Leakage detection agent injection device, refrigeration device provided with leakage detection agent injection device, leakage detection agent sealing method, and air conditioning device

Abstract

This leakage detection agent injection device is used by being connected to a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant circulates, and injects a leakage detection agent into the refrigerant circuit. The leakage detection agent injection device comprises: a container in which the leakage detection agent is stored; a connection pipe that connects the container to the refrigerant circuit; and a valve device that is provided at a connection portion between the container and the connection pipe. The valve device comprises: a container connection part to which the container is connected; a pipe connection part to which the connection pipe is connected; and a filling connection part to which a tank storing the leakage detection agent is connected. The valve device is provided with: a body part in which a first flow path that communicates the container connection part with the filling connection part, and a second flow path that branches from the middle of the first flow path and communicates with the pipe connection part are formed; and a valve body that is movably provided in the body part and is capable of switching between a closed position in which the flow of the leakage detection agent in the second flow path is blocked, and an open position in which the flow of the leakage detection agent in the second flow path is allowed.

Description

Leak detection agent dispenser, refrigeration system equipped with leak detection agent dispenser, leak detection agent sealing method, and air conditioning system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a leak detection agent injection device that injects a leak detection agent into a refrigerant circuit to detect refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit, a refrigeration system equipped with the leak detection agent injection device, a leak detection agent injecting method, and an air conditioning system.

[0002] An example of this type of refrigeration system is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The refrigeration system in Patent Document 1 includes a leak detection agent dosing device that stores a leak detection agent, and the leak detection agent dosing device is connected to a refrigerant pipe of a refrigerant circuit. The leak detection agent dosing device has a container that stores the leak detection agent, a connection pipe that is connected at one end to the container and at the other end to the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant circuit, and a control valve provided on the connection pipe. By opening the control valve, the leak detection agent dosing device seals the leak detection agent in the container into the refrigerant circuit via the connection pipe.

[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 225263

[0004] The refrigeration device described in Patent Document 1 relates to a technology for sealing a leak detection agent from a container into a refrigerant circuit in a leak detection agent injection device, but does not disclose the structure for filling the container with the leak detection agent in the leak detection agent injection device.

[0005] Furthermore, the leak detection agent dispenser is not limited to being used in a manner in which the leak detection agent is dispensed from a container into the refrigerant circuit, but is also required to be used in a manner in which the leak detection agent is dispensed directly into the refrigerant circuit without going through a container.

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and relates to a leak detection agent injection device that is capable of filling a container with a leak detection agent and injecting the leak detection agent directly into a refrigerant circuit without going through a container, a refrigeration system equipped with a leak detection agent injection device, a leak detection agent sealing method, and an air conditioning system.

[0007] The leak detection agent dosing device of the present disclosure is a leak detection agent dosing device that is connected to a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates and that doses a leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit, and includes: a container in which the leak detection agent is stored; a connecting pipe that connects the container to the refrigerant circuit; and a valve device provided at the connection between the container and the connecting pipe. The valve device has a container connection portion to which the container is connected, a pipe connection portion to which the connecting pipe is connected, and a filling connection portion to which a tank that stores the leak detection agent is connected. The valve device includes: a main body portion in which a first flow path that connects the container connection portion and the filling connection portion is formed; and a second flow path that branches off from the first flow path midway and communicates with the pipe connection portion; and a valve body that is movably provided on the main body portion and can be switched between a closed position that blocks the flow of leak detection agent in the second flow path and an open position that allows the flow of leak detection agent in the second flow path.

[0008] A refrigeration system equipped with the leak detection agent dosing device of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned leak detection agent dosing device, a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, and a refrigerant circuit in which an evaporator is connected by refrigerant piping.

[0009] The leak detection agent sealing method of the present disclosure is a method for sealing a leak detection agent in the above-mentioned refrigeration device, in which the valve body of the valve device is positioned in the open position to open the second flow path, thereby sealing the leak detection agent from the leak detection agent injection device into the refrigerant circuit via the second flow path.

[0010] An air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes the refrigeration device described above, and at least one of the condenser and the evaporator is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air.

[0011] The leak detection agent dosing device according to the present disclosure includes a valve device at a connection between a container that stores a leak detection agent and a connecting pipe that connects the container to a refrigerant circuit. The valve device includes a main body having a container connection portion to which the container is connected, a pipe connection portion to which the connecting pipe is connected, and a filling connection portion to which a tank that stores the leak detection agent is connected. The main body is formed with a first flow path that connects the container connection portion to the filling connection portion, and a second flow path that branches off from the first flow path and communicates with the pipe connection portion. The main body is provided with a movably mounted valve element that can be switched between a closed position that blocks the flow of leak detection agent through the second flow path and an open position that allows the flow of leak detection agent through the second flow path. When filling the container with leak detection agent from the tank, the valve element is positioned in the closed position, allowing the leak detection agent to be filled from the tank into the container via the first flow path. Furthermore, when the leak detection agent is to be introduced from the tank directly into the refrigerant circuit without going through a container, the valve body is positioned in the open position, allowing the leak detection agent to be introduced from the tank into the refrigerant circuit via the first and second flow paths. In other words, the leak detection agent introduction device is capable of filling a container with the leak detection agent and of introducing the leak detection agent directly into the refrigerant circuit without going through a container.

[0012] 1. A refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. A refrigerant circuit diagram when the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 is a remote condensing unit. An external view of a leak detection agent dispenser for an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. An explanatory diagram of a valve device of the leak detection agent dispenser for an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a leak detection agent dispenser 20 according to Embodiment 1. An explanatory diagram of the operation of filling a leak detection agent into a container of the leak detection agent dispenser according to Embodiment 1. A diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a leak detection agent dispenser that performs the operation of FIG. 6. An explanatory diagram of the operation of dispensing a leak detection agent from the leak detection agent dispenser according to Embodiment 1 into a refrigerant pipe. A diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a leak detection agent dispenser that performs the operation of FIG. 8. An explanatory diagram of a usage form of the leak detection agent dispenser according to Embodiment 1 as an auxiliary jig. A diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a leak detection agent dispenser for the usage form of FIG. 10. A diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a leak detection agent dispenser according to Embodiment 2 when connected to a refrigerant pipe. A diagram showing an equivalent circuit of a leak detection agent dispenser according to Embodiment 3 when connected to a refrigerant pipe. A schematic diagram of a leak detection agent dispenser according to Embodiment 4. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit in a state in which the leak detection agent dispenser of FIG. 14 is connected to a refrigerant pipe. FIG. 16 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to embodiment 5. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection agent dispenser according to embodiment 5. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the operation of dispensing a leak detection agent from the leak detection agent dispenser of FIG. 17 to a refrigerant circuit. FIG. 19 is a front view showing a modified leak detection agent dispenser according to each embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a modified leak detection agent dispenser according to each embodiment. FIG. 21 is a front view showing a modified container of a modified leak detection agent dispenser according to each embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, a leak detection agent dosing device and a refrigeration device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an air conditioning device that cools a room will be used as the refrigeration device. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent parts, and these are common throughout the embodiments described below. The forms of the components shown throughout the specification are merely examples and are not limited to the forms described in the specification.

