipes D, E and F.
- Outdoor piping B disposed between a plurality of indoor units whose total capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold and an outdoor unit: a plurality of indoor units whose total number is equal to or less than the second threshold, and an outdoor unit
- the outdoor piping C disposed between the two: the total capacity of the refrigerant communication piping located on the indoor unit side is the third threshold or less outdoor piping D: a plurality of indoor units the total capacity is the fourth threshold or less
- Indoor side piping E disposed between the outdoor unit: indoor side piping F disposed between the plurality of indoor units whose total number is equal to or less than the fifth threshold, and the outdoor unit: to the indoor unit side Indoor side piping whose total volume of refrigerant communication piping located is equal to or less than a sixth threshold
- An air conditioning system is the air conditioning system according to the seventh aspect, wherein the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold and the sixth threshold are indoor units. Are set based on the size of any target space where air conditioning is performed.
- the control valve is installed at a portion (outdoor piping) where it is necessary to shut off the refrigerant in view of the safety in the event of refrigerant leakage.
- the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, and / or the sixth threshold which serve as a reference when determining the arrangement position of the control valve, are targets for which indoor units are installed It may be set based on the dangerous value (the lower limit concentration of combustion, the oxygen deficiency concentration, etc.) determined according to the size of the space (eg, the narrowest target space). Therefore, securing of the safety against refrigerant leakage is further promoted while the increase in the number of control valves is suppressed.
- the air conditioning system according to a ninth aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, wherein the outdoor side piping and / or the indoor side piping is integrally formed with the branch portion and the control valve. This facilitates the installation of the control valve and further suppresses the increase in the working time and labor required for construction. Thus, the improvement of the workability is further promoted in connection with the improvement of the security against refrigerant leakage.
- An air conditioning system is the air conditioning system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the refrigerant communication pipe includes a branch pipe unit.
- the branch pipe unit is preassembled and connected with other piping at the construction site.
- the branch pipe unit includes an outdoor pipe and / or a indoor pipe, a branch portion, and a control valve, which are integrally configured.
- the installation of the control valve is particularly easy, and the increase in the working time and labor required for the construction is further suppressed.
- the improvement of the workability is further promoted in connection with the improvement of the security against refrigerant leakage.
- An air conditioning system is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, and any one of the valves disposed in the refrigerant circuit has a liquid seal suppressing structure. Further, instead of / in addition to this, a liquid seal suppressing mechanism is disposed in the refrigerant circuit.
- the liquid seal suppression structure is a structure that suppresses the formation of a liquid seal circuit in the refrigerant circuit when the control valve is closed.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism is a mechanism that suppresses the formation of a liquid seal circuit in the refrigerant circuit when the control valve is closed.
- a liquid ring suppression structure is not specifically limited.
- the liquid seal restraining structure a minute flow path that allows passage of a small amount of refrigerant in the closed state may be formed in the valve.
- the valve may be configured to allow passage of a trace amount of refrigerant when a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value is applied even in the closed state.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it is a mechanism that suppresses the formation of the liquid seal circuit.
- a pipe forming a bypass circuit for bypassing the refrigerant from the flow passage on one end side of the control valve to the flow passage on the other end side may be disposed as a liquid seal suppression mechanism.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism may include a check valve disposed on the bypass circuit that permits the flow of refrigerant in only one direction, or an on-off valve that switches between opening and closing of the bypass circuit.
- coolant branch unit which concerns on the 12th viewpoint of this invention
- coolant communication piping communicates with the corresponding indoor unit.
- the outdoor communication pipe is connected to the indoor communication pipes.
- the refrigerant branch unit includes a first connection pipe, a plurality of second connection pipes, a branch portion, and a control valve.
- the first connection pipe communicates with the outdoor side communication pipe.
- the plurality of second connection pipes communicate with the corresponding indoor communication pipe.
- the branch portion brings the first connection pipe into communication with the plurality of second connection pipes.
- the control valve prevents the flow of the refrigerant by being closed.
- the control valve is connected to the first connection pipe.
- the outdoor side communication piping and the some indoor side communication piping are connected, and the 1st connection pipe connected to an outdoor side communication piping and corresponding indoor side communication piping Control valve that obstructs the flow of refrigerant by being connected to the first connection pipe and being in a closed state by connecting the plurality of second connection pipes in communication with each other, the branch portion connecting the first connection pipe and the plurality of second connection pipes, And.
- the first connection pipe, the plurality of second connection pipes, the branch portion, and the control valve can be installed on the refrigerant communication pipe in a state where they are assembled in advance.
- coolant branch unit which concerns on the 13th viewpoint of this invention
- coolant communication piping communicates with the corresponding indoor unit.
- the outdoor communication pipe is connected to the indoor communication pipes.
- the refrigerant branch unit includes a first connection pipe, a plurality of second connection pipes, a branch portion, and a control valve.
- the first connection pipe communicates with the outdoor side communication pipe.
- the plurality of second connection pipes communicate with the corresponding indoor communication pipe.
- the branch portion brings the first connection pipe into communication with the plurality of second connection pipes.
- the control valve prevents the flow of the refrigerant by being closed.
- the control valve is connected to the corresponding second connection pipe.
- the outdoor side communication piping and the some indoor side communication piping are connected, and the 1st connection pipe connected to an outdoor side communication piping and corresponding indoor side communication piping Is connected to a plurality of second connection pipes communicating with each other, a branch portion connecting the first connection pipe and the plurality of second connection pipes, and the corresponding second connection pipes, and the flow of the refrigerant is hindered by being closed And a control valve.
- the first connection pipe, the plurality of second connection pipes, the branch portion, and the control valve can be installed on the refrigerant communication pipe in a state where they are assembled in advance.
- the refrigerant branching unit according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant branching unit according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the control valve includes a valve body, a first end, and a second end.
- the first end is connected to one end of the first connection pipe or to the outdoor outside communication pipe.
- the second end is connected to the other end of the branch or the first connection pipe (more specifically, when the first end is connected to one end of the first connection pipe, the second end is connected to the branch
- the first end is connected to the other end of the first connection pipe when connected to the outdoor communication pipe;
- the second end intersects the longitudinal direction of the first end in the longitudinal direction.
- the second end portion is a branch portion or the first connection pipe so that each second connection pipe is arranged along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of each second connection pipe extends along the horizontal direction. Connected to the end.
- the refrigerant branch unit is connected to the indoor communication pipe at each second connection pipe, but at the construction site, the indoor communication pipe usually extends mainly along the horizontal direction.
- the respective second connection pipes are arranged along the horizontal direction and If it is difficult to install so that the longitudinal direction extends along the horizontal direction, a work or joint for bending the indoor communication pipe is required when connecting the second connection pipe and the indoor communication pipe, and the construction is complicated. It becomes.
- the second end portions of the control valve are arranged such that the second connection pipes are arranged in the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the second connection pipes is in the horizontal direction.
- the extension direction of the second connection pipe matches the extension direction (horizontal direction) of the indoor communication pipe regardless of the shape of the control valve by being connected to the branch or the other end of the first connection pipe so as to extend along It becomes possible to make connection of both piping easy. Thus, the workability is further improved.
- each second connection pipe is aligned along the horizontal direction”. It can be interpreted as “the longitudinal direction of each second connection pipe extends along the horizontal direction” (the same applies to the other descriptions in the present specification).
- a refrigerant branching unit is the refrigerant branching unit according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein the control valve includes a valve body, a third end, and a fourth end.
- the third end is connected to one end or a branch of the second connection pipe.
- the fourth end is connected to the other end of the indoor communication pipe or the second connection pipe (more specifically, when the third end is connected to one end of the second connection pipe, the indoor communication) It is connected to the piping, and the third end is connected to the other end of the second connection pipe when connected to the branch part).
- the fourth end intersects the longitudinal direction of the third end in the longitudinal direction.
- the fourth end has the indoor side connection piping or the second connection pipe such that, in the installed state, the second connection pipes are arranged in the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the second connection pipes extends in the horizontal direction. Connected to the other end of the
- the refrigerant branch unit is connected to the indoor communication pipe at each second connection pipe, but at the construction site, the indoor communication pipe usually extends mainly along the horizontal direction. .
- the indoor communication pipe usually extends mainly along the horizontal direction.
- the fourth end portions of the control valve are arranged such that the second connection pipes are arranged in the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the second connection pipes is in the horizontal direction.
- the extension direction of the second connection pipe is the extension direction of the indoor communication pipe (horizontal direction) regardless of the shape of the control valve. It becomes possible to make it easy to connect both pipes. Thus, the workability is further improved.
- each second connection pipe is aligned along the horizontal direction”. It can be interpreted as “the longitudinal direction of each second connection pipe extends along the horizontal direction” (the same applies to the other descriptions in the present specification).
- the refrigerant branch unit according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant branch unit according to any of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects, which is a first connection pipe, a plurality of second connection pipes, and a branch portion,
- the control valve is included in the first part.
- the refrigerant branch unit further includes a second part and an electric wire.
- the second part comprises a substrate.
- the substrate is mounted with electrical components to control the state of the control valve.
- a wire connects the control valve and the substrate.
- the second part is provided independently of the first part so as to be freely moved relative to the first part.
- the second part can be installed movably with respect to the first part at the time of construction. For this reason, the degree of freedom of construction at the site is increased, and the reduction of work time and labor required for construction is promoted.
- coolant branch unit which concerns on the 17th viewpoint of this invention is a refrigerant
- a 2nd component has a casing which accommodates a board
- coolant branch unit which concerns on the 18th viewpoint of this invention is a refrigerant
- the dimension of the electric wire is 1 m or more in the longitudinal direction.
- the refrigerant branch unit is the refrigerant branch unit according to any of the twelfth to eighteenth aspects, wherein the liquid seal circuit is formed when the control valve is closed.
- Liquid sealing suppressing mechanism is disposed.
- the control valve has a liquid seal restraining structure that suppresses the formation of a liquid ring circuit when it is in a closed state.
- the liquid seal suppression structure is a structure that suppresses the formation of a liquid seal circuit in the refrigerant circuit when the control valve is closed.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism is a mechanism that suppresses the formation of a liquid seal circuit when the control valve is closed.
- a liquid ring suppression structure is not specifically limited.
- the liquid seal restraining structure a minute flow path that allows passage of a small amount of refrigerant in the closed state may be formed in the control valve.
- the control valve may be configured to allow passage of a trace amount of refrigerant when pressure above a predetermined value is applied even in the closed state.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it is a mechanism that suppresses the formation of the liquid seal circuit.
- a pipe forming a bypass circuit for bypassing the refrigerant from the flow passage on one end side of the control valve to the flow passage on the other end side may be disposed as a liquid seal suppressing mechanism.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism may include a check valve disposed on the bypass circuit that permits the flow of refrigerant in only one direction, or an on-off valve that switches between opening and closing of the bypass circuit.
- FIG. 1 The schematic block diagram of the air conditioning system which concerns on one Embodiment of this indication.
- the schematic block diagram of the main body unit in a branch pipe unit. The schematic diagram which showed an example of the installation aspect of a branch pipe unit.
- the flowchart which showed an example of the flow of a process of a controller.
- the schematic block diagram of the air conditioning system which concerns on the modification 1.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the air-conditioning system which concerns on the modification 9.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on the modification 10.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on the modification 11.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on the modification 12.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on the modification 13.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on the modification 14.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on the modification 15.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on the modification 16.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the other main body unit which concerns on the modification 16.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the main body unit which concerns on the modification 17.
- FIG. The schematic block diagram of the air conditioning system which concerns on the modification 18.
- the “liquid refrigerant” includes not only liquid refrigerant in a saturated liquid state but also gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state.
- the “closed state” is the minimum opening degree (including full closing) that the valve can take, and the “open state” is an opening degree larger than the minimum opening degree.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the air conditioning system 100.
- the air conditioning system 100 is a refrigeration system that performs air conditioning such as cooling or heating of a target space (a space such as a living space, in a storage, in a low temperature warehouse, or in a transport container) by a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.
- the air conditioning system 100 mainly includes an outdoor unit 10, a plurality of indoor units 40 (40a, 40b), a liquid side communication pipe La and a gas side communication pipe Ga, and a plurality of refrigerant leakage sensors 60 (60a, 60b).
- a plurality of remote controls 65 (65a, 65b) and a controller 70 for controlling the operation of the air conditioning system 100 are included.
- the air conditioning system 100 has a plurality of branch pipe units 50 as elements of the liquid side communication pipe La and the gas side communication pipe Ga.
- branch pipe unit 50 is explained as an element of liquid side connection piping La and gas side connection piping Ga, it is also possible to interpret about each branch pipe unit 50 as an independent element.
- the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 40 are connected via the liquid side communication pipe La (including the branch pipe unit 50) and the gas side communication pipe Ga to form a refrigerant circuit RC.
- a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the refrigerant is compressed, cooled or condensed, decompressed, heated or evaporated, and then compressed again.
- the refrigerant circuit RC is filled with slightly flammable R32 as a refrigerant for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.
- an outdoor circuit RC1 mainly formed in the outdoor unit 10
- an indoor circuit RC2 respectively formed in each indoor unit 40
- an outdoor circuit RC1 and an indoor circuit RC2 are connected.
- a contact circuit RC3 is included.
- a liquid side communication circuit RC3a functioning as a flow path of liquid refrigerant flowing between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 40
- a gas refrigerant flowing between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 40 And a gas side communication circuit RC3b functioning as a flow path.
- Outdoor unit 10 The outdoor unit 10 is disposed outside the room.
- the outdoor unit 10 is connected to the plurality of indoor units 40 via the liquid side communication pipe La (including the branch pipe unit 50) and the gas side communication pipe Ga, and is a part of the refrigerant circuit RC (the outdoor side circuit RC1) Are configured.
- the outdoor unit 10 mainly includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes (first pipe P1 to eleventh pipe P11), a compressor 11, an accumulator 12, and a four-way switching valve 13 as devices constituting the outdoor circuit RC1.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 14, the subcooler 15, the outdoor first motor-operated valve 16, the outdoor second motor-operated valve 17, the liquid side shut-off valve 19, and the gas side shut-off valve 20 are provided.
- the first pipe P1 connects the gas side shut-off valve 20 and the first port of the four-way switching valve 13.
- the second pipe P ⁇ b> 2 connects the inlet port of the accumulator 12 and the second port of the four-way switching valve 13.
- the third pipe P3 connects the outlet port of the accumulator 12 and the suction port of the compressor 11.
- the fourth pipe P4 connects the discharge port of the compressor 11 and the third port of the four-way switching valve 13.
- the fifth pipe P ⁇ b> 5 connects the fourth port of the four-way switching valve 13 and the gas side inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 14.
- the sixth pipe P6 connects the liquid side inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and one end of the outdoor first motor operated valve 16.
- the seventh pipe P ⁇ b> 7 connects the other end of the outdoor first motor-operated valve 16 and one end of the main flow path 151 of the subcooler 15.
- the eighth pipe P ⁇ b> 8 connects the other end of the main flow path 151 of the subcooler 15 and one end of the liquid-side shutoff valve 19.
- the ninth pipe P9 connects a portion between both ends of the sixth pipe P6 and one end of the outdoor second motor-operated valve 17.
- the tenth pipe P10 connects the other end of the outdoor second motor-operated valve 17 and one end of the sub flow path 152 of the subcooler 15.
- the eleventh pipe P11 connects the other end of the sub flow path 152 of the subcooler 15 and a portion between both ends of the first pipe P1.
- These refrigerant pipes (P1 to P11) may actually be configured by a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via a joint or the like.
- the compressor 11 is a device that compresses low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to high pressure.
- the compressor 11 has a closed type structure in which a rotary type or scroll type positive displacement type compression element is rotationally driven by a compressor motor (not shown).
- the compressor motor can control the operating frequency by means of an inverter, whereby capacity control of the compressor 11 is possible.
- the accumulator 12 is a container for suppressing excessive suction of the liquid refrigerant into the compressor 11.
- the accumulator 12 has a predetermined volume according to the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigerant circuit RC.
- the four-way switching valve 13 is a flow passage switching valve for switching the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC.
- the four-way switching valve 13 is switched between the forward cycle state and the reverse cycle state.
- the four-way switching valve 13 brings the first port (first pipe P1) into communication with the second port (second pipe P2) and the third port (fourth pipe P4) and the fourth port when in the positive cycle state.
- the fifth pipe P5 is made to communicate (see the solid line of the four-way switching valve 13 in FIG. 1).
- the first port (first pipe P1) and the third port (fourth pipe P4) are communicated with each other and the second port (second pipe P2) and the fourth port (Communicate with the fifth pipe P5) (see the broken line of the four-way switching valve 13 in FIG. 1).
- the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is a heat exchanger that functions as a refrigerant condenser (or a radiator) or an evaporator.
- the outdoor heat exchanger 14 functions as a refrigerant condenser during the positive cycle operation (operation in which the four-way switching valve 13 is in the positive cycle state).
- the outdoor heat exchanger 14 also functions as a refrigerant evaporator during reverse cycle operation (operation in which the four-way switching valve 13 is in the reverse cycle state).
- the outdoor heat exchanger 14 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins (not shown).
- the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant in the heat transfer pipe and the air (airflow outside air flow described later) passing around the heat transfer pipe or the heat transfer fin. .
- the subcooler 15 is a heat exchanger that uses the inflowing refrigerant as a liquid refrigerant in a subcooling state.
- the subcooler 15 is, for example, a double-pipe heat exchanger, and the subcooler 15 is configured with a main flow path 151 and a sub flow path 152.
- the subcooler 15 is configured such that the refrigerant flowing through the main flow passage 151 and the sub flow passage 152 exchanges heat.
- the outdoor first motor-operated valve 16 is a motor-operated valve capable of opening control, and decompresses or adjusts the flow rate of the inflowing refrigerant according to the opening degree.
- the outdoor first motor operated valve 16 can be switched between an open state and a closed state.
- the outdoor first motor operated valve 16 is disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the subcooler 15 (main flow passage 151).
- the outdoor second motor-operated valve 17 is a motor-operated valve capable of controlling the opening degree, and decompresses or adjusts the flow rate of the inflowing refrigerant according to the opening degree.
- the outdoor second motor operated valve 17 can switch between an open state and a closed state.
- the outdoor second motor operated valve 17 is disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and the subcooler 15 (sub flow path 152).
- the liquid side shut-off valve 19 is a manual valve disposed at a connection portion between the eighth pipe P8 and the liquid side communication pipe La. One end of the liquid side shut-off valve 19 is connected to the eighth pipe P8, and the other end is connected to the liquid side communication pipe La.
- the gas side shut-off valve 20 is a manual valve disposed at a connection portion between the first pipe P1 and the gas side communication pipe Ga. One end of the gas side shut-off valve 20 is connected to the first pipe P1, and the other end is connected to the gas side communication pipe Ga.
- the outdoor unit 10 also has an outdoor fan 25 that generates an outdoor air flow passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 14.
- the outdoor fan 25 is a blower that supplies the outdoor heat exchanger 14 with an outdoor air flow as a cooling source or a heating source of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 14.
- the outdoor fan 25 includes an outdoor fan motor (not shown) which is a drive source, and the start and stop and the rotational speed are appropriately controlled according to the situation.
- a plurality of outdoor side sensors 26 for detecting the state (mainly pressure or temperature) of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC are disposed.
- the outdoor side sensor 26 is a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermocouple.
- a suction pressure sensor that detects a suction pressure that is the pressure of the refrigerant on the suction side of the compressor 11
- a discharge pressure sensor that detects a discharge pressure that is the pressure of the refrigerant on the discharge side of the compressor 11
- a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 14.
- the outdoor unit 10 also includes an outdoor unit control unit 30 that controls the operation and state of each device included in the outdoor unit 10.
- the outdoor unit control unit 30 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a memory, and the like.
- the outdoor unit control unit 30 is electrically connected to the devices (11, 13, 16, 17, 25 and so on) included in the outdoor unit 10 and the outdoor side sensor 26, and inputs and outputs signals to each other.
- the outdoor unit control unit 30 individually transmits and receives control signals and the like via the communication line cb to the indoor unit control unit 48 (described later) of each indoor unit 40 and the remote control 65.
- Each indoor unit 40 is connected to the outdoor unit 10 via the liquid side communication pipe La (including the branch pipe unit 50) and the gas side communication pipe Ga. Each indoor unit 40 is arranged in parallel to the other indoor units 40 with respect to the outdoor unit 10. Each indoor unit 40 is arrange
- the seventeenth pipe P17 connects the liquid side communication pipe La to the liquid side refrigerant inlet / outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 42.
- the eighteenth pipe P18 connects the gas side refrigerant inlet / outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 42 and the gas side communication pipe Ga.
- These refrigerant pipes may actually be configured as a single pipe, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of pipes via a joint or the like.
- the indoor expansion valve 41 is a motor-operated valve capable of controlling the opening degree, and decompresses or adjusts the flow rate of the inflowing refrigerant according to the opening degree.
