Air conditioner and control method

Abstract

This air conditioner comprises: a plurality of use-side units each having a use-side heat exchanger that supplies cold or heat through heat-exchanging of a refrigerant in a space to be air-conditioned; a heat source-side unit provided with a compressor that compresses the refrigerant; a refrigerant sensor that detects the refrigerant leaked to the space; and a countermeasure processing part that executes a safety countermeasure process on the leakage of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant sensor. When an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-associated part associated with the safety countermeasure process, the countermeasure processing part limits an operation of the use-side unit corresponding to the countermeasure-associated part in which the communication abnormality has occurred among the use-side units while maintaining an operation of the compressor executed by the heat source-side unit.

Description

Air conditioning device and control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning apparatus and a control method.

[0002] In recent years, technologies have been known for ensuring safety in air conditioners that use flammable refrigerants, such as activating a ventilation system in the event of a refrigerant leak (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, in such conventional air conditioners, it is known to prohibit operation of the air conditioner if there is a possibility that the safety measures will not function properly, for example, due to an abnormality in communication between the devices.

[0003] JP 2016-211762 A

[0004] However, in conventional air conditioning systems, for example, when multiple indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, if an abnormality occurs in communication with a specific indoor unit, operation of the air conditioning system is prohibited, and outdoor units that are not experiencing a communication abnormality cannot be used, which can reduce convenience for users.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide an air conditioning apparatus and a control method that can provide high convenience while ensuring safety.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning apparatus comprising a plurality of user-side units, each having a user-side heat exchanger that supplies cold or hot heat to an air-conditioned space through heat exchange of a refrigerant, a heat source-side unit having a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a refrigerant sensor that detects the refrigerant that has leaked into the air-conditioned space, and a countermeasure processing unit that executes safety countermeasure processing for the refrigerant leakage detected by the refrigerant sensor, and when an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related unit related to the safety countermeasure processing, the countermeasure processing unit maintains operation of the compressor by the heat source-side unit while restricting operation of the user-side unit among the plurality of user-side units that corresponds to the countermeasure-related unit where the communication abnormality occurred.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning apparatus including a plurality of user-side units, each having a user-side heat exchanger that supplies cold or hot heat to a space to be air-conditioned by heat exchange of a refrigerant, a heat source-side unit having a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, and a refrigerant sensor that detects the refrigerant that has leaked into the space to be air-conditioned, wherein a countermeasure processing unit executes safety countermeasure processing for the refrigerant leakage detected by the refrigerant sensor, and when an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related unit related to the safety countermeasure processing, the control method maintains operation of the compressor by the heat source-side unit while restricting operation of one of the plurality of user-side units that corresponds to the countermeasure-related unit where the communication abnormality occurred.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain high convenience while ensuring safety.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a safety measure process for the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a restriction process when a communication abnormality occurs in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a restriction process when a communication abnormality occurs in the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of each control device of the air conditioning system of the present disclosure.

[0010] An air conditioning apparatus and a control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, a plurality of indoor units 20 (20-1, 20-2), and a plurality of external controllers 30 (30-1, 30-2).

[0012] The air conditioning system 1 is installed in, for example, a detached house, an apartment building, an office building, etc., and performs a refrigeration cycle operation in which a refrigerant is circulated by a vapor compression method, thereby processing a cooling command (cooling ON / OFF) or a heating command (heating ON / OFF) selected for the indoor unit 20 and performing a cooling operation or a heating operation. Note that in this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 is an example of an air conditioner.

[0013] In addition, in this embodiment, the indoor unit 20-1 and the indoor unit 20-2 have the same configuration, and will be described as the indoor unit 20 when referring to any indoor unit included in the air conditioning system 1, or when no distinction is made between them.

[0014] The external controller 30-1 and the external controller 30-2 have the same configuration, and will be described as the external controller 30 when referring to any external controller provided in the air conditioning system 1 or when no distinction is made between them.

[0015] The outdoor unit 10 is a heat source unit that generates heat to be supplied to the indoor units 20, and functions as a heat source side unit. The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, a four-way valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor fan 14, a pressure vessel 15, a liquid pipe shutoff valve 16, a gas pipe shutoff valve 17, and an outdoor unit control device 100.

[0016] The compressor 11 is a device that compresses a refrigerant and has a variable operating capacity. The compressor 11 draws in and compresses the refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure state. The refrigerant circulates through a refrigerant circuit RC between the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20, exchanging heat. The refrigerant is, for example, a combustible refrigerant.

[0017] The four-way valve 12 is a valve for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant and has a first port to a fourth port. The first port is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 11, and the second port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The third port is connected to the suction side of the compressor 11, and the fourth port is connected to the indoor unit 20.

[0018] The four-way valve 12 is configured to be switchable between a state in which the first port and the second port are connected and the third port and the fourth port are closed (a state shown by a solid line in FIG. 1 ), and a state in which the third port and the fourth port are connected and the first port and the second port are closed (a state shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1 ). In the four-way valve 12, the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 is a connection in the cooling operation direction, and the state shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1 is a connection in the heating operation direction.

[0019] The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger configured with a heat transfer tube and a number of fins, and exchanges heat between the outdoor air and the refrigerant, thereby discharging heat.

[0020] The outdoor fan 14 is, for example, a propeller fan, and is a blower that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The outdoor fan 14 has a variable rotation speed.

[0021] The pressure vessel 15 secures excess refrigerant in the vessel and prevents liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor 11 .

[0022] The liquid pipe shutoff valve 16 is an example of a shutoff valve and is arranged between the outdoor heat exchanger 13 on the refrigerant circuit RC and the indoor unit 20. The gas pipe shutoff valve 17 is an example of a shutoff valve and is arranged between the four-way valve 102 on the refrigerant circuit RC and the indoor unit 20. These shutoff valves prevent refrigerant from flowing from the outdoor unit 10 into the indoor unit 20 when refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 20.