[0014] Embodiment 1. [Configuration of Air Conditioning Apparatus 100] Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioning apparatus 100 includes an outdoor unit 200 and an indoor unit 300, which are connected by a liquid extension pipe 11 and a gas extension pipe 12. The outdoor unit 200 includes a compressor 1, an oil separator 2, a condenser 3, a liquid receiver 4, a subcooling heat exchanger 5, a dryer 6, and an accumulator 9. The indoor unit 300 includes a pressure reducing device 7 and an evaporator 8, which are configured using an expansion valve or a capillary tube. The compressor 1, the oil separator 2, the condenser 3, the liquid receiver 4, the subcooling heat exchanger 5, the dryer 6, the pressure reducing device 7, the evaporator 8, and the accumulator 9 are connected in this order by refrigerant pipes 10, which include a liquid extension pipe 11 and a gas extension pipe 12, to form a refrigerant circuit A through which the refrigerant circulates.

[0015] The compressor 1 draws in refrigerant and compresses it to a high-temperature, high-pressure state. The oil separator 2 separates oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1. The condenser 3 is a heat exchanger that cools and condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1. The receiver 4 is a container that stores excess refrigerant that has liquefied in the refrigerant circuit A. The subcooling heat exchanger 5 has a high-pressure side flow path through which high-pressure refrigerant flows and a low-pressure side flow path through which low-pressure refrigerant flows, and performs heat exchange between the high-pressure refrigerant and the low-pressure refrigerant. The dryer 6 removes foreign matter from the refrigerant. Foreign matter includes impurities and moisture. The accumulator 9 stores excess refrigerant. The evaporator 8 is a heat exchanger that heats and evaporates the refrigerant that flows out of the pressure reducing device 7.

[0016] The refrigerant circuit A further includes an injection pipe 5b that branches off between the subcooling heat exchanger 5 and the dryer 6 and is connected to the suction side of the compressor 1 via a pressure reducing device 5a, for example, constituted by an expansion valve, and the low-pressure side flow path of the subcooling heat exchanger 5.

[0017] The refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit A may be, for example, a single refrigerant such as R22 or R134a, a pseudo-azeotropic refrigerant mixture such as R410A or R404A, or a non-azeotropic refrigerant mixture such as R407C. The refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit A may be a refrigerant or a mixture thereof that contains a double bond in its chemical formula and has a relatively small global warming potential. An example of a refrigerant that contains a double bond in its chemical formula is CF ３ and CF=CH ２ The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit A is CO ２ Alternatively, a natural refrigerant such as propane may be used.

[0018] A plurality of ports are provided in the refrigerant pipe 10 of the refrigerant circuit A. The plurality of ports include a suction port 13, a discharge port 14, and a connection port 15.

[0019] The suction port 13 and the discharge port 14 are ports to which a vacuum pump is connected when drawing a vacuum during installation of the air conditioning apparatus 100, and to which a refrigerant pump is connected when sealing refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit A. The suction port 13 and the discharge port 14 are also generally called service ports.

[0020] The connection port 15 is a port to which the leak detection agent dosing device 20 is detachably connected. The configuration of the leak detection agent dosing device 20 will be described later. In the illustrated example, the connection port 15 is provided between the receiver 4 and the subcooling heat exchanger 5, but the connection port 15 may be provided between the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8. Note that the leak detection agent dosing device 20 is not limited to a detachable configuration at the connection port 15 to the refrigerant circuit A, and may be fixed to the refrigerant circuit A by brazing or the like. In the following description, the leak detection agent dosing device 20 is assumed to be detachably connected to the refrigerant circuit A.

[0021] Next, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit A will be described. High-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from compressor 1 flows into condenser 3 after oil contained in the refrigerant is separated in oil separator 2. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that flows into condenser 3 exchanges heat with outdoor air in condenser 3 and condenses, becoming high-pressure liquid refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant, which is stored in receiver 4. The refrigerant that flows out of receiver 4 flows into the high-pressure side flow path of subcooling heat exchanger 5 and exchanges heat with refrigerant passing through the low-pressure side flow path of subcooling heat exchanger 5, becoming subcooled high-pressure liquid refrigerant.

[0022] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows out from the subcooling heat exchanger 5 flows into the dryer 6, where foreign matter is removed. Foreign matter includes impurities and moisture. The liquid refrigerant that flows out from the dryer 6 is decompressed by the pressure reducing device 7 of the indoor unit 300 to become a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant, and flows into the evaporator 8. The refrigerant that flows into the evaporator 8 exchanges heat with the indoor air and evaporates. At this time, the indoor air is cooled by the refrigerant, cooling the room. The refrigerant that has evaporated in the evaporator 8 becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant and returns to the compressor 1 via the accumulator 9.

[0023] A portion of the refrigerant flowing out from the high-pressure side of the subcooling heat exchanger 5 flows into the injection pipe 5b. The refrigerant flowing into the injection pipe 5b is decompressed by the pressure reducing device 5a and flows into the low-pressure side flow path of the subcooling heat exchanger 5. After exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing in the high-pressure side flow path of the subcooling heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant is injected into the compressor 1.

[0024] The configuration of the refrigerant circuit A is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 1. For example, the refrigerant circuit A may have a four-way valve or the like that switches the refrigerant flow path, allowing switching between cooling operation and heating operation. The refrigerant circuit A may also be configured exclusively for heating. When the refrigerant circuit A is configured exclusively for heating, the heat exchanger installed in the outdoor unit 200 functions as an evaporator, and the heat exchanger installed in the indoor unit 300 functions as a condenser. In other words, the refrigerant circuit A may be configured to include at least the compressor 1, the condenser 3, the pressure reducing device 7, and the evaporator 8.

