Refrigeration Cycle Equipment

Abstract

To provide a refrigeration cycle device capable of suppressing deterioration of detection accuracy of leakage of a coolant due to vibration, shock, and the like of a housing.SOLUTION: A refrigeration cycle device includes a heat exchanger which is disposed inside the housing 10 and which lets a coolant flow through the inside, a light emitting part 31 which is disposed inside the housing 10 and which emits infrared ray, a light receiving part 32 which is disposed inside the housing 10 and which receives infrared ray emitted from the light emitting part 31, a fixing member 33 disposed inside the housing 10 and formed of a single material, and a detection part which detects occurrence of leakage of the coolant inside the housing 10 on the basis of the light receiving state of the infrared ray by the light receiving part 32. The light emitting part 31 and the light receiving part 32 are fixed to the same fixing member 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device. [Background technology]

[0002] The refrigeration cycle device includes a housing having an intake port and an exhaust port, a blower installed inside the housing, a heat exchanger arranged between the intake port and the blower, an air passage formed between the blower and the exhaust port, and a leakage detection sensor installed in the air passage to detect refrigerant leakage. The refrigerant leakage sensor has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit that detects light from the light-emitting unit, and the light-emitting unit is installed at one end in the width direction of the air passage and the light-receiving unit is installed at the other end. Alternatively, the light-emitting unit is installed on either the upper wall or the lower wall that constitutes the air passage, and the light-receiving unit is installed on the other wall (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-176648 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the refrigeration cycle device shown in Patent Document 1, the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage are fixed to separate members constituting opposing wall parts in the ventilation passage. Therefore, if vibrations, shocks, etc. are applied to the housing of the device during transportation, installation, operation, etc., there is a risk that the relative position and orientation of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the sensor will change. Furthermore, the change in the relative position and orientation of the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the sensor will change the amount of light received by the light-receiving part, which may ultimately lead to a decrease in the accuracy of refrigerant leakage detection.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigeration cycle device that can suppress a decrease in the accuracy of refrigerant leakage detection caused by vibration, impact, etc. on the housing of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure is provided in a housing, and a refrigerant flows inside the housing. Refrigerant piping and The cooling device includes a heat exchanger, a light emitting unit provided within the housing and emitting infrared rays, a light receiving unit provided within the housing and receiving the infrared rays emitted from the light emitting unit, a fixing member provided within the housing and made of a single member, and a detection unit that detects the occurrence of leakage of the refrigerant within the housing based on a state in which the infrared rays are received by the light receiving unit, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are fixed to the same fixing member. Inside is fixed at A cavity is formed between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit in the fixing member, and the fixing member has one or more openings formed therein other than a surface to which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are fixed, which allow the cavity to communicate with the outside of the fixing member, the outside of the refrigerant pipe, and the outside of the heat exchanger. is. Effect of the Invention

[0007] Advantageous Effects of Invention The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to suppress deterioration in accuracy of refrigerant leakage detection caused by vibration, impact, etc. on the housing. In addition, a refrigerant is introduced into the cavity between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit fixed inside the fixed member through an opening provided in the fixed member, and the refrigerant remains inside the fixed member, making it easier to detect refrigerant leaks. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a refrigerant circuit provided in an air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner which is a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flow chart showing an example of an operation of the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6]4 is a flow chart showing an example of an operation of the refrigeration cycle device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates a configuration of a modified example of an infrared sensor included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The embodiment for carrying out the refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and the overlapping description will be appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and the embodiments may be freely combined, any component of each embodiment may be modified, or any component of each embodiment may be omitted, within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 18. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a refrigerant circuit provided in an air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle device. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle device. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an infrared sensor provided in the refrigeration cycle device. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the refrigeration cycle device. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the refrigeration cycle device. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the refrigeration cycle device. Figs. 7 to 18 are perspective views showing a schematic configuration of modified examples of the infrared sensor provided in the refrigeration cycle device.

