Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus
that employs a compressor-based refrigeration cycle and the air-conditioning apparatus
including the outdoor unit, and more particularly to an outdoor unit and an air-conditioning
apparatus configured to provide higher safety and reliability during the installation
work and maintenance service of the air-conditioning apparatus.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-based R22 refrigerant or hydrofluorocarbon
(HFC)-based R410A refrigerant is mainly employed in air-conditioning apparatuses.
Thus, many of the existing air-conditioning apparatuses and those currently in production
employ the R22 refrigerant or the R410A refrigerant.
[0003] In recent years, however, a HFC-based R32 refrigerant (difluoromethane), a hydrofluoroolefin-based
refrigerant (e.g., HFO1234yf, HFO1234ze), mixed refrigerant containing R32 or HFO-based
refrigerant, and natural refrigerant such as R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutane),
which are all flammable refrigerant, have come to be focused on from the viewpoint
of ozone layer protection and global warming prevention. Among those, the HFC-based
R32 refrigerant has an advantage of significantly lower global warming potential (hereinafter,
GWP) by atmospheric emission, compared with the R22 refrigerant and the R410A refrigerant.
[0004] However, since the R32 refrigerant is flammable, the apparatus that employs the R32
refrigerant has to be designed with sufficient consideration of safety. Accordingly,
when a flammable refrigerant such as the R32 refrigerant is to be employed, a certain
amount of cost has to be invested for improving the safety level.
[0005] The air-conditioning apparatus includes a compression refrigeration cycle composed
of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve,
and a depressurizer connected to one another via a refrigerant pipe. Therefore, for
the air-conditioning apparatus that employs a flammable refrigerant such as the R32
refrigerant in particular, a safety-oriented design has to be adopted for loading
work of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit performed, for example, during
the installation of the air-conditioning apparatus and the maintenance service thereof.
[0006] An example of the mentioned design can be found in Patent Literature 1, which discloses
a "refrigerating apparatus including an inlet through which refrigerant is loaded
in a refrigerant circuit, and a display section located in the vicinity of the inlet
and indicating a type of the refrigerant employed.
[0007] CN 203 940 672 U discloses an outdoor unit and air conditioning device. The problem to be solved is
to provide an outdoor unit in which safety and reliability are enhanced by allowing
an operator to surely recognize the type of a refrigerant. In order to solve this
problem, an outdoor unit is described that includes a refrigerant pipe connection
valve in which a service port for refrigerant charge is provided which is sealed by
a hexagon nut for sealing which is removed when charging the refrigerant. It includes
at least one of: a configuration which makes at least one of an outer diameter, a
shape and appearance of the hexagon nut for sealing different from that of a hexagon
nut for sealing provided at the service port for refrigerant charge using a different
type of refrigerant; and attention arousing means which requires an operation of an
operator when removing the hexagon nut for sealing.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0008] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
10-311629
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0009] Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique of indicating the type of the refrigerant
at a position close to the inlet (service port) through which the refrigerant is loaded,
thereby allowing the operator to recognize the type of the refrigerant being used.
However, the installation work of the air-conditioning apparatus may have to be performed
under an unfavorable condition (for example, insufficient light and narrow space that
forces the operator to take an irregular posture) depending on the location of the
installation site. Accordingly, the operator may fail to recognize the displayed content,
and therefore simply displaying the type of the refrigerant may be insufficient for
perfectly assuring that the displayed content is recognized by the operator.
[0010] In the case of employing a flammable refrigerant such as the R32 refrigerant, in
particular, the risk that the display fails to be recognized has to be completely
eliminated no matter how unfavorable the installation work condition is, otherwise
sufficient safety is unable to be secured. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop
a more reliable method than ever that allows the operator to recognize without fail
the type of the refrigerant employed.
[0011] Further, the ongoing increase in substitution works of the refrigerant leads to an
increase in types of the refrigerants to be handled. Accordingly, the contractors
providing the service become more likely to charge a wrong refrigerant by mistake.
In such a case, the safety and reliability are significantly degraded.
[0012] For example, existing air-conditioning apparatuses that employ the R22 refrigerant
or R410A refrigerant are not designed in consideration of the safety with respect
to the flammable refrigerant. On the assumption that the flammable refrigerant is
charged by mistake in such an existing air-conditioning apparatus, the refrigerant
concentration of ambient air may reach or exceed a flammable limit, if the refrigerant
leaks during the installation or maintenance work or if the refrigerant leaks owing
to breakdown of the refrigerant circuit during the use of the air-conditioning apparatus.
