Shut-off valve device and air conditioner

Abstract

To enhance the degree of freedom of installation of a shut-off valve device.SOLUTION: A shut-off valve device is provided in a liquid communication pipe 11 and a gas communication pipe 14 connecting an outdoor unit 110 and an indoor unit 120 of an air conditioner 100, and includes a first unit 72, and a second unit 73 separated from the first unit 72. The first unit 72 comprises: a first refrigerant pipe P11 connected to the liquid communication pipe 11; a first shut-off valve EV5 provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11, and switching between a circulation and a shut-off of a refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe P11; and a first casing 30 housing the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the first shut-off valve EV5. The second unit 73 comprises: a second refrigerant pipe P12 connected to the gas communication pipe 14; a second shut-off valve EV6 provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12, and switching between a circulation and a shut-off of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe P12; and a second casing 40 housing the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shut-off valve EV6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a shutoff valve device and an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system including an air conditioning unit having a user-side unit and a heat-source-side unit for conditioning a room, a refrigerant sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage, and a safety device that operates when the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leakage. This air conditioning system includes a shutoff valve device as a safety device. The shutoff valve device includes a liquid-side shutoff valve and a gas-side shutoff valve that are respectively provided in a liquid refrigerant communication pipe and a gas refrigerant communication pipe that connect the heat-source-side unit and the user-side unit. When the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leakage, the liquid-side shutoff valve and the gas-side shutoff valve are closed to prevent further refrigerant leakage from the user-side unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-14961 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to place the shutoff valve device as close to the user-side units as possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage from the user-side units. However, depending on the installation site, it may not be possible to secure sufficient installation space around the user-side units, which may limit the installation location of the shutoff valve device to a location far from the user-side units.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure aims to increase the degree of freedom in installing a shutoff valve device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The shutoff valve device of the present disclosure is A shutoff valve device provided in a liquid connection pipe and a gas connection pipe connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of an air conditioner, a first unit and a second unit separate from the first unit; the first unit includes a first refrigerant pipe connected to the liquid connection pipe, a first shutoff valve provided in the first refrigerant pipe and switching between flow and cutoff of refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe, and a first casing accommodating the first refrigerant pipe and the first shutoff valve, The second unit includes a second refrigerant pipe connected to the gas connection pipe, a second shut-off valve provided in the second refrigerant pipe for switching between flowing and blocking the refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe, and a second casing that accommodates the second refrigerant pipe and the second shut-off valve.

[0007] With this configuration, the shutoff valve device is configured with a first unit and a second unit separate from the first unit, and each unit can be made smaller, which allows the shutoff valve device to be installed in a smaller space than before, such as near the indoor unit, and increases the flexibility in installing the shutoff valve device.

[0008] (2) Preferably, the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are connected to liquid-side and gas-side connection ports of the indoor unit, respectively. According to this configuration, the first unit and the second unit can be installed close to the indoor unit.

[0009] (3) Preferably, the shutoff valve device includes an electrical equipment box accommodating a control device that controls the first shutoff valve and the second shutoff valve, The electrical component box is attached to one of the first unit and the second unit. According to this configuration, the electrical component box is attached to one of the first and second units, so that the first unit and the second unit can be installed separately.

[0010] (4) Preferably, the electrical component box is attached to the first unit. With this configuration, the first refrigerant pipe through which the liquid refrigerant flows is thinner and lighter than the second refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant flows, so the first unit including the first refrigerant pipe is lighter than the second unit. By attaching the electrical component box to the lighter first unit, it is possible to prevent the weight difference between the first unit and the second unit from becoming too large.

[0011] (5) Preferably, the shut-off valve device includes a first electrical equipment box accommodating a first control device that controls the first shut-off valve, and a second electrical equipment box accommodating a second control device that controls the second shut-off valve, the first electrical equipment box being attached to the first unit, and the second electrical equipment box being attached to the second unit. According to this configuration, the first and second units are respectively equipped with the first and second electrical component boxes, so that the first and second units can be installed separately.

