JP6604082B2 - Refrigeration equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, including a refrigerant collecting container to be used for withdrawal of the refrigerant, for example, relates the air conditioner, the refrigeration equipment, such as a chiller.

  Conventionally, as a refrigeration apparatus, there is a multi-type air conditioner disclosed in JP-A-2015-4473 (Patent Document 1). This multi-type air conditioner includes one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units connected to the one outdoor unit via branch pipes.

  The outdoor unit includes a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The flow of the refrigerant compressed by this compressor is controlled by a four-way switching valve. More specifically, during the cooling operation, the air is sent from the compressor to the outdoor heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and this outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser. On the other hand, at the time of heating operation, it is sent from the compressor to the indoor heat exchanger of each indoor unit, and this indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser.

  Thus, each of the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant flows.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-4473

  By the way, when discarding the multi-type air conditioner, it is preferable to reuse the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit in order to reduce dust and effectively use resources. Usually, in order to reuse the refrigerant, first, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is recovered in a refrigerant recovery cylinder. Then, the refrigerant recovery cylinder is brought into the recycling establishment, and the regeneration establishment is requested to regenerate the refrigerant in the refrigerant recovery cylinder. As a result, the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant is analyzed at a recycling establishment, and if the deterioration is not significant, it is regenerated by distillation purification. On the other hand, if it is determined by the above analysis that the deterioration is significant, the refrigerant is destroyed.

  As described above, since the determination of the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant requires analysis by a recycling establishment, there is a problem that it takes time.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration apparatus including a refrigerant recovery container that can reduce the effort required to determine the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant.

In order to solve the above problems, the refrigerant recovery container of the present invention is:
A refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant flows;
With outdoor unit
With
The outdoor unit is
A casing,
An opening or notch provided in the casing and communicating with the inside of the casing;
A refrigerant recovery container provided in the refrigerant circuit and positioned in the casing, and through which the refrigerant flows during refrigeration cycle operation;
Have
The refrigerant recovery container is
A container body for storing refrigerant;
A deterioration determining unit provided in the container body for determining the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant ;
The deterioration determining section is characterized that you have to face the opening or notch.

  According to the above configuration, since the deterioration determining unit is provided in the container main body, the refrigerant stored in the container main body can easily determine the degree of deterioration without performing analysis at the recycling establishment. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to reduce time and effort required to determine the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant.

The refrigeration apparatus of one embodiment
A judgment reference display unit for displaying a reference for judging whether or not the refrigerant is suitable for regeneration is provided.

  According to the embodiment, the determination criterion display unit makes it easy to determine whether or not the refrigerant is suitable for regeneration.

In one embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus ,
At least a part of the deterioration determining unit is provided in the lower part of the container body.

  According to the embodiment, by providing the deterioration determination unit at the lower part of the container main body, the reliability of determination by the deterioration determination unit can be improved.

  Here, when the height of the container body is H, the lower part of the container body is preferably a portion from the lower end of the container body to H / 2 toward the upper end of the container body. It is more preferable that it is a part up to H / 3 toward the upper end of the container body, and it is even more preferable that it is a part up to H / 4 from the lower end of the container body toward the upper end of the container body.

In one embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus ,
The deterioration determination unit indicates the degree of oxidation of the refrigerant.

  According to the above embodiment, the refrigerant deterioration determination unit can reliably grasp the degree of oxidation of the refrigerant.

In one embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus ,
The deterioration determination unit indicates the degree of foreign matter mixed in the refrigerant.

  According to the embodiment, it is possible to reliably grasp the degree of foreign matter mixed in the refrigerant based on the deterioration determination unit.

In one embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus ,
Wheels are attached to the lower part of the container body.

  According to the said embodiment, a container main body can be easily moved by attaching a wheel to the lower part of the said container main body.

In one embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus ,
A regeneration information display unit for displaying information related to the regeneration of the refrigerant is provided.

  According to the above embodiment, the user can easily grasp information related to the regeneration of the refrigerant by looking at the regeneration information display unit.

The refrigeration apparatus of the present invention
Upper Symbol outdoor unit is detachably attached to the upper Symbol casing, to have a cover for covering the opening or notch.

