Air conditioner

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioner including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by a refrigerant pipe, the air conditioner having a refrigeration cycle circuit filled with a flammable refrigerant, the indoor unit having: a machine chamber in which an electrical component box is provided; a connection pipe accommodating part for accommodating a connection pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe; an air supply path through which air that exchanges heat with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger under the driving of the indoor fan flows; and a leak detection sensor that detects a leak of the flammable refrigerant, the machine chamber and the air supply path communicate with each other through a first passage, the machine chamber and the connection piping housing section communicate with each other through a second passage, and the leak detection sensor is provided so as to be close to the second passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant. The air conditioner has a leakage detection sensor in an indoor unit for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant. The leakage detection sensor is arranged in an air supply circuit section in the indoor unit where an indoor heat exchanger is provided. The indoor unit includes a communication path connecting a pipe connection storage section where a pipe connection section is arranged and the air supply circuit section.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses an indoor unit using a flammable refrigerant. The indoor unit includes a refrigerant sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage. The refrigerant sensor is arranged in an air path during short circuit operation. When the concentration of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant sensor is higher than a first threshold value, the indoor unit starts short circuit operation. Then, the indoor unit compares the concentration of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant sensor with a second threshold value to determine whether there is refrigerant leakage.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-112061

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 6431339 Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides an air conditioner capable of detecting refrigerant leakage in advance when a flammable refrigerant leaks in an indoor unit.

[0009] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by refrigerant piping, and has a refrigeration cycle circuit filled with a flammable refrigerant. In the air conditioner, the indoor unit comprises: a machine room provided with an electrical component box; a connecting pipe storage portion for storing connecting pipes connected to the refrigerant piping; an air supply path for the flow of air after heat exchange with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger driven by the indoor fan; and a leakage detection sensor for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant, the machine room being connected to the air supply path via a first passage, the machine room being connected to the connecting pipe storage portion via a second passage, and the leakage detection sensor being arranged in a manner close to the second passage.

[0010] The air conditioner of the present invention is provided with a leakage detection sensor at a position where the flammable refrigerant easily passes when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a refrigeration cycle diagram of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 VV cross-section diagram.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 7 So Figure 6 A perspective view of the indoor unit with section VII-VII cut off.

[0018] Figure 8 So Figure 6 A perspective view of the indoor unit with section VIII-VIII cut off.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 2.

[0020] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 3.

[0021] Fig.11 It is a front view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 4.

[0022] Explanation of symbols

[0023] 1 Air Conditioner

[0024] 10 Outdoor unit

[0025] 11. Compressor

[0026] 13 Four-way valve

[0027] 15 Outdoor heat exchanger

[0028] 17 Expansion valve

[0029] 19 Outdoor fan

[0030] 21 Refrigerant pipe connection

[0031] 23 Refrigerant pipe connection

[0032] 30 Indoor unit

[0033] 30A air supply line

[0034] 30B Mechanical Room

[0035] 31 Indoor heat exchanger

[0036] 31L left end

[0037] 31L1 elbow

[0038] 31R right end

[0039] 31R1 elbow

[0040] 31a Divider

[0041] 31a1 Pathway 1

[0042] 31b Connecting pipe

[0043] 31b1 Liquid side connection pipe

[0044] 31b2 Gas side connection pipe

[0045] 32 Drain pan

[0046] 32a Drain hose

[0047] 33 Indoor fan

[0048] 35 Cover parts

[0049] 36 Blowing outlet

[0050] 37 Swing piece

[0051] 38 Back panel

[0052] 38a Connection pipe storage section

[0053] 38b 2nd channel

[0054] 38c 3rd channel

[0055] 39 Electrical components box

[0056] 40 Mounting plate

[0057] 50 Leak Detection Sensor

[0058] 130 Indoor unit

[0059] 230 Indoor unit

[0060] 330 Indoor unit

[0061] W wall DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] (Insights, etc. that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0063] When the inventors came up with the present invention, R32 refrigerant was mostly used as the refrigerant used in air conditioners. However, R32 has a high global warming potential (GWP), and there are concerns about its impact on climate change. Therefore, it was proposed to use natural refrigerants with low GWP, such as isobutane and propane, as refrigerants for air conditioners. These low-GWP refrigerants are flammable, so a technology of providing an indoor unit with a leak detection sensor that can detect refrigerant leakage was proposed. Under such circumstances, the inventors discovered that in the case of a flammable refrigerant leaking into the room, it is necessary to detect the leakage of the refrigerant in advance, and in order to solve this problem, the subject of the present invention was formed.

