JP7534643B2 - Air conditioner installation support system, installation support method, and installation support device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an air conditioning device installation support system, an installation support method, and an installation support device.

Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner equipped with a shutoff valve as a safety device. The shutoff valve is provided in the refrigerant piping of the air conditioner. If refrigerant leaks in the target space, the shutoff valve closes. Such a safety device can prevent refrigerant from leaking from the target space.

JP 2017-9267 A

Whether or not to install a safety device for the target space can be determined based on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning system and the volume of the target space. This is because the higher the concentration of refrigerant that leaks into the target space, the greater the need for a safety device. However, leaked refrigerant may spread not only to the target space, but also to other spaces adjacent to the target space. In such a situation, it is necessary to identify the actual volume of the space into which the refrigerant may leak, making it difficult to determine whether or not a safety device is necessary.

The air conditioner installation support system according to the first aspect includes a control unit (130, C8). The control unit (130, C8) acquires information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first room (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, and information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1). The control unit (130, C8) executes a first process of acquiring judgment information for specifying whether to set only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va or to set the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va. The control unit (130, C8) executes a second process of determining whether to provide a safety device (5) for preventing leakage of refrigerant based on the effective volume Va determined based on the judgment information and information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10).

According to the first aspect, in the first process, the control unit (130, C8) acquires determination information for specifying whether to determine the effective volume Va as only the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1), which is the target space (S), or to determine the sum of the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) and the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2). In the second process, the control unit (130, C8) automatically determines whether or not a safety device (5) is required, based on the effective volume Va determined based on the determination information and the amount of refrigerant used M.

In the second aspect, in the first aspect, the control unit (130, C8) displays inquiry information for prompting a person to input the judgment information before the first process.

According to the second aspect, the control unit (130, C8) can display the inquiry information to prompt the person to input judgment information.

In the third aspect, in the second aspect, the control unit (130, C8) executes a third process prior to the first process to determine whether or not there is an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) based on layout information of the building, and when it is determined in the third process that there is an opening (O), the control unit displays the inquiry information.

According to the third aspect, when it is determined in the third process that there is an opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2), the control unit (130, C8) displays inquiry information. In response to this inquiry information, a person inputs judgment information. In the second process, the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va based on this judgment information and determines whether or not a safety device (5) is required.

According to the fourth aspect, in the second aspect, the control unit (130, C8) executes a fourth process prior to the first process, in which the control unit (130, C8) determines whether or not to provide a safety device (5) for preventing leakage of refrigerant, based on information related to the amount of refrigerant used M of the air conditioning device (10) and information related to the first volume V1. When it is determined in the fourth process that the safety device (5) is necessary, the control unit (130, C8) displays the inquiry information. According to the fourth aspect, when it is determined in the fourth process that the safety device (5) is necessary based on the amount of refrigerant used M and the first volume V1, the control unit (130, C8) displays the inquiry information. In response to the inquiry information, a person inputs judgment information. In the second process, the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va based on the judgment information, and determines whether or not the safety device (5) is necessary.

In the fifth aspect, in the second aspect, the control unit (130, C8) executes a third process of determining whether or not there is an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) based on building layout information before the first process. The control unit (130, C8) executes a fourth process of determining whether or not to provide a safety device (5) for preventing refrigerant leakage based on information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10) and information on the first volume V1. When it is determined in the third process that there is the opening (O) and when it is determined in the fourth process that the safety device (5) is necessary, the control unit (130, C8) displays the inquiry information.

According to the fifth aspect, when it is determined in the third process that there is an opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2) and when it is determined in the fourth process that a safety device (5) is needed based on the amount of refrigerant used M and the first volume V1, the control unit (130, C8) displays inquiry information. In response to this inquiry information, a person inputs judgment information. In the second process, the control unit (130, C8) determines the effective volume Va based on this judgment information and judges whether or not a safety device (5) is needed.

The sixth aspect is any one of the second to fifth aspects, in which the control unit (130, C8) displays information about an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) when displaying the inquiry information.

In the sixth aspect, a person can know information about the opening (O) together with the inquiry information through the display unit (112). This makes it easier for a person to determine whether or not to add the second volume V2 to the first volume V1 based on the information about the opening (O).

The seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the control unit (130, C8) acquires information about the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on the height from the floor surface (F) of the first room (R1) to the air conditioning device (10).

According to the seventh aspect, the range from the air conditioning device (10) to the floor surface (F) can be regarded as the height at which the refrigerant leaks, and the control unit (130, C8) acquires information on the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on this height.

The method for supporting installation of an air conditioner (10) according to the eighth aspect includes the following steps: A step of acquiring information on the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioner (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first room (R1) forming a target space (S) to be air-conditioned, and information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1); A step of acquiring judgment information specifying whether only the first volume V1 is to be the effective volume Va, or whether the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is to be the effective volume Va; A step of determining whether to provide a safety device (5) for preventing leakage of refrigerant, based on the effective volume Va determined based on the judgment information and information on the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioner (10).

The installation support device for an air conditioner (10) according to a ninth aspect includes a control unit (130, C8). The control unit (130, C8) acquires information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first room (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, and information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1). The control unit (130, C8) executes a first process of acquiring judgment information for specifying whether to set only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va or to set the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va. The control unit (130, C8) executes a second process of determining whether to provide a safety device (5) for preventing leakage of refrigerant based on the effective volume Va determined based on the judgment information and information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10).

FIG. 1 is a schematic piping diagram of an air-conditioning apparatus in which an installation assistance system according to an embodiment is used. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning device and the safety device. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the safety device. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the installation support system. FIG. 6 shows an example of data acquired by the information acquisition unit. FIG. 7 is a perspective view that illustrates a target space in which the installation assistance system is used. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a terminal device and its display screen. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server control unit or the installation support method. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device. FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 according to the first modified example. FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 according to the second modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 according to the third modified example. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an installation support system according to the fourth modification.

<<Embodiment>>
Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.

(1) Overview of the Installation Assistance System The installation assistance system (70) of the present disclosure is a system that assists in determining whether or not to provide an air conditioning apparatus (10) with a safety device (5). The safety device (5) is provided in a target space (S) that is at high risk of danger due to refrigerant leakage. The safety device (5) includes a refrigerant sensor (45) for detecting refrigerant leakage, and a countermeasure device that takes measures against refrigerant leakage based on a detection signal of the refrigerant sensor (45). The countermeasure device includes at least one of a shutoff device (50), a ventilation device (55), and an alarm device (60).

(2) Overall Configuration of the Air Conditioning Apparatus The air conditioning apparatus (10) that is the subject of judgment by the installation support system (70) will be described. The air conditioning apparatus (10) described below is provided with a safety device (5) based on the judgment results of the installation support system (70), the details of which will be described later. Fig. 1 is a piping diagram of the air conditioning apparatus (10). Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the basic elements of the air conditioning apparatus (10). In Fig. 2, the second utilization unit (30B) is omitted from the illustration.

