JP5463126B2 - AIR CONDITIONER, REFRIGERANT FILLING METHOD FOR AIR CONDITIONER, AND STARTING METHOD FOR AIR CONDITIONER - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is a heat pump type air conditioner, and is particularly suitable for use in a building multi-air conditioner having a relatively large amount of refrigerant, a refrigerant charging method for the air conditioner, and air conditioning The present invention relates to a method for starting an apparatus.

  In general, installation of an air conditioner is often performed in accordance with a user's request in the field. Especially in building multi air conditioners that use a relatively large amount of refrigerant compared to home air conditioners, etc., pipe lengths of main and branch pipes connecting multiple indoor units and outdoor units, and piping There are many options such as diameter, number of indoor units, connection capacity, etc., and there are an infinite number of combinations.

  In the case where such a building multi-air conditioner is filled with a refrigerant, a method of filling an amount (for example, weight) of a refrigerant obtained according to a calculation method determined by the manufacturer is known. For example, the amount of refrigerant to be filled is determined by the manufacturer depending on the diameter per unit length of the pipe such as a main pipe or a branch pipe. Therefore, the required refrigerant amount can be calculated by knowing the length and diameter of the pipe used in the building multi-air conditioner (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, in recent years, when a building multi-air conditioner that has already been installed in a building is replaced with a new building multi-air conditioner, the piping may be diverted and the indoor unit or outdoor unit may be updated. It is increasing.
In such a case, there are cases where the length and diameter of the pipe are unknown, or even if there is a pipe drawing, the length and diameter are different from those of the actual pipe. Then, there existed a problem that the appropriate quantity of the refrigerant | coolant with which the multi air conditioning apparatus for buildings was filled could not be calculated.

  In order to solve such problems, the building multi-air conditioner has a function of determining whether or not an appropriate amount of refrigerant has been charged, or prevents refrigerant charging errors due to human error. For this purpose, a function of automatically filling a refrigerant is performed.

  Here, the charging of the refrigerant is performed by utilizing a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the cylinder that is a supply source of the refrigerant and the internal pressure of the pipe that is the charging destination of the multi air conditioning apparatus for buildings. Therefore, the pipe filled with the refrigerant in the building multi-air conditioner is generally a low-pressure pipe connected to the suction portion of the compressor.

International Publication No. 2007/049372

  Even if it is a multi air conditioning apparatus for buildings having a function of determining whether or not the amount of refrigerant filled as described above is an appropriate amount, there are the following problems.

That is, the building multi-air conditioner is provided with functional products for ensuring reliability and for achieving both the cooling and heating cycle in addition to the basic components constituting the refrigeration cycle. Here, examples of basic components include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and piping. On the other hand, as a functional product for ensuring reliability or the like, an accumulator storing a refrigerant, a receiver, or the like can be exemplified.
Depending on the operating conditions and operating conditions of the building multi-air conditioner, there is a possibility that the amount of refrigerant charged in the building multi-air conditioner may not be accurately determined because liquid refrigerant accumulates in the functional product. was there. In other words, there is a problem that the accuracy of determining the amount of refrigerant charged becomes extremely poor.

  Therefore, if the time for expelling the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the functional product is provided from the functional product, the expelling time may become very long. In this case, there has been a problem that the efficiency of installation work of the building multi-air conditioner is deteriorated.

  On the other hand, there are cases where the refrigerant is filled in the building multi-air conditioner from the cylinder which is a supply source of the refrigerant as it is in a liquid state (as a liquid refrigerant). When the filled liquid refrigerant is sucked into the compressor, the lubricating oil that lubricates the sliding portion of the compressor is diluted with the sucked liquid refrigerant, and the oil viscosity decreases. As a result, there is a problem in that poor lubrication occurs in the compressor, and the compressor may be damaged during a refrigerant charging or a trial operation after charging.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is an air conditioner that can reduce the time required for charging the refrigerant and can ensure the reliability of the air conditioner, and the refrigerant of the air conditioner It is an object of the present invention to provide a filling method and an air conditioning apparatus activation method.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means.
The air conditioner of the present invention includes a compressor that boosts and delivers a refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and room air, and an outdoor that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The heat exchanger and the outlet of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor are switched to one of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant flows out of the other of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. A switching unit that guides the refrigerant to the compressor; and a throttle unit that is disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant; and is disposed on the suction side of the compressor, A storage unit that separates and stores liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant to be sucked, a supply unit that is disposed between the switching unit and the storage unit, and that is supplied with refrigerant sucked into the compressor from the outside; Discharged from the compressor At least a part of the refrigerant is guided to a pipe upstream of the storage unit, and the evaporation pipe disposed through the storage unit and the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the evaporation pipe are adjusted. And an evaporation side adjusting portion.

  According to the present invention, the liquid refrigerant, which is the refrigerant stored in the storage unit, is heated and evaporated by the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the evaporation pipe, and is required when filling the air-conditioning apparatus of the present invention with the refrigerant. Time can be shortened. Furthermore, since only the gaseous refrigerant vaporized in the storage part is sucked into the compressor, the lubricating oil of the compressor can be prevented from being diluted by the liquid refrigerant, and the reliability of the air conditioner of the present invention is ensured. Can do.

  Specifically, the refrigerant supplied from the supply unit to the air conditioner flows into the storage unit and is temporarily stored in the storage unit. On the other hand, at least a part of the discharged refrigerant that is a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows into the evaporation pipe. The discharged refrigerant flows through an evaporation pipe arranged inside the storage unit, and heat is supplied from the discharged refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant stored in the storage unit. The liquid refrigerant that has received the heat is evaporated and vaporized by the heat.

That is, compared with a method of simply operating the air conditioner to evaporate and vaporize the liquid refrigerant, which is the refrigerant stored in the storage unit, the air conditioner of the present invention can store the refrigerant stored in the storage unit in a short time. It can be evaporated and vaporized.
Furthermore, since the liquid refrigerant in the reservoir is vaporized in a short time, the possibility that the liquid refrigerant is sucked into the compressor can be reduced.

On the other hand, the time required for the air conditioner of the present invention to start up can be shortened even under a situation where liquid refrigerant accumulates in the reservoir.
That is, since the liquid refrigerant in the reservoir can be evaporated in a short time, the refrigerant distribution inside the air conditioner can be made an appropriate distribution in a short time. Along with this, the period during which the overheating operation can be performed in the air conditioner (the period during which only the gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor) becomes longer, so that the reliability of the air conditioner can be improved.

  The air conditioner of the present invention includes a compressor that boosts and delivers a refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and room air, and an outdoor that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The heat exchanger and the outlet of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor are switched to one of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant flows out of the other of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. Arranged between the first switching section for guiding the refrigerant to the compressor, the throttle section disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, and the suction side of the compressor A storage unit for separating and storing liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant to be sucked, a supply unit for supplying refrigerant sucked into the compressor from an external refrigerant supply source, and a supply unit supplied from the supply unit Filling container in which the refrigerant is stored The pressure of the refrigerant passing through at least a part of the flow destination of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is reduced, and the pressure is reduced to one of the decompression unit and the filling container communicated with the storage unit. A second switching unit that connects the other of the unit and the filling container to a pipe extending from the first switching unit to the storage unit, and the supply unit and the refrigerant supply source, and from the refrigerant supply source A supply-side adjustment unit that adjusts the flow of refrigerant to the charging machine, and a pipe that connects between the filling container and the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchange from the filling container. And a charging side adjustment unit that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger.

  According to the present invention, after the refrigerant supplied from the outside is stored in the filling container, the refrigerant is pushed into the pipe between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, so that the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the storage unit. The time required for charging can be shortened, and the time required for charging the refrigerant can be shortened.

Specifically, the pressure difference between the external refrigerant supply source and the filling container is reduced by connecting the filling container and a pipe extending from the first switching part to the storage part to lower the pressure inside the filling container. The refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerant supply source to the filling container using this pressure difference.
Thereafter, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor is guided to the filling container, the internal pressure of the filling container is increased, and the pressure difference between the indoor heat exchanger and the inside of the pipe between the outdoor heat exchanger is increased. Is formed. Due to this pressure difference, the refrigerant inside the filling container is supplied to the piping between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, in other words, pushed in.

Furthermore, since the refrigerant supplied from the outside flows directly into the filling container, the liquid refrigerant can be sucked into the compressor as compared with the case where the refrigerant supplied to the reservoir connected to the suction port of the compressor flows. Low. Therefore, the reliability in the air conditioning apparatus of the present invention can be ensured.
On the other hand, when an excessive amount of refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioner of the present invention, the excess amount of the refrigerant is stored in the filling container, so that even if the refrigerant is encapsulated excessively, There is no need to recover the refrigerant.

  In the above invention, the filling container is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, the supply unit is disposed on a circumferential surface of the filling container, and the refrigerant is supplied from the supply unit along a tangential direction of the circumferential surface. The piping that flows into the filling container and connects the filling container and the second switching portion is preferably disposed so as to protrude into the filling container along the vicinity of the central axis of the filling container. .

  According to the present invention, the refrigerant supplied to the filling container flows along the circumferential surface of the filling container and is separated into a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. Therefore, when supplying the refrigerant to the filling container, even if the inside of the filling container and the suction port of the compressor are communicated with each other, the liquid refrigerant is connected to the pipe connected to the second switching portion extending along the vicinity of the central axis of the filling container. Is difficult to flow in. That is, it is possible to prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the suction port of the compressor.

