Air conditioning device

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning device capable of continuing air condition even after refrigerant leakage and also capable of reducing cost for maintenance.SOLUTION: An air conditioning device 1 is provided with an outdoor unit 2, and includes: a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 17; detection means 62, 63 detecting a condition of refrigerant of the outdoor heat exchangers 17; a cutoff mechanism 61 cutting off a refrigerant flow to each of the outdoor heat exchangers 17; and a control part 110 determining whether or not the refrigerant leaks in each of the outdoor heat exchangers 17 from a detection result of the detection means 62, 63, and causing the cutoff mechanism 61 of the outdoor heat exchanger 17 from which the refrigerant leaks to perform a closing operation, when the refrigerant leaks.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner technology that determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak using the degree of subcooling of the outdoor heat exchanger during heating operation as a threshold. Patent Document 2 discloses an air conditioning system that installs a shutoff valve in each air-conditioned space, detects refrigerant leakage based on the refrigerant concentration in the air-conditioned space, and shuts off the indoor unit of the leaking air-conditioned space from the system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-076760

[0004] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-143827 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can continue air conditioning even after a refrigerant leak, thereby reducing maintenance costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioning apparatus of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of heat exchangers, a detection means for detecting the state of refrigerant in the heat exchangers, a shut-off mechanism for shutting off the flow of refrigerant to each of the heat exchangers, and a control unit for determining whether or not refrigerant is leaking in each of the heat exchangers based on the detection results of the detection means, and for closing the shut-off mechanism of the heat exchanger from which refrigerant is leaking. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The air conditioning device according to the present disclosure can continue air conditioning even after a refrigerant leak, and can reduce maintenance costs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic plan view of an outdoor unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the main control configuration of the control device, outdoor unit, and indoor unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Schematic plan view of an indoor unit according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the idea for this disclosure, there was technology available that detected refrigerant leaks in each indoor unit or outdoor unit and isolated each indoor unit or outdoor unit from the air conditioning system. However, with this conventional technology, if a refrigerant leak occurred, the refrigerant in the indoor unit or outdoor unit would leak, and once the indoor unit or outdoor unit was isolated from the air conditioning system, the air conditioning system could not be used until maintenance was completed, and maintenance required replacing the entire heat exchanger. Therefore, the inventors discovered a problem in that air conditioning was stopped after a refrigerant leak until maintenance was completed, and replacing the entire heat exchanger was costly. To solve this problem, they came up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can continue air conditioning even after a refrigerant leak and can reduce maintenance costs.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. 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) [1-1.Configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the outdoor unit 2. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the indoor unit 3. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the main control configuration of the control device 100, the outdoor unit 2, and the indoor unit 3. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 3, an outdoor unit 2, and a control device 100. The air conditioner 1 is a device that forms a refrigerant cycle with the indoor unit 3 and the outdoor unit 2 and performs air conditioning by circulating a refrigerant.

[0012] The indoor unit 3 includes an indoor unit housing 4, and inside the indoor unit housing 4, an indoor blower fan 5 and an indoor heat exchanger 6 that branches into two. The various parts provided inside the indoor unit housing 4 are connected by refrigerant piping 9.

[0013] The indoor blower fan 5 is composed of a motor and blades. The indoor blower fan 5 takes in air from the room where the indoor unit 3 is installed into the indoor unit housing 4, exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger 6, and blows out the air.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 3, the indoor unit 3 is provided with an air outlet 7 that exchanges heat with one indoor heat exchanger 6 and blows out air. In this embodiment, two air outlets 7 are provided corresponding to the two indoor heat exchangers 6. The indoor unit 3 is provided with a flap 8 that adjusts the direction of air blown out from the air outlet 7. The two flaps 8 are driven by a first blade drive unit 10 and a second blade drive unit 11 as blade drives, respectively, and their directions can be changed. The flap 8 covers the air outlet 7 and can restrict the air from being blown out.

[0015] The branched indoor heat exchanger 6 and the refrigerant piping 9 are collectively called a system.

