REFRIGERATION CYCLE DEVICE

Abstract

 To provide a refrigeration cycle device with high safety.
A refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure includes a compressor, uses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, and includes a control unit, and when a temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes a first temperature or higher, the control unit stops an air conditioning operation, and gives a first error notification to a user, the first error notification informing the user that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is required.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration cycle device.

[Background Art]

[0002] Patent Literature 1 discloses a remote control having convenience and ease of operation. This remote control includes a display unit, a touch panel, and a control device which causes a function corresponding to a manipulation instruction detected by the touch panel to be displayed on the display unit.

[0003] Patent Literature 2 discloses an outdoor unit of a refrigerating device, the outdoor unit using refrigerant containing a hydrofluorocarbon having properties that may cause a disproportionation reaction, the outdoor unit allowing a worker to immediately comprehend what kind of work the worker should perform with respect to the refrigerant. This outdoor unit of the refrigerating device has a label that is provided on an outdoor unit casing, and on which information relating to the refrigerant used is displayed.

[Citation List]

[Patent Literature]

[0004] 

[Patent Literature 1] International Publication No. WO2017/026063

[Patent Literature 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-132250

[Summary of Invention]

[Technical Problem]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a refrigeration cycle device that can suppress occurrence of a disproportionation reaction.

[Solution to Problem]

[0006] The content of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-074974 filed on April 28, 2022 is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0007] A refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure is a refrigeration cycle device that includes a compressor, and that uses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, the refrigeration cycle device including a control unit, wherein when a temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes a first temperature or higher, the control unit stops an air conditioning operation, and gives a first error notification to a user, the first error notification informing the user that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is required.

[Advantageous Effect of Invention]

[0008] The refrigeration cycle device according to the present disclosure can suppress an excessive rise in temperature of a working medium discharged from the compressor. In addition, the first error notification is given to the user and hence, the user can readily comprehend that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is required. Therefore, a disproportionation reaction of the working medium is less likely to occur.

[Brief Description of Drawings]

[0009] 

[Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment 1.

[Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram of a refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration cycle device.

[Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the refrigeration cycle device.

[Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the refrigeration cycle device.

[Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of a remote control according to the embodiment 1.

[Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the remote control.

[Description of Embodiment]

(Findings and the like forming the basis of the present disclosure)

[0010] At the time when inventors arrived at the present disclosure, as a remote control for a conventional air conditioning device, as in the case of Patent Literature 1, for example, a remote control is proposed which includes a display unit on which a manipulation image is displayed, a touch panel that detects a manipulation instruction to the manipulation image displayed on the display unit, and a control device that causes a function corresponding to the manipulation instruction, detected by the touch panel, to be displayed on the display unit. Furthermore, as a conventional refrigerating device, as in the case of Patent Literature 2, a refrigerating device is proposed in which a working medium containing a hydrofluorocarbon having properties that may cause a disproportionation reaction is used, and a label is applied onto an outdoor unit at the time of installation work to provide an alert for occurrence of a disproportionation reaction.

[0011] However, in the case of using the refrigerating device that uses a working medium containing a hydrofluorocarbon having properties that may cause a disproportionation reaction, although an alert is provided for an installation worker, an alert is not provided for the user on the indoor side.

[0012] The inventors have found the problem that when there is a possibility of occurrence of a disproportionation reaction, the risk of the occurrence of a disproportionation reaction in the conventional configuration cannot be reduced by user intervention, and thus the inventors arrived at the subject matter of the present disclosure to solve this problem.

[0013] The present disclosure provides a refrigeration cycle device with high safety.

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to drawings. However, detailed description that which is necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of an already well-known matter, or repeated description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0015] Attached drawings and the description made hereinafter are provided to allow those skilled in the art to sufficiently understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the Claims.

(Embodiment 1)

[0016] Hereinafter, a refrigeration cycle device 1 according to an embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1 to Figure 6.

[1-1. Configuration]

[1-1-1. Configuration of refrigeration cycle device]

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 1. The refrigeration cycle device 1 is an air conditioning device including an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 30, and a remote control 50. When the refrigeration cycle device 1 is operated, the refrigeration cycle device 1 performs air conditioning, such as a heating operation or a cooling operation, in an indoor space S. The indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 30 are connected to each other by a gas pipe 20 and a liquid pipe 40.

[0018] The indoor unit 10 is a device provided in the room of a building structure, such as a private house or a building, or a mobile body, such as a ship, and performs air conditioning on the indoor space S. The indoor unit 10 includes a display unit 12a, a voice output unit 12b, and warning lamps 12c.

[0019] The display unit 12a is a display formed by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The display unit 12a displays a letter or a drawing according to control from a control unit 70 described later.

[0020] The voice output unit 12b is, for example, a speaker incorporated in the indoor unit 10. The voice output unit 12b outputs voice to the space S according to control from the control unit 70. The warning lamps 12c are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and are turned on or turned off according to the control from the control unit 70. The correspondence between blinking patterns and meanings of the blinking patterns is printed in the vicinity of the warning lamps 12c, so that a user U can immediately understand the meaning of blinking of the warning lamps 12c.

[0021] The outdoor unit 30 is a device installed outdoors, and rotates an outdoor blower 37 to cause a working medium flowing through an outdoor heat exchanger 35 described later to exchange heat with outside air.