  In the above invention, the filling container is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant inside and the outdoor air, and the filling-side adjustment unit further moves from the filling container to the indoor heat exchanger or the The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger is preferably decompressed, and the supply unit is preferably disposed between the filling container and the second adjustment unit.

  According to the present invention, since the refrigerant supplied to the filling container is evaporated and vaporized by exchanging heat with the outdoor air, the liquid refrigerant is prevented from flowing into the suction port of the compressor. Can do. For example, in order to evaporate the refrigerant supplied from the outside, the heat exchange amount (heat absorption amount) can be increased and it can be configured at a low cost compared to the case of using a double tube heat exchanger. .

On the other hand, by introducing at least a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor into the filling container, liquid refrigerant existing inside the filling container is pushed into the pipe between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. Can do. In this case, the filling container can be used as a condenser.
Moreover, since the filling container can be used as a condenser as described above or can be used as an evaporator (evaporator), the ability to be controlled during operation of the air conditioner is improved by switching as necessary. Can do.

  A refrigerant charging method for an air conditioner according to the present invention is the refrigerant charging method for an air conditioner according to the present invention described above, wherein the compressor is driven to rotate, and between the external refrigerant supply source and the supply unit. Closing the supply side adjusting unit arranged and adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant, and opening the evaporation side adjusting unit to expel the refrigerant from the storage unit, and after expelling the refrigerant from the storage unit, And a filling step of opening a supply side adjustment unit and the evaporation side adjustment unit to allow a predetermined amount of the refrigerant to flow into the supply unit.

According to the present invention, the liquid refrigerant stored in the storage unit in the evacuation step is evaporated and vaporized by the discharge refrigerant, which is a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and then discharged from the storage unit. Therefore, the time required to expel the liquid refrigerant from the storage unit can be shortened.
Specifically, when the evaporation side adjusting unit is opened, at least a part of the discharged refrigerant flows through an evaporation pipe disposed also inside the storage unit. Then, the liquid refrigerant stored in the storage unit receives heat from the discharge refrigerant flowing through the evaporation pipe, and is evaporated and vaporized by the heat. Since the vaporized refrigerant is sucked into the compressor, the liquid refrigerant stored in the storage unit is expelled from the storage unit. On the other hand, since the supply side adjustment unit is closed, the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the storage unit from the outside via the supply unit.

  After the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the storage section, the supply side adjustment section is opened, and the refrigerant newly flowing into the storage section using the heat of the discharged refrigerant is also used in the filling step of supplying the refrigerant from the outside through the supply section. Since it heats, a liquid refrigerant is hard to collect in a storage part. That is, since the evaporation side adjusting part is kept open even in the filling step, a part of the discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor flows inside the storage part by the evaporation pipe. Therefore, the refrigerant that has flowed into the reservoir is heated by the discharged refrigerant. For example, when the refrigerant flowing into the storage unit is a liquid refrigerant, the liquid refrigerant receives the heat of the discharged refrigerant and evaporates and vaporizes.

  A refrigerant charging method for an air conditioner according to the present invention is the refrigerant charging method for an air conditioner according to the present invention, wherein the compressor is driven to rotate, and the supply side adjustment unit and the charging side adjustment unit are Closing, expelling the refrigerant from the reservoir, expelling the refrigerant from the reservoir, opening the supply-side adjustment unit, and switching the second switching unit to place the filling container in the first Connected to a pipe extending from the switching part to the storage part, a filling step for allowing the refrigerant to flow from the supply part into the filling container, closing the supply side adjustment part, opening the filling side adjustment part, and And a pushing step for switching the second switching section to guide the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the filling container.

  According to the present invention, the inside of the storage unit connected to the suction port of the compressor becomes a low pressure (a pressure similar to the suction pressure) in the purge step, and the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the storage unit evaporates and vaporizes and compresses. Inhaled into the machine. In other words, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the reservoir. Therefore, when the refrigerant is charged into the air conditioner later, the amount of refrigerant charged can be accurately determined.

  After the liquid refrigerant has been expelled from the storage section, the supply side adjustment section is opened, and the filling container is connected to the suction port of the compressor via the storage section, so that the refrigerant is supplied to the filling container from the outside via the supply section. Can be supplied. Specifically, since the inside of the filling container is at a pressure approximately equal to the suction pressure of the compressor, a pressure difference is generated between the refrigerant supply source and the refrigerant flows into the filling container due to the pressure difference.

In the pushing step, the refrigerant accumulated in the filling container is pushed into a pipe connecting between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and filled in the air conditioner.
Specifically, the filling side adjustment unit is opened to secure a flow path that connects the filling container to the piping connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor is filled with the filling container. As a result, the inside of the filling container is boosted to a pressure comparable to the discharge pressure. Then, the refrigerant accumulated in the filling container is pushed into the piping connecting between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger by the discharged refrigerant.

  A refrigerant charging method for an air conditioner according to the present invention is the refrigerant charging method for an air conditioner according to the present invention, wherein the compressor is driven to rotate, the supply side adjustment unit is closed, and the charging side adjustment is performed. Adjusting the opening degree of the part, and purging the refrigerant from the reservoir, and after expelling the refrigerant from the reservoir, opening the supply-side regulator, and closing the filler-side regulator, And a filling step of switching the second switching part to connect the filling container to a pipe extending from the first switching part to the storage part, and causing the refrigerant to flow into the filling container from the supply part, and the refrigerant And after the charging, the supply side adjustment unit is closed and the opening degree of the filling side adjustment unit is adjusted to expel the refrigerant from the storage unit.

  According to the present invention, the interior of the reservoir connected to the compressor suction port in the pre-filling eviction step is at a low pressure (similar to the suction pressure), and the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the reservoir is evaporated and vaporized. Inhaled into the compressor. In other words, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the reservoir.

  After the liquid refrigerant has been expelled from the storage section, the supply side adjustment section is opened, and the filling container is connected to the suction port of the compressor via the storage section, so that the refrigerant is supplied to the filling container from the outside via the supply section. Can be supplied. Specifically, since the inside of the filling container is at a pressure approximately equal to the suction pressure of the compressor, a pressure difference is generated between the refrigerant supply source and the refrigerant flows into the filling container due to the pressure difference.

The refrigerant accumulated in the filling container flows into a pipe or a storage section connecting between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger in the post-filling purge step. That is, when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the refrigerant accumulated in the filling container flows into a pipe connecting between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and in the case of heating operation, the storage unit Flow into.
In the same manner as in the pre-filling ejection step, the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the storage unit evaporates and vaporizes and is sucked into the compressor. Therefore, when the refrigerant is charged into the air conditioner later, the amount of refrigerant charged can be accurately determined.

  In the above-mentioned invention, it further includes a refrigerant amount determination step of determining whether or not the amount of the refrigerant charged in the air conditioner is appropriate and returning to the charging step when the amount of the refrigerant is insufficient. Is desirable.

  According to the present invention, for example, compared with a method of filling an air conditioning apparatus with an appropriate amount of refrigerant at a time, a smaller amount of refrigerant than the appropriate amount can be divided and charged several times. Thereby, compared with the method of filling at once, it is possible to fill the air conditioner with an appropriate amount of refrigerant in a short time.

  An air conditioner start-up method according to the present invention is the air conditioner start-up method according to the present invention, wherein a comparison step for comparing whether or not the temperature of the outdoor air is lower than a predetermined temperature, When the temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the compressor is driven to rotate, and a supply side adjustment unit that is arranged between an external refrigerant supply source and the supply unit and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant is closed, and An expulsion step of opening the evaporation side adjustment unit and expelling the refrigerant from the storage unit, a superheat degree of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor during the expulsion step, a superheat degree of the discharged refrigerant, and A normal operation step of closing the supply side adjustment unit and the evaporation side adjustment unit when at least one of the lubricating oil temperatures in the compressor is included within a predetermined range. And butterflies.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, even if starting of the air conditioning apparatus from the state which stored the liquid refrigerant in the storage part is repeated, the fall of the reliability of an air conditioning apparatus, especially the reliability of a compressor can be prevented.
Specifically, in a state in which it is determined that the liquid refrigerant is likely to accumulate in the storage unit, in other words, when the outdoor air temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the storage unit by the expulsion step. Thereafter, a normal operation step for performing a normal heating operation or the like is performed. Therefore, liquid refrigerant can be prevented from being sucked into the compressor from the storage unit at the start of heating operation or the like.

  The start-up method of the air conditioner according to the present invention is the start-up method of the air conditioner according to the present invention, wherein the refrigerant discharged from the compressor by the first switching unit is transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger. When the outdoor air temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, the filling side adjustment unit is closed, the opening degree of the filling side adjustment unit is adjusted, and the second switching unit is switched. The filling container is connected to a pipe extending from the first switching unit to the storage unit, and a suppression operation step for suppressing the capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is the first. When the value is higher than a predetermined value, the charging side adjustment unit is fully opened and the second switching unit is switched to allow the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow into the charging container and be discharged from the compressor. The pressure of the refrigerant Determining whether the pressure is lower than a second predetermined value lower than the first predetermined value, and when the pressure of the refrigerant is lower than the second predetermined value, a pressure determining step for returning to the suppression operation step; It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, when the air-conditioning apparatus is activated in the cooling operation in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is led to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor air temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature. Even if it exists, an air conditioning apparatus can be started stably.
Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is allowed to flow only into the outdoor heat exchanger without flowing into the filling container. For example, compared with the case where the discharged refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger and the filling container, if the discharged refrigerant is condensed only with the outdoor heat exchanger, the amount of heat released from the discharged refrigerant is limited, and thus the pressure of the discharged refrigerant is reduced. It becomes easy to rise.