[0023] The outdoor unit control device 100 is configured with, for example, a processor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit control device 100 is an example of a heat source side control unit. The outdoor unit control device 100 controls each part of the outdoor unit 10 and is capable of mutual communication with each of the indoor unit 20 and the external controller 30. Details of the outdoor unit control device 100 will be described later.

[0024] The indoor unit 20 is an example of a user unit that supplies cold or hot heat to a space to be air-conditioned by heat exchange of a refrigerant. The indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 10 are connected by refrigerant piping. The space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a space such as a user's room, and corresponds to room RM1 and room RM2 in the example shown in Figure 1.

[0025] In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that an indoor unit 20-1 and an external controller 30-1 are installed in a room RM1, and an indoor unit 20-2 and an external controller 30-2 are installed in a room RM2.

[0026] The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 23, an indoor fan 24, a pressure reducing mechanism 28, a refrigerant sensor 29, and an indoor unit control device 200. Note that the components of the indoor unit 20-1 corresponding to room RM1 will be described with a reference numeral "-1" added, and the components of the indoor unit 20-2 corresponding to room RM2 will be described with a reference numeral "-2" added.

[0027] The indoor heat exchanger 23 is an example of a user-side heat exchanger that supplies cold or hot heat to the space to be air-conditioned by heat exchange with a refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 23 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger composed of a heat transfer tube and multiple fins. The indoor heat exchanger 23 is disposed on the refrigerant circuit RC and exchanges heat between the indoor air and the refrigerant.

[0028] The indoor fan 24 is, for example, a sirocco fan, and is a blower that blows air to the indoor heat exchanger 23. The rotation speed of the indoor fan 24 is variable.

[0029] The pressure reducing mechanism 28 is disposed on the refrigerant circuit RC and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it. The refrigerant sensor 29 is disposed, for example, in the indoor unit 20 and detects refrigerant leaking into the space to be air-conditioned.

[0030] The indoor unit control device 200 is configured with, for example, a processor including a CPU, and controls the indoor unit 20. The indoor unit control device 200 is an example of a usage-side control unit. The indoor unit control device 200 controls each part of the indoor unit 20 and is capable of mutual communication with both the outdoor unit 10 and the external controller 30. Details of the indoor unit control device 200 will be described later.

[0031] The external controller 30 is, for example, a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller), and is provided with an interface that enables a user to issue control requests to the air conditioning system 1. Furthermore, for example, when a refrigerant sensor 29 provided in the indoor unit 20 detects a refrigerant leak, the external controller 30 can notify the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred by outputting an alarm (warning).

[0032] The external controller 30 includes an alarm output unit 31 and a controller control device 300. Note that the components of the external controller 30-1 corresponding to room RM1 will be described with a reference numeral "-1" added to it, and the components of the external controller 30-2 corresponding to room RM2 will be described with a reference numeral "-2" added to it.

[0033] The warning output unit 31 is, for example, a speaker, and outputs (emits sound) an alarm (alarm) to notify that a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0034] The controller control device 300 is configured with, for example, a processor including a CPU, and controls the external controller 30. The controller control device 300 is an example of an external controller control unit. The controller control device 300 controls each part of the external controller 30 and is capable of mutual communication with each of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. Details of the controller control device 300 will be described later.

[0035] Next, functional blocks of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0036] 2, the air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit control device 100, an indoor unit control device 200, and a controller control device 300. The outdoor unit control device 100, the indoor unit control device 200, and the controller control device 300 are capable of communicating with each other.

[0037] The indoor unit control device 200 is disposed, for example, inside the indoor unit 20, and controls the indoor fan 24 and the pressure reducing mechanism 28. The indoor unit control device 200 also acquires detection information from the refrigerant sensor 29. The indoor unit control device 200 includes an indoor unit communication unit 210, an indoor unit storage unit 220, and an indoor unit control unit 230.

[0038] The indoor unit communication unit 210 is a communication unit that can input communication data information and output communication data information to the outside via communication means such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or wirelessly.

[0039] The indoor unit storage unit 220 is configured, for example, by a semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various types of information for controlling the indoor unit 20 .

[0040] The indoor unit control unit 230 is a functional unit realized, for example, by causing a CPU (not shown) to execute a control program, and executes various processes to control the indoor unit 20. The indoor unit control unit 230, for example, acquires detection information from the refrigerant sensor 29 and detects refrigerant leakage.

[0041] The indoor unit control unit 230 includes an indoor operation control unit 231. The indoor operation control unit 231 controls the operation of the indoor unit 20, such as cooling operation or heating operation, for example.

[0042] The controller control device 300 is disposed, for example, in the external controller 30, and controls the alarm output unit 31. The controller control device 300 also receives operation information for the air conditioning system 1 from the user, and transmits various operation commands, such as a cooling command (cooling ON / OFF) or a heating command (heating ON / OFF), to the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20. The controller control device 300 also outputs an alarm (warning) from the alarm output unit 31 when a refrigerant leak occurs.

[0043] The controller control device 300 includes an external communication unit 310, an input unit 320, a display unit 330, a remote control control unit 340, and a remote control storage unit 350. The external communication unit 310 is a communication unit that can input communication data information and output communication data information to the outside via communication means such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or wireless communication.

[0044] The input unit 320 is an input device such as an operation button, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 320 receives various operation commands for the air conditioning system 1 in response to operations by a user.

[0045] The display unit 330 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 330 displays, for example, the operating status of the air conditioning system 1. When the refrigerant sensor 29 detects a refrigerant leak, the display unit 330 displays, for example, a message urging ventilation of the air-conditioned space or information urging evacuation from the air-conditioned space.

