Air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing occurrence of a dangerous event due to discharge of a refrigerant.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 100 includes a refrigerant pipe 16 through which a flammable refrigerant flows, a plurality of refrigerant ejection portions 13 provided on an indoor unit 2 side and an outdoor unit 1 side of the refrigerant pipe 16, respectively, and configured to eject the refrigerant from the refrigerant pipe 16, a plurality of detection units 10 configured to detect an event that hinders ejection of the refrigerant in each region where the plurality of refrigerant ejection portions 13 are provided, and a control unit configured to control ejection of the refrigerant from the plurality of refrigerant ejection portions 13. The control part discharges the refrigerant from the refrigerant discharge part positioned in an area where the failure event is not detected by the detection means 10 when the abnormality that the refrigerant may leak from the refrigerant pipe 16 occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Air conditioners that use flammable refrigerants are equipped with a release means that releases the refrigerant outside the room when a refrigerant leak is detected indoors or when a fire breaks out (for example, Patent Document 1). By releasing the refrigerant outside the room, the amount of refrigerant leaking into the room is reduced, and fires and explosions caused by ignition inside the room are avoided.

[0003] When an abnormality occurs in the building where the air conditioner is installed (such as a fire or earthquake), or when an abnormality occurs inside the air conditioner (such as abnormal operation or a refrigerant leak), it is necessary to quickly release the refrigerant inside the air conditioner to the outside to prevent secondary disasters. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-097505 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a mechanism that releases the refrigerant outdoors when an abnormality is detected, but no consideration is given to the conditions at the refrigerant release destination. Therefore, if there is a fire or other source of fire at the refrigerant release destination, there is a risk of a dangerous event (such as a fire or explosion due to ignition) occurring at the release destination.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can suppress the occurrence of dangerous events due to refrigerant release. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air conditioner of the present disclosure comprises a refrigerant piping through which a flammable refrigerant flows, a plurality of refrigerant discharge sections provided on both the indoor unit side and the outdoor unit side of the refrigerant piping for discharging the refrigerant from the refrigerant piping, a plurality of detection means for detecting events that may hinder refrigerant discharge in each area where the plurality of refrigerant discharge sections are provided, and a control unit for controlling the refrigerant discharge from the plurality of refrigerant discharge sections, and in the event of an abnormality that may cause the refrigerant to leak from the refrigerant piping, the control unit discharges the refrigerant from a refrigerant discharge section located in an area where the event is not detected by the detection means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of fire detection in the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of refrigerant release in the event of a fire in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release in the event of a fire in this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when an earthquake occurs in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of refrigerant release in the event of a fire in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release in the event of a fire in this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when an earthquake occurs in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of an air conditioner 100 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioner 100. Note that in each figure (as well as Figure 6), the dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings do not necessarily match either.

[0010] The air conditioner 100 is, for example, a room air conditioner, a package air conditioner, a multi-air conditioner for buildings, etc. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the air conditioner 100 is a room air conditioner, but the air conditioner is not limited to this.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 1 and an indoor unit 2. The outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 16. In Fig. 1, one indoor unit 2 is connected to one outdoor unit 1, but multiple outdoor units may be connected to one indoor unit, or multiple indoor units may be connected to one outdoor unit. In Fig. 1, solid arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation, and dashed arrows indicate the flow of refrigerant during heating operation.

[0012] The outdoor unit 1 includes a compressor 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, an outdoor expansion valve 5, a four-way valve 7, and an outdoor fan 8. The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 6 and an indoor fan 9. Note that an indoor expansion valve (not shown) may also be included, as in package air conditioners and multi-air conditioners for buildings.

[0013] The compressor 3 compresses a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant by driving a compressor motor provided inside, and discharges a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The compressor 3 is, for example, a reciprocating compressor, a rotary compressor, a screw compressor, or a scroll compressor.

[0014] The outdoor heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, and functions as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation. The outdoor fan 8 is a fan that sends outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and is located near the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0015] The outdoor expansion valve 5 is a valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser (one of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6). The refrigerant reduced in pressure by the outdoor expansion valve 5 is directed toward the evaporator (the other of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 6). The indoor expansion valve has the same function as the outdoor expansion valve 5.