[0013] Conversely, in case that the R22 refrigerant or the R410A refrigerant is erroneously
charged in an air-conditioning apparatus configured to use the flammable refrigerant,
the inside of the compressor may be worn and the cooling and heating performance may
be degraded, because, for example, refrigerating machine oil appropriate for the flammable
refrigerant is selected and employed, and thus the reliability is significantly degraded.
[0014] The present invention has been accomplished in view of the foregoing problem, and
provides an outdoor unit that allows an operator (e.g., operator engaged in installation
work, operator engaged in maintenance service, or operator engaged in recycle work)
to recognize the type of the refrigerant without fail, thereby improving the safety
and reliability, and an air-conditioning apparatus including such an outdoor unit.
Solution to Problem
[0015] In an aspect, the present invention provides an outdoor unit as defined in claim
1.
[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides an air-conditioning apparatus including
the foregoing outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0017] The outdoor unit configured as above minimizes the likelihood of erroneous charging
of the refrigerant by the operator during the refrigerant loading work, thereby improving
safety level.
[0018] Since the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present invention includes
the foregoing outdoor unit, the degradation in performance and quality of the air-conditioning
apparatus can be suppressed.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0019]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a general configuration of
an air-conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit according to Embodiment of
the present invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a configuration of an
indication cover attached to the outdoor unit according to Embodiment of the present
invention.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a side face of the
outdoor unit according to Embodiment of the present invention, with the indication
cover attached thereto.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the configuration
of the indication cover attached to the outdoor unit according to Embodiment of the
present invention.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a side face of the
outdoor unit according to Embodiment of the present invention, with the indication
cover attached thereto.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing still another example of the configuration
of the indication cover attached to the outdoor unit according to Embodiment of the
present invention.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a side face of the
outdoor unit according to Embodiment of the present invention, with the indication
cover attached thereto.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of the configuration
of the indication cover attached to the outdoor unit; this configuration, however,
is not in accordance with the present invention.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a side face of the
outdoor unit, with the indication cover attached thereto.
Description of Embodiments
[0020] Hereafter, Embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to
the drawings. In the drawings referred to hereafter, including Fig. 1, relations in
size among constituents may differ from actual ones. In the drawings referred to hereafter
including Fig. 1, in addition, the constituents of the same reference numeral are
identical or corresponding ones, which is to be applied throughout the description.
Further, the configurations of the constituents expressed throughout the description
are merely exemplary, and not intended to limit the configuration to those expressions.
[0021] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a general configuration of an air-conditioning
apparatus A including an outdoor unit B according to Embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 1, the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus A will be
described.
[0022] The air-conditioning apparatus A may be exemplified by a separate type home-use air-conditioner,
and includes an indoor unit C and an outdoor unit B.
[0023] The outdoor unit B is fixed on pedestals 51 installed in a space separated from a
space to be air-conditioned (e.g., outdoor space), and serves to supply cooling energy
or heating energy to the indoor unit C. It is preferable to install the outdoor unit
B at a position that allows an air passage for the operation to be secured, not excessively
distant from the indoor unit C.
[0024] The indoor unit C is hooked on and fixed to a mounting plate 21 fixed to a room wall
for example with screws 59, and serves to supply conditioned air to the space to be
air-conditioned.
[0025] The outdoor unit B according to Embodiment is configured so as to allow an operator
(e.g., operator engaged in installation work of the air-conditioning apparatus A,
operator engaged in maintenance service of the air-conditioning apparatus A, or operator
engaged in recycle work of the air-conditioning apparatus A) to recognize without
fail the type of the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioning apparatus A.
[0026] A liquid-side pipe joint 12 and a gas-side pipe joint 13 are connected to the indoor
unit C. A liquid-side valve (refrigerant pipe connection valve) 8 and a gas-side valve
(refrigerant pipe connection valve) 9 are connected to the outdoor unit B. The liquid-side
pipe joint 12 of the indoor unit C and the liquid-side valve 8 of the outdoor unit
B are connected to each other via an extension pipe (in/out connection refrigerant
pipe) 7 having flared ends.