[0012] (6) Preferably, the first unit and the second unit are supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, respectively. With this configuration, the shutoff valve device is configured as a first unit and a second unit, which allows each unit to be lightweight, and the first and second units can be supported by other refrigerant pipes connected to the first and second refrigerant pipes without having to be supported by hanging them from a ceiling, etc. This simplifies the support structure of the shutoff valve device.

[0013] (7) Preferably, the first casing and the second casing have a casing body made of synthetic resin. According to this configuration, the first unit and the second unit can be made even lighter.

[0014] (8) Preferably, electrical wiring drawn from the first unit and the second unit is connected to a control device provided in the indoor unit. With this configuration, the shut-off valve device is separated into a first unit and a second unit, which makes it easier to install each unit near the indoor unit. This also makes it possible to connect the electrical wiring drawn from the first and second units to the indoor unit's control device, allowing the first and second shut-off valves to be controlled by the indoor unit's control device.

[0015] (9) The air conditioner of the present disclosure is The outdoor unit and An indoor unit, a liquid communication pipe and a gas communication pipe that are provided between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and form a refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; and the shutoff valve device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, which is provided in the liquid connection pipe and the gas connection pipe. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the casing of the shutoff valve device is open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a valve and a refrigerant pipe of the shutoff valve device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an installation state of the shutoff valve device. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an electrical component box to a casing. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an electrical component box to a casing. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an electrical component box to a casing. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an electrical component box to a casing. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The shutoff valve device and air conditioner of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0018] [Overall configuration of air conditioner] FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The air conditioner 100 cools and heats a space to be air-conditioned by operating a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 100 comprises an outdoor unit 110 as a heat source unit, indoor units 120 as utilization units, and a shutoff valve device 71 provided between the outdoor unit 110 and the indoor units 120. In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, multiple indoor units 120 are connected to one outdoor unit 110 by a liquid connection pipe 11 and a gas connection pipe 14. The liquid connection pipe 11 and the gas connection pipe 14 are branched into multiple pipes corresponding to the multiple indoor units 120.

[0019] The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment can simultaneously perform only cooling operation or only heating operation in multiple indoor units 120. When the air conditioner 100 performs cooling operation, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid connection pipe 11 from the outdoor unit 110 to the indoor unit 120, and low-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the gas connection pipe 14 from the indoor unit 120 to the outdoor unit 110. When the air conditioner 100 performs heating operation, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the gas connection pipe 14 from the outdoor unit 110 to the indoor unit 120, and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid connection pipe 11 from the indoor unit 120 to the outdoor unit 110.

[0020] The outdoor unit 110 is provided with a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a four-way switching valve, etc. that constitute a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit in the outdoor unit 110 is connected to the refrigerant circuit of the indoor unit 120 by a liquid connection pipe 11 and a gas connection pipe 14.

[0021] A refrigerant circuit having an indoor heat exchanger 52, and an indoor fan 53 are provided inside the indoor unit 120. A liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 52 is connected to one end of a liquid pipe 54. A gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger 52 is connected to one end of a gas pipe 55. The other ends of the liquid pipe 54 and the gas pipe 55 form a joint portion (connection port) T3 (see FIG. 5) for connecting other pipes. The refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat with an airflow generated by the indoor fan 53, and is discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 52. The indoor fan 53 generates an airflow that flows from the indoor space into the indoor unit 120, passes through the indoor heat exchanger 52, and then flows out into the indoor space.

[0022] The shutoff valve device 71 is provided in the liquid connecting pipe 11 and the gas connecting pipe 14, and constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 100. The shutoff valve device 71 is provided to prevent further refrigerant leakage by blocking the flow of refrigerant to the indoor unit 120 when an air conditioning leak occurs in the indoor unit 120. A refrigerant sensor (not shown) that detects refrigerant leakage is provided in the indoor unit 120 or inside the room, and when this refrigerant sensor detects refrigerant leakage, the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 of the shutoff valve device 71 are configured to close.

