Utilization unit and refrigeration device

Abstract

The utilization unit (20) includes a housing (50), a partition plate (53), a fan (24), an electrical component box (61), a heat exchanger (23), a refrigerant sensor (65), a first transmission line (62), and a relay connector (63). The partition plate (53) divides the interior of the housing (50) into a fan chamber (57) and a heat exchange chamber (58). The fan (24) and the electrical component box (61) are disposed in the fan chamber (57). The heat exchanger (23) and the refrigerant sensor (65) are disposed in the heat exchanger (58). The refrigerant sensor (65) detects leaked refrigerant. The first transmission line (62) extends from the electrical component box (61) to the heat exchange chamber (58) through a passing portion (54) of the partition plate (53). The relay connector (63) is disposed in the heat exchange chamber (58) and connects the first transmission line (62) and the refrigerant sensor (65).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a utilization unit provided with a refrigerant sensor for detecting a leaked refrigerant and a refrigerating apparatus including the utilization unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] The utilization unit disclosed in Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-011914) has a case and a refrigerant sensor. The refrigerant sensor detects a leaked refrigerant inside the case. SUMMARY

[0003] Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant, a material used in the refrigerant sensor changes in physical properties. This change can cause the refrigerant sensor to degrade in performance or shorten in life. Therefore, it is desirable to replace the refrigerant sensor with a new one every time the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant. Making the design of the utilization unit facilitate the replacement work of the refrigerant sensor is important for the maintenance work of the refrigerating apparatus after installation.

[0005] Solution to Problem

[0006] The utilization unit of the first aspect includes a case, a partition, a fan, an electrical component box, a heat exchanger, a first sensor, a first transmission line, and a first connector. The partition divides the inside of the case into a fan chamber and a heat exchange chamber. The fan and the electrical component box are arranged in the fan chamber. The heat exchanger and the first sensor are arranged in the heat exchange chamber. The first sensor detects a leaked refrigerant. The first transmission line extends from the electrical component box to the heat exchange chamber through a passage portion of the partition. The first connector is arranged in the heat exchange chamber. The first connector connects the first transmission line and the first sensor.

[0007] According to this structure, the first sensor can be separated from the electrical component box by the first connector. Therefore, the replacement work of the first sensor becomes easy. Specifically, at the time of replacement of the first sensor, it is not necessary to plug and unplug the transmission line connecting the electrical component box and the first sensor from the partition. Therefore, it is possible to suppress breakage of the transmission line or deterioration of the sealability between the transmission line and the partition due to plugging and unplugging.

[0008] The utilization unit of the second aspect is the utilization unit of the first aspect, in which the case has a first face and a second face. The first face has a blowout port through which conditioned air passes. The second face has a maintenance opening through which a worker can handle the first sensor.

[0009] According to this structure, the maintenance opening and the blowout port are provided on different surfaces in the casing. Therefore, the area of the maintenance opening can be ensured, and thus, the maintenance work is facilitated.

[0010] The utilization unit of the third aspect further includes a second transmission line on the basis of the utilization unit of the second aspect. The second transmission line extends from the first sensor to the first connector.

[0011] According to this structure, the first sensor can be disposed away from the first connector due to the presence of the second transmission line. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the disposition site of the first sensor is increased, and the maintenance is facilitated.

[0012] The utilization unit of the fourth aspect further includes a transmission line holding member on the basis of the utilization unit of the third aspect. The transmission line holding member holds the first connector or holds both the first transmission line and the second transmission line.

[0013] According to this structure, a part of the wiring connecting the first connector and the first sensor is restrained at the site of the transmission line holding member. Therefore, the wiring is not easily detached from the worker's hand, and thus, the maintenance work is facilitated.

[0014] The utilization unit of the fifth aspect further includes a maintenance cover on the basis of the utilization unit of the fourth aspect. The maintenance cover closes the maintenance opening. At least one of the first sensor and the transmission line holding member is fixed to the maintenance cover.

[0015] According to this structure, the first sensor or the transmission line holding member is fixed to the maintenance cover. Therefore, when the worker removes the maintenance cover, the first sensor or the transmission line holding member is led out to the outside of the casing, and thus, the maintenance work is facilitated.

[0016] The utilization unit of the sixth aspect further includes a second sensor on the basis of the utilization unit of any one of the first to fifth aspects. The second sensor is disposed in the heat exchange chamber. The second sensor detects a phenomenon other than the refrigerant leakage. A transmission line connecting the second sensor from the electrical component box is not connected to the connector.