[0016] The indoor heat exchanger 6 system is provided with a shutoff mechanism 61, a supercooling sensor 62, and a superheating sensor 63.

[0017] The shutoff mechanism 61 is a general term for the first indoor shutoff valve 31, the second indoor shutoff valve 32, the first outdoor shutoff valve 41, the second outdoor shutoff valve 42, and the third outdoor shutoff valve 43, which will be described later, when no distinction is made between them. The shutoff mechanism 61 is an example of a detachable portion. The indoor heat exchanger 6 and an outdoor heat exchanger 17, which will be described later, can be separated from the refrigeration cycle at the shutoff mechanism 61 and removed.

[0018] The subcooling sensor 62 is a general term for the first indoor subcooling sensor 35, the second indoor subcooling sensor 37, the first outdoor subcooling sensor 46, the second outdoor subcooling sensor 48, and the third outdoor subcooling sensor 50, which will be described later. The subcooling sensor 62 is an example of a detection means.

[0019] The overheat sensor 63 is a general term for the first indoor overheat sensor 36, the second indoor overheat sensor 38, the first outdoor overheat sensor 47, the second outdoor overheat sensor 49, and the third outdoor overheat sensor 51, which will be described later. The overheat sensor 63 is an example of a detection means.

[0020] Regarding the indoor heat exchanger 6, specifically, in the system of one indoor heat exchanger 6A, a first indoor shut-off valve 31, a first indoor subcooling sensor 35, and a first indoor superheating sensor 36 are provided on both sides of the indoor heat exchanger 6. In the other system for the indoor heat exchanger 6B, a second indoor shutoff valve 32, a second indoor subcooling sensor 37, and a second indoor superheating sensor 38 are provided on both sides of the indoor heat exchanger 6B. When there is no need to distinguish between the two indoor heat exchangers 6A and 6B, they are referred to as the indoor heat exchanger 6.

[0021] In the refrigerant pipes 9 other than the two systems, a main indoor subcooling sensor 33 and a main indoor superheating sensor 34 are provided on both sides of the two indoor heat exchangers 6, respectively.

[0022] The first indoor subcooling sensor 35, the second indoor subcooling sensor 37, and the main indoor subcooling sensor 33 are configured as temperature sensors, and detect the temperature of the condensed refrigerant. The first indoor superheat sensor 36, the second indoor superheat sensor 38, and the main indoor superheat sensor 34 are configured as temperature sensors and detect the temperature of the evaporated refrigerant.

[0023] The outdoor unit 2 includes an outdoor unit housing 16, and inside the outdoor unit housing 16, a compressor 12, a four-way valve 13, an expansion valve 14, an outdoor blower fan 15, and an outdoor heat exchanger 17 that branches into three. The components provided inside the outdoor unit housing 16 are connected by refrigerant piping 9. In FIG. 2, some of the components provided in the outdoor unit 2 are omitted from the illustration.

[0024] The outdoor blower fan 15 takes in air from the outside where the outdoor unit 2 is installed into the outdoor unit housing 16, exchanges heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 17, and then blows out the air.

[0025] The outdoor heat exchangers 17 are arranged one on each of the three horizontal side surfaces of the outdoor unit casing 16. The three outdoor heat exchangers 17 are arranged in a substantially C-shape when viewed vertically.

[0026] The branched outdoor heat exchanger 17 and the refrigerant pipe 9 are collectively called a system.

[0027] In the system of the first outdoor heat exchanger 17A, a first outdoor shutoff valve 41, a first outdoor subcooling sensor 46, and a first outdoor superheat sensor 47 are provided on both sides of the outdoor heat exchanger 17A. In the system of the second outdoor heat exchanger 17B, a second outdoor shutoff valve 42, a second outdoor subcooling sensor 48, and a second outdoor superheat sensor 49 are provided on both sides of the outdoor heat exchanger 17B. In the system of the third outdoor heat exchanger 17C, a third outdoor shutoff valve 43, a third outdoor subcooling sensor 50, and a third outdoor superheat sensor 51 are provided on both sides of the outdoor heat exchanger 17C. When there is no need to distinguish between the three outdoor heat exchangers 17A, 17B, and 17C, they are referred to as outdoor heat exchangers 17.