The air conditioner (10) adjusts the temperature of air in a target space (S) to be air-conditioned. In this example, the target space (S) is an indoor space such as a building. The air conditioner (10) cools and heats the target space (S). The air conditioner (10) is a multi-type having multiple utilization units (30). The air conditioner (10) has a heat source unit (20), multiple utilization units (30), a connecting pipe (12), and an air conditioning control unit (AC). The multiple utilization units (30) and the heat source unit (20) are connected to each other via the connecting pipe (12). This connection forms a refrigerant circuit (11), which is a closed circuit.

(2-1) Refrigerant Circuit The refrigerant circuit (11) includes a heat source circuit (20a) provided in the heat source unit (20) and a utilization circuit (30a) provided in each utilization unit (30).

The refrigerant circuit (11) is filled with a slightly flammable refrigerant. In this example, the slightly flammable refrigerant is R32 (difluoromethane). R32 has a relatively low GWP (Global Warming Potential), but is slightly flammable. For this reason, if the refrigerant leaks into the target space (S) and the refrigerant concentration in the target space (S) increases, the refrigerant may burn. The density of the refrigerant is greater than the density of air. Therefore, if the refrigerant leaks into the target space (S), the refrigerant flows to the lower part of the target space (S).

(2-2) Interconnecting Pipe The interconnecting pipe (12) includes a first interconnecting pipe (13) and a second interconnecting pipe (14).

The first connection pipe (13) is a liquid connection pipe. The first connection pipe (13) includes a first main pipe (13a) and a plurality of first branch pipes (13b) branching off from the first main pipe (13a). One end of the first main pipe (13a) is connected to the heat source circuit (20a) via a first shut-off valve (15), which is a liquid shut-off valve. One end of each of the plurality of first branch pipes (13b) is connected to the first main pipe (13a). The other end of each of the plurality of first branch pipes (13b) is connected to the corresponding utilization circuit (30a).

The second connection pipe (14) is a gas connection pipe. The second connection pipe (14) includes a second main pipe (14a) and a plurality of second branch pipes (14b) branching off from the second main pipe (14a). One end of the second main pipe (14a) is connected to the heat source unit (20) via a second shutoff valve (16) which is a gas shutoff valve. One end of each of the plurality of second branch pipes (14b) is connected to the second main pipe (14a). The other end of each of the plurality of second branch pipes (14b) is connected to a corresponding utilization unit (30).

(2-3) Heat Source Unit The heat source unit (20) is an outdoor unit that is placed outdoors, for example, on the roof of a building or on the ground.

The heat source unit (20) has a compressor (21), a heat source heat exchanger (22), and a heat source fan (23). The heat source unit (20) has a switching mechanism (24) that switches the flow path of the refrigerant, and a heat source expansion valve (25).

The compressor (21) compresses the sucked refrigerant. The compressor (21) discharges the compressed refrigerant. The compressor (21) is a rotary compressor such as a scroll type, a swing piston type, a rolling piston type, or a screw type. The compressor (21) is configured such that the operating frequency (rotation speed) is variable by an inverter device.

The heat source heat exchanger (22) is an outdoor heat exchanger. The heat source heat exchanger (22) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The heat source heat exchanger (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outdoor air.

The heat source fan (23) is disposed outdoors near the heat source heat exchanger (22). In this example, the heat source fan (23) is a propeller fan. The heat source fan (23) transports air passing through the heat source heat exchanger (22).

The switching mechanism (24) changes the flow path of the refrigerant circuit (11) so as to switch between a first refrigeration cycle, which is a cooling cycle, and a second refrigeration cycle, which is a heating cycle. The switching mechanism (24) is a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism (24) has a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. The first port of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the discharge portion of the compressor (21). The second port of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the suction portion of the compressor (21). The third port of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the second connection pipe (14) via the second stop valve (16). The fourth port of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the gas end of the heat source heat exchanger (22).

The switching mechanism (24) switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state (shown by the solid line in FIG. 1), the switching mechanism (24) connects the first port to the fourth port and connects the second port to the third port. In the second state (shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1), the switching mechanism (24) connects the first port to the third port and connects the second port to the fourth port.

The heat source expansion valve (25) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The heat source expansion valve (25) is an outdoor expansion valve. The heat source expansion valve (25) is disposed between the first stop valve (15) and the heat source heat exchanger (22) in the heat source circuit (20a). The heat source expansion valve (25) is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjustable.

The heat source unit (20) has a first control device (C1) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC).

(2-4) Utilization Unit The utilization units (30) in this example include a first utilization unit (30A) and a second utilization unit (30B). The number of utilization units (30) may be three or more. The first utilization unit (30A) and the second utilization unit (30B) are basically the same in configuration. Hereinafter, for convenience, the first utilization unit (30A) and the second utilization unit (30B) may be simply referred to as utilization units (30).

The utilization unit (30) is an indoor unit that is installed indoors in a building or the like. Here, "indoor" includes the space behind the ceiling panel. In this example, the utilization unit (30) is of a ceiling-mounted type. Here, "ceiling-mounted type" includes a ceiling-suspended type in which the utilization unit (30) is suspended, and a ceiling-embedded type in which the utilization unit (30) is placed in an opening in the ceiling surface.

The utilization unit (30) has a utilization expansion valve (31), a utilization heat exchanger (32), and a utilization fan (33).

The utilization expansion valve (31) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The utilization expansion valve (31) is an indoor expansion valve. The utilization expansion valve (31) is disposed in the liquid-side flow path of the utilization heat exchanger (32) in the utilization circuit (30a). The utilization expansion valve (31) is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjustable.

The utilization heat exchanger (32) is an indoor heat exchanger. The utilization heat exchanger (32) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The utilization heat exchanger (32) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside and the indoor air.

The utilization fan (33) is disposed indoors near the utilization heat exchanger (32). In this example, the utilization fan (33) is a centrifugal fan. The utilization fan (33) transports air passing through the utilization heat exchanger (32).

The utilization unit (30) has a second control device (C2) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The second control device (C2) and the first control device (C1) of each utilization unit (30) are connected to each other via a first communication line (W1). The first communication line (W1) is wired or wireless.

(2-5) Remote Controller The air conditioner (10) has a remote controller (40). In this example, one remote controller (40) is provided for each of the corresponding utilization units (30). The remote controller (40) is a device for operating the air conditioner (10). As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller (40) has a first operation unit (41) and a first display unit (42) as functional units. Note that the term "functional unit" used here or described below includes a functional unit realized only by hardware, a functional unit realized only by software, and a functional unit realized through cooperation between hardware and software.

The first operation unit (41) is a functional unit that enables a person to input various instructions to the air conditioning device (10). The first operation unit (41) includes a switch, a button, or a touch panel.

The first display unit (42) is a functional unit that displays the settings for the air conditioning device (10) and the status of the air conditioning device (10). The first display unit (42) includes a display.

The remote controller (40) has a third control device (C3) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The third control device (C3) and the second control device (C2) are connected to each other via a second communication line (W2). The second communication line (W2) is wired or wireless.

(2-6) Refrigerant Sensor The air conditioning apparatus (10) of the example shown in Fig. 1 has a refrigerant sensor (45). The refrigerant sensor (45) is provided corresponding to the target space (S) for which it has been determined that a safety device (5) is required. In this example, as will be described in detail later, it is assumed that it has been determined that a safety device (5) corresponding to a first target space (S1) is required. In this case, the refrigerant sensor (45) is disposed in the first target space (S1).

