Leak detection injector, refrigeration unit with one, leak detection dispensing method, and air conditioning system

Abstract

A leak detection agent injector is a device used in conjunction with a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates, and which is designed to inject a leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit. The leak detection agent injector comprises: a container designed to hold the leak detection agent; a connecting line that links the container to the refrigerant circuit;and a valve device provided at a connection section where the container and the connecting line are connected. The valve device comprises: a main body having a container connection section to which the container is connected, a line connection section to which the connecting line is connected, and a filling connection section to which a tank storing the leak detection agent is connected, the main body having a first flow channel that causes the container connection section and the filling connection section to communicate with each other, and a second flow channel that branches off from an intermediate section of the first flow channel and communicates with the line connection section;and a valve body movably provided on the main body, wherein the valve body is configured to switch between a closed position in which the valve body prevents the flow of the leak detection medium in the second flow channel and an open position in which the valve body allows the leak detection medium to flow in the second flow channel.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a leak detection agent injector configured to fill a refrigerant circuit with a leak detection agent for detecting a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant circuit, a refrigeration device with the leak detection agent injector, a leak detection agent filling method and an air conditioning system. State of the art

[0002] One such refrigeration device is described in patent literature 1. The refrigeration device from patent literature 1 has a leak detection agent injector that stores a leak detection agent and is configured such that it is connected to a refrigerant line of a refrigerant circuit. The leak detection agent injector has a container that stores the leak detection agent, a connecting line that is connected at one end to the container and at the other end to the refrigerant line of the refrigerant circuit, and a control valve provided on the connecting line. The leak detection agent injector is configured to inject the leak detection agent stored in the container into the refrigerant circuit via the connecting line by opening the control valve. Citation list for patent literature

[0003] Patent literature 1: International Disclosure Number 2018 / 225263 Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0004] The cooling device described in patent literature 1 relates to a technique for charging a leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit from the container in the leak detection agent injector and does not clearly disclose a configuration in which the leak detection agent is charged into the container in the leak detection agent injector.

[0005] Furthermore, it is necessary that the leak detection agent injector is not only applied to a usage mode in which the leak detection agent is injected from the container into the refrigerant circuit, but also to a usage mode in which the leak detection agent is injected directly into the refrigerant circuit without passing through or through the container.

[0006] The present disclosure serves to solve the above problem and relates to a leak detection agent injector capable of filling a container with a leak detection agent and injecting the leak detection agent directly into a refrigerant circuit without traversing or passing through the container, a cooling device with the leak detection agent injector, a leak detection agent filling method, and an air conditioning system. Solution to the problem

[0007] A leak detection agent injector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used in conjunction with a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates and which is configured to inject a leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit. The leak detection agent injector comprises: a container configured to store the leak detection agent; a connecting line connecting the container to the refrigerant circuit; and a valve device provided at a connecting section where the container and the connecting line are joined. The valve device comprises a main body and a valve body.The main body comprises a container connection section to which the container is connected, a line connection section to which the connecting line is connected, and a filling connection section to which a tank storing the leak detection agent is connected. The main body has a first flow channel that enables communication between the container connection section and the filling connection section, and a second flow channel that branches off from an intermediate section of the first flow channel and communicates with the line connection section.The valve body is provided on the main body and is movable in such a way that the position of the valve body is switched between a closed position, in which the valve body blocks the flow of the leak detection medium in the second flow channel, and an open position, in which the valve body allows the flow of the leak detection medium in the second flow channel.

[0008] A refrigeration device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: the leak detection agent injector; and the refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device and an evaporator are connected by means of refrigerant lines.

[0009] A leak detection agent filling method according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure is a leak detection agent filling method in the refrigeration device and comprises filling the leak detection agent from or out of the leak detection agent injector into the refrigerant circuit via the second flow channel by arranging the valve body of the valve device in the open position to open the second flow channel.

[0010] An air conditioning system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the refrigeration device, and at least one of the condenser and the evaporator is a heat exchanger designed to cause heat exchange between refrigerant and air. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0011] The leak detection agent injector according to the embodiment of the present disclosure comprises the valve device provided at the connection section where the container configured to hold the leak detection agent and the connecting line linking the container to the refrigerant circuit are connected. The valve device comprises the main body, which includes the container connection section to which the container is connected, the line connection section to which the connecting line is connected, and the fill connection section to which the tank containing the leak detection agent is connected. The main body includes the first flow channel through which the container connection section and the fill connection section communicate with each other, and the second flow channel, which branches off from the intermediate section of the first flow channel and communicates with the line connection section.The valve body is provided on the main body and is movable such that its position can be switched between the closed position, in which the valve body blocks the flow of the leak detection fluid in the second flow channel, and the open position, in which the valve body allows the flow of the leak detection fluid in the second flow channel. In the leak detection fluid injector, to allow the leak detection fluid to be filled from the tank into the container, the valve body is positioned in the closed position, thus enabling the leak detection fluid to be filled from the tank into the container via the first flow channel. Furthermore, in the leak detection fluid injector, to allow the leak detection fluid to be injected directly from the tank into the refrigerant circuit without passing through the container, the valve body is positioned in the closed position.To allow the leak detection fluid to pass through, the valve body is positioned in the open position, enabling it to be injected from the tank via the first and second flow channels. This means the leak detection fluid injector is able to fill the container with the leak detection fluid and inject it directly into the refrigerant circuit without passing through the container. Brief description of the drawings [ Fig. 1] Fig. Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 2] Fig. Figure 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram in the case that the air conditioning system according to embodiment 1 is a remote condensing unit. [ Fig. 3] Fig. Figure 3 is an external view of a leak detection agent injector of the air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 4] Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of a valve device of the leak detection agent injector of the air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 5] Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit diagram of a leak detection agent injector 20 according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 6] Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram for an operation in which a leak detection agent is filled into a container of the leak detection agent injector according to embodiment 1. [ Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent injector, which powers the operation in Fig. 6 carries out. [ Fig. 8] Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram for an operation in which the leak detection agent is injected from the leak detection agent injector according to embodiment 1 into a refrigerant line. [ Fig. 9] Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent injector, which is described in Fig. 8 carries out the operation shown. [ Fig. 10] Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram for a mode of use in which the leak detection agent injector according to embodiment 1 is used as an auxiliary device. [ Fig. 11] Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent injector used in the Fig. The usage mode shown in 10 is... [ Fig. 12] Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit diagram of a leak detection agent injector according to embodiment 2, which is connected to the refrigerant line. [ Fig. 13] Fig. 13 includes diagrams illustrating an equivalent circuit diagram of a leak detection agent injector according to embodiment 3, which is connected to the refrigerant line. [ Fig. 14] Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection agent injector according to embodiment 4. [ Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a diagram that represents an equivalent circuit of the in Fig. Figure 14 illustrates a leak detection agent injector that is connected to the refrigerant line. [ Fig. 16] Fig. Figure 16 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioning system according to embodiment 5. [ Fig. 17] Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic representation of a leak detection agent injector according to embodiment 5. [ Fig. 18] Fig. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit diagram depicting an operation in which the leak detection agent is extracted from the leak detection agent injector, as shown in Fig. Figure 17 illustrates how it is injected into a refrigerant circuit. [ Fig. 19] Fig. Figure 19 is a front view illustrating a leak detection agent injector according to one modification of each of the embodiments. [ Fig. 20] Fig. Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating the leak detection agent injector according to the modification of each of the embodiments. [ Fig. 21] Fig. Figure 21 is a front view illustrating a modification of the container of the leak detection agent injector according to the modification of each of the embodiments. Description of embodiments