[0027] Likewise, the gas-side pipe joint 13 of the indoor unit C and the gas-side valve
9 of the outdoor unit B are connected to each other via another extension pipe 7 having
flared ends. Accordingly, components of the indoor unit C and those of the outdoor
unit B are connected via the pipes, and thus a refrigerant circuit is constituted.
[0028] Further, for electrical connection between the indoor unit C and the outdoor unit
B, a terminal base of the indoor unit C and a terminal base 17 of the outdoor unit
B are connected to each other via a cable 22. The liquid-side valve 8, the gas-side
valve 9, and the terminal base 17 of the outdoor unit B are located at positions that
allow a service cover 10 to be removed from the outdoor unit B. In other words, the
service cover 10 is removably attached to a side face of the outdoor unit B. In addition,
the liquid-side valve 8 and the gas-side valve 9 are fixed to a valve fixing plate
14, as shown in Fig. 3.
(Indoor Unit C)
[0029] The indoor unit C at least includes an indoor heat exchanger and an air-sending fan.
[0030] The indoor heat exchanger serves as condenser (radiator) in the heating operation
and as evaporator in the cooling operation.
[0031] The air-sending fan is located in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger, and
supplies airflow to the indoor heat exchanger.
[0032] The indoor unit C includes an air inlet formed on the upper face, for sucking air
in the space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit C also includes an air outlet
formed in a lower portion of the front face, for blowing the conditioned air, obtained
through heat exchange with the air sucked through the air inlet in the indoor heat
exchanger, to the space to be air-conditioned.
(Outdoor Unit B)
[0033] The outdoor unit B at least includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant,
for example with variable rotation speed, a four-way valve for switching the flow
of the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger that serves as evaporator in the heating
operation and as condenser (radiator) in the cooling operation, a flow control device
(depressurizer) that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and an outdoor fan that
supplies airflow to the outdoor heat exchanger.
[0034] The outdoor unit B also includes a casing (outer shell) composed of a front panel
62 constituting the front face and a part of the side face, a top panel 65 constituting
the upper face, and a side panel 66 constituting a part of the side face.
[0035] The front panel 62 includes an opening 63 through which air passes. A fan guard 64
formed of wires is attached to the opening 63.
[0036] The side panel 66 includes an opening 68 through which the cable 22 is drawn out
of the outdoor unit B. The cable 22 exposed from the opening 68 of the side panel
66 is covered with the service cover 10. The outdoor unit B further includes a driving
unit configured to drive the compressor, the four-way valve, and the outdoor fan,
and the terminal base 17 for electrical connection to the indoor unit C.
(Refrigerant Circuit)
[0037] The indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit C, the compressor, the four-way valve,
the outdoor heat exchanger, and the flow control device of the outdoor unit B are
connected to one another via the pipe, so as to constitute the refrigerant circuit.
More specifically, the refrigerant circuit is configured such that in the heating
operation the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the four-way valve, the indoor
heat exchanger, the flow control device, and the outdoor heat exchanger in this sequence,
and that in the cooling operation the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the
four-way valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the flow control device, and the indoor
heat exchanger in this sequence.
[0038] Here, the four-way valve may be excluded so as to perform only either of the cooling
operation and the heating operation. In addition, for example a plurality of two-way
valves or three-way valves may be employed in place of the four-way valve, so as to
switch the flow of the refrigerant in the same way.
(Refrigerant)
[0039] Examples of the refrigerant that may be circulated through the refrigerant circuit
of the air-conditioning apparatus A include an R32 refrigerant, which is flammable.
Naturally, the refrigerant that may be used in the air-conditioning apparatus A is
not limited to the R32 refrigerant. For example, other flammable refrigerant such
as an R290 refrigerant, natural refrigerant such as carbon dioxide (CO
2), hydrocarbon, and helium, and substitute refrigerant free from chlorine, typically
R410A but also including R407C and R404A, may be employed.
(Installation Method of Air-Conditioning Apparatus A)
[0040] The installation method of the air-conditioning apparatus A will now be described
hereunder.
[0041] First, the mounting plate 21 for mounting the indoor unit C is fixed to a room wall
with screws 59 or the like. The indoor unit C is hooked onto the mounting plate 21,
thus to be fixed thereto.