  According to the said structure, if a cover is removed from the said casing, a degradation determination part can be visually recognized through an opening part or a notch part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce time and effort required to determine the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant.

  Moreover, since the said cover is normally attached to the casing, a deterioration discrimination | determination part is not exposed outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the outdoor unit from deteriorating.

In one embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus,
The outdoor unit is provided in the refrigerant circuit and has a closing valve covered with the cover,
The closing valve faces the opening or notch.

  According to the embodiment, the opening or notch for arranging the closing valve between the casing and the cover also serves as the opening or notch for exposing the deterioration determination part to the outside. Therefore, since the number of the openings or notches can be reduced, the outdoor unit can be easily manufactured.

Refrigerating apparatus of the present invention, by the deterioration determining unit can be reduced troublesome to determine the degree of the refrigerant deteriorates.

It is a circuit diagram of a multi type air conditioner provided with the receiver of a 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the said receiver. It is a side view of the receiver main body of the said receiver. It is a surface view of the 1st nameplate of the said receiver main body. It is a surface view of the 2nd nameplate of the said receiver main body. It is a side view of the receiver main body of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the receiver main body of 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the receiver main body of 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is an external appearance perspective view of the outdoor heat exchanger of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a model perspective view of the outdoor unit with which the multi type air conditioner of 5th Embodiment of this invention is provided. It is a schematic perspective view of the state which removed the closing valve cover of the outdoor unit of the said 5th Embodiment. It is a model right view of the casing of the outdoor unit of the said 5th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a multi-type air conditioner including a receiver 15 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The air conditioner includes one outdoor unit 1, a plurality of indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E, and a refrigerant circuit 3 through which a refrigerant flows. Here, for example, R22 refrigerant is used as the refrigerant. As an example of the refrigerant, a mixed refrigerant containing R32, such as R410A refrigerant, a single R32 refrigerant, a low GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant, or the like may be used.

  The outdoor unit 1 includes a compressor 11, a four-way switching valve 12 having one end connected to the discharge side of the compressor 11, and an outdoor heat exchanger having one end connected to the other end of the four-way switching valve 12. 13, expansion valves 14 </ b> A, 14 </ b> B, 14 </ b> C, 14 </ b> D, 14 </ b> E that expand the refrigerant, a receiver 15 as an example of a refrigerant recovery container, and a control device 16. An outdoor fan (not shown) that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is installed in the outdoor unit 1.

  The indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E include indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E. The indoor heat exchangers 21 </ b> A, 21 </ b> B, 21 </ b> C, 21 </ b> D, and 21 </ b> E are provided in the refrigerant circuit 3 and constitute a main part on the indoor side of the refrigerant circuit 3. In addition, in the indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E, indoor blower fans (not shown) for blowing air to the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, and 21E are installed. The indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E may be wall-mounted types or ceiling-embedded types. When the indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E are of the ceiling embedded type, the cold air or hot air from the indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E may be supplied directly into the room, It may be supplied indoors through a duct.

  Each of the indoor heat exchangers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E is a cross fin type heat exchanger, and mainly includes heat transfer fins and heat transfer tubes (not shown).

  The heat transfer fin is a thin aluminum flat plate. A plurality of through holes are formed in the heat transfer fin.

  The heat transfer tube has a straight circular tube inserted into the through hole of the heat transfer fin, and a U-shaped tube that connects ends of adjacent straight circular tubes.

  The compressor 11 includes a compressor body 111 containing a motor (not shown) and the like on the discharge side, and an accumulator 112 on the suction side. The compressor 11 constitutes a main part on the outdoor side of the refrigerant circuit 3 together with the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E, and the receiver 15. The compressor body 111 may be any type of a rotary type, a swing type, a scroll type, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is a heat exchanger using a flat tube 131 as a heat transfer tube. More specifically, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is a stacked heat exchanger, and mainly includes a flat tube 131, a corrugated fin 132, and first and second headers 133A and 133B.

