Refrigerant leakage detection device and air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerant leakage detection device and an air conditioner. The refrigerant leakage detection device comprises a column body, which is communicated with a refrigerant circulation pipeline of the air conditioner; and an indication component, which is arranged in the column body; wherein the indication component is capable of moving in the column body under the pressure drive of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline. The application solves the technical problem that the refrigerant leakage in the air conditioner is not easy to be found, and achieves the technical effect of detecting whether the refrigerant of the air conditioner leaks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to a refrigerant leak detection device and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] With air conditioners becoming widely used in daily life, their cooling performance is receiving increasing attention. Sufficient refrigerant is a crucial factor affecting cooling efficiency. Refrigerant leakage is a primary cause of insufficient refrigerant in air conditioners. However, refrigerant leaks often go undetected, frequently only becoming apparent when users experience poor cooling or heating performance, thus impacting user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem solved by this invention is the technical issue that refrigerant leakage inside air conditioners is difficult to detect, and it achieves the technical effect of detecting whether refrigerant is leaking in air conditioners.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a refrigerant leakage detection device for an air conditioner. The refrigerant leakage detection device includes: a column connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the air conditioner; and an indicating component disposed within the column. The indicating component is capable of moving within the column under the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline.

[0005] Compared to existing technologies, the technical advantages of this solution are as follows: The refrigerant leak detection device, connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline, allows refrigerant to enter the column. Based on the refrigerant content entering the column, it can determine whether the refrigerant content in the circulation pipeline is within the normal range. If a refrigerant leak occurs in the air conditioner, the amount of refrigerant entering the column will decrease, allowing operators to visually determine whether a leak has occurred by observing the position of the indicator component within the column. Furthermore, when the refrigerant is a hazardous chemical, the detection device can improve the safety of the air conditioner.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant leak detection device is located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0007] Compared with existing technologies, the technical advantages achieved by this solution are: the refrigerant leak detection device is installed on the indoor unit of the air conditioner. The indoor unit is located indoors, allowing users to directly observe the indicating components inside the refrigerant leak detection device.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the refrigerant leak detection device is located on the panel of the indoor unit.

[0009] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution are as follows: placing the refrigerant leak detection device on the panel of the indoor unit makes it convenient for users to observe and also facilitates the fixing of the refrigerant leak detection device.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the refrigerant leak detection device is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the first heat exchanger located in the indoor unit.

[0011] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effect achieved by this solution is as follows: gaseous refrigerant enters the column from the refrigerant outlet, and the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant causes the indicating component to float. The indicator component, in conjunction with the scale on the column, indicates whether the refrigerant content inside the air conditioner is normal.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant leak detection device further includes a capillary tube that connects the column and the refrigerant outlet.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution are as follows: using a capillary tube to guide the refrigerant from the air conditioner into the column body prevents the pipe from being too thick, which would cause a large amount of refrigerant to enter the column body and result in unnecessary waste.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the column is provided with at least one position mark, which is used to indicate the position of the indicating component in the column.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: At least one position marker is provided on the column, and this position marker, in conjunction with an indicating component, can indicate the position of the indicating component. By moving the indicating component to the vicinity of a certain position marker, the refrigerant content can be determined based on the position marker.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the setting position of each position identifier in at least one position identifier corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the air conditioner in each mode.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: Different operating modes within the air conditioner affect the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline, thus resulting in different pressure readings on the column. At least one position indicator is provided, along with multiple position indicators to facilitate correspondence with air conditioners in different modes, enhancing adaptability.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one location identifier includes a first location identifier, a second location identifier, and a third location identifier arranged at intervals in sequence.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: when the indicator moves to the lower part of at least one position mark, it indicates a refrigerant leak; when the indicator moves to the middle or upper part of at least one position mark, it indicates that the refrigerant content is within the normal range. The three position marks correspond to the refrigerant status of the air conditioner in cooling, heating, and off states, respectively. It is applicable to all operating modes of the air conditioner.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the indicating component is a float indicating component.