[0042] Then the outdoor unit B is installed at a position that allows the air passage for
the operation to be secured, not excessively distant from the indoor unit C (e.g.,
space around the house, veranda, roof top, garage, garden, and so forth).
[0043] The liquid-side pipe joint 12 of the indoor unit C and the liquid-side valve 8 of
the outdoor unit B are then connected to each other via the extension pipe 7 having
the flared ends, to form the refrigerant circuit of the air-conditioning apparatus
A. Likewise, the gas-side pipe joint 13 of the indoor unit C and the gas-side valve
9 of the outdoor unit B are connected to each other via another extension pipe 7 having
the flared ends. Further, for electrical connection between the indoor unit C and
the outdoor unit B, the terminal base of the indoor unit C and the terminal base 17
of the outdoor unit B are connected to each other via the cable 22.
[0044] Then the service cover 10 is attached to the side face of the outdoor unit B, so
as to cover the liquid-side valve 8, the gas-side valve 9, and the terminal base 17
of the outdoor unit B.
[0045] Here, each of the pair of extension pipes 7 is covered with a heat insulation material.
Then the pair of extension pipes 7 each covered with the heat insulation material
are wound together with a tape 61 in a bundle.
[0046] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an indication
cover 70 (hereinafter, indication cover 70A) attached to the outdoor unit B. Fig.
3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the side face of the outdoor unit
B with the indication cover 70A attached thereto. Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3,
the configuration of the indication cover 70A and recognition of the operator about
the type of the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioning apparatus A will be described
hereunder.
[0047] The liquid-side valve 8 and the gas-side valve 9 are provided on the side face of
the outdoor unit B. The gas-side valve 9 includes a refrigerant charging service port
23. The operator at the installation site removes a sealing hexagon nut 24 first,
and then attaches a refrigerant charging hose to the refrigerant charging service
port 23. Through such process, a built-in push-pin valve in the refrigerant charging
service port 23 is opened, so as to charge the refrigerant.
[0048] The sealing hexagon nut 24 used in an air-conditioner that employs an R410A refrigerant,
which is primarily used at present, has a size of 1/2 inches (12,7 mm), and the distance
between flats of the sealing hexagon nut 24 is 17 mm. However, in the case of using
the sealing hexagon nut 24 of the mentioned size, the operator may be led to confuse
the type of the refrigerant when a refrigerant other than the R410A refrigerant is
charged in the installed air-conditioner.
[0049] Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 3, in the outdoor unit B the indication cover
70A on which the refrigerant name is marked is provided at the joint portion of the
gas-side valve 9 on the side of the outdoor unit B. Preferably, the indication cover
70A may be formed of an elastic material such as a resin, a metal, rubber, or the
like. The indication cover 70A includes, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a cover portion
71A, a joint portion 72A, and a ring portion 73A.
[0050] The cover portion 71A is formed so as to cover a hexagonal column-shaped portion
of the sealing hexagon nut 24. In other words, the cover portion 71A is configured
so as to allow the hexagonal column-shaped portion of the sealing hexagon nut 24 to
be inserted therein and thus to cover the outer circumference of the hexagonal column-shaped
portion of the sealing hexagon nut 24. In addition, the refrigerant name of "R32"
is marked on the cover portion 71A at a plurality of positions, so that the refrigerant
name can be distinguished from any angle. Here, not only the type of the refrigerant,
but also a symbol or initial indicating that the refrigerant is flammable, or a caution
phrase to that effect may be marked on the cover portion 71A.
[0051] The joint portion 72A, which serves to connect between the cover portion 71A and
the ring portion 73A, is formed so as to be bendable. In other words, the joint portion
72A is configured so as to be connected to a part of the cover portion 71A and to
a part of the ring portion 73A. The joint portion 72A is, for example, formed in a
flat belt shape, and is bendable. It is preferable, as shown in Fig. 2, to form the
joint portion 72A such that the upper and lower surfaces of a central portion are
recessed, in other words in a reduced thickness, with respect to the adjacent portions
on the side of the cover portion 71A and the ring portion 73A. Such a configuration
facilitates the joint portion 72A to be bent, thereby improving the work efficiency
in fitting the cover portion 71A onto the sealing hexagon nut 24. Here, the thickness
and the width of the joint portion 72A may be determined as desired, depending on
the material to be employed.
