JP7034301B2 - Flow control device, indoor unit and air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a flow rate adjusting device attached to an indoor unit of an air conditioner, an indoor unit of an air conditioner, and an air conditioner.

Conventionally, as in Patent Document 1, there has been an air conditioner provided with a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, and a user side heat exchanger are connected by a pipe and a refrigerant circulates. The air conditioner of Patent Document 1 cools the indoor air by inflowing a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant into the heat exchanger on the user side during cooling operation, and heat exchanges high temperature and high pressure gas refrigerant on the user side during heating operation. The indoor air is heated by flowing it into the vessel. Further, the heat exchanger on the user side of Patent Document 1 is housed in an indoor unit. Hereinafter, the air conditioner in which the refrigerant flows into the indoor unit as in Patent Document 1 is referred to as a direct expansion type air conditioner, and the indoor unit of the direct expansion type air conditioner is referred to as a direct expansion type indoor unit.

Further, as in Patent Document 2, there is an air conditioner provided with a heat medium circuit in which a heat source machine and a load side heat exchanger are connected by pipes and a heat medium such as water circulates. The air conditioner of Patent Document 2 cools the indoor air by inflowing the heat medium cooled by the heat source machine into the load side heat exchanger during the cooling operation, and cools the indoor air during the heating operation, and uses the heat medium heated by the heat source machine during the heating operation. The room air is heated by flowing it into the load side heat exchanger. Further, the indoor unit of Patent Document 2 includes a load side heat exchanger and a flow rate information detecting means (corresponding to the pressure sensor of Patent Document 2) for detecting information on the flow rate of the heat medium in addition to the load side heat exchanger. , A flow control valve (corresponding to the electric valve of Patent Document 2) for adjusting the flow rate of the heat medium is housed. Hereinafter, the air conditioner that causes the heat medium to flow into the indoor unit as in Patent Document 2 will be referred to as a heat medium type air conditioner, and the indoor unit of the heat medium type air conditioner will be referred to as a heat medium type indoor unit.

JP-A-2015-68633 International Publication No. 2017/099555

By the way, in recent years, regulations on HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerants such as R410A used as a refrigerant for air conditioners have been tightened. The direct expansion type air conditioner needs to flow the refrigerant to the indoor unit, and the amount of the refrigerant is larger than that of the heat medium type air conditioner. Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of refrigerant, the demand for heat medium type air conditioners is increasing.

However, the direct expansion type indoor unit does not include the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow rate information detecting means in the housing. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the direct expansion type indoor unit as it is to the heat medium type air conditioner.

Further, in general, an inner cover is provided inside the housing of the indoor unit in order to ensure heat insulation. In order to accommodate the flow rate adjustment valve and flow rate information detecting means in the direct expansion type indoor unit, the housing and inner cover of the direct expansion type indoor unit have been redesigned, and the mold used for molding the housing and inner cover has been newly redesigned. The cost increases because it may be created.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a flow rate adjusting device, an indoor unit, and an air conditioner capable of easily adding a flow rate adjusting valve and a flow rate information detecting means to an indoor unit. The purpose.

The flow rate adjusting device according to the first invention includes a flow rate adjusting valve that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and the air blown into the air harmonization target space. The flow rate information detecting means for detecting information about the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve, the flow rate adjusting device housing covering the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow rate information detecting means, and the flow rate adjusting device housing. The outer surface of the heat exchanger housing provided and covering the heat exchanger is provided with a mounting portion configured to allow the flow control device housing to be mounted, and the flow control device housing is provided with at least the heat exchange. It covers a part of the inflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing into the container flows and a part of the outflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger flows.

The indoor unit according to the second invention adjusts the flow rate of the heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and the air blown into the air harmonization target space, and the heat medium that flows into the heat exchanger. A flow control valve, a flow rate information detecting means for detecting information regarding the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate control valve, a heat exchanger housing covering the heat exchanger, the flow rate control valve, and the flow rate information detection. A flow rate adjusting device housing that covers the means, a mounting portion that is provided on the flow rate adjusting device housing and is configured so that the flow rate adjusting device housing can be mounted on the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing, and the heat exchanger. The inflow pipe through which the heat medium flows into the heat exchanger and the outflow pipe through which the heat medium flows out from the heat exchanger are provided, and the flow rate adjusting device housing includes at least a part of the inflow pipe and the outflow. Covers part of the pipe.

The air balancer according to the third invention exchanges heat between a heat source machine that heats or cools a heat medium, the heat medium heated or cooled by the heat source machine, and air blown into an air harmonization target space. A heat exchanger that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger, a flow rate information detecting means for detecting information regarding the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve, and a flow rate information detecting means. A heat exchanger housing that covers the heat exchanger, a flow rate adjusting device housing that covers the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow rate information detecting means, and an outer surface of the heat exchanger housing provided on the flow rate adjusting device housing. A mounting portion configured to mount the flow control device housing , an inflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger flows, and an outflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger flows. The flow rate adjusting device housing covers at least a part of the inflow pipe and a part of the outflow pipe.

The flow rate adjusting device according to the first invention, the indoor unit according to the second invention, and the air conditioner according to the third invention all allow the flow rate adjusting device housing to be attached to the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing. It has a configured mounting part. The attachment portion allows the flow rate information detecting means and the flow rate adjusting valve to be easily added to the indoor unit.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram concerning the control of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region C in FIG. 3 of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the flow rate adjusting device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which showed the time of attaching the indoor unit main body and the flow rate adjusting device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a perspective view which looked at the indoor unit which concerns on Embodiment 2 from above. It is a perspective view which showed the inside of the flow rate adjustment device of the indoor unit which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is an enlarged view of the area D in FIG. 10 of the indoor unit which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is an external view of the indoor unit which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG.

Hereinafter, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. In the following drawings, those with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent. Further, in the drawings, the relationship between the sizes of the constituent members may differ from the actual one. The form of the component represented in the entire specification is merely an example, and is not limited to the form described in the specification. In particular, the combination of components is not limited to the combination in each embodiment, and the components described in other embodiments can be applied to another embodiment. In addition, the high and low pressure and temperature are not fixed in relation to the absolute values, but are relatively fixed in terms of the state and operation of the device and the like. Further, in the case of distinguishing one device from a plurality of devices having the same function, the description will be given with a subscript in lowercase letters. For example, since the indoor units 300a and 300b are devices having the same functions, they are referred to as the indoor units 300 when they have the same description, and are referred to as the indoor units 300a and 300b when they are described separately. Further, for convenience, the subscripts a and b are used, but the quantity is not limited thereto, and for example, the quantity of the components of the indoor unit 300 and the indoor unit 300 may be 1 or 2 or more.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram relating to the control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment will be described. The air conditioner 100 includes a heat source unit 200 and a plurality of indoor units 300 (indoor unit 300a, indoor unit 300b). Further, the heat source machine 200 is configured with a heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A for circulating the heat source side refrigerant, which will be described later. Further, the heat source unit 200 and each indoor unit 300 are connected by a first heat medium pipe 5 and a second heat medium pipe 6. A heat medium circulation circuit B for circulating a heat medium, which will be described later, is configured in the air conditioner 100 by a heat source machine 200, an indoor unit 300, a first heat medium pipe 5, and a second heat medium pipe 6. ing. Further, the air conditioning device 100 has two types of operation modes: a cooling operation mode for cooling the air in the air conditioning target space such as a room in a building, and a heating operation mode for heating the air in the air conditioning target space. Have.

As the heat source side refrigerant that circulates in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A, a refrigerant that vaporizes or condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 described later and the heat medium heat exchanger 20 described later is used. For example, a single refrigerant such as R-22 or R-134a, a pseudo-azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R-410A or R-404A, or a non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant such as R-407C can be used as the heat source side refrigerant. .. Further, a refrigerant having a relatively small global warming potential such as CF3CF = CH2 containing a double bond in the chemical formula, a mixture thereof, or a natural refrigerant such as CO2 or propane may be used as the heat source side refrigerant. can.

As the heat medium that circulates in the heat medium circulation circuit B, a heat medium that exchanges heat in a liquid state in the heat medium heat exchanger 20 and the indoor heat exchanger 30 described later is used. For example, brine (antifreeze), water, a mixed solution of brine and water, or a mixed solution of an additive having a high anticorrosion effect and water can be used as a heat medium.

Next, the heat source machine 200 of the first embodiment will be described. The heat source unit 200 includes an outdoor unit 1 and a repeater 2. The outdoor unit 1 and the repeater 2 are connected by a first heat source side refrigerant pipe 7 and a second heat source side refrigerant pipe 8.

