Refrigerant amount measurement system and refrigerant use system

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigerant dosage measuring system and a refrigerant using system. Background Art

[0002] In order to repair a refrigeration cycle apparatus such as an air conditioner, refrigerant may be charged based on the difference between the initial charge amount of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle apparatus and the amount of refrigerant recovered during the repair.

[0003] Patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-190545) discloses a refrigeration device capable of detecting a refrigerant shortage state by means of a storage tank connected to a refrigerant circuit. The refrigeration device of Patent document 1 displays a refrigerant shortage state based on a refrigerant detection value obtained by a liquid level detection unit of a storage tank assembled inside the device. Summary of the invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] The refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 detects the insufficient state of refrigerant by means of a storage tank connected to the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant also flows to the storage tank assembled inside the device during normal operation (air conditioning operation, etc.). Therefore, in addition to the amount of refrigerant corresponding to the existing refrigerant circuit, the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 also requires an amount of refrigerant corresponding to the volume of the storage tank. In addition, the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 will generate a pressure loss of the refrigerant when the refrigerant passes through the storage tank.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a refrigerant quantity measuring system which is externally connected to a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration cycle device and which does not generate an additional refrigerant quantity or pressure loss, thereby clarifying the refrigerant leakage amount of the refrigeration cycle device from the start of use to the end of disposal. Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0006] The refrigerant quantity measuring system of the first viewpoint includes a connecting part, a storage part, a measuring part and a storage part. The connecting part is connected to the first refrigerant circuit of the first refrigeration cycle device. The storage part stores the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit via the connecting part, and returns the stored refrigerant to the first refrigerant circuit via the connecting part. The measuring part measures the amount of the refrigerant in the storage part. The storage part stores the measurement results measured by the measuring part.

[0007] The refrigerant quantity measuring system stores the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit in a storage unit connected to the outside of the first refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant quantity measuring system measures the amount of refrigerant in the storage unit and stores the measurement result. The refrigerant quantity measuring system returns the stored refrigerant from the storage unit connected to the outside of the first refrigerant circuit to the first refrigerant circuit. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system does not generate an additional refrigerant quantity and pressure loss, and the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit can be clarified.

[0008] The refrigerant quantity measuring system of the second aspect is the refrigerant quantity measuring system of the first aspect, wherein the connecting portion includes a first pipe and a second pipe, and an on-off valve is provided on each of the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0009] The connection part of the refrigerant dosage measuring system has a first pipe and a second pipe. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system can be connected to the first refrigerant circuit in a manner that the first pipe and the second pipe are divided according to the state of the refrigerant. In addition, the first pipe and the second pipe are respectively provided with an on-off valve. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system can allow or block the communication between the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0010] The refrigerant quantity measuring system of the third aspect further includes a control unit based on the refrigerant quantity measuring system of the second aspect. The control unit performs a first refrigerant quantity measuring operation. The first refrigerant quantity measuring operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage unit by controlling the first refrigeration cycle device and the on-off valve, causing the measuring unit to measure the amount of the refrigerant and returning the refrigerant from the storage unit to the first refrigerant circuit.

[0011] The control unit of the refrigerant quantity measuring system performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system can reduce the time required for the operation of clarifying the amount of refrigerant leakage in the first refrigerant circuit.

[0012] The refrigerant quantity measuring system of the fourth viewpoint is based on the refrigerant quantity measuring system of the third viewpoint, and a connecting portion is also connected to the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device. In addition, the control unit also has a third pipe and a fourth pipe each provided with an opening and closing valve. In addition, the connecting portion is connected to the first refrigerant circuit through the first pipe and the second pipe, and is connected to the second refrigerant circuit through the third pipe and the fourth pipe.

[0013] The connection part of the refrigerant dosage measuring system is also connected to the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system can also clearly determine the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit. In addition, the connection part of the refrigerant dosage measuring system has a third pipe and a fourth pipe. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system can be connected to the second refrigerant circuit in a manner of being divided into a third pipe and a fourth pipe according to the state of the refrigerant. In addition, an opening and closing valve is respectively provided on the third pipe and the fourth pipe. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system can allow or block the communication between the third pipe and the fourth pipe.

[0014] The refrigerant quantity measuring system of the fifth aspect is the refrigerant quantity measuring system of the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit further performs a second refrigerant quantity measuring operation. The second refrigerant quantity measuring operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage unit by controlling the second refrigeration cycle device and the on-off valve, causing the measuring unit to measure the amount of the refrigerant and returning the refrigerant from the storage unit to the second refrigerant circuit.

[0015] The control unit of the refrigerant quantity measuring system further performs the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system can also reduce the time spent on the work of clarifying the amount of refrigerant leakage in the second refrigerant circuit.

[0016] A refrigerant quantity measuring system according to a sixth aspect is the refrigerant quantity measuring system according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation and the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation at different times.

[0017] The refrigerant quantity measuring system performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation and the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation at different times. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system can separate and clarify the refrigerant leakage of the first refrigerant circuit and the refrigerant leakage of the second refrigerant circuit.

[0018] The refrigerant quantity measuring system of the seventh aspect is the refrigerant quantity measuring system of the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect, wherein the control unit performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation during a period when the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device is stopped. In addition, the control unit performs the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation during a period when the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device is stopped.

[0019] The control unit of the refrigerant quantity measuring system performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation during the period when the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device is stopped. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system is not affected by the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device, and the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit can be further clarified. In addition, the control unit performs the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation during the period when the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device is stopped. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system is not affected by the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device, and the leakage amount of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit can be further clarified.

[0020] The refrigerant quantity measuring system of the eighth aspect is the refrigerant quantity measuring system of any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, wherein the control unit performs a first storage operation and a second storage operation. The first storage operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage unit when the refrigerant leaks from the first refrigerant circuit. The second storage operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage unit when the refrigerant leaks from the second refrigerant circuit.

[0021] The control unit of the refrigerant dosage measuring system performs a first storage operation. Therefore, when the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit leaks, the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit can be stored in the storage unit to suppress the release of the refrigerant into the atmosphere. In addition, the control unit of the refrigerant dosage measuring system performs a second storage operation. Therefore, when the refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit leaks, the refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit can be stored in the storage unit to suppress the release of the refrigerant into the atmosphere.

[0022] A refrigerant quantity measuring system according to a ninth aspect is the refrigerant quantity measuring system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the measuring unit includes an electrode rod.

[0023] The measuring unit of the refrigerant quantity measuring system includes an electrode rod. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system can further clarify the amount of refrigerant leakage using the electrode rod.

[0024] A refrigerant quantity measuring system according to a tenth aspect is the refrigerant quantity measuring system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the measuring unit further includes a cylindrical member surrounding the electrode rod.

[0025] The measuring unit of the refrigerant quantity measuring system further includes a cylindrical member surrounding the electrode rod. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system can further clarify the amount of refrigerant leakage using the cylindrical member.

[0026] The refrigerant quantity measuring system of the eleventh aspect is based on the refrigerant quantity measuring system of any one of the first to tenth aspects, and the measuring unit measures the amount of refrigerant by at least any one of an electric wave type, an ultrasonic type, a float type, a pressure type, a differential pressure type, and an electrostatic capacitance type.

[0027] The measuring unit of the refrigerant quantity measuring system measures the amount of refrigerant by at least one of radio wave, ultrasonic, float, pressure, differential pressure, and electrostatic capacitance methods. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system can further clarify the amount of refrigerant leakage based on various methods.

[0028] A refrigerant usage system according to a twelfth aspect comprises the refrigerant quantity measurement system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects and a refrigeration cycle device.

[0029] The refrigerant use system includes a refrigerant amount measuring system and a refrigeration cycle device. Therefore, the refrigerant use system can clearly identify the amount of refrigerant leakage of the refrigeration cycle device included in the refrigerant use system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the refrigerant using system 1. Figure 2 2 is a control block diagram of the control unit 140 . Figure 3 This is a control block diagram of the computing device 470 . Figure 4 4 is a schematic structural diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage portion 460 . Figure 5 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage portion 460 . Figure 6 It is a schematic structural diagram showing a storage portion 460 storing the refrigerant R and an electrode rod 461 . Figure 7 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the electrostatic capacitance C and the liquid level h at different temperatures. Figure 8 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 . Fig. 9 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 . Fig.10 It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the first half of the first storage operation. Fig.11 It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the second half of the first storage operation. Fig. 12A 1 is a schematic structural diagram showing the storage section 460 , the electrode rod 461 , and the tubular member 462 . Fig. 12B It is shown Fig. 12A Cross-sectional view of section A in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] <First embodiment> (1) Overall structure A refrigerant system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the refrigerant using system 1.