[0028] In the refrigerant pipes 9 other than the three systems, a main outdoor subcooling sensor 44 and a main outdoor superheat sensor 45 are provided on both sides of the two outdoor heat exchangers 17, respectively.

[0029] The first outdoor subcooling sensor 46, the second outdoor subcooling sensor 48, the third outdoor subcooling sensor 50, and the main outdoor subcooling sensor 44 are configured as temperature sensors and detect the temperature of the condensed refrigerant. The first outdoor superheat sensor 47, the second outdoor superheat sensor 49, the third outdoor subcooling sensor 50, and the main outdoor superheat sensor 45 are configured as temperature sensors, and detect the temperature of the evaporated refrigerant.

[0030] The control configuration of the control device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The control device 100 includes a control unit 110 and a display unit 122 .

[0031] The control unit 110 includes a processor 111, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or an MPU, and a storage unit 120, and controls each unit of the control device 100. The control unit 110 executes various processes through cooperation of hardware and software, such that the processor 111 reads out a program 121 stored in the storage unit 120 and executes the process.

[0032] The storage unit 120 has a storage area for storing the program 121 executed by the processor 111 and data processed by the processor 111. The storage unit 120 stores the control program executed by the processor 111, setting data related to various settings of the control device 100, and various other data. The storage unit 120 has a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatilely storing the program and data. The storage unit 120 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for temporarily storing the program executed by the processor 111 and data to be processed.

[0033] The control unit 110 is connected to the indoor blower fan 5, first blade drive unit 10, second blade drive unit 11, first indoor shutoff valve 31, and second indoor shutoff valve 32 equipped in the indoor unit 3, and to the compressor 12, four-way valve 13, expansion valve 14, outdoor blower fan 15, first outdoor shutoff valve 41, second outdoor shutoff valve 42, and third outdoor shutoff valve 43 equipped in the outdoor unit 2, and controls each unit.

[0034] The control unit 110 calculates the degree of supercooling or superheating from the detection results of each sensor and determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak based on the degree of supercooling or superheating. Specifically, the control unit 110 determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak based on whether or not a predetermined, appropriately determined degree of supercooling or superheating is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The control unit 110 determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking from any of the indoor heat exchangers 6 based on the detection result from the main indoor supercooling sensor 33 or the main indoor superheating sensor . In this way, the main indoor subcooling sensor 33 or the main indoor superheating sensor 34 is an example of a second detection means that detects refrigerant leakage in any of the indoor heat exchangers 6 among all the indoor heat exchangers 6.

[0035] Based on the detection results of the first indoor subcooling sensor 35 or the first indoor superheating sensor 36, the control unit 110 determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking from the indoor heat exchanger 6 in these systems. Based on the detection results of the second indoor subcooling sensor 37 or the second indoor superheating sensor 38, the control unit 110 determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking from the indoor heat exchanger 6 in these systems.

[0036] In addition, if the control unit 110 determines that refrigerant is leaking in one of the indoor heat exchangers 6 and that refrigerant is not leaking in the systems of the indoor heat exchangers 6 other than one indoor heat exchanger 6, it can determine that refrigerant is leaking in the system of the remaining indoor heat exchanger 6.

[0037] The control unit 110 operates the shutoff valve in the system where it is determined that refrigerant is leaking, and shuts off the indoor heat exchanger 6. For example, if it is determined that refrigerant is leaking in the system of one of the indoor heat exchangers 6, the control unit 110 closes the two first indoor shutoff valves 31 to separate the system of that indoor heat exchanger 6 from the refrigerant cycle.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 110 activates the blade drive unit corresponding to the line of the indoor heat exchanger 6 that has been shut off, and closes the flap 8 so as to cover the air outlet 7.

