Refrigerant sensor unit

Abstract

Refrigerant sensor unit with a housing that can be mounted on a wall surface and a refrigerant sensor for detecting a refrigerant therein, wherein the housing comprises: a first component comprising a front section forming the front of the housing, and a bottom section forming the bottom of the housing, and a second component comprising a rear section which forms the rear of the housing, which is arranged opposite the wall surface in the case in which the housing is attached to the wall surface, wherein A second projection is provided on the back section, which stands out from the back and protrudes, the second projection has a distal end section with a second engagement section, which is a second upright surface that projects upwards and is located opposite the rear side, The bottom section has a first projection that extends to a side opposite the front. the first projection has a distal end section with a first intervention section that protrudes downwards, the first engagement section and the second engagement section are designed such that a connection between the first engagement section and the second engagement section is released when a pressure surface formed on the first projection is pressed upwards, and the printing surface is arranged in a position where the printing surface can be actuated from the front of the housing.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant sensor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a refrigerant sensor unit that can reduce the occurrence of refrigerant sensor malfunctions. The refrigerant sensor unit comprises a housing arranged on a wall surface of an interior space forming an air-conditioning chamber of an air conditioning system, and a refrigerant sensor housed within the housing. A first opening is provided in a first side wall, which forms a side surface of the housing, connecting the interior of the housing to the exterior. The first opening is located adjacent to, but not opposite, the refrigerant sensor. [STATE OF THE ART][Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Publication of the Japanese patent application JP 2022-129916 A [SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION][Purpose of the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigerant sensor unit that allows easy access to the interior of the housing. [Means of solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigerant sensor unit according to the present disclosure comprises a housing that can be mounted on a wall surface and in which a refrigerant sensor for detecting a refrigerant is accommodated. The housing includes a first component with a front section forming the front of the housing and a bottom section forming the bottom surface of the housing, as well as a second component with a rear section forming the back of the housing and – when mounted on the wall surface – facing the wall surface. A second projection is provided on the rear section, extending from it. A second engagement section is arranged at the end of this projection, extending upwards and having a second support surface facing the rear. The bottom section is provided with a first projection extending towards the side opposite the front section.A first engagement section, projecting downwards, is provided at its tip end. The first and second engagement sections are disengaged by pressing upwards a pressure surface located on the first projection. The pressure surface is positioned so that it can be actuated from the front of the housing. [Effect of the invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the interior of the housing can be easily accessed. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] [ Fig. 1] View showing an arrangement state of a refrigerant sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [ Fig. 2] Perspective view of the refrigerant sensor unit. [ Fig. 3] Rear view of the refrigerant sensor unit. [ Fig. 4] Perspective view of the first component. [ Fig. 5] Perspective view of the first component. [ Fig. 6] Rear view of the refrigerant sensor unit. [ Fig. 7] Sectional view in plane VII of Fig. 2. [Models for carrying out the invention](Underlying knowledge, etc., of the present disclosure)

[0007] At the time the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, a refrigerant sensor unit was known with which a refrigerant that had leaked into an interior space could be detected by means of a refrigerant sensor.

[0008] Such a refrigerant sensor unit comprises a refrigerant sensor and a housing that contains the sensor. The housing has an opening that connects the outside of the housing to the refrigerant sensor, allowing the sensor to detect any refrigerant that has leaked into the interior.

[0009] In such a refrigerant sensor unit, a compartment is provided inside the housing in which the refrigerant sensor is located. This compartment traps air flowing in from outside the housing. As a result, if refrigerant enters the housing, the refrigerant concentration in the vicinity of the sensor can increase more easily, allowing for more reliable refrigerant detection.

[0010] However, the inventors discovered a problem with such a refrigerant sensor unit: air flowing into the space where the sensor is located can stagnate, which can impair the accuracy of the refrigerant measurement. To solve this problem, the inventors developed the subject matter of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides a refrigerant sensor unit that can detect a refrigerant more reliably.

