Air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of: curbing performance deterioration due to aging; detecting a leakage of a coolant without erroneous detection; and improving safety against the leakage of the coolant.SOLUTION: An air conditioner comprises an indoor unit 5 which has: a sirocco fan 30 installed in a housing 10; an indoor heat exchanger 20 installed in the housing 10; a first coolant detection sensor 50 installed in a first region 24; and a second coolant detection sensor 51 installed in a second region 26. The air conditioner also has a control section 60 which controls the first coolant detection sensor 50 and the second coolant detection sensor 51. The control section 60 executes a first energization mode in which either one of the first coolant detection sensor 50 or the second coolant detection sensor 51 is energized and a second energization mode in which both the first coolant detection sensor 50 and the second coolant detection sensor 51 are energized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning apparatus that uses a flammable refrigerant, and that is composed of an indoor unit equipped with a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a throttling device, and an indoor heat exchanger that are connected in sequence to form a circular refrigerant circuit, and that is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan that promotes heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger and the indoor air, and that is equipped with multiple leak detection sensors in the same location to detect leaks of the flammable refrigerant. Furthermore, cited document 1 also discloses a technology in which one of a plurality of leak detection sensors is used to detect the leakage of flammable refrigerant, and a switching control means is provided to switch to another leak detection sensor if the leak detection sensor fails after a certain period of time or during use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-224612 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can ensure safety against refrigerant leakage while suppressing performance degradation due to aging. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides an indoor unit having a housing, an indoor fan provided within the housing, an indoor heat exchanger provided within the housing, a first refrigerant detection sensor installed in a first area that accommodates a bend portion of the indoor heat exchanger, and a second refrigerant detection sensor installed in a second area that accommodates a piping connection portion of the indoor heat exchanger, and a control unit that controls the first refrigerant detection sensor and the second refrigerant detection sensor, and the control unit executes a first current conduction mode in which either the first refrigerant detection sensor or the second refrigerant detection sensor is energized, and a second current conduction mode in which both the first refrigerant detection sensor and the second refrigerant detection sensor are energized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, control in the first current conduction mode energizes only one of the first refrigerant detection sensor or the second refrigerant detection sensor, thereby reducing deterioration of the first refrigerant detection sensor or the second refrigerant detection sensor. Meanwhile, control in the second current conduction mode energizes both the first refrigerant sensor and the second refrigerant sensor, allowing for rapid detection of leaking refrigerant at each refrigerant leak location. Therefore, by controlling the controller to switch between the first and second current conduction modes, the life of the refrigerant detection sensors can be extended while ensuring safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an indoor unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an indoor unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] Refrigeration cycle diagram showing an air conditioner according to embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Block diagram showing a control configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an indoor unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] Block diagram showing a control configuration according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the idea for this disclosure, there was technology in which multiple leak detection sensors for detecting flammable refrigerant leaks were installed in the same location on the indoor unit, and one of the multiple leak detection sensors was used to detect flammable refrigerant leaks, and a switching control means was provided to switch to another leak detection sensor if the leak detection sensor failed after a certain period of time or during use.

[0009] However, the inventors discovered a problem with conventional technology in that it does not take into consideration the long life of refrigerant detection sensors when detecting refrigerant leaks at multiple locations, for example, in a duct indoor unit where the bend section, which is a location where refrigerant is likely to leak, and the pipe connection section are located far apart.In order to solve this problem, the inventors have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can ensure safety against refrigerant leakage while suppressing performance degradation due to aging.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioner according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the air conditioner according to embodiment 1.

[0012] [1-1. Indoor unit configuration] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an air conditioner 1 in this embodiment includes an indoor unit 5. The indoor unit 5 includes a box-shaped housing 10. The housing 10 includes a top plate 11 and a bottom plate 12. The left side of the housing 10 in FIG. 1 is the air blower chamber 13, and the right side of the housing 10 in FIG. 1 is the heat exchanger chamber 14 that houses the indoor heat exchanger 20. The air blower chamber 13 and the heat exchanger chamber 14 are separated by a partition wall 15.

[0013] An intake port 16 for taking in indoor air is provided at the rear of the air blower chamber 13, and a plurality of (three in this embodiment) scroll casings 31, each accommodating a sirocco fan 30 as an indoor fan, are provided inside the air blower chamber 13. An air outlet 17 is provided in the heat exchanger chamber 14 forward of the indoor heat exchanger 20.