[0025] The air conditioning apparatus 100 is not limited to the air-cooled air conditioning apparatus described above, but may also be a water-cooled air conditioning apparatus. Therefore, the air conditioning apparatus 100 may be configured such that at least one of the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the air conditioning device 100 is configured such that one indoor unit 300 is connected to one outdoor unit 200, but this is not limited to this, and the air conditioning device 100 may be configured such that any number of indoor units 300 are connected to one outdoor unit 200.

[0027] The air conditioning device 100 can also be a remote condensing unit as shown in the following FIG.

[0028] Figure 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram when the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1 is a remote condensing unit. The remote condensing unit has a configuration in which, of the components provided in the outdoor unit 200 in Figure 1, all components except the condenser 3 are installed in a compression unit 201 located indoors, and the condenser 3 is installed in the outdoor unit 200A. When the remote condensing unit is installed on site, the outdoor unit 200A and a locally procured indoor unit 300 may be joined with refrigerant piping 10 to form a refrigerant circuit A.

[0029] For example, the air conditioning device 100 can also be an air conditioning device that has each device that makes up the refrigerant circuit A and other auxiliary devices within a single unit, such as a cooling unit, and that is connected by refrigerant piping 10.

[0030] A leak detection agent dispenser 20 is detachably connected to the air conditioner 100 configured as described above, and the leak detection agent is injected into the refrigerant circuit A from the leak detection agent dispenser 20. The air conditioner 100 drives the compressor 1, which serves as the drive source for refrigerant circulation, to circulate the leak detection agent together with the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit A, and can detect a refrigerant leak by identifying the location from which the leak detection agent has leaked. Note that the leak detection agent dispenser 20 is removed from the refrigerant circuit A after the injection of the leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit A has been completed.

[0031] The number of leak detection agent dosing devices 20 installed may be one, as shown in FIG. 1 , or multiple devices. If only one leak detection agent dosing device 20 is installed, it is desirable to install it in the outdoor unit 200. This is because the outdoor unit 200 has a higher probability of refrigerant leakage due to vibration of the compressor 1 or vibration due to external forces than the indoor unit 300. Furthermore, installing the leak detection agent dosing device 20 outdoors is desirable from a safety perspective for the following reasons, even if refrigerant leaks from the connection between the leak detection agent dosing device 20 and the refrigerant circuit A. If the leak detection agent dosing device 20 is installed outdoors, it is possible to prevent a flammable area from being formed indoors, even if the refrigerant is flammable.

[0032] Leak detection agents that can be used include, for example, fluorescent agents, coloring agents, agents that give off odors, and agents that produce bubbles in the air. Fluorescent agents that can be used include, for example, Super Tracer OL-200II or Super Glow. Agents that give off odors include, for example, tertiary butyl mercaptan. Agents that produce bubbles in the air include, for example, Super Bubble TR-1C or Big Blue. Leak detection agents may be in either liquid or powder form.

[0033] Next, the leak detection agent feeding device 20 will be described.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an external view of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 is shown in an orientation during use, i.e., when the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 is connected to the connection port 15. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the valve device 50 of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 of the air conditioning apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 5 and the diagrams showing the equivalent circuits described below, the outline marking of the valve body 57 indicates an open state, and the dotted marking indicates a closed state. Furthermore, terms such as up, down, right, and left used in the following description refer to directions when the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 is viewed in the orientation during use shown in FIG. 3. These directional terms are for explanatory purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0035] The leak detection agent dosing device 20 comprises a container 30 in which the leak detection agent is stored, a connection part 40 for connecting the container 30 to the connection port 15, and a valve device 50 provided at the connection part between the container 30 and the connection part 40.

[0036] The container 30 has a cylindrical portion 31. The cylindrical portion 31 is made of copper piping with one open end. The cylindrical portion 31 is not limited to being made of copper, and may be made of resin or other materials. The cylindrical portion 31 is L-shaped and has a first portion 31a that extends vertically when in use, and a second portion 31b that extends horizontally from the bottom end of the first portion 31a. The second portion 31b of the cylindrical portion 31 is open at the end opposite the first portion 31a, and this end is connected to a container connection portion 52 of the valve device 50, which will be described later.

[0037] The first portion 31a of the cylindrical portion 31 is located above the container connecting portion 52. Since the first portion 31a is located above the container connecting portion 52 and the lower end of the first portion 31a is located above the container connecting portion 52, the leak detection agent filled in the container 30 can flow out of the container 30 by its own weight and head toward the container connecting portion 52. Note that the shape of the container 30 is one example and is not limited to an L-shape.

[0038] The connection part 40 is a part that connects the leak detection agent dosing device 20 to the connection port 15 of the refrigerant circuit A. The connection part 40 has a linear connection pipe 41 that extends in the vertical direction and a nut 42 provided at the lower end 40a of the connection pipe 41. The upper end 40b of the connection pipe 41 is connected to a pipe connection part 53 (described below) of the valve device 50. The connection pipe 41 has a protrusion 40aa inside the lower end 40a that presses a pin (not shown) provided inside the connection port 15. The connection part 40 is configured so that the protrusion 40aa provided at the lower end 40a of the connection pipe 41 presses the pin provided inside the connection port 15, thereby opening the connection port 15 and connecting it to the refrigerant circuit A.

[0039] The valve device 50 includes a main body 51 and a valve element 57. The main body 51 has a container connection 52 to which the container 30 is connected, a pipe connection 53 to which the connection pipe 41 is connected, and a filling connection 54 to which a tank 60 filled with a leak detection agent (see FIG. 6 , described later) is connected. A first flow path 55 and a second flow path 56 extending intersecting the first flow path 55 are formed inside the main body 51. The first flow path 55 is formed as a hole penetrating the main body 51 in the left-right direction, extending from the container connection 52 to the filling connection 54 and connecting the container connection 52 and the filling connection 54. The second flow path 56 is a flow path branched from the first flow path 55 and extending from the first flow path 55 toward the pipe connection 53 and connecting the first flow path 55 and the pipe connection 53.

[0040] The container connection part 52 is connected to the cylindrical part 31 of the container 30, and the interior of the cylindrical part 31 communicates with the first flow path 55. The upper end part 40b of the connection pipe 41 is connected to the pipe connection part 53, and the interior of the connection pipe 41 communicates with the second flow path 56. The filling connection part 54 has a filling port 54a and an operating valve 54b. A tank 60 filled with a leak detection agent is detachably attached to the filling port 54a. Note that the tank 60 does not have to be detachably attached to the filling port 54a, and may be attached to the filling port 54a by brazing or the like. The operating valve 54b switches between communication and non-communication between the tank 60 connected to the filling port 54a and the first flow path 55. The operating valve 54b is configured as a manual valve or a check joint.

