WO2024004958A1

WO2024004958A1 - Refrigerant volume measurement system and refrigerant-using system

Info

Publication number: WO2024004958A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/023655
Authority: WO
Inventors: 龍三郎矢嶋
Original assignee: ダイキン工業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-07-01
Filing date: 2023-06-26
Publication date: 2024-01-04
Also published as: JP2024006336A

Abstract

A refrigerant volume measurement system (4) comprises a connector (400), a reservoir (460), a measurement unit (401), and a storage unit (472). The connector (400) is connected to a first refrigerant circuit of a first refrigeration cycle device (100A). The reservoir (460) reserves refrigerant (R) from the first refrigerant circuit via the connector (400) and returns the reserved refrigerant (R) to the first refrigerant circuit via the connector (400). The measurement unit (401) measures the volume of the refrigerant (R) in the reservoir (460). The storage unit (472) stores measurement results obtained by the measurement unit (401).

Description

Refrigerant amount measurement system and refrigerant usage system

Regarding refrigerant amount measurement system and refrigerant usage system.

In order to repair a refrigeration cycle device such as an air conditioner, refrigerant may be charged based on the difference between the initial charging amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device and the amount of refrigerant recovered at the time of repair.

Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-190545) discloses a refrigeration device that can detect a refrigerant shortage state by using a receiver tank that is internally connected to a refrigerant circuit. The refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 displays an insufficient amount of refrigerant based on a refrigerant detection value by a liquid level detection unit of a receiver tank built into the device.

The refrigeration system of Patent Document 1 detects a refrigerant shortage state using a receiver tank that is internally connected to the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant flows into a receiver tank built into the device even during normal operation (such as air conditioning operation). Therefore, the refrigeration system of Patent Document 1 requires an amount of refrigerant corresponding to the volume of the receiver tank in addition to an amount of refrigerant corresponding to the existing refrigerant circuit. Further, the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 causes a pressure loss of the refrigerant when the refrigerant passes through the receiver tank.

The present disclosure discloses a refrigerant that is externally connected to the refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device, does not cause an additional amount of refrigerant or pressure loss, and clarifies the amount of refrigerant leakage from the start of use of the refrigeration cycle device to its disposal. We propose a quantity measurement system.

The refrigerant amount measurement system according to the first aspect includes a connection section, a storage section, a measurement section, and a storage section. The connection part is connected to the first refrigerant circuit of the first refrigeration cycle device. The storage section stores the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit via the connection section, and returns the stored refrigerant to the first refrigerant circuit via the connection section. The measuring section measures the amount of refrigerant in the reservoir. The storage unit stores measurement results measured by the measurement unit.

This refrigerant amount measuring system stores the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit in a storage section that is externally connected to the first refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant amount measurement system measures the amount of refrigerant in the reservoir and stores the measurement results. The refrigerant amount measuring system returns the stored refrigerant to the first refrigerant circuit from a storage section externally connected to the first refrigerant circuit. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measuring system can clarify the amount of refrigerant leaking from the first refrigerant circuit without causing an additional amount of refrigerant or pressure loss.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the second aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to the first aspect, and the connecting portion includes a first pipe and a second pipe. Moreover, an on-off valve is provided in each of the first pipe and the second pipe.

The connection part of this refrigerant amount measuring system has a first pipe and a second pipe. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system can be divided into a first pipe and a second pipe depending on the state of the refrigerant, and can be connected to the first refrigerant circuit. Moreover, an on-off valve is provided in each of the first pipe and the second pipe. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system can allow or block communication between the first pipe and the second pipe.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the third aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to the second aspect, and further includes a control section. The control unit performs a first refrigerant amount measurement operation. The first refrigerant amount measuring operation controls the first refrigeration cycle device and the on-off valve to transfer refrigerant from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage section, causes the measurement section to measure the amount of refrigerant, and transfers the refrigerant from the storage section to the storage section. 1 refrigerant circuit.

The control unit of this refrigerant amount measurement system performs a first refrigerant amount measurement operation. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measuring system can reduce the effort required to clarify the amount of refrigerant leaking from the first refrigerant circuit.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the fourth aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to the third aspect, and the connection part is also connected to the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device. Moreover, the control unit further includes a third pipe and a fourth pipe each provided with an on-off valve. Furthermore, the connection part is connected to the first refrigerant circuit by the first pipe and the second pipe, and connected to the second refrigerant circuit by the third pipe and the fourth pipe.

The connection part of this refrigerant amount measuring system is also connected to the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device. Therefore, this refrigerant amount measuring system can also clarify the amount of refrigerant leaking from the second refrigerant circuit. Moreover, the connection part of this refrigerant amount measuring system has a third pipe and a fourth pipe. Therefore, this refrigerant amount measuring system can be divided into a third pipe and a fourth pipe depending on the state of the refrigerant, and can be connected to the second refrigerant circuit. Moreover, an on-off valve is provided in each of the third pipe and the fourth pipe. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system can allow or block communication between the third pipe and the fourth pipe.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the fifth aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to the fourth aspect, in which the control section further performs a second refrigerant amount measuring operation. The second refrigerant amount measuring operation controls the second refrigeration cycle device and the on-off valve to transfer the refrigerant from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage section, causes the measuring section to measure the amount of refrigerant, and transfers the refrigerant from the storage section to the storage section. This is an operation to return the refrigerant to the second refrigerant circuit.

The control unit of the present refrigerant amount measurement system further performs a second refrigerant amount measurement operation. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measuring system can also reduce the effort required to clarify the amount of refrigerant leaking from the second refrigerant circuit.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the sixth aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to the fifth aspect, in which the control unit performs the first refrigerant amount measuring operation and the second refrigerant amount measuring operation at different times.

The control unit of this refrigerant amount measurement system performs the first refrigerant amount measurement operation and the second refrigerant amount measurement operation at different times. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measurement system can separate the amount of refrigerant leaked from the first refrigerant circuit and the amount of refrigerant leaked from the second refrigerant circuit, and clarify each.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the seventh aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to the fifth or sixth aspect, in which the control unit controls the refrigerant amount measuring system according to the first aspect during the time period when the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device is stopped. Performs refrigerant amount measurement operation. Further, the control unit performs the second refrigerant amount measuring operation during a time period when the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device is stopped.

The control unit of the present refrigerant amount measuring system performs the first refrigerant amount measuring operation during the time period when the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device is stopped. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system is not affected by the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device, and can more clearly determine the amount of refrigerant leaking from the first refrigerant circuit. Further, the control unit performs the second refrigerant amount measuring operation during a time period when the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device is stopped. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system is not affected by the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device, and can more clearly determine the amount of refrigerant leaking from the second refrigerant circuit.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the eighth aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, in which the control unit performs the first storage operation and the second storage operation. The first storage operation is an operation to transfer the refrigerant from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage section when the refrigerant leaks from the first refrigerant circuit. The second storage operation is an operation to transfer the refrigerant from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage section when the refrigerant leaks from the second refrigerant circuit.

The control unit of this refrigerant amount measurement system performs a first storage operation. Therefore, in the case where the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit leaks, the present refrigerant amount measuring system can store the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit in the storage section and suppress release of the refrigerant into the atmosphere. Further, the control unit of the present refrigerant amount measuring system performs a second storage operation. Therefore, in the case where the refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit leaks, the present refrigerant amount measuring system can store the refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit in the storage section and suppress release of the refrigerant into the atmosphere.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the ninth aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the measuring section has an electrode rod.

The measuring section of this refrigerant amount measuring system has an electrode rod. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system can clarify the amount of refrigerant leakage using the electrode rod.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the tenth aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to the ninth aspect, in which the measuring section further includes a cylindrical member surrounding the electrode rod.

The measuring section of the present refrigerant amount measuring system further includes a cylindrical member surrounding the electrode rod. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system can clarify the amount of refrigerant leakage using the cylindrical member.

The refrigerant amount measuring system according to the eleventh aspect is the refrigerant amount measuring system according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and the measuring section is a radio wave type, an ultrasonic type, a float type, a pressure type, a differential pressure type, or a static type. The amount of refrigerant is measured by at least one of capacitance methods.