[0039] Based on the detection result from the main outdoor subcooling sensor 44 or the main outdoor superheating sensor 45, the control unit 110 determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking from any of the outdoor heat exchangers 17. In this way, the main outdoor subcooling sensor 44 or the main outdoor superheating sensor 45 is an example of a second detection means that detects refrigerant leakage in any of the outdoor heat exchangers 17 among all the outdoor heat exchangers 17.

[0040] Based on the detection results of the first outdoor subcooling sensor 46 or the first outdoor superheating sensor 47, the control unit 110 determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking from the outdoor heat exchanger 17 in these systems.

[0041] Based on the detection results of the second outdoor subcooling sensor 48 or the second outdoor superheating sensor 49, the control unit 110 determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking from the outdoor heat exchanger 17 in these systems.

[0042] Based on the detection results of the third outdoor subcooling sensor 50 or the third outdoor superheating sensor 51, the control unit 110 determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking from the outdoor heat exchanger 17 in these systems.

[0043] When the control unit 110 determines that refrigerant is leaking in one of the outdoor heat exchangers 17 and determines that refrigerant is not leaking in the systems of the outdoor heat exchangers 17 other than one outdoor heat exchanger 17, it can determine that refrigerant is leaking in the system of the remaining outdoor heat exchanger 17.

[0044] The control unit 110 operates the shutoff valve in the system where it is determined that refrigerant is leaking, and shuts off the outdoor heat exchanger 17. For example, if it is determined that refrigerant is leaking in the system of the first outdoor heat exchanger 17, the control unit 110 closes the two first outdoor shutoff valves 41, thereby isolating the system of the indoor heat exchanger 6 from the refrigerant cycle.

[0045] The control unit 110 notifies the user of the occurrence of a refrigerant leak in either the indoor heat exchanger 6 or the outdoor heat exchanger 17 using the display unit 122. The display unit 122 is a display. However, the display unit 122 is not limited to this and may be a light-emitting unit such as a lamp or a sound-generating unit such as a speaker.

[0046] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. The operations of steps ST1-7 shown in Fig. 5 are all performed by the control unit 110. The operations shown in Fig. 5 are performed on the premise that the air conditioning device 1 is performing air conditioning operations and is operating. The operations shown in Fig. 5 end when an instruction to stop operation is received from a remote controller (not shown) or the like.

[0047] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the indoor heat exchanger 6 and the outdoor heat exchanger 17, they will be referred to as heat exchangers. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the first blade drive unit 10 and the second blade drive unit 11, they will be referred to as blade drive units. Furthermore, as described above, when there is no need to distinguish between the first indoor shutoff valve 31, the second indoor shutoff valve 32, the first outdoor shutoff valve 41, the second outdoor shutoff valve 42, and the third outdoor shutoff valve 43, they will be referred to as shutoff mechanisms 61.

[0048] The control unit 110 determines whether a refrigerant leak has been detected (ST1). If a refrigerant leak has not been detected (ST1, NO), the control unit 110 repeats the determination in step ST1. That is, in this case, the air conditioner 1 continues air conditioning operation.

[0049] When a refrigerant leak is detected (ST1, YES), the control unit 110 identifies the heat exchanger from which the refrigerant leaked (ST2).

[0050] Next, the control unit 110 closes the shutoff mechanism 61 included in the system of the heat exchanger identified in step ST2 (ST3).

[0051] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether the heat exchanger from which the refrigerant has leaked is the indoor heat exchanger 6 (ST4). If it determines that the refrigerant has leaked from the indoor heat exchanger 6 (ST4, YES), it closes the flap 8 corresponding to the system of the indoor heat exchanger 6 by operating the blade drive unit (ST5).

[0052] After step ST5 is completed, or when it is determined that the refrigerant is not leaking from the indoor heat exchanger 6 (ST4, NO), the control unit 110 notifies that the refrigerant is leaking (ST6).

[0053] Next, the control unit 110 continues the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 1 (ST7). Thereafter, a maintenance person can remove the heat exchanger from which the refrigerant is leaking, which has been separated by the shutoff mechanism 61, and perform maintenance.