[0011] As an example of the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to the present disclosure, the configuration of an air conditioner is shown in Fig. 1. In addition to air conditioners, examples of the refrigeration cycle apparatus to which the refrigerant leakage detection device according to the present invention can include water heaters, showcases, and refrigerators.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, an air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle device according to this embodiment, includes an indoor unit 1 and an outdoor unit 2. The indoor unit 1 is installed inside a room to be air-conditioned, i.e., inside the room. The outdoor unit 2 is installed outside the room, i.e., outside the room. The indoor unit 1 includes an indoor heat exchanger 20 and an indoor fan 5. The outdoor unit 2 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 4, an outdoor fan 6, a compressor 7, an expansion valve 8, and a four-way valve 9.

[0013] The indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 3. The refrigerant pipe 3 is provided in a circulating manner between the indoor heat exchanger 20 of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 of the outdoor unit 2. A refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant pipe 3. It is preferable to use a refrigerant with a small global warming potential (GWP) for the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant pipe 3. For example, a refrigerant with a larger average molecular weight than air is used. In this case, the refrigerant has a higher density than air and is heavier than air under atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the refrigerant in this case has the property of sinking downward in the direction of gravity (vertical direction) in the air.

[0014] As such a refrigerant, specifically, for example, a (mixed) refrigerant consisting of one or more refrigerants selected from tetrafluoropropene (CF3CF=CH2: HFO-1234yf), difluoromethane (CH2F2: R32), propane (R290), propylene (R1270), ethane (R170), butane (R600), isobutane (R600a), 1.1.1.2-tetrafluoroethane (C2H2F4: R134a), pentafluoroethane (C2HF5: R125), 1.3.3.3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF3-CH=CHF: HFO-1234ze), carbon dioxide (CO2: R744), etc. can be used.

[0015] The refrigerant piping 3 connects the indoor heat exchanger 20, the four-way valve 9, the compressor 7, the outdoor heat exchanger 4, and the expansion valve 8 in a ring shape. Therefore, a refrigerant circuit is formed in which the refrigerant circulates between the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0016] The compressor 7 is a device that compresses the supplied refrigerant to increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. For example, a rotary compressor, a scroll compressor, a reciprocating compressor, or the like can be used as the compressor 7. The expansion valve 8 expands the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant. In the configuration example described here, the expansion valve 8 is a linear electronic expansion valve (LEV). Therefore, by closing the expansion valve 8, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant from flowing.

[0017] The indoor heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the air surrounding the indoor heat exchanger 20. The indoor fan 5 blows indoor air so that it passes around the indoor heat exchanger 20, promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the indoor heat exchanger 20, and sends the air that has been heated or cooled by the heat exchange back into the room. The outdoor heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat between the refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the air surrounding the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The outdoor fan 6 blows outdoor air so that it passes around the outdoor heat exchanger 4, promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0018] The refrigerant circuit configured in this manner functions as a heat pump that transfers heat between the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air in the indoor heat exchanger 20 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4. At this time, by switching the four-way valve 9, the circulation direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit can be reversed, allowing the air conditioner to switch between cooling operation and heating operation.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 is installed indoors. An indoor heat exchanger 20 and an indoor fan 5 are housed inside the housing 10. An inlet 11 and an outlet 12 are formed in the housing 10. An air passage is formed inside the housing 10, leading from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12. The indoor heat exchanger 20 and the indoor fan 5 are disposed in the air passage of the housing 10. The air passage of the housing 10 is for air to pass through the indoor heat exchanger 20. The air that has been conditioned is blown into the room from the outlet 12 of the housing 10. As described above, the refrigerant piping 3 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 20. Therefore, a part of the refrigerant piping 3 is housed inside the housing 10.