[0012] The following descriptions include, by way of example, a leak detection agent injector, a refrigeration device, and other articles according to embodiments. The following descriptions of embodiments refer, by way of example, to the case where the refrigeration device is an air conditioning system designed to cool an interior space. In each of the figures in the accompanying drawings referenced below, components that are identical or equivalent to those in a preceding figure or figures are identified by the same reference numerals, and this applies to all embodiments described below. The configurations of the components described throughout the text of this description are merely examples, and the descriptions of the component configurations are not limiting. Design 1: Air conditioning configuration 100

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 1. The air conditioner 100 has an outdoor unit 200 and an indoor unit 300. The outdoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 300 are connected by means of a liquid extension line 11 and a gas extension line 12. The outdoor unit 200 has a compressor 1, an oil separator 2, a condenser 3, a liquid receiver 4, a subcooling heat exchanger 5, a dryer 6, and an accumulator 9. The indoor unit 300 has a pressure reducing device 7 and an evaporator 8. The pressure reducing device 7 is, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube.The compressor 1, the oil separator 2, the condenser 3, the liquid receiver 4, the subcooling heat exchanger 5, the dryer 6, the pressure reducing device 7, the evaporator 8 and the accumulator 9 are connected in this order by means of refrigerant lines 10, which have the liquid extension line 11 and the gas extension line 12, and thus form a refrigerant circuit A in which refrigerant circulates.

[0014] Compressor 1 draws in refrigerant and compresses it to convert it into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. Oil separator 2 separates any oil contained in the refrigerant delivered by compressor 1 from the refrigerant itself. Condenser 3 is a heat exchanger designed to cool and condense the refrigerant delivered by compressor 1. Liquid receiver 4 is a container designed to store excess refrigerant that is liquefied in refrigerant circuit A. Subcooling heat exchanger 5 has a high-pressure flow channel through which high-pressure refrigerant flows and a low-pressure flow channel through which low-pressure refrigerant flows, facilitating heat exchange between the high-pressure and low-pressure refrigerants. Dryer 6 removes impurities from the refrigerant.The foreign substance corresponds, for example, to impurities or water. The accumulator 9 stores excess refrigerant. The evaporator 8 is a heat exchanger designed to heat and evaporate the refrigerant flowing out of the pressure reducing device 7.

[0015] The refrigerant circuit A further comprises an injection line 5b, which branches off between the subcooling heat exchanger 5 and the dryer 6 and is connected to a suction side of the compressor 1 via a pressure reducing device 5a and a low-pressure-side flow channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5. The pressure reducing device 5a is, for example, an expansion valve.

[0016] The refrigerant circulating in refrigerant circuit A is, for example, a single-component refrigerant such as R22 or R134a, a nearly azeotropic refrigerant mixture such as R410A or R404A, or a zeotropic refrigerant mixture such as R407C. The refrigerant circulating in refrigerant circuit A can be a refrigerant with a double bond in its chemical formula and a relatively low global warming potential, or a mixture thereof. Note that the refrigerant with a double bond in its chemical formula corresponds, for example, to CF3 or CF=CH2. Furthermore, the refrigerant circulating in refrigerant circuit A can be a natural refrigerant such as CO2 or propane.

[0017] Several connections are provided in the refrigerant lines 10 of refrigerant circuit A. Most of these connections have an intake connection 13, an outlet connection 14, and a connecting connection 15.

[0018] The intake port 13 and the outlet port 14 are connections to which a vacuum pump is connected during the installation of the air conditioning unit 100, and to which a refrigerant cylinder is connected when the refrigerant is added to the refrigerant circuit A. The intake port 13 and the outlet port 14 are also commonly referred to as service ports.

[0019] The connection port 15 is a port to which a leak detection agent injector 20 can be detachably connected. The configuration of the leak detection agent injector 20 is described later. In one illustrated example, the connection port 15 is located between the liquid receiver 4 and the subcooling heat exchanger 5; however, it is sufficient for the connection port 15 to be located between the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8. The configuration of the leak detection agent injector 20 is not limited to the configuration shown above, in which the leak detection agent injector 20 is detachably connected to the refrigerant circuit A via the connection port 15. The leak detection agent injector 20 can, for example, be attached or fastened to the refrigerant circuit A by soldering. In the following description, it is assumed that the leak detection agent injector 20 is detachably connected to the refrigerant circuit A.

[0020] Next, the flow of the refrigerant in refrigerant circuit A is described.

[0021] The oil contained in the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant delivered by compressor 1 is separated from it in oil separator 2, and the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant then flows into condenser 3. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant flowing into condenser 3 exchanges heat with the outside air and condenses to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant or a two-phase refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant or the two-phase refrigerant is stored in liquid receiver 4. The refrigerant flowing out of liquid receiver 4 enters the high-pressure side flow channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5, exchanges heat with the refrigerant passing through the low-pressure side flow channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5, and is thereby transformed into supercooled high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0022] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 enters the dryer 6, where it is filtered out of any foreign matter. This foreign matter consists of, for example, impurities or water. The liquid refrigerant exiting the dryer 6 is then pressure-reduced in the pressure reducing device 7 of the indoor unit 300 to convert into a low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase refrigerant. This low-temperature, low-pressure, two-phase refrigerant then flows into the evaporator 8. The refrigerant entering the evaporator 8 exchanges heat with the indoor air and evaporates. This process cools the indoor air, thus cooling the interior space.The refrigerant evaporated by the evaporator 8 is converted in the evaporator 8 into low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant, and the low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant returns to the compressor 1 via the accumulator 9.

[0023] Part of the refrigerant flowing out of the high-pressure side of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 flows into the injection line 5b. The refrigerant flowing into the injection line 5b is pressure-reduced by the pressure-reducing device 5a, flows into the low-pressure side flow channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5, exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing into the high-pressure side flow channel of the subcooling heat exchanger 5, and is then injected into the compressor 1.