  The flat tube 131 is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and has a flat portion 131a serving as a heat transfer surface and a plurality of internal flow paths (not shown) through which a refrigerant flows. The flat tubes 131 are arranged in a plurality of stages so as to be stacked with an interval (ventilation space) in a state where the flat portion 131a is directed vertically.

  The corrugated fins 132 are aluminum or aluminum alloy fins bent into a corrugated shape. The corrugated fins 132 are arranged in a ventilation space sandwiched between the flat tubes 131 adjacent in the vertical direction, and the valley portions and the mountain portions are in contact with the flat portion 131 a of the flat tube 131. In addition, the trough part, the peak part, and the plane part 131a are joined by brazing or the like.

  The first and second headers 133A and 133B are connected to both ends of flat tubes 131 arranged in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction. The first and second headers 133A, 133B have a function of supporting the flat tube 131, a function of guiding the refrigerant to the internal flow path of the flat tube 131, and a function of collecting the refrigerant that has come out of the internal flow path. Have.

  When such an outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a refrigerant condenser, the refrigerant flowing from the first inlet / outlet 134 of the first header 133A is almost evenly distributed to each internal flow path of the uppermost flat tube 131. It is distributed and flows toward the second header 133B. And the refrigerant | coolant which reached the 2nd header 133B is equally distributed to each internal flow path of the 2nd stage flat tube 131, and flows toward 1st header 133A. Thereafter, the refrigerant in the odd-numbered flat tubes 131 flows toward the second header 133B, and the refrigerant in the even-numbered flat tubes 131 flows toward the first header 133A. Then, the refrigerant in the flat tube 131 at the lowest level and the even level flows toward the first header 133A, collects at the first header 133A, and flows out from the second inlet / outlet 135 of the first header 133A.

  Further, when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a refrigerant condenser, the refrigerant flowing in the flat tube 131 radiates heat to the air flow flowing through the ventilation space via the corrugated fins 132.

  On the other hand, when the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant flows in from the second inlet / outlet 135 of the first header 133A and is flattened in the opposite direction to the case where it functions as a refrigerant condenser. After flowing through the pipe 131 and the first and second headers 133A, 133B, it flows out from the first inlet / outlet 134 of the first header 133A.

  When the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the refrigerant flowing in the flat tube 131 absorbs heat from the air flow flowing in the ventilation space via the corrugated fins 132.

  One end of the accumulator 112 is connected to the compressor body 111 via a connecting pipe 113. That is, the accumulator 112 communicates with the compressor body 111 through the connection pipe 113.

  On the other hand, the other end of the accumulator 112 is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E via the four-way switching valve 12. Between the four-way switching valve 12 and the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, and 21E, connecting pipes L11, L12, L13, L14, and L15 guide the refrigerant.

  Temperature sensors 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E are attached to the communication pipes L11, L12, L13, L14, and L15. The temperature sensors 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E detect the temperature of the refrigerant in the communication pipes L11, L12, L13, L14, and L15, and output a signal indicating the temperature to the control device 16.

  The other ends of the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, and 21E are connected to one ends of the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E via connection pipes L21, L22, L23, L24, and L25. ing. That is, the connecting pipes L21, L22, L23, L24, and L25 guide the refrigerant between the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E and the indoor heat exchangers 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, and 21E.

  Temperature sensors 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, and 41E are attached to portions of the communication pipes L21, L22, L23, L24, and L25 in the vicinity of the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E. The temperature sensors 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, and 41E output a signal indicating the temperature of the refrigerant in the communication pipes L21, L22, L23, L24, and L25 to the control device 16.

  On the other hand, the other ends of the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E are connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 via the receiver 15.

  The receiver 15 is detachably provided in the refrigerant circuit 3 and the refrigerant flows during the cooling operation and the heating operation. The receiver 15 is installed in the outdoor unit 1 and is not exposed to the outside. Note that the cooling operation and the heating operation are examples of the refrigeration cycle operation, respectively.

  The control device 16 includes a microcomputer and an input / output circuit, and controls the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E. For example, when the control device 16 controls the position of a valve body (not shown) in the four-way switching valve 12, the refrigerant in the four-way switching valve 12 flows along a solid line during cooling operation. During the heating operation, the refrigerant in the four-way switching valve 12 flows along the dotted line.