[0021] Compared with existing technologies, the technical advantages achieved by this solution are: the indicator component is a float, which allows the refrigerant to buoy the indicator component using air pressure. This makes it easier for the indicator component to point to the corresponding position.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, comprising: a refrigerant circulation pipeline; and a refrigerant leakage detection device as described above, wherein the refrigerant leakage detection device is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effect achieved by adopting this technical solution is that the air conditioner equipped with the above-mentioned refrigerant circulation pipeline and refrigerant leakage detection device can detect whether the refrigerant inside the air conditioner is leaking.

[0024] By adopting the technical solution of the present invention, the following technical effects can be achieved:

[0025] (1) The air conditioner refrigerant leakage detection device is easy to implement, intuitive and visual, and simple and convenient for users and after-sales service to conduct preliminary screening and diagnosis.

[0026] (2) The air conditioner refrigerant leakage detection device has a reliable mechanism and is under long-term control, which can better ensure the safety of air conditioner use, especially for flammable and explosive refrigerants. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the indoor unit and the refrigerant leak detection device.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant leak detection device.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner module.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 100 - Refrigerant leak detection device; 110 - Column; 111 - At least one position indicator; 111a - First position indicator; 111b - Second position indicator; 111c - Third position indicator; 120 - Indicating element; 130 - Capillary tube; 200 - Air conditioner; 210 - Refrigerant circulation pipeline; 220 - Indoor unit; 221 - Panel; 222 - First heat exchanger; 222a - Refrigerant outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Example 1:

[0034] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 1 This embodiment provides a refrigerant leakage detection device 100 for an air conditioner 200, including: a column 110, which is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline 210 of the air conditioner 200; and an indicator component 120, which is disposed inside the column 110; wherein the indicator component 120 is capable of moving inside the column 110 under the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline 210.

[0035] In this embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection device 100 is mainly used to detect whether refrigerant is leaking. The column 110 is specifically a container capable of storing and holding refrigerant. Specifically, the column 110 can be cylindrical, cuboid, ellipsoidal, etc., preferably cuboid. The column 110 has graduations for indicating and measuring the refrigerant content. The column 110 is located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner 200, but it can also be located in other parts of the air conditioner; however, this device is convenient for staff to observe. The air conditioner 200 has a refrigerant circulation pipe 210 for the refrigerant to circulate within the air conditioner. The indicating component 120 has a directional function and is located inside the column 110. When the column 110 contains refrigerant, the indicating component 120 can float on the refrigerant, facilitating readability with the column 110 to indicate the refrigerant content. The column 110 is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipe 210, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipe 210 enters the column 110. When the refrigerant level in the refrigerant circulation pipe 210 is normal, the refrigerant level displayed on the column 110 is within a normal range. When a refrigerant leak occurs in the air conditioner 200, the amount of refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipe 210 decreases, resulting in a lower refrigerant level entering the column 110 than normal. When there is too much refrigerant in the air conditioner 200, the amount of refrigerant entering the column 110 will exceed the normal level.

[0036] Furthermore, the refrigerant leak detection device 100, connected to the refrigerant circulation pipe 210, allows refrigerant to enter the column 110. Based on the refrigerant content entering the column 110, it can be determined whether the refrigerant content in the circulation pipe 210 is within the normal range. If the air conditioner 200 leaks refrigerant, the amount of refrigerant entering the column 110 will decrease. Operators can visually determine whether there is a leak by observing the position of the indicator component 120 within the column 110. Users can also more conveniently and intuitively and accurately and promptly determine and detect refrigerant leaks in the air conditioner 200. Additionally, when the system refrigerant is flammable or explosive, there may even be safety hazards. To address this issue, the detection device described in this case provides a simpler and safer way to detect refrigerant leaks. While related technologies or methods exist, their implementation is not specific and complex, with poor operability and incomplete detection range. For example, conventional methods require the air conditioner to be turned on before judgment and identification can be performed, resulting in a certain degree of lag and risk.

[0037] Example 2:

[0038] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 1 The refrigerant leak detection device 100 is installed in the indoor unit 220 of the air conditioner 200.