[0052] The ring portion 73A is formed in a diameter larger than the joint portion of the
gas-side valve 9 on the side of the outdoor unit B, so as to be attached to the joint
portion of the gas-side valve 9 on the side of the outdoor unit B. As a practical
example of the attaching method of the ring portion 73A, the ring portion 73A may
be enlarged and hooked around the gas-side valve 9 screw-fixed to the valve fixing
plate 14, at a position close to the screw-fixing position, as illustrated in Fig.
3. In this case, the ring portion 73A can be temporarily expanded because of the elasticity
of the rubber when being attached, so as to be hooked around the gas-side valve 9.
Accordingly, the indication cover 70A can be applied to a plurality of types of sealing
hexagon nuts 24 and gas-side valves 9 of different sizes. Then upon fitting the cover
portion 71A onto the sealing hexagon nut 24, the attaching work is finished.
[0053] The presence of the indication cover 70A forces the operator to remove the cover
portion 71A of the indication cover 70A first, before removing the sealing hexagon
nut 24 of the refrigerant charging service port 23, when the refrigerant is to be
charged in the installation work or maintenance service of the outdoor unit B. In
other words, the indication cover 70A serves as an attachment that requires a work
of the operator when the sealing hexagon nut 24 is to be removed.
[0054] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the configuration of the
indication cover 70 (hereinafter, indication cover 70B) attached to the outdoor unit
B. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the side face of the outdoor
unit B with the indication cover 70B attached thereto. Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig.
5, the configuration of the indication cover 70B and recognition of the operator about
the type of the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioning apparatus A will be described
hereunder.
[0055] The basic configuration of the indication cover 70B is similar to that of the indication
cover 70A shown in Fig. 2, however the ring portion (hereinafter, ring portion 73B)
to be attached to the gas-side valve 9 is configured differently.
[0056] The indication cover 70B includes a cover portion 71 B, a joint portion 72B, and
a ring portion 73B as illustrated in Fig. 4.
[0057] The cover portion 71B and the joint portion 72B are configured in the same way as
the cover portion 71A and the joint portion 72A of the indication cover 70A shown
in Fig. 2.
[0058] The ring portion 73B is intended to be attached to a position different from where
the ring portion 73A of the indication cover 70A shown in Fig. 2 is attached, and
therefore formed in a different shape from the ring portion 73A of the indication
cover 70A shown in Fig. 2. More specifically, the ring portion 73B is configured to
be fitted around a base portion of the gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon
nut 24 is attached, instead of around the joint portion of the gas-side valve 9 on
the side of the outdoor unit B.
[0059] The ring portion 73B includes a first ring portion 74 and a second ring portion 75.
[0060] The first ring portion 74 is formed in a ring shape having a diameter equal to or
smaller than the base portion of the gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon nut
24 is attached, so as to be fixed (locked) around the base portion of the gas-side
valve 9 where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached with the elastic force of the
first ring portion 74.
[0061] The second ring portion 75 includes a central portion 75A and a U-shaped portion
75B (first U-shaped portion) outwardly protruding with respect to the central portion
75A, and is formed such that the U-shaped portion 75B can be deformed.
[0062] Accordingly, it is preferable to employ an elastically deformable material such as
rubber or a resin to form the ring portion 73B. When the ring portion 73B is made
of rubber for example, the indication cover 70B can be applied to a plurality of types
of sealing hexagon nuts 24 and gas-side valves 9 of different sizes, which leads to
further improvement of work efficiency. In addition, the number of pieces of the U-shaped
portions 75B is not limited to the number illustrated in Fig. 4.
[0063] As a practical example of the attaching method of the ring portion 73B, the U-shaped
portion 75B may be deformed so as to fit the base portion of the gas-side valve 9
where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached in the central portion 75A, and then
the ring portion 73B may be made to slide so as to move the base portion of the gas-side
valve 9 where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached, to the first ring portion 74.
Thus, the base portion of the gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is
attached is locked in the first ring portion 74. Then upon fitting the cover portion
71B onto the sealing hexagon nut 24, the attaching work is finished.
[0064] The presence of the indication cover 70B forces the operator to remove the cover
portion 71B of the indication cover 70B first, before removing the sealing hexagon
nut 24 of the refrigerant charging service port 23, when the refrigerant is to be
charged in the installation work or maintenance service of the outdoor unit B. In
other words, the indication cover 70B serves as an attachment that requires a work
of the operator when the sealing hexagon nut 24 is to be removed.
