Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle apparatus that includes a
refrigerant detection unit, and a method of installing the refrigeration cycle apparatus.
Background Art
[0002] In Patent Literature 1, there is disclosed an air-conditioning apparatus. The air-conditioning
apparatus includes a refrigerant detection unit provided on an outer surface of an
indoor unit and configured to detect refrigerant, and a controller configured to control
an indoor air-sending fan to rotate when the refrigerant detection unit detects the
refrigerant. The air-conditioning apparatus can detect leaked refrigerant by the refrigerant
detection unit when the refrigerant leaks to an indoor space through an extension
pipe connected to the indoor unit or when refrigerant leaked inside the indoor unit
passes through a gap of a casing of the indoor unit to flow outside of the indoor
unit. Further, when the leakage of the refrigerant is detected by the refrigerant
detection unit, the indoor air-sending fan is rotated. With this action, indoor air
is sucked through an air inlet formed in the casing of the indoor unit, and air is
blown off to the indoor space through an air outlet. In this manner, the leaked refrigerant
can be diffused. Further, the controller is backed up by a storage battery. Consequently,
even during a period in which an operation of the air-conditioning apparatus is stopped
(period in a power supply switch off state), the refrigerant can be detected by the
refrigerant detection unit.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No.
4599699
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004] In Patent Literature 1, however, prevention of the power supply switch off state
is not mentioned. Consequently, even when the storage battery for backup is mounted,
after the power supply switch off state is continued for a long period of time, power
feeding becomes impossible sooner or later. Consequently, there is a problem in that
the leakage of the refrigerant may not be detected by the refrigerant detection unit.
[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problem described above, and has
an object to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus capable of more reliably detecting
leakage of refrigerant and a method of installing the refrigeration cycle apparatus.
Solution to Problem
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a refrigeration
cycle apparatus including a refrigerant circuit configured to circulate refrigerant,
a heat source unit accommodating a heat source-side heat exchanger of the refrigerant
circuit, an indoor unit to be installed indoors and accommodating a load-side heat
exchanger of the refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant detection unit configured to receive
supply of power from the heat source unit or the indoor unit, and a cap to be mounted
to a lever of a power feed switch configured to switch between an on state in which
the power is supplied from a main power supply to the heat source unit or the indoor
unit and an off state in which the supply of the power from the main power supply
to the heat source unit or the indoor unit is interrupted.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method
of installing the refrigeration cycle apparatus including connecting at least one
of the heat source unit and the indoor unit to the main power supply via the power
feed switch, operating the power feed switch into the on state, and mounting the cap
onto the lever.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the power feed switch can be
prevented from being operated into the off state. Consequently, the power can be constantly
supplied to the refrigerant detection unit, and hence the leakage of the refrigerant
can be more reliably detected.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0009]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram for illustrating a schematic configuration
of an air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a front view for illustrating an external configuration of an indoor
unit 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a front view for schematically illustrating an internal structure
of the indoor unit 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of
the present invention.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a side view for schematically illustrating the internal structure
of the indoor unit 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of
the present invention.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of refrigerant leakage
detection processing executed by a controller 30 of the air-conditioning apparatus
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a power supply path in
the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram for illustrating another example of the power supply
path in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram for illustrating still another example of the power supply
path in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a perspective view for illustrating a configuration of a cap 60
included in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention together with a power feed switch 200 onto which the cap 60 is mounted.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a perspective view for illustrating a configuration of an indicator
51 included in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention together with the power feed switch 200 to which the indicator 51 is mounted.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a view for illustrating a modification example of the configuration
of the cap 60 included in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1
of the present invention.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a packed state when
the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention
is shipped.
Description of Embodiments
Embodiment 1
[0010] A refrigeration cycle apparatus and a method of installing the refrigeration cycle
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are described. In Embodiment
1, an air-conditioning apparatus of a separate type is exemplified as the refrigeration
cycle apparatus. Fig. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram for illustrating a schematic
configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. In Fig.
1 and the subsequent drawings, for example, a dimensional relationship and a shape
of components are different from actual ones.
[0011] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the air-conditioning apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit
40 configured to circulate refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit 40 includes a compressor
3, a refrigerant flow switching device 4, a heat source-side heat exchanger 5 (for
example, outdoor heat exchanger), a pressure reducing device 6, and a load-side heat
exchanger 7 (for example, indoor heat exchanger), which are annularly connected through
refrigerant pipes in the stated order. Further, the air-conditioning apparatus includes,
for example, an outdoor unit 2, which is installed outdoors as a heat source unit.
Further, the air-conditioning apparatus includes, for example, an indoor unit 1, which
is installed indoors as a load unit. The indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 are
connected to each other through extension pipes 10a and 10b that are parts of the
refrigerant pipes.
[0012] Examples of refrigerant used as the refrigerant to be circulated in the refrigerant
circuit 40 include a slightly flammable refrigerant, for example, HFO-1234yf or HFO-1234ze
and a strongly flammable refrigerant, for example, R290 or R1270. These refrigerants
may be each used as a single component refrigerant, or may be used as a mixed refrigerant
obtained by mixing two or more kinds of the refrigerants with each other. In the following
description, the refrigerant having a flammability equal to or higher than a slightly
flammable level (for example, 2L or higher in category of ASHRAE 34) is sometimes
referred to as "flammable refrigerant". Further, as the refrigerant to be circulated
in the refrigerant circuit 40, a nonflammable refrigerant, for example, R22 or R410A,
having a nonflammability (for example, 1 in category of ASHRAE 34) can be used. These
refrigerants have a density larger than that of air under, for example, an atmospheric
pressure.
[0013] The compressor 3 is a fluid machine configured to compress sucked low-pressure refrigerant
and to discharge the refrigerant as high-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant flow
switching device 4 is configured to switch a flow direction of the refrigerant in
the refrigerant circuit 40 during a cooling operation and during a heating operation.
As the refrigerant flow switching device 4, for example, a four-way valve is used.
The heat source-side heat exchanger 5 is a heat exchanger configured to act as a radiator
(for example, condenser) during the cooling operation and to act as an evaporator
during the heating operation. In the heat source-side heat exchanger 5, heat is exchanged
between the refrigerant circulated through an inside of the heat source-side heat
exchanger 5 and outdoor air sent by an outdoor air-sending fan 5f described later.
The pressure reducing device 6 is configured to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure
refrigerant so that the high-pressure refrigerant becomes the low-pressure refrigerant.
