air conditioning unit

Abstract

An air conditioning device comprises the following: a housing, a drip tray located within the housing that collects wastewater accumulating inside the housing, an outlet module located within the housing with a drain connection that discharges the wastewater remaining in the drip tray, a water level sensor configured to detect when the wastewater reaches a predetermined water level higher than the outlet module's drain connection, and a controller. The water level sensor is configured to detect multiple predetermined water levels. The controller is configured to determine whether an outlet module malfunction has occurred based on the time it takes for the water level sensor to detect that the wastewater has reached the predetermined water level.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device. State of the art

[0002] Air conditioning systems are known to detect a drain water discharge fault. This fault can be caused, for example, by blockages in drainage lines due to biofilms or other factors, or by a rotational malfunction of a pump in a discharge module that carries away the drain water. When a drain water discharge fault occurs, the water level in the drain pan rises. The air conditioning system then shuts down when the drain water reaches a predetermined level. Therefore, if a discharge fault occurs and the drain water level rises and reaches the predetermined level, the air conditioning system is automatically shut down. In this case, immediate maintenance is required, such as cleaning the drain pan and drainage lines.

[0003] As a countermeasure, a technique is known in which the detection of the outlet fault is triggered by monitoring the water level of the drain water before the air conditioning device is forcibly shut down. Patent 1 discloses an air conditioning device equipped with an ultrasonic water level sensor located above a drain pan. Patent 1 also discloses an air conditioning device equipped with a capacitive water level sensor located on an outer side wall of the drain pan. These water level sensors detect continuous changes in the water level without physical contact. Bibliography Patent literature

[0004] Patent literature 1: Japanese unexamined patent application publication JP 2008 - 96 002 A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0005] Patent literature 1 states the following: To determine whether a discharge error of the wastewater occurs, the water level is continuously detected while the discharge module is in operation. Therefore, patent literature 1 offers the opportunity to determine whether a discharge error occurs using a simpler method.

[0006] The present invention was designed to solve the problem described above. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioning device configured to determine whether an outlet fault occurs in an outlet module, using a simpler method. Solution to the problem

[0007] An air conditioning device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the following: a housing, a drain pan arranged within the housing and collecting wastewater accumulating inside the housing, an outlet module arranged within the housing and having a drain connection that discharges the wastewater remaining in the drain pan, a water level sensor configured to detect when the wastewater reaches a predetermined water level higher than the outlet module's drain connection, and a controller. The water level sensor is configured to detect multiple predetermined water levels. The controller is configured to determine whether an outlet module malfunction occurs based on the time it takes for the water level sensor to detect that the wastewater has reached the predetermined water level. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a controller determines whether an outlet fault of an outlet module occurs based on the time it takes for a water level sensor to detect that the discharge water has reached a predetermined water level. Therefore, an air conditioning device is configured to determine whether an outlet fault of the outlet module occurs by means of a simple method. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an air conditioning device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram of the hardware configuration of a controller according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of an indoor unit according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water level sensor according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a table describing the relationship between a detection pattern of the water level sensor and a liquid level, according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the actions of the control system according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram describing the changes in the water level in a case where wastewater remains during the start-up or commissioning of the system, in embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram for describing changes in the water level in a case where no wastewater remains after the start of operation, in embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating changes in the water level in a case where the water level of the drain water decreases when a time drops after an interruption of the operation of the air conditioning device 1, in embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water level sensor according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water level sensor according to embodiment 3. Fig. Figure 12 is a table describing the relationship between a detection pattern of the water level sensor and a liquid level, according to embodiment 3. Description of embodiments

[0009] Embodiments of an air conditioning device 1 of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. The relative size of a component in the drawings illustrated below may also vary. Fig. 1 includes, from whose actual size. Furthermore, in the explanation below, directional terms used in a suitable manner to facilitate understanding of the present invention serve only to explain the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such directional terms. Design 1

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 is a refrigerant cycle diagram illustrating an air conditioning device 1 according to embodiment 1. The air conditioning device 1 is a device that regulates the temperature of the air in an interior space, and it features—as shown in Figure 1—a refrigerant cycle diagram illustrating an air conditioning device 1 according to embodiment 1. The air conditioning device 1 is a device that regulates the temperature of the air in an interior space, and it has—as shown in Figure 1—a refrigerant cycle diagram illustrating an air conditioning device 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 1 shows an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 3. The outdoor unit 2 comprises: a compressor 5, a flow switching device 6, an outdoor heat exchanger 7, an outdoor fan 8, and an expansion valve 9. The indoor unit 3 comprises: an indoor heat exchanger 10, an indoor fan 11, a humidification device 12, and a control unit 30.

[0011] The compressor 5, the flow switching device 6, the outdoor heat exchanger 7, the expansion valve 9, and the indoor heat exchanger 10 are connected by refrigerant lines, thus forming a refrigeration circuit. The compressor 5 is a device that draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, compresses the refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure state, and then discharges the refrigerant. The compressor 5 is, for example, an inverter compressor with controllable capacity.

[0012] The flow reversing device 6 is a device that switches the direction in which the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant circuit and is, for example, a four-way valve. The outdoor heat exchanger 7 is a device that exchanges heat, for example, between the outdoor air and the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 7 serves as a condenser in cooling mode and as an evaporator in heating mode. The expansion valve 9 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve with an adjustable opening degree; it reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and thereby causes the refrigerant to expand.

[0013] It should be noted that the air conditioning device 1 does not necessarily have to include the flow switching device 6. In this case, the air conditioning device 1 serves as a cooling-only unit or a heating-only unit.

[0014] The indoor heat exchanger 10 is a device that exchanges heat, for example, between indoor air and the refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 10 serves as an evaporator in cooling mode and as a condenser in heating mode. The indoor fan 11 is a device that directs or directs indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 10. The humidification device 12 is a device that humidifies the air blown out of the indoor unit 3. The humidification device 12 is, for example, of the steam type, in which the air is humidified by means of steam obtained by heating water; of the evaporative type, in which the air is humidified by blowing the air onto a water-containing filter; of the ultrasonic type, in which water is converted into fine particles by means of ultrasound and these are released into the air; or a device obtained by combining these types.

