Air conditioning device and control method for air conditioning device

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioning device capable of suppressing the amount of refrigerant leakage.　An air conditioning device 1000 comprises an outdoor unit provided with a compressor, a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit by refrigerant piping, an opening and closing device capable of shutting off a refrigerant flowing from at least the outdoor unit to the indoor units, and a detecting device for detecting refrigerant leakage, wherein, when the detecting device detects refrigerant leakage, the opening and closing device is closed and operation of the compressor is stopped, and operation of the compressor is not restarted until a first predetermined time has elapsed since the refrigerant leakage was detected.

Description

Air conditioner and method for controlling air conditioner

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that can appropriately control the refrigerant passing through an expansion valve without being affected by a shutoff valve. This air conditioner includes an outdoor unit having a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve unit having an expansion valve, a liquid-side shutoff valve that opens or closes the refrigerant flow from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit during cooling operation, and a gas-side shutoff valve that opens or closes the refrigerant flow from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit during cooling operation. The compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, liquid-side shutoff valve, indoor heat exchanger, gas-side shutoff valve, and compressor are connected in a ring shape to form a refrigerant circuit, the liquid-side shutoff valve is located between the expansion valve and the indoor heat exchanger, and the gas-side shutoff valve is located between the indoor heat exchanger and the compressor.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 038708

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioner that can reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage, and a method for controlling an air conditioner.

[0005] This specification includes the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-112621, filed on July 12, 2024. The air conditioning apparatus in the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor, a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit by refrigerant piping, an opening / closing device capable of blocking refrigerant flowing from at least the outdoor unit to the indoor units, and a detection device that detects refrigerant leakage, wherein when the detection device detects a refrigerant leakage, the opening / closing device closes and operation of the compressor stops, and operation of the compressor does not resume until a first predetermined time has elapsed since the refrigerant leakage was detected.

[0006] The control method for an air conditioning device disclosed herein, when a detection device for detecting refrigerant leakage detects a refrigerant leakage, closes an opening / closing device capable of blocking refrigerant flowing from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit, stops a compressor provided in the outdoor unit until a first predetermined time has elapsed, and does not resume operation of the compressor until the first predetermined time has elapsed since the compressor was stopped.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the amount of refrigerant leakage can be reduced.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system for an outdoor unit in embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system for an indoor unit in embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system for a shut-off valve in embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system for an indoor unit remote control in embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system for an alarm in embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioner in embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioner in embodiment 1.

[0009] (Knowledge, etc. that formed the basis of the present disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the idea of ​​the present disclosure, in an air conditioning apparatus equipped with multiple indoor units and an opening / closing device that suppresses refrigerant leakage by closing specified locations on the refrigerant piping, there was technology that, if a refrigerant leak occurred in one of the indoor units, would close the opening / closing device while allowing indoor units that were not leaking refrigerant to continue operating.

[0010] However, when it takes a certain amount of time for the opening and closing device to change from an open state to a closed state that blocks the flow of refrigerant, the inventors discovered a problem in that there is a risk that refrigerant leakage may continue until the opening and closing device changes to the closed state. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioner and a control method for an air conditioner that can suppress the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, embodiment 1 will be described using Figures 1 to 8. [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the air conditioning device] The air conditioning device 1000 is a system that conditions the air in a space S to be conditioned. The air conditioning device 1000 is applied to facilities such as buildings and schools. The space S to be conditioned is a room that belongs to the facility.

[0013] The air conditioning apparatus 1000 of this embodiment has a refrigerant system RS1.

[0014] The refrigerant system RS1 is composed of an outdoor unit 1, three indoor units 2 (indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C), and three shutoff valves 3 (shutoff valves 3A, 3B, and 3C). That is, the refrigerant system RS1 includes the outdoor unit 1, the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C, and the shutoff valves 3A, 3B, and 3C. The outdoor unit 1 is installed outdoors in the facility. The indoor unit 2A is installed indoors in the facility and air-conditions the conditioned space S1. The indoor unit 2B is installed indoors in the facility and air-conditions the conditioned space S2. The indoor unit 2C is installed indoors in the facility and air-conditions the conditioned space S3. The outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C are connected by a refrigerant piping RP1. A shutoff valve 3A is provided in the refrigerant piping RP1 between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2A to shut off the flow of refrigerant between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2B. In addition, a shutoff valve 3B is provided in the refrigerant piping RP1 between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2B to shut off the flow of refrigerant between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2B. In the refrigerant piping RP1, a shutoff valve 3C is provided between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2C to shut off the flow of refrigerant between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2C.

[0015] The indoor units 2 of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 in this embodiment are capable of performing cooling operation, dry operation, heating operation, and fan operation. The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is equipped with a so-called 2-way system in which each of the indoor units 2 performs the same operation.

[0016] The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is equipped with an indoor unit remote control 4A arranged in the conditioned space S1. The indoor unit remote control 4A is a remote control for making various settings for the indoor unit 2A, such as setting the set temperature. The indoor unit remote control 4A is connected to the indoor unit 2A by remote control wiring RL, and is also connected to the shutoff valve 3A via the indoor unit 2A by remote control wiring RL. The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is also equipped with a detection alarm 5A arranged in the conditioned space S1. The detection alarm 5A is connected to the indoor unit remote control 4A via the indoor unit 2A by remote control wiring RL.

[0017] The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is equipped with an indoor unit remote control 4B arranged in the conditioned space S2. The indoor unit remote control 4B is a remote control for making various settings for the indoor unit 2B, such as setting the set temperature. The indoor unit remote control 4B is connected to the indoor unit 2B by remote control wiring RL, and is also connected to the shutoff valve 3B via the indoor unit 2B by remote control wiring RL. The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is also equipped with a detection alarm 5B arranged in the conditioned space S2. The detection alarm 5B is connected to the indoor unit remote control 4B via the indoor unit 2B by remote control wiring RL.