[0054] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air conditioning apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes an outdoor unit 2, a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 17, detection means 62, 63 that detect the state of refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchangers 17, a shut-off mechanism 61 that shuts off the flow of refrigerant to each outdoor heat exchanger 17, and a control unit 110 that determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking in each outdoor heat exchanger 17 based on the detection results of the detection means 62, 63, and, if refrigerant is leaking, closes the shut-off mechanism 61 of the outdoor heat exchanger 17 from which the refrigerant is leaking. According to this, the outdoor heat exchanger 17 from which the refrigerant has leaked is shut off, so that air conditioning can be continued even after the refrigerant has leaked, and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, as described above, the air conditioning apparatus 1 in this embodiment includes an indoor unit 3, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers 6, detection means 62, 63 that detect the state of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchangers 6, a shut-off mechanism 61 that shuts off the flow of refrigerant to each indoor heat exchanger 6, and a control unit 110 that determines whether or not refrigerant is leaking in each outdoor heat exchanger 6 based on the detection results of the detection means 62, 63, and, if refrigerant is leaking, closes the shut-off mechanism 61 of the indoor heat exchanger 6 from which the refrigerant is leaking. According to this, the indoor heat exchanger 6 from which the refrigerant has leaked is shut off, so that air conditioning can be continued even after the refrigerant has leaked, and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0056] The control unit 110 determines whether or not the refrigerant is leaking based on the degree of subcooling. This makes it possible to determine whether or not refrigerant is leaking based on whether or not the degree of supercooling is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Specifically, the first outdoor subcooling sensor 46, the second outdoor subcooling sensor 48, and the third outdoor subcooling sensor 50 are provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 17, and the first indoor subcooling sensor 35 and the second indoor subcooling sensor 37 are provided in the indoor heat exchanger 6, each in the liquid side refrigerant piping 9 where the refrigerant condenses.

[0057] The control unit 110 determines whether or not the refrigerant is leaking based on the degree of superheat. This makes it possible to determine whether or not refrigerant is leaking based on whether or not the degree of superheat is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Specifically, the first outdoor superheat sensor 47, the second outdoor superheat sensor 49, and the third outdoor superheat sensor 51 are provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 17, and the first indoor superheat sensor 36 and the second indoor superheat sensor 38 are provided in the indoor heat exchanger 6, respectively, in the liquid side refrigerant piping 9 where the refrigerant condenses.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 110 closes the shutoff mechanism 61 to shut off the indoor heat exchanger 6 or the outdoor heat exchanger 17 from which the refrigerant has leaked, and then continues the air conditioning operation using the other heat exchangers. This allows air conditioning to continue even after a refrigerant leak, improving user comfort.

[0059] Each heat exchanger is provided so as to be individually removable. According to this, each indoor heat exchanger 6 or each outdoor heat exchanger 17 can be partially removed, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Specifically, the indoor heat exchanger 6 or the outdoor heat exchanger 17 is provided with a shut-off mechanism 61 as a removable part, and the indoor heat exchanger 6 or the outdoor heat exchanger 17 that is shut off by the shut-off mechanism 61 is formed so as to be removable from the shut-off mechanism 61.

[0060] The indoor unit 3 has an air outlet 7 provided corresponding to each indoor heat exchanger 6 and a flap 8 that covers each air outlet 7, and the control device 100 closes the blocking mechanism 61 and then covers the air outlet 7 by operating the blade drive unit of the flap 8 that corresponds to the blocked indoor heat exchanger 6. This prevents air that has not been heat exchanged from being blown into the room, thereby preventing a decrease in user comfort.

[0061] The air conditioning device 1 is equipped with multiple indoor heat exchangers 6, each of which is equipped with a blocking mechanism 61 that blocks the flow of refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 6, and each of the indoor heat exchangers 6 other than one of the indoor heat exchangers 6 is equipped with a subcooling sensor 62 and a superheat sensor 63, and may further be equipped with a main indoor subcooling sensor 33 and a main indoor superheat sensor 34 as second detection means for detecting refrigerant leakage from any of the indoor heat exchangers 6. This makes it possible to determine whether or not a refrigerant leak has occurred in any of the indoor heat exchangers 6 in the indoor unit 3, without providing the subcooling sensor 62 and the superheat sensor 63 in all of the indoor heat exchangers 6.