Next, the outdoor unit 1 of the first embodiment will be described. The outdoor unit 1 has a compressor 10, a flow path switching device 11, a throttle device 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an accumulator 14, and an outdoor blower 15 in a housing. Further, the compressor 10, the flow path switching device 11, the throttle device 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and the accumulator 14 are connected by pipes through the outdoor unit pipe 16.

The compressor 10 sucks in the heat source side refrigerant, compresses it, and discharges it in a high temperature and high pressure gas state. Here, the compressor 10 may be configured by, for example, an inverter compressor whose capacity can be controlled. The flow path switching device 11 switches the flow path of the heat source side refrigerant according to the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode. Specifically, the flow path switching device 11 switches to the flow path shown by the broken line in FIG. 1 in the cooling operation mode, and switches to the flow path shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 in the heating operation mode. The throttle device 12 functions as an expansion valve and decompresses and expands the heat source side refrigerant passing through the throttle device 12. Here, the throttle device 12 may be configured by, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening degree to an arbitrary size and arbitrarily adjusting the flow rate of the heat source side refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 exchanges heat between the air in the outdoor space and the refrigerant on the heat source side. The accumulator 14 stores the surplus refrigerant generated in the difference in the amount of refrigerant used between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, or in the transitional period when the operation mode changes. The outdoor blower 15 supplies air in the outdoor space to the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

The outdoor unit 1 has a first outdoor unit piping connection portion 17 and a second outdoor unit piping connection portion 18. Further, the first outdoor unit pipe connection portion 17 is connected to the first heat source side refrigerant pipe 7. Further, the second outdoor unit pipe connection portion 18 is connected to the second heat source side refrigerant pipe 8.

The outdoor unit 1 has an outdoor unit control device 81. The outdoor unit control device 81 controls the capacity of the compressor 10, controls the flow path of the flow path switching device 11, controls the opening degree of the throttle device 12, and controls the amount of air blown by the outdoor blower 15.

Next, the repeater 2 of the first embodiment will be described. The repeater 2 has a heat medium heat exchanger 20 and a pump 21 in the housing.

The heat medium heat exchanger 20 exchanges heat between the heat source side refrigerant and the heat medium. The pump 21 sucks the heat medium, pressurizes it, and circulates the heat medium in the heat medium circulation circuit B. Here, the pump 21 can control the capacity and adjust the flow rate of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B.

The repeater 2 includes a first repeater refrigerant pipe connection portion 26, a second repeater refrigerant pipe connection portion 27, a first repeater heat medium pipe connection portion 28, and a second repeater heat medium pipe. It has a connecting portion 29. The first repeater refrigerant pipe connection portion 26 is connected to the first heat source side refrigerant pipe 7, and is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 20 via the first repeater refrigerant pipe 22. The second repeater refrigerant pipe connection portion 27 is connected to the second heat source side refrigerant pipe 8, and is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 20 via the second repeater refrigerant pipe 23. The first repeater heat medium pipe connection portion 28 is connected to the first heat medium pipe 5, and is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 20 via the first repeater heat medium pipe 24. The second repeater heat medium pipe connection portion 29 is connected to the second heat medium pipe 6 and is connected to the heat medium heat exchanger 20 via the second repeater heat medium pipe 25. A pump 21 is provided in the middle of the second repeater heat medium pipe 25.

The repeater 2 has a repeater control device 82. The repeater control device 82 controls the capacity of the pump 21.

Next, the indoor unit 300 of the first embodiment will be described. The indoor unit 300 includes an indoor unit main body 3, a flow rate adjusting device 4, and a connecting pipe 9. The indoor unit main body 3 and the flow rate adjusting device 4 are connected by a connecting pipe 9.

The indoor unit main body 3 of the first embodiment will be described. The indoor unit main body 3 has an indoor heat exchanger 30 and an indoor blower 31 in the heat exchanger housing 50.

The indoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat between, for example, the air in the air-conditioned space and the heat medium. The indoor blower 31 sucks the air in the air-conditioned space, the sucked air passes through the indoor heat exchanger 30, and the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30 generates a flow of air blown out to the air-conditioned space. ..

The indoor heat exchanger 30 corresponds to the heat exchanger in the flow rate adjusting device according to the first invention, the indoor unit according to the second invention, and the air conditioner according to the third invention.

The indoor unit main body 3 has a first heat exchanger piping connection portion 32 and a second heat exchanger piping connection portion 35. Further, the first heat exchanger pipe connection portion 32 is connected to the first heat medium pipe 5 and is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 30 via the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33. Further, the second heat exchanger pipe connection portion 35 is connected to one end of the connection pipe 9 and is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 30 via the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34.

The indoor unit main body 3 has an indoor unit control device 83. The indoor unit control device 83 controls the amount of air blown by the indoor blower 31 of the same indoor unit main body 3. Further, the indoor unit control device 83 controls the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 of the corresponding flow rate adjusting device 4, and the pressure detected by the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 of the corresponding flow rate adjusting device 4, respectively. To get. Here, the corresponding flow rate adjusting device 4 refers to a flow rate adjusting device 4 connected in series with the indoor unit main body 3 in the heat medium circulation circuit B. That is, if it is the indoor unit main body 3a, the flow rate adjusting device 4a is, and if it is the indoor unit main body 3b, the flow rate adjusting device 4b is the corresponding flow rate adjusting device 4.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor unit control device 81, the repeater control device 82, and the plurality of indoor unit control devices 83 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate wirelessly or by wire. Therefore, the outdoor unit control device 81, the repeater control device 82, and the plurality of indoor unit control devices 83 can communicate signals including various data.

The flow rate adjusting device 4 of the first embodiment will be described. The flow rate adjusting device 4 has a flow rate adjusting valve 40, an inlet side pressure sensor 41, and an outlet side pressure sensor 42 in the flow rate adjusting device housing 60.

The flow rate adjusting valve 40 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30. The flow rate adjusting valve 40 is composed of, for example, a two-way valve capable of controlling the opening degree of the valve, and is a heat medium that passes through the indoor heat exchanger 30 by adjusting the opening degree of the valve of the flow rate adjusting valve 40. The flow rate is adjusted. The inlet side pressure sensor 41 detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting valve 40. The outlet side pressure sensor 42 detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing out from the flow rate adjusting valve 40. Further, as will be described later, the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve can be calculated based on the differential pressure between the inlet side and the outlet side of the flow rate adjusting valve 40. Therefore, the pressure of the heat medium detected by the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the pressure of the heat medium detected by the outlet side pressure sensor 42 are information on the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40, respectively, and the inlet side pressure sensor. The 41 and the outlet-side pressure sensor 42 correspond to the flow rate information detecting means for detecting the information regarding the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40.

The flow rate adjusting device 4 has a first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43 and a second flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 46. Further, the first flow rate adjusting device pipe connecting portion 43 is connected to the other end of the connecting pipe 9, and is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve 40 via the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44. Further, the second flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 46 is connected to the second heat medium piping 6 and is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve 40 via the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45. Further, an inlet side pressure sensor 41 is provided in the middle of the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44, and an outlet side pressure sensor 42 is provided in the middle of the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45.

Next, the flow of the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A of the first embodiment will be described. The flow of the heat source side refrigerant circulating in the heat source side refrigerant circulation circuit A changes depending on the operation mode of the air conditioner 100.

When the air conditioner 100 is in the heating operation mode, the flow path switching device 11 switches to the solid line flow path of FIG. Therefore, the heat source side refrigerant in the high temperature and high pressure gas state discharged from the compressor 10 is connected to the first outdoor unit pipe connection portion 17, the first heat source side refrigerant pipe 7, and the first repeater refrigerant pipe connection. It passes through the section 26 and the first repeater refrigerant pipe 22 and flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 20. At this time, the heat medium heat exchanger 20 functions as a condenser, and the heat source side refrigerant dissipates heat to the heat medium to be in a low temperature and high pressure liquid state, and flows out from the heat medium heat exchanger 20. Heat medium The heat medium flowing out from the heat exchanger 20 is the second repeater refrigerant pipe 23, the second repeater refrigerant pipe connection 27, the second heat source side refrigerant pipe 8, and the second outdoor unit. It passes through the pipe connection portion 18 and flows into the throttle device 12. The heat source-side refrigerant that has flowed into the drawing device 12 is decompressed to a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, and flows out from the drawing device 12. The heat source side refrigerant flowing out of the throttle device 12 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as an evaporator, and the heat source side refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and becomes a gas state, and flows out from the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The heat source side refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 passes through the accumulator 14, is sucked into the compressor 10, and is discharged again in a high temperature and high pressure gas state.