[0014] The scroll casing 31 is provided with a fan opening 32 formed at both ends of the scroll casing 31, which draws in air flowing in from the intake port 16 by the rotation of the sirocco fan 30, and an air passage 33 which discharges the air drawn in from the fan opening 32 toward the heat exchanger chamber 14. An electric motor 34 is provided between the scroll casings 31. The electric motor 34 is connected to a rotary shaft 35 of the sirocco fan 30, and drives the sirocco fan 30 to rotate.

[0015] The sirocco fan 30 is a centrifugal fan, and when the sirocco fan 30 is operating, it draws in air from the intake port 16, flows into the inside of the scroll casing 31 from the fan opening 32 in the direction of the rotation axis 35, and is blown out through the air flow path 33 to the indoor heat exchanger 20.The conditioned air that has been heat exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger 20 is then discharged into the room through the outlet port 17. A drain pan 21 is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger 20 housed in the heat exchanger chamber 14 in FIG.

[0016] 2, in this embodiment, a first partition plate 23 is provided in the heat exchanger chamber 14 to separate the heat exchange region 22 of the indoor heat exchanger 20 from a pipe connection region on one end side of the indoor heat exchanger 20 to which refrigerant pipes 47, 48 from the outdoor unit 40 (see FIG. 3) are connected. The pipe connection region is defined as a first region 24. The heat exchanger chamber 14 is provided with a second partition plate 25 that separates the heat exchange region 22 from a bend region on the other end side of the indoor heat exchanger 20 where the refrigerant piping of the indoor heat exchanger 20 is folded back. The bend region is defined as a second region 26.

[0017] A first refrigerant detection sensor 50 that detects refrigerant leakage is disposed in the first region 24. A second refrigerant detection sensor 51 is disposed in the second region 26. The installation positions of the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 can be set as appropriate, but since refrigerant is heavier than air, it is preferable to install them at the lowest positions in the first region 24 and the second region 26.

[0018] [1-2. Air Conditioning Equipment Configuration] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning apparatus will be described. FIG. 3 is a refrigeration cycle diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner. As shown in Fig. 3, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 40 and an indoor unit 5. The outdoor unit 40 houses a compressor 41, a four-way valve 42 that switches the refrigerant flow path, an outdoor heat exchanger 43, an outdoor fan 44, and an outdoor throttling device 45, and the compressor 41, four-way valve 42, outdoor heat exchanger 43, and outdoor throttling device 45 are connected in sequence by refrigerant piping 46.

[0019] The indoor unit 5 accommodates an indoor heat exchanger 20, an indoor throttle device 27, and a sirocco fan 30, and the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor throttle device 27 are connected via a refrigerant pipe . The compressor 41 of the outdoor unit 40 and the indoor heat exchanger 20 of the indoor unit 5 are connected by a liquid refrigerant pipe 47 and a gas refrigerant pipe 48. A refrigerant shutoff valve 49 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 47 and the gas refrigerant pipe 48 near the indoor unit 5, respectively.

[0020] [1-3. Control configuration] Next, the control configuration of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the air conditioner 1 includes a control unit 60. The control unit 60 includes, for example, a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or MPU, and memory such as a ROM or RAM, and performs various processes through cooperation between hardware and software, such that the processor reads out the control program stored in the memory and executes the process.

[0021] The control unit 60 controls the compressor 41 of the outdoor unit 40, the outdoor throttle device 45, the outdoor fan 44, the sirocco fan 30 of the indoor unit 5, and the indoor throttle device 27 based on a control program. The control unit 60 controls the opening and closing of the refrigerant shutoff valve 49 and the indoor expansion device 27 based on detection signals from the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 of each indoor unit 5.

[0022] The control unit 60 is configured to execute a first current conduction mode in which either the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 is energized, and a second current conduction mode in which both the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 are energized. In the first energization mode, either the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 may be energized.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit 60 may execute a third energization mode in which energization is alternately switched between the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 every predetermined period. In the third current supply mode, the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 may be switched every day, or may be switched at any cycle, such as every week, every month, every few months, or every year. In this case, when switching the energization of the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 in the third energization mode, the control unit 60 controls the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 to be energized simultaneously for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds). This is because, when the refrigerant detection sensor starts to be energized, a predetermined time is required until the refrigerant detection sensor becomes capable of detection.

[0024] Therefore, for example, when switching from energizing the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 to energizing the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, while energizing the first refrigerant detection sensor 50, energization is started to the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, and once the time has elapsed to enable detection by the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, the power supply to the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 is controlled to stop.