[0020] The indoor heat exchanger 20 includes heat transfer tubes and fins (not shown). The heat transfer tubes are connected to the refrigerant piping 3 by, for example, welding. A refrigerant flows through the refrigerant piping 3 inside the heat transfer tubes. That is, a refrigerant flows inside the indoor heat exchanger 20. The heat transfer tubes are folded back on both sides of the indoor heat exchanger 20. The heat transfer tubes include a straight portion (not shown) and a U-shaped portion 21. The straight portion has a straight line shape. A plurality of straight portions are provided. The plurality of straight portions are arranged parallel to each other and aligned in the vertical direction. Each straight portion is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is horizontal.

[0021] The indoor heat exchanger is provided with a plurality of fins. Each fin is a flat metal plate. The fins are arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them. Each fin 22 is arranged with its longitudinal direction vertical. The straight portion of the heat transfer tube is provided to pass through the fins.

[0022] The U-shaped portion 21 is bent into a U shape. The U-shaped portion 21 connects the ends of adjacent straight portions. The U-shaped portion 21 is provided at each end of the straight portion. The connection portion between the straight portion and one of the U-shaped portions 21 is joined by brazing, for example. That is, the joint portion between the straight portion and one of the U-shaped portions 21 is a brazed portion. The other U-shaped portion 21 is formed in a continuous manner with two adjacent straight portions by bending one pipe into a U shape. Note that in FIG. 2, the illustration of the other U-shaped portion 21 is omitted, and only one of the U-shaped portions 21 with a brazed portion is illustrated.

[0023] An infrared sensor 30 is installed inside the housing 10 of the indoor unit 1. The infrared sensor 30 may be installed inside the housing of the outdoor unit 2. Furthermore, the number of infrared sensors 30 installed is not limited to one, and multiple infrared sensors 30 may be installed.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, the infrared sensor 30 includes a light-emitting unit 31, a light-receiving unit 32, and a fixing member 33. The light-emitting unit 31 is a light-emitting means that emits infrared rays. The light-receiving unit 32 is a light-receiving means that receives the infrared rays emitted from the light-emitting unit 31. The light-emitting unit 31 receives power from a light-emitting unit lead wire 31a and emits infrared rays. The light-receiving unit 32 outputs a signal according to the intensity of the received infrared rays from the light-receiving unit lead wire 32a.

[0025] The light-emitting unit 31, the light-receiving unit 32 and the fixed member 33 are provided inside the housing 10. The fixed member 33 is made of a single member. The fixed member 33 is made of a hard material such as metal. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the fixed member 33 is flat. The light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32 are fixed to the same fixed member 33. The fixed member 33 is installed at the installation location of the infrared sensor 30 inside the housing 10. The light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32 are arranged opposite each other. The light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 32 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the optical axis of the light (infrared rays) irradiated from the light-emitting unit 31.

[0026] The refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant pipe 3 has a property of absorbing infrared rays of a specific wavelength. The infrared rays irradiated by the light-emitting unit 31 include those of the specific wavelength absorbed by the refrigerant. The infrared sensor 30 may include a filter that passes the infrared rays irradiated by the light-emitting unit 31 that have the above-mentioned specific wavelength. When no refrigerant is present between the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32, the infrared rays irradiated from the light-emitting unit 31 reach the light-receiving unit 32. When a refrigerant is present between the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32, the infrared rays emitted from the light-emitting unit 31 that have the above-mentioned specific wavelength are absorbed by the refrigerant. The infrared rays emitted from the light-emitting unit 31 that have the above-mentioned specific wavelength are attenuated by the refrigerant. The intensity of the infrared rays received by the light-receiving unit 32 changes depending on whether or not a refrigerant is present between the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32, or more precisely, depending on the concentration of the refrigerant between the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32.

[0027] The configuration of a control system for an air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to this embodiment, is shown in Fig. 4. As shown in the figure, the air conditioner according to this embodiment is equipped with a control device 40. The control device 40 processes signals related to operational control of the air conditioner, and controls the overall operation of the air conditioner. Specifically, the control device 40 controls the operation of the compressor 7, indoor fan 5, and outdoor fan 6.