[0016] The four-way valve 7 switches the refrigerant flow path depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 100. By switching the four-way valve 7, during cooling operation, a refrigeration cycle is established in which the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 3, outdoor heat exchanger 4 (condenser), outdoor expansion valve 5, indoor expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger 6 (evaporator), as shown by the solid arrows.

[0017] In addition, by switching the four-way valve 7, during heating operation, a refrigeration cycle is established in which the refrigerant circulates in the order of compressor 3, indoor heat exchanger 6 (condenser), indoor expansion valve, outdoor expansion valve 5, and outdoor heat exchanger 4 (evaporator), as shown by the dashed arrows.

[0018] The indoor heat exchanger 6 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air, and functions as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation. The indoor fan 9 is a fan that sends indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 6 and is located near the indoor heat exchanger 6.

[0019] Cooling by the air conditioner 100 is performed according to the following principle. High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 3 passes through the four-way valve 7 and is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The refrigerant gas is then cooled by heat exchange with outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 4, which functions as a condenser, and becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is decompressed and expanded by the outdoor expansion valve 5, becoming a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant (a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant that contains a small amount of refrigerant gas).

[0020] The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 5, is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 6, which functions as an evaporator, where it evaporates through heat exchange with the indoor air, removing heat and becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant passes through the four-way valve 7 and returns to the compressor 3. The same cycle is then repeated to continue cooling.

[0021] Heating by the air conditioner 100 is performed in the opposite cycle to that of cooling operation. High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 3 passes through the four-way valve 7 and is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 6. The indoor heat exchanger 6, which functions as a condenser, then gives heat to the indoor air, and then the outdoor heat exchanger 4, which functions as an evaporator, removes heat from the outdoor air. This same cycle is repeated to continue heating.

[0022] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 16 is a flammable refrigerant (including a slightly flammable refrigerant). The flammable refrigerant is preferably a refrigerant with a relatively low global warming potential (GWP). Examples of flammable refrigerants include A2L refrigerants, A2 refrigerants, and A3 refrigerants. Examples of A2L refrigerants include R32, R-1234ze(E), R134A, R454A, R454B, HFO, and HFO mixtures. Examples of A2 refrigerants include R152a. Examples of A3 refrigerants are HC refrigerants, including R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutene).

[0023] The air conditioner 100 includes a plurality of refrigerant discharge units 13, 14 for discharging the refrigerant from the refrigerant piping 16, and a plurality of on-off valves 12 for controlling the release of the refrigerant from the plurality of refrigerant discharge units 13, 14. The refrigerant discharge units 13, 14 are, for example, discharge ports for discharging the refrigerant, and are opened and closed by the on-off valve 12. The refrigerant discharge units 13, 14 and the on-off valve 12 are provided on the indoor unit 2 side and the outdoor unit 1 side of the refrigerant piping 16, respectively.

[0024] Refrigerant discharge sections 13, 14 include first refrigerant discharge sections 13a, 13b connected to refrigerant discharge pipe 17 or refrigerant discharge pipe 18, and second refrigerant discharge section 14 connected to refrigerant discharge pipe 19. First refrigerant discharge section 13a is provided in the outdoor area where outdoor unit 1 is provided, and first refrigerant discharge section 13b is provided in the indoor area where indoor unit 2 is provided. Second refrigerant discharge section 14 is provided in the outdoor area. Second refrigerant discharge section 14 may be provided in a position close to or distant from first refrigerant discharge section 13a.

[0025] First refrigerant discharge portion 13a is connected to a gas region of refrigerant pipe 16, and first refrigerant discharge portion 13b and second refrigerant discharge portion 14 are connected to a liquid region of refrigerant pipe 16. The liquid refrigerant discharged from first refrigerant discharge portion 13b and second refrigerant discharge portion 14 is discharged in a vaporized state. Note that first refrigerant discharge portion 13a may be connected to the liquid region of refrigerant pipe 16, and first refrigerant discharge portion 13b and second refrigerant discharge portion 14 may be connected to a gas region of refrigerant pipe 16.

[0026] In this embodiment, first refrigerant discharge portion 13a is separate from second refrigerant discharge portion 14, but this is not limiting. For example, first refrigerant discharge portion 13a may be integrated with second refrigerant discharge portion 14. When first refrigerant discharge portion 13a and second refrigerant discharge portion 14 are integrated, refrigerant discharge pipe 19 is connected to first refrigerant discharge portion 13a (refrigerant discharge pipe 17 is connected to second refrigerant discharge portion 14).