[0023] The shutoff valve device 71 has a first unit 72 and a second unit 73. The first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are configured as separate bodies.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the valve and the refrigerant pipe of the shutoff valve device. 1 and 4, the first unit 72 has a first shutoff valve EV5 and a first refrigerant pipe P11. The first refrigerant pipe P11 is connected to the liquid connection pipe 11. The first refrigerant pipe P11 is connected to the liquid connection pipe 11, thereby constituting a part of the liquid connection pipe 11.

[0025] The first shutoff valve EV5 is provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11. The first shutoff valve EV5 is configured as an electric valve or a solenoid valve, and its opening degree is adjustable. However, the first shutoff valve EV5 may also be an on-off valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. In this embodiment, the first shutoff valve EV5 is also used as an expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 52 during cooling operation, and therefore an electric valve with an adjustable opening degree is used.

[0026] The second unit 73 has a second shutoff valve EV6 and a second refrigerant pipe P12. The second refrigerant pipe P12 is connected to the gas connection pipe 14. The second refrigerant pipe P12 is connected to the gas connection pipe 14, thereby constituting a part of the gas connection pipe 14.

[0027] The second shutoff valve EV6 is provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12. The second shutoff valve EV6 is configured as an electric valve or a solenoid valve, and its opening degree is adjustable. However, the second shutoff valve EV6 may also be an on-off valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The second refrigerant pipe P12 has both ends extending in the left-right direction X, and the portion between the ends is bent in a substantially Z-shape. This allows the second refrigerant pipe P12 to be made compact while maintaining a sufficient length.

[0028] [Air conditioner operation] Hereinafter, a case where one or more indoor units 120 perform cooling and a case where one or more indoor units 120 perform heating in the air conditioner 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0029] (Cooling operation) In cooling operation, the opening of the first shutoff valve EV5 is adjusted, and the second shutoff valve EV6 is fully open. In cooling operation, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 110 into the liquid connection pipe 11, passes through the first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72 and the first shutoff valve EV5, and flows into the indoor unit 120. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit 120 is decompressed by the first shutoff valve EV5.

[0030] The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit 120 evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 52 and cools the room. The evaporated low-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the gas pipe 55 through the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6 of the second unit 73, flows into the gas connection pipe 14, and returns to the outdoor unit 110.

[0031] (About heating operation) In heating operation, the first shutoff valve EV5 and the second shutoff valve EV6 are fully open. In heating operation, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 110 into the gas connection pipe 14, flows through the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6 of the second unit 73, and flows into the gas pipe 55 of the indoor unit 120.

[0032] The refrigerant that has flowed into the gas pipe 55 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 52 of the indoor unit 120, where it condenses and heats the room. The condensed liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid pipe 54, the first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72, and the first shut-off valve EV5, flows into the liquid connecting pipe 11, and returns to the outdoor unit 110.

[0033] [Specific configuration of shut-off valve device] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the shutoff valve device, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the shutoff valve device with the casing open. The shutoff valve device 71 has a first unit 72, a second unit 73, and an electrical component box 80. The first unit 72 has a first shutoff valve EV5, a first refrigerant pipe P11, and a first casing 30 that houses these. The second unit 73 has a second shutoff valve EV6, a second refrigerant pipe P12, and a second casing 40 that houses these.

[0034] The first casing 30 has a casing body 31. The casing body 31 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box having an internal space. The first shutoff valve EV5 and the first refrigerant pipe P11 are housed in the casing body 31.