- the indoor expansion valve 41 can switch between an open state and a closed state.
- the indoor expansion valve 41 is disposed on the seventeenth pipe P17, and is located between the liquid side communication pipe La and the indoor heat exchanger 42.
- the indoor heat exchanger 42 is a heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator or a condenser (or a radiator) of the refrigerant.
- the indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during positive cycle operation.
- the indoor heat exchanger 42 also functions as a refrigerant condenser during reverse cycle operation.
- the indoor heat exchanger 42 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes and heat transfer fins (not shown).
- the indoor heat exchanger 42 is configured to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant in the heat transfer pipe and the air (indoor side air flow described later) passing around the heat transfer pipe or the heat transfer fin. .
- the indoor unit 40 has an indoor fan 45 for sucking in the air in the target space, passing it through the indoor heat exchanger 42 and exchanging heat with the refrigerant, and then sending it again to the target space.
- the indoor fan 45 is disposed in the target space.
- the indoor fan 45 includes an indoor fan motor (not shown) which is a drive source.
- the indoor fan 45 generates an indoor air flow as a heat source or a cooling source of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 42 when driven.
- an indoor side sensor 46 for detecting the state (mainly pressure or temperature) of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC is disposed.
- the indoor side sensor 46 is a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor such as a thermistor or a thermocouple.
- the indoor sensor 46 includes, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 42, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the refrigerant in the indoor circuit RC2, and the like.
- the indoor unit 40 includes an indoor unit control unit 48 that controls the operation / state of each device included in the indoor unit 40.
- the indoor unit control unit 48 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a memory, and the like.
- the indoor unit control unit 48 is electrically connected to the devices (41, 45) included in the indoor unit 40 and the indoor side sensor 46, and inputs and outputs signals to each other.
- the indoor unit control unit 48 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 30 and the remote control 65 via the communication line cb, and transmits and receives control signals and the like.
- liquid side communication pipe La and the gas side communication pipe Ga are refrigerant communication pipes that connect the outdoor unit 10 and the respective indoor units 40, and are constructed on site.
- the pipe length and pipe diameter of the liquid side communication pipe La and the gas side communication pipe Ga are appropriately selected according to the design specification and the installation environment.
- the liquid side communication pipe La (including the branch pipe unit 50) constitutes a liquid side communication circuit RC3 (liquid side communication circuit RC3a) between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40, and during operation, high pressure or intermediate pressure Is a pipe through which the refrigerant flows.
- the liquid side communication pipe La is configured by connecting a plurality of pipes, joints, and the like.
- the liquid side communication pipe La includes the first liquid side communication pipe L1, the second liquid side communication pipe L2, the third liquid side communication pipe L3, and the branch portion BP (the liquid side branch portion BPa, more specifically) Includes a first branch pipe unit 50a).
- the first liquid side communication pipe L1, the second liquid side communication pipe L2, and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 may actually be configured as a single pipe, or a plurality of them through a joint or the like. May be configured by connecting the
- the first liquid-side connection pipe L1 is connected to the liquid-side shut-off valve 19 of the outdoor unit 10, and the other end is a liquid-side branch portion BPa (the first branch pipe unit 50a, more specifically a first connection described later) It is connected to the tube 81).
- the first liquid side communication pipe L1 is disposed closer to the outdoor unit 10 than the second liquid side communication pipe L2, the third liquid side communication pipe L3, and the liquid side branch portion BPa (the first branch pipe unit 50a).
- the first liquid side communication pipe L1 communicates with the second liquid side communication pipe L2 and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 on the outdoor unit 10 side, and corresponds to "the outdoor side communication pipe" in the claims.
- the second liquid side communication pipe L2 and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 are located closer to the indoor unit 40 than the liquid side branch portion BPa (the first branch pipe unit 50a).
- One end of the second liquid side communication pipe L2 and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 are connected to the corresponding indoor unit 40, and the other end is the liquid side branch portion BPa (the first branch pipe unit 50a, more specifically described later) Connected to the second connection pipe 82).
- the second liquid side communication pipe L2 corresponds to the indoor unit 40a
- the third liquid side communication pipe L3 corresponds to the indoor unit 40b.
- Each of the second liquid side communication pipe L2 and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 is in communication with the corresponding indoor unit 40, and corresponds to the “indoor side communication pipe” in the claims.
- the second liquid side communication pipe L2 and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 are arranged in parallel to each other.
- the first liquid side communication pipe L1, the second liquid side communication pipe L2, and the third liquid side communication pipe L3 are connected and communicated by the liquid side branch portion BPa (the first branch pipe unit 50a).
- the gas side communication pipe Ga is a pipe that forms a gas side communication circuit RC3 (gas side communication circuit RC3b) between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40, and a low pressure refrigerant flows during operation.
- the gas side communication pipe Ga is configured by connecting a plurality of pipes, joints, and the like.
- the gas side communication pipe Ga is a first gas side communication pipe G1, a second gas side communication pipe G2, a third gas side communication pipe G3, and the branch portion BP (the gas side branch portion BPb, more specifically the second branch A tube unit 50b).
- the first gas side communication pipe G1, the second gas side communication pipe G2, and the third gas side communication pipe G3 may actually be configured as a single pipe, or a plurality of pipes via joints or the like. It may be configured by connecting pipes.
- the first gas side connection pipe G1 is located closer to the outdoor unit 10 than the second gas side connection pipe G2, the third gas side connection pipe G3 and the gas side branch portion BPb (the second branch pipe unit 50b).
- One end of the first gas-side connection pipe G1 is connected to the gas-side shutoff valve 20 of the outdoor unit 10, and the other end is a gas-side branch portion BPb (a second connection of the second branch pipe unit 50b, more specifically described later) It is connected to the tube 81).
- the first gas side communication pipe G1 is in communication with the second gas side communication pipe G2 and the third gas side communication pipe G3 on the outdoor unit 10 side, and corresponds to the "outside communication pipe" described in the claims.
- the second gas side connection pipe G2 and the third gas side connection pipe G3 are located closer to the indoor unit 40 than the gas side branch portion BPb (the second branch pipe unit 50b).
- One end of the second gas side connection pipe G2 and the third gas side connection pipe G3 are connected to the corresponding indoor unit 40, and the other end is connected to the gas side branch portion BPb (the second branch pipe unit 50b, more specifically described later) Connected to the second connection pipe 82).
- the second gas side communication pipe G2 corresponds to the indoor unit 40a
- the third gas side communication pipe G3 corresponds to the indoor unit 40b.
- Each of the second gas side connection pipe G2 and the third gas side connection pipe G3 is in communication with the corresponding indoor unit 40, and corresponds to the "indoor side communication pipe” in the claims.
- the second gas side connection pipe G2 and the third gas side connection pipe G3 are arranged in parallel to each other.
- the first gas side communication pipe G1, the second gas side communication pipe G2, and the third gas side communication pipe G3 are connected by the gas side branch portion BPb (second branch pipe unit 50b) and are in communication.
- liquid side communication pipe La and the gas side communication pipe Ga will be referred to as a “refrigerant communication pipe”.
- first liquid side communication pipe L1 and the first gas side communication pipe G1 will be referred to as “the outdoor side communication pipe”.
- the outdoor side communication pipe any / all of the second liquid side communication pipe L2, the third liquid side communication pipe L3, the second gas side communication pipe G2 and the third gas side communication pipe G3 will be referred to as "indoor side communication pipe”.
- the branch portion BP (liquid side branch portion BPa, gas side branch portion BPb) included in the refrigerant communication pipe is a refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit 10 side (that is, the first liquid side communication pipe L1 or the first gas side communication pipe G1 side) And the indoor unit 40 side (that is, the second liquid side communication pipe L2 or the third liquid side communication pipe L3 or the second gas side communication pipe G2 or the third gas side communication pipe G3 side). It is a part which merges the refrigerant which flows from.
- Each branch portion BP (i.e., the branch pipe unit 50) includes a first connection pipe 81, a plurality of second connection pipes 82, a branch pipe 83, and a shutoff valve 84, respectively.
- the first connection pipe 81 and each second connection pipe 82 are connected via the branch pipe 83 and are in communication.
- the first connection pipe 81 (corresponding to “the outdoor side pipe” in the claims) is located closer to the outdoor unit 10 than the branch pipe 83, one end is connected to the outdoor side communication pipe, and the other end is the branch pipe 83 It is connected to the.
- Each second connection pipe 82 (corresponding to “indoor side piping” in the claims) is located closer to the indoor unit 40 than the branch pipe 83.
- Each second connection pipe 82 is in one-to-one correspondence with any indoor communication pipe, and is connected to the corresponding indoor communication pipe.
- branch pipe 83 (corresponding to the “branch portion” recited in the claims) is connected to the first connection pipe 81, and the other end side is branched into two, and any one of the second connection pipes is branched at each branch destination. Connected to 82.
- the shutoff valve 84 (corresponding to the “control valve” recited in the claims) is a valve that allows the flow of the refrigerant when it is open and shuts the flow of the refrigerant when it is closed.
- the shutoff valve 84 is disposed on the first connection pipe 81.
- the shutoff valve 84 is a valve that can be switched between a closed state and an open state by being supplied with a predetermined drive voltage, and is a widely used electromagnetic valve.
- the operation (opening and closing) of the shutoff valve 84 is directly controlled by the electrical component unit 52 and centrally controlled by the controller 70.
- the branch portion BP is constituted by a branch pipe unit 50.
- the liquid side branch portion BPa is constituted by the first branch pipe unit 50a
- the gas side branch portion BPb is constituted by the second branch pipe unit 50b. Details of the branch pipe unit 50 will be described later.
- the refrigerant leak sensor 60 is a sensor for detecting a refrigerant leak in a target space (more specifically, in the indoor unit 40) in which the indoor unit 40 is disposed.
- a known general-purpose product is used according to the type of refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit RC.
- the refrigerant leak sensor 60 is disposed in the target space. More specifically, the refrigerant leak sensor 60 is in one-to-one correspondence with the indoor unit 40 and disposed in the corresponding indoor unit 40.
- the refrigerant leak sensor 60 continuously or intermittently outputs an electric signal (a refrigerant leak sensor detection signal) corresponding to the detected value to the controller 70. More specifically, the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal output from the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 changes in voltage in accordance with the concentration of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 60.
- the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal indicates the concentration of leakage refrigerant in the target space where the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 is installed (more specifically, the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 Output of the controller 70 to the controller 70 in a manner that can identify the That is, the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 is a “refrigerant leakage detection unit” that detects refrigerant leakage in the indoor circuit RC2 by directly detecting the refrigerant (more specifically, the concentration of the refrigerant) flowing out of the indoor circuit RC2. Equivalent to.
- the remote control 65 is an input device for the user to input various commands for switching the operating state of the air conditioning system 100. For example, in the remote control 65, the user inputs a command to switch the start / stop of the indoor unit 40, the set temperature, and the like.
- the remote control 65 also functions as a display device for displaying various information to the user. For example, the remote control 65 displays the operating state (set temperature etc.) of the indoor unit 40. Further, for example, when the refrigerant leaks, the remote control 65 displays information (refrigerant leakage notification information) for notifying the administrator of the fact that the refrigerant leakage is occurring and the handling process and the like related to this.
- information refrigerant leakage notification information
- the remote controller 65 is connected to the controller 70 (more specifically, the corresponding indoor unit controller 48) via the communication line cb, and transmits and receives signals mutually.
- the remote control 65 transmits a command input by the user to the controller 70 via the communication line cb. Further, the remote controller 65 displays information in accordance with an instruction received via the communication line cb.
- Controller 70 is a computer that controls the operation of the air conditioning system 100 by controlling the state of each device.
- the controller 70 is configured by connecting the outdoor unit control unit 30 and the indoor unit control unit 48 in each indoor unit 40 via the communication line cb. Details of the controller 70 will be described later.
- the air conditioning system 100 mainly performs forward cycle operation and reverse cycle operation.
- the low pressure in the refrigeration cycle here is the pressure (suction pressure) of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 11, and the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle is the pressure (discharge pressure) of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11.
- Circuit RC1 compressor 11, outdoor heat exchanger 14, outdoor first motor operated valve 16, and subcooler 15
- liquid side communication circuit RC3a first liquid side communication pipe L1, liquid side branch portion BPa, second liquid Side connection piping L2 and / or third liquid side connection piping L3
- indoor side circuit RC2 indoor expansion valve 41 and indoor heat exchanger 42
- gas side communication circuit RC3b first gas side The communication pipe G1, the gas side branch portion BPb, the second gas side communication pipe G2 and / or the third gas side communication pipe G3
- the compressor 11 circulate in this order.
- part of the refrigerant flowing through the sixth pipe P6 branches to the ninth pipe P9, and passes through the outdoor second motor valve 17 and the subcooler 15 (sub flow path 152) After that, it is returned to the compressor 11.
- the refrigerant is sucked into and compressed by the compressor 11 in the outdoor circuit RC1 and then discharged.
- capacity control is performed according to the heat load required of the indoor unit 40 in operation.
- the target value of the suction pressure is set according to the heat load required by the indoor unit 40, and the operating frequency of the compressor 11 is controlled so that the suction pressure becomes the target value.
- the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 14.
- the gas refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow sent by the outdoor fan 25 in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 to radiate heat and condense.
- the refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 branches in the process of flowing through the sixth pipe P6.
- One refrigerant branched in the process of flowing through the sixth pipe P6 flows into the outdoor first motor-operated valve 16 and is decompressed or flow-adjusted according to the degree of opening of the outdoor first motor-operated valve 16. It flows into the main channel 151.
- the refrigerant flowing into the main flow path 151 of the subcooler 15 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the sub flow path 152 to be further cooled and becomes a liquid refrigerant in a supercooled state.
- the liquid refrigerant flowing out of the main flow path 151 of the subcooler 15 flows out of the outdoor circuit RC1 and flows through the liquid communication circuit RC3a to the indoor circuit RC2 of the indoor unit 40 in operation.
- the other refrigerant branched in the process of flowing through the sixth pipe P6 flows into the outdoor second motor-operated valve 17 and is decompressed or flow-adjusted according to the opening degree of the outdoor second motor-operated valve 17. It flows into the sub flow path 152.
- the refrigerant flowing into the sub flow passage 152 of the subcooler 15 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the main flow passage 151, and then joins the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe P1 via the eleventh pipe P11.
- the refrigerant flowing into the indoor circuit RC2 of the indoor unit 40 in operation flows into the indoor expansion valve 41, and is decompressed to a low pressure in the refrigeration cycle according to the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 41, and then indoor heat exchange Flow into the vessel 42.
- the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 42 exchanges heat with the indoor air flow sent by the indoor fan 45, evaporates, becomes a gas refrigerant, and flows out from the indoor heat exchanger 42.
- the gas refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 42 flows out of the indoor circuit RC2.
- the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor side circuit RC2 flows into the outdoor unit 10 through the gas side communication circuit RC3b.
- the refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor unit 10 flows through the first pipe P1, passes through the four-way switching valve 13 and the second pipe P2, and flows into the accumulator 12.
- the refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 12 is temporarily stored, and then drawn into the compressor 11 again.
- the refrigerant is sucked into and compressed by the compressor 11 in the outdoor circuit RC1 and then discharged.
- capacity control is performed according to the heat load required of the indoor unit 40 in operation.
- the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows out of the outdoor circuit RC1 through the fourth pipe P4 and the first pipe P1, and flows into the indoor circuit RC2 of the indoor unit 40 in operation through the gas communication circuit RC3b.
- the refrigerant flowing into the indoor circuit RC2 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 42, exchanges heat with the indoor air flow sent by the indoor fan 45, and condenses.
- the refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 42 flows into the indoor expansion valve 41, is decompressed to a low pressure in the refrigeration cycle according to the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 41, and then flows out from the indoor side circuit RC2.
- the refrigerant that has flowed out of the indoor circuit RC2 flows into the outdoor circuit RC1 through the liquid communication circuit RC3a.
- the refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor circuit RC1 passes through the eighth pipe P8, the subcooler 15 (main flow path 151), the seventh pipe P7, the outdoor first motor-operated valve 16 and the sixth pipe P6, and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 Flow into the liquid side port of the
- the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the outdoor air flow sent by the outdoor fan 25 in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and evaporates.
- the refrigerant which has flowed out from the gas side inlet / outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 14 flows into the accumulator 12 through the fifth pipe P5, the four-way switching valve 13 and the second pipe P2.
- the refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 12 is temporarily stored, and then drawn into the compressor 11 again.
- the branch pipe unit 50 is a unit for forming a branch portion BP (corresponding to a “first portion” recited in the claims) in the communication circuit RC3. Further, in the branch pipe unit 50, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the refrigerant circuit RC (especially, the indoor circuit RC2), the flow of refrigerant between the outdoor circuit RC1 and the indoor circuit RC2 (mainly from the outdoor circuit RC1 side) It is also a unit for forming a shutoff unit that shuts off the flow of the refrigerant toward the indoor circuit RC2.
- a first branch pipe unit 50a disposed in the liquid side communication circuit RC3a and a second branch pipe unit 50b disposed in the gas side communication circuit RC3b are disposed. There is.
- the first branch pipe unit 50a is included in the liquid side communication pipe La.
- the first branch pipe unit 50a is interpreted as constituting the liquid side communication circuit RC3a together with the liquid side communication pipe La. It is possible.
- the first branch pipe unit 50a is disposed between the first liquid side communication pipe L1 and the second liquid side communication pipe L2 and the third liquid side communication pipe L3, and connects the both. That is, the first branch pipe unit 50a includes the first liquid side communication pipe L1 disposed on the outdoor unit 10 side, the second liquid side communication pipe L2 disposed on the indoor unit 40 side, and the third liquid side communication pipe L3. And connect.
- the first branch pipe unit 50a constitutes a branch portion BP (liquid side branch portion BPa) in the liquid side communication circuit RC3a.
- the first branch pipe unit 50a concerned is a refrigerant that flows from the outdoor unit 10 side to the indoor unit 40 side through the first liquid side communication pipe L1, the second liquid side communication pipe L2, and the third liquid side communication pipe L3, and A common refrigerant flow path is formed in both of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit 40 to the outdoor unit 10 through the liquid side communication pipe L2, the third liquid side communication pipe L3, and the first liquid side communication pipe L1.
- the second branch pipe unit 50b is included in the gas side communication pipe Ga.
- the second branch pipe unit 50b is interpreted as constituting the gas side communication circuit RC3b together with the gas side communication pipe Ga. It is possible.
- the second branch pipe unit 50b is disposed between the first gas side connection pipe G1 and the second gas side connection pipe G2 and the third gas side connection pipe G3, and connects the two. That is, the second branch pipe unit 50b includes the first gas side communication pipe G1 disposed on the outdoor unit 10 side, and the second gas side communication pipe G2 and the third gas side communication pipe G3 disposed on the indoor unit 40 side. And connect.
- the second branch pipe unit 50b constitutes a branch portion BP (gas side branch portion BPb) in the gas side communication circuit RC3b.
- the second branch pipe unit 50b relates to the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit 10 side to the indoor unit 40 side through the first gas side communication pipe G1, the second gas side communication pipe G2 and the third gas side communication pipe G3, and A common refrigerant flow path is formed in both of the refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit 40 to the outdoor unit 10 through the gas side communication pipe G2, the third gas side communication pipe G3 and the first gas side communication pipe G1.
- the branch pipe unit 50 will be described.
- the “bonding method” according to the installation environment and the design specification is appropriately selected for “bonding” of each part.
- the "joining method” which concerns is not specifically limited, For example, brazing connection, a flare connection, a flange connection, etc. are assumed. Further, the following description is common to the first branch pipe unit 50a and the second branch pipe unit 50b unless otherwise specified.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the main unit 51.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the installation mode of the branch pipe unit 50.
- the branch pipe unit 50 mainly includes a main body unit 51, an electrical component unit 52 and an electric wire 53.
- the main body unit 51 (corresponding to the “first component” in the claims) is a portion of the branch pipe unit 50 that constitutes the communication circuit RC3 and forms a refrigerant flow path (branch portion BP).
- the main body unit 51 is carried in to a construction site in a state of being assembled in advance in a factory or the like, and is connected to other pipes.
- the main unit 51 includes the above-described first connection pipe 81, a plurality of (here, two) second connection pipes 82, a branch pipe 83, and a shutoff valve 84.
- the first connection pipe 81, the second connection pipes 82, the branch pipe 83, and the shutoff valve 84 are integrally configured in the main body unit 51.
- First connection pipe 81 is a tubular portion extending along a predetermined extending direction (x direction in FIG. 3).
- the first connection pipe 81 communicates with the outdoor side communication pipe, and forms a refrigerant flow path.
- One end (end on the outdoor side communication pipe side) of the first connection pipe 81 is joined to the shutoff valve 84, and the other end (end of the indoor side communication pipe side) is connected to the branch pipe 83.