[0046] The remote control control unit 340 is a functional unit realized by causing a CPU (not shown) to execute a control program, and executes various processes for controlling the external controller 30. The remote control control unit 340 executes controls such as receiving various operation commands from the input unit 3210, transmitting various operation commands via the external communication unit 310, displaying the operation status on the display unit 330, and outputting an alarm to the alarm output unit 31.

[0047] The remote control storage unit 350 is configured, for example, by a semiconductor memory, and stores various information for controlling the external controller 30 .

[0048] The outdoor unit control device 100 is disposed, for example, in the outdoor unit 10, and controls the compressor 11, the four-way valve 12, the outdoor fan 14, the pressure vessel 15, the liquid pipe shutoff valve 16, and the gas pipe shutoff valve 17. The outdoor unit control device 100 includes an outdoor unit communication unit 110, an outdoor unit memory unit 120, and an outdoor unit control unit 130.

[0049] The outdoor unit communication unit 110 is a communication unit that can input communication data information and output communication data information to the outside via communication means such as a telephone line, a LAN line, wireless communication, etc. The outdoor unit communication unit 110 receives, for example, a cooling command (cooling ON / OFF) or a heating command (heating ON / OFF) output from the indoor unit control device 200, and outputs it to the outdoor unit control unit 130. The outdoor unit communication unit 110 also transmits various types of control information to the indoor unit control device 200 or the controller control device 300.

[0050] The outdoor unit storage unit 120 is configured, for example, by a semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various information for controlling the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit storage unit 120 includes a startup information storage unit 121.

[0051] The startup information storage unit 121 stores startup information indicating that an initial operation check has been completed after the air conditioning system 1 is installed, in which normal operation (normal system startup) is confirmed through mutual communication between the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20, and the external controller 30. The startup information includes information on the system configuration connected to the air conditioning system 1, etc.

[0052] The outdoor unit control unit 130 is a functional unit realized by causing a CPU (not shown) to execute a control program, and executes various processes to control the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit control unit 130 includes an outdoor operation control unit 131 and a leakage detection processing unit 132.

[0053] The outdoor operation control unit 131 controls the compressor 11, the four-way valve 12, the outdoor fan 14, the pressure vessel 15, the liquid pipe shutoff valve 16, and the gas pipe shutoff valve 17 in accordance with operation commands received via the outdoor unit communication unit 110.

[0054] The leak detection processing unit 132 is an example of a countermeasure processing unit that executes safety countermeasure processing in response to a refrigerant leak detected by the refrigerant sensor 29. When the leak detection processing unit 132 receives information indicating a refrigerant leak via the outdoor unit communication unit 110, the leak detection processing unit 132 performs safety countermeasure processing, for example, by controlling the recovery of refrigerant to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and closing the shutoff valves (liquid pipe shutoff valve 16 and gas pipe shutoff valve 17) to suppress refrigerant leakage into the air-conditioned space. Furthermore, as a safety countermeasure processing, the leak detection processing unit 132 outputs an alarm (warning) to the external controller 30 (controller control device 300) via the outdoor unit communication unit 110.

[0055] Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related part related to safety countermeasure processing, the leak detection processing unit 132 restricts the operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related part in which the communication abnormality occurred, among the multiple indoor units 20, while maintaining the operation of the compressor 11 by the outdoor unit 10.

[0056] Here, the countermeasure-related parts are the external controller 30 (alarm output part 31), the indoor unit 20 (refrigerant sensor 29), etc. Also, a countermeasure-related control part that controls the countermeasure-related parts corresponds to the controller control device 300 and the indoor unit control device 200.

[0057] The leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether or not a communication abnormality has occurred between the external controller 30 and the indoor unit 20 via the outdoor unit communication unit 110. That is, the leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in communication with the countermeasure-related unit (external controller 30 or indoor unit 20) based on the mutual communication between the outdoor unit control device 100, the indoor unit control device 200, and the controller control device 300 (countermeasure-related control unit).

[0058] Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs in communication with the countermeasure-related part (external controller 30 or indoor unit 20) during the period until the initial operation check is completed, the leak detection processing unit 132 executes a first restriction process that keeps the refrigerant in the outdoor unit 10 and stops the operation of all of the multiple indoor units 20.

[0059] In addition, the leak detection processing unit 132 checks the information stored in the startup information storage unit 121 to determine whether the period is until the initial operation check is completed or the period after the initial operation check is completed.

[0060] In addition, in the first restriction process, the leakage detection processing unit 132 stops the compressor 11 and closes the shut-off valves (liquid pipe shut-off valve 16, gas pipe shut-off valve 17) to suppress leakage of refrigerant into the air-conditioned space (room RM1 and room RM2).

[0061] Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related part (external controller 30 or indoor unit 20) after the initial operation check is completed, the leak detection processing unit 132 executes a second restriction process that restricts the operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related part (external controller 30 or indoor unit 20) in which the communication abnormality occurred, while maintaining the operation of the compressor 11 by the outdoor unit 10.

[0062] In the second restriction process, the leak detection processing unit 132 prohibits operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related unit (external controller 30 or indoor unit 20) in which the communication abnormality occurred, and causes the alarm output unit 31 corresponding to that indoor unit 20 to output an alarm. The leak detection processing unit 132 prohibits operation of the indoor unit 20 via the outdoor unit communication unit 110, and causes the alarm output unit 31 of the external controller 30 to output an alarm. As a process for prohibiting operation of the indoor unit 20, the leak detection processing unit 132 may perform control to stop operation of the pressure reducing mechanism 28.

[0063] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of safety measures processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0064] 3, the leak detection processing unit 132 of the outdoor unit 10 determines whether a refrigerant leak has been detected (step S101). The leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether a refrigerant leak has been detected based on whether a notification that the refrigerant sensor 29 has detected a refrigerant leak has been received from the indoor unit 20 (indoor unit control device 200) via the outdoor unit communication unit 110. If the leak detection processing unit 132 detects a refrigerant leak (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S102. If the leak detection processing unit 132 does not detect a refrigerant leak (step S101; NO), the process returns to step S101.