  When the pressure of the discharged refrigerant becomes higher than the first predetermined value, the discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor is caused to flow into the outdoor heat exchanger and the filling container. As a result, a normal cooling operation is performed, but a decrease in the pressure of the discharged refrigerant occurs. When the pressure of the discharged refrigerant falls below the second predetermined value, the pressure of the discharged refrigerant is increased by causing the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to flow into only the outdoor heat exchanger again. On the other hand, when the pressure of the discharged refrigerant is maintained at the second predetermined value or higher, the cooling operation is continued.

  According to the air conditioner of the present invention, the refrigerant charging method of the air conditioner, and the activation method of the air conditioner, the liquid refrigerant that is the refrigerant stored in the storage unit is generated by the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flowing through the evaporation pipe. Since it is heated and evaporates, it is possible to shorten the time required for charging the refrigerant and to ensure the reliability of the air conditioner.

  According to the air conditioner, the refrigerant filling method of the air conditioner, and the activation method of the air conditioner of the present invention, after the refrigerant supplied from the outside is stored in the filling container, the refrigerant is stored in the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor Since it is pushed into the pipe between the heat exchanger, the time required for charging the refrigerant can be shortened and the reliability of the air conditioner can be ensured.

It is a mimetic diagram explaining the outline of the air harmony device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the charging method of the refrigerant | coolant in the air conditioning apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the starting control in the air conditioning apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the charging method of the refrigerant | coolant in the air conditioning apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structure of the air conditioning apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the charging method of the refrigerant | coolant in the air conditioning apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the starting control in the air conditioning apparatus of FIG.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
Drawing 1 is a mimetic diagram explaining the outline of the air harmony device concerning this embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the invention of the present application will be described by applying it to a multi air conditioning apparatus for buildings (hereinafter referred to as “air conditioning apparatus”) capable of cooling and heating operation. The present invention can be applied to all air conditioners using a refrigeration cycle, such as an air conditioner used as a refrigerator, and is not particularly limited.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes a compressor 2, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, a four-way valve (switching unit) 5, and an accumulator (storage unit) 6. The evaporating pipe 7, the receiver 8, and the supercooling heat exchanging section 9 are mainly provided.

The compressor 2 sucks and compresses a gaseous refrigerant and discharges it as a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. A four-way valve 5 and one end of an evaporation pipe 7 are connected to the discharge port of the compressor 2. Further, an accumulator 6 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 2.
As the compressor 2, a compressor having a known configuration can be used.

The indoor heat exchanger 3 performs heat exchange between the indoor air and the refrigerant. When the air conditioner 1 is operated for heating, the indoor air is heated using the heat of the refrigerant. When the air conditioner 1 is operated for cooling, the indoor air is taken away by the refrigerant to cool the indoor air. is there.
A four-way valve 5 is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 3, and an indoor expansion valve (throttle part) 31 is connected to the other end.
A plurality of indoor heat exchangers 3 are provided in the air conditioner 1 and are distributed on each floor or room of the building.

The indoor expansion valve 31 is a throttle valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that passes therethrough, and its opening degree can be controlled. Specifically, when the air conditioner 1 is in a heating operation, the indoor expansion valve 31 is supercooled, and in the cooling operation, the indoor expansion valve 31 is superheated. is there.
The indoor expansion valves 31 are arranged one-on-one with respect to the plurality of indoor heat exchangers 3, and are arranged between the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the supercooling heat exchange unit 9.

The outdoor heat exchanger 4 performs heat exchange between the outdoor air and the refrigerant. When the air conditioner 1 is operated for heating, the heat of the outdoor air is absorbed by the refrigerant to evaporate, and when it is operated for cooling, the heat of the refrigerant is discharged to the outdoor air and condensed. It is.
A four-way valve 5 is connected to one end portion of the outdoor heat exchanger 4, and an outdoor expansion valve (throttle portion) 41 is connected to the other end portion.
One or a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers 4 are provided in the air conditioner 1, and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 is disposed outside the building similar to the compressor 2 and the like.

The outdoor expansion valve 41 is a throttle valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant passing therethrough, and the opening degree of the throttle valve can be controlled. Specifically, when the air-conditioning apparatus 1 is operated for heating, the outdoor expansion valve 41 is controlled for superheat, and when it is operated for cooling, the outdoor expansion valve 41 is controlled to be fully opened. is there.
The outdoor expansion valve 41 is disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the receiver 8.

The four-way valve 5 switches between heating operation and cooling operation in the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is supplied to one of the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4. It leads to. Further, the four-way valve 5 guides the refrigerant flowing out from the other of the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to the accumulator 6.
The four-way valve 5 is disposed between the compressor 2, the indoor heat exchanger 3, and the outdoor heat exchanger 4, and between the accumulator 6, the indoor heat exchanger 3, and the outdoor heat exchanger 4.
As the four-way valve 5, a known configuration can be used and is not particularly limited.

  The accumulator 6 separates the liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 and causes only the gaseous refrigerant to flow out toward the compressor 2. Further, the accumulator 6 absorbs the surplus refrigerant as liquid refrigerant when the operating state of the air conditioner 1 fluctuates, that is, when the appropriate refrigerant amount fluctuates due to fluctuations in the pipe length through which the refrigerant circulates. Or is supplied from the stored liquid refrigerant.

The accumulator 6 is a pressure vessel, and is connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 so that the refrigerant can circulate, and is also connected to the four-way valve 5 so that the refrigerant can circulate. Further, only the gaseous refrigerant flows from the accumulator 6 to the compressor 2.
On the other hand, an evaporation pipe 7 is disposed inside the accumulator 6.

A check joint (supply part) 51 is provided between the accumulator 6 and the four-way valve 5.
The check joint 51 is connected to a pipe such as a hose connecting the refrigerant cylinder (refrigerant supply source) 61 and the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioner 1 is filled with the refrigerant from the outside. As the check joint 51, a known structure can be used, and it is not particularly limited.

The refrigerant cylinder 61 supplies refrigerant to the air conditioner 1 and can be connected to and disconnected from the air conditioner 1 and can be transported. Further, the refrigerant cylinder 61 is provided with a valve (not shown) for controlling the outflow of the refrigerant.
A supply side solenoid valve (supply side adjustment unit) 62 is provided in the pipe connecting the refrigerant cylinder 61 and the check joint 51.

The supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is used when charging the refrigerant from the refrigerant cylinder 61 to the air conditioner 1, and also prevents the reverse flow of the refrigerant from the air conditioner 1 to the refrigerant cylinder 61.
As the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62, a known configuration can be used, and there is no particular limitation.

The evaporating pipe 7 guides a part of the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 to the accumulator 6 and heats and evaporates the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 6.
One end of the evaporation pipe 7 is connected to a pipe connecting the discharge port of the compressor 2 and the four-way valve 5, and the other end is connected to a pipe connecting the accumulator 6 and the supercooling heat exchange unit 9. Yes. Further, the evaporating pipe 7 is disposed through the accumulator 6, and the accumulator 6 is disposed in a shape that increases the area for transferring the heat of the discharged refrigerant to the accumulated liquid refrigerant, for example, in a spiral shape.

On the other hand, the evaporation pipe 7 is provided with an evaporation side solenoid valve (evaporation side adjusting portion) 71. The evaporation side solenoid valve 71 controls the flow of the discharged refrigerant in the evaporation pipe 7.
As the evaporation side electromagnetic valve 71, a known configuration can be used, and is not particularly limited.

The receiver 8 supplies liquid refrigerant to the indoor expansion valve 31 or the outdoor expansion valve 41. Specifically, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor expansion valve 41 when the air-conditioning apparatus 1 is operated for heating, and the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the indoor expansion valve 31 when the air-conditioning apparatus 1 is operated for cooling. It is.
The receiver 8 is a pressure vessel and is disposed between the outdoor expansion valve 41 and the supercooling heat exchange unit 9. Furthermore, the receiver 8 is connected to the outdoor expansion valve 41 and the indoor expansion valve 31 so that the refrigerant can flow.

The supercooling heat exchange unit 9 further cools the liquid refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger 3 toward the outdoor heat exchanger 4.
The supercooling heat exchange unit 9 is mainly provided with a supercooling heat exchanger 91, a supercooling pipe 92, and a supercooling expansion valve 93.

The subcooling heat exchanger 91 is a heat exchanger disposed between the indoor expansion valve 31 and the receiver 8, and includes a refrigerant flowing through the subcooling pipe 92 and the indoor heat exchanger 3 to the outdoor heat exchanger. Heat exchange is performed with the liquid refrigerant flowing toward 4, and the liquid refrigerant is cooled.
As the supercooling heat exchanger 91, for example, a double tube heat exchanger can be used.