[0039] In this embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection device 100 is installed on the indoor unit 220 of the air conditioner 200. The indoor unit 220 is located indoors, making it convenient for the user to directly observe the indicator component inside the refrigerant leak detection device 100.

[0040] Example 3:

[0041] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 1 The refrigerant leak detection device 100 is installed on the panel 221 of the indoor unit 220.

[0042] In this embodiment, a new style and structure of the air conditioner 200 are proposed. Specifically, on the indoor unit side, a new column 110 for detecting refrigerant leaks is added to the original structure of the indoor unit. This column is typically placed on the side panel of the indoor unit 220, but to achieve the aforementioned functions and purposes, its location is not limited to the example location. Furthermore, the refrigerant leak detection device 100 is mounted on the panel 221 of the indoor unit 220, which facilitates user observation and also makes it easier to secure the refrigerant leak detection device 100.

[0043] Example 4:

[0044] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 1The refrigerant leak detection device 100 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 222a of the first heat exchanger 222 located in the indoor unit 220.

[0045] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 220 is equipped with a first heat exchanger 222, where refrigerant exchanges heat. The first heat exchanger 222 is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline 210 and is the main part where the refrigerant is concentrated in the air conditioner 200, and also the part where refrigerant leakage is likely to occur. The first heat exchanger 222 has a refrigerant outlet 222a, at which point the refrigerant is converted into a high-temperature gaseous refrigerant. The refrigerant leakage detection device 100 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 222a to facilitate detection of whether the refrigerant content has changed after the refrigerant has exchanged heat in the first heat exchanger 222, thereby inferring whether there is a refrigerant leak. The gaseous refrigerant enters the interior of the column 110 from the refrigerant outlet 222a, and the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant can float the indicating component 120. By coordinating the scale on the indicating component 120 and the column 110, the current refrigerant content in the air conditioner 200 is indicated to determine whether it is normal.

[0046] Example 5:

[0047] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 1 The refrigerant leak detection device 100 also includes a capillary tube 130, which connects the column 110 and the refrigerant outlet 222a.

[0048] In this embodiment, the refrigerant leak detection device 100 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 222a via a capillary tube 130. The capillary tube 130 has a small diameter, resulting in a smaller amount of refrigerant entering the column through it, allowing for more accurate measurement of refrigerant content changes. Furthermore, using the capillary tube 130 to guide the refrigerant from the air conditioner 200 into the column 110 prevents excessively large pipes from entering the column 110 and causing unnecessary waste. A small hole is opened on the refrigerant outlet 222a of the air conditioner 200, and the capillary tube 130 is welded to the column 110 on the side of the air conditioner 200. A portion of the refrigerant from the air conditioner 200 flows through the capillary tube 130 into the column 110 on the side of the indoor unit. After the refrigerant flows in, the pressure in the column 110 changes, causing the indicator component 120 to move up and down, providing a simple and intuitive reading.

[0049] Example 6:

[0050] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 2 The column 110 is provided with at least one position mark 111, which is used to indicate the position of the indicating component 120 in the column 110.

[0051] In this embodiment, the column 110 includes a freely floating indicator 120, and the column 110 is engraved with warning position markings, meaning that at least one position marking 111 is provided on the column 110. The at least one position marking 111 cooperates with the indicator 120 to indicate the position of the indicator 120. By moving the indicator 120 to the vicinity of a certain position marking 110, the refrigerant content can be determined through the position marking 111. For example, at least one position marking 111 on the column 110 may include a refrigerant leak indicator. When refrigerant leaks in the air conditioner 200, the refrigerant content in the refrigerant circulation pipe 210 decreases, and the amount of gaseous refrigerant entering the column 110 through the capillary tube 130 also decreases. Consequently, the height of the floating indicator 120 also decreases, and the refrigerant leak indicator corresponds to the position of the indicator 120 in this state. Therefore, when a user or staff member sees the indicator 120 near the refrigerant leak indicator, they can promptly determine that a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0052] Example 7:

[0053] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 2 At least one of the position identifiers 111 is set at a position that corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant circulation line 210 of the air conditioner 200 in each mode.

