JP2018124009A - Refrigeration unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a freezing device for improving the detection accuracy of refrigerant leakage. An air conditioning system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1 arranged in a building and constituting a refrigerant circuit RC, a connection connecting pipe 3, a cover portion 75, and a refrigerant leakage sensor 65. The refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1 has a main body 71 that constitutes the outer shell and a connecting refrigerant pipe 2 located outside the main body 71. The connection connecting pipe 3 is connected to the connecting refrigerant pipe 2 and forms a refrigerant flow path between the refrigerant circuit constituent unit 1 and other units. The cover portion 75 covers the connecting portion J1 of the connecting refrigerant pipe 2 and the connecting connecting pipe 3. The refrigerant leakage sensor 65 detects the refrigerant leaked from the refrigerant circuit RC. The cover portion 75 includes a bottom portion 76 that covers the lower part of the connecting portion J1, a side portion 78 that covers the side of the connecting portion J1, and an upper portion 77 that covers the upper side of the connecting portion J1. The refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is arranged inside the cover portion 75. [Selection diagram] FIG. 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigeration apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant leak sensor that detects a leaked refrigerant (leakage refrigerant) when refrigerant leaks from a refrigerant circuit is known. For example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-81160), in view of the fact that refrigerant leakage is likely to occur at the connection portion between the indoor unit and the communication pipe constituting the refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant leakage sensor is provided near the connection portion. An arranged air conditioner is disclosed. In Patent Document 1, based on the fact that the specific gravity of the leaking refrigerant is larger than that of air, a leaking refrigerant receiving part is installed below the connection part, and even when the amount of the leaking refrigerant is small, the refrigerant leak is accurately detected. It is planned to do.

  In the refrigeration apparatus as described above, from the viewpoint of safety, it is important to detect quickly and accurately when refrigerant leakage occurs. In this regard, in Patent Document 1, a receiving portion is provided below the pipe connection portion where refrigerant leakage is likely to occur in order to increase the detection accuracy of refrigerant leakage. Depending on the direction and speed of leakage, a case is assumed where the leaked refrigerant falls off the receiving part and does not collect properly in the receiving part. That is, in patent document 1, depending on the direction and speed at which the refrigerant leaks, the refrigerant leak cannot be detected quickly and appropriately, and the refrigerant leak detection accuracy is not excellent.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration apparatus that improves the detection accuracy of refrigerant leakage.

  A refrigeration apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit constituent unit, a communication pipe, a cover member, and a refrigerant leakage sensor. The refrigerant circuit constituting unit is a unit constituting the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit component unit is disposed in the building. The refrigerant circuit constituent unit has a casing and a refrigerant pipe. The casing constitutes the outline of the refrigerant circuit constituting unit. The refrigerant pipe is located outside the casing. The connecting pipe is connected to the refrigerant pipe. The communication pipe forms a refrigerant flow path between the refrigerant circuit constituent unit and other units. The cover member covers a connection portion between the refrigerant pipe and the communication pipe. The refrigerant leak sensor detects refrigerant leaked from the refrigerant circuit. The cover member includes a bottom portion, a side portion, and an upper portion. The bottom part covers the lower part of the connection part. The side part covers the side of the connection part. The upper part covers the upper part of the connection part. The refrigerant leakage sensor is disposed inside the cover member.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the cover member includes a bottom portion that covers the lower portion of the connection portion between the refrigerant pipe and the communication pipe located outside the casing of the refrigerant circuit component unit, and a side that covers the side of the connection portion. And an upper part covering the upper part of the connection part. Thereby, when the refrigerant leaks from the connection portion, it is promoted that the leaked refrigerant stays in the space inside the cover member regardless of the direction and speed at which the refrigerant leaks. Further, since the refrigerant leakage sensor is installed inside the cover member, the refrigerant staying in the space inside the cover member is detected quickly and with high accuracy by the refrigerant leakage sensor. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the connection portion, it is possible to detect the refrigerant leak quickly and with high accuracy. That is, the accuracy of detecting refrigerant leakage is improved.

  Here, the “refrigerant circuit configuration unit” includes an indoor unit having a heat exchanger for the refrigerant installed in a target space where air conditioning is performed or a ceiling space, and a valve for switching the refrigerant flow. And a flow path switching unit (intermediate unit).

  The “other unit” includes an outdoor unit that is disposed outside the target space and has a refrigerant heat exchanger, a channel switching unit for the indoor unit, an indoor unit for the channel switching unit, and the like.

  The “connection portion” between the refrigerant pipe and the communication pipe includes a connection portion by a known method such as flare connection, brazing connection, or screw connection.

  The refrigeration apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a first heat insulating material. The first heat insulating material covers the connection portion inside the cover member. Thereby, a reliability fall is suppressed.

  That is, when the connection portion is not covered with the heat insulating material, it is assumed that condensed water is generated in the connection portion cooled by the passage of the refrigerant, but the connection portion is covered with the first heat insulating material. As a result, the occurrence of dew condensation water at the connection portion is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated at the connection portion from entering the refrigerant leak sensor and causing the malfunction or malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor. Therefore, a decrease in reliability is suppressed.

  The refrigeration apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and further includes a second heat insulating material and a third heat insulating material. The second heat insulating material covers the refrigerant pipe inside the cover member. The third heat insulating material covers the communication pipe inside the cover member. The connecting portion is located away from the covering portions of the second heat insulating material and the third heat insulating material. Thereby, a reliability fall is suppressed.

  That is, when the refrigerant pipe and the connecting pipe are not covered with the heat insulating material, it is assumed that condensed water is generated in the refrigerant pipe and the connecting pipe cooled by the passage of the refrigerant. Is covered with the second heat insulating material or the third heat insulating material, so that the formation of condensed water in the refrigerant pipe and the communication pipe is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated in the refrigerant pipe and the communication pipe from entering the refrigerant leak sensor and causing a malfunction or malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor. Therefore, a decrease in reliability is suppressed.

  A refrigeration apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the cover member includes a casing heat insulating material inside or outside thereof. The casing heat insulating material insulates the inside and the outside of the cover member.

  Thereby, a reliability fall is suppressed. That is, when the cover member is not covered with the heat insulating material, it is assumed that the temperature of the internal space itself of the cover member is lowered during the circulation of the refrigerant, and condensation water is generated in the inner surface portion of the cover member. The material suppresses the formation of condensed water on the inner surface of the cover member. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated on the inner surface of the cover member from entering the refrigerant leak sensor and causing a malfunction or malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor. Therefore, a decrease in reliability is suppressed.

  Further, the cover member itself is covered with the casing heat insulating material, so that the airtightness of the space inside the cover member is enhanced. As a result, when the refrigerant leaks from the connection portion, it is further promoted that the leaked refrigerant stays in the cover member regardless of the direction and speed at which the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the connection portion, it is possible to detect the refrigerant leak more quickly and with high accuracy.

  A refrigeration apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and the refrigerant leakage sensor is disposed on the bottom. This makes it possible to detect the leakage of the leaked refrigerant more quickly and with high accuracy. That is, when the specific gravity of the refrigerant leaking from the connection portion is larger than the air, the leaked refrigerant falls and stays at the bottom of the cover member. It becomes possible to detect the refrigerant leakage more rapidly and with high accuracy.

  A refrigeration apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cover member is formed with a piping through hole. The pipe through hole is a hole for inserting a refrigerant pipe or a communication pipe. The edge of the pipe through hole extends along the direction in which the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe extends. As a result, it becomes easier to insert the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe into the pipe through hole when constructing the cover member, the workability of the cover member is improved, and the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe is brought into contact with the edge portion of the pipe through hole. It is suppressed that piping is damaged.

  Here, the “edge” is configured to “extend along the direction in which the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe extends” by a known method such as burring.

  A refrigeration apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and the cover member includes a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member are configured as separate bodies. The cover member is configured by combining the first member and the second member with the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe interposed therebetween. Thereby, when constructing the cover member, it becomes easy to insert the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe into the pipe through hole, and the workability of the cover member is improved.

  A refrigeration apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe branches in a plurality of directions inside the cover member. Thereby, even when the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe is branched in a plurality of directions in the cover member, the refrigerant leakage at the connection portion can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

  A refrigeration apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and the refrigerant circuit constituent unit includes a plurality of refrigerant pipes. The communication pipe includes a liquid refrigerant communication pipe and a gas refrigerant communication pipe. The cover member covers a connection part between the liquid refrigerant communication pipe and the refrigerant pipe and a connection part between the gas refrigerant communication pipe and the refrigerant pipe. Thereby, even when there are a plurality of connection portions, it is possible to quickly and accurately detect refrigerant leakage at each connection portion.

  Here, the “liquid refrigerant communication pipe” is a communication pipe through which mainly liquid refrigerant (including a saturated or supercooled liquid refrigerant and a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant) flows. The “gas refrigerant communication pipe” is a communication pipe through which mainly a gas refrigerant (including a gas refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state in addition to a gas refrigerant in a saturated state or an overheated state) flows.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the refrigerant leaks from the connection portion, it is promoted that the leaked refrigerant stays in the space inside the cover member regardless of the direction and speed at which the refrigerant leaks. In addition, since the refrigerant leak sensor is installed inside the cover member, the refrigerant staying in the space inside the cover member is detected quickly and with high accuracy by the refrigerant leak sensor. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the connection portion, it is possible to detect the refrigerant leak quickly and with high accuracy. That is, the accuracy of detecting refrigerant leakage is improved.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated at the connection portion from entering the refrigerant leak sensor and causing the refrigerant leak sensor to malfunction or malfunction. Therefore, a decrease in reliability is suppressed.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated in the refrigerant pipe and the communication pipe from entering the refrigerant leak sensor and causing a malfunction or malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor. Therefore, a decrease in reliability is suppressed.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated on the inner surface of the cover member from entering the refrigerant leakage sensor and causing a failure or malfunction of the refrigerant leakage sensor. Therefore, a decrease in reliability is suppressed. Further, when the refrigerant leaks from the connection portion, it is further promoted that the leaked refrigerant stays in the cover member regardless of the direction and speed at which the refrigerant leaks. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the connection portion, it is possible to detect the refrigerant leak more quickly and with high accuracy.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect the leakage of the leaked refrigerant more quickly and with high accuracy.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the workability of the cover member is improved, and the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe is prevented from being damaged by coming into contact with the edge portion of the pipe through hole.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the cover member is constructed, it becomes easy to insert the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe into the pipe through hole, and the workability of the cover member is improved.