[0018] The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is equipped with an indoor unit remote control 4C arranged in the conditioned space S3. The indoor unit remote control 4C is a remote control for making various settings for the indoor unit 2C, such as setting the set temperature. The indoor unit remote control 4C is connected to the indoor unit 2C by remote control wiring RL, and is also connected to the shutoff valve 3C via the indoor unit 2C by remote control wiring RL. The air conditioning apparatus 1000 is also equipped with a detection alarm 5C arranged in the conditioned space S3. The detection alarm 5C is connected to the indoor unit remote control 4C via the indoor unit 2C by remote control wiring RL.

[0019] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the shutoff valves 3A, 3B, and 3C, they will be referred to as "shutoff valve 3" with the symbol "3" added. The shutoff valve 3 is an example of an "opening / closing device" of the present disclosure. When there is no need to distinguish between the indoor unit remote controls 4A, 4B, and 4C, they will be referred to as "indoor unit remote control 4" with the symbol "4" added. Furthermore, in the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the detection alarms 5A, 5B, and 5C, they will be referred to as "detection alarm 5" with the symbol "5" added.

[0020] Here, a brief description will be given of the shutoff valve 3 and the detection alarm 5. The shutoff valve 3 is a device that can switch between an open state in which the refrigerant flows through the refrigerant piping RP1 and a closed state in which the flow of refrigerant is blocked. The shutoff valve 3 closes in the event of a refrigerant leak. This allows the shutoff valve 3 to ensure the safety of users in the conditioned space S from a refrigerant leak in the event of a refrigerant leak. The detection alarm 5 is an alarm equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor 54. The detection alarm 5 issues an alarm using a buzzer in the event of a refrigerant leak. This allows the detection alarm 5 to ensure the safety of users in the conditioned space S from a refrigerant leak in the event of a refrigerant leak. In the following description, an alarm that does not have a refrigerant leak sensor 54 will be simply referred to as an "alarm" to distinguish it from the detection alarm 5.

[0021] In the air conditioning apparatus 1000 of this embodiment, three remote control wiring groups GP are formed: remote control wiring groups GP1, GP2, and GP3. A remote control wiring group GP is a group connected by remote control wiring RL. In more detail, the remote control wiring group GP in this embodiment is a group that includes the indoor unit 2 and devices that are connected to the indoor unit 2 by remote control wiring RL. Remote control wiring group GP1 includes the indoor unit 2A, shutoff valve 3A, indoor unit remote control 4A, and detection alarm 5A. Remote control wiring group GP2 includes the indoor unit 2B, shutoff valve 3B, indoor unit remote control 4B, and detection alarm 5B. Remote control wiring group GP3 includes the indoor unit 2C, shutoff valve 3C, indoor unit remote control 4C, and detection alarm 5C.

[0022] Next, the configuration of the control system for the outdoor unit 1, indoor unit 2, shutoff valve 3, indoor unit remote controller 4, and detection alarm 5 will be described.

[0023] [1-1-2. Configuration of Outdoor Unit] First, we will explain the configuration of the control system of the outdoor unit 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the outdoor unit 1. The outdoor unit 1 includes an outdoor unit control unit 10, an outdoor unit communication unit 11, and a compressor 13.

[0024] Before describing the outdoor unit control unit 10, we will explain the outdoor unit communication unit 11 and the compressor 13. The outdoor unit communication unit 11 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 in accordance with the control of the outdoor unit control unit 10. The outdoor unit communication unit 11 of the outdoor unit 1 communicates with the indoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C via a communication line CL1.

[0025] The compressor 13 is driven under the control of the outdoor unit control unit 10, and draws in the refrigerant in the refrigerant system RS1, compresses it, and then discharges it.

[0026] The outdoor unit control unit 10 controls the outdoor unit 1, the indoor unit 2, and the shutoff valve 3. The outdoor unit control unit 10 includes a processor 100 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a memory 120, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. The interface circuit included in the outdoor unit control unit 10 is connected to the compressor 13 and various devices included in the outdoor unit 1, such as an outdoor blower fan and various sensors (not shown).

[0027] The memory 120 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 120 stores a control program 121 and data to be processed by the processor 100. The memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 120 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the processor 100. The memory 120 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0028] The outdoor unit control unit 10 controls each part of the outdoor unit 1 and performs various operations by having the processor 100 read and execute a control program 121 stored in the memory 120. As will be described in detail later, the outdoor unit control unit 10 communicates with the indoor unit 2 via the outdoor unit communication unit 11. The outdoor unit control unit 10 is an example of a "compressor control unit."

[0029] [1-1-3. Configuration of indoor unit] Next, we will explain the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit 2. The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor unit control unit 20, a first indoor unit communication unit 21, a second indoor unit communication unit 22, an indoor blower fan 23, and an indoor expansion valve 24.

[0030] Before describing the indoor unit control unit 20, we will explain the first indoor unit communication unit 21, the second indoor unit communication unit 22, and the indoor blower fan 23. The first indoor unit communication unit 21 has communication hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the outdoor unit 1 that belongs to the same refrigerant system RS1 in accordance with the control of the indoor unit control unit 20. The first indoor unit communication units 21 of the indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C communicate with the outdoor unit 1.