[0064] The present invention can detect refrigerant leakage in advance when flammable refrigerant leaks in an indoor unit.

[0065] Hereinafter, the embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes, detailed descriptions beyond the necessary level are omitted. For example, sometimes, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are omitted. This is to avoid the following description being too lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0066] In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the patent claims.

[0067] (Implementation Method 1)

[0068] Below, use Figure 1 to Figure 6 Implementation method 1 will be described.

[0069] [1-1. Structure]

[0070] [1-1-1. Configuration of refrigeration cycle]

[0071] Figure 1 1 is a refrigeration cycle diagram of the air conditioner 1 according to Embodiment 1, and shows an outline of a refrigeration cycle circuit of the air conditioner 1. The refrigeration cycle circuit of the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 30. In addition, the refrigeration cycle circuit of the air conditioner 1 is filled with R290 (i.e., propane) as a flammable refrigerant as a refrigerant.

[0072] The outdoor unit 10 is a device installed outdoors, and has a compressor 11, a four-way valve 13, an outdoor heat exchanger 15, and an expansion valve 17, which are sequentially connected through a refrigerant pipe. The compressor 11 compresses the refrigerant sucked in from the suction port and discharges the compressed refrigerant from the discharge port. The four-way valve 13 is connected to the suction port and the discharge port of the compressor 11, and the suction port and the discharge port are connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 15 and the indoor heat exchanger 31 respectively by switching the flow path. The outdoor heat exchanger 15 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger, and the outdoor air and the internal refrigerant are heat-exchanged by driving the outdoor fan 19. The outdoor fan 19 is, for example, an axial flow fan. The expansion valve 17 decompresses the refrigerant.

[0073] The indoor unit 30 is a device installed indoors, and includes an indoor heat exchanger 31 and an indoor fan 33. The indoor heat exchanger 31 is connected to the four-way valve 13 and the expansion valve 17 via the refrigerant pipe connection parts 21 and 23. The indoor heat exchanger 31 is, for example, a fin-tube type heat exchanger. The indoor fan 33 is a device that is driven to exchange heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 31, and is, for example, a cross-flow fan.

[0074] The air conditioner 1 performs air conditioning by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle by driving the compressor 11, and returning the indoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 31 to the indoor. In addition, the air conditioner 1 can switch between heating operation and cooling operation by switching the flow path of the four-way valve 13.

[0075] [1-1-2. Structure of indoor unit]

[0076] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the indoor unit 30. Figure 3 2 is a cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 30, and shows a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction of the indoor unit 30. In addition, the symbol X in the figure indicates the right direction of the indoor unit 30, the symbol Y indicates the front direction of the indoor unit 30, and the symbol Z indicates the upper direction of the indoor unit 30. In addition, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, directions such as up and down, left and right, and front and back refer to directions based on the indoor unit 30.

[0077] The indoor unit 30 is a so-called wall-mounted indoor unit that is mounted on a wall surface W in the room. The indoor unit 30 has a box-shaped cover member 35 that is long in the left-right direction. The cover member 35 is a cover member that stores Figure 1The housings of the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the indoor fan 33 shown are made of resin or the like. The cover member 35 covers the indoor heat exchanger 31 and the indoor fan 33 from the left and right, the top and the bottom, and the front, and the rear side, that is, the back side is open. The opening on the back side of the cover member 35 is closed by a back panel 38. The back panel 38 is a member made of resin or the like. By fixing the back panel 38 to a metal mounting plate 40 fixed to the wall surface W, the indoor unit 30 is mounted on the wall surface W.