[0062] The air conditioning device 1 is equipped with multiple branched outdoor heat exchangers 17, each of which is equipped with a blocking mechanism 61 that blocks the flow of refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 17, and each of the outdoor heat exchangers 17 other than one of the outdoor heat exchangers 17 is equipped with a subcooling sensor 62 and a superheat sensor 63, and may also be equipped with a main outdoor subcooling sensor 44 and a main outdoor superheat sensor 45 as second detection means for detecting refrigerant leakage from any of the outdoor heat exchangers 17. This makes it possible to determine whether or not refrigerant has leaked from any of the outdoor heat exchangers 17 in the outdoor unit 2, without providing a subcooling sensor 62 and a superheat sensor 63 in all of the outdoor heat exchangers 17.

[0063] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first embodiment to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0064] The presence or absence of refrigerant leakage may be determined by either the supercooling sensor 62 or the superheat sensor 63 in each heat exchanger.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an outdoor unit 2 according to another embodiment. The outdoor unit 2 is equipped with 12 outdoor heat exchangers 17. The outdoor heat exchangers 17 are equipped with heat transfer tubes, and the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes is arranged to extend either vertically or perpendicularly. As shown in Fig. 5, the outdoor heat exchangers 17 are arranged side by side in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes. This allows the outdoor heat exchangers 17 arranged on the side surface of the outdoor unit casing 16 of the outdoor unit 2 to be subdivided, and outdoor heat exchangers 17 in the event of refrigerant leakage can be partially removed, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of an indoor unit 3 according to another embodiment. The same components as those in Figures 1, 3 and 4 are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In the first embodiment, the indoor unit 3 shown in Fig. 3 is a two-cassette type having two air outlets 7, but is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 7, the indoor unit 3 may be a four-cassette type having four indoor heat exchangers 6 and four air outlets 7 corresponding to these indoor heat exchangers 6. Each of the four outdoor heat exchangers 6 has a shut-off mechanism 61 in its respective system.

[0067] The processor 111 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0068] The configuration of the air conditioning device 1 in Figure 4 is one example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0069] The step units of the operation shown in Figure 5 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operation easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operation may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0070] 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.

[0071] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0072] (Technology 1) An air conditioning apparatus comprising: a plurality of heat exchangers; a detection means for detecting the state of refrigerant in the heat exchangers; a shutoff mechanism for shutting off the flow of refrigerant to each of the heat exchangers; and a control unit for determining whether or not refrigerant is leaking in each of the heat exchangers based on the detection results of the detection means, and for closing the shutoff mechanism of the heat exchanger from which refrigerant is leaking. This allows the heat exchanger from which the refrigerant has leaked to be shut off, so that air conditioning can be continued even after the refrigerant has leaked, and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0073] (Technical Aspect 2) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 1, wherein the control unit determines whether or not there is a refrigerant leak based on the degree of subcooling. This makes it possible to determine whether or not refrigerant is leaking based on whether or not the degree of supercooling is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0074] (Technical Aspect 3) The air conditioner according to Technical Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the control unit determines whether or not the refrigerant is leaking based on the degree of superheat. This makes it possible to determine whether or not refrigerant is leaking based on whether or not the degree of superheat is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0075] (Technology 4) An air conditioning apparatus according to any one of technologies 1 to 3, wherein the control unit closes the shutoff mechanism to shut off the heat exchanger from which refrigerant has leaked, and then continues air conditioning operation using the other heat exchangers. This allows air conditioning to continue even after a refrigerant leak, improving user comfort.

