WO2019049746A1 - Système de climatisation et unité d'embranchement pour réfrigérant - Google Patents

Système de climatisation et unité d'embranchement pour réfrigérant Download PDF

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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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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
refrigerant
unit
indoor
pipe
outdoor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2018/031929
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
山田　拓郎
雅裕 本田
Original Assignee
ダイキン工業株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2017170530A external-priority patent/JP6536641B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2018132596A external-priority patent/JP2019045129A/ja
Application filed by ダイキン工業株式会社 filed Critical ダイキン工業株式会社
Priority to CN201880051318.9A priority Critical patent/CN111033151A/zh
Priority to AU2018329314A priority patent/AU2018329314B2/en
Priority to US16/644,204 priority patent/US11486619B2/en
Priority to EP18853114.9A priority patent/EP3680583A4/fr
Publication of WO2019049746A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019049746A1/fr
Priority to AU2021202984A priority patent/AU2021202984B9/en
Priority to AU2021202985A priority patent/AU2021202985B2/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention réduit les coûts et supprime la détérioration de la maniabilité vis-à-vis de l'amélioration de la sécurité contre les fuites de réfrigérant. Ce système de climatisation (100) comprend: une unité extérieure (10); une pluralité d'unités intérieures (40); des tuyaux de communication pour réfrigérant (La, Ga); et des vannes d'arrêt (84) qui sont disposées dans les tuyaux de communication pour réfrigérant et qui bloquent l'écoulement de réfrigérant. Chaque tuyau de communication pour réfrigérant comprend: une pluralité de seconds tuyaux de raccordement (82) qui communiquent avec les unités intérieures (40); un premier tuyau de raccordement (81) qui communique avec la pluralité de seconds tuyaux de raccordement (82); et un tuyau d'embranchement (83) qui relie la pluralité de seconds tuyaux de raccordement (82) et le premier tuyau de raccordement (81). Le premier tuyau de raccordement (81) forme par l'intermédiaire des seconds tuyaux de communication (82), un passage d'écoulement de réfrigérant commun à la fois pour le réfrigérant qui s'écoule du côté de l'unité extérieure (10) au côté de l'unité intérieure (40) et le réfrigérant qui s'écoule du côté de l'unité intérieure (40) au côté de l'unité extérieure (10). La vanne d'arrêt (84) est disposée dans le premier tuyau de raccordement (81).
PCT/JP2018/031929 2017-09-05 2018-08-29 Système de climatisation et unité d'embranchement pour réfrigérant WO2019049746A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201880051318.9A CN111033151A (zh) 2017-09-05 2018-08-29 空调系统或制冷剂分支单元
AU2018329314A AU2018329314B2 (en) 2017-09-05 2018-08-29 Air-Conditioning System or Refrigerant Branch Unit
US16/644,204 US11486619B2 (en) 2017-09-05 2018-08-29 Air-conditioning system or refrigerant branch unit
EP18853114.9A EP3680583A4 (fr) 2017-09-05 2018-08-29 Système de climatisation et unité d'embranchement pour réfrigérant
AU2021202984A AU2021202984B9 (en) 2017-09-05 2021-05-11 Air-Conditioning System or Refrigerant Branch Unit
AU2021202985A AU2021202985B2 (en) 2017-09-05 2021-05-11 Air-Conditioning System or Refrigerant Branch Unit

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2017-170530 2017-09-05
JP2017170530A JP6536641B2 (ja) 2017-09-05 2017-09-05 冷媒分岐ユニット
JP2017-170529 2017-09-05
JP2017170529 2017-09-05
JP2018-132596 2018-07-12
JP2018132596A JP2019045129A (ja) 2017-09-05 2018-07-12 空調システム

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Cited By (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3816542A1 (fr) * 2019-10-29 2021-05-05 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Système réfrigérant
CN114616427A (zh) * 2019-11-05 2022-06-10 大金工业株式会社 空调室内机和空调装置
US20220214056A1 (en) * 2019-09-30 2022-07-07 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Air conditioner

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JP2007232286A (ja) * 2006-03-01 2007-09-13 Higashio Mech Co Ltd 冷媒配管方法
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JP2016011782A (ja) * 2014-06-27 2016-01-21 ダイキン工業株式会社 冷暖同時運転型空気調和装置
WO2017104127A1 (fr) * 2015-12-17 2017-06-22 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Vanne de régulation de fluide et climatiseur utilisant celle-ci
JP2018071878A (ja) * 2016-10-28 2018-05-10 ダイキン工業株式会社 空気調和装置
JP2018077040A (ja) * 2016-10-28 2018-05-17 ダイキン工業株式会社 空気調和装置

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH05118720A (ja) 1991-10-30 1993-05-14 Hitachi Ltd 冷凍装置の制御方法
JPH05149638A (ja) * 1991-11-27 1993-06-15 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 多室型空気調和機
JPH0611203A (ja) * 1992-06-25 1994-01-21 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 空気調和装置
JPH07151421A (ja) * 1993-11-30 1995-06-16 Toshiba Corp 空気調和装置
JP3311588B2 (ja) * 1996-07-12 2002-08-05 仁吉 合澤 熱交換装置用の冷媒配管ユニット
JP2007232286A (ja) * 2006-03-01 2007-09-13 Higashio Mech Co Ltd 冷媒配管方法
WO2012160598A1 (fr) * 2011-05-23 2012-11-29 三菱電機株式会社 Climatiseur
JP2015114048A (ja) * 2013-12-11 2015-06-22 ダイキン工業株式会社 流路切換集合ユニット及び流路切換集合ユニットの製造方法
JP2016011782A (ja) * 2014-06-27 2016-01-21 ダイキン工業株式会社 冷暖同時運転型空気調和装置
WO2017104127A1 (fr) * 2015-12-17 2017-06-22 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Vanne de régulation de fluide et climatiseur utilisant celle-ci
JP2018071878A (ja) * 2016-10-28 2018-05-10 ダイキン工業株式会社 空気調和装置
JP2018077040A (ja) * 2016-10-28 2018-05-17 ダイキン工業株式会社 空気調和装置

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220214056A1 (en) * 2019-09-30 2022-07-07 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Air conditioner
EP3816542A1 (fr) * 2019-10-29 2021-05-05 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Système réfrigérant
CN114616427A (zh) * 2019-11-05 2022-06-10 大金工业株式会社 空调室内机和空调装置

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