[0022] The remote control 50 is a device that receives manipulation performed by the user U present in the indoor space S, and includes a manipulation unit 51 and a remote-control display unit 53. The manipulation unit 51 is formed of, for example, a plurality of switches that give instructions for a start of the cooling operation, a start of the heating operation, a change in set temperature, a stop of an air conditioning operation, and the like, and receives manipulations performed by the user U when each switch is pushed. The remote-control display unit 53 is a display formed by a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like, for example, and displays settings for the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1, the state of the air conditioning operation, and the like. The remote control 50 is configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with the indoor unit 10, and transmits, to the indoor unit 10, a signal corresponding to the manipulation performed by the user U, or receives a signal transmitted from the indoor unit 10.

[1-1-2. Configuration of refrigeration cycle circuit]

[0023] Figure 2 is a diagram of a refrigeration cycle of the refrigeration cycle device 1. The refrigeration cycle device 1 uses, in the refrigeration cycle, a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin. Many of the working mediums containing ethylene-based fluoroolefins have a low global warming potential, thus such working mediums have a characteristic of being environmentally friendly, the global warming potential indicating the degree of contribution to climate change. In contrast, it is known that working mediums containing ethylene-based fluoroolefins cause disproportionation reaction when exposed to a discharge phenomenon under high temperature and high pressure. The occurrence of a disproportionation reaction may cause a rapid rise in pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The detail of the working medium will be described later.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 30.

[0025] The indoor unit 10 includes an indoor heat exchanger 11 and an indoor blower 13. The indoor heat exchanger 11 is, for example, a fin tube heat exchanger, and causes a working medium flowing therethrough to exchange heat with air. The indoor blower 13 is, for example, a cross flow fan. When a motor incorporated in the indoor blower 13 is driven, the indoor blower 13 suctions air in the indoor space S into the indoor unit 10, causes the suctioned air to flow through the indoor heat exchanger 11, and then blows out the air to the space S.

[0026] The outdoor unit 30 includes a compressor 31, a four-way valve 33, the outdoor heat exchanger 35, the outdoor blower 37, and an expansion valve 39. The compressor 31 is, for example, a scroll compressor, and is a machine device that suctions a working medium through a suction port, compresses the working medium, and then discharges the compressed working medium through a discharge port. The working medium discharged from the compressor 31 has a high temperature, and the temperature of the working medium is measured by a working medium temperature sensor 32 provided on a pipe at a position in the vicinity of the discharge port of the compressor 31. The four-way valve 33 is a device having flow passages therein connected to the discharge port of the compressor 31, the suction port of the compressor 31, the indoor heat exchanger 11, and the outdoor heat exchanger 35. The four-way valve 33 can switch the flow passage by electronic control, and switches the operation between the cooling operation and the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 by switching the flow passage. The expansion valve 39 is a valve in which the degree of opening can be adjusted by electronic control, and the expansion valve 39 reduces the pressure of a working medium passing through the expansion valve 39.

[0027] The four-way valve 33 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 11 by the gas pipe 20 described above. The gas pipe 20 is a pipe through which a gas working medium mainly flows, and a three-way valve 21 is provided in the gas pipe 20 at a position in the vicinity of the outdoor unit 30. The three-way valve 21 is a valve having a port for measuring pressure and for sealing a working medium, and can switch opening/closing of the flow passage of the gas pipe 20 for the working medium. The expansion valve 39 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 11 by the liquid pipe 40 described above. The liquid pipe 40 is a pipe through which a liquid working medium mainly flows, and a two-way valve 41 is provided in the liquid pipe 40 at a position in the vicinity of the outdoor unit 30. The two-way valve 41 can switch opening/closing of the flow passage of the liquid pipe 40 for the working medium.

[1-1-3. Control configuration]

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the refrigeration cycle device 1.

[0029] The indoor unit 10 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes an indoor communication unit 14 that communicates with the outdoor unit 30 through a control wiring. The indoor communication unit 14 is communication hardware corresponding to predetermined communication standards, such as a connector or a communication circuit. The indoor unit 10 also includes an indoor wireless communication unit 15 that performs wireless communication with the remote control 50. The indoor wireless communication unit 15 includes, for example, hardware corresponding to wireless communication standards, such as an antenna or a communication circuit, and bidirectionally communicates with the remote control 50.

[0030] The remote control 50 includes a remote-control communication unit 55 and a remote-control control unit 57. The remote-control communication unit 55 includes, for example, hardware corresponding to wireless communication standards, such as an antenna or a communication circuit, and bidirectionally communicates with the indoor wireless communication unit 15 according to control from the remote-control control unit 57. The remote-control control unit 57 includes a processor, such as a CPU or an MPU, and a memory that stores programs and data. When the processor reads and executes the program stored in the memory, the remote-control control unit 57 controls the remote-control display unit 53, and the remote-control communication unit 55. In addition, the remote-control control unit 57 receives manipulation performed by the user U via the manipulation unit 51, and controls the remote-control display unit 53, and the remote-control communication unit 55 according to the received manipulation.

[0031] The outdoor unit 30 includes an outdoor communication unit 34. The outdoor communication unit 34 is communication hardware corresponding to predetermined communication standards, such as a connector or a communication circuit, and communicates with the indoor communication unit 14 via the control wiring.