[0025] For example, the control unit 60 executes the first energization mode when the sirocco fan 30 is stopped, and executes the second energization mode when the sirocco fan 30 is driven. If a refrigerant leak occurs while the sirocco fan 30 is stopped, the leaked refrigerant will fill the housing 10 of the indoor unit 5 and accumulate in the first area 24 and the second area 26. For this reason, refrigerant leakage can be detected even when either the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 is energized in the first power supply mode. On the other hand, when the sirocco fan 30 is operating, air flows through the heat exchanger chamber 14, so if a refrigerant leak occurs in the first region 24 or the second region 26, it is necessary to detect the refrigerant leak in each region.

[0026] Furthermore, the control unit 60 may, for example, execute the second current supply mode when the compressor 41 is operating, and execute the first current supply mode when the compressor 41 is stopped. This is because when the compressor 41 is operating, the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant pipe 46 increases, particularly during heating operation, compared to when the compressor 41 is stopped, and the concentration of the leaking refrigerant increases at a faster rate. Therefore, by executing the second current supply mode when the compressor 41 is operating, refrigerant leakage can be detected quickly, ensuring safety. By executing the first current supply mode when the compressor 41 is not driven, the life of the refrigerant sensor can be extended.

[0027] [1-2. Effect] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. By driving the electric motor 34 and rotating the sirocco fan 30, air is drawn in through the intake port 16, and this air flows into the scroll casing 31 from the fan opening 32 in the direction of the rotation axis 35, and is blown out through the air flow path 33 to the indoor heat exchanger 20. The conditioned air that has been heat exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger 20 is then discharged from the outlet port 17.

[0028] When sirocco fan 30 is driven, control unit 60 controls it in the second current supply mode. Control unit 60 receives detection signals from first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and second refrigerant detection sensor 51 and determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in first region 24 or second region 26. When the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 detects a refrigerant leak, the control unit 60 closes the refrigerant shutoff valve 49.

[0029] Furthermore, when sirocco fan 30 is stopped, control unit 60 operates in the first energization mode. In this case, the detection signal of first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or second refrigerant detection sensor 51 is input, and control unit 60 determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in first region 24 or second region 26. When the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 detects a refrigerant leak, the control unit 60 closes the refrigerant shutoff valve 49.

[0030] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 60 executes a first current conduction mode in which either the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 is energized, and a second current conduction mode in which both the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 are energized. As a result, by controlling in the first current conduction mode, current is passed through only one of the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, thereby reducing deterioration of the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51. On the other hand, by controlling in the second current conduction mode and passing current through both the first refrigerant sensor and the second refrigerant sensor, leaking refrigerant at each refrigerant leakage location can be quickly detected. Therefore, by controlling the control unit 60 to switch between the first current conduction mode and the second current conduction mode, it is possible to extend the life of the refrigerant detection sensor while ensuring safety.

[0031] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 60 executes the first current supply mode when the sirocco fan 30 (indoor fan) is stopped, and executes the second current supply mode when the sirocco fan 30 is driven. As a result, while the sirocco fan 30 is stopped, the leaking refrigerant fills the housing, so the leaking refrigerant can be detected in the first current supply mode even if detection is performed by either the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51. On the other hand, while the sirocco fan 30 is driving, the leaking refrigerant is carried away by the air flowing through the heat exchanger chamber 14, so in the second current supply mode, the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 can detect the leaking refrigerant at each refrigerant leakage location. This ensures safety and extends the life of the refrigerant detection sensors.

[0032] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an outdoor unit 40 is provided that houses a compressor 41, and the control unit 60 executes the second current supply mode when the compressor 41 is operating, and executes the second current supply mode when the compressor 41 is stopped. As a result, when the compressor 41 is operating, the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant pipe 46 increases compared to when the compressor 41 is stopped, and the concentration of the leaking refrigerant increases at a faster rate. Therefore, by executing the second current supply mode when the compressor 41 is operating, it is possible to quickly detect the leaking refrigerant and ensure safety. By executing the first current supply mode when the compressor 41 is not driven, the life of the refrigerant sensor can be extended.

[0033] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 60 executes a third energization mode in which the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 are alternately energized at predetermined intervals. As a result, by alternately energizing the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, the cumulative energization time of each refrigerant sensor can be shortened, and the life of the refrigerant sensors can be extended.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when performing the third power supply mode, the control unit 60 simultaneously powers the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 for a predetermined time when switching the power supply between the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51. This allows the energization times of the refrigerant sensors to overlap when switching between energizations, thereby preventing any time during which leaking refrigerant cannot be detected, thereby improving safety.