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, even when the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe branches in a plurality of directions in the cover member, the refrigerant leakage at the connection portion can be detected quickly and with high accuracy. .

  In the refrigeration apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, refrigerant leakage at each connection portion can be detected quickly and with high accuracy even when there are a plurality of connection portions.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The refrigerant circuit figure in an outdoor unit. The refrigerant circuit figure in an indoor unit and an intermediate unit. The schematic diagram which showed schematically the installation state of the indoor unit and intermediate | middle unit in ceiling back space. The schematic diagram which showed the connection aspect of an indoor unit and 2nd connection piping. The schematic diagram which showed the connection aspect of an intermediate | middle unit and 1st connection piping or 2nd connection piping. The external appearance perspective view of a cover. The external appearance perspective view of the cover seen from the direction different from FIG. The schematic diagram which showed the installation aspect of the cover roughly. The schematic diagram which showed schematically the connection part of connection refrigerant | coolant piping and connection connection piping. The schematic diagram which showed schematically the connection aspect of the connection refrigerant | coolant piping which concerns on the modification A, and connection connection piping. The schematic diagram of the cover concerning the modification B. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an air conditioning system 100 (refrigeration apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention. In the following embodiments, directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back mean the directions shown in FIGS.

  In addition, the “gas refrigerant” in the following description includes a refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state in addition to a gas refrigerant in a saturated state or an overheated state (a state with a superheat degree). The “liquid refrigerant” includes a refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state in addition to a liquid refrigerant in a saturated state or a supercooled state (a state with a supercooling degree).

(1) Air conditioning system 100
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system 100 is installed in a building, a factory, or the like to realize air conditioning in a target space. The air conditioning system 100 is a refrigerant piping type air conditioning system, and performs cooling or heating of a target space by performing a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning system 100 performs air conditioning of the indoor space SP1 (see FIG. 4).

  The air conditioning system 100 mainly includes one outdoor unit 10 as a heat source unit, a plurality of indoor units 30 as use units, and a plurality of intermediate units 40 (switching the refrigerant flow between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor units 30). A plurality of first connection pipes 50 extending between the outdoor unit 10 and the intermediate unit 40, a plurality of second connection pipes 60 extending between the indoor unit 30 and the intermediate unit 40, and a plurality of refrigerants. And a leakage sensor 65.

  In the air conditioning system 100, the outdoor unit 10 and the intermediate unit 40 are connected via the first connecting pipe 50, and the indoor unit 30 and the intermediate unit 40 are connected via the second connecting pipe 60, whereby the refrigerant circuit. RC is configured.

  Specifically, the outdoor unit 10 and each intermediate unit 40 include a liquid communication pipe 51, an intake gas communication pipe 52, a high / low pressure gas communication pipe 53, a first connection pipe 56, and a second connection as the first communication pipe 50. They are connected via a pipe 57 and a third connection pipe 58. Any one of the indoor units 30 and any one of the intermediate units 40 are connected via a liquid pipe LP and a gas pipe GP as the second communication pipe 60.

  In the air conditioning system 100, the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit RC is compressed, cooled or condensed, depressurized, heated or evaporated, and then compressed again. The air conditioning system 100 is a so-called cooling / heating free type in which the cooling operation and the heating operation can be individually selected for each indoor unit 30. Although the refrigerant | coolant enclosed with the refrigerant circuit RC is not specifically limited, For example, it is R32 (HFC type refrigerant | coolant) with larger specific gravity than air.

(1-1) Outdoor unit 10
FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram in the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit 10 is installed outside the target space (for example, outdoors such as the rooftop of a building or a veranda, or underground). The outdoor unit 10 mainly includes a gas side first closing valve 11, a gas side second closing valve 12, a liquid side closing valve 13, an accumulator 14, a compressor 15, a first flow path switching valve 16, It has the 2nd flow-path switching valve 17, the 3rd flow-path switching valve 18, the outdoor heat exchanger 20, the 1st outdoor expansion valve 23, and the 2nd outdoor expansion valve 24, These apparatuses Are connected via a refrigerant pipe to form a part of the refrigerant circuit RC. The outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor fan 25 and an outdoor unit control unit 28.

  The gas-side first closing valve 11, the gas-side second closing valve 12, and the liquid-side closing valve 13 are manual valves that are opened and closed when the refrigerant is charged or pumped down. The gas-side first closing valve 11 has one end connected to the intake gas communication pipe 52 and the other end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the accumulator 14. The gas-side second closing valve 12 has one end connected to the high / low pressure gas communication pipe 53 and the other end connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the second flow path switching valve 17. One end of the liquid-side closing valve 13 is connected to the liquid communication pipe 51, and the other end is connected to a refrigerant pipe extending to the first outdoor expansion valve 23 or the second outdoor expansion valve 24.

  The accumulator 14 is a container for temporarily storing the low-pressure refrigerant sucked into the compressor 15 and separating the gas and liquid. Inside the accumulator 14, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is separated into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. The accumulator 14 is disposed between the gas side first closing valve 11 and the suction port of the compressor 15. A refrigerant pipe extending from the gas-side first closing valve 11 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the accumulator 14. A suction pipe 26 extending to the compressor 15 is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the accumulator 14.

  The compressor 15 has a hermetically sealed structure incorporating a compressor motor (not shown), and is a positive displacement compressor having a compression mechanism such as a scroll method or a rotary method, for example. In addition, although the compressor 15 is only one in this embodiment, it is not limited to this, Two or more compressors 15 may be connected in series or in parallel. A suction pipe 26 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 15. A discharge pipe 27 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 15. The compressor 15 compresses the low-pressure refrigerant sucked through the suction pipe 26 and then discharges it to the discharge pipe 27.

  The first flow path switching valve 16, the second flow path switching valve 17, and the third flow path switching valve 18 are four-way switching valves, and switch the refrigerant flow according to the situation (solid line and broken line in FIG. 2). See). A discharge pipe 27 or a branch pipe extending from the discharge pipe 27 is connected to the refrigerant inlet of each flow path switching valve (16-18). In addition, each flow path switching valve (16-18) is configured so that the flow of the refrigerant in one refrigerant flow path is cut off during operation, and effectively functions as a three-way valve.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 20 is a heat exchanger such as a cross-fin type or a laminated type, and includes a heat transfer tube (not shown) through which the refrigerant passes. The outdoor heat exchanger 20 includes a first heat exchange unit 21 and a second heat exchange unit 22. The first heat exchange unit 21 has a refrigerant pipe connected to the third flow path switching valve 18 connected to the gas refrigerant inlet / outlet, and a refrigerant pipe extending to the first outdoor expansion valve 23 connected to the liquid refrigerant inlet / outlet. . In the second heat exchanging unit 22, the refrigerant pipe connected to the first flow path switching valve 16 is connected to the inlet / outlet of the gas refrigerant, and the refrigerant pipe extending to the second outdoor expansion valve 24 is connected to the inlet / outlet of the liquid refrigerant. . The refrigerant passing through the first heat exchange unit 21 and the second heat exchange unit 22 exchanges heat with the air flow generated by the outdoor fan 25.

  The first outdoor expansion valve 23 and the second outdoor expansion valve 24 are, for example, electrically operated valves whose opening degree can be adjusted. As for the 1st outdoor expansion valve 23, the refrigerant | coolant piping extended from the 1st heat exchange part 21 is connected to one end, and the refrigerant | coolant piping extended to the liquid side closing valve 13 is connected to the other end. As for the 2nd outdoor expansion valve 24, the refrigerant | coolant piping extended from the 2nd heat exchange part 22 is connected to one end, and the refrigerant | coolant piping extended to the liquid side closing valve 13 is connected to the other end. The opening degree of the first outdoor expansion valve 23 and the second outdoor expansion valve 24 is adjusted according to the situation, and the refrigerant passing therethrough is decompressed or the refrigerant flow rate is increased or decreased depending on the opening degree.

  The outdoor fan 25 is a propeller fan, for example, and is driven in conjunction with an outdoor fan motor (not shown). When the outdoor fan 25 is driven, an air flow that flows from the outside of the outdoor unit 10 to the inside and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and flows out of the outdoor unit 10 is generated.

  The outdoor unit control unit 28 is a microcomputer configured with a CPU, a memory, and the like. The outdoor unit controller 28 transmits and receives signals to and from the indoor unit controller 34 (described later) and the intermediate unit controller 48 (described later) via a communication line (not shown). The outdoor unit control unit 28 controls the start / stop and rotation speed of the compressor 15 and the outdoor fan 25 according to the received signal and the like, and also controls the opening / closing and opening degree adjustment of various valves.

(1-2) Indoor unit 30 (corresponding to “refrigerant circuit configuration unit” in claims)
FIG. 3 is a refrigerant circuit diagram in the indoor unit 30 and the intermediate unit 40. The indoor unit 30 is a so-called ceiling suspended type installed in a space behind the ceiling. In the air conditioning system 100, a plurality (n) of indoor units 30 (30a, 30b,... 30n) are arranged in the building and arranged in the ceiling space SP2 (see FIG. 4).