- the first connection pipe 81 is a refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 40 through the second connection pipe 82 and the refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit 40 to the outdoor unit 10 through the second connection pipe 82 in the communication circuit RC3. Form a common refrigerant flow path.
- the first connection pipe 81 is made of the same copper as the outdoor connection pipe.
- tube 81 it selects suitably according to design specification (for example, the diameter etc. of the outdoor side connection piping connected) and installation environment.
- Each second connection pipe 82 is a tubular portion extending substantially parallel to the other second connection pipes 82.
- substantially parallel is not only when each second connection pipe 82 is completely parallel, but the extension direction of each second connection pipe 82 is slightly (for example, within 30 degrees in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction) ) Also includes different cases. The same applies to the other parts in the present specification.
- Each second connection pipe 82 is in one-to-one correspondence with any indoor communication pipe, and is in communication with the corresponding indoor communication pipe to form a refrigerant flow path.
- the longitudinal direction (stretching direction) of each second connection pipe 82 extends in the opposite direction to the first connection pipe 81 along the direction substantially the same as the longitudinal direction (stretching direction) of the first connection pipe 81.
- “approximately the same” is not only when the longitudinal direction of the second connection pipe 82 and the longitudinal direction of the first connection pipe 81 completely coincide, but also slightly (for example, 30 degrees in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction) Within the difference) is included. The same applies to the other parts in the present specification.
- the second connection pipe 82 is made of the same copper as the corresponding indoor communication pipe.
- tube 82 it is individually selected according to design specification (for example, the diameter etc. of the indoor side connection piping connected) and installation environment.
- Branch pipe 83 A branch pipe 83 (corresponding to a “branch portion” in the claims) is located between the first connection pipe 81 and each of the second connection pipes 82 to connect them.
- the branch pipes 83 individually communicate the first connection pipe 81 with the corresponding second connection pipes 82.
- the branch pipe 83 branches the refrigerant flowing from the first connection pipe 81 side and branches the refrigerant flowing to each second connection pipe 82 or merges the refrigerant flowing from each second connection pipe 82 to the first connection pipe 81 It corresponds to the junction to send.
- branch pipe 83 a branch pipe main body 830, a first insertion portion 831 to which the first connection pipe 81 is joined, and a plurality of corresponding second connection pipes 82 (the number of the second connection pipes 82) And the second plug-in portion 832).
- the branch pipe main body 830 is a substantially U-shaped (bifurcated) tubular portion.
- the first insertion portion 831 extends from the portion between both ends of the branch pipe main portion 830 along the extending direction of the first connection pipe 81, and has a communication port communicating with the first connection pipe 81.
- the second insertion portion 832 extends from one end or the other end of the branch pipe main portion 830 along the extending direction with the corresponding second connection pipe 82, and is a communication port communicating with the corresponding second connection pipe 82. Is formed.
- the branch pipe 83 is made of the same copper as the first connection pipe 81 and the second connection pipe 82 to be connected.
- the cross-sectional area and length dimensions of the branch pipe 83 are the design specifications (for example, the diameter of the connected indoor side communication pipe, etc.) And are individually selected according to the installation environment.
- shutoff valve 84 (corresponding to a "control valve” recited in the claims) is located between the first connection pipe 81 and the outdoor side communication pipe, and switches the flow of the refrigerant. It is connected to the end of the outdoor connection pipe side of the first connection pipe 81. From a different point of view, it can be said that the shutoff valve 84 is disposed on the first connection pipe 81.
- the shutoff valve 84 mainly includes a valve body 840, a first pipe connection 841, and a second pipe connection 842.
- a valve body 840 (corresponding to a “valve body” in the claims) is a body portion of the shutoff valve 84 and includes a valve body, a coil, and the like.
- a refrigerant flow path 840a for communicating the first pipe connection 841 and the second pipe connection 842 is formed in the valve main body 840, and the refrigerant flow that the valve body affects when the energized state is switched. By closing the path 840a, it is closed.
- FIG. 2 the position of the valve body N1 in the closed state is schematically shown.
- the valve body N1 extends along the z direction (the same direction as the extending direction of the first pipe connection 841).
- the shutoff valve 84 has a substantially L-shaped appearance, and the refrigerant passage 840a formed in the inside also has a substantially L-shape.
- the first pipe connection portion 841 (corresponding to the “first end portion” in the claims) is a tubular portion extending along a predetermined extending direction (z direction in FIG. 2) from the side portion of the valve main portion 840 is there.
- the first pipe connection portion 841 is in communication with one end of the refrigerant channel 840 a in the valve main portion 840.
- One end of the first pipe connection portion 841 is joined to the side portion of the valve main portion 840.
- the other end of the first pipe connection portion 841 is joined to the outdoor communication pipe in the installed state.
- the second pipe connection portion 842 (corresponding to the “second end portion” in the claims) is a tubular portion extending from the bottom portion of the valve body 840 along a predetermined extending direction (x direction in FIG. 2). .
- the shutoff valve 84 has a substantially L-shaped appearance, and the refrigerant passage 840a formed in the inside also has a substantially L-shape.
- the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the second pipe connection portion 842 and the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the first pipe connection portion 841 are different from each other and are intersecting directions. More specifically, the extending direction of the second pipe connection portion 842 and the extending direction of the first pipe connection portion 841 are different by approximately 90 degrees.
- the refrigerant flows from the first pipe connection 841 to the second pipe connection 842 but the valve N1 extends in the same direction as the first pipe connection 841. Therefore, noise reduction is promoted when the shutoff valve 84 is controlled to be closed.
- approximately 90 degrees is not limited to the case where the extension direction of the second pipe connection portion 842 and the extension direction of the first pipe connection portion 841 completely differ by 90 degrees, and a predetermined range from 90 degrees In addition (including within 30 degrees) it also includes the case where it differs and it differs.
- the second pipe connection portion 842 communicates with the other end of the refrigerant channel 840 a in the valve main portion 840.
- One end of the second pipe connection 842 is joined to the bottom of the valve body 840.
- the other end of the second pipe connection portion 842 is joined to the other end of the first connection pipe 81 (the end on the outdoor side connection pipe side). More specifically, in the installed state, the second pipe connection portion 842 allows the respective second connection pipes 82 to be aligned along the horizontal direction and allows the longitudinal direction of the respective second connection pipes 82 to extend along the horizontal direction. It is connected to the other end of the first connection pipe 81 in a posture in which
- Electric component unit 52 (corresponding to the "second component” described in the claims)
- the electrical component unit 52 (see FIG. 3) is provided independently of the main body unit 51 in order to be able to be freely moved with respect to the main body unit 51 at the construction site so as to enhance the workability.
- the electrical component unit 52 is fixed by the fixture 90 (see FIG. 3) at the construction site.
- the electrical component unit 52 is an electrical component 521 for controlling the state (opening or closing) of the shutoff valve 84 (for example, a switching unit capable of switching the flow of current such as an electromagnetic relay or switching element, a connection terminal supplied with power, It has an input section etc. for inputting a signal from the controller 70. Further, the electrical component unit 52 has a substrate 522 for mounting the electrical component 521.
- the electrical component unit 52 has a unit casing 523 for housing the electrical component 521, the substrate 522, and the like.
- a unit casing 523 (corresponding to the “casing” recited in the claims) is a casing made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and has a volume capable of accommodating the electric component 521, the substrate 522, and the like.
- the unit casing 523 is provided with a fixing portion 524 for fixing the fixture 90. Since the unit casing 523 is assumed to be installed in a narrow space, the height dimension thereof is smaller than the height dimension of the installation location (general space under the ceiling).
- the electric wire 53 (see FIG. 3) is a lead for supplying a drive voltage to the shutoff valve 84.
- the electric wire 53 electrically connects the shutoff valve 84 and the substrate 522 (electrical component 521).
- the electric wire 53 is a general-purpose product and is covered with an insulator.
- the electric wire 53 is configured to have a size of 1 m or more in order to increase the degree of freedom regarding the arrangement of the electrical component unit 52 at the installation location.
- the dimension of the electric wire 53 in the longitudinal direction is 1.2 m.
- FIG. 3 shows that the branch pipe unit 50 is installed in the ceiling-to-ceiling space SP (the space on the ceiling / ceiling of the target space).
- the upper, lower, left, and right directions are shown, the left-right direction corresponds to the x-direction in FIG. 2, and the up-down direction corresponds to the y-direction in FIG.
- the horizontal direction is included in the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction is included in the vertical direction.
- the front-back direction orthogonal to the left-right direction corresponds to the z direction in FIG. 2 and is included in the horizontal direction.
- the branch pipe unit 50 is installed together with the refrigerant communication pipe in the space above the ceiling SP.
- the under-the-sky space SP is a narrow space formed between the upper surface (the under-the-ceiling bottom surface C1) of the ceiling of the target space and the roof or the floor of the upper floor (the over-the-ceiling top surface C2).
- the space under the ceiling SP is a space having a large horizontal dimension and a small vertical dimension.
- the respective second connection pipes 82 are arranged in the horizontal direction (here, the z direction intersecting the drawing direction x), and the extension direction of the respective second connection pipes 82 and the first connection pipe 81. It is arranged in such a posture that the stretching direction of (1) and (2) are the same (in this case, the directions of both are different but the stretching directions of both are horizontal).
- the main extending direction of the indoor side connecting pipe here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction
- the main extending direction of the outdoor side connecting pipe here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction
- the main body unit 51 is the main extending direction (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) of the indoor communication pipe and the main stretching direction of the outdoor communication pipe (here In this case, they are disposed in such a posture that they become substantially the same as the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction.
- this is a connection aspect with the 1st piping connection part 841 of the cutoff valve 84, the 2nd piping connection part 842, the 1st connection pipe 81, and each 2nd connection pipe 82 (in the installation state, each 2nd connection pipe 82 Are arranged along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal directions of the first connection pipes 81 and the second connection pipes 82 can extend along the horizontal direction, that is, the first pipe connection 841 of the shutoff valve 84
- the second pipe connection 842 is connected to the other end of the first connection pipe 81 in such a posture that the second pipe connection 842 extends in the left-right direction while extending in the direction.
- the outdoor side communication pipe extends along the main extension direction (x direction in FIG. 3) of the indoor side communication pipe, and then in front of the connection portion (first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84) with the main unit 51. It curves to the 1st piping connection part 841 direction (z direction) of the cutoff valve 84, and is joined to the main body unit 51. As shown in FIG.
- Each part (the first connection pipe 81, the second connection pipe 82, the branch pipe 83, and the shutoff valve 84) of the main body unit 51 is covered with a heat insulating material 95 for preventing condensation.
- the electrical component unit 52 is installed apart from the main body unit 51. More specifically, the electric component unit 52 is installed apart from the main unit 51 within the range of the length dimension of the electric wire 53 electrically connecting the main unit 51 and the electric component unit 52. In the present embodiment, the electrical component unit 52 is mounted in the ceiling suspension space SP by being attached with the fixture 90 fixed to the ceiling back surface C2.
- the electrical component unit 52 extends between the shutoff valve 84 of the main unit 51 and the substrate 522 (electrical component 521) of the electrical component unit 52, and electrically connects the two.
- the electric wire 53 is previously connected to one of the shutoff valve 84 and the main body unit 51 before being installed, and is connected to the other at the site.
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the controller 70 and each part connected to the controller 70. As shown in FIG.
- the controller 70 has a plurality of control modes, and controls the operation of each device according to the control mode in transition.
- the controller 70 operates as the control mode in the normal operation mode in which transition is made during operation (when refrigerant leakage does not occur), and when refrigerant leakage occurs (more specifically, when leakage refrigerant is detected) And refrigerant leakage mode transitioning to.
- the controller 70 includes devices included in the air conditioning system 100 (specifically, the compressor 11 included in the outdoor unit 10, the first outdoor motor valve 16, the second outdoor motor valve 17, the outdoor fan 25 and the outdoor sensor 26; The indoor expansion valve 41, the indoor fan 45 and the indoor side sensor 46 included in each indoor unit 40, the electric component 521 (shutoff valve 84) of each branch pipe unit 50, each refrigerant leak sensor 60, each remote control 65, etc. And are electrically connected.
- the controller 70 mainly includes a storage unit 71, an input control unit 72, a mode control unit 73, a refrigerant leakage determination unit 74, a device control unit 75, a drive signal output unit 76, and a display control unit 77.
- these functional units in the controller 70 are realized by integrally functioning the CPU, the memory, and various electric and electronic components included in the outdoor unit control unit 30 and / or the indoor unit control unit 48. There is.
- the storage unit 71 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and a flash memory, and includes a volatile storage area and a non-volatile storage area.
- the storage unit 71 includes a program storage area M1 in which a control program defining the process in each unit of the controller 70 is stored.
- the storage unit 71 also includes a detection value storage area M2 for storing detection values of various sensors.
- detection values of the outdoor side sensor 26 and the indoor side sensor 46 intake pressure, discharge pressure, discharge temperature, refrigerant temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger 14, or in the indoor heat exchanger 42). The refrigerant temperature etc. is stored.
- the storage unit 71 also includes a sensor signal storage area M3 for storing a refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal (detection value of the refrigerant leakage sensor 60) transmitted from the refrigerant leakage sensor 60.
- the sensor signal storage area M3 has a storage area corresponding to the number of refrigerant leak sensors 60, and the received refrigerant leak sensor detection signal is stored in an area corresponding to the refrigerant leak sensor 60 of the transmission source.
- the refrigerant leakage signal stored in the sensor signal storage area M3 is updated each time the refrigerant leakage signal output from the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 is received.
- the storage unit 71 also includes a command storage area M4 for storing a command input to each remote controller 65.
- the storage unit 71 is provided with a plurality of flags having a predetermined number of bits.
- the storage unit 71 is provided with a control mode determination flag M5 capable of determining the control mode in which the controller 70 is transitioning.
- Control mode determination flag M5 includes the number of bits corresponding to the number of control modes, and a bit corresponding to the control mode to be transited is set.
- the storage unit 71 is provided with a refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 for determining that refrigerant leakage in the target space has been detected.
- the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 has the number of bits according to the number of installed indoor units 40, and corresponds to the indoor unit 40 (refrigerant leakage unit) assumed to have refrigerant leakage. You can set a bit. That is, when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor circuit RC2, the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is configured so as to be able to determine in which indoor unit 40 (interior circuit RC2) refrigerant leakage has occurred.
- the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is switched by the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74.
- the input control unit 72 is a functional unit that serves as an interface for receiving signals output from the respective devices connected to the controller 70.
- the input control unit 72 receives signals output from the sensors (26, 46, 60) and the remote control 65, stores the signals in the corresponding storage area of the storage unit 71, or sets a predetermined flag.
- the mode control unit 73 is a functional unit that switches the control mode.
- the mode control unit 73 switches the control mode to the normal operation mode at normal time (when the refrigerant leak detection flag M6 is not set).
- the mode control unit 73 switches the control mode to the refrigerant leak mode when the refrigerant leak detection flag M6 is set.
- the mode control unit 73 sets a control mode determination flag M5 in accordance with the control mode in transition.
- the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 is a functional unit that determines whether refrigerant leakage has occurred in the refrigerant circuit RC (indoor side circuit RC2). Specifically, when the predetermined refrigerant leakage detection condition is satisfied, the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 determines that refrigerant leakage is occurring in the refrigerant circuit RC (indoor side circuit RC2), and sets the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6. .
- whether or not the refrigerant leakage detection condition is satisfied is determined based on the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal in the sensor signal storage area M3. Specifically, in the refrigerant leakage detection condition, the time during which the voltage value (detection value of the refrigerant leakage sensor 60) related to any refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal is equal to or more than a predetermined first reference value is continued for a predetermined time t1 or more Satisfied by The first reference value is a value (concentration of refrigerant) in which refrigerant leakage in the indoor circuit RC2 is assumed.
- the predetermined time t1 is set to a time that can determine that the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal is not instantaneous.
- the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 specifies a refrigerant leakage unit (an indoor unit 40 assumed to have refrigerant leakage) based on the refrigerant leakage sensor 60 of the transmission source of the refrigerant leakage sensor detection signal satisfying the refrigerant leakage detection condition.
- the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 the bit corresponding to the refrigerant leakage unit is set. That is, the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 corresponds to a “refrigerant leakage detection unit” that individually detects the refrigerant leakage of each indoor circuit RC2 together with each refrigerant leakage sensor 60.
- the predetermined time t1 is appropriately set according to the type of refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit RC, the specification of each device, the installation environment, and the like, and is defined in the control program.
- the refrigerant leakage determination unit 74 is configured to be able to measure a predetermined time t1.
- the first reference value is appropriately set according to the type of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit RC, the design specifications, the installation environment, and the like, and is defined in the control program.
- Device control unit 75 controls the operation of each device (for example, 11, 13, 16, 17, 25, 41, 45, 84, etc.) included in the air conditioning system 100 according to the situation according to the control program.
- the device control unit 75 determines the control mode in transition by referring to the control mode determination flag M5, and controls the operation of each device based on the determined control mode.
- the device control unit 75 operates the operating capacity of the compressor 11, the outdoor fan 25 and the room so that the forward cycle operation or the reverse cycle operation is performed according to the set temperature or the detection value of each sensor.
- the rotation speed of the fan 45, the opening degree of the outdoor first motor-operated valve 16, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 41, and the like are controlled in real time.
- the equipment control unit 75 controls the four-way switching valve 13 to be in the positive cycle state during the normal cycle operation, and causes the outdoor heat exchanger 14 to function as a condenser (or a radiator) of the refrigerant and the indoor unit 40 in operation.
- the indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.
- the device control unit 75 also controls the four-way switching valve 13 in the reverse cycle state, causes the outdoor heat exchanger 14 to function as a refrigerant evaporator, and exchanges indoor heat with the indoor unit 40 in operation.
- the unit 42 functions as a refrigerant condenser (or radiator).
- the device control unit 75 executes the following various controls in accordance with the situation.
- the device control unit 75 is configured to be able to measure time.
- the device control unit 75 executes the refrigerant leakage first control when it is assumed that refrigerant leakage has occurred in the target space (specifically, when the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is set).
- the device control unit 75 controls the indoor expansion valve 41 of the refrigerant leakage unit (the indoor unit 40 in which the refrigerant leakage has occurred) in the closed state in the refrigerant leakage first control. Thereby, the inflow of the refrigerant to the refrigerant leakage unit is suppressed, and the refrigerant leakage is further suppressed.
- the refrigerant leakage first control is a control for suppressing the refrigerant leakage in the indoor circuit RC2 when the refrigerant leakage occurs, and the indoor expansion valve 41 is closed when the refrigerant leakage occurs. It interferes with the refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit 40.
- the device control unit 75 executes the refrigerant leakage second control when it is assumed that refrigerant leakage has occurred in the target space.
- the device control unit 75 operates the indoor fan 45 of each indoor unit 40 at the rotation speed (air volume) for the second control of refrigerant leakage in the second control of refrigerant leakage.
- the refrigerant leakage second control is control for operating the indoor fan 45 at a predetermined rotation speed to prevent local generation of a region where the concentration of the leakage refrigerant is large in the target space.
- the number of rotations of the indoor fan 45 in the second control of the refrigerant leakage is not particularly limited, it is set to the maximum number of rotations (that is, the maximum air volume) in the present embodiment.
- the second refrigerant leakage control even when refrigerant leakage occurs in the target space, the use side air flow generated by the indoor fan 45 stirs the leakage refrigerant in the target space, and leaks in the target space. It is suppressed that the area
- the device control unit 75 executes the third control of the refrigerant leakage when it is assumed that the refrigerant leakage has occurred in the target space.
- the apparatus control unit 75 controls the shutoff valve 84 of each branch portion BP (branch pipe unit 50) to a closed state so as to divide the outdoor circuit RC1 and each indoor circuit RC2 in the refrigerant leakage third control. That is, the refrigerant leakage third control is control in which the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 of the leakage unit is shut off by the liquid communication circuit RC3a and the gas communication circuit RC3b when refrigerant leakage occurs. is there.
- the device control unit 75 controls the shutoff valve 84 of the liquid side branch portion BPa (the first branch pipe unit 50a) to a closed state via the electric component 521, thereby the liquid Close the side communication circuit RC3a. Further, the device control unit 75 controls the shutoff valve 84 of the gas side branch portion BPb (the second branch pipe unit 50b) to a closed state via the electric component 521 in the refrigerant leakage third control, thereby the gas side communication The circuit RC3b is closed. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 is interrupted by the connection circuit RC3, and the amount of leakage refrigerant in the indoor circuit RC2 is reliably suppressed.
- the drive signal output unit 76 drives a corresponding drive signal (drive, etc.) to each device (11, 13, 16, 17, 25, 41, 45, 521 (84), etc.) according to the control content of the device control unit 75. Output voltage).
- the drive signal output unit 76 includes a plurality of inverters (not shown), and drives a specific device (for example, the compressor 11, the outdoor fan 25, or each indoor fan 45, etc.) from the corresponding inverter Output a signal.