[0024] The configuration of refrigerant circuit A is not based on the one in Fig. The configuration shown in Figure 1 is limited. For example, refrigerant circuit A may include a four-way valve configured to switch between multiple refrigerant channels or passages and configured to switch between cooling and heating operation. Furthermore, refrigerant circuit A may be configured to perform only heating operation. In this case, the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit 200 operates as an evaporator, and the heat exchanger in the indoor unit 300 operates as a condenser. That is to say, it is sufficient for refrigerant circuit A to include at least the compressor 1, the condenser 3, the pressure reducing device 7, and the evaporator 8.

[0025] The air conditioning system 100 is not limited to an air-cooled air conditioning system as described above, but can also be a water-cooled air conditioning system. Therefore, it is sufficient that in the air conditioning system 100 at least one of the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8 is designed to carry out a heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0026] Furthermore, in embodiment 1, the air conditioning unit 100 is configured such that an indoor unit 300 is connected to an outdoor unit 200, although this is not a limiting factor. The air conditioning unit 100 can be configured such that any number of indoor units 300 are connected to an outdoor unit 200.

[0027] Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 can be used as a remote condensing unit, as shown in Fig. 2, which will be referred to below.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram in the case where the air conditioning unit 100 according to embodiment 1 is a remote condensing unit. In the remote condensing unit, of the components that are in the Fig. The components, with the exception of the condenser 3, are contained in the outdoor unit 200 shown in Figure 1, and the condenser 3 is provided in a compression unit 201 located in an indoor space. The remote condensing unit can be configured such that the outdoor unit 200A and the locally procured indoor unit 300 are connected to each other during on-site installation by means of the refrigerant lines 10 to form the refrigerant circuit A.

[0029] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 can, for example, be an air conditioning system in which, as in a cooling unit, the components contained in the refrigerant circuit A and other accessory components are provided in a single unit and are connected by means of the refrigerant lines 10.

[0030] The leak detection agent injector 20 is detachably connected to the air conditioning unit 100, which is configured as described above, and a leak detection agent is charged into the refrigerant circuit A from the leak detection agent injector 20. The air conditioning unit 100 is able to detect a refrigerant leak by driving the compressor 1, which is a drive source for the refrigerant circulation, by circulating the leak detection agent together with the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit A, and by locating a section where the leak detection agent is leaking. The leak detection agent injector 20 is removed from the refrigerant circuit A after the injection of the leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit A is complete.

[0031] The number of leak detection injectors to be installed or mounted can be 20, as in Fig. 1, or two or more. If only one leak detection injector 20 is installed, it is preferable for the leak detection injector 20 to be installed in the outdoor unit 200. This is because a refrigerant leak is more likely in the outdoor unit 200 due to vibrations of the compressor 1 or vibrations caused by external forces than in the indoor unit 300. Furthermore, it is also preferable for safety reasons for the leak detection injector 20 to be installed in an outdoor space, for the following reason: In this case, even if refrigerant leaks from a section where the leak detection injector 20 and the refrigerant circuit A are connected, and the refrigerant is flammable, it is possible to prevent the formation of a flammable atmosphere in an indoor space.

[0032] A leak detection agent can be, for example, a fluorescent dye, a coloring agent, an odorant, or an airborne agent. Examples of fluorescent agents include Super Tracer OL-200 II or Super Glo. An odorant can be tert-butyl mercaptan. An airborne agent can be Super Bubble TR-1C or Big Blu. It is sufficient for the leak detection agent to be a liquid or a powder.

[0033] Next, the leak detection agent injector 20 will be described.

[0034] Fig. Figure 3 is an external view of the leak detection agent injector 20 of the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the state of the leak detection agent injector 20 in use, i.e., the state of the leak detection agent injector 20 when the leak detection agent injector 20 is connected to the connection port 15. Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of a valve device 50 of the leak detection agent injector 20 of the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit diagram of the leak detection agent injector 20 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5 and in diagrams representing equivalent circuits described below, a valve body 57 represented by an outline is the valve body 57 in the open state, and the valve body represented by dots is the valve body 57 in the closed state. Furthermore, terms such as "top," "bottom," "right," and "left" used in the following description indicate directions from which the leak detection agent injector 20 is viewed when, as in Fig. Figure 3 is shown and is in use. These terms, which indicate directions, are used for clarification and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0035] The leak detection agent injector 20 has a container 30 designed to store a leak detection agent, a connecting section 40 for connecting the container 30 to the connecting port 15, and the valve device 50, which is provided at a location where the container 30 and the connecting section 40 are connected to each other.

[0036] The container 30 has a tubular section 31. The tubular section 31 is a copper tube, one end of which is open. The tubular section 31 is not limited to being made of copper and can, for example, be made of resin. The tubular section 31 has a first section 31a, which extends in an upward-downward direction when the container 30 is in use, and a second section 31b, which extends laterally from the lower end of the first section 31a, and is thus L-shaped. In the tubular section 31, an end section of the second section 31b, which is arranged opposite to the first section 31a, is open and connected to a container connection section 52 of the valve device 50 to be described below.

[0037] In the tubular section 31, the first section 31a is arranged above the container connection section 52. Since the first section 31a is arranged above the container connection section 52, and a lower end of the first section 31a is also located above the container connection section 52, the container 30 allows the leak detection agent filled into the container 30 to flow out of the container 30 towards the container connection section 52 due to its own weight. The shape of the container 30 is an example and is not limited to the L-shape.

[0038] The connecting section 40 is a section to which the leak detection agent injector 20 is connected to the connecting port 15 of the refrigerant circuit A. The connecting section 40 has a connecting line 41, which extends in the up-down direction and has a linear shape, and a nut 42 provided at a lower end section 40a of the connecting line 41. An upper end section 40b of the connecting line 41 is connected to a line connecting section 53 of the valve device 50, as described below. The connecting line 41 has a projection 40aa in the lower end section 40a, which is designed to press a pin (not shown) provided in the connecting port 15.The connecting section 40 is designed to communicate with the refrigerant circuit A when the projection 40aa provided on the lower end section 40a of the connecting line 41 presses the pin provided in the connecting port 15 and thus opens the connecting port 15.

[0039] The valve device 50 comprises a main body 51 and the valve body 57. The main body 51 comprises the container connection section 52, to which the container 30 is connected, the line connection section 53, to which the connecting line 41 is connected, and a filling connection section 54, to which a tank 60 (see Fig. 6, which is described below), into which the leak detection agent is filled, is connected. A first flow channel 55 and a second flow channel 56, which extends such that it intersects the first flow channel 55, are formed in the main body 51. The first flow channel 55 is a flow channel that is a hole extending through the main body 51 in a lateral direction, configured to extend from the container connection section 52 to the filling connection section 54, and causing the container connection section 52 and the filling connection section 54 to communicate with each other.The second flow channel 56 is a flow channel that branches off from an intermediate section of the first flow channel 55, which is designed to extend from the intermediate section of the first flow channel 55 to the conduit connection section 53, and which causes the first flow channel 55 and the conduit connection section 53 to communicate with each other.