[0017] According to this structure, the first connector is provided at the transmission line of the first sensor, but the connector is not present at the transmission line of the second sensor. Therefore, the replacement work of the first sensor which needs to be replaced is facilitated, and on the other hand, the superposition of noise due to the contact resistance of the connector or the like on the signal line of the second sensor which does not need to be replaced can be suppressed.

[0018] The utilization unit of the seventh aspect further includes a second connector on the basis of the utilization unit of any one of the first to sixth aspects. The second connector can separate the first transmission line from the electrical component box.

[0019] According to this structure, the first transmission line is separated from the electrical mounting box due to the presence of the second connector. Therefore, the winding operation of the first transmission line becomes easier during the manufacturing process of the utilization unit.

[0020] The eighth viewpoint utilization unit is based on the utilization unit of any of the first to seventh viewpoints, and further includes a seal. The seal is provided in the passage section. The seal inhibits airflow through the passage section.

[0021] According to this structure, a seal is provided at the passage of the partition plate. Therefore, unwanted airflow between the fan chamber and the heat exchange chamber can be suppressed.

[0022] The refrigeration device of the ninth viewpoint includes a utilization unit for any one of the first to eighth viewpoints.

[0023] Based on this structure, the replacement of the first sensor can be easily performed in the refrigeration unit. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigeration unit 100.

[0025] Figure 2 It uses the 3D diagram of Unit 20.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of unit 20.

[0027] Figure 4 From and Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of unit 20 for viewing from different directions.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the utilization unit 20 after the maintenance cover 71 has been removed.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a top view using unit 20.

[0030] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the main part in Unit 20.

[0031] Figure 8 This is the front view of the transmission line holding member 72.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the transmission line holding member 72 and the components removed from the transmission line holding member 72. Detailed Implementation

[0033] <Implementation Method>

[0034] (1) Overall structure

[0035] (1-1) Components constituting the refrigerant circuit

[0036] Figure 1 A refrigeration device 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The refrigeration device 100 may include various forms such as an air conditioning unit, refrigerator, freezer, water heater, and underfloor heating system, but the refrigeration device 100 in this embodiment is an air conditioning unit. The refrigeration device 100 consists of a heat source unit 10, a utilization unit 20, and a refrigerant piping assembly 30 connecting the heat source unit 10 and the utilization unit 20. The refrigerant R circulates in the refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration device 100.

[0037] The heat source unit 10 includes a compressor 11, a four-way reversing valve 12, a heat source heat exchanger 13, a heat source expansion valve 15, a storage tank 16, a liquid shut-off valve 17, and a gas shut-off valve 18, which are components constituting the refrigerant circuit.

[0038] The utilization unit 20 has a utilization heat exchanger 23, which is a component constituting the refrigerant circuit.

[0039] The refrigerant piping assembly 30 has a liquid connection piping 31 and a gas connection piping 32, which are components constituting the refrigerant circuit.

[0040] (1-2) Operation of cold and heat utilization

[0041] Cold and heat utilization operation is the operation in which the refrigeration unit 100 provides cold or heat to the user.

[0042] Compressor 11 draws in low-pressure gaseous refrigerant through suction pipe 11a and compresses it to generate high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is then discharged through discharge pipe 11b. During cooling and heating operation, the four-way reversing valve 12 forms... Figure 1 The connection is shown by the solid line. The heat source heat exchanger 13 condenses the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, thereby generating a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The heat source fan 14 promotes heat exchange between the refrigerant and air in the heat source heat exchanger 13. The heat source expansion valve 15 depressurizes the high-pressure liquid refrigerant, thereby generating a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant reaches the utilization heat exchanger 23 via the liquid shut-off valve 17 and the liquid connecting pipe 31.

[0043] The gaseous-liquid two-phase refrigerant is evaporated using heat exchanger 23 to generate low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, producing cooling or heating for the user in the process. Fan 24 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air using heat exchanger 23. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant reaches storage tank 16 via gas connection piping 32, gas shut-off valve 18, and four-way reversing valve 12.

[0044] Storage tank 16 separates and stores the liquid components mixed in the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. After exiting storage tank 16, the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is drawn into compressor 11 through suction pipe 11a.