[0028] The control device 40 is configured as hardware, for example, by a computer equipped with a processor and memory. The processor is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory includes, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, mini disks, and DVDs.

[0029] A program as software is stored in the memory of the control device 40. The control device 40 performs preset processing by having a processor execute the program stored in the memory, and realizes functions described below as a result of the hardware and software working together.

[0030] The circuit of the control device 40 may be formed as dedicated hardware, for example. A part of the circuit of the control device 40 may be formed as dedicated hardware, and the circuit may be provided with a processor and a memory. Examples of the circuit partly formed as dedicated hardware include a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of these.

[0031] The air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle apparatus according to this embodiment, detects the occurrence of refrigerant leakage from the indoor heat exchanger 20 by utilizing the detection result of the infrared sensor 30. As described above, the infrared sensor 30 is capable of detecting the concentration of the refrigerant. The infrared sensor 30 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected concentration of the refrigerant. The detection signal output from the infrared sensor 30 is input to the control device 40.

[0032] The control device 40 includes a refrigerant leakage detection unit 41, a storage unit 42, a notification unit 43, and an operation control unit 44. The refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leakage in the housing 10 based on the detection result of the infrared sensor 30. That is, the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leakage in the housing 10 based on the infrared light reception state by the light receiving unit 32. The light receiving unit 32 outputs a signal according to the received light intensity of the infrared light of the specific wavelength described above. The signal output from the light receiving unit 32 of the infrared sensor 30 is input to the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 of the control device 40. The signal output from the light receiving unit 32 corresponds to the intensity of the infrared light that reaches the light receiving unit 32. This intensity changes depending on the refrigerant concentration between the light emitting unit 31 and the light emitting unit 31, as described above.

[0033] The refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leak in the housing 10 based on the signal output from the light receiving unit 32. Specifically, when the light receiving intensity of the light receiving unit 32 is equal to or lower than the leakage determination reference intensity, the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 detects that the refrigerant at the infrared sensor 30 is at or above a certain concentration, i.e., that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the housing 10. The leakage determination reference intensity at this time is set in advance according to the refrigerant concentration at which the occurrence of a refrigerant leak in the housing 10 should be detected. The leakage determination reference intensity set in this manner is stored in advance in the memory unit 42.

[0034] The notification unit 43 notifies a user, an operator, etc., when the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leakage in the housing 10. The notification unit 43 includes a speaker for notifying by sound and an LED for notifying by light that a refrigerant leakage has been detected in the housing 10.

[0035] The operation control unit 44 controls the operation of the air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle device, by controlling the operation of the compressor 7, the indoor fan 5, the outdoor fan 6, the expansion valve 8, etc. When the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leak inside the housing 10, the operation control unit 44 stops the operation of the air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle device.

[0036] In the refrigeration cycle device configured as above, refrigerant leakage is detected using the detection result of the infrared sensor 30. The light emitting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32 of the infrared sensor 30 are fixed to the same fixing member 33 made of a single member. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the relative position and orientation of the light emitting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32 due to external factors such as vibration and impact of the housing 10. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the intensity of received light at the light receiving unit 32 caused by fluctuations in the relative position and orientation of the light emitting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32, and to improve the detection accuracy of the refrigerant concentration by the infrared sensor 30, and therefore the detection accuracy of the refrigerant leakage. It is preferable that the light emitting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32 are fixed to the fixing member 33 separately from the electrical connection of the light emitting unit lead wire 31a and the light receiving unit lead wire 32a to the board.