  In FIG. 1, the solid line arrow indicates the direction in which the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 3 flows during the cooling operation, and the dotted line arrow indicates the direction in which the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 3 flows during the heating operation.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the receiver 15.

  The receiver 15 includes, for example, a receiver body 151 that is made of metal and stores refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger side connection pipe 152, an expansion valve side connection pipe 153, and first and second stop valves 154A and 154B. Prepare. The receiver main body 151 is an example of a container main body.

  One end of the outdoor heat exchanger side connection pipe 152 is located in the receiver main body 151. On the other hand, the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger side connection pipe 152 is located outside the receiver main body 151 and is connected to one end of the first stop valve 154A.

  One end of the expansion valve side connection pipe 153 is located in the receiver main body 151 and is located at substantially the same height as one end of the outdoor heat exchanger side connection pipe 152. On the other hand, the other end of the expansion valve side connection pipe 153 is located outside the receiver main body 151 and is connected to one end of the second stop valve 154B.

  The other end of the first stop valve 154A is connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 via a pipe L31. A bolt (not shown) and a nut (not shown) are used to connect the first stop valve 154A and the pipe L31. If the bolt and nut are loosened, the first stop valve 154A is connected from the pipe L31. It can be separated. That is, the connection between the first stop valve 154A and the pipe L31 is a flange connection.

  The other end of the second stop valve 154B is connected to the other end of the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E via a pipe L32. A bolt (not shown) and a nut (not shown) are used to connect the second stop valve 154B and the pipe L32. When the bolt and nut are loosened, the second stop valve 154B is connected from the pipe L32. It can be separated. That is, the connection between the second stop valve 154B and the pipe L32 is a flange connection.

  In FIG. 1, the first and second stop valves 154A and 154B are not shown.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the receiver main body 151 as viewed from the side.

  The side of the receiver main body 151 includes first and second window portions 161 and 171 for determining the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant stored in the receiver main body 151 and whether or not the refrigerant is suitable for regeneration. First and second nameplates 164 and 174 for displaying a reference for determination are provided. The first and second nameplates 164 and 174 are located in the vicinity of the first and second window portions 161 and 171. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, color samples 164 a and 174 a serving as the reference are provided on the surfaces of the first and second name plates 164 and 174. The first and second window portions 161 and 171 are an example of a deterioration determination unit. The first and second nameplates 164 and 174 are an example of a determination criterion display unit.

  The first window 161 indicates the degree to which water as an example of foreign matter is mixed in the refrigerant stored in the receiver main body 151. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first window portion 161 is formed above the center in the height direction of the receiver main body 151, and a window glass 162 that allows the operator to visually recognize the inside of the receiver main body 151. Have. A chemical substance (for example, cobalt or the like) 163 whose color changes according to the amount of water mixed in the refrigerant is applied to the central portion of the inner surface of the window glass 162. The operator can determine whether or not the refrigerant is suitable for regeneration by comparing the color of the chemical substance 163 with the color of the color sample 164a (shown in FIG. 4) of the first nameplate 164. Yes. In the color sample 164a, the color at one end on the “reproducible” character is yellow, and the color at the other end on the “unreproducible” character is blue. And the color between the said one end part and the said other end part is changing in steps from yellow to blue as it approaches the said other end part from the said one end part. The letters and arrows below the color swatch 164a indicate that as the color of the chemical substance 163 approaches from yellow to blue, the water mixing rate of the refrigerant increases and the deterioration of the refrigerant proceeds.

  On the other hand, the second window portion 171 indicates the degree of oxidation of the refrigerant stored in the receiver main body 151. More specifically, the second window portion 171 is formed below the center in the height direction of the receiver main body 151 and has a window glass 172 that allows the operator to visually recognize the inside of the receiver main body 151. The central portion of the inner surface of the window glass 172 is coated with a pigment 173 such as a pH indicator whose color changes depending on the degree of oxidation of the refrigerant. The operator can determine whether or not the refrigerant is suitable for regeneration by comparing the color of the pigment 173 with the color of the color sample 174a (shown in FIG. 5) of the second nameplate 174. . In the color sample 174a, the color at one end on the “reproducible” character is transparent, and the color at the other end on the “reproducible” character is black. And the color between the said one end part and the said other end part is changing in steps from transparent to black as it approaches the said other end part from the said one end part. The letters and arrows below the color sample 174a indicate that the oxidation rate of the refrigerant increases and the deterioration of the refrigerant progresses as the color of the pigment 173 approaches from black to transparent.