[0078] The cover member 35 is provided with a blow-out port 36 that communicates the inside and outside of the cover member 35. The blow-out port 36 is an opening formed over substantially the entire left-right direction of the cover member 35. The indoor unit 30 blows air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 31 from the blow-out port 36 into the room, thereby performing air conditioning in the room.

[0079] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , an air supply passage 30A is provided between the air outlet 36 and the indoor fan 33. The air supply passage 30A is a passage formed between the drain pan 32 on the front side and the back panel 38. The air that has exchanged heat with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 31 flows in the air supply passage 30A by driving the indoor fan 33. The air flowing in the air supply passage 30A is blown out from the air outlet 36 into the room.

[0080] The blowout port 36 is provided with a plate-shaped swing piece 37 for changing the flow direction of the air blown out from the blowout port 36. Figure 2 and Figure 4 When the air conditioner 1 shown is stopped, it is held in a posture along the outer shape of the cover member 35 , and substantially the entire surface of the air outlet 36 is closed.

[0081] Figure 4 It is a front view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 30. A partition plate 31a is provided at the right end 31R of the indoor heat exchanger 31. The partition plate 31a is a plate-shaped component that separates the air supply path 30A from the machine room 30B. An electrical component box 39 is provided in the machine room 30B. In the present embodiment, the air supply path 30A is located on the left side of the partition plate 31a, and the machine room 30B is located on the right side of the partition plate 31a. In addition, the welded portion of the U-shaped bend 31R1 relative to the right end 31R of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is exposed in the machine room 30B on the right side of the partition plate 31a. In addition, on the inner side of the cover part 35, the U-shaped bend 31L1 is bent relative to the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31.

[0082] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , a drain pan 32 is provided below the indoor heat exchanger 31. The drain pan 32 is a component for receiving condensed water, defrost water, etc. formed on the indoor heat exchanger 31. Figure 3As shown, two drain pans 32 are provided before and after the indoor fan 33. Figure 4 As shown, the drain pan 32 is provided over the entire left-right direction of the indoor heat exchanger 31 and extends into the machine room 30B.

[0083] The partition plate 31a has a first passage 31a1 formed therein. The first passage 31a1 penetrates the partition plate 31a in the left-right direction. The first passage 31a1 is a hole connecting the air supply passage 30A and the machine room 30B. In the present embodiment, the first passage 31a1 is provided at a position lower than the drain pan 32 (see Figure 3 )High position.

[0084] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the VV section of FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the indoor unit 30 in the machine room 30B. An electric component box 39 is disposed in the machine room 30B. The electric component box 39 is a box-shaped component, and a control substrate and the like for controlling each part of the indoor unit 30 are stored therein.

[0085] Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a rear view of the indoor unit 30, showing the back panel 38 viewed from the rear. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , a connecting pipe storage portion 38a is formed at the rear of the back panel 38. The connecting pipe storage portion 38a is a space between the back panel 38 and the mounting plate 40 formed by recessing the lower portion of the back panel 38 forward. In other words, the back panel 38 is a component that separates the air supply path 30A and the machine room 30B from the connecting pipe storage portion 38a. The connecting pipe storage portion 38a is formed over the substantially entire left-right direction of the back panel 38 in a manner that straddles the air supply path 30A and the machine room 30B in the left-right direction.

[0086] The connection pipe accommodating portion 38a accommodates the connection pipe 31b and the drain hose 32a. The connection pipe 31b is a pipe obtained by bundling the liquid-side connection pipe 31b1 and the gas-side connection pipe 31b2, and is integrated with the indoor unit 30.

[0087] One end of the liquid-side connecting pipe 31b1 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 31, and the other end is connected to the external refrigerant pipe via the refrigerant pipe connecting portion 23. The liquid-side connecting pipe 31b1 is connected to the expansion valve 17 via the external refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe connecting portion 23.