[0035] The casing body 31 has a bottom plate 32, an upper plate 33, and side plates 34 to 37. The bottom plate 32 and the upper plate 33 are formed in a quadrangle in a plan view. The side plates 34 to 37 connect four sides of the bottom plate 32 to four sides of the upper plate 33. The side plates 34 to 37 include a first side plate 34 and a second side plate 35 arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (first direction) X, a third side plate 36 arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction Y, and a fourth side plate 37 arranged on the rear side.

[0036] The second casing 40 has a casing body 41. The casing body 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box having an internal space. The second shutoff valve EV6 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 are housed in the casing body 41.

[0037] The casing body 41 has a bottom plate 42, an upper plate 43, and side plates 44 to 47. The bottom plate 42 and the upper plate 43 are formed in a quadrangle in a plan view. The side plates 44 to 47 connect four sides of the bottom plate 42 to four sides of the upper plate 43. The side plates 44 to 47 include a first side plate 44 and a second side plate 45 arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (first direction) X, a third side plate 46 arranged on the front side in the front-rear direction Y, and a fourth side plate 47 arranged on the rear side.

[0038] The first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72 extends in the left-right direction X, penetrates the first and second side plates 34, 35 of the casing main body 31, and protrudes to the outside. The second refrigerant pipe P12 of the second unit 73 has both ends extending in the left-right direction X, penetrates the first and second side plates 44, 45 of the casing main body 41, and protrudes to the outside.

[0039] The casing bodies 31, 41 of the first and second casings 30, 40 are made of synthetic resin and form the exteriors of the first and second casings 30, 40. Therefore, the first and second casings 30, 40 are lighter than conventional casings with sheet metal exteriors. Specifically, the casing bodies 31, 41 are formed from foamed resin such as expanded polystyrene.

[0040] The casing body 31 of the first casing 30 is composed of a lower member 31A and an upper member 31B, and is divided into upper and lower parts. The lower member 31A is composed of a bottom plate 32, portions (first portions) 34A and 35A of the first and second side plates 34 and 35, and third and fourth side plates 36 and 37. The upper member 31B is composed of a top plate 33 and other portions (second portions) 34B and 35B of the first and second side plates 34 and 35. The first and second side plates 34 and 35 are divided into first portions 34A and 35A and second portions 34B and 35B by the portion through which the first refrigerant pipe P11 passes. The third and fourth side plates 36 and 37 may be divided into the lower member 31A and the upper member 31B.

[0041] The casing body 41 of the second casing 40 is composed of a lower member 41A and an upper member 41B, and is divided into upper and lower parts. The lower member 41A is composed of a bottom plate 42, portions (first portions) 44A and 45A of the first and second side plates 44 and 45, and third and fourth side plates 46 and 47. The upper member 41B is composed of a top plate 43 and other portions (second portions) 44B and 45B of the first and second side plates 44 and 45. The first and second side plates 44 and 45 are divided into first portions 44A and 45A and second portions 44B and 45B by the portion through which the second refrigerant pipe P12 passes. The third and fourth side plates 46 and 47 may be divided into the lower member 41A and the upper member 41B.

[0042] The lower members 31A, 41A and the upper members 31B, 41B are held in a connected state by fitting their butted portions together. For example, the upper edges of the lower members 31A, 41A can be formed in a convex shape, and the lower edges of the upper members 31B, 41B can be formed in a concave shape, so that the upper edges of the lower members 31A, 41A and the lower edges of the upper members 31B, 41B can be connected by fitting the convex and concave portions together. However, the lower members 31A, 41A and the upper members 31B, 41B may also be held in a connected state by adhesive tape, glue, a binder, or the like.

[0043] In the first unit 72, an elastic member 29 is wrapped around the portion of the first refrigerant pipe P11 that penetrates the first and second side plates 34, 35. This elastic member 29 is made of a heat insulating material and functions to insulate the inside of the casing body 31 from the outside. The elastic member 29 is compressed by being sandwiched between the first portions 34A, 35A and the second portions 34B, 35B of the first and second side plates 34, 35. Therefore, the elastic member 29 functions to suppress deformation of the first portions 34A, 35A and the second portions 34B, 35B when the first refrigerant pipe P11 is sandwiched between the first portions 34A, 35A and the second portions 34B, 35B of the first and second side plates 34, 35, which are made of a foamed resin material.