[0076] (Technical Aspect 5) The air conditioner according to any one of Technical Aspects 1 to 4, wherein each of the heat exchangers is provided so as to be individually removable. This allows each heat exchanger to be partially removed, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

[0077] (Technical Aspect 6) The air conditioner according to any one of Technical Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the heat exchanger is an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit. According to this, multiple outdoor heat exchangers are provided, and the outdoor heat exchanger from which refrigerant has leaked is shut off, so that air conditioning can continue even after a refrigerant leak, and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0078] (Technical Aspect 7) The air conditioner according to any one of Technical Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the heat exchanger is an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit. According to this, multiple indoor heat exchangers are provided, and the indoor heat exchanger from which refrigerant has leaked is shut off, so air conditioning can continue even after a refrigerant leak, and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0079] (Technology 8) The indoor unit is provided with an air outlet provided corresponding to each of the indoor heat exchangers and a flap covering each of the air outlets, and the control device operates the shut-off mechanism and then operates the flap corresponding to the shut-off indoor heat exchanger to cover the air outlet, in an air conditioning device described in Technology 7. This prevents air that has not been heat exchanged from being blown into the room, thereby preventing a decrease in user comfort.

[0080] (Technical Aspect 9) The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of Technical Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the heat exchanger includes heat transfer tubes arranged in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes. This allows the heat exchanger to be divided into smaller parts, and a heat exchanger that has leaked refrigerant can be partially removed, thereby reducing maintenance costs. [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] As described above, the air conditioner according to the present invention can be used to temporarily continue air conditioning even in the event of a refrigerant leak. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Air conditioning equipment 2 Outdoor unit 3 Indoor unit 4 Indoor unit housing 5 Indoor ventilation fan 6, 6A, 6B indoor heat exchanger 7 Air outlet 8 Flap 9 Refrigerant piping 10 First blade drive unit 11 Second blade drive unit 12 Compressor 13 Four-way valve 14 Expansion valve 15 Outdoor ventilation fan 16 Outdoor unit housing 17, 17A, 17B, 17C outdoor heat exchanger 31 First indoor shutoff valve (shutoff mechanism, removable part) 32 Second indoor shutoff valve (shutoff mechanism, removable part) 33 Main indoor subcooling sensor 34 Main indoor overheat sensor 35 No. 1 indoor subcooling sensor 36 No. 1 indoor overheat sensor 37 Second indoor subcooling sensor 38 Second indoor overheat sensor 41 No. 1 outdoor shutoff valve (shutoff mechanism, removable part) 42 Second outdoor shutoff valve (shutoff mechanism, removable part) 43 Third outdoor shutoff valve (shutoff mechanism, removable part) 44 Main outdoor subcooling sensor 45 Main outdoor overheat sensor 46 No. 1 outdoor subcooling sensor 47 No. 1 outdoor overheat sensor 48 Second outdoor subcooling sensor 49 Second outdoor overheat sensor 50 Third outdoor subcooling sensor 51 Third outdoor overheat sensor 61 Shut-off mechanism 62 Supercooling sensor 63 Overheat sensor 100 control device 110 control section 111 processors 120 Storage section 121 Programs

Claims

1. a plurality of heat exchangers; a detection means for detecting the state of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger; a shutoff mechanism for shutting off the flow of refrigerant to each of the heat exchangers; a control unit that determines whether or not a refrigerant is leaking in each of the heat exchangers based on the detection result of the detection means, and closes the shutoff mechanism of the heat exchanger where the refrigerant is leaking if a refrigerant is leaking. Air conditioning equipment.

2. The control unit determines whether or not a refrigerant leaks based on the degree of subcooling. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit determines whether or not the refrigerant is leaking based on the degree of superheat. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

4. the control unit closes the shutoff mechanism to shut off the heat exchanger from which the refrigerant has leaked, and then continues the air conditioning operation using the other heat exchangers. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

5. Each of the heat exchangers is provided so as to be individually removable. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The heat exchanger is an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The heat exchanger is an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The indoor unit includes air outlets provided corresponding to the indoor heat exchangers, and flaps that cover the air outlets, After activating the blocking mechanism, the control unit activates the flap corresponding to the blocked indoor heat exchanger to cover the air outlet. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The heat exchanger includes heat transfer tubes arranged in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the axial direction of the heat transfer tubes. The air conditioning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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