JP7807633B2 - Shut-off valve device and air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a shut-off valve device and an air conditioner.

Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system that includes an air conditioning unit that has a user-side unit and a heat-source-side unit and conditions the air inside a room, a refrigerant sensor that detects refrigerant leaks, and a safety device that operates when the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leak. This air conditioning system also includes a shut-off valve device as a safety device. The shut-off valve device includes a liquid-side shut-off valve and a gas-side shut-off valve that are respectively provided on the liquid refrigerant communication pipe and the gas refrigerant communication pipe that connect the heat-source-side unit and the user-side unit. When the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leak, the liquid-side shut-off valve and the gas-side shut-off valve are closed, preventing further refrigerant leakage from the user-side unit.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-14961

In the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to place the shutoff valve device as close to the user unit as possible to reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage from the user unit. However, depending on the installation site, it may not be possible to secure sufficient installation space around the user unit, which may limit the installation location of the shutoff valve device to a location far from the user unit.

In light of the above situation, the purpose of this disclosure is to increase the flexibility in installing shut-off valve devices.

(1) The shutoff valve device of the present disclosure is
A shutoff valve device provided in a liquid connection pipe and a gas connection pipe connecting an outdoor unit and an indoor unit of an air conditioner,
a first unit and a second unit separate from the first unit,
the first unit includes a first refrigerant pipe connected to the liquid connection pipe, a first shutoff valve provided in the first refrigerant pipe and configured to switch between flowing and blocking of refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe, and a first casing accommodating the first refrigerant pipe and the first shutoff valve,
The second unit includes a second refrigerant pipe connected to the gas connection pipe, a second shut-off valve provided in the second refrigerant pipe for switching between flowing and blocking the refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe, and a second casing that accommodates the second refrigerant pipe and the second shut-off valve.

With this configuration, the shutoff valve device comprises a first unit and a second unit that is separate from the first unit, and is configured as a separate first and second unit, allowing each unit to be made smaller. This means that the shutoff valve device can be installed in a smaller space than before, such as near the indoor unit, increasing the flexibility in installing the shutoff valve device.

(2) Preferably, the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe are connected to liquid-side and gas-side connection ports of the indoor unit, respectively.
According to this configuration, the first unit and the second unit can be installed close to the indoor unit.

(3) Preferably, the shutoff valve device includes an electrical component box accommodating a control device that controls the first shutoff valve and the second shutoff valve,
The electrical component box is attached to one of the first unit and the second unit.
According to this configuration, since the electrical component box is attached to one of the first and second units, the first unit and the second unit can be installed separately.

(4) Preferably, the electrical component box is attached to the first unit.
With this configuration, the first refrigerant pipe through which the liquid refrigerant flows is thinner and lighter than the second refrigerant pipe through which the gas refrigerant flows, so the first unit including the first refrigerant pipe is lighter than the second unit. By attaching the electrical component box to the lighter first unit, it is possible to prevent the weight difference between the first unit and the second unit from becoming too large.

(5) Preferably, the shut-off valve device includes a first electrical equipment box accommodating a first control device that controls the first shut-off valve, and a second electrical equipment box accommodating a second control device that controls the second shut-off valve, the first electrical equipment box being attached to the first unit, and the second electrical equipment box being attached to the second unit.
According to this configuration, the first and second units are respectively equipped with the first and second electrical component boxes, so that the first and second units can be installed separately.

(6) Preferably, the first unit and the second unit are supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, respectively.
With this configuration, the shutoff valve device is configured as a first unit and a second unit, which allows each unit to be lightweight, and the first and second units can be supported by other refrigerant pipes connected to the first and second refrigerant pipes without having to be supported by being suspended from a ceiling, etc. This simplifies the support structure of the shutoff valve device.

(7) Preferably, the first casing and the second casing have a casing body made of synthetic resin.
According to this configuration, the first unit and the second unit can be made lighter.

(8) Preferably, electrical wiring drawn from the first unit and the second unit is connected to a control device provided in the indoor unit.
With this configuration, the shut-off valve device is divided into a first unit and a second unit, making it easier to install each unit near the indoor unit. This also makes it possible to connect the electrical wiring drawn from the first and second units to the indoor unit's control device, allowing the first and second shut-off valves to be controlled by the indoor unit's control device.