The measurement unit of this refrigerant amount measurement system measures the amount of refrigerant using at least one of the following methods: radio wave type, ultrasonic type, float type, pressure type, differential pressure type, and capacitance type. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system can further clarify the amount of refrigerant leakage based on various methods.

The refrigerant usage system according to the twelfth aspect includes the refrigerant amount measuring system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects and a refrigeration cycle device.

This refrigerant usage system has a refrigerant amount measurement system and a refrigeration cycle device. Therefore, the present refrigerant-using system can clarify the amount of refrigerant leakage from the refrigeration cycle device included in the present refrigerant-using system.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a refrigerant usage system 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of a control unit 140. FIG. FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the arithmetic unit 470. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the latter half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460. It is a schematic configuration diagram showing a storage section 460 in which refrigerant R is stored and an electrode rod 461. It is a diagram showing the relationship between capacitance C and liquid level height h depending on temperature. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of refrigerant R in an operation of returning refrigerant R to refrigerant circulation path 150. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of refrigerant R in an operation of returning refrigerant R to refrigerant circulation path 150. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of refrigerant R in the first half of the first storage operation. It is a schematic block diagram which showed the flow of the refrigerant|coolant R in the operation|movement of the latter half of a 1st storage operation. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a storage section 460, an electrode rod 461, and a cylindrical member 462. FIG. 12A is a sectional view showing the A section in FIG. 12A.

<First embodiment>
(1) Overall configuration A refrigerant usage system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a refrigerant usage system 1. As shown in FIG.

The refrigerant usage system 1 includes a first refrigeration cycle device 100A, a second refrigeration cycle device 100B, and a refrigerant amount measurement system 4. The refrigerant amount measurement system 4 measures the amount of refrigerant R in the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. The first refrigeration cycle device 100A is communicated with the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 through a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420. Further, the second refrigeration cycle device 100B is communicated with the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 through a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440.

The first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the control unit 140a of the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 are electrically connected. The second refrigeration cycle device 100B and the control unit 140b of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 are electrically connected.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is attached to the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. Note that the number of refrigeration cycle devices 100 included in the refrigerant usage system 1 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

The first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the second refrigeration cycle device 100B have similar equipment and have similar functions. For this reason, below, in the description common to the first refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A and the second refrigeration cycle apparatus 100B, they will be described as the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. In explanations where it is necessary to distinguish between the first refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A and the second refrigeration cycle apparatus 100B, "A" or "B" is added to the reference numerals of the devices constituting each to distinguish them.

The control unit 140a and the control unit 140b have similar equipment and have similar functions. Therefore, in the following description, the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b will be described as the control unit 140. In explanations where it is necessary to distinguish between the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b, “a” or “b” is added to the reference numerals of devices constituting the respective units to distinguish them.

In the following description, the same or corresponding configurations among the embodiments and modifications will be given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

(2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Refrigeration cycle device The refrigeration cycle device 100 is an air conditioner that cools and heats an air-conditioned space (not shown) using a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device 100 includes an indoor unit 110, an outdoor unit 120, a gas side communication pipe 131, and a liquid side communication pipe 132. The refrigeration cycle device 100 is a multi-type air conditioner for buildings that includes two indoor units 110. The number of indoor units 110 that the refrigeration cycle device 100 has is not limited to two, but may be one, or three or more.

Although details will be described later, the indoor unit 110 has an indoor refrigerant flow path 111, and the outdoor unit 120 has an outdoor refrigerant flow path 121. The indoor refrigerant flow path 111, the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121, the gas side communication pipe 131, and the liquid side communication pipe 132 form a refrigerant circulation path 150. The refrigerant circulation path 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A is an example of a first refrigerant circuit. Further, the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B is an example of a second refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circulation path 150 is filled with refrigerant R. The refrigerant R filled in the refrigerant circulation path 150 is, but is not limited to, a fluorocarbon refrigerant R, such as R32 or R410A, which has a slightly flammable property (A2L). The refrigerant R may be flammable or toxic. Note that the refrigeration cycle device 100 is not limited to an air conditioner, and may be, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, a floor heating device, or the like.

(2-1-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 110 is installed in a space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit 110 has an indoor refrigerant flow path 111 and a detection section 116.

The indoor refrigerant flow path 111 constitutes a part of the refrigerant circulation path 150. Indoor refrigerant flow path 111 is formed by connecting indoor heat exchanger 112 and indoor expansion mechanism 113 via refrigerant piping.

The indoor heat exchanger 112 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant R flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger 112 and the air in the air-conditioned space. The indoor heat exchanger 112 functions as an evaporator for refrigerant during cooling operation, and functions as a radiator for refrigerant R during heating operation. One end of the indoor heat exchanger 112 is connected to a gas side connection part 114 via a refrigerant pipe. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 112 is connected to the indoor expansion mechanism 113 via a refrigerant pipe.

The indoor expansion mechanism 113 adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant R flowing through the refrigerant circulation path 150. The indoor expansion mechanism 113 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjusted by an actuator (not shown). Indoor expansion mechanism 113 is connected to indoor heat exchanger 112 and liquid side connection section 115 via refrigerant piping. The opening degree of the indoor expansion mechanism 113 is controlled by the control unit 140.

The gas side connection part 114 is one end of the indoor refrigerant flow path 111. The gas side connection part 114 is connected to the gas side communication pipe 131.

The liquid side connection part 115 is the other end of the indoor refrigerant flow path 111. The liquid side connection part 115 is connected to the liquid side communication pipe 132.

The detection unit 116 detects leakage of the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation path 150. The detection unit 116 is installed inside a casing (not shown) of the indoor unit 110. The detection unit 116 is not limited to any form as long as it can detect leakage of the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation path 150, and may be a sensor that detects the refrigerant R, or may be a sensor that detects the temperature inside the casing of the indoor unit 110 or the temperature of the piping. Leakage of the refrigerant R may be detected based on a sudden change. When detecting the leakage of the refrigerant R, the detection unit 116 transmits a signal indicating the leakage of the refrigerant R to the control unit 140.

(2-1-2) Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit 120 is placed outside the air-conditioned space. The outdoor unit 120 is installed, for example, on the roof of the building where the refrigeration cycle device 100 is installed or adjacent to the building. The outdoor unit 120 has an outdoor refrigerant flow path 121, a gas side branch pipe 128, and a liquid side branch pipe 129.

The outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 constitutes a part of the refrigerant circulation path 150. The outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 includes a first compressor 122, an outdoor heat exchanger 123, an outdoor expansion mechanism 124, a flow path switching mechanism 125, a gas side connection section 126, and a liquid side connection section 127, which are refrigerant pipes. 121a. The refrigerant pipe 121a includes a first refrigerant pipe 121b, a second refrigerant pipe 121c, and a third refrigerant pipe 121d.

The first compressor 122 sucks the low-pressure refrigerant R in the refrigeration cycle from the suction pipe 122a, compresses the refrigerant R with a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant R to the discharge pipe 122b. The operation of the first compressor 122 is controlled by the control unit 140.

The outdoor heat exchanger 123 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant R flowing inside the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and the air (heat source air) at the location where the outdoor unit 120 is installed. The outdoor heat exchanger 123 functions as a radiator for refrigerant R during cooling operation, and functions as an evaporator for refrigerant R during heating operation. One end of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is connected to a flow path switching mechanism 125 via a refrigerant pipe. The other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is connected to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124 via a refrigerant pipe.

The outdoor expansion mechanism 124 adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant R flowing through the refrigerant circulation path 150. The outdoor expansion mechanism 124 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjusted by an actuator (not shown). The opening degree of the indoor expansion mechanism 113 is controlled by the control unit 140. The outdoor expansion mechanism 124 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and the liquid side connection part 127 via a refrigerant pipe.