The supercooling pipe 92 has one end connected to the pipe between the supercooling heat exchanger 91 and the receiver 8, and the other end connected to the pipe between the four-way valve 5 and the accumulator 6. Piping. Further, the evaporation pipe 7 is connected to the subcooling pipe 92.
On the other hand, a supercooling expansion valve 93 and a supercooling heat exchanger 91 are arranged in the supercooling pipe 92.

  The supercooling expansion valve 93 adiabatically expands the refrigerant flowing through the supercooling pipe 92 to form a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. Specifically, when the air conditioner 1 is in a heating operation, the refrigerant that flows into the supercooling pipe 92 and flows toward the supercooling heat exchanger 91 is adiabatically expanded. At this time, the opening degree of the supercooling expansion valve 93 is superheated. On the other hand, when the air-conditioning apparatus 1 is in the cooling operation, the opening degree of the supercooling expansion valve 93 is fully opened.

Next, the refrigerant flow and the like during heating operation and cooling operation in the air conditioner 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.
In addition, when normal heating operation and cooling operation are performed, as shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerant cylinder 61 is not connected to the check joint 51. Furthermore, the operation of the air conditioner 1 is performed with the evaporation side solenoid valve 71 closed as a general rule. However, in a situation where liquid refrigerant accumulates in the accumulator 6, control to open the evaporation side electromagnetic valve 71 may be performed.

  When heating operation is performed in the air conditioner 1, the high-temperature and high-pressure discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is guided to the indoor heat exchanger 3 by the four-way valve 5. The discharged refrigerant that has flowed into the indoor heat exchanger 3 releases heat to the indoor air and condenses and liquefies. On the other hand, the indoor air receives the heat of the discharged refrigerant and is heated.

  The liquefied refrigerant flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 3 and passes through the indoor expansion valve 31. The refrigerant is adiabatically expanded when passing through the indoor expansion valve 31 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. At this time, the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 31 is supercooled so that the degree of refrigerant supercooling falls within a predetermined range.

The refrigerant that has passed through the indoor expansion valve 31 flows into the receiver 8. At this time, the valve opening degree of the supercooling expansion valve 93 is controlled to be fully closed, and the refrigerant does not flow into the supercooling pipe 92.
In the receiver 8, the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant are separated from the inflowing refrigerant, and only the liquid refrigerant flows out from the receiver 8. The liquid refrigerant flowing out from the receiver 8 is adiabatically expanded when passing through the outdoor expansion valve 41 and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The degree of superheat of the outdoor expansion valve 41 is controlled so that the degree of superheat of the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 is included in a predetermined range.

In the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates and vaporizes. The vaporized refrigerant flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and flows into the accumulator 6 through the four-way valve 5. In the accumulator 6, the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant are separated from the inflowing refrigerant, and only the gas refrigerant flows out of the accumulator 6 and is sucked into the compressor 2.
Thereafter, the heating operation is continued by repeating the above-described process.

  When the cooling operation is performed in the air conditioner 1, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 4 by the four-way valve 5. The discharged refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 releases heat to the outdoor air and condenses and liquefies.

The liquefied refrigerant flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and passes through the outdoor expansion valve 41. At this time, since the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 41 is fully opened, the refrigerant temperature and pressure do not vary greatly.
The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor expansion valve 41 flows into the receiver 8 where the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant are separated. Only the liquid refrigerant flows out from the receiver 8, flows toward the indoor expansion valve 31, and is cooled in the supercooling heat exchange unit 9.

That is, a part of the liquid refrigerant flowing out from the receiver 8 flows into the supercooling pipe 92 and is adiabatically expanded in the supercooling expansion valve 93 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant flows into the supercooling heat exchanger 91, cools the refrigerant flowing toward the indoor expansion valve 31, and then flows into the accumulator 6.
The supercooling expansion valve 93 is subjected to supercooling control of the opening degree of the valve so that the supercooling degree of the refrigerant is included in a predetermined range.

  The refrigerant further cooled in the subcooling heat exchange unit 9 is adiabatically expanded in the indoor expansion valve 31, becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 3. In the indoor heat exchanger 3, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, evaporates and vaporizes. On the other hand, the indoor air is deprived of heat by the refrigerant and cooled.

The vaporized refrigerant flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 3 and flows into the accumulator 6 through the four-way valve 5. In the accumulator 6, the gas refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant are separated from the inflowing refrigerant, and only the gas refrigerant flows out of the accumulator 6 and is sucked into the compressor 2.
Thereafter, the cooling operation is continued by repeating the above-described process.

Next, a refrigerant charging method at the time of installation of the air conditioner 1 that is a feature of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerant charging method in the air-conditioning apparatus of FIG.

When charging of the refrigerant in the air conditioner 1 is performed, a refrigerant cylinder 61 is connected to the check joint 51 of the air conditioner 1 as shown in FIG.
Then, a refrigerant filling operation is performed. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation mode of the trial operation of the air conditioner 1 when charging the refrigerant is determined (step S1).
Specifically, the heating operation is selected when the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air, is lower than about 15 ° C., which is the reference temperature (predetermined temperature), and the cooling operation is selected when the outdoor temperature is higher than the reference temperature. The

Thereafter, the cooling operation of the refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 6 is performed (step S2 (ejection step)).
Specifically, regardless of whether the heating operation is selected or the cooling operation is selected, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is closed and the evaporation-side electromagnetic valve 71 is opened, so that the heating operation is performed. Or cooling operation is performed.

Then, a part of the high-temperature and high-pressure discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the evaporation pipe 7. The discharged refrigerant flowing into the evaporating pipe 7 gives heat to the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 6 when passing through the inside of the accumulator 6. The liquid refrigerant is heated and evaporated by receiving heat and vaporizes. The vaporized refrigerant flows out of the accumulator 6 and is sucked into the compressor 2. In other words, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6.
The refrigerant flowing through the evaporation pipe 7 heats the liquid refrigerant in the accumulator 6, then flows into the accumulator 6 through the subcooling pipe 92, and is sucked into the compressor 2 from the accumulator 6.

While the refrigerant purge operation is being performed, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the condition for terminating the purge operation is satisfied (step S3).
Specifically, one of the superheat degree of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 and the superheat degree of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is included in each appropriate range, and the lubricating oil of the compressor 2 When the temperature is within the appropriate range (in the case of YES), it is determined to end the refrigerant purge operation, and in other cases (in the case of NO), it is determined to continue the refrigerant purge operation.

  That is, when the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6, the degree of superheat of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 increases, so whether or not to end the expulsion operation based on the degree of superheat of the refrigerant sucked. Can be judged. Similarly, with respect to the degree of superheat of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2, when the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6, the degree of superheat of the sucked refrigerant increases, and the degree of superheat of the discharged refrigerant obtained by adiabatic compression is increased. Also gets higher. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not to end the purge operation based on the degree of superheat of the discharged refrigerant.

  On the other hand, the temperature of the lubricating oil of the compressor 2 is added to the condition of whether or not to end the purge operation for the purpose of ensuring the lubricity of the compressor 2 when charging the refrigerant. In other words, when the temperature of the lubricating oil is low, it is difficult to ensure the lubricity of the compressor 2, in other words, there is a possibility that poor lubrication may occur.

When the refrigerant discharge operation is completed, next, refrigerant charging is performed (step S4 (charging step)). In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 1 is filled with the refrigerant divided into a plurality of times.
Specifically, whether the heating operation is selected or the cooling operation is selected, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 and the evaporation-side electromagnetic valve 71 are opened, and the heating operation or cooling is performed. Driving is performed.

Then, the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant cylinder 61 to the air conditioner 1 on the basis of the pressure difference between the check joint 51 that is at the same pressure as the suction port of the compressor 2 and the pressure inside the refrigerant cylinder 61. Filled. Specifically, the refrigerant that has flowed out of the refrigerant cylinder 61 flows into the accumulator 6 through the check joint 51.
The amount of refrigerant that is filled in a single filling operation is the amount of refrigerant that can be stored in the accumulator 6, and the amount of refrigerant that does not allow liquid refrigerant to flow from the accumulator 6 into the compressor 2.

When the charging of the refrigerant is completed, a stabilization operation is performed (step S5).
Specifically, whether the heating operation is selected or the cooling operation is selected, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 and the evaporation-side electromagnetic valve 71 are closed, and the heating operation or cooling is performed. Driving is performed.
By this stabilization operation, the refrigerant circulates inside the air conditioner 1 and is not unevenly distributed at a specific location such as the accumulator 6.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the air conditioner 1 is appropriate (step S6 (refrigerant amount determination step)).
If it is determined that the refrigerant amount is not appropriate, that is, it is insufficient, the process returns to step S4, and the air conditioner 1 is again filled with the refrigerant. On the other hand, if it is determined that the refrigerant amount is appropriate, the trial operation of the air conditioner 1 is continued (step S7), and the refrigerant charging operation is completed.
In addition, a well-known determination method can be used as a determination method, and it does not specifically limit.

Next, the rising control at the time of starting of the air conditioning apparatus 1 which is another feature of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating start-up control in the air conditioner of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, when an activation command (ON command) is input to an input unit such as a remote controller in the air conditioner 1, the activation mode is determined (step S11 (comparison step)).
Specifically, when the outdoor temperature that is the temperature of the outdoor air is lower than about 15 ° C. that is the reference temperature (in the case of YES), the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started after the refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6. The startup mode is selected. On the other hand, when the external temperature is equal to or higher than the reference temperature (in the case of NO), the normal activation mode for starting the operation of the air conditioner 1 as it is is selected.