[0015] The controller 30 controls the processes or actions of the air conditioning unit 1. As will be described in detail later, the controller 30 also determines whether an outlet error occurs for the wastewater generated within the indoor unit 3, based on detection results from a water level sensor 50. The hardware configuration of the controller 30 is described here. Fig. Figure 2 is a diagram of the hardware configuration of the controller 30 according to embodiment 1. The controller 30 is formed, for example, by a processor 71, such as a CPU, and a memory 72. The processor 71 and the memory 72 are connected by means of a bus 73. The memory 72 is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory or a removable recording medium. The controller 30 can also be formed by hardware, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0016] As with renewed reference to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the air conditioning device 1 has a display device 40, which is arranged outside the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3. The display device 40 is an indicator, for example, on a remote control (not shown) for operating the indoor unit 3. The display device 40 indicates whether a discharge error occurs with respect to the wastewater generated or accumulating within the indoor unit 3, according to an instruction from the controller 30. It should be noted that the display device 40 can also be a display medium on a cloud server. The display device 40 can also be arranged separately from a remote control, or it can be a device that indicates whether a discharge error occurs by means of an LED lamp or another device other than a display.

[0017] Next, the internal configuration of the interior unit 3 is described below with reference to Fig. 3 described. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal configuration of an indoor unit 3 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates that, in addition to the indoor heat exchanger 10, the humidification unit 12, and the control unit 30, the indoor unit 3 also includes a drain tray 21, an outlet module 22, a drainage line 23, and the water level sensor 50. The indoor heat exchanger 10, the humidification unit 12, the control unit 30, the drain tray 21, the outlet module 22, the drainage line 23, and the water level sensor 50 are housed in a casing 20, which forms the outer frame of the indoor unit 3.

[0018] The drain tray 21 is a bowl-shaped container that collects wastewater D generated or accumulated within the housing 20. The wastewater D is condensed water generated, for example, at the internal heat exchanger 10 and the humidification unit 12. The drain tray 21 has a depth of, for example, approximately 50 mm and is inclined so that it is deeper in the direction where its base faces the outlet module 22. This shape ensures that the condensed water that has dripped onto the drain tray 21 is collected at the outlet module 22. A recessed area of ​​the drain tray 21, facing a drain connection 22a of the outlet module 22, is also recessed. This recessed area is the deepest part of the drain tray 21. The drain tray 21 is located below the internal heat exchanger 10 and the humidification unit 12.

[0019] The outlet module 22 is a pump that discharges the wastewater D remaining in or on the drain pan 21 and is located above the drain pan 21. When the outlet module 22 is operated, the wastewater D is drawn into the interior of the outlet module 22 and discharged from a point within the outlet module 22 into the drainage line 23. The drain connection 22a is located at the lower end of the outlet module 22. The drain connection 22a is an opening through which the wastewater D flows.

[0020] When the water level of the drain water D remaining in the drain pan 21 rises above the position of the drain connection 22a, the outlet module 22 discharges the drain water D from the drain connection 22a. The drain connection 22a is positioned so that it faces the recessed area located in the center of the drain pan 21. With this arrangement, the drain connection 22a is not in contact with a flat area of ​​the bottom of the drain pan 21, and consequently, it effectively discharges the drain water D that collects near the outlet module 22.

[0021] The drainage line 23 is a line connected to the outlet module 22, and its outlet-side end section is located outside the indoor unit 3. The wastewater D, which is discharged from the outlet module 22, flows into the interior of the drainage line 23 and is discharged outside the indoor unit 3.

[0022] The humidification device 12 is, for example, attached to a wall surface of the housing 20.

[0023] The water level sensor 50 is a device that detects the water level of the drain water D at its location. The water level sensor 50 is of the float switch type (on / off switch) and uses two reed contacts. The water level sensor 50 detects that the drain water D has reached a predetermined water level by means of these two reed contacts. The specific structure of the water level sensor 50 will be described later.

[0024] The water level sensor 50 is located above the inclined area of ​​the drain pan 21 and adjacent to the outlet module 22. The water level sensor 50 is positioned within a region that excludes the recess facing the drain connection 22a of the outlet module 22, and within which the depth of the drain pan 21 is greater than or equal to a predetermined depth. As described above, the bottom of the drain pan 21 is inclined. Consequently, the change in water level is greater at the lower positions of the drain pan 21. By limiting the depth at which the water level sensor 50 is located to a depth greater than or equal to a predetermined depth, the water level is measured accurately.

[0025] From the positions designated for the water level sensor 50, an area is excluded that differs from the area within which the wastewater D, drawn in by the outlet module 22, is collected. This arrangement ensures that the water level detection results reflect the discharge status of the wastewater D via the outlet module 22. For example, the water level sensor 50 can be positioned such that the passage through which the wastewater D flows from the indoor heat exchanger 10 or the humidification device 12 towards the recessed area of ​​the drain tray 21 is defined as the water level detection target. The water level sensor 50 transmits the detection results to the controller 30.

[0026] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the water level sensor 50 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the water level sensor 50 comprises the following: a float 51, a retaining body 52, a first magnet 53a, a second magnet 53b, a first sensor 54a, a second sensor 54b, and side plate regions 55a and 55b. The float 51, for example, is a structure with a circular cylindrical shape and is located at the bottom of the water level sensor 50. The water level sensor 50 has a single float 51. The float 51 floats in the wastewater that collects in the wastewater tray 21. To enable it to float in the wastewater, the float 51 can be hollow inside and can also be made of a material with a density lower than that of water.

[0027] The retaining body 52 is a frame-shaped structure, the lower end of which is attached to the upper surface of the float 51. The retaining body 52 holds the first magnet 53a and the second magnet 53b. The retaining body 52 is formed by rod-shaped vertical shaft sections 52a and 52b, an upper horizontal shaft section 52c, and a lower horizontal shaft section 52d. The vertical shaft sections 52a and 52b extend vertically and are long in the vertical direction, and their lower ends are attached to the outer peripheral region of the float 51.

[0028] The vertical shaft section 52a and the vertical shaft section 52b face each other across the central area of ​​the upper surface of the float 51. The upper horizontal shaft section 52c of the float 51 extends horizontally and is long in the horizontal direction, and it connects the upper end of the vertical shaft section 52a and the upper end of the vertical shaft section 52b. The lower horizontal shaft section 52d of the float 51 extends horizontally and is long in the horizontal direction, and it connects the lower area of ​​the vertical shaft section 52a and the lower area of ​​the vertical shaft section 52b.

[0029] The first magnet 53a is located on the upper horizontal shaft section 52c. The second magnet 53b is located on the lower horizontal shaft section 52d.

[0030] The first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b are, for example, magnetic detection elements, such as reed switches. Both the first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b have a cuboid shape, elongated in the vertical direction. The first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b are arranged in an area enclosed by the vertical shaft sections 52a and 52b, the upper horizontal shaft section 52c, and the lower horizontal shaft section 52d of the mounting body 52. ​​The first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b are connected to each other. They are arranged so that they run along the vertical direction, with the first sensor 54a positioned higher than the second sensor 54b.