[0041] The valve element 57 is provided to be movable up and down on the main body 51. Although not shown in detail, an outer peripheral surface 57 a of the valve element 57 and an inner peripheral surface (not shown) of the main body 51 facing the outer peripheral surface 57 a have a threaded structure that screws together, and the valve element 57 is movable up and down by rotating the valve element 57.

[0042] A communication hole 57b penetrating in the left-right direction is provided in the valve element 57. The valve element 57 moves up and down to switch its position between an open position that allows the leakage detection agent to flow through the second flow path 56 and a closed position that blocks the leakage detection agent from flowing through the second flow path 56. Figure 4 shows the state in which the valve element 57 is in the open position.

[0043] When the valve body 57 is in the open position, it allows the leakage detection agent to flow through the second flow path 56 and also allows the leakage detection agent to flow through the first flow path 55. In other words, when the valve body 57 is in the open position, it opens the second flow path 56 and the first flow path 55.

[0044] When the valve body 57 is in the closed position (see FIG. 6 described later), the communication hole 57b forms part of the first flow path 55, thereby communicating the container connection part 52 with the filling connection part 54 and allowing the leakage detection agent to flow through the first flow path 55. In other words, when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, it blocks the flow of the leakage detection agent through the second flow path 56 while allowing the flow of the leakage detection agent through the first flow path 55. In other words, when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, it closes the second flow path 56 while opening the first flow path 55.

[0045] The configuration of the valve element 57 in the valve device 50 is not limited to the above. The valve element 57 may be switched between a closed position that blocks the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path 56 and an open position that allows the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path 56. Therefore, the valve element 57 may be configured to be movable in a direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the flow direction (up-down direction) of the second flow path 56 so as to be able to open and close the second flow path 56.

[0046] The valve device 50 may be a manual valve or a solenoid valve. When the valve device 50 is configured as a solenoid valve, the valve device 50 is closed when a refrigerant leak is detected, for example, when the refrigerant pressure or refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant circuit A is determined to be an abnormal value, and as described below, the valve device 50 does not allow the leak detection agent to be introduced into the refrigerant piping 10 via the second flow path 56. Furthermore, when the refrigerant pressure or refrigerant temperature of the refrigerant circuit A is determined to be a normal value, for example, the valve device 50 is opened, and as described below, the valve device 50 allows the leak detection agent to be introduced into the refrigerant piping 10 via the second flow path 56.

[0047] The control of opening and closing the valve device 50, i.e., the control of feeding the leak detection agent into the refrigerant pipe 10, is not particularly limited, and a conventionally known control such as that disclosed in JP 2019-523330 A can be adopted. Specifically, for example, the leak detection agent feeding device 20 may be controlled to feed the leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit A continuously for several minutes, or may be controlled to feed the leak detection agent into the refrigerant circuit A intermittently at preset time intervals.

[0048] [Connection of leak detection agent dosing device 20 to connection port 15] The leak detection agent dosing device 20 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10 in the position shown in Fig. 3. The leak detection agent dosing device 20 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10 so that the container 30 is located above the connection port 15, which is the connection portion between the connection piping 41 of the leak detection agent dosing device 20 and the refrigerant piping 10. Since the container 30 is located above the container connection part 52, the leak detection agent dosing device 20 can cause the leak detection agent filled in the container 30 to flow out of the container 30 by its own weight and toward the container connection part 52.

[0049] When connecting the leak detection agent dosing device 20 to the connection port 15, the lower end 40a of the connection pipe 41 is pushed into the connection port 15 as shown by the arrow in Figure 3. This causes the protrusion 40aa of the connection pipe 41 to press against the pin inside the connection port 15, and the inside of the connection pipe 41 communicates with the inside of the refrigerant pipe 10. Then, the nut 42 is tightened. This causes the thread groove on the inner peripheral surface of the nut 42 to thread into the thread groove on the outer peripheral surface of the connection port 15, connecting the lower end 40a of the connection pipe 41 to the connection port 15 and completing the connection of the leak detection agent dosing device 20 to the connection port 15.

[0050] [Filling of the leak detection agent 70 into the leak detection agent dispensing device 20] Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of filling the container 30 with the leak detection agent 70 by the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 that performs the operation shown in Fig. 6.

[0051] When filling the container 30 with the leak detection agent 70, the leak detection agent dosing device 20 has the valve body 57 positioned in the closed position to close the second flow path 56 and open the first flow path 55, as shown in FIG. 6 . The tank 60 filled with the leak detection agent 70 is then connected to the fill port 54a of the filling connection part 54, and the operation valve 54b of the filling connection part 54 is opened. This allows the leak detection agent 70 to be filled from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first flow path 55. At this time, because the second flow path 56 is blocked by the valve body 57, the leak detection agent 70 in the tank 60 does not flow into the connecting pipe 41, and the leak detection agent 70 is filled into the container 30. Note that by using a tank 60 in which the leak detection agent 70 is filled under pressure, the leak detection agent 70 can be dispensed into the container 30 by the internal pressure of the tank 60. Alternatively, the tank 60 may be configured so that the leak detection agent 70 flows out of the tank 60 by its own weight.

[0052] As described above, the leak detection agent dispenser 20 can fill the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first flow path 55 .

[0053] [Feeding of the leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent feeding device 20 to the refrigerant piping 10: dead weight] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the feeding operation of the leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent feeding device 20 according to embodiment 1 to the refrigerant piping 10. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent feeding device 20 that performs the operation shown in Fig. 8.

[0054] When the leak detection agent 70 is introduced from the leak detection agent introducing device 20 into the refrigerant circuit A, the valve element 57 of the valve device 50 is positioned in the open position to open the second flow path 56. As a result, the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is introduced into the refrigerant pipe 10 by its own weight through the first flow path 55, the second flow path 56, and the connecting pipe 41. There is a difference in specific gravity between the leak detection agent 70 and the refrigerant, and the leak detection agent 70 has a higher specific gravity than the refrigerant. Furthermore, because the first portion 31a of the container 30 is located above the container connecting portion 52, the leak detection agent 70 flows into the refrigerant pipe 10 by its own weight. Note that the operating valve 54b is closed, and as shown in FIG. 8 , the leak detection agent 70 that has flowed into the first flow path 55 from the container 30 does not leak to the outside via the filling port 54a.