[0027] The refrigerant discharge pipe 17 is provided outdoors (outdoors) and is connected to the refrigerant piping 16 outdoors (outside the outdoor unit 1). The refrigerant discharge pipe 18 is provided indoors (indoors) and is connected to the refrigerant piping 16 indoors (inside the indoor unit 2). The refrigerant discharge pipe 19 is a pipe that extends from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoors and is connected to the refrigerant piping 16 indoors (inside the indoor unit 2). Note that the refrigerant discharge pipe 17 may be connected to the refrigerant piping 16 inside the outdoor unit 1, and the refrigerant discharge pipes 18, 19 may be connected to the refrigerant piping 16 outside the indoor unit 2.

[0028] The air conditioner 100 is equipped with a plurality of detection means 10 (also referred to as fault event detection means 10) that detects events that may hinder refrigerant release (also referred to as fault events) in each area where the refrigerant release units 13, 14 are provided. A fault event is an event in which a dangerous event (secondary disaster) may occur due to refrigerant release, such as a high temperature situation where the refrigerant may burn or explode, or a situation where humans or other living things are present. A high temperature is, for example, the ignition temperature of the refrigerant used or a temperature exceeding that temperature.

[0029] The detection means 10 is, for example, a temperature detection means or a human detection means (living thing detection means). The temperature detection means is, for example, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera (thermal camera), or a laser thermometer. The human detection means (living thing detection means) is, for example, a human detection sensor such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, or a pressure sensor, or a means for detecting a human (living thing) using a camera and image processing.

[0030] The detection means 10 is disposed in each area where the refrigerant discharge portions 13, 14 are provided. The detection means 10 is preferably capable of detecting fault events at least in the refrigerant discharge portions and their surroundings. The detection means 10b provided in the indoor area is preferably capable of detecting fault events in 50% or more of the indoor area, more preferably capable of detecting fault events in 75% or more of the indoor area, and even more preferably capable of detecting fault events in 90% or more of the indoor area.

[0031] The detection means 10a arranged in the outdoor area is arranged, for example, above the first refrigerant discharge section 13a, and is capable of detecting fault events around the first refrigerant discharge section 13a and the outdoor unit 1. The detection means 10b arranged in the indoor area is arranged, for example, below the indoor unit 2, and is capable of detecting fault events in the indoor area where the detection means 10b (first refrigerant discharge section 13b) is arranged. Fault events around the second refrigerant discharge section 14 may be detectable by the detection means 10a, or may be detectable by another detection means.

[0032] The air conditioner 100 is equipped with a control unit (not shown) that controls the release of refrigerant from the multiple refrigerant release units 13, 14. The control unit controls the release of refrigerant from each of the refrigerant release units 13, 14, for example, by controlling the on-off valve 12. The control unit is provided, for example, in the outdoor unit 1, and is connected to the multiple detection means 10 and the multiple on-off valves 12 via a communication line 11. The control unit may also be provided in the indoor unit 2.

[0033] In the event of an abnormality that may cause refrigerant leakage from refrigerant pipe 16, the control unit releases refrigerant from refrigerant release units 13, 14 located in an area where no fault events have been detected by detection means 10. This configuration makes it possible to release flammable refrigerant in the event of an abnormality to an area where no events that could hinder refrigerant release have been detected. This prevents the released refrigerant from burning or harming people, and suppresses the occurrence of dangerous events (secondary disasters) due to refrigerant release.

[0034] An abnormality is a situation in which the refrigerant pipe 16 may melt (dissolve) or break, causing a risk of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant pipe 16. Specifically, an abnormality is a situation in which the refrigerant pipe 16 may melt or break due to a fire, earthquake, or the like.

[0035] An abnormality can be detected, for example, by an abnormality detection means. The abnormality detection means transmits a signal (light, sound, radio wave, etc.) to the control unit to notify it of the detection of an abnormality. The abnormality detection means is, for example, a fire detection means (temperature detection means) or an earthquake detection means. The fire detection means is, for example, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera (thermal camera), a fire alarm such as a smoke detector, etc. The earthquake detection means is, for example, an earthquake sensor such as a vibration sensor, or a receiving means for receiving an emergency earthquake alert sent from the Japan Meteorological Agency. It is preferable that the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality using multiple sensors or detectors. This improves the accuracy of abnormality detection and can prevent refrigerant release due to false detection. The abnormality detection means may be provided within the air conditioner 100, or may be provided in a location remote from the air conditioner 100.