[0037] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, a partition 13 is provided inside the housing 10. The partition 13 forms a space inside the housing 10 that is separated from the air passage described above. The U-shaped portion 21 and the brazed portion of the indoor heat exchanger 20 are arranged in the space separated by the partition 13. The infrared sensor 30 is arranged in the space separated by the partition 13. In the illustrated configuration example, the infrared sensor 30 is fixed on the partition 13. By arranging the infrared sensor 30 in a space separated from the air passage, the infrared sensor 30 can be made less susceptible to the influence of the air flow in the air passage. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 30 caused by vibrations due to the influence of the air flow. In addition, the U-shaped portion 21 and the brazed portion of the indoor heat exchanger 20 are prone to refrigerant leakage. By surrounding the U-shaped portion 21 and the brazed portion with a partition 13 and disposing the infrared sensor 30 in the space surrounded by this partition 13, refrigerant leaking from the U-shaped portion 21 and the brazed portion can be quickly detected.

[0038] The refrigeration cycle apparatus of this embodiment checks whether the output of the infrared sensor 30 is normal or not when the refrigeration cycle apparatus is started for the first time after installation. That is, a normality judgment reference intensity is pre-stored in the memory unit 42. The normality judgment reference intensity is preset, for example, at the time of shipment from the factory based on the specifications of the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32. The refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 compares the intensity of infrared light received by the light-receiving unit 32 at the first startup, i.e., when the light-emitting unit 31 emits infrared light for the first time after installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus, with the normality judgment reference intensity. Then, if the intensity of light received by the light-receiving unit 32 at the first startup is equal to the normality judgment reference intensity, the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 compares the intensity of infrared light received by the light-receiving unit 32 at the first startup with the normality judgment reference intensity. End If so, the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 determines that the infrared sensor 30 is normal.

[0039] On the other hand, if the light receiving intensity at the light receiving unit 32 at the time of initial startup is less than the normal judgment reference intensity, the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 determines that the infrared sensor 30 is abnormal. If the infrared sensor 30 is determined to be abnormal at the time of initial startup, the notification unit 43 notifies a user, worker, etc. to that effect. If the infrared sensor 30 is determined to be abnormal at the time of initial startup, the notification unit 43 may report this to an external party, such as a service center. Furthermore, if the infrared sensor 30 is determined to be abnormal at the time of initial startup, the operation control unit 44 stops the operation of the air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle device.

[0040] The refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 and the notification unit 43 as described above constitute a notification means that issues a notification if the intensity of the infrared light received by the light receiving unit 32 when the light emitter 31 emits infrared light for the first time after the installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus is less than a preset reference intensity for normal judgment. By providing such a notification means, it is possible to prompt the user to take action such as maintenance when there is a possibility that the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 30 has decreased due to vibrations, shocks, etc. applied during the shipment, transportation, installation, etc. of the air conditioner, which is a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0041] Next, an example of the operation of the refrigeration cycle device will be described with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 5. In step S11, when the refrigeration cycle device is energized and power is supplied to the infrared sensor 30, the infrared sensor 30 starts operating. That is, the light emitter 31 of the infrared sensor 30 starts emitting infrared rays, and the light receiver 32 outputs a signal according to the intensity of the received light. In the following step S12, the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 judges whether or not the output according to the intensity of the received infrared rays at the light receiver 32 at the time of initial startup is equal to or greater than the normal judgment reference intensity set at the time of shipment. If the output of the light receiver 32 at the time of initial startup is equal to or greater than the normal judgment reference intensity set at the time of shipment, the control device 40 next performs the process of step S13.

[0042] In step S13, the operation control unit 44 of the control device 40 turns on the power supply of the product, i.e., the refrigeration cycle device, and starts operation. In the following step S14, the operation control unit 44 judges whether the refrigeration cycle device is in operation. If the refrigeration cycle device is not in operation, the control device 40 returns to step S12 and continues the process. On the other hand, if the refrigeration cycle device is in operation, the control device 40 next performs the process of step S15. In step S15, the control device 40 waits until a preset fixed time has elapsed since the judgment in step S12. When the fixed time has elapsed since the judgment in step S12, the control device 40 next performs the process of step S16.