  Each indoor unit 30 has an indoor expansion valve 31 and an indoor heat exchanger 32, and these are connected by a plurality of refrigerant pipes PA to constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit RC. That is, each indoor unit 30 is a unit that constitutes the refrigerant circuit RC.

  The refrigerant pipe PA included in the indoor unit 30 includes a first refrigerant pipe Pa and a second refrigerant pipe Pb. The first refrigerant pipe Pa has one end connected to the liquid pipe LP and the other end connected to the liquid refrigerant inlet / outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 32. The second refrigerant pipe Pb has one end connected to the gas refrigerant inlet / outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 32 and the other end connected to the gas pipe GP. The first refrigerant pipe Pa and the second refrigerant pipe Pb correspond to “connection refrigerant pipe 2” described later, and correspond to “refrigerant pipe” described in the claims.

  The indoor expansion valve 31 is an electric valve capable of adjusting the opening degree. The indoor expansion valve 31 is disposed on the first refrigerant pipe Pa. The indoor expansion valve 31 depressurizes the passing refrigerant or increases / decreases the refrigerant flow rate according to the opening degree.

  The indoor heat exchanger 32 is, for example, a cross fin type or stacked type heat exchanger, and includes a heat transfer tube (not shown) through which the refrigerant passes. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat with the air flow generated by the indoor fan 33 when passing through the heat transfer tube.

  Each indoor unit 30 includes devices such as an indoor fan 33 and an indoor unit controller 34.

  The indoor fan 33 is a centrifugal fan such as a turbo fan or a sirocco fan. The indoor fan 33 is driven in conjunction with an indoor fan motor (not shown). When the indoor fan 33 is driven, an air flow that flows from the indoor space SP1 (see FIG. 4) into the indoor unit 30 and passes through the indoor heat exchanger 32 and then flows out to the indoor space SP1 is generated.

  The indoor unit control unit 34 is a microcomputer configured with a CPU, a memory, and the like. The indoor unit control unit 34 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 28 and the intermediate unit control unit 48 (described later) via a communication line (not shown), and transmits and receives signals to and from each other. Moreover, the indoor unit control part 34 is electrically connected with the corresponding refrigerant | coolant leakage sensor 65 via the wiring.

(1-3) Intermediate unit 40 (corresponding to “refrigerant circuit configuration unit” in claims)
In the air conditioning system 100, a plurality of intermediate units 40 (40a, 40b,... 40n) are arranged in the building and arranged in the ceiling space SP2 (see FIG. 4). More specifically, the intermediate units 40 are arranged in the same number (n) as the indoor units 30 so as to correspond to any one of the indoor units 30 on a 1: 1 basis. Each intermediate unit 40 is disposed between the corresponding indoor unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as “corresponding indoor unit 30”) and the outdoor unit 10, and the refrigerant flows into the corresponding indoor unit 30 and the outdoor unit 10. Is switched.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the intermediate unit 40 includes a plurality of switching valves VA and a supercooling heat exchanger 45, and these are connected by a plurality of refrigerant pipes PB so that the refrigerant circuit RC is connected. Part is configured. That is, each intermediate unit 40 is a unit constituting the refrigerant circuit RC.

  The switching valve VA switches opening and closing of the refrigerant flow path formed between the corresponding indoor unit 30 and the outdoor unit 10 according to the situation. The switching valve VA is an electric valve capable of adjusting the opening, for example, and switches the flow of the refrigerant by allowing the refrigerant to pass or shut off according to the opening. In the intermediate unit 40, a first electric valve 41, a second electric valve 42, and a third electric valve 43 are arranged as the switching valve VA. The first motor operated valve 41 has one end connected to the third pipe P3 and the other end connected to the fourth pipe P4. The second motor operated valve 42 has one end connected to the fifth pipe P5 and the other end connected to the sixth pipe P6. The third motor operated valve 43 has one end connected to the seventh pipe P7 and the other end connected to the eighth pipe P8.

  The supercooling heat exchanger 45 is, for example, a double tube heat exchanger. The subcooling heat exchanger 45 is formed with a first flow path 46 and a second flow path 47. More specifically, the supercooling heat exchanger 45 has a structure in which heat can be exchanged between the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path 46 and the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path 47. Specifically, the first flow path 46 has one end connected to the first pipe P1 and the other end connected to the second pipe P2. The second flow path 47 has one end connected to the eighth pipe P8 and the other end connected to the ninth pipe P9.

  The refrigerant pipe PB included in the intermediate unit 40 includes a first pipe P1 to a ninth pipe P9.

  One end of the first pipe P <b> 1 is connected to the first connection pipe 56 (first connection pipe 50), and the other end is connected to the first flow path 46 of the supercooling heat exchanger 45.

  The second pipe P2 has one end connected to a first flow path 46 (described later) of the supercooling heat exchanger 45 and the other end connected to a liquid pipe LP (second connection pipe 60).

  The third pipe P3 has one end connected to the gas pipe GP (second connection pipe 60) and the other end connected to the first motor operated valve 41.

  The fourth pipe P4 has one end connected to the first motor-operated valve 41 and the other end connected to the second connection pipe 57 (first connection pipe 50).

  The fifth pipe P5 has one end connected between both ends of the third pipe P3 and the other end connected to the second motor operated valve 42.

  The sixth pipe P6 has one end connected to the second motor operated valve 42 and the other end connected to the third connection pipe 58 (first connection pipe 50).

  The seventh pipe P <b> 7 has one end connected between both ends of the first pipe P <b> 1 and the other end connected to the third motor operated valve 43.

  The eighth pipe P8 has one end connected to the third motor operated valve 43 and the other end connected to the second flow path 47 of the supercooling heat exchanger 45.

  The ninth pipe P9 has one end connected to the second flow path 47 of the supercooling heat exchanger 45 and the other end connected between both ends of the fourth pipe P4.

  Among the refrigerant pipes PB arranged in the intermediate unit 40, the first pipe P1, the second pipe P2, the third pipe P3, the fourth pipe P4, and the sixth pipe P6 are described in “Connected refrigerant pipe 2” described later. "And corresponds to" refrigerant piping "described in the claims.

  Further, the intermediate unit 40 includes devices such as an intermediate unit control unit 48. The intermediate unit control unit 48 is a microcomputer configured with a CPU, a memory, and the like. The intermediate unit controller 48 controls the operations (openings) of the first motor operated valve 41, the second motor operated valve 42, and the third motor operated valve 43 according to the situation. The intermediate unit control unit 48 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 28 or the indoor unit control unit 34 through a communication line so as to be able to transmit and receive signals. The intermediate unit control unit 48 is electrically connected to the corresponding refrigerant leakage sensor 65 via wiring.

(1-4) 1st connection piping 50, 2nd connection piping 60
Each first communication pipe 50 and each second connection pipe 60 are refrigerant communication pipes installed by service personnel in the field. The pipe lengths and pipe diameters of the first connection pipes 50 and the second connection pipes 60 are appropriately selected individually according to the installation environment and design specifications.

  The first communication pipe 50 (the liquid communication pipe 51, the suction gas communication pipe 52, the high / low pressure gas communication pipe 53, the first connection pipe 56, the second connection pipe 57, the third connection pipe 58) is connected to the outdoor unit 10 and the intermediate unit. 40, and both are connected. That is, the first connection pipe 50 is a connection pipe that forms a refrigerant flow path between the intermediate unit 40 and the outdoor unit 10.

  Specifically, one end of the liquid communication pipe 51 is connected to the liquid side shut-off valve 13, and the other end side is connected to a first connection pipe 56 extending from each intermediate unit 40. One end of the intake gas communication pipe 52 is connected to the gas-side first closing valve 11, and the other end side is connected to a second connection pipe 57 extending from each intermediate unit 40. One end of the high / low pressure gas communication pipe 53 is connected to the gas-side second closing valve 12, and the other end side is connected to a third connection pipe 58 extending from each intermediate unit 40.

  Each first connection pipe 56 has one end connected to the liquid communication pipe 51 and the other end connected to the first pipe P <b> 1 of the intermediate unit 40. Each second connection pipe 57 has one end connected to the intake gas communication pipe 52 and the other end connected to the fourth pipe P <b> 4 of the intermediate unit 40. Each third connection pipe 58 has one end connected to the high / low pressure gas communication pipe 53 and the other end connected to the sixth pipe P <b> 6 of the intermediate unit 40.

  By arranging the first communication pipes 50 in such a manner, a plurality of refrigerant flow paths are configured between the outdoor unit 10 and the intermediate units 40.

  The second connection pipe 60 (liquid pipe LP, gas pipe GP) extends between each intermediate unit 40 and the corresponding indoor unit 30, and connects the two. That is, the second connection pipe 60 is a connection pipe that forms a refrigerant flow path between the indoor unit 30 and the intermediate unit 40.

  Specifically, the liquid pipe LP has one end connected to the second pipe P2 and the other end connected to the first refrigerant pipe Pa. The gas pipe GP has one end connected to the third pipe P3 and the other end connected to the second refrigerant pipe Pb.

  By arranging the second connection pipes 60 in this manner, a plurality of refrigerant flow paths are configured between each indoor unit 30 and the corresponding intermediate unit 40.

  Of the first connection pipe 50 and each second connection pipe 60, the first connection pipe 56, the second connection pipe 57, the third connection pipe 58, the liquid pipe LP, and the gas pipe GP are referred to as “connection connection pipes” described later. 3 "and corresponds to" communication piping "described in the claims. The first connection pipe 56 and the liquid pipe LP correspond to the “liquid refrigerant communication pipe” recited in the claims, and the second connection pipe 57, the third connection pipe 58, and the gas pipe GP are described in the claims. This corresponds to the "gas refrigerant communication pipe".