As the pressure reducing device 6, for example, an electronic expansion valve having
an adjustable opening degree is used. The load-side heat exchanger 7 is a heat exchanger
configured to act as an evaporator during the cooling operation and to act as a radiator
(for example, condenser) during the heating operation. In the load-side heat exchanger
7, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant circulated through an inside of the load-side
heat exchanger 7 and air sent by an indoor air-sending fan 7f described later. In
this case, the cooling operation represents an operation of supplying low-temperature
and low-pressure refrigerant to the load-side heat exchanger 7, and the heating operation
represents an operation of supplying high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant
to the load-side heat exchanger 7.
[0014] The outdoor unit 2 accommodates the compressor 3, the refrigerant flow switching
device 4, the heat source-side heat exchanger 5, and the pressure reducing device
6. Further, the outdoor unit 2 accommodates the outdoor air-sending fan 5f configured
to supply outdoor air to the heat source-side heat exchanger 5. The outdoor air-sending
fan 5f is installed to be opposed to the heat source-side heat exchanger 5. When the
outdoor air-sending fan 5f is rotated, an airflow passing through the heat source-side
heat exchanger 5 is generated. As the outdoor air-sending fan 5f, for example, a propeller
fan is used. The outdoor air-sending fan 5f is arranged, for example, downstream of
the heat source-side heat exchanger 5 along the airflow generated by the outdoor air-sending
fan 5f.
[0015] The refrigerant pipes arranged in the outdoor unit 2 include a refrigerant pipe connecting
between an extension pipe connection valve 13a on the gas side during the cooling
operation and the refrigerant flow switching device 4, a suction pipe 11 connected
to a suction side of the compressor 3, a discharge pipe 12 connected to a discharge
side of the compressor 3, a refrigerant pipe connecting between the refrigerant flow
switching device 4 and the heat source-side heat exchanger 5, a refrigerant pipe connecting
between the heat source-side heat exchanger 5 and the pressure reducing device 6,
and a refrigerant pipe connecting between an extension pipe connection valve 13b on
the liquid side during the cooling operation and the pressure reducing device 6. The
extension pipe connection valve 13a is formed of a two-way valve capable of switching
between open and closed states, and has one end to which a joint portion (for example,
flare joint) is mounted. Further, the extension pipe connection valve 13b is formed
of a three-way valve capable of switching between open and closed states. The extension
pipe connection valve 13b has one end to which a service port 14a is mounted, and
another end to which a joint portion (for example, flare joint) is mounted. The service
port 14a is used at a time of vacuuming, which is a preliminary work of filling the
refrigerant circuit 40 with refrigerant.
[0016] During both the cooling operation and the heating operation, high-temperature and
high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3 flows through the discharge
pipe 12. During both the cooling operation and the heating operation, low-temperature
and low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant subjected to an evaporation
action flows through the suction pipe 11. The suction pipe 11 is connected to a low-pressure-side
service port 14b with a flare joint, and the discharge pipe 12 is connected to a high-pressure-side
service port 14c with a flare joint. The service ports 14b and 14c are used to connect
a pressure gauge to measure the operating pressure at a time of installation of the
air-conditioning apparatus or at a time of a trial run for a repair.
[0017] The indoor unit 1 accommodates the load-side heat exchanger 7. Further, the indoor
air-sending fan 7f configured to supply air to the load-side heat exchanger 7 is installed
in the indoor unit 1. When the indoor air-sending fan 7f is rotated, an airflow passing
through the load-side heat exchanger 7 is generated. As the indoor air-sending fan
7f, a centrifugal fan (for example, sirocco fan or turbofan), a cross flow fan, a
mixed flow fan, an axial-flow fan (for example, propeller fan), or other fans is used
depending on a configuration of the indoor unit 1. The indoor air-sending fan 7f of
Embodiment 1 is arranged upstream of the load-side heat exchanger 7 along the airflow
generated by the indoor air-sending fan 7f, but may be arranged downstream of the
load-side heat exchanger 7.
[0018] Of the refrigerant pipes of the indoor unit 1, a gas-side indoor pipe 9a is provided
in a connection portion to the gas-side extension pipe 10a with a joint portion 15a
(for example, flare joint) for connection to the extension pipe 10a. Further, of the
refrigerant pipes of the indoor unit 1, a liquid-side indoor pipe 9b is provided in
a connection portion to the liquid-side extension pipe 10b with a joint portion 15b
(for example, flare joint) for connection to the extension pipe 10b.
[0019] Further, the indoor unit 1 includes, for example, a suction air temperature sensor
91 configured to measure a temperature of indoor air sucked from the indoors, a heat
exchanger entrance temperature sensor 92 configured to measure a refrigerant temperature
at an entrance portion of the load-side heat exchanger 7 during the cooling operation
(exit portion during the heating operation), and a heat exchanger temperature sensor
93 configured to measure a refrigerant temperature (evaporating temperature or condensing
temperature) of a two-phase portion of the load-side heat exchanger 7. In addition,
the indoor unit 1 includes a refrigerant detection unit 99 described later. These
sensors are configured to output a detection signal to a controller 30 configured
to control an entirety of the indoor unit 1 or the air-conditioning apparatus.
[0020] The controller 30 includes a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input-output
port, and a timer. The controller 30 can perform data communications with an operation
unit 26 (see Fig. 2). The operation unit 26 is configured to receive an operation
performed by a user and output an operation signal based on the operation to the controller
30. The controller 30 of Embodiment 1 is configured to control the operation of the
entirety of the indoor unit 1 or the air-conditioning apparatus including an operation
of the indoor air-sending fan 7f on the basis of an operation signal received from
the operation unit 26, the detection signal received from the sensors, or other signals.
The controller 30 may be provided inside a casing of the indoor unit 1, or may be
provided inside a casing of the outdoor unit 2. Further, the controller 30 may include
an outdoor unit controller that is provided to the outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit
controller that is provided to the indoor unit 1 and capable of performing data communications
with the outdoor unit controller.
[0021] Next, description is made of the operation of the refrigerant circuit 40 of the air-conditioning
apparatus. First, the operation during the cooling operation is described. In Fig.
1, the solid arrows indicate flow directions of the refrigerant during the cooling
operation. The refrigerant circuit 40 is configured such that, during the cooling
operation, a refrigerant flow passage is switched by the refrigerant flow switching
device 4 as indicated by the solid line, and the low-temperature and low-pressure
refrigerant flows into the load-side heat exchanger 7.
[0022] The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor
3 first flows into the heat source-side heat exchanger 5 after passing through the
refrigerant flow switching device 4. During the cooling operation, the heat source-side
heat exchanger 5 acts as a condenser. That is, in the heat source-side heat exchanger
5, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant circulated through the inside and the
outdoor air sent by the outdoor air-sending fan 5f, and heat of condensation of the
refrigerant is transferred to the outdoor air. With this operation, the refrigerant
that has flowed into the heat source-side heat exchanger 5 is condensed to become
high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into
the pressure reducing device 6, and is reduced in pressure to become low-pressure
two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure two-phase refrigerant passes through the extension
pipe 10b, and flows into the load-side heat exchanger 7 of the indoor unit 1. During
the cooling operation, the load-side heat exchanger 7 acts as an evaporator. That
is, in the load-side heat exchanger 7, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant circulated
through the inside and the air (for example, indoor air) sent by the indoor air-sending
fan 7f, and heat of evaporation of the refrigerant is received from the sent air.