The refrigerant sensor (45) is a semiconductor type sensor. The refrigerant sensor (45) outputs a detection signal with a greater intensity (e.g., a current value) as the concentration of the leaked refrigerant increases. The refrigerant sensor (45) is not limited to a semiconductor type, and may be of another type, such as an infrared type.

The refrigerant sensor (45) and the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) are connected to each other by a third communication line (W3). The third communication line (W3) is wired or wireless. The detection signal output from the refrigerant sensor (45) is input to the second control device (C2) via the third communication line (W3).

(2-7) Shutoff Device The air conditioner (10) has a shutoff device (50) as a countermeasure device. The shutoff device (50) is provided corresponding to the target space (S) for which it has been determined that a safety device (5) is required. In this example, the shutoff device (50) is provided corresponding to the first target space (S1) or the first utilization unit (30A). The shutoff device (50) has a first shutoff valve (51) and a second shutoff valve (52).

The first shutoff valve (51) is a liquid-side shutoff valve. In this example, the first shutoff valve (51) is provided in the first branch pipe (13b) that is connected to the first utilization unit (30A). The first shutoff valve (51) is, for example, an on-off valve such as a solenoid valve or a motor-operated valve.

The second shutoff valve (52) is a gas-side shutoff valve. In this example, the second shutoff valve (52) is provided in the second branch pipe (14b) that is connected to the first utilization unit (30A). The second shutoff valve (52) is, for example, an on-off valve such as a solenoid valve or a motor-operated valve.

The cutoff device (50) has a fourth control device (C4) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The fourth control device (C4) and the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) are connected to each other via a fourth communication line (W4). The fourth communication line (W4) is wired or wireless.

(2-8) Ventilation Device The air conditioning apparatus (10) has a ventilation device (55) as a countermeasure device. The ventilation device (55) is provided corresponding to the target space (S) for which it has been determined that a safety device (5) is required. In this example, the ventilation device (55) is provided corresponding to the first target space (S1) or the first utilization unit (30A). The shutoff device (50) has a ventilation fan (56). The ventilation fan (56) exhausts air from the target space (S) to the outside of the room via an exhaust path (not shown).

The ventilation device (55) has a fifth control device (C5) included in the air conditioning control unit (AC). The fifth control device (C5) and the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) are connected to each other via a fifth communication line (W5). The fifth communication line (W5) is wired or wireless.

(2-9) Alarm Device The air conditioner (10) has an alarm device (60) as a countermeasure device. The alarm device (60) is provided corresponding to the target space (S) for which it has been determined that a safety device (5) is necessary. In this example, the alarm device (60) is provided corresponding to the first target space (S1) or the first utilization unit (30A). The alarm device (60) has a light-emitting unit (61) and a sound-generating unit (62) as an alarm or notification unit. The light-emitting unit (61) notifies a person of a refrigerant leakage by light. The light-emitting unit (61) is, for example, an LED. The sound-generating unit (62) notifies a person of a refrigerant leakage by sound. The sound-generating unit (62) is, for example, a speaker.

The alarm device (60) has a sixth control device (C6). The sixth control device (C6) and the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) are connected to each other via a sixth communication line (W6). The sixth communication line (W6) is wired or wireless.

(2-10) Air Conditioning Control Unit The air conditioning control unit (AC) controls the operation of the air conditioner (10). The air conditioning control unit (AC) includes a first control unit (C1), a second control unit (C2), a third control unit (C3), a fourth control unit (C4), a fifth control unit (C5), a sixth control unit (C6), a first communication line (W1), a second communication line (W2), a third communication line (W3), a fourth communication line (W4), a fifth communication line (W5), and a sixth communication line (W6). Each of the first control unit (C1), the second control unit (C2), the third control unit (C3), the fourth control unit (C4), the fifth control unit (C5), and the sixth control unit (C6) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU.

The first control device (C1) is a heat source control unit. The first control device (C1) controls the compressor (21), the heat source expansion valve (25), and the heat source fan (23).

The second control device (C2) is a utilization control unit. The second control device (C2) controls the utilization expansion valve (31) and the utilization fan (33). The second control device (C2) inputs a detection signal of the refrigerant sensor (45). The second control device (C2) determines whether or not a first condition indicating that refrigerant is leaking is satisfied based on the detection signal of the refrigerant sensor (45). When the first condition is satisfied, the second control device (C2) outputs a signal for activating a countermeasure device.

The third control device (C3) outputs instructions based on the input of the first operation unit (41) to the second control device (C2). The third control device (C3) displays predetermined information on the first display unit (42) in response to the input of the first operation unit (41).

The fourth control device (C4) controls the open/close states of the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52). When a signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the fourth control device (C4), the fourth control device (C4) closes the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52).

The fifth control device (C5) controls the ventilation fan (56). When a signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the fifth control device (C5), the fifth control device (C5) operates the ventilation fan (56).

The sixth control device (C6) controls the notification unit. When a signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the sixth control device (C6), the sixth control device (C6) activates the light-emitting unit (61) and the sound-generating unit (62).

As shown in Fig. 3, the air conditioner (10) described above is a single-system device having one refrigerant circuit (11). In a building or the like, an air conditioning system (1) is configured that includes air conditioners (10) of multiple systems. The air conditioning system (1) has multiple air conditioners (10) and a centralized monitoring device (65).

The centralized monitoring device (65) has a second operation unit (66) and a second display unit (67) as functional units.

The second operation unit (66) is a functional unit that allows a person (such as a manager) to input various instructions to each air conditioning device (10). The second operation unit (66) includes a switch, a button, or a touch panel.

The second display unit (67) is a functional unit that displays the settings for each air conditioning unit (10) and the status of each air conditioning unit (10). The second display unit (67) includes a display.

The centralized monitoring device (65) has a seventh control device (C7). The seventh control device (C7) and the air conditioning control units (AC) of each air conditioner (10) are connected to each other via a seventh communication line (W7). The seventh communication line (W7) is wired or wireless.

The seventh control device (C7) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for the CPU to execute.

(4) Operation Operation of the air conditioner (10) will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The air conditioner (10) switches between cooling operation and heating operation. In Fig. 1, the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of refrigerant during heating operation is indicated by dashed arrows.

(4-1) Cooling Operation In cooling operation, the first control device (C1) operates the compressor (21) and the heat source fan (23), sets the switching mechanism (24) to the first state, and fully opens the heat source expansion valve (25). The second control device (C2) operates the utilization fan (33) and adjusts the utilization expansion valve (31) to a predetermined opening. During normal cooling operation, the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52) are open.

During cooling operation, the refrigerant circuit (11) performs a first refrigeration cycle. In the first refrigeration cycle, the heat source heat exchanger (22) functions as a radiator (strictly speaking, a condenser), and the utilization heat exchanger (32) functions as an evaporator.