[0036] If the abnormality is a fire, it is preferable to provide a fire judgment threshold for detecting or judging the fire. For example, it is preferable that the abnormality detection means detect a fire when the proportion of high-temperature areas in a captured image exceeds the fire judgment threshold. Alternatively, for example, it is preferable that the control unit judges a fire when the proportion of high-temperature areas in a captured image exceeds the fire judgment threshold. This improves the accuracy of fire detection and suppresses refrigerant release due to false detection. A high temperature in abnormality detection is, for example, 640°C or higher, which is the melting point of refrigerant pipes 16 made of aluminum (e.g., A3003), and is different from a high temperature in fault event detection. In this embodiment, the fault event detection means 10 also functions as an abnormality detection means and detects a fire by detecting a high-temperature area, but is not limited to this.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of fire detection, showing an example in which the fire judgment threshold in the anomaly detection means is 20%. In the case of FIG. 2(A), the high-temperature area occupies 23% of the captured image. In this case, the high-temperature area exceeds the fire judgment threshold of 20%, so the anomaly detection means detects a fire (the control unit determines that there is a fire). In the case of FIG. 2(B), the high-temperature area occupies 1% of the captured image (for example, a gas stove or portable stove is in use indoors). In this case, the high-temperature area does not exceed the fire judgment threshold of 20%, so the anomaly detection means does not detect a fire (the control unit does not determine that there is a fire).

[0038] 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of refrigerant release in the event of a fire. As shown in FIG. 3(A), when the detection means 10b, which also functions as a fire alarm (not shown) and an abnormality detection means, detects a fire in the indoor area, and the detection means 10a in the outdoor area does not detect a fault event, the control unit opens the on-off valve 12 on the outdoor unit 1 side and releases refrigerant from the first refrigerant release section 13a to the outdoor area. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit also releases refrigerant from the second refrigerant release section 14 (see FIG. 1) to the outdoor area. By releasing refrigerant from the first refrigerant release section 13a and the second refrigerant release section 14, the time required to release refrigerant from the refrigerant piping 16 can be shortened.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3(B), when the detection means 10a, which also functions as a fire alarm (not shown) and anomaly detection means, detects a fire in the outdoor area, and the detection means 10b does not detect a fault event in the indoor area, the control unit opens the on-off valve 12 (see Fig. 1) on the indoor unit 2 side, and discharges refrigerant from the first refrigerant discharge part 13b (see Fig. 1) into the indoor area. At that time, the refrigerant discharged into the indoor area is agitated by the indoor fan 9 (see Fig. 1) so that the refrigerant reaches a concentration below a dangerous level of ignition.

[0040] 1, it is preferable that a plurality of refrigerant discharge sections 13, 14 are provided on the indoor unit 2 side and / or the outdoor unit 1 side. According to such a configuration, providing a plurality of refrigerant discharge sections makes it easier to discharge refrigerant to an area where an event that would hinder refrigerant discharge has not been detected. In this embodiment, the first refrigerant discharge section 13a and the second refrigerant discharge section 14 are provided on the outdoor unit 1 side, but this is not limited to this.

[0041] The air conditioner 100 preferably includes a stirring means 15 that stirs the refrigerant when it is released. With this configuration, the refrigerant concentration in the air can be reduced by stirring the refrigerant. This makes the refrigerant less likely to ignite and reduces adverse effects on the human body. The control unit stirs the released refrigerant by controlling the on-off valve 12 and the stirring means 15 when the refrigerant is released.

[0042] The agitation means 15 is, for example, a fan. The agitation means 15 may be the outdoor fan 8 or the indoor fan 9. In this embodiment, the refrigerant discharged from the first refrigerant discharge portion 13a is configured to be agitated by the agitation means 15, and the refrigerant discharged from the first refrigerant discharge portion 13b is configured to be agitated by the indoor fan 9, but this is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerant discharged from the first refrigerant discharge portion 13a may be configured to be agitated by the outdoor fan 8, and the refrigerant discharged from the first refrigerant discharge portion 13b may be configured to be agitated by an agitation means 15 different from the indoor fan 9. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , the refrigerant discharged from the second refrigerant discharge portion 14 is configured to be agitated by the agitation means 15 or the outdoor fan 8.