[0088] One end of the gas-side connecting pipe 31b2 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 31, and the other end is connected to the external refrigerant pipe via the refrigerant pipe connecting portion 21. The gas-side connecting pipe 31b2 is connected to the four-way valve 13 via the external refrigerant pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe connecting portion 21.

[0089] The drain hose 32a is a hose connected to the drain pan 32 in the machine room 30B. The drain hose 32a discharges condensed water, defrosted water, etc. received by the drain pan 32 to the outside.

[0090] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a second passage 38b for connecting the machine room 30B and the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a is formed on the back panel 38. The second passage 38b is a hole for passing the drain hose 32a from the machine room 30B to the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a. The second passage 38b is located at the lower part of the machine room 30B. The second passage 38b is located near the lower part of the right end 31R of the indoor heat exchanger 31.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure, a leakage detection sensor 50 for detecting leaked flammable refrigerant is provided in a manner close to the second passage 38b. In addition, the "position close to the second passage 38b" includes a position inside the second passage 38b and a position outside the second passage 38b and near the second passage 38b. In the present embodiment, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided inside the second passage 38b. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the leakage detection sensor 50 is set to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second passage 38b. Specifically, in the cross section C perpendicular to the direction from the machine room 30B to the connecting pipe storage section 38a, the cross-sectional area of ​​the leakage detection sensor 50 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second passage 38b.

[0092] Figure 7 So Figure 6 The perspective view of the indoor unit 30 cut along the VII-VII section shows the indoor unit 30 viewed from the right rear. Figure 8 So Figure 6 The perspective view of the indoor unit 30 cut at the VIII-VIII section shows the indoor unit 30 viewed from the left rear. The VII-VII section is a section at a position of about 10 cm to the left from the right end of the indoor unit 30, and the VIII-VIII section is a section at a position of about 1 cm to the right from the left end of the indoor unit 30.

[0093] As described above, the second passage 38b is a hole mainly used to allow the drain hose 32a and the connecting pipe 31b to pass from the machine room 30B to the connecting pipe storage part 38a. Therefore, the size of the opening of the second passage 38b is the size of the drain hose 32a and the connecting pipe 31b. Figure 7 As shown, a part of the opening area of ​​the second passage 38b is blocked by the drain hose 32a and the connecting pipe 31b leading to the inside.

[0094] like Figure 8As shown, a third passage 38c is formed at the left end of the back panel 38 to connect the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 with the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a. The opening area of ​​the third passage 38c is larger than the opening area of ​​the second passage 38b. In addition, the connecting pipe 31b and the wiring not shown in the figure pass through the second passage 38b, while the connecting pipe 31b and the wiring do not pass through the third passage 38c. In the third passage 38c, the area of ​​the unblocked portion is larger than that of the second passage 38b. When the refrigerant leaks from the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31, the first refrigerant amount flows into the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a via the third passage 38c. When the refrigerant leaks from the right end 31R, the second refrigerant amount flows into the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a via the second passage 38b. The first refrigerant amount is likely to be larger than the second refrigerant amount.

[0095] [1-2. Action]

[0096] Regarding the air conditioner 1 configured as above, the flow of the flammable refrigerant when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 30 during the stop of operation will be described. Hereinafter, the case where the flammable refrigerant leaks in the brazed portion of the elbow 31R1 at the right end 31R of the indoor heat exchanger 31, the bent portion of the U-shaped elbow 31L1 at the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31, and the connecting pipe 31b will be described. These portions are particularly prone to the leakage of the flammable refrigerant.

[0097] [1-2-1. Leakage at the right end of the indoor heat exchanger]

[0098] An example of the flow of the flammable refrigerant when the flammable refrigerant leaks from the brazed portion of the elbow 31R1 at the right end 31R of the indoor heat exchanger 31 will be described. In this case, the flammable refrigerant leaks from the indoor heat exchanger 31 to the periphery of the partition plate 31a.