The flow path switching mechanism 125 changes the state of the refrigerant circulation path 150 between the first state and the second state by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant R. When the refrigerant circulation path 150 is in the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger 123 functions as a radiator for the refrigerant R, and the indoor heat exchanger 112 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant R. When the refrigerant circulation path 150 is in the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger 123 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant R, and the indoor heat exchanger 112 functions as a radiator for the refrigerant R. The flow path switching mechanism 125 is controlled by the control section 140. In this embodiment, the flow path switching mechanism 125 is a four-way switching valve. However, the flow path switching mechanism 125 is not limited to a four-way switching valve. For example, the flow path switching mechanism 125 may be configured by combining a plurality of electromagnetic valves and refrigerant pipes so as to realize switching of the flow direction of the refrigerant R as described below.

During cooling operation, the flow path switching mechanism 125 sets the state of the refrigerant circulation path 150 to the first state. In other words, during cooling operation, the flow path switching mechanism 125 communicates the suction pipe 122a with the gas side connection part 126, and communicates the discharge pipe 122b with the outdoor heat exchanger 123 (inside the flow path switching mechanism 125 in FIG. ). During heating operation, the flow path switching mechanism 125 sets the state of the refrigerant circulation path 150 to the second state. In other words, during heating operation, the flow path switching mechanism 125 communicates the suction pipe 122a with the outdoor heat exchanger 123, and communicates the discharge pipe 122b with the gas side connection part 126 (inside the flow path switching mechanism 125 in FIG. (see solid line).

The gas side connection part 126 is one end of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121. A gas side communication pipe 131 is connected to the gas side connecting portion 126 .

The liquid side connection part 127 is the other end of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121. The liquid side connecting portion 127 is connected to the liquid side communication pipe 132 .

The first refrigerant pipe 121b connects the flow path switching mechanism 125 and the gas side connection part 126.

The second refrigerant pipe 121c connects the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and the outdoor expansion mechanism 124.

The third refrigerant pipe 121d connects the outdoor expansion mechanism 124 and the liquid side connection part 127.

The gas side branch pipe 128 is a pipe that communicates the first refrigerant pipe 121b and the refrigerant amount measurement system 4. In this embodiment, one end of the gas side branch pipe 128 is connected to the first refrigerant pipe 121b. The other end of the gas side branch pipe 128 communicates with the first pipe 410 or the third pipe 430.

The liquid side branch pipe 129 is a pipe that communicates the second refrigerant pipe 121c and the refrigerant amount measurement system 4. In this embodiment, one end of the liquid side branch pipe 129 is connected to the second refrigerant pipe 121c. The other end of the liquid side branch pipe 129 communicates with the second pipe 420 or the fourth pipe 440.

(2-1-3) Gas side communication pipe and liquid side communication pipe The gas side communication pipe 131 and the liquid side communication pipe 132 connect the indoor refrigerant flow path 111 and the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121.

The gas side communication pipe 131 is connected to the gas side connection portion 114 of the indoor refrigerant flow path 111 and the gas side connection portion 126 of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121.

The indoor refrigerant flow path 111 is connected to the liquid side connection portion 115 of the indoor refrigerant flow path 111 and the liquid side connection portion 127 of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121.

(2-2) Refrigerant Amount Measuring System The refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is a system that stores the refrigerant R of the refrigeration cycle device 100, measures the amount of the refrigerant R, and returns the refrigerant R to the refrigeration cycle device 100. The refrigerant amount measuring system 4 includes an on-off valve 230, a first pipe 410, a second pipe 420, a third pipe 430, a fourth pipe 440, a gas side pipe 451, a liquid side pipe 452, a storage section 460, an electrode rod 461, and a calculation unit. It has a device 470 and a control section 140. The on-off valve 230, the first pipe 410, the second pipe 420, the third pipe 430, and the fourth pipe 440 constitute the connecting portion 400. The electrode rod 461 and the measurement calculation section 471 constitute the measurement section 401.

The refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is externally connected to the first refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A through a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420. Further, the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is externally connected to the second refrigeration cycle apparatus 100B through a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440. The number of refrigeration cycle devices 100 connected to the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

(2-2-1) Storage Unit The storage unit 460 is a cylindrical container that stores the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation path 150 by a refrigerant amount measurement operation that will be described later. The storage section 460 is connected to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 via a gas side pipe 451 and a liquid side pipe 452, and a first pipe 410, a second pipe 420, a third pipe 430, and a fourth pipe 440. The storage section 460 is not limited to a cylindrical container, and may be a container of another shape that can store the refrigerant R.

(2-2-2) Gas side piping and liquid side piping The gas side piping 451 is a piping for communicating the first pipe 410 and the third pipe 430 with the storage section 460. One end of the gas side pipe 451 is connected to the storage section 460. The other end of the gas side pipe 451 is connected to the gas side branch pipe 128 via the first pipe 410 or the third pipe 430.

The liquid side pipe 452 is a pipe for communicating the second pipe 420 and the fourth pipe 440 with the storage section 460. One end of the liquid side pipe 452 is connected to the storage section 460. The other end of the liquid side pipe 452 is connected to the liquid side branch pipe 129 via the second pipe 420 or the fourth pipe 440.

(2-2-3) Connection portion The connection portion 400 communicates the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the refrigeration cycle device 100 with the storage portion 460. The connecting portion 400 includes an on-off valve 230, a first pipe 410, a second pipe 420, a third pipe 430, and a fourth pipe 440.

(2-2-3-1) First Pipe The first pipe 410 is a pipe that communicates the gas side branch pipe 128A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A with the gas side pipe 451. One end of the first pipe 410 is connected to the gas side branch pipe 128A of the first refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A. The other end of the first pipe 410 is connected to a gas side pipe 451.

(2-2-3-2) Second Pipe The second pipe 420 is a pipe that communicates the liquid side branch pipe 129A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A with the liquid side pipe 452. One end of the second pipe 420 is connected to the liquid side branch pipe 129A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A. The other end of the second pipe 420 is connected to the liquid side pipe 452.

(2-2-3-3) Third Pipe The third pipe 430 is a pipe that communicates the gas side branch pipe 128B and the gas side pipe 451 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. One end of the third pipe 430 is connected to the gas side branch pipe 128B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. The other end of the third pipe 430 is connected to the gas side pipe 451.

(2-2-3-4) Fourth Pipe The fourth pipe 440 is a pipe that communicates the liquid side branch pipe 129B and the liquid side pipe 452 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. One end of the fourth pipe 440 is connected to the liquid side branch pipe 129B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. The other end of the fourth pipe 440 is connected to the liquid side pipe 452.

(2-2-3-5) On-off valve The on-off valve 230 is provided in the first pipe 410, the second pipe 420, the third pipe 430, and the fourth pipe 440. The on-off valves 230 included in the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 include an on-off valve 230a, an on-off valve 230b, an on-off valve 230c, and an on-off valve 230d.

(2-2-3-5-1) Opening/closing valve 230a
The on-off valve 230a is provided in the first pipe 410. The on-off valve 230a allows or blocks communication with the first pipe 410. The on-off valve 230a is an electromagnetic on-off valve, and its opening and closing are controlled by the control unit 140a.

(2-2-3-5-2) Opening/closing valve 230b
The on-off valve 230b is provided in the second pipe 420. The on-off valve 230b allows or blocks communication with the second pipe 420. The on-off valve 230b is an electromagnetic on-off valve, and its opening and closing are controlled by the control unit 140a.

(2-2-3-5-3) Opening/closing valve 230c
The on-off valve 230c is provided in the third pipe 430. The on-off valve 230c allows or blocks communication with the third pipe 430. The on-off valve 230c is an electromagnetic on-off valve, and its opening and closing are controlled by the control section 140b.

(2-2-3-5-4) On-off valve 230d
The on-off valve 230d is provided in the fourth pipe 440. The on-off valve 230d allows or blocks communication with the fourth pipe 440. The on-off valve 230d is an electromagnetic on-off valve, and its opening and closing are controlled by the control unit 140b.

(2-2-4) Electrode Rod The electrode rod 461 is a device for measuring the amount of refrigerant R in the storage section 460. The electrode rod 461 is electrically connected to the measurement calculation section 471. The electrode rod 461 is controlled by the control section 140 via the measurement calculation section 471. The electrode rod 461 is provided so that the positional relationship between the electrode rod 461 and the storage section 460 does not change. Detailed operations related to the electrode rod 461 will be described later.

