JPH0783545A

JPH0783545A - Refrigerant change method of air conditioner

Info

Publication number: JPH0783545A
Application number: JP23126393A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Takeshi Endo; 剛遠藤; Naoto Katsumata; 直登勝又; Koji Terada; 浩二寺田; Kensaku Kokuni; 研作小国; Hiroaki Matsushima; 弘章松嶋; Hiroshi Kogure; 博志小暮
Original assignee: Hitachi Ltd
Current assignee: Hitachi Ltd
Priority date: 1993-09-17
Filing date: 1993-09-17
Publication date: 1995-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2016-03-26
Also published as: JP3149640B2

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a refrigerant change method which allows an air conditioner, which uses a refrigerant of a fluorinated hydrocarbon containing chlorine as a working fluid, to adapt to a new chlorine-free refrigerant with existing equipment used and changes minimized. CONSTITUTION:First, refrigerant of HCFC 22 is recovered into an outdoor unit. Second, the outdoor unit is replaced with a new outdoor unit adaptable to a new mixed refrigerant of HFC 32/HFC 125/HFC 134a. Third, evacuation is carried out to charge the new refrigerant. Fourth, an air conditioner is operated for a specified period of time to perform cleaning operation. Fifth, the refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil are replaced. The fourth and fifth operation are repeated specified times. Thus, the working fluid of the air conditioner is replaced with the new refrigerant. Therefore, this refrigerant change method is economical as saving of equipment and a reduction in working period and working space can be attained. In addition, the reliability of equipment and performance of air-conditioning are improved and the air conditioner can be adapted to the new refrigerant.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は、塩素を含む弗化炭化水
素系冷媒を動作流体とする空気調和機の冷媒変更方法に
係り、特に既存機器を流用して非塩素系新冷媒に動作流
体を変更するのに好適な空気調和機の冷媒変更方法に関
する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerant changing method for an air conditioner using a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine as a working fluid, and more particularly to a working fluid as a new non-chlorine refrigerant by diverting existing equipment. The present invention relates to a method for changing a refrigerant of an air conditioner that is suitable for changing.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、冷凍サイクルの動作流体として、
いわゆるＣＦＣ、ＨＣＦＣ等の塩素を含む弗化炭化水素
系冷媒が、その優れた熱力学的性質と安定性のために多
用されてきた。◆そして、このような冷媒を使用する空
気調和機を構成する機器を、機器の整備や修理のために
一時的に取り外したり、故障や老朽化により交換した
り、あるいは移設したりするときに、その分解作業の前
に冷媒を回収運転する、いわゆるポンプダウン運転が実
施されていた。その例が、特開昭62-280548号公報に開
示されている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a working fluid for a refrigeration cycle,
Fluorinated hydrocarbon-based refrigerants containing chlorine such as so-called CFCs and HCFCs have been widely used because of their excellent thermodynamic properties and stability. ◆ And when the equipment that composes an air conditioner that uses such a refrigerant is temporarily removed for maintenance or repair of the equipment, replaced due to failure or deterioration, or relocated, Prior to the disassembling work, a so-called pump-down operation was performed to collect the refrigerant. An example thereof is disclosed in JP-A-62-280548.

【０００３】[0003]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記従来技術において
は、冷媒の種類の変更による機器の変更についてまでは
考慮されていなかった。すなわち、塩素を含む弗化炭化
水素系物質は、その安定性のために分解すること無く、
対流によって成層圏へ到達する。そして、上空の強い紫
外線により光分解し、オゾンと反応する塩素原子を遊離
する。これにより、オゾン層が破壊される作用が生じる
ことが明らかになってきた。そのため、人体に有害な紫
外線を上空で遮る働きをするオゾン層を保護するため
に、塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系物質の全廃が決定されて
いる。空気調和機や冷凍機の冷媒として広く用いられて
いるＨＣＦＣ２２もその対象であり、いわゆる特定フロ
ンであるＣＦＣ類よりはオゾン層破壊に対する影響が小
さいものの、数年以内に代替することが要求されてい
る。◆現在、ＨＣＦＣ２２等の従来冷媒の代替候補とし
て検討されている新冷媒として、例えばオゾン層破壊の
原因である塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素のＨＦＣ３２、
ＨＦＣ１２５、ＨＦＣ１３４ａ、ＨＦＣ１４３ａ、ＨＦ
Ｃ１５２ａいずれか、あるいはそれらの中のいくつかを
混合した複数混合冷媒が有望と考えられている。In the above-mentioned prior art, no consideration has been given to the change of equipment due to the change of the type of refrigerant. That is, a fluorohydrocarbon-based substance containing chlorine does not decompose due to its stability,
It reaches the stratosphere by convection. Then, it is photolyzed by strong ultraviolet rays in the sky to release chlorine atoms that react with ozone. As a result, it has become clear that the ozone layer is destroyed. Therefore, in order to protect the ozone layer, which works to block ultraviolet rays harmful to the human body from the sky, it has been decided to abolish fluorocarbon-based substances containing chlorine. The HCFC22, which is widely used as a refrigerant for air conditioners and refrigerators, is also the target, and although it has less impact on ozone layer depletion than CFCs that are so-called specific freons, it is required to be replaced within a few years. There is. ◆ As new refrigerants currently being considered as alternatives to conventional refrigerants such as HCFC22, HFC32, which is a fluorohydrocarbon that does not contain chlorine that causes ozone layer depletion,
HFC125, HFC134a, HFC143a, HF
It is considered that a mixed refrigerant in which any one of C152a or some of them is mixed is promising.

【０００４】ところで、今後新冷媒対応製品が市場に投
入されたとしても、すでに設置され稼働しているものに
加えて、切り替えまでの当面の間製造・販売されている
ものを合わせ、相当数の機器が従来機として稼働するこ
とになるが、従来冷媒は製造の中止や縮小により入手困
難となることと、規制の強化により使用が困難になるこ
とが予想され、その代替が必要となることは上述の通り
である。したがって、既存機器を有効に使用して、最小
限の変更で新冷媒に対応することが必要となってくる。By the way, even if a product compatible with a new refrigerant is put on the market in the future, in addition to those already installed and in operation, those manufactured and sold for the time being until the changeover are included in a considerable number. Although the equipment will operate as a conventional machine, it is expected that conventional refrigerants will be difficult to obtain due to discontinuation of production or downsizing, and it will be difficult to use due to stricter regulations, and it is necessary to replace it As described above. Therefore, it becomes necessary to effectively use the existing equipment and support the new refrigerant with a minimum change.

【０００５】そこで、冷媒と冷凍機油が変わることによ
り必要になると思われる機器の変更点を具体的にあげる
と、おしのけ容積や圧縮比等の圧縮機諸元、圧縮機運転
周波数制御方法や膨張装置絞り量、冷凍サイクル制御用
バイパス流量、受液器やアキュムレータ等の容器類容
積、熱交換器容量、熱交換器パス配列、部品の耐圧構
造、圧縮機給油量、アキュムレータ返油量、配管径、新
冷媒／新冷凍機油対応材料の使用、水分を含み易い冷凍
機油には水分を吸着する乾燥剤の使用等がある。[0005] Therefore, concretely, the changes of the equipment which are considered to be necessary due to the change of the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil are as follows: specifications of the compressor such as astringent volume and compression ratio, compressor operating frequency control method and expansion device. Throttling amount, bypass flow rate for refrigeration cycle control, volume of containers such as liquid receiver and accumulator, heat exchanger capacity, heat exchanger path arrangement, pressure resistant structure of parts, compressor oil supply amount, accumulator return oil amount, pipe diameter, There are new refrigerants / new refrigerating machine oil compatible materials, and refrigerating machine oils that tend to contain moisture include the use of desiccants that adsorb moisture.

【０００６】ところで、新冷媒は従来冷媒に近い特性の
ものを指向しており、このため前記変更点全てについて
変更しなくても、既存機器の一部あるいは大部分を流用
して新冷媒に対応できる可能性がある。前記変更点の中
では、膨張装置絞り量、熱交換器容量、熱交換器パス配
列、部品の耐圧構造、配管径、新冷媒／新冷凍機油対応
材料をそのまま使用できれば、少なくとも室内機と冷媒
配管は変更する必要がない。これについては、例えばＨ
ＦＣ３２／ＨＦＣ１２５／ＨＦＣ１３４ａの混合冷媒を
使用することで、性能の多少の低下を伴うものの、室内
機および冷媒配管は従来冷媒使用機器をそのまま使用で
きる可能性が高い。そして、残りの変更点は室外機に属
するものであり、室外機を丸ごと交換してしまえば、機
器については新冷媒に対応した空気調和機に変えること
ができる。By the way, the new refrigerant is intended to have a characteristic close to that of the conventional refrigerant. Therefore, even if all the above-mentioned changes are not changed, a part or most of the existing equipment can be diverted to correspond to the new refrigerant. There is a possibility. Among the above changes, if the expansion device throttle amount, heat exchanger capacity, heat exchanger path arrangement, pressure resistant structure of parts, pipe diameter, new refrigerant / new refrigerating machine oil compatible material can be used as they are, at least indoor unit and refrigerant pipe Does not need to be changed. About this, for example, H
By using a mixed refrigerant of FC32 / HFC125 / HFC134a, there is a high possibility that the conventional refrigerant-using device can be used as it is for the indoor unit and the refrigerant pipe, although the performance is somewhat deteriorated. The remaining changes belong to the outdoor unit, and if the entire outdoor unit is replaced, the device can be changed to an air conditioner compatible with the new refrigerant.

【０００７】一方、冷媒が変わると、冷凍機油もそれに
対応したものに変える必要が生じる。しかしながら、上
述の新冷媒は鉱物油やアルキルベンゼン等を主体とする
従来冷凍機油に対して相溶性が著しく低いので、従来の
冷凍機油とともには使用することができない。そこで、
エーテル系やエステル系等分子極性により新冷媒との相
溶性を確保した新冷凍機油が用いられることとなる。On the other hand, when the refrigerant changes, the refrigerating machine oil also needs to be changed. However, since the above-mentioned new refrigerant has a remarkably low compatibility with the conventional refrigerating machine oil mainly composed of mineral oil, alkylbenzene and the like, it cannot be used together with the conventional refrigerating machine oil. Therefore,
A new refrigerating machine oil having compatibility with a new refrigerant due to molecular polarity such as ether type and ester type will be used.