(9) The air conditioner of the present disclosure is
The outdoor unit and
An indoor unit,
a liquid communication pipe and a gas communication pipe that are provided between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and form a refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit;
and the shutoff valve device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, which is provided in the liquid connection pipe and the gas connection pipe.

1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the casing of the shutoff valve device is open. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a valve and a refrigerant pipe of the shutoff valve device. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an installation state of the shutoff valve device. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an electrical component box to a casing. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an electrical component box to a casing. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an electrical component box to a casing. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting an electrical component box to a casing. FIG.

The shutoff valve device and air conditioner of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[Overall configuration of air conditioner]
FIG. 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
The air conditioner 100 cools and heats a space to be air-conditioned by operating a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 110 as a heat source unit, indoor units 120 as utilization units, and a shutoff valve device 71 provided between the outdoor unit 110 and the indoor units 120. In the air conditioner 100 of this embodiment, multiple indoor units 120 are connected to one outdoor unit 110 by a liquid connection pipe 11 and a gas connection pipe 14. The liquid connection pipe 11 and the gas connection pipe 14 are branched into multiple pipes corresponding to the multiple indoor units 120.

The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment can simultaneously perform only cooling operation or only heating operation in multiple indoor units 120. When the air conditioner 100 performs cooling operation, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid connection pipe 11 from the outdoor unit 110 to the indoor unit 120, and low-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the gas connection pipe 14 from the indoor unit 120 to the outdoor unit 110. When the air conditioner 100 performs heating operation, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows through the gas connection pipe 14 from the outdoor unit 110 to the indoor unit 120, and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid connection pipe 11 from the indoor unit 120 to the outdoor unit 110.

The outdoor unit 110 is equipped with a compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, four-way switching valve, etc. that make up the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit within the outdoor unit 110 is connected to the refrigerant circuit of the indoor unit 120 by a liquid connection pipe 11 and a gas connection pipe 14.

The indoor unit 120 is provided with a refrigerant circuit having an indoor heat exchanger 52 and an indoor fan 53. The liquid side end of the indoor heat exchanger 52 is connected to one end of a liquid pipe 54. The gas side end of the indoor heat exchanger 52 is connected to one end of a gas pipe 55. The other ends of the liquid pipe 54 and the gas pipe 55 form a joint (connection port) T3 (see Figure 5) for connecting other pipes. The refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 52 exchanges heat with the airflow generated by the indoor fan 53 and is discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 52. The indoor fan 53 generates an airflow that flows from the indoor space into the indoor unit 120, passes through the indoor heat exchanger 52, and then flows out into the indoor space.

Shut-off valve device 71 is provided in liquid connection pipe 11 and gas connection pipe 14, and constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner 100. Shut-off valve device 71 is provided to prevent further refrigerant leakage by blocking the flow of refrigerant to the indoor unit 120 when an air conditioning leak occurs in the indoor unit 120. A refrigerant sensor (not shown) that detects refrigerant leakage is provided in the indoor unit 120 or the room, and when this refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leak, the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 of the shut-off valve device 71 are configured to close.

The shut-off valve device 71 has a first unit 72 and a second unit 73. The first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are configured separately.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the valve and the refrigerant pipe of the shutoff valve device.
1 and 4, the first unit 72 has a first shutoff valve EV5 and a first refrigerant pipe P11. The first refrigerant pipe P11 is connected to the liquid connection pipe 11. The first refrigerant pipe P11 is connected to the liquid connection pipe 11, thereby constituting a part of the liquid connection pipe 11.

The first shut-off valve EV5 is provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11. The first shut-off valve EV5 is configured as an electric valve or a solenoid valve, and its opening degree is adjustable. However, the first shut-off valve EV5 may also be an on-off valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. In this embodiment, the first shut-off valve EV5 is also used as an expansion valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 52 during cooling operation, and therefore an electric valve with an adjustable opening degree is used.

The second unit 73 has a second shutoff valve EV6 and a second refrigerant pipe P12. The second refrigerant pipe P12 is connected to the gas connection pipe 14. The second refrigerant pipe P12 is connected to the gas connection pipe 14 and thereby forms part of the gas connection pipe 14.

The second shut-off valve EV6 is provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12. The second shut-off valve EV6 is configured as an electric valve or a solenoid valve, and its opening degree is adjustable. However, the second shut-off valve EV6 may also be an on-off valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The second refrigerant pipe P12 has both ends extending in the left-right direction X, and the portion between the ends is bent in a roughly Z-shape. This allows the second refrigerant pipe P12 to be compact while maintaining a sufficient length.