[0043] The air conditioner 100 is preferably equipped with a notification means (not shown) that notifies the user of the release of refrigerant. The notification means may emit a sound such as an announcement, or may emit a light. The notification means is not limited to being attached to the air conditioner 100, but may also be a notification means installed in other equipment. For example, the notification means may be attached to a remote controller, and the notification content may be displayed on the display of the remote controller or a smartphone.

[0044] An example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when a fire occurs will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when a fire occurs in the first embodiment.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, first, the compressor is stopped and the remote controller is unlocked (S101), the air conditioner is powered on (S102), and the air conditioner (compressor) starts operating (S103). Next, the control unit determines whether the fire alarm, which is an abnormality detection means, is sounding (S104). If it is determined that the fire alarm is not sounding, the process returns to step S103. If it is determined that the fire alarm is sounding, the control unit stops the compressor and locks the remote controller (S105).

[0046] Next, the control unit determines whether the temperature of the area detected by the fire detection unit (temperature detection unit), which is another abnormality detection unit, exceeds 640°C (S106). If it is determined in step S106 that the temperature of the detected area does not exceed 640°C (is 640°C or less), the control unit determines whether the fire alarm has been reset (S107). If it is determined that the fire alarm has not been reset, the control unit stops the compressor and keeps the remote controller locked (S105). If it is determined that the fire alarm has been reset, the control unit stops the compressor and unlocks the remote controller (S101).

[0047] If it is determined in step S106 that the temperature of the detected area exceeds 640°C, the control unit determines which area (indoor area or outdoor area) the detected area is (S108). Note that in the flowchart of Fig. 4, the control unit makes the determinations in steps S106 and S108 separately, but these determinations may also be made simultaneously.

[0048] If it is determined in step S108 that the area where a high temperature exceeding 640°C is detected is an indoor area, the control unit determines whether the proportion of high temperature areas in the captured indoor image exceeds the fire determination threshold (S109).If it is determined in step S109 that the proportion of high temperature areas is equal to or less than the fire determination threshold, the control unit determines whether the fire alarm has been reset (S107).

[0049] If it is determined in step S109 that the proportion of the high temperature region exceeds the fire determination threshold, the control unit determines whether a high temperature region (fault event) that may cause the refrigerant to ignite has been detected in the outdoor region (S110). If it is determined that a fault event has not been detected in the outdoor region, the control unit causes the alarm means to issue an announcement to start release, opens the open / close valve in the outdoor region, and releases the refrigerant from the refrigerant release unit to the outdoor region (S111). If it is determined that a fault event has been detected in the outdoor region, the control unit does not release the refrigerant from the refrigerant release unit (to the outdoor region) (S112).

[0050] If it is determined in step S108 that the area where a high temperature exceeding 640°C is detected is an outdoor area, the control unit determines whether the proportion of high temperature areas in the captured outdoor image exceeds the fire determination threshold (S113).If it is determined that the proportion of high temperature areas is equal to or less than the fire determination threshold, the control unit determines whether the fire alarm has been reset (S107).

[0051] If it is determined in step S113 that the proportion of the high temperature region exceeds the fire determination threshold, the control unit determines whether a high temperature region (fault event) that may cause the refrigerant to ignite has been detected in the indoor region (S114). If it is determined that a fault event has not been detected in the indoor region, the control unit causes the alarm means to announce the start of release, opens the on-off valve in the indoor region, and releases the refrigerant from the refrigerant release unit into the indoor region (S115). If it is determined that a fault event has been detected in the indoor region, the control unit does not release the refrigerant from the refrigerant release unit (into the indoor region) (S112).

[0052] Next, an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when an earthquake occurs in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Commonalities with the method for controlling refrigerant release when a fire occurs will be omitted and differences will be mainly described. Steps already described in the method for controlling refrigerant release when a fire occurs will be given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when an earthquake occurs.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 5, after starting operation of the air conditioner (compressor) (S103), the control unit determines whether an Earthquake Early Warning has been received (S116). If it determines that an Earthquake Early Warning has not been received, the process returns to step S103. If it determines that an Earthquake Early Warning has been received, the control unit stops the compressor and locks the remote controller (S105).