(2-2-5) Control Unit The control unit 140 controls the operation of each unit constituting the refrigeration cycle device 100 and the refrigerant amount measuring system 4. The control unit 140 can exchange control signals and information with the indoor expansion mechanism 113, the detection unit 116, the first compressor 122, the outdoor expansion mechanism 124, the flow path switching mechanism 125, the on-off valve 230, and the arithmetic unit 470. electrically connected to.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the control unit 140. In this embodiment, the control unit 140 is installed outside the refrigeration cycle device 100. The control unit 140 may be provided inside the casing of the outdoor unit 120 or in a server remote from the refrigeration cycle device 100.

The control unit 140 controls the operation of each part constituting the refrigeration cycle device 100 and the refrigerant amount measurement system 4, and executes air conditioning operation and refrigerant amount measurement operation. Air conditioning operation includes cooling operation and heating operation. The refrigerant amount measuring operation includes a first refrigerant amount measuring operation and a second refrigerant amount measuring operation. The refrigerant amount measurement operation is an operation in which the refrigerant R is transferred from the refrigerant circulation path 150 to the storage section 460, the measurement section 401 measures the amount of the refrigerant R, and the refrigerant R is returned from the storage section 460 to the refrigerant circulation path 150.

The first refrigeration cycle device 100A is connected to the control section 140a. The second refrigeration cycle device 100B is connected to the control section 140b. The control unit 140a and the control unit 140b are electrically connected to each other. Since the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b cooperate with each other to execute air conditioning operation and refrigerant amount measurement operation, the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b are hereinafter collectively referred to as the control unit 140.

Control of the refrigeration cycle device 100 during cooling operation and heating operation will be explained. Details of the refrigerant amount measurement operation will be described later.

(Cooling operation)
When the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 is instructed to perform the cooling operation, the control unit 140 switches the flow path switching mechanism 125 as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1 so that the state of the refrigerant circulation path 150 becomes the first state described above. state, and the first compressor 122 is operated.

When the first compressor 122 is operated, the low pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is compressed and becomes the high pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 via the flow path switching mechanism 125, exchanges heat with the heat source air, and condenses to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the indoor unit 110 via the fully opened indoor expansion mechanism 113 and the liquid side communication pipe 132. The refrigerant R in a gas-liquid two-phase state sent to the indoor unit 110 is reduced in pressure to near the suction pressure of the first compressor 122 in the indoor expansion mechanism 113 whose opening degree is restricted, and becomes the refrigerant R in a gas-liquid two-phase state. Then, it is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 112. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant R exchanges heat with the air in the air-conditioned space in the indoor heat exchanger 112 and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 120 via the gas side communication pipe 131, and is sucked into the first compressor 122 again via the flow path switching mechanism 125. The temperature of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 112 decreases by exchanging heat with the refrigerant R flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 112. The air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 112 is blown out into the air-conditioned space.

(Heating operation)
When the refrigeration cycle device 100 is instructed to perform the heating operation, the control unit 140 switches the flow path switching mechanism 125 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 so that the state of the refrigerant circulation path 150 becomes the second state described above. state, and the first compressor 122 is operated.

When the first compressor 122 is operated, the low pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is compressed and becomes the high pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the indoor unit 110 via the flow path switching mechanism 125 and the gas side communication pipe 131. The refrigerant R sent to the indoor unit 110 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 112, where it exchanges heat with the air in the air-conditioned space, condenses, and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The temperature of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 112 increases by exchanging heat with the refrigerant R flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 112. The air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 112 is blown out into the air-conditioned space. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 112 is sent to the outdoor unit 120 via the fully opened indoor expansion mechanism 113 and the liquid side communication pipe 132. The refrigerant R sent to the outdoor unit 120 is depressurized to near the suction pressure of the first compressor 122 in the outdoor expansion mechanism 124 whose opening degree is restricted, and becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant R and sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 123. It will be done. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant R exchanges heat with the heat source air in the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the first compressor 122 again via the flow path switching mechanism 125.

The control unit 140 is realized by a computer. The control unit 140 includes a control calculation device and a storage device (both not shown). A processor such as a CPU or a GPU can be used as the control calculation device. The control arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device, and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing according to this program. Furthermore, the control calculation device can write calculation results to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device according to the program. The storage device can be used as a database. Specific functions realized by the control unit 140 will be described later.

Note that the configuration of the control unit 140 described here is only an example, and the functions of the control unit 140 described below may be realized by software or hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. It may be realized by

(2-2-6) Arithmetic Device The arithmetic device 470 is a device that performs arithmetic operations related to measuring the amount of refrigerant R in the storage section 460, and records and stores the measurement results in the storage section 472. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the arithmetic unit 470. The calculation device 470 includes a measurement calculation section 471 and a storage section 472. Arithmetic device 470 is electrically connected to electrode rod 461 and control section 140 . Arithmetic device 470 is controlled by control section 140.

The arithmetic device 470 may be installed near the location where the storage section 460 is installed, in a building where the refrigeration cycle device 100 or the storage section 460 is installed, in a server remote from the refrigeration cycle device 100, or the like. The measurement calculation section 471 and the storage section 472 may be provided at different locations.

The arithmetic unit 470 is realized by a computer. The arithmetic device 470 includes a control arithmetic device and a storage device (both not shown). A processor such as a CPU or a GPU can be used as the control calculation device. The control arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device, and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing according to this program. Furthermore, the control calculation device can write calculation results to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device according to the program. The storage device can be used as a database.

Note that the configuration of the arithmetic device 470 described here is only an example, and the functions of the arithmetic device 470 described below may be realized by software or hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. It may be realized by

(2-2-6-1) Measurement Calculation Unit The measurement calculation unit 471 performs calculations related to measuring the amount of refrigerant R in the storage unit 460, and records the measurement results in the storage unit 472. The measurement calculation section 471 is electrically connected to the electrode rod 461 and the control section 140. The measurement calculation section 471 is controlled by the control section 140. The detailed operation of the measurement calculation section 471 will be described later.

(2-2-6-2) Storage Unit The storage unit 472 is a storage device that stores the measurement results of the amount of refrigerant R in the storage unit 460. The storage section 472 is electrically connected to the measurement calculation section 471 and the control section 140. The storage unit 472 is controlled by the control unit 140.

(3) Operation The refrigerant amount measurement operation performed by the control unit 140 of the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 will be described.

(3-1) Refrigerant amount measurement operation The refrigerant amount measurement operation is performed by transferring refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation path 150 to the storage section 460, having the measuring section 401 measure the amount of refrigerant R, and circulating the refrigerant R from the storage section 460. This is an operation to return the path 150 to the path 150. The refrigerant amount measurement operation measures the amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigeration cycle device at each point in time from the start of use to the time of disposal. This operation is performed to clarify the leakage amount of refrigerant R from the refrigerant filling amount and the difference between the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use and at each time point. The refrigerant amount measuring operation includes a first refrigerant amount measuring operation and a second refrigerant amount measuring operation.

(3-1-1) First refrigerant amount measurement operation The first refrigerant amount measurement operation is to transfer refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to the storage section 460, and transfer the refrigerant R to the measurement section 401. This is an operation in which the amount of refrigerant R is measured and the refrigerant R is returned from the storage section 460 to the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A. The first refrigerant amount measuring operation will be explained by dividing into an operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, an operation of causing the measuring section 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, and an operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150. .

(3-1-1-1) Operation to transfer refrigerant to storage section (first half operation)
The first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 is an operation of mainly storing liquid refrigerant of the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation path 150. FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460.

In the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, the control section 140a opens the indoor expansion mechanism 113A for all indoor units 110A. Further, for the outdoor unit 120A, the control unit 140a sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to the closed state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125A to the first state, and operates the first compressor 122 (On). . Further, in the refrigerant amount measuring system 4, the control unit 140a opens the on-off valve 230b and closes the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230b. Specifically, the control unit 140a closes the on-off valve 230a, the on-off valve 230c, and the on-off valve 230d.