【０００８】ところで、新冷媒を適用した冷凍サイクル
中に、塩素系物質を含む従来冷凍機油や従来冷媒が残留
や混入すると、新冷媒や新冷凍機油の化学的変化の原因
となる。例えば、酸の発生による冷凍サイクル内材料の
腐食があげられ、製品の信頼性を著しく低下させる恐れ
がある。また、従来の機器に使用されている、従来冷媒
や従来冷凍機油との相性が確認されている全ての材料
が、新冷媒と新冷凍機油についても問題なく使用できる
とは限らず、腐食や膨潤による機器の損傷やシール性の
低下が生じる可能性がある。さらに、新冷媒と相溶性の
ない従来冷凍機油が多量に残留していると、蒸発器内が
低温であることによりワックス分の分離が生じて、管内
付着による伝熱性能の低下や詰まりの原因になる。つま
り、機器と冷媒の交換を単に行っただけでは、信頼性と
性能を確保できない恐れがある。したがって、従来冷媒
を使用した既存機器を流用して、新冷媒に対応させる場
合には、上記の点に配慮した方法が必要となる。By the way, when a conventional refrigerating machine oil containing a chlorine-based substance or a conventional refrigerating machine remains or mixes in the refrigerating cycle to which the new refrigerant is applied, it causes a chemical change of the new refrigerating machine or the new refrigerating machine oil. For example, corrosion of materials in the refrigeration cycle due to generation of acid may occur, which may significantly reduce product reliability. In addition, not all materials used in conventional equipment that have been confirmed to be compatible with conventional refrigerants and conventional refrigerating machine oils can be used without problems with new refrigerants and new refrigerating machine oils, and corrosion and swelling may occur. There is a possibility that the equipment may be damaged or the sealing performance may be deteriorated due to. Furthermore, if a large amount of conventional refrigerating machine oil that is not compatible with the new refrigerant remains, the wax component will separate due to the low temperature inside the evaporator, causing a decrease in heat transfer performance and clogging due to adhesion inside the pipe. become. That is, reliability and performance may not be secured simply by exchanging the device and the refrigerant. Therefore, in the case of adapting an existing device using a conventional refrigerant to accommodate a new refrigerant, a method considering the above points is required.

【０００９】また、前述のようにＨＣＦＣ２２等の従来
冷媒は、影響の程度の違いはあってもオゾン層を破壊す
るので、大気中への放出を極力避ける必要がある。◆さ
らに、新冷媒に対応させるために室外機あるいは室内機
を新冷媒対応機器に変更すると、制御用の信号伝送線の
必要配線数や、接続部コネクタ形状を変えなければなら
ない恐れがある。その上、伝送される情報の内容や制御
信号のフォーマットが異なっていることも考えられ、室
外機と室内機、および制御信号伝送線の不適合で、機器
の接続ができない恐れもある。Further, as described above, the conventional refrigerant such as HCFC22 destroys the ozone layer even though the degree of influence is different. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid releasing it into the atmosphere as much as possible. ◆ Furthermore, if the outdoor unit or indoor unit is changed to a device compatible with the new refrigerant in order to support the new refrigerant, there is a possibility that the required number of signal transmission lines for control and the shape of the connector at the connection part may have to be changed. In addition, the contents of information to be transmitted and the format of the control signal may be different, and there is a possibility that the equipment cannot be connected due to incompatibility between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and the control signal transmission line.

【００１０】本発明の目的は、従来冷媒を使用していた
既存機器を流用して、最小限の変更で、容易にかつ経済
的に冷凍サイクルを新冷媒に対応したものに変更する方
法を提供することにある。An object of the present invention is to provide a method for diverting an existing device that has conventionally used a refrigerant to easily and economically change the refrigeration cycle to a new refrigerant by using a minimum change. To do.

【００１１】本発明の他の目的は、従来冷媒を使用して
いた既存機器を流用して新冷媒に対応するように変更し
ても、機器の信頼性を確保しかつ性能を損なわない、空
気調和機の冷媒変更方法を提供することにある。Another object of the present invention is to maintain the reliability of the equipment and to maintain the performance thereof even if the existing equipment which has conventionally used the refrigerant is diverted so as to cope with the new refrigerant. It is to provide a method of changing a refrigerant of a harmony machine.

【００１２】本発明の更に他の目的は、特殊な装置を使
用することなく、極力冷媒を大気中に放出しないでオゾ
ン層を破壊せず、リサイクルをも可能として、環境に害
を与えずかつ経済的な、空気調和機の冷媒変更方法を提
供することにある。Still another object of the present invention is to use the special device, to prevent the refrigerant from being released into the atmosphere as much as possible, to not destroy the ozone layer, and to recycle it, thereby not harming the environment and An object is to provide an economical method for changing the refrigerant of an air conditioner.

【００１３】本発明の他の目的は、従来冷媒を使用して
いた既存機器を流用して新冷媒に対応するように変更す
るとき、変更した新冷媒対応機器と、流用する制御信号
伝送線あるいは室内機との間に、制御信号伝送上の不適
合部分があっても、これらの機器を変更することなく接
続できるようにした空気調和機の冷媒変更方法を提供す
ることにある。Another object of the present invention is to use, when an existing device that has conventionally used a refrigerant is diverted to be changed to correspond to a new refrigerant, the changed new refrigerant compliant device and the diverted control signal transmission line or It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for changing a refrigerant of an air conditioner, which can connect these devices without changing even if there is a nonconformity in control signal transmission with the indoor unit.

【００１４】[0014]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記課題を解決するため
に、室内機及び室外機を備えた空気調和機の作動冷媒を
塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒から塩素を含まない弗化
炭化水素系冷媒に変更する空気調和機の冷媒変更方法に
おいて、前記室外機中に前記塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系
冷媒を内蔵したまま回収運転を行った後に、前記室外機
を前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒に適合した新
冷凍機油を内蔵した新室外機に置換し、前記室外機と前
記室内機とを真空引きし、前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化
水素系冷媒を前記空気調和機に封入した後、所定時間だ
け前記空気調和機を運転し、その後に前記塩素を含まな
い弗化炭化水素系冷媒と前記新冷凍機油とを入替える入
替え作業を行い、前記所定時間の運転と前記入替え作業
からなる洗浄運転を所定回数以上繰り返すようにしたも
のである。In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the working refrigerant of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is changed from a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine to a fluorohydrocarbon free of chlorine. In the method of changing the refrigerant of an air conditioner to change to a system-based refrigerant, after the recovery operation is performed while the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant containing chlorine is contained in the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit is replaced with a fluorine-free refrigerant. Replaced with a new outdoor unit containing a new refrigerating machine oil that is compatible with a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant, vacuuming the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant to the air conditioner. After enclosing it in the air conditioner, the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time, and then a replacement work of replacing the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant with the new refrigerating machine oil is performed. Cleaning operation consisting of rewriting work It is obtained by a repeated predetermined number of times or more.

【００１５】また、室内機及び室外機を備えた空気調和
機の作動冷媒を塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒から塩素
を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒冷媒に変更する空気調和
機の冷媒変更方法において、前記室外機と前記室内機を
接続する液冷媒配管及びガス冷媒配管と、制御信号伝送
線との中の少なくとも１つをそのまま流用し、前記室外
機と前記室内機とを、前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素
系冷媒に対応した新室外機及び新室内機に置換した後に
真空引きし、前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒を
封入したものである。Further, the working refrigerant of the air conditioner having the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is changed from a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine to a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant refrigerant not containing chlorine. In the method, at least one of a liquid refrigerant pipe and a gas refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and a control signal transmission line is diverted as it is, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are treated with the chlorine. Is replaced with a new outdoor unit and a new indoor unit that are compatible with a fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant that does not contain chlorine, and then vacuumed to fill the fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant that does not contain chlorine.

【００１６】さらに、室内機及び室外機を備えた空気調
和機の作動冷媒を塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒から塩
素を含まない弗化炭化水素系混合冷媒に変更する空気調
和機の冷媒変更方法において、前記室外機中に前記塩素
を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒を内蔵したまま回収運転を行
った後に、前記室外機を前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水
素系混合冷媒に適合した新冷凍機油を内蔵した新室外機
に置換し、前記室外機と前記室内機とを真空引きし、前
記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素系混合冷媒の少なくとも
１成分を有する洗浄冷媒を前記空気調和機に封入した
後、所定時間だけ前記空気調和機を運転し、その後に前
記洗浄冷媒と前記新冷凍機油とを入替える入替え作業を
行い、前記所定時間の運転と前記入替え作業からなる洗
浄運転を所定回数以上繰り返すものである。Further, the working refrigerant of the air conditioner having the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is changed from a fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant containing chlorine to a fluorohydrocarbon-based mixed refrigerant containing no chlorine, thereby changing the refrigerant of the air conditioner. In the method, after performing a recovery operation while the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant containing chlorine is contained in the outdoor unit, a new refrigeration suitable for the outdoor unit is added to the chlorine-free fluorocarbon-based mixed refrigerant. A new outdoor unit containing machine oil is replaced, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are evacuated, and the cleaning refrigerant having at least one component of the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based mixed refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioner. After sealing, the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time, and then a replacement operation for replacing the cleaning refrigerant and the new refrigerating machine oil is performed, and a cleaning operation including the operation for the predetermined time and the replacement operation is specified. More than times It is intended to be repeated.