[0011] The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed descriptions that go beyond what is necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of already well-known facts or a duplicate description of embodiments with essentially identical structures may be avoided. This is to prevent the subsequent description from becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0012] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable a person skilled in the art to adequately understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter as defined in the claims. (Form of execution)

[0013] The following refers to the Fig. Figures 1 to 6 describe embodiment 1. In the drawings, reference numeral FR denotes the front of the refrigerant sensor unit 10 in its installed state, reference numeral UP denotes the top of the refrigerant sensor unit 10 in its installed state, and reference numeral LH denotes the left side of the refrigerant sensor unit 10 in its installed state. In the following description, the respective directions refer to the directions along the refrigerant sensor unit 10. [1-1. Structure]

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 is a view showing an arrangement state of a refrigerant sensor unit 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0015] The refrigerant sensor unit 10 according to the present embodiment is a leak detection unit for refrigerant provided in the air conditioning system 1.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment comprises a refrigeration circuit consisting of a heat exchanger housed in the indoor unit 5, a compressor and an electronic expansion valve as a pressure reducing device in the outdoor unit, and an outdoor heat exchanger provided by the outdoor unit. A refrigerant is circulated through the refrigeration circuit in the air conditioning system 1 to cool the interior space 100, which is a room to be air-conditioned. The interior space 100 is a room used by people.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, an air outlet 6 of the indoor unit 5 is provided on the wall surface 101 of the interior space 100. The air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 1 is blown into the interior space 100 from the air outlet 6.

[0018] Air conditioner 1 has a control unit. The control unit comprises a computer with a processor, such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage device, such as a ROM or a RAM.

[0019] The control unit is connected via signal lines to the outdoor unit, to the components that make up the refrigeration circuit – such as the indoor unit 5 – and to the refrigerant sensor unit 10. The control unit receives various signals sent by the respective parts of the air conditioner 1 via signal lines and also sends signals back to these components. In this way, the control unit controls the operation of the individual components of the air conditioner 1. The control unit and the respective parts of the air conditioner 1 are not limited to a wired connection, such as a signal line, but can also be connected wirelessly via a communication unit.

[0020] A control unit 7, consisting of a remote control, a control panel, or the like, is connected to the control unit via a signal line. In the present embodiment, the control unit 7 is mounted on the wall surface 101 of the interior space 100. The control unit 7 is equipped with a display panel. The display panel shows the operating status of the control unit 7 as well as the operating status of the air conditioning system 1. Temperature settings and the like can be entered on the control unit 7. That is, the control unit 7 functions as an input unit.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the refrigerant used in the air conditioning system 1, which comprises the indoor unit 5, is a slightly flammable or flammable refrigerant, for example, a mixed refrigerant containing R410A, R32, or the like. Among these refrigerants, there are slightly flammable and flammable substances. If a slightly flammable or flammable refrigerant leaks, the refrigerant concentration in the indoor unit 100 must not reach the lower flammability limit (LFL), which is why the refrigerant leakage rate must be limited. In particular, it is desirable to limit the refrigerant leakage rate from the indoor unit 5, which is installed in the indoor unit 100 or in another room adjacent to the indoor unit 100. These refrigerants used in the air conditioning system 1 are gases with a higher density than air.

[0022] A refrigerant sensor unit 10 is located in the interior space 100. If the refrigerant sensor unit 10 detects a refrigerant concentration in the interior space 100 that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it emits a warning tone to alert a person in the interior space 100 to a refrigerant leak.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 is communicatively connected to the indoor unit 5 via a signal line. The refrigerant sensor unit 10 detects, for example, the presence or absence of refrigerant in the indoor unit 100 as well as the concentration of the refrigerant and transmits the detection result as a detection signal to the control unit via a signal line.

[0024] The refrigerant sensor unit 10 can be connected to the indoor unit 5 via the control unit 7. Furthermore, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 can, for example, be configured to enable the sending and receiving of signals via a signal line to a device located outside the air conditioning unit 1, such as a control center. For example, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 can detect the concentration of the refrigerant in the indoor unit 100 and send a detection signal to the control center via a signal line.

[0025] The refrigerant sensor unit 10 is mounted on the wall surface 101. As described above, if the refrigerant used in the air conditioner 1 is a gas with a higher density than air, it is desirable to position the refrigerant sensor unit 10 in the lower area of ​​the interior 100.

[0026] The refrigerant sensor unit 10 of the present embodiment is mounted at a location approximately 30 cm above the floor surface 102 of the interior 100.

[0027] In the present embodiment, an excitation voltage for activating the refrigerant sensor unit 10 is applied from the indoor unit 5 to the refrigerant sensor unit 10 via a signal line. In other words, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 is supplied with electrical energy for operation by the indoor unit 5 via the signal line.