[Air conditioner operation]
Hereinafter, a case where one or more indoor units 120 perform cooling and a case where one or more indoor units 120 perform heating in the air conditioner 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Cooling operation)
In cooling operation, the opening degree of the first shutoff valve EV5 is adjusted and the second shutoff valve EV6 is fully open. In cooling operation, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 110 into the liquid connection pipe 11, passes through the first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72 and the first shutoff valve EV5, and flows into the indoor unit 120. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit 120 is decompressed by the first shutoff valve EV5.

The refrigerant that flows into the indoor unit 120 evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 52, cooling the room. The evaporated low-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the gas pipe 55 through the second refrigerant pipe P12 and second shut-off valve EV6 of the second unit 73, flows into the gas connection pipe 14, and returns to the outdoor unit 110.

(About heating operation)
In heating operation, the first shutoff valve EV5 and the second shutoff valve EV6 are fully open. In heating operation, high-pressure gas refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit 110 into the gas communication pipe 14, flows through the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6 of the second unit 73, and flows into the gas pipe 55 of the indoor unit 120.

The refrigerant that flows into the gas pipe 55 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 52 of the indoor unit 120, where it condenses and heats the room. The condensed liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid pipe 54, the first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72, and the first shut-off valve EV5, flows into the liquid connection pipe 11, and returns to the outdoor unit 110.

[Specific configuration of shut-off valve device]
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the shutoff valve device, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the shutoff valve device with the casing open.
The shutoff valve device 71 has a first unit 72, a second unit 73, and an electrical component box 80. The first unit 72 includes a first shutoff valve EV5, a first refrigerant pipe P11, and a first casing 30 that houses these components. The second unit 73 includes a second shutoff valve EV6, a second refrigerant pipe P12, and a second casing 40 that houses these components.

The first casing 30 has a casing body 31. The casing body 31 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box with an internal space. The first shut-off valve EV5 and the first refrigerant pipe P11 are housed in the casing body 31.

The casing body 31 has a bottom plate 32, a top plate 33, and side plates 34 to 37. The bottom plate 32 and top plate 33 are formed into a rectangular shape in a plan view. The side plates 34 to 37 connect the four sides of the bottom plate 32 to the four sides of the top plate 33. The side plates 34 to 37 include a first side plate 34 and a second side plate 35 arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (first direction) X, a third side plate 36 arranged on the front side in the front-to-back direction Y, and a fourth side plate 37 arranged on the rear side.

The second casing 40 has a casing main body 41. The casing main body 41 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box with an internal space. The second shut-off valve EV6 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 are housed in the casing main body 41.

The casing body 41 has a bottom plate 42, a top plate 43, and side plates 44 to 47. The bottom plate 42 and top plate 43 are formed into a rectangular shape in a plan view. The side plates 44 to 47 connect the four sides of the bottom plate 42 to the four sides of the top plate 43. The side plates 44 to 47 include a first side plate 44 and a second side plate 45 arranged on both sides in the left-right direction (first direction) X, a third side plate 46 arranged on the front side in the front-to-back direction Y, and a fourth side plate 47 arranged on the rear side.

The first refrigerant pipe P11 of the first unit 72 extends in the left-right direction X, penetrating the first and second side plates 34, 35 of the casing main body 31 and protruding to the outside. The second refrigerant pipe P12 of the second unit 73 has both ends extending in the left-right direction X, penetrating the first and second side plates 44, 45 of the casing main body 41 and protruding to the outside.

The casing bodies 31, 41 of the first and second casings 30, 40 are made of synthetic resin and form the exterior of the first and second casings 30, 40. Therefore, the first and second casings 30, 40 are lighter than conventional casings with sheet metal exteriors. Specifically, the casing bodies 31, 41 are made of foamed resin such as expanded polystyrene.

The casing body 31 of the first casing 30 is composed of a lower member 31A and an upper member 31B, and is divided into upper and lower parts. The lower member 31A is composed of a bottom plate 32, portions (first portions) 34A and 35A of the first and second side plates 34 and 35, and third and fourth side plates 36 and 37. The upper member 31B is composed of a top plate 33 and other portions (second portions) 34B and 35B of the first and second side plates 34 and 35. The first and second side plates 34 and 35 are divided into first portions 34A and 35A and second portions 34B and 35B by the portion through which the first refrigerant pipe P11 passes. The third and fourth side plates 36 and 37 may also be divided into the lower member 31A and the upper member 31B.