[0040] The tubular section 31 of the container 30 is connected to the container connection section 52. Thus, the interior of the tubular section 31 and the first flow channel 55 communicate with each other. The upper end section 40b of the connecting line 41 is connected to the line connection section 53. Thus, the interior of the connecting line 41 and the second flow channel 56 communicate with each other. The filling connection section 54 has a filling port 54a and an operating valve 54b. The tank 60, into which the leak detection agent is filled, is detachably connected to the filling port 54a. The tank 60 is not limited to a tank designed to be detachably connected to the filling port 54a and can, for example, be connected to the filling port 54a by soldering.The operating valve 54b is a valve designed to switch the state between the first flow channel 55 and the tank 60 connected to the filling port 54a into a communication state, in which they communicate with each other, and a non-communication state, in which they do not communicate with each other. The operating valve 54b has a manual valve or a check joint.

[0041] The valve body 57 is mounted on the main body 51 such that it is movable in the up-down direction. Although not shown in detail, an outer peripheral surface 57a of the valve body 57 and an inner peripheral surface (not shown) of the main body 51, facing the outer peripheral surface 57a, form a screw configuration in which these peripheral surfaces are screwed together. Thus, when rotated, the valve body 57 can be moved in the up-down direction.

[0042] The valve body 57 has a communication hole 57b that extends through the valve body 57 in the lateral direction. When the valve body 57 is moved in the up-down direction, the position of the valve body 57 is switched between an open position, in which the valve body 57 allows the leak detection medium to flow in the second flow channel 56, and a closed position, in which the valve body 57 blocks the flow of the leak detection medium in the second flow channel 56. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a state in which the valve body 57 is in the open position.

[0043] When the valve body 57 is in the open position, it allows the leak detection medium to flow into the second flow channel 56 and also into the first flow channel 55. In other words, when the valve body 57 is in the open position, the second flow channel 56 and the first flow channel 55 are open.

[0044] When the valve body 57 is in the closed position (see Fig. 6, which is described below), the communication hole 57b forms part of the first flow channel 55, so that the container connection section 52 and the filling connection section 54 can communicate with each other and the flow of the leak detection agent in the first flow channel 55 is permitted. That is, when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, the valve body 57 blocks the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow channel 56, but allows the flow of the leak detection agent in the first flow channel 55. In other words, when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, the second flow channel 56 is closed, while the first flow channel 55 is open.

[0045] The configuration of the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is not limited to the configuration described above. It is sufficient that the valve body 57 is designed such that its position can be switched between the closed position, in which the valve body 57 blocks the flow of the leak detection medium in the second flow channel 56, and the open position, in which the valve body 57 allows the flow of the leak detection medium in the second flow channel 56. Thus, the valve body 57 can be designed such that it is movable in one direction (the lateral direction) perpendicular to the flow direction along the second flow channel 56 (the up-down direction) in order to open and close the second flow channel 56.

[0046] The valve device 50 can be a manual valve or a solenoid valve. If the valve device 50 is a solenoid valve, when a refrigerant leak is detected, for example, if the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit A is determined to be an abnormal value, the valve device 50 closes, thus preventing the injection of the leak detection agent into the refrigerant line 10 via the second flow channel 56, as described below. Conversely, if, for example, the pressure or temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit A is determined to be a normal value, the valve device 50 opens, thus allowing the injection of the leak detection agent into the refrigerant line 10 via the second flow channel 56, as described below.

[0047] The control of the opening and closing of the valve device 50, i.e., the control of the injection of the leak detection agent into the refrigerant line 10, is not particularly restricted. For example, it is possible to use a generally known control system, such as that disclosed in unexamined Japanese patent application publication no. 2019-523330. In particular, the leak detection agent injector 20 can be controlled, for example, to inject the leak detection agent continuously, for example for several minutes, into the refrigerant circuit A, or to inject the leak detection agent periodically or intermittently into the refrigerant circuit A at predetermined intervals. Connection of the leak detection agent injector 20 to the connection port 15

[0048] The leak detection agent injector 20 is in the Fig. The leak detection agent injector 20 is connected to the refrigerant line 10 in the state shown in Figure 3. The container 30 is arranged above the connection port 15, which is a connecting section where the refrigerant line 10 and the connecting line 41 of the leak detection agent injector 20 are connected. Because the container 30 is arranged above the container connection section 52, the leak detection agent injector 20 allows the leak detection agent filled into the container 30 to flow out of the container 30 towards the container connection section 52 due to its own weight.

[0049] If the leak detection agent injector is 20, as in Fig. 3, indicated by an arrow, to which the connection port 15 is connected, the lower end section 40a of the connecting line 41 is pressed into the connection port 15. As a result, the projection 40aa of the connecting line 41 presses a pin provided in the connection port 15, and the inside of the connecting line 41 communicates with the inside of the refrigerant line 10. Then the nut 42 is tightened. This engages a threaded groove provided in an inner peripheral surface of the nut 42 with a threaded groove provided in an outer peripheral surface of the connection port 15, connecting the lower end section 40a of the connecting line 41 to the connection port 15, and the connection of the leak detection agent injector 20 to the connection port 15 is completed. Pouring the leak detection agent 70 into the leak detection agent injector 20

[0050] Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram for an operation in which a leak detection agent 70 is filled into the container 30 of the leak detection agent injector 20 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent injector 20, which is located in Fig. 6 carries out the operation shown.

[0051] In the leak detection agent injector 20, at the time of filling the leak detection agent 70 into the container 30, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the valve body 57 is positioned in the closed position, thereby closing the second flow channel 56 and opening the first flow channel 55. The tank 60, filled with the leak detection agent 70, is then connected to the filling port 54a of the filling connection section 54, and the operating valve 54b of the filling connection section 54 is opened. Consequently, the leak detection agent 70 is filled from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first flow channel 55. In this case, since the second flow channel 56 is closed by the valve body 57, the leak detection agent 70 in the tank 60 does not flow into the connecting line 41 and is instead filled into the container 30. The tank 60, which is filled with the leak detection agent 70 in a pressurized state, is used so that the leak detection agent 70 is enabled to be injected into the container 30 by the internal pressure of the tank 60.Furthermore, the tank 60 can be designed to allow the leak detection agent 70 to flow out of the interior of the tank 60 due to its own weight.

[0052] As described above, the leak detection agent injector 20 is able to fill the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first flow channel 55.

[0053] Injection of leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent injector 20 into the refrigerant line 10: dead weight

[0054] Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram for an operation in which the leak detection agent 70 is injected from the leak detection agent injector 20 according to embodiment 1 into the refrigerant line 10. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent injector 20, which is located in Fig. 8 carries out the operation shown.