【００１７】また、室内機及び室外機を備えた空気調和
機の作動冷媒を塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒から塩素
を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒に変更する空気調和機の
冷媒変更方法において、前記室外機中に前記塩素を含む
弗化炭化水素系冷媒を内蔵したまま回収運転を行った後
に、前記室外機を前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷
媒に適合した新冷凍機油を内蔵した新室外機に置換し、
前記室外機と前記室内機とを真空引きし、前記塩素を含
まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒を前記空気調和機に封入した
後、所定時間だけ前記空気調和機を運転し、その後に前
記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒と前記新冷凍機油
とを入替える入替え作業を行い、前記所定時間の運転と
前記入替え作業からなる洗浄運転を所定回数以上繰り返
した後に冷媒が変更されたことを示す表示物を前記空気
調和機に設置するものである。Further, a refrigerant changing method for an air conditioner in which a working refrigerant of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is changed from a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine to a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant not containing chlorine. In the above, after performing a recovery operation with the fluorocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine contained in the outdoor unit, a new refrigerating machine oil adapted to the fluorocarbon refrigerant containing no chlorine is used for the outdoor unit. Replaced with a new built-in outdoor unit,
After evacuating the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and sealing the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant not containing chlorine in the air conditioner, the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time, and then the chlorine is removed. Performing a replacement work to replace the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant not containing and the new refrigerating machine oil, and confirming that the refrigerant is changed after repeating the operation for the predetermined time and the cleaning operation consisting of the replacement operation a predetermined number of times or more. The indicated object is installed in the air conditioner.

【００１８】[0018]

【作用】空気調和機の冷媒を規制に適合するものに変更
するにあたり、室外機と、冷媒配管と、制御信号伝送線
とをそのまま流用し、室外機を、塩素を含まない新冷媒
に対応した、圧縮機と、制御装置と、絞り装置と、熱交
換器と、冷凍サイクル配管と、前記新冷媒に適応する新
冷凍機油を内蔵した新室外機に置換することにより、室
外機以外の機器の入換え作業が不要となる。そのため、
取替え部品代の低減、工事代の低減および工事期間の短
縮が図られる。◆また、交換するのが新冷凍機油を封入
した新冷媒に対応する圧縮機だけの場合には、より低コ
スト化が可能となる。◆さらに、液冷媒配管、あるいは
ガス冷媒配管、あるいは制御信号伝送線のいずれかまた
は全てをそのまま流用する場合には、室外機と室内機の
みを置換すればよく、交換の比較的容易な部分の作業が
主体となり、配管や配線を引き回す面倒な作業が不要と
なる。[Operation] When changing the refrigerant of the air conditioner to the one that complies with regulations, the outdoor unit, the refrigerant pipe, and the control signal transmission line are diverted as they are, and the outdoor unit is compatible with the new chlorine-free refrigerant. , A compressor, a control device, a throttling device, a heat exchanger, a refrigeration cycle pipe, and by replacing with a new outdoor unit containing a new refrigerating machine oil adapted to the new refrigerant, equipment other than the outdoor unit No replacement work is required. for that reason,
The replacement parts cost, the construction cost, and the construction period can be shortened. ◆ In addition, if only the compressor corresponding to the new refrigerant filled with new refrigerating machine oil is to be replaced, the cost can be further reduced. ◆ Furthermore, when diluting any or all of the liquid refrigerant pipe, the gas refrigerant pipe, and the control signal transmission line as they are, it suffices to replace only the outdoor unit with the indoor unit. Since the work is the main task, the troublesome work of arranging piping and wiring is unnecessary.

【００１９】また、塩素を含まない新冷媒の熱物性に不
適合であるか、あるいは塩素を含まない新冷媒、あるい
は塩素を含まない新冷媒に対応可能な新冷凍機油に不適
合な材料を用いた空気調和機の冷凍サイクル部品を、塩
素を含まない新冷媒の熱物性に適合し、かつ塩素を含ま
ない新冷媒および新冷凍機油との混在使用が可能な進冷
凍サイクル部品に交換することで、他の大部分の構成機
器をそのまま流用でき、低コスト化が可能となる。◆ま
た、室外機中の塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒の回収運
転を行うことにより、ほとんどの冷媒を大気中に放出す
ることがなく、オゾン層の破壊を抑制すると共に、専用
の冷媒回収装置等の機械を用いることなく、容易に冷媒
を回収できる。さらに、一定時間空気調和機を運転
し、その後に塩素を含まない新冷媒と新冷媒に適合する
新冷凍機油と入れ換えることを一連の作業とする洗浄運
転を冷媒交換時に実施する。そして、この一連の作業を
冷凍サイクル中に残留する塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷
媒および塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒に適合した従来
冷凍機油の濃度が許容濃度以下になるまで繰り返すの
で、残留している従来冷凍機油が圧縮機に戻り、冷凍サ
イクル中の残留従来冷凍機油濃度が薄まる。これによ
り、従来冷媒および従来冷凍機油の残留量は微量とな
り、従来冷媒および従来冷凍機油の残留による酸発生や
ワックス分の析出を防止でき、酸分による機器内材料の
腐食起因するモータ焼損事故や、軸受寿命低下、摺動部
の腐食摩耗増加による機器の破損を防止できる。また、
蒸発器管壁内に付着したワックス分により、伝熱性能の
低下、管内圧損の増加による空調能力および効率の低下
等を防止できる。Further, air that is incompatible with the thermophysical properties of a new chlorine-free refrigerant, or is made of a material that is incompatible with a new refrigerant that does not contain chlorine or a new refrigerant that does not contain chlorine, that is incompatible with new refrigerating machine oil. By replacing the refrigeration cycle parts of the harmony machine with the advanced refrigeration cycle parts that are compatible with the thermophysical properties of the new chlorine-free refrigerant and can be mixed with new chlorine-free refrigerant and new refrigeration oil, Most of the components can be used as they are, and the cost can be reduced. ◆ Also, by performing a recovery operation of the fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine in the outdoor unit, most of the refrigerant is not released into the atmosphere, the destruction of the ozone layer is suppressed, and a dedicated refrigerant recovery is performed. The refrigerant can be easily collected without using a machine such as an apparatus. Further, a cleaning operation is performed at the time of refrigerant exchange, in which the air conditioner is operated for a certain period of time and then a new refrigerant that does not contain chlorine and a new refrigerating machine oil suitable for the new refrigerant are replaced as a series of operations. Then, this series of operations is repeated until the concentration of the conventional refrigerating machine oil suitable for the fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine and the fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine remaining in the refrigeration cycle becomes less than the allowable concentration, The remaining conventional refrigerating machine oil returns to the compressor, and the residual conventional refrigerating machine oil concentration in the refrigeration cycle diminishes. As a result, the residual amount of the conventional refrigerant and the conventional refrigerating machine oil becomes very small, and it is possible to prevent the generation of acid and the precipitation of wax component due to the residual of the conventional refrigerant and the conventional refrigerating machine oil. It is possible to prevent damage to equipment due to shortened bearing life and increased corrosion wear of sliding parts. Also,
The wax content adhering to the inside of the evaporator tube wall can prevent a decrease in heat transfer performance and a decrease in air conditioning capacity and efficiency due to an increase in pressure loss in the tube.

【００２０】さらに、２成分以上の混合成分からなる塩
素を含まない新冷媒に変更するための洗浄運転におい
て、新冷媒を構成する成分のうちの一つの成分の冷媒の
みを洗浄運転に用いると、単位知性文の冷媒に比べ高価
な新冷媒の使用量を減らすことができ、安価となる。Further, in a cleaning operation for changing to a new chlorine-free refrigerant composed of a mixture of two or more components, if only one of the components of the new refrigerant is used in the cleaning operation, It is possible to reduce the amount of new refrigerant used, which is more expensive than the refrigerant of unit intelligence sentence, and to reduce the cost.

【００２１】また、流用する制御信号伝送線と交換した
室外機あるいは室内機との間に、制御信号伝送線接続コ
ネクタの変換コネクタあるいは伝送信号フォーマットを
変換する変換装置を取り付けると、流用する制御信号伝
送線と、交換した新冷媒対応室外機あるいは室内機のコ
ネクタ形状不一致による接続不可、あるいは配線端末加
工作業が不要となる。なお、室内機は流用し、室外機の
みを交換すると、伝送情報の内容やフォーマットが異な
っていても、室外機からの伝送情報は従来冷媒使用機器
の伝送信号フォーマットに変換される。逆に、室内機か
らの伝送情報は新冷媒対応機器の伝送信号フォーマット
に変換される。伝送情報の内容に不足がある場合は適宜
ダミーデータを挿入することにより、伝送エラーによる
機器停止を防止でき、流用する従来機器および交換する
新冷媒対応機器の改造が不要となる。Further, if a conversion connector for the control signal transmission line connector or a conversion device for converting the transmission signal format is attached between the control signal transmission line to be used and the exchanged outdoor unit or indoor unit, the control signal to be used is transferred. The connection of the transmission line and the replaced new refrigerant-compatible outdoor unit or indoor unit will not be possible due to inconsistency in connector shape, or wiring terminal processing work will be unnecessary. If the indoor unit is diverted and only the outdoor unit is replaced, the transmission information from the outdoor unit is converted into the transmission signal format of the conventional refrigerant-using device even if the content or format of the transmission information is different. On the contrary, the transmission information from the indoor unit is converted into the transmission signal format of the new refrigerant compatible device. When the content of the transmission information is insufficient, by inserting dummy data as appropriate, it is possible to prevent the equipment from being stopped due to a transmission error, and it is not necessary to modify the existing conventional equipment and the new refrigerant compatible equipment to be replaced.

【００２２】また、従来冷媒から新冷媒への冷媒交換作
業が終了した後、冷媒が変更されたことを示す表示物を
空気調和機に設けると、新冷媒への冷媒交換作業が終了
した後に、再び冷凍サイクルのメンテナンス作業が必要
になったときにも、外見からは従来冷媒使用機器に見え
る当該空気調和機に対し、表示物が既に新冷媒に対応し
ていることを明示しているので誤差業を防止できる。そ
して、従来冷媒の再封入による機器の破損や劣化を防止
できる。Further, after the work for exchanging the refrigerant from the conventional refrigerant to the new refrigerant is completed, if an indicator showing that the refrigerant is changed is provided in the air conditioner, after the work for exchanging the refrigerant for the new refrigerant is completed, When the maintenance work of the refrigeration cycle is required again, it is clear that the displayed item already corresponds to the new refrigerant for the air conditioner that seems to be a conventional refrigerant using device from the appearance, so there is an error. You can prevent work. Further, it is possible to prevent damage or deterioration of the device due to re-encapsulation of the conventional refrigerant.