[0028] The refrigerant sensor unit 10 can be supplied with electrical energy from the mains supply via a socket box 105 provided on the wall surface 101. In this case, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 can be mounted on the front of the socket box 105, the front panel of which has been removed, and can be electrically connected and operated by a power supply cable routed to the socket box 105.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the refrigerant sensor unit 10. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 has a housing 12. The housing 12 is designed in the form of a flat rectangular cuboid, inside of which is an interior space S1 ( Fig. 4) is provided. When the refrigerant sensor unit 10 is mounted in the interior 100, the housing 12 is attached to the wall surface 101, with the rear wall 20, which has the largest flat surface of the housing 12, positioned so that it faces the wall surface 101. In this case, the front wall 22, located on the side opposite the rear wall 20, faces the interior 100. That is, the front wall 22 is located at the front of the housing 12.

[0030] The refrigerant sensor unit 10 is mounted on the wall surface 101 such that the fourth side wall 24, which forms the top of the housing 12, extends in the horizontal direction. The refrigerant sensor unit 10 mounted in this manner is hereinafter referred to as the “installation state”.

[0031] When the refrigerant sensor unit 10 is in the installed state, the pair of second side walls 26, which project from the front wall 22, are arranged to form side surfaces, and the pair of third side walls 28, which also project from the front wall 22, are arranged to form the bottom surface of the housing 12. The third side walls 28 are arranged to face the bottom surface 102 of the interior 100.

[0032] Approximately in the middle of the front wall 22 of the housing 12, a thin foil element 18 is glued on. In this embodiment, the foil element 18 is made of a resin material and has a thickness of approximately 0.2 mm.

[0033] The housing 12 is formed by joining a first component 14 and a second component 16 together. Both the first component 14 and the second component 16 are made of a plastic material; the components are manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

[0034] The first component 14 has a front wall 22, a pair of second side walls 26, a third side wall 28 and a fourth side wall 24. The pair of second side walls 26, the third side wall 28 and the fourth side wall 24 are designed to project from the front wall 22.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows a rear view of the refrigerant sensor unit 10. As shown in Figure 3, the second component 16 comprises a rear wall 20, which forms a rear side of the housing 12, and a plurality of guide ribs 30 extending from the rear wall 20. Each of the guide ribs 30 extends along a respective side of the rear wall 20 in the rear view. The guide ribs 30 extend from the rear wall 20 at a lower height than the side walls extending from the front wall 22.

[0036] In the guide rib 30 running along the edge of the upper end of the rear wall 20, two access openings 31 are provided, which are designed as through holes in the direction of the plate thickness.

[0037] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a pair of second projections 32 are provided on the lower edge of the second component 16, which stand upright in the same direction as the guide ribs 30. A second, claw-shaped engagement section 34 is provided at the end sections of each of the two second projections 32, projecting upwards.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a cable entry opening 35 is provided in the central area of ​​the rear wall 20, through which various types of cables, such as supply cables and signal cables, are routed. Several mounting openings 37 are also provided in the rear wall 20. These mounting openings 37 serve to attach the housing 12 to the junction box 105. The housing 12 is attached to the junction box 105 by connecting a fastening element, such as a screw, which passes through the mounting opening 37, to a mounting section, such as a screw hole, of the junction box 105.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first component 14, viewed from the side of the third side wall 28.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a pair of engagement tabs 40 are provided on the fourth side wall 24, which protrude downwards from its inner surface.

[0041] The third side wall 28 has a pair of grooved sections 41 recessed upwards from the underside of the third side wall 28. The grooved section 41 extends in a forward-backward direction, its longitudinal extent reaching from the side of the front wall 22 to the rear end section of the third side wall 28. The front end section of the grooved section 41 is covered by the front wall 22 when viewed from the front. This means that the grooved section 41 is not visible from the front when viewed from the refrigerant sensor unit 10, thus improving the aesthetic design.

[0042] It should be noted that the front end section of the groove section 41 does not have to be covered by the front wall 22 in the front view.

[0043] In the third side wall 28, a recess 43 is provided at a position that overlaps with the groove section 41 in the rear view. This recess 43 extends forward from the rear end to the rear end section of the groove section 41. Viewed from the underside of the third side wall 28, the width of the recess 43 in the left-right direction is greater than the width of the groove section 41 in the left-right direction.

[0044] A first projection 42 is provided on the third side wall 28, extending rearward from a rear end section of the groove section 41. The first projection 42 is located within the recess 43. A claw-shaped first engagement section 44 is provided at one end section of the first projection 42, projecting downwards. A flat pressure surface 45 is provided on the front face of the first engagement section 44 of the first projection 42.