[0055] In the case where the leak detection agent 70 is injected from the leak detection agent injector 20 into the refrigerant circuit A, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is in the open position, thereby opening the second flow channel 56. Consequently, the leak detection agent 70 is injected into the refrigerant line 10 in the container 30 due to its own weight via the first flow channel 55, the second flow channel 56, and the connecting line 41. The leak detection agent 70 and the refrigerant differ in their specific gravity, with the leak detection agent 70 having a higher specific gravity than the refrigerant. Since the first section 31a, which is part of the container 30, is located above the container connecting section 52, the leak detection agent 70 flows into the refrigerant line 10 due to its own weight.Note that since the operating valve 54b is closed, as in . Fig. Figure 8 shows that the leak detection agent 70, which flowed from the container 30 into the first flow channel 55, does not leak out of the first flow channel 55 via the filling port 54a.

[0056] The refrigerant flows in refrigerant line 10, and oil is added to the refrigerant to maintain the lubrication of the sliding sections in the compressor 1. Thus, the leak detection agent 70 injected into refrigerant line 10 is mixed with the refrigerant containing the oil, and the leak detection agent 70 circulates together with the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit A.

[0057] The leak detection agent injector 20 can be used not only in a mode where the leak detection agent 70 is injected from container 30 into refrigerant circuit A, but also in a mode where the leak detection agent 70 is injected into refrigerant circuit A without passing through container 30. In other words, the leak detection agent injector 20 also functions as an auxiliary device for directly injecting the leak detection agent 70 from tank 60 into refrigerant circuit A. The following describes an operation in which the leak detection agent injector 20 functions as this auxiliary device.

[0058] Mode of use in which the leak detection agent injector 20 is used as an auxiliary device

[0059] Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram for the mode of use in which the leak detection agent injector 20 according to embodiment 1 is used as the auxiliary device. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent injector 20, which is located in the Fig. The usage mode shown in Figure 10 is as follows: When the leak detection agent injector 20 is used as the auxiliary device, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is in the open position, thereby opening the second flow channel 56.

[0060] The tank 60, filled with the leak detection agent 70, is then connected to the filling port 54a of the filling connection section 54. The leak detection agent 70 is thus injected from the tank 60 into the refrigerant line 10 via the first flow channel 55, the second flow channel 56, and the connecting line 41. The tank 60, filled with the leak detection agent 70 in a pressurized state, is used so that the leak detection agent 70 is injected into the refrigerant line 10 by the internal pressure of the tank 60. Furthermore, the tank 60 can be designed such that the leak detection agent 70 flows out of the interior of the tank 60 due to its own weight.

[0061] As described above, the leak detection agent injector 20 also functions as the auxiliary device for the direct injection of the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 into the refrigerant line 10.

[0062] In the air conditioning system 100, the leak detection agent 70 is injected from tank 60 or container 30 of the leak detection agent injector 20 into the refrigerant line 10 and can then be injected again. In the leak detection agent injector 20, the valve body 57 is in the open position at the time the leak detection agent 70 is filled from tank 60 or container 30 into the refrigerant circuit A. Thus, the valve body 57 remains in the open position during the additional injection of the leak detection agent 70. Therefore, the air conditioning system 100 does not require valve operation during the additional injection of the leak detection agent 70 and is thus able to perform the additional injection easily. Location of the refrigerant leak

[0063] When the leak detection agent 70 is injected from the leak detection agent injector 20 into the refrigerant line 10 as described above, the leak detection agent 70 spreads throughout the entire interior of the refrigerant circuit A due to the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant lines 10. For example, the leak detection agent 70 spreads throughout the entire interior of the refrigerant circuit A in approximately 10 to 60 seconds and leaks out at a refrigerant leak point. The time required for the leak detection agent 70 to spread throughout the entire interior of the refrigerant circuit A varies depending on the capacity and the length of the lines of the air conditioning system 100.

[0064] In this case, the leak detection agent 70 is a fluorescent agent and therefore emits light with ultraviolet rays emitted by an ultraviolet lamp. Thus, an inspector or tester can easily locate a refrigerant leak point by illuminating a location where a refrigerant leak is suspected with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp.

[0065] Furthermore, in the leak detection agent injector 20 it is possible to isolate the container 30 from the refrigerant circuit A by placing the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 in the closed position, and it is therefore possible to add the leak detection agent 70 to the container 30 during operation at the time of performing a maintenance check.

[0066] As described above, the inspector then locates a refrigerant leak using an ultraviolet lamp. After locating the refrigerant leak, the operation of air conditioning system 100 is stopped and the leak is repaired.

[0067] If a dye is used as the leak detection agent 70, a dyed section can be identified as a refrigerant leak point. Furthermore, if an odor-emitting agent is used as the leak detection agent 70, a section from which the odor is emitted can be identified as a refrigerant leak point. If an air-bubble-generating agent is used as the leak detection agent 70, a section from which bubbles are escaping can be identified as a refrigerant leak point. Advantages of the leak detection agent injector 20 and the air conditioning system 100

[0068] As described above, the leak detection agent injector 20 according to embodiment 1 is a leak detection agent injector which, when in use, is connected to the refrigerant circuit A in which the refrigerant circulates and which is configured to introduce the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent injector 20 comprises the container 30, which is configured to store the leak detection agent 70, the connecting line 41, which connects the container 30 to the refrigerant circuit A, and the valve device 50, which is provided at the connection section where the container 30 and the connecting line 41 are joined.The valve assembly 50 comprises the container connection section 52, to which the container 30 is connected, the line connection section 53, to which the connecting line 41 is connected, and the filling connection section 54, to which the tank 60, which stores the leak detection agent 70, is connected. The valve assembly 50 comprises the main body 51 and the valve body 57. The main body 51 is provided with the first flow channel 55, through which the container connection section 52 and the filling connection section 54 communicate with each other, and the second flow channel 56, which branches off from an intermediate part of the first flow channel 55 and communicates with the line connection section 53. The valve body 57 is movably provided on the main body 51, and the position of the valve body 57 is adjusted between the closed position, in which the valve body 57 controls the flow, and the open position.the flow of the leak detection medium 70 in the second flow channel 56 is blocked, and the valve body 57 is switched to the open position in which the leak detection medium 70 is allowed to flow in the second flow channel 56.

[0069] With the above configuration, when the valve body 57 is in the closed position to fill the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 into the container 30, the leak detection agent 70 can be filled from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first flow channel 55. When the valve body 57 is in the open position to inject the leak detection agent 70 directly from the tank 60 into the refrigerant circuit A without passing through the container 30, the leak detection agent injector 20 can inject the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 into the refrigerant circuit A via the first flow channel 55 and the second flow channel 56.In this way, the leak detection agent injector 20 can fill the leak detection agent 70 into the container 30 and inject the leak detection agent 70 directly into the refrigerant circuit A without passing through or crossing the container 30.