Specifically, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (21) flows through the heat source heat exchanger (22). In the heat source heat exchanger (22), the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air and condenses. The refrigerant condensed in the heat source heat exchanger (22) flows through the first connecting pipe (13) and is divided into each utilization circuit (30a). In each utilization circuit (30a), the refrigerant is decompressed by the utilization expansion valve (31) and then flows through the utilization heat exchanger (32). In the utilization heat exchanger (32), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated in each utilization heat exchanger (32) is merged in the second connecting pipe (14) and then sucked into the compressor (21).

(4-2) Heating Operation In heating operation, the first control device (C1) operates the compressor (21) and the heat-source fan (23), sets the switching mechanism (24) to the second state, and adjusts the heat-source expansion valve (25) to a predetermined opening. The second control device (C2) operates the utilization fan (33) and adjusts the utilization expansion valve (31) to a predetermined opening. During normal heating operation, the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52) are open.

During heating operation, the refrigerant circuit (11) performs a second refrigeration cycle. In the second refrigeration cycle, the utilization heat exchanger (32) functions as a radiator (strictly speaking, a condenser), and the heat source heat exchanger (22) functions as an evaporator.

Specifically, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (21) flows through the second interconnection pipe (14) and is divided into each utilization circuit (30a). In each utilization circuit (30a), the refrigerant flows through the utilization heat exchanger (32). In the utilization heat exchanger (32), the refrigerant releases heat to the indoor air and condenses. The refrigerant condensed in each utilization heat exchanger (32) is reduced in pressure by each utilization expansion valve (31) and then merges in the first interconnection pipe (13). The refrigerant in the first interconnection pipe (13) is reduced in pressure by the heat source expansion valve (25) and then flows through the heat source heat exchanger (22). In the heat source heat exchanger (22), the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated in the heat source heat exchanger (22) is sucked into the compressor (21).

(5) Operation When Refrigerant Leaks Operation of the air conditioner (10) when refrigerant leaks will be described with reference to FIG.

When refrigerant leaks from the first utilization unit (30A), the leaked refrigerant flows into the first target space (S1). Specifically, because the density of the refrigerant is greater than the density of air, the refrigerant flows downward in the first target space (S1). As a result, the concentration of the refrigerant in the first target space (S1) gradually increases.

In step S11, the refrigerant sensor (45) detects a refrigerant leak. The detection value of the refrigerant sensor (45) is input to the second control device (C2) of the first utilization unit (30A) via the third communication line (W3).

In step S12, the second control device (C2) determines whether a first condition indicating that refrigerant is leaking is satisfied based on the detection signal of the refrigerant sensor (45). The first condition is whether the detection value (e.g., current value) of the refrigerant sensor (45) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When the first condition is satisfied, the second control device (C2) outputs a signal to activate a countermeasure device.

When the signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the countermeasure device, the countermeasure device is activated in step S13. Specifically, when the signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the fourth control device (C4) in step S13, the fourth control device (C4) closes the first shutoff valve (51) and the second shutoff valve (52) of the shutoff device (50). When the signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the fifth control device (C5) in step S13, the fifth control device (C5) operates the ventilation fan (56). When the signal output from the second control device (C2) is input to the sixth control device (C6) in step S13, the sixth control device (C6) activates the alarm unit. More specifically, the sixth control device (C6) generates light from the light-emitting unit (61). In addition, the sixth control device (C6) generates sound such as a warning sound from the sound generating unit (62).

The above operation prevents the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11) of one system of the air conditioning device (10) from leaking into the first target space (S1).

(6) Overview of the Installation Assistance System The installation assistance system (100) is used when designing the installation of the air conditioning device (10). The installation assistance system (100) may also be used when actually installing the air conditioning device (10). Users such as design companies, construction companies, and managers use the installation assistance system (100). Based on the judgment results of the installation assistance system (100), the users determine whether or not to install a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S).

The installation assistance system (100) determines whether or not to install a safety device (5) based on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning apparatus (10) and the effective volume Va of the target space (S). The installation assistance system (100) determines that it is necessary to install a safety device (5) when the ratio M/Va (kg/m ³ ) of the amount of refrigerant used M (kg) to the effective volume Va (m ³ ) is higher than a predetermined value. The ratio M/Va indicates the concentration of refrigerant in the space. Therefore, if the ratio M/Va is high, the risk of refrigerant ignition increases.

The installation support system (100) of this example targets, for example, a first room (R1) shown in FIG. 7. The first room (R1) is a target space (S) for determining whether or not a safety device (5) is to be installed. A utilization unit (30) for conditioning the target space (S) is provided in the first room (R1). The second room (R2) is a space adjacent to the first room (R1) across a wall (W). The first room (R1) and the second room (R2) are connected through an opening (O) formed in the wall (W).

The opening (O) includes the door passage connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2), the gap between the partition separating the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) and the floor (F), and the ventilation hole connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2).

When the target space (S) is connected to an adjacent space through an opening (O), it is necessary to determine whether the volume of this space is included in the effective volume Va. Therefore, the installation support system (100) of this embodiment determines the effective volume Va based on the acquired determination information. Here, the determination information is information that specifies whether the effective volume Va should be the volume of only the target space (S) or the sum of the volume of the target space (S) and the volume of the space adjacent to the target space (S).

As shown in FIG. 5, the installation support system (100) includes a terminal device (110), a data providing device (180), and a server device (120). The terminal device (110), the data providing device (180), and the server device (120) are connected to each other via a communication line (101) such as the Internet.

(6-1) Terminal Device The terminal device (110) is an input unit into which a user inputs judgment information. The terminal device (110) is a terminal used by a user, such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a mobile phone terminal. The terminal device (110) has a third operation unit (111) and a third display unit (112) as functional units.

The third operation unit (111) is a functional unit for allowing the user to input necessary information. The third operation unit (111) includes a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, or a touch panel.

The third display unit (112) corresponds to the display unit of the present disclosure. The third display unit (112) is a functional unit that displays an application for installation assistance. The third display unit includes a display.

The terminal device (110) includes an eighth control device (C8). The eighth control device (C8) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for the CPU to execute.

As shown in FIG. 8, the third display unit (112) displays inquiry information to prompt the user to input judgment information. In addition, the third display unit (112) displays information about the opening (O) to assist the user in making a judgment. These will be described in detail later.

(6-2) Data Providing Device The data providing device (180) includes a storage unit (181) and a ninth control device (C9).

The memory unit (181) includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory unit (181) stores layout information of the building in which the installation assistance system (100) is used. Strictly speaking, the memory unit (181) stores three-dimensional data of the building. The layout information of the three-dimensional data includes information on the first volume V1 of the first room (R1), information on the second volume V2 of the second room (R2), and information on the opening (O), as shown in FIG. 6. The layout information includes information on which rooms are adjacent to each other and whether or not there is an opening between adjacent rooms. The layout information includes the floor area F1 of the first room (R1), the floor area F2 of the second room, the effective height Ho, the width Wo of the opening, the height Ho of the opening (O), and the height positions h1 and h2 of the opening (O). These will be described in detail later.

The ninth control device (C9) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for the CPU to execute.