[0032] The outdoor unit 30 also includes the control unit 70 that controls the respective components of the refrigeration cycle device 1. The control unit 70 includes an outdoor unit memory 71, an outdoor unit processor 73, and an outdoor unit interface 75.

[0033] The outdoor unit memory 71 is a memory that stores programs and data. The outdoor unit memory 71 stores various control programs, and data to be processed by the outdoor unit processor 73. The outdoor unit memory 71 has a non-volatile storage area. The outdoor unit memory 71 may also has a volatile storage area to form a work area for the outdoor unit processor 73.

[0034] The outdoor unit processor 73 is a processor, such as a CPU or an MPU. When the outdoor unit processor 73 reads and executes the control program stored in the outdoor unit memory 71, the outdoor unit processor 73 serves as an equipment control unit 73a, a determination unit 73b, and a notification unit 73c.

[0035] The outdoor unit interface 75 is an interface that includes communication hardware corresponding to predetermined communication standards, such as a connector or a communication circuit. The outdoor unit interface 75 communicates with the outdoor communication unit 34, the compressor 31, the four-way valve 33, the outdoor blower 37, the expansion valve 39, and the working medium temperature sensor 32.

[0036] The equipment control unit 73a receives, as a signal, manipulation performed by the user U on the manipulation unit 51 of the remote control 50, and then controls respective pieces of equipment of the refrigeration cycle device 1 in response to the received signal to perform an air conditioning operation. The equipment control unit 73a controls, via the outdoor unit interface 75, respective components of the outdoor unit, such as the outdoor communication unit 34, the compressor 31, the four-way valve 33, the outdoor blower 37, and the expansion valve 39. The equipment control unit 73a also controls, via the outdoor communication unit 34 and the indoor communication unit 14, the respective components of the indoor unit 10, such as the indoor blower 13, the display unit 12a, the voice output unit 12b, and the warning lamps 12c.

[0037] The determination unit 73b receives, from the working medium temperature sensor 32, data on the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31, and restricts the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 based on the received data on the temperature.

[0038] The notification unit 73c controls the display unit 12a, the voice output unit 12b, and the warning lamps 12c to give various notifications to the user U. The notification unit 73c also controls the remote-control display unit 53 via the indoor wireless communication unit 15 to give a notification to the user U.

[1-1-4. Working medium]

[0039] Refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle device 1 is a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin. Ethylene-based fluoroolefins include, for example, any one or more of 1, 1, 2-trifluoroethylene (HFO1123), trans-1, 2-difluoroethylene (HFO1132(E)), cis-1, 2-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132(Z)), 1, 1-difluoroethylene (HFO-1132a), tetrafluoroethylene (CF2 = CF2, HFO1114), and monofluoroethylene (HFO-1141).

[0040] The above-mentioned working medium may contain two or more refrigerant components. That is, the working medium may contain an ethylene-based fluoroolefin selected from the above-mentioned examples (for example, 1, 1, 2-trifluoroethylene), and a second refrigerant component. Examples of the second refrigerant component include one or more refrigerants selected from hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), hydrofluoroolefins (HFO), saturated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and other refrigerants. Examples of hydrofluorocarbons include difluoromethane, difluoroethane, trifluoroethane, tetrafluoroethane, pentafluoroethane, pentafluoropropane, hexafluoropropane, heptafluoropropane, pentafluorobutane, and heptafluorocyclopentane. Examples of hydrofluoroolefins include monofluoropropene, trifluoropropene, tetrafluoropropene, pentafluoropropene, and hexafluorobutene. Although examples of saturated hydrocarbons include ethane, n-propane, cyclopropane, n-butane, cyclobutane, isobutane (2-methylpropane), methylcyclopropane, n-pentane, isopentane (2-methylbutane), neopentane (2, 2-dimethylpropane), and methylcyclobutane, other hydrocarbons may be used. The second refrigerant component may contain a plurality of components. That is, the second refrigerant component may contain two or more refrigerant components selected from hydrofluorocarbons, hydrofluoroolefins, saturated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and other refrigerants.

[0041] The working medium used as refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 1 may contain a disproportionation inhibiting agent in addition to the refrigerant component. An example of the disproportionation inhibiting agent includes a saturated hydrocarbon. The working medium may contain a disproportionation inhibiting agent made of one or a plurality of components. Although examples of saturated hydrocarbons used as the disproportionation inhibiting agent include ethane, n-propane, cyclopropane, n-butane, cyclobutane, isobutane (2-methylpropane), methylcyclopropane, n-pentane, isopentane (2-methylbutane), neopentane (2, 2-dimethylpropane), and methylcyclobutane, other saturated hydrocarbons may be used. An example of particularly preferable disproportionation inhibiting agent includes n-propane.