[0032] The refrigerant use system 1 includes a first refrigeration cycle device 100A, a second refrigeration cycle device 100B, and a refrigerant dosage measuring system 4. The refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 measures the amount of refrigerant R in the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. The first refrigeration cycle device 100A is connected to the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 through a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420. In addition, the second refrigeration cycle device 100B is connected to the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 through a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440.

[0033] The first refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A is electrically connected to the control unit 140a of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4. The second refrigeration cycle apparatus 100B is electrically connected to the control unit 140b of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4.

[0034] Figure 1 The refrigerant amount measuring system 4 is shown as being installed in the first refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A and the second refrigeration cycle apparatus 100B. The number of refrigeration cycle apparatuses 100 included in the refrigerant use system 1 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0035] The first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the second refrigeration cycle device 100B have the same equipment and the same functions. Therefore, in the following description of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the second refrigeration cycle device 100B, the description is made as the refrigeration cycle device 100. In the description where it is necessary to distinguish between the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the second refrigeration cycle device 100B, the reference numerals of the equipment constituting each device are marked with "A" or "B" to distinguish them.

[0036] The control unit 140a and the control unit 140b have the same equipment and the same functions. Therefore, in the following description of the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b, they are described as the control unit 140. In the description where it is necessary to distinguish between the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b, "a" or "b" is added to the reference numerals of the equipment constituting each control unit to distinguish them.

[0037] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding structures among the embodiments and modifications, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0038] (2) Detailed structure (2-1) Refrigeration cycle device The refrigeration cycle device 100 is an air conditioning device that uses a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to cool and heat an air-conditioned space (not shown). The refrigeration cycle device 100 includes an indoor unit 110, an outdoor unit 120, a gas-side connecting pipe 131, and a liquid-side connecting pipe 132. The refrigeration cycle device 100 is a multi-split air conditioning device for a building having two indoor units 110. The number of indoor units 110 included in the refrigeration cycle device 100 is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more.

[0039] As described in detail later, the indoor unit 110 has an indoor refrigerant flow path 111, and the outdoor unit 120 has an outdoor refrigerant flow path 121. The indoor refrigerant flow path 111, the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121, the gas side connecting pipe 131 and the liquid side connecting pipe 132 form a refrigerant circulation passage 150. The refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A is an example of a first refrigerant circuit. In addition, the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B is an example of a second refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant R is filled in the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The refrigerant R filled in the refrigerant circulation passage 150 is not limited, for example, it is a fluorocarbon refrigerant R such as R32 and R410A with a slight flammability (A2L). The refrigerant R may also be flammable or toxic. In addition, the refrigeration cycle device 100 is not limited to an air-conditioning device, and may also be, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, a floor heating device, etc.

[0040] (2-1-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 110 is installed in the air-conditioned space and includes an indoor refrigerant flow path 111 and a detector 116 .

[0041] The indoor refrigerant flow path 111 constitutes a part of the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The indoor refrigerant flow path 111 is formed by connecting an indoor heat exchanger 112 and an indoor expansion mechanism 113 through a refrigerant pipe.

[0042] The indoor heat exchanger 112 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant R flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger 112 and the air in the air-conditioning target space. The indoor heat exchanger 112 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant during cooling operation, and functions as a radiator of the refrigerant R during heating operation. One end of the indoor heat exchanger 112 is connected to the gas side connection portion 114 through a refrigerant pipe. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 112 is connected to the indoor expansion mechanism 113 through a refrigerant pipe.

[0043] The indoor expansion mechanism 113 adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant R flowing in the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The indoor expansion mechanism 113 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjusted by an actuator (not shown). The indoor expansion mechanism 113 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 112 and the liquid side connection part 115 through the refrigerant piping. The opening of the indoor expansion mechanism 113 is controlled by the control unit 140.

[0044] The gas-side connection portion 114 is one end of the indoor refrigerant flow path 111. The gas-side connection portion 114 is connected to the gas-side communication pipe 131.

[0045] The liquid-side connection portion 115 is the other end of the indoor refrigerant flow path 111. The liquid-side communication pipe 132 is connected to the liquid-side connection portion 115.

[0046] The detection unit 116 detects leakage of the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The detection unit 116 is provided inside the shell (not shown) of the indoor unit 110. The detection unit 116 is not particularly limited in form as long as it can detect leakage of the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150. It may be a sensor that detects the refrigerant R, or it may detect leakage of the refrigerant R by a sudden change in the air temperature inside the shell of the indoor unit 110 or the temperature of the piping. If the detection unit 116 detects leakage of the refrigerant R, it sends a signal indicating leakage of the refrigerant R to the control unit 140.

[0047] (2-1-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 120 is disposed outside the air-conditioned space. The outdoor unit 120 is installed, for example, on the roof of a building where the refrigeration cycle device 100 is installed, or is installed adjacent to the building. The outdoor unit 120 includes an outdoor refrigerant flow path 121, a gas-side branch pipe 128, and a liquid-side branch pipe 129.

[0048] The outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 constitutes a part of the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 is formed by connecting the first compressor 122, the outdoor heat exchanger 123, the outdoor expansion mechanism 124, the flow path switching mechanism 125, the gas side connection part 126 and the liquid side connection part 127 through the refrigerant piping 121a. The refrigerant piping 121a includes a first refrigerant piping 121b, a second refrigerant piping 121c and a third refrigerant piping 121d.

[0049] The first compressor 122 draws low-pressure refrigerant R in the refrigeration cycle from the suction pipe 122 a , compresses the refrigerant R through a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant R to the discharge pipe 122 b . The operation of the first compressor 122 is controlled by the control unit 140 .

[0050] The outdoor heat exchanger 123 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant R flowing inside the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and the air (heat source air) at the installation location of the outdoor unit 120. The outdoor heat exchanger 123 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant R during cooling operation, and functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant R during heating operation. One end of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is connected to the flow path switching mechanism 125 through a refrigerant piping. The other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 123 is connected to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124 through a refrigerant piping.

[0051] The outdoor expansion mechanism 124 adjusts the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant R flowing in the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The outdoor expansion mechanism 124 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjusted by an actuator (not shown). The opening of the indoor expansion mechanism 113 is controlled by the control unit 140. The outdoor expansion mechanism 124 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and the liquid side connection part 127 through the refrigerant piping.

[0052] The flow switching mechanism 125 changes the state of the refrigerant circulation passage 150 between a first state and a second state by switching the flow direction of the refrigerant R. When the refrigerant circulation passage 150 is in the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger 123 acts as a radiator of the refrigerant R, and the indoor heat exchanger 112 acts as an evaporator of the refrigerant R. When the refrigerant circulation passage 150 is in the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger 123 acts as an evaporator of the refrigerant R, and the indoor heat exchanger 112 acts as a radiator of the refrigerant R. The flow switching mechanism 125 is controlled by the control unit 140. In the present embodiment, the flow switching mechanism 125 is a four-way reversing valve. However, the flow switching mechanism 125 is not limited to a four-way reversing valve. For example, the flow switching mechanism 125 can also be constructed by combining a plurality of solenoid valves and refrigerant pipes in a manner that enables switching of the flow direction of the refrigerant R as described below.

[0053] During cooling operation, the flow switching mechanism 125 sets the state of the refrigerant circulation passage 150 to the first state. In other words, during cooling operation, the flow switching mechanism 125 connects the suction pipe 122a to the gas side connection portion 126 and connects the discharge pipe 122b to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 (see Figure 1 In heating operation, the flow switching mechanism 125 sets the state of the refrigerant circulation passage 150 to the second state. In other words, in heating operation, the flow switching mechanism 125 connects the suction pipe 122a with the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and connects the discharge pipe 122b with the gas side connection portion 126 (see Figure 1 ) as a solid line within the flow path switching mechanism 125.

[0054] The gas-side connection portion 126 is one end of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121. The gas-side connection portion 126 is connected to the gas-side communication pipe 131.

[0055] The liquid-side connection portion 127 is the other end of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121. The liquid-side communication pipe 132 is connected to the liquid-side connection portion 127.

[0056] The first refrigerant pipe 121 b connects the flow path switching mechanism 125 and the gas-side connection portion 126 .