- Display control unit 77 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the remote control 65 as a display device.
- the display control unit 77 causes the remote control 65 to output predetermined information so as to display information related to the driving state and the situation to the user.
- the display control unit 77 causes the remote control 65 to display various information such as the set temperature while operating in the normal mode.
- the display control unit 77 causes the remote control 65 to display refrigerant leakage notification information when the refrigerant leakage detection flag M6 is set. As a result, the manager can grasp the fact that the refrigerant leak has occurred, and it is possible to take a predetermined response.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow of the controller 70.
- the controller 70 performs processing in the flow as shown in steps S101 to S110 of FIG.
- the flow of the process shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and can be changed suitably.
- the order of steps may be changed as long as no contradiction occurs, some steps may be performed in parallel with other steps, and other steps may be newly added.
- step S101 the controller 70 proceeds to step S105 when it is assumed that refrigerant leakage has occurred in the indoor side circuit RC2 (ie, in the case of YES).
- step S102 the controller 70 proceeds to step S102 when it is assumed that refrigerant leakage does not occur in the indoor side circuit RC2 (ie, in the case of NO).
- step S102 the controller 70 returns to step S101 when the driving start command is not input (that is, in the case of NO). On the other hand, when the driving start command is input (that is, in the case of YES), the controller 70 proceeds to step S103.
- step S103 the controller 70 transitions to the normal operation mode (or maintains the normal operation mode). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104.
- step S104 the controller 70 performs the positive cycle operation by controlling the state of each device in real time according to the input command, the set temperature, and the detection value of each sensor (26, 46). .
- the controller 70 causes the remote controller 65 to display various information such as the set temperature. Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.
- step S105 the controller 70 transitions to the refrigerant leak mode. Thereafter, the controller 70 proceeds to step S106.
- step S106 the controller 70 causes the remote controller 65 to output refrigerant leak notification information. Thereby, the manager can grasp that the refrigerant leak has occurred. Thereafter, the controller 70 proceeds to step S107.
- step S107 the controller 70 executes the refrigerant leakage first control. Specifically, the controller 70 controls the indoor expansion valve 41 of the refrigerant leakage unit in a closed state. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant to the indoor side circuit RC2 of the refrigerant leakage unit is impeded, and the refrigerant leakage is further suppressed. Thereafter, the controller 70 proceeds to step S108.
- step S108 the controller 70 executes the refrigerant leakage second control. Specifically, the controller 70 drives the indoor fan 45 at a predetermined number of rotations (for example, the maximum number of rotations). As a result, the leakage refrigerant is stirred in the target space, and it is suppressed that the concentration becomes dangerous locally. Thereafter, the controller 70 proceeds to step S109.
- a predetermined number of rotations for example, the maximum number of rotations.
- step S109 the controller 70 executes the refrigerant leakage third control. Specifically, the controller 70 closes the liquid communication circuit RC3a by controlling the shutoff valve 84 of the liquid branch portion BPa (the first branch pipe unit 50a) to a closed state. Further, the device control unit 75 closes the gas side communication circuit RC3b by controlling the shutoff valve 84 of the gas side branch portion BPb (the second branch pipe unit 50b) in the closed state in the refrigerant leakage third control. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 of the leakage unit is suppressed, and the amount of leakage refrigerant is suppressed. Thereafter, the controller 70 proceeds to step S110.
- step S110 the controller 70 stops the compressor 11. Thereafter, the controller 70 stands by until being released by the administrator.
- the shutoff valve 84 for blocking the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 40 is disposed on the first connection pipe 81 (the outdoor side piping). Accordingly, the increase in the number of shutoff valves 84 is suppressed. That is, by arranging the shutoff valve 84 on the outdoor unit 10 side with respect to each second connection pipe 82 (indoor side piping group) in the branched portion BP, the first connection pipe 81 (outdoor unit 10 side) at the time of refrigerant leakage. It is possible to prevent the flow of the refrigerant flowing from the above to the corresponding second connection pipe 82 (a plurality of indoor units 40). For this reason, there is no need to arrange the shutoff valve 84 for each indoor unit 40 in order to ensure the security regarding refrigerant leakage, and the increase in the number of shutoff valves 84 according to the number of indoor units 40 is suppressed. .
- the number of shutoff valves 84 installed on the refrigerant communication piping increases. Is also suppressed from increasing work time and labor required for construction.
- the refrigerant communication pipes (La, Ga) include a gas side communication pipe Ga in which a low pressure refrigerant flows, and a liquid side communication pipe La in which a high pressure or intermediate pressure refrigerant flows.
- the shutoff valve 84 is disposed on the first connection pipe 81 (outside pipe) included in the gas side communication pipe Ga.
- an indoor expansion valve 41 (an electronic expansion valve) for decompressing the refrigerant is generally disposed on a refrigerant flow path communicating with the liquid side communication pipe La.
- the indoor expansion valve 41 controls the indoor expansion valve 41 to the minimum opening degree, it is possible to prevent the flow of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit 10 into the indoor unit 40 via the liquid side communication pipe La.
- the shutoff valve 84 on the first connection pipe 81 included in the gas side communication pipe Ga, the increase in the number of the shutoff valves 84 is suppressed, and the safety against refrigerant leakage is ensured. Is being promoted.
- the shutoff valve 84 is also disposed on the first connection pipe 81 (the outdoor side pipe) included in the liquid side communication pipe La. As described above, by arranging the shutoff valve 84 also on the first connection pipe 81 (outside pipe) included in the liquid-side connection pipe La, ensuring of the safety against refrigerant leakage is particularly promoted.
- the indoor unit 40 includes the indoor expansion valve 41, and when refrigerant leakage occurs, the refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit 40 is obstructed by being closed.
- the indoor expansion valve 41 is disposed in the indoor unit 40 to prevent the flow of the refrigerant by being controlled to be in the closed state when the refrigerant leaks, whereby the outdoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 40 can It is more reliably possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant.
- the first connection pipe 81 (outside pipe) is integrally formed with the branch pipe 83 (branch portion) and the shutoff valve 84.
- the shutoff valve 84 is easy, and it is suppressed that the work time and effort which construction requires require increase.
- the improvement of the workability is promoted in connection with the improvement of the security against refrigerant leakage.
- the refrigerant communication pipes (La, Ga) include the branch pipe unit 50, and the branch pipe unit 50 is assembled in advance and connected to other pipes at the construction site.
- the branch pipe unit 50 includes a first connection pipe 81 (outside pipe), a branch pipe 83 (branch portion), and a shutoff valve 84 which are integrally configured.
- shutoff valve 84 is particularly easy, and the increase in the working time and labor required for the construction is further suppressed.
- the improvement of the workability is promoted in connection with the improvement of the security against refrigerant leakage.
- the branch pipe unit 50 connects the outdoor communication line (L1, G1) and the plurality of indoor communication pipes (L2, L3, G2, G3), and communicates with the outdoor communication pipe.
- the shutoff valve 84 can be disposed at (the outdoor unit 10 side of the branch portion BP). Thereby, in order to shut off the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 40, it is possible to share one shutoff valve 84 for the plurality of indoor units 40. As a result, even if the shutoff valve 84 is not provided for each indoor unit 40, it is possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 to the plurality of indoor units 40 when the refrigerant leaks.
- shutoff valve 84 for each indoor unit 40 in relation to the refrigerant leakage measures, and it is suppressed that the number of the shutoff valves 84 installed on the refrigerant communication pipes (La, Ga) increases It is done.
- the refrigerant connection pipe (La, Ga) in a state where the first connection pipe 81, the plurality of second connection pipes 82, the branch pipe 83, and the shutoff valve 84 are assembled in advance. It is possible to construct on top of the above, and the working time and labor required for the construction can be reduced compared to the prior art.
- shut-off valves 84 are collected to form a united shut-off valve unit 84, it is assumed that the size of the unit itself is increased according to the number of shut-off valves 84. In No. 50, compactification is promoted in association with the fact that the number of shutoff valves 84 is unlikely to increase in unitization, and the decrease in workability is suppressed even in a narrow space.
- the decrease in workability is suppressed in relation to the improvement of the security against refrigerant leakage.
- the second pipe connection portions 842 of the shutoff valve 84 align the second connection pipes 82 along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the second connection pipes 82 It is connected to the first connection pipe 81 so as to extend along the horizontal direction.
- the extension direction of the second connection pipe 82 can be made to coincide with the main extension direction (horizontal direction) of the indoor communication piping (L2, L3, G2, G3)
- the connection of both pipes is easy. Also, in connection with this, construction is particularly easy even in a narrow space. Therefore, the construction is particularly excellent.
- the branch pipe unit 50 includes the first connection pipe 81, the plurality of second connection pipes 82, the branch pipe 83, and the shutoff valve 84 in the main body unit 51 (first component).
- the branch pipe unit 50 includes the electrical component unit 52 (second component) including the board 522 on which the electrical part 521 for controlling the state of the shutoff valve 84 is mounted, the shutoff valve 84 and the board 522.
- An electric wire 53 to be connected is provided separately from the main body unit 51.
- the electrical component unit 52 is provided independently of the main unit 51 so as to be freely moved with respect to the main unit 51 (first component).
- the electrical component unit 52 can be installed movably with respect to the main body unit 51 at the time of construction. For this reason, the degree of freedom of construction at the site is increased, and the reduction of work time and labor required for construction is promoted. Further, by providing the main unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 independently, downsizing of each of the main unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 is promoted, and further, downsizing of the entire branch pipe unit 50 is promoted. There is. In connection with this, construction is easy even in a narrow space. Therefore, the construction is particularly excellent.
- the electrical component unit 52 (second component) has a unit casing 523 for housing the substrate 522. Thereby, construction is particularly easy even in a narrow space.
- the electric wire 53 has a dimension of 1 m or more in the longitudinal direction.
- the main body unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 can be installed at a distance of 1 m or more, and the degree of freedom of construction at the site is particularly improved.
- the shutoff valve 84 is disposed in each of the liquid side branch portion BPa and the gas side branch portion BPb.
- the liquid side branch portion BPa and the gas side branch portion BPb Preferably, the shutoff valve 84 is disposed on both sides.
- the shutoff valve 84 does not necessarily have to be disposed in both the liquid side branch portion BPa and the gas side branch portion BPb, and may be disposed in only one side.
- the liquid branch The shutoff valve 84 disposed in the portion BPa is not necessarily required, and may be omitted as appropriate.
- the liquid side branch portion BPa may be configured by a branch pipe unit 50 ′ that does not include the shutoff valve 84.
- the valve capable of interrupting the flow of the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 of the leakage unit via the gas side communication circuit RC3b when the refrigerant leaks is separately disposed, the valve Is controlled to the closed state, the refrigerant flowing from the outdoor circuit RC1 to the indoor circuit RC2 can be shut off via the gas side communication circuit RC3b, so when such control is performed, the gas side
- the shutoff valve 84 disposed in the branch portion BPb is not necessarily required, and may be omitted as appropriate.
- shutoff valve 84 is an electromagnetic valve capable of switching the open / close state.
- the shutoff valve 84 is not necessarily limited to the solenoid valve, and may be another control valve.
- the shutoff valve 84 can be adjusted in opening degree and may be a motorized valve.
- the arrangement of the shutoff valve 84 in the main unit 51 may be the same as that in the above embodiment, or may be changed as appropriate.
- the number of branches in the branch portion BP is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately changed.
- the refrigerant flow path may be branched into three or more.
- the second connection pipes 82 corresponding to the number of branches may be disposed, and in the branch pipes 83, ports corresponding to the number of the second connection pipes 82 may be formed.
- the configuration mode of the refrigerant circuit RC in the above embodiment is not necessarily limited to the mode shown in FIG. 1, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specification and the installation environment.
- the outdoor first motor-operated valve 16 is not necessarily required, and can be appropriately omitted.
- the subcooler 15 and the second outdoor motorized valve 17 are not necessarily required, and may be omitted as appropriate.
- a device not shown in FIG. 1 may be newly added to the refrigerant circuit RC.
- the controller 70 configured to control the operation of the air conditioning system 100 is configured by connecting the outdoor unit control unit 30 and the indoor unit control unit 48 of each indoor unit 40 via the communication line cb.
- the configuration mode of the controller 70 is not necessarily limited to this, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specifications and the installation environment. That is, the configuration mode of the controller 70 is not particularly limited, and some or all of the elements included in the controller 70 do not necessarily have to be disposed in any of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 40, and other devices , Or may be arranged independently.
- the controller 70 may be configured of another device such as the remote control 65 or a centralized management device, instead of / in combination with one or both of the outdoor unit control unit 30 and each indoor unit control unit 48.
- the other device may be disposed at a remote location connected to the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 40 via a communication network.
- controller 70 may be configured by only the outdoor unit control unit 30.
- R32 is used as the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit RC.
- the refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit RC is not particularly limited, and may be another refrigerant.
- an HFC refrigerant such as R407C or R410A, CO 2 or ammonia may be used.
- a plurality of outdoor units 10 may be arranged in series or in parallel.
- three or more indoor units 40 may be connected to one outdoor unit 10.
- the idea of the present disclosure is that three or more indoor units 40 are connected to one outdoor unit 10, and each indoor unit 40 is connected to another indoor unit 40.
- the present invention may be applied to an air conditioning system arranged in series or in parallel with one another.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the air conditioning system 200. As shown in FIG. In addition, in FIG. 7, in order to simplify the illustration, the liquid side communication pipe La and the gas side communication pipe Ga are shown together.
- each of the communication pipes (La, Ga) extending between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 is branched into a plurality (four in this case), so that the indoor units 40 arranged at the branch destination.
- Groups (A to D) are configured.
- each of the groups AD includes a plurality of indoor units 40.
- the shutoff valve 84 is disposed at the branch portion BP1 located on the leading end side (most at the outdoor unit 10 side) of each of the groups AD.
- the shutoff valve 84 is controlled to be closed in the branch portion BP1 corresponding to the group in which the refrigerant leakage has occurred, thereby suppressing the amount of leakage refrigerant. It is supposed to be That is, between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40, the refrigerant flow path (communication circuit RC3) branches in accordance with the number of indoor units 40 and other devices.
- a shutoff valve 84 can be disposed on the outdoor unit 10 side of the branch portion BP, and in order to shut off the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 40, the one shutoff valve 84 is a plurality of indoor units It is possible to share for 40. As a result, even if the shutoff valve 84 is not provided for each indoor unit 40, it is possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 to the plurality of indoor units 40 when the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange the shutoff valve 84 for each indoor unit 40 in relation to the refrigerant leakage countermeasure, and the increase in the number of the shutoff valves 84 is suppressed. Such an effect can be expected particularly when the number of indoor units 40 is large as in the air conditioning system 200. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 200, the decrease in the workability is particularly suppressed in relation to the improvement of the security against refrigerant leakage.
- the shutoff valve 84 and the branch pipe are joined on site during construction, the number of man-hours increases significantly. By being constructed on site, the working time and labor required for construction are particularly reduced.
- shutoff valve 84 is arranged for each group, when a refrigerant leak occurs, only the group in which the refrigerant leak occurs is shut off, and the group in which the refrigerant leak does not occur. Can continue driving.
- shutoff valve 84 is arranged at branch portion BP2 closest to outdoor unit 10, branch portion BP3 between branch portion BP2 and branch portion BP1, and branch portion BP4-6 in each group. Not. That is, in the air conditioning system 200, the branch portion BP2 and the branch portion BP3 are configured by the branch pipe unit that does not have the shutoff valve 84.
- shutoff valve 84 has a portion that needs to be shut off to ensure safety based on the refrigerant leakage amount assumed when refrigerant leakage occurs (for example, branch portion BP1- shown in FIG. 7). It may be arranged in any one of the six). For example, at the position where the shutoff valve 84 is disposed (branch portion BP), the total number, the total capacity, or the number of indoor units 40 that need to be shut off by the shutoff valve 84 to ensure safety when refrigerant leaks. It may be determined based on the total volume of the inner connection piping. Alternatively, the shutoff valve 84 may be disposed for each device including the refrigerant charge amount corresponding to these.
- the shutoff valve 84 may be connected to any one or all of the following (a), (b) and (c) first connection pipes 81 (outside piping).
- C The first connection pipe 81 in which the total volume of the indoor side communication pipes in communication is equal to or less than the third threshold ⁇ Th3.
- the first threshold ⁇ Th1, the second threshold ⁇ Th2, and / or the third threshold ⁇ Th3 is the size of any target space (for example, the narrowest target space) where the indoor unit 40 is installed and air conditioning is performed. Based on the above, it may be set in consideration of the possibility that the concentration of the leaked refrigerant may become a dangerous value (the lower limit concentration of combustion or the limit concentration of oxygen deficiency) in the target space related to the case where the refrigerant leaks.
- the first threshold ⁇ Th1, the second threshold ⁇ Th2, and / or the third threshold ⁇ Th3 are the amount of refrigerant m (kg), the lower limit concentration of combustion G of refrigerant (kg / m 3 ), the floor space A (m 2 ) of the target space
- the leakage height hr (m) may be set such that the shutoff valve 84 is disposed as long as the following condition 1 is satisfied.
- the amount of refrigerant m here is the amount of refrigerant that can be charged into the device that is shut off from the outdoor unit 10 by the shutoff valve 84 in order to ensure the safety in the target space when the refrigerant leaks.
- the leakage height hr is a height position of a portion where it is assumed that the leaked refrigerant flows out in the target space.
- the shutoff valve 84 By determining the arrangement position of the shutoff valve 84 in such a manner, the safety (for example, the lower limit concentration of combustion or the oxygen deficiency) when refrigerant leakage occurs depending on the size and the environment of the facility where the air conditioning system is installed. In the part where it is necessary to shut off the refrigerant in view of the limit concentration etc.), the shutoff valve 84 can be properly disposed. Therefore, securing of the safety against refrigerant leakage is further promoted while suppressing the increase in the number of shutoff valves 84.
- the safety for example, the lower limit concentration of combustion or the oxygen deficiency
- the main unit 51 may be configured as the main unit 51a shown in FIG.
- the main body unit 51a portions different from the main body unit 51 will be described.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration view of the main body unit 51a.
- the main body unit 51a has a shutoff valve 84a in place of the shutoff valve 84.
- the shutoff valve 84a differs from the shutoff valve 84a in the following points.
- the shutoff valve 84 a includes a second pipe connection portion 842 a in place of the second pipe connection portion 842.
- the second pipe connection portion 842a (corresponding to the “second end portion” in the claims) is a tubular portion extending along a predetermined extending direction (x direction in FIG. 6) from the side portion of the valve main portion 840 is there.
- the shutoff valve 84a has a substantially T-like shape, and a substantially I-shaped refrigerant flow passage 840a 'is formed inside.
- the second pipe connection 842a extends in the opposite direction to the first pipe connection 841.
- the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the second pipe connection portion 842a and the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the first pipe connection portion 841 are the same direction (x direction), the directions in which the both extend are opposite.
- stretching direction of the 1st piping connection part 841 is a direction which cross
- the second pipe connection portion 842a is in communication with the end of the refrigerant channel 840a ′ in the valve body 840.
- One end of the second pipe connection 842 a is joined to the side of the valve body 840.
- the other end of the second pipe connection portion 842a is joined to the end of the first connection pipe 81 (the end on the outdoor side connection pipe side). More specifically, in the installed state, the second pipe connection portion 842a allows the respective second connection pipes 82 to be arranged along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the respective second connection pipes 82 to extend along the horizontal direction. It is connected to the 1st connecting pipe 81 in the posture made to make.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of the installation mode of the branch pipe unit 50 ′ ′ having the main body unit 51a.
- the first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84a is installed so as to extend in the left-right direction (x direction), not in the front-rear direction (z direction). .
- the main extending direction of the indoor side connecting pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extending direction of the outdoor side connecting pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction)
- the main body unit 51a is the main extending direction of the indoor communication pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extending direction of the outdoor communication pipe (here In this case, they are disposed in such a posture that they become substantially the same as the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction.
- the main unit 51 may be configured as the main unit 51b shown in FIG.
- the main body unit 51b a portion different from the main body unit 51 will be described.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration view of the main body unit 51b.
- the main unit 51 b has a branch pipe 83 a in place of the branch pipe 83. Further, the main body unit 51 b has three second connection pipes 82.
- the branch pipe 83a differs from the branch pipe 83 in the following points.
- the branch pipe 83a has a branch pipe main portion 830a in place of the branch pipe main portion 830.
- the branch pipe main body portion 830a is a substantially I-shaped header pipe.
- the first insertion portion 831 extends from the portion between both ends of the branch pipe main portion 830a along the extending direction of the first connection pipe 81 (the x direction in FIG. 9).
- Each second insertion portion 832 is spaced apart from the other second insertion portions 832 in the z direction at a portion opposite to the disposition position of the first connection pipe 81 between both ends of the branch pipe main portion 830a. It is arranged to line up along the side.