[0042] The disproportionation inhibiting agent may also be, for example, a haloalkane with the number of carbons of either one or two. Haloalkanes with the number of carbons of one, that is, halomethanes, may be used as the disproportionation inhibiting agent. Although examples of halomethanes include (mono) iodomethane (CH3I), diiodomethane (CH2I2), dibromomethane (CH2Br2), bromomethane (CH3Br), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), chloroiodomethane (CH2ClI), dibromochloromethane (CHBr2Cl), tetraiodomethane (CI4), carbon tetrabromide (CBr4), bromotrichloromethane (CBrCl3), dibromodichloromethane (CBr2Cl2), tribromofluoromethane (CBr3F), fluorodiiodomethane (CHFI2), difluoroiodomethane (CHF2I), difluorodiiodomethane (CF2I2), dibromodifluoromethane (CBr2F2), and trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I), other halomethanes may be used. Haloalkanes with the number of carbons of two, that is, haloethanes, may be used as the disproportionation inhibiting agent. Examples of haloethanes include 1, 1, 1-trifluoro-2-iodoethane (CF3CH2I), monoiodoethane (CH3CH2I), monobromoethane (CH3CH2Br), and 1, 1, 1-triiodoethane (CH3CI3).

[0043] The working medium may contain a plurality of disproportionation inhibiting agents selected from the above-mentioned saturated hydrocarbons and the above-mentioned haloalkanes. The working medium may contain one kind of saturated hydrocarbon, or may be a working medium containing two or more kinds of saturated hydrocarbons. The working medium may contain one kind of haloalkane, or may be a working medium containing two or more kinds of haloalkanes.

[0044] A preferred example of the working medium includes a mixture containing 1, 1, 2-trifluoroethylene and n-propane. This working medium may contain the second refrigerant component described above, or may contain other components.

[0045] The above-mentioned each working medium may contain unavoidable impurities. Examples of the unavoidable impurities include various additives, such as a stabilizing agent added for the purpose of stabilization during transportation or during storage, the residue or by-products of a synthetic raw material of the refrigerant component, and substances mixed for other reasons.

[0046] The mass ratio between 1, 1, 2-trifluoroethylene and n-propane contained in the working medium may be suitably changed. The capacity of the refrigeration cycle correlates to the mass ratio of refrigerant component contained in the working medium. Accordingly, to maintain the capacity of the refrigeration cycle, it is desirable to have a configuration in which n-propane, being the disproportionation inhibiting agent, is contained in the working medium at 40 mass% or less.

[1-2. Action]

[0047] The action and the manner of operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described hereinafter.

[0048] A first temperature T1 and a second temperature T2 used in the description made hereinafter are determined according to, for example, the heat resistance of an insulating paper inserted between a magnet wire and an electromagnetic steel sheet in the stator of a motor forming the compressor 31, the magnet wire and the electromagnetic steel sheet generating a magnetic field by energization. For example, when a heat resistance class, specified by JIS C 4003, of an insulating paper is a heat resistance class B, a heat resistance temperature is 130°C. When the insulating paper is placed under a temperature condition higher than this heat resistance temperature, insulation between the magnet wire and the electromagnetic steel sheet is broken, thus increasing a possibility of occurrence of a discharge phenomenon that may cause a disproportionation reaction. The temperature condition of the insulating paper is substantially equal to a discharge temperature (temperature) T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 and hence, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is activated in such a way as to restrict the air conditioning operation based on whether the discharge temperature T is the first temperature T1 or the second temperature T2.

[0049] In the present embodiment, an insulating paper in a heat resistance class E specified by JIS C 4003 is used, and the heat resistance temperature of this insulating paper is 120°C. The first temperature T1 is 115°C obtained by giving a margin for safety of approximately 5K to this heat resistance temperature. The second temperature T2 is 105°C obtained by giving a margin for safety of approximately 10K to the first temperature T1. In the case in which the temperature of the working medium is 150°C or higher, a risk of occurrence of a disproportionation reaction increases irrespective of the heat resistance temperature of the insulating paper. Therefore, even in the case in which an insulating paper having a heat resistance temperature of 150°C or higher is used, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are set to temperatures obtained by giving margins for safety to 150°C. That is, each of the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 is set based on whichever is lower of a temperature having a high risk of occurrence of a discharge phenomenon or a temperature having a high risk of occurrence of a disproportionation reaction due to high temperature itself.

[0050] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the refrigeration cycle device 1, and shows actions of the refrigeration cycle device 1 under the air conditioning operation. Figure 5 is a plan view of the remote control 50, and shows a state in which a second error message M2 is displayed. Figure 6 is a plan view of the remote control 50, and shows a state in which a first error message is displayed.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, when the refrigeration cycle device 1 is under the air conditioning operation, the determination unit 73b receives, at a predetermined sampling rate, data on the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31, the temperature being measured by the working medium temperature sensor 32. Based on the received data on the temperature, the determination unit 73b determines whether the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is the second temperature T2 or higher (step S1).

[0052] When the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is the second temperature T2 or higher (step S1: YES), the equipment control unit 73a restricts the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 (step S2). In addition, substantially simultaneously with step S2, the notification unit 73c gives a second error notification to the user U (step S3). The second error notification given in step S3 is a notification that informs the user U that the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is to be restricted.

[0053] In step S2, the equipment control unit 73a restricts the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 by restricting the actions of the respective pieces of equipment of the refrigeration cycle device 1. The actions of the respective pieces of equipment which are restricted at this point of operation are actions that increase the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31. For example, actions are prohibited, such as an action of increasing the operating frequency of the compressor 31, an action of decreasing the degree of opening of the expansion valve 39, an action of decreasing the number of revolutions of the indoor blower 13 and the number of revolutions of the outdoor blower 37, and an action of switching the flow passage of the four-way valve 33, by using, as the reference, a point in time at which the discharge temperature T is determined to be the second temperature T2 or higher. Therefore, during a period in which the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is restricted, the operating frequency of the compressor 31 is controlled so as not to become higher than the operating frequency at the reference time point even in a situation in which the temperature of the space S is different from a set temperature, for example.