[0035] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the indoor unit 5 according to the second embodiment. [2-1. Indoor unit configuration] As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a communication pipe 55 that connects the first area 24 and the second area 26 is provided inside the indoor unit 5. That is, since the first region 24 and the second region 26 are connected via the connecting pipe 55, for example, if a refrigerant leak occurs in the first region 24, the leaked refrigerant will flow through the connecting pipe 55 and be sent to the second region 26, and if a refrigerant leak occurs in the second region 26, the leaked refrigerant will flow through the connecting pipe 55 and be sent to the first region 24.

[0036] Regardless of whether sirocco fan 30 is driven or stopped, control unit 60 controls first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and second refrigerant detection sensor 51 in the first energization mode. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the same parts are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] [2-2. Actions and Effects] In this embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the first current supply mode, and in this state, if a refrigerant leak occurs in either the first region 24 or the second region 26, the leaked refrigerant flows through the connecting pipe 55 and moves to the other region. As a result, even if the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 or the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 detects the refrigerant in the first power supply mode, it is possible to detect a refrigerant leak in the first region 24 or the second region 26.

[0038] (Embodiment 3) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control unit 60 according to the third embodiment. [3-1. Control configuration] As shown in FIG. 6, the indoor unit 5 is provided with a third refrigerant detection sensor 52. The third refrigerant detection sensor 52 is energized together with the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, and, for example, when the control unit 60 controls the second energization mode, it controls the third refrigerant detection sensor 52 to detect leaking refrigerant along with the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51. As shown in the second embodiment, the indoor unit 5 is preferably provided with a refrigerant communication pipe 55. The third refrigerant detection sensor 52 is installed in either the first region 24 or the second region 26.

[0039] [3-2. Actions and Effects] In this embodiment, by energizing the third refrigerant detection sensor 52 along with the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, for example, if refrigerant detection is being performed by the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the third refrigerant detection sensor 52 but refrigerant detection is not being performed by the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, the control unit 60 determines that the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 is faulty. If the control unit 60 determines that the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 is malfunctioning, it notifies the user to that effect. This makes it possible to determine whether the refrigerant detection sensor has failed. Furthermore, when the control unit 60 determines that one of the refrigerant detection sensors has failed, it is preferable that in the first power supply mode, the control unit 60 not supply power to the one refrigerant detection sensor but supply power to the other refrigerant detection sensor, thereby more reliably detecting leaking refrigerant.

[0040] Furthermore, it is also possible to determine whether the third refrigerant detection sensor 52 has failed without providing the third refrigerant detection sensor 52. For example, during control in the second current supply mode, if the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 detects refrigerant but the second refrigerant detection sensor 51 does not detect refrigerant, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred and the refrigerant shutoff valve 49 is closed. In this case, if the refrigerant leak is falsely detected, the control unit 60 may count the number of false detections by the first refrigerant detection sensor 50, and if the number of false detections exceeds a predetermined number, it may determine that the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 has failed.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 60 may monitor the detection output values ​​of the first refrigerant detection sensor 50 and the second refrigerant detection sensor 51, and if it determines that there is an abnormality in the detection output values, it may determine that the refrigerant detection sensor with the abnormal detection output value has failed. Furthermore, the detection output values ​​may be transmitted from the air conditioning apparatus 1 to a server that manages the air conditioning system, and the server may determine that there is a failure in the refrigerant detection sensor.

[0042] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 to 3 have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the elements described in Embodiment 1 above to create new embodiments.

[0043] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below. In the first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the second current supply mode is executed when the compressor 41 is driven, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the second current supply mode may be executed when refrigerant is flowing through the refrigerant pipes 28 in the indoor unit 5. This is because the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant pipes 28 in the indoor unit 5 increases when refrigerant is flowing. Here, the situation in which refrigerant flows through the indoor unit 5 includes, for example, cooling operation and heating operation. Furthermore, the situation in which refrigerant does not flow through the indoor unit 5 includes, for example, thermo-off operation (operation in which cooling operation or heating operation is not performed because the room temperature has reached the set temperature) or fan operation while the air conditioning operation of the indoor unit 5 is stopped.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 60 may execute the second current supply mode for a predetermined time after the compressor 41 stops, and may execute the first current supply mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the compressor 41 stops. This is because, even after the compressor 41 stops, refrigerant continues to flow in the refrigerant pipes 28 of the indoor unit 5 for the predetermined time, and the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant pipes 28 is higher and the rate at which the concentration of leaking refrigerant increases is faster than when refrigerant is not flowing in the refrigerant pipes 28. Furthermore, the control unit 60 may execute the first current supply mode for a predetermined time after the compressor 41 starts operating, and execute the second current supply mode after the predetermined time has elapsed since the compressor 41 starts operating. This is because, during the predetermined time after the compressor 41 starts operating, the refrigerant flow rate in the refrigerant pipe 28 of the indoor unit 5 is low and the rate at which the concentration of leaking refrigerant increases is relatively slow.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the control unit 60 executes the second current conduction mode when the compressor 41 is operating. However, the technology disclosed in the present application is not limited to this. For example, the second current conduction mode may be executed during heating operation and the first current conduction mode may be executed during cooling operation. This is because, during heating operation, the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant pipe 46 increases particularly rapidly, causing the concentration of leaking refrigerant to increase rapidly, making it necessary to quickly detect leaking refrigerant. This allows for both safety and reduced performance degradation of the refrigerant sensor.