[0044] In the second unit 73, an elastic member 29 is wrapped around the portion of the second refrigerant pipe P12 that penetrates the first and second side plates 44, 45. This elastic member 29 is made of a heat insulating material and functions to insulate the inside of the casing body 31 from the outside. The elastic member 29 is compressed by being sandwiched between the first portions 44A, 45A and the second portions 44B, 45B of the first and second side plates 44, 45. Therefore, the elastic member 29 functions to suppress deformation of the first portions 44A, 45A and the second portions 44B, 45B when the second refrigerant pipe P12 is sandwiched between the first portions 44A, 45A and the second portions 44B, 45B of the first and second side plates 44, 45, which are made of a foamed resin material.

[0045] The shutoff valve device 71 of this embodiment includes a first unit 72 and a second unit 73 separate from the first unit 72. The first unit 72 includes a first refrigerant pipe P11 connected to the liquid connection pipe 11, a first shutoff valve EV5 provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11, and a first casing 30 accommodating the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the first shutoff valve EV5. The second unit 73 includes a second refrigerant pipe P12 connected to the gas connection pipe 14, a second shutoff valve EV6 provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12, and a second casing 40 accommodating the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6. By dividing the shutoff valve device 71 into the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, the respective units 72 and 73 can be made smaller. This increases the flexibility in the installation of the shutoff valve device 71, allowing the shutoff valve device 71 to be installed in a smaller space than before.

[0046] In the shut-off valve device 71 of this embodiment, the casing main body 31, 41 is divided into lower members 31A, 41A and upper members 31B, 41B, so that by removing the upper members 31B, 41B from the lower members 31A, 41A, the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 and the first and second refrigerant pipes P11, P12 can be exposed, allowing maintenance and the like to be performed on these.

[0047] 8, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the first casing 30 of the first unit 72. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the third side plate 36 of the casing main body 31. The electrical component box 80 houses a control board (control device) for controlling the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6. This control board and the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 are connected by harnesses (electrical wiring).

[0048] The electrical component box 80 may be attached to the second casing 40 of the second unit 73. However, because the first unit 72 has a smaller diameter and length of the first refrigerant pipe P11 than the second refrigerant pipe P12 of the second unit 73 and is lighter, the overall weight does not increase significantly even if the electrical component box 80 is attached. Therefore, in order to balance the weight of the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, it is preferable to attach the electrical component box 80 to the first unit 72.

[0049] [Installation of refrigerant circuit unit] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing an installation state of the shutoff valve device. The shutoff valve device 71 is housed in a space S above the ceiling (above the ceiling 140) of the room. In the shutoff valve device 71, one ends T2 of the first and second refrigerant pipes P11, P12 are connected to one ends T4 of the liquid connection pipe 11 and the gas connection pipe 14, respectively, and the other ends T1 of the first and second refrigerant pipes P11, P12 are connected to one ends T3 (liquid side and gas side connection ports) of the liquid pipe 54 and the gas pipe 55 of the indoor unit 120. The ends T1 to T4 of each pipe form joints for connecting other pipes.

[0050] The liquid connection pipe 11, the gas connection pipe 14, and the indoor unit 120 are attached to hanging bolts 131 that are suspended from the building frame 141 or the like. The first and second casings 30, 40 (casing bodies 31, 41) of the shutoff valve device 71 are made of synthetic resin and are formed to be lighter than conventional ones, so that the shutoff valve device 71 can be supported by the other pipes 11, 14 and the indoor unit 120 that are attached to the hanging bolts 131 without being directly supported by the hanging bolts 131. This allows the number of supporting parts for the shutoff valve device 71 to be reduced, and also increases the degree of freedom in installation.