The casing body 41 of the second casing 40 is composed of a lower member 41A and an upper member 41B, and is divided into upper and lower parts. The lower member 41A is composed of a bottom plate 42, portions (first portions) 44A and 45A of the first and second side plates 44 and 45, and third and fourth side plates 46 and 47. The upper member 41B is composed of a top plate 43 and other portions (second portions) 44B and 45B of the first and second side plates 44 and 45. The first and second side plates 44 and 45 are divided into first portions 44A and 45A and second portions 44B and 45B by the portion through which the second refrigerant pipe P12 passes. The third and fourth side plates 46 and 47 may also be divided into the lower member 41A and the upper member 41B.

The lower members 31A, 41A and the upper members 31B, 41B are held connected by fitting their mating portions together. For example, the upper edges of the lower members 31A, 41A can be formed convexly and the lower edges of the upper members 31B, 41B can be formed concavely, and the upper edges of the lower members 31A, 41A and the lower edges of the upper members 31B, 41B can be connected by fitting the convex and concave portions together. However, the lower members 31A, 41A and the upper members 31B, 41B may also be held connected together using adhesive tape, glue, binders, etc.

In the first unit 72, an elastic member 29 is wrapped around the portion of the first refrigerant pipe P11 that penetrates the first and second side plates 34, 35. This elastic member 29 is made of insulating material and functions to insulate the inside of the casing body 31 from the outside. The elastic member 29 is compressed by being sandwiched between the first portions 34A, 35A and second portions 34B, 35B of the first and second side plates 34, 35. Therefore, the elastic member 29 functions to suppress deformation of the first portions 34A, 35A and second portions 34B, 35B when the first refrigerant pipe P11 is sandwiched between the first portions 34A, 35A and second portions 34B, 35B of the first and second side plates 34, 35, which are made of foamed resin material.

In the second unit 73, an elastic member 29 is wrapped around the portion of the second refrigerant pipe P12 that penetrates the first and second side plates 44, 45. This elastic member 29 is made of insulating material and functions to insulate the inside of the casing body 31 from the outside. The elastic member 29 is compressed by being sandwiched between the first portions 44A, 45A and second portions 44B, 45B of the first and second side plates 44, 45. Therefore, the elastic member 29 functions to suppress deformation of the first portions 44A, 45A and second portions 44B, 45B when the second refrigerant pipe P12 is sandwiched between the first portions 44A, 45A and second portions 44B, 45B of the first and second side plates 44, 45, which are made of foamed resin material.

The shutoff valve device 71 of this embodiment includes a first unit 72 and a second unit 73 that is separate from the first unit 72. The first unit 72 includes a first refrigerant pipe P11 connected to the liquid connection pipe 11, a first shutoff valve EV5 provided on the first refrigerant pipe P11, and a first casing 30 that houses the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the first shutoff valve EV5. The second unit 73 includes a second refrigerant pipe P12 connected to the gas connection pipe 14, a second shutoff valve EV6 provided on the second refrigerant pipe P12, and a second casing 40 that houses the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6. By dividing the shutoff valve device 71 into the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, the size of each unit 72, 73 can be reduced. This increases the flexibility in installing the shutoff valve device 71, allowing it to be installed in smaller spaces than before.

In this embodiment, the shutoff valve device 71 has casing bodies 31, 41 separated into lower members 31A, 41A and upper members 31B, 41B. By removing the upper members 31B, 41B from the lower members 31A, 41A, the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 and the first and second refrigerant pipes P11, P12 can be exposed, allowing for maintenance and other operations to be performed.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the electrical component box 80 is attached to the first casing 30 of the first unit 72. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the third side plate 36 of the casing main body 31. The electrical component box 80 houses a control board (control device) for controlling the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6. This control board and the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 are connected by harnesses (electrical wiring).

The electrical equipment box 80 may be attached to the second casing 40 of the second unit 73. However, because the first unit 72 has a smaller diameter and length of the first refrigerant pipe P11 than the second refrigerant pipe P12 of the second unit 73 and is lighter, the overall weight does not increase significantly even if the electrical equipment box 80 is attached. Therefore, in order to balance the weight of the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, it is preferable to attach the electrical equipment box 80 to the first unit 72.