[0065] In step S102, the leakage detection processing unit 132 outputs an alarm. The leakage detection processing unit 132 outputs an alarm from the alarm output unit 31 to the controller control device 300 via the outdoor unit communication unit 110, for example.

[0066] Next, the leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether the compressor 11 is operating (step S103). If the compressor 11 is operating (step S103: YES), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S104. If the compressor 11 is not operating (stopped) (step S103: NO), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S111.

[0067] In step S104, the leak detection processor 132 determines whether the four-way valve 12 is in the cooling operation direction (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 ). If the four-way valve 12 is in the cooling operation direction (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 ) (step S104: YES), the leak detection processor 132 proceeds to step S106. If the four-way valve 12 is not in the cooling operation direction (the state shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1 ) (step S104: NO), the leak detection processor 132 proceeds to step S105.

[0068] In step S105, the leakage detection processing unit 132 changes the four-way valve 12 to the cooling operation direction (the state shown in FIG. 1). After the process of step S105, the leakage detection processing unit 132 advances the process to step S106.

[0069] In step S106, the leak detection processing unit 132 closes the liquid pipe shutoff valve. Next, in step S107, the leak detection processing unit 132 recovers the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The leak detection processing unit 132 recovers a certain amount of refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

[0070] Next, the leak detection processing unit 132 stops the compressor 11 (step S108), and then closes the gas pipe shutoff valve 17 (step S109).

[0071] Next, the leak detection processing unit 132 outputs an error code to the external controller 30 (step S110). The leak detection processing unit 132 outputs the error code to the controller control device 300, for example, via the outdoor unit communication unit 110. The remote control unit 340 of the controller control device 300 outputs the error code indicating a refrigerant leak to the display unit 330. After processing in step S110, the leak detection processing unit 132 ends the processing.

[0072] In step S111, the leak detection processor 132 determines whether the four-way valve 12 is in the cooling operation direction (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1). If the four-way valve 12 is in the cooling operation direction (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1) (step S111: YES), the leak detection processor 132 proceeds to step S113. If the four-way valve 12 is not in the cooling operation direction (the state shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1) (step S111: NO), the leak detection processor 132 proceeds to step S112.

[0073] In step S112, the leakage detection processing unit 132 changes the four-way valve 12 to the cooling operation direction (the state shown in FIG. 1). After the process of step S112, the leakage detection processing unit 132 advances the process to step S113.

[0074] In step S113, the leak detection processing unit 132 closes the liquid pipe shutoff valve. Next, the leak detection processing unit 132 operates the compressor 11 (step S114). After the processing of step S114, the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to the processing of step S107.

[0075] Next, the restriction process when a communication abnormality occurs will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the restriction process when a communication abnormality occurs in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 4, the leak detection processing unit 132 of the outdoor unit 10 determines whether a communication abnormality has occurred (step S201). The leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in communication with the countermeasure-related unit (external controller 30 or indoor unit 20) based on mutual communication between the indoor unit control device 200 and the controller control device 300 (countermeasure-related control unit). If a communication abnormality has occurred (step S201: YES), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S202. If a communication abnormality has not occurred (step S201: NO), the leak detection processing unit 132 returns to step S201.

[0077] In step S202, the leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether the device is in the initial startup state. The leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether the device is in the initial startup state (the period until the initial operation check is completed) by checking the information stored in the startup information storage unit 121. If the device is in the initial startup state (step S202: YES), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S203. If the device is not in the initial startup state (step S202: NO), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S204.

[0078] In step S203, the leak detection processing unit 132 prohibits the operation of the compressor 11. As a first restriction process, the leak detection processing unit 132 stops the operation of the compressor 11 and prohibits the operation of the entire air conditioning system 1. The leak detection processing unit 132 may further perform control to close the shutoff valves (liquid pipe shutoff valve 16, gas pipe shutoff valve 17). After the process of step S203, the leak detection processing unit 132 ends the process.

[0079] In step S204, the leak detection processing unit 132 prohibits operation of the target indoor unit 20 having the communication abnormality and outputs an alarm. The leak detection processing unit 132 instructs the indoor unit control device 200 of the target indoor unit 20 via the outdoor unit communication unit 110 to stop operation of the indoor unit 20, and causes the controller control device 300 to output an alarm to the warning output unit 31 via the outdoor unit communication unit 110. After processing in step S204, the leak detection processing unit 132 ends the processing.

[0080] For example, if a communication abnormality occurs in the indoor unit 20-1 or the external controller 30-1, the leakage detection processing unit 132 prohibits operation of the indoor unit 20-1, but maintains operation of the indoor unit 20-2, in which no communication abnormality has occurred.

[0081] As described above, the air conditioning system 1 (air conditioner) according to this embodiment includes multiple indoor units 20 (multiple user-side units), an outdoor unit 10 (heat-source-side unit), a refrigerant sensor 29, and a leak detection processor 132 (countermeasure processor). Each of the multiple indoor units 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 23 (user-side heat exchanger) that supplies cold or hot heat to an air-conditioned space (e.g., room RM1, room RM2, etc.) through refrigerant heat exchange. The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11 that compresses the refrigerant. The refrigerant sensor 29 detects refrigerant leaking into the air-conditioned space. The leak detection processor 132 executes safety countermeasure processing for refrigerant leakage detected by the refrigerant sensor 29. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related part related to safety countermeasure processing (for example, the external controller 30 (alarm output part 31), the indoor unit 20 (refrigerant sensor 29), etc.), the leak detection processing part 132 restricts the operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related part where the communication abnormality occurred, among the multiple indoor units 20, while maintaining the operation of the compressor 11 by the outdoor unit 10.

[0082] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 (air conditioning device) according to this embodiment restricts the operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related part where a communication abnormality has occurred, while maintaining (allowing) the operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related part where no communication abnormality has occurred.As a result, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can achieve high convenience while ensuring safety.