When the outside temperature is lower than the reference temperature, the refrigerant purge operation is performed as described above (step S12 (purge step)).
Specifically, similarly to the purge operation in the refrigerant charging operation, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is closed and the evaporation is performed even when the heating operation is selected or when the cooling operation is selected. The side solenoid valve 71 is opened, and heating operation or cooling operation is performed.

While the refrigerant purge operation is being performed, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the condition for terminating the purge operation is satisfied (step S13).
Specifically, one of the superheat degree of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 and the superheat degree of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is included in each appropriate range, and the lubricating oil of the compressor 2 When the temperature is within the appropriate range (in the case of YES), it is determined to end the refrigerant purge operation, and in other cases (in the case of NO), it is determined to continue the refrigerant purge operation.

  When the refrigerant purge operation is completed, the air conditioner 1 performs a normal heating operation or cooling operation (step S14 (normal operation step)).

  According to said structure, since the liquid refrigerant | coolant which is the refrigerant | coolant stored by the accumulator 6 is heated and evaporated by the high temperature / high pressure refrigerant | coolant which flows through the evaporating piping 7, the refrigerant | coolant is filled with the air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment. It is possible to reduce the time required for the operation. Furthermore, since only the gaseous refrigerant vaporized by the accumulator 6 is sucked into the compressor 2, it is possible to prevent the lubricating oil of the compressor 2 from being diluted by the liquid refrigerant, and the reliability of the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment. Can be secured.

  Specifically, the refrigerant supplied from the check joint 51 to the air conditioner 1 flows into the accumulator 6 and is temporarily stored in the accumulator 6. On the other hand, at least a part of the discharged refrigerant that is high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the evaporation pipe 7. The discharged refrigerant flows through an evaporation pipe 7 disposed inside the accumulator 6, and heat is supplied from the discharged refrigerant to the liquid refrigerant stored in the accumulator 6. The liquid refrigerant that has received the heat is evaporated and vaporized by the heat.

That is, as compared with a method of simply operating the air conditioner 1 to evaporate and vaporize the liquid refrigerant that is the refrigerant stored in the accumulator 6, the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment uses the refrigerant stored in the accumulator 6. It can be evaporated and vaporized in a short time.
Furthermore, since the liquid refrigerant of the accumulator 6 is vaporized in a short time, the possibility that the liquid refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 2 can be reduced.

On the other hand, even in a situation where liquid refrigerant accumulates in the accumulator 6, the time required for the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment to rise can be shortened.
That is, since the liquid refrigerant of the accumulator 6 can be evaporated in a short time, the refrigerant distribution in the air conditioner 1 can be made an appropriate distribution in a short time. As a result, the period during which the air conditioning apparatus 1 can perform the superheat operation (the period during which only the gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 2) becomes longer, and thus the reliability of the air conditioning apparatus 1 can be improved.

By performing the refrigerant charging operation of the air conditioner 1 as described above, the liquid refrigerant stored in the accumulator 6 in step S2 is evaporated and vaporized by the discharged refrigerant that is a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2. Then, it is expelled from the accumulator 6. Therefore, the time required to expel the liquid refrigerant from the accumulator 6 can be shortened.
Specifically, when the evaporation side electromagnetic valve 71 is opened, at least a part of the discharged refrigerant flows through the evaporation pipe 7 disposed also inside the accumulator 6. Then, the liquid refrigerant stored in the accumulator 6 receives heat from the discharge refrigerant flowing through the evaporating pipe 7 and is evaporated and vaporized by the heat. Since the vaporized refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 2, the liquid refrigerant stored in the accumulator 6 is expelled from the accumulator 6. On the other hand, since the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is closed, liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the accumulator 6 from the outside via the check joint.

  After expelling the liquid refrigerant from the accumulator 6, the supply-side solenoid valve 62 is opened, and in step S4 in which the refrigerant is supplied from the outside via the check joint 51, the refrigerant flows into the accumulator 6 using the heat of the discharged refrigerant. Since the refrigerant is heated, the liquid refrigerant does not easily accumulate in the accumulator 6. That is, since the evaporation side electromagnetic valve 71 is kept open also in step S4, a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows through the accumulator 6 through the evaporation pipe 7. Therefore, the refrigerant that has flowed into the accumulator 6 is heated by the discharged refrigerant. For example, when the refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 6 is a liquid refrigerant, the liquid refrigerant receives the heat of the discharged refrigerant and evaporates and vaporizes.

  Compared to the method of charging the appropriate amount of refrigerant in one time, the refrigerant less than the appropriate amount of refrigerant in the air conditioner 1 is charged in a plurality of times to fill the air conditioner 1 in a shorter time. An appropriate amount of refrigerant can be filled.

By performing the start-up control at the time of activation of the air conditioner 1 as described above, even if the activation of the air conditioner 1 from the state where the liquid refrigerant is accumulated in the accumulator 6 is repeated, the reliability of the air conditioner 1 is improved. In particular, it is possible to prevent the reliability of the compressor 2 from being lowered.
Specifically, when it is determined that the liquid refrigerant is highly likely to accumulate in the accumulator 6, in other words, when the temperature of the outdoor air is lower than a predetermined temperature, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6 in step S12. Then, step S14 for performing a normal heating operation or the like is performed. Therefore, liquid refrigerant can be prevented from being sucked into the compressor 2 from the accumulator 6 at the start of heating operation or the like.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The basic configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus of the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that a charge tank is provided. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the configuration around the charge tank and how to use the charge tank will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, and description of other components and the like will be omitted.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present embodiment.
In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the air conditioner 101 includes a compressor 2, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, a first four-way valve (first switching unit) 105, and an accumulator 6. In addition, a charge tank (filling container) 107, a receiver 8, and a supercooling heat exchange unit 9 are mainly provided.

  Similar to the four-way valve 5 of the first embodiment, the first four-way valve 105 switches between a heating operation and a cooling operation in the air conditioner 101, and is specifically discharged from the compressor 2. The refrigerant is guided to one of the indoor heat exchanger 3 or the outdoor heat exchanger 4. Further, the first four-way valve 105 also guides the refrigerant flowing out from the other of the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to the accumulator 6.

The charge tank 107 is a container used when the air conditioner 101 is filled with a refrigerant, and is a container into which the refrigerant first flows, and temporarily accumulates the refrigerant.
The charge tank 107 is a cylindrical container closed at both ends, and is provided with a check joint 51. The check joint 51 is provided on the circumferential surface of the charge tank 107 and is disposed so as to extend in the tangential direction of the circumferential surface.

Furthermore, the charge tank 107 is provided with a first pipe 171 connected to the second four-way valve (second switching unit) 170 and a second pipe 172 connected to the pipe between the outdoor expansion valve 41 and the receiver 8.
The first pipe 171 is a pipe connecting the charge tank 107 and the second four-way valve 170. The first pipe 171 is connected in the vicinity of the central axis at one end of the charge tank 107 and is disposed so as to protrude toward the inside of the charge tank 107.
The first pipe 171 is provided with a thermistor 173 that measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first pipe 171.

  The second four-way valve 170 connects the first pipe 171 to one of a pipe connecting the discharge port of the compressor 2 and the first four-way valve 105 and a pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6. . Further, the second four-way valve 170 connects the decompression unit 175 to the other one of the pipe connecting the discharge port of the compressor 2 and the first four-way valve 105 and the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6. .

The decompression unit 175 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that passes therethrough. One end of the decompression unit 175 is connected to the second four-way valve 170, and the other end is connected to a pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6.
As the decompression unit 175, a known configuration can be used, and there is no particular limitation.

  The second pipe 172 connects the charge tank 107 and the pipe between the outdoor expansion valve 41 and the receiver 8. The second pipe 172 is provided with a filling-side solenoid valve (filling-side adjustment unit) 174 that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the second pipe 172.

Since the heating operation and the cooling operation in the air-conditioning apparatus 101 according to this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
Next, a refrigerant charging method at the time of installation of the air conditioner 101, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerant charging method in the air-conditioning apparatus of FIG.

When the refrigerant is filled in the air conditioner 101, a refrigerant cylinder 61 is connected to the check joint 51 of the air conditioner 101 as shown in FIG.
Then, a refrigerant filling operation is performed. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the operation mode of the trial operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 101 when charging the refrigerant is determined (step S101).
Specifically, the heating operation is selected when the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air, is lower than about 15 ° C., which is the reference temperature (predetermined temperature), and the cooling operation is selected when the outdoor temperature is higher than the reference temperature. The

Thereafter, the cooling operation of the refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 6 is performed (step S102 (ejection step)).
Specifically, whether the heating operation is selected or the cooling operation is selected, the supply-side solenoid valve 62 and the charging-side solenoid valve 174 are closed and the second four-way valve 170 is closed. Thus, the first pipe 171 is connected to the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6, and the decompression unit 175 is connected to the pipe connecting the compressor 2 and the first four-way valve 105. In this state, a trial operation (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 101 is performed.

  Then, the inside of the accumulator 6 connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 becomes the same pressure as the suction pressure of the compressor 2, and the liquid refrigerant in the accumulator 6 is easily evaporated and vaporized. The vaporized refrigerant flows out of the accumulator 6 and is sucked into the compressor 2. In other words, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6.