[0051] When the shutoff valve device 71 is directly connected to the liquid-side and gas-side connection ports T3 of the indoor unit 120, the distance between the shutoff valve device 71 and the indoor unit 120 is the shortest, so that when refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 120, the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 can be closed, thereby suitably suppressing the amount of refrigerant leaking. Because the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are separate and can be arranged separately, for example, even if the liquid-side connection port T3 and the gas-side connection port T3 of the indoor unit 120 are arranged far apart, they can be connected to the liquid-side connection port T3 and the gas-side connection port T3, respectively. However, the shutoff valve device 71 may also be connected to the connection port T3 of the indoor unit 120 via another pipe.

[0052] [Installation example of electrical equipment box] 6 to 9 are cross-sectional views showing examples of how the electrical component box is attached to the casing. 6, a hook 81 is provided on the top of the electrical component box 80, and this hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed in the upper end of the third side plate 36 of the casing body 31 of the first casing 30, so that the electrical component box 80 is hooked onto the third side plate 36. A protrusion 82 that protrudes toward the electrical component box 80 is formed on the lower part of the third side plate 36, and this protrusion 82 abuts against the lower side surface of the electrical component box 80, thereby maintaining the posture of the electrical component box 80. The hook 81 is made of metal, just like the electrical component box 80.

[0053] The grooves 86 and the protrusions 82 are also formed on the fourth side plate 37, and the electrical component box 80 can also be attached to this fourth side plate 37. As shown in Fig. 3, the grooves 86 and the protrusions 82 are also formed on the side plates 46, 47 of the casing body 41 of the second casing 40. Therefore, the electrical component box 80 can also be attached to this second casing 40.

[0054] 7, a hook 81 is provided on the top of the electrical component box 80, and this hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed at the upper end of the third side plate 36 of the casing main body 31, so that the electrical component box 80 is hooked onto the third side plate 36. A metal support plate 83 that protrudes toward the electrical component box 80 is provided at the bottom of the third side plate 36. The electrical component box 80 is placed on the support plate (support member) 83. The casing main body 31 is molded with the support plate 83 embedded.

[0055] 8, a hook 81 is provided on the top of the electrical component box 80, and this hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed in the upper end of the upper member 31B of the casing body 31, so that the electrical component box 80 is hooked onto the upper member 31B. A support plate 83 that protrudes toward the electrical component box 80 is provided on the lower part of the third side plate 36. The electrical component box 80 is placed on the support plate 83. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the support plate 83 may be omitted, and a protrusion 82 that maintains the orientation of the electrical component box 80 may be formed on the lower part of the third side plate 36, as in the example shown in FIG. 6.

[0056] In the example shown in Fig. 9, a metal back plate (support member) 84 is provided on the inner surface of the third side plate 36, and metal screws (support members) 85 inserted into this back plate 84 are screwed to the electrical component box 80. A support plate 83 protruding toward the electrical component box 80 is provided at the bottom of the third side plate 36. The electrical component box 80 is placed on the support plate 83. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the support plate 83 may be omitted.

[0057] 6, 7, and 9, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the lower member 31A of the casing body 31, so the upper member 31B can be removed while the electrical component box 80 remains attached to the lower member 31A, improving maintainability. Because the electrical component box 80 is attached to the lower member 31A of the casing body 31, the load of the electrical component box 80 is not applied to the portion of the lower member 31A through which the refrigerant pipe passes, so deformation of the lower member 31A can be suppressed.

[0058] 8, the weight of electrical component box 80 can be borne by both lower member 31A and upper member 31B. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of each. By having upper member 31B bear the weight of electrical component box 80, upper member 31B can be pressed in a direction to close relative to lower member 31A, thereby improving the seal between lower member 31A and upper member 31B.