By performing the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, as shown by the arrow in FIG. Inhaled. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122A is discharged from the first compressor 122A, and then passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125A and the outdoor heat exchanger 123A. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid side branch pipe 129A. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid side branch pipe 129A passes through the second pipe 420 and the liquid side pipe 452 and flows into the storage section 460. Since the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230b of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 are in the closed state, the refrigerant R that has flowed in is stored in the storage section 460.

When the control section 140a executes the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 for a preset predetermined time T1, the control section 140a finishes the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 and stores the refrigerant R. The second half of the operation of transferring the data to the storage section 460 is started. The predetermined time T1 is set, for example, to a length that allows the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 150A to be stored in the storage section 460.

(Second half of operation)
The second half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 mainly uses the refrigerant R that is not completely stored in the storage section 460 even after performing the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 and remains in the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121. This is an operation for storing gas refrigerant in the storage section 460. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the latter half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460.

In the latter half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, the control section 140a opens the on-off valve 230a for the storage section 460. For other devices, the state of operation in the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 is maintained.

By performing the latter half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 pipe 410 . The refrigerant R that has flowed into the first pipe 410 is sent to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121A, passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125A, and is sucked by the first compressor 122A. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122A is discharged from the first compressor 122A and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid side branch pipe 129A. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid side branch pipe 129A passes through the second pipe 420 and returns to the storage section 460.

When the control unit 140a executes the second half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 for a preset predetermined time T2, the control unit 140a ends the second half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460. The predetermined time T2 is set, for example, to a length that allows the refrigerant R remaining in the refrigerant circulation path 150A to be recovered to the storage section 460 after the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 is performed.

(3-1-1-2) Operation for causing the measurement unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant R The operation for causing the measurement unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant R is the operation for causing the measurement unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant R stored in the storage unit 460. It is. The control unit 140a causes the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R when a preset predetermined time T3 has elapsed from the time when the second half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 is completed. .

(Principle of measurement)
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a storage section 460 in which refrigerant R is stored and an electrode rod 461. The capacitance C is determined by the distance X between the electrode rod 461 and the storage section 460, the dielectric constant ε of air and refrigerant R, and the electrode area S.

The positional relationship between the electrode rod 461 and the storage section 460 does not change. Therefore, the distance X between the electrode rod 461 and the storage section 460 is a fixed value.

When the temperature is constant, the dielectric constants ε of the air and the refrigerant R are also fixed values. For example, when the temperature is 0 degrees, the dielectric constant ε of air is 1.00059. When the temperature is 25 degrees and the refrigerant R is R32, the dielectric constant ε is 14.27. When the temperature is 25 degrees and the refrigerant R is R410A, the dielectric constant ε is 7.88.

Therefore, the capacitance C varies depending on the electrode area S. The width d of the cylindrical storage portion 460 is a fixed value. Therefore, the electrode area S is proportional to the liquid level height h of the refrigerant R.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the capacitance C and the liquid level h of the refrigerant R depending on the temperature. The dielectric constant ε of the refrigerant R decreases as the temperature increases, and increases as the temperature decreases.

Therefore, by measuring the capacitance C and the temperature of the refrigerant R and using other characteristic values, the liquid level h of the refrigerant R can be calculated, and the amount of refrigerant can be calculated.

(Measurement operation)
In the storage unit 472, the distance X, the width d, the dielectric constant ε of the air and the refrigerant R associated with the temperature, and the like are recorded in advance.

When the operation of causing the measurement unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant R is executed, the control unit 140a causes the electrode rod 461 to measure the capacitance C in the storage unit 460 via the measurement calculation unit 471. Further, the control unit 140a causes a thermometer (not shown) to measure the temperature of the refrigerant R. The measurement calculation unit 471 compares the measured temperature of the refrigerant R with the dielectric constant ε of the air and the refrigerant R associated with the temperature recorded in the storage unit 472, and calculates the dielectric constant ε of the air and the refrigerant R. demand. The measurement calculation unit 471 calculates the liquid level height of the refrigerant R based on the measured capacitance C, the distance X and width d recorded in the storage unit 472, and the determined dielectric constant ε of the air and refrigerant R. Find h and the amount of refrigerant R. The measurement calculation unit 471 records the determined amount of refrigerant R in the storage unit 472. The measurement calculation unit 471 may transmit the determined amount of refrigerant R to the control unit 140a.

The measurement calculation unit 471 may calculate the dielectric constant ε of air as 1 regardless of changes in temperature.

The refrigerant amount measurement system 4 measures the amount of refrigerant R based on the temperature of refrigerant R measured by a thermometer. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can accurately determine the amount of refrigerant R even if the temperature changes.

Note that the measurement calculation unit 471 may perform calculation processing to determine the difference between the measured amount of refrigerant and the amount of refrigerant charged at the start of use. In this case, the amount of refrigerant charged at the time of start of use is recorded in advance in the storage unit 472. The measurement calculation unit 471 performs calculation processing based on the refrigerant charging amount at the start of use stored in the storage unit 472 and the measured refrigerant amount. Thereby, the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can reduce the burden of the work of clarifying the amount of leakage of the refrigerant R.

The measurement calculation unit 471 also calculates the amount of refrigerant charged at the time of starting use, the amount of refrigerant charged after starting use, the amount of refrigerant filled immediately before disposal, and the difference between the measured amount of refrigerant and the amount of refrigerant filled at the time of starting use. It may be determined whether or not the refrigerant R has leaked. In this case, the storage unit 472 records in advance at least one of the refrigerant filling amount at the time of starting use, the refrigerant filling amount after use, and the refrigerant filling amount immediately before disposal. The measurement calculation unit 471 stores at least one of the refrigerant filling amount at the time of start of use, the refrigerant filling amount after the start of use, and the refrigerant filling amount immediately before disposal, which is stored in the storage unit 472, and the measured refrigerant amount. Based on the difference between the amount of refrigerant and the amount of refrigerant charged at the start of use, it is determined whether or not refrigerant R has leaked. Thereby, the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can reduce the burden of the work of clarifying the amount of leakage of the refrigerant R.

Furthermore, when it is determined that the refrigerant R has leaked, the measurement calculation unit 471 calculates the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount after the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount immediately before disposal, and the measured refrigerant amount and the start of use. Calculation processing may be performed to determine the leakage amount of the refrigerant R based on the difference between the refrigerant filling amount and the refrigerant filling amount at the time. Thereby, the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can reduce the burden of the work of clarifying the amount of leakage of the refrigerant R.

(3-1-1-3) Operation of returning the refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation path 150 The operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150 is an operation of filling the refrigerant circulation path 150 with the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460. It is. In the following description, a case will be explained in which the refrigerant R is returned to the first refrigeration cycle device 100A as an example. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150.

In the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150, the control unit 140a, for the outdoor unit 120A, opens the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125A to the first state, and 1 compressor 122A is operated (ON). Further, the control unit 140a opens the on-off valve 230a, and closes the on-off valve 230b, the on-off valve 230c, and the on-off valve 230d.

By performing the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150, as shown by the arrow in FIG. It acts into the storage section 460 via the branch pipe 128A and the first pipe 410. Due to the suction pressure acting within the storage section 460, the refrigerant R within the storage section 460 flows into the first pipe 410 and is filled into the refrigerant circulation path 150 via the gas side branch pipe 128A.

After executing the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150 for a preset predetermined time T4, the control unit 140a ends the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150. The predetermined time T4 is set, for example, to a length that allows the refrigerant circulation path 150 to be filled with the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460.

(3-1-2) Second refrigerant amount measurement operation The second refrigerant amount measurement operation is to transfer refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B to the storage section 460, and transfer the refrigerant R to the measurement section 401. This is an operation in which the amount of refrigerant R is measured and the refrigerant R is returned from the storage section 460 to the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. The second refrigerant amount measuring operation is similar to the first refrigerant amount measuring operation. Therefore, the second refrigerant amount measuring operation will be briefly explained.