[0031] The first sensor 54a faces the first magnet 53a in the vertical direction. If the first sensor 54a is located close to the first magnet 53a and is influenced by the magnetic force of the first magnet 53a, its contact switches to the on state (closed). Conversely, if the first sensor 54a is located far from the first magnet 53a and is not influenced by the magnetic force of the first magnet 53a, the contact switches to the off state (open). The first sensor 54a has an internal switching area (not shown) and a housing that forms its outer frame and covers the switching area, so that the switching area is not exposed.

[0032] The second sensor 54b faces the second magnet 53b in the vertical direction. When the second sensor 54b is located close to the second magnet 53b and is influenced by its magnetic force, its contact switches to the on state (closed). Conversely, when the second sensor 54b is located far from the second magnet 53b and is not influenced by its magnetic force, the contact switches to the off state (open). The second sensor 54b has an internal switch (not shown) and a housing that forms its outer frame and covers the switch, thus concealing the switch.

[0033] The side plate regions 55a and 55b are plate-shaped structures that are thin in the vertical direction and project horizontally from the housing of the second sensor 54b. Side plate regions 55a and 55b project in opposite directions horizontally. Although a diagram is omitted here, the housing of the second sensor 54b is attached to the housing 20, with side plate regions 55a and 55b positioned between them. With this structure, the following holds true: In a case where the water level of the discharge water changes, the positions of the first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b do not change.

[0034] However, when the water level of the outflow water changes, the positions of the float 51 and the first magnet 53a and the second magnet 53b, which are indirectly attached to the float 51 with the retaining body 52 in between, also vary. At this time, the distance between the first sensor 54a and the first magnet 53a varies, as does the distance between the second sensor 54b and the second magnet 53b. The first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b are adjusted with respect to their respective positional relationships with the first magnet 53a and the second magnet 53b, so that the states of the contacts are switched at predetermined water levels.

[0035] The float 51, located at the lower part of the water level sensor 50, floats in the drain water, and all parts of the retaining body 52, the first magnet 53a, the second magnet 53b, the first sensor 54a, the second sensor 54b, and the side plate sections 55a and 55b do not come into contact with the drain water remaining in the drain tray 21. That is, only the float 51 is in contact with the drain water.

[0036] Fig. Figure 5 is a table describing the relationship between a detection pattern of the water level sensor 50 and a liquid level, according to embodiment 1. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the contact of the first sensor 54a switches when the water level of the drain water is at a predetermined water level L1. The contact of the first sensor 54a switches to the on state when the water level is below the predetermined water level L1, and to the off state when the water level is at or above the predetermined water level L1. Conversely, the contact of the second sensor 54b switches when the water level of the drain water is at a predetermined water level L2.

[0037] The contact of the second sensor 54b switches to the on state when the water level is above the preset water level L2, and it switches to the off state when the water level is at or below the preset water level L2. Here, the preset water level L1 is set at a position higher than the drain connection 22a of the outlet module 22, and the preset water level L2 is set at a position higher than the preset water level L1. The position of the preset water level L2 is not particularly restricted, as long as it is at or below the depth of the drain pan 21.

[0038] In a case where the water level of the outflow is lower than the predetermined water level L1, the float 51, the first magnet 53a, and the second magnet 53b are located at relatively low positions. At this time, the contact of the first sensor 54a is in the on state, and the contact of the second sensor 54b is in the off state. Conversely, in a case where the water level of the outflow is lower than the predetermined water level L2, the float 51, the first magnet 53a, and the second magnet 53b are located at relatively high positions. At this time, the contact of the first sensor 54a is in the off state, and the contact of the second sensor 54b is in the on state.

[0039] Furthermore, in a case where the water level of the drain water is at or above the predetermined water level L1 and at or below the predetermined water level L2, the float 51, the first magnet 53a, and the second magnet 53b are located at intermediate or mid-positions. At this time, the contact of the first sensor 54a is in the off state, and the contact of the second sensor 54b is also in the off state. As described above, the water level sensor 50 detects that the drain water has reached a predetermined water level. The water level sensor 50 also detects the water level of the drain water in three stages by combining the connection state of the first sensor 54a and the connection state of the second sensor 54b.

[0040] With renewed reference to Fig. The controller 30 comprises the water level output circuit 31, the determination circuit 32, and the transmission circuit 33. The water level output circuit 31, the determination circuit 32, and the transmission circuit 33 are implemented by the processor 71, which reads and executes a program stored in memory 72. The water level output circuit 31 is a component that receives detection results from the water level sensor 50 and outputs the detection results to the determination circuit 32.

[0041] The determining circuit 32 is a component that, based on the output from the water level output circuit 31, determines whether an outlet fault occurs that reduces the outlet capacity of the outlet module 22. For example, the determining circuit 32 determines that an outlet fault occurs in the outlet module 22 if the water level output circuit 31 outputs information indicating that a predetermined determination time has elapsed while the discharge water D reaches and remains at, or exceeds, the predetermined water level. The determining circuit 32 also determines that an outlet fault occurs in the outlet module 22 if the rate of change of the water level, as received from the output of the water level output circuit 31, is less than a predetermined rate.

[0042] The transmission circuit 33 is a component that transmits the determination results from the determination circuit 32 to the display device 40, which is located externally. A user can detect whether an outlet fault occurs by checking the display device 40. If an outlet fault occurs, the user can perform maintenance in accordance with the operating conditions of the air conditioning device 1. In a case where the display device 40 is a display medium on a cloud server, the transmission circuit 33 can accumulate the time of occurrence of an outlet fault and water level data at the time of occurrence, which are correlated with each other. Reasons for the outlet error

[0043] Examples of causes for a discharge failure include biofilm B. Biofilm B, also referred to as slime, is an aggregate composed not only of bacteria or mold, but also of adhesive polysaccharides produced by the metabolism of bacteria or mold, and dirt components or impurities present in the air. Biofilm B is viscous. If it deposits and accumulates on a wall surface of the discharge module 22, the drainage pipe 23, or the drain pan 21, the wastewater D cannot be discharged or drained away.Even in a case where the wastewater D adheres to the first magnet 53a, the second magnet 53b, the first sensor 54a or the second sensor 54b, and when the first magnet 53a and the first sensor 54a come close to each other or the second magnet 53b and the second sensor 54b come close to each other, the viscosity of the biofilm B present in the wastewater D prevents the unimpeded or smooth movements of the first magnet 53a and the second magnet 53b.