[0099] In this embodiment, the flammable refrigerant is R290 having a specific gravity greater than that of air, and therefore, the flammable refrigerant leaking to the left side of the partition plate 31a is received by the drain pan 32. The flammable refrigerant flows to the right along the drain pan 32 and flows directly into the machine room 30B via the first passage 31a1 or from the drain pan 32.

[0100] The flammable refrigerant that flows along the drain pan 32 and flows into the machine room 30B, and the flammable refrigerant that leaks directly from the right end 31R into the machine room 30B, flows into the lower part of the electric component box 39 and the second passage 38b. The flammable refrigerant that flows into the second passage 38b flows into the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a. The flammable refrigerant that flows into the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a flows downward from the gap between the back panel 38 and the cover member 35 and the wall surface W, and flows out into the room.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided near the second passage 38b, more specifically, inside the second passage 38b. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant flows into the second passage 38b, the leakage detection sensor 50 can detect refrigerant leakage.

[0102] The refrigerant flowing into the second passage 38b then flows to the connecting pipe receiving section 38a. As described above, since the opening area of ​​the second passage 38b is smaller than that of the third passage 38c, and the drain hose 32a and the connecting pipe 31b pass through, the amount of flammable refrigerant flowing into the connecting pipe receiving section 38a at this time is small. The small amount of flammable refrigerant flowing into the connecting pipe receiving section 38a slowly expands to the left in the connecting pipe receiving section 38a and reaches the third passage 38c. Therefore, in the case where the leakage detection sensor 50 is set on the left side of the indoor unit 30, such as the third passage 38c, it takes time to detect the flammable refrigerant leaking from the right end 31R far from the leakage detection sensor 50.

[0103] [1-2-2 Leakage at the left end of the indoor heat exchanger]

[0104] Next, an example of the flow of flammable refrigerant in the case where flammable refrigerant leaks from the bent portion of the elbow 31L1 at the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 is described. In this case, the leaked flammable refrigerant flows from the left end 31L to the drain pan 32 below. In addition, the leaked flammable refrigerant flows from the left end 31L to the connecting pipe storage section 38a through the gap between the cover member 35 and the back panel 38. As described above, the amount of flammable refrigerant leaking from the left end 31L that flows into the connecting pipe storage section 38a is greater than the amount of flammable refrigerant leaking from the right end 31R that flows into the connecting pipe storage section 38a.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the flammable refrigerant is R290 having a specific gravity greater than that of air. Therefore, the flammable refrigerant flowing from the drain pan 32 into the machine room 30B reaches below the electrical component box 39 and the second passage 38b. Then, the flammable refrigerant flows into the connecting pipe housing 38a via the second passage 38b.

[0106] A portion of the flammable refrigerant flowing from the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 to the connecting pipe receiving section 38a flows downward from the gap between the back panel 38 and the cover member 35 and the wall surface W, and flows out into the room. The remaining flammable refrigerant flowing to the connecting pipe receiving section 38a flows to the right in the connecting pipe receiving section 38a and reaches the second passage 38b. Here, when the refrigerant leaks from the left end 31L, the amount of flammable refrigerant flowing into the connecting pipe receiving section 38a is larger than when the refrigerant leaks from the right end 31R, so the speed at which the flammable refrigerant in the connecting pipe receiving section 38a spreads to the right is greater. Therefore, the leaked flammable refrigerant also reaches the second passage 38b located at a position away from the left end 31L as the leakage site in advance. Thereafter, the flammable refrigerant flows into the machine room 30B via the second passage 38b.

[0107] In the present embodiment, the leakage detection sensor 50 is disposed near the second passage 38b, more specifically, inside the second passage 38b. Therefore, when the leaked flammable refrigerant reaches the second passage 38b via the drain pan 32 and the machine chamber 30B, or reaches the second passage 38b via the connecting pipe housing 38a, refrigerant leakage can be detected.