[Installation of refrigerant circuit unit]
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing an installation state of the shutoff valve device.
The shutoff valve device 71 is housed in a space S above the ceiling 140 of the room. In the shutoff valve device 71, one ends T2 of the first and second refrigerant pipes P11, P12 are connected to one ends T4 of the liquid connection pipe 11 and the gas connection pipe 14, respectively, and the other ends T1 of the first and second refrigerant pipes P11, P12 are connected to one ends T3 (liquid side and gas side connection ports) of the liquid pipe 54 and the gas pipe 55 of the indoor unit 120. The ends T1 to T4 of each pipe form joints for connecting other pipes.

The liquid connection pipe 11, gas connection pipe 14, and indoor unit 120 are attached to hanging bolts 131 suspended from the building's framework 141, etc. The first and second casings 30, 40 (casing bodies 31, 41) of the shut-off valve device 71 are made of synthetic resin and are lighter than conventional models. Therefore, the shut-off valve device 71 can be supported by the other pipes 11, 14 and indoor unit 120 attached to the hanging bolts 131, rather than being directly supported by the hanging bolts 131. This reduces the number of supporting parts for the shut-off valve device 71 and increases installation flexibility.

When the shut-off valve device 71 is directly connected to the liquid-side and gas-side connection ports T3 of the indoor unit 120, the distance between the shut-off valve device 71 and the indoor unit 120 is minimized. Therefore, when refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 120, the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 can be closed, effectively suppressing the amount of refrigerant leaking. Because the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are separate and can be placed separately, even if the liquid-side connection port T3 and the gas-side connection port T3 of the indoor unit 120 are placed far apart, they can be connected to the liquid-side connection port T3 and the gas-side connection port T3, respectively. However, the shut-off valve device 71 may also be connected to the connection port T3 of the indoor unit 120 via another pipe.

[Installation example of electrical equipment box]
6 to 9 are cross-sectional views showing examples of mounting an electrical component box to a casing.
6 , a hook 81 is provided on the top of the electrical component box 80, and this hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed in the upper end of the third side plate 36 of the casing body 31 of the first casing 30, so that the electrical component box 80 is hooked onto the third side plate 36. A protrusion 82 that protrudes toward the electrical component box 80 is formed on the lower part of the third side plate 36, and this protrusion 82 abuts against the lower side surface of the electrical component box 80, thereby maintaining the orientation of the electrical component box 80. The hook 81 is made of metal, just like the electrical component box 80.

The grooves 86 and protrusions 82 are also formed on the fourth side plate 37, and the electrical component box 80 can also be attached to this fourth side plate 37. As shown in Figure 3, the grooves 86 and protrusions 82 are also formed on the side plates 46, 47 of the casing body 41 of the second casing 40. Therefore, the electrical component box 80 can also be attached to this second casing 40.

In the example shown in Figure 7, a hook 81 is provided on the top of the electrical equipment box 80, and this hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed at the upper end of the third side plate 36 of the casing main body 31, so that the electrical equipment box 80 is hooked onto the third side plate 36. A metal support plate 83 that protrudes toward the electrical equipment box 80 is provided at the bottom of the third side plate 36. The electrical equipment box 80 is placed on the support plate (support member) 83. The casing main body 31 is molded with the support plate 83 embedded.

In the example shown in Figure 8, a hook 81 is provided on the top of the electrical component box 80, and this hook 81 is inserted into a groove 86 formed in the upper end of the upper member 31B of the casing main body 31, so that the electrical component box 80 is hooked onto the upper member 31B. A support plate 83 that protrudes toward the electrical component box 80 is provided on the bottom of the third side plate 36. The electrical component box 80 is placed on the support plate 83. In the example shown in Figure 8, the support plate 83 may be omitted, and a protrusion 82 that maintains the orientation of the electrical component box 80 may be formed on the bottom of the third side plate 36, as in the example shown in Figure 6.

In the example shown in Figure 9, a metal back plate (support member) 84 is provided on the inner surface of the third side plate 36, and metal screws (support members) 85 inserted into this back plate 84 are screwed to the electrical component box 80. A support plate 83 that protrudes toward the electrical component box 80 is provided at the bottom of the third side plate 36. The electrical component box 80 is placed on the support plate 83. In the example shown in Figure 9, the support plate 83 may be omitted.