  In addition, the inner surface of the receiver main body 151 is colored, for example, white in order to make it easy to confirm the color change of the chemical substance 163 and the pigment 173.

  In FIG. 3, the chemical substance 163 and the pigment 173 are painted in black so that they can be easily distinguished from other parts.

  According to the above configuration, when the refrigerant is recovered from the refrigerant circuit 3, the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E are closed and the compressor 11 is driven. Then, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 3 can be collected in the receiver 15 by closing the first and second stop valves 154A and 152B after a predetermined time from the driving of the compressor 11. Therefore, the operator can remove the receiver 15 from the refrigerant circuit 3 by releasing the connection between the pipes L31 and L32 and the first and second stop valves 154A. As a result, the operator does not have to carry a refrigerant recovery cylinder exceeding, for example, 20 kg to the place where the refrigerant circuit 3 is installed.

  Further, before the refrigerant is collected in the refrigerant collection cylinder, it is necessary to exhaust the air remaining in the refrigerant collection cylinder by evacuating the refrigerant collection cylinder. A simple vacuuming operation is not necessary.

  Thus, compared with the case where the refrigerant is recovered by the refrigerant recovery cylinder, the load of the refrigerant recovery operation can be greatly reduced.

  In addition, since the receiver 15 is installed in the outdoor unit 1, it is possible to prevent a decrease in aesthetics and to protect the receiver 15 from an external impact.

  Moreover, since the said outdoor heat exchanger 13 is a micro heat exchanger, the empty space in the outdoor unit 1 can be increased. Therefore, the receiver 15 can be increased in size without increasing the size of the outdoor unit 1.

  In addition, since there are the indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E, a large amount of refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant circuit 3. Therefore, a large profit can be obtained by collecting the refrigerant.

  Even if the receiver 15 is removed from the refrigerant circuit 3, the first and second stop valves 154A and 152B can easily and reliably prevent the refrigerant from leaking from the receiver main body 151.

  Moreover, since a refrigerant | coolant is collect | recovered with the receiver 15 provided in the said refrigerant | coolant circuit 3, the increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  Further, by providing the receiver main body 151 with the first and second window portions 161 and 171, the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant stored in the receiver main body 151 can be easily determined at the place where the receiver 15 is installed. Therefore, in order to determine the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant, it is not necessary to go to a place away from the place where the receiver 15 is installed, and it is possible to reduce time and effort required for the determination.

  Further, by looking at the first and second window portions 161 and 171, it is possible to reliably grasp the water mixing rate of the refrigerant and the oxidation rate of the refrigerant.

  In addition, since the second window portion 171 is provided at the lower part of the receiver main body 151, the refrigerant can be brought into contact with the pigment 173 with a high probability. Therefore, when the oxidation rate of the refrigerant is determined based on the pigment 173, the reliability of this determination can be improved.

  Further, by comparing the colors of the chemical substances 163 and the pigment 173 with the colors of the color samples 164a and 174a of the first and second name plates 164 and 174, it can be easily determined whether or not the refrigerant is suitable for regeneration. it can.

  Although the case where this invention was applied to the multi type air conditioner was demonstrated in the said 1st Embodiment, you may apply this invention to a pair type air conditioner, for example.

  In the first embodiment, the receiver 15 is used as an example of the refrigerant recovery container. However, an accumulator may be used as an example of the refrigerant recovery container. In this case, for example, an accumulator as an example of a refrigerant recovery container may be provided between the other end of the four-way switching valve 12 and the accumulator 112.

  In the first embodiment, the receiver 15 is used as an example of the refrigerant recovery container. However, a cylinder may be used as an example of the refrigerant recovery container.

  In the said 1st Embodiment, although the outdoor heat exchanger 13 which consists of a micro heat exchanger was used, you may use the outdoor heat exchanger which consists of heat exchangers other than a micro heat exchanger.