(3-1-2-1) Operation to transfer refrigerant to storage section (first half operation)
In the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, the control section 140b opens the indoor expansion mechanism 113B for all indoor units 110B. Further, for the outdoor unit 120B, the control unit 140b brings the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B into the closed state, brings the flow path switching mechanism 125B into the first state, and operates the first compressor 122 (On). . Further, the control unit 140b opens the on-off valve 230d and closes the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230d. Specifically, the control unit 140b closes the on-off valve 230a, the on-off valve 230b, and the on-off valve 230c.

By performing the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, the refrigerant R in the indoor refrigerant flow path 111B is sucked by the first compressor 122B of the outdoor unit 120B. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122B is discharged from the first compressor 122B, and then passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125B and the outdoor heat exchanger 123B. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid side branch pipe 129B. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid side branch pipe 129B passes through the fourth pipe 440 and the liquid side pipe 452 and flows into the storage section 460. Since the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230d of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 are in the closed state, the refrigerant R that has flowed in is stored in the storage section 460.

When the control section 140d executes the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 for a preset predetermined time T1, the control section 140d finishes the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 and stores the refrigerant R. The second half of the operation of transferring the data to the storage section 460 is started. The predetermined time T1 is set, for example, to a length that allows the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 150B to be stored in the storage section 460.

(Second half of operation)
In the latter half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, the control section 140d opens the on-off valve 230c. For other devices, the state of operation in the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 is maintained.

By performing the latter half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, gas refrigerant among the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460 flows into the third pipe 430 through the on-off valve 230c. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the third pipe 430 is sent to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121B, passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125B, and is sucked by the first compressor 122B. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122B is discharged from the first compressor 122B and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid side branch pipe 129B. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid side branch pipe 129B passes through the fourth pipe 440 and returns to the storage section 460.

When the control unit 140b executes the second half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 for a preset predetermined time T2, the control unit 140b ends the second half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460. The predetermined time T2 is set, for example, to a length that allows the refrigerant remaining in the refrigerant circulation path 150B to be recovered to the storage section 460 after the latter half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 is performed.

(3-1-2-2) Operation for causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant This operation is similar to the operation of causing the section 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant.

(3-1-2-3) Operation of returning the refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation path 150 In the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150, the control unit 140b performs the outdoor expansion of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B with respect to the outdoor unit 120B. The mechanism 124B is opened, the flow path switching mechanism 125B is set to the first state, and the first compressor 122B is operated (ON). Further, the control unit 140b opens the on-off valve 230c, and closes the on-off valve 230a, the on-off valve 230b, and the on-off valve 230d.

By performing the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150, the suction pressure of the first compressor 122B of the outdoor unit 120B increases the flow path switching mechanism 125, the gas side branch pipe 128B, and the third pipe 430. It acts on the inside of the reservoir 460 via. Due to the suction pressure acting within the storage section 460, the refrigerant R within the storage section 460 flows into the third pipe 430 and is filled into the refrigerant circulation path 150 via the gas side branch pipe 128B.

After executing the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150 for a preset predetermined time T4, the control unit 140b ends the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150. The predetermined time T4 is set, for example, to a length that allows the refrigerant circulation path 150 to be filled with the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460.

(4) Features (4-1)
The refrigerant amount measurement system 4 includes a connection section 400, a storage section 460, a measurement section 401, and a storage section 472. The connecting portion 400 is connected to the first refrigerant circuit of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A. The storage section 460 stores the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit via the connection section 400 and returns the stored refrigerant R to the first refrigerant circuit via the connection section 400. The measurement unit 401 measures the amount of refrigerant R in the storage unit 460. The storage unit 472 stores the measurement results measured by the measurement unit 401.

The present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 stores the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit in a storage section 460 that is externally connected to the first refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant amount measurement system 4 measures the amount of refrigerant R and stores the measurement results. The refrigerant amount measuring system 4 returns the stored refrigerant R to the first refrigerant circuit from a storage section 460 that is externally connected to the first refrigerant circuit. Since the storage section 460 is externally connected, the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit does not flow to the storage section 460 when the first refrigeration cycle device 100A is normally operated. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measuring system can clarify the refrigerant filling amount and leakage amount of the first refrigerant circuit without causing additional refrigerant amount or pressure loss.

The refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 measures the difference in liquid level height using a liquid level detection section. Users of this refrigeration system can determine the difference in liquid level height between points in time using the liquid level detection unit, and can identify refrigerant shortages (refrigerant leaks). However, it is difficult for users of this refrigeration system to grasp the filling amount itself (initial filling amount, filling amount at any given point, etc.). Therefore, the user of this refrigeration system cannot associate the filling amount with the time point and grasp the detailed history of filling and leakage.

This refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can measure the filling amount at any time. The user of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can not only determine whether or not the refrigerant R has leaked, but also be able to ascertain the filling amount in association with any time point. The user of the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can grasp details of the circumstances surrounding filling and leakage. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit.

When manually recording the filling amount measurement results, the work increases and there is a risk that measurement results may be omitted due to human error or may be lost due to aging of the recording medium. The present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 stores the measurement results measured by the measurement unit 401 in the storage unit 472. The user of the present refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can grasp the measurement results of the filling amount without omission, and can reduce the work required to memorize the measurement results. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit, and can reduce the effort required to store the measurement results.

(4-2)
In the refrigerant amount measuring system 4, the connecting portion 400 includes a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420. Further, an on-off valve 230 is provided in each of the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420.

The connection section 400 of the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 has a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420. Therefore, in the refrigerant amount measuring system 4, the refrigerant R can be divided into a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420 for each state and connected to the first refrigerant circuit. Further, an on-off valve 230 is provided in each of the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can allow or block communication between the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420.

(4-3)
The refrigerant amount measurement system 4 further includes a control section 140. The control unit 140 performs a first refrigerant amount measurement operation. The first refrigerant amount measuring operation controls the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the on-off valve 230, moves the refrigerant R from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage section 460, causes the measuring section 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, This is an operation for returning the refrigerant R from the storage section 460 to the first refrigerant circuit.

The control unit 140 of the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 performs a first refrigerant amount measurement operation. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can reduce the effort required to clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit.

The present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can automatically measure the filling amount by the control unit 140. The refrigerant amount measurement system 4 stores the automatically measured filling amount in the storage unit 472. The user of the present refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can grasp the filling amount that was automatically measured at a past point in time using the storage unit 472. Therefore, the user of the present refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can associate the filling amount with a past point in time and grasp the circumstances surrounding filling and leakage in more detail. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit.

(4-4)
In the refrigerant amount measuring system 4, a connecting portion 400 is also connected to the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. Moreover, the control unit 140 further includes a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440, each of which is provided with an on-off valve 230. Further, the connecting portion 400 is connected to the first refrigerant circuit by a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420, and connected to the second refrigerant circuit by a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440.

The connection part 400 of the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 is also connected to the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can also clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit. Furthermore, the connection section 400 of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 includes a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440. Therefore, in the refrigerant amount measuring system 4, the refrigerant R can be divided into a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440 for each state and connected to the second refrigerant circuit. Further, an on-off valve 230 is provided in each of the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can allow or block communication between the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440.

(4-5)
In the refrigerant amount measurement system 4, the control unit 140 further performs a second refrigerant amount measurement operation. The second refrigerant amount measuring operation controls the second refrigeration cycle device 100B and the on-off valve 230, transfers the refrigerant R from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage section 460, causes the measuring section 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, This is an operation for returning the refrigerant R from the storage section 460 to the second refrigerant circuit.

The control unit 140 of the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 further performs a second refrigerant amount measurement operation. Therefore, the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can also reduce the effort required to clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit.

(4-6)
In the refrigerant amount measurement system 4, the measurement unit 401 includes an electrode rod 461.

The measurement unit 401 of the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 has an electrode rod 461. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R using the electrode rod 461.

(4-7)
The refrigerant usage system 1 includes a refrigerant amount measuring system 4 and a refrigeration cycle device 100.

This refrigerant usage system 1 includes a refrigerant amount measuring system 4 and a refrigeration cycle device 100. Therefore, the present refrigerant-using system 1 can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R of the refrigeration cycle device 100 included in the present refrigerant-using system 1.