[0055] Refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipe 10, and oil is mixed into the refrigerant to maintain the lubrication of the sliding parts inside the compressor 1. Therefore, the leak detection agent 70 introduced into the refrigerant pipe 10 is mixed into the refrigerant mixed with oil, and circulates within the refrigerant circuit A together with the refrigerant.

[0056] The leak detection agent feeding device 20 can be used not only to feed the leak detection agent 70 from the container 30 into the refrigerant circuit A, but also to feed the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant circuit A without passing through the container 30. In other words, the leak detection agent feeding device 20 also functions as an auxiliary tool for feeding the leak detection agent 70 directly from the tank 60 into the refrigerant circuit A. The operation of the leak detection agent feeding device 20 when it functions as an auxiliary tool will be described below.

[0057] [Use of the Leak Detection Agent Dispensing Device 20 as an Auxiliary Jig] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a use of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 according to the first embodiment as an auxiliary jig. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 in the use mode shown in FIG. 10 . When the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 is used as an auxiliary jig, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is positioned in the open position to open the second flow path 56. Then, a tank 60 filled with a leak detection agent 70 is connected to the fill port 54a of the fill connection portion 54, and the leak detection agent 70 is dispensed from the tank 60 through the first flow path 55, the second flow path 56, and the connecting pipe 41 into the refrigerant pipe 10. Note that by using a tank 60 in which the leak detection agent 70 is filled under pressure, the internal pressure of the tank 60 can dispense the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant pipe 10. Alternatively, the tank 60 may be one in which the leak detection agent 70 flows out of the tank 60 under its own weight.

[0058] As described above, the leak detection agent dispenser 20 also functions as an auxiliary tool for directly dispensing the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60 into the refrigerant pipe 10 .

[0059] In the air conditioning apparatus 100, after the leak detection agent 70 has been introduced into the refrigerant piping 10 from the container 30 or tank 60 of the leak detection agent introduction device 20, additional leak detection agent may be introduced into the refrigerant piping 10. In the leak detection agent introduction device 20, the valve body 57 is positioned in the open position when the leak detection agent 70 is filled into the refrigerant circuit A from the container 30 or tank 60. Therefore, the valve body 57 remains in the open position when additional leak detection agent 70 is introduced. Therefore, when additional leak detection agent 70 is introduced into the air conditioning apparatus 100, no valve operation is required, making the additional introduction work easier.

[0060] [Operation to Identify Refrigerant Leak Location] When the leak detection agent 70 is injected into the refrigerant piping 10 from the leak detection agent injection device 20 in the manner described above, the leak detection agent 70 spreads throughout the refrigerant circuit A due to the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant piping 10. The leak detection agent 70 spreads throughout the refrigerant circuit A in, for example, approximately 10 to 60 seconds, and leaks out from the refrigerant leak location. Note that the time required for the leak detection agent 70 to spread throughout the refrigerant circuit A differs depending on the horsepower of the air conditioning apparatus 100 and the length of the piping.

[0061] The leak detection agent 70 is a fluorescent agent that emits light when exposed to ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet lamp. Therefore, an inspector can easily identify the location of a suspected refrigerant leak by shining ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp onto the suspected location.

[0062] In addition, the leak detection agent injection device 20 can isolate the container 30 from the refrigerant circuit A by positioning the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 in the closed position, so that leak detection agent 70 can be added to the container 30 while the device is operating during maintenance and inspection.

[0063] Then, as described above, the inspector identifies the location of the refrigerant leak using an ultraviolet lamp. After identifying the location of the refrigerant leak, the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 100 is stopped and the leak location is repaired.

[0064] If a coloring agent is used for the leak detection agent 70, the colored area can be identified as the location of the refrigerant leak. If an odor-emitting leak detection agent 70 is used, the location of the odor can be identified as the location of the refrigerant leak. If a leak detection agent 70 that generates bubbles in the air is used, the location of the bubbles can be identified as the location of the refrigerant leak.

[0065] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 and the air conditioning apparatus 100] As described above, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 of the first embodiment is a leak detection agent dispensing device that is connected to a refrigerant circuit A through which a refrigerant circulates and that seals a leak detection agent 70 inside the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent dispensing device 20 includes a container 30 in which the leak detection agent 70 is stored, a connection pipe 41 that connects the container 30 to the refrigerant circuit A, and a valve device 50 provided at the connection between the container 30 and the connection pipe 41. The valve device 50 has a container connection part 52 to which the container 30 is connected, a pipe connection part 53 to which the connection pipe 41 is connected, and a filling connection part 54 to which a tank 60 that stores the leak detection agent 70 is connected. It comprises a main body 51 having a first flow path 55 connecting the container connection portion 52 and the filling connection portion 54, and a second flow path 56 branching off midway from the first flow path 55 and connecting to the piping connection portion 53, and a valve body 57 that is freely movable on the main body 51 and can be switched between a closed position that blocks the flow of leak detection agent 70 in the second flow path 56 and an open position that allows the flow of leak detection agent 70 in the second flow path 56.

[0066] With the above configuration, when filling the container 30 with the leak detection agent 70 from the tank 60, the leak detection agent dosing device 20 has the valve body 57 positioned in the closed position, thereby allowing the leak detection agent 70 to be filled from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first flow path 55. Furthermore, when dosing the leak detection agent 70 directly from the tank 60 into the refrigerant circuit A without passing through the container 30, the leak detection agent dosing device 20 has the valve body 57 positioned in the open position, thereby allowing the leak detection agent 70 to be dispensed from the tank 60 into the refrigerant circuit A via the first flow path 55 and the second flow path 56. In this way, the leak detection agent dosing device 20 is capable of filling the container 30 with the leak detection agent 70 and of directly dispensing the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant circuit A without passing through the container 30.

[0067] The container 30 has a first portion 31 a that extends vertically when in use, and the first portion 31 a is located above the container connecting portion 52 .

[0068] With the above-described configuration, the leak detection agent dispenser 20 can dispense the leak detection agent 70 filled inside the container 30 into the refrigerant circuit A by allowing the leak detection agent 70 to flow out of the container 30 under its own weight.

[0069] The valve body 57 has a communication hole 57b that passes through the valve body 57, and when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, the communication hole 57b forms part of the first flow path 55, connecting the container connection portion 52 and the filling connection portion 54.

[0070] With the above configuration, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20 blocks the second flow path 56 when the valve body 57 is in the closed position, while allowing flow through the first flow path 55 via the communication hole 57b, so that the leak detection agent 70 can be filled from the tank 60 into the container 30 via the first flow path 55.

[0071] In the air conditioning apparatus 100 , a leak detection agent feeding device 20 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 10 between the condenser 3 and the evaporator 8 .