- Each second insertion portion 832 extends in the opposite direction along the extension direction of the first insertion portion 831 and is disposed substantially parallel to the other second insertion portions 832.
- the branch pipe unit 50 includes such a main body unit 51b, the same function and effect as those of the above embodiment can be realized. Further, in the main body unit 51b, the distance between the respective second insertion portions 832 can be made smaller than that of the main body unit 51. Therefore, even when the number of second insertion portions 832 increases, the main body unit It is possible to make the 51b compact, and in connection with this, improvement of the workability can be expected.
- the first connection pipe 81 may be omitted as appropriate.
- the main unit 51 may be configured, for example, as a main unit 51c shown in FIG.
- the main body unit 51c a portion different from the main body unit 51 will be described.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration view of the main body unit 51c.
- the first connection pipe 81 is omitted in the main body unit 51c. Therefore, the second pipe connection portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84 is joined (connected) to the first insertion portion 831 of the branch pipe 83.
- the branch pipe unit 50 includes such a main body unit 51c, the same function and effect as those of the above embodiment can be realized.
- the first connection pipe 81 is omitted and the second pipe connection portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84 is joined to the first insertion portion 831 of the branch pipe 83 as in the main body unit 51c, the first branch pipe 83 It is also possible to interpret the 1 insertion part 831 as "the 1st connecting pipe" of a claim statement.
- the second pipe connection 842 of the shutoff valve 84 can be interpreted as an independent element and interpreted as the “first connection pipe” in the claims.
- any or all of the plurality of second connection pipes 82 may be omitted as appropriate.
- the main body unit 51 may be configured, for example, as a main body unit 51d shown in FIG.
- the main body unit 51d parts different from the main body unit 51 will be described.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration view of the main body unit 51 d.
- each second connection pipe 82 is omitted.
- the indoor communication piping (L2, L3, G2, G3) is joined to the second insertion portion 832 of the branch pipe 83.
- the branch pipe unit 50 includes such a main body unit 51d, the same function and effect as those of the above embodiment can be realized.
- the second connection pipe 82 is omitted and the indoor communication pipe is joined to the second insertion portion 832 of the branch pipe 83 as in the main body unit 51d, the second insertion of the branch pipe 83 is performed. It is also possible to interpret the part 832 as an independent element and to interpret it as a "second connecting pipe" described in the claims.
- the first connection pipe 81 may be joined to the first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84.
- the main body unit 51 may be configured, for example, as a main body unit 51e shown in FIG.
- portions different from the main body unit 51 will be described.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of the main unit 51e.
- the main body unit 51 e further includes another first connection pipe 81, and the first connection pipe 81 is joined (connected) to one end of the first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84. Then, the outdoor side communication pipe (L1 / G1) is joined to the other end of the first connection pipe 81.
- the branch pipe unit 50 includes such a main body unit 51e, the same function and effect as those of the above embodiment can be realized.
- the first connection pipe 81 is joined to the first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84 as in the main body unit 51e, as in the main body unit 51c according to “Modification 3”, one first connection pipe 81 may be omitted, and the second pipe connection portion 842 of the shutoff valve 84 may be joined (connected) to the first insertion portion 831 of the branch pipe 83.
- the valve body 840 is configured such that the extending direction of the valve N1 is the z direction, but the extending direction of the valve N1 is not necessarily limited to the z direction.
- the main body unit 51 may be configured as, for example, a main body unit 51 f illustrated in FIG. 14.
- the main body unit 51 f parts different from the main body unit 51 will be described.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration view of the main body unit 51 f.
- the valve main body 840 ' is configured such that the extending direction of the valve N1 is the x direction. Even in the case where the branch pipe unit 50 includes such a main body unit 51 f, the same function and effect as those of the above embodiment can be realized.
- the shutoff valve 84 is located between the first connection pipe 81 and the outdoor communication pipe, and is connected to the first connection pipe 81.
- the arrangement of the shutoff valve 84 is not necessarily limited to this, and the shutoff valve 84 is connected to the second connection pipe 82 unless contradiction arises in realizing the effects of the concept according to the present disclosure. It is also good.
- the main body unit 51 may be configured as, for example, a main body unit 51g illustrated in FIG.
- a main body unit 51g illustrated in FIG.
- a portion different from the main body unit 51 will be described.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration view of the main body unit 51g.
- the main body unit 51g has a plurality of shutoff valves 84a similar to the main body unit 51a (in the same number as the second connection pipes 82) in place of the shutoff valves 84. Although described later, the shutoff valve 84a disposed in the main body unit 51g is smaller in size than that disposed in the main body unit 51a.
- each shutoff valve 84a is in one-to-one correspondence with any one of the second connection pipes 82. Further, in connection with this, in the main body unit 51g, each shutoff valve 84a is associated with any indoor communication pipe (indoor unit 40) one to one or one to many.
- one end of a first pipe connection portion 841 (corresponding to the “third end” in the claims) of the shutoff valve 84a is joined to the side portion of the valve main portion 840, and the other end corresponds It is joined to the end of the second connection pipe 82 (the end on the indoor communication pipe side).
- one end of a second pipe connection portion 842a of the shutoff valve 84a (corresponding to the "fourth end portion" in the claims) is joined to the side portion of the valve main body 840, and the other end corresponds. It is joined to the indoor communication pipe. More specifically, in the installed state, the second pipe connection portion 842a allows the respective second connection pipes 82 to be arranged along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the respective second connection pipes 82 to extend along the horizontal direction. It is connected to the indoor communication pipe in a posture to be
- Such a main body unit 51g may be arranged, for example, in the same manner as shown in FIG. That is, the main body unit 51g is installed such that the first pipe connection portion 841 of the shutoff valve 84a extends not in the front-rear direction (z-direction) but in the left-right direction (x-direction).
- the main extending direction of the indoor communication pipe here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction
- the main extending direction of the outdoor communication pipe here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction
- the main body unit 51g is the main extending direction of the indoor communication pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main extending direction of the outdoor communication pipe (here Then, it may be arranged in a posture such that it becomes substantially the same as the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction.
- the first pipe connection portion 841 is connected to the second connection pipe 82 whose inner diameter is smaller than that of the first connection pipe 81, and the second pipe connection portion 842 is an outdoor communication. It is connected to the indoor side communication piping whose internal diameter is smaller than the piping.
- the shutoff valve 84a disposed in the main body unit 51g is smaller in size than that disposed in the main body unit 51a.
- branch pipe unit 50 (50 ') includes such a main body unit 51g, the same function and effect as those of the above embodiment can be realized.
- the main body unit 51g connects the outdoor side communication pipe and the plurality of indoor side communication pipes, and the plurality of first connection pipes 81 communicating with the outdoor side communication pipe and the plurality of corresponding indoor side communication pipes.
- the second connection pipe 82, the branch pipe 83 connecting the first connection pipe 81 and the plurality of second connection pipes 82, and the corresponding second connection pipe 82 are connected to be in a closed state to prevent the flow of the refrigerant.
- a plurality of shutoff valves 84a that is, while the refrigerant flow path branches between the outdoor unit 10 and each indoor unit 40 according to the number of indoor units 40 and other devices, the refrigerant flow path concerned even when the branch pipe unit 50 has the main unit 51 g.
- the shutoff valve 84a may be disposed before the branch of (in more detail, the outdoor unit 10 side of the branch pipe 83 located closer to the indoor unit 40 than the branch pipe 83).
- the shutoff valve 84a may be disposed before the branch of (in more detail, the outdoor unit 10 side of the branch pipe 83 located closer to the indoor unit 40 than the branch pipe 83).
- the main body unit 51g can be installed on the refrigerant connection pipe in a state where the first connection pipe 81, the plurality of second connection pipes 82, the branch pipe 83, and the plurality of shutoff valves 84a are assembled in advance. is there.
- the branch pipe unit 50 has the main unit 51g, the work time and labor required for the construction are reduced. It has become so.
- shutoff valve 84a are disposed, but the shutoff valve 84a is connected to the second connection pipe 82, whereby the shutoff valve 84a is connected to the first connection pipe 81. It is possible to use a shutoff valve 84a of smaller dimensions than if it were connected. In relation to this, in the main body unit 51g, despite the arrangement of the plurality of shutoff valves 84a, the compactification is promoted, and the decrease in workability is suppressed even in a narrow space.
- the first connection pipe 81 is not necessarily required, and can be appropriately omitted.
- one of the shutoff valves 84a (more specifically, the shutoff valve 84a associated with the indoor communication pipe (the indoor unit 40) is not necessarily required, It may be omitted as appropriate.
- the main body unit 51g may have the shutoff valve 84 in place of the shutoff valve 84a.
- the main unit 51 g may be configured as a main unit 51 g ′ shown in FIG. 16.
- the main unit 51 g ′ has a branch pipe 83 ′ in place of the branch pipe 83.
- the branch pipe 83 ' is not substantially U-shaped like the branch pipe 83, but is substantially T-shaped.
- the second connection pipe 82 extends along the z direction (horizontal direction).
- a first pipe connection 841 extending along the z direction is connected to the corresponding second connection pipe 82
- a second pipe connection 842 extending along the x direction corresponds to the corresponding indoor side communication pipe It is connected.
- each second connection pipe 82 is horizontal.
- each second connection pipe 82 and the drawing direction of the first connection pipe 81 coincide (here, both directions are different but both are different) It is arranged in such a posture that the extending direction is horizontal), and in the ceiling sole space SP, the main extending direction of the indoor communication pipe (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) and the main of the outdoor communication pipe
- the stretching direction (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) is substantially the same.
- the main body unit 51g ′ is the main extending direction (here, the horizontal direction, that is, the horizontal direction) of the indoor communication pipe and the outdoor communication pipe It can be disposed in a posture in which the main stretching direction of (in this case, the left-right direction, that is, the horizontal direction) is substantially the same.
- the x direction of the main body unit 51g ' is more than when the substantially U-shaped branch pipe 83 is used like the main body unit 51g. It is possible to make it compact with regard to the length of the
- the main unit 51 may be configured, for example, as a main unit 51h shown in FIG.
- the main body unit 51h a portion different from the main body unit 51g will be described.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of the main unit 51 h.
- a first pipe connection portion 841 (corresponding to "third end” in the claims) of the shutoff valve 84a is joined to the side portion of the valve main body 840, and the other end is a branch pipe Bonded to 83.
- a second pipe connection portion 842a of the shutoff valve 84a (corresponding to the "fourth end portion” in the claims) is joined to the side portion of the valve main body portion 840.
- the other end of the connection portion 842a is joined to the end of the second connection pipe 82 (the end on the outdoor side connection pipe side).
- branch pipe unit 50 (50 ') has such a main body unit 51h, it is possible to realize the same operation and effect as when the branch pipe unit 50 has the main body unit 51g.
- FIG. 18 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 300 to which the branch pipe unit 50 having the main body unit 51g (51g ') or the main body unit 51h is applied. Note that, in FIG. 18, the liquid side communication pipe La and the gas side communication pipe Ga are shown together in order to simplify the illustration.
- connection pipes (La, Ga) extending between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor units 40 are branched to a plurality (here, four in this case) to be disposed at the branch destinations.
- a plurality (four) of groups (A to D) are configured for the indoor unit 40 to be
- each of the groups AD includes a plurality of indoor units 40.
- the branch portion BP1 located on the leading end side (most outdoor unit 10 side) of each group AD is constituted by a branch pipe unit 50 having a main body unit 51g or a main body unit 51h.
- one shut-off valve 84 a is associated with indoor unit 40 located closest to the outdoor unit 10 in the group on a one-on-one basis, and is controlled to be closed to the corresponding indoor unit 40. Block the flow of refrigerant.
- the other shutoff valve 84a is in one-to-many correspondence with the other indoor units 40 included in the group, and prevents the flow of the refrigerant to the corresponding indoor unit 40 by being controlled to be closed. . That is, even in the air conditioning system 300, one shutoff valve 84a is shared by the plurality of indoor units 40 in order to shut off the flow of the refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units 40.
- each of the branch portions BP1 corresponding to the group in which the refrigerant leakage occurs The shutoff valve 84a is controlled to be closed to suppress the amount of leakage refrigerant. As a result, even if the shutoff valve 84a is not provided for each indoor unit 40, it is possible to shut off the flow of the refrigerant from the outdoor unit 10 to the plurality of indoor units 40 when the refrigerant leaks.
- shutoff valve 84a for each indoor unit 40 in relation to the refrigerant leakage countermeasure, and the increase in the number of the shutoff valves 84a is suppressed.
- Such an effect can be expected particularly when the number of indoor units 40 is large as in the air conditioning system 300. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 300, the decrease in workability is particularly suppressed in relation to the improvement of the security against refrigerant leakage.
- the branch pipe unit 50 is arranged for each group, when refrigerant leakage occurs, only the group in which the refrigerant leakage has occurred is shut off, and the group in which the refrigerant leakage does not occur Operation can be continued with respect to
- the shutoff valve 84a is not disposed in the air conditioning system 300. That is, in the air conditioning system 300, the branch portion BP2 and the branch portion BP3 are configured by the branch pipe unit 50 that does not have the shutoff valve 84a.
- shutoff valve 84a is a portion which needs to be shut off to ensure safety based on the refrigerant leakage amount assumed when refrigerant leakage occurs (for example, branch portion BP1- shown in FIG. 18). It may be arranged in any one of the six). For example, at the position where the shutoff valve 84a is disposed (branch portion BP), the total number, the total capacity, or the number of indoor units 40 that need to be shutoff by the shutoff valve 84a in order to ensure safety when refrigerant leaks. It may be determined based on the total volume of the inner connection piping. Alternatively, the shutoff valve 84a may be disposed for each device including the refrigerant charge amount corresponding to these.
- the shutoff valve 84a may be connected to any one or all of the following (d), (e), and (f) second connection pipes 82 (inside piping).
- D the second connection pipe 82 disposed between the plurality of indoor units 40 whose total capacity is equal to or less than the fourth threshold ⁇ Th 4 and the outdoor unit 10
- E The second connection pipe 82 disposed between the plurality of indoor units 40 whose total number is the fifth threshold ⁇ Th5 or less
- the outdoor unit 10 F
- the second connection pipe 82 in which the total volume of the indoor side communication pipes in communication is equal to or less than the sixth threshold ⁇ Th6.
- the fourth threshold ⁇ Th4, the fifth threshold ⁇ Th5, and / or the sixth threshold ⁇ Th6 is the size of any target space (for example, the narrowest target space) where the indoor unit 40 is installed and air conditioning is performed. Based on the above, it may be set in consideration of the possibility that the concentration of the leaked refrigerant may become a dangerous value (the lower limit concentration of combustion or the limit concentration of oxygen deficiency) in the target space related to the case where the refrigerant leaks.
- the fourth threshold ⁇ Th4, the fifth threshold ⁇ Th5, and / or the sixth threshold ⁇ Th6 are set such that the shutoff valve 84a is disposed in a range where the above-mentioned condition 1 (see the modification 9) is satisfied. May be
- shutoff valve 84a By determining the arrangement position of the shutoff valve 84a in such a manner, the security (eg, the lower limit concentration of combustion or the oxygen deficiency) when refrigerant leakage occurs according to the size and environment of the facility where the air conditioning system is installed In the part where it is necessary to shut off the refrigerant in view of the limit concentration etc.), it becomes possible to properly arrange the shutoff valve 84a. Therefore, securing of the safety against refrigerant leakage is further promoted while suppressing the increase in the number of shutoff valves 84a.
- the security eg, the lower limit concentration of combustion or the oxygen deficiency
- one shut-off valve 84a is associated with indoor unit 40 located closest to the outdoor unit 10 in the group on a one-to-one basis, but the other shut-off valve 84a is also related to the other shut-off valve. Similar to 84a, the indoor unit 40 may be associated with one to many.
- the shutoff valve 84 a is not necessarily required, and may be omitted as appropriate.
- the main body unit 51 and the outdoor communication pipe and / or a part of the indoor communication pipe may be carried into the site and constructed in an integrated state. That is, the main body unit 51 and a part of the outdoor communication pipe and / or the indoor communication pipe may be connected (joined) in advance in a factory or the like.
- the outdoor communication pipe is curved in the vicinity of the connecting portion with the main unit 51.
- the refrigerant communication pipe includes the curved portion, the labor required for the construction is particularly reduced by constructing the curved portion in a state of being integrally formed with the main body unit 51 in advance. That is, the workability is improved.
- the main body unit 51 and the heat insulating material 95 may be carried in to the field in the integrated state, and may be constructed. That is, the main body unit 51 may be coated with the heat insulating material 95 in advance at a factory or the like. As a result, the labor required for construction is reduced, and the workability is improved. In such a case, the heat insulating material 95 integrated with the main body unit 51 can be interpreted as a component of the main body unit 51 from a different point of view.
- the electrical component 521 is mounted on the substrate 522.
- the electrical components 521 do not necessarily have to be mounted on the substrate 522.
- the electrical components 521 may be disposed independently within the unit casing 523.
- the electric wire 53 is configured to have a dimension of 1.2 m in the longitudinal direction.
- the wire 53 does not necessarily have to be configured in such a manner, and the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the wire 53 can be changed as appropriate.
- the wire 53 may have a longitudinal dimension of 1 m or 2 m.
- the main unit 51 and the electrical component unit 52 can be installed at a distance of 1 m or more, and the dimension in the longitudinal direction is 1.0 m or more according to the viewpoint of improving the freedom of construction.
- the wire 53 is configured.
- the configuration mode of the electric wire 53 is not necessarily limited to this, and the dimension in the longitudinal direction may be less than 1 m.
- the electrical component unit 52 is provided independently of the main body unit 51 so as to be freely moved with respect to the main body unit 51. From this point of view, according to the viewpoint that the electrical component unit 52 is configured independently of the main body unit 51, the electrical component unit 52 can be moved at the site so as to increase the freedom of construction and achieve downsizing of each unit. Preferably, the electrical component unit 52 is configured in such a manner. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the electrical component unit 52 may be configured integrally with the main body unit 51.
- the main body unit 51 has one for the first connection pipe 81 and two for the second connection pipe 82 has been described.
- the number of first connection pipes 81 and the number of second connection pipes 82 in the main body unit 51 are not necessarily limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate.
- the main body unit 51 may have two or more first connection pipes 81.
- the main unit 51 may have three or more second connection pipes 82. That is, the number of branches in main unit 51 (branch portion BP) is not limited to two, and may be three or more.
- Example 27 The said embodiment demonstrated the case where the main body unit 51 was installed, without being accommodated in a casing etc. in particular. From this point of view, in terms of promoting compactness, the main body unit 51 is preferably installed in such a mode.
- the installation mode of the main unit 51 is not necessarily limited to this, and may be appropriately selected according to the design specification and the installation environment.
- the main body unit 51 may be installed in a state of being housed in a casing.
- the branch pipe unit 50 in the branch pipe unit 50, the first connection pipe 81 (outside pipe), the plurality of second connection pipes 82 (interior side pipe group), the branch pipe 83 (branch portion), and the shutoff valve 84. And were integrally constructed.
- the branch pipe unit 50 does not necessarily have to be configured in such a manner, and any component may be configured separately and may be configured to be connected to other components in the field.
- the plurality of second connection pipes 82 may not be included in the branch pipe unit 50, and may be configured to be independently carried into the construction site and connected to other pipes.
- shutoff valve 84 does not necessarily have to be configured integrally with other elements included in the branch pipe unit 50. That is, the shutoff valve 84 may be configured to be independently carried to the construction site and connected to another pipe. Even in such a case, the effects and the like described in the above (6-1) can be realized.
- One of the valves disposed in the refrigerant circuit RC according to the above embodiment has a liquid seal suppressing structure that suppresses the formation of a liquid seal circuit in the refrigerant circuit RC when the shutoff valve 84 is closed. It may be done.
- any or all of the indoor expansion valve 41, the shutoff valve 84 (or 84a), and the outdoor first motor operated valve 16 may have a liquid seal suppressing structure.
- a liquid ring suppression structure is not specifically limited.
- a minute flow path that allows passage of a small amount of refrigerant in the closed state may be formed in the valve.
- a minute flow path may be formed by forming a notch or the like in the valve seat, the valve body or the like.
- the valve may be configured to allow passage of a trace amount of refrigerant when a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined value is applied even in the closed state.
- valve having the liquid seal restraining structure may be disposed instead of / in place of the valve, and the liquid seal restraining mechanism may be disposed in the refrigerant circuit RC.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism is a mechanism that suppresses the formation of a liquid seal circuit in the refrigerant circuit when the control valve is closed.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it is a mechanism that suppresses the formation of the liquid seal circuit.
- a refrigerant pipe forming a bypass circuit that bypasses the refrigerant from the flow passage on one end side of the shutoff valve 84 to the flow passage on the other end side may be disposed as a liquid seal suppression mechanism.