[0083] For example, when the power supply of the indoor unit 20-1 is turned off to perform maintenance on the indoor unit 20-1, a state in which communication with the indoor unit 20-1 is disabled occurs. In such a case, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment restricts the operation of the indoor unit 20-1, while maintaining the operation of the indoor unit 20-2. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment allows the indoor unit 20-2 to be used even during the period in which maintenance is being performed on the indoor unit 20-1, thereby ensuring safety and providing high convenience.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a plurality of indoor units 20, an outdoor unit 10, and a countermeasure-related unit including a refrigerant sensor 29 are installed and an abnormality occurs in communication with the countermeasure-related unit during the period until completion of an initial operation check (initial startup state) in which normal operation is confirmed through communication between the indoor units 20, the outdoor unit 10, and a countermeasure-related unit including a refrigerant sensor 29, the leak detection processing unit 132 executes a first restriction process to keep the refrigerant in the outdoor unit 10 and stop operation of all of the plurality of indoor units 20. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs in communication with the countermeasure-related unit after completion of the initial operation check, the leak detection processing unit 132 executes a second restriction process to restrict operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related unit in which the communication abnormality occurred.

[0085] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment executes a first restriction process that stops operation of all of the indoor units 20 from the perspective of ensuring safety, for example, because there is a high possibility of refrigerant leakage due to improper installation or connection during the period until the initial operation check is completed. Furthermore, after the initial operation check is completed, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment executes a second restriction process that restricts operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related part where the communication abnormality occurred, because the possibility of improper installation or connection is reduced and the possibility of refrigerant leakage due to a communication abnormality is low. Thus, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can achieve high convenience while further ensuring safety.

[0086] The air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment also includes an alarm output unit 31 that outputs an alarm indicating a refrigerant leak. In the second restriction process, the leakage detection processing unit 132 prohibits operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related unit in which the communication abnormality occurred, and causes the alarm output unit 31 corresponding to that indoor unit 20 to output an alarm.

[0087] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can, by outputting an alarm, prompt users to, for example, ventilate the air-conditioned space or evacuate from the air-conditioned space, thereby further improving safety in the second restriction process.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the first restriction process, the leakage detection processing unit 132 stops the compressor 11 and closes the shut-off valves (liquid pipe shut-off valve 16, gas pipe shut-off valve 17) arranged on the refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant between the outdoor unit 10 and the multiple indoor units 20, thereby suppressing leakage of refrigerant into the space to be air-conditioned.

[0089] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can appropriately suppress the leakage of refrigerant into the air-conditioned space by closing the shut-off valves (liquid pipe shut-off valve 16, gas pipe shut-off valve 17), thereby further enhancing safety in the first restriction process.

[0090] The air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment also includes an outdoor unit control device 100 (heat source-side control device), an indoor unit control device 200 (use-side control device), and a countermeasure-related control device (e.g., a controller control device 300, an indoor unit control device 200, etc.). The outdoor unit control device 100 controls the outdoor unit 10. The indoor unit control device 200 controls the indoor unit 20. The countermeasure-related control device (e.g., the controller control device 300, the indoor unit control device 200, etc.) controls the countermeasure-related device (e.g., the external controller 30 (alarm output device 31), the indoor unit 20 (refrigerant sensor 29)). The leak detection processing device 132 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in communication with the countermeasure-related device based on mutual communication between the outdoor unit control device 100, the indoor unit control device 200, and the countermeasure-related control device (the controller control device 300).

[0091] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment determines whether an abnormality has occurred in communication with the countermeasure-related section based on mutual communication between each control device, and can accurately detect communication abnormalities using a simple method.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outdoor unit control device 100 is equipped with a leak detection processing unit 132. As a result, the outdoor unit control device 100 of the outdoor unit 10 that is most likely to execute the restriction processes against refrigerant leakage (first restriction process and second restriction process) is equipped with the leak detection processing unit 132, and therefore the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can efficiently execute the restriction processes against refrigerant leakage (first restriction process and second restriction process).

[0093] In this embodiment, the countermeasure related unit includes at least one of the refrigerant sensor 29 and the alarm output unit 31 that outputs an alarm indicating that the refrigerant has leaked.

[0094] As a result, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can increase safety against refrigerant leakage by executing restriction processes (first restriction process and second restriction process) when there is concern about detecting a refrigerant leak and outputting an alarm, for example.

[0095] Furthermore, the control method according to this embodiment is a control method for the air conditioning system 1 equipped with the above-described multiple indoor units 20, outdoor unit 10, and refrigerant sensor 29, and includes a countermeasure processing step (leak detection processing step). In the countermeasure processing step (leak detection processing step), the leak detection processing unit 132 executes safety countermeasure processing for a refrigerant leak detected by the refrigerant sensor 29, and if an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related unit related to the safety countermeasure processing (for example, the external controller 30 (alarm output unit 31)), the control method restricts operation of the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related unit with the communication abnormality, among the multiple indoor units 20, while maintaining operation of the compressor 11 by the outdoor unit 10. As a result, the control method according to this embodiment achieves the same effects as the above-described air conditioning system 1, ensuring safety and providing high convenience.

[0096] Second Embodiment Next, an air conditioning system 1a according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0097] Fig. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system 1a according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the air conditioning system 1a includes an outdoor unit 10, multiple indoor units 20a (20a-1, 20a-2), multiple external controllers 30a (30a-1, 30a-2), a branch box 40, and multiple sensor alarm kits 50 (50-1, 50-2). In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1a is an example of an air conditioner.

[0098] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1a of this embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that it includes a branch box 40 and a plurality of sensor alarm kits 50 (50-1, 50-2).

[0099] 5, the same components as those shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 20a-1 and the indoor unit 20a-2 have the same configuration, and will be described as the indoor unit 20a when referring to any indoor unit included in the air conditioning system 1a, or when no distinction is made between them.