[0108] [1-2-3. In case of leakage in connecting pipes]

[0109] When the flammable refrigerant leaks in the connecting pipe 31b, the flammable refrigerant leaks to the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a. A portion of the refrigerant leaking to the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a flows downward from the gap between the back panel 38 and the cover member 35 and the wall surface W, and flows out into the room. The remaining flammable refrigerant flowing to the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a expands in the left-right direction in the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a and reaches the second passage 38b. The flammable refrigerant reaching the second passage 38b flows into the machine room 30B.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided near the second passage 38b, more specifically, inside the second passage 38b. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant flows into the second passage 38b, the leakage detection sensor 50 can detect refrigerant leakage.

[0111] Thus, in the present embodiment, by arranging the leakage detection sensor 50 at a position close to the second passage 38b through which the leaked flammable refrigerant easily passes, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance. In addition, it can also be configured so that after the refrigerant leakage is detected, the control substrate of the electrical component box 39 or the like drives the indoor fan 33 so that the flammable refrigerant leaked from the indoor unit 30 into the room is diffused and the flammable area is not formed.

[0112] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0113] As described above, in the present embodiment, the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1 comprises: a machine room 30B provided with an electrical component box 39; a connecting pipe storage section 38a which stores a connecting pipe 31b connected to the refrigerant pipe; an air supply passage 30A which allows the flow of air which has undergone heat exchange with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 31 by the drive of the indoor fan 33; and a leakage detection sensor 50 for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant, the machine room 30B and the air supply passage 30A being connected via the first passage 31a1, the machine room 30B and the connecting pipe storage section 38a being connected via the second passage 38b, and the leakage detection sensor 50 being arranged in a manner close to the second passage 38b.

[0114] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 30, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor provided at a position close to the second passage 38b through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 30, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0115] As described in the present embodiment, in the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 1, the leakage detection sensor 50 may be configured to be provided inside the second passage 38b.

[0116] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 30, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor 50 in the second passage 38b through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 30, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0117] Hereinafter, embodiments 2 to 4 will be described. In addition, only the points different from embodiment 1 will be described below, and the same description as embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0118] (Implementation Method 2)

[0119] Below, use Fig. 9 Implementation method 2 is described.

[0120] [2-1. Structure]

[0121] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a machine room 30B of an indoor unit 130 according to Embodiment 2, showing the difference between the indoor unit 130 and the machine room 30B of Embodiment 1. Figure 5 The corresponding cross section.

[0122] Unlike Embodiment 1, in the indoor unit 130 of Embodiment 2, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided outside the second passage 38b. Specifically, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided near the second passage 38b in the machine room 30B. In addition, the leakage detection sensor 50 is located below the electrical component box 39.

[0123] [2-2. Action]

[0124] As described in Embodiment 1, when a flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 130, the flammable refrigerant reaches the second passage 38b in advance. Therefore, the leakage detection sensor 50 provided near the second passage 38b can detect the refrigerant leak in advance. In Embodiment 2, since the refrigerant leak can be detected when the flammable refrigerant flows into the machine room 30B, it is particularly easy to detect the refrigerant leak at the right end 31R of the indoor heat exchanger 31 in advance compared with Embodiment 1.

[0125] [2-3. Effects, etc.]

[0126] As described above, in the present embodiment, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided in the vicinity of the second passage 38b in the machine chamber 30B.

[0127] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 130, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor 50 provided near the second passage 38b through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 130, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0128] In the present embodiment, it is particularly easy to detect refrigerant leakage at the right end 31R of the indoor heat exchanger 31 in advance.

[0129] (Implementation 3)

[0130] Below, use Fig.10 Implementation method 3 is described.

[0131] [3-1. Structure]

[0132] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a machine room 30B of an indoor unit 230 according to Embodiment 3, showing the difference from Embodiment 1. Figure 5 Corresponding cross section. Unlike Embodiment 1, in the indoor unit 230 of Embodiment 3, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided outside the second passage 38b. Specifically, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided near the second passage 38b in the connecting pipe housing 38a. In addition, the leakage detection sensor 50 is located below the second passage 38b.