When the air conditioner 100 is in the cooling operation mode, the flow path switching device 11 switches to the flow path shown by the broken line in FIG. Therefore, the heat source side refrigerant in the high temperature and high pressure gas state discharged from the compressor flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 13. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 13 functions as a condenser, and the heat source side refrigerant dissipates heat to the outdoor air to become a low-temperature and high-pressure liquid state, and flows out from the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The heat source side refrigerant flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 flows into the throttle device 12, is depressurized, becomes a low-temperature low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, and flows out from the throttle device 12. The heat source side refrigerant flowing out from the drawing device 12 is the second outdoor unit pipe connection portion 18, the second heat source side refrigerant pipe 8, the second repeater refrigerant pipe connection portion 27, and the second repeater refrigerant. It passes through the pipe 23 and flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 20. At this time, the heat medium heat exchanger 20 functions as an evaporator, and the heat source side refrigerant absorbs heat from the heat medium and becomes a gas state, and flows out from the heat medium heat exchanger 20. The heat source side refrigerant flowing out from the heat medium heat exchanger 20 includes the first repeater refrigerant pipe 22, the first repeater refrigerant pipe connection portion 26, the first heat source side refrigerant pipe 7, and the first outdoor. It passes through the machine piping connection portion 17 and the accumulator 14, is sucked into the compressor 10, and is discharged again in a high-temperature and high-pressure gas state.

Next, the flow of the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B of the first embodiment will be described. First, the heat medium pressurized by the pump 21 flows into the heat medium heat exchanger 20. The heat medium flowing into the heat medium heat exchanger 20 is cooled by the heat source side refrigerant in the cooling operation mode, heated by the heat source side refrigerant in the heating operation mode, and flows out from the heat medium heat exchanger 20. The heat medium that has flowed out of the heat medium heat exchanger 20 passes through the first repeater heat medium pipe 24 and the first repeater heat medium pipe connection portion 28, and flows into the first heat medium pipe 5. .. The first heat medium pipe 5 is divided into a pipe connected to the indoor unit 300a and a pipe connected to the indoor unit 300b on the way. Therefore, the heat medium is also divided into a heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300a and a heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300b.

The flow of the heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300a of the first embodiment will be described. The heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300a passes through the first heat exchanger pipe connection portion 32a and the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33a, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 30a. The heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30a cools the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30a in the cooling operation mode, and heats the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30a in the heating operation mode. , Outflow from the indoor heat exchanger 30a. The heat medium flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 30a passes through the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34a, the second heat exchanger pipe connection portion 35a, and the connection pipe 9a, and flows into the flow rate adjusting device 4a. The heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting device 4a includes a first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43a, a flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44a, a flow rate adjusting valve 40a, a flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45a, and a second flow rate adjusting device. It passes through the device piping connection portion 46a and flows into the second heat medium piping 6.

The description of the flow of the heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300b of the first embodiment is omitted because the subscript of each configuration shown in the above-mentioned description of the heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300a only changes from a to b. do.

In the second heat medium pipe 6, the pipe connected to the indoor unit 300a and the pipe connected to the indoor unit 300b are merged in the middle. Therefore, as for the heat medium, the heat medium flowing out from the indoor unit 300a and the heat medium flowing out from the indoor unit 300b merge. The combined heat medium passes through the second repeater heat medium pipe connection portion 29 and the second repeater heat medium pipe 25, is sucked by the pump 21, and is pressurized again.

The ratio of the flow rate of the heat medium flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 30a to the flow rate of the heat medium flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 30b is determined by the ratio between the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40a and the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40b. That is, if the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40a is larger than the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40b, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 30a is larger than the flow rate of the heat medium flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 30b. On the contrary, if the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40a is smaller than the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40b, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 30a is smaller than the flow rate of the heat medium flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 30b. .. Therefore, the flow rate flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 30 can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40.

Next, a method of calculating the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 30 by the flow rate adjusting valve 40 of the flow rate adjusting device 4, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 will be described. From the configuration of the heat medium circulation circuit B, the flow rate flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 30 is equal to the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40. Therefore, if the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40 is calculated, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 30 is calculated.

The flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40 can be calculated by the following equation (1). Here, the symbol used in Equation 1 is defined. Q is the flow rate (unit: m ³ / h) of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40. Cv is a Cv value (dimensionless number) which is a capacitance coefficient of the flow rate regulating valve 40. The Cv value is determined by the type and opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40, and the Cv value corresponding to each opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 is stored in the indoor unit control device 83. ΔP is the differential pressure (unit: Pa) between the inlet side and the outlet side of the flow rate regulating valve 40. ΔP is determined by the detection values of the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42. ρ is the density of the heat medium passing through the flow rate regulating valve 40 (unit: kg / m ³ ). ρ is determined by the type of heat medium, and the value of ρ is stored in the indoor unit control device 83. ρw is the density of water (unit: kg / m ³ ). ρw is a constant at 1000 kg / m ³ .

Here, the reason why the pressure sensor and the flow rate adjusting valve are not housed in the direct expansion type indoor unit will be described. The first reason is that it is difficult to calculate the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor unit even if the pressure sensor and the flow rate adjusting valve are accommodated. In the direct expansion type indoor unit, the state of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor unit may be multiple states of gas state, liquid state and gas-liquid two-phase state, and the density of the refrigerant differs in each state, so that the room is indoors. The density of the refrigerant flowing through the machine is not constant. Therefore, the value of ρ of Equation 1 is not constant, and it is difficult to calculate the flow rate of the refrigerant even if Equation 1 is used. The second reason is that in the direct expansion type indoor unit, the flow rate of the refrigerant can be adjusted by the throttle device, so that it is not necessary to separately provide a flow rate adjusting valve and control the flow rate by the flow rate adjusting valve.

The heat medium circulating in the heat medium circulation circuit B of the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment is always in a liquid state with respect to the direct expansion type indoor unit. Therefore, the value of ρ of Equation 1 is constant, and the flow rate of the heat medium can be calculated with high accuracy using Equation 1. In addition, the calculated flow rate can be used to grasp the operating state of each indoor unit 300. Based on the grasped operating state, the capacity of the compressor 10 is controlled by the outdoor unit control device 81, the capacity of the pump 21 is controlled by the repeater control device 82, or the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 is controlled by the indoor unit control device 83. By any of the controls, the amount of heat transferred to the indoor heat exchanger 30 by the heat medium can be controlled.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a region C in FIG. 3 of the indoor unit according to the first embodiment. Next, the detailed structure of the indoor unit 300 of the first embodiment will be described. The indoor heat exchanger 30 of the indoor unit main body 3 and the indoor blower 31 are covered with a heat exchanger housing 50. Further, an inner cover (not shown) made of a material having a low thermal conductivity such as foamed plastic is provided between the indoor heat exchanger 30 and the heat exchanger housing 50.

The heat exchanger housing 50 has a side surface portion 51, a top surface portion 52, and a panel 53. The side surface portion 51 covers the sides of the indoor heat exchanger 30 and the indoor blower 31. The top surface portion 52 covers the upper part of the indoor heat exchanger 30 and the indoor blower 31. The side surface portion 51 and the top surface portion 52 are installed behind the ceiling of the air-conditioned space when the indoor unit 300 is installed. The panel 53 covers the lower part of the indoor heat exchanger 30 and the indoor blower 31. When the indoor unit 300 is installed, the panel 53 is installed so as to be exposed from the ceiling of the air-conditioned space. The panel 53 has a suction port portion 54 and a plurality of outlet portions 55. The suction port portion 54 and the air outlet portion 55 communicate with each other inside the heat exchanger housing 50. When the indoor blower 31 starts operation, the air in the air-conditioned space is sucked from the suction port 54. The sucked air is heated or cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 30, and is blown out from the air outlet portion 55 into the air-conditioned space.