[0031] 1 , the second indoor unit communication unit 22 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with each device connected to the indoor unit 2 via the remote control wiring RL in accordance with the control of the indoor unit control unit 20. The second indoor unit communication unit 22 of the indoor unit 2A communicates with the shutoff valve 3A, indoor unit remote control 4A, and detection alarm 5A. The second indoor unit communication unit 22 of the indoor unit 2B communicates with the shutoff valve 3B, indoor unit remote control 4B, and detection alarm 5B. The second indoor unit communication unit 22 of the indoor unit 2C communicates with the shutoff valve 3C, indoor unit remote control 4C, and detection alarm 5C.

[0032] The indoor blower fan 23 rotates under the control of the indoor unit control unit 20 and sends air to a heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit 2. The indoor expansion valve 24 is a valve that adjusts the flow rate of refrigerant to the heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit 2. The opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 24 is adjusted under the control of the indoor unit control unit 20.

[0033] The indoor unit control unit 20 includes a processor 200 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 220, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. Although not shown, various devices included in the indoor unit 2, such as a temperature sensor, are connected to this interface circuit included in the indoor unit control unit 20.

[0034] The memory 220 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 220 stores a control program 221 and data to be processed by the processor 200. The memory 220 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 220 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the processor 200. The memory 220 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0035] The indoor unit control unit 20 controls each unit of the indoor unit 2 and performs various operations by having the processor 200 read and execute a control program 221 stored in the memory 220. As will be described in detail below, the indoor unit control unit 20 communicates with the outdoor unit 1 belonging to the same refrigerant system RS1 via the first indoor unit communication unit 21. The indoor unit control unit 20 also communicates with each device connected to the indoor unit 2 via the second indoor unit communication unit 22 via the remote control wiring RL. The indoor unit control unit 20 also controls the operation of the indoor unit 2 by controlling air conditioning mechanisms such as the indoor blower fan 23 and the indoor expansion valve 24. When the indoor unit control unit 20 receives a notification of a refrigerant leak from the detection alarm 5, it transmits that notification to each device in the same remote control wiring group GP and the outdoor unit. The indoor unit control unit 20 is an example of an "indoor unit control unit" and an "indoor blower fan control unit."

[0036] [1-1-4. Configuration of Shut-Off Valve] Next, the configuration of the control system of the shut-off valve 3 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the shut-off valve 3. The shut-off valve 3 includes a shut-off valve control unit 30, a shut-off valve communication unit 31, a shut-off unit 32, and a notification unit 33. The shut-off valve 3 is an example of an "opening and closing device."

[0037] Before describing the shutoff valve control unit 30, we will explain the shutoff valve communication unit 31, the shutoff unit 32, and the notification unit 33. The shutoff valve communication unit 31 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 connected via the remote control wiring RL in accordance with the control of the shutoff valve control unit 30.

[0038] The shutoff unit 32 shuts off the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe RP. The shutoff unit 32 of the present disclosure includes an electric valve equipped with a drive device such as an actuator, and switches the state of the shutoff valve 3 between an open state and a closed state under the control of the shutoff valve control unit 30.

[0039] The notification unit 33 notifies predetermined content. The notification unit 33 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and notifies predetermined content by lighting up the LED according to the control of the shutoff valve control unit 30.

[0040] The shutoff valve control unit 30 includes a processor 300 such as a CPU or an MPU, a memory 320, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors.

[0041] The memory 320 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 320 stores a control program 321 and data to be processed by the processor 300. The memory 320 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 320 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the processor 300. The memory 320 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0042] The shutoff valve control unit 30 controls each unit of the shutoff valve 3 and performs various operations by having the processor 300 read and execute a control program 321 stored in the memory 320. As will be described in detail below, the shutoff valve control unit 30 communicates with the indoor unit 2 connected to the remote control wiring RL via the shutoff valve communication unit 31. The shutoff valve control unit 30 also sets the shutoff valve 3 to an open state by opening the on-off valve of the shutoff unit 32, and sets the shutoff valve 3 to a closed state by closing the on-off valve of the shutoff unit 32. When the shutoff valve control unit 30 sets the shutoff valve 3 to a closed state, the shutoff valve control unit 30 also uses the notification unit 33 to notify that the shutoff valve 3 is in a closed state. Note that it is also possible to notify the shutoff valve 3 of its open / closed state, but to notify that the shutoff valve control unit 30 has issued an open / close command.

[0043] In this embodiment, it takes a predetermined time, for example, about 20 seconds to 1 minute, for the shutoff valve 3 to change from an open state to a closed state. The shutoff valve control unit 30 is an example of an "opening / closing device control unit."

[0044] [1-1-5. Configuration of the indoor unit remote control] Next, we will explain the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit remote control 4. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the indoor unit remote control 4. The indoor unit remote control 4 includes a remote control control unit 40, a remote control communication unit 41, a remote control display unit 42, and a remote control operation unit 43.

[0045] Before describing the remote control control unit 40, we will explain the remote control communication unit 41, the remote control display unit 42, and the remote control operation unit 43. The remote control communication unit 41 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 connected via the remote control wiring RL in accordance with the control of the remote control control unit 40.

[0046] The remote control display unit 42 includes an LED and a display, and displays various information on the LED and the display according to the control of the remote control control unit 40 .

[0047] The remote control operation unit 43 has a plurality of operation keys for receiving various instructions from the user, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operated operation key to the remote control control unit 40.

[0048] The remote control unit 40 includes a processor 400 such as a CPU or an MPU, a memory 420, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors.

[0049] The memory 420 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 420 stores a control program 421 and data to be processed by the processor 400. The memory 420 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 420 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the processor 400. The memory 420 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0050] The remote control control unit 40 reads and executes a control program 421 stored in the memory 420 to control each unit of the indoor unit remote control 4 and perform various operations. As will be described in detail later, the remote control control unit 40 communicates with the indoor unit 2 via a remote control communication unit 41. The remote control control unit 40 also displays various information on a remote control display unit 42. The remote control control unit 40 also accepts various instructions from the user based on signals output by a remote control operation unit 43.