[0070] The container 30 has the first section 31a, which extends in the up-down direction in the position in which the container 30 is in use, and the first section 31a is arranged above the container connection section 52.

[0071] With the above configuration, it is possible in the leak detection agent injector 20 to inject the leak detection agent 70 filled into the container 30 into the refrigerant circuit A by causing the leak detection agent 70 to flow out of the container 30 due to its own weight.

[0072] The valve body 57 has the communication hole 57b, which extends through the valve body 57. When the valve body 57 is in the closed position, the communication hole 57b forms part of the first flow channel 55 to allow the container connection section 52 and the filling connection section 54 to communicate with each other.

[0073] With the above configuration, the valve body 57 is in the closed position, thus blocking the second flow channel 56 and allowing flow in the first flow channel 55 via the communication hole 57b. This allows the leak detection agent injector 20 to fill the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first flow channel 55.

[0074] In the air conditioning system 100, the leak detection agent injector 20 is connected to the refrigerant line 10 between the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8.

[0075] With the above configuration, the air conditioner 100 can inject the leak detection agent 70 into a section where liquid refrigerant flows. Because the air conditioner 100 can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the section where the liquid refrigerant flows, the leak detection agent 70 flows in a mixed state, blended with the liquid refrigerant and the refrigeration oil. Thus, compared to a configuration where the leak detection agent 70 is injected into a section where gaseous refrigerant flows, the air conditioner 100 can reduce the time required for the concentration of the leak detection agent 70 to stabilize in the refrigerant circuit A.

[0076] Furthermore, the fluorescent agent used as leak detection agent 70 has the property of precipitating and solidifying at low temperatures.

[0077] Therefore, if the fluorescent agent flows in a solidified state within refrigerant circuit A, this can cause a compressor malfunction. On the other hand, in air conditioning unit 100, which can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the section where the liquid refrigerant flows, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of solidification of the leak detection agent 70 and thus improve safety. Design 2

[0078] Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit diagram of a leak detection agent injector 20A according to embodiment 2, which is connected to the refrigerant line 10. Fig. 12 represents the point density in the container 30, which in turn represents the internal pressure of the container 30, and a higher point density means a higher pressure. The internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than the internal pressure of the [unclear text]. Fig. 7 of the container 30 shown in embodiment 1. The following description concerning embodiment 2 is made with reference mainly to the differences between embodiment 2 and embodiment 1. The configurations not described with respect to embodiment 2 are the same as in embodiment 1. Leak detection agent injector configuration 20A

[0079] In the leak detection agent injector 20A, the leak detection agent 70 and the refrigerant are filled into the container 30, and the internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than a predetermined initial set pressure. The leak detection agent 70 is filled into the container 30 under a condition in which its internal pressure is higher than the initial set pressure.

[0080] The first set pressure is set to a pressure higher than the internal pressure at the location where the leak detection injector 20A is located, and more precisely, it is set to a pressure higher than the internal pressure of a section of the refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is located. That is, the leak detection injector 20A is positioned such that the internal pressure of the reservoir 30 is higher than the internal pressure of the section of the refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is located. The internal pressure of the section of the refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is located corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant line 10 and therefore varies depending on the operating condition of the air conditioning system 100.Accordingly, for example, the first set pressure is set so that it is higher than the highest possible pressure in the section of refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is located during operation of the air conditioner 100. The first set pressure is not limited to a pressure higher than the highest possible pressure in the section of refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is located during operation of the air conditioner 100. It is sufficient that the first set pressure is higher than the lowest possible pressure in the section where the connection port 15 is located during operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0081] Note that in the leak detection injector 20 according to embodiment 1, the internal pressure of the container 30 is atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, in the leak detection injector 20A according to embodiment 2, the internal pressure of the container 30 is a pressure that is higher than atmospheric pressure. That is, the leak detection injector 20A according to embodiment 2 has a relationship in which the internal pressure of the container 30, which is higher than the internal pressure of the portion of the refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is provided, is higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0082] Injection of the leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent injector 20A into the refrigerant line 10: dead weight and pressure difference

[0083] In the leak detection agent injector 20A, the internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than the internal pressure of the refrigerant line 10. Therefore, when the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is opened, the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is injected into the refrigerant line 10 due to its own weight and the pressure difference.

[0084] Since the leak detection agent 70 is injected into the refrigerant line 10 in the container 30 due to its own weight and the pressure difference, the leak detection agent injector 20A can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant line 10 in a short time. Advantages of the 20A leak detection injector and the 100 air conditioner

[0085] The leak detection agent injector 20A and the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 2 can achieve the same advantages as in embodiment 1 and, in addition, the following advantages. The leak detection agent injector 20A and the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 2 can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant line 10 from the container 30 due to the weight of the leak detection agent 70 and the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant line 10. Thus, the leak detection agent injector 20A and the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 2 can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant line 10 in a short time. embodiment 3

[0086] Fig. Figure 13 includes diagrams showing an equivalent circuit diagram of a leak detection agent injector 20B according to embodiment 3, which is connected to the refrigerant line 10. Fig. Equation 13 represents the point density in container 30 as the internal pressure of container 30, where a higher point density means a higher pressure. The internal pressure of container 30 is lower than the internal pressure of the [unclear text]. Fig. 7 of the container 30 shown in embodiment 1. The following description concerning embodiment 3 is made with reference mainly to the differences between embodiment 3 and embodiment 1. The configurations not described below in embodiment 3 are the same as in embodiment 1. Leak detection agent injector configuration 20B

[0087] In the leak detection agent injector 20B, the leak detection agent 70 is filled into the container 30, and the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than a second set pressure and lower than the internal pressure of the in Fig. 7 in embodiment 1 of the container 30. The leak detection agent 70 is filled into the container 30 under a condition in which the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the second set pressure. The container 30 is first evacuated through the filling connection section 54 to achieve a vacuum pressure. Under vacuum pressure, the leak detection agent 70 is filled according to the method described with reference to embodiment 1. As a result, the leak detection agent 70 is filled under a condition in which the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the second set pressure.