[0044] In this case, the water level sensor 50 may not be able to accurately detect the water level. The present invention specifies a configuration in which, to prevent such a reduction in the detection accuracy of the water level sensor 50, the drain water D is only in contact with the float 51. With this arrangement, the following applies: Even if the biofilm B with high viscosity is formed in the drain pan 21, the biofilm B does not adhere to the first sensor 54a, the second sensor 54b, the first magnet 53a, or the second magnet 53b. Consequently, in the air conditioning device 1 of embodiment 1, changes in the water level do not impede the unimpeded movement of the first magnet 53a and the second magnet 53b, and a reduction in the detection accuracy of the water level sensor 50 is therefore prevented.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 6 The action sequences of the air conditioning device 1 for determining an outlet error of the wastewater and for displaying it to a user are described schematically below. Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the actions of the controller 30 according to embodiment 1. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the water level sensor 50 first monitors changes in the water level. If no change in the water level is detected (NO in step S1), the water level sensor 50 waits until a change in the water level is detected. If a change in the water level is detected (YES in step S1), the water level sensor 50 transmits the detection results to the controller 30 (step S2). It should be noted that the water level sensor 50 can also transmit the water level detection results to the controller 30 at regular intervals, regardless of whether a change in the water level is detected.

[0046] When the water level output circuit 31 of the controller 30 receives the detection results from the water level sensor 50, the determination circuit 32 of the controller 30 determines whether an outlet fault occurs, based on the detection results (step S3). If the determination circuit 32 determines that an outlet fault occurs (YES in step S3), the transmission circuit 33 of the controller 30 instructs the display device 40 to indicate that an outlet fault occurs (step S4). The display device 40, receiving the instruction from the transmission circuit 33, indicates that an outlet fault occurs (step S5). If the determination circuit 32 determines that an outlet fault does not occur (NO in step S3), the sequence ends. Note that the transmission circuit 33 of the controller 30 can instruct the display device 40 to indicate that an outlet fault does not occur. Change in water level

[0047] As described below, the water level above the drain tray 21 can change and may not be easily stabilized, regardless of whether an outlet fault occurs, due to the influence of the operating state of the air conditioning unit 1 or its installation environment (e.g., temperature and humidity). The detection circuit 32 determines whether an outlet fault occurs by means of a plurality of methods suitable for the operating state of the air conditioning unit 1 or its installation environment.

[0048] The initial condition described below is a change in the water level above the drain pan 21 resulting from changes in the operating state of the air conditioning unit 1. Initially, during cooling operation, wastewater is generated by the indoor heat exchanger 10 or the humidification unit 12. At this time, wastewater is discharged from the outlet module 22; however, wastewater is constantly generated, and therefore wastewater is always present in the drain pan 21 during cooling operation.

[0049] When the air conditioning unit 1 shuts down and the outlet module 22 is also deactivated, the wastewater present in the drain line 23, while being pumped upwards, flows back to the drain pan 21. This backflow adds the wastewater from the drain line 23 to the wastewater originally present in the drain pan 21, causing the water level in the drain pan 21 to rise. After the air conditioning unit 1 shuts down, the wastewater in the drain pan 21 gradually evaporates. If the air conditioning unit 1 does not resume operation for an extended period, no wastewater will remain in the drain pan 21.Therefore, the state of the drain tray 21 at the start of cooling operation includes a state in which drain water evaporates but is still present, and another state in which drain water completely evaporates and is then not present. Method for determining an outlet fault in a case where wastewater remains after start-up.

[0050] As a second condition, a procedure for determining whether an outlet fault occurs is described below for each water level condition at startup when the air conditioning device 1 is activated. First, a procedure for determining an outlet fault is described below in a case where wastewater remains at startup.

[0051] For example, in a case where the time between the previous shutdown of the air conditioning unit 1 and the current start of a cooling operation of the air conditioning unit 1 is short and the drain water has hardly evaporated, drain water remains in the drain tray 21 when operation is started. The determination circuit 32 performs the determination actions described below as determination actions under such conditions, specifically in a case where the water level of the drain water at the start of operation is at or above the predetermined water level L1 (the contact of the first sensor 54a is in the off state).

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram describing the changes in the water level in a case where wastewater remains during the start-up or commissioning of the system, in embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates, as an example, a case in which the water level of the wastewater exceeds the specified water level L2. After the cooling operation has been started, wastewater is discharged from the operating outlet module 22.

[0053] If no outlet fault occurs, the amount of wastewater discharged from outlet module 22 is equal to or greater than the amount of condensed water produced by the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the humidification unit 12. Therefore, after cooling operation has started, the water level of the wastewater stabilizes approximately at the position of the drain port 22a. Thus, if no outlet fault occurs, the contact of the first sensor 54a switches from the off state to the on state, and then remains in the on state.

[0054] In the event of an outlet fault, changes in the water level are considered, for example, in the following three behavioral patterns. In the first pattern, P1a, it is conceivable that the outlet velocity of the discharge water through the outlet module 22 decreases, and the position where the water level stabilizes becomes higher than the predetermined water level L1. In the first pattern, P1a, the time until the contact of the second sensor 54b changes from the on state to the off state is longer than the time without an outlet fault. Therefore, the detection circuit 32 detects an outlet fault using the following procedure for the first pattern, P1a.

[0055] The determining circuit 32 actually measures the time Tc2 from the start of operation of the outlet module 22 until the contact of the second sensor 54b changes from the on state to the off state. The determining circuit 32 also measures the time Tc2s from the start of operation of the outlet module 22 until the contact of the second sensor 54b changes from the on state to the off state if the outlet fault does not occur. The time Tc2s here is calculated as the time under the same conditions under which time Tc2 is measured, and the condition is the operating state or installation environment of the air conditioning device 1, which is detected by various sensors (not shown).

[0056] For example, the time required to switch the second sensor 54b, which is actually measured during the actual operation of the air conditioning unit 1, is pre-stored so that the required time correlates with the operating state or installation environment of the air conditioning unit 1. From these actually measured times, a time for which the condition corresponds to the operating state or installation environment of the air conditioning unit 1 at the time of control is specified as the time Tc2s.

[0057] Alternatively, a time calculated beforehand by means of an experiment or other procedure can be used as a candidate for the time Tc2s instead of the actually measured time. The determination circuit 32 then compares the time Tc2 with the time Tc2s, and if the time Tc2 is longer than the time Tc2s (Tc2 > Tc2s), it determines that an outlet error has occurred. The determination circuit 32 also compares the time Tc2 with the time Tc2s, and if the length of the time Tc2 is shorter than or equal to the length of the time Tc2s (Tc2 ≤ Tc2s), it determines that an outlet error has not occurred.