[0045] In the groove section 41, inclined surfaces 47 are provided at both ends in the left-right direction of the groove section 41 over almost the entire longitudinal extent of the groove section 41. The inclined surface 47 is inclined upwards from the front to the back. The rear end of the inclined surface 47 is covered by the front wall 22, and the front end of the inclined surface 47 merges into the printing surface 45.

[0046] In the third side wall 28 a first refrigerant intake opening 49 is formed, which extends through the plate thickness direction as a through opening.

[0047] A second refrigerant intake opening 51 is provided in one of the two second side walls 26, extending through the thickness of the panel. The second refrigerant intake opening 51 is located in the lower region of the second side wall 26. In the present embodiment, the second refrigerant intake opening 51 is located in the second side wall 26 on the left side.

[0048] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first component 14, viewed from the rear. Fig. For the sake of simplicity, the main unit 70 and the recording unit 90 are shown in dash-dot lines in Figure 5.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a plate-shaped, rearwardly projecting main unit partition 50 is provided on the rear side of the front wall 22. In the rear view, the main unit partition 50 is essentially frame-shaped with an approximately rectangular outline. At predetermined locations on the main unit partition 50, several fastening openings 59 are provided along the forward / rear direction, through which the screw element 99 ( Fig. 6), which is a fastening element, can be passed through it.

[0050] The main unit partition 50 is arranged in a position in the front wall 22 that is closer to the top side than to the bottom side.

[0051] In the area of ​​the front wall 22, which is surrounded by the main unit partition wall 50, a sound emission opening 53, which is a through hole in the direction of the panel thickness, and several light emission openings 55 are provided.

[0052] A plate-shaped detection unit partition 60 is provided on the rear side of the front wall 22, projecting backwards. In the rear view, the detection unit partition 60 of the detection unit is arranged in a substantially rectangular, frame-like form. The detection unit partition 60 is positioned in the front wall 22 closer to the bottom than to the top and closer to the left end than to the right end.

[0053] The detection unit partition 60 is located adjacent to the main unit partition 50 of the main unit area. This allows for a reduction in the size of the housing 12 of the refrigerant sensor unit 10.

[0054] In the recording unit partition wall 60, a second passage section 63 is provided laterally adjacent to the first passage section 61 and at a position opposite the first refrigerant intake opening 49, which is formed by being recessed from the rear end towards the front.

[0055] In the separation wall 60 of the collection unit, a second passage section 63 is provided at a position opposite the first refrigerant intake opening 49, with the first passage section 61 arranged between them. This second passage section 63 is formed by a recess extending from its rear end towards the front. In plan view, the second passage section 63 is smaller than the first passage section 61.

[0056] An engagement process 62 is provided inside the first passage section 61 and the second passage section 63. The engagement process 62 projects from the rear of the front wall 22, and its anterior end is claw-shaped.

[0057] A plate-shaped first partition 64 is provided on the rear side of the front wall 22, which projects towards the rear.

[0058] Between the detection unit partition 60 and the third side wall 28, two first partition webs 64 are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction. Each of the first partition webs 64 extends vertically in the rear view, with its upper end connected to the detection unit partition 60 and its lower end to the third side wall 28.

[0059] One of the first separating webs 64 is arranged to the left of the first passage section 61 and the first refrigerant intake opening 49 in the rear view, and the other first separating section 64 is arranged to the right of the first passage section 61 and the first refrigerant intake opening 49 in the rear view.

[0060] In the following description, the space enclosed by the two first partitions 64 in the interior space S1 is referred to as the first passageway S2.

[0061] At a position of the detection unit partition 60, which is opposite the second refrigerant intake opening 51, a third passage section 65 is provided, which is formed by interrupting the partition 60.

[0062] Adjoining the third passage section 65 laterally and at a position opposite the second refrigerant intake opening 51, a fourth passage section 67 is provided, formed by a cutout from a rear end towards the front. The fourth passage section 67 is smaller in the transverse direction than the third passage section 65.

[0063] A plate-shaped second partition 66 is provided on the rear side of the front wall 22, projecting towards the rear.

[0064] Between the detection unit partition 60 and the left second side wall 26, two second partition webs 66 are arranged vertically at a distance from each other. Each of the second partition webs 66 extends in a left-right direction in the rear view, with its right end connected to the detection unit partition 60 and its left end connected to the second side wall 26 located on the left side.