[0046] In the first to third embodiments, a configuration in which one indoor unit 5 is provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this and a configuration in which multiple indoor units are provided is also possible. In this case, for example, if refrigerant is flowing through the refrigerant piping of one of two indoor units and refrigerant is not flowing through the refrigerant piping of the other indoor unit, it is preferable that one indoor unit executes the second current supply mode and the other indoor unit executes the first current supply mode.

[0047] In the first to third embodiments, a so-called duct indoor unit has been described as an example of the indoor unit 5. The indoor unit 5 may be any unit in which the bend portion and the pipe connection portion are housed in different areas. Therefore, the indoor unit 5 is not limited to a duct indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit 5 may be a two-way cassette, a one-way cassette, or a floor-standing indoor unit. In the first embodiment, the sirocco fan 30 has been described as an example of an indoor fan, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the indoor fan may be a turbo fan, a cross-flow fan, or the like.

[0048] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0049] As described above, the air conditioning device according to the present invention can reduce deterioration of the refrigerant detection sensor, can quickly detect leaking refrigerant, and can be suitably used in air conditioning devices that can extend the life of the refrigerant detection sensor while ensuring safety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1. Air conditioning equipment 5 Indoor unit 10. Cabinet 13 Ventilation room 14 Heat exchanger room 15 Partition Wall 20 Indoor heat exchanger 22 Heat exchange area 23 First partition 24 First area 25 Second partition 26 Second area 27 Indoor throttle device 28 Refrigerant piping 30 Sirocco fan 31 Scroll casing 32 Fan opening 40 Outdoor unit 41 Compressor 42 Four-way valve 43 Outdoor heat exchanger 44 Outdoor fan 45 Outdoor throttle device 46 Refrigerant piping 47 Liquid refrigerant piping 48 Gas refrigerant piping 49 Refrigerant shutoff valve 50 First refrigerant detection sensor 51 Second refrigerant detection sensor 52 Third refrigerant detection sensor 55 Communication pipe 60 Control Unit

Claims

1. The housing and an indoor fan provided in the housing; an indoor heat exchanger provided in the housing; a first refrigerant detection sensor installed in a first region that accommodates a bend portion of the indoor heat exchanger; a second refrigerant detection sensor installed in a second area that accommodates a piping connection portion of the indoor heat exchanger, a control unit for controlling the first refrigerant detection sensor and the second refrigerant detection sensor; the control unit executes a first current conduction mode in which either the first refrigerant detection sensor or the second refrigerant detection sensor is energized, and a second current conduction mode in which both the first refrigerant detection sensor and the second refrigerant detection sensor are energized. Air conditioning equipment.

2. a coolant flow path that connects the first region and the second region; The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. the control unit executes the first current conduction mode when the indoor fan is stopped, and executes the second current conduction mode when the indoor fan is driven. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the control unit executes the first current conduction mode when refrigerant is not flowing through a refrigerant pipe in the indoor unit, and executes the second current conduction mode when refrigerant is flowing through a refrigerant pipe in the indoor unit. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. An outdoor unit that houses a compressor is provided. the control unit executes the first current conduction mode when the compressor is operating, and executes the second current conduction mode when the compressor is stopped. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The control unit executes the first current supply mode when a thermo-off operation, a fan operation, or an air-conditioning operation is stopped. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4.

7. the control unit executes a third current supply mode in which current supply to the first refrigerant detection sensor and the second refrigerant detection sensor is alternately switched at predetermined intervals. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. When performing the third energization mode, the control unit simultaneously energizes the first refrigerant detection sensor and the second refrigerant detection sensor for a predetermined time when switching energization of the first refrigerant detection sensor and the second refrigerant detection sensor. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7.

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