[0065] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing still another example of the configuration of
the indication cover 70 (hereinafter, indication cover 70C) attached to the outdoor
unit B. Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the side face of
the outdoor unit B with the indication cover 70C attached thereto. Referring to Fig.
6 and Fig. 7, the configuration of the indication cover 70C and recognition of the
operator about the type of the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioning apparatus
A will be described hereunder.
[0066] The basic configuration of the indication cover 70C is similar to that of the indication
cover 70A shown in Fig. 2, however the ring portion (hereinafter, ring portion 73C)
to be attached to the gas-side valve 9 is configured differently.
[0067] The indication cover 70C includes a cover portion 71C, a joint portion 72C, and a
ring portion 73C as illustrated in Fig. 6.
[0068] The cover portion 71C and the joint portion 72C are configured in the same way as
the cover portion 71A and the joint portion 72A of the indication cover 70A shown
in Fig. 2.
[0069] The ring portion 73C is intended to be attached to a position different from where
the ring portion 73A of the indication cover 70A shown in Fig. 2 is attached, and
therefore formed in a different shape from the ring portion 73A of the indication
cover 70A shown in Fig. 2. More specifically, the ring portion 73C is configured to
be fitted around the base portion of the gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon
nut 24 is attached, instead of around the joint portion of the gas-side valve 9 on
the side of the outdoor unit B.
[0070] The ring portion 73C includes a ring central portion 76 and a U-shaped portion 77
(second U-shaped portion) outwardly protruding with respect to the ring central portion
76.
[0071] The ring central portion 76 is formed in a ring shape having a diameter equal to
or smaller than the base portion of the gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon
nut 24 is attached, so as to be fixed (locked) around the base portion of the gas-side
valve 9 where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached.
[0072] The U-shaped portion 77 is formed and deformable.
[0073] Accordingly, it is preferable to employ an elastically deformable material such as
rubber or a resin to form the ring portion 73C. When the ring portion 73C is made
of rubber for example, the indication cover 70C can be applied to a plurality of types
of sealing hexagon nuts 24 and gas-side valves 9 of different sizes, which leads to
further improvement of work efficiency. In addition, it suffices that at least two
pieces of U-shaped portions 77 are provided as illustrated in Fig. 6.
[0074] As a practical example of the attaching method of the ring portion 73C, the U-shaped
portion 77 may be deformed so as to fit the base portion of the gas-side valve 9 where
the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached in the ring central portion 76. Thus, the base
portion of the gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached is locked
in the ring central portion 76. Then upon fitting the cover portion 71B onto the sealing
hexagon nut 24, the attaching work is finished.
[0075] The presence of the indication cover 70C forces the operator to remove the cover
portion 71C of the indication cover 70C first, before removing the sealing hexagon
nut 24 of the refrigerant charging service port 23, when the refrigerant is to be
charged in the installation work or maintenance service of the outdoor unit B. In
other words, the indication cover 70C serves as an attachment that requires a work
of the operator when the sealing hexagon nut 24 is to be removed.
[0076] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing still another example of the configuration of
the indication cover 70 (hereinafter, indication cover 70D) attached to the outdoor
unit B. This configuration, however, is not in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the side face of the outdoor
unit B with the indication cover 70D attached thereto. Referring to Fig. 8 and Fig.
9, the configuration of the indication cover 70D and recognition of the operator about
the type of the refrigerant charged in the air-conditioning apparatus A will be described
hereunder.
[0077] The basic configuration of the indication cover 70D is similar to that of the indication
cover 70A shown in Fig. 2, however the ring portion (hereinafter, ring portion 73D)
to be attached to the gas-side valve 9 is configured differently.
[0078] The indication cover 70D includes a cover portion 71 D, a joint portion 72D, and
a ring portion 73D as illustrated in Fig. 8.
[0079] The cover portion 71D is configured in the same way as the cover portion 71A of the
indication cover 70A shown in Fig. 2.
[0080] The joint portion 72D illustrated in Fig. 8 is formed in a flat belt shape.