[0054] In this embodiment, the refrigerant circulation pipe 210 and the column 110 are connected by a capillary tube 130, specifically, the capillary tube 130 is connected to the refrigerant outlet 222a. The refrigerant at the refrigerant outlet 222a is all gaseous refrigerant. Furthermore, the gas pressure inside the column 110 is connected to the gas pressure inside the refrigerant circulation pipe 210. Pressure allows for more accurate detection of the refrigerant content. The column 110 can float the indicating component 120 due to gas pressure; each different pressure within the column 110 will push the indicating component 120 to a different position. Therefore, at least one position marker 111 on the column 110 corresponds to the pressure in the refrigerant circulation pipe 210. Different operating modes within the air conditioner 200 will affect the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant circulation pipe 210, thus resulting in different pressures displayed on the column 110. The at least one position marker 111 has multiple position markers to facilitate correspondence with different modes of the air conditioner 200, providing greater adaptability.

[0055] Example 8:

[0056] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 2 At least one location identifier 111 includes a first location identifier 111a, a second location identifier 111b, and a third location identifier 111c arranged at intervals.

[0057] In this embodiment, at least one location marker 111 serves as a warning marker: when the indicating component 120 moves to the lower part of at least one location marker 111, it indicates a refrigerant leak; when the indicating component 120 moves to the middle or upper part of at least one location marker 111, it indicates that the refrigerant content is within the normal range. Specifically, the first location marker 111a is the corresponding warning position for the air conditioner 200 in cooling mode. When the air conditioner 200 is running in cooling mode, if the indicating component 120 is observed to move to the lower part of the first location marker 111a, it indicates a refrigerant leak within the air conditioner 200. The second location marker 111b is the corresponding warning position for the air conditioner 200 in off mode. When the air conditioner 200 is running in off mode, if the indicating component 120 is observed to move to the lower part of the second location marker 111b, it indicates a refrigerant leak within the air conditioner 200. The third location marker 111c is the corresponding warning position for the air conditioner 200 in heating mode. When the air conditioner 200 is running in heating mode, if the indicator component 120 is observed to move to the lower part of the third position indicator 111c, it indicates that a refrigerant leak has occurred inside the air conditioner 200. When the air conditioner 200 is in other modes, it is generally handled as if it were in a stopped state.

[0058] Example 9:

[0059] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 2 The indicator component 120 is a float indicator component.

[0060] In this embodiment, the indicating component 120 is a float, which allows the refrigerant to float the indicating component 120 using air pressure buoyancy. This makes it easy for the indicating component 120 to indicate the corresponding position marker 111.

[0061] Example 10:

[0062] In one specific embodiment, see Figure 3 This embodiment provides an air conditioner 200, including: a refrigerant circulation pipe 210; and a refrigerant leak detection device 100 as described above, wherein the refrigerant leak detection device 100 is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipe 210.

[0063] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 200 has the refrigerant circulation pipe 210 and refrigerant leakage detection device as described in the above embodiment, which enables it to detect whether the refrigerant inside the air conditioner 200 is leaking.

[0064] Example 11:

[0065] In one specific embodiment, this patent proposes a refrigerant leak detection device 100 to facilitate user observation and maintenance by technicians, enabling timely detection of refrigerant leaks. The air conditioner 200 is primarily designed for the indoor unit 220. An additional column 110 for detecting refrigerant leaks is added to the side of the indoor unit 220 of the air conditioner 200. It is typically placed on the side panel 211 of the indoor unit 220, but to achieve the aforementioned functions and purposes, the specific location is not limited to the example location.

[0066] The column 110 is a visual interface, which includes a freely floating indicator component 120, and is engraved with warning position marks, namely the first position mark 111a, the second position mark 111b and the third position mark 111c.

[0067] The first heat exchanger 222 of the air conditioner 200 is specifically an evaporator. A small hole is opened on the refrigerant outlet 222a of the evaporator of the air conditioner 200, and it is connected to the column on the side of the air conditioner 200 through a welded capillary tube 130 for pressure transmission and feedback.