  In the first embodiment, the connection between the first stop valve 154A and the pipe L31 is a flange connection, but may be another connection (for example, a screw connection).

  In the first embodiment, the connection between the second stop valve 154B and the pipe L32 is a flange connection, but may be another connection (for example, a screw connection).

  In the first embodiment, the first and second window portions 161 and 171 are provided on the side portion of the receiver main body 151, but are provided on a portion other than the side portion of the receiver main body 151 (for example, an upper portion or a bottom portion). You may do it.

  In the first embodiment, the chemical substance 163 is applied to the inner surface of the window glass 162, but a dye 173 may be applied instead of the chemical substance 163.

  In the first embodiment, the dye 173 is applied to the inner surface of the window glass 172, but a chemical substance 163 may be applied instead of the dye 173.

  In the first embodiment, the chemical substance 163 is applied to the inner surface of the window glass 162 and the pigment 173 is applied to the inner surface of the window glass 172. However, a transparent magnetic thin film is applied to the inner surface of the window glass 162 or the window glass 172. May be attached. In this case, based on the change in the color of the magnetic thin film, it can be understood how much metal powder as an example of the foreign matter is mixed in the refrigerant. Specifically, the color of the magnetic thin film approaches black as the amount of metal powder mixed into the refrigerant increases. And it can be considered that deterioration of the refrigerant is progressing as the color of the magnetic thin film is closer to black.

  Or you may provide the window part which has the window glass which attached the 1st, 2nd window part 161,171 and the said magnetic thin film to the inner surface at the side part of the said receiver main body 151. FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the receiver 15 is installed in the outdoor unit 1. However, the receiver 15 may be installed outside the outdoor unit 1. In this case, the attachment / detachment work of the receiver 15 is simplified.

  In the first embodiment, a cross fin heat exchanger may be used instead of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. In this case, the diameter of the refrigerant pipe of the cross fin type heat exchanger may be set to 5 mm, for example.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a side view of the receiver main body 251 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 are assigned to the same components as those in FIG.

  A window portion 261 for determining the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant stored in the receiver main body 251 is provided on the side of the receiver main body 251. The receiver body 251 is an example of a container body. Moreover, the window part 261 is an example of a deterioration determination part.

  The window portion 261 indicates the degree to which water as an example of a foreign substance is mixed in the refrigerant stored in the receiver main body 151 and indicates the degree of oxidation of the refrigerant stored in the receiver main body 151. More specifically, the window portion 261 is provided at a lower portion of the receiver main body 251 and has a window glass 262 that allows an operator to visually recognize the inside of the receiver main body 251. A chemical substance 163 and a pigment 173 are applied to the inner surface of the window glass 162 so as to be adjacent to each other. Here, the lower part of the receiver main body 251 is preferably a portion from the lower end of the receiver main body 251 to H / 3 toward the upper end of the receiver main body 251 when the height of the receiver main body 251 is H. It is more preferable that the portion is from the lower end of 251 to H / 4 toward the upper end of the receiver body 251.

  Further, the inner surface of the receiver main body 251 is colored, for example, white in order to make it easy to confirm the color change of the chemical substance 163 and the pigment 173.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a side view of a receiver main body 351 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 are assigned to the same components as those in FIG.

  For example, four (only two are shown in FIG. 7) wheels 381A and 381B are attached to the lower portion of the receiver body 351. Thereby, since the receiver main body 351 can be easily moved after the recovery of the refrigerant, the load of the operation of recovering the refrigerant becomes lighter than in the first and second embodiments.

  In the fourth embodiment, the number of wheels attached to the lower portion of the receiver main body 351 is four, but it may be one, two, three, or five or more.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a side view of the receiver main body 451 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 are assigned to the same components as those in FIG.

  A name plate 490 as an example of a reproduction information display section is provided on the side of the receiver main body 451. When the refrigerant is recovered in the receiver main body 451, and the refrigerant is regenerated and filled in the receiver main body 451, the date of regenerating the refrigerant, the name of the company that regenerated the refrigerant, and removed from the refrigerant before regeneration. A specific substance (for example, an amine-based substance) is described on the nameplate 490. Thereby, if the user looks at the nameplate 490, the above-mentioned information regarding the regeneration of the refrigerant can be easily grasped.