【００２３】[0023]

【実施例】初めに、図８、図９にしたがい、従来の空気
調和機について説明する。◆図８は、従来の空気調和機
の機器構成を示した図であり、動作流体にＨＣＦＣ２２
を用いている。そして、一台の室外機に対して室内機が
複数ある、ビル用マルチパッケージ空気調和機の一例で
ある。室外機１０ｑには、圧縮機１ｑ、室外熱交換器２
ｑ、室外送風機３ｑ、室外膨張装置４ｑ、四方弁５ｑ、
アキュムレータ６ｑ、受液器７ｑ、ガス側阻止弁１１
ｑ、液側阻止弁１２ｑ、液側チェックバルブ１３ｑ、お
よびこれらを連結する冷媒配管と、冷凍サイクルの圧力
および温度、室内制御装置２４ａ、２４ｂ、２４ｃから
の各種情報により、圧縮機１ｑ、室外送風機３ｑ及び室
外膨張装置４ｑ等を制御する室外制御装置８ｑが含ま
れ、その主要部品が一つの筐体中に収容されている。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a conventional air conditioner will be described with reference to FIGS. ◆ FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a device configuration of a conventional air conditioner, in which the working fluid is HCFC22.
Is used. Further, it is an example of a multi-package air conditioner for a building in which there are a plurality of indoor units with respect to one outdoor unit. The outdoor unit 10q includes a compressor 1q and an outdoor heat exchanger 2.
q, outdoor blower 3q, outdoor expansion device 4q, four-way valve 5q,
Accumulator 6q, liquid receiver 7q, gas side blocking valve 11
q, the liquid-side blocking valve 12q, the liquid-side check valve 13q, the refrigerant pipes connecting them, the pressure and temperature of the refrigeration cycle, and various information from the indoor control devices 24a, 24b, 24c, the compressor 1q, the outdoor blower. An outdoor control device 8q for controlling the outdoor expansion device 3q and the outdoor expansion device 4q is included, and its main components are housed in a single housing.

【００２４】一方、複数の室内機２０ａ、２０ｂ、２０
ｃには各々冷媒配管で連結された、室内熱交換器２１
ａ、２１ｂ、２１ｃと室内膨張装置２３ａ、２３ｂ、２
３ｃと、吸い込み温度、吹き出し温度、リモコンスイッ
チ２５ａ、２５ｂ、２５ｃ、または室外制御装置８ｑか
らの情報により室内送風機２２ａ、２２ｂ、２２ｃと室
内膨張装置２３ａ、２３ｂ、２３ｃとを制御する室内制
御装置２４ａ、２４ｂ、２４ｃとを備えており、それぞ
れ筐体中に収容されている。これら室外機１０ｑと室内
機２０ａ、２０ｂ、２０ｃとは、ガス冷媒配管３１およ
び液冷媒配管３２により接続されている。さらに、室外
制御装置８ｑと室内制御装置２４ａ、２４ｂ、２４ｃと
の間を、制御信号伝送線３３が渡り接続されている。ま
た室内機２０ａ、２０ｂ、２０ｃには、冷房運転時に室
内熱交換器２１ａ、２１ｂ、２１ｃに結露する水分を排
水するドレン配管３４が設けられている。なお、室外制
御装置８ｑ、室内制御装置２４ａ、２４ｂ、２４ｃに
は、それぞれ電源からの室外電源配線３５ｑと室内電源
配線３６ａ、３６ｂ、３６ｃとが接続されていて、電力
が供給されている。On the other hand, a plurality of indoor units 20a, 20b, 20
Indoor heat exchangers 21 connected to the respective refrigerant pipes by c
a, 21b, 21c and indoor expansion devices 23a, 23b, 2
3c and the indoor control device 24a for controlling the indoor blowers 22a, 22b, 22c and the indoor expansion devices 23a, 23b, 23c based on information from the intake temperature, the outlet temperature, the remote control switches 25a, 25b, 25c, or the outdoor control device 8q. , 24b, 24c, each of which is housed in a housing. The outdoor unit 10q and the indoor units 20a, 20b, 20c are connected by a gas refrigerant pipe 31 and a liquid refrigerant pipe 32. Further, a control signal transmission line 33 is connected between the outdoor control device 8q and the indoor control devices 24a, 24b, 24c. Further, the indoor units 20a, 20b, 20c are provided with drain pipes 34 for draining moisture that is condensed on the indoor heat exchangers 21a, 21b, 21c during the cooling operation. The outdoor control device 8q and the indoor control devices 24a, 24b, and 24c are connected to the outdoor power supply wiring 35q and the indoor power supply wirings 36a, 36b, and 36c, respectively, and are supplied with electric power.

【００２５】図９は、従来の空気調和機の、室内機据え
付け状態を示す図（作業員は図示せず）であり、設置ス
ペースを取らない利点により近年室内機の主流を占めて
いる天井埋め込みカセットタイプの室内機を取り付ける
様子を示している。室内機４０に接続されたガス冷媒配
管４１、液冷媒配管４２および制御信号伝送線４３が一
括され、その周囲を断熱材でくるまれて屋上にある室外
機と接続される。また、各ドレン配管４４は他の室内機
のドレン配管と連結されて一本の配管となり、排水設備
に接続される。これらの配管配線類は、図９の如く天井
裏あるいは壁中に埋設されている。◆ビル用マルチパッ
ケージ空気調和機では、このような室内機が同一階に数
台から数十台設けられ、さらにそれが多数階にまたがる
ため、これら配管類の施工だけでかなりの作業を伴う。
しかも、新築物件に設置する場合は、これら配管類の施
工作業を内装工事の開始前に済ますことができ、天井や
壁面がなく比較的容易に設置できるが、一旦、設置され
た後では天井や壁に隠蔽されるうえ、室内が本来の用途
に使用されているので作業がしにくい。FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which an indoor unit is installed in a conventional air conditioner (a worker is not shown in the figure). The indoor space is dominated by a ceiling-embedded ceiling because of the advantage that it does not take up space. It shows how to install a cassette type indoor unit. The gas refrigerant pipe 41, the liquid refrigerant pipe 42, and the control signal transmission line 43 connected to the indoor unit 40 are bundled together and wrapped around with a heat insulating material to be connected to the outdoor unit on the roof. Further, each drain pipe 44 is connected to the drain pipe of another indoor unit to form one pipe, which is connected to the drainage facility. These pipes and wirings are buried under the ceiling or in the wall as shown in FIG. ◆ In a multi-package air conditioner for buildings, several to several tens of such indoor units are installed on the same floor, and it spans many floors, so construction of these pipes requires considerable work.
Moreover, when installing in a new building, the work of installing these pipes can be done before the start of the interior work, and it can be installed relatively easily without a ceiling or wall, but once installed, the Not only is it hidden behind a wall, but it is also difficult to work because the room is used for its original purpose.

【００２６】このようなすでに設置されている従来冷媒
使用空調機を、新冷媒に対応させる方法を、図１ないし
図４、および図８を用いて説明する。◆図１は、本発明
の一実施例の作業フロー図である。図２は、本発明の一
実施例の機器構成を示した図であり、図８との違いは、
室外機１０ｑを新冷媒に対応した新室外機１０に交換し
たことにある。すなわち、圧縮機１、室外熱交換器２、
室外送風機３、室外膨張装置４、四方弁５、アキュムレ
ータ６、受液器７、ドライヤ９、ガス側阻止弁１１、液
側阻止弁１２、液側チェックバルブ１３およびこれらを
連結する冷媒配管と、冷凍サイクルの圧力、温度や室内
制御装置２４ａ、２４ｂ、２４ｃからの情報により、圧
縮機１、室外送風機３、室外膨張装置４等を制御する室
外制御装置８等が一つの筐体中に収容されている。そし
て、圧縮機１には、あらかじめ新冷媒に対応した新冷凍
機油、例えばポリオールエステル系オイルが封入されて
いる。図３は、本発明の一実施例の室外機交換作業状況
を示した図である。また、図４は、本発明の一実施例の
洗浄回数とＨＣＦＣ２２残留濃度の関係を示す図であ
る。A method for making such an already installed conventional air conditioner using a refrigerant compatible with a new refrigerant will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8. ◆ FIG. 1 is a work flow diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a device configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, which is different from FIG.
This is because the outdoor unit 10q was replaced with the new outdoor unit 10 compatible with the new refrigerant. That is, the compressor 1, the outdoor heat exchanger 2,
The outdoor blower 3, the outdoor expansion device 4, the four-way valve 5, the accumulator 6, the liquid receiver 7, the dryer 9, the gas-side blocking valve 11, the liquid-side blocking valve 12, the liquid-side check valve 13, and a refrigerant pipe connecting these components, The outdoor control device 8 for controlling the compressor 1, the outdoor blower 3, the outdoor expansion device 4 and the like are housed in one housing according to the pressure and temperature of the refrigeration cycle and the information from the indoor control devices 24a, 24b and 24c. ing. Then, a new refrigerating machine oil corresponding to the new refrigerant, for example, a polyol ester type oil is sealed in the compressor 1 in advance. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outdoor unit replacement work situation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of times of cleaning and the HCFC22 residual concentration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