While the refrigerant purge operation is being performed, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the condition for terminating the purge operation is satisfied (step S103).
Specifically, one of the superheat degree of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 and the superheat degree of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is included in each appropriate range, and the lubricating oil of the compressor 2 When the temperature is within the appropriate range (in the case of YES), it is determined to end the refrigerant purge operation, and in other cases (in the case of NO), it is determined to continue the refrigerant purge operation.

When the refrigerant purge operation is completed, refrigerant charging is performed (step S104 (charging step)). In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 101 is charged with the refrigerant divided into a plurality of times.
Specifically, whether the heating operation is selected or the cooling operation is selected, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is opened and the charging-side electromagnetic valve 174 is closed. On the other hand, as in step S102, the second four-way valve 170 connects the first pipe 171 to the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6, and the pressure reducing unit 175 is connected to the compressor 2 and the first one. It is connected to a pipe connecting the four-way valve 105.

  Then, the charge tank 107 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 through the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6, the second four-way valve 170, and the first pipe 171, and the inside of the charge tank 107 is about the same as the suction pressure. Pressure. As a result, a pressure difference is generated between the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant cylinder 61 and the pressure in the charge tank 107, and the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant cylinder 61 into the charge tank 107 due to this pressure difference and is filled.

While the charge tank 107 is filled with the refrigerant, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the condition for ending the refrigerant filling is satisfied (step S105).
Specifically, when the time limit for charging the refrigerant has elapsed, and when any of the conditions when the charge tank 107 is filled with liquid refrigerant (full) is satisfied (in the case of YES) The refrigerant charging is finished. On the other hand, when neither condition is satisfied (in the case of NO), the refrigerant charging is continued.

  Whether the charge tank 107 is full or not is determined by measuring the temperature of the refrigerant in the first pipe 171 with the thermistor 173 to calculate the degree of superheat of the refrigerant in the place, and the degree of superheat falls below a predetermined value. In this case, it is determined that the charge tank 107 is full.

When the refrigerant charging is completed, the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the charge tank 107 is driven out (step S106 (push-in step)).
Specifically, whether the heating operation is selected or the cooling operation is selected, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is closed and the charging-side electromagnetic valve 174 is opened. On the other hand, the first four-way valve 170 connects the first pipe 171 to the pipe connecting the discharge port of the compressor 2 and the first four-way valve 105, and the decompression unit 175 connects the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6. Connected to the connecting pipe.

Then, the charge tank 107 is connected to the discharge port of the compressor 2 through a pipe connecting the discharge port of the compressor 2 and the first four-way valve 105, the second four-way valve 170 and the first pipe 171, and the inside of the charge tank 107 is discharged. The pressure is about the same as the pressure. In other words, a part of the high-temperature and high-pressure discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is guided to the charge tank 107.
The liquid refrigerant in the charge tank 107 is pushed by the discharged refrigerant, flows into the second pipe 172, passes through the charging side electromagnetic valve 174, and is pushed into the pipe between the outdoor expansion valve 41 and the receiver 8.

When the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the charge tank 107, it is determined whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the air conditioner 101 is appropriate (step S107 (refrigerant amount determination step)).
If it is determined that the refrigerant amount is not appropriate, that is, it is insufficient, the process returns to step S104, and the air conditioner 101 is filled again with the refrigerant. On the other hand, when it is determined that the refrigerant amount is appropriate, the trial operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 101 is continued (step S108), and the refrigerant charging operation ends.
In addition, a well-known determination method can be used as a determination method, and it does not specifically limit.

  According to the above configuration, after the refrigerant supplied from the outside is stored in the charge tank 107, the refrigerant is pushed into the pipe between the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The time required to expel the refrigerant can be shortened, and the time required for charging the refrigerant can be shortened.

Specifically, the charge tank 107 and a pipe extending from the first four-way valve 105 to the accumulator 6 are connected to lower the internal pressure of the charge tank 107, and between the external refrigerant cylinder 61 and the charge tank 107. A pressure difference is formed, and the refrigerant is supplied from the refrigerant cylinder 61 to the charge tank 107 using this pressure difference.
Thereafter, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is guided to the charge tank 107, the internal pressure of the charge tank 107 is increased, and the inside of the piping between the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 is A pressure difference is formed between the two. Due to this pressure difference, the refrigerant inside the charge tank 107 is supplied to the piping between the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4, in other words, pushed in.

Furthermore, since the refrigerant supplied from the outside flows directly into the charge tank 107, the liquid refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 2 as compared with the case where the refrigerant supplied to the accumulator 6 connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 flows. Is less likely. Therefore, the reliability in the air conditioning apparatus 101 of this embodiment can be ensured.
On the other hand, when an excess refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioner 101 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to collect the excess refrigerant by storing the excess refrigerant in the charge tank 107. .

  By performing the refrigerant charging operation of the air conditioner 1 as described above, the refrigerant supplied to the charge tank 107 flows along the circumferential surface of the charge tank 107 and is separated into a gaseous refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. . For this reason, when supplying the refrigerant to the charge tank 107, even if the inside of the charge tank 107 communicates with the suction port of the compressor 2, the liquid is supplied to the first pipe 171 extending along the vicinity of the central axis of the charge tank 107. It is difficult for refrigerant to flow in. That is, it is possible to prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing into the suction port of the compressor 2.

  In step S102, the inside of the accumulator 6 connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 becomes a low pressure (pressure approximately equal to the suction pressure), and the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 6 evaporates and vaporizes and is sucked into the compressor 2. The In other words, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6. Therefore, when the refrigerant | coolant is filled with the air conditioning apparatus 101 later, the filling amount of a refrigerant | coolant can be determined correctly.

  After the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6, the supply-side solenoid valve 62 is opened, and the charge tank 107 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 via the accumulator 6, so that the charge tank is externally supplied via the supply unit. A refrigerant can be supplied to 107. Specifically, since the inside of the charge tank 107 has a pressure approximately equal to the suction pressure of the compressor 2, a pressure difference is generated between the refrigerant cylinder 61 and the refrigerant flows into the charge tank 107 due to the pressure difference. To do.

The refrigerant accumulated in the charge tank 107 is pushed into the pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 in step S106, and is charged into the air conditioner 101.
Specifically, the charging-side electromagnetic valve 174 is opened to secure a flow path that connects the charge tank 107 to the piping connecting the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4, and discharged from the compressor 2. By guiding the discharged refrigerant to the charge tank 107, the inside of the charge tank 107 is boosted to a pressure approximately equal to the discharge pressure. Then, the refrigerant accumulated in the charge tank 107 is pushed into the piping connecting between the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 by the discharged refrigerant.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The basic configuration of the air conditioner of the present embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, but is different from the first embodiment in that the charge tank is also an outdoor heat exchanger. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration around the outdoor heat exchanger used as a charge tank and the method of using the outdoor heat exchanger will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, and the description of other components, etc. Is omitted.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to the present embodiment.
In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component same as 2nd Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioner 201 includes a compressor 2, a plurality of indoor heat exchangers 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, a first four-way valve 105, an accumulator 6, and outdoor heat for charging. An exchanger (filling container) 207, a receiver 8, and a supercooling heat exchange unit 9 are mainly provided.

The charge outdoor heat exchanger 207 functions as a charge tank when the air conditioner 201 is filled with a refrigerant, and when the air conditioner 201 is in a normal heating operation or cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 207 It works as.
The charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 is a heat exchanger similar to the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 is provided with a first pipe 171 and a second pipe 172.

A check joint 51 is provided between the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 and the charging outdoor expansion valve (filling side adjustment unit) 271 in the second pipe 172.
The charging outdoor expansion valve 271 is an expansion valve provided in the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207, and is also a flow valve that is opened and closed when the refrigerant is charged into the air conditioner 201.

Since the heating operation and the cooling operation in the air conditioning apparatus 201 according to the present embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
Next, a refrigerant charging method at the time of installation of the air conditioner 201, which is a feature of the present embodiment, will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a refrigerant charging method in the air-conditioning apparatus of FIG.

When the refrigerant is filled in the air conditioner 201, the refrigerant cylinder 61 is connected to the check joint 51 of the air conditioner 201 as shown in FIG.
Then, a refrigerant filling operation is performed. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation mode of the trial operation of the air conditioner 201 when charging the refrigerant is determined (step S201).
Specifically, when the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air, is lower than the reference temperature (predetermined temperature) of about 15 ° C., the heating operation is selected, and when it is equal to or higher than the reference temperature, the cooling operation is selected. The

Thereafter, the cooling operation of the refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 6 is performed (step S202 (ejecting step before filling)).
Specifically, when the heating operation is selected, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is closed, and the first four-way valve 171 is connected to the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6 by the second four-way valve 170. The outdoor expansion valve 4 and the charging outdoor expansion valve 271 are superheated. On the other hand, when the cooling operation is selected, the second four-way valve 170 connects the first pipe 171 to the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the discharge port of the compressor 2. The supply-side electromagnetic valve 62, the outdoor expansion valve 4, and the charging outdoor expansion valve 271 are the same as in the heating operation. In this state, a trial operation (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 101 is performed.

  Then, the inside of the accumulator 6 connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 becomes the same pressure as the suction pressure of the compressor 2, and the liquid refrigerant in the accumulator 6 is easily evaporated and vaporized. The vaporized refrigerant flows out of the accumulator 6 and is sucked into the compressor 2. In other words, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6.