[0133] [3-2. Action]

[0134] As described in Embodiment 1, when a flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 230, the flammable refrigerant reaches the second passage 38b in advance. Therefore, the leakage detection sensor 50 provided near the second passage 38b can detect the refrigerant leak in advance. In Embodiment 2, since the refrigerant leak can be detected when the flammable refrigerant flows into the vicinity of the second passage 38b in the connecting pipe accommodating portion 38a, it is particularly easy to detect the refrigerant leak in the connecting pipe 31b or the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 in advance compared with Embodiment 1.

[0135] [3-3. Effects, etc.]

[0136] As described above, in the present embodiment, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided in the vicinity of the second passage 38b in the connecting pipe accommodating portion 38a.

[0137] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 230, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor provided near the second passage 38b through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 230, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0138] In the present embodiment, it is particularly easy to detect refrigerant leakage at the connecting pipe 31 b or the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 in advance.

[0139] (Implementation 4)

[0140] Below, use Fig.11 Implementation method 4 is described.

[0141] [4-1. Structure]

[0142] Fig.11 is a front view showing the internal structure of the indoor unit 330 according to the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to the first embodiment. Figure 4 . Unlike Embodiments 1 to 3, in the indoor unit 330 of Embodiment 4, the leakage detection sensor 50 is not provided at a position close to the second passage 38b, but is provided near the first passage 31a1 in the air supply passage 30A. More specifically, the leakage detection sensor 50 of Embodiment 4 is provided outside the first passage 31a1 and near the first passage 31a1 and inside the air supply passage 30A. In addition, the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided at a position lower than the first passage 31a1 and the drain pan 32.

[0143] [4-2. Action]

[0144] As described in Embodiment 1, when the flammable refrigerant leaks at the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 , the flammable refrigerant flows to the right along the drain pan 32 and flows into the machine room 30B through the first passage 31 a 1 .

[0145] Therefore, in the fourth embodiment in which the leakage detection sensor 50 is provided near the first passage 31 a 1 in the air supply passage 30A, it is particularly easy to detect refrigerant leakage at the left end 31L earlier than in the first embodiment.

[0146] [4-3. Effects, etc.]

[0147] As described above, in the present embodiment, the indoor unit 330 of the air conditioner 1 comprises: a machine room 30B provided with an electrical component box 39; a connecting pipe receiving portion 38a receiving a connecting pipe 31b connected to the refrigerant pipe; an air supply passage 30A for allowing air to flow after heat exchange with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 31 by the drive of the indoor fan 33; and a leakage detection sensor 50 for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant, the machine room 30B being connected to the air supply passage 30A via the first passage 31a1, the machine room 30B being connected to the connecting pipe receiving portion 38a via the second passage 38b, and the leakage detection sensor 50 being arranged near the first passage 31a1 in the air supply passage 30A.

[0148] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 230, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor provided near the first passage 31a1 through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 330, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0149] In the present embodiment, it is particularly easy to detect refrigerant leakage at the connecting pipe 31 b or the left end 31L of the indoor heat exchanger 31 in advance.

[0150] (Other Embodiments)

[0151] As described above, embodiments 1 to 3 are described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments that have been changed, replaced, added, omitted, etc. In addition, the various components described in embodiments 1 to 3 above can also be combined as new embodiments.

[0152] Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0153] In the above embodiment, R290 is used as the flammable refrigerant, but the flammable refrigerant is not limited to R290. In addition, the flammable refrigerant is preferably a refrigerant with a specific gravity greater than that of air. As a result, the behavior of the flammable refrigerant when leaking can be made the same as that of the R290 refrigerant. As preferred flammable refrigerants, for example, R600 and R600a can be cited.

[0154] In addition, these flammable refrigerants may be used as a single refrigerant, or two or more of R32, R1234yf, R1234ze, R1132(E), HFO-1123, etc. may be mixed and used as a mixed refrigerant. The mixed refrigerant may be, for example, a refrigerant having a density greater than that of air at atmospheric pressure (for example, at room temperature (25° C.)).