- the liquid seal suppressing mechanism may include a check valve disposed on the bypass circuit that permits the flow of refrigerant in only one direction, or an on-off valve that switches between opening and closing of the bypass circuit.
- a valve having a liquid seal restraining structure and / or a liquid seal restraining mechanism may be disposed in the branch pipe unit 50.
- a liquid ring circuit can be formed in the refrigerant circuit RC.
- a liquid ring circuit may be formed between the shutoff valve 84 of the branch pipe unit 50 (50a or 50b) and the indoor expansion valve 41.
- a liquid ring circuit may be formed between the shutoff valve 84 of the branch pipe unit 50 (50a) and the outdoor first motor operated valve 16.
- the formation of the liquid seal circuit is suppressed.
- a bypass circuit is formed as a liquid seal suppressing mechanism, which bypasses the refrigerant from the flow passage between the shutoff valve 84 and the indoor expansion valve 41 to the flow passage closer to the outdoor unit 10 than the shutoff valve 84
- the present disclosure is applicable to an air conditioning system.
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Abstract
Description
A:合計容量が第1閾値以下である複数の室内ユニットと、室外ユニットと、の間に配置される室外側配管
B:合計台数が第2閾値以下である複数の室内ユニットと、室外ユニットと、の間に配置される室外側配管
C:室内ユニット側に位置する冷媒連絡配管の合計容量が第3閾値以下である室外側配管
D:合計容量が第4閾値以下である複数の室内ユニットと、室外ユニットと、の間に配置される室内側配管
E:合計台数が第5閾値以下である複数の室内ユニットと、室外ユニットと、の間に配置される室内側配管
F:室内ユニット側に位置する冷媒連絡配管の合計容量が第6閾値以下である室内側配管 The air conditioning system according to a seventh aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, and the control valve is disposed on the outdoor piping, the following A, B and C Placed on any / all outdoor side piping. When arranged on the indoor side pipe, the control valve is arranged on any one or all of the following indoor side pipes D, E and F.
A: Outdoor piping B disposed between a plurality of indoor units whose total capacity is equal to or less than the first threshold and an outdoor unit: a plurality of indoor units whose total number is equal to or less than the second threshold, and an outdoor unit The outdoor piping C disposed between the two: the total capacity of the refrigerant communication piping located on the indoor unit side is the third threshold or less outdoor piping D: a plurality of indoor units the total capacity is the fourth threshold or less , Indoor side piping E disposed between the outdoor unit: indoor side piping F disposed between the plurality of indoor units whose total number is equal to or less than the fifth threshold, and the outdoor unit: to the indoor unit side Indoor side piping whose total volume of refrigerant communication piping located is equal to or less than a sixth threshold
図1は、空調システム100の概略構成図である。空調システム100は、蒸気圧縮式の冷凍サイクルによって、対象空間(居住空間、貯蔵庫内、低温倉庫内、又は輸送コンテナ内等の空間)の冷却又は加熱等の空調を行う冷凍装置である。空調システム100は、主として、室外ユニット10と、複数の室内ユニット40(40a、40b)と、液側連絡配管La及びガス側連絡配管Gaと、複数の冷媒漏洩センサ60(60a、60b)と、複数のリモコン65(65a、65b)と、空調システム100の動作を制御するコントローラ70と、を有している。また、空調システム100は、液側連絡配管La及びガス側連絡配管Gaの要素として、複数の分岐管ユニット50を有している。なお、以下の説明においては、分岐管ユニット50を液側連絡配管La及びガス側連絡配管Gaの要素として説明するが、各分岐管ユニット50については独立の要素として解釈することも可能である。 (1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the
室外ユニット10は、室外に配置されている。室外ユニット10は、(分岐管ユニット50を含む)液側連絡配管La及びガス側連絡配管Gaを介して複数の室内ユニット40と接続されており、冷媒回路RCの一部(室外側回路RC1)を構成している。 (1-1)
The
各室内ユニット40は、(分岐管ユニット50を含む)液側連絡配管La及びガス側連絡配管Gaを介して室外ユニット10と接続されている。各室内ユニット40は、室外ユニット10に対して、他の室内ユニット40と並列に配置されている。各室内ユニット40は、対象空間に配置され、冷媒回路RCの一部(室内側回路RC2)を構成している。各室内ユニット40は、室内側回路RC2を構成する機器として、主として、複数の冷媒配管(第17配管P17-第18配管P18)と、室内膨張弁41(請求の範囲記載の「電動弁」に相当)と、室内熱交換器42と、を有している。 (1-2)
Each
液側連絡配管La及びガス側連絡配管Gaは、室外ユニット10及び各室内ユニット40を接続する冷媒連絡配管であり、現地にて施工される。液側連絡配管La及びガス側連絡配管Gaの配管長や配管径については、設計仕様や設置環境に応じて適宜選定される。 (1-3) Liquid side communication piping La, gas side communication piping Ga
The liquid side communication pipe La and the gas side communication pipe Ga are refrigerant communication pipes that connect the
冷媒漏洩センサ60は、室内ユニット40が配置される対象空間(より詳細には、室内ユニット40内)における冷媒漏洩を検知するためのセンサである。本実施形態では、冷媒漏洩センサ60は、冷媒回路RCに封入されている冷媒の種別に応じて公知の汎用品が用いられている。冷媒漏洩センサ60は、対象空間内に配置されている。より詳細には、冷媒漏洩センサ60は、室内ユニット40と1対1に対応付けられ、対応する室内ユニット40内に配置されている。 (1-4)
The
リモコン65は、ユーザが空調システム100の運転状態を切り換えるための各種コマンドを入力するための入力装置である。例えば、リモコン65は、室内ユニット40の発停や設定温度等を切り換えるコマンドを、ユーザによって入力される。 (1-5)
The
コントローラ70は、各機器の状態を制御することで空調システム100の動作を制御するコンピュータである。本実施形態において、コントローラ70は、室外ユニット制御部30と、各室内ユニット40内の室内ユニット制御部48と、が通信線cbを介して接続されることで構成されている。コントローラ70の詳細については、後述する。 (1-6)
The
以下、冷媒回路RCにおける冷媒の流れについて説明する。空調システム100では、主として、正サイクル運転と逆サイクル運転が行われる。ここでの冷凍サイクルにおける低圧は、圧縮機11の吸入される冷媒の圧力(吸入圧力)であり、冷凍サイクルにおける高圧は、圧縮機11から吐出される冷媒の圧力(吐出圧力)である。 (2) Flow of Refrigerant in Refrigerant Circuit RC Hereinafter, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit RC will be described. The
正サイクル運転(冷房運転等)時には、四路切換弁13が正サイクル状態に制御され、冷媒回路RCに充填された冷媒が、主として、室外側回路RC1(圧縮機11、室外熱交換器14、室外第1電動弁16、及び過冷却器15)、液側連絡回路RC3a(第1液側連絡配管L1、液側分岐部分BPa、第2液側連絡配管L2及び/又は第3液側連絡配管L3)、運転中の室内ユニット40の室内側回路RC2(室内膨張弁41及び室内熱交換器42)、ガス側連絡回路RC3b(第1ガス側連絡配管G1、ガス側分岐部分BPb、第2ガス側連絡配管G2及び/又は第3ガス側連絡配管G3)、圧縮機11の順に循環する。正サイクル運転時には、室外側回路RC1において、第6配管P6を流れる冷媒の一部が第9配管P9へ分岐して、室外第2電動弁17及び過冷却器15(サブ流路152)を通過した後に、圧縮機11に戻される。 (2-1) Flow of refrigerant during forward cycle operation During forward cycle operation (cooling operation, etc.), the four-
逆サイクル運転(暖房運転等)時には、四路切換弁13が逆サイクル状態に制御され、冷媒回路RCに充填された冷媒が、主として、圧縮機11、ガス側連絡回路RC3b、運転中の室内ユニット40(室内熱交換器42及び室内膨張弁41)、液側連絡回路RC3a、過冷却器15、室外第1電動弁16、室外熱交換器14、圧縮機11の順に循環する。 (2-2) Flow of refrigerant during reverse cycle operation During reverse cycle operation (heating operation etc.), the four-
分岐管ユニット50は、連絡回路RC3において、分岐部分BP(請求の範囲記載の「第1部分」に相当)を構成するためのユニットである。また、分岐管ユニット50は、冷媒回路RC(特に室内側回路RC2)において冷媒漏洩が生じた際に、室外側回路RC1及び室内側回路RC2間で冷媒の流れ(主として、室外側回路RC1側から当該室内側回路RC2側へ向かう冷媒の流れ)を遮断する遮断部を構成するためのユニットでもある。 (3) Details of
本体ユニット51(請求の範囲記載の「第1部品」に相当)は、分岐管ユニット50のうち、連絡回路RC3を構成し冷媒の流路(分岐部分BP)を形成する部分である。本体ユニット51は、工場等で予め組み立てられた状態で施工現場に搬入され、他の配管と接続される。本体ユニット51は、上述の、第1接続管81と、複数(ここでは2つ)の第2接続管82と、分岐管83と、遮断弁84と、を有している。第1接続管81と、各第2接続管82と、分岐管83と、遮断弁84とは、本体ユニット51において一体に構成されている。 (3-1)
The main body unit 51 (corresponding to the “first component” in the claims) is a portion of the
第1接続管81は、所定の延伸方向(図3のx方向)に沿って延びる管状部分である。第1接続管81は、室外側連絡配管に連通し、冷媒の流路を形成する。第1接続管81は、一端(室外側連絡配管側の端部)が遮断弁84に接合されており、他端(室内側連絡配管側の端部)が分岐管83に接合されている。 (3-1-1)
The
各第2接続管82は、他の第2接続管82と略平行に延びる管状部分である。なお、ここでの「略平行」は、各第2接続管82が完全に平行な場合のみならず、各第2接続管82の延伸方向が若干(例えば水平方向又は鉛直方向に30度以内で)異なる場合も含む。本明細書における他の部分に関しても同様に解釈される。 (3-1-2)
Each
分岐管83(請求の範囲記載の「分岐部」に相当)は第1接続管81と各第2接続管82との間に位置して、両者を接続する。分岐管83は、第1接続管81と、対応する各第2接続管82とを個別に連通させる。分岐管83は、第1接続管81側から流れる冷媒を分岐させて各第2接続管82へ送る分岐点、又は各第2接続管82側から流れる冷媒を合流させて第1接続管81へ送る合流点に相当する。 (3-1-3)
A branch pipe 83 (corresponding to a “branch portion” in the claims) is located between the
遮断弁84(請求の範囲記載の「制御弁」に相当)は、第1接続管81と室外側連絡配管との間に位置し、冷媒の流れを切り換える。第1接続管81の室外側連絡配管側の端部に接続されている。観点を変えると、遮断弁84は、第1接続管81上に配置されているともいえる。 (3-1-4) Shut-off
A shutoff valve 84 (corresponding to a "control valve" recited in the claims) is located between the
電装品ユニット52(図3参照)は、施工現場において本体ユニット51に対して自在に移動されることを可能として施工性を高めるべく、本体ユニット51とは独立に設けられている。電装品ユニット52は、施工現場において取付具90(図3参照)によって固定される。 (3-2) Electric component unit 52 (corresponding to the "second component" described in the claims)
The electrical component unit 52 (see FIG. 3) is provided independently of the
電線53(図3参照)は、遮断弁84に対して駆動電圧を供給するための導線である。電線53は、遮断弁84と基板522(電気部品521)とを電気的に結んでいる。電線53は、一般的な汎用品であり、絶縁体で被覆されている。 (3-3)
The electric wire 53 (see FIG. 3) is a lead for supplying a drive voltage to the
図3では、分岐管ユニット50は、天井裏空間SP(対象空間の天井裏の空間)に設置される様子が示されている。なお、図3中、上、下、左、右の各方向が示されており、左右方向は図2のx方向に対応し、上下方向は図2のy方向に対応する。ここでは、左右方向は水平方向に含まれ、上下方向は鉛直方向に含まれる。また、図3において、左右方向に直交する前後方向は、図2のz方向に対応し水平方向に含まれる。 (3-4) Installation Mode of
空調システム100では、室外ユニット制御部30、及び室内ユニット制御部48が通信線cbで接続されることで、コントローラ70が構成されている。図4は、コントローラ70と、コントローラ70に接続される各部と、を概略的に示したブロック図である。 (4) Details of
記憶部71は、例えば、ROM、RAM、及びフラッシュメモリ等で構成されており、揮発性の記憶領域と不揮発性の記憶領域を含む。記憶部71には、コントローラ70の各部における処理を定義した制御プログラムを格納されるプログラム記憶領域M1が含まれている。 (4-1)
The
入力制御部72は、コントローラ70に接続される各機器から出力される信号を受け付けるためのインターフェースとしての役割を果たす機能部である。例えば、入力制御部72は、各センサ(26、46、60)やリモコン65から出力された信号を受けて、記憶部71の対応する記憶領域に格納する、又は所定のフラグをたてる。 (4-2)
The
モード制御部73は、制御モードを切り換える機能部である。モード制御部73は、通常時(冷媒漏洩検出フラグM6が立てられていない時)には、制御モードを通常運転モードに切り換える。モード制御部73は、冷媒漏洩検出フラグM6が立てられている時には、制御モードを冷媒漏洩モードに切り換える。モード制御部73は、遷移している制御モードに応じて制御モード判別フラグM5を立てる。 (4-3)
The
冷媒漏洩判定部74は、冷媒回路RC(室内側回路RC2)において冷媒漏洩が生じているか否かを判別する機能部である。具体的に、冷媒漏洩判定部74は、所定の冷媒漏洩検出条件が満たされる場合に、冷媒回路RC(室内側回路RC2)において冷媒漏洩が生じていると判定し、冷媒漏洩検出フラグM6を立てる。 (4-4) Refrigerant
The refrigerant
機器制御部75は、制御プログラムに沿って、状況に応じて、空調システム100に含まれる各機器(例えば11、13、16、17、25、41、45、84等)の動作を制御する。機器制御部75は、制御モード判別フラグM5を参照することで遷移している制御モードを判別し、判別した制御モードに基づき各機器の動作を制御する。 (4-5)
The
機器制御部75は、対象空間内における冷媒漏洩が生じたと想定される時(具体的には冷媒漏洩検出フラグM6が立てられた時)には、冷媒漏洩第1制御を実行する。機器制御部75は、冷媒漏洩第1制御において、冷媒漏洩ユニット(冷媒漏洩が生じた室内ユニット40)の室内膨張弁41を閉状態に制御する。これにより、冷媒漏洩ユニットへの冷媒の流入が抑制され、更なる冷媒漏洩が抑制される。すなわち、冷媒漏洩第1制御は、冷媒漏洩が生じた際に室内側回路RC2における冷媒漏洩を抑制するための制御であり、室内膨張弁41は、冷媒漏洩が生じた時に閉状態となることで室内ユニット40に流入する冷媒を妨げる。 <Refrigerant Leakage First Control>
The
機器制御部75は、対象空間内における冷媒漏洩が生じたと想定される時には、冷媒漏洩第2制御を実行する。機器制御部75は、冷媒漏洩第2制御において各室内ユニット40の室内ファン45を冷媒漏洩第2制御用の回転数(風量)で運転させる。冷媒漏洩第2制御は、対象空間内において漏洩冷媒の濃度が大きい領域が局所的に発生することを防止するために、室内ファン45を所定の回転数で運転させる制御である。 <Refrigerant leak second control>
The
機器制御部75は、対象空間内における冷媒漏洩が生じたと想定される時には、冷媒漏洩第3制御を実行する。機器制御部75は、冷媒漏洩第3制御において、室外側回路RC1と各室内側回路RC2とを分断させるべく、各分岐部分BP(分岐管ユニット50)の遮断弁84を閉状態に制御する。すなわち、冷媒漏洩第3制御は、冷媒漏洩が生じた際に、室外側回路RC1から漏洩ユニットの室内側回路RC2へ流れる冷媒を、液側連絡回路RC3a及びガス側連絡回路RC3bで遮断する制御である。 <Refrigerant leak third control>
The
駆動信号出力部76は、機器制御部75の制御内容に応じて、各機器(11、13、16、17、25、41、45、521(84)等)に対して対応する駆動信号(駆動電圧)を出力する。駆動信号出力部76には、インバータ(図示省略)が複数含まれており、特定の機器(例えば圧縮機11、室外ファン25、又は各室内ファン45等)に対しては、対応するインバータから駆動信号を出力する。 (4-6) Drive
The drive
表示制御部77は、表示装置としてのリモコン65の動作を制御する機能部である。表示制御部77は、運転状態や状況に係る情報をユーザに対して表示すべく、リモコン65に所定の情報を出力させる。例えば、表示制御部77は、通常モードで運転中には、設定温度等の各種情報をリモコン65に表示させる。 (4-7)
The
以下、コントローラ70の処理の流れの一例について、図5を参照しながら説明する。図5は、コントローラ70の処理の流れの一例を示したフローチャートである。コントローラ70は、電源を投入されると、図5のステップS101からS110に示すような流れで処理を行う。なお、図5に示す処理の流れは、一例であり適宜変更可能である。例えば、矛盾のない範囲でステップの順序が変更されてもよいし、一部のステップが他のステップと並列に実行されてもよいし、他のステップが新たに追加されてもよい。 (5) Flow of Processing of
(6-1)
上記実施形態に係る空調システム100では、複数の室内ユニット40への冷媒の流れを遮断する遮断弁84が第1接続管81(室外側配管)上に配置されており、室内ユニット40の台数に応じて遮断弁84の数が増大することが抑制されている。すなわち、分岐部分BPにおいて各第2接続管82(室内側配管群)よりも室外ユニット10側に遮断弁84が配置されることで、冷媒漏洩時に、第1接続管81(室外ユニット10側)から対応する第2接続管82(複数の室内ユニット40)へ流れる冷媒の流れを妨げることが可能となっている。このため、冷媒漏洩に関する保安性を確保するうえで室内ユニット40毎に遮断弁84を配置する必要がなく、室内ユニット40の台数に応じて遮断弁84の数が増大することが抑制されている。 (6) Characteristics (6-1)
In the
上記実施形態に係る空調システム100では、冷媒連絡配管(La、Ga)は、低圧の冷媒が流れるガス側連絡配管Gaと、高圧又は中間圧の冷媒が流れる液側連絡配管Laと、を含み、遮断弁84は、ガス側連絡配管Gaに含まれる第1接続管81(室外側配管)上に配置されている。 (6-2)
In the
上記実施形態に係る空調システム100では、遮断弁84は、液側連絡配管Laに含まれる第1接続管81(室外側配管)上にも配置されている。このように、遮断弁84が、液側連絡配管Laに含まれる第1接続管81(室外側配管)上にも配置されることで、冷媒漏洩に対する保安性確保が特に促進されている。 (6-3)
In the
上記実施形態に係る空調システム100では、室内ユニット40は、室内膨張弁41を含み、冷媒漏洩が生じた時には、閉状態となることで室内ユニット40に流入する冷媒を妨げている。このように、冷媒漏洩が生じた時に閉状態に制御されることで冷媒の流れを妨げる室内膨張弁41が室内ユニット40に配置されることで、冷媒漏洩時に室外ユニット10から室内ユニット40への冷媒の流れを遮断することがより確実に可能となっている。 (6-4)
In the
上記実施形態に係る空調システム100では、第1接続管81(室外側配管)は、分岐管83(分岐部)及び遮断弁84と一体に構成されている。これにより、遮断弁84の設置が容易となっており、施工に要する作業時間及び労力が増大することが抑制されている。よって、冷媒漏洩に対する保安性を向上させることに関連して、施工性向上が促進されている。 (6-5)
In the
上記実施形態に係る空調システム100では、冷媒連絡配管(La、Ga)は分岐管ユニット50を含み、分岐管ユニット50は、予め組み立てられ、施工現場で他の配管と接続される。分岐管ユニット50は、一体に構成される第1接続管81(室外側配管)、分岐管83(分岐部)及び遮断弁84を含んでいる。 (6-6)
In the
上記実施形態では、分岐管ユニット50は、室外側連絡配管(L1、G1)と複数の室内側連絡配管(L2、L3、G2、G3)とを接続しており、室外側連絡配管に連通する第1接続管81と、対応する室内側連絡配管に連通する複数の第2接続管82と、第1接続管81と複数の第2接続管82とを連通させる分岐管83と、第1接続管81に接続され閉状態となることで冷媒の流れを妨げる遮断弁84と、を有している。すなわち、室外ユニット10及び各室内ユニット40間においては室内ユニット40や他の機器の数に応じて冷媒流路(連絡回路RC3)が分岐するところ、分岐管ユニット50では係る冷媒流路の分岐前(分岐部分BPの室外ユニット10側)に遮断弁84が配置されうるように構成されている。これにより、複数の室内ユニット40への冷媒の流れを遮断するうえで、一の遮断弁84を複数の室内ユニット40に対して共用することが可能となっている。その結果、室内ユニット40毎に遮断弁84が配置されずとも、冷媒漏洩時に室外ユニット10側から複数の室内ユニット40への冷媒の流れを遮断することが可能となっている。このため、冷媒漏洩対策に関連して室内ユニット40毎に遮断弁84が配置される必要がなく、冷媒連絡配管(La、Ga)上に設置される遮断弁84の数が増大することが抑制されている。 (6-7)
In the above embodiment, the
上記実施形態に係る分岐管ユニット50では、遮断弁84の第2配管接続部842が、設置状態において各第2接続管82が水平方向に沿って並ぶとともに各第2接続管82の長手方向が水平方向に沿って延びるように第1接続管81に接続されている。これにより、遮断弁84の形状に関わらず第2接続管82の延伸方向を室内側連絡配管(L2、L3、G2、G3)の主たる延伸方向(水平方向)に一致させることが可能となっており、両配管の接続が容易となっている。また、これに関連して、狭小な空間においても施工が特に容易となっている。よって、施工性に特に優れている。 (6-8)
In the
また、上記実施形態では、分岐管ユニット50は、第1接続管81と、複数の第2接続管82と、分岐管83と、遮断弁84と、は本体ユニット51(第1部品)に含まれており、分岐管ユニット50は、遮断弁84の状態を制御するための電気部品521を実装される基板522を含む電装品ユニット52(第2部品)と、遮断弁84と基板522とを結ぶ電線53と、を本体ユニット51とは別に有している。そして、電装品ユニット52は、本体ユニット51(第1部品)に対して自在に移動されるように、本体ユニット51とは独立に設けられている。 (6-9)
Further, in the above embodiment, the
上記実施形態に係る分岐管ユニット50では、電装品ユニット52(第2部品)は、基板522を収容するユニットケーシング523を有している。これにより、狭小な空間においても施工が特に容易となっている。 (6-10)
In the
上記実施形態に係る分岐管ユニット50では、電線53は、長手方向の寸法が1m以上である。これにより、本体ユニット51と電装品ユニット52とを1m以上離して設置することが可能となっており、現場における施工の自由度が特に向上している。 (6-11)
In the
上記実施形態は、以下の変形例に示すように適宜変形が可能である。なお、各変形例は、矛盾が生じない範囲で他の変形例と組み合わせて適用されてもよい。 (7) Modifications The above-described embodiment can be appropriately modified as shown in the following modifications. Each modification may be applied in combination with other modifications as long as no contradiction arises.