In the example shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the electrical component box 80 is attached to the lower member 31A of the casing main body 31. This allows the upper member 31B to be removed while the electrical component box 80 remains attached to the lower member 31A, improving maintainability. Because the electrical component box 80 is attached to the lower member 31A of the casing main body 31, the load of the electrical component box 80 is not applied to the portion of the lower member 31A through which the refrigerant pipe passes, preventing deformation of the lower member 31A.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the weight of the electrical component box 80 can be borne by both the lower member 31A and the upper member 31B. This prevents deformation of each. By having the weight of the electrical component box 80 borne by the upper member 31B, the upper member 31B can be pressed in the closing direction relative to the lower member 31A, improving the seal between the lower member 31A and the upper member 31B.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the first casing 30 comprises a casing body 31 made of synthetic resin and metal support members (support plate 83, back plate 84, screws 85). However, because the main part of the first casing 30 is made of the lightweight casing body 31, the casing as a whole can be made lighter than conventional casings. In the example shown in Figure 6, the first casing 30 is made only of the casing body 31 and is entirely made of synthetic resin, making the first casing 30 even lighter.

The shut-off valve device 71 does not have to be equipped with an electrical component box 80, and the control device of the indoor unit 120 may control the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6. In this case, harnesses extending from the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 are connected to the control device of the indoor unit 120. As described above, the first and second units 72, 73 of the shut-off valve device 71 can be made compact and, as shown in Figure 5, can be easily installed near the indoor unit 120, making it easy to connect the harnesses of the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 to the control device of the indoor unit 120.

Other Embodiments
In the shutoff valve device 71 of the above embodiment, the control boards (control devices) for controlling the first and second shutoff valves EV5, EV6 are housed in a single electrical component box 80, and this electrical component box 80 is attached to the first unit 72 or the second unit 73. However, the shutoff valve device 71 may include a first electrical component box that houses a first control board (first control device) that controls the first shutoff valve EV5, and a second electrical component box that houses a second control board (second control device) that controls the second shutoff valve EV6, or the first electrical component box may be attached to the first unit 72, and the second electrical component box may be attached to the second unit 73. By attaching the first and second electrical component boxes to the first and second units 72, 73, respectively, in this manner, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed separately.

In the above case, it is preferable that the first control board and the second control board are connected so that they can communicate with each other. In this case, when a refrigerant leak is detected, the first control board and the second control board communicate with each other, allowing the first shut-off valve EV5 and the second shut-off valve EV6 to be closed in coordination (simultaneously or with a predetermined time lag).

[Effects of the embodiment]
(1) In the above embodiment, the shutoff valve device 71 includes a first unit 72 and a second unit 73 that is separate from the first unit 72. The first unit 72 includes a first refrigerant pipe P11 connected to the liquid communication pipe 11, a first shutoff valve EV5 that is provided in the first refrigerant pipe P11 and switches between flowing and blocking the refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe P11, and a first casing 30 that houses the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the first shutoff valve EV5. The second unit 73 includes a second refrigerant pipe P12 connected to the gas communication pipe 14, a second shutoff valve EV6 that is provided in the second refrigerant pipe P12 and switches between flowing and blocking the refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe P12, and a second casing 40 that houses the second refrigerant pipe P12 and the second shutoff valve EV6. Therefore, the first and second units 72, 73 can be made smaller and can be installed in smaller locations than before, such as near the indoor unit 120. Therefore, the degree of freedom in installing the shutoff valve device 71 can be increased.

(2) In the above embodiment, the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 are connected to the liquid side and gas side connection ports T3 of the indoor unit 120, respectively. This allows the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 to be installed close to the indoor unit 120. Therefore, by reducing the amount of refrigerant present between the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 and the indoor unit 120 and closing the first and second shut-off valves EV5, EV6 when refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 120, it is possible to suppress refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit 120.

(3) In the above embodiment, an electrical component box 80 is provided that houses a control device that controls the first shut-off valve EV5 and the second shut-off valve EV6, and the electrical component box 80 is attached to one of the first unit 72 and the second unit 73. By attaching the electrical component box 80 to one of the first and second units 72, 73 in this manner, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed separately.

(4) In the above embodiment, the electrical equipment box 80 is attached to the first unit 72. The first refrigerant pipe P11, through which liquid refrigerant flows, is thinner and lighter than the second refrigerant pipe P12, through which gas refrigerant flows. Therefore, the first unit 72 equipped with the first refrigerant pipe P11 is lighter than the second unit 73. By attaching the electrical equipment box 80 to the lighter first unit 72, it is possible to prevent the weight difference between the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 from becoming too large.