While the refrigerant purge operation is being performed, it is repeatedly determined whether or not a condition for ending the purge operation is satisfied (step S203).
Specifically, one of the superheat degree of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 2 and the superheat degree of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is included in each appropriate range, and the lubricating oil of the compressor 2 When the temperature is within the appropriate range (in the case of YES), it is determined to end the refrigerant purge operation, and in other cases (in the case of NO), it is determined to continue the refrigerant purge operation.

When the refrigerant discharge operation is completed, the refrigerant is then charged (step S204 (charging step)). In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 201 is charged with the refrigerant divided into a plurality of times.
Specifically, when the heating operation is selected, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is opened, and the first four-way valve 171 is connected to the second four-way valve 170 and the pipe connecting the accumulator 6 by the second four-way valve 170. The degree of superheat of the outdoor expansion valve 4 is controlled, and the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 271 for charging is fully closed.
On the other hand, when the cooling operation is selected, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 4 is fully opened. The supply-side solenoid valve 62, the second four-way valve 170, and the charging outdoor expansion valve 271 are the same as in the heating operation.

  Then, the charge outdoor heat exchanger 207 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 through a pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6, the second four-way valve 170 and the first pipe 171, and the charge outdoor heat exchanger 207. The inside of the chamber is at the same pressure as the suction pressure. As a result, a pressure difference is generated between the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant cylinder 61 and the pressure in the charge outdoor heat exchanger 207, and the refrigerant flows from the refrigerant cylinder 61 into the charge outdoor heat exchanger 207 due to this pressure difference. Then filled.

While the refrigerant is being charged into the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the condition for ending the refrigerant charging is satisfied (step S205).
Specifically, when the time limit for charging the refrigerant has elapsed, and when either of the conditions when the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 is filled with liquid refrigerant (full liquid) is satisfied (YES) Case), the refrigerant filling is terminated. On the other hand, when neither condition is satisfied (in the case of NO), the refrigerant charging is continued.

  Whether the outdoor heat exchanger for charging 207 is full or not is determined by measuring the temperature of the refrigerant in the first pipe 171 by the thermistor 173, and calculating the degree of superheat of the refrigerant in the place. When the value is lower than the value, it is determined that the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 is full.

When the refrigerant charging is completed, the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 6 is driven out (step S206 (post-filling purge step)).
Specifically, when heating operation is selected, the supply-side solenoid valve 62 is closed, and the first four-way valve 171 is connected to the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6 by the second four-way valve 170, and the outdoor The expansion valve 4 and the charging outdoor expansion valve 271 are superheated.

  When the air conditioner 201 is heated in this state, the refrigerant accumulated in the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 flows into the accumulator 6 through the first pipe 171 and the second four-way valve 170. Since the inside of the accumulator 6 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 2, the pressure is about the same as the suction pressure, and the liquid refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 6 is evaporated and vaporized. The vaporized refrigerant flows out of the accumulator 6 and is sucked into the compressor 2. In other words, it is expelled from the accumulator 6.

On the other hand, when the cooling operation is selected, the supply-side solenoid valve 62 is closed, and the first piping 171 is connected to the piping connecting the discharge port of the compressor 2 and the first four-way valve 105 by the second four-way valve 170. Then, the outdoor expansion valve 4 and the charging outdoor expansion valve 271 are fully opened.
When the air conditioner 201 is cooled in this state, the discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows into the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 via the second four-way valve 170 and the first pipe 171. The refrigerant accumulated in the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 is pushed by the discharged refrigerant, flows into the second pipe 172, passes through the charging outdoor expansion valve 271, and is connected between the outdoor expansion valve 4 and the receiver 8. Flow into.

When the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6, it is determined whether or not the amount of refrigerant charged in the air conditioner 201 is appropriate (step S207 (refrigerant amount determining step)).
If it is determined that the refrigerant amount is not appropriate, that is, it is insufficient, the process returns to step S204, and the air conditioner 201 is filled again with the refrigerant. On the other hand, if it is determined that the refrigerant amount is appropriate, the trial operation of the air conditioner 201 is continued (step S208), and the refrigerant charging operation is completed. The states of the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62, the second four-way valve 170, the outdoor expansion valve 4 and the charging outdoor expansion valve 271 when the test operation is continued are the same as in step S206.
In addition, a well-known determination method can be used as a determination method, and it does not specifically limit.

Next, start-up control at the start of low outside air temperature in the air conditioner 201, which is another feature of the present embodiment, will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining start-up control in the air conditioner of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, when an activation command (ON command) is input to an input unit such as a remote controller in the air conditioner 201, the operation mode is determined (step S211).
When the operation mode is a heating operation (in the case of NO), activation by a normal heating operation is performed. Specifically, the supply-side solenoid valve 62 is closed, the first four-way valve 171 is connected to the first four-way valve 105 and the pipe connecting the accumulator 6 by the second four-way valve 170, and the outdoor expansion valve 4 and the charging outdoor expansion valve. 271 is started up in a state of superheat control.

On the other hand, when the operation mode is the cooling operation (in the case of YES), the activation mode is determined (step S212).
Specifically, when the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air, is equal to or higher than about 10 ° C. which is the reference temperature (in the case of NO), activation by a normal cooling operation is performed. Specifically, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is closed, and the second four-way valve 170 connects the first pipe 171 to the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the discharge port of the compressor 2, and the outdoor expansion valve 4 and the charge are connected. The outdoor expansion valve 271 is activated with the valve opening fully opened.

On the other hand, when the outdoor temperature, which is the temperature of the outdoor air, is lower than about 10 ° C., which is the reference temperature (in the case of YES), the condensation performance saving operation that suppresses the condensation of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is performed. Is performed (step S213 (suppression operation step)).
Specifically, the supply-side solenoid valve 62 is closed, the second four-way valve 170 connects the first pipe 171 to the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the accumulator 6, and the degree of opening of the outdoor expansion valve 4 is increased. The charging outdoor expansion valve 271 is operated in a fully open state and the degree of superheat is controlled. By doing in this way, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as a condenser, and the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 functions as an evaporator. In other words, the refrigerant condensing performance in the air conditioner 201 is saved.

  That is, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 flows only into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 through the first four-way valve 105 and condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 flows into the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 and the indoor heat exchanger 3, and evaporates in the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 and the indoor heat exchanger 3. The evaporated refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 2 and the above process is repeated.

While the operation that saves the condensing performance is performed, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the high pressure (HP) in the air conditioner 201 has become higher than the first reference pressure (first predetermined value, for example, 3.0 MPa). (Step S214). That is, when HP is lower than 3.0 MPa (NO), the condensation performance saving operation is continued.
Here, HP is the pressure of the portion connected to the discharge port of the compressor 2 without going through the pressure reducing element, and is the same pressure as the discharge pressure of the compressor 2.

When HP becomes 0.3 MPa or more (in the case of YES), the condensable save operation is terminated, and the normal cooling operation is performed (step S215).
Specifically, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is closed, and the second four-way valve 170 connects the first pipe 171 to the pipe connecting the first four-way valve 105 and the discharge port of the compressor 2, and the outdoor expansion valve 4 and the charge are connected. The outdoor expansion valve 271 is operated in a state where the valve opening is fully opened.
By doing in this way, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the outdoor heat exchanger 207 for charge function as a condenser, and will be in the state which can exhibit the normal refrigerant | coolant condensing performance in the air conditioning apparatus 201.

  While the normal cooling operation is performed, the determination as to whether or not the high pressure (HP) in the air conditioner 201 has become lower than the second reference pressure (second predetermined value, for example, 1.5 MPa) is repeated ( Step S216 (pressure determination step)). That is, when HP becomes lower than 1.5 MPa (in the case of YES), the process returns to step S213 again, and the operation in which the condensation performance is saved is performed.

  On the other hand, when HP is 1.5 MPa or more (in the case of NO), the cooling operation is maintained (step S217). The cooling operation of the air conditioner 201 corresponds to either a case where an instruction to stop the operation (OFF instruction) is input to the remote controller or the like and a case where the external temperature becomes 10 ° C. or higher. Stopped.

  According to the above configuration, the refrigerant supplied to the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 is evaporated and vaporized by exchanging heat with the outdoor air, so that the liquid refrigerant is introduced into the suction port of the compressor 2. Inflow can be prevented. For example, in order to evaporate the refrigerant supplied from the outside, the heat exchange amount (heat absorption amount) can be increased and it can be configured at a low cost compared to the case of using a double tube heat exchanger. .

On the other hand, by introducing at least part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 to the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207, the liquid refrigerant existing inside the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 is converted into the indoor heat exchanger 3 and It can push into piping between the outdoor heat exchangers 4. In this case, the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 can be used as a condenser.
Moreover, since the outdoor heat exchanger for charging 207 can be used as a condenser as described above or can be used as an evaporator (evaporator), the capacity of the air conditioner 201 during operation can be switched by switching as necessary. Controllability can be improved.

  By performing the refrigerant filling operation of the air conditioner 201 as described above, the inside of the accumulator 6 connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 in step S202 becomes a low pressure (a pressure approximately equal to the suction pressure). The liquid refrigerant accumulated in the gas evaporates and vaporizes and is sucked into the compressor 2. In other words, the liquid refrigerant is expelled from the accumulator 6.