[0051] [1-1-6. Configuration of the detection alarm] Next, the configuration of the control system of the detection alarm 5 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the detection alarm 5. The detection alarm 5 comprises an alarm control unit 50, an alarm communication unit 51, an alarm activation unit 52, an alarm operation unit 53, and a refrigerant leak sensor 54. The detection alarm 5 is an example of a "detection device".

[0052] Before describing the alarm control unit 50, we will explain the alarm communication unit 51, alarm activation unit 52, alarm operation unit 53, and refrigerant leak sensor 54. The alarm communication unit 51 is equipped with communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, such as a communication circuit, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 connected via the remote control wiring RL in accordance with the control of the alarm control unit 50.

[0053] The alarm issuing unit 52 includes an LED and a buzzer, and issues an alarm by lighting up the LED and outputting a sound from the buzzer.

[0054] The alarm operation unit 53 has a plurality of operation keys that accept various instructions from the user. The alarm operation unit 53 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation key that has been operated to the alarm control unit 50.

[0055] The refrigerant leak sensor 54 is a sensor that detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leak. When the refrigerant leak sensor 54 detects the occurrence of a refrigerant leak, the refrigerant leak sensor 54 outputs a signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected to the alarm control unit 50.

[0056] The alarm control unit 50 comprises a processor 500 such as a CPU or MPU, a memory 520, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors.

[0057] The memory 520 is a storage device that stores programs and data. The memory 520 stores a control program 521 and data to be processed by the processor 500. The memory 520 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 520 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the processor 500. The memory 520 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0058] The alarm control unit 50 reads and executes a control program 521 stored in the memory 520, thereby controlling each unit of the detection alarm 5 and performing various operations. As will be described in detail below, the alarm control unit 50 communicates with the indoor unit 2 via an alarm communication unit 51. The alarm control unit 50 also issues an alarm using an alarm activation unit 52. The alarm control unit 50 also accepts various instructions from the user based on signals output by an alarm operation unit 53. Furthermore, when the alarm control unit 50 receives a signal from the refrigerant leak sensor 54, it determines that a refrigerant leak has occurred and transmits a notification to that effect to the indoor unit 2.

[0059] The refrigerant leak sensor 54 may be formed separately from the alarm control unit 50 , the alarm communication unit 51 , the alarm issuing unit 52 , and the alarm operating unit 53 .

[0060] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 in this embodiment will be described.

[0061] [1-2-1. When a refrigerant leak is detected while the compressor is operating] First, the operation of each part of the air conditioner 1000 when a refrigerant leak is detected while the compressor is operating will be described.

[0062] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000. Figure 7 shows the operation of the outdoor unit 1, indoor unit 2, shutoff valve 3, detection alarm 5, and indoor unit remote control 4. Figure 7 shows a case where the detection alarm 5A detects a refrigerant leak, but neither the detection alarm 5B nor 5C detects a refrigerant leak.

[0063] 7, when the refrigerant leak sensor 54 in the detection alarm 5A detects a refrigerant leak (step SA1), the alarm control unit 50 transmits a detection signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected to the indoor unit 2A via the alarm communication unit 51 (step SA2). The alarm control unit 50 then causes the alarm issuing unit 52 to issue an alarm (step SA3).

[0064] In the indoor unit 2A, when the second indoor unit communication unit 22 receives a detection signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from the detection alarm 5A, the indoor unit control unit 20 sends a drive signal to the shutoff valve 3A via the second indoor unit communication unit 22 to close the on-off valve (step SA4).The indoor unit control unit 20 sends a detection signal to the outdoor unit 1 via the first indoor unit communication unit 21 indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected (step SA5).

[0065] When the shut-off valve communication unit 31 receives a drive signal from the indoor unit 2A to close the on-off valve of the shut-off valve 3A, the shut-off valve control unit 30 changes the on-off state of the shut-off valve 3A to the closed state by closing the on-off valve of the shut-off unit 32 (step SA6).

[0066] When the outdoor unit communication unit 11 of the outdoor unit 1 receives a detection signal indicating that a refrigerant leak from the indoor unit 2A has been detected, the outdoor unit control unit 10 stops driving the compressor 13 (step SA7). This prevents the compressor 13 from sending refrigerant to each of the indoor units 2 in the air conditioning apparatus 1000.

[0067] The outdoor unit control unit 10 transmits a detection signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected to each of the indoor units 2B, 2C via the outdoor unit communication unit 11 (step SA8).

[0068] In the indoor units 2B and 2C, when the first indoor unit communication unit 21 receives a detection signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from the outdoor unit 1, the indoor unit control unit 20 controls the rotation of the indoor blower fan 23 as follows (step SA9). For example, when the indoor units 2B and 2C perform heating operation, the indoor unit control unit 20 rotates the indoor blower fan 23 at a rotation speed that is equal to or lower than the minimum rotation speed in normal heating operation. When the indoor units 2B and 2C perform cooling operation, dry operation, or fan operation, the indoor unit control unit 20 rotates the indoor blower fan 23 at the same rotation speed as in normal cooling operation or dry operation.

[0069] This allows the air in the conditioned spaces S2 and S3 to be continuously agitated, enabling the indoor units 2B and 2C to more accurately detect the room temperatures of the conditioned spaces S2 and S3. Therefore, when the air conditioning apparatus 1000 returns to normal operation, it is possible to more appropriately air-condition the conditioned spaces S2 and S3. Normal operation refers to operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 in a state where a refrigerant leak is not detected, such as operation performed in accordance with user operation via the indoor unit remote control 4.