[0057] The second refrigerator pipe 121 c connects the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and the outdoor expansion mechanism 124 .

[0058] The third refrigerator pipe 121 d connects the outdoor expansion mechanism 124 and the liquid-side connecting portion 127 .

[0059] The gas branch pipe 128 is a pipe that connects the first refrigerant pipe 121b and the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4. In this embodiment, one end of the gas branch pipe 128 is connected to the first refrigerant pipe 121b. The other end of the gas branch pipe 128 is connected to the first pipe 410 or the third pipe 430.

[0060] The liquid branch pipe 129 is a pipe that connects the second refrigerant pipe 121c and the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4. In this embodiment, one end of the liquid branch pipe 129 is connected to the second refrigerant pipe 121c. The other end of the liquid branch pipe 129 is connected to the second pipe 420 or the fourth pipe 440.

[0061] (2-1-3) Gas-side connecting pipe and liquid-side connecting pipe The gas-side communication pipe 131 and the liquid-side communication pipe 132 connect the indoor refrigerant flow path 111 and the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 .

[0062] The gas-side communication pipe 131 is connected to the gas-side connection portion 114 of the indoor refrigerant flow path 111 and the gas-side connection portion 126 of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 .

[0063] The indoor refrigerant flow path 111 is connected to a liquid-side connection portion 115 of the indoor refrigerant flow path 111 and a liquid-side connection portion 127 of the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 .

[0064] (2-2) Refrigerant dosage measurement system The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 is a system that stores the refrigerant R of the refrigeration cycle device 100, measures the amount of the refrigerant R, and returns the refrigerant R to the refrigeration cycle device 100. The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 includes an on-off valve 230, a first pipe 410, a second pipe 420, a third pipe 430, a fourth pipe 440, a gas side pipe 451, a liquid side pipe 452, a storage unit 460, an electrode rod 461, a computing device 470, and a control unit 140. The on-off valve 230, the first pipe 410, the second pipe 420, the third pipe 430, and the fourth pipe 440 constitute a connecting unit 400. The electrode rod 461 and the measurement computing unit 471 constitute a measuring unit 401.

[0065] The refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 is externally connected to the first refrigeration cycle device 100A through the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420. In addition, the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 is externally connected to the second refrigeration cycle device 100B through the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440. The number of refrigeration cycle devices 100 connected to the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 is not limited to two, and may be one, or may be three or more.

[0066] (2-2-1) Storage Department The storage unit 460 is a cylindrical container for storing the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation passage 150 by the refrigerant quantity measuring operation described later. The storage unit 460 is connected to the refrigeration cycle device 100 via the gas side piping 451 and the liquid side piping 452 through the first pipe 410, the second pipe 420, the third pipe 430, and the fourth pipe 440. The storage unit 460 is not limited to a cylindrical container, and may be a container of other shapes capable of storing the refrigerant R.

[0067] (2-2-2) Gas side piping and liquid side piping The gas-side pipe 451 is a pipe for connecting the first pipe 410 and the third pipe 430 to the reservoir 460. One end of the gas-side pipe 451 is connected to the reservoir 460. The other end of the gas-side pipe 451 is connected to the gas-side branch pipe 128 via the first pipe 410 or the third pipe 430.

[0068] The liquid side pipe 452 is a pipe for connecting the second pipe 420 and the fourth pipe 440 to the storage part 460. One end of the liquid side pipe 452 is connected to the storage part 460. The other end of the liquid side pipe 452 is connected to the liquid side branch pipe 129 via the second pipe 420 or the fourth pipe 440.

[0069] (2-2-3) Connection The connection part 400 allows the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the refrigeration cycle device 100 to communicate with the storage part 460. The connection part 400 includes the on-off valve 230, the first pipe 410, the second pipe 420, the third pipe 430, and the fourth pipe 440.

[0070] (2-2-3-1) First tube The first pipe 410 is a pipe that connects the gas-side branch pipe 128A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the gas-side pipe 451. One end of the first pipe 410 is connected to the gas-side branch pipe 128A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A. The other end of the first pipe 410 is connected to the gas-side pipe 451.

[0071] (2-2-3-2) Second tube The second pipe 420 is a pipe that connects the liquid-side branch pipe 129A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the liquid-side pipe 452. One end of the second pipe 420 is connected to the liquid-side branch pipe 129A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A. The other end of the second pipe 420 is connected to the liquid-side pipe 452.

[0072] (2-2-3-3) The third tube The third pipe 430 is a pipe that connects the gas-side branch pipe 128B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B and the gas-side pipe 451. One end of the third pipe 430 is connected to the gas-side branch pipe 128B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. The other end of the third pipe 430 is connected to the gas-side pipe 451.

[0073] (2-2-3-4) The fourth tube The fourth pipe 440 is a pipe that connects the liquid-side branch pipe 129B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B and the liquid-side pipe 452. One end of the fourth pipe 440 is connected to the liquid-side branch pipe 129B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. The other end of the fourth pipe 440 is connected to the liquid-side pipe 452.

[0074] (2-2-3-5) Open / Close Valve The on-off valves 230 are provided in the first tube 410, the second tube 420, the third tube 430, and the fourth tube 440. The on-off valves 230 included in the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 are an on-off valve 230a, an on-off valve 230b, an on-off valve 230c, and an on-off valve 230d.

[0075] (2-2-3-5-1) Open / Close Valve 230a The on-off valve 230a is provided in the first pipe 410. The on-off valve 230a allows or blocks the communication of the first pipe 410. The on-off valve 230a is an electromagnetic on-off valve and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 140a.

[0076] (2-2-3-5-2) Open / Close Valve 230b The on-off valve 230b is provided in the second pipe 420. The on-off valve 230b allows or blocks the communication of the second pipe 420. The on-off valve 230b is an electromagnetic on-off valve and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 140a.

[0077] (2-2-3-5-3) Open / Close Valve 230c The on-off valve 230c is provided in the third pipe 430. The on-off valve 230c allows or blocks the communication of the third pipe 430. The on-off valve 230c is an electromagnetic on-off valve and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 140b.

[0078] (2-2-3-5-4) Open / Close Valve 230d The on-off valve 230d is provided in the fourth pipe 440. The on-off valve 230d allows or blocks the communication of the fourth pipe 440. The on-off valve 230d is an electromagnetic on-off valve and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 140b.

[0079] (2-2-4) Electrode rod The electrode rod 461 is a device for measuring the amount of the refrigerant R in the storage section 460. The electrode rod 461 is electrically connected to the measurement operation section 471. The electrode rod 461 is controlled by the control section 140 via the measurement operation section 471. The electrode rod 461 is set so that the positional relationship between the electrode rod 461 and the storage section 460 does not change. The detailed operation related to the electrode rod 461 will be described later.

[0080] (2-2-5) Control Unit The control unit 140 controls the operation of each part constituting the refrigeration cycle device 100 and the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4. The control unit 140 is electrically connected to the indoor expansion mechanism 113, the detection unit 116, the first compressor 122, the outdoor expansion mechanism 124, the flow path switching mechanism 125, the on-off valve 230, and the computing device 470 so as to be able to exchange control signals and information.

[0081] Figure 2 1 is a control block diagram of the control unit 140. In the present embodiment, the control unit 140 is provided outside the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100. The control unit 140 may be provided inside the casing of the outdoor unit 120 or in a server away from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100.

[0082] The control unit 140 performs air conditioning operation and refrigerant quantity measurement operation by controlling the operation of each part constituting the refrigeration cycle device 100 and the refrigerant quantity measurement system 4. The air conditioning operation includes cooling operation and heating operation. The refrigerant quantity measurement operation includes a first refrigerant quantity measurement operation and a second refrigerant quantity measurement operation. The refrigerant quantity measurement operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 to the storage section 460, allowing the measurement section 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, and returning the refrigerant R from the storage section 460 to the refrigerant circulation passage 150.

[0083] The first refrigeration cycle device 100A is connected to the control unit 140a. The second refrigeration cycle device 100B is connected to the control unit 140b. The control unit 140a and the control unit 140b are electrically connected to each other. The control unit 140a and the control unit 140b cooperate with each other to perform air conditioning operation and refrigerant quantity measurement operations. Therefore, the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b are collectively referred to as the control unit 140 below.

[0084] The control of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 during the cooling operation and the heating operation will be described. The details of the refrigerant quantity measurement operation will be described later.