[0072] With the above configuration, the air conditioning apparatus 100 can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the location where liquid refrigerant flows. Because the air conditioning apparatus 100 can inject the leak detection agent 70 into the location where liquid refrigerant flows, the leak detection agent 70 mixes with the liquid refrigerant and refrigeration oil and flows. As a result, the air conditioning apparatus 100 can reduce the time until the concentration of the leak detection agent 70 in the refrigerant circuit A stabilizes compared to a configuration in which the leak detection agent 70 is injected into the location where gas refrigerant flows.

[0073] Furthermore, because the fluorescent agent used as the leak detection agent 70 has the property of precipitating and solidifying at low temperatures, there is a concern that this could lead to compressor failure if the agent flows in a solidified state through the refrigerant circuit A. By being able to inject the leak detection agent 70 into the area where the liquid refrigerant flows, the air conditioning apparatus 100 can prevent the leak detection agent 70 from solidifying, improving safety.

[0074] Embodiment 2. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit in a state in which a leak detection agent dosing device 20A according to embodiment 2 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 10. In Figure 12, the density of the dots in the container 30 represents the internal pressure of the container 30, with the darker the dots, the higher the pressure. The internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than the internal pressure of the container 30 shown in Figure 7 in embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the differences between embodiment 2 and embodiment 1, and configurations not described in embodiment 2 are the same as embodiment 1.

[0075] [Configuration of the leak detection agent dosing device 20A] In the leak detection agent dosing device 20A, the leak detection agent 70 and the refrigerant are filled in the container 30, and the internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than a preset first set pressure. The container 30 is filled with the leak detection agent 70 in a state where the internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than the first set pressure.

[0076] The first set pressure is set to a pressure higher than the internal pressure at the location where the leak detection agent dosing device 20A is installed, more specifically, the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the location where the connection port 15 is installed. In other words, the leak detection agent dosing device 20A has the relationship that the internal pressure of the container 30 is greater than the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the location where the connection port 15 is installed. The internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the location where the connection port 15 is installed corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 10, and therefore varies depending on the operating state. Therefore, the first set pressure is set to, for example, a pressure higher than the maximum pressure that can be achieved in the refrigerant piping 10 at the location where the connection port 15 is installed during operation. Note that the first set pressure is not limited to a pressure higher than the maximum pressure that can be achieved in the refrigerant piping 10 at the location where the connection port 15 is installed during operation, as long as it is higher than the minimum pressure that can be achieved at the location where the connection port 15 is installed during operation.

[0077] In the leak detection agent dosing device 20 of the first embodiment, the pressure inside the container 30 is atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, in the leak detection agent dosing device 20A of the second embodiment, the pressure inside the container 30 is higher than atmospheric pressure. In other words, there is a relationship: internal pressure of the container 30 > internal pressure of the refrigerant pipe 10 at the installation location of the connection port 15 > atmospheric pressure.

[0078] [Feeding of the leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent feeding device 20A into the refrigerant piping 10: weight and pressure difference] In the leak detection agent feeding device 20A, the internal pressure of the container 30 is higher than the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10. Therefore, when the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is opened, the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is fed into the refrigerant piping 10 by weight and pressure difference.

[0079] The leak detection agent dosing device 20A can dispense the leak detection agent 70 from the container 30 into the refrigerant piping 10 in a short time because the leak detection agent 70 is dispensed into the refrigerant piping 10 by both the weight of the leak detection agent 70 and the pressure difference.

[0080] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20A and the air conditioning apparatus 100] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20A and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of the second embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment, as well as the following effects. The leak detection agent dispensing device 20A and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of the second embodiment can dispense the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 into the refrigerant piping 10 by using the weight of the leak detection agent 70 and the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10. Therefore, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20A and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of the second embodiment can dispense the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 in a short period of time.

[0081] Embodiment 3. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit in a state in which a leak detection agent dosing device 20B according to embodiment 3 is connected to a refrigerant pipe 10. In Figure 13, the density of the dots in the container 30 represents the internal pressure of the container 30, with the darker the dots, the higher the pressure. The internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the internal pressure of the container 30 shown in Figure 7 in embodiment 1. The following description will focus on the differences between embodiment 3 and embodiment 1, and configurations not described in embodiment 3 are the same as embodiment 1.

[0082] [Configuration of leak detection agent dispensing device 20B] In leak detection agent dispensing device 20B, container 30 is filled with leak detection agent 70, and the internal pressure of container 30 is lower than the second set pressure, which is lower than the internal pressure of container 30 shown in Figure 7 in embodiment 1. Leak detection agent 70 is filled in container 30 with the internal pressure of container 30 lower than the second set pressure. The container 30 is previously set to a vacuum pressure by drawing a vacuum through filling connection part 54, and after the vacuum pressure is achieved, leak detection agent 70 is filled in using the method described in embodiment 1, so that the container 30 is filled with leak detection agent 70 with the internal pressure lower than the second set pressure.

[0083] The second set pressure is set to a pressure lower than the internal pressure at the installation location of the leak detection agent dosing device 20B, more specifically, the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of the connection port 15. In other words, the leak detection agent dosing device 20B has the relationship that the internal pressure of the container 30 is lower than the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of the connection port 15. The internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10 at the installation location of the connection port 15 corresponds to the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 10, and therefore varies depending on the operating state. Therefore, the second set pressure is set to a pressure lower than the lowest possible pressure at the installation location of the connection port 15 during operation, for example.

[0084] The second set pressure is not limited to a pressure equal to or lower than the lowest possible pressure at the location where the connection port 15 is installed during operation, but may be any pressure lower than the highest possible pressure at the location where the connection port 15 is installed during operation. The second set pressure is, for example, a vacuum pressure. Here, it is assumed that the leak detection agent 70 is filled inside the container 30 in a vacuum state.

[0085] [Feeding of leak detection agent 70 from leak detection agent feeding device 20B into refrigerant piping 10: pressure difference] In leak detection agent feeding device 20B, leak detection agent 70 is filled inside container 30 in a vacuum state, and the internal pressure of container 30 is lower than the internal pressure of refrigerant piping 10. Therefore, when valve body 57 of valve device 50 is opened, the refrigerant in refrigerant piping 10 flows into container 30 due to the pressure difference between the internal pressure of container 30 and the internal pressure of refrigerant piping 10, as shown in FIG. 13( a). As a result, the refrigerant mixes with the leak detection agent 70 inside container 30. After a certain time has passed, the internal pressures of container 30 and refrigerant piping 10 become uniform, and the leak detection agent 70 inside container 30 is fed into refrigerant piping 10 in a mixed state with the refrigerant, as shown in FIG. 13( b).