【００２７】以下、このように構成した本発明の一実施
例について、その作業手順を図１の作業フロー図にした
がい、順次説明する。◆初めに（第１のステップ）、従
来冷媒であるＨＣＦＣ２２の冷媒回収運転を行う。これ
は、冷凍サイクル中の従来冷媒および従来冷凍機油を、
なるべく大気中に放出しないで室外機１０ｑを取り外す
ために行うものである。その手順は、まず、室外機１０
ｑの液側阻止弁１２を閉じて冷房の試運転モードにし、
しばらく運転する。試運転モードは、従来の空気調和機
に通常備えられている機能であり、室内機のＯＮ／ＯＦ
Ｆ、設定温度に拘わらず、連続して運転するモードであ
る。液側阻止弁１２ｑを閉じた状態で冷房運転を行う
と、室外熱交換器に凝縮した液冷媒が室内機に流れるこ
とができないので、徐々に室外機１０ｑ中に冷媒が回収
されていく。保護装置が動作しない範囲で運転を続け、
頃合を見計らいガス側阻止弁１１ｑを閉じた後、試運転
モードを解除し停止する。この作業により、冷凍サイク
ル中の冷媒の大部分は室外機に回収された状態となる。
室内機と配管中に残ったわずかの冷媒を放出した後、室
外機１０ｑをガス冷媒配管３１及び液冷媒配管３２から
取り外せば、大気中に放出される冷媒を最小限にとどめ
て、冷媒回収専用装置等を用いることなく冷媒を回収で
きる。The working procedure of one embodiment of the present invention thus constructed will be described below in accordance with the working flow chart of FIG. ◆ First (first step), a refrigerant recovery operation of HCFC22, which is a conventional refrigerant, is performed. This is the conventional refrigerant and conventional refrigeration oil in the refrigeration cycle,
This is to remove the outdoor unit 10q without releasing it into the atmosphere as much as possible. The procedure is as follows: the outdoor unit 10
The liquid side blocking valve 12 of q is closed to enter the cooling test operation mode,
Drive for a while. The test operation mode is a function that is usually provided in a conventional air conditioner, and is used to turn on / off the indoor unit.
F is a mode in which the operation is continuously performed regardless of the set temperature. When the cooling operation is performed with the liquid-side blocking valve 12q closed, the liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger cannot flow into the indoor unit, so the refrigerant is gradually recovered in the outdoor unit 10q. Continue operation in the range where the protective device does not operate,
After observing the timing, the gas-side blocking valve 11q is closed, and then the trial operation mode is released and stopped. By this operation, most of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is in a state of being recovered by the outdoor unit.
If the outdoor unit 10q is removed from the gas refrigerant pipe 31 and the liquid refrigerant pipe 32 after releasing a slight amount of the refrigerant remaining in the indoor unit and the pipe, the refrigerant released to the atmosphere is minimized and the refrigerant is exclusively collected. The refrigerant can be recovered without using a device or the like.

【００２８】次に（第２のステップ）、室外機を交換す
る。従来冷媒を取り除いた旧室外機１０ｑを、新冷媒、
例えばＨＦＣ３２／ＨＦＣ１２５／ＨＦＣ１３４ａ混合
冷媒に対応した新室外機１０と交換し、ガス冷媒配管３
１、液冷媒配管３２、制御信号伝送線３３を連結する。
新室外機１０では、新冷媒の熱力学特性や輸送特性等の
物性に適合する新冷凍機油、例えばポリオールエステル
系オイルの特性に合致する必要がある。そのため、おし
のけ容積や圧縮比等の圧縮機諸元、圧縮機運転周波数制
御方法や膨張装置絞り量制御方法、冷凍サイクル制御用
バイパス流量、受液器やアキュムレータなどの容器類容
積、熱交換器容量、パス配列、部品の耐圧構造、圧縮機
給油量、アキュムレータ返油量、配管径、新冷媒／新冷
凍機油対応材料の使用、水分を吸着するドライヤの設置
等の点を旧室外機から変更している。圧縮機、熱交換
器、制御装置等をパッケージ化した室外機を交換するこ
とにより、交換作業を容易に実施できる。Next (second step), the outdoor unit is replaced. The old outdoor unit 10q from which the conventional refrigerant has been removed is replaced with the new refrigerant,
For example, replace the new outdoor unit 10 compatible with the HFC32 / HFC125 / HFC134a mixed refrigerant with the gas refrigerant pipe 3
1, the liquid refrigerant pipe 32 and the control signal transmission line 33 are connected.
In the new outdoor unit 10, it is necessary to match the properties of a new refrigerating machine oil, for example, a polyol ester type oil, which is suitable for physical properties such as thermodynamic properties and transport properties of the new refrigerant. Therefore, the specifications of the compressor, such as the astringent volume and compression ratio, the compressor operating frequency control method, the expansion device throttle control method, the bypass flow rate for refrigeration cycle control, the volume of containers such as the receiver and accumulator, and the heat exchanger capacity. Changed from the old outdoor unit, the path arrangement, pressure structure of parts, compressor oil supply amount, accumulator oil return amount, pipe diameter, use of new refrigerant / new refrigerating machine oil compatible material, installation of dryer for absorbing water, etc. ing. By exchanging the outdoor unit in which the compressor, the heat exchanger, the control device and the like are packaged, the exchanging work can be easily carried out.

【００２９】交換作業の一例として、屋上に設置されて
いる図２に示した室外機において、クレーンを用いて従
来室外機と新室外機を搬出、搬入する。ここで、取り外
した室外機１０ｑは、そのまま機器メーカに送る。そこ
で、機器メーカあるいはリサイクル業者は冷媒の取り出
し作業、および新冷媒対応部品への部品交換作業を行
う。これにより、冷媒および機器のリサイクルによる省
資源化、環境汚染の防止が図られる。なお、本実施例で
は室外機のみの交換で新冷媒使用に対応できる例を示し
たが、室内機も新冷媒対応機器に交換する必要がある場
合には、このときに室内機２０ａ、２０ｂ、２０ｃを新
冷媒対応室内機に交換する。As an example of the exchange work, in the outdoor unit shown in FIG. 2 installed on the roof, the conventional outdoor unit and the new outdoor unit are carried out and loaded by using a crane. Here, the removed outdoor unit 10q is sent to the device manufacturer as it is. Therefore, the equipment manufacturer or the recycler carries out the work of taking out the refrigerant and the work of exchanging the parts for the new refrigerant compatible parts. This makes it possible to save resources and prevent environmental pollution by recycling the refrigerant and equipment. In the present embodiment, the example in which the new refrigerant can be used by replacing only the outdoor unit has been shown. However, when the indoor unit also needs to be replaced with a device compatible with the new refrigerant, the indoor units 20a, 20b, 20c is replaced with an indoor unit compatible with the new refrigerant.

【００３０】次のステップ（第３のステップ）では、真
空引きを行い新冷媒を封入する。すなわち、室内機２０
ａ、２０ｂ、２０ｃとガス冷媒配管３１と液冷媒配管３
２中の空気および冷凍サイクル内に残留する従来冷媒を
排出する真空引きが終了したら、ガス側阻止弁１１、液
側阻止弁１２を開き、新冷媒を封入する。◆さらに次の
ステップ（第４のステップ）は、洗浄運転である。これ
は、先に実施した試運転モードで空気調和機を所定時間
運転して、冷凍サイクル中に新冷媒と新冷凍機油を循環
させるもので、冷媒と冷凍機油の循環により室内機２０
ａ、２０ｂ、２０ｃとガス冷媒配管３１と液冷媒配管３
２中に残留している従来冷凍機油を圧縮機に戻し、残留
濃度を薄めるものである。洗浄運転を実施する所定時間
としては、冷凍機油が冷凍サイクル内をおおむね一巡す
る程度を考慮し、例えば２時間とする。所定時間経過
後、空気調和機を停止する。◆次のステップ（第５のス
テップ）では、冷媒と冷凍機油を入れ替える。冷媒を液
側阻止弁１２等から回収するとともに、圧縮機１を新室
外機１０より取り外して圧縮機１内にある冷凍機油を排
出する。そして未使用の新冷凍機油を圧縮機１に封入し
て、新室外機１０に戻す。さらに真空引きを実施して、
新冷媒を封入する。◆この第５のステップと更にもう１
つ前の第４のステップとを繰り返すことにより、冷凍サ
イクル中に残留する従来冷媒および従来冷凍機油は、初
期残留量より徐々に減少していく。この作業を所定回数
繰り返して、従来冷媒および従来冷凍機油の残留濃度
が、機器の信頼性を維持できる範囲まで微量となるよう
にする。In the next step (third step), evacuation is performed to fill the new refrigerant. That is, the indoor unit 20
a, 20b, 20c, gas refrigerant pipe 31, liquid refrigerant pipe 3
When the evacuation of the air in 2 and the conventional refrigerant remaining in the refrigeration cycle is completed, the gas-side blocking valve 11 and the liquid-side blocking valve 12 are opened to fill the new refrigerant. ◆ The next step (fourth step) is a cleaning operation. In this, the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined period of time in the trial operation mode performed previously to circulate a new refrigerant and a new refrigerating machine oil during the refrigeration cycle. The indoor unit 20 is circulated by circulating the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil.
a, 20b, 20c, gas refrigerant pipe 31, liquid refrigerant pipe 3
The conventional refrigerating machine oil remaining in 2 is returned to the compressor to dilute the residual concentration. The predetermined time for carrying out the cleaning operation is, for example, 2 hours in consideration of the extent that the refrigerating machine oil makes one round in the refrigeration cycle. After a predetermined time has passed, the air conditioner is stopped. ◆ In the next step (fifth step), the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil are exchanged. Refrigerant is collected from the liquid side stop valve 12 and the like, and the compressor 1 is removed from the new outdoor unit 10 to discharge the refrigerating machine oil in the compressor 1. Then, unused new refrigerating machine oil is sealed in the compressor 1 and returned to the new outdoor unit 10. Further vacuuming,
Fill with new refrigerant. ◆ This 5th step and 1 more
By repeating the previous fourth step, the conventional refrigerant and the conventional refrigerating machine oil remaining in the refrigeration cycle gradually decrease from the initial residual amount. This operation is repeated a predetermined number of times so that the residual concentrations of the conventional refrigerant and the conventional refrigerating machine oil become so small that they can maintain the reliability of the device.