[0155] In the above embodiment, an example in which one leakage detection sensor 50 is provided for the indoor unit 30 is described, but the number of leakage detection sensors 50 provided in the indoor unit 30 is not limited to one. For example, the indoor unit 30 may be configured to include one leakage detection sensor 50 disposed at any position in Embodiments 1 to 3 and one leakage detection sensor 50 disposed at a position in Embodiment 4. In addition, as long as the indoor unit 30 includes one or more leakage detection sensors 50 disposed at any position in Embodiments 1 to 4, it may include any number of other leakage detection sensors 50 disposed at any position.

[0156] [Structure supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0157] The above-mentioned embodiment supports the following structure.

[0158] (Note)

[0159] (Technology 1) An air conditioner, comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by a refrigerant piping, and having a refrigeration cycle circuit filled with a flammable refrigerant, wherein the indoor unit of the air conditioner comprises: a machine room provided with an electrical component box; a connecting pipe storage portion for storing connecting pipes connected to the refrigerant piping; an air supply path for the flow of air after heat exchange with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger driven by an indoor fan; and a leakage detection sensor for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant, the machine room being connected to the air supply path via a first passage, the machine room being connected to the connecting pipe storage portion via a second passage, and the leakage detection sensor being arranged close to the second passage.

[0160] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor provided near the second passage where the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0161] (Technique 2) The air conditioner according to Technique 1, wherein the leakage detection sensor is provided inside the second passage.

[0162] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor inside the second passage through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0163] (Technique 3) In the air conditioner according to Technique 1, the leakage detection sensor is provided in the vicinity of the second passage in the machine room.

[0164] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor provided near the second passage through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0165] (Technique 4) In the air conditioner according to Technique 1, the leakage detection sensor is provided in the vicinity of the second passage in the connecting pipe housing.

[0166] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor provided near the second passage through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0167] (Technology 5) An air conditioner, comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by refrigerant piping, and having a refrigeration cycle circuit filled with a flammable refrigerant, wherein the indoor unit of the air conditioner comprises: a machine room provided with an electrical component box; a connecting pipe storage portion for storing connecting pipes connected to the refrigerant piping; an air supply passage for allowing air to flow after heat exchange with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger under the drive of the indoor fan; and a leakage detection sensor for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant, the machine room being connected to the air supply passage via a first passage, the machine room being connected to the connecting pipe storage portion via a second passage, and the leakage detection sensor being arranged near the first passage in the air supply passage.

[0168] Thus, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected by the leakage detection sensor provided near the first passage through which the flammable refrigerant easily passes. Therefore, when the flammable refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit, the refrigerant leakage can be detected in advance.

[0169] Industrial Application Possibility

[0170] The present invention can be applied to an air conditioner. Specifically, the present invention can be applied to an air conditioner for household use or business use, etc.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by refrigerant piping and having a refrigeration cycle circuit filled with a flammable refrigerant, wherein: The indoor unit comprises: A mechanical room with electrical component boxes; a connection pipe receiving portion for receiving a connection pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe; an air supply passage for allowing air to flow after heat exchange with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger driven by the indoor fan; and a leakage detection sensor for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant, The machine room is connected to the air supply passage via a first passage. The machine room is connected to the connecting pipe storage portion through a second passage. The leakage detection sensor is provided close to the second passage.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The leakage detection sensor is provided inside the second passage.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The leakage detection sensor is provided in the vicinity of the second passage in the machinery room.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein: The leakage detection sensor is provided in the vicinity of the second passage in the connecting pipe accommodating portion.

5. An air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by refrigerant piping and having a refrigeration cycle circuit filled with a flammable refrigerant, wherein: The indoor unit comprises: A mechanical room with electrical component boxes; a connection pipe receiving portion for receiving a connection pipe connected to the refrigerant pipe; an air supply passage for allowing air to flow after heat exchange with the flammable refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger driven by the indoor fan; and a leakage detection sensor for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant, The machine room is connected to the air supply passage via a first passage. The machine room is connected to the connecting pipe storage portion through a second passage. The leakage detection sensor is provided in the vicinity of the first passage in the air supply passage.

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