[0058] A second scenario, P2a, is conceivable: either the discharge of the wastewater via the outlet module 22 is zero, or the rate at which condensed water is generated by the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the humidification unit 12 is greater than the discharge rate of the wastewater through the outlet module 22, and the water level of the wastewater rises. In the second scenario, P2a, the output of the water level sensor 50 does not change. Therefore, for the second scenario, P2a, the following applies: if the output of the water level sensor 50 does not change over a predetermined period, then the control circuit 32 determines that a discharge fault has occurred.

[0059] A third pattern, P3a, is a case in which the capacity of the outlet module 22 decreases, but wastewater is discharged, and the water level of the wastewater stabilizes at the position of the outlet port 22a after a time longer than the time without an outlet fault. In the third pattern, P3a, the time until the contact of the first sensor 54a changes from the on state to the off state is longer than the time without an outlet fault. Therefore, the detection circuit 32 detects an outlet fault using the following procedure for the third pattern, P3a.

[0060] The determining circuit 32 measures the time Tc1 from the start of operation of the outlet module 22 until the contact of the first sensor 54a changes from the on state to the off state. The determining circuit 32 also measures the time Tc1s from the start of operation of the outlet module 22 until the contact of the second sensor 54b changes from the on state to the off state if the outlet fault does not occur. Here, the time Tc1s is calculated as the time under the same conditions under which time Tc1 is measured, and this condition is the operating state or installation environment of the air conditioning device 1, as detected by various sensors (not shown).

[0061] For example, the time required to switch the first sensor 54a, which is actually measured during the actual operation of the air conditioning unit 1, is pre-stored so that the required time correlates with the operating state or installation environment of the air conditioning unit 1. From these actually measured times, a time for which the condition corresponds to the operating state or installation environment of the air conditioning unit 1 at the time of control is specified as the time Tc1s.

[0062] Alternatively, a time calculated beforehand by means of an experiment or other procedure can be used as a candidate for the time Tc1s, instead of the actually measured time. The determination circuit 32 then compares the time Tc1 with the time Tc1s, and if the time Tc1 is longer than the time Tc1s (Tc1 > Tc1s), it determines that an outlet error has occurred. The determination circuit 32 also compares the time Tc1 with the time Tc1s, and if the length of the time Tc1 is shorter than or equal to the length of the time Tc1s (Tc1 ≤ Tc1s), it determines that an outlet error has not occurred. Detection of an outlet fault in a case where there is almost no wastewater present at startup.

[0063] The detection of a drain fault is described below in a case where there is almost no drain water present at startup. For example, if the time between the previous shutdown of air conditioning unit 1 and the current start of cooling operation of air conditioning unit 1 is long, the drain water in the drain tray 21 evaporates, and the drain water is in a state where it is almost non-existent at startup. Under such conditions, the detection circuit 32 performs the detection actions described below, specifically in a case where the drain water level at startup is below the predetermined water level L1 (the contact of the first sensor 54a is in the on state).

[0064] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram for describing changes in the water level in a case where no wastewater remains after the start of operation, in embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates, as an example, a case in which the water level of the drain water is zero. After cooling operation has started, and when the water level of the drain water reaches the height of the drain port 22a, the drain water is discharged. If no discharge fault occurs, the amount of drain water discharged by the outlet module 22 is equal to or greater than the amount of condensed water produced by the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the humidification unit 12. Therefore, after cooling operation has started, the water level of the drain water stabilizes approximately at the position of the drain port 22a. Consequently, if no discharge fault occurs, the contact of the first sensor 54a remains in the on state.

[0065] In a case where an outlet fault occurs after cooling operation has started, the discharge of the wastewater through the outlet module 22 is zero, or the rate at which condensed water is generated by the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the humidification unit 12 is greater than the discharge rate of the wastewater through the outlet module 22. As indicated by the two dashed lines, the condensed water generated by the indoor heat exchanger 10 and the humidification unit 12 therefore remains in the drain pan 21, and the water level of the wastewater rises. As cooling operation continues, the water level of the wastewater eventually exceeds the predetermined water level L1.

[0066] Therefore, the determining circuit 32 specifies that an outlet fault occurs if, after the outlet module 22 has been operated, the time Tu1 required for the contact of the first sensor 54a to change from the on-state to the off-state is shorter than a predetermined time Tu1s (not shown). Similarly, if the length of time Tu1 is longer than or equal to the predetermined time Tu1s, the determining circuit 32 specifies that an outlet fault does not occur. The time Tu1s is, for example, a time obtained through experimentation or other methods for each operating state or installation environment of the air conditioning device 1. The time Tu1s is predetermined to a sufficiently long length to allow the determination that an outlet fault occurs if the time Tu1 falls below the time Tu1s.

[0067] Even after the discharge water level has exceeded the predetermined water level L1, the discharge water level will eventually exceed the predetermined water level L2 due to the continuation of the cooling operation. Therefore, the control circuit 32 can determine that a discharge fault occurs if—after the contact of the first sensor 54a has changed from the on state to the off state—the time Tu2 required for the contact of the second sensor 54b to change from the off state to the on state is shorter than a predetermined time Tu2s (not shown). Similarly, if the length of time Tu2 is longer than or equal to the length of the predetermined time Tu2s, the control circuit 32 determines that a discharge fault does not occur.The time Tu2s, for example, is a time obtained through experimentation or other procedures for each operating condition or installation environment of the air conditioning device 1. The time Tu2s is specified with a sufficient length to allow for the determination that an outlet fault occurs when the time Tu2 falls below the time Tu2s.

[0068] The control circuit 32 can also calculate whether an outlet error occurs based on the rate of rise of the water level, instead of time Tu1 or time Tu2. In this case, the control circuit 32 calculates the rate of rise of the water level per unit time by dividing the difference in height between the predetermined water level L2 and the predetermined water level L1 by time Tu2. The control circuit 32 determines that an outlet error occurs if the rate of rise of the water level is faster than a predetermined rate of rise. Detection of an outlet fault after decommissioning

[0069] The detection of an outlet fault under the condition in which the air conditioning unit 1 shuts down is described below. The detection circuit 32 performs the following detection actions while the air conditioning unit 1 is shut down or out of operation.

[0070] Fig. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating changes in the water level in a case where the water level of the drain water decreases after a period of time following an interruption of the operation of the air conditioning device 1, in embodiment 1. When the air conditioning device 1 stops operating and the outlet module 22 is also deactivated, the drain water present in the drainage line 23 while the drain water is being pumped back to the drain pan 21. With this backflow, the drain water present in the drainage line 23 is added to the drain water remaining in the drain pan 21 while the outlet module 22 is operating, and the water level of the drain water in the drain pan 21 rises after the operation of the outlet module 22 is interrupted.