A plurality of fixing brackets 56 are provided on the side surface portion 51. By fixing the hanging bolts suspended behind the ceiling of the air-conditioned space to the fixing brackets 56, the indoor unit 300 is suspended behind the ceiling of the air-conditioned space. Further, the side surface portion 51 is provided with an air bleeding valve cover 57. The air bleeding valve cover 57 is a cover for protecting the air bleeding valve (not shown). The air bleeding valve is used as a valve for bleeding air in the heat medium circulation circuit B during the work of filling the heat medium circulation circuit B with the heat medium. Further, the side surface portion 51 has a plurality of heat exchanger housing side mounting portions 58 as shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later, and the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 is provided with screw holes. Further, the positions where the screw holes of the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 and the elongated holes of the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65, which will be described later, communicate with each other when the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is mounted on the heat exchanger housing 50. The heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 is provided in the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58. The heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 mounts existing optional parts such as a flange portion of a minute duct for blowing out air cooled or heated by the indoor heat exchanger 30 from a place away from the indoor unit main body 3. It may be a hole provided for the purpose.

The first heat exchanger pipe connection portion 32 and the second heat exchanger pipe connection portion 35 are exposed from the heat exchanger housing 50 on the same side surface portion 51. The second heat exchanger pipe connection portion 35 can be connected to the connection pipe 9 by an existing pipe connection method such as a flare nut. Further, the first heat exchanger pipe connection portion 32 can be connected to the first heat medium pipe 5 by an existing pipe connection method. Here, since the connection pipe 9 and the first heat medium pipe 5 are not covered by the heat exchanger housing 50, they correspond to the pipes outside the heat exchanger housing 50.

The flow rate adjusting device 4 is attached to the outer surface of the side surface portion 51 of the heat exchanger housing 50 by the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 described later. The flow rate adjusting valve 40 of the flow rate adjusting device 4, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 are covered with the flow rate adjusting device housing 60.

Further, the first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43 and the second flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 46 are exposed from the same side surface of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. The first flow rate adjusting device pipe connecting portion 43 can be connected to the connecting pipe 9 by an existing pipe connecting method such as a flare nut. Further, the second flow rate adjusting device pipe connecting portion 46 can be connected to the second heat medium pipe 6 by an existing pipe connecting method. Here, since the connection pipe 9 and the second heat medium pipe 6 are not covered by the flow rate adjusting device housing 60, they correspond to the external piping of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the flow rate adjusting device according to the first embodiment. The flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44 and the flow rate adjusting valve 40, and the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 and the flow rate adjusting valve 40 are connected by fasteners 90, respectively.

The flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 has a U-shaped bend. Further, the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 is located below the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42.

The flow rate adjusting device housing 60 has a case 61, a cover 62, two inner covers 63, and a drain pan 64. The two inner covers 63 sandwich and cover the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, the outlet side pressure sensor 42, the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44, and the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 from both sides. .. Further, the drain pan 64 is provided in the lower part of the inner cover 63, and receives the dew condensation water generated in the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 or the like. The case 61 and the cover 62 cover and fix the inner cover 63 and the drain pan 64. Here, it is preferable to use a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44 and the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 for the inner cover 63 and the drain pan 64. For example, when a metal material is used for the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44 and the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45, a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the metal material such as foamed plastic is used for the inner cover 63 and the drain pan 64.

Further, the case 61 has a flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 and a signal line outlet portion 66. An elongated hole is formed in each of the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portions 65, and the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 can be mounted on the heat exchanger housing 50 by a mounting method described later. Further, the signal line take-out port 66 is a signal line for communicably connecting the indoor unit control device 83 and the flow control valve 40, a signal line for communicably connecting the indoor unit control device 83 and the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and a signal line. A signal line for communicably connecting the indoor unit control device 83 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 is provided to take out the signal line to the outside of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60.

The flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 corresponds to the mounting portion in the flow rate adjusting device according to the first invention, the indoor unit according to the second invention, and the air conditioning device according to the third invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the time when the indoor unit main body and the flow rate adjusting device according to the first embodiment are attached. Next, a method of attaching the flow rate adjusting device 4 will be described. First, the shaft portion of the screw 70 in which the thread groove is formed is inserted into the elongated hole of the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65, respectively. After insertion, the shaft portion of the screw 70 is screw-fitted into the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 having a screw hole, so that the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 is attached to the head portion and the side surface portion 51 of the screw 70. It is sandwiched and the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the heat exchanger housing 50.

As described above, the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the first embodiment includes a flow rate adjusting device housing 60 that covers the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41 corresponding to the flow rate information detecting means, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42. The configuration is provided with a flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 provided in the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 so that the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 can be mounted on the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing 50. This configuration has the effect that the flow rate adjusting valve 40 and the flow rate information detecting means can be easily added to the indoor unit 300. In particular, even if it is a direct expansion type indoor unit, by providing the flow rate adjusting device 4 having the same configuration, the heat exchanger housing 50 and the inner cover of the indoor unit main body are not redesigned, and the heat medium type air conditioner can be easily installed. Can be applied to.

Further, as an optional configuration, in the configuration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 has a signal line connected to the flow rate adjusting valve 40 and an inlet corresponding to the flow rate information detecting means. A configuration may be added including a signal line connected to the side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42, and a signal line outlet portion 66 for taking out the signal line to the outside of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. With this added configuration, the indoor unit control device 83 can acquire information on the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40, and can adjust the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 based on the acquired information. Play. The amount of heat transferred to the indoor heat exchanger 30 can be controlled, each indoor unit can be operated optimally and without waste, and energy saving of the entire air conditioner can be realized.

Further, as an optional configuration, in the configuration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44 covered with the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 and the heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting valve 40 flows. The flow rate adjusting device housing 60 includes a flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 covered with a flow rate adjusting device housing 60 and through which a heat medium flowing out from the flow rate adjusting valve 40 flows, and the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 includes a flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44 and a flow rate adjusting device outlet. The inner cover 63 is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the pipe 45, and the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44, the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45, and the flow rate adjusting valve 40 are covered with the inner cover 63. It may be added. With this added configuration, the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting device 4 has an effect of suppressing heat dissipation or heat absorption to the outside of the flow rate adjusting device 4.

Further, as an optional configuration, the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the first embodiment includes a flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 through which a heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40 flows, and the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 has a flow rate. A configuration located below the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 corresponding to the regulating valve 40 and the flow rate information detecting means may be added. With this added configuration, dew condensation generated on the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 does not drip onto the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42, and the deterioration of the device can be suppressed. ..

The indoor unit 300 according to the first embodiment has a configuration including a heat exchanger housing 50 that covers the indoor heat exchanger 30 and a flow rate adjusting device 4 having the configuration according to the first embodiment. With this configuration, the flow rate adjusting valve 40 and the flow rate information detecting means can be easily added to the indoor unit, as in the flow rate adjusting device 4 having the configuration according to the first embodiment. Further, the indoor unit main body 3 and the flow rate adjusting device 4 can be integrated and shipped, which has the effect of preventing the work process from becoming complicated and the work man-hours from increasing at the site.

Further, as an optional configuration, in the configuration of the indoor unit 300 according to the first embodiment described above, at the heat exchanger piping connection portion that can be connected to the external piping of the heat exchanger housing 50 and is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 30. A first flow control device piping connection that is a flow control device piping connection that can be connected to a second heat exchanger pipe connection 35 and an external pipe of the flow control device housing 60 and is connected to the flow control valve 40. A configuration may be added including a portion 43 and a connection pipe 9 having one end connected to the heat exchanger pipe connection portion and the other end connected to the flow rate adjusting device pipe connection portion. This added configuration has the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in arranging the flow rate adjusting device housing 60.

The air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment has a configuration including the indoor unit 300 according to the first embodiment and the heat source machine 200 for heating or cooling the heat medium. With this configuration, as in the indoor unit 300 according to the first embodiment described above, the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 can be easily added to the indoor unit.

In the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is configured to be attached to the heat exchanger housing 50 by a screw 70, but the configuration is not limited to this and other existing ones. It may be configured so that it can be mounted by a mounting method. For example, instead of the screw 70, a rivet is inserted into a long hole of the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 and a hole of the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58, and the rivet is crimped to exchange heat with the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. It may be attached to the vessel housing 50. Further, the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 is a protrusion on which a long hole is not formed, and an insertion hole (heat exchanger housing side mounting) into which the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 is inserted into the heat exchanger housing 50. (Corresponding to the portion 58) may be formed, and the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 may be mounted on the heat exchanger housing 50 by inserting the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 into the insertion hole.

Further, in the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment, the heat exchanger housing 50 is formed with the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58, but the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 is indispensable. Not a configuration. For example, a part of the heat exchanger housing 50 is made of a magnetic material such as iron, a magnet is provided in the flow rate adjusting device housing 60, and the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the heat exchanger housing 50 by magnetic force. But it's okay. In this case, the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 becomes a magnet. Further, an adhesive member such as an adhesive or double-sided tape may be added to the flow rate adjusting device housing 60, and the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 may be attached to the heat exchanger housing 50 by the adhesive force of the adhesive member. In this case, the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 is an adhesive member.