[0043] In step S16, the refrigerant leakage detection unit 41 judges whether the output corresponding to the infrared light receiving intensity at the light receiving unit 32 at the time of initial startup is equal to or greater than the normal judgment reference intensity set at the time of shipment. If the output of the light receiving unit 32 at the time of initial startup is equal to or greater than the normal judgment reference intensity set at the time of shipment, the control device 40 then performs the process of step S17. In step S17, the operation control unit 44 keeps the power of the product, i.e., the refrigeration cycle device, ON and continues operation. After step S17, the control device 40 then returns to step S15 and continues the process.

[0044] On the other hand, if the output of the light receiving unit 32 at the time of initial startup is not equal to or greater than the normal judgment reference intensity set at the time of shipment in steps S12 and S16, the control device 40 then performs the process of step S18. In step S18, the notification unit 43 issues a notification that the infrared sensor 30 is abnormal at the time of initial startup and notifies the service center of that fact. In the following step S19, the operation control unit 44 turns off the power of the product, i.e., the refrigeration cycle device, to stop operation. When the process of step S19 is completed, the series of operations ends.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigeration cycle device of this embodiment may include a vibration meter 14. In the illustrated configuration example, the vibration meter 14 is fixed to a position adjacent to the infrared sensor 30 on the partition 13. The vibration meter 14 is a vibration detection unit that detects the vibration of the fixed member 33 of the infrared sensor 30. The detection result of the vibration meter 14 is input to the control device 40. When the vibration of the fixed member 33 detected by the vibration meter 14 is equal to or greater than a preset vibration reference value, the notification unit 43 notifies the user, worker, etc. of the fact. When the vibration of the fixed member 33 is equal to or greater than the vibration reference value, the notification unit 43 may notify an outside party such as a service center. When the vibration of the fixed member 33 is equal to or greater than the vibration reference value, the operation control unit 44 stops the operation of the air conditioner, which is the refrigeration cycle device. The notification unit 43 as described above also functions as a notification means that issues a notification when the vibration of the fixed member 33 is equal to or greater than a preset reference value. By providing such an alarm means, when the infrared sensor 30 is subjected to a large vibration, impact, or the like, it is possible that the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 30 may have deteriorated, and it is possible to prompt the user to take measures such as maintenance. It is preferable that the vibration meter 14 is battery-powered so that it can measure even during transportation or other times when power is not being supplied to the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0046] Next, an example of the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus will be described with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 6. First, in step S21, the power supply of the vibration meter 14 is turned on, and the vibration meter 14 starts measuring vibration. As described above, the vibration meter 14 is battery-powered. Then, in the following step S22, the notification unit 43 determines whether or not the vibration detected by the vibration meter 14 is equal to or greater than a certain value, i.e., the vibration reference value described above. If the vibration detected by the vibration meter 14 is not equal to or greater than the vibration reference value, the control device 40 returns to step S22 and continues the process.

[0047] On the other hand, if the vibration detected by the vibration meter 14 is equal to or greater than the vibration reference value, the control device 40 then performs the process of step S23. In step S23, the notification unit 43 issues a notification that a large vibration has been applied to the infrared sensor 30, and notifies the service center of that fact. In the following step S24, the operation control unit 44 turns off the power of the product, i.e., the refrigeration cycle device, to stop operation. When the process of step S24 is completed, the series of operations ends.

[0048] Next, with reference to Figs. 7 to 18, modified examples of the infrared sensor 30 included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 3, the fixing member 33 is flat. However, the shape of the fixing member 33 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the light emitting section 31 and the light receiving section 32 may be molded by the fixing member 33. In this case, as shown in the figure, a cavity 34 is formed between the light emitting section 31 and the light receiving section 32 in the fixing member 33. A hole 35 is formed in the fixing member 33. The hole 35 communicates the outside of the fixing member 33 with the cavity 34. The leaked refrigerant is introduced into the cavity 34 through the hole 35.