(1-5) Refrigerant leakage sensor 65
The refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is a sensor for detecting refrigerant (leakage refrigerant) leaked from the refrigerant circuit RC. In particular, the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is disposed in a corresponding unit and detects refrigerant leakage in the unit. In the present embodiment, a known general-purpose product suitable for the type of refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit RC is used for the refrigerant leakage sensor 65.

  In the present embodiment, the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is associated with either the indoor unit 30 or the intermediate unit 40, and is disposed in the casing unit 70 (described later) of the corresponding unit. The refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is electrically connected to the corresponding unit control unit (the indoor unit control unit 34 or the intermediate unit control unit 48), and is connected when the refrigerant leaked from the refrigerant circuit RC (leakage refrigerant) is detected. A predetermined electrical signal is output to the previous control unit.

(2) Flow of Refrigerant During Operation of Air Conditioning System 100 Hereinafter, the flow of the refrigerant during operation of the air conditioning system 100 will be described for each situation, taking as an example the case where the indoor units 30a and 30b are in operation. In the following description, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that other indoor units 30 are in a stopped state. In relation to this, the indoor expansion valve 31 of the indoor unit 30 excluding the indoor units 30a and 30b is controlled to the minimum opening, and the first motor operated valve 41 and the second motor operated in the intermediate unit 40 excluding the intermediate units 40a and 40b. The valve 42 and the third motor operated valve 43 are controlled to the minimum opening. In order to suppress the formation of a liquid ring circuit in the refrigerant circuit RC, any or all of the indoor expansion valve 31, the first electric valve 41, the second electric valve 42, and the third electric valve 43 are Even in the minimum opening state, the fully closed state is not achieved (a microchannel is formed).

(2-1) When both indoor units 30a and 30b perform cooling operation In the intermediate units 40a and 40b, the first motor-operated valve 41 has a maximum opening (fully opened), and the second motor-operated valve 42 has a minimum opening. The opening degree of the third motor operated valve 43 is appropriately adjusted. Further, the opening degree of each indoor expansion valve 31 of the indoor units 30a and 30b is adjusted as appropriate, and the first outdoor expansion valve 23 and the second outdoor expansion valve 24 are set to the maximum opening degree.

  When the compressor 15 is driven in such a state, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 15 through the suction pipe 26 and compressed. The compressed high-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 20 through the discharge pipe 27, the first flow path switching valve 16, the third flow path switching valve 18, and the like, and condenses. The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 20 passes through the liquid side shut-off valve 13 and the like, and flows into the liquid communication pipe 51. The refrigerant that has passed through the liquid communication pipe 51 flows into the first pipe P1 of the intermediate unit 40a or 40b through the first connection pipe 56.

  The refrigerant that has flowed into the first pipe P1 is bifurcated in the course of flowing through the first pipe P1. One of the refrigerants bifurcated flows into the third motor-operated valve 43, and the pressure is reduced or adjusted in accordance with the opening degree of the third motor-operated valve 43. The refrigerant that has passed through the third motor operated valve 43 passes through the second flow path 47 of the supercooling heat exchanger 45 via the eighth pipe P8. The refrigerant passing through the second flow path 47 exchanges heat with the refrigerant passing through the first flow path 46, reaches the fourth pipe P4 via the ninth pipe P9, and joins the refrigerant flowing through the fourth pipe P4. .

  The other refrigerant branched in two passes through the first flow path 46 of the supercooling heat exchanger 45. The refrigerant passing through the first flow path 46 exchanges heat with the refrigerant passing through the second flow path 47 to become a supercooled liquid refrigerant, and passes through the second pipe P2 and the liquid pipe LP to the indoor unit 30a or 30b. Flow into.

  The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit 30a or 30b flows through the first refrigerant pipe Pa and is depressurized by the indoor expansion valve 31, and then flows into each indoor heat exchanger 32 and evaporates. The refrigerant that has passed through each indoor heat exchanger 32 flows into the third pipe P3 of the intermediate unit 40a or 40b through the second refrigerant pipe Pb and the gas pipe GP.

  The refrigerant that has passed through the third pipe P3 merges with the refrigerant that flows out of the ninth pipe P9 in the process of flowing through the fourth pipe P4, and flows into the outdoor unit 10 through the second connection pipe 57 and the intake gas communication pipe 52. Then, it is sucked into the compressor 15 again.

(2-2) When both indoor units 30a and 30b perform heating operation In the intermediate units 40a and 40b, the first motor-operated valve 41 and the third motor-operated valve 43 are set to the minimum opening, and the second motor-operated valve 42 is set to the maximum. It is an opening. Moreover, the indoor expansion valve 31 of the indoor units 30a and 30b is set to the maximum opening, and the opening of the first outdoor expansion valve 23 and the second outdoor expansion valve 24 is appropriately adjusted.

  When the compressor 15 is driven in such a state, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 15 through the suction pipe 26 and compressed. The compressed high-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the high-low pressure gas communication pipe 53 through the discharge pipe 27, the second flow path switching valve 17, and the like. The refrigerant that has passed through the high / low pressure gas communication pipe 53 flows into the third connection pipe 58 of the intermediate unit 40a or 40b, and flows into the sixth pipe P6 of the intermediate unit 40a or 40b, and the fifth pipe P5 and the third pipe P3. And passes through the gas pipe GP and flows into the indoor unit 30a or 30b.

  The refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor unit 30a or 30b flows through the second refrigerant pipe Pb and condenses when passing through each indoor heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant that has passed through each indoor heat exchanger 32 flows into the second pipe P2 of the intermediate unit 40a or 40b via the first refrigerant pipe Pa and the liquid pipe LP.

  The refrigerant that has passed through the second pipe P2 flows into the first connection pipe 56 through the first pipe P1 and the like. The refrigerant that has passed through the first connection pipe 56 flows into the outdoor unit 10 through the liquid connection pipe 51.

  The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor unit 10 passes through the first outdoor expansion valve 23 or the second outdoor expansion valve 24, is decompressed in accordance with the opening degree, and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 20 to evaporate. The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is sucked into the compressor 15 again via the first flow path switching valve 16 or the third flow path switching valve 18 or the like.

(2-3) When one of the indoor units 30a and 30b performs the cooling operation and the other performs the heating operation. Among the intermediate units 40a and 40b, the indoor unit 30 performing the cooling operation (hereinafter referred to as “cooling indoor unit”). In the intermediate unit 40 corresponding to “30” (hereinafter referred to as “cooling intermediate unit 40”), the first motor-operated valve 41 has a maximum opening, and the second motor-operated valve 42 has a minimum opening. The opening degree of the third motor operated valve 43 is appropriately adjusted. Moreover, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 31 of the cooling indoor unit 30 is appropriately adjusted.

  In the intermediate unit 40a and 40b, the intermediate unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as “heating intermediate unit 40”) corresponding to the indoor unit 30 performing heating operation (hereinafter referred to as “heating indoor unit 30”). The first motor-operated valve 41 and the third motor-operated valve 43 have a minimum opening, and the second motor-operated valve 42 has a maximum opening. Moreover, the indoor expansion valve 31 of the heating indoor unit 30 is set to the maximum opening.

  Moreover, the opening degree of the first outdoor expansion valve 23 and the second outdoor expansion valve 24 is adjusted as appropriate.

  When the compressor 15 is driven in such a state, the refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 15 through the suction pipe 26 and compressed. The high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 15 flows into the high-low pressure gas communication pipe 53 through the discharge pipe 27, the second flow path switching valve 17, and the like. The refrigerant that has passed through the high / low pressure gas communication pipe 53 flows into the third connection pipe 58. The refrigerant that has passed through the third connection pipe 58 flows into the heating intermediate unit 40, flows through the sixth pipe P6, the fifth pipe P5, the third pipe P3, and the like, and flows into the gas pipe GP.

  The refrigerant that has passed through the gas pipe GP flows into the heating indoor unit 30, and is condensed when flowing through the second refrigerant pipe Pb and passing through the indoor heat exchanger 32. The refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 32 flows into the second pipe P2 of the heating intermediate unit 40 through the first refrigerant pipe Pa and the liquid pipe LP. The refrigerant that has passed through the second pipe P2 flows into the first connection pipe 56 through the first pipe P1 and the like. The refrigerant that has passed through the first connection pipe 56 flows into the first pipe P1 of the cooling intermediate unit 40 through the liquid communication pipe 51 and the like.

  The refrigerant that has flowed into the first pipe P1 of the cooling intermediate unit 40 is bifurcated in the process of flowing through the first pipe P1. One of the refrigerants bifurcated flows into the third motor-operated valve 43, and the pressure is reduced or adjusted in accordance with the opening degree of the third motor-operated valve 43. The refrigerant that has passed through the third electric valve 43 flows into the second flow path 47 of the supercooling heat exchanger 45 through the eighth pipe P8 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant that passes through the first flow path 46. The refrigerant that has passed through the second flow path 47 reaches the fourth pipe P4 via the ninth pipe P9, and merges with the refrigerant flowing through the fourth pipe P4.

  The other refrigerant branched in two passes through the first flow path 46 of the supercooling heat exchanger 45. The refrigerant passing through the first flow path 46 becomes a supercooled liquid refrigerant by exchanging heat with the refrigerant passing through the second flow path 47, and enters the cooling indoor unit 30 via the second pipe P2 and the liquid pipe LP. Inflow.

  The refrigerant flowing into the cooling indoor unit 30 flows through the first refrigerant pipe Pa and is depressurized according to the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 31. The refrigerant that has passed through the indoor expansion valve 31 evaporates when passing through the indoor heat exchanger 32, and flows into the third pipe P3 of the cooling intermediate unit 40 through the second refrigerant pipe Pb and the gas pipe GP. The refrigerant that has passed through the third pipe P3 flows through the fourth pipe P4 and flows into the second connection pipe 57.