[0054] If it is determined in step S106 that the temperature of the detected area is 640°C or lower, the control unit determines whether the earthquake is outside the residential area (the area where the air conditioner is installed) (S117). If it is determined that the earthquake is inside the residential area, the control unit stops the compressor and keeps the remote controller locked (S105). If it is determined that the earthquake is outside the residential area, the control unit stops the compressor and unlocks the remote controller (S101).

[0055] (Modification of the first embodiment) In this embodiment, the control unit turns on the power to the air conditioner in step S102 and then determines whether the fire alarm has sounded in S104, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may turn on the power to the air conditioner after determining whether the fire alarm has sounded. Note that the on-off valve, abnormality detection means, and fault event detection means may be able to operate on a power source different from that of the compressor, etc.

[0056] In this embodiment, the control unit makes the determination in step S104 before making the determination in step S106, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may make the determination in step S106 without making the determination in step S104, or may make the determination in step S106 before making the determination in step S104.

[0057] In this embodiment, steps S110 and S114 determine whether a high-temperature area (fault event) that may cause the refrigerant to ignite has been detected, but this is not limiting. For example, steps S110 and S114 may determine whether a person has been detected. Also, for example, steps S110 and S114 may determine whether a high-temperature area and a person have been detected.

[0058] In this embodiment, steps S106, S108, S109, and S113 determine whether a high-temperature region (fire) has been detected, but this is not limiting. For example, steps S106, S108, S109, and S113 may determine whether a refrigerant pipe is broken.

[0059] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the air conditioner 100 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The second embodiment can be configured similarly to the first embodiment except for the configuration described below, so the commonalities will be omitted and differences will be mainly described. Components already described in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of refrigerant release in the event of a fire in the air conditioner 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 6, the air conditioner 100 according to the second embodiment is a multi-air conditioner for a building, and is equipped with a plurality of indoor units 2a to 2c. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 100 is equipped with three indoor units 2a to 2c, but this is not limited to this. For example, the air conditioner 100 may be equipped with two or four or more indoor units.

[0061] It is preferable that the first refrigerant discharge section 13b (see FIG. 1) and the detection means 10b are provided in each indoor area where each of the indoor units 2a to 2c is located. With this configuration, when an abnormality occurs, refrigerant can be discharged to an indoor area where no event that would hinder refrigerant discharge has been detected. This increases the area where refrigerant can be discharged, making it easier to discharge refrigerant when an abnormality occurs.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6(A), when the detection means 10b, which also functions as a fire alarm (not shown) and an abnormality detection means, detects a fire in the indoor area, and the detection means 10a does not detect a fault event in the outdoor area, the control unit opens the on-off valve 12 on the outdoor unit 1 side and discharges refrigerant from the first refrigerant discharge unit 13a to the outdoor area. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit also discharges refrigerant from the second refrigerant discharge unit 14 (see Fig. 1) to the outdoor area. By discharging refrigerant from the first refrigerant discharge unit 13a and the second refrigerant discharge unit 14, the time required to discharge refrigerant from the refrigerant piping 16 can be shortened.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 6(B), when the detection means 10a, which also functions as a fire alarm (not shown) and anomaly detection means, detects a fire in the outdoor area, and when the detection means 10b in each indoor area have not detected a fault event, the control unit opens the on-off valves 12 (see Fig. 1) provided in each of the indoor units 2a to 2c, and discharges refrigerant from the first refrigerant discharge sections 13b (see Fig. 1) provided in each of the indoor units 2a to 2c into each indoor area. At this time, the refrigerant discharged into each indoor area is agitated by the indoor fans 9 (see Fig. 1) provided in each of the indoor units 2a to 2c so that the refrigerant reaches or falls below a dangerous ignition concentration.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6(C), when the detection means 10a, which also functions as a fire alarm (not shown) and an abnormality detection means, detects a fire in the outdoor area, and the detection means 10b on the indoor unit 2c side detects a fire in the indoor area, and the detection means 10b in other indoor areas where no fire has been detected has not detected a fault event, the control unit opens the on-off valve 12 (see Figure 1) provided in the indoor area where no fire or fault event has been detected (indoor units 2a, 2b in Figure 6(C)), and releases refrigerant from the first refrigerant release section 13b (see Figure 1) into the indoor area where no fire or fault event has been detected.