[0045] (1-3) Operation of heat utilization

[0046] The heat utilization operation is the operation in which the refrigeration unit 100 provides heat to the user.

[0047] Compressor 11 draws in low-pressure gaseous refrigerant through suction pipe 11a and compresses it to generate high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which is then discharged through discharge pipe 11b. During heat recovery operation, the four-way reversing valve 12 forms... Figure 1 The connection is shown by the dashed line. High-pressure gaseous refrigerant reaches the heat exchanger 23 via the four-way reversing valve 12, the gas shut-off valve 18, and the gas connecting pipe 32.

[0048] High-pressure gaseous refrigerant is condensed using heat exchanger 23 to generate high-pressure liquid refrigerant, producing heat in the process to be supplied to the user. Fan 24 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant in heat exchanger 23 and the air. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant reaches heat source expansion valve 15 via liquid connecting pipe 31 and liquid shut-off valve 17.

[0049] The heat source expansion valve 15 depressurizes the high-pressure liquid refrigerant, thereby generating a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The heat source heat exchanger 13 evaporates the low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, thereby generating a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The heat source fan 14 promotes heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the heat source heat exchanger 13. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant reaches the storage tank 16 via the four-way reversing valve 12. The storage tank 16 separates and stores the liquid components mixed in the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. After exiting the storage tank 16, the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is drawn into the compressor 11 through the suction pipe 11a.

[0050] (2) Utilizing the detailed structure of unit 20

[0051] Figure 2 The structure of the utilization unit 20 is shown. The utilization unit 20 has a housing 50, a partition plate 53, a utilization heat exchanger 23, a utilization fan 24, an electrical installation box 61, a refrigerant sensor 65, a thermistor 67, and a maintenance cover 71.

[0052] (2-1) Shell 50

[0053] The housing 50 houses the heat exchanger 23, the fan 24, and other components of the utilization unit 20. Figure 2In order to allow for observation and confirmation of the interior of the utilization unit 20, a portion of the components of the housing 50 are omitted. The housing 50 is cuboid in shape and has a first side 50a, a second side 50b, a third side 50c, a fourth side 50d, an upper surface 50e, and a lower surface 50f. An outlet 51 for expelling conditioned air is provided on the first side 50a. Furthermore, a maintenance opening 52 is provided on the second side 50b adjacent to the first side 50a. The maintenance opening 52 allows maintenance personnel to replace or otherwise handle the refrigerant sensor 65. Additionally, although not shown, an air intake is provided on the lower surface 50f.

[0054] A partition plate 53 is provided inside the housing 50. The partition plate 53 divides the internal space of the housing 50 into a fan chamber 57 and a heat exchange chamber 58. The partition plate 53 is provided with a passage 54 for wiring to pass through. The passage 54 is, for example, a hole or notch.

[0055] (2-2) Using heat exchanger 23

[0056] Heat exchanger 23 is used to exchange heat between refrigerant R and air. Heat exchanger 23 is disposed in heat exchange chamber 58. Heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator during cold and hot operation. Heat exchanger 23 functions as a condenser during warm and hot operation.

[0057] (2-3) Using fan 24

[0058] An airflow is generated by a fan 24 and passes through a heat exchanger 23. The fan 24 is located in a fan chamber 57. The airflow after passing through the heat exchanger 23 is blown out from the outlet 51.

[0059] (2-4) Electrical installation parts box 61

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of unit 20. The electrical mounting box 61 houses the power supply unit or circuit components. The electrical mounting box 61 is located in the fan compartment 57.

[0061] Electrical mounting box 61 has an electrical mounting box connector 69. The electrical mounting box connector 69 connects wiring to or disconnects wiring from the electrical mounting box 61. The first transmission line 62 and the thermistor transmission line 66, described later, are connected to the housing of the electrical mounting box connector 69.

[0062] (2-5) Refrigerant sensor 65

[0063] The refrigerant sensor 65 detects refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant circuit. For example... Figure 3As shown, the refrigerant sensor 65 is disposed in the heat exchange chamber 58.

[0064] The refrigerant sensor 65 is connected to the electrical mounting box 61 via a first transmission line 62 and a second transmission line 64. Here, in this specification, the term "transmission line" may include not only signal lines but also power lines or ground lines.