[0085] (Cooling operation) If the refrigeration cycle device 100 is instructed to perform cooling operation, the control unit 140 controls the flow path switching mechanism 125 to Figure 1 The state shown by the middle dotted line is set, and the first compressor 122 is operated so that the state of the refrigerant circulation passage 150 becomes the above-mentioned first state.

[0086] If the first compressor 122 is operated, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is compressed into the high-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 123 via the flow path switching mechanism 125, and is condensed into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant by heat exchange with the heat source air. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the indoor unit 110 via the fully opened indoor expansion mechanism 113 and the liquid side connecting pipe 132. The gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant R sent to the indoor unit 110 is the refrigerant R in the gas-liquid two-phase state by being decompressed to the vicinity of the suction pressure of the first compressor 122 in the indoor expansion mechanism 113 whose opening is narrowed, and is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 112. The gas-liquid two-phase state refrigerant R exchanges heat with the air of the air-conditioned space in the indoor heat exchanger 112 and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 120 via the gas-side communication pipe 131, and is sucked into the first compressor 122 again via the flow path switching mechanism 125. The air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 112 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant R flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 112. The air cooled in the indoor heat exchanger 112 is blown out to the air-conditioned space.

[0087] (Heating operation) If the refrigeration cycle device 100 is instructed to perform a heating operation, the first control unit 140 controls the flow path switching mechanism 125 to Figure 1 The state shown by the solid line in the middle is maintained, and the first compressor 122 is operated so that the state of the refrigerant circulation passage 150 becomes the second state.

[0088] If the first compressor 122 is operated, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is compressed into the high-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the indoor unit 110 via the flow switching mechanism 125 and the gas-side connecting pipe 131. The refrigerant R sent to the indoor unit 110 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 112 and heat-exchanged with the air in the air-conditioned space to be condensed into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 112 is heated by the heat exchange with the refrigerant R flowing in the indoor heat exchanger 112. The heated air in the indoor heat exchanger 112 is blown out to the air-conditioned space. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 112 is sent to the outdoor unit 120 via the fully opened indoor expansion mechanism 113 and the liquid-side connecting pipe 132. The refrigerant R sent to the outdoor unit 120 is decompressed to near the suction pressure of the first compressor 122 in the outdoor expansion mechanism 124 whose opening is narrowed, and becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant R, and is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 123. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant R exchanges heat with the heat source air in the outdoor heat exchanger 123 and evaporates to become a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the first compressor 122 again via the flow switching mechanism 125.

[0089] The control unit 140 is implemented by a computer. The control unit 140 includes a control operation device and a storage device (both are omitted in the figure). A processor such as a CPU or a GPU can be used in the control operation device. The control operation device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs a prescribed image processing or operation processing according to the program. In addition, the control operation device can write the operation result to the storage device according to the program, and can read the information stored in the storage device according to the program. The storage device can be used as a database. The specific functions implemented by the control unit 140 will be described later.

[0090] In addition, the structure of the control unit 140 described here is only an example, and the functions of the control unit 140 described below can be implemented by software, can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

[0091] (2-2-6) Computing device The calculation device 470 is a device that performs calculations related to the measurement of the amount of the refrigerant R in the storage unit 460 , and records and stores the measurement results in the storage unit 472 . Figure 3 4 is a control block diagram of the operation device 470. The operation device 470 includes a measurement operation unit 471 and a storage unit 472. The operation device 470 is electrically connected to the electrode rod 461 and the control unit 140. The operation device 470 is controlled by the control unit 140.

[0092] The computing device 470 may be installed near the location where the storage unit 460 is installed, in a building where the refrigeration cycle device 100 or the storage unit 460 is installed, or in a server remote from the refrigeration cycle device 100. The measurement computing unit 471 and the storage unit 472 may be installed in different locations.

[0093] The computing device 470 is implemented by a computer. The computing device 470 includes a control computing device and a storage device (both are omitted in the figure). A processor such as a CPU or a GPU can be used in the control computing device. The control computing device reads a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined image processing or computing process according to the program. In addition, the control computing device can write the computing result to the storage device according to the program, and can read the information stored in the storage device according to the program. The storage device can be used as a database.

[0094] In addition, the structure of the computing device 470 described here is only an example, and the functions of the computing device 470 described below can be implemented by software, by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0095] (2-2-6-1) Measurement calculation unit The measurement operation unit 471 performs operation related to the measurement of the amount of the refrigerant R in the storage unit 460, and records the measurement result in the storage unit 472. The measurement operation unit 471 is electrically connected to the electrode rod 461 and the control unit 140. The measurement operation unit 471 is controlled by the control unit 140. The detailed operation of the measurement operation unit 471 will be described later.

[0096] (2-2-6-2) Storage unit The storage unit 472 is a storage device that stores the measurement result of the amount of the refrigerant R in the storage unit 460. The storage unit 472 is electrically connected to the measurement calculation unit 471 and the control unit 140. The storage unit 472 is controlled by the control unit 140.

[0097] (3) Action The refrigerant quantity measuring operation executed by the control unit 140 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 will be described.

[0098] (3-1) Refrigerant quantity measurement operation The refrigerant quantity measuring action is an action of moving the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 to the storage section 460, causing the measuring section 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, and returning the refrigerant R from the storage section 460 to the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The refrigerant quantity measuring action is an action performed for the following purpose: measuring the refrigerant filling amount in the refrigeration cycle device at each time point from the start of use to the disposal of the refrigeration cycle device, and clarifying the leakage amount of the refrigerant R based on the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount after the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount just before disposal, and the difference between the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use and the refrigerant filling amount at each time point. The refrigerant quantity measuring action includes a first refrigerant quantity measuring action and a second refrigerant quantity measuring action.

[0099] (3-1-1) First refrigerant quantity measurement operation The first refrigerant quantity measuring operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to the storage section 460, causing the measuring section 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, and returning the refrigerant R from the storage section 460 to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A. The first refrigerant quantity measuring operation is described by dividing it into an operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, an operation of causing the measuring section 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, and an operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150.

[0100] (3-1-1-1) Operation of moving refrigerant to the storage unit (The first half of the action) The first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage portion 460 is an operation of storing mainly the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation passage 150 . Figure 4 4 is a schematic structural diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage portion 460 .

[0101] In the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460, the control unit 140a sets the indoor expansion mechanism 113A to the open state for all indoor units 110A. In addition, the control unit 140a sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to the closed state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125A to the first state, and operates the first compressor 122 for the outdoor unit 120A. In addition, the control unit 140a sets the opening and closing valve 230b to the open state for the refrigerant quantity measurement system 4, and sets the opening and closing valves 230 other than the opening and closing valve 230b to the closed state. Specifically, the control unit 140a sets the opening and closing valves 230a, 230c, and 230d to the closed state.

[0102] By performing the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage portion 460, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown by the middle arrow, the refrigerant R in the indoor refrigerant flow path 111A is sucked into the first compressor 122A of the outdoor unit 120A. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122A is discharged from the first compressor 122A and then passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125A and the outdoor heat exchanger 123A. The refrigerant R after passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid-side branch pipe 129A. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid-side branch pipe 129A passes through the second pipe 420 and the liquid-side pipe 452 and flows into the storage section 460. The on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230b of the refrigerant quantity measurement system 4 are in a closed state, so the inflowing refrigerant R is stored in the storage section 460.

[0103] After the control unit 140a performs the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 during the preset prescribed time T1, it ends the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 and starts the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460. The prescribed time T1 is set to a time length that allows the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation passage 150A to be stored in the storage unit 460, for example.

[0104] (The second half of the action) The second half of the action of moving the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 is an action for storing in the storage section 460 mainly gas refrigerant that cannot be fully stored in the storage section 460 and remains in the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 even after the first half of the action of moving the refrigerant R to the storage section 460 is performed. Figure 5 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage portion 460 .

[0105] In the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460, the control unit 140a opens the on-off valve 230a for the storage unit 460. The other devices maintain the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460.

[0106] By performing the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage portion 460, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown by the middle arrow, the gas refrigerant in the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460 passes through the on-off valve 230a and flows into the first pipe 410. The refrigerant R after flowing into the first pipe 410 is sent to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121A, and is sucked into the first compressor 122A through the flow path switching mechanism 125A. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122A is discharged from the first compressor 122A and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A. The refrigerant R after passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid-side branch pipe 129A. The refrigerant R after flowing into the liquid-side branch pipe 129A passes through the second pipe 420 and returns to the storage section 460.