[0068] Part of the refrigerant in the system flows through the capillary tube 130 into the column 110 on the side of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 200. After the refrigerant flows in, the pressure in the column 110 will change, which will drive the indicator component 120, i.e., the float, to move. After the system pressure stabilizes, the position of the float remains unchanged. At this time, the system pressure is judged by the position of the indicator on the column 110.

[0069] Generally, the refrigerant pressure in the system is different when the air conditioner 200 is in different states. In particular, when there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner system, the refrigerant pressure value is lower than the normal value of the system refrigerant. For the three different states of the air conditioner 200, three corresponding warning values ​​are specified and the corresponding warning positions are marked on the column 110 so that users or maintenance personnel can make intuitive judgments and identifications.

[0070] The three different states include shutdown, cooling, and heating modes, and the three warning values ​​will vary depending on the refrigerant system.

[0071] When the air conditioner is in the off state, under normal circumstances, the position of the indicator component 120 should be at or above the second position mark 111b of the air conditioner 200 off warning position. If it is below this position, it indicates that there may be a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner 200 system and maintenance is required.

[0072] When the air conditioner is in cooling or dehumidifying mode, under normal circumstances, the position of the indicator component 120 should be at or above the first position mark 111a of the air conditioner 200 operation warning position. If it is below this position, it indicates that there may be a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner 200 system and maintenance is required.

[0073] When the air conditioner 200 is in heating mode, under normal circumstances, the position of the indicator component 120 should be at or above the third position mark 111c of the air conditioner 200 operation warning position. If it is lower than the third position mark 111c, it indicates that there may be a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner 200 system and maintenance is required.

[0074] When the air conditioner 200 is in other modes, it is generally judged and handled as if it were in a stopped state.

[0075] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerant leakage detection device for an air conditioner, characterized in that, The refrigerant leak detection device (100) includes: A column (110) is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipe (210) of the air conditioner (200); An indicator component (120) is disposed within the column (110); The indicating component (120) is capable of moving within the column (110) under the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation pipeline (210); The column (110) is provided with at least one position mark (111), which is used to indicate the position of the indicating component (120) in the column (110); The location of each position identifier in the at least one position identifier (111) corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant circulation pipeline of the air conditioner (200) in each mode; The at least one location identifier (111) includes a first location identifier (111a), a second location identifier (111b), and a third location identifier (111c) arranged at intervals in sequence; When the air conditioner (200) is in the off state, under normal circumstances the position of the indicator component (120) is at or above the second position mark (111b) of the air conditioner (200) off warning position. If it is below this position, it indicates that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner (200) system and maintenance is required. or When the air conditioner (200) is in cooling mode or dehumidification mode, under normal circumstances the position of the indicator component (120) is at or above the first position mark (111a) of the air conditioner (200) operation warning position. If it is below this position, it indicates that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner (200) system and maintenance is required. or When the air conditioner (200) is in heating mode, under normal circumstances the position of the indicator component (120) is at or above the third position mark (111c) of the air conditioner (200) operation warning position. If it is lower than the third position mark (111c), it indicates that there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner (200) system and maintenance is required.

2. The refrigerant leak detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant leak detection device (100) is installed in the indoor unit (220) of the air conditioner (200).

3. The refrigerant leakage detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerant leak detection device (100) is located on the panel (221) of the indoor unit (220).

4. The refrigerant leak detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The refrigerant leakage detection device (100) is connected to the refrigerant outlet (222a) of the first heat exchanger (222) located in the indoor unit (220).

5. The refrigerant leak detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The refrigerant leak detection device (100) also includes: A capillary tube (130) connects the column (110) and the refrigerant outlet (222a).

6. The refrigerant leak detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The indicator component (120) is a float indicator component.

7. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner (200) includes: Refrigerant circulation piping (210); The refrigerant leak detection device (100) as described in any one of claims 1-6 is connected to the refrigerant circulation pipeline (210).

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