[0065] An example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when a fire occurs will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when a fire occurs in the second embodiment.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, first, the compressor is stopped and the remote controller is unlocked (S201), the air conditioner is powered on (S202), and the air conditioner (compressor) starts operating (S203). Next, the control unit determines whether the fire alarm, which is an abnormality detection means, is sounding (S204). If it is determined that the fire alarm is not sounding, the process returns to step S203. If it is determined that the fire alarm is sounding, the control unit stops the compressor and locks the remote controller (S205).

[0067] Next, the control unit determines whether the temperature of the area detected by the fire detection means (temperature detection means), which is another abnormality detection means, exceeds 640°C (S206). If it is determined in step S206 that the temperature of the detected area does not exceed 640°C (is 640°C or less), the control unit determines whether the fire alarm has been reset (S207). If it is determined that the fire alarm has not been reset, the control unit stops the compressor and keeps the remote controller locked (S205). If it is determined that the fire alarm has been reset, the control unit stops the compressor and unlocks the remote controller (S201).

[0068] If it is determined in step S206 that the temperature of the detected area exceeds 640°C, the control unit determines which area (indoor area or outdoor area) the detected area is (S208). Note that in the flowchart of Fig. 7, the control unit makes the determinations in steps S206 and S208 separately, but these determinations may also be made simultaneously.

[0069] If it is determined in step S208 that the area where a high temperature exceeding 640°C is detected is an indoor area, the control unit determines whether the proportion of high temperature areas in the captured indoor image exceeds the fire determination threshold (S209).If it is determined that the proportion of high temperature areas is equal to or less than the fire determination threshold, the control unit determines whether the fire alarm has been reset (S207).

[0070] If it is determined in step S209 that the proportion of the high temperature region exceeds the fire determination threshold, the control unit determines whether a high temperature region (fault event) that may cause the refrigerant to ignite has been detected in the outdoor region (S210). If it is determined that a fault event has not been detected in the outdoor region, the control unit causes the alarm means to issue an announcement to start release, opens the open / close valve in the outdoor region, and releases the refrigerant from the refrigerant release unit into the outdoor region (S211). If it is determined that a fault event has been detected in the outdoor region, the control unit does not release the refrigerant from the refrigerant release unit (to the outdoor region) (S212).

[0071] If it is determined in step S208 that the area where a high temperature exceeding 640°C is detected is an outdoor area, the control unit determines whether the proportion of high temperature areas in the captured outdoor image exceeds the fire determination threshold (S213).If it is determined that the proportion of high temperature areas is equal to or less than the fire determination threshold, the control unit determines whether the fire alarm has been reset (S207).

[0072] If it is determined in step S213 that the proportion of high temperature areas exceeds the fire determination threshold, the control unit determines whether a high temperature area (fault event) that may cause the refrigerant to ignite has been detected in each indoor area (S214).If it is determined that a fault event has not been detected in each indoor area, the control unit causes the alarm means to announce the start of release, opens the on-off valves of each indoor area, and causes the refrigerant release unit to release the refrigerant into each indoor area (S215).

[0073] If it is determined in step S214 that a fault event has been detected in the indoor area, the control unit determines whether a high-temperature area (fault event) in which the refrigerant may ignite has been detected in the indoor area where all indoor units are installed (S216).

[0074] If it is determined in step S216 that a fault event has been detected in the indoor areas where all indoor units are installed, the refrigerant is not released from the refrigerant release unit (to each indoor area) (S212). If it is determined that a fault event has not been detected in any one or more of the indoor areas, the control unit causes the notification means to announce the start of release, opens the on-off valve of that indoor area, and causes the refrigerant release unit to release refrigerant into that indoor area (S217).

[0075] Next, an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when an earthquake occurs in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Commonalities with the method for controlling refrigerant release when a fire occurs will be omitted and differences will be mainly described. Steps already described in the method for controlling refrigerant release when a fire occurs will be given the same reference numerals and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling refrigerant release when an earthquake occurs in the second embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 8, after starting operation of the air conditioner (compressor) (S203), the control unit determines whether an Earthquake Early Warning has been received (S218). If it determines that an Earthquake Early Warning has not been received, the process returns to step S203. If it determines that an Earthquake Early Warning has been received, the control unit stops the compressor and locks the remote controller (S205).

[0077] If it is determined in step S206 that the temperature of the detected area is 640°C or lower, the control unit determines whether the earthquake is outside the residential area (the area where the air conditioner is installed) (S219). If it is determined that the earthquake is inside the residential area, the control unit stops the compressor and keeps the remote controller locked (S205). If it is determined that the earthquake is outside the residential area, the control unit stops the compressor and unlocks the remote controller (S201).