[0070] Furthermore, when the indoor units 2B and 2C are performing heating operation, the indoor unit control unit 20 can prevent the temperature of the conditioned spaces S2 and S3 from dropping by rotating the indoor blower fan 23 at a rotation speed that is lower than the minimum rotation speed during normal heating operation.

[0071] When the first indoor unit communication unit 21 of the indoor units 2B and 2C receives a detection signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from the outdoor unit 1, the indoor unit control unit 20 of the indoor units 2B and 2C may perform the rotation control of the indoor blower fan 23 continuously or intermittently until normal operation is restored.

[0072] In the indoor unit 2A, when the second indoor unit communication unit 22 receives a detection signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from the detection alarm 5A, the indoor unit control unit 20 sends a display signal via the second indoor unit communication unit 22 to the indoor unit remote control 4A to display to the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred (step SA10).

[0073] In the indoor unit remote control 4A, when the remote control communication unit 41 receives a display signal from the indoor unit 2A to display to the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred, the remote control control unit 40 causes the remote control display unit 42 to display to the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred (step SA11).

[0074] In indoor units 2B and 2C, when the first indoor unit communication unit 21 receives a detection signal from the outdoor unit 1 indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected, the indoor unit control unit 20 sends a display signal to the indoor unit remote controls 4B and 4C via the second indoor unit communication unit 22 to display to the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred (step SA12).

[0075] In the indoor unit remote controls 4B and 4C, when the remote control communication unit 41 receives a display signal from the indoor units 2B and 2C to display to the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred, the remote control control unit 40 causes the remote control display unit 42 to display to the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred (step SA14).

[0076] In the outdoor unit 1, when the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that a first predetermined time has elapsed since the drive of the compressor 13 was stopped (step SA14), it resumes the drive of the compressor 13 (step SA15). The first predetermined time is a time longer than the time required for the shutoff valve 3 to change from an open state to a closed state. In this embodiment, the first predetermined time is set to, for example, about 3 minutes.

[0077] After restarting the drive of the compressor 13, the outdoor unit control unit 10 transmits a drive signal to each of the indoor units 2B, 2C via the outdoor unit communication unit 11 to restart normal operation (step SA16).

[0078] In the indoor units 2B and 2C, when the first indoor unit communication unit 21 receives a drive signal from the outdoor unit 1 to resume normal operation, the indoor unit control unit 20 controls each part of the indoor units 2B and 2C to perform normal operation (step SA17).

[0079] By controlling the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 2B, 2C as in steps SA8 to SA17, the amount of refrigerant leaking before the shutoff valve 3A is closed can be reduced in the air conditioning apparatus 1000. Additionally, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, the indoor units 2B, 2C located in the conditioned spaces S2, S3 where refrigerant leakage is not detected can be returned to normal operation after the shutoff valve 3A is closed.

[0080] The processing order of steps SA3 to SA5 and the processing order of steps SA7 to SA14 are not limited to this order. For example, the processing order of steps SA4 and SA5 may be reversed. This makes it possible to stop the operation of the compressor 13 more quickly and reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage. Furthermore, the processing of steps SA2 and SA3, and the processing of steps SA3 to SA7, SA10, and SA12 may be performed at least partially simultaneously.

[0081] [1-2-2. When a refrigerant leak is detected when the compressor is stopped] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000 when a refrigerant leak is detected when the compressor is stopped will be described.

[0082] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1000. Figure 8 shows the operation of the outdoor unit 1, indoor unit 2, shutoff valve 3, detection alarm 5, and indoor unit remote control 4. Figure 8 shows a case where the detection alarm 5A detects a refrigerant leak, but neither the detection alarm 5B nor the detection alarm 5C detects a refrigerant leak. In the explanation of Figure 8, steps that are the same as those in Figure 7 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8, if a refrigerant leak is detected when the compressor is stopped, the air conditioning device 1000 executes steps SA1 to SA5, and after step SA5 is executed, steps SA6, SA8, and SA10 to SA13 are executed.

[0084] Here, while steps SA1 to SA13 are being executed, a user may operate at least one of the indoor units 2B and 2C via at least one of the indoor unit remote controls 4B and 4C. In such a case, in the outdoor unit 1, the indoor unit control unit 20 stops driving the compressor 13 and then restarts driving the compressor 13 after a second predetermined time has elapsed. The second predetermined time is, for example, equal to or longer than the time required for the shutoff valve 3 to change from an open state to a closed state. Therefore, the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time. In this embodiment, the second predetermined time is set to, for example, about one minute.

[0085] FIG. 8 shows a case where a user performs an operation to drive at least one of the indoor units 2B and 2C via at least one of the indoor unit remote controls 4B and 4C between step SA11 and step SA12.

[0086] When a user operates at least one of the indoor units 2B, 2C via at least one of the indoor unit remote controls 4B, 4C, a drive signal is transmitted from at least one of the indoor unit remote controls 4B, 4C to at least one of the indoor units 2B, 2C (step SB1). When the second indoor unit communication unit 22 in at least one of the indoor units 2B, 2C receives the drive signal, the indoor unit control unit 20 transmits the drive signal via the first indoor unit communication unit 21 (step SB2).

[0087] In the outdoor unit 1, when the outdoor unit communication unit 11 receives a detection signal indicating that a refrigerant leak has been detected from at least one of the indoor units 2B, 2C, the outdoor unit control unit 10 determines that the second predetermined time has elapsed (step SB3) and resumes driving the compressor 13 (step SA15).

[0088] By controlling the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 2B, 2C as in steps SB1 to SA17, the amount of refrigerant leaking before the shutoff valve 3A is closed can be reduced in the air conditioning apparatus 1000. In addition, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, the indoor units 2B, 2C located in the conditioned spaces S2, S3 where refrigerant leakage is not detected can be returned to normal operation more quickly after the shutoff valve 3A is closed.