[0065] One of the second partitions 66 is arranged in the rear view above the third passage section 65 and the second refrigerant intake opening 51, while the other second partition 66 is arranged in the rear view below the third passage section 65 and the second refrigerant intake opening 51. In the following description, a space in the interior S1, which is surrounded by the pair of first partitions 64, is referred to as the second passage space S3.

[0066] Fig. Figure 6 is a rear view of the refrigerant sensor unit 10. Fig. Figure 6 shows the refrigerant sensor unit 10 in a state where the second component 16 is removed. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the main unit 70 is housed inside the enclosure 12. The main unit 70 comprises a plate-shaped main circuit board 72 and various electronic components mounted on the main circuit board 72.

[0067] The main circuit board 72 is arranged on the inside of the main unit partition 50 in a position in which its flat surface is opposite the rear wall 20 and the front wall 22.

[0068] On the component side of the main circuit board 72, which is opposite the front wall 22, a buzzer component 74, which emits a warning tone as an electronic component, and several light-emitting diodes 76 are mounted. The buzzer component 74 is mounted in a position corresponding to the sound emission opening 53 in the front view, and each of the light-emitting diodes 76 is mounted in a position overlapping with the light emission opening 55 in the front view.

[0069] On the component side of the main circuit board 72, which faces the rear panel 20, a terminal block 78, to which various lines such as signal and power supply lines are connected, and a DIP switch 80 are provided. The switch 80 is a DIP switch that is operated, for example, by a technician installing the refrigerant sensor unit 10 in the interior 100, to switch the wiring of the electronic circuit mounted on the main circuit board 72. A processor such as a CPU or a GPU, as well as memory and the like, can be provided on the main circuit board 72.

[0070] The main circuit board 72 is covered from the rear by a cover component 82. The cover component 82 is made of a plastic material and is attached to the first component 14 by a screw element 99.

[0071] The cover component 82 is provided with a plurality of through-openings 83, which are designed as through holes extending in the direction of the plate thickness. The terminal block 78 and the DIP switch 80 are exposed through the through-openings 83 from the cover component 82.

[0072] This prevents the worker from touching the main circuit board 72 and discharging himself on the main circuit board 72 during maintenance work on the refrigerant sensor unit 10, and also allows wiring operations on the terminal block 78 and the operation of the DIP switch 80 to be carried out easily.

[0073] The cover component 82 is provided with a plurality of conductor holders 84, which can hold various types of conductors connected to the main circuit board 72. The conductor holder 84 is, for example, designed in a rearwardly projecting arc-shaped form.

[0074] Inside the housing 12 is a detection unit 90. The detection unit 90 comprises a refrigerant sensor 92 and a sensor circuit board 94 on which the refrigerant sensor 92 is mounted.

[0075] The refrigerant sensor 92 is a sensor component that detects the refrigerant. The refrigerant sensor 92 has a cylindrical shape and is arranged on the plate-shaped sensor circuit board 94 such that its longitudinal direction is upright from the component surface of the sensor circuit board 94.

[0076] The sensor circuit board 94 is arranged in a position that overlaps with the detection unit partition 60, with the mounting surface on which the refrigerant sensor 92 is mounted facing the front wall 22.

[0077] The sensor circuit board 94 is held inside the housing 12 in a position in which the rear end of the detection unit partition 60 rests against the mounting surface of the sensor circuit board 94, on which the refrigerant sensor 92 is mounted, with the engagement projections 62 engaging with the upper and lower edges of the sensor circuit board 94. The refrigerant sensor 92 is surrounded by the detection unit partition 60.

[0078] This means that the refrigerant sensor 92 is arranged in the arrangement space S4, which is limited inside the housing 12 by the sensor circuit board 94, the detection unit partition 60 and the front wall 22.

[0079] The main circuit board 72 and the sensor circuit board 94 are connected to each other via various lines, such as signal lines and power supply lines. In the present embodiment, the wiring is routed through the fourth through-section 67. [1-2. Operation]

[0080] The following explains the functionality of the refrigerant sensor unit 10, which is constructed as described above. [1-2-1. Opening and closing the housing 12]

[0081] Fig. 7 is a view showing a cross-section in plane VII of Fig. The second one from the right shows. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 7, the first component 14 and the second component 16 are connected by inserting one of the engagement extensions 40 into one of the two engagement openings 31, with the first engagement sections 44 and the second engagement section 34 engaging with each other. In this case, the second engagement section 34 is spaced apart from the pressure surface 45 by a gap.