  After expelling the liquid refrigerant from the accumulator 6, the supply-side electromagnetic valve 62 is opened, and the charge outdoor heat exchanger 207 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 2 through the accumulator 6, so that the check joint 51 is externally connected. The refrigerant can be supplied to the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 via the. Specifically, since the inside of the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 has a pressure approximately equal to the suction pressure of the compressor 2, a pressure difference is generated between the refrigerant cylinder 61 and the refrigerant is charged by the pressure difference. It flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 207.

The refrigerant accumulated in the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 flows into the pipe or the accumulator 6 connecting the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 in step S206. That is, when the air-conditioning apparatus 201 is in the cooling operation, the refrigerant accumulated in the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207 flows into a pipe connecting the indoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to perform the heating operation. If so, it flows into the accumulator 6.
As in step S202, the liquid refrigerant accumulated in the accumulator 6 evaporates and vaporizes and is sucked into the compressor 2. Therefore, when the refrigerant | coolant is filled with the air conditioning apparatus 201 later, the filling amount of a refrigerant | coolant can be determined correctly.

In the case where the air conditioner 201 is activated in the cooling operation in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is guided to the outdoor heat exchanger 4 by performing the start-up control at the time of activation of the air conditioner 201 as described above. Even when the temperature of the outdoor air is lower than the predetermined temperature, the air conditioner 201 can be started stably.
Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is allowed to flow only into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 without flowing into the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207. For example, compared with the case where the discharged refrigerant is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207, if the discharged refrigerant is condensed only by the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the amount of heat released from the discharged refrigerant is limited. For this reason, the pressure of the discharged refrigerant is likely to increase.

  When the pressure of the discharged refrigerant becomes higher than the first reference pressure, the discharged refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is caused to flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the charging outdoor heat exchanger 207. As a result, a normal cooling operation is performed, but a decrease in the pressure of the discharged refrigerant occurs. When the pressure of the discharged refrigerant falls below the second predetermined value, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is allowed to flow only into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 to increase the pressure of the discharged refrigerant. . On the other hand, when the pressure of the discharged refrigerant is maintained at the second reference pressure or higher, the cooling operation is continued.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101,201 Air conditioning apparatus 2 Compressor 3 Indoor heat exchanger 4 Outdoor heat exchanger 5 Four-way valve (switching part)
6 Accumulator (storage part)
7 Evaporation piping 31 Indoor expansion valve (throttle part)
41 Outdoor expansion valve (throttle part)
51 Check joint (supply section)
61 Refrigerant cylinder (refrigerant supply source)
62 Supply-side solenoid valve (Supply-side adjustment unit)
71 Evaporation side solenoid valve (evaporation side adjustment part)
105 First four-way valve (first switching part)
107 Charge tank (filling container)
170 Second four-way valve (second switching part)
174 Filling side solenoid valve (filling side adjustment part)
175 Pressure reducing part 207 Outdoor heat exchanger for charging (filling container)
271 Charging outdoor expansion valve (filling side adjuster)
Step S2 (purge step)
Step S4 (filling step)
Step S11 (comparison step)
Step S12 (exile step)
Step S14 (normal operation step)
Step S102 (exile step)
Step S104 (filling step)
Step S106 (push-in step)
Step S202 (ejecting step before filling)
Step S204 (filling step)
Step S206 (Purge step after filling)
Step S207 (refrigerant amount determination step)
Step S216 (pressure judgment step)

Claims (10)

A compressor that boosts and delivers the refrigerant;
An indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and room air;
An outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air;
The outlet of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is switched to one of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and the refrigerant flowing out from the other of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger is changed to the compressor A switching part that leads to
A throttle unit disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant;
A storage section that is disposed on the suction side of the compressor and separates and stores the liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant to be sucked;
A supply unit that is disposed between the switching unit and the storage unit, and that is supplied with refrigerant sucked into the compressor from the outside;
Evaporating pipes that are disposed through the interior of the storage unit, while guiding at least a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to a pipe upstream of the storage unit;
An evaporation side adjustment unit for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the evaporation pipe;
An air conditioner characterized in that is provided. A compressor that boosts and delivers the refrigerant;
An indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and room air;
An outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air;
While switching the outflow destination of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to one of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger,
A first switching unit that guides refrigerant flowing out from the other of the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor;
A throttle unit disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant;
A storage section that is disposed on the suction side of the compressor and separates and stores the liquid refrigerant contained in the refrigerant to be sucked;
A supply unit for supplying refrigerant sucked into the compressor from an external refrigerant supply source;
A filled container in which the refrigerant supplied from the supply unit is stored;
While reducing the pressure of the refrigerant passing through at least a part of the inflow destination of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, switching to one of the decompression unit and the filling container communicating with the storage unit,
A second switching unit that connects the other of the decompression unit and the filling container to a pipe extending from the first switching unit to the storage unit;
A supply-side adjusting unit that is arranged between the supply unit and the refrigerant supply source and adjusts the flow of the refrigerant from the refrigerant supply source to the charging machine;
Provided in the filling container and piping connecting the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger, and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing from the filling container into the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger. A filling side adjustment unit;
An air conditioner characterized in that is provided. The filling container is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, the supply unit is disposed on a circumferential surface of the filling container, and the refrigerant is introduced into the filling container from the supply unit along a tangential direction of the circumferential surface. Inflow,
3. The air according to claim 2, wherein a pipe connecting the filling container and the second switching portion is disposed so as to protrude into the filling container along a vicinity of a central axis of the filling container. Harmony device. The filling container is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant inside and the outdoor air,
The filling side adjustment unit further depressurizes the refrigerant flowing from the filling container into the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger,
The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the supply unit is disposed between the filling container and the second adjustment unit. It is a refrigerant | coolant filling method of the air conditioning apparatus of Claim 1, Comprising:
The compressor is driven to rotate, and a supply-side adjustment unit arranged between an external refrigerant supply source and the supply unit for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant is closed, and the evaporation-side adjustment unit is opened to store the storage unit Expelling step of expelling the refrigerant from
A filling step of opening the supply side adjustment unit and the evaporation side adjustment unit after allowing the refrigerant to be expelled from the storage unit and allowing a predetermined amount of the refrigerant to flow into the supply unit;
A refrigerant filling method for an air conditioner characterized by comprising: It is a refrigerant | coolant filling method of the air conditioning apparatus of Claim 3, Comprising:
While driving the compressor to rotate, the supply side adjustment unit and the filling side adjustment unit are closed, and a purge step of expelling the refrigerant from the storage unit;
After expelling the refrigerant from the storage unit, open the supply side adjustment unit, and switch the second switching unit to connect the filling container to a pipe extending from the first switching unit to the storage unit, A filling step for allowing the refrigerant to flow into the filling container from the supply unit;
A pushing step of closing the supply side adjustment unit, opening the filling side adjustment unit, and switching the second switching unit to guide the refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the filling container;
A refrigerant filling method for an air conditioner characterized by comprising: It is a refrigerant | coolant filling method of the air conditioning apparatus of Claim 4, Comprising:
Rotating the compressor, closing the supply side adjustment unit, adjusting the opening of the filling side adjustment unit, and expelling the refrigerant from the storage unit before filling, and
After expelling the refrigerant from the storage unit, the supply side adjustment unit is opened, the filling side adjustment unit is closed, and the second switching unit is switched to transfer the filling container from the first switching unit to the storage unit. A filling step of connecting the refrigerant into the filling container from the supply section;
After charging the refrigerant, closing the supply side adjusting unit and adjusting the opening of the charging side adjusting unit to expel the refrigerant from the reservoir,
A refrigerant filling method for an air conditioner characterized by comprising: Determining whether or not the amount of the refrigerant charged in the air conditioner is appropriate, and returning to the charging step when the amount of the refrigerant is insufficient;
The refrigerant charging method for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising: It is the starting method of the air conditioning apparatus of Claim 1, Comprising:
A comparison step for comparing whether the temperature of the outdoor air is lower than a predetermined temperature;
When the temperature of the outdoor air is lower than the predetermined temperature, the compressor is driven to rotate, and the supply side adjustment unit that is arranged between an external refrigerant supply source and the supply unit and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant And expelling step of expelling the refrigerant from the storage unit by opening the evaporation side adjustment unit,
When at least one of the superheat degree of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor, the superheat degree of the discharged refrigerant, and the lubricating oil temperature in the compressor during the purge step is included in a predetermined range, A normal operation step of closing the supply side adjustment unit and the evaporation side adjustment unit;
A start method for an air conditioner characterized by comprising: It is the starting method of the air conditioning apparatus of Claim 4, Comprising:
When the refrigerant discharged from the compressor by the first switching unit is led to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor air temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, the charging side adjustment unit is closed. Adjusting the opening of the filling side adjusting unit and switching the second switching unit to connect the filling container to a pipe extending from the first switching unit to the storage unit, A restraining operation step that suppresses the ability;
When the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor becomes higher than a first predetermined value, the filling side adjustment unit is fully opened and the second switching unit is switched to discharge the filling container from the compressor. Determining whether the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is lower than a second predetermined value lower than the first predetermined value, and the pressure of the refrigerant is 2 If the pressure is lower than the predetermined value, a pressure determination step for returning to the suppression operation step;
A start method for an air conditioner characterized by comprising:

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