[0100] The external controller 30a-1 and the external controller 30a-2 have the same configuration, and will be described as the external controller 30a when referring to any external controller included in the air conditioning system 1a, or when no distinction is made between them.

[0101] The sensor alarm kit 50-1 and the sensor alarm kit 50-2 have the same configuration, and will be described as the sensor alarm kit 50 when referring to any sensor alarm kit provided in the air conditioning system 1a, or when no distinction is made between them.

[0102] In addition, the outdoor unit 10, the multiple indoor units 20a (20a-1, 20a-2), the multiple external controllers 30a (30a-1, 30a-2), the branch box 40, and the multiple sensor alarm kits 50 (50-1, 50-2) are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0103] The indoor unit 20a is similar to the indoor unit 20 of the first embodiment except that it does not include the pressure reducing mechanism 28 and the refrigerant sensor 29, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0104] The external controller 30a is similar to the external controller 30 of the first embodiment except that it does not include the alarm output unit 31, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0105] The branch box 40 controls the distribution of refrigerant to each of the multiple indoor units 20a in the refrigerant circuit RC that circulates refrigerant between the outdoor unit 10 and the multiple indoor units 20a. The branch box 40 includes a pressure reducing mechanism 41, a pressure reducing mechanism 42, and a branch box control device 400.

[0106] The pressure reduction mechanism 41 is similar to the pressure reduction mechanism 28-1 in the first embodiment and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant for the indoor unit 20a-1. The pressure reduction mechanism 42 is similar to the pressure reduction mechanism 28-2 in the first embodiment and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant for the indoor unit 20a-2.

[0107] The branch box control device 400 is configured with, for example, a processor including a CPU, and controls the branch box 40. The branch box control device 400 is an example of a countermeasure-related control unit. The branch box control device 400 controls each part of the branch box 40 and is capable of mutual communication with each of the outdoor unit 10, the indoor unit 20a, the external controller 30a, and the sensor alarm kit 50. Details of the branch box control device 400 will be described later.

[0108] The sensor alarm kit 50 is an example of a countermeasure-related unit, and includes an alarm output unit 51, a refrigerant sensor 59, and a sensor alarm control device 500. The alarm output unit 51 is similar to the alarm output unit 31 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. In this embodiment, the alarm output unit 51 is provided in the sensor alarm kit 50 instead of the external controller 30.

[0109] The refrigerant sensor 59 is similar to the refrigerant sensor 29 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. In this embodiment, the refrigerant sensor 59 is provided in the sensor alarm kit 50 instead of the indoor unit 20.

[0110] The sensor alarm control device 500 is configured with, for example, a processor including a CPU, and controls the sensor alarm kit 50. The sensor alarm control device 500 is an example of a countermeasure-related control unit. The sensor alarm control device 500 controls each part of the sensor alarm kit 50 and is capable of mutual communication with each of the outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20a, external controller 30a, and branch box 40. Details of the sensor alarm control device 500 will be described later.

[0111] In this embodiment, the sensor alarm kit 50-1 is installed in the room RM1, and the sensor alarm kit 50-2 is installed in the room RM2.

[0112] Next, functional blocks of the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioning system 1 a includes an outdoor unit control device 100 , an indoor unit control device 200 , a controller control device 300 , a branch box control device 400 , and a sensor alarm control device 500 .

[0114] The outdoor unit control device 100, the indoor unit control device 200, the controller control device 300, the branch box control device 400, and the sensor alarm control device 500 can notify each other. In Fig. 6, the same components as those in Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 2, and their description will be omitted.

[0115] The branch box control device 400 includes a branch communication unit 410, a branch storage unit 420, and a branch control unit 430. The branch communication unit 410 is a communication unit that can input communication data information and output communication data information to the outside via communication means such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or wireless communication.

[0116] The branch storage unit 420 is configured, for example, by a semiconductor memory or the like, and stores various information for controlling the branch box 40. The branch control unit 430 is a functional unit realized by causing a CPU (not shown) to execute a control program, and executes various processes for controlling the branch box 40. The branch control unit 430 controls the pressure reduction mechanism 41 and the pressure reduction mechanism 42, thereby controlling the distribution of refrigerant to each of the multiple indoor units 20a.

[0117] The sensor alarm control device 500 includes a sensor alarm communication unit 510 and a sensor alarm control unit 520. The sensor alarm communication unit 510 is a communication unit that can input communication data information and output communication data information to the outside via communication means such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or wireless communication.

[0118] The sensor alarm control unit 520 is a functional unit that is realized by causing a CPU (not shown) to execute a control program, and controls the alarm output unit 51 and the refrigerant sensor 59 .

[0119] In the first restriction process, the leak detection processing unit 132 in this embodiment circulates the refrigerant within the outdoor unit 10 and recovers the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 (heat source side heat exchanger). If, for example, a communication abnormality occurs between the sensor alarm kit 50 and the outdoor unit 10 or between the sensor alarm kit 50 and the branch box 40 during initial startup, the leak detection processing unit 132 performs control to recover the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 (heat source side heat exchanger) as the first restriction process.

[0120] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related part related to safety countermeasure processing (for example, the sensor alarm kit 50 (alarm output part 51, refrigerant sensor 59)), the leak detection processing part 132 uses the branch box 40 to stop the distribution of refrigerant to the indoor unit 20 corresponding to the countermeasure-related part where the communication abnormality occurred.