With this operation, the refrigerant that has flowed into the load-side heat exchanger
7 evaporates to become low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant. Further,
the air sent by the indoor air-sending fan 7f is cooled by a heat receiving action
of the refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant or two-phase refrigerant evaporated
by the load-side heat exchanger 7 passes through the extension pipe 10a and the refrigerant
flow switching device 4, and is sucked by the compressor 3. The refrigerant sucked
by the compressor 3 is compressed to become the high-temperature and high-pressure
gas refrigerant. During the cooling operation, the above-mentioned cycle is repeated.
[0023] Next, the operation during the heating operation is described. In Fig. 1, the dotted
arrows indicate flow directions of the refrigerant during the heating operation. The
refrigerant circuit 40 is configured such that, during the heating operation, the
refrigerant flow passage is switched by the refrigerant flow switching device 4 as
indicated by the dotted line, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant
flows into the load-side heat exchanger 7. During the heating operation, the refrigerant
flows in a direction reverse to the refrigerant flow during the cooling operation,
and the load-side heat exchanger 7 acts as a condenser. That is, in the load-side
heat exchanger 7, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant circulated through the
inside and the air sent by the indoor air-sending fan 7f, and the heat of condensation
of the refrigerant is transferred to the sent air. With this operation, the air sent
by the indoor air-sending fan 7f is heated by a heat transferring action of the refrigerant.
[0024] Fig. 2 is a front view for illustrating a configuration of an outer appearance of
the indoor unit 1 of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. Fig.
3 is a front view for schematically illustrating an internal structure of the indoor
unit 1. Fig. 4 is a side view for schematically illustrating the internal structure
of the indoor unit 1. The left side of Fig. 4 indicates a front surface side (indoor
space side) of the indoor unit 1. In Embodiment 1, as the indoor unit 1, the indoor
unit 1 of a floor type, which is installed on a floor surface of an indoor space that
is an air-conditioned space, is described as an example. In the following description,
positional relationships (for example, top-bottom relationship) of components are,
in principle, exhibited when the indoor unit 1 is installed in a usable state.
[0025] As illustrated in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, the indoor unit 1 includes a casing 111 having
a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape. An air inlet 112 configured
to suck air inside the indoor space is formed in a lower portion of a front surface
of the casing 111. The air inlet 112 of Embodiment 1 is provided at a position close
to the floor surface and below a center portion of the casing 111 along a vertical
direction. An air outlet 113 configured to blow off the air sucked from the air inlet
112 indoors is formed in the upper portion of the front surface of the casing 111,
that is, at a position higher than the air inlet 112 (for example, above the center
portion of the casing 111 along the vertical direction). The operation unit 26 is
provided to the front surface of the casing 111, above the air inlet 112, and below
the air outlet 113. The operation unit 26 is connected to the controller 30 through
a communication line, and is capable of performing data communications with the controller
30. In the operation unit 26, an operation start operation, an operation end operation,
s switching operation of an operation mode, a setting operation of a set temperature
and a set airflow rate, and other operations for the air-conditioning apparatus are
performed by a user. The operation unit 26 includes a display unit or an audio output
unit as a notifier configured to inform a user of various information. Adjacent to
a position below the operation unit 26, an indicator 50 different from the display
unit of the operation unit 26 is provided. Although the indicator 50 is provided adjacent
to the position below the operation unit 26 in Embodiment 1, the indicator 50 may
be provided above or on a side of (beside) the operation unit 26 or may be provided
on the operation unit 26 as indicated by the broken line in Fig. 2. Details of the
indicator 50 are described later.
[0026] The casing 111 is a hollow box body, and a front opening part is formed in a front
surface of the casing 111. The casing 111 includes a first front panel 114a, a second
front panel 114b, and a third front panel 114c, which are removably mounted to the
front opening part. The first front panel 114a, the second front panel 114b, and the
third front panel 114c all have a substantially rectangular flat outer shape. The
first front panel 114a is removably mounted to a lower part of the front opening part
of the casing 111. In the first front panel 114a, the air inlet 112 described above
is formed. The second front panel 114b is arranged immediately above the first front
panel 114a, and is removably mounted to a center part of the front opening part of
the casing 111 along the vertical direction. In the second front panel 114b, the operation
unit 26 and the indicator 50 that are described above are provided. The third front
panel 114c is arranged immediately above the second front panel 114b, and is removably
mounted to an upper part of the front opening part of the casing 111. In the third
front panel 114c, the air outlet 113 described above is formed.
[0027] An internal space of the casing 111 is roughly divided into a space 115a being an
air-sending part and a space 115b being a heat-exchanging part located above the space
115a. The space 115a and the space 115b are partitioned by a partition portion 20.
The partition portion 20 has, for example, a flat shape, and is arranged approximately
horizontally. In the partition portion 20, at least an air passage opening part 20a
is formed to serve as an air passage between the space 115a and the space 115b. The
space 115a is defined to be exposed to the front surface side when the first front
panel 114a is removed from the casing 111, and the space 115b is defined to be exposed
to the front surface side when the second front panel 114b and the third front panel
114c are removed from the casing 111. That is, the partition portion 20 is mounted
at approximately the same height as a height of an upper edge of the first front panel
114a or a lower edge of the second front panel 114b. In this case, the partition portion
20 may be formed integrally with a fan casing 108 described later, may be formed integrally
with a drain pan described later, or may be formed separately from the fan casing
108 or the drain pan.
[0028] In the space 115a, there is arranged the indoor air-sending fan 7f, which is configured
to cause a flow of air from the air inlet 112 to the air outlet 113 in the air passage
81 of the casing 111. The indoor air-sending fan 7f of Embodiment 1 is a sirocco fan
including a motor (not shown) and an impeller 107. The impeller 107 is connected to
an output shaft of the motor, and has a plurality of blades arranged, for example,
at regular intervals along a circumferential direction. A rotary shaft of the impeller
107 is arranged substantially in parallel with a depth direction of the casing 111.