[0071] If a drainage fault does not occur, the drain water level remains below the specified water level L1, even after backflow occurs. If a certain amount of time elapses after the operation of the outlet module 22 has been interrupted, the drain water level drops. Here, the drop in the drain water level is caused by the drain water evaporating over a prolonged period during which the operation of the air conditioning unit 1 is interrupted. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, the outlet module 22 can be activated independently of the air conditioning device 1. In this case, the actions of the outlet module 22 can cause the water level of the drain water to decrease.

[0072] A function that allows the outlet module 22 to be activated independently of the air conditioning unit 1 is one designed to detect a drainage error or fault in the wastewater before the air conditioning unit 1 starts operating. In this case, the time after the air conditioning unit 1 has stopped and until the activation of only the outlet module 22 is started is specified and stored in the controller 30. In addition to the example shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, even when the operation of the air conditioning unit 1 is resumed, the outlet module 22 is activated, and the water level of the drain water consequently decreases. As described above, if an outlet fault does not occur, the contact of the first sensor 54a remains in the on state.

[0073] If a drainage fault occurs, the following applies: Before the activation of the outlet module 22 is interrupted, the water level of the drain water is higher than the position of the drain connection 22a, but it does not reach the preset water level L1. When the activation of the outlet module 22 is interrupted, the backflow of the drain water causes the water level to rise above the preset water level L1. The contact of the first sensor 54a of the water level sensor 50 is in an off state until the water level of the drain water decreases and returns to the preset water level L1.

[0074] The higher the water level before the activation of the outlet module 22 is stopped, the longer the time after the water level drops and until the predetermined water level L1 is reached. Therefore, the detection circuit 32 detects an outlet fault using the following procedure. The detection circuit 32 determines that an outlet fault occurs if—after the air conditioning device 1 has stopped operating and the water level then drops (after the air conditioning device 1 has stopped operating and a time T has elapsed)—the time Td1 required for the contact of the first sensor 54a to change from the off state to the on state is longer than a predetermined time Td1s (not shown).

[0075] Even if the length of time Td1 is shorter than or equal to the length of the predetermined time Td1s, the determining circuit 32 ensures that an outlet fault does not occur. Time T is the time after the air conditioning device 1 has stopped operating and when a decrease in the water level is expected to begin. Time T is predetermined taking into account the evaporation of the discharge water, as described above, or the function described above, which allows the outlet module 22 to be activated independently of the air conditioning device 1. Time Td1s, for example, is a time obtained through experimentation or other methods for each operating condition or installation environment of the air conditioning device 1.The time Td1s is set to a sufficient length so that it is possible to determine that an outlet error occurs in a case where the time Td1 exceeds the time Td1s.

[0076] Before the activation of the outlet module 22 is interrupted, there may be a case in which the water level of the discharge water exceeds the predetermined water level L2. Therefore, the determining circuit 32 can determine that an outlet fault occurs in a case in which – after the contact of the second sensor 54a has changed from the on state to the off state – the time Td2 required for the contact of the first sensor 54b to change from the off state to the on state is longer than a predetermined time Td2s (not shown).

[0077] The following also applies in this case: If the length of time Td2 is shorter than or equal to the length of the predetermined time Td2s, the determining circuit 32 determines that an outlet fault does not occur. The time Td2s is, for example, a time obtained by experiment or other procedure for each operating state or installation environment of the air conditioning device 1. The time Td2s is predetermined to a sufficiently long length so that it is possible to determine that an outlet fault occurs in a case where the time Td2 exceeds the time Td2s.

[0078] The determining circuit 32 can also calculate whether an outlet error occurs based on the rate of water level fall, instead of time Td1 or time Td2. In this case, the determining circuit 32 calculates the rate of water level rise per unit time by dividing the difference in height between the predetermined water level L2 and the predetermined water level L1 by time Td2. The determining circuit 32 determines that an outlet error occurs if the rate of water level fall is slower than a predetermined rate of fall.

[0079] Furthermore, the determination circuit 32 determines that an outlet error occurs, even in a case where - for a predetermined determination time - the contact of the first sensor 54a remains in the off state.

[0080] It is also possible to determine whether the outlet fault occurs for each air conditioning unit 1, limited to just one of the following conditions: during commissioning or start-up, during continuous operation, and during shutdown. Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether the outlet fault occurs under two conditions, such as during start-up and shutdown. The operating states can be freely combined.

[0081] As described above, according to embodiment 1, the controller 30 determines whether an outlet fault of the outlet module 22 occurs, based on the time until the water level sensor 50 detects that the discharge water has reached the predetermined water level. Therefore, the air conditioning device 1 is configured to determine whether an outlet fault of the outlet module 22 occurs using a simple method. Design 2

[0082] Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water level sensor 50A according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 10, embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in the configuration of the water level sensor 50A. The components in embodiment 2, which are the same as in embodiment 1, have the same reference numerals and are not described below. The main differences from embodiment 1 are described here.

[0083] In embodiment 2, a first sensor 54Aa has a cuboid shape that is long in the horizontal direction, and a first magnet 53Aa, which correlates with the first sensor 54Aa, is arranged on a vertical shaft section 52a. When the first sensor 54Aa is located close to the first magnet 53Aa and is influenced by the magnetic force of the first magnet 53Aa, its contact switches to the on state (closed). At this time, the first sensor 54Aa is oriented horizontally towards the first magnet 53Aa. Conversely, when the first sensor 54Aa is located far from the first magnet 53Aa and is not influenced by the magnetic force of the first magnet 53Aa, the contact switches to the off state (open).

[0084] At this time, the first sensor 54Aa is not facing the first magnet 53Aa, neither vertically nor horizontally. The first sensor 54Aa has an internal switch area (not shown) and a housing that forms its outer frame and covers the switch area, so that the switch area is not exposed. The relationship between the detection pattern of the water level sensor 50A and the liquid level according to embodiment 2 is the same as in embodiment 1 with reference to Fig. 5 described.

[0085] According to embodiment 2, as in embodiment 1, the following applies: A controller 30 determines whether an outlet fault of an outlet module 22 occurs, based on the time until the water level sensor 50A detects that the discharge water has reached a predetermined water level. Therefore, the air conditioning device 1A is configured to determine whether an outlet fault of the outlet module 22 occurs by means of a simple method.