[0089] The order of steps SA10 to SB3 is not limited to this. At least some of the steps SA2 and SA3, and the steps SA3 to SA7, SA10, and SA12 may be performed simultaneously.

[0090] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 comprises the outdoor unit 1 equipped with the compressor 13, a plurality of indoor units 2 connected to the outdoor unit 1 by refrigerant piping RP1, a shutoff valve 3 capable of shutting off refrigerant flowing from at least the outdoor unit 1 to the indoor units 2, and a detection alarm 5 that detects refrigerant leakage. In the air conditioning apparatus 1000, when the detection alarm 5 detects a refrigerant leakage, the shutoff valve 3 closes to shut off the flow of refrigerant between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 arranged in the same conditioned space S as the detection alarm 5. Then, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, operation of the compressor 13 stops, and operation of the compressor 13 does not resume until a first predetermined time has elapsed since the refrigerant leakage was detected. As a result, the air conditioning device 1000 can reduce the amount of refrigerant that is at risk of leaking between the time a refrigerant leak is detected and the time the shut-off valve 3 is closed, and can perform air conditioning operation in the conditioned space S where no refrigerant leak is detected after the shut-off valve 3 is closed.

[0091] As in the present embodiment, the first predetermined time may be longer than the time required for the shutoff valve 3 to change from an open state to a closed state. This allows the air conditioning apparatus 1000 to reduce the amount of refrigerant that may leak from the time a refrigerant leak is detected until the shutoff valve 3 is closed.

[0092] As in this embodiment, each indoor unit 2 is equipped with an indoor blower fan 23 and is distributed across at least two or more conditioned spaces S. A detection alarm 5 is disposed in each conditioned space S. The air conditioning apparatus 1000 may be equipped with an indoor unit control unit 20 that, when one of the detection alarms 5 detects a refrigerant and stops the compressor 13, drives the indoor blower fan 23 of an indoor unit 2 located in the same conditioned space S as the detection alarm 5 that does not detect a refrigerant, for at least a portion of the first predetermined time. In this manner, by continuing to drive the indoor blower fan 23 during the first predetermined time, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 can more accurately detect changes in room temperature and more appropriately resume air conditioning operation after the first predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, by continuing to operate the indoor blower fan 23, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 can prevent the user from noticing a malfunction in the indoor unit 2 located in the same conditioned space S as the detection alarm 5 that does not detect a refrigerant.

[0093] As in the present embodiment, when one of the detection alarm devices 5 detects a refrigerant and the compressor 13 control device stops the compressor 13, an indoor unit control device 20 may be provided that, after a first predetermined time has elapsed, resumes operation of the indoor units 2 that were operating before the refrigerant was detected, among the indoor units 2 that are located in the same conditioned space S as the detection alarm device 5 that does not detect a refrigerant. In this way, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 can more quickly resume air conditioning operation for the indoor units 2 that are located in the same conditioned space S as the detection alarm device 5 that does not detect a refrigerant, after the first predetermined time has elapsed.

[0094] As in the present embodiment, after one of the detection alarm devices 5 detects refrigerant while the compressor 13 is stopped, the compressor 13 control unit starts operation of the compressor 13 after a second predetermined time, which is shorter than the first predetermined time, has elapsed since the detection alarm device 5 detected refrigerant. Accordingly, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, if a refrigerant leak is detected while air conditioning operation is stopped, the amount of refrigerant leakage can be reduced and air conditioning operation can be resumed more quickly.

[0095] As in the present embodiment, the control method for the air conditioner 1000, when the detection alarm 5 that detects refrigerant detects refrigerant, closes the shutoff valve 3 that opens and closes the refrigerant pipe RP1 that connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 2. Furthermore, the control method for the air conditioner 1000 stops the compressor 13 provided in the outdoor unit until a first predetermined time has elapsed, and then resumes operation of the compressor 13 after the first predetermined time has elapsed since the compressor 13 was stopped. With this configuration, the control method for the air conditioner 1000 achieves effects similar to those of the air conditioner 1000 described above.

[0096] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first and second embodiments above to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0097] For example, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, a refrigerant leak sensor 54 may be integrally provided in each of the indoor units 2. In this air conditioning apparatus 1000, when one of the refrigerant leak sensors 54 detects a refrigerant leak and the indoor unit 2 equipped with the refrigerant leak sensor 54 that detected the refrigerant leak is operating, the indoor blower fan 23 of the indoor unit 2 equipped with the refrigerant leak sensor 54 that detected the refrigerant leak may be driven for at least a portion of the first predetermined time. In this way, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 can quickly discharge the leaking refrigerant from the indoor unit 2 in which a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0098] In the air conditioning apparatus 1000, multiple indoor units 2 may be arranged in one conditioned space S. In this case, if one of the refrigerant leak sensors 54 detects a refrigerant leak and the indoor unit 2 equipped with the refrigerant leak sensor 54 that detected the refrigerant leak is operating, the indoor blower fan 23 of the indoor unit 2 equipped with the refrigerant leak sensor 54 that detected the refrigerant leak may be driven for at least a portion of the first predetermined time. Furthermore, in an indoor unit 2 equipped with a refrigerant leak sensor 54 that does not detect a refrigerant leak and arranged in the same conditioned space S as the indoor unit 2 equipped with the refrigerant leak sensor 54 that detected the refrigerant leak, the indoor blower fan 23 does not need to be driven for at least a portion of the first predetermined time.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the number of remote control wiring groups GP formed in the air conditioning device 1000 is three, but this is not limited to this, and the number of remote control wiring groups GP formed in the air conditioning device 1000 may be two or less, or four or more.