[0029] The impeller 107 of the indoor air-sending fan 7f is covered with the fan casing
108 having a spiral shape. The fan casing 108 is formed, for example, separately from
the casing 111. A suction opening part 108b for sucking the indoor air through the
air inlet 112 into the fan casing 108 is formed in the vicinity of the center of a
spiral of the fan casing 108. The suction opening part 108b is located to be opposed
to the air inlet 112. Further, an air outlet opening part 108a for blowing off the
sent air is formed along a direction of a tangential line of the spiral of the fan
casing 108. The air outlet opening part 108a is arranged to be oriented upward, and
is connected to the space 115b through the air passage opening part 20a of the partition
portion 20. In other words, the air outlet opening part 108a communicates to the space
115b through the air passage opening part 20a. An opening end of the air outlet opening
part 108a and an opening end of the air passage opening part 20a may be directly connected
to each other, or may be indirectly connected to each other through a duct member
or other members.
[0030] Further, in the space 115a, there is provided an electrical component box 25 accommodating,
for example, a microcomputer that forms the controller 30, various electrical components,
and a board.
[0031] The load-side heat exchanger 7 is arranged in the air passage 81 in the space 115b.
The drain pan (not shown) configured to receive condensed water that is condensed
on a surface of the load-side heat exchanger 7 is provided below the load-side heat
exchanger 7. The drain pan may be formed as a part of the partition portion 20, or
may be formed separately from the partition portion 20 and arranged on the partition
portion 20.
[0032] The refrigerant detection unit 99 is provided at a lower part of the space 115a.
As the refrigerant detection unit 99, an electric refrigerant detection unit such
as an electric gas sensor (for example, a semiconductor gas sensor or a hot-wire type
semiconductor gas sensor) is used. The refrigerant detection unit 99 is configured
to detect, for example, a refrigerant concentration in the air around the refrigerant
detection unit 99, and to output the detection signal to the controller 30. The controller
30 determines presence or absence of leakage of the refrigerant on the basis of the
detection signal received from the refrigerant detection unit 99.
[0033] In the indoor unit 1, leakage of refrigerant is liable to occur at a brazed portion
of the load-side heat exchanger 7 and at the joint portions 15a and 15b. Further,
the refrigerant used in Embodiment 1 has a density larger than that of the air under
the atmospheric pressure. Hence, the refrigerant detection unit 99 of Embodiment 1
is provided at a position lower in height than the load-side heat exchanger 7 and
the joint portions 15a and 15b in the casing 111. With this arrangement, the refrigerant
detection unit 99 can reliably detect the leaked refrigerant at least when the indoor
air-sending fan 7f is stopped. In Embodiment 1, the refrigerant detection unit 99
is provided at the lower part of the space 115a, but an arrangement position of the
refrigerant detection unit 99 may be another position.
[0034] Fig. 5 is a flowchart for illustrating an example of the flow of the refrigerant
leakage detection processing executed by the controller 30 of the air-conditioning
apparatus according to Embodiment 1. The refrigerant leakage detection processing
is executed repeatedly with predetermined time intervals at normal time including
time when the air-conditioning apparatus is operating and is stopped, or only time
when the air-conditioning apparatus is stopped.
[0035] In Step S1 of Fig. 5, the controller 30 acquires information on the refrigerant concentration
around the refrigerant detection unit 99 on the basis of the detection signal received
from the refrigerant detection unit 99.
[0036] Next, in Step S2, the controller 30 determines whether or not the refrigerant concentration
around the refrigerant detection unit 99 is equal to or larger than a threshold value
set in advance. When the controller 30 determines that the refrigerant concentration
is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the processing proceeds to Step S3.
When the controller 30 determines that the refrigerant concentration is smaller than
the threshold value, the processing is terminated.
[0037] In Step S3, the controller 30 starts the operation of the indoor air-sending fan
7f. When the indoor air-sending fan 7f is already operating, the operation is continued
as it is. In Step S3, the display unit, the audio output unit, or other units provided
in the operation unit 26 may be used to inform a user that the leakage of the refrigerant
has occurred. Further, the indoor air-sending fan 7f that has started to operate in
Step S3 may be stopped after a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed.
[0038] As described above, in the refrigerant leakage detection processing, when the leakage
of the refrigerant is detected (that is, when the refrigerant concentration detected
by the refrigerant detection unit 99 is equal to or larger than the threshold value),
the operation of the indoor air-sending fan 7f is started. With this operation, it
is possible to diffuse the leaked refrigerant. Hence, it is possible to inhibit the
refrigerant concentration from increasing locally indoors.
[0039] As described above, in Embodiment 1, examples of the refrigerant to be circulated
in the refrigerant circuit 40 include flammable refrigerants such as HFO-1234yf, HFO-1234ze,
R290, and R1270. Consequently, in case of leakage of refrigerant in the indoor unit
1, there is a fear in that the indoor refrigerant concentration is increased to form
a flammable concentration region (for example, region in which the refrigerant concentration
is equal to or larger than the lower flammable limit (LFL)).
[0040] These flammable refrigerants have a density larger than that of air under the atmospheric
pressure. Consequently, when the leakage of the refrigerant occurs at a position at
which the height from the floor surface of the indoor space is relatively large, the
leaked refrigerant is diffused while descending. Thus, the refrigerant concentration
becomes uniform in the indoor space, and hence the refrigerant concentration is less
liable to be increased. In contrast, when the leakage of the refrigerant occurs at
a position at which the height from the floor surface of the indoor space is small,
the leaked refrigerant remains at a low position close to the floor surface, and hence
the refrigerant concentration tends to be locally increased. As a result, in the indoor
unit 1 of a floor type, in particular, the risk of the formation of the flammable
concentration region is relatively increased.
[0041] While the air-conditioning apparatus is operated, air is blown off to the indoor
space due to the operation of the indoor air-sending fan 7f of the indoor unit 1.
Consequently, even when the flammable refrigerant leaks to the indoor space, the leaked
flammable refrigerant is diffused in the indoor space by the air being blown off.
In this manner, the flammable concentration region can be inhibited from being formed
in the indoor space. However, while the air-conditioning apparatus is stopped, the
indoor air-sending fan 7f of the indoor unit 1 is also stopped, and hence the leaked
refrigerant cannot be diffused by the air being blown off. Consequently, detection
of the leaked refrigerant is more required while the air-conditioning apparatus is
stopped. In Embodiment 1, the operation of the indoor air-sending fan 7f is started
when the leakage of the refrigerant is detected, and hence the flammable concentration
region can be inhibited from being formed in the indoor space even when the flammable
refrigerant leaks to the indoor space while the air-conditioning apparatus is stopped.
[0042] To reliably detect the leakage of the refrigerant, however, the power is required
to be constantly supplied to the refrigerant detection unit 99. Further, to reliably
activate the indoor air-sending fan 7f when the leakage of the refrigerant is detected,
the power is required to be constantly supplied to the indoor air-sending fan 7f,
that is, the indoor unit 1.