【００３１】ここで、旧冷媒の回収作業に必要な所定回
数について説明する。新冷媒および新冷凍機油を使用す
る冷凍サイクル内に、従来冷媒を含む塩素系物質が存在
することは、新冷媒を分解劣化させて酸分を発生させる
原因となる。この酸分の許容発生量は、冷凍サイクルに
用いられる材料の腐食に影響を与ない程度であるとし
て、この条件の下に従来冷媒を含む塩素系物質の残留濃
度の許容レベルを、圧縮機寿命試験等から実験的あるい
は理論的に決定する。一方、冷媒および冷凍機油を入れ
換えて洗浄運転を繰り返すことで、冷凍サイクル中に残
留する従来冷媒および従来冷凍機油の残留量の減少して
いく様子を実機にて予め試験的に確認する。冷媒および
冷凍機油を交換して洗浄運転した後に、冷媒および冷凍
機油を抜き取り、ＨＣＦＣ２２を含む塩素系物質をガス
クロマトグラフにより検出するか、中和価試験方法によ
る酸分含有量を測定することで、それらの変化を定量的
に把握する。これらのデータから、従来冷媒を含む塩素
系物質の残留濃度が、許容レベル以下となる冷媒および
冷凍機油の交換回数と洗浄運転の回数を決めることがで
きる。Here, the predetermined number of times required for the work of recovering the old refrigerant will be described. The presence of a chlorine-based substance containing a conventional refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle using the new refrigerant and the new refrigerating machine oil causes decomposition and deterioration of the new refrigerant to generate an acid content. Assuming that the allowable generation amount of this acid component is such that it does not affect the corrosion of the materials used in the refrigeration cycle, under these conditions, the allowable level of residual concentration of chlorine-based substances including conventional refrigerants is set to the compressor life. Determine experimentally or theoretically from tests. On the other hand, by repeating the cleaning operation by replacing the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil with each other, it is preliminarily experimentally confirmed on the actual machine how the residual amounts of the conventional refrigerant and the conventional refrigerating machine oil remaining in the refrigeration cycle decrease. After the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil are exchanged and the washing operation is performed, the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil are extracted, and chlorine-based substances including HCFC22 are detected by gas chromatography, or by measuring the acid content by the neutralization value test method, Understand these changes quantitatively. From these data, it is possible to determine the number of times the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil are replaced and the number of cleaning operations when the residual concentration of the chlorine-based substance containing the conventional refrigerant falls below the allowable level.

【００３２】冷媒および冷凍機油の交換回数と、洗浄運
転後の冷凍サイクル内のＨＣＦＣ２２を含む塩素系物質
の濃度の関係の例を、図４に示す。許容レベルは、機器
の信頼性の低下に影響ない塩素系物質の最大濃度であ
り、本図の場合、冷媒および冷凍機油の交換を３回実施
すれば、塩素系物質濃度は許容レベル以下となることが
わかる。ただし、本実施例では、室外機を交換し、新冷
媒を封入した１回目の冷媒および冷凍機油の交換を含ん
でいるので、前記所定回数は２回となる。FIG. 4 shows an example of the relationship between the number of times the refrigerant and refrigerating machine oil are exchanged and the concentration of the chlorine-containing substance containing HCFC22 in the refrigeration cycle after the cleaning operation. The permissible level is the maximum concentration of chlorine-based substances that does not affect the reliability of the equipment. In the case of this figure, if the refrigerant and refrigeration oil are replaced three times, the concentration of chlorine-based substances will be below the permissible level. I understand. However, in this embodiment, since the outdoor unit is replaced and the first refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil in which the new refrigerant is enclosed are included, the predetermined number of times is two.

【００３３】なお、本来なら個々のケースに対して、洗
浄運転を行う都度、塩素系物質濃度を測定して冷媒およ
び冷凍機油の交換をすれば確実であるが、塩素系物質濃
度測定のための測定機の持ち込みが難しく、またサンプ
ルを持ち帰り測定する時間的余裕もない実際の現場で
は、上記のように予め決めた交換回数で洗浄運転を実施
するのが、最も合理的である。It should be noted that, originally, it is certain that the chlorine-based substance concentration is measured and the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil are exchanged for each cleaning operation in each case. It is most rational to carry out the cleaning operation with a predetermined number of replacements as described above at an actual site where it is difficult to bring in the measuring machine and there is no time to take the sample home for measurement.

【００３４】ところで、本実施例では最終的に新冷媒と
してＨＦＣ３２／ＨＦＣ１２５／ＨＦＣ１３４ａ混合冷
媒を動作流体に用いる空気調和機に変更することを目指
している。しかし、洗浄運転では冷凍サイクル中の塩素
系物質回収が目的であり、この作業中には空気調和の必
要がないので、洗浄運転に用いる冷媒には冷凍能力が要
求されない。したがって、最終的に使用する冷媒以外の
冷媒を用いて洗浄運転を実施することもできる。特に本
実施例のように混合冷媒を用いる場合は、その成分中の
１成分である冷媒を単独で用いて洗浄すれば、安価な冷
媒で洗浄できるとともに、材料や冷凍機油との適合性も
確認されている物質なので適用に関しての不都合もな
い。ただし、混合冷媒中の成分の中には、燃焼性の高い
ものや入手が困難な物もあるので、この点への配慮が必
要である。By the way, in the present embodiment, the final aim is to change the HFC32 / HFC125 / HFC134a mixed refrigerant as the new refrigerant to an air conditioner using the working fluid. However, in the cleaning operation, the purpose is to recover the chlorine-based substance in the refrigeration cycle, and since air conditioning is not required during this operation, the refrigerant used in the cleaning operation is not required to have a refrigerating capacity. Therefore, the cleaning operation can be performed using a refrigerant other than the finally used refrigerant. In particular, when a mixed refrigerant is used as in this embodiment, if a single refrigerant, one of the components, is used for cleaning, it can be cleaned with an inexpensive refrigerant, and compatibility with materials and refrigerating machine oil is also confirmed. Since it is a substance that is used, there is no inconvenience in application. However, some of the components in the mixed refrigerant have high flammability and are difficult to obtain, so it is necessary to consider this point.

【００３５】本実施例では、ＣＦＣ１２の代替冷媒とし
ていち早く実用化し、入手性や価格面で優れるＨＦＣ１
３４ａが最も適している。そこで、第３のステップの冷
媒の封入の時からＨＦＣ１３４ａを封入して洗浄運転を
行い、第５のステップで入れ換える冷媒にもＨＦＣ１３
４ａを用いて繰り返し洗浄運転する。洗浄運転が所定回
数に達した後の最後の冷媒交換の時に、最終冷媒である
ＨＦＣ３２／ＨＦＣ１２５／ＨＦＣ１３４ａ混合冷媒を
封入する。これにより、洗浄作業には安価な冷媒を用い
ることができ、経済的に冷媒を変更できる。◆同様に、
洗浄運転に用いる冷凍機油に関しても、同様に機器の使
用に問題を生じさせない程度に潤滑性能や耐久性能を落
とした、安価な冷凍機油を用いることもできる。さらに
洗浄用途に限定して、低粘度で流動性が良く管内に付着
する従来冷凍機油の回収性を向上したり、塩素分補足剤
や酸補足剤等の添加物を含有して、洗浄回数を減らす機
能のある洗浄専用冷凍機油を使用することもできる。◆
以上のように、洗浄運転およびその後の冷媒と冷凍機油
の交換の回数が、所定回数に達すれば新冷媒への冷媒変
更作業を終了し、以後は通常の運転を行う。このように
して従来冷媒と従来冷凍機油の組合せから新冷媒と新冷
凍機油への組合せへ転換が図られる。In this embodiment, the HFC1 which was first put into practical use as an alternative refrigerant to the CFC12 and is excellent in availability and price.
34a is the most suitable. Therefore, from the time when the refrigerant is charged in the third step, the HFC134a is charged and the cleaning operation is performed, and the HFC13 is applied to the refrigerant to be replaced in the fifth step.
The cleaning operation is repeated using 4a. At the time of the final refrigerant exchange after the cleaning operation reaches the predetermined number of times, the final refrigerant HFC32 / HFC125 / HFC134a mixed refrigerant is charged. Thereby, an inexpensive refrigerant can be used for the cleaning work, and the refrigerant can be economically changed. ◆ Similarly,
As for the refrigerating machine oil used for the washing operation, it is also possible to use an inexpensive refrigerating machine oil having the lubricating performance and the durability performance reduced to the extent that the use of the equipment is not caused a problem. Furthermore, it is limited to cleaning applications and improves the recoverability of conventional refrigerating machine oil that has low viscosity and good fluidity and adheres to the inside of pipes, and contains additives such as chlorine scavengers and acid scavengers to reduce the number of washing It is also possible to use a refrigerator oil for cleaning, which has the function of reducing the oil. ◆
As described above, when the number of times of the cleaning operation and the subsequent exchange of the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil reaches the predetermined number, the operation of changing the refrigerant to the new refrigerant is finished, and thereafter, the normal operation is performed. In this way, the combination of the conventional refrigerant and the conventional refrigerating machine oil can be changed to the combination of the new refrigerant and the new refrigerating machine oil.

【００３６】次に、本発明の他の実施例について、その
実施手順を図５の作業フロー図に従い説明する。図５が
前述の実施例と相違しているのは、従来機器から交換す
るものが圧縮機１ｑだけであり、また第１のステップの
冷媒回収運転では冷媒回収専用装置を用いる点である。
その他については前述の実施例と同様である。すなわ
ち、冷凍機油が含有している水分から酸分が発生しない
新冷凍機油を使用し、ドライヤの設置が不要な場合、あ
るいは、電子膨張弁が圧縮機吐出ガス冷媒過熱度に基づ
いて制御され、インバータや複数圧縮機の選択運転によ
る圧縮機容量制御は室内機吹き出し温度に基づく場合な
ど、新冷媒の熱物性が従来冷媒に近い場合で制御装置も
従来冷媒のものがそのまま使用できる場合である。本実
施例では、交換する機器が圧縮機だけなので、運搬物量
が少なく容易な作業で新冷媒に対応できる。◆なお、熱
物性の違いに対応させるために、電子膨張弁や圧縮機イ
ンバータ運転周波数等の制御ソフトを新冷媒に適応した
ものに替え、室外制御装置８を交換してもよい。また、
残留水分が問題であれば、冷媒配管途中に接続できるド
ライヤを取り付けても良い。いずれも部品としては軽量
で、かつ容易に交換や取付ができるものを用いることが
可能である。Next, the procedure for carrying out another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the work flow chart of FIG. FIG. 5 is different from the above-described embodiment in that only the compressor 1q is replaced from the conventional device, and a refrigerant recovery dedicated device is used in the refrigerant recovery operation of the first step.
Others are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, using a new refrigerating machine oil that does not generate acid content from the water contained in the refrigerating machine oil, when the dryer is not required to be installed, or the electronic expansion valve is controlled based on the compressor discharge gas refrigerant superheat degree, Compressor capacity control by selective operation of an inverter or a plurality of compressors is based on the indoor unit blowout temperature, when the thermophysical properties of the new refrigerant are close to those of the conventional refrigerant, and the control device of the conventional refrigerant can be used as it is. In the present embodiment, since the only device to be replaced is the compressor, it is possible to deal with the new refrigerant with a small amount of transported goods and an easy work. In addition, in order to cope with the difference in thermophysical properties, the control software such as the electronic expansion valve and the compressor inverter operating frequency may be replaced with one adapted to the new refrigerant, and the outdoor control device 8 may be replaced. Also,
If residual water is a problem, a dryer that can be connected may be attached in the middle of the refrigerant pipe. In each case, it is possible to use a lightweight component that can be easily replaced or attached.