[0121] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The safety measures processing of the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0122] Next, the restriction process in the event of a communication abnormality in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the restriction process in the event of a communication abnormality in the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 7 , the leak detection processing unit 132 of the air conditioning system 1a determines whether a communication abnormality has occurred (step S301). The leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in communication with a countermeasure-related unit (e.g., the branch box 40, the sensor alarm kit 50, etc.) based on mutual communications between the outdoor unit control unit 100, the indoor unit control unit 200, the controller control unit 300, the branch box control unit 400 (countermeasure-related control unit), and the sensor alarm control unit 500 (countermeasure-related control unit). If a communication abnormality has occurred (step S301: YES), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S302. If a communication abnormality has not occurred (step S301: NO), the leak detection processing unit 132 returns to step S301.

[0124] In step S302, the leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether the device is in the initial startup state. If the device is in the initial startup state (step S302: YES), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S303. If the device is not in the initial startup state (step S302: NO), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S306.

[0125] In step S303, the leak detection processing unit 132 determines whether there is a communication abnormality between the sensor alarm kit 50 and the outdoor unit 10 or the branch box 40. If there is a communication abnormality between the sensor alarm kit 50 and the outdoor unit 10 or the branch box 40 (step S303: YES), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S304. If there is no communication abnormality between the sensor alarm kit 50 and the outdoor unit 10 or the branch box 40 (step S303: NO), the leak detection processing unit 132 proceeds to step S305.

[0126] In step S304, the leak detection processing unit 132 performs refrigerant recovery control. The leak detection processing unit 132 performs, for example, the same processes as steps S103 to S107 shown in Fig. 3 to perform refrigerant recovery control. After the process of step S304, the leak detection processing unit 132 ends the process.

[0127] The processes in steps S305 and S306 are similar to the processes in steps S203 and S204 shown in FIG. 2, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted here.

[0128] In step S306, if an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related part related to the safety countermeasure processing, the leak detection processing unit 132 may use the branch box 40 to stop the distribution of refrigerant to the indoor unit 20a corresponding to the countermeasure-related part where the communication abnormality occurred, thereby prohibiting operation of the target indoor unit 20a.

[0129] As described above, the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment includes multiple indoor units 20a (user-side units), an outdoor unit 10 (heat-source-side unit), a branching box 40, multiple sensor alarm kits 50, and a leak detection processor 132 (countermeasure processor). The sensor alarm kit 50 includes an alarm output unit 51 and a refrigerant sensor 59. Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related unit related to safety countermeasure processing (e.g., the sensor alarm kit 50 (alarm output unit 51, refrigerant sensor 59), etc.), the leak detection processor 132 restricts operation of the indoor unit 20a corresponding to the countermeasure-related unit where the communication abnormality occurred, while maintaining operation of the compressor 11 by the outdoor unit 10. This allows the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment to achieve the same effects as the first embodiment described above, ensuring safety and providing high convenience.

[0130] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 13 (heat source-side heat exchanger). In the first restriction process, the leakage detection processing unit 132 circulates the refrigerant inside the outdoor unit 10 and recovers the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 (heat source-side heat exchanger).

[0131] As a result, the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment can appropriately prevent refrigerant from leaking into the air-conditioned space by recovering the refrigerant, thereby further improving safety in the first restriction process.

[0132] The air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment also includes a branch box 40 that controls the distribution of refrigerant to each of the multiple indoor units 20a in the refrigerant circuit RC that circulates refrigerant between the outdoor unit 10 and the multiple indoor units 20. When an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related unit related to safety countermeasure processing, the leak detection processing unit 132 uses the branch box 40 to stop the distribution of refrigerant to the indoor unit 20a corresponding to the countermeasure-related unit with which the communication abnormality occurred.

[0133] As a result, the air conditioning system 1a according to this embodiment can use the branch box 40 to selectively stop (prohibit) operation of the indoor unit 20a corresponding to the countermeasure-related part in which a communication abnormality has occurred.

[0134] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of each control device of the air conditioning system 1 (1a). The devices shown in Fig. 8 show the hardware configuration of each control device (outdoor unit control device 100, indoor unit control device 200, controller control device 300, branch box control device 400, and sensor alarm control device 500) of the air conditioning system 1 (1a).

[0135] As shown in FIG. 8, each control device (outdoor unit control device 100, indoor unit control device 200, controller control device 300, branch box control device 400, sensor alarm control device 500) of the air conditioning system 1 (1a) includes a communication device H11, a memory H12, and a processor H13.

[0136] The communication device H11 is a communication device such as a LAN card that can be connected to the network NW1. The memory H12 is a storage device such as a RAM, a flash memory, or an HDD, and stores various information and programs used by the control devices (the outdoor unit control device 100, the indoor unit control device 200, the controller control device 300, the branch box control device 400, and the sensor alarm control device 500).

[0137] The processor H13 is a processing circuit including, for example, a CPU, etc. The processor H13 executes various processes of the control devices (the outdoor unit control device 100, the indoor unit control device 200, the controller control device 300, the branch box control device 400, and the sensor alarm control device 500) by executing programs stored in the memory H12.

[0138] The controller control device 300 further includes an input device corresponding to the input unit 320 and a display device (display device) corresponding to the display unit 330 in addition to the hardware configuration shown in FIG.

[0139] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the shutoff valves (liquid pipe shutoff valve 16, gas pipe shutoff valve 17) are provided in the outdoor unit 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and the shutoff valves (liquid pipe shutoff valve 16, gas pipe shutoff valve 17) may be disposed outside the outdoor unit 10. The shutoff valves (liquid pipe shutoff valve 16, gas pipe shutoff valve 17) may be disposed at other positions in the refrigerant circuit RC.

[0140] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the outdoor unit 10 is provided with the leak detection processing unit 132, but this is not limiting, and the leak detection processing unit 132 may be provided outside the outdoor unit 10 or in another device (for example, the indoor unit 20 (20a), the branch box 40, etc.). Furthermore, the functions of the leak detection processing unit 132 may be distributed and provided in a plurality of devices.

[0141] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which there are two indoor units 20 (20a), two external controllers 30 (30a), and two sensor alarm kits 50, but this is not limited to this, and the air conditioning system 1 (1a) may be equipped with three or more of these devices.