[0107] After the control unit 140a performs the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 during the preset specified time T2, the control unit 140a ends the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460. The specified time T2 is set, for example, to a length of time that allows the refrigerant R remaining in the refrigerant circulation passage 150A to be recovered to the storage unit 460 after the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 is performed.

[0108] (3-1-1-2) Operation of causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant The action of causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R is an action of measuring the amount of the refrigerant R stored in the storage unit 460. When a predetermined time T3 set in advance has elapsed from the moment when the second half of the action of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 is completed, the control unit 140a causes the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R.

[0109] (Principle of measurement) Figure 6 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the storage unit 460 and the electrode rod 461 storing the refrigerant R. The electrostatic capacitance C is determined by the distance X between the electrode rod 461 and the storage unit 460, the dielectric constant ε of air and the refrigerant R, and the electrode area S.

[0110] The positional relationship between the electrode rod 461 and the reservoir 460 does not change. Therefore, the distance X between the electrode rod 461 and the reservoir 460 is a fixed value.

[0111] When the temperature is constant, the dielectric constant ε of air and refrigerant R is also a fixed value. For example, when the temperature is 0 degrees, the dielectric constant ε of air is 1.00059. When the temperature is 25 degrees and the refrigerant R is R32, the dielectric constant ε of the refrigerant R is 14.27. When the temperature is 25 degrees and the refrigerant R is R410A, the dielectric constant ε of the refrigerant R is 7.88.

[0112] Therefore, the electrostatic capacitance C varies according to the electrode area S. The width d of the cylindrical storage portion 460 is a fixed value. Therefore, the electrode area S is proportional to the liquid level h of the refrigerant R.

[0113] Figure 7 : is a graph showing the relationship between the electrostatic capacitance C and the liquid level h of the refrigerant R at different temperatures. The dielectric constant ε of the refrigerant R decreases at a high temperature and increases at a low temperature.

[0114] Therefore, if the electrostatic capacitance C and the temperature of the refrigerant R are measured and other characteristic values ​​are used, the liquid level h of the refrigerant R can be calculated, and the refrigerant amount can be calculated.

[0115] (Measurement action) The storage unit 472 has previously recorded therein information such as the dielectric constant ε of the air and the refrigerant R in association with the distance X, the width d, and the temperature.

[0116] When the operation of causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R is executed, the control unit 140a causes the electrode rod 461 to measure the electrostatic capacitance C in the storage unit 460 through the measuring operation unit 471. In addition, the control unit 140a causes a thermometer (not shown) to measure the temperature of the refrigerant R. The measuring operation unit 471 compares the measured temperature of the refrigerant R with the dielectric constant ε of the air and the refrigerant R associated with the temperature recorded in the storage unit 472, thereby obtaining the dielectric constant ε of the air and the refrigerant R. The measuring operation unit 471 obtains the liquid level h of the refrigerant R and the amount of the refrigerant R based on the measured electrostatic capacitance C, the distance X and the width d recorded in the storage unit 472, and the obtained dielectric constant ε of the air and the refrigerant R. The measuring operation unit 471 records the obtained amount of the refrigerant R in the storage unit 472. The measuring operation unit 471 may also send the obtained amount of the refrigerant R to the control unit 140a.

[0117] The measurement calculation unit 471 may perform calculations by assuming that the dielectric constant ε of air is 1 regardless of changes in temperature.

[0118] The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 measures the quantity of the refrigerant R based on the temperature of the refrigerant R measured by the thermometer. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can accurately obtain the quantity of the refrigerant R even if the temperature changes.

[0119] In addition, the measurement operation unit 471 may perform an operation process to obtain the difference between the measured refrigerant amount and the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use. In this case, the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use is pre-recorded in the storage unit 472. The measurement operation unit 471 performs an operation process based on the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use stored in the storage unit 472 and the measured refrigerant amount. Thus, the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can reduce the burden of the work of clarifying the leakage amount of the refrigerant R.

[0120] In addition, the measurement operation unit 471 may also determine whether the refrigerant R is leaking based on the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount after the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount just before disposal, and the difference between the measured refrigerant amount and the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use. In this case, at least any one of the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount after the start of use, and the refrigerant filling amount just before disposal is recorded in advance in the storage unit 472. The measurement operation unit 471 determines whether the refrigerant R is leaking based on the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount after the start of use, and the refrigerant filling amount just before disposal stored in the storage unit 472, and the difference between the measured refrigerant amount and the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use. As a result, the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can reduce the burden of the work of clarifying the leakage amount of the refrigerant R.

[0121] In addition, when it is determined that the refrigerant R has leaked, the measurement calculation unit 471 may perform a calculation process to obtain the leakage amount of the refrigerant R based on the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount after the start of use, the refrigerant filling amount immediately before disposal, and the difference between the measured refrigerant amount and the refrigerant filling amount at the start of use. Thus, the refrigerant amount measurement system 4 can reduce the burden of the work of clarifying the leakage amount of the refrigerant R.

[0122] (3-1-1-3) Operation of returning the refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 The operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 is an operation of filling the refrigerant R stored in the storage portion 460 into the refrigerant circulation passage 150. In the following description, the case of returning the refrigerant R to the first refrigeration cycle apparatus 100A is described as an example. Figure 8 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R during the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 .

[0123] In the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150, the control unit 140a sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to an open state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125A to a first state, and operates (On) the first compressor 122A for the outdoor unit 120A. In addition, the control unit 140a sets the on-off valve 230a to an open state, and sets the on-off valves 230b, 230c, and 230d to closed states.

[0124] By performing the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown by the middle arrow, the suction pressure of the first compressor 122A of the outdoor unit 120A acts on the storage portion 460 via the flow path switching mechanism 125, the gas-side branch pipe 128A, and the first pipe 410. Due to the suction pressure acting on the storage portion 460, the refrigerant R in the storage portion 460 flows into the first pipe 410 and is filled into the refrigerant circulation passage 150 via the gas-side branch pipe 128A.

[0125] After the control unit 140a returns the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 during the preset predetermined time T4, the control unit 140a ends the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The predetermined time T4 is set to a time length that allows the refrigerant R stored in the storage unit 460 to be filled into the refrigerant circulation passage 150, for example.

[0126] (3-1-2) Second refrigerant quantity measurement operation The second refrigerant quantity measuring operation is an operation of transferring the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B to the storage unit 460, causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, and returning the refrigerant R from the storage unit 460 to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. The second refrigerant quantity measuring operation is the same as the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation. Therefore, the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation will be briefly described.

[0127] (3-1-2-1) Operation of moving refrigerant to the storage unit (The first half of the action) In the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460, the control unit 140b sets the indoor expansion mechanism 113B to an open state for all indoor units 110B. In addition, the control unit 140b sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B to a closed state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125B to a first state, and operates the first compressor 122 for the outdoor unit 120B. In addition, the control unit 140b sets the on-off valve 230d to an open state, and sets the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230d to a closed state. Specifically, the control unit 140b sets the on-off valve 230a, the on-off valve 230b, and the on-off valve 230c to a closed state.

[0128] By executing the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, the refrigerant R in the indoor refrigerant flow path 111B is sucked into the first compressor 122B of the outdoor unit 120B. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122B is discharged from the first compressor 122B, and then passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125B and the outdoor heat exchanger 123B. The refrigerant R after passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid-side branch pipe 129B. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid-side branch pipe 129B passes through the fourth pipe 440 and the liquid-side pipe 452 and flows into the storage section 460. The on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230d of the refrigerant quantity measurement system 4 are in a closed state, so the inflowing refrigerant R is stored in the storage section 460.

[0129] After the control unit 140d performs the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 during the preset prescribed time T1, it ends the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 and starts the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460. The prescribed time T1 is set to a time length that allows the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation passage 150B to be stored in the storage unit 460, for example.

[0130] (The second half of the action) The control unit 140d opens the on-off valve 230c in the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460. The other devices maintain the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460.

[0131] By executing the second half of the action of moving the refrigerant R to the storage section 460, the gas refrigerant in the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460 passes through the on-off valve 230c and flows into the third pipe 430. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the third pipe 430 is sent to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121B, passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125B, and is sucked into the first compressor 122B. The refrigerant R that has been sucked into the first compressor 122B is discharged from the first compressor 122B and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid-side branch pipe 129B. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid-side branch pipe 129B passes through the fourth pipe 440 and returns to the storage section 460.