[0065] The first transmission line 62 passes through the electrical mounting box connector 69 located in the fan chamber 57, through the passage portion 54, and extends to the relay connector 63 disposed in the heat exchange chamber 58. The relay connector 63 has two interlocking housings, one of which connects to the first transmission line 62, and the other connects to the second transmission line 64. The second transmission line 64 connects the relay connector 63 to the refrigerant sensor 65. A seal 55 is provided in the passage portion 54. The seal 55 blocks the gap in the passage portion 54 to prevent airflow while the first transmission line 62 passes through.

[0066] (2-6) Thermistor 67

[0067] Thermistor 67 detects the temperature of the refrigerant. Thermistor 67 is disposed in heat exchange chamber 58. The refrigerant sensor 65 is connected to electrical mounting box 61 via thermistor transmission line 66. Thermistor transmission line 66 passes through section 54. Thermistor transmission line 66 is not connected to a connector used for relaying.

[0068] (2-7) Repair cover 71

[0069] Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing one side of the second side 50b in unit 20. Figure 6 This is a top view of unit 20. To allow for observation and confirmation of the interior of unit 20, these... Figures 4 to 6 Some components of the housing 50 shown are omitted.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, a maintenance cover 71 is disposed on the second side 50b. The maintenance cover 71 closes the maintenance opening 52. Figure 5 In the middle, the maintenance cover 71 is removed from the maintenance opening 52. From Figure 6 It is understood that the refrigerant sensor 65 is located near the service cover 71. By removing the service cover 71, maintenance personnel can perform tasks such as replacing the refrigerant sensor 65.

[0071] (3) Repair the structure around opening 52

[0072] Figure 7The structure surrounding the maintenance opening 52 is shown. The maintenance opening 52 is closed by a maintenance cover 71. A transmission line holding member 72 is fixed to the maintenance cover 71.

[0073] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the transmission line holding member 72 holds both the first transmission line 62 and the second transmission line 64 at the clamping portion 72a. A relay connector protector 73 is fixed to the transmission line holding member 72. The relay connector protector 73 covers a portion of the first transmission line 62, the relay connector 63, and a portion of the second transmission line 64. Additionally, a refrigerant sensor 65 is fixed to the transmission line holding member 72.

[0074] When the maintenance cover 71 is removed from the maintenance opening 52, the transmission line retaining member 72, the relay connector protector 73, the first transmission line 62, the relay connector 63, the second transmission line 64, and the refrigerant sensor 65, which are directly or indirectly fixed to the maintenance cover 71, are removed to the outside of the housing 50.

[0075] (4) Characteristics

[0076] (4-1)

[0077] The refrigerant sensor 65 can be separated from the electrical installation box 61 via the relay connector 63 located near the maintenance opening 52. This facilitates the replacement of the refrigerant sensor 65. Specifically, when replacing the refrigerant sensor 65, it is not necessary to unplug the transmission cable connecting the electrical installation box 61 and the refrigerant sensor 65 from the partition plate 53. Therefore, damage to the transmission cable or insufficient sealing between the transmission cable and the partition plate 53 due to unplugging can be prevented.

[0078] (4-2)

[0079] In the housing 50, the maintenance opening 52 and the blow-out port 51 are located on different surfaces. Therefore, the area of ​​the maintenance opening 52 can be ensured, thus facilitating maintenance operations.

[0080] (4-3)

[0081] Because of the presence of the second transmission line 64, the refrigerant sensor 65 can be configured remotely from the relay connector 63. Therefore, the flexibility in the placement of the refrigerant sensor 65 increases, and maintenance becomes easier.

[0082] (4-4)

[0083] A portion of the wiring connecting the relay connector 63 to the refrigerant sensor 65 is constrained by the clamping portion 72a of the transmission line holding member 72. Therefore, the wiring is not easily detached from the hands of maintenance personnel, thus facilitating maintenance work.

[0084] (4-5)

[0085] A refrigerant sensor 65 and a transmission line holding member 72 are fixed on the service cover 71. Therefore, when maintenance personnel remove the service cover 71, the refrigerant sensor 65 and the transmission line holding member 72 are brought out to the outside of the housing 50, thus making maintenance work easy.

[0086] (4-6)

[0087] A relay connector 63 is provided on the transmission line of the refrigerant sensor 65, but there is no connector on the transmission line of the thermistor 67. Therefore, the replacement of the refrigerant sensor 65 that needs to be replaced becomes easier, and on the other hand, noise superimposed on the signal line of the thermistor that does not need to be replaced due to contact resistance of the connector can be suppressed.