[0100] In the air conditioning apparatus 1000, an alarm may be issued to the user by causing a predetermined display to appear on the remote control display unit 42 of the indoor unit remote control 4. Furthermore, for example, the indoor unit remote control 4 may be provided with an audio notification unit and configured to be able to issue an alarm by buzzer.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 has one refrigerant system RS, but this is not limited thereto, and the air conditioning apparatus 1000 may have two or more refrigerant systems RS.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the number of outdoor units 1 belonging to each refrigerant system RS is one. In other embodiments, the number of outdoor units 1 belonging to each refrigerant system RS may be two or more.

[0103] In the embodiment described above, each remote control wiring group GP includes one detection alarm device 5. In other embodiments, each remote control wiring group GP may include a plurality of detection alarm devices 5.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the number of indoor units 2 included in each remote control wiring group GP is one, but this is not limiting, and each remote control wiring group GP may include a plurality of indoor units 2. In this case, the remote control wiring group GP is a group that includes the indoor unit 2 and devices that are directly or indirectly connected to the indoor unit 2 via the remote control wiring RL.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, one remote control wiring group GP includes a plurality of shutoff valves 3, but each of a plurality of remote control wiring groups GP may include a plurality of shutoff valves 3.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration is used in which one remote control wiring group GP includes a plurality of indoor units 2, but a plurality of remote control wiring groups GP may each include a plurality of indoor units 2.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, the processor 300 of the shutoff valve 3 functions as an "opening / closing device control unit," and the processor 200 of the indoor unit 2 functions as an "indoor unit control unit" and an "indoor blower fan control unit." However, this is not limiting, and in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, the processor 100 of the outdoor unit 1 may function as an opening / closing device control unit. In this case, the opening / closing device control unit closes the shutoff valve 3 by sending a close signal from the outdoor unit 1 to the shutoff valve 3. Also, for example, the processor 200 of the indoor unit 2 may function as an opening / closing device control unit. In this case, the opening / closing device control unit closes the shutoff valve by sending a close signal from the indoor unit 2 to the shutoff valve 3.

[0108] Furthermore, for example, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, the processor 100 of the outdoor unit 1 may function as an indoor unit control unit and an indoor blower fan control unit. In this case, the indoor unit control unit and the indoor blower fan control unit send predetermined signals from the outdoor unit 1 to the indoor unit 2 to control the operation of the indoor blower fan 23 and the indoor unit 2.

[0109] Furthermore, for example, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, the processor 200 of the indoor unit 2 may function as a compressor control unit. In this case, the compressor control unit controls the operation of the compressor 13 by sending a predetermined signal from the indoor unit 2 to the outdoor unit 1.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, the shutoff valve 3 is an on-off valve that shuts off the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant piping RP. However, this is not limiting, and in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, the shutoff valve 3 may function as a refrigerant flow rate control valve or an expansion valve. Also, for example, in the air conditioning apparatus 1000, instead of the shutoff valve 3, the indoor expansion valve 24 may function as an on-off device that shuts off the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant piping RP.

[0111] Furthermore, for example, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 may be provided with a so-called 3-way system that includes a solenoid valve kit and allows each indoor unit 2 to selectively perform cooling operation, dry operation, heating operation, or fan operation.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1000 includes an outdoor unit 1, an indoor unit 2, a shutoff valve 3, an indoor unit remote control 4, and a detection alarm 5. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the air conditioning apparatus 1000 may further include another terminal device, such as an external server, and the terminal device may be configured to be able to execute at least part of the control in the above-described embodiment.

[0113] The processors 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0114] The configurations of each part of the air conditioning device 1000 shown in Figures 2 to 6 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware that corresponds to each part individually, and it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0115] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 7 and 8 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0116] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0117] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0118] (Technology 1) An air conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor, a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit by refrigerant piping, an opening / closing device capable of blocking refrigerant flow from at least the outdoor unit to the indoor units, and a detection device for detecting refrigerant leaks, wherein when the detection device detects a refrigerant leak, the opening / closing device closes and operation of the compressor stops, and operation of the compressor does not resume until a first predetermined time has elapsed after the refrigerant leak is detected. This air conditioning apparatus reduces the amount of refrigerant that may leak between the detection of a refrigerant leak and the closure of the opening / closing device, and can perform air conditioning operation in a conditioned space where a refrigerant leak has not been detected after the opening / closing device is closed.

[0119] (Technology 2) The air conditioning apparatus according to Technology 1, wherein the first predetermined time is longer than the time required for the opening / closing device to change from an open state to a closed state. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant that may leak from the time a refrigerant leak is detected until the opening / closing device is closed.

[0120] (Technology 3) The air conditioning apparatus according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the indoor units are distributed among at least two or more conditioned spaces, and the detection device is disposed in each of the conditioned spaces, and when one of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak and an indoor unit disposed in the conditioned space where a refrigerant leak is not detected is operating, operation of the indoor unit disposed in the conditioned space where a refrigerant leak is not detected resumes after the first predetermined time has elapsed, and when one of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak and an indoor unit disposed in the conditioned space where a refrigerant leak is detected is operating, air conditioning operation of the indoor unit disposed in the conditioned space where a refrigerant leak is detected does not resume even after the first predetermined time has elapsed. According to this, when the air conditioning apparatus detects a refrigerant leak while air conditioning operation is stopped, the amount of refrigerant leakage can be reduced and air conditioning operation can be resumed more quickly in the conditioned space where no refrigerant is leaking.