[0081] The ring portion 73D is intended to be attached to a position different from where
the ring portion 73A of the indication cover 70A shown in Fig. 2 is attached, and
therefore formed in a different shape from the ring portion 73A of the indication
cover 70A shown in Fig. 2. More specifically, the ring portion 73D is configured to
be fitted around the base portion of the gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon
nut 24 is attached, instead of around the joint portion of the gas-side valve 9 on
the side of the outdoor unit B.
[0082] The ring portion 73D is a disk-shaped portion including an asterisk-shaped opening
formed therein, and has a ring shape as a whole.
[0083] It is preferable to employ an elastically deformable material such as rubber or a
resin to form the ring portion 73D. When the ring portion 73D is made of rubber for
example, the indication cover 70D can be applied to a plurality of types of sealing
hexagon nuts 24 and gas-side valves 9 of different sizes, which leads to further improvement
of work efficiency.
[0084] As a practical example of the attaching method of the ring portion 73D, the base
portion of the gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached may be
press-inserted through the asterisk-shaped opening. Thus, the base portion of the
gas-side valve 9 where the sealing hexagon nut 24 is attached is press-fitted and
locked in the asterisk-shaped opening. Then upon fitting the cover portion 71B onto
the sealing hexagon nut 24, the attaching work is finished.
[0085] The presence of the indication cover 70D forces the operator to remove the cover
portion 71 D of the indication cover 70D first, before removing the sealing hexagon
nut 24 of the refrigerant charging service port 23, when the refrigerant is to be
charged in the installation work or maintenance service of the outdoor unit B. In
other words, the indication cover 70D serves as an attachment that requires a work
of the operator when the sealing hexagon nut 24 is to be removed.
[0086] As described thus far, the outdoor unit B includes the attachment (indication covers
70A to 70D) that requires a work of the operator when the sealing hexagon nut 24 is
to be removed, and therefore further assures that the operator recognizes the type
of the refrigerant, than the case of simply applying a sticker or the like on which
the type of the refrigerant is marked, to a position close to the connection valve.
Therefore, the operator is prevented from charging a wrong refrigerant in the refrigerant
loading work, which leads to a higher level of safety and minimized likelihood of
degradation in performance and quality of the air-conditioning apparatus A. In the
case of employing flammable refrigerant such as the R32 refrigerant, in particular,
the improvement is prominent from the viewpoint of safety, and significant contribution
to global warming prevention can be realized.
[0087] Here, the shape of the joint portion 72 (joint portions 72A to 72D) is not limited
to those illustrated in the drawings, but may be formed as desired. The indication
on the cover portion 71 (cover portions 71A to 71D) may also include, as stated above,
in addition to or instead of the type of the refrigerant, a symbol or initial indicating
to the effect that the refrigerant is flammable, and a caution phrase expressing the
same effect. It is preferable that the mark is engraved, rather than printed, because
of durability over an extended period of time, which is advantageous, for example,
for identifying the type of the refrigerant in the case of collecting the refrigerant
in a recycle center. Although printing is more appropriate when detailed cautions
are to be marked, symbols or initials are more advantageous when the display space
is limited or when the apparatus is intended to be globally distributed.
[0088] The type of the refrigerant and the related cautions are information to be provided
to the operator in the event of installation or maintenance service, and in the case
of the outdoor unit B such information is marked on the gas-side valve 9, and can
be accessed upon removing the service cover 10 from the outdoor unit B. Such a configuration
keeps general users from accessing unnecessary information, thereby minimizing the
likelihood of useless confusion. In particular, a low-flammable refrigerant such as
R32 is barely likely to burn, though classified as flammable, and barely likely to
incur a burning accident provided that the operator refrains from using fire during
the installation or maintenance service of the air-conditioning apparatus. Accordingly,
making the cautions accessible only by the operator exempts the general users from
feeling unnecessary anxiety, and therefore such an arrangement is particularly useful
when a low-flammable refrigerant is employed.
[0089] Although prevention of charging a wrong refrigerant during the installation work
of the air-conditioning apparatus A has been described above, the same effects can
be attained in the maintenance service of the air-conditioning apparatus A. For example,
when the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is to be collected for repairing the
refrigerant circuit in the event of malfunction, a refrigerant collection device is
connected to the refrigerant charging service port 23, to collect the refrigerant.