[0043] Fig. 6 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a power supply path in the air-conditioning
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In Fig. 6, an outdoor
power-receiving type air-conditioning apparatus including the outdoor unit 2 connected
to a power supply is exemplified. In Fig. 6, to schematically illustrate the power
supply path, the operation unit 26, which is a part of the indoor unit 1, is illustrated
separately from the indoor unit 1. As illustrated in Fig. 6, power (for example, three-phase
200 V AC power) is supplied from a main power supply through a power supply line 120,
a power feed switch 200, and a power supply line 121 to the outdoor unit 2 of the
air-conditioning apparatus. The power is supplied to the indoor unit 1 from the outdoor
unit 2 through an indoor and outdoor connection line 122. The indoor unit 1 and the
outdoor unit 2 perform communication with each other through the indoor and outdoor
connection line 122. The power is supplied to the operation unit 26 from the indoor
unit 1 through a control line 123. Further, the controller of the indoor unit 1 and
the operation unit 26 perform communication with each other through the control line
123. Although not illustrated in Fig. 6, the power is supplied to the refrigerant
detection unit 99 from the indoor unit 1.
[0044] The power feed switch 200 is configured to switch between an on state in which the
power is supplied from the main power supply to the outdoor unit 2 and an off state
in which the supply of the power from the main power supply to the outdoor unit 2
is interrupted. In general, when a lever of the power feed switch 200 is moved up
by an operation of a user or other personnel, the on state is achieved. When the lever
is moved down, the off state is achieved. The power feed switch 200 includes an earth
leakage breaker, an ampere breaker, a knife switch, and other components. When the
power feed switch 200 is the earth leakage breaker, for example, the on state and
the off state of the power feed switch 200 are switched by the operation of the lever.
Besides, when earth leakage occurs, or an overcurrent is generated, the power feed
switch 200 is brought into the off state regardless of the operation of the lever
to protect a load circuit. The power feed switch 200 is set up by an installation
worker independently of the air-conditioning apparatus, and is generally set up on
site.
[0045] Although the outdoor power-receiving type air-conditioning apparatus is exemplified
in Fig. 6, the power supply path of the air-conditioning apparatus is not limited
to that of the above-mentioned type. Fig. 7 is a diagram for illustrating another
example of the power supply path in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment
1 of the present invention. In Fig. 7, there is exemplified an indoor power-receiving
type air-conditioning apparatus in which the indoor unit 1 is connected to the power
supply through the power feed switch 200. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the power is supplied
to the indoor unit 1 from the main power supply through the power supply line 120,
the power feed switch 200, and the power supply line 121. The power is supplied to
the outdoor unit 2 from the indoor unit 1 through the indoor and outdoor connection
line 122.
[0046] Fig. 8 is a diagram for illustrating still another example of the power supply path
in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In Fig. 8, there is exemplified an indoor and outdoor separate power-receiving type
air-conditioning apparatus in which the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1 are each
connected to a power supply. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the power is supplied to the
outdoor unit 2 from the main power supply through a power supply line 120a, a power
feed switch 200a, and a power supply line 121a. The power is supplied to the indoor
unit 1 from the main power supply through a power supply line 120b, a power feed switch
200b, and a power supply line 121b.
[0047] When the power is supplied through the power supply paths as illustrated in Fig.
6 to Fig. 8, the power feed switches 200, 200a, 200b, and other power feed switches
are required to be constantly kept in the on state so that the power is constantly
supplied to the indoor unit 1 including the refrigerant detection unit 99.
[0048] Fig. 9 is a perspective view for illustrating a configuration of a cap 60 included
in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 together with the power
feed switch 200 onto which the cap 60 is mounted. In Fig. 9, the power feed switch
200 in the on state is illustrated. As illustrated in Fig. 9, a vertically elongated
opening port 202 is formed in a front surface of a casing 201 of the power feed switch
200. A lever 203 projects forward to a position in front of the casing 201 from an
inside of the casing 201 through the opening port 202. The lever 203 is rotatable
about a rotary shaft provided horizontally inside the casing 201 within a range between
an upper end and a lower end of the opening port 202. The lever 203 is stabilized
at two positions corresponding to the upper end and the lower end of the opening port
202. When the lever 203 is moved up from the lower end to the upper end of the opening
port 202 by an operation of a user or other personnel, the power feed switch 200 is
brought into the on state. At this time, the lever 203 projects obliquely upward from
the opening port 202. When the lever 203 is moved down from the upper end to the lower
end of the opening port 202, the power feed switch 200 is brought into the off state.
At this time, the lever 203 projects obliquely downward from the opening port 202.
[0049] The cap 60 is mounted onto the lever 203 being in the on state to prevent the lever
203 in the on state from being needlessly moved down by a user. The cap 60 includes
a hollow tubular portion 61 and a flange portion 62. The hollow tubular portion 61
receives the lever 203. The flange portion 62 extends obliquely from one axial end
portion of the tubular portion 61, and is configured to close a portion of the opening
port 202 corresponding to the lower part of the lever 203. The cap 60 has a shape
fittable over the lever 203 being in the on state as a whole. In this manner, it is
possible to give a user (or unspecified person accessible to the power feed switch
200) who sees the cap 60 mounted onto the lever 203 a visual impression that the lever
203 must not be needlessly operated. Consequently, the power feed switch 200 can be
prevented from being operated into the off state by a user. It is desired that the
cap 60 have such shape and color as to allow a user to visually confirm that the cap
60 is mounted on the lever 203 in a distinct manner.
[0050] The cap 60 is made of an insulating material. It is desired that the cap 60 be formed
of a soft material having flexibility or elasticity (for example, a resin, a rubber,
a silicon resin, or other materials). When the cap 60 is made of a material having
flexibility or elasticity, the lever 203 can be operated even with the cap 60 mounted.
In this manner, for example, when the power feed switch 200 is an earth leakage breaker,
the cap 60 does not affect functions as the earth leakage breaker to be brought into
the off state to protect the load circuit when the earth leakage occurs or the overcurrent
is generated.
[0051] Further, for example, even in the case where the earth leakage breakers are used,
a size of the lever 203 of the power feed switch 200 slightly differs depending on
a manufacturer. When the cap 60 is made of a material having elasticity, the cap 60
can be reliably mounted to the lever 203 regardless of the manufacturer of the power
feed switch 200. Consequently, the cap 60 can be prevented from coming off the lever
203 due to a large size of the opening port of the cap 60 in comparison to that of
the lever 203, and the cap 60 can be prevented from failing to be mounted onto the
lever 203 due to a small size of the opening port of the cap 60 in comparison to that
of the lever 203. When the cap 60 is made of a relatively hard resin, a plurality
of kinds of the caps 60 having different sizes or shapes may be grouped as one set
so that the cap 60 can be reliably mounted onto the lever 203 regardless of the manufacturer
of the power feed switch 200.