  The refrigerant that has passed through the second connection pipe 57 flows into the outdoor unit 10 through the suction gas communication pipe 52 and is sucked into the compressor 15 again.

(3) Details of Configuration Mode and Installation Mode of Indoor Unit 30 and Intermediate Unit 40 Hereinafter, configuration modes and installation modes of the indoor unit 30 and the intermediate unit 40 will be described. In the following description, the indoor unit 30 and the intermediate unit 40 are collectively referred to as “refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1”, and a specific refrigerant pipe PA and refrigerant pipe PB (first refrigerant pipe Pa, second refrigerant pipe Pb, The first pipe P1, the second pipe P2, the third pipe P3, the fourth pipe P4, and the sixth pipe P6) are collectively referred to as “connection refrigerant pipe 2”, and the specific first connection pipe 50 and second connection pipe 60 are referred to. (Liquid pipe LP, gas pipe GP, first connection pipe 56, second connection pipe 57, and third connection pipe 58) are collectively referred to as “connection connection pipe 3”.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an installation state of the indoor unit 30 and the intermediate unit 40 in the ceiling space SP2. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a connection mode between the indoor unit 30 and the second connection pipe 60. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a connection mode between the intermediate unit 40 and the first connection pipe 50 or the second connection pipe 60.

  In this embodiment, each refrigerant circuit component unit 1 is installed in the ceiling space SP2 of the indoor space SP1. The ceiling back space SP2 is between the top surface of the ceiling of the indoor space SP1 (hereinafter referred to as “ceiling back bottom surface C1”) and the roof or the upper floor (hereinafter referred to as “ceiling back top surface C2”). It is the narrow space formed in.

  Each refrigerant circuit component unit 1 is suspended from the ceiling space SP2 by being mounted with a lifting tool 90 fixed to the ceiling surface C2. Each refrigerant circuit component unit 1 is connected (flared) to a predetermined connection refrigerant pipe 2 and a corresponding connection communication pipe 3 by a so-called flare pipe connection method. At the connection portion J1 between the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection communication pipe 3 of each refrigerant circuit component unit 1, both pipes are pressure-bonded using a flare nut N1 and a flare union U1 (see FIG. 10).

  Specifically, in each indoor unit 30, the first refrigerant pipe Pa and the liquid pipe LP are connected, and the second refrigerant pipe Pb and the gas pipe GP are connected. That is, two connection portions J1 are formed for each indoor unit 30 (see FIG. 5).

  In each intermediate unit 40, the first pipe P1 and the first connection pipe 56 are connected, the fourth pipe P4 and the second connection pipe 57 are connected, and the sixth pipe P6 and the third connection pipe 58 are connected. Are connected, the second pipe P2 and the liquid pipe LP are connected, and the third pipe P3 and the gas pipe GP are connected. That is, for each intermediate unit 40, five connection portions J1 are formed (more specifically, three on the right side surface of the intermediate unit 40 and two on the left side surface) (see FIG. 6).

  Each refrigerant circuit component unit 1 has a casing unit 70 that constitutes an outer shell. The casing unit 70 mainly includes a main body portion 71 and a cover portion 75.

(3-1) Main unit 71
The main body 71 (corresponding to the “casing” described in the claims) has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an accommodation space SP3 for accommodating equipment included in the refrigerant circuit component unit 1 is formed inside. Specifically, the accommodation space SP3 includes devices such as the indoor expansion valve 31, the indoor heat exchanger 32, the indoor fan 33, and the indoor unit control unit 34, or a plurality of switching valves VA (41, 42, 43), supercooling heat. The exchanger 45 and equipment such as the refrigerant pipes PA (Pa, Pb) or PB (P1 to P9) are accommodated. In the refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1, the connection refrigerant pipe 2 is arranged so as to extend from the inside of the main body portion 71 toward the outside, and a part including the end portion connected to the connection communication pipe 3 is a main body portion. 71 is exposed. That is, in the refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1, the connection refrigerant pipe 2 is partially located outside the main body 71.

  The main body 71 has two fixing devices 95 that are engaged with the suspension device 90 on each of the left and right main body side surfaces 71a. The main body 71 is suspended from the ceiling back surface C2 by attaching the vicinity of the lower end of the suspension 90 to the fixture 95 and hanging from the ceiling back surface C2.

(3-2) Cover part 75
FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the cover portion 75. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the cover portion 75 viewed from a direction different from that in FIG. The cover portion 75 (corresponding to a “cover member” in the claims) is a box-shaped member that is smaller than the main body portion 71. The cover part 75 is a member for covering the connection portion J1 between the refrigerant pipe PA or PB and the corresponding connection connection pipe 3. Although the material of the cover part 75 is not specifically limited, For example, it is comprised with a synthetic resin, a metal, etc. in consideration of sealing performance and corrosion resistance.

  In this embodiment, the cover part 75 (cover part 75a) in each indoor unit 30 has both the connection part J1 of 1st refrigerant | coolant piping Pa and liquid pipe LP, and the connection part J1 of 2nd refrigerant | coolant piping Pb and gas pipe GP. (See FIG. 5). Further, in each intermediate unit 40, the connection portion J1 of the first piping P1 and the first connection piping 56, the connection portion J1 of the fourth piping P4 and the second connection piping 57, the sixth piping P6 and the third connection piping. 58, a cover portion 75 (cover portion 75b) covering the connection portion J1, a connection portion J1 of the second pipe P2 and the liquid pipe LP, and a connection portion J1 of the third pipe P3 and the gas pipe GP. , A cover part 75 (cover part 75c) is disposed (see FIG. 6). That is, the indoor unit 30 has one cover portion 75, and the intermediate unit 40 has two cover portions 75.

  The cover portion 75 includes a bottom portion 76 that constitutes a bottom portion, an upper portion 77 that constitutes an upper portion, and a side portion 78 that constitutes a side portion. In addition, the bottom part 76, the upper part 77, and the side part 78 are comprised integrally, and are extended continuously.

  The bottom part 76 is a part which covers the lower part of the connection part J1 in an installation state (refer FIG. 10). The bottom portion 76 has a bottom surface portion 761 that extends along the horizontal direction below the connection portion J1 in the installed state. The bottom portion 76 includes a first fixing portion 762 for screwing and fixing to the main body portion 71. The first fixing portion 762 is a flange extending along the vertical direction (that is, the direction intersecting the bottom surface portion 761) from the end portion (right / left end portion) of the bottom surface portion 761 on the main body portion 71 side. This is the part that contacts the main body 71. A plurality (two in this case) of screw holes TH are formed in the first fixing portion 762.

  The upper part 77 is a part which covers the upper part of the connection part J1 in an installation state (refer FIG. 10). The upper portion 77 has an upper surface portion 771 that extends in the horizontal direction above the connection portion J1 in the installed state. The upper portion 77 includes a second fixing portion 772 for screwing and fixing to the main body portion 71. The second fixing portion 772 is a flange extending along the vertical direction (that is, the direction intersecting the upper surface portion 771) from the end portion (right side / left side end portion) of the upper surface portion 771 on the main body portion 71 side. This is the part that contacts the main body 71. The second fixing portion 772 is formed with a plurality of (here, two) screw holes TH.

  The side part 78 is a part which covers the side of the connection part J1 in an installation state (refer FIG. 10). The side portion 78 is a portion having three surfaces extending along the vertical direction on the side of the connection portion J1 in the installed state. More specifically, the side portion 78 includes three surfaces (a first side surface portion 781, a second side surface portion 782, and a third side surface portion 783), and has a substantially U shape in plan view. In addition, the 1st side surface part 781, the 2nd side surface part 782, and the 3rd side surface part 783 are comprised integrally, and are extended continuously.

  The first side surface portion 781 extends along the direction in which the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 extend (here, the left-right direction) and the up-down direction near the connection portion J1. The first side surface portion 781 is connected to one end (front end / rear end) on the side of the bottom surface portion 761 at the lower end portion. The first side surface portion 781 is connected to one end (front end / rear end) of the upper surface portion 771 at the upper end portion.

  The second side surface portion 782 extends along the direction in which the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection communication pipe 3 extend and in the vertical direction in the vicinity of the connection portion J1. The second side surface portion 782 is positioned so as to face the first side surface portion 781. The second side surface portion 782 is connected to the other end (rear end / front end) on the side of the bottom surface portion 761 at the lower end portion. The second side surface portion 782 is connected to the other end (rear end / front end) on the side of the upper surface portion 771 at the upper end portion.

  The third side surface portion 783 spreads in the vicinity of the connecting portion J1 along the direction (here, the front-rear direction) intersecting with the direction in which the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection communication pipe 3 extend, and the vertical direction. The third side surface portion 783 is connected to the first side surface portion 781 at one side end (front end / rear end) and is connected to the second side surface portion 782 at the other side end (rear end / front end). The third side surface portion 783 is connected to an end portion (left end / right end) opposite to the main body portion 71 of the bottom surface portion 761 at the lower end portion. The third side surface portion 783 is connected to the end portion (left end / right end) of the upper surface portion 771 opposite to the main body portion 71 at the upper end portion.

  In the third side surface portion 783, a pipe through hole 78a for inserting the connection communication pipe 3 is formed. The number of pipe through holes 78a formed in the third side face portion 783 is appropriately selected according to the number of connection connection pipes 3 to be inserted. In addition, the shape and size of each pipe passage hole 78a are individually selected according to the shape and diameter of the connection connection pipe 3 to be inserted.