(5) Modification (5-1) Modification 1A
In the refrigerant amount measurement operation of the embodiment described above, the refrigerant R was returned to the refrigerant circulation path 150 by the suction pressure. However, the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150 is not limited to this. For example, the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A will be described. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150.

In the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150, the control unit 140a sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to the open state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125A to the second state, and sets the outdoor unit 120A to the second state. 1 compressor 122A is operated (ON). Further, the control unit 140a opens the on-off valve 230a and the on-off valve 230b, and closes the on-off valve 230c and the on-off valve 230d.

By performing the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150, as shown by the arrow in FIG. It acts into the storage section 460 via the branch pipe 128A and the first pipe 410. Due to the discharge pressure acting in the storage section 460, the refrigerant R in the storage section 460 bypasses the check valve 455, flows into the second pipe 420, and flows into the refrigerant circulation path 150 via the liquid side branch pipe 129. is filled with.

Note that the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B may also be performed in the same manner as described above.

(5-2) Modification example 1B
The control unit 140 may perform the first refrigerant amount measurement operation and the second refrigerant amount measurement operation at different times. By electrically connecting the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b to mutually cooperate, the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b perform the first refrigerant amount measurement operation and the second refrigerant amount measurement operation at different times. I can do it.

The control unit 140 of the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 according to the present embodiment performs the first refrigerant amount measurement operation and the second refrigerant amount measurement operation at different times. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can separate the filling amount and leakage amount of refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit from the filling amount and leakage amount of refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit, and can clarify each.

(5-3) Modification example 1C
The control unit 140 may perform the first refrigerant amount measurement operation during a time period when the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A is stopped. Further, the control unit 140 may perform the second refrigerant amount measuring operation during a time period when the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B is stopped. Examples of normal operation include cooling operation, heating operation, hot water supply operation, refrigeration operation, freezing operation, and floor heating operation.

The control unit 140 of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 according to this embodiment performs the first refrigerant amount measuring operation during the time period when the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A is stopped. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is not affected by the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A, and can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit. Further, the control unit 140 performs the second refrigerant amount measurement operation during a time period when the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B is stopped. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is not affected by the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B, and can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit.

(5-4) Modification example 1D
The on-off valve 230 in the embodiment described above is controlled by the control unit 140 and automatically allows or blocks communication between the pipes. However, in addition to or in place of the embodiments described above, the on-off valve 230 may manually allow or block communication between the pipes.

By manually allowing or blocking pipe communication with the on-off valve 230, it is possible to allow or block pipe communication even in situations where control by the control unit 140 is difficult.

<Second embodiment>
(1) Configuration A refrigerant-using system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, focusing on differences from the refrigerant-using system 1 according to the first embodiment.

The control unit 140 of the refrigerant-using system 1 according to the second embodiment performs a storage operation in addition to the operation performed by the control unit 140 of the refrigerant-using system 1 according to the first embodiment.

(2) Operation (2-1) Storage operation The storage operation is an operation to transfer the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation path 150 to the storage section 460 when the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation path 150. The storage operation is performed, for example, in order to suppress further leakage of the refrigerant R when the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation path 150. The storage operation includes a first storage operation and a second storage operation.

(2-1-1) First storage operation The first storage operation is performed when the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A. This is the action of moving. The first storage operation includes a first half operation and a second half operation.

(First half of action)
The first half of the first storage operation is an operation for mainly storing liquid refrigerant of the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation path 150. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of refrigerant R in the first half of the first storage operation.

In the first half of the first storage operation, the control unit 140a opens the indoor expansion mechanism 113A for all indoor units 110A. Further, for the outdoor unit 120A, the control unit 140a sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to the closed state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125A to the first state, and operates the first compressor 122 (On). . Further, in the refrigerant amount measuring system 4, the control unit 140a opens the on-off valve 230b and closes the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230b. Specifically, the control unit 140a closes the on-off valve 230a, the on-off valve 230c, and the on-off valve 230d.

By performing the first half of the first storage operation, the refrigerant R in the indoor refrigerant flow path 111A is sucked by the first compressor 122A of the outdoor unit 120A, as shown by the arrow in FIG. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122A is discharged from the first compressor 122A, and then passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125A and the outdoor heat exchanger 123A. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid side branch pipe 129A. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid side branch pipe 129A passes through the second pipe 420 and the liquid side pipe 452 and flows into the storage section 460. Since the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230b of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 are in the closed state, the refrigerant R that has flowed in is stored in the storage section 460.

When the control unit 140a executes the first half of the first storage operation for a preset predetermined time T5, the control unit 140a ends the first half of the first storage operation and starts the second half of the first storage operation. Start. The predetermined time T5 is set, for example, to a length that allows the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 150A to be stored in the storage section 460.

(Second half of operation)
The second half of the first storage operation mainly stores gas refrigerant in the storage section 460, which is not fully stored in the storage section 460 even by performing the first half of the first storage operation and remains in the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121. This is an action to do. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of refrigerant R in the second half of the first storage operation.

In the second half of the first storage operation, the control unit 140a opens the on-off valve 230a. For other devices, the operating state of the first half of the first storage operation is maintained.

By performing the second half of the first storage operation, the gas refrigerant among the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460 flows into the first pipe 410 through the on-off valve 230a, as shown by the arrow in FIG. Inflow. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the first pipe 410 is sent to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121A, passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125A, and is sucked by the first compressor 122A. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122A is discharged from the first compressor 122A and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid side branch pipe 129A. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid side branch pipe 129A passes through the second pipe 420 and returns to the storage section 460.

After executing the second half of the first storage operation for a preset predetermined time T6, the control unit 140a ends the second half of the first storage operation. The predetermined time T6 is set, for example, to a length that allows the refrigerant R remaining in the refrigerant circulation path 150A to be collected into the storage section 460 after the first half of the first storage operation is performed.

As explained above, when the control section 140a executes the first storage operation, even if the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation path 150A, the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation path 150A is transferred to the storage section 460. Since the refrigerant R is stored in the refrigerant R, leakage of the refrigerant R is further suppressed.

(2-1-2) Second storage operation The second storage operation is performed when refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation path 150 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. This is the action of moving. The second storage operation is similar to the first storage operation.

(First half of action)
In the first half of the second storage operation, the control unit 140b opens the indoor expansion mechanisms 113B for all indoor units 110B. Further, for the outdoor unit 120B, the control unit 140b brings the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B into the closed state, brings the flow path switching mechanism 125B into the first state, and operates the first compressor 122 (On). . Further, the control unit 140b opens the on-off valve 230d and closes the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230d. Specifically, the control unit 140b closes the on-off valve 230a, the on-off valve 230b, and the on-off valve 230c.

By performing the first half of the second storage operation, the refrigerant R in the indoor refrigerant flow path 111B is sucked by the first compressor 122B of the outdoor unit 120B. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122B is discharged from the first compressor 122B, and then passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125B and the outdoor heat exchanger 123B. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid side branch pipe 129B. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid side branch pipe 129B passes through the fourth pipe 440 and the liquid side pipe 452 and flows into the storage section 460. Since the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230d of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 are in the closed state, the refrigerant R that has flowed in is stored in the storage section 460.

When the control unit 140d executes the first half of the second storage operation for a preset predetermined time T7, the control unit 140d ends the first half of the second storage operation and starts the second half of the second storage operation. Start. The predetermined time T7 is set, for example, to a length that allows the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 150B to be stored in the storage section 460.

(Second half of operation)
In the latter half of the second storage operation, the control unit 140d opens the on-off valve 230c. For other devices, the state of operation in the first half of the operation of transferring the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 is maintained.

By performing the second half of the second storage operation, gas refrigerant among the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460 flows into the third pipe 430 through the on-off valve 230c. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the third pipe 430 is sent to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121B, passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125B, and is sucked by the first compressor 122B. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122B is discharged from the first compressor 122B and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid side branch pipe 129B. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid side branch pipe 129B passes through the fourth pipe 440 and returns to the storage section 460.

After executing the second half of the second storage operation for a preset predetermined time T8, the control unit 140b ends the second half of the second storage operation. The predetermined time T8 is set, for example, to a length that allows the refrigerant remaining in the refrigerant circulation path 150B to be collected into the storage section 460 after the second half of the second storage operation is performed.