(6-3) Overall Configuration of the Server Device The server device (120) has a server control unit (130). The server control unit (130) corresponds to the control unit of the present disclosure. The server control unit (130) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU. The memory stores a program for assisting in the installation of the air conditioning device (10).

As shown in FIG. 5, the server control unit (130) has, as functional units, a program transmission unit (131), an information acquisition unit (140), an information output unit (150), a safety measure determination unit (160), and a determination result output unit (170).

The program transmission unit (131) transmits an input program to the terminal device (110) in response to an access from the terminal device (110) to the server device (120). The terminal device (110) executes an installation support application in accordance with the received program. The user manually inputs the above-mentioned input data into the application using the third operation unit (111).

(6-4) Overall Configuration of the Information Acquisition Unit The information acquisition unit (140) acquires information for determining whether or not to install a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S). The information acquisition unit (140) in this example acquires various pieces of information shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 5, the information acquisition unit (140) has, as functional units, a refrigerant information acquisition unit (141), a volume information acquisition unit (142), an opening information acquisition unit (143), and a determination information acquisition unit (144).

(6-5) Refrigerant Information Acquisition Unit The refrigerant information acquisition unit (141) acquires information related to the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10). The information related to the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10) is the total amount of refrigerant (kg) filled in the refrigerant circuit (11) of the air conditioner (10) corresponding to the target space (S). In other words, the amount of refrigerant is the amount of refrigerant that would leak into the target space (S) if all of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11) leaked into the target space (S).

In this example, the user inputs information regarding the amount of refrigerant used M to the terminal device (110). When the information regarding the amount of refrigerant used M is output from the terminal device (110) to the server control unit (130), the information acquisition unit (140) acquires this information. The information regarding the amount of refrigerant used M may be output from the data providing device (180) or another device.

The volume information acquisition unit (142) acquires information on the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) and information on the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2). This information is output from the data providing device (180).

The information on the first volume V1 of the first chamber (R1) includes the floor area F1 and the effective height Ha of the first chamber (R1). The information on the second volume V2 of the second chamber (R2) includes the floor area F2 and the effective height Ha of the second chamber (R2). The volume information acquisition unit (142) of this example multiplies the floor area F1 and the effective height Ha of the first chamber (R1) to acquire the first volume V1 (m ³ ). The first volume V1 of this example is not the actual volume of the first chamber (R1). Note that the data providing device (180) may output the first volume V1 and the second volume V2, and the volume information acquisition unit (142) may directly acquire the first volume V1 and the second volume V2.

In this example, the effective height Ha is the vertical distance from the floor surface (F) of the first room (R1) to the utilization unit (30) of the air conditioner (10). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the utilization unit (30) is embedded in the ceiling, the effective height Ha essentially corresponds to the height of the ceiling surface (Cp).

(6-7) Opening Information Acquisition Unit The opening information acquisition unit (143) acquires information about the opening (O). This information is output from the data provision device (180). The information about the opening (O) includes the dimensions of the opening (O), the height position of the opening (O), the type of the opening (O), and the effective area A of the opening (O).

The dimensions of the opening (O) include the width Wo of the opening (O) and the height Ho of the opening (O).

The height position of the opening (O) includes the height position h1 of the upper end (upper edge) of the opening (O) and the position h2 of the lower end (lower edge) of the opening (O). The height position h1 is the vertical distance from the floor surface (F) to the upper end of the opening (O). The height position h2 is the vertical distance from the floor surface (F) to the lower end of the opening (O). If the opening (O) extends to the floor surface (F), the height position h2 is zero.

The type of opening (O) includes information on whether the opening (O) is on a person's path. For example, people can pass through an opening (O) in a door, but people cannot pass through a gap under a partition or an air vent. Therefore, if the opening (O) is a door opening, the type of the opening (O) is "on a person's path." If the opening (O) is a gap in a partition or an air vent, the type of the opening (O) is "not on a person's path."

The effective area A of the opening (O) is the opening area calculated from the dimensions of the opening (O). The effective area A does not necessarily have to be the actual area of the opening (O), and may be the area of only the opening (O) through which the refrigerant flows easily. Specifically, the area of the opening (O) lower than a predetermined reference height position may be set as the effective area A, and the opening (O) higher than the reference height position may be excluded from the calculation of the effective area A. Alternatively, the area of the opening (O) along the floor surface (F) may be set as the effective area A, and the opening (O) that is a predetermined height away from the floor surface (F) may be excluded from the calculation of the effective area A.

When there are two or more openings (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2), the data providing device (180) outputs the above information for each of the multiple openings (O). The opening information acquisition unit (143) acquires the above information for each of the multiple openings (O). The opening information acquisition unit (143) may acquire the total area of the multiple openings (O) as the effective area A.

(6-8) Determination Information Acquisition Unit The determination information acquisition unit (144) acquires determination information. The determination information is information for specifying whether only the first volume V1 is to be the effective volume Va, or whether the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is to be the effective volume Va. In this example, the user inputs the determination information to the terminal device (110). The determination information input to the terminal device (110) is output from the terminal device (110) to the server device (120).

(6-9) Information Output Unit The information output unit (150) has, as its functional units, an inquiry information output unit (151) and an opening information output unit (152). The inquiry information output unit (151) outputs information related to the inquiry to the terminal device (110) before the information acquisition unit (140) acquires the determination information. The opening information output unit (152) outputs information related to the opening (O) to the terminal device (110) before the information acquisition unit (140) acquires the determination information.

(6-10) Safety measures determination unit The safety measures determination unit (160) determines whether or not a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is necessary based on the amount of refrigerant used M acquired by the information acquisition unit (140) and the effective volume Va determined based on the determination information. Specifically, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines the volume specified by the determination information as the effective volume Va. The safety measures determination unit (160) divides the amount of refrigerant used M by the effective volume Va to obtain the ratio M/Va. If the ratio M/Va is equal to or greater than a predetermined first reference value B1, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that the safety device (5) is necessary. If the ratio M/Va is less than the predetermined first reference value B1, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that the safety device (5) is unnecessary.

(6-11) Judgment Result Output Unit The judgment result output unit (170) outputs data on the judgment result obtained by the safety measure judgment unit (160) to the terminal device (110) via the communication line (101). When the terminal device (110) receives this data, the judgment result is displayed on the third display unit (112). If the server device (120) judges that the safety device (5) is necessary, information indicating that the safety device (5) is necessary is displayed on the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110). If the server device (120) judges that the safety device (5) is not necessary, information indicating that the safety device (5) is not necessary is displayed on the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110). This information includes characters, symbols, icons, figures, etc.

(7) Display Screen of Third Display Unit As shown in Fig. 8, the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays inquiry information for prompting a person (user) to input judgment information. The inquiry information is information for inquiring of the user as to whether to set only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va, or to set the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va. The inquiry information may be information that prompts the user to input judgment information. The inquiry information includes characters, symbols, icons, figures, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 8, the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) of this example displays information (I2) about the opening (O) along with the inquiry information (I1). As shown in FIG. 6, the information (I1) about the opening (O) includes the dimensions of the opening (O), the height position of the opening, the type of the opening (O) (whether or not it has a conductor), and the effective area A of the opening (O). When there are multiple openings, the third display unit (112) displays this information for each of the multiple openings (O). The third display unit (112) may display the total area of the multiple openings (O) as the effective area A.