[0082] In this case, the guide rib 30 is arranged on the inside of the pair of second side walls 26, the third side wall 28 and the fourth side wall 24.

[0083] To release the connection between the first component 14 and the second component 16, the operator inserts, for example, a rod-shaped tool with a flat end, such as a slotted screwdriver, from the front of the housing 12 into the interior of the grooved area 41. The operator then slides the end of the tool, with this end resting against the inclined surface 47, backward along the inclined surface 47. This brings the tip of the tool into contact with the pressure surface 45. The operator then pushes the pressure surface 45 upward with the front end of the tool, causing the first engagement section 44 to deform elastically and move upward, thus releasing the engagement between the first engagement section 44 and the second engagement section 34. This releases the connection between the first component 14 and the second component 16.

[0084] In this way, when the connection between the first component 14 and the second component 16 of the refrigerant sensor unit 10 is to be released, a rod-shaped tool can be pressed against the pressure surface 45 from a direction that crosses the front of the housing 12. Therefore, in the case of the refrigerant sensor unit 10, an operator can easily access the interior S1 of the housing 12 without obstruction from the wall surface 101 on which the refrigerant sensor unit 10 is mounted. [1-2-2. Detection of a refrigerant leak]

[0085] In the air conditioning system 1, refrigerant can escape into the interior space 100 via the indoor unit 5. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant used in the air conditioning system 1 is a gas with a higher specific density than air, so that the refrigerant that has entered the interior space 100 remains there and accumulates on the floor surface 102. If the refrigerant continues to escape into the interior space 100, the refrigerant that has accumulated on the floor surface 102 eventually flows into the interior of the housing 12 via the first refrigerant inlet opening 49 and the second refrigerant inlet opening 51.

[0086] The refrigerant flowing into the interior of the housing 12 flows through the first passage S2 and the second passage S3 and flows into the arrangement space S4.

[0087] The refrigerant sensor 92 detects the concentration of the refrigerant that has flowed into the assembly space S4. If the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant sensor 92 is equal to or greater than a predefined value, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 activates the buzzer 56 and the indicator light 76. When the buzzer 56 is activated, a warning tone is emitted, thereby alerting the refrigerant sensor unit 10 to the refrigerant leak and alerting people in the interior space 100.

[0088] The refrigerant sensor unit 10 detects the refrigerant concentration in the interior 100 and transmits a detection signal to the control unit via a signal line. When the control unit receives the detection signal, it initiates actions in the individual components of the air conditioning system 1 related to countermeasures against refrigerant leakage, such as displaying a predetermined indication on the display panel of the control unit 7 or activating a fan in the indoor unit 5. This allows the air conditioning system 1 to prevent an increase in the refrigerant concentration in the interior 100.

[0089] It should be noted that the control unit can receive the detection signal from the refrigerant sensor unit 10 and determine whether or not there is a refrigerant leak in the indoor unit 100. Furthermore, the control unit can control the buzzer device 56. Additionally, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 can determine whether or not there is a refrigerant leak in the indoor unit 100. Moreover, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 can, for example, cause a predefined display to appear on the display panel of the control unit 7, or cause the indoor unit 5 to operate its fan.

[0090] As described above, the second passage section 63 is provided at a position opposite the first passage section 61 across the arrangement space S4, and the fourth passage section 67 is provided at a position opposite the third passage section 65 across the arrangement space S4.

[0091] The refrigerant flowing into the assembly space S4 flows out of the assembly space S4 via the second passage section 63 and the fourth passage section 67 and exits the housing 12 to the outside via various passage holes that connect the inside and outside of the housing 12, as well as through a gap between the first component 14 and the second component 16.

[0092] Thus, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 prevents the same air or refrigerant from accumulating or remaining in the assembly space S4. Therefore, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 can improve the detection accuracy of the refrigerant in the event of a refrigerant leak. [1-3. Effects etc.]

[0093] As described above, in the present embodiment, the refrigerant sensor unit 10 comprises a housing 12, which can be attached to the wall surface 101, and a refrigerant sensor 92, which is arranged inside the housing 12 and detects the refrigerant. The housing 12 is provided with: - a first refrigerant receiving opening 49, which is formed on a bottom surface of the housing 12 and connects the interior and exterior of the housing 12; - a detection unit partition 60, which separates an arrangement space S4, in which the refrigerant sensor 92 is arranged, from an interior space S1 of the housing 12; and - a first separation section 64, which separates a first passage space S2, which connects the first refrigerant receiving opening 49 and the refrigerant sensor 92, from the interior space S1.