(5) In the other embodiment described above, a first electrical component box is provided that houses a first control device that controls the first shut-off valve EV5, and a second electrical component box that houses a second control device that controls the second shut-off valve EV6, with the first electrical component box attached to the first unit 72 and the second electrical component box attached to the second unit 73. By attaching the first and second electrical component boxes to the first and second units 72, 73, respectively, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be installed separately.

(6) In the above embodiment, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 are supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12, respectively. Because the shut-off valve device 71 is configured separately as the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, each unit can be made lighter. Furthermore, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe P11 and the second refrigerant pipe P12 without having to be supported by being suspended from, for example, a ceiling. Therefore, the support structure of the shut-off valve device 71 can be simplified.

(7) In the above embodiment, the first casing 30 and the second casing 40 have casing bodies 31, 41 made of synthetic resin. Therefore, the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 can be made even lighter.

(8) In the above embodiment, the electrical wiring drawn from the first unit 72 and the second unit 73 is connected to a control device provided in the indoor unit 120. Because the shut-off valve device 71 is configured separately as the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, it is easy to install each unit near the indoor unit 120, and it is also easy to connect the harnesses drawn from the first and second units 72, 73 to the control device of the indoor unit 120. Therefore, the first shut-off valve EV5 and the second shut-off valve EV6 can be controlled by the control device of the indoor unit 120.

[Other Modifications]
The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

The casing bodies 31, 41 that constitute the first and second casings 30, 40 of the shut-off valve device 71 may be made of a material other than foamed resin, preferably a material that has insulating properties and is lighter than metal (for example, a material using glass wool). The first and second casings 30, 40 may also be made of sheet metal.

In addition to the first unit 72 and the second unit 73, the shutoff valve device 71 may also include another separate unit having a shutoff valve and a refrigerant pipe.

11: Liquid connection pipe 14: Gas connection pipe 30: First casing 31: Casing body 40: Second casing 41: Casing body 71: Shutoff valve device 72: First unit 73: Second unit 80: Electrical component box 100: Air conditioner 110: Outdoor unit 120: Indoor unit EV5: First shutoff valve EV6: Second shutoff valve P11: First refrigerant pipe P12: Second refrigerant pipe

Claims (6)

A shutoff valve device provided in a liquid communication pipe (11) and a gas communication pipe (14) connecting an outdoor unit (110) and an indoor unit (120) of an air conditioner (100),
The apparatus includes a first unit (72) and a second unit (73) separate from the first unit (72),
the first unit (72) comprises: a first refrigerant pipe (P11) connected to the liquid connection pipe (11); a first shutoff valve (EV5) provided in the first refrigerant pipe (P11) for switching between flow and cutoff of refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe (P11); and a first casing (30) accommodating the first refrigerant pipe (P11) and the first shutoff valve (EV5),
the second unit (73) comprises a second refrigerant pipe (P12) connected to the gas communication pipe (14), a second shutoff valve (EV6) provided in the second refrigerant pipe (P12) and switching between flow and cutoff of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant pipe (P12), and a second casing (40) accommodating the second refrigerant pipe (P12) and the second shutoff valve (EV6) ,
an electrical equipment box (80) accommodating a control device that controls the first shut-off valve (EV5) and the second shut-off valve (EV6);
The shut-off valve device , wherein the electrical equipment box (80) is attached to only one of the first unit (72) and the second unit (73) . The shutoff valve device according to claim 1, wherein the first refrigerant pipe (P11) and the second refrigerant pipe (P12) are connected to liquid-side and gas-side connection ports (T3) of the indoor unit (120), respectively. The shutoff valve device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the electrical equipment box (80) is attached to the first unit (72). The shutoff valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first unit (72) and the second unit (73) are supported by other pipes connected to the first refrigerant pipe (P11) and the second refrigerant pipe (P12), respectively. The shutoff valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the first casing (30) and the second casing (40) have casing bodies (31, 41) made of synthetic resin. An outdoor unit (110);
An indoor unit (120);
a liquid communication pipe (11) and a gas communication pipe (14) that are provided between the outdoor unit (110) and the indoor unit (120) and form a refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit (110) and the indoor unit (120);
An air conditioner comprising: a shutoff valve device (70) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , which is provided in the liquid communication pipe (11) and the gas communication pipe (14).