上記実施形態では、液側分岐部分BPa及びガス側分岐部分BPbのそれぞれに遮断弁84が配置されていた。この点、冷媒漏洩時において室外側回路RC1から室内側回路RC2へ流れる冷媒をより確実に遮断して漏洩冷媒量を低減させるという効果を図るうえでは、液側分岐部分BPa及びガス側分岐部分BPbの双方に遮断弁84が配置されることが好ましい。しかし、遮断弁84は、必ずしも液側分岐部分BPa及びガス側分岐部分BPbの双方に配置される必要はなく、一方のみに配置されてもよい。 (7-1) Modified Example 1
In the above embodiment, the
上記実施形態では、遮断弁84が、開閉状態を切換可能な電磁弁である場合について説明した。しかし、遮断弁84は、必ずしも電磁弁には限定されず、他の制御弁であってもよい。例えば、遮断弁84は、開度調整が可能で電動弁であってもよい。係る場合において、本体ユニット51における遮断弁84の配置態様は、上記実施形態におけるのと同様であってもよいし、適宜変更されてもよい。 (7-2) Modification 2
In the above embodiment, the case where the
上記実施形態では、分岐部分BPが分岐管ユニット50で構成される場合について説明した。しかし、分岐部分BPは必ずしも分岐管ユニット50によって構成される必要はなく、分岐管ユニット50については適宜省略可能である。すなわち、分岐部分BPは、独立に施工現場に搬入される配管や弁(第1接続管81、第2接続管82、分岐管83、遮断弁84)同士が、施工現場において互いに接続されることで構成されてもよい。係る場合でも、上記(6-1)で記載した作用効果等について実現されうる。 (7-3) Modification 3
In the above embodiment, the case where the branch portion BP is configured by the
上記実施形態では、分岐部分BPにおいて冷媒流路が2つに分岐している場合について説明した。しかし、分岐部分BPにおいて分岐する数については特に限定されず、適宜変更が可能である。例えば分岐部分BPにおいては冷媒流路が3つ以上に分岐していてもよい。係る場合、分岐部分BPにおいて、分岐数に応じた第2接続管82を配置し、分岐管83において各第2接続管82の数に応じたポートが形成されればよい。 (7-4) Modification 4
In the above embodiment, the case where the refrigerant flow channel is branched into two in the branch portion BP has been described. However, the number of branches in the branch portion BP is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately changed. For example, in the branch portion BP, the refrigerant flow path may be branched into three or more. In such a case, in the branch portion BP, the
上記実施形態における冷媒回路RCの構成態様は、必ずしも図1に示す態様に限定されず、設計仕様や設置環境に応じて適宜変更が可能である。例えば、室外第1電動弁16については、必ずしも必要ではなく、適宜省略が可能である。また、例えば、過冷却器15や室外第2電動弁17については、必ずしも必要ではなく、適宜省略されてもよい。また、冷媒回路RCには、図1に示されない機器が新たに追加されてもよい。 (7-5) Modification 5
The configuration mode of the refrigerant circuit RC in the above embodiment is not necessarily limited to the mode shown in FIG. 1, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specification and the installation environment. For example, the outdoor first motor-operated
上記実施形態では、室外ユニット制御部30と各室内ユニット40の室内ユニット制御部48とが通信線cbを介して接続されることで、空調システム100の動作を制御するコントローラ70が構成されていた。しかし、コントローラ70の構成態様については必ずしもこれに限定されず、設計仕様や設置環境に応じて適宜変更が可能である。すなわち、コントローラ70の構成態様については特に限定されず、コントローラ70に含まれる要素の一部又は全部は、必ずしも、室外ユニット10及び室内ユニット40のいずれかに配置される必要はなく、他の装置において配置されてもよいし、独立に配置されてもよい。 (7-6) Modification 6
In the above embodiment, the
上記実施形態では、冷媒回路RCを循環する冷媒としてR32が用いられていた。しかし、冷媒回路RCで用いられる冷媒は、特に限定されず他の冷媒であってもよい。例えば、冷媒回路RCでは、R407CやR410A等のHFC系冷媒や、CO2やアンモニア等が用いられてもよい。 (7-7) Modified Example 7
In the above embodiment, R32 is used as the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit RC. However, the refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit RC is not particularly limited, and may be another refrigerant. For example, in the refrigerant circuit RC, an HFC refrigerant such as R407C or R410A, CO 2 or ammonia may be used.
上記実施形態において本開示に係る思想は、空調システム100に適用されていた。しかし、これに限定されず、本開示に係る思想は、冷媒回路を有する他の冷凍装置(例えば給湯器やヒートポンプチラー等)にも適用可能である。 (7-8) Modified Example 8
The concept of the present disclosure in the above-described embodiment has been applied to the
上記実施形態では、本開示に係る思想が、1台の室外ユニット10に対して2台の室内ユニット40が連絡配管(Ga、La)で並列に接続された空調システム100に適用される例について説明した。しかし、本開示に係る思想が適用される空調システムの構成態様は、必ずしも係る態様には限定されない。すなわち、本開示に係る思想が適用される空調システムに関して、室外ユニット10及び/又は室内ユニット40の台数及びその接続態様については、設置環境や設計仕様に応じて適宜変更が可能である。 (7-9) Modified Example 9
In the above embodiment, an example in which the concept according to the present disclosure is applied to an
(a):合計容量が第1閾値ΔTh1以下である複数の室内ユニット40と、室外ユニット10と、の間に配置される第1接続管81
(b):合計台数が第2閾値ΔTh2以下である複数の室内ユニット40と、室外ユニット10と、の間に配置される第1接続管81
(c):連通する室内側連絡配管の合計容量が第3閾値ΔTh3以下である第1接続管81 That is, the
(A): The
(B): the
(C): The
m ≦ G/4・A・hr・・・(条件1) For example, the first threshold ΔTh1, the second threshold ΔTh2, and / or the third threshold ΔTh3 are the amount of refrigerant m (kg), the lower limit concentration of combustion G of refrigerant (kg / m 3 ), the floor space A (m 2 ) of the target space And the leakage height hr (m) may be set such that the
m ≦ G / 4 · A · hr (condition 1)
上記実施形態では、分岐管ユニット50の本体ユニット51は、図2に示すような態様で構成されたが、必ずしも係る態様には限定されず適宜変更が可能である。すなわち、本体ユニット51に含まれる各部については、本開示に係る思想の作用効果を実現するうえで矛盾が生じない限り、設置環境や設計仕様に応じて、その形状、寸法、位置等の構成態様の変更が可能であり、また適宜省略されてもよい。 (7-10) Modified Example 10
In the said embodiment, although the
また、例えば、本体ユニット51は、図10に示す本体ユニット51bのように構成されてもよい。以下、本体ユニット51bについて、本体ユニット51とは異なる部分について説明する。 (7-11) Modified Example 11
Also, for example, the
また、本体ユニット51においては、第1接続管81については適宜省略されてもよい。係る場合、本体ユニット51は、例えば図11に示す本体ユニット51cのように構成されてもよい。以下、本体ユニット51cについて、本体ユニット51とは異なる部分について説明する。 (7-12) Modified Example 12
In addition, in the
また、本体ユニット51においては、複数の第2接続管82のうちいずれか又は全てについて適宜省略されてもよい。係る場合、本体ユニット51は、例えば図12に示す本体ユニット51dのように構成されてもよい。以下、本体ユニット51dについて、本体ユニット51とは異なる部分について説明する。 (7-13) Modified Example 13
In the
また、本体ユニット51においては、第1接続管81が遮断弁84の第1配管接続部841に接合されてもよい。係る場合、本体ユニット51は、例えば図13に示す本体ユニット51eのように構成されてもよい。以下、本体ユニット51eについて、本体ユニット51とは異なる部分について説明する。 (7-14) Modified Example 14
In addition, in the
また、本体ユニット51においては、弁体N1の延伸方向がz方向であるように弁本体部840が構成されたが、弁体N1の延伸方向は必ずしもz方向には限定されない。例えば、本体ユニット51は、例えば図14に示す本体ユニット51fのように構成されてもよい。以下、本体ユニット51fについて、本体ユニット51とは異なる部分について説明する。 (7-15) Modified Example 15
In the
また、本体ユニット51においては、遮断弁84は、第1接続管81と室外側連絡配管との間に位置し、第1接続管81に接続されていた。しかし、遮断弁84の配置態様については必ずしもこれに限定されず、遮断弁84は、本開示に係る思想の作用効果を実現するうえで矛盾が生じない限り、第2接続管82に接続されてもよい。 (7-16) Modified Example 16
Further, in the
また、本体ユニット51は、例えば図17に示す本体ユニット51hのように構成されてもよい。以下、本体ユニット51hについて、本体ユニット51gとは異なる部分について説明する。 (7-17) Modified Example 17
Further, the
また、分岐管ユニット50(50´)が本体ユニット51g(51g´)又は本体ユニット51hを有する場合、例えば図18に示す空調システム300のように、3台以上の室内ユニット40が1台の室外ユニット10に対して接続され、各室内ユニット40が他の室内ユニット40と直列又は並列に配置される空調システムに適用されてもよい。図18は、本体ユニット51g(51g´)又は本体ユニット51hを有する分岐管ユニット50を適用された空調システム300の概略構成図である。なお、図18では、図示を簡略化するために液側連絡配管La及びガス側連絡配管Gaが併せて示されている。 (7-18) Modified Example 18
When the branch pipe unit 50 (50 ') has the
(d):合計容量が第4閾値ΔTh4以下である複数の室内ユニット40と、室外ユニット10と、の間に配置される第2接続管82
(e):合計台数が第5閾値ΔTh5以下である複数の室内ユニット40と、室外ユニット10と、の間に配置される第2接続管82
(f):連通する室内側連絡配管の合計容量が第6閾値ΔTh6以下である第2接続管82 That is, the
(D): the
(E): The
(F): The
上記実施形態では特に説明していなかったが、本体ユニット51と、室外側連絡配管及び/又は室内側連絡配管の一部と、は一体とされた状態で現場に搬入されて施工されてもよい。すなわち、本体ユニット51と、室外側連絡配管及び/又は室内側連絡配管の一部と、は工場等で予め接続(接合)されてもよい。 (7-19) Modified Example 19
Although not particularly described in the above embodiment, the
上記実施形態では特に説明していなかったが、本体ユニット51と、断熱材95と、は一体とされた状態で現場に搬入されて施工されてもよい。すなわち、本体ユニット51は、工場等で断熱材95が予め被覆されてもよい。これにより、施工に要する労力が軽減され、施工性が向上する。係る場合、本体ユニット51に一体化された断熱材95については、観点を変えると、本体ユニット51の構成要素と解釈することも可能である。 (7-20) Modified Example 20
Although the said embodiment did not demonstrate in particular, the
上記実施形態では、電装品ユニット52において、電気部品521は、基板522に実装されていた。しかし、電気部品521は、必ずしも基板522に実装される必要はない。例えば、電気部品521は、ユニットケーシング523内で独立に配置されてもよい。 (7-21) Modified Example 21
In the above embodiment, in the
上記実施形態では、電線53は、長手方向の寸法が1.2mに構成されていた。しかし、電線53は必ずしも係る態様で構成される必要はなく、電線53の長手方向の寸法は適宜変更が可能である。例えば、電線53は、長手方向の寸法が1mに構成されてもよいし、2mに構成されてもよい。 (7-22) Modified Example 22
In the above embodiment, the
上記実施形態では、電装品ユニット52は、本体ユニット51に対して自在に移動されるように、本体ユニット51とは独立に設けられていた。この点、電装品ユニット52が本体ユニット51に対して独立に構成して、現場において電装品ユニット52を移動自在として施工の自由度を高めるとともに各ユニットのコンパクト化を図る、という観点によれば、係る態様で電装品ユニット52が構成されることが好ましい。しかし、必ずしもこれに限定されず、電装品ユニット52は、本体ユニット51と一体に構成されてもよい。 (7-23) Modified Example 23
In the embodiment described above, the
上記実施形態では、本体ユニット51に関して、第1接続管81と分岐管83とが接合されるとともに、各第2接続管82と分岐管83とが接合される場合について説明した。この点、第1接続管81及び各第2接続管82のいずれか/全ては、分岐管83と一体成形されてもよい。 (7-24) Modified Example 24
In the embodiment described above, the case where the
上記実施形態では、本体ユニット51に関して、第1接続管81、第2接続管82及び分岐管83が、室外側連絡配管と同じ銅製である場合について説明した。しかし、第1接続管81、第2接続管82、分岐管83及び本体ユニット51の他の各部の材質については特に限定されず、設計仕様や設置環境に応じて個別に適宜選択されればよい。 (7-25) Modified Example 25
The said embodiment demonstrated the case where the 1st connection pipe |
上記実施形態では、本体ユニット51が、第1接続管81については1つ、第2接続管82については2つ有する場合について説明した。しかし、本体ユニット51における第1接続管81の数、及び第2接続管82の数については必ずしもこれに限定されず、適宜変更が可能である。例えば、本体ユニット51は、2つ以上の第1接続管81を有していてもよい。また、本体ユニット51は、3つ以上の第2接続管82を有していてもよい。すなわち、本体ユニット51(分岐部分BP)における分岐数は2つに限定されず3つ以上であってもよい。 (7-26) Modified Example 26
In the above embodiment, the case where the
上記実施形態では、本体ユニット51が、特にケーシング等に収容されることなく設置される場合について説明した。この点、コンパクト化を促進するという観点によれば、本体ユニット51は、係る態様で設置されることが好ましい。しかし、本体ユニット51の設置態様は必ずしもこれに限定されず、設計仕様や設置環境に応じて適宜選択されればよい。例えば、本体ユニット51は、ケーシングに収容された状態で設置されてもよい。 (7-27) Modified Example 27
The said embodiment demonstrated the case where the
上記実施形態では、電装品ユニット52が、天井裏天面C2に固定された取付具90を装着されることで、天井裏空間SPにおいて天吊り設置されている場合について説明した。しかし、電装品ユニット52の設置態様については、必ずしもこれに限定されず、設計仕様や設置環境に応じて適宜変更が可能である。例えば、電装品ユニット52は、天井裏底面C1や梁等に置かれることで設置されてもよいし、柱や壁等に固定されることで設置されてもよい。 (7-28) Modified Example 28
In the embodiment described above, the case where the
上記実施形態では、分岐管ユニット50において、第1接続管81(室外側配管)と、複数の第2接続管82(室内側配管群)と、分岐管83(分岐部)と、遮断弁84とが一体に構成されていた。しかし、分岐管ユニット50は、必ずしも係る態様で構成される必要はなく、いずれかの要素については別体として構成され、現場において他の要素と接続されるように構成されもよい。 (7-29) Modified Example 29
In the above embodiment, in the
上記実施形態に係る冷媒回路RCに配置される弁のいずれかは、遮断弁84が閉状態となった場合に冷媒回路RCにおいて液封回路が形成されることを抑制する液封抑制構造を有していてもよい。例えば、室内膨張弁41、遮断弁84(又は84a)及び室外第1電動弁16のいずれか/全ては、液封抑制構造を有していてもよい。なお、液封抑制構造は、液封回路が形成されることを抑制する構造である限り、特に限定されない。例えば、液封抑制構造として、閉状態の場合に微量の冷媒の通過を許容する微小な流路が、弁に形成されてもよい。係る場合、弁座や弁体等に切欠き等を形成することで、微小な流路が形成されてもよい。また、例えば、液封抑制構造として、閉状態の場合にも所定値以上の圧力がかかった時には微量の冷媒の通過を許容するように弁が構成されてもよい。 (7-30) Modified Example 30
One of the valves disposed in the refrigerant circuit RC according to the above embodiment has a liquid seal suppressing structure that suppresses the formation of a liquid seal circuit in the refrigerant circuit RC when the
以上、実施形態を説明したが、請求の範囲に記載の趣旨及び範囲から逸脱することなく、形態や詳細の多様な変更が可能なことが理解されるであろう。 (8)
While the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.