[0059] 7 to 9, the first casing 30 includes a casing body 31 made of synthetic resin and metal support members (support plate 83, back plate 84, screws 85), but the main part of the first casing 30 is made of the lightweight casing body 31, so the casing as a whole can be made lighter than conventional casings. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the first casing 30 is made only of the casing body 31 and is entirely made of synthetic resin, so the first casing 30 can be made even lighter.

[0060] The shutoff valve device 71 does not have to be equipped with the electrical component box 80, and the control device of the indoor unit 120 may control the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6. In this case, harnesses extending from the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 are connected to the control device of the indoor unit 120. As described above, the first and second units 72, 73 of the shutoff valve device 71 can be made compact and, as shown in FIG. 5, can be easily installed near the indoor unit 120, so that the harnesses of the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 can also be easily connected to the control device of the indoor unit 120.

[0061] [Other embodiments] In the shutoff valve device 71 of the above embodiment, the control boards (control devices) for controlling the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 are housed in a single electrical component box 80, and this electrical component box 80 is attached to the first unit 72 or the second unit 73. However, the shutoff valve device 71 may also include a first electrical component box that houses a first control board (first control device) that controls the first shutoff valve EV5, and a second electrical component box that houses a second control board (second control device) that controls the second shutoff valve EV6, or the first electrical component box may be attached to the first unit 72, and the second electrical component box may be attached to the second unit 73. By attaching the first and second electrical component boxes to the first and second units 72, 73, respectively, in this way, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed separately.

[0062] In the above case, the first control board and the second control board are preferably connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. In this case, when a refrigerant leak is detected, the first control board and the second control board communicate with each other, so that the first shutoff valve EV5 and the second shutoff valve EV6 can be closed in coordination with each other (simultaneously or with a predetermined time lag).

[0063] [Effects of the embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, the shutoff valve device 71 includes a first unit 72 and a second unit 73 separate from the first unit 72. The first unit 72 includes a first refrigerant pipe P11 connected to the liquid connection pipe 11, a first shutoff valve EV5 provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11 and switching between flowing and blocking of refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe P11, and a first casing 30 accommodating the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the first shutoff valve EV5. The second unit 73 includes a second refrigerant pipe P12 connected to the gas connection pipe 14, a second shutoff valve EV6 provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12 and switching between flowing and blocking of refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe P12, and a second casing 40 accommodating the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6. Therefore, the first and second units 72 and 73 can be made smaller and can be installed in smaller locations than before, such as near the indoor unit 120. Therefore, the degree of freedom in installing the shutoff valve device 71 can be increased.

[0064] (2) In the above embodiment, the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 are connected to the liquid-side and gas-side connection ports T3 of the indoor unit 120, respectively. This allows the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 to be installed close to the indoor unit 120. Therefore, by reducing the amount of refrigerant present between the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 and the indoor unit 120 and closing the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 when refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 120, it is possible to suppress refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit 120.

[0065] (3) In the above embodiment, the electrical component box 80 housing the control device that controls the first shutoff valve EV5 and the second shutoff valve EV6 is provided, and the electrical component box 80 is attached to one of the first unit 72 and the second unit 73. By attaching the electrical component box 80 to one of the first and second units 72, 73 in this manner, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed separately.

[0066] (4) In the above embodiment, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the first unit 72. The first refrigerant pipe P11 through which the liquid refrigerant flows is thinner and lighter than the second refrigerant pipe P12 through which the gas refrigerant flows. Therefore, the first unit 72 including the first refrigerant pipe P11 is lighter than the second unit 73. By attaching the electrical component box 80 to the lighter first unit 72, it is possible to prevent the weight difference between the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 from becoming too large.

[0067] (5) In the other embodiment described above, a first electrical component box accommodating a first control device that controls first shutoff valve EV5 and a second electrical component box accommodating a second control device that controls second shutoff valve EV6 are provided, and the first electrical component box is attached to first unit 72, and the second electrical component box is attached to second unit 73. By attaching the first and second electrical component boxes to first and second units 72, 73, respectively, in this manner, first unit 72 and second unit 73 can be installed separately.