[0121] (Technology 4) The air conditioning apparatus according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein each of the indoor units is equipped with an indoor blower fan and is distributed among at least two or more conditioned spaces, and the detection device is disposed in each of the conditioned spaces. When one of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak and one of the indoor units is operating, the indoor blower fan of the indoor unit that is operating when the refrigerant leak was detected is driven for at least a portion of the first predetermined time. According to this, by continuing to drive the indoor blower fan during the first predetermined time, the air conditioning apparatus can more accurately detect changes in room temperature and more appropriately resume air conditioning operation after the first predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, by continuing to drive the indoor blower fan, the air conditioning apparatus can prevent a user from perceiving a malfunction in an indoor unit located in the same conditioned space as a detection device that does not detect a refrigerant.

[0122] (Technology 5) An air conditioning apparatus according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein each of the indoor units is equipped with an indoor blower fan and is disposed in at least two or more conditioned spaces in a distributed manner, the detection device is provided integrally with each indoor unit, and when one of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak and the indoor unit in which the detection device that detected the refrigerant leak is provided is operating, the indoor blower fan of the indoor unit in which the detection device that detected the refrigerant leak is provided is driven for at least a portion of the first predetermined time. This allows the air conditioning apparatus to quickly discharge leaking refrigerant from an indoor unit in which a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0123] (Technology 6) An air conditioning apparatus according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein, after one of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak while the compressor is stopped, operation of the compressor does not resume until a second predetermined time, which is shorter than the first predetermined time, has elapsed since the detection device detected the refrigerant leak. According to this, when the air conditioning apparatus detects a refrigerant leak while air conditioning operation is stopped, the amount of refrigerant leakage can be reduced and air conditioning operation can be resumed more quickly.

[0124] (Technology 7) A control method for an air conditioner, in which, when a detection device for detecting refrigerant leakage detects a refrigerant leakage, an opening / closing device capable of blocking refrigerant flow from an outdoor unit to the indoor unit is closed, and a compressor provided in the outdoor unit is stopped until a first predetermined time has elapsed, and operation of the compressor is not resumed until the first predetermined time has elapsed since the compressor was stopped. With this configuration, the control method for an air conditioner achieves the same effects as those of the air conditioner described above.

[0125] The present disclosure is applicable to air conditioners equipped with multiple indoor units, and specifically to multi-air conditioners for buildings, etc.

[0126] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Outdoor unit 2, 2A, 2B, 2C Indoor unit 3, 3A, 3B, 3C Shut-off valve 4, 4A, 4B, 4C Indoor unit remote control 5, 5A, 5B, 5C Detection alarm 10 Outdoor unit control unit 11 Outdoor unit communication unit 13 Compressor 20 Indoor unit control unit 21 First indoor unit communication unit 22 Second indoor unit communication unit 23 Indoor blower fan 24 Indoor expansion valve 30 Shut-off valve control unit 31 Shut-off valve communication unit 32 Shut-off unit 33 Notification unit 40 Remote control control unit 41 Remote control communication unit 42 Remote control display unit 43 Remote control operation unit 50 Alarm control unit 51 Alarm communication unit 52 Alarm unit 53 Alarm operation unit 54 Refrigerant leak sensor 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Processor 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 Memory 121, 221, 321, 421, 521 Control program 1000 Air conditioner CL1 Communication line GP, GP1, GP2, GP3 Remote control wiring group RL Remote control wiring RP1 Refrigerant piping RS1 Refrigerant system S, S1, S2, S3 Space to be conditioned

Claims

1. An air conditioning apparatus comprising: an outdoor unit equipped with a compressor; a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit by refrigerant piping; an opening / closing device capable of blocking refrigerant flowing from at least the outdoor unit to the indoor units; and a detection device for detecting refrigerant leakage, wherein when the detection device detects a refrigerant leakage, the opening / closing device closes and operation of the compressor stops, and operation of the compressor does not resume until a first predetermined time has elapsed since the refrigerant leakage was detected.

2. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined time is longer than the time required for the opening / closing device to close from an open state.

3. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the indoor units is disposed in at least two or more conditioned spaces, the detection device is disposed in each of the conditioned spaces, and when any of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak and an indoor unit disposed in the conditioned space where a refrigerant leak is not detected is operating, operation of the indoor unit disposed in the conditioned space where a refrigerant leak is not detected resumes after the first predetermined time has elapsed, and when any of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak and an indoor unit disposed in the conditioned space where a refrigerant leak is detected is operating, air conditioning operation of the indoor unit disposed in the conditioned space where a refrigerant leak is detected does not resume even after the first predetermined time has elapsed.

4. An air conditioning apparatus as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the indoor units is equipped with an indoor blower fan and is distributed among at least two or more conditioned spaces, the detection device is disposed in each of the conditioned spaces, and when any of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak and any of the indoor units is operating, the indoor blower fan of the indoor unit that was operating when the refrigerant leak was detected is driven for at least a portion of the first predetermined time.

5. An air conditioning apparatus as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the indoor units is equipped with an indoor blower fan and is disposed in a distributed manner in at least two or more conditioned spaces, the detection device is provided integrally with each of the indoor units, and when any of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak and the indoor unit in which the detection device that detected the refrigerant leak is provided is operating, the indoor blower fan of the indoor unit in which the detection device that detected the refrigerant leak is provided is driven for at least a portion of the first predetermined time.

6. An air conditioning apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein after one of the detection devices detects a refrigerant leak while the compressor is stopped, operation of the compressor does not resume until a second predetermined time, which is shorter than the first predetermined time, has elapsed since the detection device detected the refrigerant leak.

7. A control method for an air conditioner, in which, when a detection device for detecting refrigerant leakage detects a refrigerant leakage, an opening / closing device capable of blocking refrigerant flowing from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit is closed, and a compressor provided in the outdoor unit is stopped until a first predetermined time has elapsed, and operation of the compressor is not resumed until the first predetermined time has elapsed after the compressor is stopped.

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