[0132] After the control unit 140b executes the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 during the preset prescribed time T2, the control unit 140b ends the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460. The prescribed time T2 is set, for example, to a length of time during which the refrigerant remaining in the refrigerant circulation passage 150B can be recovered to the storage unit 460 after the second half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460 is executed.

[0133] (3-1-2-2) Operation of causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant The operation of causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant in the second refrigerant amount measuring operation is the same as the operation of causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of refrigerant in the first refrigerant amount measuring operation.

[0134] (3-1-2-3) Operation of returning the refrigerant to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 In the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150, the control unit 140b sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B to an open state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125B to a first state, and operates (On) the first compressor 122B for the outdoor unit 120B. In addition, the control unit 140b sets the on-off valve 230c to an open state, and sets the on-off valves 230a, 230b, and 230d to closed states.

[0135] By performing the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150, the suction pressure of the first compressor 122B of the outdoor unit 120B acts on the storage portion 460 via the flow path switching mechanism 125, the gas-side branch pipe 128B, and the third pipe 430. Due to the suction pressure acting on the storage portion 460, the refrigerant R in the storage portion 460 flows into the third pipe 430 and is filled into the refrigerant circulation passage 150 via the gas-side branch pipe 128B.

[0136] After the control unit 140b returns the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 during the preset predetermined time T4, the control unit 140b ends the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The predetermined time T4 is set to a time length that allows the refrigerant R stored in the storage unit 460 to be filled into the refrigerant circulation passage 150, for example.

[0137] (4) Features (4-1) The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 includes a connecting portion 400, a storage portion 460, a measuring portion 401, and a storage portion 472. The connecting portion 400 is connected to the first refrigerant circuit of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A. The storage portion 460 stores the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit via the connecting portion 400, and returns the stored refrigerant R to the first refrigerant circuit via the connecting portion 400. The measuring portion 401 measures the amount of the refrigerant R in the storage portion 460. The storage portion 472 stores the measurement results measured by the measuring portion 401.

[0138] The refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 detects the insufficient state of refrigerant by means of a storage tank connected to the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant also flows to the storage tank assembled inside the device during normal operation (air conditioning operation, etc.). Therefore, in addition to the amount of refrigerant corresponding to the existing refrigerant circuit, the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 also requires an amount of refrigerant corresponding to the volume of the storage tank. In addition, the refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 will generate a pressure loss of the refrigerant when the refrigerant passes through the storage tank.

[0139] The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 stores the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit in a storage section 460 connected to the outside of the first refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 measures the amount of the refrigerant R and stores the measurement result. The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 returns the stored refrigerant R from the storage section 460 connected to the outside of the first refrigerant circuit to the first refrigerant circuit. Since the storage section 460 is connected to the outside, the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit does not flow to the storage section 460 when the first refrigeration cycle device 100A is in normal operation. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system does not generate additional refrigerant quantity and pressure loss, and the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit can be clarified.

[0140] The refrigeration device of Patent Document 1 measures the difference in liquid level height by means of a liquid level detection unit. The user of the refrigeration device can grasp the difference in liquid level height between various time points when the liquid level detection unit is used, thereby being able to grasp the shortage of refrigerant (refrigerant leakage). However, it is difficult for the user of the refrigeration device to grasp the filling amount (initial filling amount, filling amount at any time point, etc.) itself. Therefore, the user of the refrigeration device cannot associate the filling amount with the time point and grasp the process related to filling and leakage in detail.

[0141] The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can measure the filling amount at any time point. In addition to being able to understand whether the refrigerant R is leaking, the user of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can also understand any time point in association with the filling amount. The user of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can understand the process related to filling and leakage in detail. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can further clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R of the first refrigerant circuit.

[0142] In the case of recording the measurement results of the filling amount by manual operation, the operation time will increase, and the measurement results may be omitted due to human error or lost due to the degradation of the recording medium over the years. The refrigerant quantity measurement system 4 stores the measurement results measured by the measurement unit 401 through the storage unit 472. The user of the refrigerant quantity measurement system 4 can grasp the measurement results of the filling amount without omission, and can reduce the operation time for storing the measurement results. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measurement system 4 can further clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R of the first refrigerant circuit, and can reduce the operation time for storing the measurement results.

[0143] (4-2) The connection part 400 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 has a first pipe 410 and a second pipe 420. In addition, the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420 are provided with an on-off valve 230, respectively.

[0144] The connection part 400 of the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 has a first tube 410 and a second tube 420. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 can be connected to the first refrigerant circuit in a manner of being divided into the first tube 410 and the second tube 420 according to the state of the refrigerant R. In addition, the opening and closing valves 230 are respectively provided in the first tube 410 and the second tube 420. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 can allow or block the communication between the first tube 410 and the second tube 420.

[0145] (4-3) The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 further includes a control unit 140. The control unit 140 performs a first refrigerant quantity measuring operation. The first refrigerant quantity measuring operation is an operation of controlling the first refrigeration cycle device 100A and the on-off valve 230 so as to move the refrigerant R from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage unit 460, causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R and returning the refrigerant R from the storage unit 460 to the first refrigerant circuit.

[0146] The control unit 140 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can reduce the time required for the operation of clarifying the charging amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit.

[0147] The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can automatically measure the filling amount through the control unit 140. The refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 stores the automatically measured filling amount through the storage unit 472. The user of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can grasp the filling amount automatically measured at a past time point through the storage unit 472. Therefore, the user of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can associate the filling amount with a past time point, thereby grasping the process related to filling and leakage in more detail. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can further clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R of the first refrigerant circuit.

[0148] (4-4) In the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4, the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B is also connected to the connection part 400. In addition, the control part 140 further includes a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440 each provided with an opening and closing valve 230. In addition, the connection part 400 is connected to the first refrigerant circuit through the first pipe 410 and the second pipe 420, and is connected to the second refrigerant circuit through the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440.

[0149] The connection part 400 of the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 is also connected to the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 can also clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R of the second refrigerant circuit. In addition, the connection part 400 of the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 has a third pipe 430 and a fourth pipe 440. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 can be connected to the second refrigerant circuit in a manner of being divided into the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440 according to the state of the refrigerant R. In addition, the opening and closing valves 230 are respectively provided in the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440. Therefore, the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 can allow or block the communication between the third pipe 430 and the fourth pipe 440.

[0150] (4-5) The control unit 140 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 also performs a second refrigerant quantity measuring operation. The second refrigerant quantity measuring operation is an operation of controlling the second refrigeration cycle device 100B and the on-off valve 230 so as to move the refrigerant R from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage unit 460, causing the measuring unit 401 to measure the amount of the refrigerant R, and returning the refrigerant R from the storage unit 460 to the second refrigerant circuit.

[0151] The control unit 140 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 also performs the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can also reduce the time spent on the work of clarifying the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit.

[0152] (4-6) The measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 includes an electrode rod 461 .

[0153] The measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 includes the electrode rod 461. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can further clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R using the electrode rod 461.

[0154] (4-7) The refrigerant use system 1 includes a refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 and a refrigeration cycle apparatus 100 .

[0155] The refrigerant use system 1 includes the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 and the refrigeration cycle device 100. Therefore, the refrigerant use system 1 can clearly identify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R of the refrigeration cycle device 100 included in the refrigerant use system 1.

[0156] (5) Modification (5-1) Modification 1A In the refrigerant quantity measuring operation of the above embodiment, the refrigerant R is returned to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 by the suction pressure. However, the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 is not limited to this. For example, the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A will be described. Fig. 9 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R during the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 .

[0157] In the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150, the control unit 140a sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to the open state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125A to the second state, and operates the first compressor 122A for the outdoor unit 120A. In addition, the control unit 140a sets the on-off valve 230a and the on-off valve 230b to the open state, and sets the on-off valve 230c and the on-off valve 230d to the closed state.

[0158] By performing the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown by the middle arrow, the discharge pressure of the first compressor 122A of the outdoor unit 120A acts on the storage section 460 via the flow path switching mechanism 125, the gas-side branch pipe 128A, and the first pipe 410. Due to the discharge pressure acting on the storage section 460, the refrigerant R in the storage section 460 bypasses the check valve 455 and flows into the second pipe 420, and is filled into the refrigerant circulation passage 150 via the liquid-side branch pipe 129.

[0159] In addition, the operation of returning the refrigerant R to the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the second refrigeration cycle apparatus 100B can also be performed in the same manner as described above.