  The edge 784 of the pipe through-hole 78a is configured to have a substantially cylindrical shape by a known method such as burring, and extends outward along the direction in which the connection connecting pipe 3 to be inserted extends. Yes. By configuring the edge portion 784 in such a manner, the connection communication pipe 3 is configured to be easily inserted into the pipe through hole 78a, and the workability is improved, and the connection communication pipe 3 is connected to the pipe through hole 78a. Even if it is a case where it contacts the edge part 784 when inserting in, it is suppressed that it damages.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram schematically showing how the cover 75 is installed. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the connection portion J1.

  In the installed state, the cover portion 75 has the first fixing portion 762 and the second fixing portion 772 facing the main body side surface portion 71a of the main body portion 71, and the main body side surface by the fixing member such as the screw S1 through the screw hole TH. It is being fixed to the part 71a (refer FIG. 9 etc.). The cover part 75 is installed at the time of construction of the connection connection pipe 3. Specifically, the cover 75 is connected from the installation position until the connection between the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 is completed after one end of the connection connection pipe 3 before connection is inserted into the pipe passage hole 78a. The connecting pipe 3 is moved to the other end side and fastened, and after the connection between the connecting refrigerant pipe 2 and the connecting connecting pipe 3 is completed (that is, after the connecting portion J1 is configured), the connecting portion is moved to the installation position. It installs by fixing to the main-body part 71 in the aspect surrounding J1.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the installed state, the cover portion 75 is arranged so as to surround the corresponding connection portion J1, and forms a space of a predetermined size (cover inner space SP4) on the inner side. In the cover inner space SP4, at least one refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is disposed so that refrigerant leakage in the indoor unit 30 or the intermediate unit 40 (especially refrigerant leaked from the connection portion J1) can be detected. More specifically, in each cover portion 75, the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is disposed on the bottom surface portion 761.

  In the cover inner space SP4, a plurality of heat insulating materials are arranged, and the connection refrigerant pipe 2, the connection communication pipe 3, the connection portion J1, and the inner surface portion of the cover portion 75 are each covered with a predetermined heat insulating material.

  Specifically, the connecting refrigerant pipe 2 is covered with a refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81 (corresponding to “second heat insulating material” recited in the claims) at a portion disposed in the cover inner space SP4. It is insulated from the surroundings. Thereby, even if the connection refrigerant | coolant piping 2 is cooled by the refrigerant | coolant passing through the connection refrigerant | coolant piping 2 in cover inner side space SP4, it is suppressed that dew condensation water arises. The heat insulating material 81 for the refrigerant pipe is disposed in the connection refrigerant pipe 2 before the connection refrigerant pipe 2 is connected to the connection connection pipe 3.

  The connection communication pipe 3 is covered with a heat insulating material 82 for connection pipe (corresponding to “third heat insulating material” recited in the claims) at a portion inserted into the cover inner space SP4 and is insulated from the surroundings. Yes. Thereby, in cover inner space SP4, even if the connection connection piping 3 is cooled by a refrigerant | coolant passing through the connection connection piping 3, it is suppressed that dew condensation water arises. The heat insulating material 82 for the connecting pipe is arranged in the connecting connecting pipe 3 before the connecting connecting pipe 3 is connected to the connecting refrigerant pipe 2.

  The connecting portion J1 is covered with a connecting portion heat insulating material 83 (corresponding to the “first heat insulating material” recited in the claims), and is insulated from the surroundings. More specifically, the connection portion J1 is located away from the covering portions of the refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81 and the connection pipe heat insulating material 82 in the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection communication pipe 3, and the connection portion heat insulating material 83. Covers the connection portion J1 that is not covered by the refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81 and the communication pipe heat insulating material 82. Thereby, even if the connection part J1 (flare nut N1, flare union U1, etc.) is cooled by the refrigerant passing through the connection part J1 in the cover inner space SP4, the generation of condensed water is suppressed. The connection part heat insulating material 83 covers the connection part J1, the refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81, and a part of the connection pipe heat insulating material 82 from the outside after the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection communication pipe 3 are connected. Is wound around the connection portion J1 and fixed by the binding band B1.

  The inner surface portion of the cover portion 75 (specifically, the inner surface portions of the bottom surface portion 761, the upper surface portion 771, the first side surface portion 781, the second side surface portion 782, and the third side surface portion 783) is covered with the casing heat insulating material 84. ing. Thereby, the sealing property of cover inner space SP4 is increasing. In addition, the cover inner space SP4 and the outer space of the cover part 75 are insulated, and even if the temperature in the cover inner space SP4 is significantly lower than the outer space of the cover part 75, the inner surface part of the cover part 75 Condensed water is prevented from occurring in the water. The casing heat insulating material 84 is disposed before the cover portion 75 is installed.

  In addition, as for each heat insulating material (81, 82, 83, 84), a well-known thing (for example, a polyethylene foam, a rigid urethane foam, or a phenol foam) is suitably selected according to the property of each coating | coated part.

(4) Features (4-1)
In the above embodiment, the detection accuracy of refrigerant leakage is improved.

  In a refrigeration apparatus having a refrigerant circuit, when refrigerant leakage occurs, it is important to detect the refrigerant leakage quickly and accurately from the viewpoint of safety. In particular, in connection parts of pipes, refrigerant leakage is likely to occur due to poor construction, manufacturing defects of parts or deterioration over time, or damage caused by pressure fluctuations or earthquakes in the refrigerant circuit. Therefore, it is particularly required to quickly and accurately detect refrigerant leakage in such a portion.

  In this regard, in the conventional refrigeration apparatus, a refrigerant leakage sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the connecting portion, and a receiving portion for the leaking refrigerant is installed below the connecting portion based on the fact that the specific gravity of the leaking refrigerant is greater than that of air. However, according to such an idea, depending on the direction and speed of refrigerant leakage when refrigerant leakage occurs in the pipe connection part, it is assumed that the leaked refrigerant falls off the receiving part and does not collect properly in the receiving part. The refrigerant leakage cannot be detected quickly and appropriately, and the refrigerant leakage detection accuracy is not excellent.

  On the other hand, in the air conditioning system 100, the cover part 75 is a bottom part that covers the lower part of the connection part J1 with respect to the connection part J1 of the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 positioned outside the main body part 71 of the refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1. 76, the side part 78 which covers the side of the connection part J1, and the upper part 77 which covers the upper part of the connection part J1. As a result, when the refrigerant leaks from the connection portion J1, it is promoted that the leaked refrigerant stays inside the cover portion 75 (cover inner space SP4) regardless of the direction and speed of the refrigerant leakage. Yes. Further, since the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is installed inside the cover portion 75, the refrigerant staying inside the cover portion 75 is detected quickly and with high accuracy by the refrigerant leakage sensor 65. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the connection portion J1, it is possible to detect the refrigerant leak quickly and with high accuracy. In other words, the refrigerant leakage detection accuracy is excellent.

(4-2)
In the above embodiment, the connection portion heat insulating material 83 covers the connection portion J1 inside the cover portion 75 (cover inner space SP4). Thereby, the reliability fall is suppressed. That is, when the connection part J1 is not covered with the heat insulating material inside the cover part 75, it is assumed that condensed water is generated in the connection part J1 cooled by the passage of the refrigerant. In the embodiment, the connection portion J1 is covered with the connection portion heat insulating material 83, so that the occurrence of the condensed water is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated at the connection portion J1 from entering the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 and causing the failure or malfunction of the refrigerant leakage sensor 65, thereby suppressing a decrease in reliability.

(4-3)
In the above embodiment, the refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81 covers the connection refrigerant pipe 2 inside the cover portion 75, the communication pipe heat insulating material 82 covers the connection communication pipe 3 inside the cover portion 75, and the connection The portion J1 is located away from the covering portions of the refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81 and the communication pipe heat insulating material 82. Thereby, the reliability fall is suppressed.

  That is, when the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 are not covered with the heat insulating material inside the cover portion 75, dew condensation occurs in the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 cooled by the passage of the refrigerant. Assuming that water is generated, the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 are covered with the refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81 or the connection pipe heat insulating material 82, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the condensed water. . As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated in the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection communication pipe 3 from entering the refrigerant leak sensor 65 and causing the malfunction or malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor 65, and the reduction in reliability is suppressed. ing.

(4-4)
In the said embodiment, the cover part 75 contains the casing heat insulating material 84 which insulates an inner side and the outer side in the inner side.

  Thereby, the reliability fall is suppressed. That is, when the cover portion 75 is not covered with the heat insulating material, it is assumed that the temperature of the cover inner space SP4 is lowered during the circulation of the refrigerant, and dew condensation water is generated in the inner surface portion of the cover portion 75. Generation | occurrence | production of the dew condensation water which concerns on arrangement | positioning of the material 84 is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the condensed water generated on the inner surface of the cover portion 75 from entering the refrigerant leak sensor 65 and causing a failure or malfunction of the refrigerant leak sensor 65, thereby suppressing a decrease in reliability.

  Further, since the inner surface side of the cover portion 75 is covered with the casing heat insulating material 84, the hermeticity of the cover inner space SP4 is increased, and when the refrigerant leaks from the connection portion J1, regardless of the direction or speed of the refrigerant leakage. In particular, the retention of the leaked refrigerant in the cover portion 75 is promoted. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the connection portion J1, it is possible to detect the refrigerant leak particularly quickly and with high accuracy.

(4-5)
In the above embodiment, the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is disposed on the bottom portion 76. When the specific gravity of the refrigerant leaking from the connection portion J1 is larger than the air, the leaked refrigerant falls and stays on the bottom 76 of the cover portion 75. In the above embodiment, the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is disposed on the bottom 76. Thus, it is possible to detect the leakage of the leaked refrigerant particularly quickly and with high accuracy.