[0049] 8, the fixed member 33 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32 are disposed on both bottom surfaces of the cylindrical shape. The fixed member 33 has a hole 35 formed therein. The hole 35 communicates the outside and the inside of the fixed member 33. The leaked refrigerant is introduced into the fixed member 33 through the hole 35.

[0050] 9 to 11, the fixing member 33 has a hollow box shape. The light emitting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32 are disposed inside the fixing member 33. That is, the fixing member 33 is of Surroundings ofThe fixed member 33 is disposed so as to cover the fixed member 33. A plurality of holes 35 are formed in the fixed member 33. In the illustrated example, two holes 35, a first hole 35a and a second hole 35b, are formed in the fixed member 33. The first hole 35a and the second hole 35b communicate the outside and the inside of the fixed member 33. The leaked refrigerant is introduced into the fixed member 33 through the first hole 35a and the second hole 35b. By providing the plurality of holes 35 in the fixed member 33, the leaked refrigerant can be easily introduced into the fixed member 33.

[0051] Here, the first hole 35a and the second hole 35b are arranged in positions and orientations that do not face each other. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the first hole 35a and the second hole 35b are formed on opposing surfaces of the fixed member 33. FIG. 10 shows an example in which the first hole 35a and the second hole 35b are formed on adjacent surfaces of the fixed member 33. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the first hole 35a and the second hole 35b are formed on the same surface of the fixed member 33. In this way, the leaked refrigerant can be smoothly introduced into the fixed member 33, and the residence time of the leaked refrigerant introduced into the fixed member 33 can be extended, making it easier for the infrared sensor 30 to detect the leaked refrigerant.

[0052] The number of holes 35 formed in the fixing member 33 is not limited to two. Fig. 12 shows an example in which a punched metal having a large number of holes irregularly formed on each surface of the fixing member 33 is used. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13, a large number of holes may be regularly arranged on each surface of the fixing member 33 to form a mesh shape.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, one side of the box-shaped fixed member 33 may be completely opened. In other words, a wall may be provided on the outer periphery of the flat fixed member 33 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 14 shows an example in which the height of the wall is equal to that of the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32. Fig. 15 shows an example in which the height of the wall is about half that of the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32. In this way, it is possible to smoothly introduce the leaked refrigerant between the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32 in the fixed member 33, and to increase the residence time of the leaked refrigerant introduced into the fixed member 33, making it easier for the infrared sensor 30 to detect the leaked refrigerant.

[0054] In the configuration examples described so far, the size of the irradiation range of the infrared rays irradiated from the light-emitting unit 31 and the size of the range in which the light-receiving unit 32 can receive the infrared rays are made equal, and the irradiation range of the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving range of the light-receiving unit 32 are arranged to overlap exactly. However, the size of the irradiation range of the light-emitting unit 31 and the size of the light-receiving range of the light-receiving unit 32 may be made different.

[0055] In the configuration example shown in Fig. 16, the irradiation range of the infrared rays irradiated from the light-emitting unit 31 on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 32 is wider than the range in which the light-receiving unit 32 can receive the infrared rays on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 32. The irradiation range of the infrared rays irradiated from the light-emitting unit 31 on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 32 is arranged to include the range in which the light-receiving unit 32 can receive the infrared rays. In this way, even if the relative position and orientation of the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32 fluctuates due to external vibration, impact, etc., as long as the light-receiving range of the light-receiving unit 32 is included in the irradiation range of the light-emitting unit 31, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation in the amount of infrared rays received by the light-receiving unit 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the detection accuracy of the refrigerant leakage due to external vibration, impact, etc.

[0056] 17, the irradiation range of the infrared rays irradiated from the light-emitting unit 31 on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 32 is narrower than the range in which the light-receiving unit 32 can receive the infrared rays on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 32. The irradiation range of the infrared rays irradiated from the light-emitting unit 31 on the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 32 is arranged so as to be included in the range in which the light-receiving unit 32 can receive the infrared rays. In this way, even if the relative position and orientation of the light-emitting unit 31 and the light-receiving unit 32 fluctuates due to external vibration, impact, etc., as long as the irradiation range of the light-emitting unit 31 is included in the light-receiving range of the light-receiving unit 32, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation in the amount of infrared rays received by the light-receiving unit 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the detection accuracy of the refrigerant leakage due to external vibration, impact, etc.