[0052] When the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is shipped, the cap
60 is packed together with at least one of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit
2. Specifically, when the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 are packed separately,
the cap 60 is packed together with one of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2.
Further, when the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 are packed together, the cap
60 is packed together with both the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2. In this
manner, the cap 60 can be reliably provided to an installation worker or a user of
the air-conditioning apparatus.
[0053] Although the cap 60 having an overall shape fittable to the lever 203 being in the
on state is illustrated in Fig. 9 as an example, the shape of the cap 60 is not limited
to the example. The cap 60 only needs to have a shape allowing its mounting onto the
lever 203. For example, the cap 60 may include the tubular portion 61 alone into which
the lever 203 is fitted. As long as the cap 60 is mounted onto the lever 203 being
in the on state, attention of a user who looks at the power feed switch 200 can be
drawn to the power feed switch 200. Consequently, the power feed switch 200 can be
prevented from being operated into the off state by a user.
[0054] Fig. 10 is a perspective view for illustrating a configuration of an indicator 51
included in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 together with
the power feed switch 200 to which the indicator 51 is mounted. As illustrated in
Fig. 10, the indicator 51 has a sheet-like or plate-like shape. The indicator 51 is
bonded onto the surface of the casing 201 of the power feed switch 200 to be mounted
to the power feed switch 200. On the indicator 51, information indicating that the
power feed switch 200 needs to be constantly kept in the on state except for maintenance
and repair of the air-conditioning apparatus is displayed by printing. Although the
indicator 51 of this example displays the information by printing, a mode of display
is not limited to the example. For example, when the indicator 51 includes a display
device, the above-mentioned information may be electromagnetically displayed on a
display surface of the display device. Further, although the indicator 51 of this
example is directly mounted onto the power feed switch 200, the indicator 51 may be
mounted in the vicinity of the power feed switch 200.
[0055] The indicator 51 is packed together with at least one of the indoor unit 1 and the
outdoor unit 2 at the time of shipment of the air-conditioning apparatus according
to Embodiment 1. In this manner, the indicator 51 can be reliably provided to an installation
worker or a user of the air-conditioning apparatus.
[0056] With the configuration described above, visual and intuitive attention-drawing effects
for a user are provided by the cap 60. In addition, an attention-drawing effect for
a user is also provided by the information (for example, character information) displayed
on the indicator 51. Consequently, the power feed switch 200 can be more reliably
prevented from being operated into the off state by a user.
[0057] Further, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the indicator 50 may be provided to the indoor
unit 1. The indicator 50 is bonded to the front surface of the casing 111 at a position
adjacent to the operation unit 26 or onto the operation unit 26 to be mounted to the
indoor unit 1. On the indicator 50, information indicating that the power feed switch
200 needs to be constantly kept in the on state except for maintenance and repair
of the air-conditioning apparatus is displayed by printing. Although the indicator
50 of this example displays the information by printing, a mode of display is not
limited to the example. For example, as the indicator 50, the indicator being the
notifier of the operation unit 26 may be used. When the indicator 50 includes a display
device, the above-mentioned information may be electromagnetically displayed on a
display surface of the display device. For example, the indicator 50 has already been
mounted to the indoor unit 1 at the time of shipment of a product. Alternatively,
the indicator 50 may be packed together with the indoor unit 1 at the time of shipment
of the product to be mounted to the indoor unit 1 by an installation worker or a user.
[0058] To prevent the power feed switch 200 from being operated into the off state by a
user, a great effect can be directly obtained by mounting the indicator 51 onto the
power feed switch 200, which is operated by a user or other personnel. However, it
is the indoor unit 1 that a user touches or looks at in the air-conditioning apparatus
on the daily basis. Consequently, when the indicator 50 is provided to the indoor
unit 1, a user can be daily made aware that the power feed switch 200 needs to be
constantly kept in the on state.
[0059] It is the operation unit 26 or the notifier (for example, an indicator or a liquid
crystal display unit) that a user, in particular, frequently touches or looks at in
the indoor unit 1. In this example, the notifier is a part of the operation unit 26.
Consequently, when the indicator 50 is provided adjacent to the operation unit 26,
a user can be made aware in a more effective manner that the power feed switch 200
needs to be constantly kept in the on state. Further, the operation unit 26 is inevitably
operated by the installation worker or a worker for maintenance and repair. Consequently,
when the indicator 50 is provided adjacent to the operation unit 26, even an installation
worker or a worker for maintenance and repair can be made aware that the power feed
switch 200 needs to be constantly kept in the on state.
[0060] Fig. 11 is a view for illustrating a modification example of the configuration of
the cap 60 included in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of
the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 11, an indicator 52 is attached to the
cap 60 of this example. A string 63 is brought to pass through a hole formed in the
flange portion 62 and a hole formed in the indicator 52, and is tied to bind the cap
60 and the indicator 52 together. The indicator 52 is attached to the power feed switch
200 through the cap 60.
[0061] The indicator 52 has a sheet-like or plate-like shape. On one or both of surfaces
of the indicator 52, information indicating that the power feed switch 200 needs to
be constantly kept in the on state except for maintenance and repair of the air-conditioning
apparatus is displayed by printing. In this example, the above-mentioned information
is displayed as a combination of the "!" mark and character information indicating
"KEEP POWER ON EXCEPT FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR". Although the indicator 52 of this
example displays the information by printing, a mode of display is not limited to
the example. For example, when the indicator 52 includes a display device, the above-mentioned
information may be electromagnetically displayed on a display surface of the display
device.
[0062] The cap 60 and the indicator 52 are packed together with at least one of the indoor
unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 at the time of shipment of the air-conditioning apparatus.
The cap 60 and the indicator 52 may be bound together at the time of shipment of the
air-conditioning apparatus. Alternatively, the string 63 may be a component to be
packed together with the cap 60 and the indicator 52, and the cap 60 and the indicator
52 may be bound together with the string by the worker at an installation site of
the air-conditioning apparatus.
[0063] In this modification example, the indicator 52 is attached to the cap 60. Consequently,
the indicator 52 is not required to be directly mounted to the power feed switch 200
at an installation site of the air-conditioning apparatus. In this modification example,
the indicator 52 can be attached to the power feed switch 200 when the cap 60 is mounted
onto the lever 203. Thus, there is no fear of leaving the indicator 52 unattached
to the power feed switch 200.
[0064] The indicator 52 may be attached to the lever 203 of the power feed switch 200 using
a string or a rubber string.