[0094] The partition wall 60 of the detection unit section is provided with a first passage section 61, which connects the passage room S4 with the first passage room S2, and with a second passage section 63, which connects the arrangement room S4 with the interior space S1.

[0095] This prevents the same air or refrigerant from remaining or accumulating in the assembly space S4 of the refrigerant sensor unit 10. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the refrigerant in the event of a refrigerant leak can be improved in the refrigerant sensor unit 10.

[0096] According to the present embodiment, the first passage section 61 and the second passage section 63 can be arranged in opposite positions.

[0097] This shortens the length of the flow path of the refrigerant or air flowing in the assembly space S4. Therefore, the air or refrigerant inside the assembly space S4 can be exchanged more quickly in the refrigerant sensor unit 10.

[0098] According to the present embodiment, the housing 12 can be provided with a second refrigerant receiving opening 51, which connects the interior and exterior of the housing 12, and with a second separating section 66, which separates a second passage space S3, which connects the second refrigerant receiving opening 51 and the refrigerant sensor 92, from the interior space S1.

[0099] This allows the refrigerant to be detected in the refrigerant sensor unit 10 even if the first refrigerant intake opening 49 is closed.

[0100] According to the present embodiment, a third passage section 65, connecting the assembly space S4 and the second passage section S3, and a fourth passage section 67, connecting the assembly space S4 and the interior space S1, can be provided in the partition wall 60 of the detection unit at opposite positions. This shortens the length of the flow path of the refrigerant or air flowing in the assembly space S4. Therefore, the air or refrigerant inside the assembly space S4 can be exchanged more quickly in the refrigerant sensor unit 10. (Other embodiments)

[0101] As described above, embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application.

[0102] However, the technology disclosed in the present disclosure is not limited to this, but can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like are made. Furthermore, it is possible to create a new embodiment by combining the individual components described in embodiment 1.

[0103] It should be noted that the embodiment described above is merely an example of the technology described in the present disclosure and that, therefore, within the scope of protection of the utility model registration claims or their equivalents, various modifications, replacements, additions, omissions and the like may be made. (Note)

[0104] The foregoing description of the embodiments discloses the technology described below. (Technical Instruction 1) A refrigerant sensor unit comprising a housing that can be mounted on a wall surface and a refrigerant sensor located inside the housing that detects a refrigerant, wherein the housing has: - a first refrigerant inlet opening formed on a bottom surface of the housing and connecting the interior of the housing to its exterior, - a partition separating an assembly space in which the refrigerant sensor is arranged from an interior of the housing, - and a first partition section separating a first passage space, through which the first refrigerant inlet opening and the refrigerant sensor are connected, from the interior of the housing, wherein the partition has: - a first passage section connecting the assembly space and the first passage space, - and a second passage section connecting the assembly space and the interior. This design prevents the same air or refrigerant from accumulating in the assembly space over a longer period. Therefore, the refrigerant sensor unit can improve its detection accuracy in the event of a refrigerant leak. (Technology 2) Refrigerant sensor unit according to Technology 1, wherein the first passage section and the second passage section are arranged at opposite positions. According to this embodiment, the length of the flow path of the refrigerant and the air flowing in the assembly space is shortened. Therefore, the air and the refrigerant inside the assembly space can be exchanged more quickly in the refrigerant sensor unit. (Technology 3) Refrigerant sensor unit according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the housing is provided with a second refrigerant inlet opening, which is formed on a surface different from the base surface of the housing and connects the interior of the housing to its exterior, and is provided with a second separating section that demarcates a second passage, which connects the second refrigerant inlet opening to the refrigerant sensor, from the interior space S1. This allows the refrigerant to be detected in the refrigerant sensor unit even when the first refrigerant inlet opening is closed. (Technology 4) Refrigerant sensor unit according to Technology 3, wherein the partition wall has a third passage section connecting the arrangement space and the second passage space, and a fourth passage section connecting the arrangement space and the interior space, at opposite positions. This design shortens the flow path of the refrigerant and the air flowing within the assembly space. Therefore, the air and refrigerant inside the assembly space can be exchanged more quickly within the refrigerant sensor unit. (Technology 5) A refrigerant sensor unit, mountable on a wall surface and containing a refrigerant sensor for detecting a refrigerant, comprises a housing consisting of: - a first component having a front section forming the front of the housing and a bottom section forming the bottom surface of the housing; and - a second component having a rear section forming the back of the housing, which, when the housing is mounted on the wall surface, faces the wall surface. The rear section is provided with a second projection extending from the rear, and at the end of this projection is a second engagement section that extends upwards and has a second mounting surface facing the rear.The bottom section is provided with a first projection that extends towards the side facing away from the front section, and at the end of this projection is a first engagement section that extends downwards. The first and second engagement sections are disengaged by pressing upwards a pressure surface provided on the first projection. The pressure surface is located in a position that can be actuated from the front of the housing. This allows a rod-shaped tool to be pressed against the pressure surface from a direction that crosses the front of the housing when the connection between the first and second components of the refrigerant sensor unit is released. This enables the operator to easily access the interior of the housing without being obstructed by the wall surface. (Technology 6) Refrigerant sensor unit according to technology 5, wherein an upwardly deepening groove is provided in the base section and the first projection is arranged within this groove. This prevents the first projection from protruding from the base surface of the housing. Therefore, both an improved aesthetic design and a reduction in size can be achieved in the refrigerant sensor unit. (Technology 7) Refrigerant sensor unit according to technology 6, wherein an inclined surface is provided in the groove which adjoins the printing surface and is inclined upwards from the front towards the printing surface. This allows the operator to easily release the connection between the first and second engagement sections of the refrigerant sensor unit. [Industrial applicability]