Further, the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the side surface portion 51 of the heat exchanger housing 50, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, if the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing 50 that covers the indoor heat exchanger 30, such as a configuration in which the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the top surface portion 52 or the panel 53. good.

However, the side surface portion 51 of the heat exchanger housing 50 is often provided with a hole for attaching an existing optional component such as a flange portion of a minute duct. Therefore, as an optional configuration, a configuration in which the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the side surface portion 51 may be added to the configuration of the indoor unit 300 according to the first embodiment. With this added configuration, it is possible to divert the holes provided for mounting the existing separately sold parts to the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58.

Further, the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 are used as the flow rate information detecting means, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, another flow rate information detecting means such as a flow meter capable of directly detecting the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40 may be used.

However, the flow meter is generally more expensive than the two pressure sensors. Therefore, as an optional configuration, a configuration using the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 as the flow rate information detecting means may be added to the configuration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the first embodiment. This added configuration has the effect of being able to detect the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40 at low cost.

Further, the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows into the flow rate adjusting valve 40, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the first flow control device pipe connection portion 43 and the first heat medium pipe 5 are connected, and the second flow control device pipe connection portion 46 and the first heat exchanger pipe connection portion 32 are connected to each other. A configuration in which the heat medium flowing out of the flow control valve 40 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 30, such as a configuration in which the second heat exchanger pipe connection portion 35 and the second heat medium pipe 6 are connected via 9 and connected. But it's okay.

However, the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30 is lower in the cooling operation mode and higher in the heating operation mode than the temperature of the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30. Therefore, when the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows into the flow rate adjusting device 4 before the indoor heat exchanger 30, the low-temperature or high-temperature heat medium before the heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 30 causes the heat medium. The deterioration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 is accelerated. Therefore, as an optional configuration, a configuration in which the heat medium flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows into the flow rate adjusting device 4 may be added to the configuration of the indoor unit 300 according to the first embodiment. With this added configuration, the deterioration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 due to the low temperature or high temperature heat medium can be suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the heat medium flowing out from the flow rate adjusting device 4 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 30. .. In particular, the two-way valve given as an example of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 may generally use rubber parts having low heat resistance such as an O-ring, and the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows out. By making the structure flow into the regulating valve 40, deterioration of the rubber member due to a high temperature heat medium can be suppressed.

Embodiment 2.
The air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment will be described. The structure of the indoor unit 300 of the air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment is different from that of the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. The air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment has the structure of the heat source machine 200, the first heat medium pipe 5 and the second heat medium pipe 6, and the block diagram relating to the control of the air conditioner 100. It is the same as the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. The indoor unit 300 of the second embodiment will be described. The indoor unit 300 of the second embodiment is different from the indoor unit of the first embodiment in that it does not have the connection pipe 9.

Compared with the indoor unit main body 3 of the first embodiment, the indoor unit main body 3 of the second embodiment is provided with the inlet side pressure sensor 41 in the heat exchanger housing 50, and the first heat exchanger piping. The point that the connection part 32 and the second heat exchanger pipe connection part 35 are not provided, and the point that the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33 and the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34 are exposed to the outside of the heat exchanger housing 50. , Are different. The indoor heat exchanger 30, the indoor blower 31, and the indoor unit control device 83 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

Compared with the flow rate adjusting device 4 of the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device 4 of the second embodiment does not have the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44, and the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33. The heat exchanger outlet pipe 34 is extended to the inside of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60, and the first flow rate adjusting device pipe connecting portion 43 is connected to the first heat medium pipe 5. The flow rate adjusting valve 40 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the indoor unit 300 of the second embodiment, the first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43 is connected to the first heat medium piping 5 and extends to the inside of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. It is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 30 via. Further, the indoor heat exchanger 30 is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve 40 via a heat exchanger outlet pipe 34 extending to the inside of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. Further, the flow rate adjusting valve 40 is connected to the second flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 46 via the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45. Further, an inlet side pressure sensor 41 is provided in the middle of the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34, and the inlet side pressure sensor 41 detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting valve 40. Further, an outlet side pressure sensor 42 is provided in the middle of the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing out from the flow rate adjusting valve 40. Therefore, the differential pressure between the inlet side and the outlet side of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 can be detected by the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42.

The flow of the heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300a of the second embodiment will be described. The heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300a passes from the first heat medium pipe 5 to the first flow rate adjusting device pipe connection portion 43a and the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33a, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 30a. The heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30a cools the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30a in the cooling operation mode, and heats the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30a in the heating operation mode. , Outflow from the indoor heat exchanger 30a. The heat medium that has flowed out of the indoor heat exchanger 30a flows through the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34a and flows into the flow rate adjusting device 4a. The heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting device 4a includes the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34a in the flow rate adjusting device 4a, the flow rate adjusting valve 40a, the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45a, and the second flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 46a. , And flows into the second heat medium pipe 6.

The description of the flow of the heat medium flowing through the indoor unit 300b will be omitted because the subscripts of each configuration shown in the above-mentioned description of the heat medium flowing through the indoor unit 300a only change from a to b.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the indoor unit according to the second embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the inside of the flow rate adjusting device of the indoor unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the area D in FIG. 10 of the indoor unit according to the second embodiment. Next, the detailed structure of the indoor unit 300 of the second embodiment will be described.

The indoor unit main body 3 of the second embodiment has a point that the side surface portion 51 does not have the air bleeding valve cover 57 and an opening 59 as compared with the indoor unit main body 3 of the first embodiment. The difference is that the position of the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 has been changed.

The opening 59 is formed on the side surface portion 51, and the inside and the outside of the heat exchanger housing 50 are communicated with each other by the opening 59. Further, the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33, the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34, and the air bleeding valve 36 are exposed to the outside of the heat exchanger housing 50 through the opening 59. In the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33 and the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34, the portion from the end connected to the indoor heat exchanger 30 to the outside from the opening 59 is covered with the heat exchanger housing 50. ..

Further, the signal line for communicably connecting the indoor unit control device 83 and the flow rate adjusting valve 40 and the signal line for communicably connecting the indoor unit control device 83 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 are heat exchangers from the opening 59. It is pulled into the inside of the housing 50 (not shown).

Further, the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 is provided on the side surface portion 51 and has a screw hole. Further, when the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the heat exchanger housing 50, heat exchange is performed at a position where the screw hole of the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 and the hole of the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 communicate with each other. The device housing side mounting portion 58 is provided.

The opening 59 is a portion where the first heat exchanger pipe connection portion 32 and the second heat exchanger pipe connection portion 35 of the side surface portion 51 of the heat exchanger housing 50 of the first embodiment are exposed. It can be formed by removing the inner cover corresponding to the relevant portion. Further, the inlet-side pressure sensor 41 provided inside the heat exchanger housing 50 can be housed in the space created by removing the inner cover.

In the flow rate adjusting device 4 of the second embodiment, as compared with the flow rate adjusting device 4 of the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 has an opening 59, a heat exchanger inlet pipe 33, and a heat exchanger outlet pipe. The point that covers the 34 and the air bleeding valve 36 is different.

The first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43 and the second flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 46 are exposed from the same side surface of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. The heat exchanger outlet pipe 34 and the flow rate adjusting valve 40, and the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 and the flow rate adjusting valve 40 are connected by fasteners 90, respectively. Further, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 has a case 61, a cover 62, and a box-shaped inner cover 63. The inner cover 63 includes an opening 59, a heat exchanger inlet pipe 33, a heat exchanger outlet pipe 34, an air bleeding valve 36, a flow rate adjusting valve 40, an outlet side pressure sensor 42, and a flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe. 45 and cover. In particular, the inner cover 63 covers from the end of the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33 having the first flow rate adjusting device pipe connection portion 43 to the portion protruding from the opening 59 to the outside of the heat exchanger housing 50. In the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34, the portion extending from the opening 59 to the outside of the heat exchanger housing 50 to the end connected to the flow rate adjusting valve 40 is covered. Further, the case 61 and the cover 62 cover the inner cover 63. Here, the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33 is located below the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42.

The case 61 has a flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65, and the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 is provided with a hole. Similar to the first embodiment, the screw shaft portion is inserted into the hole of the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65, and the screw shaft portion is screw-fitted into the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion 58 having the screw hole. By doing so, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the heat exchanger housing 50.