When the new refrigerant is charged also, a refrigerant cylinder prepared in advance
is connected to the refrigerant charging service port 23, to charge the refrigerant
loaded in the refrigerant cylinder, into the apparatus. Thus, in the case of maintenance
service also, the operator can recognize that the type of the refrigerant is different
from the previous one, at the moment of removing the sealing hexagon nut 24 of the
refrigerant charging service port 23.
[0090] Further, the refrigerant charging service port 23 is designed for a screw of 1/2
inches (12, 7 mm), which is identical with the port for the R410A refrigerant conventionally
employed. Accordingly, the operator can prepare the charging hose, the vacuum pump,
and the pressure gauge that are the same as those utilized thus far, and there is
no need to prepare (purchase) those devices specifically for the R32 refrigerant.
Therefore, the operator can be exempted from expenses and a time period for newly
setting up the infrastructure, which facilitates the air-conditioning apparatus A
that employs refrigerant having a low global warming potential to be promptly distributed
in the market.
[0091] Although the refrigerant charging service port 23 is designed for a screw of 1/2
inches (12, 7 mm), which is identical with the port for the R410A refrigerant primarily
employed at present, the port may be designed for a screw of 7/16 inches (11,1 mm)
for the R22 refrigerant conventionally employed. Since the operator already possesses
the charging hose, the vacuum pump, and the pressure gauge used thus far for the R22
refrigerant and the R410A refrigerant, the same advantageous effects can be attained
with those devices for the R22 refrigerant.
[0092] Although the air-conditioning apparatus A is exemplified by a separate type home-use
air-conditioner in Embodiment, the air-conditioning apparatus A is not limited to
the separate type home-use air-conditioner, but may be a commercial-use air-conditioner
or refrigerator provided that the outdoor unit B includes the refrigerant charging
service port 23.
[0093] In Embodiment, the color of the cover portion 71 (cover portions 71A to 71 D) is
not specifically described. It is preferable, however, the color of the indicator
plate and the indication cover is the same as the color of the refrigerant cylinder
for easy visual recognition, because the color of the refrigerant cylinder is different
depending on the type of the refrigerant cylinder. For example, the color mark of
the cylinder of the R32 refrigerant is light blue, and hence it is preferable that
the indicator plate and the indication cover are painted in light blue.
[0094] Further, all of the cover portion 71 (cover portions 71A to 71D), the joint portion
72 (joint portions 72A to 72D), and the ring portion 73 (ring portions 73A to 73D)
may be integrally formed of the same material, or a part of those portions may be
formed of a different material and combined with the remaining part. For example,
the ring portion 73 may be formed of a metal, the joint portion 72 may be formed of
soft rubber, and the cover portion 71 may be formed of rubber softer than the joint
portion 72. Alternatively, all of the cover portion 71, the joint portion 72, and
the ring portion 73 may be integrally formed of the same material, for example rubber.
[0095] Although it is preferable to form the ring portion 73 from rubber as stated above,
different materials may be adopted. For example, a part of the ring portion 73 may
be formed of a metal and the remaining part may be formed of rubber or a resin. Alternatively,
the ring portion 73 may be formed of a metal and an elastic material such as a spring
may be associated therewith.
Reference Signs List
[0096] 7: extension pipe, 8: liquid-side valve, 9: gas-side valve, 10: service cover, 12:
liquid-side pipe joint, 13: gas-side pipe joint, 14: valve fixing plate, 17: terminal
base, 21: mounting plate, 22: cable, 23: refrigerant charging service port, 24: sealing
hexagon nut, 51: pedestal, 59: screw, 61: tape, 62: front panel, 63: opening, 64:
fan guard, 65: top panel, 66: side panel, 68: opening, 70: indication cover, 70A indication
cover, 70B: indication cover, 70C: indication cover, 70D: indication cover, 71: cover
portion, 71A: cover portion, 71B: cover portion, 71C: cover portion, 71D: cover portion,
72: joint portion, 72A: joint portion, 72B: joint portion, 72C: joint portion, 72D:
joint portion, 73A: ring portion, 73B: ring portion, 73C: ring portion, 73D: ring
portion, 74: first ring portion, 75: second ring portion, 75A: central portion, 75B:
U-shaped portion, 76: ring central portion, 77: U-shaped portion, A: air-conditioning
apparatus, B: outdoor unit, C: indoor unit.