[0105] The present disclosure applies to a refrigerant sensor unit that is installed in a room to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning system. In particular, the disclosure applies to a refrigerant sensor unit or the like that is provided outside an indoor unit of an air conditioning system and installed in the interior space air-conditioned by the air conditioning system. [Description of reference symbols] 1 air conditioner 5 Indoor unit 6 air outlet opening 7 Control unit 10 Refrigerant sensor unit 12 cases 14 first component 16 second component 18 plate elements 20 Back panel 22 Front wall 24 fourth side wall 26 second side wall 28 third side wall 30 Pass rib 31 access hole 32 second lead 34 second intervention phase 35 Cable entry opening 37 Mounting holes 40 Rastnase 41 Nut 42 first lead 43 Exclusion 44 first intervention phase 45 mm printing area 47 inclined surface 49 First refrigerant inlet opening 50 Partition wall of the main unit 51 second refrigerant inlet opening 53 Sound outlet opening 55 Light exit aperture 56 Summer facility 59 Mounting hole 60 Partition wall of the detection unit section 61 first connecting opening 63 second connecting opening 64 first separation 65 third connecting opening 66 second separation 67 fourth connecting opening 70 Main unit 72 Mainboard 74 Buzzer device 76 light-emitting diodes 78 Terminal block 80 switches 82 Cover element 83 Exposure opening 84 Cable holder 90 sensor unit 92 Refrigerant sensor 94 Sensor substrate 99 screw part 100 interior 101 wall surface 102 floor area 105 socket box S1 interior S2 first connecting room S3 second connecting room S4 Arrangement Room 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 2022-129916 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Refrigerant sensor unit with a housing that can be attached to a wall surface and a refrigerant sensor for detecting a refrigerant therein, wherein the housing comprises: a first component comprising a front section forming the front of the housing, and a bottom section forming the bottom of the housing, and a second component comprising a rear section which forms the rear of the housing, which is arranged opposite the wall surface in the case in which the housing is attached to the wall surface, wherein A second projection is provided on the back section, which stands out from the back and protrudes, the second projection has a distal end section with a second engagement section, which is a second upright surface that projects upwards and is located opposite the rear side, The bottom section has a first projection that extends to a side opposite the front. the first projection has a distal end section with a first intervention section that protrudes downwards, the first engagement section and the second engagement section are designed such that a connection between the first engagement section and the second engagement section is released when a pressure surface formed on the first projection is pressed upwards, and the printing surface is arranged in a position where the printing surface can be actuated from the front of the housing. [2] Refrigerant sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the bottom section is provided with a groove section that is recessed upwards and the first projection is located within the groove section. [3] Refrigerant sensor unit according to claim 2, wherein an inclined surface is provided in the groove section which adjoins the pressure surface and extends upwards from the front towards the pressure surface.

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