(4-6)
In the above embodiment, the cover portion 75 is formed with a piping through hole 78a for inserting the connection communication pipe 3, and the edge portion 784 of the pipe through hole 78a extends in a direction in which the connection refrigerant pipe 2 or the connection communication pipe 3 extends. Extending along. Thereby, when constructing the cover part 75, the connection communication pipe 3 can be easily inserted into the pipe through hole 78a, so that the workability of the cover part 75 is improved and the edge part 784 of the pipe through hole 78a is improved. Damage to the connection communication pipe 3 is suppressed.

(4-7)
In the above embodiment, the refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1 includes a plurality of connection refrigerant pipes 2, and the connection communication pipe 3 includes “liquid refrigerant communication pipe” (LP, 51) and “gas refrigerant communication pipe” (GP, 52, 53). It is included. The cover portion 75 covers the “liquid refrigerant communication pipe” and the connection part J1 of the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the “gas refrigerant communication pipe” and the connection part J1 of the connection refrigerant pipe 2. In the above embodiment, even when there are a plurality of connection portions J1 as described above, refrigerant leakage at each connection portion J1 can be detected quickly and with high accuracy.

(5) Modifications The above embodiment can be appropriately modified as shown in the following modifications. Each modification may be applied in combination with another modification as long as no contradiction occurs.

(5-1) Modification A
In the said embodiment, the case where the connection refrigerant | coolant piping 2 and the connection connection piping 3 were connected by the aspect shown by FIG. 10 by cover inner space SP4 was demonstrated. However, the connection mode of the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 in the cover inner space SP4 is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately changed according to the design specifications and the installation environment. For example, the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection communication pipe 3 may be connected in a manner shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the connecting refrigerant pipe 2 branches in a plurality of directions (two directions) in the cover inner space SP4, and the connection connecting pipe 3 is individually connected at each branch destination. That is, in FIG. 11, a plurality (two) of connection portions J <b> 1 are provided for one connection refrigerant pipe 2. Even in the case where the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection communication pipe 3 are connected in such a manner in the cover inner space SP4, substantially the same effect as in the above embodiment is obtained.

  In the cover inner space SP4, the connecting refrigerant pipe 2 may be branched in three or more directions. Moreover, if the shape and dimension of the cover part 75 and the arrangement | positioning aspect of each heat insulating material (81-84) are suitably changed according to the arrangement | positioning aspect of the connection refrigerant | coolant piping 2 and the connection connection piping 3 in the cover inner space SP4. Good. In FIG. 11, the connection communication pipe 3 may be branched in a plurality of directions (two or more directions) outside the cover inner space SP <b> 4 or the cover portion 75 (that is, the connection connection pipe 3 is connected with respect to one connection communication pipe 3. A plurality (two or more) of portions J1 may be provided).

(5-2) Modification B
The cover part 75 may be configured by combining a plurality of members, for example, like a cover part 750 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which the cover portion 750 is configured by combining the first member 751 and the second member 752 configured separately.

  Here, the first member 751 is an upper member when the cover portion 75 is vertically divided at the side portion 78 and includes an upper portion 77. Further, the second member 752 is a lower member when the cover portion 75 is vertically divided at the side portion 78 and includes a bottom portion 76.

  The cover part 750 configured in this manner is configured by combining the first member 751 and the second member 752 with the connection refrigerant pipe 2 or the connection communication pipe 3 interposed therebetween. More specifically, after the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 are connected, the cover portion 750 may be constructed by combining the first member 751 and the second member 752 with the connection portion J1 interposed therebetween. . In such a case, the construction of the cover portion 750 becomes easy, and the workability is further improved.

  The method for combining the members is not particularly limited, and the members may be combined by a method (for example, adhesion, screwing, engagement, fitting, welding, or the like) suitable for the design specifications and installation environment. .

  Moreover, the cover part 75 may be comprised by combining three or more members comprised as a different body. Moreover, about the division | segmentation aspect of the cover part 75, it can change suitably. For example, the cover part 75 may be comprised by the some member divided | segmented into front and back or right and left.

(5-3) Modification C
In the said embodiment, the cover part 75 was comprised so that the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape might be exhibited. However, as long as it has a “bottom” that covers the lower part of the connection part J1, a “side part” that covers the side, and an “top” that covers the upper part, the cover part 75 is configured to cover the connection part J1 in the installed state. The shape is not particularly limited. For example, the cover part 75 may be configured to have a conical shape. Further, the bottom surface portion 761, the top surface portion 771, the first side surface portion 781, the second side surface portion 782, and / or the third side surface portion 783 may be partially bent or curved.

  Further, the cover portion 75 may be configured to have portions other than the first side surface portion 781, the second side surface portion 782, and the third side surface portion 783 in the side portion 78. For example, the cover portion 75 may have a fourth side surface portion that faces the inner surface of the third side surface portion 783 on the inner surface side and faces the main body side surface portion 71a of the main body portion 71 on the outer surface side. Good.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the cover portion 75 is configured so that the respective constituent portions (the bottom portion 76, the upper portion 77, and the side portion 78) are integrally configured and extends continuously has been described. However, the cover portion 75 may be configured by appropriately combining a part and all of each component configured separately.

(5-4) Modification D
In the above embodiment, the cover portion 75 is screwed and fixed to the main body side surface portion 71a of the main body portion 71 with the screw S1 through the screw hole TH. However, the installation mode of the cover part 75 is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the cover portion 75 may be fixed to a portion (for example, the top surface) of the main body portion 71 other than the main body side surface portion 71a. For example, the cover part 75 may be fixed to the main body part 71 by brazing or welding, or may be fixed using an adhesive. Moreover, while forming a rib etc. in the outer surface part of the cover part 75, the engagement hole of the shape engaged with the rib is formed in the main body part 71, and the rib and the engagement hole are engaged or fitted. The cover part 75 may be fixed to the main body part 71.

  In addition, according to the fixing aspect of the cover part 75, about the 1st fixing | fixed part 762 and / or the 2nd fixing | fixed part 772, an arrangement position and a structural aspect may be changed suitably, and may be abbreviate | omitted.

(5-5) Modification E
In the above embodiment, the cover portion 75 is configured separately from the main body portion 71 and is fixed to the main body portion 71. However, the cover portion 75 may be configured integrally with the main body portion 71. In such a case, for example, the pipe through-hole 78a is increased in size and inserted into the cover inner space SP4 including the connection portion J1 with respect to the connected connection refrigerant pipe 2 and connection connection pipe 3 at the time of construction. What is necessary is just to fill the clearance with the outer surface of the connection communication pipe 3 with a heat insulating material or a sealing material.

(5-6) Modification F
In the embodiment described above, the cover 75 is installed until one end of the connection connection pipe 3 before connection is inserted into the pipe through-hole 78a until the connection between the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 is completed. It is moved to the other end side of the connection connection pipe 3 from the position and is fastened. After the connection between the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 is completed, the main body 71 is moved to the installation position and surrounds the connection portion J1. The case where it is fixed to has been described. However, the installation method of the cover part 75 can be appropriately changed according to the design specifications and the installation environment.

  For example, with respect to the installation method of the cover part 75, the end of the connection refrigerant pipe 2 before connection is inserted into the pipe through-hole 78 a until the connection between the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 is completed. It is moved to the other end of the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and is fastened. After the connection between the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 is completed, the connection refrigerant pipe 2 is moved to the installation position and fixed to the main body 71 in a manner surrounding the connection portion J1. May be installed. In such a case, the pipe through hole 78 a also functions as a “pipe through hole” of the connection refrigerant pipe 2.

(5-7) Modification G
In the said embodiment, the connection part J1 of the connection refrigerant | coolant piping 2 and the connection connection piping 3 was comprised by the flare connection using the flare connection, the flare nut N1, and the flare union U1. However, the connection portion J1 is not necessarily limited to this, and may be connected by other methods (for example, brazing connection or screw connection). That is, the connection refrigerant pipe 2 and the connection connection pipe 3 may be connected by a method other than the flare connection.

(5-8) Modification H
Regarding each heat insulating material in the above-described embodiment (the heat insulating material 81 for the refrigerant pipe, the heat insulating material 82 for the connecting pipe, the heat insulating material 83 for the connection portion, and the casing heat insulating material 84), The present invention is not limited to those in the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate according to design specifications and installation environment.

  For example, in the said embodiment, the heat insulating material 83 for connection parts was arrange | positioned in the aspect which partially covers the outer side of the heat insulating material 81 for refrigerant | coolants piping, and the heat insulating material 82 for connection piping. However, the connection portion heat insulating material 83 is not necessarily arranged in such a manner. For example, the connection portion heat insulating material 83 may be disposed in a manner that partially covers the inside of the refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81 and the communication pipe heat insulating material 82. Further, for example, the connection portion heat insulating material 83 may be arranged in a manner that does not overlap the refrigerant pipe heat insulating material 81 and / or the communication pipe heat insulating material 82.

  Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the casing heat insulating material 84 is disposed inside the cover portion 75. However, the casing heat insulating material 84 may be disposed so as to cover the outside of the cover portion 75 as long as the casing heat insulating material 84 is disposed in a manner that can insulate the inside and outside of the cover portion 75.

  Further, each heat insulating material (the heat insulating material 81 for the refrigerant pipe, the heat insulating material 82 for the connecting pipe, the heat insulating material 83 for the connecting portion, and the casing heat insulating material 84) arranged inside the cover 75 is condensed in the cover inner space SP4. From the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of water and the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 from operating normally due to the intrusion of condensed water, it is preferable that the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 be arranged in the form according to the above embodiment. However, any / all of these heat insulating materials may be omitted as appropriate. Even in such a case, the effects described in (4-1) above are obtained.