As described above, the indoor unit 300 according to the second embodiment includes an indoor heat exchanger 30, a heat exchanger housing 50 that covers the indoor heat exchanger 30, a flow rate adjusting valve 40, and an outlet side that is a flow rate information detecting means. The flow rate adjusting device housing 60 that covers the pressure sensor 42 and the flow rate adjusting device housing side that is provided in the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 so that the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 can be attached to the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing 50. It is configured to include a mounting portion 65. This configuration has the effect that the flow rate adjusting valve 40 and the flow rate information detecting means can be easily added to the indoor unit. Further, the indoor unit main body 3 and the flow rate adjusting device 4 can be integrated and shipped, which has the effect of preventing the work process from becoming complicated and the work man-hours from increasing at the site.

Further, as an optional configuration, in the configuration of the indoor unit 300 according to the second embodiment described above, an inflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows and an outflow of the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 flow. The flow control device housing 60 may be provided with piping and may be configured to cover at least a part of the inflow pipe and a part of the outflow pipe. In the second embodiment, the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33 corresponds to the inflow pipe, and the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34 and the flow rate regulator outlet pipe 45 correspond to the outflow pipe. With this configuration, the flow rate adjusting device 4 can be attached in the vicinity of the portion where the heat medium flows in and out from the heat exchanger housing 50, and the indoor unit 300 can be miniaturized. Further, by downsizing the indoor unit 300, at least one of the effects of improving the installation workability at the site, reducing the packing volume, and reducing the amount of the heat medium to be filled can be obtained.

Further, as an optional configuration, the above-mentioned flow rate adjusting device housing 60 has a configuration of an indoor unit 300 that covers a part of the inflow pipe and a part of the outflow pipe, and the inflow pipe is a flow rate adjusting valve 40 and a flow rate information detecting means. A configuration may be added that is located below the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42. In the cooling operation mode, the heat medium cooled by the heat source machine 200 flows through the inflow pipe, and dew condensation is likely to occur in the inflow pipe. Therefore, due to the added configuration, dew condensation generated in the inflow pipe does not drip onto the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42, and the deterioration of the device can be suppressed.

Further, as an optional configuration, a configuration is added to the configuration of the indoor unit 300 of the second embodiment described above, in which the heat exchanger housing 50 has an opening 59 and the opening 59 is covered by the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. May be. With this added configuration, the inlet side pressure sensor 41 can be arranged in the space newly formed in the heat exchanger housing 50 by having the opening 59, and the indoor unit 300 can be further miniaturized. Has the effect of being able to. Further, since the opening 59 is covered with the heat exchanger housing 50, it has an effect of suppressing leakage of the air cooled or heated by the indoor heat exchanger 30 to the space other than the air-conditioned space. Further, the opening 59 is formed by removing a part of the heat exchanger housing 50 and a part of the inner cover, and it is not necessary to redesign the heat exchanger housing and the inner cover.

Further, as an optional configuration, in the configuration of the indoor unit 300 in which the heat exchanger housing 50 has an opening 59, a part of the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33 which is an inflow pipe and the heat exchanger outlet pipe which is an outflow pipe are added. A part of 34 is covered with the heat exchanger housing 50, and the other part of the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33 and the other part of the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34 are from the opening 59 to the heat exchanger housing 50. A configuration may be added that is exposed to the outside and is covered with the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. With this added configuration, there is an effect that the number of components connecting the indoor unit main body 3 such as the first heat exchanger piping connection portion 32 and the flow rate adjusting device 4 can be reduced.

The air conditioner 100 according to the second embodiment has a configuration including an indoor unit 300 according to the above-mentioned second embodiment and a heat source machine 200 for heating or cooling a heat medium. With this configuration, as in the indoor unit 300 according to the second embodiment described above, the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 can be easily added to the indoor unit.

In the air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment, the heat exchanger housing 50 covers the inlet side pressure sensor 41, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 may be configured to cover the inlet side pressure sensor 41 as in the first embodiment.

Further, in the air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment, the signal line connecting the indoor unit control device 83, the flow rate adjusting valve 40, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 so as to be communicable is a heat exchanger housing from the opening 59. The configuration is drawn into the inside of the 50, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration. For example, as in the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 may be provided with a signal line take-out port, and various signal lines may be taken out from the signal line take-out port.

Further, in the air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment, the inlet side pressure sensor 41 is provided in the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34, and the inlet side pressure sensor 41 detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30. However, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the inlet side pressure sensor 41 may be configured to detect the pressure of the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30, such as a configuration in which the inlet side pressure sensor 41 is provided in the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33. With this configuration, the degree of freedom in arranging the inlet-side pressure sensor 41 is increased, and the effect of further reducing the size of the flow rate adjusting device 4 is achieved. Since the heat medium flowing through the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33 flows into the flow rate adjusting valve 40 after passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30, it corresponds to the heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting valve 40.

However, the air conditioner 100 has a pressure loss when passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30. Therefore, in the configuration in which the inlet side pressure sensor 41 detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30, the pressure difference between the pressure detected by the input side pressure sensor 41 and the pressure detected by the outlet side pressure sensor 42 is set. Includes pressure loss as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger 30. Therefore, as an optional configuration, in the configuration of the indoor unit 300 according to the second embodiment described above, the inlet side pressure sensor 41 heats from the time when the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows out to the time when it flows into the flow rate adjusting valve 40. A configuration for detecting the pressure of the medium may be added. With this added configuration, it is possible to more accurately calculate the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40.

Further, the air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment has a configuration in which the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 are used as the flow rate information detecting means, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration and has been described in the first embodiment. As described above, the configuration may be used as another flow rate information detecting means such as a flow meter.

Further, in the case of a configuration in which the flow rate information detecting means is one device such as a flow meter, an opening 59 is provided, the flow rate information detecting means is covered only by the heat exchanger housing 50, and the flow rate information detecting means is a flow rate adjusting device. The configuration may be such that the housing 60 is not covered. In this configuration, the degree of freedom in arranging the flow rate information detecting means is increased, and the flow rate adjusting device 4 can be further miniaturized.

However, as described in the first embodiment, by adding the configuration using the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 as the flow rate information detecting means, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40 at low cost. Has the effect of being able to detect.

Further, the air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment is configured such that the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows into the flow rate adjusting valve 40, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heat medium flowing out of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 30, such as a configuration in which the first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43 and the indoor heat exchanger 30 are connected via the flow rate adjusting valve 40. But it's okay. Further, to this configuration, an opening 59 is provided, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 covers the flow rate adjusting valve 40 and the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the heat exchanger housing 50 covers the outlet side pressure sensor 42. Is also good. With this added configuration, the outlet side pressure sensor 42 can be arranged in the space newly formed in the heat exchanger housing 50 by having the opening 59, and the indoor unit 300 can be further miniaturized. Has the effect of being able to.

However, as described in the first embodiment, by adding a configuration in which the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows into the flow rate adjusting valve 40, deterioration of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 due to low temperature or high temperature is suppressed. Has the effect of being able to.

Further, as described in the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device 4 may be attached to the indoor unit main body 3 by another existing attachment method, and the heat exchanger housing side attachment portion 58 is not an indispensable configuration. The points and the point that the flow rate adjusting device 4 may be provided on the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing 50 other than the side surface portion 51 can be applied to the air conditioner 100 of the second embodiment.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an external view of the indoor unit according to the third embodiment. Next, the air conditioner of the third embodiment will be described. The structure of the indoor unit main body 3 and the flow rate adjusting device 4 is different in the air conditioner 100 of the third embodiment as compared with the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. In the air conditioner 100 of the third embodiment, the structure of the heat source machine 200, the first heat medium pipe 5 and the second heat medium pipe 6, and the block diagram relating to the control of the air conditioner 100 are described. It is the same as the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The indoor unit main body 3 of the third embodiment will be described. The indoor unit main body 3 of the third embodiment is the first embodiment except that the position of the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion (not shown) is changed to the same position as the indoor unit main body 3 of the second embodiment. It is the same as the indoor unit main body 3. The heat exchanger housing side mounting portion of the third embodiment is provided on the side surface portion 51 and has a screw hole. Further, when the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the heat exchanger housing 50, heat exchange is performed at a position where the screw hole of the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion and the hole of the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 communicate with each other. A mounting portion on the device housing side is provided.