[0054] When the user U manipulates the manipulation unit 51 of the remote control 50, manipulations that bring about the above-mentioned restricted actions are disabled. For example, an action of decreasing the set temperature during the cooling operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1, a manipulation of increasing the set temperature during the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1, a manipulation of reducing a volume of air blown out from the indoor unit 10, and a manipulation of switching between the cooling operation and the heating operation correspond to such manipulations. In addition, a manipulation is also disabled which forcibly causes the refrigeration cycle device 1 to perform the cooling operation (a forceful cooling operation manipulation) when an outside air temperature is low at the time of performing a pump down operation, which collects the working medium in the refrigeration cycle circuit into the outdoor unit 30. The manipulations disabled in step S2 as described above, that is, the manipulations of increasing the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31, are defined to be second manipulations.

[0055] Processing of disabling the second manipulation may be, when the user U performs the second manipulation on the manipulation unit 51, performed by the remote-control control unit 57 such that the remote-control control unit 57 prevents a signal of instructing the action corresponding to the second manipulation from being transmitted to the indoor unit 10. The processing of disabling the second manipulation may be performed by the equipment control unit 73a by ignoring a signal received by the equipment control unit 73a and corresponding to the second manipulation.

[0056] In step S3, the notification unit 73c transmits a signal to the remote-control control unit 57 via the outdoor communication unit 34, the indoor communication unit 14, the indoor wireless communication unit 15, and the remote-control communication unit 55. As shown in Figure 5, the remote-control control unit 57 causes the remote-control display unit 53 to display the second error message M2 in response to the received signal. The second error message M2 is, for example, a display of "Currently, action of air conditioning is restricted".

[0057] In step S3, the notification unit 73c controls a display unit 10a of the indoor unit 10 to display the second error message M2. The notification unit 73c also manipulates the voice output unit 12b to emit the second error message M2 in the form of voice. Furthermore, the notification unit 73c causes the warning lamps 12c to be turned on or blinked in a predetermined pattern. That is, in the present embodiment, the second error notification is given by displaying the second error message M2 on the remote-control display unit 53 and the display unit 12a, by emitting the second error message M2 by the voice output unit 12b, and by turning on or blinking the warning lamps 12c.

[0058] In step S4, the determination unit 73b determines whether the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is the first temperature T1 or higher. Usually, due to the restriction of the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 which is started in step S3, it is difficult for the discharge temperature T to rise. Therefore, usually, the discharge temperature T is the first temperature T1 or less (step S4: No), and the process shifts to step S5.

[0059] In step S5, the determination unit 73b determines whether the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is the second temperature T2 or higher. At this point of operation, when the determination unit 73b determines that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is the second temperature T2 or higher (step S5: YES), processing performed in step S2 and processing performed in step S3 are continued. During a period in which the discharge temperature T is the second temperature T2 or higher, and is the first temperature T1 or less, the determinations in step S4 and step S5 are repeatedly performed.

[0060] The refrigeration cycle device 1 disables the second manipulation received by the manipulation unit 51 during such a period. A configuration may be adopted in which, at this point of operation, when the user U, for example, performs a manipulation of changing the set temperature, being the second manipulation, on the manipulation unit 51, the set temperature displayed on the remote-control display unit 53 is not changed. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which when the user U performs the manipulation of changing the set temperature on the manipulation unit 51, although the set temperature displayed on the remote-control display unit 53 changes according to the manipulation performed by the user U, an operation reflecting the set temperature displayed on the remote-control display unit 53 is not performed internally. In the latter case, a configuration may be adopted in which, at a point in time when step S6 described later is ended, for example, the operation reflecting the set temperature displayed on the remote-control display unit 53 is performed.

[0061] When the determination unit 73b determines in step S5 that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is the second temperature T2 or less (step S5: No), the equipment control unit 73a ends the restriction of the air conditioning operation which is started in step S2 (step S6). Further, the notification unit 73c ends the second error notification started in step S3 (step S7), and a normal air conditioning operation state is returned.

[0062] When it is determined in step S4 that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 is the first temperature T1 or higher (step S4: YES), the equipment control unit 73a stops the actions of the respective pieces of equipment of the refrigeration cycle device 1 to stop the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 (step S8). At this point of operation, the determination unit 73b stores error information in the non-volatile storage area of the outdoor unit memory 71. The error information is information indicating that the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is in a state of being became the first temperature T1 or higher.

[0063] After the respective pieces of equipment are stopped in step S8, the equipment control unit 73a prohibits the actions of the respective pieces of equipment of the refrigeration cycle device 1 to prohibit the air conditioning operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 (step S9). In addition, substantially simultaneously with step S9, the notification unit 73c gives a first error notification to the user U (step S10). The first error notification is a notification that informs the user U that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is required.

[0064] The actions of the respective pieces of equipment which are prohibited in step S9 are actions of the respective pieces of equipment that may affect the state of the refrigeration cycle circuit in the refrigeration cycle device 1. An action of the compressor 31, an action of switching the flow passage of the four-way valve 33, an action of adjusting the degree of opening of the expansion valve 39, an action of the indoor blower 13, and an action of the outdoor blower 37, for example, correspond to such actions.