The user checks this information (I1, I2) and inputs the judgment information into the terminal device (110) using the third operation unit (111).

Specifically, in the example of FIG. 8, the inquiry information (I1) displays the question, "Do you want to add up the first volume of the first chamber and the second volume of the second chamber?" The user checks the information about the opening (O) and determines whether or not the second volume V2 should be added to the first volume V1. More specifically, the user determines whether or not the leaked refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) will diffuse into the second chamber (R2) through the opening (O) based on the information about the opening (O).

For example, if the effective area A of the opening (O) is large, the height position of the opening (O) is relatively low, or the opening (O) is near the floor surface (F), the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) will easily flow through the opening (O) to the second chamber (R2). Also, if the opening (O) is on a conductor, the opening (O) is unlikely to be blocked by an object installed on the floor surface (F), so the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) will easily flow through the opening (O) to the second chamber (R2). Therefore, if the information on the opening (O) shows such a tendency, the user selects "YES" on the terminal device (110). In this case, the determination information that "the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is the effective volume Va" is output from the terminal device (110) to the server device (120).

For example, if the effective area A of the opening (O) is small, if the height position of the opening (O) is relatively high, or if the opening (O) is not near the floor surface (F), the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) does not easily flow through the opening (O) to the second chamber (R2). Also, if the opening (O) is not on the conductor line, the opening (O) may be blocked by an object installed on the floor surface (F), and the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) does not easily flow through the opening (O) to the second chamber (R2). Therefore, if the information on the opening (O) shows such a tendency, the user selects "NO" on the terminal device (110). In this case, the determination information that "the first volume V1 is set as the effective volume Va" is output from the terminal device (110) to the server device (120).

In this example, the inquiry information (I1) and the information (I2) regarding the opening (O) are displayed on the same screen. However, both pieces of information (I1, I2) may be displayed at different times or on different screens. The third display unit (112) may display the information (I2) regarding the opening (O) in synchronization with the display of the inquiry information (I1).

(8) Installation Support Method The installation support method by the installation support system (100) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows the main operations of the server device (120), and Figure 10 shows the main operations of the terminal device (110).

In step S21, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information on the first volume V1, the second volume V2, and the opening (O) based on the building layout information output from the data provision device (180). In this example, in step S22, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information on the amount of refrigerant used M output from the terminal device (110). In step S23, the information output unit (150) outputs information related to the inquiry to the terminal device (110). In step S24, the information output unit (150) outputs information related to the opening (O).

When the terminal device (110) acquires the information regarding the inquiry and the information regarding the opening (O), in step S31 of FIG. 10, the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays the information regarding the inquiry. In step S32, the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays the information regarding the opening (O). The user checks the inquiry information (I1) and the information (I2) regarding the opening (O) on the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) (see FIG. 8). The user determines the judgment information based on the information regarding the opening (O). In step S33, the judgment information determined by the user is input to the terminal device (110). In step S34, the terminal device (110) outputs the input judgment information to the server control unit (130).

When the judgment information is output from the terminal device (110), in step S25 of FIG. 9, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires the judgment information from the terminal device (110).

In step S26, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines whether M/Va is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1. Here, if the determination information is "only the first volume V1 is set as the effective volume Va," the safety measures determination unit (160) determines M/Va by setting the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va. If the determination information is "the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is set as the effective volume Va," the safety measures determination unit (160) determines M/Va by setting the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va.

If M/Va is equal to or greater than the first reference value B1 (YES in step S26), then in step S27 the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is required. If M/Va is less than the first reference value B1 (NO in step S26), then in step S28 the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is not required.

In step S29, the judgment result output unit (170) outputs the judgment result obtained by the safety measure judgment unit (160) to the terminal device (110). The third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays this judgment result. Based on this judgment result, the user can know whether or not a safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S) is necessary. If it is determined that a safety device (5) is necessary, the user installs the safety device (5) corresponding to the target space (S).

(9) Program for Supporting Installation of Air Conditioner The program stored in the server control unit (130) causes a computer to execute the following steps.

Information regarding the amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10), information regarding a first volume V1 corresponding to a first chamber (R1) forming the target space (S) to be air-conditioned, and information regarding a second volume V2 corresponding to the second chamber (R2) adjacent to the first chamber (R1) are obtained. Judgment information is obtained that specifies whether only the first volume V1 is to be the effective volume Va or whether the sum of the first volume and the second volume is to be the effective volume Va. Based on the effective volume Va determined based on the judgment information and the information regarding the amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10), it is determined whether to provide a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage.

The program stored in the server control unit (130) causes the computer to execute the steps (S21 to S29) of the installation support method shown in FIG. 9.

(10) Features (10-1)
A server control unit (130) of an installation support system (100) for an air conditioner (10) acquires information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first room (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, and information on a second volume V2 corresponding to the second room (R2) adjacent to the first room (R1). The server control unit (130) executes a first process (step S25) for acquiring judgment information for specifying whether to set only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va or to set the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 as the effective volume Va. The server control unit (130) executes a second process (steps S26 to S28) for determining whether to provide a safety device (5) for preventing leakage of refrigerant, based on the effective volume Va determined based on the judgment information and information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10).

This allows the user to easily know the result of the determination as to whether or not the safety device (5) is necessary. This determination also takes into consideration whether or not the leaked refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) will diffuse to the second chamber (R2). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the safety device (5) from being determined to be unnecessary even when the refrigerant is unlikely to diffuse. Alternatively, it is possible to prevent the safety device (5) from being determined to be necessary even when the refrigerant is likely to diffuse.

(10-2)
The server control unit (130) displays inquiry information for prompting the user to input judgment information on the third display unit (112) before the first process (see FIG. 8). This inquiry information can prompt the user to input judgment information.

(10-3)
When displaying the inquiry information, the server control unit (130) displays information about the opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2) on the third display unit (112) (see FIG. 8 ). Therefore, the user can easily determine whether or not to add up the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on the information about the opening (O).

(10-4)
The server control unit (130) acquires information about the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on the height from the floor surface (F) of the first room (R1) to the air conditioner (10).

When refrigerant leaks from the air conditioning unit (10), the range of heights at which the refrigerant may exist is the height from the floor surface (F) to the air conditioning unit (10). By calculating the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 from this height and the floor area, the volume of the space from which the refrigerant may leak can be calculated with high accuracy.

(10-5)
The installation support system (100) automatically obtains information regarding the first volume V1, the second volume V2, and the opening (O) based on the layout information of the building. Since the user does not need to input this information appropriately, it is easy to determine whether or not the safety device (5) is required.

(11) Modifications The above embodiment may be modified as follows. The following describes the differences from the embodiment.

(11-1) Modification 1
The installation support system (100) according to the first modification queries the user for judgment information when it is determined that there is an opening (O). Before the first process, the server control unit (130) executes a third process for determining whether or not there is an opening (O) based on layout information of the building. When it is determined in the third process that there is an opening (O), the query information is displayed. The operation of the installation support system (100) according to the first modification will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 11.