As explained above, when the control unit 140b executes the second storage operation, even if the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation path 150B, the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation path 150B is transferred to the storage section 460. Since the refrigerant R is stored in the refrigerant R, leakage of the refrigerant R is further suppressed.

(3) Features In the refrigerant amount measuring system 4, the control unit 140 performs a first storage operation and a second storage operation. The first storage operation is an operation to transfer the refrigerant R from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage section 460 when the refrigerant R leaks from the first refrigerant circuit. The second storage operation is an operation to transfer the refrigerant R from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage section 460 when the refrigerant R leaks from the second refrigerant circuit.

The control unit 140 of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 performs a first storage operation. Therefore, in the case where the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit leaks, the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can store the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit in the storage section 460 and suppress release of the refrigerant R into the atmosphere. Further, the control unit 140 of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 performs a second storage operation. Therefore, in the case where the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit leaks, the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can store the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit in the storage section 460 and suppress release of the refrigerant R into the atmosphere.

<Third embodiment>
(1) Overall Configuration A refrigerant-using system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, focusing on differences from the refrigerant-using system 1 according to the first embodiment.

The measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant-using system 1 according to the third embodiment further includes a cylindrical member 462 in addition to the components of the measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant-using system 1 according to the first embodiment. The measurement section 401 includes a measurement calculation section 471, an electrode rod 461, and a cylindrical member 462.

(2) Detailed Configuration FIG. 12A is a schematic configuration diagram showing the storage section 460, the electrode rod 461, and the cylindrical member 462. The cylindrical member 462 is a member that surrounds the electrode rod 461. FIG. 12B is a sectional view showing the A section in FIG. 12A. Unlike the first embodiment, the measurement calculation unit 471 uses the distance X between the electrode rod 461 and the cylindrical member 462 in measuring the amount of refrigerant.

The cylindrical member 462 allows the measurement unit 401 to accurately measure the amount of refrigerant even when the positional relationship between the reservoir 460 and the electrode rod 461 changes or when the shape of the wall of the reservoir 460 changes. Furthermore, since the refrigerant amount can be measured with high precision regardless of the shape of the storage portion 460, the shape of the electrode rod 461, the position of the electrode rod 461, etc., the design and manufacture of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is facilitated.

(3) Features In the refrigerant amount measurement system 4, the measurement unit 401 further includes a cylindrical member 462 surrounding the electrode rod 461.

The measurement unit 401 of the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 further includes a cylindrical member 462 surrounding the electrode rod 461. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R using the cylindrical member 462.

(4) Modification (4-1) Modification 1A
In the above embodiment, the measurement unit 401 measured the amount of refrigerant R using a capacitive method. However, the method of measuring the amount of refrigerant by the measurement unit 401 is not limited to this. The measurement unit 401 may measure the amount of refrigerant R using at least one of a radio wave type, an ultrasonic type, a float type, a pressure type, a differential pressure type, and a capacitance type.

The radio wave method is a method that measures the amount of refrigerant by measuring the time it takes for radio waves to reflect on the liquid surface of refrigerant R and return. The ultrasonic method is a method that measures the amount of refrigerant by measuring the time it takes for ultrasonic waves to reflect on the liquid surface of refrigerant R and return. The float type is a method that measures the amount of refrigerant by measuring the height of a float floating on the liquid level of refrigerant R. The pressure method is a method of measuring the amount of refrigerant by measuring the pressure value at the bottom of the refrigerant R. The differential pressure method is a method that measures the amount of refrigerant by measuring the differential pressure value between the bottom surface of the liquid and the top surface of the storage section 460.

In the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 according to the present embodiment, the measurement unit 401 measures the amount of refrigerant R using at least one of a radio wave type, an ultrasonic type, a float type, a pressure type, a differential pressure type, and a capacitance type. Measure.

The measurement unit 401 of the present refrigerant amount measurement system 4 measures the amount of refrigerant R using at least one of a radio wave type, an ultrasonic type, a float type, a pressure type, a differential pressure type, and a capacitance type. Therefore, the present refrigerant amount measuring system 4 can clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R based on various methods.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims.

1 Refrigerant usage system 4 Refrigerant amount measurement system 100 Refrigeration cycle device 100A First refrigeration cycle device 100B Second refrigeration cycle device 110 Indoor unit 111 Indoor refrigerant flow path 112 Indoor heat exchanger 113 Indoor expansion mechanism 114 Gas side connection part 115 Liquid side Connection part 116 Detection part 120 Outdoor unit 121 Outdoor refrigerant flow path 121b First refrigerant pipe 121c Second refrigerant pipe 121d Third refrigerant pipe 122 First compressor 123 Outdoor heat exchanger 124 Outdoor expansion mechanism 125 Flow path switching mechanism 126 Gas side Connection part 127 Liquid side connection part 128 Gas side branch pipe 129 Liquid side branch pipe 131 Gas side communication pipe 132 Liquid side communication pipe 140 (140a, 140b) Control part 150 Refrigerant circulation path 230 (230a, 230b, 230c, 230d) Opening/closing Valve 400 Connection part 401 Measuring part 410 First pipe 420 Second pipe 430 Third pipe 440 Fourth pipe 451 Gas side piping 452 Liquid side piping 455 Check valve 460 Storage part 461 Electrode rod 462 Cylinder member 470 Arithmetic device 471 Measurement calculation Section 472 Storage section

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-190545

Claims

a connection part (400) connected to the first refrigerant circuit of the first refrigeration cycle device (100A);
a storage section (460) that stores the refrigerant (R) in the first refrigerant circuit via the connection section and returns the stored refrigerant to the first refrigerant circuit via the connection section;
a measurement unit (401) that measures the amount of the refrigerant in the storage unit;
a storage unit (472) that stores measurement results measured by the measurement unit;
A refrigerant amount measuring system (4) comprising:
The connection part has a first pipe (410) and a second pipe (420),
An on-off valve (230) is provided in each of the first pipe and the second pipe,
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to claim 1.
The first refrigeration cycle device and the on-off valve are controlled to transfer the refrigerant from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage section, cause the measurement section to measure the amount of the refrigerant, and transfer the refrigerant from the storage section to the storage section. a control unit (140) that performs a first refrigerant amount measurement operation to return the refrigerant to the first refrigerant circuit;
further comprising,
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to claim 2.
The connection part is also connected to a second refrigerant circuit of a second refrigeration cycle device (100B),
The connecting portion further includes a third pipe (430) and a fourth pipe (440) each provided with an on-off valve,
The connecting portion is connected to the first refrigerant circuit by the first pipe and the second pipe, and connected to the second refrigerant circuit by the third pipe and the fourth pipe.
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to claim 3.
The control unit controls the second refrigeration cycle device and the on-off valve to transfer the refrigerant from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage unit, causes the measurement unit to measure the amount of the refrigerant, and controls the refrigerant. further performing a second refrigerant amount measurement operation of returning the refrigerant from the storage section to the second refrigerant circuit;
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to claim 4.
The control unit performs the first refrigerant amount measurement operation and the second refrigerant amount measurement operation at different times.
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to claim 5.
The control unit performs the first refrigerant amount measurement operation during a time period when normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device is stopped;
The control unit performs the second refrigerant amount measurement operation during a time period when normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device is stopped.
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to claim 5 or 6.
The control unit performs a first storage operation to transfer the refrigerant from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage unit when the refrigerant leaks from the first refrigerant circuit,
The control unit performs a second storage operation of transferring the refrigerant from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage unit when the refrigerant leaks from the second refrigerant circuit.
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.
The measurement unit has an electrode rod (461),
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
The measurement unit further includes a cylindrical member (462) surrounding the electrode rod.
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to claim 9.
The measurement unit measures the amount of the refrigerant using at least one of a radio wave type, an ultrasonic type, a float type, a pressure type, a differential pressure type, and a capacitance type.
The refrigerant amount measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
A refrigeration cycle device,
Having the refrigerant amount measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Refrigerant usage system (1).