  Further, if the date on which the refrigerant is regenerated is described on the nameplate 490, the next regeneration timing of the refrigerant can be easily predicted.

  If the name of the company that regenerated the refrigerant is described on the nameplate 490, the creditworthiness of the company can be appealed to the user.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor unit 501 provided in the multi-type air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention as viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the outdoor unit 501 with the closing valve cover removed as viewed obliquely from above. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are attached to the same components as those in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outdoor unit 501 includes a casing 5011 and a closing valve cover 5012 that is detachably attached to the right side portion of the casing 5011. The closing valve cover 5012 is an example of a cover.

  In the casing 5011, as in the first embodiment, the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the expansion valves 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E, the receiver 15, and the control device 16 are provided. Etc. are housed. In addition, outside air is sucked into the casing 5011 from a suction port (not shown) on the rear and left side of the casing 5011, and then heat is exchanged in the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The outside air that has undergone this heat exchange is blown forward from an exhaust port 5011 a at the front of the casing 5011.

  An opening 5011b is provided on the right side of the casing 5011. A machine room in which the compressor 11 is installed is provided in the casing 5011, and the machine room and the opening 501 communicate with each other. In other words, the inside of the casing 5011 and the outside of the casing 5011 communicate with each other through the opening 501. Thus, a person who repairs or maintains the outdoor unit 5011 (hereinafter referred to as “service man”) can touch the compressor 11 in the machine through the opening 5011b.

  The closing valve cover 5012 is detachably attached to the right side of the casing 5011 and covers the opening 50111b on the right side. In addition, attachment / detachment of the closing valve cover 5012 with respect to the right side part of the casing 5011 is implement | achieved with a screw, a latching claw, etc., for example.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic right side view of the casing 5011 as viewed from the right side. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 denote the same parts as those in FIG.

  First and second windows 161, 171 for determining the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant stored in the receiver main body 151, and a reference for determining whether the refrigerant is suitable for regeneration are displayed. The 1st and 2nd nameplates 164 and 174 are opposed to the opening 50111b. That is, by removing the closing valve cover 5012 from the right side portion of the casing 5011, the first and second window portions 161 and 171 and the first and second name plates 164 and 174 are exposed from the opening portion 5011b.

  Further, closing valves 5013A to 5013E and 5014A to 5014E are arranged outside the opening 5011b. The closing valves 5013A to 5013E and 5014A to 5014E are provided in the refrigerant circuit 3. More specifically, the closing valves 5013A, 5013B, 5013C, 5013D, and 5013E are provided in the connecting pipes L11, L12, L13, L14, and L15. On the other hand, the closing valves 5014A, 5014B, 5014C, 5014D, and 5014E are provided in the connecting pipes L21, L22, L23, L24, and L25. Further, the closing valves 5013A to 5013E and 5014A to 5014E are covered with a closing valve cover 5012. Further, the closing valves 5013A to 5013E and 5014A to 5014E are located between the casing 5011 and the closing valve cover 5012 and face the opening 5011b.

  According to the multi-type air conditioner having the above-described configuration, when the service person performs maintenance of the outdoor unit 5011, the first and second window portions 161 and 171 are opened from the opening portion 5011 b by removing the closing valve cover 5012 from the casing 5011. Exposed. Therefore, the service person can easily visually recognize the first and second window portions 161 and 171 through the opening 5011b without disassembling the casing 5011. Therefore, it is possible to reduce time and effort required to determine the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant.

  Further, when the closing valve cover 5012 is removed from the casing 5011, the first and second nameplates 164 and 174 are also exposed from the opening 5011b, so that it can be easily determined whether or not the refrigerant is suitable for regeneration.

  When the outdoor unit 501 is normally used, the closing valve cover 5012 is attached to the casing 5011. Therefore, the first and second window portions 161 and 171 and the first and second nameplates 164 and 174 are used. Is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the outdoor unit 501 from deteriorating.