[0065] In contrast, actions that may not affect the state of the refrigeration cycle circuit in the refrigeration cycle device 1 are not prohibited. Displays on the display unit 12a, voice emissions by the voice output unit 12b, turning on or blinking of the warning lamps 12c, and displays on the remote-control display unit 53 of the remote control 50, for example, correspond to such actions.

[0066] When the user U manipulates the manipulation unit 51 of the remote control 50, a manipulation that brings about the above-mentioned prohibited action is disabled. For example, a manipulation of starting the cooling operation or the heating operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1, and a forceful cooling operation manipulation correspond to such manipulations. These manipulations prohibited in step S9 and performed by the user U are defined to be first manipulations.

[0067] Processing of disabling the first manipulation may be, when the user U performs the first manipulation on the manipulation unit 51, performed by the remote-control control unit 57 such that the remote-control control unit 57 prevents a signal of instructing the action corresponding to the first manipulation from being transmitted to the indoor unit 10. The processing of disabling the first manipulation may be performed by the equipment control unit 73a by ignoring a signal received by the equipment control unit 73a and corresponding to the first manipulation.

[0068] In step S10, the notification unit 73c transmits a signal to the remote-control control unit 57 via the outdoor communication unit 34, the indoor communication unit 14, the indoor wireless communication unit 15, and the remote-control communication unit 55. As shown in Figure 6, the remote-control control unit 57 causes the remote-control display unit 53 to display a first error message M1 in response to the received signal. The first error message M1 includes, for example, a message that urges the user U to obtain inspection, and information for contacting a serviceman who performs inspection, such as "Call the following number for inspection. XX-XXXX-XXXX". The information for contacting the serviceman may be, for example, a telephone number, an email address, a web page addresses, or a two-dimensional bar code.

[0069] In step S10, the notification unit 73c controls the display unit 10a of the indoor unit 10 to display the first error message M1. The notification unit 73c also controls the voice output unit 12b to emit the first error message M1 in the form of voice. Furthermore, the notification unit 73c causes the warning lamps 12c to be turned on or blinked in a predetermined pattern. That is, in the present embodiment, the first error notification is given by displaying the first error message M1 on the remote-control display unit 53 and the display unit 12a, by emitting the first error message M1 by the voice output unit 12b, and by turning on or blinking the warning lamps 12c. However, the pattern of turning on or blinking the warning lamps 12c differs from the pattern of turning on or blinking the warning lamps 12c for the second error notification.

[0070] Prohibition of the air conditioning operation in step S9, and giving the first error notification in step S10 are continued as long as error information is stored in the outdoor unit memory 71. Therefore, the prohibition of the air conditioning operation and giving the first error notification are not canceled due to a lapse of time, restarting the refrigeration cycle device 1, or temporary shut-off of the power source, for example. In other words, when the discharge temperature T becomes the first temperature T1 or higher, the refrigeration cycle device 1 stops the air conditioning operation, and continues the stop of the air conditioning operation until an error canceling action is performed.

[0071] When the error canceling action is performed by a serviceman (step S11: YES), prohibition of the air conditioning operation in step S9 and giving the first error notification in step S10 are ended (step S12, step S13).

[0072] The error canceling action is an action performed by the serviceman after the serviceman inspects the respective pieces of equipment of the refrigeration cycle device 1, such as the compressor 31. When the error canceling action is performed, the error information stored in the outdoor unit memory 71 is disabled. The error canceling action is an action that is difficult to be performed by the user U. For example, the error canceling action may be an action of manipulating the manipulation unit 51 with a predetermined complicated procedure. Alternatively, the error canceling action may be an action of manipulating a switch or the like disposed at a position that is difficult for the user U to access, such as the inside of the indoor unit 10 or the inside of the outdoor unit 30.

[0073] After step S12 and step S13 are performed, the refrigeration cycle device 1 is in a state in which the air conditioning operation is stopped. In this state, when the user U, for example, pushes a switch of the manipulation unit 51 for starting the cooling operation or the heating operation, the equipment control unit 73a receives a signal for starting the cooling operation or the heating operation (step S14: YES). Consequently, the refrigeration cycle device 1 returns to a normal air conditioning operation state.

[1-3. Advantageous effects and the like]

[0074] As described above, in the present embodiment, in the refrigeration cycle device 1 that includes the compressor 31, and that uses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes the control unit 70, and when the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 becomes the first temperature T1 or higher, the control unit 70 stops the air conditioning operation, and gives the first error notification to the user, the first error notification informing the user that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is required.

[0075] With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress an excessive rise in the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31. In addition, the first error notification is given to the user U and hence, the user U can readily comprehend that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is required. Therefore, a disproportionation reaction of a working medium is less likely to occur.

[0076] As in the case of the present embodiment, the refrigeration cycle device 1 includes the indoor unit 10, the indoor unit 10 includes at least one of the display unit 12a, the voice output unit 12b, or the warning lamps 12c, and the first error notification is at least one of displaying the first error message on the display unit 12a, emitting the first error message from the voice output unit 12b, or turning on or blinking the warning lamps 12c.

[0077] With such a configuration, the user U can promptly and surely perceive the first error notification, and the refrigeration cycle device 1 can promptly guide the user U to obtain inspection of the refrigeration cycle device 1. Therefore, a disproportionation reaction of a working medium is less likely to occur.