In step S21, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information about the first volume V1, the second volume V2, and the opening (O) based on the layout information of the building. In step S22, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information about the amount of refrigerant used M.

In step S41, the server control unit (130) determines whether or not there is an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) based on the building layout information.

When it is determined that there is an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) (YES in step S41), the server control unit (130) outputs information regarding the inquiry and information regarding the opening (O) to the terminal device (110) (steps S23, S24).

Next, in step S31 of FIG. 10, the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays information related to the inquiry. In step S32, the third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays information related to the opening (O). In step S33, judgment information determined by the user is input to the terminal device (110). In step S34, the terminal device (110) outputs the input judgment information to the server control unit (130).

Next, in step S25, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires the judgment information from the terminal device (110). The subsequent operations are the same as those in the embodiment (steps S26 to S29).

If it is determined in step S41 that there is no opening (O) connecting the first chamber (R1) and the second chamber (R2) (NO in step S41), the server control unit (130) sets only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va. In this case, the effective volume Va is determined to be the first volume V1 without being based on the user's judgment information. This is because if there is no opening (O), there is almost no possibility that the refrigerant in the first chamber (R1) will diffuse into the second chamber (R2), and therefore no judgment information from the user is required. The subsequent operations are the same as in the embodiment (steps S26 to S29).

The server control unit (130) of the first modification executes a third process (step S41) before the first process (step S25) to determine whether or not there is an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) based on the layout information of the building. If it is determined in the third process that there is an opening (O), the server control unit (130) causes the third display unit (112) to display inquiry information.

According to the first modification, if the server control unit (130) determines that there is no opening (O), the third display unit (112) does not display the inquiry information and does not confirm the determination information. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the safety device (5) is necessary without the user's determination information.

When the server control unit (130) determines that an opening (O) is present, it can determine whether or not a safety device (5) is required based on the user's judgment information, in the same manner as in the embodiment.

(11-2) Modification 2
The installation assistance system (100) according to the second modification first determines whether or not a safety device (5) is required, using only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va. If it is determined that the safety device (5) is required, the installation assistance system (100) queries the user for judgment information. In other words, before the first process, the server control unit (130) executes a fourth process for determining whether or not a safety device (5) is provided to prevent refrigerant leakage, based on information related to the amount of refrigerant used M of the air conditioning device (10) and information related to the first volume V1. If it is determined that the safety device (5) is required in the fourth process, the third display unit (112) displays the inquiry information. The operation of the installation assistance system (100) according to the second modification will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12.

In step S21, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information about the first volume V1, the second volume V2, and the opening (O) based on the layout information of the building. In step S22, the information acquisition unit (140) acquires information about the amount of refrigerant used M.

In step S50, the safety measures determination unit (160) of the server control unit (130) determines only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va. In step S51, the safety measures determination unit (160) compares M/Va with the first reference value M1. Here, Va=V1. If M/Va is equal to or greater than the first reference value M1 (YES in step S51), in step S52, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that the safety device (5) is required. If M/Va is less than the first reference value M1 (NO in step S51), the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that the safety device (5) is not required (step S53).

When it is determined that the safety device (5) is unnecessary by considering only the first volume V1, even if the combined value of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is the effective volume Va, it is determined that the safety device (5) is unnecessary. This is because in this case, the effective volume Va becomes large and the ratio M/Va becomes small. Therefore, when it is determined in step S53 that the safety device (5) is unnecessary, the installation support system (100) does not inquire of the user for judgment information. In this case, in step S29, the server control unit (130) outputs the judgment result that "the safety device (5) is unnecessary" to the terminal device (110).

If it is determined in step S52 that the safety device (5) is necessary, step S23 is executed. The subsequent flow is the same as in the embodiment.

The server control unit (130) of the second modified example executes a fourth process (steps S50 to S53) before the first process (step S25) to determine whether or not to provide a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage, based on information related to the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioning device (10) and information related to the first volume V1. If it is determined in the fourth process that the safety device (5) is necessary, the server control unit (130) causes the third display unit (112) to display inquiry information.

According to the second modification, when it is determined that the safety device (5) is not required with only the first volume Va as the effective volume Va, the third display unit (112) does not display the inquiry information and does not confirm the judgment information. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the safety device (5) is required without the user's judgment information.

If it is determined that the safety device (5) is not required with only the first volume Va as the effective volume Va, then similarly to the embodiment, whether or not the safety device (5) is required is re-determined based on the user's judgment information. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the safety device (5) is required while taking into account the diffusion of the refrigerant.

(11-3) Modification 3
The installation support system (100) according to the modified example 3 performs a combination of the determination according to the modified example 1 and the determination according to the modified example 2. The operation of the installation support system (100) according to the modified example 3 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 13. Note that the installation support system (100) of this example performs the determination according to the third process according to the modified example 1 after the determination according to the fourth process according to the modified example 2.

After steps S21 and S22, in step S50, the server control unit (130) sets only the first volume V1 as the effective volume Va. In step S51, the safety measures determination unit (160) compares M/Va with the first reference value M1. Here, Va=V1. If M/Va is equal to or greater than the first reference value M1 (YES in step S51), in step S52, the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that the safety device (5) is required. If M/Va is less than the first reference value M1 (NO in step S51), the safety measures determination unit (160) determines that the safety device (5) is not required (step S53).

If it is determined in step S53 that the safety device (5) is not required, the installation support system (100) does not inquire of the user for the determination information, as in the second modification. In this case, in step S29, the server control unit (130) outputs the determination result that "the safety device (5) is not required" to the terminal device (110).

If it is determined in step S52 that the safety device (5) is required, then in step S41, the server control unit (130) determines whether or not there is an opening (O) based on the layout information of the building. If it is determined that there is no opening (O) (YES in step S41), then in step S42, the server control unit (130) sets the first volume V1 to the effective volume Va. In this case, the installation support system (100) does not query the user for judgment information. Next, in steps S26 to S29, the same operations as in the embodiment are performed.

When it is determined in step S41 that an opening (O) exists, the server control unit (130) outputs information related to the inquiry and information related to the opening (O) to the terminal device (110) (steps S23 and S24). The subsequent operations are the same as those in the embodiment.

The server control unit (130) of the third modification executes a third process (step 41) to determine whether or not there is an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) based on the layout information of the building before the first process. The server control unit (130) executes a fourth process (steps S50 to S53) to determine whether or not to provide a safety device (5) to prevent leakage of refrigerant based on information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10) and information on the first volume V1. When it is determined in the third process that there is an opening (O) and the fourth process that the safety device (5) is required, the server control unit (130) causes the third display unit (112) to display inquiry information.

According to the third modification, when it is determined that the safety device (5) is not required based on the first volume V1 or when it is determined that there is no opening (O), it is possible to easily determine whether or not the safety device (5) is required without querying the user for determination information.