【００３７】次に、本発明の他の実施例を図６に示す。
制御信号変換装置１８を制御信号伝送線３３と新室外機
１０の間に取り付けたこと以外は、図２の実施例の機器
構成図と同じである。◆本実施例は、前述の図２の実施
例のように、室外機を交換して新冷媒に対応させる場合
に、室外制御装置８と制御信号伝送線３３の接続部のコ
ネクタ形状が異なったり、室外制御装置８と室内制御装
置２４ａ、２４ｂ、２４ｃが送受信する伝送情報の内容
やフォーマットが異なるために、機器の接続がそのまま
ではできない時に適用される。Next, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
The configuration is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 2 except that the control signal conversion device 18 is attached between the control signal transmission line 33 and the new outdoor unit 10. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of FIG. 2 described above, when the outdoor unit is replaced and a new refrigerant is used, the connector shape of the connection portion between the outdoor control device 8 and the control signal transmission line 33 may be different. Since the outdoor control device 8 and the indoor control devices 24a, 24b, and 24c have different contents and formats of transmission information, the method is applied when the devices cannot be connected as they are.

【００３８】ここで、制御信号変換装置１８の動作を説
明する。制御信号変換装置１８は、制御信号伝送線３３
を接続できるコネクタ形状を有し、また室外制御装置８
に接続できるコネクタ形状の伝送線を有している。そし
て、室外制御装置８と制御信号伝送線３３の間に接続さ
れ、伝送情報を連絡可能にする。さらに、制御信号変換
装置１８は、室外制御装置８からの伝送情報を従来冷媒
使用機器の伝送信号フォーマットに変換して室内制御装
置２４ａ、２４ｂ、２４ｃに送信し、逆に室内制御装置
２４ａ、２４ｂ、２４ｃからの伝送情報を新冷媒対応機
器の伝送信号フォーマットに変換して室外制御装置８に
送信する。この際、伝送情報の内容に不足がある場合
は、適宜ダミーデータを挿入して、伝送情報を送信す
る。これにより伝送エラーを生じることがなく、また流
用する従来機器および交換する新室外機１０の改造をす
ることなく、新冷媒に対応可能である。Here, the operation of the control signal converter 18 will be described. The control signal converter 18 includes a control signal transmission line 33.
It has a connector shape that can be connected to the
It has a connector-shaped transmission line that can be connected to. Then, it is connected between the outdoor control device 8 and the control signal transmission line 33 to enable communication of transmission information. Further, the control signal conversion device 18 converts the transmission information from the outdoor control device 8 into the transmission signal format of the conventional refrigerant using device and transmits it to the indoor control devices 24a, 24b, 24c, and conversely, the indoor control devices 24a, 24b. , 24c are converted into the transmission signal format of the new refrigerant compatible device and transmitted to the outdoor control device 8. At this time, if the content of the transmission information is insufficient, dummy data is appropriately inserted and the transmission information is transmitted. As a result, it is possible to deal with the new refrigerant without causing a transmission error and without modifying the conventional equipment that is diverted and the new outdoor unit 10 that is replaced.

【００３９】次に、本発明のさらに他の実施例を図７に
示す。図７は、表示物の例を示す図である。◆従来冷媒
を使用した既存機器を流用して、動作流体を塩素を含ま
ない新冷媒に変更した空気調和機のサービス作業時に目
につく場所、例えば室外機外面に図６のような表示物を
張り付ける。この表示物は、少なくともこの空気調和機
の動作流体が新冷媒に変更されていること、および適用
した新冷媒、新冷凍機油の名前表示をしている。この表
示物により、新冷媒への冷媒交換作業が終了した後しば
らくして、再び冷凍サイクルを分解してメンテナンスを
行うときに、外見からは従来冷媒使用機器に見える当該
空気調和機であっても、この表示物がすでに新冷媒に対
応している注意を促す効果があり、新冷媒に対応した機
器に再び変更してしまうこととか、誤って従来冷媒を再
封入してしまうことを防止できる。Next, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display object. ◆ An existing device that uses a conventional refrigerant is diverted, and a display object such as that shown in Fig. 6 is visible on the outside surface of the outdoor unit, for example, in a place that is noticeable during service work of an air conditioner in which the working fluid is changed to a new refrigerant that does not contain chlorine. Stick. This display shows at least that the working fluid of this air conditioner has been changed to a new refrigerant, and the name of the applied new refrigerant and new refrigerating machine oil. Even if the air conditioner looks like a conventional refrigerant-using device from the appearance, when the refrigeration cycle is disassembled and maintenance is performed again shortly after the refrigerant replacement work for the new refrigerant is completed, This display has the effect of calling attention to the fact that the new refrigerant is already compatible with the new refrigerant, and can prevent the equipment from being changed again to a device compatible with the new refrigerant or the re-encapsulation of the conventional refrigerant by mistake.

【００４０】[0040]

【発明の効果】本発明によれば、空気調和機において塩
素を含む旧冷媒から塩素を含まない新冷媒に冷媒を変更
する際に、リプレースする部品を極力少なくすることが
できるので安価に冷媒変更ができると共に、短時間の作
業しか必要とせず、経済的に空気調和機を新冷媒対応に
変更することができる。According to the present invention, when changing a refrigerant from an old refrigerant containing chlorine to a new refrigerant not containing chlorine in an air conditioner, it is possible to minimize the number of parts to be replaced, so that the refrigerant can be changed at a low cost. In addition, the air conditioner can be economically changed to be compatible with the new refrigerant because it requires only a short work time.

【００４１】また、本発明によれば、ほとんどの冷媒を
大気中に放出しないで回収できるので、オゾン層の破壊
を抑制できると共に、専用の冷媒回収装置等を必ずしも
必要とせず、容易に冷媒を回収できる。そして、回収し
た希少価値がある冷媒を、リサイクルに役立てることが
できるので、環境破壊を極力避けて、経済的に空気調和
機を新冷媒に対応させることができる。Further, according to the present invention, most of the refrigerant can be recovered without being released into the atmosphere, so that the destruction of the ozone layer can be suppressed, and a dedicated refrigerant recovery device or the like is not necessarily required, and the refrigerant can be easily recovered. Can be collected. Since the recovered rare valuable refrigerant can be used for recycling, environmental damage can be avoided as much as possible and the air conditioner can be economically compatible with the new refrigerant.

【００４２】さらに、本発明によれば、酸分による機器
内材料の腐食が原因の絶縁破壊等の事故を防止できると
共に、伝熱性能の低下、管内圧損の増加による空調能力
および効率の低下等を防止でき、機器の信頼性および性
能の向上が可能となる。Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent accidents such as dielectric breakdown due to corrosion of materials inside the equipment due to acid content, and to reduce heat transfer performance and air conditioning capacity and efficiency due to increase in pressure loss in pipes. Can be prevented, and the reliability and performance of the device can be improved.

【００４３】[0043]

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】発明の一実施例の作業フロー図である。FIG. 1 is a work flow diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

【図２】本発明の一実施例の機器構成図である。FIG. 2 is a device configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

【図３】本発明の一実施例の室外機交換作業状況図であ
る。FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outdoor unit replacement work situation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【図４】本発明の一実施例の洗浄回数とＨＣＦＣ２２残
留濃度の関係を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the number of times of cleaning and the HCFC22 residual concentration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【図５】本発明の他の実施例の作業フロー図である。FIG. 5 is a work flow diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

【図６】本発明の他の実施例の機器構成図である。FIG. 6 is a device configuration diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

【図７】本発明のさらに他の実施例の表示物の例を示す
図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display object according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

【図８】従来の空気調和機の機器構成図である。FIG. 8 is a device configuration diagram of a conventional air conditioner.

【図９】従来の空気調和機の室内機据え付け状態を示す
図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an indoor unit installed state of a conventional air conditioner.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１、１ｑ…圧縮機、２、２ｑ…室外熱交換器、３、３ｑ
…室外送風機、４、４ｑ…室外膨張装置、５、５ｑ…四
方弁、６、６ｑ…アキュムレータ、７、７ｑ…受液器、
８、８ｑ…室外制御装置、９…ドライヤ、１０…新室外
機、１０ｑ…室外機、１１、１１ｑ…ガス側阻止弁、
１２、１２ｑ…液側阻止弁、１３、１３ｑ…液側チェ
ックバルブ、１８…制御信号変換装置、２０ａ、２０
ｂ、２０ｃ…室内機、２１ａ、２１ｂ、２１ｃ…室内熱
交換器、２２ａ、２２ｂ、２２ｃ…室内送風機、２３
ａ、２３ｂ、２３ｃ…室内膨張装置、２４ａ、２４ｂ、
２４ｃ…室内制御装置、２５ａ、２５ｂ、２５ｃ…リモ
コンスイッチ、４０…室内機、４１…ガス冷媒配管、４
２…液冷媒配管、４３…制御信号伝送線、４４…ドレン
配管。1, 1q ... Compressor, 2,2q ... Outdoor heat exchanger, 3,3q
... outdoor blower 4,4q ... outdoor expansion device 5,5q ... four-way valve, 6,6q ... accumulator, 7,7q ... receiver,
8, 8q ... Outdoor control device, 9 ... Dryer, 10 ... New outdoor unit, 10q ... Outdoor unit, 11, 11q ... Gas side blocking valve,
12, 12q ... Liquid side blocking valve, 13, 13q ... Liquid side check valve, 18 ... Control signal conversion device, 20a, 20
b, 20c ... Indoor unit, 21a, 21b, 21c ... Indoor heat exchanger, 22a, 22b, 22c ... Indoor blower, 23
a, 23b, 23c ... Indoor expansion device, 24a, 24b,
24c ... Indoor control device, 25a, 25b, 25c ... Remote control switch, 40 ... Indoor unit, 41 ... Gas refrigerant pipe, 4
2 ... Liquid refrigerant pipe, 43 ... Control signal transmission line, 44 ... Drain pipe.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者小国研作茨城県土浦市神立町502番地株式会社日立製作所機械研究所内 (72)発明者松嶋弘章茨城県土浦市神立町502番地株式会社日立製作所機械研究所内 (72)発明者小暮博志栃木県下都賀郡大平町大字富田800番地株式会社日立製作所リビング機器事業部内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Kensaku Oguni, Kuridate-cho, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki, 502 Hiritsu Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Mechanical Research Institute (72) Inventor Hiroaki Matsushima 502, Kintate-cho, Tsuchiura-shi, Ibaraki, Nitate Works Co., Ltd. Machine Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Hiroshi Kogure 800 Tomita, Ohira-cho, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture Living Equipment Division, Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims]