[0086] As described in embodiment 2, the position at which the first magnet 53Aa is attached to the holding body 52 is also changed to a position that differs from the position described in embodiment 1, and it is therefore possible to adjust the variation or fluctuation of the water level that can be detected by the water level sensor 50A. For example, the position at which the first magnet 53Aa is arranged in embodiment 2 is lower than the position at which the first magnet 53Aa is arranged in embodiment 1, and the preset water level L1 in embodiment 2 is consequently higher than the preset water level L1 in embodiment 1. embodiment 3

[0087] Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water level sensor 50B according to embodiment 3. Embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 1 in the configuration of the water level sensor 50B. The components in embodiment 3, which are the same as in embodiment 1, have the same reference numerals and are not described again below. The main focus here is on the differences from embodiment 1.

[0088] A first magnet 53Ba and a second magnet 53Bb are each arranged in a corner of the lower region of a holding body 53. More precisely: The first magnet 53Ba is arranged at the region where a vertical shaft region 52a and a lower horizontal shaft region 52d are connected. The second magnet 53Bb is arranged at the region where a vertical shaft region 52b and the lower horizontal shaft region 52d are connected. The first magnet 53Ba and the second magnet 53Bb each have a cuboid shape that is elongated in the vertical direction.

[0089] A first sensor 54Ba and a second sensor 54Bb are, for example, magnetic detection elements, such as reed switches. The first sensor 54Ba and the second sensor 54Bb each have a cuboid shape, elongated in the horizontal direction. The first sensor 54Ba and the second sensor 54Bb are arranged in a region enclosed by the vertical shaft sections 52a and 52b, an upper horizontal shaft section 52c, and the lower horizontal shaft section 52d of a mounting body 52. ​​The first sensor 54Ba and the second sensor 54Bb are connected to each other using side plate sections 55Ba and 55Bb. The first sensor 54Ba and the second sensor 54Bb are arranged such that they are aligned along the vertical direction, with the second sensor 54Bb positioned higher than the first sensor 54Ba.

[0090] In a case where the first sensor 54Ba is located close to the first magnet 53Ba and is influenced by the magnetic force of the first magnet 53Ba, its contact switches to the on state (closed). At this time, the first sensor 54Ba is oriented horizontally towards the first magnet 53Ba. Conversely, in a case where the first sensor 54Ba is located far from the first magnet 53Ba and is not influenced by the magnetic force of the first magnet 53Ba, the contact switches to the off state (open). At this time, the first sensor 54Ba is not oriented either vertically or horizontally towards the first magnet 53Ba. The first sensor 54Ba has an internal switching area (not shown) and a housing that forms its outer frame and covers the switching area, so that the switching area is not exposed.

[0091] In a case where the second sensor 54Bb is located close to the second magnet 53Bb and is influenced by the magnetic force of the second magnet 53Bb, its contact switches to the on state (closed). At this time, the second sensor 54Bb is oriented horizontally towards the second magnet 53Bb. Conversely, in a case where the second sensor 54Bb is located far from the second magnet 53Bb and is not influenced by the magnetic force of the second magnet 53Bb, the contact switches to the off state (open). At this time, the second sensor 54Bb is not oriented either vertically or horizontally towards the second magnet 53Bb. The second sensor 54Bb has an internal switching area (not shown) and a housing that forms its outer frame and covers the switching area, so that the switching area is not exposed.

[0092] It should be noted that the switching area of ​​the first sensor 54Ba is located on the side of the first magnet 53Ba inside the housing, so that the switching area is only influenced by the first magnet 53Ba, specifically by the first magnet 53Ba and the second magnet 53Bb, which are facing each other. Similarly, the switching area of ​​the second sensor 54Bb is located on the side of the second magnet 53Bb inside the housing, so that the switching area is only influenced by the second magnet 53Bb, specifically by the first magnet 53Ba and the second magnet 53Bb, which are facing each other.

[0093] The side plate area 55Ba is a plate-shaped structure that is thin in the horizontal direction and connects the housing of the first sensor 54Ba and the housing of the second sensor 54Bb at one end in the horizontal direction. The side plate area 55Bb is a plate-shaped structure that is thin in the horizontal direction and connects the housing of the first sensor 54Ba and the housing of the second sensor 54Bb at the other end, opposite the first end in the horizontal direction. Although a diagram is omitted here, the first sensor 54Ba and the second sensor 54Bb are attached to a housing 20, with the side plate areas 55Ba and 55Bb located between them. With this structure, the following holds true: In a case where the water level of the drain water changes, the positions of the first sensor 54Ba and the second sensor 54Bb do not change.

[0094] However, when the water level of the outflow water changes, the positions of a float 51 and the first magnet 53Ba and the second magnet 53Bb, which are indirectly attached to the float 51 with the retaining body 52 in between, also vary. At this time, the distance between the first sensor 54Ba and the first magnet 53Ba varies, as does the distance between the second sensor 54Bb and the second magnet 53Bb. The first sensor 54Ba and the second sensor 54Bb are adjusted with respect to their respective positional relationships with the first magnet 53Ba and the second magnet 53Bb, so that the states of the contacts are switched at predetermined water levels.

[0095] The first magnet 53Ba, which correlates with the first sensor 54Ba, is arranged at the position where the vertical shaft section 52a and the lower horizontal shaft section 52d are connected, i.e., at the lower part of the holding body 52, which differs from the position in embodiment 1. With this arrangement, the contact of the first sensor 54Ba switches to the off state when the water level is relatively low and to the on state when the water level is relatively high.

[0096] This means that the switching of the contact of the first sensor 54Ba in embodiment 3 is the opposite of the case in embodiment 1. Furthermore, the contact of the second sensor 54Bb, which is located higher than the first sensor 54Ba, is switched to the on state when the water level is higher than that of the first sensor 54Ba. Therefore, when the water level of the drain water rises and the float 51, the first magnet 53Ba, and the second magnet 53Bb consequently rise, the first sensor 54Ba and the first magnet 53Ba approach each other before the second sensor 54Bb and the second magnet 53Bb approach each other. Consequently, the contact of the first sensor 54Ba switches to the on state before the contact of the second sensor 54Bb switches to the on state.

[0097] Fig. Figure 12 is a table describing the relationship between a detection pattern of the water level sensor 50B and a liquid level, according to embodiment 3. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 12, the contact of the first sensor 54Ba switches when the water level of the drain is at a predetermined water level L1. Thus, the contact of the first sensor 54Ba switches off when the water level is below the predetermined water level L1 and switches on when the water level is at or above the predetermined water level L1. Conversely, the contact of the second sensor 54Bb switches when the water level of the drain is at a predetermined water level L2.

[0098] The contact of the second sensor 54Bb switches to the on state when the water level is above the preset water level L2, and it switches to the off state when the water level is at or below the preset water level L2. Here, the preset water level L1 is defined as a position higher than the drain connection 22a of the outlet module 22, and the preset water level L2 is defined as a position higher than the preset water level L1. The position of the preset water level L2 is not particularly restricted, as long as it is at or below the depth of a drain tray 21.