(11-4) Modification 4
In the fourth modification shown in Fig. 14, basic elements of the server control unit (130) of the embodiment are provided in an eighth control device (C8) of the terminal device (110). However, the eighth control device (C8) does not have the program transmission unit (131), the information output unit (150), or the determination result output unit (170) of the embodiment. The terminal device (110) of the fourth modification corresponds to the installation support device of the air conditioning device (10). The eighth control device (C8) corresponds to the control unit of the present disclosure.

The terminal device (110) is connected to the data providing device (180) via the communication line (101). The information acquiring unit (140) of the terminal device (110) acquires information on the first volume V1, the second volume V2, and the opening (O) based on the building layout information output from the data providing device (180). The information acquiring unit (140) acquires information on the amount of refrigerant used M input by the user to the terminal device (110).

The third display unit (112) of the terminal device (110) displays inquiry information as in the embodiment. In addition, the third display unit (112) displays information related to the opening (O) as in the embodiment (see FIG. 8). The user inputs judgment information based on the information related to the opening (O) to the terminal device (110). The safety measure judgment unit (160) of the terminal device (110) judges whether or not a safety device (5) is necessary based on this judgment information and information related to the amount of refrigerant used M. The third display unit (112) displays the result of this judgment.

(11-5) Modification 5
In this embodiment, the height from the floor surface (F) to the air conditioner (10) is defined as the effective height Ha. However, the effective height Ha may be the following height.

If the joint of the connecting pipe is located lower than the air conditioning unit (10), the effective height Ha may be the height from the floor surface (F) to the joint. In particular, if the joint is a mechanical joint, it is preferable that the effective height Ha be the height from the floor surface (F) to the joint. This is because mechanical joints have a higher possibility of refrigerant leakage than joints that use fire, such as brazing.

In addition, when the air conditioner (10) is a floor-standing type and has an air outlet at the top of the air conditioner (10), the effective height may be the height from the floor surface (F) to the air outlet. This is because there is a high possibility of refrigerant leaking from the air outlet in a floor-standing air conditioner (10).

(11-6) Modification 6
In the embodiment, the user inputs the determination information for identifying the effective volume Va into the terminal device (110). However, the determination information may be information that is automatically determined by the control unit (130, C8) or another device. For example, the control unit (130, C8) or another device may determine the determination information based on information regarding the opening (O).

(11-7) Variation 7
In the embodiment, the control unit (130, C8) acquires information about the opening (o). However, the control unit (130, C8) may determine whether or not to provide the safety device (5) based on determination information from the terminal device (110) without acquiring information about the opening (o).

Other Embodiments
In the above-described embodiment and its modified examples, the following configurations may be adopted.

1) The air conditioner (10) does not have to be a multi-type, and may be a pair-type having one utilization unit (30) and one heat source unit (20). The air conditioner (10) may have multiple heat source units (20).

2) The refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit (11) may be a refrigerant other than R32. The refrigerant includes refrigerants that fall under Class 3 (highly flammable), Class 2 (lowly flammable), and Subclass 2L (slightly flammable) in the U.S. ASHRAE34 Designation and safety classification of refrigerants standard or the ISO817 Refrigerants- Designation and safety classification standard.

For example, the refrigerant is a single refrigerant consisting of R1234yf, R1234ze(E), R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R32, R447A, R446A, and R459.

Alternatively, the refrigerant is a mixed refrigerant consisting of two or more refrigerants selected from R1234yf, R1234ze(E), R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R32, R447A, R446A, and R459.

3) The switching mechanism (24) does not have to be a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism (24) may be configured by combining four flow paths and on-off valves that open and close these paths, or by combining two three-way valves.

4) The heat source expansion valve (25) and the utilization expansion valve (31) do not have to be electronic expansion valves, and may be temperature-sensing expansion valves or rotary expansion mechanisms.

5) The utilization unit (30) does not have to be ceiling-mounted, but may be wall-mounted or floor-standing.

Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the subject matter of this disclosure is not impaired.

The descriptions "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

As described above, the present disclosure is useful for an installation assistance system, an installation assistance method, and an installation assistance device for an air conditioning device.

R1: First room R2: Second room S: Target space 5: Safety device 10: Air conditioning device 112: Third display unit (display unit)
130 Server control unit (control unit)
C8 Eighth control device (control unit)

Claims (9)

acquiring information on an amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first chamber (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, and information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second chamber (R2) adjacent to the first chamber (R1);
a first process for acquiring determination information for specifying whether only the first volume V1 is set as the effective volume Va or whether the sum of the first volume and the second volume is set as the effective volume Va;
and a control unit (130, C8) that executes a second process of determining whether or not to install a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage, based on the effective volume Va determined based on the judgment information and information related to the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning unit (10). The air-conditioning device installation support system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (130, C8) displays inquiry information for prompting a person to input the determination information before the first process. The control unit (130, C8)
Before the first process, a third process is executed to determine whether or not there is an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) based on layout information of a building;
The air-conditioning apparatus installation support system according to claim 2 , wherein the inquiry information is displayed when it is determined in the third process that the opening (O) is present. The control unit (130, C8)
a fourth process is executed before the first process, in which it is determined whether or not to provide a safety device (5) for preventing leakage of refrigerant, based on information related to the amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10) and information related to the first volume V1;
The air-conditioning device installation support system according to claim 2 , wherein, when it is determined in the fourth process that the safety device (5) is necessary, the inquiry information is displayed. The control unit (130, C8)
a third process is executed before the first process, which determines whether or not there is an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2) based on layout information of a building, and a fourth process is executed, which determines whether or not a safety device (5) for preventing leakage of refrigerant is to be provided based on information on the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10) and information on the first volume V1;
The air-conditioning apparatus installation support system according to claim 2, wherein the inquiry information is displayed when it is determined in the third process that the opening (O) is present and when it is determined in the fourth process that the safety device (5) is necessary. The air-conditioning apparatus installation support system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein when displaying the inquiry information, the control unit (130, C8) displays information relating to an opening (O) connecting the first room (R1) and the second room (R2). The air-conditioning device installation assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit (130, C8) acquires information about the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 based on a height from a floor surface (F) of the first room (R1) to the air-conditioning device (10). acquiring information on an amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first chamber (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, and information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second chamber (R2) adjacent to the first chamber (R1);
acquiring determination information for determining whether only the first volume V1 is set as the effective volume Va or whether the sum of the first volume and the second volume is set as the effective volume Va;
the air conditioner installation support method determining whether or not to install a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage, based on the effective volume Va determined based on the judgment information and information related to the amount of refrigerant used M by the air conditioner (10). acquiring information on an amount M of refrigerant used by the air conditioner (10), information on a first volume V1 corresponding to a first chamber (R1) forming a space (S) to be air-conditioned, and information on a second volume V2 corresponding to a second chamber (R2) adjacent to the first chamber (R1);
A first process for acquiring determination information for specifying whether only the first volume V1 is set as the effective volume Va or whether the sum of the first volume V1 and the second volume V2 is set as the effective volume Va;
and a control unit (130, C8) that executes a second process of determining whether or not to install a safety device (5) to prevent refrigerant leakage, based on the effective volume Va determined based on the judgment information and information related to the amount of refrigerant used by the air conditioning device (10).

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