[0088] (4-7)

[0089] Due to the presence of the electrical mounting box connector 69, the first transmission line 62 is separated from the electrical mounting box 61. Therefore, the winding operation of the first transmission line 62 is facilitated during the manufacturing process utilizing unit 20.

[0090] (4-8)

[0091] A seal 55 is provided in the passage portion 54 of the partition plate 53. Therefore, unwanted airflow can be suppressed from passing between the fan chamber 57 and the heat exchange chamber 58.

[0092] (5) Variations

[0093] (5-1)

[0094] In the above embodiment, the transmission line holding member 72 holds both the first transmission line 62 and the second transmission line 64. Alternatively, the transmission line holding member 72 may also hold the housing of one of the repeater connectors 63. Or, the transmission line holding member 72 may hold at least one of the first transmission line 62 and the second transmission line 64, in addition to the housing of one of the repeater connectors 63.

[0095] (5-2)

[0096] In the above embodiment, the first transmission line 62 and the thermistor transmission line 66 pass through a common passage portion 54. Alternatively, the separator 53 may have multiple passage portions 54, and the first transmission line 62 and the thermistor transmission line 66 may each pass through different passage portions 54.

[0097] (5-3)

[0098] In the above embodiment, both the transmission line holding member 72 and the refrigerant sensor 65 are directly or indirectly fixed to the maintenance cover 71. Alternatively, only one of the transmission line holding member 72 and the refrigerant sensor 65 may be fixed to the maintenance cover 71.

[0099] (5-4)

[0100] In the above embodiment, the refrigeration unit 100 is an air conditioning unit. Alternatively, the refrigeration unit 100 may also be in other forms than an air conditioning unit, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, a water heater, or a floor heating system.

[0101] <Conclusion>

[0102] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0103] Symbol Explanation

[0104] 10 Heat source units; 20. Utilization Unit; 23. Utilize a heat exchanger (heat exchanger); 24. Using a fan (fan); 50. Housing; 50a First side view (first side); 50b Second side (second side); 50c Third side view; 50D Fourth Side View; 50e upper surface; 50f lower surface; 51. Blowout; 52. Maintenance opening; 53. Divider; 54. Passing through the department; 55. Seals; 57. Fan room; 58. Heat exchange chamber; 61 Electrical installation parts box; 62 First transmission line; 63 Relay connector (first connector); 64 Second transmission line; 65 Refrigerant sensor (first sensor); 66. Thermistor transmission line; 67. Thermistor (second sensor); 69 Electrical installation box connector (second connector); 71. Maintenance cover; 72. Transmission line holding component; 72a Clamping part; 73. Relay connector protection components; 100 Refrigeration unit.

[0105] Existing technical documents

[0106] Patent documents

[0107] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-011914

Claims

1. A utilization unit (20), characterized in that, include: Casing (50); A partition (53) divides the interior of the housing into a fan chamber (57) and a heat exchange chamber (58). The fan (24) and electrical installation box (61) are located in the fan room; The heat exchanger (23) and the first sensor (65) for detecting leaked refrigerant are configured in the heat exchange chamber. A first transmission line (62) extends from the electrical installation box through the passage (54) of the partition plate to the heat exchange chamber; as well as A first connector (63) is disposed in the heat exchange chamber and connects the first transmission line to the first sensor.

2. The utilization unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a first surface (50a) and a second surface (50b). The first surface has an outlet (51) through which the conditioned air passes. The second side has a maintenance opening (52) that allows operators to process the first sensor.

3. The utilization unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second transmission line (64) that extends from the first sensor to the first connector.

4. The utilization unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a transmission line holding member (72) that holds the first connector or both the first transmission line and the second transmission line.

5. The utilization unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a maintenance cover (71) that closes the maintenance opening. At least one of the first sensor and the transmission line holding member is fixed to the maintenance cover.

6. The utilization unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, It also includes a second sensor (67) disposed in the heat exchange chamber to detect phenomena other than refrigerant leakage. The transmission line connecting the second sensor from the electrical mounting box is not connected to the connector.

7. The utilization unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It also includes a second connector (69) that enables the first transmission line to be detached from the electrical mounting box.

8. The utilization unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, It also includes a seal (55) disposed on the passage portion and inhibiting airflow through the passage portion.

9. A refrigeration apparatus (100), characterized in that, It includes the utilization unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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