[0160] (5-2) Modification 1B The control unit 140 may also perform the first refrigerant quantity measurement operation and the second refrigerant quantity measurement operation in a staggered manner. The control unit 140a and the control unit 140b are electrically connected and cooperate with each other, and the control unit 140a and the control unit 140b can perform the first refrigerant quantity measurement operation and the second refrigerant quantity measurement operation in a staggered manner.

[0161] The control unit 140 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 of the present embodiment performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation and the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation in a staggered manner. Therefore, in the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4, the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit and the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit can be separated and clarified.

[0162] (5-3) Modification 1C The control unit 140 may also perform the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation during the time period when the first refrigeration cycle device 100A stops normal operation. In addition, the control unit 140 may also perform the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation during the time period when the second refrigeration cycle device 100B stops normal operation. Examples of normal operation include cooling operation, heating operation, hot water supply operation, refrigeration operation, freezing operation, and floor heating operation.

[0163] The control unit 140 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 of the present embodiment performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation in the time period when the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A is stopped. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 is not affected by the normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A, and the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R of the first refrigerant circuit can be further clarified. In addition, the control unit 140 performs the second refrigerant quantity measuring operation in the time period when the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B is stopped. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 is not affected by the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B, and the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R of the second refrigerant circuit can be further clarified.

[0164] (5-4) Modification 1D The on-off valve 230 of the above embodiment is controlled by the control unit 140 to automatically allow or block the communication of the pipe. However, in addition to or as an alternative to the above embodiment, the on-off valve 230 may also allow or block the communication of the pipe manually.

[0165] By manually controlling the on-off valve 230 to allow or block the communication of the pipe, the communication of the pipe can be allowed or blocked even in a situation where control by the control unit 140 is difficult.

[0166] <Second embodiment> (1) Structure The refrigerant system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described focusing on differences from the refrigerant system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0167] The control unit 140 of the refrigerant use system 1 of the second embodiment performs a storage operation in addition to the operation performed by the control unit 140 of the refrigerant use system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0168] (2) Action (2-1) Storage Action The storage operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 to the storage portion 460 when the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The storage operation is performed, for example, to further suppress leakage of the refrigerant R when the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation passage 150. The storage operation includes a first storage operation and a second storage operation.

[0169] (2-1-1) First storage operation The first storage operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 to the storage portion 460 when the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the first refrigerant device 100A. The first storage operation includes a first half operation and a second half operation.

[0170] (The first half of the action) The first half of the first storage operation is an operation for storing mainly the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation passage 150 . Fig.10 It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the first half of the first storage operation.

[0171] In the first half of the first storage operation, the control unit 140a sets the indoor expansion mechanism 113A to the open state for all indoor units 110A. In addition, the first control unit 140a sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A of the first refrigeration cycle device 100A to the closed state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125A to the first state, and operates (On) the first compressor 122 for the outdoor unit 120A. In addition, the control unit 140a sets the on-off valve 230b to the open state for the refrigerant quantity measurement system 4, and sets the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230b to the closed state. Specifically, the control unit 140a sets the on-off valve 230a, the on-off valve 230c, and the on-off valve 230d to the closed state.

[0172] By executing the first half of the first storage action, such as Fig.10 As shown by the middle arrow, the refrigerant R in the indoor refrigerant flow path 111A is sucked into the first compressor 122A of the outdoor unit 120A. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122A passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125A and the outdoor heat exchanger 123A after being discharged from the first compressor 122A. The refrigerant R after passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid-side branch pipe 129A. The refrigerant R flowing into the liquid-side branch pipe 129A passes through the second pipe 420 and the liquid-side pipe 452 and flows into the storage section 460. The on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230b of the refrigerant quantity measurement system 4 are in a closed state, so the inflowing refrigerant R is stored in the storage section 460.

[0173] After executing the first half of the first storage operation during the preset time T5, the control unit 140a ends the first half of the first storage operation and starts the second half of the first storage operation. The preset time T5 is set to a time length that allows the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation passage 150A to be stored in the storage unit 460, for example.

[0174] (The second half of the action) The second half of the first storage operation is an operation for storing, in the storage portion 460 , mainly gas refrigerant that has not been sufficiently stored in the storage portion 460 and remains in the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121 even when the first half of the first storage operation is performed. Fig.11 It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant R in the second half of the first storage operation.

[0175] In the second half of the first storage operation, the control unit 140a opens the on-off valve 230a. The other devices are maintained in the first half of the first storage operation.

[0176] By executing the second half of the first storage action, such as Fig.11 As shown by the middle arrow, the gas refrigerant in the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460 passes through the on-off valve 230a and flows into the first pipe 410. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the first pipe 410 is sent to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121A, and is sucked into the first compressor 122A through the flow path switching mechanism 125A. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122A is discharged from the first compressor 122A and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123A is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124A is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid-side branch pipe 129A. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid-side branch pipe 129A passes through the second pipe 420 and returns to the storage section 460.

[0177] After executing the second half of the first storage operation during the preset time T6, the control unit 140a ends the second half of the first storage operation. The preset time T6 is set, for example, to a length of time that allows the refrigerant R remaining in the refrigerant circulation passage 150A to be recovered to the storage unit 460 after the first half of the first storage operation is executed.

[0178] As described above, by executing the first storage operation by the control unit 140a, even if the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation passage 150A, the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation passage 150A is stored in the storage portion 460, thereby further suppressing the leakage of the refrigerant R.

[0179] (2-1-2) Second storage operation The second storage operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant R from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 to the storage portion 460 when the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation passage 150 of the second refrigerant device 100B. The second storage operation is the same as the first storage operation.

[0180] (The first half of the action) In the first half of the second storage operation, the control unit 140b sets the indoor expansion mechanism 113B to the open state for all indoor units 110B. In addition, the control unit 140b sets the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B of the second refrigeration cycle device 100B to the closed state, sets the flow path switching mechanism 125B to the first state, and operates the first compressor 122 for the outdoor unit 120B. In addition, the control unit 140b sets the on-off valve 230d to the open state, and sets the on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230d to the closed state. Specifically, the control unit 140b sets the on-off valve 230a, the on-off valve 230b, and the on-off valve 230c to the closed state.

[0181] By executing the first half of the second storage operation, the refrigerant R in the indoor refrigerant flow path 111B is sucked into the first compressor 122B of the outdoor unit 120B. The refrigerant R sucked into the first compressor 122B is discharged from the first compressor 122B and passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125B and the outdoor heat exchanger 123B. The refrigerant R passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid-side branch pipe 129B. The refrigerant R flowing into the liquid-side branch pipe 129B passes through the fourth pipe 440 and the liquid-side pipe 452 and flows into the storage section 460. The on-off valves 230 other than the on-off valve 230d of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 are in a closed state, so the inflowing refrigerant R is stored in the storage section 460.

[0182] After executing the first half of the second storage operation during the preset time T7, the control unit 140d ends the first half of the second storage operation and starts the second half of the second storage operation. The preset time T7 is set to, for example, a time length that allows the liquid refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation passage 150B to be stored in the storage unit 460.

[0183] (The second half of the action) In the second half of the second storage operation, the control unit 140d opens the on-off valve 230c. The other devices are maintained in the first half of the operation of moving the refrigerant R to the storage unit 460.

[0184] By executing the second half of the second storage operation, the gas refrigerant in the refrigerant R stored in the storage section 460 passes through the on-off valve 230c and flows into the third pipe 430. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the third pipe 430 is sent to the outdoor refrigerant flow path 121B, passes through the flow path switching mechanism 125B, and is sucked into the first compressor 122B. The refrigerant R that has been sucked into the first compressor 122B is discharged from the first compressor 122B and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B. The refrigerant R that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 123B is sent to the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B, but since the outdoor expansion mechanism 124B is in a closed state, it flows into the liquid-side branch pipe 129B. The refrigerant R that has flowed into the liquid-side branch pipe 129B passes through the fourth pipe 440 and returns to the storage section 460.

[0185] After executing the second half of the second storage operation during the preset time T8, the control unit 140b ends the second half of the second storage operation. The preset time T8 is set, for example, to a length of time that allows the refrigerant remaining in the refrigerant circulation passage 150B to be recovered to the storage unit 460 after the second half of the second storage operation is executed.

[0186] As described above, by executing the second storage operation by the control unit 140 b , even if the refrigerant R leaks from the refrigerant circulation passage 150B, the refrigerant R in the refrigerant circulation passage 150B is stored in the storage portion 460 , thereby further suppressing the leakage of the refrigerant R.