16 :室外第1電動弁
40、40a、40b:室内ユニット
41 :室内膨張弁(電動弁)
50、50´、50´´:分岐管ユニット(冷媒分岐ユニット)
50a :第1分岐管ユニット(冷媒分岐ユニット)
50b :第2分岐管ユニット(冷媒分岐ユニット)
51、51a-h:本体ユニット(第1部品)
52 :電装品ユニット(第2部品)
53 :電線
60 :冷媒漏洩センサ
65 :リモコン
70 :コントローラ
81 :第1接続管(室外側配管)
82 :第2接続管(室内側配管)
83、83´、83a:分岐管(分岐部)
84、84a:遮断弁(制御弁)
90 :取付具
95 :断熱材
100、100´、200、300:空調システム
521 :電気部品
522 :基板
523 :ユニットケーシング(ケーシング)
524 :固定部
830 :分岐管本体部
830a :分岐管本体部
831 :第1差込部
832 :第2差込部
840、840´:弁本体部(弁本体)
841 :第1配管接続部(第1端部、第3端部)
842、842a:第2配管接続部(第2端部、第4端部)
A-D :グループ
BP、BP1-6:分岐部分(第1部分)
BPa :液側分岐部分(第1部分)
BPb :ガス側分岐部分(第1部分)
C1 :天井裏底面
C2 :天井裏天面
G1 :第1ガス側連絡配管(室外側連絡配管)
G2 :第2ガス側連絡配管(室内側連絡配管)
G3 :第3ガス側連絡配管(室内側連絡配管)
Ga :ガス側連絡配管(冷媒連絡配管)
L1 :第1液側連絡配管(室外側連絡配管)
L2 :第2液側連絡配管(室内側連絡配管)
L3 :第3液側連絡配管(室内側連絡配管)
La :液側連絡配管(冷媒連絡配管)
P1-P11 :第1配管P1-第11配管
P17-P18 :第17配管P17-第18配管
RC :冷媒回路
RC1 :室外側回路
RC2 :室内側回路
RC3 :連絡回路
RC3a :液側連絡回路
RC3b :ガス側連絡回路
SP :天井裏空間 10: outdoor unit 16: outdoor first motor-operated
50, 50 ', 50 ": Branch pipe unit (refrigerant branch unit)
50a: First branch pipe unit (refrigerant branch unit)
50b: Second branch pipe unit (refrigerant branch unit)
51, 51a-h: Main unit (first part)
52: Electrical component unit (second part)
53: Electric wire 60: Refrigerant leak sensor 65: Remote control 70: Controller 81: First connection pipe (outside piping)
82: 2nd connection pipe (indoor side piping)
83, 83 ', 83a: branch pipe (branch portion)
84, 84a: Cutoff valve (control valve)
90: Fitting 95:
524: Fixed part 830: Branch pipe
841: First pipe connection (first end, third end)
842 and 842a: second piping connection (second end, fourth end)
AD: Group BP, BP1-6: Branch portion (first portion)
BPa: Liquid side branch part (first part)
BPb: Gas side branch part (first part)
C1: ceiling bottom surface C2: ceiling top surface G1: first gas side communication piping (outdoor communication piping)
G2: 2nd gas side connection piping (indoor side connection piping)
G3: 3rd gas side connection piping (indoor side connection piping)
Ga: Gas side connection piping (refrigerant connection piping)
L1: 1st fluid side communication piping (outdoor communication piping)
L2: 2nd fluid side connection piping (indoor side communication piping)
L3: Third fluid side communication piping (indoor side communication piping)
La: Liquid side communication piping (refrigerant communication piping)
P1-P11: 1st piping P1- 11th piping P17-P18: 17th piping P17- 18th piping RC: Refrigerant circuit RC1: Outside circuit RC2: Indoor side circuit RC3: Communication circuit RC3a: Liquid side communication circuit RC3b: Gas side communication circuit SP: space under the ceiling
Claims (19)
- 冷媒回路(RC)において冷凍サイクルを行う空調システム(100、100´、200)であって、
室外ユニット(10)と、
複数の室内ユニット(40)と、
前記室外ユニット及び前記室内ユニットを接続する冷媒連絡配管(Ga、La)と、
前記冷媒連絡配管上に配置され、冷媒の流れを妨げる制御弁(84、84a)と、
を備え、
前記冷媒連絡配管は、
対応する前記室内ユニットに連通する複数の室内側配管(82)と、
前記室外ユニット側において、対応する複数の前記室内側配管と連通する室外側配管(81)と、
2以上の前記室内側配管によって構成される室内側配管群(82)と、前記室外側配管と、を接続する分岐部(83、83a)と、
を含み、
前記室外側配管は、対応する前記室内側配管を経て前記室外ユニット側から前記室内ユニット側へ流れる冷媒、及び対応する前記室内側配管を経て前記室内ユニットから前記室外ユニットへ流れる冷媒、の双方に共通の冷媒流路を形成し、
前記制御弁は、前記室外側配管上に配置される、
空調システム(100、100´、200)。 An air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200) for performing a refrigeration cycle in a refrigerant circuit (RC), comprising:
An outdoor unit (10),
Several indoor units (40),
Refrigerant communication pipes (Ga, La) connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit;
A control valve (84, 84a) disposed on the refrigerant communication pipe and obstructing the flow of the refrigerant;
Equipped with
The refrigerant communication pipe is
A plurality of indoor side pipes (82) communicating with the corresponding indoor units;
An outdoor side pipe (81) in communication with the corresponding plurality of indoor side pipes on the outdoor unit side;
A branch portion (83, 83a) connecting an indoor side piping group (82) configured by two or more of the indoor side pipings, and the outdoor side piping;
Including
The outdoor piping is both a refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit side to the indoor unit side through the corresponding indoor piping and a refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit through the corresponding indoor piping. Form a common refrigerant flow path,
The control valve is disposed on the outdoor piping.
Air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200). - 冷媒回路(RC)において冷凍サイクルを行う空調システム(100、100´、300)であって、
室外ユニット(10)と、
複数の室内ユニット(40)と、
前記室外ユニット及び前記室内ユニットを接続する冷媒連絡配管(Ga、La)と、
前記冷媒連絡配管上に配置され、冷媒の流れを妨げる制御弁(84、84a)と、
を備え、
前記冷媒連絡配管は、
対応する前記室内ユニットに連通する複数の室内側配管(82)と、
前記室外ユニット側において、対応する複数の前記室内側配管と連通する室外側配管(81)と、
2以上の前記室内側配管によって構成される室内側配管群(82)と、前記室外側配管と、を接続する分岐部(83、83´、83a)と、
を含み、
前記室外側配管は、対応する前記室内側配管を経て前記室外ユニット側から前記室内ユニット側へ流れる冷媒、及び対応する前記室内側配管を経て前記室内ユニットから前記室外ユニットへ流れる冷媒、の双方に共通の冷媒流路を形成し、
前記制御弁は、対応する前記室内側配管上に配置される、
空調システム(100、100´、300)。 An air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 300) for performing a refrigeration cycle in a refrigerant circuit (RC), comprising:
An outdoor unit (10),
Several indoor units (40),
Refrigerant communication pipes (Ga, La) connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit;
A control valve (84, 84a) disposed on the refrigerant communication pipe and obstructing the flow of the refrigerant;
Equipped with
The refrigerant communication pipe is
A plurality of indoor side pipes (82) communicating with the corresponding indoor units;
An outdoor side pipe (81) in communication with the corresponding plurality of indoor side pipes on the outdoor unit side;
A branch portion (83, 83 ', 83a) connecting an indoor side piping group (82) constituted by two or more of the indoor side pipings, and the outdoor side piping;
Including
The outdoor piping is both a refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit side to the indoor unit side through the corresponding indoor piping and a refrigerant flowing from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit through the corresponding indoor piping. Form a common refrigerant flow path,
The control valve is disposed on the corresponding indoor pipe.
Air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 300). - 前記冷媒連絡配管は、一の前記室外側配管と一の前記分岐部と前記室内側配管群とを有する第1部分(BP)を複数含み、
前記制御弁は、前記室外側配管上に配置される場合には一部の前記第1部分(BPb、BP1)における前記室外側配管上に配置され、前記室内側配管上に配置される場合には一部の前記第1部分(BPb、BP1)における前記室内側配管上に配置される、
請求項1又は2に記載の空調システム(100´、200、300)。 The refrigerant communication pipe includes a plurality of first portions (BP) each having the outdoor side pipe, the branch portion, and the indoor side pipe group.
When the control valve is disposed on the outdoor side piping, the control valve is disposed on the outdoor side piping in a part of the first portions (BPb, BP1), and is disposed on the indoor side piping. Is disposed on the indoor side pipe in a part of the first portion (BPb, BP1),
An air conditioning system (100 ', 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2. - 前記冷媒連絡配管は、低圧の冷媒が流れるガス側連絡配管(Ga)と、高圧又は中間圧の冷媒が流れる液側連絡配管(La)と、を含み、
前記制御弁は、前記室外側配管上に配置される場合には前記ガス側連絡配管に含まれる前記室外側配管上に配置され、前記室内側配管上に配置される場合には前記ガス側連絡配管に含まれる前記室内側配管上に配置される、
請求項1から3のいずれか1項に記載の空調システム(100、100´、200、300)。 The refrigerant communication pipe includes a gas side communication pipe (Ga) through which a low pressure refrigerant flows, and a liquid side communication pipe (La) through which a high pressure or intermediate pressure refrigerant flows.
The control valve is disposed on the outdoor side piping included in the gas side connection piping when disposed on the outdoor side piping, and is disposed on the indoor side piping when the control valve is disposed on the indoor side piping. Disposed on the indoor side piping included in the piping,
An air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. - 前記制御弁は、前記室外側配管上に配置される場合には前記液側連絡配管に含まれる前記室外側配管上にも配置され、前記室内側配管上に配置される場合には前記液側連絡配管に含まれる前記室内側配管上にも配置される、
請求項4に記載の空調システム(100、100´、200、300)。 The control valve is also disposed on the outdoor side piping included in the liquid side communication pipe when disposed on the outdoor side piping, and the liquid side when disposed on the indoor side piping. Also disposed on the indoor side piping included in the connecting piping,
An air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200, 300) according to claim 4. - 前記室内ユニットは、運転時には開度に応じて冷媒を減圧し冷媒漏洩が生じた時には閉状態となることで前記室内ユニットに流入する冷媒を妨げる電動弁(41)を含む、
請求項1から5のいずれか1項に記載の空調システム(100、100´、200、300)。 The indoor unit includes a motor-operated valve (41) for reducing the refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit by reducing the pressure of the refrigerant according to the opening degree during operation and being in a closed state when refrigerant leakage occurs.
The air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200, 300) of any one of Claims 1-5. - 前記制御弁は、前記室外側配管上に配置される場合には以下のA、B及びCのいずれか/全ての前記室外側配管上に配置され、前記室内側配管上に配置される場合には以下のD、E及びFのいずれか/全ての前記室内側配管上に配置される、
A:合計容量が第1閾値以下である複数の前記室内ユニットと、前記室外ユニットと、の間に配置される前記室外側配管、
B:合計台数が第2閾値以下である複数の前記室内ユニットと、前記室外ユニットと、の間に配置される前記室外側配管、
C:前記室内ユニット側に位置する前記冷媒連絡配管の合計容量が第3閾値以下である前記室外側配管、
D:合計容量が第4閾値以下である複数の前記室内ユニットと、前記室外ユニットと、の間に配置される前記室内側配管、
E:合計台数が第5閾値以下である複数の前記室内ユニットと、前記室外ユニットと、の間に配置される前記室内側配管、
F:前記室内ユニット側に位置する前記冷媒連絡配管の合計容量が第6閾値以下である前記室内側配管、
請求項1から6のいずれか1項に記載の空調システム(200、300)。 When the control valve is disposed on the outdoor side piping, the control valve is disposed on the outdoor side piping of any one or all of the following A, B, and C, and is disposed on the indoor side piping: Are disposed on the indoor side piping of any one or all of the following D, E and F:
A: The outdoor side piping disposed between the plurality of indoor units whose total capacity is equal to or less than a first threshold, and the outdoor unit,
B: the outdoor piping disposed between the plurality of indoor units whose total number is equal to or less than the second threshold, and the outdoor unit,
C: the outdoor side piping in which the total volume of the refrigerant communication piping located on the indoor unit side is equal to or less than a third threshold value,
D: the indoor side piping disposed between the plurality of indoor units whose total capacity is equal to or less than a fourth threshold, and the outdoor unit,
E: The indoor side piping disposed between the plurality of indoor units whose total number is equal to or less than the fifth threshold, and the outdoor unit,
F: The indoor side piping in which the total volume of the refrigerant communication piping located on the indoor unit side is equal to or less than a sixth threshold value,
An air conditioning system (200, 300) according to any of the preceding claims. - 前記第1閾値、前記第2閾値、前記第3閾値、前記第4閾値、前記第5閾値及び前記第6閾値は、前記室内ユニットが設置され空気調和が行われるいずれかの対象空間の大きさに基づき設定される、
請求項7に記載の空調システム(200、300)。 The first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, the fourth threshold, the fifth threshold, and the sixth threshold indicate the size of any target space in which the indoor unit is installed and air conditioning is performed. Set based on,
Air conditioning system (200, 300) according to claim 7. - 前記室外側配管及び/又は前記室内側配管は、前記分岐部及び前記制御弁と一体に構成される、
請求項1から8のいずれか1項に記載の空調システム(100、100´、200、300)。 The outdoor side piping and / or the indoor side piping may be configured integrally with the branch portion and the control valve.
An air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims. - 前記冷媒連絡配管は、予め組み立てられ施工現場で他の配管(L1―L3、G1-G3)と接続される分岐管ユニット(50、50´、50´´)を含み、
前記分岐管ユニットは、一体に構成される、前記室外側配管及び/又は前記室内側配管と、前記分岐部と、前記制御弁と、を含む、
請求項9に記載の空調システム(100、100´、200、300)。 The refrigerant communication pipe includes branch pipe units (50, 50 ′, 50 ′ ′) which are assembled in advance and connected to other pipes (L1-L3, G1-G3) at a construction site,
The branch pipe unit includes the outdoor side pipe and / or the indoor side pipe, the branch portion, and the control valve, which are integrally configured.
An air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200, 300) according to claim 9. - 前記冷媒回路に配置される弁(84、84a、41、16)のいずれかは、前記制御弁が閉状態となった場合に前記冷媒回路において液封回路が形成されることを抑制する液封抑制構造を有する、及び/又は、
前記冷媒回路には、前記制御弁が閉状態となった場合に前記冷媒回路において液封回路が形成されることを抑制する液封抑制機構が配置される、
請求項1から10のいずれか1項に記載の空調システム(100、100´、200、300)。 One of the valves (84, 84a, 41, 16) disposed in the refrigerant circuit is a liquid seal that suppresses the formation of a liquid ring circuit in the refrigerant circuit when the control valve is closed. Have a restraining structure and / or
In the refrigerant circuit, a liquid seal suppressing mechanism is disposed which suppresses formation of a liquid seal circuit in the refrigerant circuit when the control valve is closed.
An air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200, 300) according to any one of the preceding claims. - 冷媒連絡配管(Ga、La)を介して接続される室外ユニット(10)と複数の室内ユニット(40)とを有し、前記冷媒連絡配管が、対応する前記室内ユニットに連通する複数の室内側連絡配管(L2、L3、G2、G3)と、前記室外ユニット側において複数の前記室内側連絡配管と連通する室外側連絡配管(L1、G1)と、を含む空調システム(100、100´、200)において、前記室外側連絡配管と複数の前記室内側連絡配管とを接続する冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)であって、
前記室外側連絡配管に連通する第1接続管(81)と、
対応する前記室内側連絡配管に連通する複数の第2接続管(82)と、
前記第1接続管と複数の前記第2接続管とを連通させる分岐部(83、83a)と、
前記第1接続管に接続され閉状態となることで冷媒の流れを妨げる制御弁(84、84a)と、
を備える、
冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)。 A plurality of indoor units having an outdoor unit (10) and a plurality of indoor units (40) connected via a refrigerant communication pipe (Ga, La), the refrigerant communication pipe communicating with the corresponding indoor unit Air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 200) including communication pipes (L2, L3, G2, G3) and outdoor communication pipes (L1, G1) communicating with the plurality of indoor communication pipes on the outdoor unit side A refrigerant branch unit (50, 50 ′, 50 ′ ′) connecting the outdoor communication pipe and the plurality of indoor communication pipes,
A first connection pipe (81) communicating with the outdoor side communication pipe;
A plurality of second connection pipes (82) communicating with the corresponding indoor communication pipe;
A branch portion (83, 83a) for communicating the first connection pipe with the plurality of second connection pipes;
A control valve (84, 84a) that blocks the flow of refrigerant by being connected to the first connection pipe and being in a closed state;
Equipped with
Refrigerant branch units (50, 50 ', 50''). - 冷媒連絡配管(Ga、La)を介して接続される室外ユニット(10)と複数の室内ユニット(40)とを有し、前記冷媒連絡配管が、対応する前記室内ユニットに連通する複数の室内側連絡配管(L2、L3、G2、G3)と、前記室外ユニット側において複数の前記室内側連絡配管と連通する室外側連絡配管(L1、G1)と、を含む空調システム(100、100´、300)において、前記室外側連絡配管と複数の前記室内側連絡配管とを接続する冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)であって、
前記室外側連絡配管に連通する第1接続管(81)と、
対応する前記室内側連絡配管に連通する複数の第2接続管(82)と、
前記第1接続管と複数の前記第2接続管とを連通させる分岐部(83、83´、83a)と、
閉状態となることで冷媒の流れを妨げる制御弁(84、84a)と、
を備え、
前記制御弁は、対応する前記第2接続管に接続される、
冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)。 A plurality of indoor units having an outdoor unit (10) and a plurality of indoor units (40) connected via a refrigerant communication pipe (Ga, La), the refrigerant communication pipe communicating with the corresponding indoor unit Air conditioning system (100, 100 ', 300) including communication pipes (L2, L3, G2, G3) and outdoor communication pipes (L1, G1) communicating with the plurality of indoor communication pipes on the outdoor unit side A refrigerant branch unit (50, 50 ′, 50 ′ ′) connecting the outdoor communication pipe and the plurality of indoor communication pipes,
A first connection pipe (81) communicating with the outdoor side communication pipe;
A plurality of second connection pipes (82) communicating with the corresponding indoor communication pipe;
Branch portions (83, 83 ', 83a) for causing the first connection pipe to communicate with the plurality of second connection pipes;
A control valve (84, 84a) that obstructs the flow of refrigerant by being in a closed state;
Equipped with
The control valve is connected to the corresponding second connection pipe,
Refrigerant branch units (50, 50 ', 50''). - 前記制御弁は、弁本体(840、840´)と、前記第1接続管の一端又は前記室外側連絡配管に接続される第1端部(841)と、前記分岐部又は前記第1接続管の他端に接続される第2端部(842)と、を含み、
前記第2端部は、長手方向が前記第1端部の長手方向に交差し、設置状態において各前記第2接続管が水平方向に沿って並ぶとともに各前記第2接続管の長手方向が水平方向に沿って延びるように前記分岐部又は前記第1接続管の他端に接続される、
請求項12に記載の冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)。 The control valve includes a valve body (840, 840 '), a first end (841) connected to one end of the first connection pipe or the outdoor communication pipe, the branch or the first connection pipe A second end (842) connected to the other end of
The longitudinal direction of the second end crosses the longitudinal direction of the first end, and in the installed state, the second connection pipes are arranged along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the second connection pipes is horizontal. Connected to the other end of the branch or the first connection pipe so as to extend along a direction,
The refrigerant | coolant branch unit (50, 50 ', 50'') of Claim 12. - 前記制御弁は、弁本体(840、840´)と、前記第2接続管の一端又は前記分岐部に接続される第3端部(841)と、前記室内側連絡配管又は前記第2接続管の他端に接続される第4端部(842)と、を含み、
前記第4端部は、長手方向が前記第3端部の長手方向に交差し、設置状態において各前記第2接続管が水平方向に沿って並ぶとともに各前記第2接続管の長手方向が水平方向に沿って延びるように前記室内側連絡配管又は前記第2接続管の他端に接続される、
請求項13に記載の冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)。 The control valve includes a valve body (840, 840 '), a third end (841) connected to one end or the branch portion of the second connection pipe, and the indoor communication pipe or the second connection pipe. A fourth end (842) connected to the other end of
The longitudinal direction of the fourth end crosses the longitudinal direction of the third end, and in the installed state, the second connection pipes are aligned along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the second connection pipes is horizontal. Connected to the other end of the indoor communication pipe or the other end of the second connection pipe so as to extend along a direction
The refrigerant | coolant branch unit (50, 50 ', 50'') of Claim 13. - 前記第1接続管と、複数の前記第2接続管と、前記分岐部と、前記制御弁と、は第1部品(51、51a―h)に含まれ、
前記制御弁の状態を制御するための電気部品(521)を実装される基板(522)を含む第2部品(52)と、
前記制御弁と前記基板とを結ぶ電線(53)と、
をさらに備え、
前記第2部品は、前記第1部品に対して自在に移動されるように前記第1部品とは独立に設けられる、
請求項12から15のいずれか1項に記載の冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)。 The first connection pipe, the plurality of second connection pipes, the branch portion, and the control valve are included in a first part (51, 51a-h),
A second part (52) comprising a substrate (522) on which is mounted an electrical part (521) for controlling the state of the control valve;
An electrical wire (53) connecting the control valve and the substrate;
And further
The second part is provided independently of the first part so as to be freely moved relative to the first part.
The refrigerant | coolant branch unit (50, 50 ', 50'') of any one of Claims 12-15. - 前記第2部品は、前記基板を収容するケーシング(523)を有する、
請求項16に記載の冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)。 The second part has a casing (523) for housing the substrate.
The refrigerant | coolant branch unit (50, 50 ', 50'') of Claim 16. - 前記電線は、長手方向の寸法が1m以上である、
請求項16又は17に記載の冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)。 The wire has a longitudinal dimension of 1 m or more.
The refrigerant | coolant branch unit (50, 50 ', 50'') of Claim 16 or 17. - 前記制御弁が閉状態となった場合に液封回路が形成されることを抑制する液封抑制機構が配置される、及び/又は、
前記制御弁は、閉状態となった場合に液封回路が形成されることを抑制する液封抑制構造を有する、
請求項12から18のいずれか1項に記載の冷媒分岐ユニット(50、50´、50´´)。 A liquid seal suppressing mechanism is disposed to suppress formation of a liquid seal circuit when the control valve is closed, and / or
The control valve has a liquid seal suppressing structure that suppresses the formation of a liquid seal circuit when it is closed.
The refrigerant | coolant branch unit (50, 50 ', 50'') of any one of Claims 12-18.
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CN201880051318.9A CN111033151A (en) | 2017-09-05 | 2018-08-29 | Air conditioning system or refrigerant branching unit |
EP18853114.9A EP3680583A4 (en) | 2017-09-05 | 2018-08-29 | Air conditioning system and refrigerant branching unit |
US16/644,204 US11486619B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 | 2018-08-29 | Air-conditioning system or refrigerant branch unit |
AU2018329314A AU2018329314B2 (en) | 2017-09-05 | 2018-08-29 | Air-Conditioning System or Refrigerant Branch Unit |
AU2021202984A AU2021202984B9 (en) | 2017-09-05 | 2021-05-11 | Air-Conditioning System or Refrigerant Branch Unit |
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