[0088] The second set pressure is set to a pressure lower than the internal pressure of the section where the leak detection agent injector 20B is located, and more precisely, it is set to a pressure lower than the internal pressure of the section of refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is located. That is, the leak detection agent injector 20B is positioned such that the internal pressure of the reservoir 30 is lower than the internal pressure of the section of refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is located. The internal pressure of the section of refrigerant line 10 where the connection port 15 is located corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant line 10 and therefore varies depending on the operating condition of the air conditioning system 100.Accordingly, for example, the second setting pressure is set so that it is lower than the lowest possible pressure in the part where the connection port 15 is provided, during the operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0089] The second set pressure is not limited to a pressure lower than the lowest possible pressure in the part where the connection port 15 is provided during operation of the air conditioner 100. It is sufficient that the second set pressure is lower than the highest possible pressure in the part where the connection port 15 is provided during operation of the air conditioner 100. The second set pressure is, for example, a vacuum pressure. In this case, it is assumed that the leak detection agent 70 is filled into the container 30 under vacuum. Injection of the leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent injector 20B into the refrigerant line 10: Pressure difference

[0090] In the leak detection agent injector 20B, the leak detection agent 70 is filled into the container 30 under vacuum, and the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the internal pressure of the refrigerant line 10. Therefore, when the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is opened, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 13(a), the refrigerant flows into the container 30 due to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant line 10. This causes the refrigerant to mix with the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30. Then, after a certain time, the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant line 10 equalize. Thus, as shown in Fig. Figure 13 (b) shows the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 in a mixed state in which it is mixed with the refrigerant and injected into the refrigerant line 10. Advantages of the 20A leak detection injector and the 100 air conditioner

[0091] The leak detection agent injector 20B and the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 3 can achieve the same advantages as in embodiment 1. Design 4

[0092] Fig. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection agent injector 20C according to embodiment 4. Fig. 15 is a diagram that represents an equivalent circuit of the in Fig. Figure 14 illustrates the leak detection agent injector 20C, which is connected to the refrigerant line 10. The leak detection agent injector 20C according to embodiment 4 differs from the leak detection agent injector 20 according to embodiment 1 with respect to the configuration of the connection section 40 of the valve device 50. The following description concerning embodiment 4 is made with reference mainly to the differences between embodiment 4 and embodiment 1. The configurations not described in embodiment 4 are the same as in embodiment 1. Leak detection agent injector configuration 20C

[0093] In the leak detection agent injector 20C, the connecting section 40 of the valve device 50 has a bypass line 43. The bypass line 43 has an end section 43a that is attached to the connecting line 41 to enable communication between the interior of the bypass line 43 and the interior of the connecting line 41. The pipe diameter of the bypass line 43 can be the same as or different from the pipe diameter of the connecting line 41. A nut 44 for connecting the other end section 43b of the bypass line 43 to the refrigerant line 10 is provided on the other end section 43b of the bypass line 43. The configuration of the other end section 43b of the bypass line 43 and that of the nut 44 are identical to those of the lower end section 40a of the connecting line 41 and that of the nut 42, respectively.

[0094] The leak detection agent injector 20C, configured as described above, is connected at two points to the connection ports 15 of the refrigerant line 10, namely the nut 42 of the connection line 41 and the nut 44 of the bypass line 43. It is understood that there are two connection ports 15, so that the leak detection agent injector 20C can be connected at these two points. The leak detection agent injector 20C is connected to the refrigerant line 10 in such a way that the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant line 10 can flow into the other end section 43b of the bypass line 43 and can flow out of the other end section 43a of the bypass line 43. Injection of the leak detection agent from the leak detection agent injector 20C into the refrigerant circuit A: dead weight and drawing

[0095] The leak detection agent injector 20C, configured as described above, is connected to the refrigerant line 10 to allow the refrigerant to flow in the bypass line 43, as indicated by an arrow in Fig. 15. In particular, the refrigerant flowing in refrigerant line 10 flows from the other end section 43b of the bypass line 43 into the bypass line 43, flows through the bypass line 43, flows out of one end section 43a of the bypass line 43, and then returns to refrigerant line 10 via the connecting line 41. Then, when the valve body 57 is opened, the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is injected into refrigerant line 10 due to its own weight and by being drawn in by the refrigerant flowing from the bypass line 43 into the connecting line 41 and then to refrigerant line 10. Advantages of the 20C leak detection injector and the 100 air conditioner

[0096] The leak detection agent injector 20C and the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 4 can achieve the same advantages as in embodiment 1. In the leak detection agent injector 20C and the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 4, the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is injected into the refrigerant line 10 by its own weight and by being drawn in by the refrigerant flowing in the bypass line 43. Thus, compared to the configuration in which the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is injected into the refrigerant circuit A only by its own weight, the leak detection agent injector 20C and the air conditioner 100 can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant line 10 in a short time.Furthermore, in the case of the leak detection agent injector 20C and the air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 4, it is not necessary to create a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant line 10, as in embodiments 2 and 3. Design 5

[0097] Fig. Figure 16 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioning system 100 according to embodiment 5. Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection agent injector 20D according to embodiment 5. Fig. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit diagram depicting an operation in which the leak detection agent 70 is extracted from the leak detection agent injector 20D, as shown in Fig. Figure 17 shows the leak detection agent injector being injected into the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent injector 20D differs from the leak detection agent injector 20 according to embodiment 1 with respect to the configuration of the container 30. The following description concerning embodiment 5 is made with reference mainly to the differences between embodiment 5 and embodiment 1. The configurations not described with respect to embodiment 5 are the same as in embodiment 1. Leak detection agent injector configuration 20D

[0098] In the leak detection agent injector 20D, the container 30 has a tubular section 31 and a lid 32. The tubular section 31 is a copper pipe or tube with open ends. The tubular section 31 is made of copper, but this is not a limiting factor. The tubular section 31 could, for example, be made of resin. An upper end section of the tubular section 31, which is located opposite an end section connected to the container connection section 52 of the valve device 50, is open at the top, and the lid 32 is detachably attached to this opening. The lid 32 is detached when a vacuum evacuation, as described below, is performed, when the leak detection agent 70 is added to the container 30, or when the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is replaced with a new one. Injection of the leak detection agent from the leak detection agent injector 20 into the refrigerant circuit A: Vacuum evacuation

[0099] During the installation of the air conditioner 100, a vacuum evacuation is performed, during which air in the refrigerant circuit A is released or vented to the outside. This vacuum evacuation is carried out to prevent a malfunction of the compressor 1, which would be caused by air mixing into the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent injector 20D is able to inject the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant line 10 simultaneously with the vacuum evacuation.

[0100] In particular, in the case where vacuum evacuation is carried out, as in Fig. Figure 16 shows a vacuum pump 18 connected to the intake port 13 or the outlet port 14. In one example shown in the figure, the vacuum pump 18 is connected to the intake port 13. The intake port 13 and the outlet port 14 are normally closed. The intake port 13 or the outlet port 14 is opened when the vacuum pump 18 is connected to it, for example, via a hose (not shown) and a manifold (not shown).

[0101] Then, when the vacuum evacuation is carried out, the lid 32 of the container 30 is closed, as shown in Fig. Figure 18 shows the solution. When the lid 32 of the container 30 is loosened, a liquid surface 70a of the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is exposed, causing the liquid surface 70a of the leak detection agent 70 to be exposed to atmospheric pressure. Then the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is opened.