[0078] As in the case of the present embodiment, in the refrigeration cycle device 1, when the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 becomes the first temperature T1 or higher, the control unit 70 disables the first manipulation performed by the user U, the first manipulation being a manipulation of causing the refrigeration cycle device 1 to perform the air conditioning operation.

[0079] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user U erroneously restarts the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1. Accordingly, a disproportionation reaction of a working medium is less likely to occur.

[0080] As in the case of the present embodiment, in the refrigeration cycle device 1, when the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 becomes the first temperature T1 or higher, the control unit 70 stops the air conditioning operation, and continues the stop of the operation until the error canceling action is performed.

[0081] With such a configuration, the refrigeration cycle device 1 stops the operation until the error canceling action is performed. Consequently, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user U erroneously restarts the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1. Accordingly, a disproportionation reaction of a working medium is less likely to occur.

[0082] As in the case of the present embodiment, in the refrigeration cycle device 1, when the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 becomes equal to or higher than the second temperature T2, which is lower than the first temperature T1, the control unit 70 disables the second manipulation received from the user U, the second manipulation being a manipulation that raises the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31.

[0083] With such a configuration, it is difficult for the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 to reach the first temperature T1. Therefore, occurrence of a disproportionation reaction is suppressed.

[0084] As in the case of the present embodiment, in the refrigeration cycle device 1, when the discharge temperature T of the working medium discharged from the compressor 31 becomes the second temperature T2 or higher, the control unit 70 gives the second error notification to the user U, the second error notification informing the user U that the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 1 is restricted.

[0085] With such a configuration, the user U can know the state of the refrigeration cycle device 1. Accordingly, convenience of the refrigeration cycle device 1 for the user U is enhanced.

(Another embodiment)

[0086] As described above, the embodiment 1 has been described as an example of the technique disclosed herein. However, the technique of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment 1, and is also applicable to embodiments in which a modification, a replacement, an addition, or an omission is made.

[0087] Hereinafter, another embodiment will be exemplified.

[0088] In the embodiment 1, the description has been made such that the remote-control display unit 53, the display unit 12a, the voice output unit 12b, and the warning lamps 12c give the first error notification and the second error notification. However, such a configuration is merely an example. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the first error notification and the second error notification are given by any one or more of the remote-control display unit 53, the display unit 12a, the voice output unit 12b, and the warning lamps 12c. The first error notification and the second error notification are not limited to be given by the above-mentioned equipment. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the indoor unit 10 is, by short-range wireless communication, communicatively connected to a smart speaker, not shown in the drawing, which is provided in the room, and the first error notification and the second error notification are given by emitting voice from the smart speaker.

[0089] A configuration may also be adopted in which the first error notification and the second error notification are given by displaying a Push notification on an arbitrary terminal, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal owned by the user U. In this case, the terminal is activated according to, for example, a dedicated application program, which is downloaded from a predetermined server or the like, to establish short-range wireless communication with the indoor unit 10, thus receiving a signal for giving a Push notification. Alternatively, the indoor unit 10 transmits, to a management server connected by communication network, information for giving a Push notification, and the terminal follows the application program to receive, through the communication network, the information for giving a Push notification from the management server.

[0090] In the embodiment 1, the first temperature T1 is set by giving a margin of approximately 5K to the heat resistance temperature of the insulating paper, and the second temperature T2 is set by giving a margin of approximately 10K to the first temperature T1. However, such a configuration is merely an example. For example, it is sufficient that each margin be a value between approximately 0K and 20K. The margin may be set according to a distance between the working medium temperature sensor 32 and the stator of the compressor 31, for example.

[0091] In the embodiment 1, when the discharge temperature T becomes less than the second temperature T2 in step S5 (step S5: No), the process shifts to step S6. However, such a configuration is merely an example. For example, when the discharge temperature T becomes, in step S5, less than a third temperature T3, which is lower than the second temperature T2 by approximately 0 to 20K, the process may shift to step S6. In this case, the discharge temperature T is lower than the second temperature T2 by approximately 0 to 20K when the process shifts to step S6 and hence, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the discharge temperature T exceeds the second temperature T2 again soon.

[0092] The outdoor unit processor 73 may be formed of a plurality of processors, or may be formed of a single processor. The outdoor unit processor 73 may be hardware that is programed to achieve a corresponding function unit. That is, the outdoor unit processor 73 is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0093] The respective components shown in Figure 3 are merely examples, and a specific embodiment is not particularly limited. That is, it is not always necessary to individually mount corresponding hardware to each component and, needless to say, a configuration may be adopted in which functions of the respective components are achieved by one processor performing a program. Some functions achieved by software in the embodiment described above may be achieved by hardware, or some functions achieved by hardware may be achieved by software. In addition, specific detailed configurations of the respective components of the indoor unit 10, the outdoor unit 30, and the remote control 50 are also suitably changeable without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0094] The step units of the actions shown in Figure 4 are obtained by dividing the actions according to the main process content to facilitate understanding of the actions of the respective components of the refrigeration cycle device 1, and the actions are not limited by the manner of division or the name of the processing units. The actions may be divided into a larger number of step units corresponding to the process content. Alternatively, the actions may be divided such that one step unit includes more processes. The order of the steps may be suitably changed within the scope of not interfering with the gist of the present disclosure.