[0057] 17, a reflector 36 is provided around the light-emitting unit 31. The reflector 36 reflects the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31 toward the light-receiving unit 32. By providing such a reflector 36, the infrared light emitted from the light-emitting unit 31 can be irradiated toward the light-receiving unit 32 without waste.

[0058] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 18, an infrared sensor 30 is provided with a vibration isolator 37. The vibration isolator 37 is an elastic body such as a metal spring. The fixing member 33 of the infrared sensor 30 is installed at an installation location in the housing 10 via the vibration isolator 37. The vibration isolator 37 reduces the transmission of vibration of the housing 10 to the fixing member 33. By installing the light emitter 31 and the light receiver 32 of the infrared sensor 30 via the vibration isolator 37 and the fixing member 33, it is possible to reduce the influence of vibration, impact, etc. of the housing 10 on the relative positions and orientations of the light emitter 31 and the light receiver 32, and to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of detection of refrigerant leakage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Indoor unit 2 Outdoor unit 3 Refrigerant piping 4 Outdoor heat exchanger 5 Indoor Fan 6 Outdoor fan 7 Compressor 8 Expansion valve 9. Four-way valve 10. Chassis 11 Intake port 12 Air outlet 13 Partition 14 Vibration meter 20 Indoor heat exchanger 21 U-shaped part 30 Infrared Sensor 31 Light emitting part 31a Light emitting part lead wire 32 Light receiving part 32a Receiver lead wire 33 Fixing member 34 Cavity 35 Hole 35a 1st hole 35b 2nd hole 36 Reflector 37 Vibration isolation section 40 Control device 41 Refrigerant leak detection unit 42 Storage section 43 Notification Department 44 Motion control section

Claims

1. a refrigerant pipe and a heat exchanger provided in the housing, through which a refrigerant flows; A light emitting unit provided in the housing and configured to emit infrared rays; a light receiving unit provided within the housing and configured to receive infrared rays emitted from the light emitting unit; a fixing member provided within the housing and made of a single member; a detection unit that detects the occurrence of leakage of the refrigerant in the housing based on a state of infrared light received by the light receiving unit, the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are fixed inside the same fixing member, A cavity is formed between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion in the fixing member, The fixing member has one or more openings formed therein, which communicate the outside of the fixing member, the outside of the refrigerant pipe, and the outside of the heat exchanger with the cavity, in addition to the surface to which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are fixed. Refrigeration cycle equipment.

2. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the fixed member is installed at an installation location within the housing via a vibration isolator that reduces transmission of vibrations of the housing to the fixed member.

3. 3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein an irradiation range of the infrared rays irradiated from the light emitting unit on a light receiving surface of the light receiving unit is wider than a range in which the light receiving unit can receive infrared rays, and the light receiving unit is arranged to include the range in which the light receiving unit can receive infrared rays.

4. 3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein an irradiation range of the infrared rays irradiated from the light emitting unit on a light receiving surface of the light receiving unit is narrower than a range in which the light receiving unit can receive infrared rays, and the light receiving unit is disposed within the range in which the light receiving unit can receive infrared rays.

5. An air passage through which air passes through the heat exchanger is formed in the housing, The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing member, the light emitter, and the light receiver are disposed in a space within the housing that is partitioned from the air passage.

6. 6. The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm means for emitting an alarm if the intensity of the infrared light received by the light receiving unit is less than a preset reference value when the light emitting unit emits infrared light for the first time after the installation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

7. a vibration detection unit that detects vibration of the fixed member; The refrigeration cycle apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an alarm means for issuing an alarm when the vibration of the fixed member is equal to or greater than a preset reference value.

Images