(5-9) Modification I
In the above embodiment, each indoor unit 30 as the refrigerant circuit constituting unit 1 includes two connection refrigerant pipes 2 (Pa, Pb), and two connection portions J1 are configured in relation to this. 40 includes five connection refrigerant pipes 2 (P1, P2, P3, P4, P6), and five connection portions J1 are configured in relation thereto. However, regarding the number of connection refrigerant pipes 2 included in each refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1, connection communication pipes 3 connected to each refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1, and the number of connection portions J1 configured in each refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1, It is not necessarily limited to that in the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate according to design specifications and installation environment.

(5-10) Modification J
In the above embodiment, the cover portion 75 is arranged for each connection portion J1 in each refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1. However, the arrangement of the cover portion 75 is not necessarily limited to that in the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, in order to make it possible to detect refrigerant leakage quickly and accurately with respect to a specific connection portion J1 (particularly, the connection portion J1 in which refrigerant leakage is a concern), the cover portion 75 is selectively used only for the connection portion J1. It may be arranged.

(5-11) Modification K
In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the edge portion 784 of the pipe through hole 78a is configured to extend along the direction in which the connection refrigerant pipe 2 or the connection connection pipe 3 extends by burring. However, the edge 784 may be configured in this manner by another method different from the burring process. Moreover, although it is preferable that the edge part 784 is provided from a viewpoint of improving the workability of the cover part 75 and suppressing the piping damage at the time of construction, it is not necessarily required and can be omitted as appropriate.

(5-12) Modification L
In the above embodiment, one refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is arranged in the cover inner space SP4. However, a plurality of refrigerant leakage sensors 65 may be arranged in the cover inner space SP4 in order to detect refrigerant leakage at the connection portion J1 more quickly.

(5-13) Modification M
In the above embodiment, the refrigerant leak sensor 65 is disposed on the bottom surface portion 761 in the cover inner space SP4 in the installed state. For example, when a refrigerant having a specific gravity greater than that of air such as R32 leaks at the connection portion J1, it is assumed that the leaked refrigerant accumulates from the bottom surface portion 761, and therefore, the viewpoint of detecting the leaked refrigerant particularly quickly. According to the above, it is preferable that the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 is arranged in such a manner. However, as long as the refrigerant leak sensor 65 is arranged in the cover inner space SP4, it is possible to accurately detect the refrigerant leaking from the connection portion J1, and the refrigerant leak sensor 65 may be arranged in a different manner. For example, the refrigerant leakage sensor 65 may be fixed to the inner surface portion of the upper surface portion 771, the first side surface portion 781, the second side surface portion 782, or the third side surface portion 783.

(5-14) Modification N
About the structure aspect of the refrigerant circuit RC in the said embodiment, it can change suitably according to installation environment or design specification. Specifically, some of the circuit elements in the refrigerant circuit RC may be replaced with other devices, and may be omitted as appropriate when not necessary. For example, the switching valve VA in the intermediate unit 40 may be an electromagnetic valve instead of an electric valve. Further, the refrigerant circuit RC may include a device and a refrigerant flow path that are not illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, each intermediate unit 40 is associated with each indoor unit 30 on a one-to-one basis, but the intermediate unit 40 is associated with each indoor unit 30 on a one-to-many basis. Also good. In such a case, the intermediate unit 40 may be configured as a collective unit in which the plurality of intermediate units 40 are combined into one.

  Further, the number of outdoor units 10, indoor units 30, and intermediate units 40 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the air conditioning system 100 may include a plurality of outdoor units 10 or may include only one intermediate unit 40.

  Further, the intermediate unit 40 may be omitted as appropriate. In such a case, the connection communication pipe 3 constitutes a refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 30. Further, the air conditioning system 100 may have only one indoor unit 30.

(5-15) Modification O
In the said embodiment, each refrigerant circuit structure unit 1 (indoor unit 30 and intermediate | middle unit 40) was suspended from the ceiling space SP2. However, as long as the refrigerant circuit component unit 1 is installed in a building, the installation mode is not particularly limited, and an optimal installation method may be selected according to the installation environment and design specifications. For example, the refrigerant circuit component unit 1 may be installed on the wall surface or wall of the indoor space SP1, may be fixed to the ceiling, or may be disposed on the floor or below the floor.

(5-16) Modification P
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the air conditioning system 100 has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to other refrigeration apparatuses having a refrigerant circuit (for example, a refrigeration apparatus for low temperature, a water heater or a water heater).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the case where the refrigerant circuit structure unit 1 was the indoor unit 30 or the intermediate unit 40 was demonstrated. However, the refrigerant circuit constituting unit 1 is not necessarily limited to these, and may be other units constituting the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit configuration unit 1 may be, for example, an outdoor unit 10 disposed in a building (for example, underground). Further, the refrigerant circuit constituting unit 1 may be a unit included in addition to the air conditioning system, and may be a heat exchange unit such as a water heater or a water heater, for example.

(5-17) Modification Q
In the said embodiment, R32 was used as a refrigerant | coolant which circulates through the refrigerant circuit RC. However, the refrigerant used in the refrigerant circuit RC is not particularly limited. For example, in the refrigerant circuit RC, HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze (E), a mixed refrigerant of these refrigerants, or the like may be used instead of R32. In the refrigerant circuit RC, an HFC refrigerant such as R407C or R410A may be used. In the refrigerant circuit RC, a refrigerant other than an HFC refrigerant such as CO ₂ or ammonia may be used.

  The present invention can be used in a refrigeration apparatus having a refrigerant circuit.

1: Refrigerant circuit configuration unit 2: Connected refrigerant piping (refrigerant piping)
3: Connection connection piping (connection piping)
10: Outdoor unit 30 (30a, 30b, ... 30n): Indoor unit (refrigerant circuit configuration unit)
40 (40a, 40b, ... 40n): Intermediate unit (refrigerant circuit configuration unit)
50: First communication pipe 51: Liquid communication pipe 52: Intake gas communication pipe 53: High / low pressure gas communication pipe 56: First connection pipe (connection pipe, liquid refrigerant communication pipe)
57: Second connection piping (communication piping, gas refrigerant communication piping)
58: Third connection piping (communication piping, gas refrigerant communication piping)
60: Second connecting pipe (connecting pipe)
65: Refrigerant leakage sensor 70: Casing unit 71: Main body (casing)
71a: Main body side surface 75, 75a-75c, 75 ', 750: Cover (cover member)
76: Bottom part 77: Upper part 78: Side part 78a: Piping through hole 81: Heat insulating material for refrigerant piping (second heat insulating material)
82: Insulating material for connecting pipe (third insulating material)
83: Insulating material for connecting portion (first insulating material)
84: Casing insulation 90: Suspension device 95: Fixing device 100: Air conditioning system 751: First member 752: Second member 761: Bottom surface portion 762: First fixing portion 771: Upper surface portion 772: Second fixing portion 781: First 1 side surface part 782: 2nd side surface part 783: 3rd side surface part 784: edge B1: binding band C1: ceiling back bottom C2: ceiling back top GP: gas pipe (gas communication piping)
J1: Connection part LP: Liquid pipe (liquid communication pipe)
N1: Flare nut P1-P4: 1st piping-4th piping (refrigerant piping)
P6: Sixth pipe (refrigerant pipe)
PA, PB: Refrigerant piping Pa: First refrigerant piping (refrigerant piping)
Pb: Second refrigerant pipe (refrigerant pipe)
RC: Refrigerant circuit S1: Screw SP1: Indoor space SP2: Ceiling space SP3: Housing space SP4: Cover inner space TH: Screw hole U1: Flare union

JP 2014-81160 A

Claims (9)

A refrigerant circuit configuration unit (1) that has a casing (71) that is arranged in a building and has a refrigerant pipe (2) that is positioned outside the casing and that forms the refrigerant circuit (RC).
A communication pipe (3) connected to the refrigerant pipe and forming a refrigerant flow path between the refrigerant circuit constituting unit and the other units (10, 30, 40);
A cover member (75, 75 ′, 750) that covers a connection portion (J1) between the refrigerant pipe and the communication pipe;
A refrigerant leakage sensor (65) for detecting refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant circuit;
With
The cover member is
A bottom portion (76) covering the lower portion of the connecting portion;
A side portion (78) covering the side of the connecting portion;
An upper part (77) covering above the connection part;
Including
The refrigerant leakage sensor is disposed inside the cover member.
Refrigeration apparatus (100). A first heat insulating material (83) covering the connecting portion inside the cover member;
The refrigeration apparatus (100) according to claim 1. A second heat insulating material (81) covering the refrigerant pipe inside the cover member;
A third heat insulating material (82) covering the connecting pipe inside the cover member;
Further comprising
The connecting part is located away from the covering part of the second heat insulating material and the third heat insulating material;
The refrigeration apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2. The cover member includes a casing heat insulating material (84) that insulates the inside and the outside of the cover member inside or outside the cover member.
The refrigeration apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The refrigerant leakage sensor is disposed on the bottom;
The refrigeration apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The cover member is formed with a pipe through hole (78a) for inserting the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe,
An edge (784) of the pipe through hole extends along a direction in which the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe extends.
The refrigeration apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The cover member includes a first member (751) and a second member (752) configured as separate bodies, and the first member and the second member sandwich the refrigerant pipe or the communication pipe. Composed by coalescing,
The refrigeration apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The refrigerant pipe or the connection pipe branches in a plurality of directions inside the cover member.
The refrigeration apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The refrigerant circuit configuration unit includes a plurality of the refrigerant pipes,
The communication pipe includes a liquid refrigerant communication pipe (LP, 56) and a gas refrigerant communication pipe (GP, 57, 58),
The cover member covers the connection part of the liquid refrigerant communication pipe and the refrigerant pipe, and the connection part of the gas refrigerant communication pipe and the refrigerant pipe.
The refrigeration apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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