[Configuration supported by the above-mentioned embodiment]

[0095] The above-mentioned embodiment supports the following configurations.

(Supplement)

[0096] (Technique 1) A refrigeration cycle device that includes a compressor, and that uses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, the refrigeration cycle device including a control unit, wherein when a temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes a first temperature or higher, the control unit stops an air conditioning operation, and gives a first error notification to a user, the first error notification informing the user that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is required.

[0097] Consequently, it is possible to suppress an excessive rise in temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor. In addition, the first error notification is given to the user and hence, the user can readily comprehend that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is required. Therefore, a disproportionation reaction of a working medium is less likely to occur.

[0098] (Technique 2) The refrigeration cycle device according to technique 1, wherein the refrigeration cycle device includes an indoor unit, the indoor unit includes at least one of a display unit, a voice output unit, or a warning lamp, and the first error notification is at least one of displaying a first error message on the display unit, emitting the first error message from the voice output unit, or turning on or blinking the warning lamp.

[0099] Consequently, the user can promptly and surely perceive the first error notification, and the refrigeration cycle device can promptly guide user to inspection of the refrigeration cycle device. Therefore, a disproportionation reaction of a working medium is less likely to occur.

[0100] (Technique 3) The refrigeration cycle device according to technique 1 or 2, wherein when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes the first temperature or higher, the control unit disables a first manipulation performed by the user, the first manipulation being a manipulation of causing the refrigeration cycle device to perform the air conditioning operation.

[0101] Consequently, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user erroneously restarts the operation of the refrigeration cycle device. Accordingly, a disproportionation reaction of a working medium is less likely to occur.

[0102] (Technique 4) The refrigeration cycle device according to technique 3, wherein when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes the first temperature or higher, the control unit stops the air conditioning operation, and continues an operation stop until an error canceling action is performed.

[0103] Consequently, the refrigeration cycle device stops the operation until the error canceling action is performed. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user erroneously restarts the operation of the refrigeration cycle device. Accordingly, a disproportionation reaction of a working medium is less likely to occur.

[0104] (Technique 5) The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, wherein when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes equal to or higher than a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature, the control unit disables a second manipulation received from the user, the second manipulation being a manipulation that raises the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor.

[0105] Consequently, it is difficult for the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor to reach the first temperature. Therefore, occurrence of a disproportionation reaction is suppressed.

[0106] (Technique 6) The refrigeration cycle device according to technique 5, wherein when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes the second temperature or higher, the control unit gives a second error notification to the user, the second error notification informing the user that an operation of the refrigeration cycle device is restricted.

[0107] Consequently, the user can know the state of the refrigeration cycle device. Accordingly, convenience of the refrigeration cycle device for the user is enhanced.

[Industrial Applicability]

[0108] The present disclosure is applicable to a refrigeration cycle device that uses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin. To be more specific, the present disclosure is applicable to an air conditioning device or the like that uses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin.

[Reference Signs List]

[0109] 

1

refrigeration cycle device

10

indoor unit

11

indoor heat exchanger

12a

display unit

12b

voice output unit

12c

warning lamp

13

indoor blower

14

indoor communication unit

15

indoor wireless communication unit

20

gas pipe

21

three-way valve

30

outdoor unit

31

compressor

32

working medium temperature sensor

33

four-way valve

34

outdoor communication unit

35

outdoor heat exchanger

37

outdoor blower

39

expansion valve

40

liquid pipe

41

two-way valve

50

remote control

51

manipulation unit

53

remote-control display unit

55

remote-control communication unit

57

remote-control control unit

70

control unit

71

outdoor unit memory

73

outdoor unit processor

73a

equipment control unit

73b

determination unit

73c

notification unit

75

outdoor unit interface

M1

first error message

M2

second error message

S

space

T

discharge temperature (temperature)

T1

first temperature

T2

second temperature

U

user

Claims

1. A refrigeration cycle device that includes a compressor, and that uses a working medium containing an ethylene-based fluoroolefin, the refrigeration cycle device comprising a control unit, wherein
when a temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes a first temperature or higher, the control unit stops an air conditioning operation, and gives a first error notification to a user, the first error notification informing the user that inspection of the refrigeration cycle device is required.

2. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein

the refrigeration cycle device includes an indoor unit,

the indoor unit includes at least one of a display unit, a voice output unit, or a warning lamp, and

the first error notification is at least one of displaying a first error message on the display unit, emitting the first error message from the voice output unit, or turning on or blinking the warning lamp.

3. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 1, wherein

when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes the first temperature or higher, the control unit disables a first manipulation performed by the user,

the first manipulation being a manipulation of causing the refrigeration cycle device to perform the air conditioning operation.

4. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 3, wherein
when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes the first temperature or higher, the control unit stops the air conditioning operation, and continues an operation stop until an error canceling action is performed.

5. The refrigeration cycle device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein

when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes equal to or higher than a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature, the control unit disables a second manipulation received from the user,

the second manipulation being a manipulation that raises the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor.

6. The refrigeration cycle device according to claim 5, wherein
when the temperature of the working medium discharged from the compressor becomes the second temperature or higher, the control unit gives a second error notification to the user, the second error notification informing the user that an operation of the refrigeration cycle device is restricted.

Drawing