[0102] In the state described above, when the vacuum evacuation is started by driving the vacuum pump 18, the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is injected into the refrigerant line 10 due to its own weight and the vacuum pressure. Advantages of the 20D leak detection injector and the 100 air conditioner

[0103] The leak detection agent injector 20D and the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 5 can achieve the same advantages as in embodiment 1 and, in addition, the following advantages. The leak detection agent injector 20D and the air conditioner 100 according to embodiment 5 can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant line 10 while simultaneously removing air through vacuum evacuation. That is, the leak detection agent injector 20D and the air conditioner 100 can smoothly inject the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant line 10 and at the same time prevent air from remaining in the refrigerant circuit A. Modifications common to all embodiments

[0104] Fig. Figure 19 is a front view showing a leak detection agent injector 20E according to a modification of each of the embodiments. Fig. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the leak detection agent injector 20E according to the modification of each of the embodiments. Fig. Figure 21 is a front view showing a modification of the container 30 of the leak detection agent injector 20E according to the modification of each of the embodiments.

[0105] Container 30, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1 and other figures, the container 30 is L-shaped. However, the shape of the container 30 can also be a straight line extending in an up-down direction, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 19 and Fig. Figure 20 illustrates this. In the case where the container 30 is designed in the form of a straight line extending in an upward-downward direction, the container 30 is, in a sense, arranged vertically. Thus, according to the modification, the leak detection agent injector 20E can achieve the advantage that the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 can easily flow into the refrigerant line 10 due to its own weight.

[0106] As in Fig. 21 (a) and Fig. As shown in 21 (b), the container 30 is not limited in its length. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 21(c), the container 30 is not limited in its outer or inner diameter. The material for the container 30 is not particularly restricted. However, if the container 30 is made of copper as described above, it is possible to produce various types of containers 30, as shown in Figure 21(c). Fig. 21 is shown, easy to manufacture and thus the amount of leak detection agent to be filled into it can be freely chosen or determined.

[0107] Furthermore, the in Fig. The valve device 50 shown in Figure 1 and other figures is configured to open and close the second flow channel 56 by moving the valve body 57 in an up-down direction. Although not shown in detail, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 of the leak detection agent injector 20E in the modification opens and closes the second flow channel 56 when moved laterally. In this way, the valve body 57 can be configured to open and close the second flow channel 56 when moved laterally.

[0108] With regard to embodiments 1 to 5, it is described above that the refrigeration device is the air conditioning system; however, the refrigeration device can also be a refrigeration device designed to cool, for example, a refrigerator-freezer. Reference symbol list

[0109] 1: Compressor, 2: Oil separator, 3: Condenser, 4: Liquid receiver, 5: Subcooling heat exchanger, 5a: Pressure reducing device, 5b: Injection line, 6: Dryer, 7: Pressure reducing device, 8: Evaporator, 9: Accumulator, 10: Refrigerant line, 11: Liquid expansion line, 12: Gas expansion line, 13: Intake port, 14: Discharge port, 15: Connection port, 18: Vacuum pump, 20: Leak detection injector, 20A: Leak detection injector, 20B: Leak detection injector, 20C: Leak detection injector, 20D: Leak detection injector, 20E: Leak detection injector, 30: Reservoir, 31: tubular section, 31a: first section, 31b: second section, 32: cover, 40: connecting section, 40a: lower end section, 40aa: projection, 40b: upper end section, 41: connecting pipe, 42: nut, 43: bypass pipe, 43a: one end section, 43b: other end section, 44: nut, 50: valve assembly,51: Main body, 52: Tank connection section, 53: Piping connection section, 54: Charging connection section, 54a: Charging port, 54b: Operating valve, 55: First flow passage, 56: Second flow passage, 57: Valve body, 57a: Outer peripheral surface, 57b: Communication hole, 60: Tank, 70: Leak detection device, 70a: Liquid surface, 100: Air-conditioning apparatus, 200: Outdoor unit, 200A: Outdoor unit, 201: Compressor unit, 300: Indoor unit, A: Refrigerant circuit QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2019-523330

[0047]

Claims

[1] Leak detection agent injector used in conjunction with a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates, wherein the leak detection agent injector is configured to inject a leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit, and wherein the leak detection agent injector comprises: a container designed to store the leak detection agent; a connecting line that links the container to the refrigerant circuit; and a valve device provided at a connecting section where the container and the connecting pipe are joined together, the valve device has: a main body comprising a container connection section to which the container is connected, a line connection section to which the connecting line is connected, and a filling connection section to which a tank storing the leak detection agent is connected, wherein the main body comprises a first flow channel that causes the container connection section and the filling connection section to communicate with each other, and a second flow channel that branches off from an intermediate section of the first flow channel and communicates with the line connection section, and a valve body provided on the main body, wherein the valve body is movable in such a way that a position of the valve body is switched between a closed position in which the valve body blocks a flow of the leak detection medium in the second flow channel and an open position in which the valve body allows the flow of the leak detection medium in the second flow channel. [2] Leak detection agent injector according to claim 1, wherein the container has a first section that extends in an up-down direction at a position in which the container is in use, and the first section is located above the container connection section. [3] Leak detection agent injector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve body has a communication hole that extends through the valve body, and When the valve body is in the closed position, the communication hole forms part of the first flow channel to cause the tank connection section and the filling connection section to communicate with each other. [4] Leak detection agent injector according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the leak detection agent is filled into the container, wherein an internal pressure of the container is lower than a predetermined second set pressure. [5] Leak detection agent injector according to claim 4, wherein the leak detection agent is filled into the container in a vacuum state. [6] Leak detection injector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a bypass line with an end section attached to the connecting line and another end section connected to a refrigerant line of the refrigerant circuit. [7] Leak detection agent injector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the container has an end section which is open upwards and which is opposite an end section connected to the container connection section. [8] Leak detection agent injector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the container is made of copper. [9] Refrigeration device comprising: the leak detection agent injector according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and the refrigerant circuit, in which a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device and an evaporator are connected by means of refrigerant lines. [10] Refrigeration device according to claim 9, wherein the leak detection agent injector is connected to the refrigerant line between the condenser and the evaporator. [11] Refrigeration device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the container of the leak detection agent injector is connected to the refrigerant line in such a way that the container is arranged above a connecting section in which the refrigerant line and the connecting line of the leak detection agent injector are connected to each other. [12] Leak detection agent filling method in the refrigeration device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the method comprising: The leak detection agent is poured from the leak detection agent injector into the refrigerant circuit via the second flow channel by arranging the valve body of the valve device in the open position to open the second flow channel. [13] Leak detection agent filling method in the refrigeration device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, referring back to claim 7, wherein the leak detection agent filling method comprises: Connecting a vacuum pump to a connection provided on the refrigerant circuit; and Pouring the leak detection agent from the leak detection agent injector into the refrigerant circuit by evacuating the refrigerant circuit with the vacuum pump. [14] air conditioning system, having the refrigeration device according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least one of the condenser and the evaporator is a heat exchanger designed to effect a heat exchange between refrigerant and air.

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