[0086] [Effects of the Leak Detection Agent Dispensing Device 20A and the Air Conditioning Apparatus 100] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20B and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of the third embodiment can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0087] Embodiment 4. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection agent dosing device 20C according to embodiment 4. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit in a state in which the leak detection agent dosing device 20C of Figure 14 is connected to the refrigerant piping 10. The leak detection agent dosing device 20C of embodiment 4 differs from the leak detection agent dosing device 20 of embodiment 1 in the configuration of the connection portion 40 of the valve device 50. The following description will focus on the differences between embodiment 4 and embodiment 1, and configurations not described in embodiment 4 are the same as embodiment 1.

[0088] [Configuration of leak detection agent dosing device 20C] In leak detection agent dosing device 20C, connection portion 40 of valve device 50 has bypass piping 43. One end 43a of bypass piping 43 is fixed to connection piping 41, and the interior of bypass piping 43 communicates with the interior of connection piping 41. The pipe diameter of bypass piping 43 may be the same as or different from the pipe diameter of connection piping 41. The other end 43b of bypass piping 43 is provided with a nut 44 for connecting the other end 43b of bypass piping 43 to refrigerant piping 10. The structure of the other end 43b of bypass piping 43 and the structure of nut 44 are the same as the structure of lower end 40a of connection piping 41 and nut 42.

[0089] The leak detection agent dosing device 20C configured as described above is connected to the connection port 15 of the refrigerant pipe 10 at two locations: the nut 42 of the connection pipe 41 and the nut 44 of the bypass pipe 43. Naturally, the connection port 15 has two ports so that the leak detection agent dosing device 20C can be connected at two locations. The leak detection agent dosing device 20C is connected to the refrigerant pipe 10 so that the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 10 is received at the other end 43b of the bypass pipe 43 and flows out from one end 43a.

[0090] [Feeding of leak detection agent from leak detection agent feeding device 20C to refrigerant circuit A: gravity and drawing] When the leak detection agent feeding device 20C configured as described above is connected to the refrigerant pipe 10, refrigerant flows through the bypass pipe 43 as shown by the arrows in Fig. 15. Specifically, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 10 flows into the bypass pipe 43 from the other end 43b of the bypass pipe 43, passes through the bypass pipe 43, flows out from one end 43a, and then returns to the refrigerant pipe 10 via the connecting pipe 41. Then, when the valve body 57 is opened, the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is fed into the refrigerant pipe 10 by gravity and by drawing in the refrigerant that flows from the bypass pipe 43 into the connecting pipe 41 and flows toward the refrigerant pipe 10.

[0091] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20C and the air conditioning apparatus 100] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20C and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of embodiment 4 provide the same effects as those of embodiment 1, as well as the following effects. In the leak detection agent dispensing device 20C and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of embodiment 4, the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is dispensed into the refrigerant piping 10 by its own weight as well as by the drawing in of the refrigerant flowing through the bypass piping 43. Therefore, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20C and the air conditioning apparatus 100 can dispense the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 in a shorter time than in a configuration in which the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is dispensed into the refrigerant circuit A by its own weight alone. Furthermore, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20C and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of embodiment 4 do not need to provide a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the container 30 and the internal pressure of the refrigerant piping 10, as in embodiments 2 and 3.

[0092] Embodiment 5. Figure 16 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioning apparatus 100 according to embodiment 5. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection agent dosing device 20D according to embodiment 5. Figure 18 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the operation of dosing a leak detection agent 70 from the leak detection agent dosing device 20D of Figure 17 to the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent dosing device 20D differs from the leak detection agent dosing device 20 of embodiment 1 in the configuration of the container 30. The following description will focus on the differences between embodiment 5 and embodiment 1, and configurations not described in embodiment 5 are the same as embodiment 1.

[0093] [Configuration of leak detection agent dispensing device 20D] In leak detection agent dispensing device 20D, container 30 has a cylindrical portion 31 and a lid 32. Cylindrical portion 31 is configured from copper piping with both ends open. Note that the cylindrical portion 31 is not limited to being made of copper, and may be made from resin or the like. The cylindrical portion 31 has an upper end, which is the end opposite to the side connected to container connection portion 52 of valve device 50, that faces upward and is open, and a lid 32 is detachably attached to the opening. The lid 32 is removed when performing vacuum drawing as described below, when filling container 30 with leak detection agent 70, or when replacing leak detection agent 70 in container 30.

[0094] [Injection of leak detection agent from leak detection agent injection device 20 into refrigerant circuit A: vacuuming] When installing the air conditioning apparatus 100, vacuuming is performed to release the air in the refrigerant circuit A to the outside. Vacuuming is performed to avoid breakdown of the compressor 1 due to air getting mixed into the refrigerant circuit A. The leak detection agent injection device 20D is capable of injecting leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 at the same time as vacuuming.

[0095] More specifically, when performing vacuum drawing, a vacuum pump 18 is connected to the suction port 13 or the discharge port 14 as shown in Fig. 16. In the illustrated example, the vacuum pump 18 is connected to the suction port 13. The suction port 13 and the discharge port 14 are normally closed, and when the vacuum pump 18 is connected via a hose (not shown) and a gauge manifold (not shown), the ports are opened.

[0096] 18, when drawing a vacuum, the lid 32 of the container 30 is removed. By removing the lid 32 of the container 30, the liquid surface 70a of the leak detection agent 70 inside the container 30 is exposed, and the liquid surface 70a of the leak detection agent 70 is subjected to atmospheric pressure. Then, the valve body 57 of the valve device 50 is opened.

[0097] In this state, when the vacuum pump 18 is driven to start drawing a vacuum, the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 is forced into the refrigerant pipe 10 by its own weight and the vacuum pressure.

[0098] [Effects of the leak detection agent dispensing device 20D and the air conditioning apparatus 100] The leak detection agent dispensing device 20D and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of embodiment 5 can obtain the same effects as those of embodiment 1, as well as the following effects. The leak detection agent dispensing device 20D and the air conditioning apparatus 100 of embodiment 5 can dispense the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10 while removing air by vacuuming, thereby dispensing the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10. In other words, the leak detection agent dispensing device 20D and the air conditioning apparatus 100 can prevent air from remaining in the refrigerant circuit A, while smoothly dispensing the leak detection agent 70 into the refrigerant piping 10.