[0065] Next, an installation manual and an instruction manual included in the air-conditioning
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 are described. The installation manual and the
instruction manual are packed together with at least one of the indoor unit 1 and
the outdoor unit 2 at the time of shipment of the air-conditioning apparatus. The
installation manual and the instruction manual may be printed materials or electronic
recording media. A service manual distributed to service centers and other places
is described below together with the installation manual and the instruction manual.
[0066] In the installation manual, there is a description of a method of installing at least
one of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 and other information as information
for an installation worker who installs the air-conditioning apparatus. For example,
the installation manual contains the following information.
- 1. List of bundled components
- 2. Procedure of installation of the indoor unit and the outdoor unit
- 3. Procedure of refrigerant pipe laying work (including connection of extension pipes
between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, an airtightness test, vacuuming, and
refrigerant filling)
- 4. Electric work procedure
- 5. Test run procedure
[0067] In this case, the installation work for the air-conditioning apparatus is carried
out in the order of installation of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2, the
refrigerant pipe laying work, the electric work, the test run, and delivery.
[0068] As a description of the electric work procedure, there is a description at least
that, after at least one of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 is connected
to the main power supply via the power feed switch 200, the power feed switch 200
is operated into the on state and the cap 60 is mounted onto the lever 203. When the
indicators 51 and 52 are packed together, there is a description that the indicators
51 and 52 are mounted to the power feed switch 200 by a predetermined method as a
description of the electric work procedure.
[0069] Further, in the installation manual, there is a description that the power feed switch
200 is constantly kept in the on state without being operated into the off state after
end of the electric work or the test run. Further, in the installation manual, there
is a description that the installation worker needs to inform a user that the power
feed switch 200 is constantly kept in the on state when the air-conditioning apparatus
is delivered to a user.
[0070] An installation worker can understand the contents described above by reading the
installation manual. Specifically, on the basis of the description of the installation
manual, when an installation worker installs the air-conditioning apparatus, at least
one of the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 is connected to the main power supply
via the power feed switch 200. Subsequently, the power feed switch 200 is operated
into the on state. The cap 60 is mounted onto the lever 203, and the indicators 51
and 52 are mounted to the power feed switch 200. After completion of the installation
work (for example, the test run carried out before the delivery), the installation
worker keeps the power feed switch 200 in the on state. In this manner, after the
completion of the installation work, the power supply to the air-conditioning apparatus
can be prevented from being interrupted by the installation worker. Further, the cap
60 and the indicators 51 and 52 are mounted to the power feed switch 200. As a result,
the power supply to the air-conditioning apparatus can be prevented from being interrupted
by a user (or unspecified person accessible to the power feed switch 200).
[0071] In the service manual distributed to the service centers or other places, there is
a description of a maintenance and repair method for at least one of the indoor unit
1 and the outdoor unit 2 as information for workers for maintenance and repair of
the air-conditioning apparatus. For example, in the service manual, there is a description
that the power feed switch 200 is operated into the off state to prevent electric
shock hazard at the time of maintenance and repair and that the power feed switch
200 is operated into the on state and the cap 60 and the indicator 52 are mounted
to the lever 203 as they were after end of the maintenance and repair, and other information.
[0072] A worker for maintenance and repair can understand the above-mentioned contents by
reading the service manual. Consequently, after the end of the maintenance and repair,
the power feed switch 200 is reliably operated into the on state by the worker. Further,
after the end of the maintenance and repair, the cap 60 and the indicator 52 are reliably
mounted to the lever 203 by the worker. In this manner, the power supply to the air-conditioning
apparatus can be prevented from being interrupted by a user (or unspecified person
accessible to the power feed switch 200).
[0073] In the instruction manual, there is a description of a usage instruction of at least
one of the indoor unit 1 (including the operation unit 26) and the outdoor unit 2
as information for users. For example, in the instruction manual, there is a description
that the indoor unit 1 and the outdoor unit 2 need to be used with the cap 60 mounted
to the lever 203, and that the power feed switch 200 needs to be constantly kept in
the on state (during spring and fall during which the air-conditioning apparatus is
not used and a long period over which the air-conditioning apparatus is unused as
idle apparatus) except for maintenance and repair. Further, in the instruction manual,
there is a description that the indoor unit 1 includes the refrigerant detection unit
99 configured to detect the leakage of the refrigerant, and that the indoor unit 1
is required to be constantly supplied with the power to allow the refrigerant detection
unit 99 to function constantly.
[0074] A user can understand the above-mentioned contents by reading the instruction manual.
Consequently, except for a period in which a specialized worker carries out maintenance
and repair, the supply of power to the air-conditioning apparatus can be prevented
from being interrupted by a user over a whole period in which the air-conditioning
apparatus is used (for example, a period from the delivery to removal). The attention-drawing
effects for a user, which are provided by the cap 60 mounted onto the lever 203 of
the power feed switch 200, the indicators 51 and 52 mounted to the power feed switch
200, and the indicator 50 provided to the indoor unit 1, are made more reliable because
of the above-mentioned contents contained in the instruction manual.
[0075] Based on the description of the installation manual and the service manual described
above, after the end of the installation or the maintenance and repair of the air-conditioning
apparatus, the cap 60 and the indicators 51 and 52 are reliably mounted to the power
feed switch 200. Further, on the basis of the description of the installation manual
and the service manual described above, the supply of power to the air-conditioning
apparatus can be prevented from being interrupted by the installation worker or the
worker for maintenance and repair.
[0076] Further, on the basis of the description of the instruction manual described above,
the attention-drawing effects for a user provided by the cap 60 and the indicators
50, 51, and 52 are enhanced. Consequently, the supply of power to the air-conditioning
apparatus can be more reliably prevented from being interrupted by a user.
[0077] Fig. 12 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a packed state when the air-conditioning
apparatus according to Embodiment 1 is shipped. As illustrated in Fig. 12, in a package
A, an installation manual 131 for the outdoor unit 2, an instruction manual 135 for
the outdoor unit 2, the cap 60, the indicators 51 and 52, the string 63, and other
components are packed together with the outdoor unit 2. In a package B different from
the package A, an installation manual 132 for the indoor unit 1, an instruction manual
136 for the indoor unit 1, and other components are packed together with the indoor
unit 1.
[0078] As described above, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 includes
the refrigerant circuit 40 configured to circulate refrigerant, the outdoor unit 2
accommodating the heat source-side heat exchanger 5 of the refrigerant circuit 40,
the indoor unit 1 to be installed indoors and accommodating the load-side heat exchanger
7 of the refrigerant circuit 40, the refrigerant detection unit 99 configured to receive
supply of power from the outdoor unit 2 or the indoor unit 1, and the cap 60 to be
mounted to the lever 203 of the power feed switch 200 configured to switch between
the on state in which the power is supplied from the main power supply to the outdoor
unit 2 or the indoor unit 1 and the off state in which the supply of the power from
the main power supply to the outdoor unit 2 or the indoor unit 1 is interrupted.