[0187] (3) Features The control unit 140 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 performs a first storage operation and a second storage operation. The first storage operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant R from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage unit 460 when the refrigerant R leaks from the first refrigerant circuit. The second storage operation is an operation of moving the refrigerant R from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage unit 460 when the refrigerant R leaks from the second refrigerant circuit.

[0188] The control unit 140 of the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 performs a first storage operation. Therefore, when the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit leaks, the refrigerant R in the first refrigerant circuit can be stored in the storage unit 460 to suppress the release of the refrigerant R into the atmosphere. In addition, the control unit 140 of the refrigerant dosage measuring system 4 performs a second storage operation. Therefore, when the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit leaks, the refrigerant R in the second refrigerant circuit can be stored in the storage unit 460 to suppress the release of the refrigerant R into the atmosphere.

[0189] <Third embodiment> (1) Overall structure The refrigerant system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described focusing on the differences from the refrigerant system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0190] The measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant system 1 of the third embodiment includes a cylindrical member 462 in addition to the components of the measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant system 1 of the first embodiment. The measuring unit 401 includes a measurement calculation unit 471 , an electrode rod 461 , and a cylindrical member 462 .

[0191] (2) Detailed structure Fig. 12A 4 is a schematic structural diagram showing the storage section 460, the electrode rod 461, and the tubular member 462. The tubular member 462 is a member that surrounds the electrode rod 461. Fig. 12B It is shown Fig. 12A 2 is a cross-sectional view of the section A in FIG. Different from the first embodiment, the measurement operation unit 471 uses the distance X between the electrode rod 461 and the tubular member 462 to measure the amount of refrigerant.

[0192] The measuring unit 401 can measure the refrigerant amount with high accuracy even when the positional relationship between the storage unit 460 and the electrode rod 461 changes or the shape of the wall surface of the storage unit 460 changes, by means of the cylinder member 462. In addition, the refrigerant amount can be measured with high accuracy regardless of the shape of the storage unit 460, the shape of the electrode rod 461, the position of the electrode rod 461, etc., and thus the design and manufacture of the refrigerant amount measuring system 4 becomes easy.

[0193] (3) Features The measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 further includes a cylindrical member 462 surrounding the electrode rod 461 .

[0194] The measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 further includes a cylindrical member 462 surrounding the electrode rod 461. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can further clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R using the cylindrical member 462.

[0195] (4) Modification (4-1) Modification 1A In the above embodiment, the measuring unit 401 measures the amount of the refrigerant R by means of an electrostatic capacitance method. However, the method of measuring the amount of the refrigerant by the measuring unit 401 is not limited thereto. The measuring unit 401 may measure the amount of the refrigerant R by means of at least one of an electric wave method, an ultrasonic method, a float method, a pressure method, a differential pressure method, and an electrostatic capacitance method.

[0196] The radio wave method is a method for measuring the amount of refrigerant by measuring the time until the radio wave is reflected back at the liquid surface of the refrigerant R. The ultrasonic method is a method for measuring the amount of refrigerant by measuring the time until the ultrasonic wave is reflected back at the liquid surface of the refrigerant R. The float method is a method for measuring the amount of refrigerant by measuring the height of the float floating on the liquid surface of the refrigerant R. The pressure method is a method for measuring the amount of refrigerant by measuring the pressure value of the bottom surface of the liquid of the refrigerant R. The differential pressure method is a method for measuring the amount of refrigerant by measuring the differential pressure value between the bottom surface of the liquid and the upper surface of the storage portion 460.

[0197] The measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 of the present embodiment measures the amount of the refrigerant R by at least one of an electric wave type, an ultrasonic type, a float type, a pressure type, a differential pressure type, and an electrostatic capacitance type.

[0198] The measuring unit 401 of the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 measures the amount of the refrigerant R by at least one of the radio wave type, ultrasonic type, float type, pressure type, differential pressure type, and electrostatic capacitance type. Therefore, the refrigerant quantity measuring system 4 can further clarify the filling amount and leakage amount of the refrigerant R based on various methods.

[0199] As mentioned above, although the embodiment of this disclosure is described, it should be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure described in the claims. Explanation of symbols

[0200] 1. Refrigerant use system; 4. Refrigerant dosage measurement system; 100 refrigeration cycle device; 100A first refrigeration cycle device; 100B second refrigeration cycle device; 110 indoor units; 111 indoor refrigerant flow path; 112 indoor heat exchanger; 113 indoor expansion mechanism; 114 gas side connection portion; 115 liquid side connection portion; 116 Detection Department; 120 outdoor units; 121 outdoor refrigerant flow path; 121b first refrigerant pipe; 121c second refrigerant pipe; 121d third refrigerant pipe; 122 first compressor; 123 outdoor heat exchanger; 124 outdoor expansion mechanism; 125 flow path switching mechanism; 126 gas side connection portion; 127 liquid side connection portion; 128 gas side branch pipe; 129 liquid side branch piping; 131 gas side connecting pipe; 132 liquid side connecting pipe; 140 (140a, 140b) control unit; 150 refrigerant circulation passage; 230 (230a, 230b, 230c, 230d) opening and closing valve; 400 connection part; 401 Measurement Department; 410 first tube; 420 second tube; 430 third tube; 440 fourth tube; 451 gas side piping; 452 liquid side piping; 455 check valve; 460 Storage Department; 461 electrode rod; 462 barrel member; 470 computing device; 471 measurement operation unit; 472 storage unit. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0201] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-190545

Claims

1. A refrigerant dosage measuring system (4), characterized in that: include: A connecting portion (400) connected to a first refrigerant circuit of a first refrigeration cycle device (100A); a storage unit (460) for storing the refrigerant (R) in the first refrigerant circuit via the connection unit and returning the stored refrigerant to the first refrigerant circuit via the connection unit; a measuring unit (401) for measuring the amount of the refrigerant in the storage unit; as well as A storage unit (472) stores the measurement results measured by the measurement unit.

2. The refrigerant quantity measuring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting portion comprises a first tube (410) and a second tube (420), The first pipe and the second pipe are respectively provided with an on-off valve (230).

3. The refrigerant quantity measuring system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The refrigerant quantity measuring system also includes a control unit (140), which performs a first refrigerant quantity measuring action. In the first refrigerant quantity measuring action, the refrigerant is moved from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage unit by controlling the first refrigeration cycle device and the opening and closing valve, so that the measuring unit measures the amount of the refrigerant and returns the refrigerant from the storage unit to the first refrigerant circuit.

4. The refrigerant quantity measuring system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting portion is also connected to the second refrigerant circuit of the second refrigeration cycle device (100B), The connection part further comprises a third pipe (430) and a fourth pipe (440) each provided with an opening and closing valve. The connection portion is connected to the first refrigerant circuit through the first tube and the second tube, and is connected to the second refrigerant circuit through the third tube and the fourth tube.

5. The refrigerant quantity measuring system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit also performs a second refrigerant quantity measuring action. In the second refrigerant quantity measuring action, the refrigerant is moved from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage unit by controlling the second refrigeration cycle device and the opening and closing valve, so that the measuring unit measures the amount of the refrigerant and returns the refrigerant from the storage unit to the second refrigerant circuit.

6. The refrigerant quantity measuring system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control unit performs the first refrigerant amount measuring operation and the second refrigerant amount measuring operation at different times.

7. The refrigerant quantity measuring system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The control unit performs the first refrigerant quantity measuring operation during a time period in which normal operation of the first refrigeration cycle device is stopped. The control unit performs the second refrigerant amount measuring operation during a time period in which the normal operation of the second refrigeration cycle device is stopped.

8. The refrigerant dosage measuring system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: When the refrigerant leaks from the first refrigerant circuit, the control unit performs a first storage operation of moving the refrigerant from the first refrigerant circuit to the storage unit. The control unit performs a second storage operation of moving the refrigerant from the second refrigerant circuit to the storage unit when the refrigerant leaks from the second refrigerant circuit.

9. The refrigerant quantity measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The measuring unit includes an electrode rod (461).

10. The refrigerant quantity measuring system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The measuring unit further includes a cylindrical member (462) surrounding the electrode rod.

11. The refrigerant dosage measuring system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The measuring unit measures the amount of the refrigerant by at least one of an electric wave type, an ultrasonic type, a float type, a pressure type, a differential pressure type, and an electrostatic capacitance type.

12. A refrigerant using system (1), characterized in that: It has: a refrigeration cycle device; and A refrigerant dosage measuring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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