  The opening 5011b is closed between the opening for exposing the first and second window portions 161, 171 and the first and second nameplates 164, 174 to the outside, and the casing 5011 and the closing valve cover 5012. It also serves as an opening for arranging the valves 5013A to 5013E and 5014A to 5014E. Accordingly, since the number of openings provided in the casing 5011 can be prevented from increasing, the outdoor unit 501 can be easily manufactured.

  In the fifth embodiment, the first and second window portions 161 and 171 and the first and second nameplates 164 and 174 are exposed to the outside, and the closing valve is disposed between the casing 5011 and the closing valve cover 5012. You may make it provide the opening part for arrange | positioning 5013A-5013E and 5014A-5014E separately.

  In the fifth embodiment, the opening 5011b for exposing the first and second window portions 161 and 171 and the first and second nameplates 164 and 174 to the outside is provided in the casing 5011. The casing 5011 may be provided with an opening for exposing only the two windows 161 and 171 to the outside.

  In the fifth embodiment, the opening 5011b is provided in the casing 5011. However, at least a notch facing the first and second window parts 161 and 171 is provided in the casing 5011, or the closing valves 5013A to 5013E and 5014A. A cutout portion facing ˜5014E may be provided in the casing 5011.

  Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, what combined suitably the content described in the said 1st-5th embodiment is good also as one Embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,501 Outdoor unit 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E Indoor unit 3 Refrigerant circuit 11 Compressor 12 Four-way switching valve 13 Outdoor heat exchanger 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E Expansion valve 15 Receiver 16 Controller 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E Indoor heat exchanger 151 Receiver main body 154A First stop valve 154B Second stop valve 151,251,351,451 Receiver main body 161 First window 162,172 Window glass 163 Chemical substance 164 First name plate 164a Color sample 171 Second window 172 Window glass 173 Dye 174 Second nameplate 174a Color sample 261 Window 381A, 381B Wheel 490 Nameplate 5011 Casing 5011b Opening 5012 Closing valve cover 5013A-5013E, 5014A-5014E

Claims (9)

A refrigerant circuit (3) through which the refrigerant flows;
Outdoor unit (501) and
With
The outdoor unit (501)
A casing (5011);
An opening (5011b) or notch provided in the casing (5011) and communicating with the inside of the casing (5011);
A refrigerant recovery container (15) provided in the refrigerant circuit (3) and positioned in the casing (5011) and through which refrigerant flows during refrigeration cycle operation;
Have
The refrigerant recovery container (15)
A container body (151, 251, 351, 451) for storing refrigerant;
A deterioration determining unit (161,171,261) provided on the container body (151,251,351,451) for determining the degree of deterioration of the refrigerant ;
The deterioration determining section (161,171,261) is a refrigeration apparatus which is characterized that you have to face the opening (5011b) or notch. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1,
Refrigeration apparatus comprising: a determination criterion displaying unit which displays a reference (164, 174) for determining whether the refrigerant is suitable for reproduction. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A refrigeration apparatus characterized in that at least a part of the deterioration discriminating section (161,171,261) is provided in a lower part of the container body (151,251,351,451). In the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The refrigeration apparatus, wherein the deterioration determination unit (171 261) indicates the degree of oxidation of the refrigerant . In the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The said deterioration discrimination | determination part (161,261) shows the grade in which the foreign material is mixed in the said refrigerant | coolant, The freezing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. In the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The lower portion of the container body (151,251,351,451) wheels (381A, 381B) refrigeration system, characterized in that is installed. The refrigeration apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A refrigeration apparatus comprising a regeneration information display unit (490) for displaying information relating to regeneration of the refrigerant . In the refrigerating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ,
The outdoor unit (501) is removably attached to the upper Symbol casing (5011), the refrigeration apparatus which is characterized in that have a cover (5012) covering the opening (5011b) or notch. The refrigeration apparatus according to claim 8,
The outdoor unit (501) has a closing valve (5013A to 5013E, 5014A to 5014E) that is provided in the refrigerant circuit (3) and covered with the cover (5012).
The refrigeration apparatus characterized in that the closing valves (5013A to 5013E, 5014A to 5014E) face the opening (5011b) or the notch.

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