[0142] Each component of the air conditioning system 1 (1a) described above has an internal computer system. A program for implementing the functions of each component of the air conditioning system 1 (1a) described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing in each component of the air conditioning system 1 (1a) described above. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0143] Furthermore, a "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Furthermore, a "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0144] The recording medium also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined into each component of the air conditioning system 1 (1a), or each divided program may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that retains a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be a program that realizes part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0145] 1, 1a... Air conditioning system, 10... Outdoor unit, 11... Compressor, 12... Four-way valve, 13... Outdoor heat exchanger, 14... Outdoor fan, 15... Pressure vessel, 16... Liquid pipe shut-off valve, 17... Gas pipe shut-off valve, 20, 20-1, 20-2, 20a, 20a-1, 20a-2... Indoor unit, 23, 23-1, 23-2... Indoor heat exchanger, 24, 24-1, 24-2... Indoor fan, 28, 28-1, 28 -2, 41, 42... pressure reducing mechanisms, 29, 29-1, 29-2, 59, 59-1, 59-2... refrigerant sensors, 30, 30-1, 30-2, 30a, 30a-1, 30a-2... external controllers, 31, 31-1, 31-2, 51, 51-1, 51-2... alarm output units, 40... branch box, 50, 50-1, 50-2... sensor alarm kit, 100... outdoor unit control device, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110...outdoor unit communication unit, 120...outdoor unit memory unit, 121...startup information memory unit, 130...outdoor unit control unit, 131...outdoor operation control unit, 132...leakage detection processing unit, 200, 200-1, 200-2...indoor unit control unit, 210...indoor unit communication unit, 220...indoor unit memory unit, 230...indoor unit control unit, 231...indoor operation control unit, 300, 300-1, 300-2...controller control unit, 310...external communication unit, 320...input unit, 330...display unit, 340...remote control unit, 350...remote control unit memory unit, 400...branch box control unit, 410...branch communication unit, 420...branch memory unit, 430...branch control unit, 500...sensor alarm control unit, 510...sensor alarm communication unit, 520...sensor alarm control unit, RC...refrigerant circuit, RM1, RM2...room

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: a plurality of user side units, each having a user side heat exchanger that supplies cold or hot heat to a space to be air-conditioned by heat exchange of a refrigerant; a heat source side unit having a compressor that compresses the refrigerant; a refrigerant sensor that detects the refrigerant that has leaked into the space to be air-conditioned; and a countermeasure processing unit that executes safety countermeasure processing for the leakage of refrigerant detected by the refrigerant sensor, and when an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related unit related to the safety countermeasure processing, the countermeasure processing unit maintains operation of the compressor by the heat source side unit while restricting operation of the user side unit among the plurality of user side units that corresponds to the countermeasure-related unit with which the communication abnormality has occurred.

2. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the countermeasure processing unit is configured to: execute a first restriction process that keeps the refrigerant in the heat source side unit and stops operation of all of the multiple user side units if an abnormality occurs in communication with the countermeasure related unit during a period until an initial operation check is completed in which the multiple user side units, the heat source side unit, and the countermeasure related unit including the refrigerant sensor are installed and normal operation is confirmed through communication between them; and execute a second restriction process that restricts operation of the user side unit corresponding to the countermeasure related unit in which the communication abnormality occurred if an abnormality occurs in communication with the countermeasure related unit after the initial operation check is completed.

3. An air conditioning apparatus as described in claim 2, further comprising an alarm output unit which outputs an alarm indicating that the refrigerant has leaked, wherein the countermeasure processing unit, in the second restriction process, prohibits operation of the user unit corresponding to the countermeasure-related unit in which the communication abnormality has occurred, and outputs an alarm to the alarm output unit corresponding to the user unit.

4. An air conditioning apparatus as described in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the countermeasure processing unit, in the first restriction process, stops the compressor and closes a shut-off valve arranged on a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant between the heat source side unit and the multiple user side units, thereby suppressing leakage of the refrigerant into the space to be air-conditioned.

5. An air conditioning apparatus as described in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the heat source side unit is provided with a heat source side heat exchanger, and the countermeasure processing unit, in the first restriction processing, circulates the refrigerant within the heat source side unit and recovers the refrigerant to the heat source side heat exchanger.

6. An air conditioning apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a branching box that controls distribution of the refrigerant to each of the plurality of user-side units in a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant between the heat source unit and the plurality of user-side units, and when an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related unit related to the safety countermeasure processing, the countermeasure processing unit uses the branching box to stop distribution of the refrigerant to the user-side unit corresponding to the countermeasure-related unit where the communication abnormality has occurred.

7. An air conditioning apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a heat source side control unit that controls the heat source side unit, a usage side control unit that controls the usage side unit, and a countermeasures related control unit that controls the countermeasures related unit, wherein the countermeasures processing unit determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in communication with the countermeasures related unit based on mutual communication between the heat source side control unit, the usage side control unit, and the countermeasures related control unit.

8. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heat source side control unit is provided with the countermeasure processing unit.

9. An air conditioning apparatus as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the countermeasures-related unit includes at least one of the refrigerant sensor and an alarm output unit that outputs an alarm indicating that the refrigerant has leaked.

10. A control method for an air conditioning system comprising a plurality of user side units, each having a user side heat exchanger that supplies cold or hot heat to a space to be air-conditioned through heat exchange of a refrigerant, a heat source side unit having a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, and a refrigerant sensor that detects the refrigerant that has leaked into the space to be air-conditioned, wherein a countermeasure processing unit executes safety countermeasure processing for the leakage of the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant sensor, and when an abnormality occurs in communication with a countermeasure-related unit related to the safety countermeasure processing, while maintaining operation of the compressor by the heat source side unit, restricts operation of one of the plurality of user side units that corresponds to the countermeasure-related unit with which the communication abnormality has occurred.

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