The flow rate adjusting device 4 of the third embodiment will be described. The flow rate adjusting device 4 of the third embodiment has a third flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 47 and a fourth flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 49 as compared with the flow rate adjusting device 4 of the first embodiment. The difference is that it has a connecting pipe 48 that connects the third flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 47 and the fourth flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 49. The flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The third flow rate adjusting device pipe connecting portion 47 is connected to the first heat medium piping 5, and is connected to the fourth flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 49 via the connecting pipe 48. The fourth flow rate adjusting device pipe connecting portion 49 is connected to the first heat exchanger piping connecting portion 32. Further, the first flow rate adjusting device pipe connecting portion 43 is connected to the second heat exchanger piping connecting portion 35, and is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve 40 via the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44. Further, the second flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 46 is connected to the second heat medium piping 6 and is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve 40 via the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45.

The flow of the heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300a of the third embodiment will be described. The heat medium flowing to the indoor unit 300a includes a third flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 47a, a connecting pipe 48a, a fourth flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 49a, and a first heat exchanger piping connection portion 32a. It passes through the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33a and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 30a. The heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30a cools the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30a in the cooling operation mode, and heats the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30a in the heating operation mode. , Outflow from the indoor heat exchanger 30a. The heat medium flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 30a passes through the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34a and the second heat exchanger pipe connection portion 35a and flows into the flow rate adjusting device 4a. The heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting device 4a includes a first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43a, a flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44a, a flow rate adjusting valve 40a, a flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45a, and a second flow rate adjusting device. It passes through the device piping connection portion 46a and flows into the second heat medium piping 6.

The description of the flow of the heat medium flowing through the indoor unit 300b will be omitted because the subscripts of each configuration shown in the above-mentioned description of the heat medium flowing through the indoor unit 300a only change from a to b.

The first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43 and the fourth flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 49 are exposed from the same side surface of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60. Further, the second flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 46 and the third flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 47 are connected to the flow rate adjusting device housing on the side opposite to the side surface where the first flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 43 is exposed. It is exposed from the side surface of the body 60.

The first flow control device pipe connection 43 is the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34 via the second heat exchanger pipe connection 35, and the second flow control device pipe connection 46 is the second heat medium pipe 6. The third flow rate adjusting device piping connection 47 is the first heat medium piping 5, and the fourth flow rate adjusting device piping connection 49 is the heat exchanger inlet via the first heat exchanger piping connection 32. It can be connected to the pipe 33 by the existing pipe connection method. Here, the first heat medium pipe 5, the second heat medium pipe 6, the heat exchanger inlet pipe 33, and the heat exchanger outlet pipe 34 are not covered by the heat exchanger housing 50. , Corresponds to the external piping of the heat exchanger housing 50.

The flow rate adjusting device housing 60 has a case 61, a cover 62, and a box-shaped inner cover (not shown). The box-shaped inner cover covers the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, the outlet side pressure sensor 42, the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44, the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45, and the connecting pipe 48. (Not shown). Further, for the inner cover, it is preferable to use a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44, the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45, and the connecting pipe 48. Further, the inner cover is covered with the case 61 and the cover 62. Here, the connecting pipe 48 is located below the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42.

The case 61 has a flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 and a signal line outlet portion 66. A hole is provided in the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65. Similar to the first embodiment, the screw shaft portion is inserted into the hole of the flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65, and the screw shaft portion is screw-fitted into the heat exchanger housing side mounting portion having the screw hole. As a result, the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 is attached to the heat exchanger housing 50. Since the signal line take-out port 66 has the same configuration as the signal line take-out port 66 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the third embodiment includes a flow rate adjusting device housing 60 that covers the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41 that is the flow rate information detecting means, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42, and the flow rate. The configuration is provided with a flow rate adjusting device housing side mounting portion 65 provided in the adjusting device housing 60 so that the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 can be mounted on the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing 50. The flow rate adjusting device 4 having this configuration has an effect that the flow rate adjusting valve 40 and the flow rate information detecting means can be easily added to the indoor unit.

Further, as an optional configuration, in the configuration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 of the third embodiment described above, it is possible to connect to the connecting pipe 48 covered with the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 and the external piping of the flow rate adjusting device housing 60, respectively. The first flow rate adjusting device piping connection section 43, the second flow rate adjusting device piping connection section 46, the third flow rate adjusting device piping connection section 47, and the fourth flow rate adjusting device piping connection section 49. The first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43 and the second flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 46 are connected via a flow rate adjusting valve 40, and the third flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 47 and the fourth flow rate are connected. A configuration may be added in which the adjusting device pipe connecting portion 49 is connected to the connecting pipe 48 via the connecting pipe 48. With this added configuration, it is possible to attach the miniaturized flow rate adjusting device 4 without providing the opening 59 in the heat exchanger housing 50 as in the indoor unit 300 of the second embodiment.

Further, as an optional configuration, the configuration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the third embodiment includes a flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44, a flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45, and a connecting pipe 48, and the flow rate adjusting device housing. Reference numeral 60 denotes an inner cover made of a flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44, a flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45, and a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the connecting pipe 48, and the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44 and the flow rate adjusting device. The outlet pipe 45, the connecting pipe 48, and the flow rate adjusting valve 40 may be configured to be covered with an inner cover. With this added configuration, the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting device 4 has an effect of suppressing heat dissipation or heat absorption to the outside of the flow rate adjusting device 4.

Further, as an optional configuration, in the configuration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the third embodiment, the inflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows and the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 flow. The outflow pipe may be provided, and the flow rate adjusting device housing 60 may be provided with a configuration that covers the inflow pipe and the outflow pipe. In the third embodiment, the connecting pipe 48 corresponds to the inflow pipe, and the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe 44 and the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe 45 correspond to the outflow pipe. With this configuration, the flow rate adjusting device 4 can be attached in the vicinity of the portion where the heat medium flows in and out from the heat exchanger housing 50, and the indoor unit 300 can be miniaturized.

Further, as an optional configuration, the configuration of the flow rate adjusting device 4 according to the third embodiment includes a connecting pipe 48 which is an inflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows, and the connecting pipe 48 adjusts the flow rate. A configuration may be added that is located below the valve 40, the inlet pressure sensor 41, and the outlet pressure sensor 42. With this added configuration, dew condensation generated on the connecting pipe 48 does not drip onto the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42, and the deterioration of the device can be suppressed.

The indoor unit 300 according to the third embodiment includes an indoor heat exchanger 30, a heat exchanger housing 50 that covers the indoor heat exchanger 30, and a flow rate adjusting device 4 having the configuration according to the first embodiment. It is a prepared configuration. This configuration has the effect that the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 can be easily added to the indoor unit, as in the flow rate adjusting device 4 having the configuration according to the third embodiment described above. Play.

The air conditioner 100 according to the third embodiment has a configuration including an indoor unit 300 according to the third embodiment and a heat source unit 200 for heating or cooling a heat medium. With this configuration, as in the indoor unit 300 according to the third embodiment described above, the flow rate adjusting valve 40, the inlet side pressure sensor 41, and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 can be easily added to the indoor unit.

The air conditioner 100 according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the inlet side pressure sensor 41 detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the inlet side pressure sensor 41 may be configured to detect the pressure of the heat medium flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 30, such as a configuration in which the inlet side pressure sensor 41 is provided in the connecting pipe 48. In this configuration, the degree of freedom in arranging the inlet side pressure sensor 41 is increased, and the effect of further reducing the size of the flow rate adjusting device 4 is achieved. Since the heat medium flowing through the connecting pipe 48 also flows into the flow rate adjusting valve 40 after passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30, it corresponds to the heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting valve 40.

However, as described in the second embodiment, since there is a pressure loss when passing through the indoor heat exchanger 30, the inlet side pressure sensor 41 flows out of the indoor heat exchanger 30 and then becomes the flow control valve 40. By adding a configuration for detecting the pressure of the heat medium until it flows in, it is possible to more accurately calculate the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40.

Further, the air conditioner 100 according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 are used as the flow rate information detecting means, but the configuration is not limited to this configuration and will be described in the first embodiment. As described above, the configuration may be used as another flow rate information detecting means such as a flow meter.

However, as described in the first embodiment, by adding the configuration using the inlet side pressure sensor 41 and the outlet side pressure sensor 42 as the flow rate information detecting means, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the flow rate adjusting valve 40 at low cost. Has the effect of being able to detect.