[0099] In a case where the water level of the outflow is lower than the predetermined water level L1, the float 51, the first magnet 53Ba, and the second magnet 53Bb are located at relatively low positions. At this time, the contact of the first sensor 54Ba is in the off state, and the contact of the second sensor 54Bb is in the off state. Conversely, in a case where the water level of the outflow is lower than the predetermined water level L2, the float 51, the first magnet 53Ba, and the second magnet 53Bb are located at relatively high positions. At this time, the contact of the first sensor 54Ba is in the on state, and the contact of the second sensor 54Bb is in the on state.

[0100] Furthermore, in a case where the water level of the discharge water is at or above the predetermined water level L1 and at or below the predetermined water level L2, the float 51, the first magnet 53Ba, and the second magnet 53Bb are located at intermediate or mid-positions. At this time, the contact of the first sensor 54Ba is in the on state, and the contact of the second sensor 53Bb is in the off state.

[0101] As described above, in embodiment 3 the water level sensor 50B also detects that the drain water has reached a predetermined water level. The water level sensor 50B also detects the drain water level in three stages by combining the connection state of the first sensor 54Ba and the connection state of the second sensor 54Bb.

[0102] According to embodiment 3, as in embodiment 1, the controller 30 determines whether an outlet fault of the outlet module 22 occurs, based on the time until the water level sensor 50B detects that the discharge water has reached a predetermined water level. Therefore, the air conditioning device 1B is configured to determine whether an outlet fault of the outlet module 22 occurs by means of a simple method.

[0103] Embodiments of the present invention are described above. The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above, and it can also be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical concept. For example, embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 can be combined, and three predetermined water levels can thereby be detected.

[0104] As described in embodiment 1, the amount of drain water present in the drain pan 21 is not always constant, as it is influenced by the operating state or the installation environment of the air conditioning device 1, and the water level may be unstable. For this reason, the on / off outputs of the first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b of the water level sensor 50 may frequently switch. To handle this behavior, the determining circuit 32 can determine whether a drain is necessary by measuring the number of times the outputs of the first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b switch and comparing the measured number with a predefined threshold value.

[0105] More precisely: The determining circuit 32 determines that a drainage error can occur if the number of times the on / off outputs of the first sensor 54a and the second sensor 54b are switched exceeds the specified number of times. Instead of the number of times, a frequency (the number of times the on / off outputs switch per unit of time) or a probability (the number of times the on / off outputs switch per unit of time) can also be compared to a threshold value. Reference symbol list 1 air conditioning unit 2 outdoor unit 3 Indoor unit 5 Compressor 6 Flow switching device 7 outdoor heat exchangers 8 outdoor fans 9 Expansion valve 10 interior heat exchangers 11 interior fans 12 Humidification unit 20 cases 21 Drain tray 22 Outlet module 22a Drain connection 23 Drainage pipe 30 Control 31 Water level output circuit 32 Determination circuit 33 Transmission circuit 40 Display unit 50, 50A, 50B Water Level Sensor 51 swimmers 52 retaining bodies 52a, 52b vertical shaft area 52c upper horizontal shaft area 52d lower horizontal shaft area 53a, 53Aa, 53Ba first magnet 53b, 53Bb: second magnet 54a, 54Aa, 54Ba first sensor 54b, 54Bb second sensor 55a, 55b, 55Ba, 55Bb side panel area 71 processor 72 memory slots 73 Bus QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2008 - 96 002 A

[0004]

Claims

An air conditioning device comprising: a housing; a drain pan arranged within the housing to collect wastewater that accumulates or is generated within the housing; an outlet module arranged within the housing with a drain connection that discharges the wastewater remaining in the drain pan from the drain connection; a water level sensor configured to detect when the wastewater reaches a predetermined water level higher than the outlet connection of the outlet module; and a controller, wherein the water level sensor is configured to detect multiple predetermined water levels, and the controller is configured to determine whether an outlet module malfunction occurs based on the time it takes for the water level sensor to detect that the wastewater has reached the predetermined water level. Air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the water level sensor comprises: a float positioned at a lower region of the water level sensor and floating in the drain water remaining in the drain pan, a retaining body arranged at an upper region of the float, a first magnet arranged on the retaining body, a second magnet arranged on the retaining body, a first sensor whose contact is switched by the magnetic force of the first magnet, and a second sensor whose contact is switched by the magnetic force of the second magnet. Air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein the holding body is formed by the following: two vertical shaft regions extending in the vertical direction and being long in the vertical direction, an upper horizontal shaft region connecting upper regions of the two vertical shaft regions and extending in the horizontal direction and being long in the horizontal direction, and a lower horizontal shaft region connecting lower regions of the two vertical shaft regions and extending in the horizontal direction and being long in the horizontal direction, wherein the first magnet is arranged on the upper horizontal shaft region, and the second magnet is arranged on the lower horizontal shaft region. Air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein the holding body is formed by: two vertical shaft regions extending in the vertical direction and being long in the vertical direction, an upper horizontal shaft region connecting the upper region of the two vertical shaft regions and extending in the horizontal direction and being long in the horizontal direction, and a lower horizontal shaft region connecting the lower regions of the two vertical shaft regions and extending in the horizontal direction and being long in the horizontal direction, the first magnet being arranged on one of the two vertical shaft regions, and the second magnet being arranged on the lower horizontal shaft region. Air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein the holding body is formed by: two vertical shaft regions extending in the vertical direction and being long in the vertical direction, an upper horizontal shaft region connecting the upper region of the two vertical shaft regions and extending in the horizontal direction and being long in the horizontal direction, and a lower horizontal shaft region connecting the lower regions of the two vertical shaft regions and extending in the horizontal direction and being long in the horizontal direction, the first magnet being arranged at a region where one of the two vertical shaft regions and the lower horizontal shaft region are connected to each other, and the second magnet being arranged at a region where the other of the two vertical shaft regions and the lower horizontal shaft region are connected to each other. Air conditioning device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an inclined area is formed on the drain tray which is lower in the direction of the position facing the outlet module, and the water level sensor is arranged above the inclined area. Air conditioning device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control is configured to determine whether an outlet fault of the outlet module occurs, based on the time after the water level sensor detects that the discharge water has reached one of the majority of the predetermined water levels and until the water level sensor detects that the discharge water has reached another of the majority of the predetermined water levels. Air conditioning device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control is configured to determine whether an outlet fault of the outlet module occurs, based on the number of times, frequency or probability with which the water level sensor detects that the predetermined water level has been reached.

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