【請求項１】室内機及び室外機を備えた空気調和機の作
動冷媒を塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒から塩素を含ま
ない弗化炭化水素系冷媒に変更する空気調和機の冷媒変
更方法において、前記室外機中に前記塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒を内
蔵したまま回収運転を行った後に、前記室外機を前記塩
素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒に適合した新冷凍機油
を内蔵した新室外機に置換し、前記室外機と前記室内機
とを真空引きし、前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷
媒を前記空気調和機に封入した後、所定時間だけ前記空
気調和機を運転し、その後に前記塩素を含まない弗化炭
化水素系冷媒と前記新冷凍機油とを入替える入替え作業
を行い、前記所定時間の運転と前記入替え作業からなる
洗浄運転を所定回数以上繰り返すことを特徴とする空気
調和機の冷媒変更方法。1. A refrigerant changing method for an air conditioner, wherein a working refrigerant of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is changed from a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine to a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant not containing chlorine. In the above, after performing a recovery operation while the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant containing chlorine is contained in the outdoor unit, a new refrigerating machine oil adapted to the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant containing no chlorine is used for the outdoor unit. After replacing with a new built-in outdoor unit, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are evacuated, and the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant is sealed in the air conditioner, and then the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time. And then perform a replacement operation of replacing the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant and the new refrigerating machine oil, and repeat the cleaning operation including the operation for the predetermined time and the replacement operation a predetermined number of times or more. Air characterized by How to change the refrigerant of the air conditioner.

【請求項２】前記所定回数は前記空気調和機に残留する
前記塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒の濃度に基づいて定
めたことを特徴とする請求項１に記載の空気調和機の冷
媒変更方法。2. The refrigerant change for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of times is determined based on a concentration of the chlorine-containing fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant remaining in the air conditioner. Method.

【請求項３】前記塩素を含まない冷媒はＨＦＣ３２，Ｈ
ＦＣ１２５，ＨＦＣ１３４ａ，ＨＦＣ１４３ａおよびＨ
ＦＣ１５２ａのいずれか、またはそれらの組合せからな
ることを特徴とする請求項１又は請求項２に記載の空気
調和機の冷媒変更方法。3. The chlorine-free refrigerant is HFC32, H
FC125, HFC134a, HFC143a and H
It consists of either FC152a or those combinations, The refrigerant | coolant change method of the air conditioner of Claim 1 or Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.

【請求項４】前記新室外機は前記室外機とは圧縮機のみ
が異なることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の空気調和機
の冷媒変更方法。4. The refrigerant changing method for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the new outdoor unit is different from the outdoor unit only in the compressor.

【請求項５】室内機及び室外機を備えた空気調和機の作
動冷媒を塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒から塩素を含ま
ない弗化炭化水素系冷媒冷媒に変更する空気調和機の冷
媒変更方法において、前記室外機と前記室内機を接続する液冷媒配管及びガス
冷媒配管と、制御信号伝送線との中の少なくとも１つを
そのまま流用し、前記室外機と前記室内機とを、前記塩
素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒に対応した新室外機及
び新室内機に置換した後に真空引きし、前記塩素を含ま
ない弗化炭化水素系冷媒を封入することを特徴とする空
気調和機の冷媒変更方法。5. A refrigerant change of an air conditioner, wherein a working refrigerant of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is changed from a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine to a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant refrigerant not containing chlorine. In the method, at least one of a liquid refrigerant pipe and a gas refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and a control signal transmission line is diverted as it is, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are treated with the chlorine. A new outdoor unit and a new indoor unit that are compatible with a fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant that does not contain chlorine, and then evacuated to fill the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant. How to change the refrigerant.

【請求項６】真空引きを行い塩素を含まない弗化炭化水
素系冷媒冷媒を封入した後、所定時間だけ前記空気調和
機を運転し、その後に前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素
系冷媒と前記新冷凍機油とを入替える入替え作業を行
い、前記所定時間の運転と前記入替え作業からなる洗浄
運転を所定回数以上繰り返すことを特徴とする請求項５
に記載の空気調和機の冷媒変更方法。6. The vacuum conditioner is filled with a chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant refrigerant, the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time, and then the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant refrigerant is added. The replacement operation for replacing the new refrigerating machine oil is performed, and the cleaning operation including the operation for the predetermined time and the replacement operation is repeated a predetermined number of times or more.
The method for changing the refrigerant of an air conditioner according to.

【請求項７】室内機及び室外機を備えた空気調和機の作
動冷媒を塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒から塩素を含ま
ない弗化炭化水素系混合冷媒に変更する空気調和機の冷
媒変更方法において、前記室外機中に前記塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒を内
蔵したまま回収運転を行った後に、前記室外機を前記塩
素を含まない弗化炭化水素系混合冷媒に適合した新冷凍
機油を内蔵した新室外機に置換し、前記室外機と前記室
内機とを真空引きし、前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素
系混合冷媒の少なくとも１成分を有する洗浄冷媒を前記
空気調和機に封入した後、所定時間だけ前記空気調和機
を運転し、その後に前記洗浄冷媒と前記新冷凍機油とを
入替える入替え作業を行い、前記所定時間の運転と前記
入替え作業からなる洗浄運転を所定回数以上繰り返すこ
とを特徴とする空気調和機の冷媒変更方法。7. A refrigerant change of an air conditioner, wherein a working refrigerant of an air conditioner equipped with an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is changed from a fluorinated hydrocarbon type refrigerant containing chlorine to a fluorinated hydrocarbon type mixed refrigerant not containing chlorine. In the method, after performing a recovery operation while the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant containing chlorine is contained in the outdoor unit, a new refrigeration suitable for the outdoor unit is mixed with the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant. A new outdoor unit containing machine oil is replaced, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are evacuated, and the cleaning refrigerant having at least one component of the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based mixed refrigerant is supplied to the air conditioner. After sealing, the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time, and then a replacement operation for replacing the cleaning refrigerant and the new refrigerating machine oil is performed, and a cleaning operation including the operation for the predetermined time and the replacement operation is specified. Repeat more than times A method for changing a refrigerant of an air conditioner, comprising:

【請求項８】前記室外機と前記室内機を制御する制御信
号を伝送する制御信号伝送線と、置換した新室外機ある
いは新室内機間に伝送信号フォーマットを変換する伝送
信号変換装置を取り付け、前記洗浄運転指令を伝送する
ことを特徴とする請求項５又は請求項７に記載の空気調
和機の冷媒変更方法。8. A control signal transmission line for transmitting a control signal for controlling the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and a transmission signal conversion device for converting a transmission signal format between the replaced new outdoor unit or new indoor unit, The refrigerant changing method for an air conditioner according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the cleaning operation command is transmitted.

【請求項９】室内機及び室外機を備えた空気調和機の作
動冷媒を塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒から塩素を含ま
ない弗化炭化水素系冷媒に変更する空気調和機の冷媒変
更方法において、前記室外機中に前記塩素を含む弗化炭化水素系冷媒を内
蔵したまま回収運転を行った後に、前記室外機を前記塩
素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷媒に適合した新冷凍機油
を内蔵した新室外機に置換し、前記室外機と前記室内機
とを真空引きし、前記塩素を含まない弗化炭化水素系冷
媒を前記空気調和機に封入した後、所定時間だけ前記空
気調和機を運転し、その後に前記塩素を含まない弗化炭
化水素系冷媒と前記新冷凍機油とを入替える入替え作業
を行い、前記所定時間の運転と前記入替え作業からなる
洗浄運転を所定回数以上繰り返した後に冷媒が変更され
たことを示す表示物を前記空気調和機に設置することを
特徴とする空気調和機の冷媒変更方法。9. A method for changing a refrigerant of an air conditioner, wherein a working refrigerant of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is changed from a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant containing chlorine to a fluorohydrocarbon refrigerant not containing chlorine. In the above, after performing a recovery operation while the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant containing chlorine is contained in the outdoor unit, a new refrigerating machine oil adapted to the fluorocarbon-based refrigerant containing no chlorine is used for the outdoor unit. After replacing with a new built-in outdoor unit, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are evacuated, and the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant is sealed in the air conditioner, and then the air conditioner is operated for a predetermined time. And then perform a replacement operation to replace the chlorine-free fluorohydrocarbon-based refrigerant and the new refrigerating machine oil, and repeat the cleaning operation consisting of the operation for the predetermined time and the replacement operation a predetermined number of times or more. After changing the refrigerant A method of changing a refrigerant of an air conditioner, characterized in that a display object indicating the fact is installed in the air conditioner.

【請求項１０】前記塩素を含まない冷媒はＨＦＣ３２，
ＨＦＣ１２５，ＨＦＣ１３４ａ，ＨＦＣ１４３ａおよび
ＨＦＣ１５２ａのいずれか、またはそれらの組合せから
なることを特徴とする請求項５又は請求項７または請求
項９に記載の空気調和機の冷媒変更方法。10. The chlorine-free refrigerant is HFC32,
The refrigerant change method for an air conditioner according to claim 5, 7 or 9, wherein the refrigerant change method is made of any one of HFC125, HFC134a, HFC143a, and HFC152a, or a combination thereof.