[0079] With the configuration described above, attention of a user or other personnel can
be drawn to the power feed switch 200 by mounting the cap 60 onto the lever 203. Thus,
the power feed switch 200 can be prevented from being operated into the off state
by a user or other personnel. Consequently, the refrigerant detection unit 99 can
be constantly receive supply of power, and hence the leakage of the refrigerant can
be more reliably detected.
[0080] Further, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the cap
60 may be packed together with at least one of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit
1 at the time of shipment of the product. With the configuration described above,
the cap 60 can be reliably provided to an installation worker or a user.
[0081] Further, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the cap
60 may be made of a material having flexibility or elasticity. Further, in the refrigeration
cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the cap 60 may be made of a resin, a rubber,
or a silicon resin. With the configuration described above, the lever 203 can be operated
even with the cap 60 mounted. Consequently, the functions of the power feed switch
200 can be prevented from being affected.
[0082] Further, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 further includes
the indicator 51 or 52 to be mounted to the power feed switch 200. The indicator 51
or 52 may display information indicating that the power feed switch 200 needs to be
kept in the on state. With the configuration described above, the attention-drawing
effects for a user or other personnel can be obtained by the information displayed
on the indicator 51 or 52. Consequently, the power feed switch 200 can be more reliably
prevented from being operated into the off state by a user or other personnel.
[0083] Further, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the indicator
51 or 52 may be packed together with at least one of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor
unit 1 at the time of shipment of the product. With the configuration described above,
the indicator 51 or 52 can be reliably provided to an installation worker or a user.
[0084] Further, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the indicator
52 may be attached to the cap 60. With the configuration described above, the indicator
52 can be mounted to the power feed switch 200 when the cap 60 is mounted onto the
lever 203. Thus, the indicator 52 can be prevented from being left unattached.
[0085] Further, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the indoor
unit 1 includes the operation unit 26 configured to receive the operation by a user,
and the indicator 50 provided adjacent to the operation unit 26 or on the operation
unit 26. The indicator 50 may display information indicating that the power feed switch
200 needs to be kept in the on state. With the configuration described above, a user
or other personnel can be made aware that the power feed switch 200 needs to be kept
in the on state.
[0086] Further, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 further includes
the installation manual containing the description of the installation method for
at least one of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1. The installation manual
may contain information indicating that, after at least one of the outdoor unit 2
and the indoor unit 1 is connected to the main power supply via the power feed switch
200, the power feed switch 200 is operated into the on state and the cap 60 is mounted
onto the lever 203. With the configuration described above, the cap 60 is reliably
mounted to the power feed switch 200. Thus, the power feed switch 200 can be prevented
from being operated into the off state by a user or other personnel.
[0087] Further, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the service
manual may contain information indicating that the power feed switch 200 is operated
into the on state and the cap 60 is mounted onto the lever 203 after the end of the
maintenance and repair. With the configuration described above, the cap 60 can be
reliably mounted to the power feed switch 200. Thus, the power feed switch 200 can
be prevented from being operated into the off state by a user or other personnel.
[0088] Further, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 further includes
the instruction manual containing the description of the usage instruction of at least
one of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1. The instruction manual may contain
information indicating that at least one of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit
1 needs to be used under the state in which the cap 60 is mounted onto the lever 203
and that the power feed switch 200 needs to be kept in the on state. With the configuration
described above, the power feed switch 200 can be prevented from being operated into
the off state by a user or other personnel.
[0089] Further, the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to Embodiment 1 further includes
the air-sending fan 7f to be installed indoors and the controller 30 configured to
control the air-sending fan 7f. The controller 30 is configured to operate the air-sending
fan 7f when leakage of the refrigerant is detected on the basis of a detection signal
from the refrigerant detection unit 99. With the configuration described above, even
when the refrigerant leaks, the leaked refrigerant can be diffused.
[0090] Further, the method of installing the refrigeration cycle apparatus according to
Embodiment 1 includes connecting at least one of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor
unit 1 to the main power supply via the power feed switch 200, operating the power
feed switch 200 into the on state, and mounting the cap 60 onto the lever 203. With
the installation method described above, attention of a user or other personnel can
be drawn to the power feed switch 200 by mounting the cap 60 onto the lever 203. Consequently,
the power feed switch 200 can be prevented from being operated into the off state
by a user or other personnel. Consequently, the refrigerant detection unit 99 can
be constantly supplied with the power, and hence the leakage of the refrigerant can
be more reliably detected.
Other Embodiments
[0091] The present invention is not limited to Embodiment 1 above, and various modifications
may be made to the configuration.
[0092] For example, in Embodiment 1 above, the indoor unit 1 is exemplified by an indoor
unit of a floor type, but the present invention can be applied to other indoor units
of, for example, a ceiling-mounted cassette type, a ceiling-concealed type, a ceiling-suspended
type, and a wall-hung type.
[0093] Further, in Embodiment 1 above, the refrigeration cycle apparatus is exemplified
by the air-conditioning apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied
to other refrigeration cycle apparatus such as a heat pump water heater, a refrigerating
machine, and a showcase.
[0094] Further, in the refrigeration cycle apparatus, a storage battery may be mounted.
When the storage battery is mounted, the storage battery serves as a backup power
supply in case of blackout.
[0095] Further, Embodiment 1 above and modification examples may be used in combinations.
Reference Signs List
[0096] 1 indoor unit 2 outdoor unit 3 compressor 4 refrigerant flow switching device 5 heat
source-side heat exchanger 5f outdoor air-sending fan 6 pressure reducing device 7
load-side heat exchanger 7f indoor air-sending fan 9a, 9b indoor pipe 10a, 10b extension
pipe 11 suction pipe 12 discharge pipe 13a, 13b extension pipe connecting valve 14a,
14b, 14c service port 15a, 15b joint portion 20 partition portion 20a air passage
opening part 25 electrical component box 26 operation unit 30
controller 40 refrigerant circuit 50, 51, 52 indicator 60 cap 61
tubular portion 62 flange portion 63 string 81 air passage 91
suction air temperature sensor 92 heat exchanger entrance temperature sensor 93 heat
exchanger temperature sensor 99 refrigerant detection unit 107 impeller 108 fan casing
108a air outlet opening part 108b suction opening part 111 casing 112 air inlet 113
air outlet 114a first front panel 114b second front panel 114c third front panel 115a,
115b space 120, 120a, 120b, 121, 121a, 121b power supply line 122 indoor and outdoor
connection line 123 control line 131, 132 installation manual 135, 136
instruction manual 200, 200a, 200b power feed switch 201 casing 202
opening port 203 lever