Further, the air conditioner 100 of the third embodiment is configured such that the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows into the flow rate adjusting valve 40, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion 43 and the second flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 46 are connected via the connecting pipe 48, and the third flow rate adjusting device piping connecting portion 47 and the fourth flow rate adjusting device are connected. The heat medium flowing out of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 may flow into the indoor heat exchanger 30, such as a configuration in which the pipe connecting portion 49 is connected via the flow rate adjusting valve 40.

However, as described in the first embodiment, by adding a configuration in which the heat medium flowing out from the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows into the flow rate adjusting valve 40, deterioration of the flow rate adjusting valve 40 due to low temperature or high temperature is suppressed. Has the effect of being able to.

Further, as described in the first embodiment, the flow rate adjusting device 4 may be provided on the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing 50, and the flow rate adjusting device 4 may be attached to the indoor unit main body 3 by another existing mounting method. The fact that the mounting configuration is acceptable and that the mounting portion on the heat exchanger housing side is not an essential configuration can also be applied to the indoor unit 300 of the third embodiment.

1 Outdoor unit, 2 Repeater, 3 (3a, 3b) Indoor unit body, 4 (4a, 4b) Flow control device, 5 First heat medium piping, 6 Second heat medium piping, 7 First heat source side Refrigerator pipe, 8 Second heat source side refrigerant pipe, 9 (9a, 9b) connection pipe, 10 compressor, 11 flow path switching device, 12 throttle device, 13 outdoor heat exchanger, 14 accumulator, 15 outdoor blower, 16 outdoor Machine piping, 17 1st outdoor unit piping connection, 18 2nd outdoor unit piping connection, 20 heat medium heat exchanger, 21 pump, 22 1st repeater refrigerant piping, 23 2nd repeater refrigerant piping , 24 1st repeater heat medium piping, 25 2nd repeater heat medium piping, 26 1st repeater refrigerant pipe connection, 27 2nd repeater refrigerant pipe connection, 28 1st repeater heat Medium pipe connection part, 29 Second repeater heat medium pipe connection part, 30 (30a, 30b) Indoor heat exchanger, 31 (31a, 31b) Indoor blower, 32 (32a, 32b) First heat exchanger pipe Connection part, 33 (33a, 33b) heat exchanger inlet pipe, 34 (34a, 34b) heat exchanger outlet pipe, 35 (35a, 35b) second heat exchanger pipe connection part, 36 air bleeding valve, 40 ( 40a, 40b) Flow control valve, 41 (41a, 41b) Inlet side pressure sensor, 42 (42a, 42b) Outlet side pressure sensor, 43 (43a, 43b) First flow control device piping connection, 44 (44a, 44b) Flow control device inlet pipe, 45 (45a, 45b) Flow control device outlet pipe, 46 (46a, 46b) Second flow control device pipe connection, 47 (47a, 47b) Third flow control device pipe connection Part, 48 (48a, 48b) connecting pipe, 49 (49a, 49b) fourth flow control device pipe connecting part, 50 (50a, 50b) heat exchanger housing, 51 side surface part, 52 top surface part, 53 panel, 54 Suction port, 55 Blowout, 56 Fixing bracket, 57 Air bleeding valve cover, 58 Heat exchanger housing side mounting part, 59 opening, 60 (60a, 60b) Flow control device housing, 61 case, 62 cover , 63 inner cover, 64 drain pan, 65 flow control device housing side mounting part, 66 signal line outlet part, 70 screws, 81 outdoor unit control device, 82 repeater control device, 83 (83a, 8) 3b) Indoor unit control device, 90 fasteners, 100 air conditioner, 200 heat source unit, 300 (300a, 300b) indoor unit

Claims (17)

A flow control valve that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and the air blown into the air conditioning target space.
A flow rate information detecting means for detecting information regarding the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve, and
A flow rate adjusting device housing that covers the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow rate information detecting means,
A mounting portion provided on the flow rate adjusting device housing and configured so that the flow rate adjusting device housing can be mounted on the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing covering the heat exchanger.
Equipped with
The flow rate adjusting device housing covers at least a part of an inflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger flows and a part of an outflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger flows.
Flow control device. The flow rate information detecting means is
An inlet-side pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing into the flow control valve, and
An outlet-side pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing out of the flow control valve, and
The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1. The flow rate adjusting device housing has a signal line outlet portion for taking out a signal line connected to the flow rate adjusting valve and a signal line connected to the flow rate information detecting means to the outside of the flow rate adjusting device housing. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2. The flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe, which is covered with the flow rate adjusting device housing and through which the heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting valve flows,
It is provided with a flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe covered with the flow rate adjusting device housing and through which the heat medium flowing out from the flow rate adjusting valve flows.
The flow rate adjusting device housing has an inner cover made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe and the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe.
The flow rate adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow rate adjusting device inlet pipe, the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe, and the flow rate adjusting valve are covered with the inner cover. The flow rate adjusting device according to claim 4, wherein the flow rate adjusting device outlet pipe is located below the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow rate information detecting means. A heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium and the air blown into the air conditioning target space,
A flow rate adjusting valve that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger,
A flow rate information detecting means for detecting information regarding the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve, and
The heat exchanger housing that covers the heat exchanger and
A flow rate adjusting device housing that covers the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow rate information detecting means,
A mounting portion provided in the flow rate adjusting device housing and configured so that the flow rate adjusting device housing can be mounted on the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing.
The inflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger flows,
The outflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing out from the heat exchanger flows is provided.
The flow rate adjusting device housing covers at least a part of the inflow pipe and a part of the outflow pipe.
Indoor unit. A heat exchanger piping connection portion that is exposed from the heat exchanger housing and can be connected to a pipe outside the heat exchanger housing and is connected to the heat exchanger.
A flow rate adjusting device piping connection portion that is exposed from the flow rate adjusting device housing and can be connected to a pipe outside the flow rate adjusting device housing and is connected to the flow rate adjusting valve.
A connection pipe in which one end is connected to the heat exchanger pipe connection and the other end is connected to the flow rate regulator pipe connection.
The indoor unit according to claim 6. The indoor unit according to claim 6 , wherein the inflow pipe is located below the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow rate information detecting means. The heat exchanger housing has an opening for communicating the inside and the outside of the heat exchanger housing.
The indoor unit according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the flow rate adjusting device housing covers the opening. A part of the inflow pipe and a part of the outflow pipe are covered with the heat exchanger housing.
The ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the other part of the inflow pipe and the other part of the outflow pipe protrude from the heat exchanger housing through the opening and are covered with the flow rate adjusting device housing. Indoor unit. The flow rate information detecting means is an outlet-side pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing out of the flow rate adjusting valve.
The indoor unit according to claim 9 or 10 , further comprising an inlet-side pressure sensor that is covered with the heat exchanger housing and detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing into the flow rate adjusting valve. The flow rate information detecting means is
An inlet-side pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing into the flow control valve, and
An outlet-side pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the heat medium flowing out of the flow control valve, and
The indoor unit according to any one of claims 6 to 10 . The indoor unit according to any one of claims 6 to 12 , wherein the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the flow rate adjusting valve. 13. The chamber according to claim 13 , wherein the inlet-side pressure sensor is dependent on claim 11 or 12 , which detects the pressure of the heat medium between the time when the pressure sensor flows out from the heat exchanger and the time when the pressure sensor flows into the flow rate adjusting valve. Machine. The heat exchanger housing has a side surface portion that covers the sides of the heat exchanger.
The indoor unit according to any one of claims 6 to 14 , wherein the mounting portion is configured so that the flow rate adjusting device housing can be mounted on the side surface portion. A heat source machine that heats or cools the heat medium,
A heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the heat medium heated or cooled by the heat source machine and the air blown into the air harmonization target space.
A flow rate adjusting valve that adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger,
A flow rate information detecting means for detecting information regarding the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the flow rate adjusting valve, and a flow rate information detecting means.
The heat exchanger housing that covers the heat exchanger and
A flow rate adjusting device housing that covers the flow rate adjusting valve and the flow rate information detecting means,
A mounting portion provided in the flow rate adjusting device housing and configured so that the flow rate adjusting device housing can be mounted on the outer surface of the heat exchanger housing.
The inflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger flows,
The outflow pipe through which the heat medium flowing out of the heat exchanger flows,
Equipped with
The flow rate adjusting device housing covers at least a part of the inflow pipe and a part of the outflow pipe.
Air conditioner. The air conditioner according to claim 16 , wherein the heat medium heated or cooled by the heat source machine flows into the flow control valve after passing through the heat exchanger.

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