[0099] [Modifications common to all embodiments] Fig. 19 is a front view showing a modification of a leak detection agent dispensing device 20E according to all embodiments. Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a modification of a leak detection agent dispensing device 20E according to all embodiments. Fig. 21 is a front view showing a modification of the container 30 of the modification of a leak detection agent dispensing device 20E according to all embodiments.

[0100] While the container 30 shown in Fig. 1 etc. is L-shaped, the shape of the container 30 may be a straight line extending in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 19 and Fig. 20. When the container 30 is a straight line extending in the vertical direction, the container 30 is, so to speak, placed upright. Therefore, the modified leak detection agent dosing device 20E has the effect that the leak detection agent 70 in the container 30 easily flows in by its own weight.

[0101] The length of the container 30 is free as shown in Figures 21(a) and 21(b), and the outer and inner diameters of the container 30 are also free as shown in Figure 21(c). The material of the container 30 is not particularly limited, but if the container 30 is made of copper as described above, it is easy to manufacture a wide variety of containers 30 as shown in Figure 21, and the amount of leak detection agent enclosed can be freely set.

[0102] 1 and the like, the valve element 57 moves up and down to open and close the second flow path 56. Although not shown in detail, the valve element 57 of the valve device 50 of the modified leak detection agent dosing device 20E moves left and right to open and close the second flow path 56. In this way, the valve element 57 may move left and right to open and close the second flow path 56.

[0103] In the above first to fifth embodiments, the refrigeration system has been described as an air conditioning system, but the refrigeration system may also be a cooling system for cooling a refrigerated / freezer warehouse or the like.

[0104] 1 Compressor, 2 Oil separator, 3 Condenser, 4 Receiver, 5 Subcooling heat exchanger, 5a Pressure reducing device, 5b Injection piping, 6 Dryer, 7 Pressure reducing device, 8 Evaporator, 9 Accumulator, 10 Refrigerant piping, 11 Liquid extension piping, 12 Gas extension piping, 13 Suction port, 14 Discharge port, 15 Connection port, 18 Vacuum pump, 20 Leak detection agent injection device, 20A Leak detection agent injection device, 20B Leak detection agent injection device, 20C Leak detection agent injection device, 20D Leak detection agent injection device, 20E Leak detection agent injection device, 30 Container, 31 Cylindrical portion, 31a First part, 31b Second part, 32 Lid, 40 Connection portion, 40a Lower end, 40aa Protruding portion, 40b Upper end, 41 Connection piping, 42 Nut, 43 Bypass piping, 43a one end, 43b other end, 44 nut, 50 valve device, 51 main body, 52 container connection portion, 53 piping connection portion, 54 filling connection portion, 54a filling port, 54b operating valve, 55 first flow path, 56 second flow path, 57 valve body, 57a outer peripheral surface, 57b communication hole, 60 tank, 70 leak detection agent, 70a liquid level, 100 air conditioning apparatus, 200 outdoor unit, 200A outdoor unit, 201 compression unit, 300 indoor unit, A refrigerant circuit.

Claims

1. A leak detection agent injection device that is connected to a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates and injects a leak detection agent into the interior of the refrigerant circuit, comprising: a container for storing the leak detection agent; a connection pipe for connecting the container to the refrigerant circuit; and a valve device provided at a connection portion between the container and the connection pipe, wherein the valve device has a container connection portion to which the container is connected, a pipe connection portion to which the connection pipe is connected, and a filling connection portion to which a tank storing the leak detection agent is connected, and a main body portion in which a first flow path communicating the container connection portion and the filling connection portion and a second flow path branching from the middle of the first flow path and communicating with the pipe connection portion are formed; a valve body movably provided in the main body portion, the position of which is switched between a closed position for blocking the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path and an open position for allowing the flow of the leak detection agent in the second flow path.

2. The leak detection agent injection device according to claim 1, wherein the container has a first portion extending in the vertical direction in the posture during use, and the first portion is located above the container connection portion.

3. A communication hole penetrating the valve body is provided in the valve body, and the valve body forms a part of the first flow path when in the closed position to communicate the container connection portion and the filling connection portion.

4. The leak detection agent injection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the leak detection agent is filled inside the container in a state where the internal pressure of the container is lower than a preset second set pressure.

5. The leak detection agent injection device according to claim 4, wherein the leak detection agent is filled inside the container in a vacuum state.

6. The leak detection agent injection device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bypass pipe having one end fixed to the connection pipe and the other end connected to a refrigerant pipe of the refrigerant circuit.

7. The leak detection agent injection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container has an end portion on a side opposite to the side connected to the container connection portion, and the end portion is open upward.

8. The leak detection agent injection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container is made of copper.

9. A refrigeration device comprising the leak detection agent injection device according to claim 1 or 2, and a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, a decompression device, and an evaporator are connected by refrigerant pipes.

10. The refrigerant leak detector charging device is connected to the refrigerant pipe between the condenser and the evaporator. The refrigeration device according to claim 9.

11. The container of the refrigerant leak detector charging device is connected to the refrigerant pipe such that it is located above the connection portion between the connection pipe of the refrigerant leak detector charging device and the refrigerant pipe. The refrigeration device according to claim 9.

12. A method for enclosing a refrigerant leak detector in the refrigeration device according to claim 9, A method for enclosing a refrigerant leak detector, wherein the valve body of the valve device is in an open position to open the second flow path, and the refrigerant leak detector is enclosed in the refrigerant circuit from the refrigerant leak detector charging device through the second flow path.

13. A method for enclosing a refrigerant leak detector in the refrigeration device according to claim 9, The container has an end portion on the side opposite to the side connected to the container connection portion, and the end portion is open upward, Connect a vacuum pump to a port provided in the refrigerant circuit, A method for enclosing a refrigerant leak detector, wherein the refrigerant circuit is evacuated by the vacuum pump, and the refrigerant leak detector is enclosed in the refrigerant circuit from the refrigerant leak detector charging device.

14. An air conditioner comprising the refrigeration device according to claim 9, At least one of the condenser and the evaporator is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air.

15. A refrigerant leak detector charging device that is connected to a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates and is used to charge a refrigerant leak detector into the interior of the refrigerant circuit, A container in which the refrigerant leak detector is stored, A first flow path that communicates the container and a tank storing the refrigerant leak detector, A second flow path that branches from the middle of the first flow path and communicates with a connection pipe connected to the refrigerant circuit, A first valve that opens and closes the second flow path, A second valve that opens and closes the flow path between the branch portion to the second flow path and the tank in the first flow path. A refrigerant leak detector charging device provided with the above.