[0068] (6) In the above embodiment, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12, respectively. Because the shutoff valve device 71 is configured separately into the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, each unit can be made lighter. Furthermore, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 without having to be supported by being suspended from, for example, a ceiling. Therefore, the support structure of the shutoff valve device 71 can be simplified.

[0069] (7) In the above embodiment, the first casing 30 and the second casing 40 have the casing main bodies 31, 41 made of synthetic resin. Therefore, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be made even lighter.

[0070] (8) In the above embodiment, the electrical wiring drawn from the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 is connected to a control device provided in the indoor unit 120. Because the shutoff valve device 71 is configured separately as the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, it is easy to install each unit near the indoor unit 120, and it is also easy to connect the harnesses drawn from the first and second units 72, 73 to the control device of the indoor unit 120. Therefore, the first shutoff valve EV5 and the second shutoff valve EV6 can be controlled by the control device of the indoor unit 120.

[0071] [Other variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0072] The casing bodies 31, 41 constituting the first and second casings 30, 40 of the shutoff valve device 71 may be made of a material other than foamed resin, preferably a material that has heat insulating properties and is lighter than metal (for example, a material using glass wool). The first and second casings 30, 40 may also be made of sheet metal.

[0073] In addition to the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, the shutoff valve device 71 may include another separate unit having a shutoff valve and a refrigerant pipe. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 11: Liquid connecting pipe 14: Gas connection pipe 30: First casing 31: Casing body 40: Second casing 41: Casing body 71:Shut-off valve device 72: 1st Unit 73: Second Unit 80: Electrical equipment box 100: Air conditioner 110:Outdoor unit 120: Indoor unit EV5: First shutoff valve EV6: Second shutoff valve P11: 1st refrigerant pipe P12:Second refrigerant pipe

Claims

1. A shutoff valve device provided in a liquid communication pipe (11) and a gas communication pipe (14) connecting an outdoor unit (110) and an indoor unit (120) of an air conditioner (100), The apparatus includes a first unit (72) and a second unit (73) separate from the first unit (72), the first unit (72) comprises: a first refrigerant pipe (P11) connected to the liquid connection pipe (11); a first shutoff valve (EV5) provided in the first refrigerant pipe (P11) for switching between flow and cutoff of refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe (P11); and a first casing (30) accommodating the first refrigerant pipe (P11) and the first shutoff valve (EV5), the second unit (73) comprises a second refrigerant pipe (P12) connected to the gas communication pipe (14), a second shutoff valve (EV6) provided in the second refrigerant pipe (P12) and switching between flow and cutoff of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe (P12), and a second casing (40) accommodating the second refrigerant pipe (P12) and the second shutoff valve (EV6), an electrical equipment box (80) accommodating a control device that controls the first shut-off valve (EV5) and the second shut-off valve (EV6); The shut-off valve device, wherein the electrical equipment box (80) is attached to only one of the first unit (72) and the second unit (73).

2. The shutoff valve device according to claim 1 , wherein the first refrigerant pipe (P11) and the second refrigerant pipe (P12) are connected to liquid-side and gas-side connection ports (T3) of the indoor unit (120), respectively.

3. The shutoff valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical equipment box (80) is attached to the first unit (72).

4. The shutoff valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first unit (72) and the second unit (73) are supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe (P11) and the second refrigerant pipe (P12), respectively.

5. The shutoff valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first casing (30) and the second casing (40) have casing bodies (31, 41) made of synthetic resin.

6. An outdoor unit (110); An indoor unit (120); a liquid communication pipe (11) and a gas communication pipe (14) that are provided between the outdoor unit (110) and the indoor unit (120) and form a refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit (110) and the indoor unit (120); An air conditioner comprising: a shutoff valve device (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is provided in the liquid communication pipe (11) and the gas communication pipe (14).

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