[0078] [1] As described above, the air conditioner 100 comprises a refrigerant piping 16 through which a flammable refrigerant flows, a plurality of refrigerant discharge sections 13, 14 provided on the indoor unit 2 side and the outdoor unit 1 side of the refrigerant piping 16 for discharging the refrigerant from the refrigerant piping 16, a plurality of detection means 10 for detecting events that may hinder the refrigerant release in each area where the plurality of refrigerant release sections 13, 14 are provided, and a control section for controlling the release of refrigerant from the plurality of refrigerant release sections 13, 14, and in the event of an abnormality that may cause refrigerant to leak from the refrigerant piping 16, the control section discharges the refrigerant from a refrigerant discharge section located in an area where no fault event has been detected by the detection means 10.

[0079] This configuration allows flammable refrigerant to be released into an area where no abnormality has been detected that could impede the release of refrigerant, thereby preventing the released refrigerant from burning or harming people, and reducing the risk of dangerous events caused by the release of refrigerant.

[0080] [2] In the air conditioner 100 described in [1] above, it is preferable that a plurality of refrigerant discharge sections 13, 14 are provided on the indoor unit 2 side and / or the outdoor unit 1 side.

[0081] According to this configuration, since a plurality of refrigerant discharge portions 13, 14 are provided, when an abnormality occurs, it becomes easier to discharge refrigerant to an area where no event that would hinder refrigerant discharge has been detected.

[0082] [3] It is preferable that the air conditioner 100 described in [1] or [2] above is provided with a plurality of indoor units 2, and the refrigerant discharge section 13 and the detection means 10 are provided in each indoor area where each indoor unit is located.

[0083] With this configuration, when an abnormality occurs, refrigerant can be released to an indoor area where no events that would hinder refrigerant release have been detected. This increases the area where refrigerant can be released, making it easier to release refrigerant when an abnormality occurs.

[0084] [4] In the air conditioner 100 described in any one of the above [1] to [3], the detection means 10 is preferably configured to detect the temperature and / or the presence or absence of a person.

[0085] This configuration can prevent dangerous events such as refrigerant combustion and adverse effects on people caused by the release of refrigerant.

[0086] [5] The air conditioner 100 described in any one of the above [1] to [4] is preferably configured to include a stirring means 15 that stirs the refrigerant when the refrigerant is released.

[0087] According to this configuration, the refrigerant concentration in the air can be reduced by stirring the refrigerant, which makes the refrigerant less likely to ignite and reduces adverse effects on the human body.

[0088] The air conditioner is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, nor is it limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, various modifications may be made to the air conditioner without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, it is possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations, methods, etc. of the various modifications described above and adopt them in the configurations, methods, etc. of the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: outdoor unit, 2, 2a, 2b, 2c: indoor unit, 3: compressor, 4: outdoor heat exchanger, 5: outdoor expansion valve, 6: indoor heat exchanger, 7: four-way valve, 8: outdoor fan, 9: indoor fan, 10, 10a, 10b: detection means, 11: communication line, 12: on-off valve, 13, 13a, 13b: first refrigerant discharge section, 14: second refrigerant discharge section, 15: stirring means, 16: refrigerant piping, 17, 18, 19: refrigerant discharge pipe, 100: air conditioner

Claims

1. a refrigerant pipe through which a flammable refrigerant flows; a plurality of refrigerant discharge sections provided on the indoor unit side and the outdoor unit side of the refrigerant piping, respectively, for discharging the refrigerant from the refrigerant piping; a plurality of detection means for detecting an event that hinders refrigerant discharge in each of the regions where the plurality of refrigerant discharge sections are provided; a control unit that controls the release of refrigerant from the plurality of refrigerant release units, When an abnormality occurs that may cause the refrigerant to leak from the refrigerant piping, the control unit releases the refrigerant from a refrigerant release section located in an area where the event is not detected by the detection means.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the refrigerant discharge portions are provided on the indoor unit side and / or the outdoor unit side.

3. Equipped with multiple indoor units, The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant discharge portion and the detection means are provided in respective indoor areas where the indoor units are present.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the detection means detects temperature and / or the presence or absence of a person.

5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an agitator that agitates the refrigerant when the refrigerant is released.

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